Axa PDF
Axa PDF
Axa PDF
Registration
Document
2022
ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT
CERTAIN PRELIMINARY INFORMATION ABOUT THIS ANNUAL REPORT 1
C O N T E N TS Chairman’s Message
Chief Executive Officer’s Message
4
5
2
ACTIVITY REPORT AND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT 31
2.1 Operating Highlights 32
2.2 Market Environment 38
2.3 Activity Report 43
2.4 Liquidity and capital resources 84
2.5 Events subsequent to December 31, 2022 91
2.6 Outlook 92
3
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 93
3.1 Corporate governance structure 94
3.2 Executive compensation and share ownership 126
3.3 Corporate Governance Code of Reference 159
3.4 Related party transactions 160
4 SUSTAINABILITY 163
SNFP
4.1 AXA Group’s sustainability strategy 164
4.2 Employer responsibility 171
4.3 Climate change and biodiversity 180
4.4 Inclusive insurer 199
4.5 Business behavior 205
4.6 Vigilance plan 209
4.7 Transversal information 216
4.8 Report by one of the Statutory Auditors, appointed as an independent third party,
on the consolidated non-financial information statement included in the Group
Management Report 225
6
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 289
6.1 Consolidated statement of financial position 290
6.2 Consolidated statement of income 292
6.3 Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 293
6.4 Consolidated statement of changes in equity 294
6.5 Consolidated statement of cash flows 298
6.6 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 300
6.7 Report of the Statutory Auditors on the consolidated financial statements 442
A
APPENDICES 475
Appendix I Management’s annual evaluation of internal control over financial reporting 476
Appendix II Statement of the person responsible for the Universal Registration Document 479
Appendix III AXA parent Company financial statements 480
Appendix IV Group Embedded Value and Solvency II Own Funds 523
Appendix V Glossary 524
Appendix VI Board of Directors’ Report – Cross-reference table 529
Appendix VII Corporate governance Report – Cross-reference table 530
Appendix VIII Commission delegated regulation (EU) 2019/980 of March 14, 2019 –
Cross-reference table 531
Appendix IX Annual Financial Report – Cross-reference table 535
This Universal Registration Document has been filed on March 21, 2023, with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers
(the “AMF”) as the competent authority under Regulation (EU) 2017/1129, without prior approval pursuant to Article
9 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129.
This Universal Registration Document may be used for the purposes of an offer to the public of securities or admission
of securities to trading on a regulated market if completed by a securities note and, if applicable, a summary and all
amendments to the Universal Registration Document. The combined document is approved by the AMF in accordance
with Regulation (EU) 2017/1129.
This is a translation into English of the Universal Registration Document of the Company issued in French in the xHTML
format, which includes the Annual Financial Report for the financial year ended December 31, 2022, and is available on
the AMF’s website (www.amf-france.org) and on the Company’s website (www.axa.com).
This Universal Registration Document (which we also refer to as our “Annual Report”) includes (i) all the components of the
Annual Financial Report (Rapport Financier Annuel) referred to in paragraph I of Article L. 451-1-2 of the French Monetary
and Financial Code (Code monétaire et financier) as well as in Article 222-3 of the AMF General Regulation (Règlement
Général de l’AMF) (please refer to the cross-reference table on page 535 of this Universal Registration Document which
indicates the relevant sections of this Universal Registration Document corresponding to the items referred to in Article
222-3 of the AMF General Regulation), (ii) all information required to be included in the management report of the Board of
Directors’ to AXA’s Shareholders’ Meeting to be held on April 27, 2023, prepared pursuant to Articles L. 225-100 et seq. and
L. 22-10-35 et seq. of the French Commercial Code (Code de commerce) (the relevant sections of this Universal Registration
Document corresponding to such required information have been approved by AXA’s Board of Directors and are referred
to in the cross-reference table on page 529 of this Universal Registration Document); and (iii) all the elements required
to be included in the corporate governance report established pursuant to Articles L. 225-37 et seq. and L. 22-10-8 et
seq. of the French Commercial Code (Code de commerce) (the relevant sections of this Universal Registration Document
corresponding to such required disclosures have been approved by AXA’s Board of Directors and are referred to in the
cross reference table on page 530 of this Universal Registration Document). The cross-reference table on page 531 of
this Universal Registration Document indicates the items of Annexes 1 and 2 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/980 to
which the information contained herein corresponds.
This Annual Report may include statements with respect to future events, including weather-related catastrophic events, pandemics,
events, trends, plans, expectations or objectives and other forward- terrorist-related incidents or acts of war. Please refer to Part 5
looking statements relating to the Group’s future business, financial “Risk Factors and Risk Management” of this Annual Report for a
condition, results of operations, performance, and strategy. description of certain important factors, risks and uncertainties
Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact that may affect AXA’s business and/or results of operations. AXA
and may contain the terms “may”, “will”, “should”, “continue”, undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any of these
“aims”, “estimates”, “projects”, “believes”, “intends”, “expects”, forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information,
“plans”, “seeks” or “anticipates”, or words of similar meaning. future events or circumstances or otherwise, except as required
Such statements are based on Management’s current views by applicable laws and regulations.
and assumptions and, by nature, involve known and unknown
risks and uncertainties; therefore, undue reliance should not be In addition to the Consolidated Financial Statements, this Annual
placed on them. Actual financial condition, results of operations, Report refers to certain non-GAAP financial measures, or alternative
performance or events may differ materially from those expressed performance measures, used by Management in analyzing the
or implied in such forward-looking statements, due to a number Group’s operating trends, financial performance and financial
of factors including, without limitation, general economic and position and providing investors with additional information that
political conditions and competitive situation; future financial Management believes to be useful and relevant regarding the
market performance and conditions, including fluctuations in Group’s results. These non-GAAP financial measures generally have
exchange and interest rates; frequency and severity of insured loss no standardized meaning and therefore may not be comparable to
events, and increases in loss expenses; mortality and morbidity similarly labelled measures used by other companies. As a result,
levels and trends; persistency levels; changes in laws, regulations none of these non-GAAP financial measures should be considered
and standards; the impact of acquisitions and disposal, including in isolation from, or as a substitute for, the Consolidated Financial
related integration issues, and reorganization measures; and Statements included in Part 6 “Consolidated Financial Statements”
general competitive factors, in each case on a local, regional, of this Annual Report. The non-GAAP financial measures used by
national and/or global basis. Many of these factors may be more the Group are defined in the Glossary set forth in Appendix V to
likely to occur, or more pronounced, as a result of catastrophic this Annual Report.
4) Sustain our climate leadership position: (i) the variable In 2023, AXA is resolutely focused on delivering our “Driving
payout of market and operational entity heads is subject to Progress 2023” objectives as well as the preparation of our next
sustainability qualitative and quantitative criteria (investment strategic chapter. Our next plan will represent a continuation of
portfolio carbon footprint reduction has been included as a our strategic plan.
key indicator for calculating AXA Group’s STIC (5) to track and As expectations are rising on corporate responsibility, we continue
reduce the carbon intensity of our portfolio by 20% between to strengthen our leadership and engagement on ESG topics, both
2019 - 2025), (ii) strengthening our engagement as a climate in terms of target setting and impact measurement, continuing
leader (co-founder and chair of Net Zero Insurance Alliance, to put into practice our purpose “act for human progress by
among the first insurers of Net Zero Asset Owner Alliance, protecting what matters”.
member of TNFD (6)), (iii) AXA Forest for Good program has
been launched to strengthen biodiversity preservation, and
(iv) achieving 91/100 at the S&P Global ESG score 2022 in
the context of the Corporate Sustainability Assessment
(CSA), positioning AXA Group in the top 1% of the insurance
industry, and thus confirming our integration in the Dow
Jones Sustainability Indices in 2022;
5) Optimization of cash efficiency across the Group: (i)
continuous focus on cash remittance of €5.5 billion achieved
in 2022 above budget, (ii) continued Group simplification
with the closing of disposals of Singapore and Malaysia,
transformation of AXA SA into the Group’s internal reinsurer
after its merger with AXA Global Re, integration of Architas
into a new business unit of AXA Investment Managers, (iii)
increasing the scale in some of its core European markets by
entering into exclusive negotiation stage for the acquisition
of the Groupe Assurances du Crédit Mutuel España in Spain
to strengthen its presence in Property & Casualty and Health
segments, (iv) Life & Savings in-force initiatives (sale of closed
life pension portfolio in Germany) resulting in a €16 billion
reduction of reserves, (v) strong solvency position, above
ambition’s level, and (vi) implementation of several share
buy-back programs executed by October 2022 (€1 billion),
reflecting the strength of its balance sheet and demonstrating
AXA Group’s financial discipline.
(1) IFRS 17 = International Financial Reporting Standards 17: Accounting for insurance contracts.
(2) DHP = Digital Health Platform.
(3) NPS = Net Promotion Score.
(4) LoBs = Line of Businesses.
(5) STIC = Short Term Incentive Compensation.
(6) TNFD = Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures.
8 I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 9
2022 Full Year Earnings
Revenues
1
+ % +16% +3%
Underlying
Earnings
€ 7.3bn €
P&C
4.4bn €
HEALTH
0.6bn €
L&S
2.6bn
ASSET BANKING
MANAGEMENT & HOLDINGS
€ 0.4bn €-0.8bn
Profitability
indicators
P&C HEALTH PROTECTION
Combined ratio Combined ratio Combined ratio
71.1
45.4
26% 27%
2021 2022
2021 2022
217% 215%
(1) Proposed dividend, submitted for approval at the annual Shareholders’ Meeting on April 27, 2023.
(2) Including €1.0 billion related to the share buy-back program announced on August 3, 2022, and €0.5 billion announced on February 24, 2022, to neutralize
earnings dilution from disposals.
10%
(2)
+
+ 3% to +7%
UEPS CAGR 2020–2023E
14.5%
13% to 15%
2021 - 2023E
Solvency II ratio
215%
190%
Target capital level
Cash remittance
€ 5.5bn
€ 14bn
cumulative 2021 - 2023E
1.2 HISTORY 19
AXA SA is the holding company of AXA Group, a worldwide leader in insurance, with total assets of €697 billion for the year ended
December 31, 2022.
AXA operates primarily in five hubs: France, Europe, Asia, AXA XL, and International (including Middle East, Latin America and Africa).
AXA has four main operating activities: Property & Casualty, Life & Savings, Health, and Asset Management. In addition, various holding
companies within the Group conduct certain non-operating activities.
I IFRS indicators
IFRS indicators presented below are derived from the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2022.
The table set out below is only a summary. You should read it in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year
ended December 31, 2022 included in Part 6 – “Consolidated Financial Statements” of this Annual Report.
(in Euro million except per share data) 2022 2021 2020
(a) Shareholders’ equity per share is calculated based on the actual number of outstanding shares at each period-end presented. Shares held by AXA and its subsidiaries (i.e.
treasury shares) are deducted for the calculation of outstanding shares. Undated debt is excluded from shareholders’ equity for this calculation.
(b) An annual dividend is generally paid each year in respect of the prior year after the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting (customarily held in April or May) and before September
of that year. Dividends are presented in this table in the year to which they relate and not in the year in which they are declared and paid. A dividend of €1.70 per share will
be proposed at AXA’s Shareholders’ Meeting that will be held on April 27, 2023. Subject to the Shareholders’ Meeting approval, the dividend will be paid out on May 10, 2023,
with an ex-dividend date of May 8, 2023.
(a) Alternative Performance Measures. For further information, refer to Section 2.3 “Activity Report” and the Glossary set forth in Appendix V of this Annual Report.
At December 31,
(in Euro million) 2022 2021 2020
AXA
General Account assets 477,513 574,412 597,259
Assets backing contracts with financial risk borne by policyholders (Unit-Linked) 76,467 86,315 77,802
Subtotal 553,980 660,727 675,062
Managed on behalf of third parties (a) 378,494 390,323 357,026
TOTAL ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT 932,474 1,051,050 1,032,087
For additional information on AXA’s revenues by segment, see For additional information on AXA’s segments, see Section 2.3
Section 6.6 - Note 21 “Information by segment” of this Annual “Activity report” and Section 6.6 - Note 3 “Consolidated statement
Report. of income by segment” of this Annual Report.
The following table sets forth information on the dividends declared and paid in respect of the last five fiscal years:
(a) Amount based on the number of shares issued as of December 31, 2022. Final Proposal to be submitted to the Shareholders’ Meeting to be held on April 27, 2023.
(b) The gross amount of dividends will be subject to a unique withholding tax liquidated at an overall rate of 30%, unless in case of express and irrevocable option for the
progressive scale on income tax which would then apply to all capital income paid in 2019. The option for the progressive scale would give right to the 40% tax relief pursuant
to paragraph 2° of article 158.3 of the French General Tax Code, i.e., €0.54 per share for fiscal year 2018.
(c) The gross amount of dividends will be subject to a unique withholding tax liquidated at an overall rate of 30%, unless in case of express and irrevocable option for the
progressive scale on income tax which would then apply to all capital income paid in 2020. The option for the progressive scale would give right to the 40% tax relief pursuant
to paragraph 2° of article 158.3 of the French General Tax Code, i.e., €0.29 per share for fiscal year 2019.
(d) The gross amount of dividends will be subject to a unique withholding tax liquidated at an overall rate of 30%, unless in case of express and irrevocable option for the
progressive scale on income tax which would then apply to all capital income paid in 2021. The option for the progressive scale would give right to the 40% tax relief pursuant
to paragraph 2° of article 158.3 of the French General Tax Code, i.e., €0.57 per share for fiscal year 2020.
(e) The gross amount of dividends will be subject to a unique withholding tax liquidated at an overall rate of 30%, unless in case of express and irrevocable option for the
progressive scale on income tax which would then apply to all capital income paid in 2022. The option for the progressive scale would give right to the 40% tax relief pursuant
to paragraph 2° of article 158.3 of the French General Tax Code, i.e., €0.62 per share for fiscal year 2021.
(f) Proposal to be submitted to the Shareholders’ Meeting to be held on April 27, 2023. The gross amount of dividends will be subject to a unique withholding tax liquidated at
an overall rate of 30%, unless in case of express and irrevocable option for the progressive scale on income tax which would then apply to all capital income paid in 2023.
The option for the progressive scale would give right to the 40% tax relief pursuant to paragraph 2° of article 158.3 of the French General Tax Code, i.e., €0. 68 per share for
fiscal year 2022.
Dividends not claimed within five years after the payout date reinsurance entities’ failure to meet their solvency and capital
become the property of the French Public Treasury. adequacy requirements could have a material adverse effect on
For further information on AXA’s dividend, see Note 29.5 “Other our business, liquidity, ratings, results of operations and financial
items: Restriction on dividend payments to shareholders” in Part 6 condition”, “We are dependent on our subsidiaries to cover our
“Consolidated Financial Statements” and Section 7.3 “General operating expenses and make dividend payments”, and “The
Information – Bylaws – Rights, preferences and restrictions attached Group and our businesses are subject to extensive regulation,
to the shares” of this Annual Report. For additional information regulatory supervision, adverse judicial decisions and emerging
regarding the factors and risks that may cause the proposed legal, regulatory and reputational risks in the various jurisdictions
dividend amount to vary or otherwise impact our capacity to in which we operate” in Section 5.1 “Risk Factors” of this Annual
pay dividends, see paragraphs “The Group’s or its insurance or Report.
I Ratings
1
The Group is rated by recognized rating agencies which assess the indication or forecast of the historical or potential performance of
financial strength and the creditworthiness of the Company and AXA’s securities nor should any such rating be relied upon for the
certain of its insurance subsidiaries. The ratings set forth below purpose of making an investment decision with respect to any
are subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning of the Company’s securities. The Company does not undertake
rating agency in its sole discretion. Credit ratings are intended to maintain its ratings, nor in any event shall the Company be
to reflect the ability of AXA to meet its payment obligations and responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any of the ratings
may not reflect the potential impact of all risks on the value of set forth below. The significance and the meaning of individual
AXA’s securities. A rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or ratings vary from agency to agency.
hold securities. None of these ratings should be construed as an
At the date of this Annual Report, the relevant ratings for the Company and its principal insurance subsidiaries were as follows:
Insurer financial
strength ratings Counterparty credit ratings
AXA’s principal Senior Short term
Date of last insurance debt of the debt of the
Agency review AXA SA subsidiaries Outlook Company Outlook Company
S&P Global Ratings March 28, 2022 A+ AA- Stable A+ Stable A-1+
Moody’s Investors Service July 1, 2022 Aa3 Aa3 Stable A1 Stable P-1
A+ aa-
A.M. Best Rating Services July 8, 2022 Superior - Stable Superior Stable -
AXA Group’s social, societal, environmental and governance the top performers in its industry and is also included in the main
performance is rated by a number of specialists, including international sustainability indices:
investors, brokers and rating agencies that focus specifically on ■ DJSI World and DJSI Europe (based on S&P Global’s study);
the SRI market, as well as specialist organizations focused on
single sustainability themes. The Group generally ranks amongst ■ Euronext Vigeo Eiris, World 120, Europe 120, France 20 and
Eurozone 120 (based on Vigeo Eiris research);
■ FTSE4GOOD (based on FTSE Russell research).
The AXA Group’s main SRI ratings are listed below (not all ratings are updated annually):
(a) The results of the CSA are a reference performance indicator for AXA Group and is one of the performance metrics used to calculate long term incentives (AXA Performance
Shares) since 2016.
(b) For the ESG Risk Rating ranking of AXA Group, please refer to Sustainalytics’ website: https://www.sustainalytics.com/esg-rating/axa-sa/1007999484
1.2 HISTORY
1
2022
Acquisition of the XL Group, creating the #1 global P&C Commercial Sale of AXA’s insurance operations in Singapore to HSBC Insurance
lines insurance platform; and (Asia-Pacific) Holdings Ltd;
Initial public offering (“IPO”) of the US subsidiary, Equitable AXA SA received regulatory approval from the Autorité de contrôle
Holdings, Inc. (1), on the New York Stock Exchange. prudentiel et de résolution (“ACPR”) to operate as a licensed
reinsurer;
2019
Sale of AXA’s insurance operations in Malaysia to Generali; and
Sale of AXA’s remaining stake in Equitable Holdings, Inc. (EQH) (2); and
Exclusive negotiations to acquire Groupe Assurances du Crédit
Acquisition of the remaining 50% stake in AXA Tianping. Mutuel España and strengthen AXA’s P&C and Health presence
in Spain.
2020
Sale of AXA’s Life & Savings, Property & Casualty and Pension
For further information concerning Group subsidiaries (including
businesses in Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia to UNIQA
the Group’s equity interest and voting rights percentages), please
Insurance Group AG.
see Section 6.6 - Note 2 “Scope of consolidation” of this Annual
2021 Report.
AXA operates in five hubs (France, Europe, Asia, AXA XL and ■ price;
International) and offers a broad range of Property & Casualty, Life
■ quality of service;
& Savings, Health, and Asset Management products and expertise.
■ investment management performance;
The nature and level of competition vary among the countries
where AXA operates. AXA competes with insurance companies ■ historical level of bonuses with respect to participating contracts;
along with banks, asset management companies, investment
■ crediting rates on General Account products;
advisors and other financial institutions.
The principal competitive factors are as follows: ■ reputation, visibility and recognition of brand; and
■ size, strength and quality of the distribution channels, in ■ ratings for financial strength and claims-paying ability.
particular the quality of advisors;
For additional information on markets, see Section 2.2 “Market
■ range of product lines and product quality, feature functionality environment – Market conditions” of this Annual Report.
and innovation;
The table set out below presents AXA’s Gross revenues (after intercompany eliminations) by line of business.
GROSS REVENUES
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES screenings to employees. Two new other services Suivi de qualité
de vie and Prévention Burn-out have been also launched to help
customers and their relatives in their daily lives.
AXA offers in France a full range of insurance products, including
Life & Savings, Property & Casualty and Health. Its offering covers In Property & Casualty, AXA France and Stellantis launched the
a broad range of products including Motor, Household, Property partnership Drive & Connect which allows customers who buy
and general liability insurance, Banking, Savings Vehicles, and smart cars to get significant Motor insurance premium discounts
other investment-based products for both Personal/Individual and according to their driving style.
Commercial/Group customers, as well as Health, Protection, and Lastly, within the Credit & Lifestyle Protection (CLP) business, AXA
retirement products for individual and professional customers. Partners has launched “Valentina”, a virtual agent that manages
In addition, leveraging on its product and distribution expertise, the continuing claims payments for illness claims. Combining
AXA France has developed an Employee Benefit offer internationally Optical Character Recognition with Robotic Process Automation,
to individuals, corporates, and other institutions. “Valentina” reads forms, validates customers’ eligibility, and
processes the claim payment in the systems, without human
intervention. Already available in Sweden, Norway, and Finland
on illness covers, “Valentina” will expand to offer other covers
NEW PRODUCT INITIATIVES
(such as unemployment) and in more countries.
In Life & Savings, AXA France has enriched its Unit-Linked offering
by adding green structured funds, by enabling customers to
invest in sustainable and durable projects through corporate
DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS
bonds. AXA France also has launched Mon coach Épargne – a
teleconsultation platform that connects customers to wealth In France, AXA distributes its insurance products through exclusive
management advisors, to receive financial investments advice and non-exclusive channels including exclusive agents, salaried
or have a better understanding of their pension plan. sales forces, direct sales, banks, as well as brokers, independent
financial advisors, aligned distributors or wholesale distributors
In Health and Protection, the program Les bilans de Santé was
and partnerships.
launched to provide personalized health advice and medical
I Europe
1
The European market includes AXA’s operations in seven countries (Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Ireland,
Spain and Italy).
GROSS REVENUES
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES ■ In Belgium, several initiatives have been launched in Property
& Casualty, with a consistent aspiration to keep enlarging
product and service offers. During the fourth quarter, AXA
Except for the United Kingdom & Ireland (where AXA operates only
started a partnership in tripartite with Mazda allowing to
in Property & Casualty and Health), AXA offers in Europe a full range
further consolidate, along with its existing Motor partnerships,
of insurance products, including Life & Savings, Property & Casualty
its leadership in the Belgian Motor market. Continuous
and Health. Its offering covers a broad range of products including
improvements are also ongoing towards the self-employed
Motor, Household, Property and General Liability insurance, term
and SME segments with the launch of an online offer called “AXA
life, whole life, universal life, endowment, deferred annuities,
Business pack”. This new offer, awarded by the 2022 Belgium
immediate annuities, and other investment-based products for
Insurance Sectorial DECAVI, aims at helping policyholders in
both Personal/Individual and Commercial/Group customers.
easily subscribing online comprehensive tailor-made insurance
icovers;
NEW PRODUCT INITIATIVES ■ In the United Kingdom & Ireland, with a new digital-only
Retail Motor product (“Moja”) that has been launched to offer
additional flexibility and simplicity to suit customers’ evolving
The transformation from Payer-to-Partner continues in European
needs by providing services via smartphone or tablet at an
markets, with the objective of becoming a full-fledged and
affordable price;
innovative partner for their customers. In this context, AXA focuses
on delivering high value-added services and insurance coverage ■ In Switzerland, besides the further development of several
in all lines of business. services and partnerships currently launched with the ambition
to better assist customers, a new modular Motor insurance
■ In Germany, AXA launched a new Unit-Linked regular premium
product applying sophisticated pricing techniques has been
pension product Greeninvest Fondsrente to offer individual
successfully introduced;
customers a valuable product with investments in sustainable
funds and portfolios grouping ecological, social and ethics ■ In Spain, with developing the strategic partnership with Correos
considerations; to better distribute AXA’s products across all Spanish regions,
benefitting from the extended network, particularly in rural areas.
DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS
In Europe, AXA distributes its insurance products through exclusive and other partnerships (e.g., car dealers), brokers, independent
and non-exclusive channels that vary from country to country, financial advisors and aligned or wholesale distributors.
including exclusive agents, salaried sales forces, direct sales, banks
I Asia
1
The Asian market includes AXA’s operations in seven countries (Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, China, the Philippines and
South Korea).
GROSS REVENUES
Asia Emerging Markets includes (i) the Property & Casualty entity in NEW PRODUCT INITIATIVES
Thailand, the non-bancassurance Life & Savings entity in Indonesia
and the Property & Casualty entity in China (AXA Tianping) which
AXA continues to strengthen its position in Asian markets and
are fully consolidated, and (ii) the joint ventures in China, the
improve its customer propositions with initiatives including:
Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia which are consolidated
under the equity method and do not contribute to gross revenues. ■ launching new products such as Health Unit-Linked in Japan, a
new standalone critical illness endowment product in Indonesia,
and new short-term Health products to drive the diversification
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES of the Motor business in China;
■ conducting Health & Productivity Management workshops
AXA operates in Asia primarily in the Protection and Health lines, with SMEs in Japan;
but it also provides some complementary Savings products. ■ renewing AXA multi-year agreement to provide general
It also has a comprehensive portfolio of Property & Casualty insurance products to HSBC’s customers mainly in Hong Kong;
products, including Motor, for both Personal and Commercial
customers. AXA’s overarching focus is on delivering good value ■ developing a leadership position in the mental health space,
for its customers through the provision of advice and solutions e.g., the Fit to Flourish and Make time for Me time campaigns
from health-related needs via critical illness products to managing throughout the regions;
balance sheet risks (e.g., reducing shareholders’ exposure to ■ supporting AXA Group’s initiative to make insurance accessible
the investment market risks such as General Account savings to emerging customers, notably in China, Indonesia, the
products). The product portfolio varies by market reflecting factors Philippines, and Thailand.
such as differing customer needs, market specific regulations and
the competitive environment.
In addition to its attractive product propositions, AXA also
DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS
prioritizes superior service. For example, its portfolio includes
Emma, the digital assistant that, in addition to making servicing
requests simpler and more efficient, provides access to a In Asian markets, AXA deploys a multichannel distribution strategy
comprehensive range of related services including wellness to maximize its customer reach. It has an extensive intermediated
advice and support. distribution network of tied agents, bancassurance joint ventures
leading domestic banks (China, Indonesia, the Philippines, and
Thailand) and effective relationships with independent broker
networks (Japan, China and Hong Kong). AXA also has successful
direct distribution, particularly for Property & Casualty products
in Japan and South Korea.
GROSS REVENUES
AXA XL, through its operating subsidiaries, is a leading provider AXA XL continues to be at the forefront of bringing innovative
of Property & Casualty insurance and reinsurance coverages solutions to the market by:
to industrial, commercial and professional firms, insurance ■ supporting clients to adopt new technology solutions that
companies and other enterprises on a worldwide basis. Through manage business risks, AXA XL’s North America Environmental
its main operations, AXA XL provides: team launched a tailored Environmental Ecosystem. It is a suite
■ insurance, with a broad range of coverages, including property, of curated technology solutions, delivered through concierge
primary and excess casualty, excess and surplus lines, tech advisory services. Using its Tech Library, Champions and
environmental liability, professional liability, construction, Ambassadors network – a team of deeply knowledgeable
marine, energy, aviation & satellite, fine art & specie, livestock advisors – AXA XL guides clients on their tech adoption journey;
& aquaculture, accident & health and crisis management,
■ identifying and mitigating pollution and environmental risks
among other risks;
for companies’ sites in Europe and the UK, AXA XL launched
■ reinsurance, with casualty, property risk, property catastrophe, a new risk assessment service. Available via its Risk Scanning
specialty, and other reinsurance lines on a global basis with service, it combines the expertise of AXA XL’s risk consultants,
business being written on both a proportional and non- machine learning and artificial intelligence applications to
proportional treaty basis, as well as a facultative basis; turn environmental and climatological data from a variety of
sources into actionable risk insights;
■ risk consulting, as clients receive customized Risk Management
solutions and consulting services to understand and quantify ■ helping companies pinpoint potential property exposures across
the risks companies face or may face in the future. The objective their business locations, AXA XL enhanced its risk assessment
is to help them avoid preventable losses and mitigate the services in the US and Canada. By leveraging the experience
impact of losses that do occur. of AXA XL’s consultants and new technologies, through its
Risk Scanning service, it allows for a more thorough, cost-
effective assessment across all of a business’ properties in a
fraction of the time. Via a digital application, based on both
customer- and external-sourced data, the tool analyzes the
risk of property location exposures and proposes actions and
protection recommendations to mitigate risks.
DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS
The majority of AXA XL business originates via a large number Underwriting authority is also contractually delegated to selected 1
of international, national and regional producers, acting as the third parties which are subject to a financial and operational due
brokers representing current and prospective policyholders. diligence review prior to any such delegation of authority, as
This channel is supported by client and country management well as ongoing reviews and audits as deemed necessary with
teams, which include sales and distribution representatives in the goal of assuring the continuing integrity of underwriting and
key markets throughout the world. related business operations.
International
International markets include AXA’s operations in more than consolidated under the equity method and do not contribute to
20 countries, including (i) Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Turkey, gross revenues. Further details on the scope of market activities
Morocco, Nigeria and Luxembourg that are fully consolidated, are defined in the Glossary set forth in Appendix V of this Annual
combined with (ii) Russia (Reso) and India Life & Savings that are Report.
GROSS REVENUES
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES innovative Health products/services have been launched such
as symptom checkers, triage and home services. New initiatives
have also been launched to better support the customer on their
In international markets, AXA offers insurance products, including
health, like in Morocco with the launch of a Health complementary
Property & Casualty, Health and Life & Savings. Types and
product for individuals.
specificities of the products offered by AXA vary depending on
geographies and cover a broad range of products including Motor, In addition, International markets continue to accelerate the
Household, property and general liability insurance, health, term customer experience digitization throughout all customer
life, whole life, universal life, endowment, and other investment- interactions from sales to claims, with a holistic view covering
based products for both Personal/Individual and Commercial/ direct, agents and brokers digital capabilities. e.g. in Mexico
Group customers. (new portal with health providers network consultation in all
channels, optimization of the pricing and actions to minimize
the average cost increase due to the inflation context), in Brazil
(digitalization of services for broker), in Egypt (1) (health claims
NEW PRODUCT INITIATIVES
submission, Cancer & Shield online quotation or digital health
card), and Morocco (full development of the digital ecosystem
Continuing to accelerate digital Health services capabilities for claims process).
and covers, through the implementation of innovative tools,
International markets leverage on an already existing vertical
integration set-up. An integrated ecosystem between medical
assets and the insurance offer is provided to customers, either
DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS
through onsite services in clinics, remote teleconsultation and
digital services or through home services in Colombia, Egypt (1) In International markets, AXA distributes its insurance products
and Mexico. through exclusive and non-exclusive channels that vary from
country to country, including exclusive agents, salaried sales
While teleconsultation is already in place (primary care and
forces, direct sales, banks and other partnerships (e.g., car dealers),
specialties including wellbeing and mental health) through their
as well as brokers, independent financial advisors, and aligned
own network of clinics in Mexico, Egypt (1) and Colombia, or with
or wholesale distributors.
external partners in Turkey, Luxembourg and Brazil, additional
(1) The subsidiaries in Egypt are not consolidated in AXA Group’s financial statements.
GROSS REVENUES
As a responsible investor, business and employer, AXA Investment System (CMS) developed for Motor and Home, including
Managers (“AXA IM”) actively invests for the long-term so bespoke functionalities like geo-localization, diagnostics, and
that its clients, people and communities can move forward. automated processes to enhance and speed up the customer
Through its operating entities located across 19 countries, its journey;
high excellence-approach enables to provide the best global
■ a one-stop-shop for travel customers, My Trip Companion, gives
investment opportunities across both asset classes in alternative
access to customers’ cover levels, FAQs and a digital claims
via AXA IM Alts and traditional through AXA IM Core.
solution should they a loss occur;
To further enhance its investment offering in 2022, AXA IM created
■ via an application My Easy Santé Pro, AXA Assistance provides
a new business unit to further develop its offering in private
markets via AXA IM Prime, and an ETF platform with a focus on sophisticated employees’ health support. Through personalized
Active Management and Responsible Investment. health plans based on check-ups using blood data analysis
and expert consultations, employees receive an individual
Lastly, with the ambition to be the world’s leading responsible coaching and get access to motivational wellness resources;
asset manager, in line with the Group’s green investment target of
€26 billion by 2023, AXA IM invests in green, socially responsible ■ included in the renewal of the partnership with a major French
and sustainable markets. Continuing the commitment to becoming energy company, Home Check-Up service provides a brand new
net-zero by 2050, as disclosed in the May 2022 report of the Net remote diagnostic tool to check up on electric and plumbing
Zero Asset Managers Initiative (NZAMI), AXA IM had 65% of total via a messaging application offered to customers;
assets under management (“AUM”) as of the end of 2021 that ■ extension of the partnerships with:
are managed in line with the Net Zero standards that apply
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, from • Trip.com by launching travel cancellation and medical
stock selection to corporate actions and culture. insurance solutions in Germany, France, Spain, and the
United Kingdom,
AXA Assistance, through its operating subsidiaries, provides its
customers across the world with assistance services in emergencies • Accor by providing bespoke travel insurance tailored to the
and everyday situations. AXA Assistance operates through six type of travel, purpose, and equipment they need, and cover
business lines (vehicle, travel, health, home, consumer electronics them before, during and after their stay.
and legal protection) to offer customer-focused services.
In 2 022, AXA Assistance developed and launched several
innovations and partnership extensions:
■ continued deployment of E-Care for Direct Assurance, AXA
France, and AXA Belgium. E-Care is the new Case Management
2.2
2.3
OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS
MARKET ENVIRONMENT
Financial Market Conditions
Market Conditions
ACTIVITY REPORT
2 32
38
38
40
43
Activity and Earnings Indicators 43
Underlying Earnings and Net Income Group share 46
Alternative Performance Measures 48
Commentary on Group Earnings 49
Shareholders’ equity Group share 51
Solvency information 51
Shareholder value 52
Segment information 53
2.6 OUTLOOK 92
I Governance
Antoine Gosset-Grainville was appointed and the appointment of Antoine Gosset-Grainville as Chairman of
Chairman of AXA and Thomas Buberl was the Board of Directors, replacing Denis Duverne, for the duration
renewed as CEO of their term of office as directors.
On April 28, 2022, at the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting, AXA’s Alexander Vollert was appointed member
shareholders approved all of the resolutions submitted to them
of AXA’s Management Committee
by the Board of Directors.
Thomas Buberl was reappointed by the shareholders as a On July 19, 2022, AXA announced the appointment of Alexander
member of the Board of Directors for a four-year term. The Board Vollert, AXA’s Chief Operating Officer and CEO of AXA Group
of Directors, which met after the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting, Operations (AXA GO), as member of the Group’s Management
confirmed the renewal of Thomas Buberl as Chief Executive Officer Committee, effective September 1, 2022.
I Significant transactions
AXA Germany to sell a closed life AXA and Athora are committed to ensuring a smooth transfer of the
and pensions portfolio portfolio and, as such, AXA Germany will provide administrative
services to support Athora Germany until 2028. Thereafter, Athora
On July 14, 2022, AXA announced that AXA Germany entered Germany will take over the management of the contracts with all
into an agreement with Athora Deutschland GmbH (“Athora guarantees, terms and conditions remaining unchanged.
Germany”), a licensed insurer in Germany, to sell a portfolio of
€16 billion of life and pensions insurance reserves (1) in Germany. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions,
The portfolio has been closed to new business since 2013 and is including the receipt of regulatory approvals, and is currently
mainly composed of traditional Savings policies, with an average expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2023.
guaranteed rate (2) of 3.2%. The reduction of guarantees on AXA’s
balance sheet resulting from the sale will further diminish the AXA has completed the sale of its insurance
Group’s exposure to financial market risk. operations in Malaysia (5)
Under the terms of the agreement, AXA Germany will sell the On August 30, 2022, AXA announced that it completed the sale to
portfolio to Athora Germany for a consideration of €633 million (3), Generali of its 49.99% shareholding in AXA Affin General Insurance
representing an implied multiple of 18x 2022E earnings (4). The sale as well as its 49% shareholding in AXA Affin Life Insurance.
is expected to result in estimated net cash proceeds of €0.4 billion
to AXA SA. AXA intends to offset the earnings dilution from the
disposal with a share buy-back to be launched following the
closing of the transaction. As part of the transaction, AXA IM will
enter into an agreement to provide asset management services
to Athora until 2028.
(1) Following the exercise of the respective make-whole option by AXA XL related to each such series of notes, redeemed on June 29, 2022.
(2) On May 11, 2022, S&P upgraded its long-term Issuer Credit Rating of AXA SA by one notch to A+ from A and removed it from CreditWatch with positive
implications. The outlook is stable.
(3) On May 16, 2022, Fitch upgraded its long-term Issuer Default Rating on AXA SA by one notch to A+ from A and removed it from Rating Watch Positive. The
outlook is positive.
(4) The completion of the merger with AXA Global Re followed the receipt of customary regulatory clearances.
(5) The grant of AXA SA’s reinsurance license followed approval by the shareholders of necessary changes to AXA SA’s Bylaws at the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting
held on April 28, 2022.
(6) The purchase price did not exceed the maximum purchase price approved by the General Shareholders’ Meeting of April 28, 2022.
(7) https://www.axa.com/en/page/governance-transactions-own-share
■ to study the impact of global warming and land artificialization Geopolitical risks come in second place, overtaking cyber and
on the loss of biodiversity thanks to the measurements of the pandemic risks. 95% of the experts surveyed expect geopolitical
consortium’s experts who will visit the plots every quarter; tensions to persist and spread throughout the world. As an indirect
consequence, energy-related risks are now in fourth place, up
■ restore the forest. After testing several restoration options, from 17th place in 2021.
the consortium will make recommendations for species
Economic risks are increasing and fueling social tensions. For
that promote the multifunctionality of the forest, i.e., the
the first time, experts rank three economic risks in their top 10:
development of biodiversity, carbon capture and the production
financial instability, macroeconomic deterioration, and monetary
of biomaterials;
and fiscal stress. Inflation is becoming an important concern for
■ strengthen AXA’s leadership on climate and biodiversity issues. both experts and the general public.
The practices developed through this program can then be In the general population, the feeling of vulnerability remains
applied at the European level and shared with the private and at a very high level (80% of respondents consider themselves
public forestry sector; more vulnerable than five years ago) and is even increasing in
■ contribute to a better understanding of the role of forests. the face of certain risks such as climate change and the energy
Externally, the consortium’s members will raise awareness of crisis. Furthermore, confidence in certain categories of decision-
biodiversity issues in schools thanks to this project. Internally, makers to find solutions is worsening, particularly regarding
AXA will propose actions through AXA Hearts in Action and public authorities (58% versus. 62% in 2021), private companies
awareness-raising operations to its partners and employees. (45% versus 47% in 2021) and even scientists (66% versus 75%
in 2021). This general trend can be explained by the fact that the
With “AXA Forests for Good”, the Group is strengthening its global public believes that the level of preparation of public authorities
forest protection plan. In 2021, AXA announced a €1.5 billion for certain risks – such as climate change, cyber or geopolitical
investment program to support the sustainable management of tensions – is insufficient.
forest ecosystems and the protection of biodiversity.
AXA published an Investor Presentation AXA achieved the highest rating in the
on its implementation of IFRS 17 and IFRS 9 insurance sector in the S&P Global Corporate
On November 2, 2022, AXA published a presentation for investors
Sustainability Assessment and confirms its
and analysts on its implementation of IFRS 17 and IFRS 9 place in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices
accounting standards, which became effective on January 1, 2023. On December 14, 2022, AXA received the highest score in
The key highlights of the presentation are the following (1): the insurance industry in the 2022 edition of the Corporate
Sustainability Assessment (CSA), an S&P Global assessment of
■ underlying earnings power is expected to be unaffected in corporate sustainability performance. With a score of 91/100 (as
aggregate post-transition; of November 18, 2022), up 4 points from 2021, AXA also achieved
■ shareholders’ Equity (2) is expected to be broadly stable on
transition;
its highest score since the inception of the study. In detail, AXA
has obtained a score of 94/100 on social, 91/100 on governance 2
& economy, and 82/100 on environment.
■ a Contractual Service Margin of ca. €34 billion (3) is expected
to be created on transition; In addition, for the 16th consecutive year, AXA is included in
the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI), an index used by
■ the implementation is expected to result in limited reporting investors to identify leading companies in the field of sustainable
changes, reflecting the Group’s focus on technical lines; development. Only the highest-ranked companies in the CSA
■ the new standards will have no impact on the Group’s cash and meeting several additional criteria set by S&P Global, are eligible
capital management, its Solvency II ratio, or its strategy; and for inclusion in the DJSI.
■ the Group’s “Driving Progress 2023” key financial targets (4) are Performance in the DJSI is one of the seven indicators of the AXA
re-affirmed. Progress Index, a tool launched in 2021 by the Group to track its
progress on sustainable and responsible development. Several KPIs
included in this index are taken into account in the remuneration
of the Group’s executives and nearly 5,000 employees.
(1) These key highlights and all information in the press release, dated November 2, 2022 and the related presentation are expressly qualified by the cautionary
statements included therein.
(2) Shareholders Equity excluding Other Comprehensive Income.
(3) Contractual Service Margin refers to a component of the carrying amount of the asset or liability for a group of insurance contracts representing the unearned
profit the entity will recognize as it provides insurance contract services under the insurance contracts in the Group, the quantum of which is pre-tax in the
press release dated November 2, 2022.
(4) (i) Underlying earnings per share growth at the high end of the 3-7% CAGR target range between 2020E (rebased for COVID-19 and excess Natural Catastrophe
losses) and 2023E, (ii) Underlying return on equity between 13% and 15% between 2021E and 2023E, (iii) Solvency II ratio at approximately 190%, (iv) cumulative
cash upstream in excess of €14 billion for 2021E-2023E.
STOCK MARKETS
Source: Bloomberg.
In 2022, global concerns over inflation and higher interest rates, In the United States, S&P 500 declined by -19%, with Technology
and their negative impacts on the activity, led to significant stocks particularly hard hit. Eurostoxx50 recorded a fall of -12%
downward revisions to the economic outlooks. Most financial thanks to the performance of Energy, Defense and Financial
assets sold off heavily, although oil and other commodities sectors companies notably in France (CAC40 at -9%), Italy (FTSE
continued to perform well. From mid-October, markets staged MIB at -12%), and Spain (IBEX 35 at -6%). The United Kingdom’s
a recovery in anticipation of a slowdown in rate hike by central FTSE 100 was up slightly (+1%), reflecting the relatively large
banks. End of 2022, market volatility, however, remained high. weight of commodity producers in this index. On the contrary,
MSCI AC World index recorded a decrease of -19%. Reflecting the United Kingdom’s FTSE 250, that is more representative of the
the 2022 economic context, Energy, Utilities, Healthcare, and United Kingdom economy, dropped by -20%, in line with other
Consumer Staples outperformed MSCI AC World while Telecoms, major markets. The Japanese Nikkei index recorded a limited
Consumer Discretionary, Technology and Real Estate recorded
the worst performance amongst sectors.
drop (-9%) thanks to the accommodative monetary policy of the
Bank of Japan. China’s Shanghai Composite index fell by -15%, 2
driven by the continuous pressure from the shake-out in the
property sector combined with the impacts of the “Zero COVID”
policy on the economy.
BOND MARKETS
Source: Bloomberg.
Bond markets suffered from tightening of Central Bank monetary Credit markets experienced a material repricing in 2022 in the
policies. The Federal Reserve hiked policy rates to 4.25%. The 10- context of higher uncertainties fuelled by inflationary pressure,
year US Treasury yields rose by +236bps to 3.87% after hitting a interest rates hikes and fear of an economic slowdown. In the
peak of 4.33% in autumn. A similar pattern was observed in most United States, the CDX IG spread increased from 50 bps to 82 bps
developed bond markets. In the Eurozone, the ECB raised its and, in Europe, the iTraxx Main index spread nearly doubled
policy rates to 2.5%. Benchmark German Bund 10-year yield rose from 48 bps to 92 bps. These trends were similar across most
to 2.57% while the French OAT 10-year closed at 3.12%. Peripheral CDS indices, from Investment Grade to High Yield credit spreads,
yields also rose sharply, with the 10-year Italian yield at 4.72% with underperformance in Europe due to its closer proximity
at the end of 2022. The UK 10-year Gilt yield closed at 3.67% but to the war in Ukraine. Also, the China High Yield index spread
hit a high of 4.64% in October following political and financial remained under pressure for most of 2022 peaking at 3,100 bps in
tensions. On the other hand, the Bank of Japan maintained the mid-March. However, it improved markedly in the fourth quarter,
same accommodative policy and 10-year Japanese yield increased the spreads tightening to 1,600 bps by the end of December.
by only +35 bps over the year. Part of the improvement in the spread came from the dropout
of defaulted names from the index.
Source: Bloomberg.
Currencies witnessed a marked volatility, dominated by a sharp US central banks were slower to adjust – and a rising risk sentiment
Dollar appreciation (+27% versus Yen, +6% versus Euro and +3% related to the war in Ukraine in Europe. Compared to the Euro,
versus Swiss Franc). This reflects the combination of the Federal the Swiss Franc appreciated by +5%, while the Japanese Yen
Reserve’s proactive monetary policy tightening – whereas other was down -7%.
I Market Conditions
INSURANCE ACTIVITIES
Main Developed Markets well as persistent supply chain disruptions affecting motor and
construction business lines. In addition, frequency and severity
In 2022, the French Savings insurance market was down 3% of climatic events soared and 2022 was strongly affected by
compared to last year, reaching €144.4 billion of premiums. After hailstorms and droughts, making it the most expensive year since
a catch-up year and historical records in 2021, the market found 1999 in terms of natural events.
its pre-pandemic levels (€144.6 billion of premiums in 2019). This
year, the decrease is due to a drop in General Account products in In Europe (excluding France), Property and Casualty insurance
a context of market volatility. Unit-Linked sales maintained 2021 markets have been impacted by climate change, primarily early
levels with €57.7 billion premiums, which represented a steady 2022 by a series of winter storms including Eunice and Dudley
40% of total premiums collected. On the Pension savings market, but also in the summer marked by extreme heat and drought
the Plan Épargne Retraite (PER) product continued last year’s followed by severe thunderstorms with heavy hail. After the
positive trend (reserves reaching ca. €73 billion), covering up to unprecedented 2021 impacts, the severe weather events of 2022
6.5 million clients, while the sales of Eurocroissance products highlight that natural catastrophes are increasing in frequency
almost tripled year-on-year. and severity. In addition, war in Ukraine, along with further COVID-
19-related lockdowns in China, has added to supply chain issues
The French Protection & complementary Health insurance and increased inflationary pressures. It has been years since
market witnessed the introduction of a new Credit insurance European markets have experienced such a level of inflation,
regulation (Loi Lemoine), which came into force in September. adding a layer of uncertainty on the average cost notably in short
The law makes it possible to notably terminate a credit insurance term lines of business. This challenging inflationary context led
policy and select another one with a different credit insurer, at any insurers to implement mitigation actions on both pricing and
time and without penalties. The implementation of a new Health claims management. In Life & Savings, the uncertainty related to
regulation (100% Santé) over the last two years, that modifies the economic context led to a decline in activity with lower flows
the terms of co-payment on dentals, eye care and hearing aids, reflecting the customers’ risk aversion towards financial markets
has triggered a large increase in claims frequency that has been and investments notably in the Unit-Linked market in Italy (-30.5%
accompanied by an increase of the average costs. decrease in new business premiums in 2022). The rise in interest
The French Property & Casualty insurance market faced several rates led Life insurers to focus on both in-force retention and
challenges in 2022, such as rising inflation which led to an increase new business strategy by managing policyholders’ expectation.
in the cost of automobile spare parts and the cost of repair, as In Health, digitalization of services continued, notably through
the strong development of teleconsultation.
In Japan, the Life insurance market further recovered from Main Emerging Markets
COVID-19 related disruption and improved by 10.5% in terms of
GWP, with strong sales in foreign currency denominated products In Asia Emerging Markets, the Property & Casualty insurance
in the context of interest rate hikes. However, the seventh wave market benefited from a strong growth in Motor sales across
of COVID-19 infections led to significant claims payments and geographies, notably in China where the China Banking and
heavily impacted the profitability of main insurers, notably on Insurance Regulatory Commission vigorously promoted the
Health products. To compensate the impact for insurers, a change standardized development of the Motor insurance and Internet
of governmental guideline was published on September 26, 2022, insurance markets, and directed the industry to accelerate the
to limit the claims payment to either hospitalized policyholders online transformation, and in Thailand, where higher Motor sales
or the ones with a high-risk of illness profile. The Property & were combined with a deterioration of the industry combined ratio
following unusually heavy rain and flooding, and an increase in
Casualty insurance market slightly increased by 0.4% as the
drop in Personal accidents and Compulsory Automobile Liability labor cost and spare parts. The Life & Savings insurance market 2
Insurance businesses was offset by the increase in Casualty, continued to experience sluggish growth in most geographies
Marine and Motor. mostly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, whilst showing
first signs of recovery with a turnaround of new business sales
In Hong Kong, the Property & Casualty insurance market remained notably in China and Thailand. The pandemic also increased the
overall stable while recording growth in General Liability and awareness of Health products in 2022, addressing the protection
Workers’ Compensation businesses. The Life & Savings insurance gap, notably in China, where the overall market grew by 14.7%
market reported a double-digit decline as a result of the continued in 2022.
border restrictions and containment measures in the context of
the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in lower new business sales In International Emerging Markets, the Mexican insurance
to Mainland Chinese Visitors. The Health insurance market market grew by +8.5%. Property & Casualty is mainly growing
experienced fierce competition. Tax-deductible voluntary Health thanks to the Motor business, with price increases that are
insurance certified plans were still among the key products sold pressured by the full recovery of mobility, and high-level inflation.
during tax season. Health market grew by +18.4% mainly in group business linked
to pricing impacts. After two years of strong impact of COVID-19
Market conditions in the United States Property insurance market claims, the market almost recovered to 2019 pre-pandemic
remained stable, even in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, which, by profitability levels. Life & Savings is positively driven by the sales
early estimates, may amount to a $50-70 billion insurance event. of Unit-Linked products, while Group Life market continues to
While considered a relatively quiet year for Atlantic hurricane harden linked to the losses reported in the previous periods. As
activity, 2022 nonetheless still saw 14 named events, including for Health, the markets recovered in 2022 with lower COVID-19
Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, both of which made landfall. claims. The Colombian insurance market grew by 20%, driven
In the United States Casualty insurance market, rates continued by an increase in Property & Casualty business notably in Motor,
to increase, but started showing signs of moderation. Capacity Worker’s compensation, SOAT (Personal accident), as well as in
across the market is at an adequate level, although constraints Group Life. Turkey saw hyperinflation, with an annual inflation of
were observed for certain risks (e.g., environmental) and coverages 64%. This exceptional situation resulted in an increase in average
(e.g., Product Recall). With increasing Cyber risk, insurers have costs but was compensated by material price increases, with P&C
been re-assessing their risk appetite. The US casualty market is gross written premium growing by +133%.
also facing the challenge of the impact of higher claims inflation
– both economic and social.
The Reinsurance market remains well capitalized, though capacity
was deployed selectively for certain risks. Demand for reinsurance
capacity continues to grow, as primary carriers look for financial
strength in an uncertain environment. Property premiums have
increased the most in response to the effects of higher natural
catastrophe activity and high inflation.
Please find below AXA’s rankings and market shares in the main countries where it operates:
Ireland 1 31.9 n/a n/a Insurance Ireland P&C Statistics 2021 as of December 31, 2021.
Spanish Association of Insurance Companies. ICEA
Spain 5 4.9 9 3.1 as of December 31, 2022.
Associazione Nazionale Imprese Assicuratrici (ANIA)
Italy 5 5.8 9 3.9 as of December 31, 2021.
Disclosed financial reports (excluding Kampo Life)
Japan 13 0.6 9 5.0 for the 12 months ended September 30, 2022.
Insurance Authority statistics based on gross written premiums
Hong Kong 1 7.0 7 5.0 as of September 30, 2022.
XL Insurance in AM Best 2021 as of December 31, 2021, in the United States in
the United States 16 1.8 n/a n/a Commercial lines.
XL Reinsurance
worldwide 14 2.3 n/a n/a AM Best 2021 as of December 31, 2021.
Thailand 18 1.8 5 7.2 TGIA (Thai General Insurance Association)
as of December 31, 2022 and TLAA (Thai Life
Assurance Association) as of November 30, 2022.
Main Emerging Markets
Indonesia n/a n/a 2 8.7 AAJI Statistic measured on Weighted New Business Premium
as of September 30, 2022.
Philippines n/a n/a 6 8.6 Insurance Commission measured on total premium income
as of June 30, 2022.
China n/a 0.4 n/a n/a CBIRC (China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission)
as of December 31, 2022 (a).
Mexico 3 8.0 12 2.0 AMIS (Asociación Mexicana de Instituciones de Seguros)
as of September 30, 2022.
Brazil 15 1.4 n/a n/a SUSEP (Superintendência de Seguros Privados) as of September 2022.
(a) For Property & Casualty insurance market, CBIRC did not disclose information on ranking. For Life & Savings insurance market, CBIRC did not disclose information on market
shares and ranking.
While 2021 was a hallmark year for post-pandemic rebound and income valuations suffered a meltdown in 2022, ranked amidst
strong performance for all asset classes, 2022 was impacted one of the most expensive crises.
by geopolitical tensions which fueled a bear market and On the contrary, alternative asset classes experienced a banner year
unprecedented inflation – highest levels seen in over 40 years. in terms of both fundraising and performance, showing continued
The War in Ukraine disrupted world markets and exacerbated strength of investor demand for private debt, infrastructure, and
supply chain issues as well as significant macroeconomic and real estate. Real Estate benefited from increased rents tied to
market uncertainties. The resulting volatile environment jolted inflation and strong fundamentals.
investor sentiment as witnessed by the widening of spreads and
downward equity markets. To stabilize prices, central banks were Overall, pressures continue to weigh on asset management margins,
forced to hike interest rates at historical speeds. As a result, fixed with significant drop in revenues and challenge to control costs.
Consolidated Gross revenues amounted to €102,345 million as The 2022 comparable basis neutralizes the foreign exchange
of December 31, 2022, up 2.4% on a reported basis and up 1.7% rate movements (€+2.0 billion or -2.0 points) notably due to the
on a comparable basis compared to December 31, 2021. depreciation of average Euro exchange rate mainly against US
The 2021 comparable basis excludes the contribution of entities Dollar.
disposed in 2021 (€-1.4 billion or +1.4 points), mainly the Gulf Region,
AXA Bank Belgium, and AXA Singapore before their disposals.
(1) New business Annual Premium Equivalent (APE) represents 100% of new regular premiums plus 10% of single premiums, in line with EEV Group methodology.
APE is Group share.
(2) New Business Value (NBV) Margin is the ratio of (i) New Business Value representing the value of newly issued contracts during the current year to (ii) APE.
Transversal
December 31, & Central
(in Euro million, except percentages) 2022 France Europe Asia AXA XL International Holdings
(a) Reclassification of Architas activities (previously reported as part of Life & Savings (€-24 million) to Asset Management (€+24 million)).
(b) Other corresponds to banking activities and holding.
Transversal
December 31, & Central
(in Euro million, except percentages) 2021 France (a) Europe Asia AXA XL International Holdings (a)
(a) Reclassification of Architas activities (previously reported as part of France (€-24 million) to Transversal & Central Holdings (€+24 million)).
Underlying earnings represent the net income (Group share), UNDERLYING EARNINGS PER SHARE
before the impact of the following items net of policyholder
participation, deferred acquisition costs, Value of Business in-
Underlying earnings per share corresponds to Group share
force, taxes, and minority interests:
Underlying earnings net of financial charges related to undated
■ realized gains and losses, change in impairment valuation and deeply subordinated debts (recorded through shareholders’
allowances (on assets not designated under fair value option equity as disclosed in Part 6.6 - Note 13 “Shareholders’ Equity and
or trading assets) and cost at inception, intrinsic value and Minority Interests” of this Annual Report) divided by the weighted
pay-off of derivatives used for the economic hedging of realized average number of outstanding ordinary shares over the period.
gains and impairments of equity securities (other than the Shares held by AXA and its subsidiaries (i.e., treasury shares) are
funds backing contracts where the financial risk is borne by deducted for the calculation of outstanding shares.
policyholders);
■ profit or loss on financial assets accounted for under fair value
option (excluding assets backing liabilities for which the financial COMBINED RATIO (APPLICABLE
risk is borne by the policyholder), foreign exchange impacts FOR PROPERTY & CASUALTY, HEALTH,
on assets and liabilities, and derivatives related to invested AND PROTECTION)
assets and liabilities;
■ impairments of goodwill, impairments and amortization of The Combined Ratio is the sum of all accident year loss ratio net
intangibles related to customers and distribution agreements; of reinsurance and the underlying expense ratio.
■ integration costs related to newly acquired companies as well ■ All accident year loss ratio net of reinsurance is the ratio of:
as restructuring costs related to productivity improvement • all accident years claims charge gross of reinsurance + claims
plans; and handling costs + result of reinsurance ceded on all accident
■ exceptional operations (primarily changes in scope and years excluding the unwind of the discount rate used in
discontinued operations). calculating technical reserves; to
• earned revenues gross of reinsurance.
■ Expense ratio is the ratio of:
• expenses (excluding claims handling costs, including changes
in Value of Business In-force amortization); to
• earned revenues gross of reinsurance.
DEBT GEARING Gearing is calculated by dividing the gross debt (financing debt
as disclosed in Part 6.6 - Note 17 “Financing debt” and undated
and deeply subordinated debts as disclosed in Part 6.6 - Note 13
Debt Gearing refers to the level of a company’s debt related to
“Shareholders’ equity and minority interests” of this Annual
its long-term capital, usually expressed as a percentage. Debt
Report) by total capital employed (shareholders’ equity excluding
Gearing is used by the Management to measure the financial
undated and deeply subordinated debts and reserves relating to
leverage of the Group and the extent to which its operations
the change in the fair value of financial instruments and of hedge
are funded by creditors as opposed to shareholders. AXA’s Debt
accounting derivatives) plus gross debt.
2
I Commentary on Group Earnings
UNDERLYING EARNINGS as well as in Japan notably from volume growth in Protection
with Unit-Linked, combined with (ii) lower general expenses
(€+68 million) from efficiency measures across geographies,
Underlying earnings amounted to €7,264 million, up €503 million
primarily in France, partly offset by (iii) slightly lower investment
(+7%) versus 2021 on a reported basis. On a constant exchange
margin (€-76 million) that remained resilient at 63 bps, combined
rate basis, underlying earnings increased by €265 million (+4%).
with (iv) higher income taxes (€-61 million).
Excluding 2021 in-force actions and disposals of AXA Bank Belgium,
the Gulf Region, Singapore, Greece, India Property & Casualty and Health underlying earnings decreased by €73 million (-11%)
Malaysia, underlying earnings increased by €430 million (+7%). to €614 million mainly driven by (i) a lower net technical margin
as strong revenue growth across most geographies was more than
Property & Casualty underlying earnings increased by
offset by higher COVID-19 claims in Japan and an unfavorable
€188 million (+5%) to €4,431 million mainly from (i) an increase
claims experience on two large international group contracts in
in the investment result by €350 million driven by inflation-linked
France, as well as (ii) the disposals of the subsidiaries in Singapore,
bonds in Turkey (€147 million) and higher reinvestment yields in
in the Gulf Region and in Greece, partly offset by (iii) a higher
the context of rising interest rates across the Group, (ii) lower Nat
investment margin reflecting the rise in interest rates notably
Cat charges (-0.8 point to 4.9%) in Europe (-1.7 points to 4.4%)
in the United Kingdom & Ireland, and (iv) lower income taxes
notably in Germany, Belgium and Switzerland from the non-
reflecting lower pretax underlying earnings.
repeat of summer 2021 European floods and AXA XL (-1.2 points
to 6.9%) driven by exposure reductions at AXA XL Re in line with Asset Management underlying earnings decreased by
the strategy partly offset by France (+2.5 points to 5.5%) due to €7 million (-2%) to €400 million driven by (i) lower revenues
higher frequency of storms and drought, (iii) an improved expense (€-79 million), partly offset by (ii) lower expenses (€+46 million)
ratio (-0.6 point) from cost reduction initiatives across geographies from cost discipline, (iii) lower taxes (€+18 million) in line with
combined with favorable business mix, (iv) lower income taxes by favorable geographical mix and lower pre-tax underlying earnings,
€109 million as the impact of higher pre-tax underlying earnings and (iv) higher income from affiliates and associates (€+7 million)
was more than offset by a favorable geographical mix, partly following the consolidation of Capza, as AXA ownership has
offset by (v) an unfavorable current year loss ratio excluding increased from 46% to 66% in February 2022.
Nat Cat charges (+1.3 points) primarily from the impact of the Other activities underlying earnings decreased by €95 million
war in Ukraine (+0.8 point) at AXA XL notably in Aviation as well (-13%) to €-812 million mainly driven by (i) the sale of AXA Bank
as lower motor frequency benefits in France and Europe. The all Belgium (€-77 million) in December 31, 2021, (ii) lower mortgage
year combined ratio increased by 0.1 point to 94.6% due to lower loans activity and the unfavorable impact of higher interest rates
prior years’ reserve development (-0.3 point to 2.9%). on new business margin (€-29 million) at AXA Banque France, and
Life & Savings underlying earnings increased by €253 million (iii) higher investments at AXA SA Holding (€-6 million), partly
(+11%) to €2,632 million driven by (i) an improved technical offset by Germany Holding (€+30 million) driven by lower pension
margin (€+295 million) mainly in France from the non-repeat of costs due to interest rate assumptions update.
the strengthening of actuarial assumptions in Protection business,
(a) Mainly mergers & acquisitions, disposals and new reinsurance transactions.
(b) Dividends to be paid in year N+1 and share buy-back.
(c) Including subordinated debts, capital movements and others.
(1) Prudential information related to solvency, including the Solvency II ratio and the Eligible Own Funds (“EOF”) disclosed in the note and the table below, will
be detailed in the Group’s 2022 SFCR that is expected to be published at a later stage and for which Group’s auditors will issue a report.
Shareholder value
EARNINGS PER SHARE (“EPS”)
(in Euro, except ordinary shares in million) Basic Fully diluted Basic Fully diluted Basic Fully diluted
(a) Including adjustment to reflect net financial charges related to undated and deeply subordinated debts (recorded through shareholders’ equity).
I Segment information
FRANCE
(a) Reclassification of Architas activities (previously reported as part of France) to Transversal & Central Holdings.
(b) Net of intercompany eliminations.
(c) Other corresponds to banking activities and holding.
Gross revenues increased by €988 million (+3%) to €29,338 million: Savings (€-494 million or -6%) due to lower sales in traditional
■ Property & Casualty (€+543 million or +7%) to €7,992 million, G/A Savings and to a lower extent in Unit-Linked, partly offset by
driven by price increases and higher new business in both strong sales in Eurocroissance, and (iii) Protection (€-35 million
Commercial lines (€+397 million or +11%) and Personal lines or -1%) from lower volumes in Credit and Lifestyle Protection,
(€+146 million or +4%); partly offset by higher volumes in the domestic market. Unit-
Linked and Eurocroissance products contributed to 65% of
■ Life & Savings (€-1,292 million or -8%) to €13,972 million, driven total Individual Savings revenues, compared to 43% on average
by (i) Group Savings (€-763 million or -38%) mainly due to the for the market;
non-repeat of two large Pension contracts in 2021, (ii) Individual
EUROPE
(in Euro million, except percentages) December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021
(in Euro million, except percentages) December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021
Gross revenues increased by €500 million (+10%) to €5,560 million. ■ Health (€+14 million or +30%) to €66 million from continued
On a comparable basis, gross revenues increased by €149 million portfolio growth in supplementary health business.
(+3%):
APE increased by €237 million (+47%) to €742 million. On a
■ Property & Casualty (€+59 million or +2%) to €3,617 million comparable basis, APE increased by €185 million (+37%) driven
driven by Commercial lines (€+76 million or +5%) mainly by Group Life (€+190 million or +46%) due to strong sales of
due to higher volumes and positive price effects on Workers’ semi-autonomous products.
Compensation as well as higher volumes in Liability, partly
NBV Margin decreased by 9.4 points to 35.0% mainly driven by
offset by Personal lines (€-17 million or -1%) as a result of the
financial assumptions update reflecting higher interest rates in
decrease in Motor from strong market competition partially
Group Life partly offset by actuarial assumptions update. Based
compensated by the growth in Digital Device Insurance;
on PVEP, the NBV margin decreased by 0.3 point to 1.8%.
■ Life & Savings (€+76 million or +5%) to €1,877 million due
to Group Life (€+56 million or +8%) due to higher regular
premiums from semi-autonomous products, and Individual
Life (€+20 million or +2%) notably in higher regular premiums
from a hybrid product;
Underlying earnings before tax increased by €179 million (+16%) Income tax expenses increased by €3 million (+1%) to
to €1,267 million. On a constant exchange rate basis, underlying €-210 million. On a constant exchange rate basis, income tax
earnings before tax increased by €90 million (+8%): expenses decreased by €12 million (-6%) driven by favorable
■ Property & Casualty (€+92 million or +12%) to €944 million tax one-offs, partly offset by higher pre-tax underlying earnings.
driven by a higher technical result (€+128 million) mainly due Underlying earnings increased by €172 million (+20%) to
to lower, though above long-term average, Nat Cat charges €1,048 million. On a constant exchange rate basis, underlying
combined with more favorable prior years’ reserve development earnings increased by €98 million (+11%).
as well as lower general expenses from efficiency measures Net income increased by €262 million (+24%) to €1,372 million.
partly offset by a lower investment result (€-35 million) mainly On a constant exchange rate basis, net income increased by
from lower funds distributions;
■ Life & Savings (€-5 million or -1%) to €335 million driven by
€165 million (+15%) driven by higher underlying earnings and
higher net capital gains (€+160 million) mainly on equities, partly 2
a lower investment margin (€-31 million) mainly from lower offset by a less favorable change in fair value of Mutual Funds
funds distributions, partly offset by higher fees & revenues and derivatives not eligible for hedge accounting under IAS 39
(€+16 million) from growth in both Individual and Group (€-97 million).
Life, a lower VBI amortization (€+6 million) driven by more
favorable financial assumptions and a higher technical margin
(€+3 million);
■ Health (€+3 million or +20%) to €-11 million.
(in Euro million, except percentages) December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021
Gross revenues increased by €206 million (+2%) to €11,550 million: ■ Life & Savings (€-129 million or -4%) to €3,231 million stemming
■ Property & Casualty (€+181 million or 4%) to €4,611 million, from traditional General Account Savings products (€-112 million
driven by (i) Commercial Non-Motor (€+141 million or +9%) or -7%) combined with lower single premiums in hybrid products
mainly due to new business and higher pricing, especially in (€-111 million or -55%), partly offset by higher regular premiums
Property Mid-Market as well as new business in Liability and in in both hybrid products (€+83 million or +18%) and Pure
Legal Assistance, (ii) Personal Non-Motor (€+51 million or +3%) Protection (€+22 million or +4%);
mainly from price increases, including automatic indexation and ■ Health (€+154 million or +4%) to €3,708 million, driven by
new business in Household as well as in Legal Assistance, partly price increases in full benefit insurance and by the continued
offset by (iii) Personal Motor (€-14 million or -1%) reflecting a growth in the civil servants’ segment.
change in business mix from lower new car registrations, partly
offset by the positive impact from price increases; APE (€-17 million or -4%) to €383 million mainly due to lower
new business in both single premiums hybrid and traditional
General Account Savings products.
NBV margin decreased by 25.7 points to 30.4% mainly due to ■ Health (€+5 million or +4%) to €119 million from the growth
financial assumptions update reflecting higher interest rates. in volumes;
Based on PVEP, the NBV margin decreased by 0.5 point to 2.2%.
■ Holding (€+52 million or +107%) to €100 million driven by
Underlying earnings before tax increased by €131 million lower pension costs due to interest rate assumptions update.
(+15%) to €992 million:
Income tax expenses increased by €52 million (+24%) to
■ Property & Casualty (€+76 million or +15%) to €585 million, €-275 million, driven by higher pre-tax underlying earnings
reflecting a lower combined ratio (-1.2 points), driven by price combined with lower positive tax one-offs.
increases and underwriting discipline combined with lower Nat
Cat charges from the non-repeat of summer 2021 European Underlying earnings increased by €74 million (+12%) to
€704 million.
floods partly offset by higher claims frequency in Personal
Motor as well as a higher investment income (€+11 million); Net income increased by €59 million (+8%) to €792 million driven 2
by higher underlying earnings and higher net realized gains
■ Life & Savings (€-1 million or -1%) remained stable at
notably on equities combined with the favorable impact of foreign
€188 million;
exchange rates on derivatives not eligible for hedge accounting
under IAS 39, partly offset by a less favorable change in the fair
value of Mutual Funds.
(in Euro million, except percentages) December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021
As part of the disposal of AXA Bank Belgium on December 31, 2021, ■ Life & Savings (€-3 million or -0%) to €1,180 million as the
100% of Crelan Insurance has been acquired and consolidated decrease in (i) General Account Savings (€-33 million or -10%)
into AXA Belgium. Crelan Insurance provides protection insurance notably from a change in tax regime in Self-Employed Pension
linked to loans originated by Crelan Bank NV/SA. products (€-27 million or -11%) was partly offset by (ii) Group
Gross revenues increased by €92 million (+3%) to €3,578 million. Protection with General Account Savings products (€+30 million
On a comparable basis, gross revenues increased by €75 million or +5%) notably from higher single premiums;
(+2%): ■ Health (€+12 million or +9%) to €146 million driven by new
■ Property & Casualty (€+66 million or +3%) to €2,252 million Group contracts.
driven by (i) Commercial lines (€+37 million or +4%) notably in APE increased by €10 million (+16%) to €77 million. On a
Property and Liability due to price increases including automatic comparable basis, APE increased by €5 million (+7%) mainly
indexation as well as strong sales in the SME segment, partly driven by the sale of a large Group pension contract, partly offset
offset by pruning measures in the Mid-Market segment, and by lower sales in Self-Employed Pension products.
(ii) Personal lines (€+28 million or +2%) following price increases
including automatic indexation, partly offset by lower volumes
in Motor resulting from the decrease in new car registrations;
NBV Margin decreased by 3.7 points to 60.4%. On a comparable Income tax expenses increased by €31 million (+47%) to
basis, NBV Margin decreased by 10.4 points mainly driven by an €-97 million mainly driven by higher pre-tax underlying earnings.
unfavorable business mix towards Group business. Based on Underlying earnings increased by €115 million (+47%) to
PVEP, the NBV margin increased by 0.1 point on a comparable €358 million.
basis to 5.7%.
Net income increased by €95 million (+22%) to €521 million mainly
Underlying earnings before tax increased by €146 million driven by the disposal of a General Account portfolio (€+203 million
(+47%) to €455 million: reflecting the release of its provision booked in 2021, following
■ Property & Casualty (€+131 million) to €142 million mainly the closing of the transaction in October 2022) combined with
driven by lower Nat Cat charges following the non-repeat of higher underlying earnings, partly offset by the unfavorable change
summer 2021 European floods, despite 2022 winter storms as
well as a higher investment result, partly offset by unfavorable
in the fair value of Mutual Funds and derivatives not eligible for
hedge accounting under IAS 39 (€-192 million). 2
prior years’ reserve development;
■ Life & Savings (€+13 million or +4%) to €304 million mainly
driven by the integration of Crelan Insurance;
■ Health (€+2 million or +31%) to €10 million.
(in Euro million, except percentages) December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021
Gross revenues increased by €441 million (+8%) to €5,758 million. Underlying earnings before tax decreased by €46 million (-10%)
On a comparable basis, gross revenues increased by €351 million to €402 million. On a constant exchange rate basis, underlying
(+7%): earnings before tax decreased by €48 million (-11%):
■ Property & Casualty (€+140 million or +4%) to €3,738 million ■ Property & Casualty (€-103 million or -32%) to €221 million
driven by (i) Commercial Non-Motor (€+100 million or +9%) in mainly driven by the deterioration of the combined ratio
Property (€+71 million or +10%) mainly from price increases (+4.5 points) due to heightened inflation partly offset by price
in the United Kingdom and higher volumes in Ireland, and in increases, higher natural events, less favorable prior years’
Liability (€+22 million or +8%) mainly from higher volumes, reserve development, and higher Motor claims frequency. This
combined with (ii) Personal Motor (€+81 million or +6%) notably was partly offset by a higher investment result;
from strong retention and price increases in the United Kingdom
■ Health (€+57 million or +43%) to €190 million mainly reflecting
as the market has hardened during the second semester, partly
higher volumes, better underwriting performance in the
offset by (iii) lower volumes in Personal Non-Motor (€-39 million
International business and a higher investment result;
or -7%) due to the transfer of the Travel book in run-off (€-
52 million or -57%) partly offset by Household (€+15 million ■ Holding (€-2 million or -33%) to €-9 million.
or +3%) notably in Ireland from higher volumes;
Income tax expenses decreased by €58 million (-65%) to
■ Health (€+211 million or +12%) to €2,020 million driven by €-31 million. On a constant exchange rate basis, income tax
higher volumes mainly from improved retention in the United expenses decreased by €58 million (-65%) driven by lower pre-tax
Kingdom business combined with underwriting measures in underlying earnings and by favorable tax one-offs.
both Group and Individual businesses and from growth in the
Underlying earnings increased by €12 million (+3%) to
International business.
€370 million. On a constant exchange rate basis, underlying
earnings increased by €10 million (+3%).
Net income increased by €17 million (+5%) to €350 million. as well as the favorable change in the fair value of Mutual Funds
On a constant exchange rate basis, net income increased by and derivatives not eligible for hedge accounting under IAS 39,
€15 million (+5%) driven by the favorable impact of foreign partly offset by higher restructuring costs.
exchanges combined with the increase in underlying earnings
(in Euro million, except percentages) December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021
Gross revenues increased by €31 million (+1%) to €2,717 million: APE decreased by €9 million (-8%) to €104 million mainly driven
■ Property & Casualty (€+17 million or +1%) to €1,681 million by lower sales in Unit-Linked products (€-10 million or -19%).
driven by both price increases and higher volumes in Commercial NBV Margin decreased by 14.8 points to 38.0% driven by an
lines (€+38 million or +8%), especially in Liability (€+19 million unfavorable impact of both actuarial and financial assumptions
or +14%) partly offset by Personal Motor (€-28 million or -3%) update, partly offset by a positive business mix from Unit-Linked
due to lower volumes in a highly competitive market; towards Protection. Based on PVEP, the NBV margin decreased
by 0.5 point to 4.3% mainly due to an unfavorable actuarial
■ Life & Savings remained stable at €770 million as lower sales
assumption update in Protection.
in Unit-Linked (€-42 million or -10%) were offset by higher sales
in both Protection (€+26 million or +12%) and General Account Underlying earnings before tax remained stable at €262 million:
Savings (€+12 million or +10%); ■ Property & Casualty (€-23 million or -14%) to €136 million
■ Health (€+16 million or +6%) to €266 million driven by both mainly driven by a higher combined ratio notably due to higher
price increases and higher volumes. motor claims frequency;
■ Life & Savings (€+23 million or +26%) to €110 million mainly Net income decreased by €12 million (-8%) to €148 million mainly
driven by an improved technical margin reflecting a more due to both higher realized capital losses and impairments, partly
favorable claims experience in Pure Protection and General offset by lower negative change in fair value of Mutual Funds
Account Savings; and derivatives not eligible for hedge accounting under IAS 39,
combined with lower restructuring costs.
■ Health remained stable at €16 million as higher combined
ratio is offset by higher investment income.
Income tax expenses increased by €7 million (+13%) to
€-66 million driven by unfavorable tax one-off.
Underlying earnings decreased by €6 million (-3%) to €197 million.
2
(in Euro million, except percentages) December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021
Gross Revenues decreased by €262 million (-6%) to €4,407 million: ■ Health (€+11 million or +10%) to €128 million, improving both
■ Property & Casualty (€+98 million or +5%) to €1,889 million in (i) Individual business (€+6 million or +7%) driven by higher
driven by (i) Personal Lines (€+54 million or +4%) mainly in renewals and in (ii) Group business (€+5 million or +14%)
Motor from higher new business through brokers channel reflecting both higher new business and renewals.
primarily from a partnership combined with higher renewals APE decreased by €73 million (-21%) to €281 million mainly
through agents’ channel, and (ii) Commercial Lines (€+44 million from Unit-Linked (€-64 million or -33%) driven by lower sales of
or +8%) from higher volumes and price increases, notably in Investments products.
Property and Liability;
NBV Margin decreased by 2.1 points to 27.7% mainly driven by
■ Life & Savings (€-371 million or -13%) to €2,390 million mainly both actuarial and financial assumptions update. Based on PVEP,
in General Account Savings (€-306 million or -17%) and in Unit- the NBV margin increased by 0.1 point to 3.4% mainly benefiting
Linked (€-32 million or -5%) reflecting lower sales through the from the favorable impact of rising interest rates.
banking channel in a challenging market environment;
Underlying earnings before tax increased by €5 million (+1%) Income tax expenses increased by €3 million or +3% manly
to €433 million: driven by higher pre-tax underlying earnings.
■ Property & Casualty (€-18 million or -7%) to €233 million due to Minority interests decreased by €1 million or -1% to €89 million
a higher current year combined ratio (+1.8 points) mainly driven as a result of the decrease of AXA MPS underlying earnings.
by higher Motor claims frequency, partly offset by volumes Underlying earnings increased by €3 million (+1%) to €226 million.
growth and higher investment income;
Net income increased by €2 million (+1%) to €240 million mainly
■ Life & Savings (€+21 million or 12%) to €193 million, mainly from higher underlying earnings.
from higher investment margin combined with improved
technical margin;
■ Health (€+3 million) to €7 million. 2
(in Euro million, except percentages) December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021
ASIA – JAPAN
(in Euro million, except percentages) December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021
Gross revenues decreased by €220 million (-4%) to €5,450 million. APE decreased by €24 million (-4%) to €652 million. On a
On a comparable basis, gross revenues increased by €123 million comparable basis, APE increased by €17 million (+3%) due to strong
(+2%): sales of both Protection with Unit-Linked products (€+37 million)
■ Property & Casualty (€+9 million or +2%) to €424 and medical rider products in Health (€+18 million), partly offset by
million, mainly driven by higher volumes in Motor; the non-repeat of elevated sales of a capital light Single Premium
Whole Life product (€-22 million).
■ Life & Savings (€+90 million or +2%) to €3,656 million driven
NBV Margin decreased by 1.9 points to 121.3% mainly driven by
by the strong sales in Protection with Unit-Linked products
a change in assumption from higher interest rates, partly offset by
(€+424 million or +32%), partly offset by lower volumes in
favorable business mix. Based on PVEP, the NBV margin increased
General Account Savings (€-222 million or -30%) from the
by 0.5 point to 10.8% driven by a favorable business mix.
non-repeat of elevated sales of a capital light Single Premium
Whole Life product in 2021;
■ Health (€+24 million or +2%) to €1,370 million mainly from
higher volumes in Medical rider sales.
(in Euro million, except percentages) December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021
Gross revenues increased by €350 million (+9%) to €4,423 million. APE decreased by €43 million (-10%) to €388 million. On a
On a comparable basis, gross revenues decreased by €105 million comparable basis, APE decreased by €83 million (-19%) driven
(-3%): by lower sales of Protection with Savings and Unit-Linked products
■ Property & Casualty (€+13 million or +5%) to €293 million following the continued Mainland China border closure as well
mainly from higher volumes in both Personal and Commercial as reinforced restrictions in the context of the COVID-19 crisis.
lines; NBV Margin decreased by 0.5 point to 34.4% following lower new
business volume as expenses remained stable. Based on PVEP,
■ Life & Savings (€-173 million or -5%) to €3,355 million mainly
the NBV margin increased by 0.6 point to 5.9%.
driven by lower new business as a result of the continued
Mainland China border closure as well as reinforced restrictions Underlying earnings before tax increased by €87 million (+20%)
in the context of the COVID-19 crisis, namely in Unit-Linked to €532 million. On a constant exchange rate basis, underlying
products and Protection with Savings, partly offset by in-force earnings before tax increased by €32 million (+7%):
growth in Protection; ■ Property & Casualty (€+16 million or +61%) to €48 million
■ Health (€+55 million or +9%) to €774 million mainly driven mainly driven by favorable prior years’ reserve development;
by higher volumes in both Individual and Group businesses.
Life & Savings (€-20 million or -6%) to €366 million mainly from
the recurring impact of a reinsurance transaction on a closed
Underlying earnings increased by €76 million (+18%) to
€508 million. On a constant exchange rate basis, underlying
book of whole-life insurance policies implemented in 2H21; earnings increased by €24 million (+6%).
■ Health (€+36 million or +51%) to €118 million driven by favorable Net income increased by €195 million (+66%) to €488 million.
prior years’ reserve development. On a constant exchange rate basis, net income increased by
€145 million (+49%) mainly driven by higher underlying earnings
Income tax expenses increased by €11 million (+80%) to combined with the non-repeat of the negative one-off impact of
€-24 million. On a constant exchange rate basis, income tax the above-mentioned reinsurance transaction on a closed book
expenses increased by €8 million (+61%) driven by higher pre-tax of whole-life insurance policies in 2021 (€+129 million).
underlying earnings combined with the non-repeat of a favorable
tax one-off in 2021.
(in Euro million, except percentages) December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021
Scope: (i) The Property & Casualty subsidiary in Thailand, the ■ Life & Savings remained stable at €46 million;
non-bancassurance Life & Savings subsidiary in Indonesia and the
■ Health (€+5 million or +4%) to €150 million from (i) China
Property & Casualty subsidiary in China (AXA Tianping) are fully
(+2 million or +2%) driven by the higher sales from agency
consolidated; (ii) the bank-insurance Life & Savings subsidiaries in
and broker channels, partly offset by the discontinuation of a
China, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines are consolidated
digital partnership, and (ii) Indonesia (+2 million or +6%) from
under the equity method and do not contribute to the gross
higher renewals in Individual business.
revenues while contributing to APE, PVEP and NBV Margin.
Gross revenues increased by €108 million (+11%) to €1,048 million. APE increased by €23 million (+4%) to €630 million. On a
On a comparable basis, gross revenues increased by €38 million comparable basis, APE decreased by €16 million (-3%) driven
(+4%): by (i) the Philippines (€-17 million or -37%) mainly from lower
sales of Protection with Unit-Linked products and (ii) Thailand
■ Property & Casualty (€+32 million or +4%) to €852 million (€-10 million or -9%) from Health (€-17 million or -58%) due to
from (i) Thailand (€+20 million or +20%) driven by higher the non-repeat of exceptional sales, partly offset by higher sales
sales in Motor and Travel, and (ii) China (€+13 million or +2%) in Protection with Savings (€+9 million or +13%). This was partly
driven by higher volumes in Non-Motor from both Personal offset by (iii) China (€+9 million or +3%) mainly driven by higher
(€+14 million or +23%) and Commercial lines (€+13 million or sales of regular premium General Account Savings products
+21%), partly offset by lower volumes in Motor (€-14 million mainly in 1Q22.
or -3%) to protect business profitability following the change
in price regulation;
■ China (€+16 million or +74%) to €41 million driven by (i) Life & ■ Indonesia (€-1 million or -3%) to €46 million mainly driven by
Savings (€+17 million) driven by a higher net technical margin, Life & Savings (€-2 million).
and (ii) Health (€+4 million) mainly from the non-repeat of an Net income decreased by €125 million (-132%) to €-31 million.
unfavorable prior years’ reserve development following the On a constant exchange rate basis, net income decreased by
discontinuation of a digital partnership, combined with an €119 million (-126%) as higher underlying earnings were more
improved profitability on core branch business. This was partly than offset by a more unfavorable change in the fair value of
offset by (iii) Property & Casualty (€-4 million) mainly from the financial assets and liabilities, primarily in China.
negative impacts of the change in price regulation in Motor,
AXA XL
(in Euro million, except percentages) December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021
Gross revenues increased by €469 million (+2%) to €19,232 million. ■ Property & Casualty Insurance (€-88 million or -1%) to
On a comparable basis, gross revenues decreased by €1,176 million €15,859 million driven by (i) Financial lines (€-352 million or
(-6%) as price increases in most lines of business were more than -10%) from North America Professional lines (€-506 million or
offset by lower Property Cat exposure in Reinsurance, in line with -20%) mainly driven by lower volumes of transactional business,
the strategy, lower transactions in North America Professional partly offset by North America CyberTech (€+79 million or +21%)
lines, and selective underwriting: and International Financial lines (€+75 million or +12%) mainly
■ Property & Casualty Reinsurance (€-1,056 million or -27%) driven by price increases (+31% and +13% respectively), and
to €3,213 million driven by (i) Property Cat (€-305 million or (ii) Specialty (€-68 million or -2%) and Casualty (€-28 million
-36%) and Property Treaty (€-254 million or -28%) from Nat or -1%) mainly in the context of selective underwriting despite
Cat exposure reductions, partly offset by price increases (+7% price increases (+4% and +6% respectively), partly offset by
and +5% respectively), and (ii) Specialty and Other lines (€- (iii) Property (€+360 million or +11%) mainly from International
489 million or -23%) driven by selective underwriting; (€+201 million or +14%) and North America (€+82 million or
+12%) driven by price increases (+12%);
■ Life & Savings (€-32 million or -18%) to €161 million.
INTERNATIONAL
(in Euro million, except percentages) December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021
Scope: (i) Mexico, Colombia, Turkey, Morocco, Nigeria (since Gross revenues decreased by €634 million (-11%) to €5,033 million.
January 1, 2022), Luxembourg and Brazil are fully consolidated; On a comparable basis, gross revenues increased by €1,029 million
(ii) Russia (Reso) and India Life & Savings are consolidated under (+24%) from Property & Casualty (€+792 million or +31%), Health
the equity method and do not contribute to the gross revenues (€+205 million or +18%) and Life & Savings (€+32 million or +5%):
while contributing to APE, PVEP and NBV Margin. ■ EME-LATAM (€+965 million or +28%) to €4,163 million mainly
Greece was sold in May 2021 and contributed until March 2021. driven by Property & Casualty (€+763 million or +38%) from
The Gulf Region and India Property & Casualty were sold in Turkey and Colombia, and Health (€+200 million or +18%)
September 2021 and contributed until June 2021. AXA Bank from Mexico and Turkey:
Belgium was disposed on December 31, 2021, and therefore
• Turkey (€+677 million) mainly from price increases
contributed until December 2021. Singapore was sold in
resulting from higher inflation in (i) Commercial lines
February 2022 and Malaysia in June 2022 and contributed until
(€+336 million) from both Motor and Property, (ii) Personal
December 2021 and June 2022, respectively.
lines (€+252 million) from Motor and (iii) Health (€+87 million),
Minority interests decreased by €14 million (-27%) to €-37 million. Net income decreased by €106 million to €38 million. On a
On a constant exchange rate basis, minority interests decreased constant exchange rate basis, net income decreased by €43 million
by €12 million (-23%) due to the disposal of the activities in the mainly due to (i) lower underlying earnings combined with (ii) the
Gulf Region and Malaysia, partly offset by Colombia (€-16 million) impairment of the full goodwill of Reso Garantia (€-148 million),
from higher underlying earnings. (iii) an unfavorable change in fair value of financial assets (€-
Income from affiliates and associates increased by €25 million 91 million) and (iv) a less favorable foreign exchange impact on
(+54%) to €73 million. On a constant exchange rate basis, income financial assets (€-50 million), partly offset by (v) the non-repeat
from affiliates and associates increased by €17 million (+36%) of the loss on disposals (€+278 million).
mainly from Russia (€+20 million) and India (€+5 million), partly
offset by Nigeria (€-9 million) following its full consolidation in 2022.
Underlying earnings decreased by €46 million (-13%) to 2
€302 million. On a constant exchange rate basis, underlying
earnings decreased by €44 million (-13%). Excluding the above-
mentioned changes in scope, underlying earnings increased by
€104 million (+53%).
(a) Reclassification of Architas activities (previously reported as part of France) to Transversal & Cental Holdings as well as within Asset Management (previously reported in
Life & Savings) segment.
(b) Net of intercompany eliminations.
(c) Other corresponds to asset management activities and holding.
(a) Reclassification of Architas activities (previously reported in Life & Savings) to the Asset Management segment.
(b) Net of intercompany eliminations. Gross revenues amounted to €1,916 million before intercompany eliminations as of December 31, 2022.
Assets under Management (“AUM”) decreased by €65 billion from The underlying cost income ratio increased by 0.7 point to
December 31, 2021, to €845 billion at the end of December 31, 66.6%. On a constant exchange rate basis, the underlying cost
2022, mainly driven by (i) negative and significant market impacts income ratio increased by 0.3 point.
(€-103 billion) from the rise in interest rates and downward equity Income tax expenses decreased by €17 million (-12%) to
markets, partly offset by (ii) positive net inflows (€+18 billion) €-130 million. On a constant exchange rate basis, income tax
from Third-Party clients (€+18 billion) driven by the success of expenses decreased by €18 million (-13%) mainly driven by
both Core and Alts platforms, Asian joint ventures (€+4 billion) lower underlying earnings as well as the decrease in the French
mainly in China, and Architas (€+1 billion), while AXA Insurance corporate tax rate.
companies decreased by (€-4 billion), and a (iii) positive change
in scope (€+20 billion) driven by the creation of AXA IM Prime Income from affiliates and associates increased by €8 million
business unit (€+17 billion) and consolidation of Capza. (+35%). On a constant exchange rate basis, income from affiliates
and associates increased by €7 million (+30%) following the
Management fees increased by 0.6 bps to 18.2 bps. On a constant consolidation of Capza (€+6 million), as AXA’s ownership has
exchange rate basis, management fees increased by 0.6 bps increased from 46% to 66% in February 2022.
due to a favorable change in product mix from a higher share of
Alternative products. Underlying earnings marginally decreased by €-2 million (-1%)
to €400 million. On a constant exchange rate basis, underlying
Gross revenues increased by €+66 million (+4%). On a comparable earnings decreased by €-7 million (-2%).
basis, gross revenues decreased by €-57 million (-3%) to
€1,589 million mainly driven by (i) the non-repeat of exceptional Net income increased by €33 million (+9%) to €402 million.
performance fees (€-41 million), (ii) lower management fees (€- On a constant exchange rate basis, net income increased by
38 million) due to the market context, partly offset by (iii) higher €28 million (+8%) mainly driven by the (i) favorable forex impact
distribution fees (€+21 million) coming from strong commercial (€+15 million), (ii) lower restructuring costs (€+11 million) due
momentum in Retail. to the reorganization of Rosenberg in 2021, and (iii) non-repeat
of an unfavorable change in the fair value of a real estate fund
Underlying earnings before tax decreased by €-28 million (-5%) (€+8 million).
to €513 million. On a constant exchange rate basis, underlying
earnings before tax decreased by €-33 million (-6%) as a result
of lower revenues, partly offset by cost discipline.
(in Euro million, except percentages) December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021
Gross revenues increased by €311 million (+22%) to €1,725 million. combined ratio in Motor from an increase in claims frequency
On a comparable basis, gross revenues increased by €329 million and average costs in Europe as well as adverse prior years’
(+24%): development and despite the increase of volumes in Travel;
■ Property & Casualty (€+315 million or +27%) to €1,497 million, ■ Health (€+3 million) to €+5 million, mainly from higher volumes.
mainly driven by the rebound of the Travel business in all
geographies and to a lesser extent from new business and Income tax expenses decreased by €25 million to €+11 million
existing partnerships in Motor and Home; mainly driven by positive tax one-offs.
Underlying earnings increased by €31 million to €-1 million.
■ Health (€+14 million or +7%) to €228 million from higher new
business. Net income decreased by €30 million to €-79 million mainly
driven by higher restructuring costs and the negative impact
Underlying earnings before tax increased by €6 million to of the sale of AXA Assistance Morocco, partly offset by higher
€-12 million: Underlying Earnings.
■ Property & Casualty (€+3 million) to €-16 million, mainly due
to (i) higher investment result partly offset by (ii) slightly higher
AXA SA – HOLDING
Underlying earnings decreased by €6 million to €-768 million, Net income decreased by €1 million to €-797 million, mainly
mainly driven by (i) higher investments to continue the acceleration due to (i) lower underlying earnings and (ii) a favorable change
of the IT transformation strategy and on the Digital Healthcare in the fair value of derivatives not eligible for hedge accounting.
Platform, partly offset by (ii) the positive impact related to the
settlement of tax litigations.
Information in this section should be read in conjunction with The Company anticipates that cash dividends received from its
Note 4 “Financial and insurance Risk Management” in Part 6 operating subsidiaries and other financing sources available to
“Consolidated Financial Statements” of this Annual Report. The the Company will continue to cover its operating expenses as a
report of the Statutory Auditors on the Consolidated Financial holding (including interest payments on its outstanding debts
Statements covers only the information included in Note 4. and borrowings) and dividend payments until the end of the
Liquidity management is a core part of the Group’s financial current strategic plan and the Company’s next strategic plan
planning and includes the management of our debt and the to be announced during the course of 2023. AXA expects that
maturities of our debt instruments and, more generally, the anticipated investments in subsidiaries and existing operations,
Group’s capital allocation strategy. Liquidity resources result future acquisitions and strategic investments and share repurchase
mainly from Insurance and Asset Management operations, as well transactions will be funded from available cash remaining after
as from capital-raising activities and committed bank credit lines. payments of dividends and operating expenses, proceeds from
the sale of non-strategic assets and businesses as well as future
Over the past several years, the Group has expanded its core issuances of debt and/or equity instruments.
operations (Insurance, Reinsurance, and Asset Management)
through a combination of organic growth, direct investments, Regulatory or governmental authorities may recommend or
and acquisitions. This expansion has been funded primarily request holding companies of insurance groups or regulated
through a combination of (i) dividends received from operating reinsurers such as AXA to limit their dividend payments and many
subsidiaries, (ii) proceeds from the issuance of debt instruments subsidiaries, particularly insurance entities, are subject to local
(mainly subordinated debts) and internal borrowings, (iii) the regulatory restrictions on the amount of dividends they can pay
issuance of ordinary shares, and (iv) proceeds from the sale of to their shareholders. Since the completion of the Company’s
non-core businesses and assets. transformation into the Group Internal Reinsurer on June 30,
2022, the ACPR, while remaining the supervising authority for the
Each of the major operating subsidiaries of the Group is responsible Group, also has supervisory power over AXA as an ACPR-licensed
for managing its own liquidity position, in coordination with the reinsurance company. For more information on these restrictions,
Company. The Company, as the holding company of the AXA see Note 29.4 “Other items: restrictions on dividend payments to
Group, coordinates funding and liquidity management and, in shareholders” in Part 6 “Consolidated Financial Statements” and
this role, participates in financing the operations of certain of its paragraphs “The Group’s or its insurance or reinsurance entities
subsidiaries. Certain of AXA’s subsidiaries, including XL Group failure to meet their solvency and capital adequacy requirements
Limited, AXA Konzern AG, AXA UK Plc. and AXA Mediterranean could have a material adverse effect on our business, liquidity,
Holding SA, are also holding companies and consequently, depend ratings, results of operations and financial condition”, “We are
on dividends received from their own subsidiaries to meet their dependent on our subsidiaries to cover our operating expenses,
obligations. The Group’s operating (re)insurance companies are make dividend payments and cover reinsurance claims that may
required to meet multiple regulatory constraints and, in particular, exceed the amount of reinsurance reserves that are held at the
minimum solvency ratios. The level of internal dividends paid by Company level” and “The Group and our businesses are subject
operating subsidiaries must therefore take into account these to extensive regulation, regulatory supervision, adverse judicial
constraints. Cash positions also fluctuate as a result of cash- decisions and emerging legal, regulatory and reputational risks
settled margin calls from counterparties related to collateral in the various jurisdictions in which we operate” in Section 5.1
agreements on derivatives. While the use of derivatives has been “Risk Factors” (1) of this Annual Report.
decreasing at the Company level, the Company’s statutory results
may be significantly impacted by unrealized gains and losses on
derivatives used to hedge, in particular, currency and interest rate
risks. In addition, since it became a regulated reinsurer in 2022,
the Company operates reinsurance activities whose liquidity
resources and needs are monitored separately.
(1) The information provided in Section 5.1 of this Annual report is not required under IFRS and as such is not part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(1) The information provided in Section 5.1 of this Annual report is not required under IFRS and as such is not part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Liquidity position
In 2022, AXA continued to follow a prudent approach to managing AXA SA maintained a pool of liquid resources pertaining to its
its liquidity risk. At year-end 2022, the Group had: role as holding of the AXA Group, made of cash, money market
■ a significant cash position across all business lines (information instruments (including through the Group’s cash pooling) and
on cash flows from operations is provided in Note 12 “Cash highly liquid fixed income investments as well as, following its
and cash equivalents” in Part 6 “Consolidated Financial transformation into a regulated reinsurer, a portfolio of investments
Statements” of this Annual Report). As of December 31, 2022, backing its statutory reinsurance liabilities. AXA SA also maintained
AXA’s consolidated statement of financial position included cash available credit facilities at €7.9 billion at year-end 2022 (€8.5 billion
and cash equivalents of €26.2 billion, net of bank overdrafts in 2021). AXA SA has its own liquidity requirements resulting mainly
of €0.5 billion; from solvency needs of entities under severe stress scenarios,
its central reinsurance activities following the transformation of
■ broad access to various markets via standardized debt programs: the Group’s holding into the Group’s main reinsurance captive
for example, at the end of 2022, this included a maximum and collateralized derivatives held by AXA SA. This derivatives
capacity of €6.0 billion of French commercial paper, $2.0 billion book is monitored and managed on a daily basis by the Treasury
of US commercial paper, €20.0 billion under a Euro Medium Department. For additional information on the currencies in
Term Note (“EMTN”) program (of which €18.3 billion have already which our cash and cash equivalents are held, please refer to
been issued), and €1.5 billion of French titres négociables à paragraph “Exchange Rate Risk related to the operating activities
moyen terme; of Group subsidiaries” in Section 5.3 “Market Risks” of this Annual
Report. For additional information on the extent to which our
■ a debt profile characterized by debt that is mostly subordinated,
borrowings are at fixed rates, please refer to Note 13.1.1 “Change
with a long maturity profile. In 2022, AXA SA issued €1.0 billion
in shareholders’ equity Group share in 2022”, Note 17 “Financing
of debt (net of repayments) and debt stood at €19.3 billion at
Debt” and Note 18.2 “Other Debt Instruments Issued, Notes and
year-end 2022. Debt gearing (1) increased (27.1% at year-end
Bank Overdrafts (Other than Financing Debt) by Issuance” in Part 6
2022, versus 26.4% at year-end 2021), driven by an increase
“Consolidated Financial Statements” of this Annual Report. For
of debt of €1.2 billion (2). Interest coverage increased (15,6x at
additional information on the use of financial instruments for
year-end 2022, versus 14.3x at year-end 2021), driven by higher
hedging purposes, please refer to Note 20 “Derivative instruments”
Group Underlying earnings in 2022.
in Part 6 “Consolidated Financial Statements” of this Annual
AXA has put in place a robust liquidity Risk Management framework Report.
which is reviewed on a regular basis through a quarterly monitoring
In addition, as part of its risk control framework, the Company
of liquidity and solvency requirements in stressed environments
remains vigilant regarding contractual provisions, such as
both at local and Group level. For additional information, please
rating triggers or restrictive covenants in financing and other
refer to Section 5.2 “Internal control and Risk Management” (3) and
documentation that may give lenders, securityholders or other
Section 5.5 “Liquidity risk” (4) of this Annual Report.
counterparties the right to accelerate repayment, demand
At year-end 2022, Group entities held, in the aggregate, more collateral or seek other similar remedies under circumstances that
than €167 billion of government and related bonds of which could have a material adverse effect on the Group’s consolidated
€99 billion were issued by Eurozone countries, which enables financial position. At year-end 2022, AXA had no rating triggers
them to address local liquidity needs through highly liquid assets. and no financial covenants in its credit facilities.
(1) Debt gearing is defined in the Glossary set forth in Appendix V hereto.
(2) Debt increase including foreign exchange impact.
(3) Only information contained in Section 5.2 “Internal control and risk management” of this Annual Report and referred to in Note 4 “Financial and insurance
risk management” in Part 6 “Consolidated Financial Statements” of this Annual Report is covered by the report of the Statutory Auditors on the Consolidated
Financial Statements.
(4) This information is not required under IFRS and as such is not part of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Therefore, it is not covered by the report of the
Statutory Auditors on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Interest paid by the Company in 2022 amounted to €988 million on the Group’s Underlying earnings per share from employee
(€921 million in 2021), of which interest on undated subordinated share offerings and/or the exercise of stock options, including
debt was €290 million (€265 million in 2021). (i) €803,3 million (1) under the €1,700 million share buy-back
Dividends paid to AXA SA’s shareholders in 2022 in respect of the program announced in November 2021, (ii) €500 (2) million under
2021 financial year amounted to €3,539 million, or €1.54 per share, the share buy-back program announced in February 2022, and
versus €1.43 per share paid in 2021 in respect of the 2020 financial (iii) €1,000 million (3) under a discretionary share buy-back program
year (€3,403 million in total). Those dividends were paid in cash. announced in August 2022.
In 2022, the Company repurchased €2,303 million of its own For additional information, please refer to Appendix III “AXA parent
shares for purposes other than eliminating the dilutive impact company financial statements” of this Annual Report.
The Group’s operating (re)insurance entities are subject to local The AXA Group’s capital management policy is based on the
regulatory capital requirements which are designed to protect following principles:
policyholders and to monitor capital adequacy. ■ AXA aims at operating with a target Group Solvency II ratio of
In the event that the Group or any of its insurance or reinsurance approximately 190%;
entities fail to meet minimum regulatory capital requirements, ■ AXA intends to pay dividends for an amount representing a pay-
insurance regulators would have broad authority to require or out ratio ranging from 55% to 65% of the Group’s Underlying
take various regulatory actions. A failure of the Group and/or Earnings per share;
any of its (re)insurance entities to meet applicable regulatory
capital requirements and/or a severe deterioration of its solvency ■ finally, AXA applies strict financial discipline in its use of cash.
position may result in the need for significant amounts of new AXA intends to buy back shares to at least neutralize the dilution
capital. If such a failure occurs at any of the Group’s (re)insurance resulting from employee share offerings and the exercise of stock
subsidiaries, it could adversely affect the Group’s liquidity position. options or to neutralize the dilutive impact of certain disposals
For additional information, see paragraph “The Group’s or its on the Group’s Underlying Earnings per share. AXA may also
(re)insurance entities’ failure to meet their solvency and capital use share buy-backs to return excess financial resources to its
adequacy requirements could have a material adverse effect on shareholders which would usually be assessed on an annual
our business, liquidity, ratings, results of operations and financial basis taking into account the Group’s resources and prospects.
condition” in Section 5.1 “Risk Factors” (5) of this Annual Report.
(1) €803,305,340.21.
(2) €499,999,991.
(3) €1,000,000,017.
(4) This information is not required under IFRS and as such is not part of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Therefore, it is not covered by the report of the
Statutory Auditors on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(5) The information provided in Section 5.1 of this Annual report is not required under IFRS and as such is not part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
If the Group’s Solvency II ratio were to deviate excessively below set forth in Directive 2014/51/EU (Omnibus II), which amended
its target level of 190%, AXA may take measures to improve it, the Solvency II Directive, as they were previously eligible under
such as being more selective on growth initiatives, increasing the Solvency I regime and were issued prior to the entry into
reinsurance or reducing its appetite for investment risk. In all force of Delegated Regulation EU 2015/35 of October 10, 2014.
cases, AXA’s policy is to maintain its Group Solvency II ratio above The Company has issued dated subordinated notes (“TSR”),
its risk appetite limit level of 140%. undated subordinated notes (“TSDI”) and undated deeply
The AXA Group has defined and implemented capital management subordinated notes (“TSS”), which include provisions designed
standards in order to ensure that the Company and its subsidiaries to allow the Company to ensure the continuity of its activities in
are well positioned from a competitive point of view and maintain the event its financial position deteriorates.
an adequate solvency ratio in accordance with local regulatory
requirements. In addition, Management has developed various
contingency plans. These plans may involve the use of reinsurance,
Certain TSR include clauses which permit or force the Company
to defer interest payments. In addition, redemption at maturity 2
is subject to (i) the prior approval by the Autorité de contrôle
sales of investment portfolios and/or other assets, measures to prudentiel et de résolution (the “ACPR”), and (ii) the absence of
reduce capital strain of new business, or other measures. There any event (a) making the own funds of the Company and/or the
can be no assurance, however, that these plans will be effective Group insufficient to cover its regulatory capital requirements,
and achieve their objectives. or (b) pursuant to which the Company would have to take
specified action in relation to payments under the notes due
to its financial condition, or (c) having an adverse effect on its
TIERING ANALYSIS OF CAPITAL insurance subsidiaries’ claim payments ability.
Pursuant to the terms and conditions of AXA’s TSDI, the Company
Solvency II Eligible Own Funds (“EOF”) relate to the Group’s and may, at its option, under certain circumstances and shall, in other
AXA SA’s (on a solo basis) available capital resources before the circumstances, defer interest payment (e.g., no dividend declared
impact of any tiering eligibility restrictions and after consideration or paid in the preceding Annual Shareholders’ Meeting or receipt
of the potential non-availability of certain elements of capital. by the Company or by certain of its principal insurance subsidiaries
Eligible Own Funds are split into three different tiers, based on of a regulatory demand to restore its or their solvency position as
the quality of each component as defined under Solvency II the case may be). Payment of deferred interest may become due
regulations. The classification depends upon the extent to in certain specified cases (e.g., payment of a dividend, notification
which the own fund item is immediately available to absorb of the end of a regulatory demand to restore solvency, liquidation
losses including in case of a winding-up (permanent availability) of the Company or redemption of the TSDI).
and subordinated to all other obligations including towards In particular, most of the Company’s TSS include loss absorption
policyholders and beneficiaries. Capital elements of the highest mechanisms which provide that under certain circumstances where
quality are classified in Tier 1. Eligibility limits apply to these the Company does not meet its regulatory capital requirements,
components to cover the Group’s and AXA SA’s (on a solo basis) the principal amount of each of the relevant TSS will be written
Solvency Capital Requirement (“SCR”). down. In such event, interest will become payable on the reduced
For compliance with the SCR, the following quantitative limits principal amount only. The principal may be reinstated when the
apply: (a) the eligible amount of Tier 1 items must be at least one Company returns to financial health, as defined under the terms
half of the SCR, (b) the eligible amount of Tier 3 items must be and conditions of the TSS.
less than 15% of the SCR, and (c) the sum of the eligible amounts In addition, for most of the Company’s TSS, upon the occurrence
of Tier 2 and Tier 3 items must not exceed 50% of the SCR. of certain events relating to the Company’s consolidated net
Hybrid debt instruments eligible for Tier 1 must not exceed 20% earnings and shareholders’ equity, the Company is required to
of the total amount of Tier 1 capital. defer payment of interest. In such events, the Company may
choose to pay such deferred interest by way of alternative coupon
settlement mechanisms within five years (such as, issuance of
new shares or other securities including TSS or preference shares,
DATED AND UNDATED SUBORDINATED sale of treasury shares, or an increase in the principal amount of
DEBT DESCRIPTION the relevant notes, subject to applicable limits), failing which the
interest is forfeited. However, the settlement of deferred interest
Dated and undated subordinated notes issued by the Company becomes due, on a best-efforts basis, in certain circumstances
qualify as eligible own funds. including redemption of the notes, liquidation of the Company,
Subordinated notes issued by the Company since January 18, 2015, payment of a dividend or interest on any other TSS, any share
have been structured to be eligible as own funds regulatory capital buy-back outside the Company’s buy-back program, or any
under Solvency II regulations. Subordinated notes issued prior to redemption or repurchase of other TSS.
January 17, 2015, mostly benefit from the transitional provisions
(1) This information is not required under IFRS and as such is not part of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Therefore, it is not covered by the report of the
Statutory Auditors on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(1) The Shareholders’ Annual General Meeting authorization granted on April 28, 2022, or the authorization expected to be granted by the Shareholders’ Annual
General Meeting on April 27, 2023, as applicable.
(2) The up-to €1.1 billion share buy-back program will be executed in addition to any other potential share buy-back transactions that may be launched by AXA,
including the previously announced share buy-back to be executed following the closing of the sale of the closed Life & Pensions portfolio by AXA Germany.
(3) The purchase price will not exceed the maximum purchase price approved at the applicable Shareholders’ Annual General Meeting.
(4) https://www.axa.com/en/investor/share-buyback-programs#tab=share-buy-back-program-total
AXA delivered excellent operational performance in 2022. This current operating conditions persist, Management believes that
reflected the strength of its business model, which has proven AXA is well positioned to deliver underlying earnings per share
resilient in a challenging macroeconomic and geopolitical growth above the 3-7% CAGR target range over the period from
environment. The Group remains focused on executing its strategic 2020 (rebased for COVID-19 and excess Nat Cat losses) through 2023.
priorities, with an emphasis on growing cash-generative, technical, Management also believes that the Group is well positioned to
and fee-based business lines, with reduced sensitivity to financial deliver profitable growth in the future and drive customer value, in
markets and lower exposure to Nat Cat reinsurance. The Group also particular by leveraging unique synergies between AXA’s leading
remains vigilant with respect to potential short-term challenges, global Commercial lines Insurance franchise and strong retail
including inflationary pressures, market volatility, risks of economic positions in Western Europe and Japan.
slowdown, and a more difficult reinsurance marketplace.
AXA’s strategy is designed to generate sustained earnings and
AXA is resolutely focused on delivering its “Driving Progress 2023” dividend growth, supported by enhanced cash generation, a
key targets, aided by a very solid balance sheet, the Group’s actions strong balance sheet and disciplined capital management. AXA’s
to counterbalance the impact of higher inflation, and measures Management believes that the Group is well placed to create
taken to limit the Group’s Nat Cat exposure. Considering the strong lasting shareholder value and offer an attractive return.
overall operating performance delivered in 2022, and assuming
3.2
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE
Board of Directors
The Board Committees
Executive Management
Other information
126
Corporate officers’ and executives’ compensation 127
Shares subject to performance conditions (Performance shares and international performance 137
shares, restricted shares and international restricted shares)
Stock options 145
Share ownership policy for executives of the Group 149
Transactions involving Company securities completed in 2022 by the members of the Board 151
of Directors
Commitments made to executive officers 152
Compensation policy of the Company’s corporate officers (Ordinary and Extraordinary 154
Shareholders’ Meeting of April 27, 2023)
PRINCIPLES OF GOVERNANCE The Board has adopted internal terms of reference (the
“Board’s Terms of Reference”) which notably detail the role and
responsibilities of the Board and its Committees, as well as
Implementing sound corporate governance principles has
matters reserved for Board decisions. The Board’s Terms of
been a priority at AXA for many years. In this context, AXA
Reference include corporate governance requirements which,
chose to adopt, in 2008, the Corporate Governance Code for
in certain instances, go beyond French regulatory requirements
French corporations (Code de gouvernement d’entreprises des
notably in relation to the role of the independent directors on
sociétés cotées) published by the Afep (Association française des
the Board Committees.
entreprises privées) and the Medef (Mouvement des entreprises
de France) (the “Afep-Medef Code”). The Board of Directors
believes that AXA’s corporate governance practices (i) are in line Separation of the positions of Chairman of the
with the recommendations of the Afep-Medef Code (revised in Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer
December 2022 and available on AXA’s website – www.axa.com) The Board decides whether to combine or separate the roles of
and its accompanying guide, and (ii) have followed the evolution Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. In line with its practice since
of corporate governance practices in France and abroad, as well as the appointment of Mr. Thomas Buberl as Chief Executive Officer
the recommendations and standards of shareholders, regulators, in 2016, and the recommendations of the ACPR, the positions
the French High Committee for Corporate Governance (Haut of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer are split. Following
Comité de Gouvernement d’Entreprise), proxy advisors, rating Mr. Denis Duverne’s retirement, the Board on April 28, 2022
agencies and other stakeholders. (i) appointed Mr. Antoine Gosset-Grainville as Chairman of the
Board of Directors to replace Mr. Denis Duverne, and (ii) renewed
Mr. Thomas Buberl’s mandate as Chief Executive Officer for a
PRESENTATION OF AXA’S GOVERNANCE four-year term.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chairman: Antoine Gosset-Grainville
The Board of Directors determines
the strategic orientations of the Company
and ensures their implementation
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT
Chief Executive Officer
Thomas Buberl
The Chief Executive Officer is vested with the broadest
powers to act in all circumstances on behalf of the
Company and to represent the Company in its
relationships with third parties
3
Management Committee
Assists the Chief Executive Officer
in the operational management
of the Group
Partners group
Assists the Chief Executive Officer
and the Management Committee
to develop and implement
key strategic initiatives
I Board of Directors
MEMBERSHIP OF THE BOARD Consequently, in view of the Group’s global presence, the Board
OF DIRECTORS of Directors, assisted in this task by its Compensation, Governance
& Sustainability Committee, has set a target to have Board
members with diverse nationalities and cultures to ensure a
balanced and complementary Board, in terms of gender, expertise,
Board of Directors Diversity Policy experience and tenure.
The following diversity policy was adopted by AXA in compliance The members of the Board of Directors are generally appointed
with Article L.22-10-10, 2° of the French Commercial Code (Code for a four-year term. On December 31, 2022, the Board of Directors
de commerce). comprised seventeen members – nine women and eight men. An
POLICY STATEMENT overview of the Board of Directors as well as the profile, experience
and expertise of each director is provided in pages 103 to 111 of
In an increasingly complex and highly competitive global this Annual Report.
environment, it is important for AXA to have directors with diverse
and complementary profiles, skills, and experience to drive its The objective of this diversity policy is to ensure that, over time,
current and future strategy and development. the Board of Directors continues to be composed of members
with complementary skills and experience who are collectively
The Board of Directors believes that such diversity is essential able to support the Group’s Management in executing its strategic
for the Board to function optimally, and that diversity is a source plan and defining long-term objectives.
of creativity and performance. It also broadens the analytical
perspective of the issues discussed at Board meetings.
53 53 53
47 47 47
37
i.e., a rate of 43% of women and 57% of men (excluding directors representing the employees
and the director representing the employee-shareholders) in accordance with legal
requirements.
1 1
Swiss
1
Irish
9
3
French-Swiss- French
German
1
French-Argentinian On December 31,
1 2022
German
1
Chinese
1 1
British Dutch
53%
64%
56%
60%
2022
2021
2020
2019
20%
12% 19% 20%
18%
25%
18%
35%
Less than 4 years
Between 4 and 8 years
More than 8 years
1
40-49 years
8
50-59 years
8
60-69 years
Risk management,
compliance, internal audit
H. Browne, T. Buberl, C. Delbos, 11 Financial expertise
R. Fernandez, A. François-Poncet,
11 T. Buberl, C. Delbos, R. Duan,
A. Gosset-Grainville, G. Harlin, I. Hudson, R. Fernandez, A. François-Poncet,
A. Kemna, R. de Oliveira, R. Picard A. Gosset-Grainville, G. Harlin,
7 6 I. Hudson, A. Kemna, R. de Oliveira,
R. Picard
Experience in growing
and emerging markets Experience of customers services
T. Buberl, JP. Clamadieu, C. Delbos, and digital strategies
R. Duan, G. Faury, R. Fernandez, T. Buberl, R. Duan, G. Faury,
MF. Tschudin R. Fernandez, I. Hudson, R. Picard
GENDER BALANCE
NUMBER INDEPENDENT WITHIN THE DIRECTORS’
OF DIRECTORS DIRECTOR RATIO BOARD OF DIRECTORS NATIONALITY AVERAGE AGE
17 65% 53% 8 59
11 independent 43% of women directors out of 17 are
directors excluding directors non-French nationals –
representing the 8 nationalities are
employees and the represented on the
employee Board
shareholders
(1) For further information on the expertise, experience and directorships of the members of the Board of Directors, please refer to Section “Information on
current members of the Board of Directors” below.
Number of
AXA shares
Name (age) and main function (a) owned on
Principal business address Position within December 31, First appointment/
Nationality the Board of Directors 2022 (b) term of office
Antoine Gosset-Grainville (56) Chairman of the Board of Directors 4,268 June 2020/2024
Partner at BDGS Associés Law Firm Annual Shareholders’
51, rue François 1er – 75008 Paris – France Meeting
French nationality
Thomas Buberl (49) Director and Chief Executive Officer 1,003,917 (c) September 2016/2026
Director and Chief Executive Officer of AXA Annual Shareholders’
25, avenue Matignon – 75008 Paris – France Meeting
French, German and Swiss nationalities
Martine Bièvre (63) Director representing the employees 419 (c) June 2018/2026
Director of AXA representing the employees Annual Shareholders’
AXA France – 203-205 rue Carnot – 94138 Fontenay- Meeting
sous-Bois – France
French nationality
Helen Browne (60) Director representing the employee 152,029 (c) June 2020/2024
Director of AXA representing the employee shareholders shareholders Annual Shareholders’
25, avenue Matignon – 75008 Paris – France Meeting
Irish nationality
Jean-Pierre Clamadieu (64) Senior Independent Director 11,500 October 2012/2023
Chairman of the Board of Directors of ENGIE Chairman of the Compensation, Annual Shareholders’
1, place Samuel de Champlain – Governance & Sustainability Meeting
92930 Paris la Défense Cedex – France Committee
French nationality
Bettina Cramm (59) Director representing the employees 2,185 June 2018/2026
Director of AXA representing the employees Member of the Compensation, Annual Shareholders’
AXA Konzern AG – PX Health&Safety – Governance & Sustainability Meeting
Abraham-Lincoln Park 5 – 65189 Wiesbaden – Germany Committee
German nationality
Clotilde Delbos (55) Independent director 5,300 (d) May 2021/2024
Companies’ director Member of the Audit Committee Annual Shareholders’
25, avenue Matignon – 75008 Paris – France Meeting
French nationality
Rachel Duan (52) Independent director 5,600 April 2018/2026
Companies’ director Member of the Compensation, Annual Shareholders’
25, avenue Matignon – 75008 Paris – France Governance & Sustainability Meeting
Chinese nationality Committee
Guillaume Faury (54) Independent director 5,000 (e) April 2021/2025
Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Member of the Compensation, Annual Shareholders’
Building B80 – W410 Governance & Sustainability Meeting
2 Rond-point Dewoitine – BP 90112 - Committee
31703 Blagnac Cedex – France
French nationality
Ramon Fernandez (55) Independent director 5,577 (d) April 2021/2025
Deputy Chief Executive Officer Chairman of the Finance & Risk Annual Shareholders’
(Directeur Général Adjoint) of Orange Committee Meeting
111, Quai du Président Roosevelt – Member of the Audit Committee
92130 Issy-les-Moulineaux – France
French nationality
André François-Poncet (63) Independent director 7,842 December 2016/2024
Companies’ director Member of the Compensation, Annual Shareholders’
25, avenue Matignon – 75008 Paris – France Governance & Sustainability Meeting
French nationality Committee
Member of the Finance & Risk
Committee
(a) For further information on the expertise, experience, and directorships of the members of the Board of Directors, please refer to Section “Information on current members
of the Board of Directors” below.
(b) AXA shares indirectly held through Mutual funds are not taken into account.
(c) On March 12, 2023.
(d) On January 19, 2023.
(e) On March 10, 2023.
Number of
AXA shares
Name (age) and main function (a) owned on
Principal business address Position within December 31, First appointment/
Nationality the Board of Directors 2022 (b) term of office
Gérald Harlin (67) Director 454,975 (c) April 2022/2026
Companies’ director Member of the Finance & Risk Annual Shareholders’
25, avenue Matignon – 75008 Paris – France Committee Meeting
French nationality
Isabel Hudson (63) Independent director 9,168 (d) June 2020/2024
Companies’ director Chairwoman of the Audit Committee Annual Shareholders’
25, avenue Matignon – 75008 Paris – France Member of the Finance & Risk Meeting
British nationality Committee
Angelien Kemna (65) Independent director 7,250 April 2016/2024
Companies’ director Member of the Audit Committee Annual Shareholders’
25, avenue Matignon – 75008 Paris – France Meeting
Dutch nationality
Ramon de Oliveira (68) Director 38,234 April 2009/2025
Founder and Partner of RdeO Consulting LLC Member of the Finance & Risk Annual Shareholders’
(United States)
580 Park Avenue – New York – NY 10065 – United States
Committee Meeting
3
French and Argentinian nationalities
Rachel Picard (56) Independent director 500 April 2022/2026
Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Criteo Member of the Audit Committee Annual Shareholders’
32, rue Blanche – 75009 Paris – France Meeting
French nationality
Marie-France Tschudin (51) Independent director 2,695 June 2020/2024
President, Innovative Medicines International Member of the Compensation, Annual Shareholders’
& Chief Commercial Officer, of Novartis Pharma AG Governance & Sustainability Meeting
(Switzerland) 4002 Basel – Switzerland Committee
Swiss nationality
(a) For further information on the expertise, experience, and directorships of the members of the Board of Directors, please refer to Section “Information on current members
of the Board of Directors” below.
(b) AXA shares indirectly held through Mutual funds are not taken into account.
(c) On March 12, 2023.
(d) On January 20, 2023.
Changes within the membership of the Board of Directors and its Committees in 2022
Ratification of
Term of office Appointment cooptation Renewal
Board of Directors Denis Duverne Gérald Harlin Clotilde Delbos Martine Bièvre
(04/28/2022) (04/28/2022) (04/28/2022) (04/28/2022)
Patricia Barbizet Rachel Picard Bettina Cramm
(04/28/2022) (04/28/2022) (04/28/2022)
Rachel Duan
(04/28/2022)
Thomas Buberl
(04/28/2022)
André François-Poncet
(04/28/2022)
Audit Committee - Rachel Picard - -
(04/28/2022)
Finance & Risk Committee Antoine Gosset- Gérald Harlin - André François-Poncet
Grainville (04/28/2022) (04/28/2022)
(04/28/2022)
Helen Browne
(04/28/2022)
Compensation, Governance Patricia Barbizet Marie-France - Bettina Cramm
& Sustainability Committee (04/28/2022) Tschudin (04/28/2022)
(04/28/2022) Rachel Duan
Guillaume Faury (04/28/2022)
(06/22/2022) André François-Poncet
(04/28/2022)
(1) Or a rate of 46% (higher than the minimum of 40% required by law) of women (excluding the directors representing the employees and the director representing
the employee-shareholders) in accordance with legal requirements.
(1) Current directorships held by members of the Board of Directors within a listed company are indicated by the following symbol: *.
Current directorships held by members of the Board of Directors within companies belonging to the same group are indicated by the following symbol: **.
(2) Mr. Thomas Buberl obtained the agreement of the Company’s Board of Directors before agreeing to hold offices in companies outside the AXA Group.
Each year, the Board of Directors assesses the independence of each of its members based on the recommendations of the Afep-Medef Code.
The following table sets out the position of each director of the Company in consideration of the criteria of the Afep-Medef Code on
December 31, 2022.
* The Company considers that the fact that certain members of the AXA Board of Directors hold or have held during the last five years non-executive directorships in one or
more Group subsidiaries owned, directly or indirectly, by AXA does not automatically (i) place them in a situation of conflict of interest, or (ii) impair their independence in
any way. The Board believes that allowing its members to sit on the boards of certain Group subsidiaries is beneficial to the Board’s overall knowledge and appreciation
of the activity, operations, strategy and risk profile of the entire Group. Indeed, directors who hold directorships in subsidiaries may, where appropriate, provide the Board
with useful insights and a precise and practical vision of the strategy, operational activities, processes and teams of the concerned subsidiaries, and more generally of the
Group’s business and organization. Directors who also serve on the boards of Group subsidiaries, however, are required to abstain from participating in the debates and
decisions of the AXA Board which could affect the interests of the entity in which they hold a directorship to prevent any conflict of interest or potential independence issues.
On February 22, 2023, the AXA Board of Directors determined One member of the Board of Directors (currently Mrs. Helen Browne)
that, on December 31, 2022, eleven of the seventeen Board is the AXA employee shareholders’ representative. This
members were independent after assessing the criteria of representative is appointed by the shareholders every four
the Afep-Medef Code: Mmes Clotilde Delbos, Rachel Duan, years from a list of candidates selected by the Group’s employee
Isabel Hudson, Angelien Kemna, Rachel Picard and Marie-France shareholders, following an internal selection process.
Tschudin and Messrs. Jean-Pierre Clamadieu, Guillaume Faury, In addition, since June 2018, two directors representing the
Ramon Fernandez, André François-Poncet and Antoine Gosset- employees, Mmes Martine Bièvre and Bettina Cramm, have been
Grainville. members of the AXA Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors does not have any non-voting members
(censors).
112 I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 113
3 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
3.1 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE
The Board is collectively responsible for determining the strategic In accordance with French law, the Chairman’s role is to organize
orientations of the Company, ensuring their implementation and oversee the work of the Board of Directors. In this context, he
in accordance with its corporate purpose and taking into sets the agenda of the Board meetings, holds regular discussions
consideration the social and environmental challenges of its with the Chief Executive Officer and the directors, requests any
activity, and establishing the internal framework for oversight of document or information necessary to help the Board of Directors
Executive Management, subject to relevant laws and regulations for the preparation of its meetings, verifies the quality of the
and the Bylaws of the Company. In addition, the Board inter alia: information provided and more generally, ensures that Board
■ chooses the appropriate corporate governance framework; members are in a position to fulfill their role. Prior to each meeting,
Board members receive documentation concerning matters to
■ appoints and dismisses the Chairman, any Vice-Chairman/ be reviewed, generally eight days in advance of Board meetings.
Senior Independent Director, the Chief Executive Officer, any
The Chairman convenes the members of the Board without
Deputy Chief Executive Officer, any dirigeant effectif (executive
directors who are members of the Executive Management being
who effectively runs the Company as required by Solvency II),
present, in particular to allow debates on the performance and
and determines their respective compensation;
compensation of the Executive Management and succession
■ convenes Shareholders’ Meetings; planning.
■ proposes directors for appointment to the Shareholders’ Mr. Denis Duverne’s mandate as Chairman of the Board of Directors
Meeting and/or coopts directors to the Board; having ended at the end of the April 28, 2022 Shareholders’
Meeting, the Board of Directors, upon recommendation from
■ reviews and endorses (arrête) the Company’s and the Group’s its Compensation, Governance & Sustainability Committee,
half-year and annual financial statements; unanimously decided to appoint Mr. Antoine Gosset-Grainville
■ presents a report on corporate governance to the Shareholders’ as Chairman of the Board of Directors to replace him.
Meeting; Before taking on his new role, Mr. Antoine Gosset-Grainville worked
■ fulfills all the obligations entrusted to it under Solvency II closely with Mr. Denis Duverne for over a year. In this context, the
regulations; Board of Directors decided to align Mr. Antoine Gosset-Grainville’s
mission with that of Mr. Denis Duverne as follows (2):
■ sets the risk appetite and overall risk tolerance limits for AXA SA;
■ to promote the Company’s values and culture in particular in
■ reviews the strategies and the policies on the taking, relation to corporate responsibility and professional ethics;
management and monitoring of risks as well as the conclusions
■ upon request by the Chief Executive Officer, to represent the
of the internal assessment of risks and solvency (ORSA – Own
Company in its relations, nationally and internationally with
Risk and Solvency Assessment – report);
public bodies, institutions, regulators, shareholders and the
■ adopts and oversees the general principles of the Group’s Company’s main strategic partners and stakeholders;
Remuneration policy;
■ to consult with the Chief Executive Officer on major topics
■ proposes Statutory Auditors for appointment to the and events relating to the Company (including the Company’s
Shareholders’ Meeting and approves non-audit services. strategy, major acquisition or divestment projects, significant
financial transactions, major community projects and the
The Chief Executive Officer, who is also a Board member, is vested
appointment of the most senior executives of the Group);
with the broadest powers to act in all circumstances on behalf of
the Company and to represent the Company in its relationships ■ upon invitation of the Chief Executive Officer, to take part in
with third parties. However, the Board of Directors has also internal meetings with Group executives and teams to provide
reserved the right to approve certain material transactions as set his opinion on strategic issues or projects; and
out in its Terms of Reference, including disposals or acquisitions
■ to assist and advise the Chief Executive Officer.
(over €500 million), significant financing operations and any
material transaction outside the strategy announced by the
Company.
To ensure that the personal interests of the members of the Board
of Directors and those of the Company are appropriately aligned,
the Board’s Terms of Reference provide that each member of the
Board of Directors (with the exception of the directors representing
the employees) must hold, within two years following his/her first
appointment, a number of AXA shares with a value at least equal
to the gross annual amount of his/her compensation (director’s
fees) earned in respect of the previous fiscal year (1).
(1) For this purpose, AXA shares are valued using the closing price of the AXA share on December 31 of the preceding fiscal year.
(2) The role of the Chairman is set out in the Board’s Terms of Reference which are available on AXA’s website.
In this context, in 2022, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, ■ contributed to the selection process of the future members of
notably: the Board of Directors and its Committees;
■ represented the Company at various national and international ■ worked closely with the Chairman of the Board on the
events attended by certain of the Group’s main partners and organization of the annual self-assessment of the Board;
strategic stakeholders;
■ contributed to the review of all communications made to
■ had discussions with the main institutional shareholders of the shareholders in particular on corporate governance topics
Company, in particular prior to the Shareholders’ Meeting; and and Executive Management compensation.
■ at the request of the Chief Executive Officer, participated He reported on his activities at the Shareholders’ Meeting of
in internal meetings in connection with significant events April 28, 2022.
concerning the Company.
While the Chairman acts in close collaboration with the Chief
Executive Officer, his role is contributory in nature and does not BOARD ACTIVITIES IN 2022
confer any executive power. Under French law, the Chief Executive
Officer is solely responsible for the Company’s operational In 2022, the Board of Directors met nine times and held four
leadership and management. executive sessions without the presence of the Executive
Management.
In March 2022, the Board of Directors held its annual two-day off-
site strategy session with presentations by Group senior executives
In 2022, the Board self-assessment was conducted internally,
and all directors (except the Chairman of the Board) answered
on a variety of key strategic topics related to the implementation a self-assessment questionnaire and had a meeting with the
of the Strategic Plan. Chairman of the Board to assess the effectiveness of the Board
In 2022, two training sessions were also organized by the Chairman and each Board member’s contribution. The conclusions of each
of the Board on reinsurance and on the implementation of IFRS 17 director’s personal contribution were shared by the Chairman of
and IFRS 9 accounting standards. the Board who provided individual feedback during dedicated
one-on-one meetings with each Board member.
Training sessions were also organized for new members of the
Board of Directors to familiarize them with the Group’s main Each director also had a meeting with the Chairman of the
activities and issues. These sessions mainly focused on the Compensation, Governance & Sustainability Committee to collect
Group’s financial structure, strategy, governance, main activities, his/her assessment and suggestions on the personal contribution
Solvency II regulations, reinsurance, risk management, Group IT of the Chairman of the Board of Directors.
security, cyber risk, and regulatory developments in the insurance During its December 2022 meeting, the Compensation,
sector. Governance & Sustainability Committee thoroughly reviewed
(i) the conclusions of the Board self-assessment and (ii) the main
areas for improvement and made recommendations to the Board
SELF-ASSESSMENT OF THE BOARD of Directors who examined and approved them during the Board
OF DIRECTORS’ ACTIVITIES meeting of December 13, 2022.
The 2022 self-assessment demonstrated that the directors’
The Board of Directors conducts an annual self-assessment perception of the overall functioning of the Board of Directors,
to review its composition, operating procedures, and overall including its dynamics and its performance, remained very
functioning. The conclusions of this self-assessment are discussed positive.
annually at the Board of Directors. The members of the Board of Directors nevertheless identified
Since 2013, the Board of Directors, upon recommendation from the following areas for improvement:
its Compensation, Governance & Sustainability Committee, has ■ dedicate more time in Board agendas to non-financial matters,
periodically appointed an external consultant to carry out the especially to (i) HR/Culture, (ii) ESG, and (iii) trends/future
Board’s annual assessment. challenges;
In 2021, the Board self-assessment was carried out by a consultant ■ update the Board on the status of the main strategic action
(SpencerStuart) who collected each of the individual director’s points during each meeting;
inputs, views and suggestions on the Board’s work and its
performance. Each director’s view on other members’ participation ■ maintain a yearly session dedicated to the equity story/market
and contribution to the Board’s work was also collected. perspective;
■ clarify the allocation of responsibility on ESG-related topics
amongst Board’s Committees; and
■ closely monitor the composition of the Board and progressively
reduce its size.
In 2022, the Board met nine times and the average attendance rate was 97.39%. Board meetings lasted approximately four hours on
average.
Compensation,
Governance
& Sustainability
Board of Directors Audit Committee Finance & Risk Committee Committee
Number of Number of Number of Number of
attendance/ attendance/ attendance/ attendance/
Number of Attendance Number of Attendance Number of Attendance Number of Attendance
Directors meetings rate meetings rate meetings rate meetings rate
Denis Duverne 3/3 100% - - - - - -
Antoine Gosset-Grainville 9/9 100% - - 2/2 100% - -
Thomas Buberl 9/9 100% - - - - - -
Patricia Barbizet 2/3 66.67% - - - - 1/1 100%
Martine Bièvre
Helen Browne
9/9
9/9
100%
100%
-
-
-
-
-
2/2 100%
- -
-
-
- 3
Jean-Pierre Clamadieu 9/9 100% - - - - 5/5 100%
Bettina Cramm 9/9 100% - - - - 5/5 100%
Clotilde Delbos 9/9 100% 6/7 87.71% - - - -
Rachel Duan 9/9 100% - - - - 5/5 100%
Guillaume Faury 9/9 100% - - - - 2/3 66.67%
Ramon Fernandez 9/9 100% 7/7 100% 6/6 100% - -
André François-Poncet 9/9 100% - - 6/6 100% 5/5 100%
Gérald Harlin 6/6 100% - - 4/4 100% - -
Isabel Hudson 9/9 100% 7/7 100% 6/6 100% - -
Angelien Kemna 9/9 100% 7/7 100% - - - -
Ramon de Oliveira 9/9 100% - - 6/6 100% - -
Rachel Picard 5/6 83.33% 4/5 80% - - - -
Marie-France Tschudin 7/9 77.78% - - - - 4/4 100%
TOTAL ATTENDANCE RATE 97.39% 93.94% 100% 96.43%
Composition: Isabel Hudson (Chairwoman) – Clotilde Delbos – Ramon Fernandez – Angelien Kemna – Rachel Picard
In accordance with the Afep-Medef recommendations, the Audit Committee members are notably competent in the areas of finance
and/or accounting.
INDEPENDENT
MEETINGS ATTENDANCE DIRECTORS
7 93.94% 100%
3
Main responsibilities Main activities in 2022
The scope of the Audit Committee’s responsibilities is set out in its Terms of Reference The Committee focused, in particular, on the following
which are reviewed and approved each year by the Board of Directors. issues:
The main missions of the Committee are to: ■ the 2021 financial statements;
■ monitor the financial reporting process and the integrity of the publicly reported ■ the 2021 Annual Report (Universal Registration
results and disclosures made in the financial statements; Document);
■ monitor the adequacy and effectiveness of the internal control and r isk ■ the 2022 half-year financial statements;
management frameworks for both AXA SA and the Group; ■ internal control and risk management (reports on
■ form an opinion on the effectiveness, performance and independence of the the financial and operational risks, compliance,
Group’s internal auditors; litigation, Group Information Security (IT security –
■ consider the appointment and oversee the process for selecting Statutory Auditors, cyber risk), on the Group’s Internal Financial Control
monitor the Statutory Auditors’ audits and review of the Group’s consolidated (IFC) function, and the AXA SA and Group’s Standards/
financial statements, as well as the auditors’ independence and the breakdown written policies…);
of their fees and make recommendations to the Board as to the appointment ■ compliance with Solvency II regulations and the
of the Statutory Auditors to provide non-audit services; review of the ORSA, SFCR and RSR reports;
■ monitor the process for preparation of the Group’s extra-financial information, and ■ the review of the main extra-financial disclosures,
review the extra-financial performance statement (déclaration de performance including the extra-financial performance statement
extra-financière) included in the Universal Registration Document as well as any (déclaration de performance extra-financière);
other similar extra-financial report which may require Board approval pursuant ■ the results of internal and external audit work;
to applicable regulations; ■ the review of M anagement’s draft response to
■ review the documents required under the Solvency II regulations, including written requests sent by the ACPR;
policies for AXA SA and the Group and, jointly with the Finance & Risk Committee, ■ the review, for recommendation to the Board, of the
both AXA SA and the Group’s ORSA reports as well as any other report which may non-audit services provided by the Statutory Auditors;
require Board approval pursuant to Solvency II regulations. ■ the internal and external audit plans and resources;
The review of financial statements by the Audit Committee is accompanied by a ■ the implementation of IFRS 17 and IFRS 9 accounting
report from the Statutory Auditors on the main results of the statutory audit and standards;
the accounting methods chosen in this regard. ■ the review of the Statutory Auditors’ rotation process;
The Committee also receives presentations from the Group Chief Risk Officer, the and
Group General Counsel and the Group Chief Financial Officer describing the Company’s ■ the review of the annual reinsurance programme.
principal risk exposures including those of a social and environmental nature, and
where applicable the material off-balance-sheet commitments.
The Committee regularly meets the Statutory Auditors and the Global Head of
Internal Audit during ad hoc sessions.
The Group Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Directeur Général Adjoint) & General
Secretary, the Group Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Directeur Général Adjoint) in
charge of Finance, Risk Management, Strategy, ceded Reinsurance and Operations,
the Group Chief Financial Officer, the Global Head of Internal Audit, the Group Chief
Risk Officer, the Group Chief Accounting Officer as well as the Statutory Auditors
attend each Audit Committee meeting.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors, as well as the Chief Executive Officer,
although not members of the Committee, contribute to the work of the Committee
and attend its meetings.
Composition: Ramon Fernandez (Chairman) – André François-Poncet – Gérald Harlin – Isabel Hudson – Ramon de Oliveira
INDEPENDENT
MEETINGS ATTENDANCE DIRECTORS
6 100% 60%
The main missions of the Committee are: The Committee focused, in particular, on the following issues:
■ to examine and issue an opinion on any plan to sell some or all
ownership interests held by the Company, or any acquisition or Finance matters:
strategic partnership, whatever form they may take, when their ■ market context and market’s view on AXA;
immediate or deferred value exceeds the €500 million threshold; ■ activity and profitability;
■ to examine and issue an opinion on any sureties, guarantees, ■ financial structure & capital management;
endorsements and warrantees in favor of third parties which exceed ■ transactions on AXA shares;
the delegations of power granted to the Chief Executive Officer by ■ investment plan strategy;
the Board of Directors; ■ AXA SA’s & the Group’s Strategic Asset Allocation;
■ to examine and issue an opinion on any of the following: ■ Pre-emptive Recovery Plan;
– securities issuances giving a claim, whether directly or indirectly, ■ main M&A projects;
to the Company’s share capital, ■ review of financial authorizations including guarantees; and
– share repurchase programs proposed to the Ordinary Shareholders’ ■ review of any recommendation to carry out a capital increase
Meeting, reserved for the employees of the Group (Shareplan 2022).
– financing operations that could substantially change the
Company’s financial structure; Risk matters:
■ to examine any recommendation to perform a financial transaction ■ AXA SA’s & the Group’s risk appetite;
of significant size for the AXA Group; ■ Group Solvency roll-forward;
■ to review any subject relating to the financial management of the ■ regulatory developments;
AXA Group including: ■ AXA SA’s & Group’s Risk Management Standards and written policies;
– the policy on financial risk management, ■ compliance with Solvency II regulations and review of the ORSA,
– the liquidity and financing of the Group, SFCR and RSR reports; and
– solvency and capital management, ■ review of the annual reinsurance programme.
– the responsible investment policy, its implementation, and its
impact on the Group investment portfolio and plans;
■ to examine the impact of the main orientations and limits of Asset
Liability Management policy on the Group’s capital and solvency;
■ to review the Group’s risk appetite framework developed by the
Executive Management for financial, extra-financial, (re)insurance
and operational exposures;
■ to review AXA SA’s risk strategy and appetite and overall risk tolerance
limits (including the reinsurance risk);
■ jointly with the Audit Committee, review both AXA SA’s and the Group’s
ORSA reports, as well as any report which may require Board approval
pursuant to Solvency II regulations.
The Group Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Directeur Général Adjoint) in
charge of Finance, Risk Management, Strategy, ceded Reinsurance and
Operations, the Group Chief Financial Officer and the Group Chief Risk
Officer attend each Finance & Risk Committee meeting.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors, as well as the Chief Executive
Officer, although not members of the Committee, contribute to the work
of the Committee and attend its meetings.
Composition: Jean-Pierre Clamadieu (Chairman) – Bettina Cramm – Rachel Duan – Guillaume Faury – André François-Poncet –
Marie-France Tschudin
INDEPENDENT
MEETINGS ATTENDANCE DIRECTORS (2)
5 96.43 % 83%
Main responsibilities Main activities in 2022
3
The main missions of the Committee are: The Committee in particular focused on the following issues:
■ to issue proposals to the Board of Directors on:
– the recommendations to the Shareholders’ Meeting for the Compensation matters:
appointment and the re-appointment of the members of the ■ the compensations paid to the Chief Executive Officer, the Company’s
Board of Directors, dirigeants effectifs (as defined under Solvency II regulations) and
– the composition of the Board Committees, the members of the Management Committee;
– the appointment of the Chairman, the Senior Independent Director, ■ the compensation of the Chairman of the Board of Directors;
the members of the Executive Management and the persons ■ the review of the feedback received from the main institutional
who effectively run the Company (dirigeants effectifs) as defined investors in the context of AXA’s 2022 Shareholders’ Meeting;
under the Solvency II. ■ the 2022 and 2023 equity allocations (performance/restricted
The members of the Committee are also kept informed of the shares) and performance conditions;
appointments of the main executives of the Group, and in particular ■ the grant of performance shares dedicated to retirement;
the members of the Management Committee. ■ the Group Remuneration policy (Solvency II regulation);
The Committee prepares, with the Chairman of the Board of Directors ■ the ex post and ex ante “say-on-pay” for corporate officers; and
and the Chief Executive Officer, the succession of the Executive ■ the amount and allocation of directors’ compensation (directors’
Management, including emergency succession, and reports regularly fees).
to the Board of Directors. It also regularly ensures the existence of
succession plans, with different time horizons (short, medium, long), Governance matters:
for each member of the Management Committee. ■ the selection process for future directors;
■ to issue proposals to the Board of Directors on: ■ the composition of the Board and its Committees as well as the
– the compensation of the Chairman of the Board of Directors and composition of the Management Committee;
the Chief Executive Officer and the preparation of their annual ■ the independence of the members of the Board;
assessment, ■ the self-assessment of the Board of Directors;
– the Chief Executive Officer’s Group and individual performance ■ the review of the Board’s Terms of Reference;
conditions (financial and extra-financial) and associated targets ■ the succession plan (including the emergency succession plan) for
used to determine his annual variable compensation, the Executive Management; and
– the amount of directors’ compensation (directors’ fees) for ■ the Talent Review and succession plans.
the members of the Board of Directors to be submitted to the
Shareholders’ Meeting, Sustainability matters:
– the number of Company performance shares to be granted to the ■ the review of the Group’s sustainability strategy; and
Chief Executive Officer and the other members of the Management ■ the review of the internal survey on Smart Working.
Committee as well as related performance conditions (financial
and extra-financial);
I Executive Management
The Chief Executive Officer is assisted in the day-to-day operational The Chief Executive Officer reports to the Board on a regular
management of the Group by a Management Committee and a basis on the Company’s financial condition and all key issues and
Partners group. provides regular written updates to the Board between meetings.
The Chief Executive Officer is vested with the broadest powers The Management Committee’s role is to assist the Chief Executive
to act in all circumstances on behalf of the Company and to Officer in the operational management of the Group.
represent the Company in its relationships with third parties. The Management Committee meets fortnightly to discuss Group
He exercises these powers within the scope of the Company’s strategic, financial and operational matters. The Management
corporate purpose and subject to the powers expressly assigned Committee has no formal decision-making authority and is
by law to the Shareholders’ Meetings and the Board of Directors. advisory in nature.
In addition, the Board’s Terms of Reference provide for specific
limitations of the powers of the Chief Executive Officer and require,
in addition to legal requirements, prior Board approval for certain
3
significant transactions as indicated in the section “Board of
Directors” above.
The Partners group is composed of the members of the The complete list of the members of the Partners group is available
Management Committee and over thirty other senior executives on the AXA Group website (www.axa.com).
from across the Group. Its principal role is to assist the Chief
Executive Officer and the Management Committee in the definition
and implementation of key strategic initiatives in the context of
the strategic plans and to contribute to a permanent strategic
dialogue throughout the Group. It has no formal decision-making
authority and is advisory in nature. The Partners group meets at
least twice a year.
Other information
SERVICE CONTRACTS BETWEEN THE AXA and/or executives of companies that may have agreements or enter
GROUP AND MEMBERS OF THE BOARD into transactions from time to time with the AXA Group including
furnishing services or goods, providing credit facilities, purchases
OF DIRECTORS
of securities (for their own account or for third parties), and/or
underwriting of securities, and/or product and service providing.
Mrs. Helen Browne, who is the employee shareholder representative These agreements or deals are systematically negotiated and
on AXA’s Board of Directors, is currently an employee of the GIE performed at arm’s length terms and conditions. Consequently,
AXA (France). AXA does not believe that any of these agreements or transactions
Mrs. Martine Bièvre, who is an employee representative on AXA’s give rise to any conflicts of interests between (i) the director’s
Board of Directors, is currently an employee of AXA France IARD, duties towards AXA and (ii) their private interests and/other duties.
which is one of AXA’s main French subsidiaries. To the best of the Company’s knowledge, there are no arrangements
Mrs. Bettina Cramm, who is also an employee representative or understandings with major shareholders, customers, suppliers,
on AXA’s Board of Directors, is currently an employee of AXA or others pursuant to which a director has been selected as
Konzern AG, which is one of AXA’s main German subsidiaries. member of the Board of Directors of the Company, aside from
Mr. Gérald Harlin who was appointed as the member of the Board
representing the Mutuelles AXA (AXA Assurances IARD Mutuelle and
FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS AXA Assurances Vie Mutuelle) together AXA’s largest shareholder,
during the Shareholders’ Meeting of April 28, 2022.
EMPLOYEES
The table below sets forth the salaried employees (full-time equivalent) of the AXA Group over the past three years broken down by
segment:
Employees of non-consolidated companies or companies accounted for using the equity method are not included in the above table.
(a) Reclassification of (i) AXA Direct Japan activities (previously reported as part of Asia – Direct) and (ii) Architas activities (previously reported as part of Europe) to AXA
Investment Managers.
(b) A portion of the employees of AXA’s French affiliates is included in GIEs.
(c) In 2022, the decrease by 188 in Germany was driven by continued efficiency measures notably on staff costs.
(d) In 2020, the number of employees includes employees of AXA Bank Belgium as some provided common services for both insurance and banking activities and vice versa.
In 2021, AXA Bank Belgium has been disposed and hence is excluded from the scope.
(e) In 2022, the decrease by 96 in Spain was mainly reflecting efficiency programs.
(f) In 2022, the decrease by 101 in Japan was mainly driven by the change from salaried staff to commission based workforce in proprietary distribution channel.
(g) In 2022, the increase by 181 at AXA XL was mainly driven by recruitments in Operations & Technology in India.
(h) In 2022, the decrease by 976 is mainly driven by the disposals of Malaysia and Singapore, partly offset by the consolidation of Nigeria.
(i) Including Architas activities. In 2022, the increase by 166 is mainly driven by business growth in AXA IM Alts.
(j) Including Group’s internal reinsurance activity consequently to the merger with AXA Global Re on June 30, 2022.
(k) In 2022, the decrease by 1,630 was mainly driven by AXA Group Operations as employees from non-consolidated entities used to be included in the scope. On a comparable
basis, FTE increased by 332 mainly in AXA Business Services to support business growth in AXA UK.
(l) In 2022, the increase by 303 in AXA Assistance was driven by recruitments to support new business growth in LATAM Region.
INTRODUCTION
AXA’s global executive compensation policy is designed to align AXA Group’s overall policy on executive compensation focuses
the interests of the executives with those of the Company and its on the variable part of the compensation package, which is the
shareholders while establishing a clear and straightforward link compensation at risk for beneficiaries. The structure of AXA’s
between performance and compensation. In this context, its main executive compensation is composed of a variable portion which
objective is to encourage the achievement of ambitious objectives represents a significant part of the aggregate compensation. This
and the creation of long-term value by setting challenging is designed to align executive compensation more directly with
performance criteria. the operational strategy of the Group and the interests of the
AXA’s executive compensation structure is based on an in-depth shareholders while encouraging performance:
analysis of market practices in France and abroad, within the ■ both on an individual and collective level; and
financial services sector (insurance companies, banks, asset
■ over the short, medium, and long term.
managers, etc.) and of other international groups.
Deferred Variable
Annual Variable
Fixed Salary
Medium -
Short term Medium term
Current Long term
(1 year) (2 - 3 years)
(3 - 5 years)
(1) The information in this Section is presented in accordance with the position-recommendation No. DOC-2021-02 of the AMF: guidance on preparing Universal
Registration Documents and with the recommendations of the Afep-Medef Code.
(1) Previously, the fixed annual compensation of the Chief Executive Officer amounted to €1,450,000 and his annual target variable compensation was set at
€1,450,000, i.e. 100% of his fixed annual compensation. This annual compensation was in effect until April 28, 2022 and was adjusted on a pro rata temporis
basis until this date.
the Board of Directors at €925,000. This annual fixed compensation Some of these indicators (underlying earnings per share and
was adjusted on a pro rata temporis basis as of April 28, 2022. cash remittance) are identical to share-based compensation
The Board of Directors upon recommendation from its indicators, in order to align part of the performance criteria of
Compensation, Governance & Sustainability Committee and the short- and long-term compensation with the objectives of
pursuant to the recommendations of the Afep-Medef Code the strategic plan and to measure them on different time scales
considered that the compensation structure best suited for through different acquisition schedules.
the Chairman of the Board of Directors was a sole fixed annual ■ Individual performance for 30%, which is evaluated based on
compensation, and therefore decided that the Chairman of objectives specifically related to strategic initiatives set and
the Board of Directors would not be entitled to any variable reviewed each year.
compensation, Board fees, performance shares or other long-
term compensation nor would he benefit from any other form The Chief Executive Officer’s individual performance is assessed
of compensation. based on (i) various indicators and qualitative and quantifiable
objectives determined by the Board of Directors in a target
In order to determine the Chairman of the Board of Directors’ fixed letter agreed at the beginning of the year, and (ii) demonstrated
annual compensation, the Board of Directors consulted an external leadership abilities. The target letter includes detailed objectives
advisory firm (Willis Towers Watson) regarding compensation related to the Group’s progress in the implementation of its
practices for similar positions in CAC 40 companies and the strategic plan as well as other performance indicators and
main European companies in the financial sector (insurance objectives assessing the achievement of global strategic
companies, banks). initiatives and/or related to certain geographic areas, as well
The Board of Directors also took into account Mr. Antoine Gosset- as progress on investments that are expected to contribute to
the development of the Group’s operations.
3
Grainville’s expertise and experience as well as the extensive duties
that it entrusted him with as Chairman of the Board of Directors To evaluate Mr. Thomas Buberl’s individual performance in 2022,
as described in Section 3.1 of this Annual Report. the Board of Directors assessed the achievement of the following
ANNUAL VARIABLE COMPENSATION AND PERFORMANCE objectives set in his target letter:
CONDITIONS • Execute strategic business priorities (achievement rate:
105%)
Performance conditions
The variable annual compensation is entirely subject to Over the course of 2022, the Group has made significant
performance conditions and no minimum payment is guaranteed. progress in implementing its strategic priorities, with major
achievements in key markets, including:
The determination of the variable compensation to be paid to
Mr. Thomas Buberl as Chief Executive Officer was based in 2022 on • AXA XL: important progress in re-underwriting its portfolio
the following two metrics: with a reduction of its overall risk profile, in particular with
■ Group performance for 70%. This metric is measured based on respect to the natural catastrophe risk. This reduction was
(i) underlying earnings per share, (ii) cash remittance, (iii) a evidenced by AXA XL’s strong results despite a turbulent
sustainability indicator (reduction in Group carbon footprint environment in 2022 that included the war in Ukraine and very
in General Account assets), and (iv) the Net Promoter Score significant natural catastrophes. AXA XL has also completed
(customer recommendation index). The relative weight of each a strategic review of potential new growth opportunities,
indicator is respectively 45%, 25%, 15% and 15%. including an initiative focused on the mid-market segments
in Europe and in the US.
The evolution of the choice and weight of the financial and
extra-financial indicators of the Group performance is part • AXA IM performed well in 2022 despite the turbulent market
of a global review destined to simplify and closer align this environment and reinforced its franchise as a leading
performance with the Group’s strategic orientations, while alternative asset manager with (i) the acquisition of a
taking into account regulatory constraints, including the further controlling interest in private debt manager Capza, (ii) the
weight of extra-financial elements. launch of AXA IM Prime, its new fund of funds business, and
(iii) continued strong organic growth. At year-end 2022, AXA
The financial and extra-financial indicators chosen to measure IM had €220 billion of alternative assets under management.
the Group performance are directly linked to the Group’s
strategic orientations. They reflect objectives for growth, capital • FY2022 results confirmed the relevance of the Group’s new
management, sustainability and customer proximity and rely global employee benefits (EB) strategy, with EB revenues above
on the achievement of a predefined budget or target. budget at +17% and strong momentum in all major entities. The
Group also continued to make progress in the development
of its data health platform with several workstreams on care
coordination and disease detection.
For the 2022 performance year, each component of the Group’s Performance conditions applicable to the other members
performance is capped at the same 130% achievement rate of the Management Committee
(compared to 150% previously). Through this change, the Board The variable compensation of the other members of the
of Directors, upon recommendation from its Compensation, Management Committee is also determined based on an individual
Governance & Sustainability Committee, wanted to align the predefined target entirely based on the following formulas.
ceilings of the different cash- and share-based elements of
The variable compensation of the members of the Management
compensation.
Committee covering operating business responsibilities is
The Chief Executive Officer’s total effective variable compensation determined according to the following metrics: 50% * (50%
may not exceed 130% of his variable target compensation, i.e., Operating Business Performance Score + 50% Group Performance
138% of his fixed annual compensation. Score) + 50% Individual Performance Score.
Pursuant to Article L.22-10-34 II of the French Commercial The variable compensation of the members of the Management
Code, the payment of the Chief Executive Officer’s 2022 variable Committee covering corporate responsibilities is determined
compensation is withheld until approval by the Shareholders’ according to the following metrics: (50% * (50% Average of all
Meeting of April 27, 2023. Operating Business Performance Scores + 50% Group Performance
Score) + 50% Individual Performance Score).
The variable compensations paid to the Management Committee members for 2020, 2021 and 2022 were:
(a) This amount includes the part of the variable compensation with respect to 2020, 2021 and 2022 that has been deferred in accordance with the mechanism described on
page 132. The total amount paid may vary as it depends on performance conditions.
(b) Pursuant to Article L.22-10-34 II of the French Commercial Code, the payment of the Chief Executive Officer’s 2021 variable compensation is withheld until approval by the
Shareholders’ Meeting on April 27, 2023.
(c) As at December 31, 2022, the Management Committee was comprised of 14 (14 on December 31, 2021 and 13 on December 31, 2020).
ANNUAL DEFERRED VARIABLE COMPENSATION amount) to emphasize the “at risk” nature of this component, and
Since 2013, the Board of Directors has implemented a (ii) increase the payout cap (from 120% to 130%) in the event of
deferral mechanism for 30% of the executive officers’ variable superior share price performance.
compensation. Under this mechanism, the Chief Executive Officer’s deferred
As of 2022, the Board of Directors, upon recommendation from its amount of annual effective variable compensation for the
Compensation, Governance & Sustainability Committee, decided 2022 fiscal year will be paid out in three tranches, in 2024, 2025 and
to extend the deferral period from two years to three years to 2026. The actual amount to be paid will vary depending on the
further align the executive officers’ variable compensation with performance of the AXA share price over the deferral period and
shareholder interests. The Board of Directors also decided to will be subject to a cap at 130% of the deferred amount; provided,
(i) eliminate the payout floor (previously set at 80% of the deferred however that no deferred variable compensation would be paid
(i) in the event that the Group’s underlying earnings are negative Long-Term Incentive (LTI) annual allotment
for the year ending immediately prior to the year of the scheduled
payout, or (ii) in case of resignation or dismissal, for gross or Each year, LTIs (Performance Shares) are granted to Group
willful misconduct prior to the payout date. executives.
The variable compensation deferral is subject to a malus In order to associate the Group executives to the creation of
mechanism which, while not required by applicable laws in long-term value, these LTIs represent a significant part of their
France, is designed to further align AXA’s policy with international global variable compensation. In this context, the number of LTIs
practices and regulations on executive compensation in the granted is set so that the executives are between the median
financial services industry. and the 3rd quartile of market references considering the global
amount of the variable part (comprised of one part in cash and
At the end of February 2023, (i) the second tranche of Mr. Thomas one part in LTIs). The Compensation, Governance & Sustainability
Buberl’s deferred variable compensation for the 2020 fiscal year, Committee and the Board of Directors however ensure that the
i.e., an amount of €186,615, and (ii) the first tranche of Mr. Thomas Performance Shares granted to the Group executives and valued
Buberl’s deferred variable compensation for the 2021 fiscal year in accordance with IFRS standards are not disproportionate
i.e., an amount of €281,645 were paid. compared to the aggregate compensation and shares granted
These amounts reflect the evolution of the AXA share price and to the executives concerned.
were set at 120% of the deferred variable compensation granted These Performance Shares are integrally subject to performance
in respect of the 2020 fiscal year and at 109% in respect of the conditions (please refer to pages 137 and following) and therefore
2021 fiscal year.
All the amounts presented in this Section 3.2 are gross amounts
do not guarantee any grant or minimal gain for the beneficiaries.
3
and before taxation.
(a) This amount includes the part of the variable compensation with respect to 2021 or 2022 that has been deferred in accordance with the mechanism described on page 132.
The total amount paid may vary as it depends on performance conditions.
(b) This amount includes the payment of the Chief Executive Officer’s 2022 variable compensation which will be withheld until approval by the Shareholders’ Meeting on April 27, 2023.
(c) As at December 31, 2022, the Management Committee was comprised of 14 members.
On each date of grant, the fair value of stock options and On March 11, 2021, the fair value of one Performance Share was
Performance Shares is determined in accordance with IFRS €14.52.
standards. This is a historical value on the date of grant, calculated On March 15, 2022, the fair value of one Performance Share was
for accounting purposes as described in Note 26.3.1 “Share- €16.33.
based compensation instruments issued by the Group” in
Part 6 “Consolidated Financial Statements” of the Annual Report.
This value does not represent a current market value, a current
valuation of these options and performance shares, nor the
actual amounts that may be paid to beneficiaries if and when the
options are exercized, or the Performance Shares are acquired.
Year 2022
Amounts granted with respect to the year Amounts paid during the year
Excep- Excep-
Fixed Variable tional Fixed Variable tional
compen- compensa- compen- Board Benefits compen- compensa- compen- Board Benefits
(in Euro) Country sation tion sation fees in kind Total sation tion sation fees in kind Total
Thomas Chief France 1,585,000 1,282,656 (a) (b) - - 3,975 2,871,632 1,585,000 1,606,676 - - 3,975 3,195,652
Buberl Executive
Officer
Total of the other Management 11,840,067 11,419,293 - - 147,448 23,406,808 11,840,067 10,640,058 - - 147,448 22,627,573
Committee members
(a) This amount does not include the part of the variable compensation with respect to 2022 which has been deferred in accordance with the mechanism described on page 132.
(b) Pursuant to Article L.22-10-34 II of the French Commercial Code, the payment of the the Chief Executive Officer’s 2022 variable compensation is withheld until the approval
by the Shareholders’ Meeting on April 27, 2023.
Year 2021
Amounts granted with respect to the year Amounts paid during the year
Excep- Excep-
Fixed Variable tional Fixed Variable tional
compen- compensa- compen- Board Benefits compen- compensa- compen- Board Benefits
(in Euro) Country sation tion sation fees in kind Total sation tion sation fees in kind Total
(a)
Thomas Chief France 1,450,000 1,205,820 - - 4,044 2,659,865 1,450,000 1,148,986 - - 4,044 2,603,031
Buberl Executive
Officer
Total of the other Management 9,710,128 10,029,609 - 118,855 19,858,592 10,035,356 6,455,631 - - 118,855 16,609,842
Committee members
(a) This amount does not include the part of the variable compensation with respect to 2021 which has been deferred in accordance with the mechanism described on page 132.
The corporate officers do not receive Board fees from AXA SA.
The only “benefit in kind” for Mr. Thomas Buberl is a company car.
COMPENSATION RATIOS
As required by the regulation in force and in accordance with the Afep guidelines updated in February 2021, the table below sets out
the ratios comparing, on the one hand, the Chief Executive Officer’s and the Chairman’s compensation paid or granted in 2022 and,
on the other hand, the mean and median 2022 compensation of employees of the holding company in France (AXA SA) (1) and, on a
voluntary basis, of employees of the Group’s France-based entities (2).
As required by the regulation in force, the annual evolutions over the five last fiscal years of (i) AXA SA’s executive officers’ compensation,
3
(ii) AXA’s performance, (iii) the mean compensation of AXA SA employees, (iv) on a voluntary basis, the compensation of the employees
of the Group’s France-based entities, and (v) the hereinabove mentioned ratios, are disclosed in the table below.
In accordance with the feedback received from a number of institutional investors, and on a voluntary basis, the ratios between, on
the one hand, the remuneration paid or granted to the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors, and on the
other hand, the average remuneration paid or granted to employees of all entities of the Group during the year 2022 (1), are presented
(1) Entities included in AXA’s scope of consolidation as defined in Section 4.2 “Employer Responsibility” of this Annual Report.
(a) For the purposes of this table, the compensation components are: fixed and variable compensation, LTI (at IFRS value), Board fees, benefit in kind and incentives/share
ownership, paid or granted to each director or employee with respect to the fiscal year. These compensation components are gross (excluding employer’s charges and
contributions).
(b) The compensation paid or granted during the 2022 fiscal year to Mr. Antoine Gosset-Grainville, appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors on April 28, 2022 was annualized
for the purpose of the table above.
DIRECTORS’ FEES
Directors’ fees
During the 2022 fiscal year, the members of the Board of Directors, except for the corporate officers, only received directors’ fees as
compensation from the Company. The amount of directors’ fees paid to each AXA Board member is indicated in the table below.
(a) Mmes Martine Bièvre and Bettina Cramm, members of the Board of Directors representing the employees, are employed by subsidiaries of the Company and as such, receive
a compensation that has no link with their directorship. Their compensation as employees is therefore not published.
(b) Directors’ fees due for the 2021 fiscal year to Mrs. Martine Bièvre, member of the Board of Directors representing the employees, were, at her request, directly paid by the
Company to the “Fédération des Banques et des Assurances CFDT” (French trade union organization).
Criteria of directors’ fees allocation ■ the remaining 35% shall be allocated by the Board of Directors
to the Board Committees as follows: 25% to the Finance
The total annual maximum amount of directors’ fees to be & Risk Committee, 25% to the Compensation, Governance
allocated to the members of the Board of Directors was set by & Sustainability Committee, and 50% to the Audit Committee.
the Shareholders’ Meeting of April 28, 2022, at €2,100,000. Each Committee shall then allocate such amount to its members
No directors’ fees are paid by the Company to the corporate as follows: 40% shall be divided equally amongst members
officers (i.e., Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive and paid as a fixed fee, and 60% shall be paid according to
Officer). Committee attendance, with the Chair of the Committee
receiving in each case a double fee.
The total annual maximum amount of directors’ fees is determined
by the Shareholders’ Meeting, in accordance with applicable Mrs. Helen Browne, member of the Board of Directors representing
laws, and apportioned by the Board of Directors to its members the employee shareholders of the AXA Group, received in 2022 an
in accordance with its Terms of Reference (pursuant to the annual gross cash compensation of €881,386 in connection with
recommendations of Afep-Medef Code, a minority part of the her position as Group General Counsel. This compensation
fees is distributed evenly among the members of the Board of consists of €500,386 of fixed compensation and €381,000 of
Directors as a fixed fee): variable compensation.
■ a fixed amount determined by the Board of Directors shall Mrs. Angelien Kemna received in 2022 directors’ fees of €90,000 in
be paid annually to the Senior Independent Director (set at respect of her non-executive mandate in a Group subsidiary (AXA
€80,000); Investment Managers SA).
■ 65% of the remaining amount shall be allocated to the Board as In 2022, since his appointment as director on the AXA Board of 3
follows: 40% shall be divided equally among Board members Directors, Mr. Gérald Harlin received a gross amount of €103,407
and paid as a fixed fee, and 60% shall be paid according to with respect to his non-executive mandates in Group subsidiaries
Board attendance; (AXA Investment Managers SA, AXA XL US, AXA France IARD and
AXA France Vie).
(1) Performance Shares are granted to approximately 250 senior managers as well as employees who are subject to specific local regulations on the date of grant.
(1) Around 2,000 employees, in accordance with Group’s executive population defined in the Section 4.2 “Employer Responsibility” of this Annual Report.
Performance conditions for the 2022 grant are summarized in the chart below:
% granted
Executive officers
Operating business performance & Management Other
(60%) Performance Committee beneficiaries
Cash generation (30%) Floor 70% of the target 50% 70%
(a)
Target Cash generation target 100% 100%
Cap 130% of the target 130% 130%
Underlying earnings (or Underlying Floor 70% of the target 50% 70%
earnings per share for the Group) (30%) Target UE (or UEPS) target (b) 100% 100%
Cap 130% of the target 130% 130%
Executive officers
& Management Other
Group Sustainability (30%) Performance Committee beneficiaries 3
Score AXA versus S&P Global Corporate Floor AXA score = 90th percentile 50% 70%
Sustainability Assessment (DJSI) (10%) Target AXA score = 95th percentile 100% 100%
th
Cap AXA score ≥ 99 percentile 130% 130%
Reduction in operations’ carbon Floor Cumulated reduction = 14.7% 50% 70%
emission (10%) Target Cumulated reduction = 21% 100% 100%
Cap Cumulated reduction ≥ 27.3% 130% 130%
Increase the proportion of women Floor Cumulated increase = +4.2 pts 50% 70%
in the Group’s executive population (10%) Target Cumulated increase = +6 pts 100% 100%
Cap Cumulated increase ≥ +7.8 pts 130% 130%
Executive officers
Group financial relative & Management Other
performance (10%) Performance Committee beneficiaries
Score AXA TSR versus SXIP TSR Floor AXA score = 70% of the index - 70%
Target AXA score = 100% of the index 100% (Floor) 100%
Cap AXA score ≥ 130% of the index 130% 130%
Calculation of the global performance rate = 30% performance of the operating business (cash generation) + 30% performance of
the operating business (underlying earnings) + 10% sustainability (S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment) (DJSI) + 10%
sustainability (operations carbon emission) + 10% sustainability (Inclusion and Diversity) +10% Group financial relative performance
(TSR)
Performance rate divided by two should no dividend be proposed by the Board of Directors for any of the fiscal years
of the performance period.
The total number of shares definitively acquired is capped at 130% of the initial grant.
Performance conditions for the 2023 grant are summarized in the chart below:
% granted
Executive officers
Operating business performance & Management Other
(50%) Performance Committee beneficiaries
Cash generation (25%) Floor 70% of the target 50% 70%
(a)
Target Cash generation target 100% 100%
Cap 130% of the target 130% 130%
Underlying earnings (or Underlying Floor 70% of the target 50% 70%
earnings per share for the Group) (25%) Target UE (or UEPS) target (b) 100% 100%
Cap 130% of the target 130% 130%
Executive officers
& Management Other
Group Sustainability (30%) Performance Committee beneficiaries
Score AXA versus S&P Global Corporate Floor AXA score = 90th percentile 50% 70%
Sustainability Assessment (DJSI) (10%) Target AXA score = 95th percentile 100% 100%
Cap AXA score ≥ 99th percentile 130% 130%
Reduction in operations’ carbon Floor Cumulated reduction = 17.5% 50% 70%
emission (10%) Target Cumulated reduction = 25% 100% 100%
Cap Cumulated reduction ≥ 32.5% 130% 130%
Increase the proportion of women in Floor Cumulated increase = +4.2 pts 50% 70%
the Group’s executive population (10%) Target Cumulated increase = +6 pts 100% 100%
Cap Cumulated increase ≥ +7.8 pts 130% 130%
Executive officers
Group financial relative & Management Other
performance (20%) Performance Committee beneficiaries
Score AXA TSR versus SXIP TSR Floor AXA score = 50th percentile of the index 50% 70%
Cap AXA score ≥ 75th percentile of the index 130% 130%
Calculation of the global performance rate = 25% performance of the operating business (cash generation) + 25% performance of
the operating business (underlying earnings) + 10% sustainability (S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment) (DJSI) + 10%
sustainability (operations carbon emission) + 10% sustainability (Inclusion and Diversity) + 20% Group financial relative performance
(TSR)
Performance rate divided by two should no dividend be proposed by the Board of Directors for any of the fiscal years
of the performance period.
The total number of shares definitively acquired is capped at 130% of the initial grant.
The Performance Shares and International Performance Shares greater than or equal to the 75th percentile. Should AXA’s average
granted to the Management Committee members (except for score, calculated over the performance period, be equal to the
the Chief Executive Officer) will be acquired after a three-year 50th percentile, only half of the shares initially granted would be
acquisition period, and 50% of the shares acquired will be subject acquired. Finally, should AXA’s average score, calculated over the
to a further two-year holding period. The Performance Shares performance period, be lower than the 50th percentile, no shares
granted to the Chief Executive Officer will remain acquired at would be granted. This scheme does not guarantee a minimum
the end of a three-year acquisition period, with the entirety gain to the beneficiaries. Among the different performance levels,
of the acquired shares restricted from sale during a two-year the number of shares definitively granted is calculated on a linear
holding period. basis depending on the achieved performance.
The amounts corresponding to International Performance Shares For Performance Shares and Restricted Shares, the achievement
and International Restricted Shares are operating expenses rate of the performance criterion (performance rate) is used to
during the vesting period. They do not create any dilution for determine the number of AXA shares that will be definitively
shareholders as no new shares are issued. The payment is made acquired by the beneficiaries at the end of the acquisition period,
in shares. Should this type of payment not be possible for legal, under the condition that the beneficiary is still employed by the
tax or any other reason, the payment could be made in cash. AXA Group. The number of AXA shares definitively granted shall
therefore be equal to the number of rights to AXA shares initially
Restricted Shares granted multiplied by the performance rate, which may not exceed
130% for the Performance Shares and 100% for the Restricted
Since 2022, the Board of Directors, upon the recommendation
from its Compensation, Governance & Sustainability Committee,
Shares. Furthermore, for the Performances Shares and Restricted
Shares, should no dividend be proposed for payment (outside 3
may grant Restricted Shares to Group employees who are regulatory constraints) by the Board of Directors to the Company
not senior managers. For Restricted Shares beneficiaries, the shareholders for any of the fiscal years of the performance period,
sole performance condition is the achievement of an average the number of shares definitively acquired would be automatically
result of AXA’s score in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability divided by two.
Assessment (DJSI), calculated over the performance period,
Date of the Shareholders’ Meeting 27/04/2016 24/04/2019 24/04/2019 24/04/2019 24/04/2019 28/04/2022
Grant date (Board of Directors) 27/06/2018 19/06/2019 12/03/2020 11/03/2021 15/03/2022 14/03/2023
(a) The number of Performance Shares granted to Mrs. Helen Browne before her nomination as Director representing the employee shareholders is not disclosed.
(b) Thirty-four employees have chosen the 4+0 vesting calendar (aquisition at June 27, 2022 with no restricted period), based on the plan rules due to moves out of France
during the acquisition period.
(c) The members of the Management Committee (including the Chief Executive Officer of AXA) have a 2-year holding period.
(d) Acquisition by anticipation following death or disability events.
(e) 100% of the Performance Shares for the Chief Executive Officer of AXA as well as 50% of the Performance Shares for the other members of the Management Committee have
a 2-year holding period.
(f) The conversion rate of the shares initially granted to the Management Committee members for 2019 and 2020 plans is capped to 80%, in accordance with the dispositions
approved by General Shareholder’s Meeting of April 29, 2021.
Grant date (Board of Directors) 27/06/2018 19/06/2019 12/03/2020 11/03/2021 15/03/2022 14/03/2023
(a) The members of Management Committee have a 1-year deferred acquisition period.
(b) Acquisition by anticipation following death or disability events.
(c) 50% of International Performance Shares of the Management Commitee members have a 2-year holding period.
(d) The conversion rate of the shares initially granted to the Management Committee members for 2019 and 2020 plans is capped to 80%, in accordance with the dispositions
approved by General Shareholder’s Meeting of April 29, 2021.
In the table above all dates indicated are in the format of day/month/year.
Number
Nature of of shares % of Value Acquisition End of
Corporate officers Plan date the plan granted capital (in Euro) date restriction Performance conditions
Thomas Buberl Chief Executive 15/03/2022 Performance 116,987 0.005% 1,910,398 15/03/2025 15/03/2027 Underlying earnings per share
Officer Shares Cash generation
Group Sustainability
Financial relative performance
14/03/2023 Performance 149,593 0.006% 2,834,787 14/03/2026 14/03/2028 Underlying earnings per share
Shares Cash generation
Group Sustainability
Financial relative performance
Helen Browne Representative 15/03/2022 Performance 19,143 0.001% 323,517 15/03/2025 15/03/2025 Underlying earnings per share
of employee Shares Cash generation
shareholders to the Group Sustainability
Board of Directors Financial relative performance
14/03/2023 Performance 24,316 0.001% 467,961 14/03/2026 14/03/2026 Underlying earnings per share
Shares Cash generation
Group Sustainability
Financial relative performance
In the table above all dates indicated are in the format of day/month/year.
The fair value of shares subject to performance conditions issued by the Group” in Part 6 “Consolidated Financial Statements”
(Performances Shares and Restricted Shares) is determined in of this Annual Report. This value does not represent a current
accordance with IFRS standards. It corresponds to a historical market value, a current valuation of these performance shares or
value at the date of grant, calculated for accounting purposes as the actual proceeds if and when the shares subject to performance
described in Note 26.3.1 “Share based compensation instruments conditions are acquired.
Under the AXA Group Compliance & Ethics Code, all employees
(including the executive officers of the Company) are prohibited
from the date of grant until such time as the beneficiary receives
the securities underlying the award upon, for example, the lapse
from engaging in any transaction designed to hedge the value of restrictions on shares subject to performance conditions or
of equity-based compensation awards (shares subject to similar events. In accordance with the recommendations of the
performance conditions) granted under any plan or arrangement Afep-Medef Code, the executive officers of the Company make a
maintained by AXA or any of its subsidiaries. This restriction applies formal commitment to not resort to such hedging transactions.
Shares Performance
Number acquired rate over the End of the
Nature of of shares Acquisition during acquisition restriction
Corporate officers Plan date the plan granted date the year period period
Thomas Chief Executive Officer 19/06/2019 Performance 133,458 19/06/2022 106,767 80.00% (a) 19/06/2024
Buberl Shares
12/03/2020 Performance 168,648 12/03/2023 134,919 80.00% (a) 12/03/2025
Shares
Helen Representative 19/06/2019 Performance 18,232 19/06/2022 18,154 99.57% 19/06/2022
Browne of employee Shares
shareholders to the
Board of Directors
12/03/2020 Performance 24,233 12/03/2023 24,820 102.42% 12/03/2023
Shares
Gérald Director 19/06/2019 Performance 57,630 19/06/2022 46,104 80.00% (a) 19/06/2024
Harlin Shares
12/03/2020 Performance 72,825 12/03/2023 58,261 80.00% (a) 12/03/2023:
Shares 50% of
the shares
12/03/2025:
50% of the
shares
(a) The conversion rate of the shares initially granted to the Management Committee members for 2019 and 2020 plans is capped to 80%, in accordance with the dispositions
approved by General Shareholder’s Meeting of April 29, 2021.
In the table above all dates indicated are in the format of day/month/year.
The tables below present the weighting, the target objective, the realized performance, as well as the achievement rate for each criterion
of performance shares/international performance shares acquired by corporate officers during 2022 and 2023:
Achievement rate
Target Realized Thomas Helen Gérald
Performance conditions Weighting objective performance Buberl Browne Harlin
Average of Adjusted earnings and Underlying earnings 50% 6,588 M€ 5,919 M€ 79.07% 89.84% 79.07%
Adjusted Earnings per Share 40% 2.87 € 2.51 € 79.04% 91.63% 79.04%
AXA’s score versus S&P Global Corporate Sustainability
Assessment (DJSI) 10% 85th percentile 99th percentile 130% 130% 130%
Average AXA
Average SXIP share price
Total Shareholding Return adjustment (a) +/-5 pts growth = +5% growth = +12% +5 pts +5 pts +5 pts
89.15% 89.15%
capped capped
Global Performance rate at 80% (b) 99.57% at 80% (b)
(a) The average AXA share price growth is compared to the average SXIP growth.
(b) The conversion rate of the shares initially granted to the Management Committee members for 2019 and 2020 plans is capped to 80%, in accordance with the dispositions
approved by General Shareholder’s Meeting of April 29, 2021.
Achievement rate
Target Realized Thomas Helen Gérald
Performance conditions Weighting objective performance Buberl Browne Harlin
Average of Adjusted earnings and Underlying earnings 50% 6,759 M€ 6,268 M 76.27% 92.73% 76.27%
Adjusted Earnings per Share 40% 2.89 € 2.68 € 85.41% 95.14% 85.41%
AXA’s score versus S&P Global Corporate Sustainability
Assessment (DJSI) 10% 85th percentile 99th percentile 130% 130% 130%
Average AXA
Average SXIP share price
Total Shareholding Return adjustment (a) +/-5 pts growth = -2% growth = +3% +5 pts +5 pts +5 pts
90.30% 90.30%
capped capped
Global Performance rate at 80% (b) 102.42% at 80% (b)
(a) The average AXA share price growth is compared to the average SXIP growth.
(b) The conversion rate of the shares initially granted to the Management Committee members for 2019 and 2020 plans is capped to 80%, in accordance with the dispositions
approved by General Shareholder’s Meeting of April 29, 2021.
3
PERFORMANCE SHARES/INTERNATIONAL PERFORMANCE SHARES BECOMING
UNRESTRICTED DURING 2022 AND 2023 FOR EACH CORPORATE OFFICER
Number of shares
becoming unrestricted Date of
Corporate officers Plan date during the year availability
In the table above all dates indicated are in the format of day/month/year.
I Stock options
From 1989 to 2018, AXA granted stock options to its corporate Pursuant to the stock option plan rules, beneficiaries who resign
officers and its employees in France and abroad. The purpose from the Group lose the right to exercise their options.
of these grants was to associate them with AXA’s share price On December 31, 2022, 149 AXA employees held a total of
performance and encourage their performance over the long 7,724,593 outstanding options, representing 0.33% of the
term. In 2019, after having progressively reduced the number of Company’s share capital on the same date.
stock options beneficiaries over the past few years, AXA’s Board
of Directors, upon recommendation from its Compensation,
Governance & Sustainability Committee, in order to simplify
AXA’s compensation policy and in line with market practice PERFORMANCE CONDITIONS
and feedback received from a number of institutional investors,
decided to cease awarding stock options to corporate officers All options granted to all members of the Management
and AXA employees. Committee until 2018 were subject to performance condition.
This performance condition also applied to the last tranche of
Previous plans are still valid until their expiration (maximum
each option grant (i.e., the last third of the options granted) for
duration period of 10 years). They were granted at market value,
all other beneficiaries of options.
with no discount, and become exercisable by tranches, generally
in thirds between 3 and 5 years following the grant date.
Date of the Shareholders’ Meeting 27/04/2011 27/04/2011 27/04/2011 27/04/2011 23/04/2014 23/04/2014
(a) The number of options and exercise prices have been adjusted, pursuant to applicable regulation, as a result of operations on the AXA stock.
(b) “Employees” who are not corporate officers at the date of award.
(c) Options were granted to Mr. Thomas Buberl prior to his appointment as AXA Chief Executive Officer.
In the table above all dates indicated are in the format of day/month/year.
(1) SXIP index (STOXX Insurance Index): a capitalization-weighted index, which includes European companies that are involved in the insurance sector. As at
December 31, 2022, the index included 32 companies of the sector.
(a) The number of options and exercise prices have been adjusted, pursuant to applicable regulation, as a result of operations on the AXA stock.
(b) “Employees” other than corporate officers at grant date.
In the table above all dates indicated are in the format of day/month/year.
Under the AXA Group Compliance & Ethics Code, all employees beneficiary receives the securities underlying the award upon, for
(including the corporate officers of the Company) are prohibited example, the exercise of a stock option or the lapse of restrictions
from engaging in any transaction designed to hedge the value of on shares subject to performance conditions. In accordance with
equity-based compensation awards (stock options and shares the recommendations of the Afep-Medef Code, the executive
subject to performance conditions) granted under any plan or officers of the Company make a formal commitment to not resort
arrangement maintained by AXA or any of its subsidiaries. This to such hedging transactions.
restriction applies from the date of grant until such time as the
STOCK OPTIONS HELD BY CORPORATE OFFICERS THAT BECAME EXERCISABLE DURING 2022
Number
of options
that became Exercise
Nature of exercisable price Expiry date Performance
Corporate officers Plan date options during the year (a) (in Euro) of options conditions
Thomas Chief Executive Officer 27/06/2018 subscription 65,456 21.60 27/06/2028 100% of options:
Buberl or purchase SXIP index
21/06/2017 subscription 58,639 23.92 21/06/2027 100% of options:
or purchase SXIP index
Helen Representative of 27/06/2018 subscription 8,157 21.60 27/06/2028 Last third of options:
Browne employee shareholders or purchase SXIP index
to the Board of Directors 21/06/2017 subscription 6,522 23.92 21/06/2027 Last third of options:
or purchase SXIP index
Gérald Director 27/06/2018 subscription 28,265 21.60 27/06/2028 100% of options:
Harlin or purchase SXIP index
21/06/2017 subscription 21,323 23.92 21/06/2027 100% of options:
or purchase SXIP index
(a) Stock options vested (according to the vesting calendar) for which the performance conditions have been met during the year or no performance condition is applicable.
In the table above all dates indicated are in the format of day/month/year.
In the table above all dates indicated are in the format of day/month/year.
Number of
options exercised Weighted average price (in Euro)
Stock options of AXA or any eligible AXA Group subsidiaries, exercised
during the year by the ten employees, outside management bodies’
members of the Company or of eligible AXA Group subsidiaries, who
exercised the highest number of stock options (aggregate information) 909,865 21.22
Balance of options
at December 31, 2022
Corporate officers
Thomas Buberl Chief Executive Officer
AXA
220,671
ADS AXA
-
3
Helen Browne Representative of employee shareholders to the Board of Directors 74,586 -
Gérald Harlin Director 240,759 -
On December 31, 2022, based on the AXA share value on that date (€26.055), the Chief Executive Officer meets his Minimum Shareholding
Requirement such as described in the above Section “Share ownership policy for executives of the Group”.
On December 31, 2022, based on the AXA share value on that date (€26.055), the members of the Management Committee held, on
average, 2.5 times the equivalent of their fixed annual compensation.
To the best knowledge of the Company and based on information reported to it, each AXA Board of Directors member held, on
December 31, 2022, the number of AXA shares or ADS AXA indicated in the table below.
(a) AXA shares which could be indirectly held through Mutual funds are not taken into account.
(b) The holding of AXA shares by directors representing the employees (Mmes Martine Bièvre and Bettina Cramm) is not mandatory.
(c) On March 12, 2023.
(d) On January 19, 2023.
(e) On March 10, 2023.
(f ) On January 20, 2023.
Subs-
cription Equity issue
Automatic Transfer of
and sale reserved for
reinvestment units of AXA
Subscription of of stock employees
into the Company Sale of Group Mutual
Options stock options options (Shareplan)
Savings Plan of units off ffunds invested
Acquisition of dividends Subs- AXA Group in AXA shares Subscription
performance attached to Sale Acqui- Options Subs- cription Mutual to other to units of AXA
Sale
Pursuant to the AXA Group Compliance & Ethics Code, corporate periods generally begin about 30 days before its annual or half-
officers and other employees of the Company must refrain from year earnings releases and 15 days before its quarterly financial
any purchase or sale of AXA securities during specific time periods information. Depending on the circumstances, these blackout
(“blackout periods”) prior to the earnings releases. These blackout periods could be declared at other times or be extended.
TERMINATION PROVISIONS
Indemnities
or advantages due Indemnities due
Employment Supplementary or likely to be due upon for non-competition
contract pension scheme termination of functions clause
Executive officers Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No
Thomas Buberl – X X (a) – X – – X
Chief Executive Officer
Beginning of current mandate: 28/04/2022
Term of office: 2026 Shareholders’ Meeting
Antoine Gosset-Grainville – X - X – X – X
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Beginning of current mandate: 28/04/2022
Term of office: 2024 Shareholders’ Meeting
(a) Mr. Thomas Buberl is a beneficiary of the retirement performance shares plans.
Structure and criteria for determining the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation
In this context, the compensation policy for the Chief Executive Officer is based on a pay-for-performance approach which (i) requires
the achievement of challenging financial and operational targets that are defined and aligned with the Group’s strategy, (ii) promotes
long-term sustainable performance while incorporating risk adjustment measures in performance metrics, and (iii) determines the
effective amount of the actual individual compensation on the basis of both financial and extra-financial results.
Thus, the “at-risk” portion of the Chief Executive Officer’s total compensation (variable cash compensation and share-based compensation)
represents a significant component of his compensation structure to align his compensation more directly with the operational strategy
of the Group and the interests of the shareholders.
The different components of the Chief Executive Officer’s total compensation are presented in detail hereafter:
The Board of Directors also reserves the right to exercise its discretionary power regarding the determination of the Chief Executive
Officer’s compensation pursuant to legal provisions and in accordance with Articles L.22-10-8 and L.22-10-34 of the French Commercial
Code, should any particular circumstance arise and justify an exceptional adjustment, either upwards (within the limit of 130% of the
target variable compensation) or downwards, of one or several of the criteria composing the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation,
to ensure that the application of the abovementioned criteria fairly reflect the Chief Executive Officer’s performance as well as that of
the Group.
This adjustment may apply to the Chief Executive Officer’s variable annual compensation following a justified decision of the Board
of Directors, upon proposal from its Compensation, Governance & Sustainability Committee.
Payment of the Chief Executive Officer’s variable cash compensation for 2023 is subject to the approval by the Shareholders’ Meeting to
be held in 2024 of the compensation elements paid during or granted with respect to the 2023 fiscal year to the Chief Executive Officer.
The acquisition of the retirement performance shares is subject to the satisfaction of a performance condition (the details of which are
set out in Section 3.2 of this Annual Report), linked to the average AXA Group Solvency II ratio calculated over the performance period.
No minimum grant or gain is guaranteed to the Chief Executive Officer under this scheme.
The Board of Directors, upon recommendation from its Compensation, Governance & Sustainability Committee, decided that the total
value of the retirement performance shares to be granted to the Chief Executive Officer during 2023 shall not exceed 15% of his fixed
and cash variable annual compensation.
Appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer after the Shareholders’ Meeting to be held
on April 27, 2023
For purposes of this policy only, and in accordance with applicable regulations, the Board of Directors also considered the hypothetical
appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer following the Shareholders’ Meeting to be held on April 27, 2023.
Under such circumstances, the compensation structure applicable to a new Chief Executive Officer would comply with this policy and
the Board of Directors would perform a comprehensive review of the situation of the relevant executive, provided that:
■ the amount and criteria of his compensation would be determined in accordance with existing practices within the Company by
reference to compensation practices for similar functions in a sample of CAC 40 companies and in the main European companies
3
in the financial sector; and
■ the experience, skills and individual compensation history of the executive would also be considered.
Finally, should the Chief Executive Officer be recruited externally, the Board of Directors would retain the right to grant to the newly
appointed executive a lump sum (in cash and/or in shares), the amount of which, in accordance with the recommendations set forth
in the Afep-Medef Code, may not under any circumstances exceed the amount of the benefits the executive would have had to forgo
by resigning from his previous position.
***
For further information on the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation, please see Section 3.2 of this Annual Report.
Structure and criteria for determining the Chairman of the Board of Directors’ compensation
The Board of Directors, upon recommendation from its Compensation, Governance & Sustainability Committee, and in accordance
with the recommendations set forth in the Afep-Medef Code, has considered that the most appropriate compensation structure for
the Chairman of the Board of Directors would be the payment of a sole fixed compensation.
In determining the fixed annual compensation of its Chairman, the Board of Directors consulted an independent external advisory
firm (Willis Towers Watson) in order to identify compensation practices for similar functions in a sample of CAC 40 companies and in
the main European companies in the financial sector.
The Board of Directors also took into account the experience and expertise of Mr. Antoine Gosset-Grainville, as well as the extensive role
it decided to entrust him with as Chairman of the Board of Directors. This role is presented in detail in the Board’s Terms of Reference
as well as in Section 3.1 of this Annual Report and goes beyond the statutory duties of a Chairman under French law.
Accordingly, the Board of Directors decided, upon recommendation from its Compensation, Governance & Sustainability Committee, to
maintain the amount of the fixed annual compensation of the Chairman of the Board of Directors unchanged, for 2023, i.e., at €925,000.
Having considered that the most appropriate compensation structure for the Chairman of the Board of Directors would be a fixed
compensation only, the Board of Directors has resolved, consequently, that the Chairman of the Board of Directors will not benefit
from any variable compensation, any directors’ fees, any performance share grants, any other long-term compensation element, or
any benefit in kind.
In addition, the Board of Directors does not contemplate granting any exceptional compensation to the Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Finally, there is no employment contract between the Company and the Chairman of the Board of Directors, and the Chairman is not
entitled to any severance benefits, any allowance relating to any non-compete clause in the event that he ceases to be Chairman of
the Board of Directors, or any pension scheme.
Appointment of a new Chairman of the Board of Directors after the Shareholders’ Meeting
to be held on April 27, 2023
For purposes of this policy only, and in accordance with applicable regulations, the Board of Directors also considered the hypothetical
appointment of a new Chairman of the Board of Directors following the Shareholders’ Meeting to be held on April 27, 2023.
Under such circumstances, the compensation structure applicable to a new Chairman of the Board of Directors would comply with
this policy and the Board of Directors would perform a comprehensive review of his situation, provided that:
■ the amount of his fixed compensation would be determined in accordance with existing practices within the Company by reference
to compensation practices for similar functions in a sample of CAC 40 companies and in the main European companies in the
financial sector; and
■ his experience and skills as well as the scope of his assignments as defined by the Board of Directors in connection with his
appointment would also be considered.
***
For further information on the compensation of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, please see Section 3.2 of this Annual Report.
The members of the Board of Directors (1) other than the corporate officers (dirigeants mandataires sociaux) are paid directors’ fees
as sole compensation from the Company.
Criteria for allocation of directors’ fees (compensation in accordance with Article L.22-10-14
of the French Commercial Code)
The total annual maximum amount of directors’ fees is determined by the Shareholders’ Meeting, in accordance with applicable laws,
and apportioned by the Board of Directors to its members in accordance with its Terms of Reference (pursuant to the recommendations
of Afep-Medef Code, a minority part of the fees is distributed equally among the members of the Board of Directors as a fixed fee):
■ a fixed amount determined by the Board of Directors shall be paid annually to the Senior Independent Director (set at €80,000);
■ 65% of the remaining amount shall be allocated to the Board as follows: 40% shall be divided equally among Board members and
paid as a fixed fee and 60% shall be paid depending on Board attendance;
■ the remaining 35% shall be allocated by the Board of Directors to the Board Committees. Each Committee shall then allocate such
amount to its members as follows: 40% shall be divided equally among members and paid as a fixed fee and 60% shall be paid
depending on Committee attendance, with the Chairman of the Committee receiving in each case a double fee.
The total annual maximum amount of directors’ fees to be allocated to the members of the Board of Directors was set by the Shareholders’
Meeting of April 28th, 2022 at €2,100,000.
No directors’ fees are paid by the Company to the corporate officers (i.e., Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer).
***
For further information on the members of the Board of Directors’ compensation, please see Section 3.2 of this Annual Report.
In December 2008, AXA adopted all of the Afep-Medef The Company implements all the recommendations of the
recommendations, including the recommendations on the Afep-Medef Code. However, in order to take into account certain
compensation of corporate officers of October 2008, as its specificities of its business and governance practices, AXA has
Corporate Governance Code of reference. decided, while remaining in line with the principles of the Afep-
These recommendations were consolidated in a Corporate Medef Code, to adapt the following provision of the Code:
Governance Code of Listed Corporations published by the Afep ■ Section 10.5.1 of the Afep-Medef Code relating to the
(Association française des entreprises privées) and the Medef independence of parent company directors holding a
(Mouvement des entreprises de France) in April 2010 and revised directorship in a Group subsidiary: although certain members
in December 2022 (hereafter the “Afep-Medef Code”), which is of the AXA Board of Directors hold or have held during the last
available at AXA’s registered office or on its website (www.axa. five years non-executive directorships in one or more Group
com) under the “Corporate governance” Section. subsidiaries owned directly or indirectly by AXA, the Company 3
AXA complies with the recommendations of the Afep-Medef Code considers that this does not automatically (i) place them in a
that are in line with the long-established corporate governance situation of conflict of interest, or (ii) impair their independence
principles initiated by the Company. Details are presented in in any way. The Board believes that allowing its members to
Sections 3.1 “Corporate governance structure” and 3.2 “Executive sit on the Boards of certain Group subsidiaries is beneficial to
compensation and share ownership” of this Annual Report the Board’s overall knowledge and appreciation of the activity,
describing corporate governance mechanisms and containing operations, strategy, and risk profile of the entire Group. Indeed,
information about executives’ compensation. directors who hold directorships in subsidiaries may, where
appropriate, provide the Board with useful insights and a
precise and practical vision of the strategy, operational activities,
processes, and teams of the concerned subsidiaries, and more
generally, of the Group’s business and organization. Directors
who also serve on the Boards of Group subsidiaries, however,
are required to abstain from participating in the debates and
decisions of the AXA Board which could affect the interests
of the entity in which they hold a directorship to prevent any
conflict of interest or potential independence issues.
For further information concerning related-party transactions, termination of any agreement falling within the scope of
please see Note 28 “Related-party transactions” included in article L.225-38 of the French Commercial Code, regardless of
Part 6 “Consolidated Financial Statements” of this Annual Report. the ordinary nature of the transaction or the arm’s length basis
of the agreement. This information enables the Group Legal
Department to carry out a prior review of the agreement in order
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCEDURE to determine whether it should be subject to the “regulated”
FOR ASSESSMENT OF ORDINARY agreements procedure provided for under Articles L.225-38 et
seq. of the French Commercial Code or whether it is exempt from
AGREEMENTS CONCLUDED AT ARM’S such procedure. To this end, the Group Legal Department may
LENGTH TERMS AND CONDITIONS seek the advice of the AXA Group’s other relevant departments
AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION and of the Company’s Statutory Auditors.
In addition, the Group Legal Department annually assesses
At its meeting of February 19, 2020, and in accordance with
whether ordinary agreements concluded at arm’s length terms and
article L.22-10-12 of the French Commercial Code, the Board
conditions continue to meet the conditions for such qualification,
of Directors adopted a procedure to regularly assess whether
in cooperation with AXA Group’s relevant departments and the
agreements relating to ordinary transactions concluded at arm’s
Company’s Statutory Auditors where necessary. If the Group
length terms and conditions actually meet these conditions.
Legal Department considers that an agreement initially qualified
The assessment procedure has been implemented within AXA
as ordinary and concluded at arm’s length terms and conditions
since that date.
constitutes a “regulated” agreement, the Board of Directors
This procedure, which is reviewed by the Board of Directors decides on the qualification of the said agreement and on the
annually, provides for the Group Legal Department to be informed actions to be taken on it according to the qualification adopted.
prior to the conclusion, amendment, renewal, extension, or
This is a free translation into English of the Statutory Auditors’ report issued in French and is provided solely for the convenience
of English-speaking readers. This report should be read in conjunction with, and construed in accordance with, French law and
professional auditing standards applicable in France.
We hereby inform you that we have not been notified of any agreements authorized and concluded during the year ended December 31, 2022
to be submitted to the Shareholders’ Meeting for approval in accordance with Article L.225-38 of the French Commercial Code (Code
de commerce) and Article R.322-7 of the French Insurance Code (Code des assurances).
In accordance with Article R.225-30 of the French Commercial Code (Code de commerce), we have been notified that the implementation
of the following agreeements, which were approved by the Shareholders’ Meeting in prior years, continued during the year ended
December 31, 2022.
With Mr. Denis Duverne (Chairman of the Board of Directors until April 28, 2022)
On February 17, 2010, the Supervisory Board acknowledged the effective renunciation by Mr. Denis Duverne of his employment
contract as of the Shareholders’ Meeting of April 29, 2010 during which the former dual structure consisting of a Management Board
and a Supervisory Board was replaced by a unitary Board of Directors structure.
The Supervisory Board was concerned that the decision of Mr. Denis Duverne to renounce to his employment contract, in accordance
with the Afep-Medef recommendations, would not jeopardize the continuity of his accrued and future social benefits.
Consequently, the Supervisory Board authorized the Company to take all appropriate commitments to ensure that, as a corporate
officer, Mr. Denis Duverne would continue to have social benefits (health and disability insurance, etc.) identical or on terms equivalent
to those applicable to AXA Group director-level employees in France. These charges amount to €3,486.59.
It is reminded that Mr. Denis Duverne is no longer a corporate officer of your Company since April 28, 2022.
This chapter describes the sustainability strategy implemented by Further detailed information on the AXA Group’s sustainability
AXA Group and includes the extra-financial performance statement policies and practices is also available in the “Integrated Report”,
that AXA Group publishes in accordance with the provisions of AXA SA’s annual “Climate & Biodiversity Report”, the online “Group
the EU Directive 2014/95 related to extra-financial reporting (1) Human Capital Report” (3) and on the AXA Group’s website (www.
and French law (2). This statement includes the AXA Group’s axa.com), in the “Commitments” Section.
business model and information on its principal extra-financial In this Section 4 of the Annual Report, unless provided otherwise,
risks (“sustainability risks”) related to environmental, employer “ESG” and “sustainability”, as used in the context of describing
responsibility, society, human rights, and tax development strategy criteria, risks, or objectives, refer to environmental, social and
implemented by the AXA Group. For more information on the risks governance matters.
to which the Group is exposed, please refer to Section 5.1 “Risk
factors” of this Annual Report.
(1) Directive 2014/95/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of October 22, 2014, amending Directive 2013/34/EU as regards disclosure of non-financial
information and information relating to diversity by certain large companies and groups.
(2) Articles L.225-102-1, R.225-104 to R.225-105-2, L. 22-10-36, R. 22-10-29 and A. 225-1 to A. 225-4 of the French Commercial Code.
(3) No information, documents or items contained in AXA Group’s 2022 Integrated Report (publication expected to be in April 2023) or the 2022 Group Human
Capital Report (publication expected to be in May 2023) or AXA SA’s 2023 Climate & Biodiversity Report (publication expected to be in June 2023), or available
on the Company’s website in connection therewith, is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report.
4
As an Investor As an Insurer As an Exemplary company
Reduce the carbon footprint Increase premiums on green insurance Lead transformation by people: upskill the
of the Group’s portfolio products to €1.3 billion by 2023 Group’s employees in climate issues by 2023
(General Account assets)
by 20% by 2025 Increase the number of customers covered Achieve carbon neutrality: reduce the
by an inclusive protection carbon footprint of the Group’s own
Increase the Group's Green investments to 12 million by 2023 operations (energy, car fleet, business travel,
to reach €26 billion by 2023 digital) by 20 % by 2025 & offset
the residual emissions
A transversal consolidated indicator: Group’s S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) percentile ranking (95th-99th percentile)
Specific working groups have been set up with key stakeholders commitments within the Index are published annually since 2021.
across the Group to define the action plans to achieve its For more information, please refer to the following Sections of
commitments for 2023 and beyond. The results of the seven this Chapter of the Annual Report.
AXA Group integrates ESG criteria in the compensation packages Furthermore, approximately 5,000 employees were granted in
of its employees on the short and long-term components. 2022 long-term incentives known as AXA Restricted Shares which
The determination of the variable compensation to be paid to are subject to a sustainability underpin i.e., minimum AXA Group’s
top executives was based in 2022 on the following two metrics: ranking in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment
Group performance (including a criterion on reduction in the (CSA) to be met.
Group’s carbon footprint in its General Account assets, weighting Finally, the weight of environmental and social criteria in profit
for 15%) and i ndividual performance (including achievement on sharing schemes (20,000+ employees) was enhanced in 2022.
diversity and climate-related targets). Please refer to Section 3.2 “Executive compensation and share
Since 2021, AXA Group has increased the weight of sustainability ownership”, sub-Section “Shares subject to performance
criteria in AXA Performance Shares granted to Senior Management conditions (Performance shares and international performance
and employees subject to specific regulatory requirements from shares, restricted shares and international restricted shares)” and
10% to 30%. The following metrics are included for the 2022 grant: sub-Section “Corporate officers’ and executives’ compensation”,
AXA Group’s ranking in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Section 4.2 “Employer Responsibility”, sub-Section “Rewarding AXA
Assessment (CSA) (10%), reduction in Group operations carbon employees for sustainability achievements” of this Annual Report.
emissions (10%), and increase of the proportion of women in the
Group executive’s population (10%).
SDG No.13 – Climate As described in Section 4.3 “Climate change and biodiversity” of this Annual Report, AXA Group
Action is incorporating climate change measures into its policies, strategies, and planning (SDG 13.2).
Through the nature of its insurance activities, AXA Group contributes to strengthen resilience and
adaptive capacities in the face of climate hazards and climate-related natural disasters (SDG 13.1).
As a risk expert, AXA Group is active in improving education, awareness, and individual
and institutional capacities regarding climate change adaptation, mitigation, and early
warning systems (SDG 13.3). The launch of the AXA Climate Academy in 2021 (please refer to
Section 4.2 “Employer Responsibility” of this Annual Report) has reinforced the contribution
to this goal.
SDG No.14 – Life below Since 2019, AXA Group has initiated actions to better take biodiversity into account. The
water Ocean Risk Initiative developed by its subsidiary AXA XL contributes directly to manage
and protect marine and coastal ecosystems on a sustainable basis (SDG 14.2) and minimize
ocean acidification and combat its effects (SDG 14.3). By adhering to the UNEP FI-Oceana
Insurance Industry Statement and the Poseidon Principles for Marine Insurance (PPMI), AXA
Group also contributes to effectively regulate fishing, put an end to overfishing and illegal
fishing (SDG 14.4). The Biodiversity action plan is presented in Section 4.3 “Climate change
Climate and and biodiversity” of this Annual Report.
environment SDG No.15 – Life on land The WWF partnership and its participation in the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial
Disclosures (described in Section 4.3 “Climate change and biodiversity” of this Annual
Report) support AXA Group’s contribution to “mobilize financial resources from all sources
and significantly increase them to preserve biodiversity and ecosystems” (SGD 15.a). The
Biodiversity action plan has been reinforced in 2020, 2021 and 2022 strengthening AXA Group’s
contribution to SDG 15, notably through a €1.5 billion investment in forests (please refer to
Section 4.3 “Climate change and biodiversity” of this Annual Report).
In 2022, AXA Group initiated the “AXA Forests for Good” project which aims at restoring
damaged forests’ ecosystems to make them more resilient to climate change and a better
host for biodiversity.
SDG No.7 – Affordable
and clean energy
AXA Group is on track to meet its “green” investment target of €26 billion by 2023 as described
in Section 4.3 “Climate change and biodiversity” of this Annual Report. It contributes directly to
4
significantly increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix by 2030 (SDG 7.2).
SDG No.1 – No poverty AXA Hearts in Action volunteers provide assistance to people living in extreme poverty (SDG
1.1 and 1.2). These actions are described in Section 4.4 “Inclusive insurer” of this Annual Report.
In 2022, AXA Group provided support to people in need, notably refugees from Ukraine and
people displaced within the country.
SDG No.3 – Good health AXA Group’s initiatives to exclude the cigarette industry from its investment and insurance
and well-being activities (refer to Section 4.4 “Inclusive insurer” of this Annual Report) are in line with the
objective of implementing the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. In addition,
AXA Group’s Health initiatives are strongly focused on the prevention of non-communicable
diseases. The UNICEF partnership (described in Section 4.4 “Inclusive insurer” of this Annual
Report) aims at fighting the global epidemic of obesity (SDG 3.4). In 2022, AXA Group continued
to facilitate access to healthcare for underserved populations in emerging and mature markets,
following the €300 million commitment to finance a Global Health investment strategy in 2021.
Social inequalities SDG No.5 – Gender For many years now, AXA Group has been pursuing a proactive inclusion and diversity
and inclusion equality policy (described in Section 4.2 “Employer Responsibility” of this Annual Report): ending
discrimination against women and girls (SDG 5.1), guaranteeing the equal participation of
women in management positions (SDG 5.5). The initiative “Women in Insurance” (described
in Section 4.4 “Inclusive insurer” of this Annual Report) constitutes the “business” component
of the program, providing women with adapted financial protection solutions.
SDG n°10 – Reduced Programs on Inclusive Protection, including the “Women in Insurance” initiative and AXA
Inequalities Emerging Customers (described in Section 4.4 “Inclusive insurer” of this Annual Report) are
helping to empower all people and promote their social, economic, and political integration,
regardless of age, gender, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status
(SDG 10.2). These programs provide a better access to financial protection for vulnerable
communities and reduce protection gaps.
AXA Group philanthropy partnerships and AXA Hearts in action activities also contribute to
the reduction of inequalities. These actions are described in Section 4.4 “Inclusive insurer”
of this Annual Report.
I ESG ratings
The Group’s Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) included in the main international sustainability indexes. These
performance is evaluated by specialized rating agencies. The ratings are described in further detail in Section 1 “The AXA Group”
Group generally ranks close to the top in its industry and is also of this Annual Report.
(1) Directive 2014/95/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of October 22, 2014, amending Directive 2013/34/EU as regards disclosure of non-financial
information and information relating to diversity by certain large companies and groups.
(2) The ARCC is a Committee of Senior executives with the following purpose: review material audit, risk and compliance issues at Group level.
(3) The sustainability risks identified in 2022 remain the same compared to 2021.
The surveys were held in March and November 2022. The participation rate remained around 80% (79% in November, 80% in March).
(a) The employee Net Promoter Score is measured by asking employees one question: “How likely are you to recommend AXA as a place to work?”. The answer scale is from
0 to 10, and the result is calculated by taking the percent of promoters (answers of 9-10) and subtracting the percent of detractors (answers of 0 – 5). This then produces a
metric on a scale from (-100) to (+100).
A new onboarding program top level of executives down to junior recruits – with online and
on-site opportunities to develop their skills, adapt to changing
In an effort to support new joiners and help them find their feet, times, and find the jobs that best suit them within AXA.
particularly in a Smart Working environment, all AXA entities
have revisited their onboarding programs with a strong focus on Three academies – the AXA Climate Academy, the AXA Managers
the sense of belonging to the AXA Group. That means important Academy, and the AXA Leadership Academy – were developed
information and training is available to all new hires, wherever in 2021 to address goals on sustainability and adaptation to
they are in the world, and that people feel part of the whole the post-pandemic world. These training programs are already
of AXA, as well as the entity they are joining. This is especially showing significant achievements in 2022 and are critical to Smart
valuable for younger workers. Working, workplace wellness, inclusion, and giving employees a
sense of purpose and empowerment.
Helping young people enter and progress
in the workplace AXA Climate Academy
Young people have been hit hard by the current economic crisis. As part of its sustainability agenda, AXA Group has committed
To support them and to help them join the working world, AXA has to training all of its employees on climate change by the end of
designed initiatives like mentoring (1) or early realization programs 2023. To achieve this, AXA launched the AXA Climate Academy
near the end of 2021. It is a learning program designed to give
4
targeting young people from families with low incomes and who
have fewer employment prospects. employees better awareness and understanding of the science
behind climate change. It covers why climate is a growing concern
Many AXA entities, especially in Europe, put more mentorships in for companies and customers, the main types of climate change
place in 2022, and created new communities of young AXA workers. risks, and how climate change impacts the whole value chain for
Those entities have also partnered with associations to create insurance and investments.
professional opportunities for young people, at AXA and beyond.
The hope is to continue and grow these initiatives across AXA. The program is available in 11 languages and includes a series
of bite-sized learning videos and activities. The final module is a
guide to the concrete actions that teams can take collectively and
individually to combat climate change. Completing the training
INVESTING IN DEVELOPMENT earns participants achievement certificates. They can share
OF OUR PEOPLE these on social networks like LinkedIn, along with the hashtag
#WeCommitToClimate, to further promote the campaign.
The bulk of the AXA Climate Academy rollout happened in 2022
Learning & Development and, as of December 2022, 87% of AXA employees (2) have been
In 2022, 100% of AXA Group employees were trained at least certified (including sales representatives). Feedback from learners
once. By constantly up-skilling and re-skilling, AXA is helping its was extremely positive with 4,220 employees giving the AXA
employees navigate the potential pitfalls that come with the rapidly Climate Academy an average score of 4.6/5.
changing world of work. AXA is providing all workers – from the
(1) Mentoring is a relationship of trust and support between a young person from outside AXA (“young person” here defined as a child, teenager, or young adult)
and a mentor who is a volunteer employee of AXA. It is a personal commitment based on voluntary work and is supervised by an AXA Hearts in Action partner
association for AXA employees in France. In other entities, mentoring can take other forms.
(2) Share of permanent employees, as of December 2022, within the SDR Scope – please refer to Section 4.7 “Transversal Information” of this Annual Report for
more information on this scope – who have been trained in climate issues, completing the AXA Climate Academy or with a similar local initiative, excluding
new joiners and long-term absences (according to local management rules).
(1) A CFA or Chartered Financial Analyst program is a multi-part exam that tests fundamental skills in finance and investing.
Management Committee (a) Partners Group (b) Global Leadership Network (c)
2022 2021 2020 2022 2021 2020 2022 2021 2020
Women 20% 21% 15% 24% 27% 27% 39% 36% 34%
Men 80% 79% 85% 76% 73% 73% 61% 64% 66%
TOTAL 15 14 13 41 45 48 237 243 253
(a) Please refer to Section 3.1 “Corporate governance structure” of this Annual Report for more information.
(b) The Partners group is composed of the members of the Management Committee and over thirty other senior executives from across the Group. Please refer to Section 3.1
“Corporate governance structure” of this Annual Report for more information.
(c) The Global Leadership Network is made up of CEO and Executive Committees of AXA’s largest markets, growth engines and major transversal entities, as well as senior
leaders from the corporate functions, markets and some country CEOs.
AXA has reinforced its Fair Pay approach by considering that not
only should employees’ pay be fair and competitive, but also HEALTH AND WELLBEING IN A WORLD
at a level determined sufficient for the location they work in. A
living wage goes beyond current statutory minimum wages – it
OF HYBRID WORK
aims to prevent individuals from falling into poverty, although
some countries like Ireland have commenced the process to
transpose living wages into their domestic law. The living wage Healthy You
is more comprehensive and defines the minimum wage needed AXA launched a global health and wellbeing program in
for employees and their families to cover core needs depending November 2020, branded “Healthy You”. The program was rolled
on their working location, including housing, food, and access out thanks to a partnership between AXA Group and employee
to healthcare and education. AXA contracted with the Fair Wage trade union representatives. The Healthy You program was
Network to conduct an analysis by the end of 2023 in all of reflected in a Charter signed by the European Works Council
the Group’s countries of operation to assess the alignment of and AXA Group.
employees’ pay with local living wages.
The Healthy You Program was extended in 2021 to include
additional care and support services. 2022 was a critical year of
implementation of those services with a rollout that will be fully
completed by the end of 2023.
As part of the Healthy You Program, AXA launched its first global
medical check-up campaign in 2021. More than 33,000 employees
participated in this campaign. The main health risks identified that
year thanks to the global check-up campaign were cardiovascular Mental health
diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, and stress. To directly
address these risks, 2022’s Health Days focused on nutrition, Since 2020, AXA has ensured an Employee Assistance Program
ergonomics, and social reconnection through group and local (EAP) with 24-hour mental health and psychological support
initiatives. 3,000 employees viewed the conference on The Great across all geographies. EAPs provide practical and impartial
Reconnection. Aimed at addressing stress, the conference focused psychological support to employees on everyday matters ranging
on social relationships, their positive impact on wellbeing, and from home and family concerns to financial and legal issues.
why we need to be intentional in building and sustaining them. In every global Pulse survey, AXA asks its employees to share
3,000 also viewed the Health Nutrition & Cooking Class, aimed insight on their current wellbeing so that it can better assess
at supporting cardiovascular health. And the five videos on and understand how its employees are feeling, whether this
ergonomics (to address musculoskeletal disorders) were each is changing over time, and determine actions to support their
viewed around 3,000 times. Local entities had the flexibility to give wellbeing. AXA continues to invest in training as a tool to reduce
more focus to their own specific risks. They held on-site initiatives, bias and stigma. As of October 30, 2022, 6,912 managers were
including advice from health experts and medical screenings. trained to recognize common mental health conditions and
The Healthy You Program includes the following services: to signpost the support available at AXA, providing them with
the confidence needed to respond to any challenges that may
■ an in-person medical check-up for all employees over 40 years arise within their team. AXA entities have also introduced locally
old every four years. More than 23,000 employees have used relevant training programs, with one French entity using role play
this service in 2022. A digital check-up is also provided to all as a way for employees to learn more about workplace bias and
employees every two years; what can be done to address it.
■ on-site health-related prevention and awareness days; AXA recognizes that raising awareness is also about making a
■ an annual flu vaccination campaign; positive, lasting impact on employee mental health. At the local
level, entities have been sharing articles, expert insights, and
■ an Employee Assistance Program with 24-hour mental health interactive health tools to provide employees with a range of
and psychological support; ways to practice self-care. East Asian AXA entities launched Fit
■ medical teleconsultation services; to Flourish, with research identifying 10 key skills that support
peak mind heath such as self-acceptance, connectedness, pride
■ digital programs focusing on prevention, and raising awareness
on topics related to health and wellbeing;
in achievement, and physical health behaviors. 4
■ a second medical opinion service for employees with a critical
illness;
■ financial support (covering at least 75% of medical expenses)
as well as mental health support for employees with cancer.
The AXA Group pays particular attention to providing access to
information regarding the benefits, services and entitlements
proposed to employees in the various entities.
(a) The rates and ratio within this section are the Headcounts as of December 31 of the reporting year.
(b) A global and consistent definition of Executives was implemented in 2021, resulting in a reduction of the global Executives population.
(c) Headcount converted into average Full-Time Equivalent during the reporting year.
(a) The rates and ratio within this section are the Average Headcounts of the reporting year.
(b) External transfers: Salaried workforce who have left AXA because of an activity/job transfer to an external company or due to disposal of businesses, are no longer under a
contract with AXA.
4
Compensation, absenteeism and training (a) 2022 Evolution 2021 2020
(a) As per the definition of compensation, it includes the individual fixed pay, the individual variable pay, employer social contribution and collective profit sharing (if any) and
excludes equity based compensation (stocks options, performance shares, AXA Miles).
Compensation and absenteeism: the rates and ratio of those categories are the average salaried FTEs of the reporting year.
Training: the rates and ratio of those categories are the Average Headcounts of the reporting year.
Training costs include external costs: such as (1) the external trainer cost and external instructional designer; (2) the external annual licensing for on the shelves e-learning
content, or external unitary cost of acquisition of e-learning modules; (3) the logistics cost; and internal costs: such as (1) The compensation cost of internal trainers meaning
any AXA employee whether belonging to the Learning and Development team or other parts of the organization; and (2) the Learning Management System cost.
Environmental protection, and more specifically the interconnected defined indicators to track progress in reducing the adverse
issues of climate change and biodiversity loss, is a strategic pillar impacts associated with these risks.
of the Group’s approach to sustainable development as described AXA Group follows the guidance of the voluntary disclosure
above in Section 4.1 “AXA Group’s sustainability strategy” of this requirements of the “Task Force on Climate-related Financial
Annual Report. Disclosures” (TCFD) (1), which focus exclusively on climate-related
In 2022, climate change and biodiversity loss have been factors. Since becoming a licensed reinsurer of life and Property
identified as two of the main sustainability risks, as described & Casualty business, AXA SA is also subject to the disclosure
in Section 4.1 “AXA Group’s sustainability strategy – Sustainability requirements set out in the French regulations implementing
risk assessment”. Climate change as a sustainability risk is article 29 of the Law No. 2019-1147 of November 8, 2019, regarding
considered in this Section 4.3, with a double materiality lens, energy and climate, which considers more broadly, ESG issues.
for AXA Group’s investment and insurance activities, and AXA For more detailed information, please refer to AXA SA’s annual
Group’s own operations. AXA Group has developed policies and “Climate and Biodiversity Report” (2) that will be published on the
AXA Group’s website (www.axa.com) in the second quarter of 2023.
(1) https://www.fsb-tcfd.org
(2) No information, document or item contained in AXA SA’s annual “Climate and Biodiversity Report”, or available on the Company’s website in connection with
AXA SA’s annual “Climate and Biodiversity Report”, is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report.
(1) Similarly, the Bank of England and the “Prudential Regulation Authority” (PRA) ran their “Climate Biennial Exploratory Scenario” (CBES) exploratory exercise
in 2021 with the objective of testing the resilience of current business models of the largest banks and insurers to the financial risks associated with climate
change.
property & casualty (P&C): the same is true for Property &
Casualty insurance, due to AXA Group’s worldwide footprint
deterioration of air quality. Nevertheless, the impact was
expected to be limited because, even using a very conservative
of exposures, which creates a high level of diversification. The approach, the assessed impact would be absorbed through
evolution of AXA Group’s future P&C natural catastrophes (Nat management actions such as realistic repricing.
Cat) claims remains largely driven by changes in AXA Group’s
AXA Group also explores the potential impacts of climate change
future exposures (demographic changes, wealth growth) rather
on its investments with a model developed by MSCI (applicable
than an increase in the climate hazard itself; and
only to corporate bonds and equity and real assets) where risks
■ health & protection: in terms of health and Life insurance, and opportunities are combined and translated into a “Climate
the ACPR’s “climate pilot exercise” again showed that the Value-at-Risk” indicator (please refer to the Section “Consideration
main impact stems notably from higher mortality due to the of Climate in Portfolio Management” below).
(1) https://ipbes.net/
(2) https://tnfd.global
(3) Into the wild: de la nature aux stratégies d’investissement | AXA
■ AXA Group is currently a Taskforce Member of the TNFD and biodiversity impact metrics. This provider has developed its
contributes to the TNFD’s Metrics and Targets Working Group; own metric – the Corporate Biodiversity Footprint (CBF) – based
on the concept of Mean Species Abundance (MSA), to calculate
■ over the past three years (2020-2022), AXA Group partnered with
the degradation of ecosystems caused by business activities
the WWF to develop and strengthen its biodiversity strategy; and
in an investment portfolio.
■ AXA IM, with three Asset Management peers (BNP Paribas AM,
For more information, please refer to the AXA SA’s annual “Climate
Mirova, Sycomore AM), partnered with a selected external
and Biodiversity Report”.
biodiversity risks data providers, Iceberg Datalab, to develop
(1) AXA Group’s carbon footprint is computed based on the data made available by its providers at the close of AXA Group’s data collection process and as such,
may include data from previous years. Similarly, AXA Group relies on the availability of emissions data from activities for them to be included in the modelization
process: (i) normalized per revenue (direct emissions, i.e. greenhouse gas emissions generated from burning fossil fuels and production processes which
are owned or controlled by the Company and first tier indirect emissions, i.e. greenhouse gas emissions from direct suppliers); (ii) normalized per Enterprise
Value (Scope 1 and 2); (iii) in absolute terms (Scope 1 and 2).
(1) The “warming potential” at the end of 2022 will be available in AXA SA’s annual “Climate and Biodiversity Report” 2023.
(2) The benchmark used for corporate equity is MSCI World ACWI; for corporate debt, the benchmark used is ICE BofAML Global Market corporate.
(3) Climate Value-at-Risk (Climate VaR) is designed to provide a forward-looking and return-based valuation assessment to measure climate related risks and
opportunities in an investment portfolio. The Climate VaR provides a stressed market valuation of a security in relation to aggregated transition and physical
cost and profit projections until the end of the century.
(4) At the end of financial year 2021. The Climate value-at-risk at the end of 2022 will be available in AXA SA’s annual “Climate and Biodiversity Report” 2023.
AXA Group Energy Policy been implemented by all AXA entities. In the case of the asset
management entities of the Group, the policy has been applied
Since 2017, AXA Group has divested from oil sands-related to the extent that they manage General Accounts assets.
businesses (defined as companies deriving more than 20% of
their revenue from oil sands, including pipeline operators). Full details of the current AXA Group Ecosystem conversion and
Deforestation Policy is available at https://www.axa.com.
As an asset owner, AXA Group has stopped investing in new
upstream oil greenfield exploration projects unless they are The AXA Group Ecosystem conversion and Deforestation Policy
carried out by companies with the most far-reaching and credible is currently under review and is expected to be updated in the
transition plans. course of 2023.
(1) https://gogel.org/
AXA Group Energy Policy In line with the UNPSI-UNESCO classification, the Group also
commits to protect World Heritage Sites by ensuring it does
Since 2021, AXA Group no longer underwrites new upstream oil not support, through Property and Construction insurance
exploration projects (greenfield). Exemptions may be granted to underwriting, businesses in sensitive sectors that are developing
companies with the most far-reaching and credible transition activities incompatible with ecosystem preservation in these
plans, based on a case-by-case review. Restrictions will take vital sites.
effect with a 12-month grace period ending on January 1st, 2024.
Full details of the current AXA Group Energy Policy is available at Full details of the AXA Group Ecosystem conversion and
https://www.axa.com. Deforestation Policy are available at https://www.axa.com.
1 2 3
Biodiversity
Preventive measures
& Pollution to limit biodiversity loss
prevention
(1) www.axa.com/en/press/publications/AXA-Green-Business-Report-2022
AXA’s own operations 2019-2025 targets and 2022 performance are summarized in the table below:
(a) Environmental Data collected from 90 entities. AXA Group sites with fewer than 50 FTEs are not included in data collection, but are part of extrapolation process. In 2022,
environmental indicators were collected for 92,695 FTEs working on AXA Group sites (unless otherwise indicated in these footnotes), and were then extrapolated, continent
by continent, to cover all 115,842 FTEs (all types of contract), working at the AXA Group in average in 2022. For the environmental impact for the use of digital equipment
and services: full scope of AXA Group in 2022, AXA XL, IM & US and some local data centers (AXA Partners, AXA IM & AXA GO Spain, AXA GO Asia) beeing integrated this year.
(b) Location based: using average electricity emission factor in the country.
(c) Natural gas, biogas, heating oil.
(d) AXA Group vehicle fleet data was collected from entities representing 92,695 FTEs.
(e) and (e') Includes electricity, steam and chilled water.
(f) Does not include company cars, to avoid double counting with the AXA Group’s vehicle fleet data.
(g) In-used inventory of laptop, desktop, smartphones, tablets, monitors for AXA Group workforce.
(h) and (h') With the Scope 2 methodology defined by Greenhouse Gas Protocol https://ghgprotocol.org/
(i) Calculation relies on in-used inventory of laptop, desktop, smartphones, tablets, monitors and usage hypotheses. It assumes similar consumption in AXA Group offices and
at employees’ when they work from home.
(j) Calculation of the manufacturing of equipment such as servers, laptops, desktops, smartphones, etc. are based on equipment inventories, average holding time and
equipment manufacturing published by suppliers (or the best available estimate based on the public databases of ADEME (https://www.bilans-ges.ademe.fr/) and the
REN of The Shift Project (https://theshift project.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Lean-ICT-Materials-REN-2018-updated-in-April-2019.xlsx)).
(k) and (k') Purchased IT services covers emissions of major service providers Amazon, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft O365, Orange and Salesforce. They
are related to (i) the manufacture of equipment of external data centers and (ii) emissions related to the energy consumption of these external data centers for the data
processed for AXA Group in Market-based and Location-based. Emission sources are either based on information from service providers or on estimates/extrapolations
when no measured data is available, in particular on emissions related to the manufacturing of equipment.
(l) Total workforce of salaried (with open-ended contract and fixed-term contract) and non-salaried (contingent workers).
AXA Group continues to work on the deployment of its action plan portfolio management – Impact of AXA Group’s investments on
to achieve its objectives by 2025. AXA Group aims at reducing the climate: Carbon footprint” and to Section “Climate and biodiversity
footprint of its operations on all the “Scopes” of its greenhouse matters as an insurer – Consideration of climate in insurance
gas emissions (1): portfolio” above.
■ Scope 1: emissions related to fuel combustion on AXA Group’s
sites (gas, heating oil…) as well by vehicle fleet; 2022 environmental performance
■ Scope 2: emissions from purchased energy (mainly electricity GHG EMISSIONS: ANALYSIS BY SCOPE
consumed in AXA Group buildings); and
GHG emissions related to energy consumption, car fleet, business
■ Scope 3: emissions from business travel and IT activities. travel and IT decreased by 48% between 2019 and 2022 and
amounted to 112,728 tons equivalent CO2 (t CO2 eq) in 2022,
These objectives are based on the approach promoted by the
well below the 2022 target of 185,267 t CO2 eq which has been
Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which AXA Group joined
set to achieve a 20% reduction target between 2019 and 2025.
in 2015. More specifically, AXA Group has chosen the “Sectoral
After two years of substantially reduced GHG emissions due to
Approach to Decarbonization” to define its 2019-2025 objectives,
the containment measures and travel restrictions in the context
aimed at achieving the goals of the COP21 Paris Agreement. AXA
of the COVID-19 pandemic, the reopening of offices and the
Group has submitted to the SBTi a target of -31% for Scope 1
resumption of business travel have led to a sharp increase in
and 2 perimeters. These targets have been set for each entity of
emissions compared to 2021 (+33%), which nevertheless remains
AXA Group to help them steer their emissions at the local level.
below pre-pandemic levels.
Moreover, internal operations-related carbon footprint reduction is
now a criterion in the Long-Term Incentive (LTI), for profit-sharing In 2022, 39% of the Group’s GHG emissions were related to energy
attribution as well as entities’ CEO target letters – please refer consumption, 24% to IT, 21% to business travel (air and rail), and
to Section 3.2 “Executive compensation and share ownership” 16% to AXA Group’s vehicle fleet.
and Section 4.2 “Employer Responsibility” of this Annual Report.
Scope 1 GHG emissions
This objective is part of a broader framework that integrates the AXA Group’s Scope 1 emissions include the GHG emissions
new measures related to AXA Group’s IT activities and which generated by gas and heating oil burned on site, as well as the fuel
translates into an overall reduction of the Group’s GHG emissions used by the Group’s automobile fleets. The calculation of CO2 eq
of 20% by 2025 compared to 2019 (Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3
business travel and IT equipment manufacturing and services).
emissions related to primary energy consumption for buildings 4
is done using ADEME emission factors or those communicated
With the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2025, AXA Group’s by the supplier for renewable energies such as biogas. For car
GHG emissions reduction is one of the components of the fleet emissions, an emission factor per kilometer is applied based
“AXA Progress Index”, as explained in Section 4.1 “AXA Group’s on the vehicle’s emission range. To consider regulatory changes
sustainability strategy” of this Annual Report. vehicles acquired or leased from 2020 onwards are classified
Please note that AXA Group does not set a target for employee according to the WLTP (2) standard.
commuting as the various constraints related to commuting In 2022, Scope 1 GHG emissions amounted to 23,280 t CO2 eq, in
(personal choice of employees, location, infrastructure, etc.) are line with 2021 results. AXA Group’s target for 2022 was 32,860 t CO2
not within the control of AXA Group. eq and was set to achieve the 25% reduction target between 2019
Besides, it should be noted that, in addition to the emissions and 2025. Compared to 2021, the increase of consumption in
associated to its own operations, the overall Scope 3 GHG some sites was mainly driven by the return to the offices after the
emissions of AXA Group include the financed emissions, which COVID-19 crisis and was compensated by the efforts performed
correspond to the carbon footprint of General Account assets, and by other sites to optimize their energy consumption and reduce
the insurance associated emissions that are currently evaluated office space.
in the context of the Net Zero Insurance Alliance. For further The use of the vehicle fleet in 2022 has increased compared to
details, please refer to Section 4.3 “Climate and biodiversity 2021, with a switch to low emitting vehicle in some countries,
matters as an investor – Consideration of climate in investment limiting the increase in CO2 emissions to 8%.
(a) Environmental Data collected from 90 entities. AXA Group sites with fewer than 50 FTEs are not included in data collection, but are part of extrapolation process.
For the environmental impact for the use of digital equipment and services: full scope of AXA Group since 2022 (AXA XL & US were out scope until 2021).
(b) Includes electricity, natural gas, heating oil, steam, chilled water.
(c) Scope of the AXA Group data centers extended to AXA IM, AXA XL and some local data centers (AXA Partners, AXA IM & AXA GO Spain, AXA GO Asia). Data reported represent the best
estimate available. Data accuracy have improved since the beginning of Digital Sustainability program, but there are still improvements to come that may impact the measures on
local data center tracking (some data centers are missing in UK, Japan, Mexico...).
(d) Calculation relies on in-used inventory of laptops, desktops, smartphones, tablets, monitors and usage hypotheses. It assumes similar consumption in AXA Group offices and at
employees’ when they work from home.
(e) Excluding company cars to avoid double counting with AXA Group’s vehicles fleet.
(f) Paper data collected from entities representing 92,695 FTEs.
(g) This data has been collected from entities representing 92,695 FTEs.
(h) Unsorted waste data collected from entities 92,695 FTEs.
(i) Total workforce of salaried (with open-ended contract and fixed-term contract) and non-salaried (contingent workers).
Environmental impact related to the use of digital equipment ■ renew the partnership with The Shift Project Lean-ICT program
AXA Group has the ambition to leverage new technologies for the next two years to get scientific support for the Group’s
and data to improve its operational efficiency. However, for several approach and encourage the shift of the IT market toward
years now, the growing environmental impact of Information more sustainable business models.
and Communications Technology (ICT) is acknowledged. AXA Group’s digital footprint was 36,870 t CO2 eq in 2022 (Market-
Therefore, AXA Group’s IT Department launched the “Digital based); this is a significant increase compared to 2021 due to
Sustainability” program in 2020. This program aims at measuring changes in the methodology and increase of the scope in 2022.
the environmental impact of ICT and at identifying levers to On a comparable reporting scope basis, the digital footprint has
reduce it. In 2022, the program has moved onto the next step to: increased by 6% compared to 2021, and 7% compared to 2019,
■ continuously improve measurement accuracy with a broader mainly reflecting more accurate inventories for workstations,
scope now covering AXA XL, AXA IM, AXA Partners, AXA GO Spain, consequently resulting in an increase of the considered devices.
AXA GO Asia; more accurate inventories on workplace; more This footprint is divided into four main categories:
accurate data from service providers. Since the beginning, AXA
Group is in the process of consolidating its ICT footprint and ■ 40,874 MWh corresponding to 5,947 t CO2 eq (Market-based) (1)
improving data accuracy with improvements still to come that related to electricity consumption of servers directly used
may impact the measurement; and operated by AXA Group Operations in its data centers.
The increase in 2022 is due to a broader scope now covering
■ secure contribution to the 20% reduction of AXA Group’s AXA XL, AXA IM, AXA Partners, AXA GO Spain, AXA GO Asia. We
CO2 emissions (energy, car fleet and business travel, and IT observed a 9% decrease in electricity consumption and a 6%
equipment and services) with the inclusion of the “Digital decrease in market-based CO2 eq emissions between 2021 and
Sustainability” program in Global IT Programs’ governance 2022 on comparable scope due to the transfer of services from
and strengthening the role of Digital Sustainability Leaders AXA Group data centers to the cloud;
of entities across the world, thanks to dedicated teams and
locally-defined targets to track the implementation of levers ■ 12,854 MWh corresponding to 4,126 t CO2 eq (Location-based) (1)
in their operations; linked to the electricity consumption of the terminals used by
employees and contractors involved in activities (computers,
■ work on reducing the pressure on demand for new equipment monitors, cell phones, tablets). The calculation method is
by extending equipment lifespan, minimizing the number of
devices per employee, considering “Bring your own device”
practices or the purchase of reconditioned equipment;
based on internal inventories and manufacturers’ data. The
measurement includes a subset of Scope 2 (for consumption 4
in AXA Group buildings) as well as a Scope 3 part in the case
■ secure timely cloud migration, decommissioning of replaced of remote work. The quality of inventories has improved with
servers and assess the potential impact of new projects in an increase by 10% of the number of tracked mobile terminals
terms of CO2 emissions. AXA Group expects better performance since 2021, especially on monitors. As a consequence, there
from cloud computing hyperscalers compared to data centers was a 22% increase in electricity consumption between 2021
it operates directly. Despite the progress already achieved, the and 2022 on a comparable scope, as well as a 4% increase in
Group lacks readily available and reliable data on electricity GHG emissions;
consumption, quantitative data for digital waste management, ■ 21,320 t CO 2 eq related to the manufacturing of digital
and information on equipment lifecycle policy and their equipment used by AXA Group. The calculation method is
footprint to confirm this assumption (AXA Group is relying based on inventories, manufacturers’ data, and public data,
on the hyperscalers to report on the cloud CO2 performance); as well as the average equipment lifespan (Scope 3 emissions).
■ improve the Group’s enterprise architecture, software A 10% increase in CO2 eq emissions as compared to 2021 on a
development, data science and data management practices comparable basis was observed mainly due to a more accurate
to make them more sustainable. This lever is important to inventory on workstation equipment; and
optimize the Group’s activities but requires time to produce ■ 5,478 t CO2 eq in connection with the purchase of cloud
quantitative results; computing services by AXA Group from its main providers:
■ onboard procurement teams & IT suppliers through dedicated Amazon, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft
global meetings and continuous discussions to improve the O365, Orange and Salesforce. The reporting scope was
measurement accuracy; extended to AXA XL in 2022. Emission sources are either
based on information from service providers or on estimates/
■ raise climate change awareness among employees leveraging extrapolations when no measurement of emissions related to
the AXA Climate Academy (refer to Section 4.2 “Employer the manufacturing of equipment is provided. In 2022, the CDP
Responsibility” of this Annual Report); and calculation was completely replaced by service providers’ data
(1) With the Scope 2 methodology defined by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol https://ghgprotocol.org/
As an Investor
Carbon footprint of AXA’s portfolio (General Account Assets) tCO2/EV €m (a) -35% (b) -29% (b) -6 pt -20% 2019-2025
Green Investments € billion 25.1 22.6 11% 26 2023
(e)
Warming potential °C N/A +2.6 N/A N/A N/A
Climate value-at-risk N/A N/A (d) 11% (e) N/A N/A N/A
As an Insurer
Green Premiums € billion 1.7 1.4 21% 1.3 (f) 2023
As an Exemplary company
Carbon footprint of AXA’s own operations (energy, car fleet,
business travel, digital) tCO2 -48% -61% (g) +13 pt -20% 2019-2025
(h) (h)
Share of employees who have been upskilled on climate issues employees 87% 13% +74 pt 100% 2023
Number of entities that tested all Business Continuity Plans
for High/Mission critical business processes entities 95% N/A N/A 100% Annually
(1) United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI) was launched in 2005 and is an investor initiative in partnership with UNEP Finance Initiative
and UN Global Compact.
(2) United Nations Principles for Sustainable Insurance (UN PSI) was launched at the 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable Development; the UN PSI serves as a
global framework for the insurance industry to address environmental, social and governance risks and opportunities.
■ empowering women entrepreneurs to take risks and seize “Prevention” (e.g., preventive services or financial education to
opportunities, with customized products and services that minimize the risks our clients are facing for themselves, their goods
help them develop their business, while allowing them to take and their savings), “Environment” (e.g., investment decisions based
better care of themselves and their family. on environmental impact; environmental services or offers for
Damages insurance), and “Inclusion and solidarity” (e.g., product
As part of its support to women, the AXA Group has been a
accessibility for populations usually excluded from insurance
strategic partner of the “Global Women’s Forum” since 2018. This
mechanisms, investments in French and European Small and
partnership enables the AXA Group to disseminate its expertise,
Medium Enterprises).
gather best practices, and take part in projects such as the yearly
Gender Equity barometer (1) which highlights disparities between In 2022, AXA France distributed 85 different labelled products in
perception and reality on gender-related topics in G7 countries total. Since 2015, 10.2 million labelled contracts have been sold.
since 2020.
In addition, the AXA Group is a member of Financial Alliance for
Women, a coalition of financial institutions which work together INCLUSIVE ECONOMY AND SOCIAL
to make the business case for women’s economic advancement RELATED OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT
through peer learning, research, and advocacy.
Since 2016, the AXA Group has been engaged in efforts to divest (2) from and end insurance coverage for the
tobacco industry. In 2020, these efforts were officially certified through the “Tobacco Free Pledge” label, which
attests to the AXA Group’s constant commitment in the fight against tobacco. Tobacco is one of the world’s
leading causes of death and long-term non-communicable diseases, including cancer, heart disease and chronic
respiratory illnesses, and is responsible for more than 8 million deaths per year (3). The AXA Group believes that
supporting an industry which is the main cause of long-term non-communicable diseases, including cancer,
heart disease and chronic respiratory illnesses, is incompatible with its role as one of the world’s health insurers.
(1) UNICEF does not endorse any company, brand, product or service.
(2) AXA and the Palace of Versailles | www.axa.com/en/commitments/axa-and-the-palace-of-versailles
AXA Group is committed to conducting its business according to The 2022 sustainability risk assessment presented in Section 4.1
high ethical principles. This commitment is designed to ensure “AXA Group’s sustainability strategy – Sustainability risk
compliance with laws and regulations in the various jurisdictions assessment” assessed the following business behavior risks: anti-
where the Group operates, to earn the continued trust of its bribery & fight against corruption, business conduct, responsible
clients, shareholders, employees, and business partners, but data use, data privacy and data security, sustainable procurement,
also frequently extends beyond legal obligations particularly in and tax policy.
the Group’s priority areas. The policies presented below cover these business behavior risks.
Associated indicators are explained in the following paragraphs.
I Business ethics
COMPLIANCE & ETHICS CODE and notably the French law known as “Sapin II” n°2016-1691 of
December 9, 2016, on transparency and the fight against corruption
and the modernization of the economy. A Group Anti-Bribery officer
AXA Group Compliance & Ethics Code seeks to establish Group-
oversees the global ABC program at Group level and monitors its
wide rules and guidelines to ensure that AXA Group companies and
implementation in all the entities. AXA entities have designated
employees have a common understanding of the compliance and
ethical standards the Group requires. The Code covers a variety of
local Anti-Bribery officers to implement their local programs in
accordance with Group’s ABC standards.
4
matters, including specific rules concerning conflicts of interest,
anti-bribery and corruption, insider trading, management of AXA Group Standards certification by entities’ CEOs includes an
confidential information, etc. The Code is available on the Group’s “anti-bribery and fight against corruption” Section. Our objective
website (1). In 2019, the Group launched an updated version of AXA is to achieve a consistent anti-bribery and anti-corruption
Group Compliance & Ethics Code. The updated Code includes program across the Group’s entities, which includes the necessary
subjects that have become increasingly important in recent requirements that comply with International Standards (including
years: Health & Safety at work, Protection and Responsible use Sapin II Law) and prevent corruption risks.
of Customer Data, Engagement with Social Media, Prevention As a result, each year since 2018, 100% of CEOs within the scope
of Discrimination and Harassment, and Fair and Professional of AXA Group Standards certification process have certified their
Treatment of customers. The content and style of the Code have level of compliance with the anti-bribery & corruption section (in
also been revised to make it more accessible. line with the 100% target).
(1) www.axa.com/en/about-us/compliance-ethics#tab=business-ethics
The Group implemented the General Data Protection Regulation In 2022, an additional focus was raised in respect of the protection
and is also implementing similar regulations recently adopted of the Group’s data against the cyber threat called “ransomware”.
in countries outside the European Union. The “One Security” strategic program led the definition of a
In 2022, out of 95 million customers, the Group received 471 set of instructions towards Group’s entities and initiated the
customer’s complaints on Data Privacy, equivalent to 0.0005% strengthening of AXA’s capabilities in terms of attack containment,
customers (versus 1,127 complaints in 2021, equivalent to 0.0012% threat eradication and recovery of IT Operations.
of customers and 1,112 complaints in 2020, equivalent to 0.0011%
of customers). This ratio is under the target of 0.0100% (which
means less than 9,500 complaints for 95,000,000 clients). RESPONSIBLE USAGE OF ARTIFICIAL
INTELLIGENCE
A SECURITY STRATEGY DESIGNED TO In 2021, AXA Group launched a Responsible Artificial Intelligence
GUARANTEE THE PROTECTION OF DATA Circle – a light and agile, multi-stakeholder governance body that
aims to foster and govern the adoption of trustworthy Artificial
With the massive digitization of society, cyber risk is considered Intelligence (AI) in the Group. This Circle brings together relevant
today one of the top operational risks that citizens and companies stakeholders from various departments involved in the ownership,
must face. development, and governance of AI systems at AXA Group. They
collaborate to build operational tools and internal guidance on
To respond to this threat, and as a responsible insurer, AXA Group responsible AI in line with the Group’s Responsible AI principles
has developed a risk-based security strategy that strengthens its and the latest regulatory framework.
business resilience, transforming security from a necessity to an
advantage for its entities. Security is managed holistically by the AXA Group has also been working closely with regulators (e.g.,
corporate function, Group Security. It gathers the four security EIOPA Digital Ethics Committee, and MAS Veritas initiative) and
key disciplines: Information Security/Cyber Security, Operational leading research centers (such as Sorbonne University and Stanford
Resilience, Physical Security and Health & Safety. University) to design state-of-the-art solutions, that respect ethical
principles, and can be used for effective AI governance in the
AXA Group has implemented its new security strategy, aiming insurance industry. This cooperation is central to building and
at strengthening security maturity within AXA’s entities, while
maintaining the most mature ones within the first quartile of the
implementing new internal and operational guidelines covering
the sustainable and responsible use of AI within the Group.
4
most secure companies in the financial industry. The maturity
level of these entities is assessed, based notably on the ISO 27001 Within the French association Impact AI, AXA Group, along
norms. In 2022, the Group successfully achieved a maturity score with other members (industrial partners, consulting, and tech
of 3.30 out of 5, with an increase of 0.18 over the previous year’s companies) is leading the Impact AI’s Responsible AI Committee
results (for a scope representing the Group’s 20 most mature tasked with analyzing the perception of AI and the development
entities), contributing to the goal of remaining among the safest of a “trustworthy AI”, producing several white papers on this topic.
organizations in our sector. This security strategy, called “One In addition, the Group leads both fundamental and applied
Security” strategy, uses a risk-based approach that ensures that research in the area of Responsible AI practices. Researchers
we continuously consider and adapt to the evolution of risks investigate technical solutions, applicable across different
and threats. segments of the insurance value chain, to mitigate risks related
This robust level of security is also ensured by the commitment to AI applications’ fairness, explainability, robustness and safety.
of the Group’s employees, who are the first line of defense These efforts support the Group’s business transformation in
against cyberattacks. Yearly training on the topic of security developing and adopting AI solutions in line with the Group
(including physical security, health & safety, operational resilience direction on the responsible use of data & AI.
& information security), data protection and cybersecurity are
deployed across the Group. In 2022, 100% of salaried employees
have been trained and certified.
Sustainable procurement
The 2022 sustainability risk assessment (please refer to Section 4.1 Translating AXA Group’s sustainability strategy and commitments
“AXA Group’s sustainability strategy – Sustainability risk into its management of vendors is indeed a key issue for the
assessment”), also identified sustainable procurement as a risk. Group. Policies and key performance indicators on sustainable
procurement are presented in the Group’s Vigilance Plan in the
following Section 4.6.
I Tax policy
As mentioned above, tax policy was assessed in the 2022 the Group’s Tax policy, please refer to Section 7.3 “General
sustainability risk assessment. Information – AXA Group Tax Policy” of this Annual Report. In
Both as a multinational company and as a provider of investments 2022, all AXA entities certified compliance with AXA Group Tax
and savings products, AXA Group follows a responsible and Policy and Tax Ethic Code (relating to 2021). The Tax transparency
transparent approach on tax issues. For more information on report published in 2022 covers 90% of the Group Tax footprint
(relating to 2021), in line with the 90% target.
To comply with applicable French law requirements (1), AXA has Group’s activities and from its own operations, and (ii) prepared a
(i) adopted a vigilance plan (the “vigilance plan”) that sets forth report included in this section, on the application of this vigilance
the measures established and implemented by AXA Group in order plan during the financial year 2022. For purposes of this Section,
to identify the risks relating to, and prevent, violations of human “human rights” include fundamental freedoms, as well as the
rights and adverse impacts on the environment resulting from health and safety of persons.
4
I Identification and evaluation of risks to human rights
and the environment
The AXA Group carried out an assessment of the impact that the The AXA Group regularly, and at least every three years, conducts
Group’s activities and operations may potentially have on the a human rights risk assessment which aims to identify the most
environment and human rights. relevant risks to human rights that the AXA Group should consider
The work carried out by the AXA Group to establish its mapping in conducting its business (acting both as an insurer and as an
of sustainability risks, as well as the main non-financial risks investor) and its own operations. A study was carried out in 2022,
assessed by the Group is presented in Section 4.1 “AXA Group’s with the help of an independent firm which used a three-step
Sustainability strategy – Sustainability risk assessment” of this methodology:
Annual Report. ■ first, relevant rights to be assessed (based on overarching
Charters, labor rights core conventions and specific
conventions (2)) were prioritized. This prioritization identified
HUMAN RIGHTS risks in areas such as forced labor (rights of child, right to
adequate standard of living, right to be free from slavery,
right to life, liberty, and personal security), discrimination
The AXA Group considers that its activities and own operations
(right to equality, right to be free from discrimination, freedom
could have potential direct and indirect impacts on the human
of belief and religion), inclusion of vulnerable populations
rights of its employees, customers, and suppliers, as well as
(rights of persons with disabilities, elimination of all forms
potential indirect impacts on the human rights of other persons
of discrimination against women, right of indigenous people
through the Group’s relations with corporate customers or
to natural resources, rights of migrant workers) and working
investments in companies, which are active in sectors and/or
conditions (freedom of opinion and expression, right of peaceful
countries with increased risks of human rights violations.
(1) Law No. 2017-399 of March 27, 2017 relating to the duty of care of parent companies and instructing companies (“devoir de vigilance des sociétés mères et
des entreprises donneuses d’ordre”) and article L.225-102-4 of the French Commercial Code.
(2) Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, International Covenant on Economic, Social & Cultural Rights, International
Labour Organization’s core conventions, International Convention on Rights of Child, International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant
Workers and Members of Their Families, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
against Women.
■ the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights The Group has also implemented safety, health, and security
(implementation of the United Nations “Protect, Respect and standards with which all Group entities must comply. These
Remedy” Framework or “Ruggie Principles”); standards set out:
■ the United Nations Global Compact; ■ processes to identify risks, depending on the specific
characteristics of the environment and the activity of each
■ the UN Principles for Sustainable Insurance (UN PSI); AXA Group entity;
■ the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI); and ■ proactive and reactive measures to be implemented according
■ the OECD recommendations and the Global Deal. to identified risks (information, training, protective measures,
incident management procedures and crisis plans); and
AXA’s human rights policy describes the Group’s commitments
in conducting its business as a responsible company (as an ■ a performance measurement, reported quarterly to the AXA
employer, a business partner, also respecting human rights in Group central team.
new business relations), an insurer and an investor.
Personal data protection
Protection of employee human rights AXA was the first insurance group to adopt privacy-related
The AXA Group endeavors to protect its employees’ human rights, Binding Corporate Rules, approved by European data protection
specifically the principles of freedom of association, the right to authorities. In addition, to respond to the cyber risk threat,
fair and favourable working conditions and non-discrimination, the AXA Group has developed a risk-based security strategy that
through: strengthens the AXA Group's business resilience. See further details
on personal data protection by AXA Group in Section 4.5 “Business
■ promoting the 10 guiding principles of the United Nations Global
behaviour – Responsible data use, data privacy and data security”
Compact (of which principles 1 & 2 are related to human rights
of this Annual Report.
and principles 3 to 6 to labor standards) and encouraging the
reporting of potential or actual severe violations of human rights;
Integration of human rights
■ setting Inclusion and Diversity targets and initiatives. See further
into business processes
details on Inclusion and Diversity in Section 4.2 “Employer
Responsibility – AXA as a purpose-driven and inclusive
organization – Progress on equal opportunities” of this Annual
As an insurer, the AXA Group incorporates ESG criteria (including
those relating to human rights) into its insurance business
4
Report; and processes, in line with AXA’s commitment to the UN Principles
for Sustainable Insurance.
■ the AXA Compliance & Ethics Code, available on the AXA
Group’s website (www.axa.com/en/about-us/compliance- EXCLUDED SECTORS AND PRACTICES
ethics#tab=business-ethics)), pursuant to which executives must
The AXA Group’s commitments are reflected in internal policies and
annually certify the compliance of their activity with the Code.
initiatives, including product development processes and policies
as well as underwriting guidelines. The underwriting guidelines
Protection of employee safety, health, define the exclusion of certain socially or environmentally sensitive
and security sectors or practices (which can be directly or indirectly related
to human rights) from the Group’s insurance activities, as well
As regards employee health, the AXA Group launched in
as sectors with increased risks, such as controversial weapons
November 2020 an innovative global program to improve
industries. Insurance restrictions are detailed in Section 4.3
the health and wellbeing of its employees around the world.
“Climate change and biodiversity – Climate and biodiversity
This program was extended in 2021 and 2022 was a critical
matters as an insurer – Underwriting restrictions” of this Annual
year of implementation of those services with a rollout that
Report.
will be fully completed by the end of 2023. Please refer to
Section 4.2 “Employer Responsibility – AXA as a purpose-driven THE AXA GROUP’S SUPPORT OF ITS CUSTOMERS’ RIGHTS
and inclusive organization – Health and wellbeing in a world
The AXA Group strives to support its customers’ rights while
of hybrid work – Healthy You” of this Annual Report for further
preventing or mitigating adverse human rights impacts that may
information on this global program on health and wellbeing.
result from the provision of insurance products and services to
In addition, the Group endeavors to tackle mental health issues. corporate customers, in particular by seeking to:
Please refer to Section 4.2 “Employer Responsibility – AXA as a
■ ensure fair treatment of all customers;
purpose-driven and inclusive organization – Health and wellbeing
in a world of hybrid work – Mental health” of this Annual Report ■ offer products designed to meet the needs and expectations
for further information on initiatives related to mental health. of its customers;
As an insurer and an investor ■ progressively aligning its investments activities with the Paris
Agreement, which aims to limit the “warming potential” of
The AXA Group seeks to prevent and mitigate adverse impacts +1.5°C by 2050; and
on the environment, namely by:
■ transitioning insurance and reinsurance underwriting portfolios
■ offering customers insurance solutions that have a positive
to “net-zero” greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 as part of the
impact on the environment (please refer to Section 4.3 “Climate
Net-Zero Insurance Alliance (NZIA) engagements.
change and biodiversity – Climate and biodiversity matters as
an insurer – Green products and business”); The AXA Group also supports initiatives related to climate
change and environmental protection, as detailed in Section 4.3
■ offering customers investments solutions supporting the
“Climate change and biodiversity – Climate, biodiversity and
transition to a low-carbon economy (please refer to Section 4.3
ESG-related “outreach” and engagement” of this Annual Report.
“Climate change and biodiversity – Climate and biodiversity
In addition, the Group’s Responsible Investment Policy is available
matters as an investor”);
on the AXA Group’s website ( www.axa.com/en/about-us/
■ applying sector specific policies in both investment and investments#tab=responsible-investment).
underwriting activities, which address issues in ESG sensitive For more details in relation to the integration of climate risks in our
sectors. These sector specific policies cover human rights and investments, please refer to the section entitled “ESG integration
environmental concerns (e.g., oil and coal) and are subject to an into investments” above.
annual certification process carried out by entities of the Group;
Please refer to Section 4.3 “Climate change and biodiversity” of this
Annual Report for further details on AXA Group’s strategy, policy,
targets, and results with respect to environmental protection.
I Whistleblowing procedure
The current AXA Group whistleblowing procedure allows all The whistleblowing procedure provides that there will be no
4
stakeholders (employees, business partners, etc.) to share their act of retaliation against any person who, in good faith, reports
concerns without any delay and/or report any practice, action, or actual or suspected misconduct, or against any person who may
behaviour that they consider inappropriate, illegal, or unethical. participate, by providing evidence, in establishing the facts of
Alerts/allegations can be raised within the relevant entity or actual suspected misconduct.
sent directly to the Group via various channels e.g., verbally or Furthermore, all AXA Group companies are required to define
by individual email to a trusted person or by using a dedicated internal policies governing whistleblowing according to local
email address (speak-up@axa.com) therefore allowing alerts/ laws and regulations, and in alignment with Group guidelines. In
allegations from all geographical areas where the Group operates. 2019, a global communication campaign called “Speak-up”, was
The AXA Group has a dedicated team of independent professionals launched to refresh employee awareness of both the local and
who review all alerts/allegations received. All investigations are Group whistleblowing procedures. The purpose of the campaign
carried out in a confidential manner i.e., the identities of any party was to strengthen, increase consistency and simplify the process
involved in an investigation are only shared with the relevant across the Group.
stakeholders or with judicial authorities and no further.
INVOLVEMENT OF AXA STAKEHOLDERS Please refer to Section 4.1 “AXA Group’s Sustainability strategy –
Sustainability governance & Stakeholder dialogue” of this Annual
Report for further details about the stakeholder dialogue initiated
In line with its strong culture of dialogue, AXA has regular
by AXA.
discussions with its various stakeholders at different levels.
In order to maintain effective communication between employees
and management as well as a constructive social dialogue, the
vigilance plan was presented on several occasions to employee
representatives.
I EU Taxonomy Regulation
The following provides information with respect to the During the 2-year transitional period that will end on
requirements of Regulation (EU) 2020/852 dated June 18, 2020, December 31, 2023, financial undertakings must disclose the
on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable proportion of exposures to Taxonomy eligible and Taxonomy
investment (the “EU Taxonomy Regulation” (1)) and the Commission non-eligible (4) economic activities in the undertaking’s total
Delegated Regulations supplementing the EU Taxonomy relevant assets, as well as other information.
Regulation (2). The description of the economic activities that could qualify as
The EU Taxonomy Regulation introduces the concepts of eligibility substantially contributing to at least one environmental objective
and alignment: has only been published for climate change mitigation and climate
■ an economic activity is said to be eligible if it is identified in change adaptation. Below disclosure do not consider the four
the delegated acts as having a high potential to contribute to other environmental objectives (5).
at least one of the six environmental objectives (3), irrespective Besides, during the transitional period, insurance and reinsurance
of whether the activity meets the technical criteria set out in undertakings shall also disclose the proportion of Taxonomy
those delegated acts; eligible and Taxonomy non-eligible non-Life insurance economic
activities, the regulation considering the underwriting of climate-
■ the second of these concepts is alignment, which confirms
related perils (6) as contributing to climate change adaptation.
the significant contribution of this eligible economic activity
to at least one of the six environmental objectives on the basis The eligibility to the EU Taxonomy Regulation does not indicate
of technical criteria specified through a delegated regulation. whether or to what extent the non-Life insurance activities and the
investments’ activities will be considered as Taxonomy-aligned.
(1) Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 18, 2020 on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable
investment, and amending Regulation (EU) 2019/2088.
(2) (i) Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2139 of June 4, 2021, supplementing Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council
by establishing the technical screening criteria for determining the conditions under which an economic activity qualifies as contributing substantially to
climate change mitigation or climate change adaptation and for determining whether that economic activity causes no significant harm to any of the
other environmental objectives, and (ii) Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2178 of July 6, 2021, supplementing Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the
European Parliament and of the Council by specifying the content and presentation of information to be disclosed by undertakings subject to articles 19a
or 29a of Directive 2013/34/EU concerning environmentally sustainable economic activities, and specifying the methodology to comply with that disclosure
obligation, as amended by Commission Delegated regulation (EU) 2022/1214 of March 9,2022.
(3) Climate change mitigation; climate change adaptation; sustainable use and protection of water and marine resources; transition to a circular economy;
pollution prevention and control; protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems.
(4) The terms “Taxonomy eligible economic activities” and “Taxonomy non-eligible economic activities” are defined in article 1 (5) and (6) of Commission
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2178.
(5) As of December 31, 2022 the relevant delegated acts with respect to these objectives have not been published. With respect to non-financial undertakings,
the European Commission has indicated that reporting eligibility and alignment for the remaining four environmental objectives is not expected for reporting
in 2023 (Question 2 of the Draft Commission notice on the interpretation and implementation of certain legal provisions of the Disclosures Delegated Act
under Article 8 of EU Taxonomy Regulation on the reporting of Taxonomy-eligible and Taxonomy-aligned economic activities and assets).
(6) A non-exhaustive list of climate-related perils is available in Appendix A, Annex 2 of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2139.
Insurance services classified in eight of the non-Life insurance On other potentially eligible lines of business (i.e., Medical Expense
and reinsurance Solvency II lines of business (1) are considered insurance, Income Protection insurance, Workers’ Compensation
as eligible, in accordance with the EU Taxonomy Regulation (2), if insurance, Motor Vehicle Liability insurance and Assistance), only
they include policy terms related to the underwriting of climate- gross written premiums related to products for which climate-
related perils. related perils cover is explicitly mentioned in the insurance policy
In this regard, AXA Group has identified three lines of business terms have been considered as eligible.
composed of insurance or reinsurance products generally The analysis has been done on direct lines of business, and
including coverage of risks related to climate-related perils: reinsurance assumed. Where a reinsurance product includes
Motor insurance (other than third party liability insurance); Marine, different types of underlying products, only the part of premium
Aviation and Transport insurance; and Fire and Other Property relative to climate-related perils coverage has been considered
Damage insurance. as eligible (calculation based on pricing tool or claim database).
The gross written premiums reported in those three lines of The reported amounts are gross of ceded reinsurance.
business have been recognized as eligible to the Taxonomy, except
the premiums of products for which climate-related perils are
explicitly excluded from the insurance policy terms or for which
climate-related perils cannot trigger any claims.
% on total investment
Exposures to central governments, central banks and supranational issuers 162,546 30%
COVERED ASSETS 380,031 70% 4
Of which: % on covered assets
Derivatives (689) 0%
Exposures to undertakings not subject to NFRD (articles 19a and 29a of Directive 2013/34/EU) 104,318 27%
Exposures to Taxonomy eligible activities (investment properties and mortgage loans) 64,535 17%
Exposures to Taxonomy non-eligible activities 211,867 56%
Of which cash and other loans 36,549 10%
Of which exposures for which Taxonomy analysis could not be assessed 175,318 46%
The proportion of exposures to Taxonomy eligible/non-eligible exposures to investments in properties, equity securities, debt
activities represent the weighted average value of invested assets instruments (excluding sovereign exposures), non-consolidated
directed at funding, or associated with, Taxonomy eligible/non- investments funds, derivatives, loans, cash, and cash equivalents.
eligible economic activities relative to the value of total invested Assets backing contracts where the financial risk is borne by
assets included for the purpose of the calculation of the KPI (the policyholders are also included. In 2022, the Covered Assets
“Covered Assets”). represents 70% of the total investments and 55% of the total
The Covered Assets correspond to all assets invested on the assets in the consolidated balance sheet.
balance sheet (including cash) (3), excluding exposures to Exposures to undertakings not subject to articles 19a and 29a of
central governments, central banks, and supranational issuers, Directive 2013/34/EU and derivatives, representing respectively
in accordance with article 7.1 of the Commission Delegated 27% and 0% of the Covered Assets, cannot be assessed for
Regulation (EU) 2021/2178. The Covered Assets thus include Taxonomy eligibility so far.
(1) The term “lines of business” is defined in Annex I, Section A, of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/35 of October 10, 2014 (as amended), supplementing
Directive 2009/138/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the taking-up and pursuit of the business of Insurance and Reinsurance (Solvency II
Directive).
(2) Section 10.1 of the Annex 2 to the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2139 restricts Taxonomy-eligible economic activities to the following non-
Life insurance services: (a) medical expense insurance; (b) income protection insurance; (c) workers’ compensation insurance; (d) motor vehicle Liability
insurance; (e) other motor insurance; (f) marine, aviation and transport insurance; (g) fire and other damage to property insurance; (h) assistance.
(3) Corresponding to the assets “Investments from insurance activities”, “Investments from banking and other activities” and “Cash and cash equivalents” of
the consolidated statement of financial position (Section 6.1).
(1) Draft Commission Notice on the interpretation and implementation of certain legal provisions of the Disclosures Delegated Act under Article 8 of EU Taxonomy
Regulation on the reporting of Taxonomy-eligible and Taxonomy-aligned economic activities and assets published by the EU Commission on December 19, 2022.
(2) (i) Construction or operation of electricity generation facilities that produce electricity using fossil gaseous fuels; (ii) Construction, refurbishment, and operation
of combined heat/cool and power generation facilities using fossil gaseous fuels; (iii) Construction, refurbishment and operation of heat generation facilities
that produce heat/cool using fossil gaseous fuels.
(3) (i) Research, development, demonstration and deployment of innovative electricity generation facilities that produce energy from nuclear processes with
minimal waste from the fuel cycle; (ii) Construction and safe operation of new nuclear installations to produce electricity or process heat, including for the
purposes of district heating or industrial processes such as hydrogen production, as well as their safety upgrades, using best available technologies; (iii) Safe
operation of existing nuclear installations that produce electricity or process heat, including for the purposes of district heating or industrial processes such
as hydrogen production from nuclear energy, as well as their safety upgrades.
4
Cette page a été laissée blanche intentionnellement.
Based on the 2022 sustainability risk assessment presented in Section 4.1 “AXA Group’s sustainability strategy – Sustainability risk
assessment”, the relevant risks and key performance indicators described in the Chapter 4 “Sustainability” are presented in the table
below:
N/A stands for Not Applicable (information not existing at the reporting period).
(a) COVID-19 crisis impact.
(b) These results are subject to volatility, namely linked to the industry evolution of carbon emissions, financial markets’ performance and coverage of issuers AXA has invested in
which may evolve over time. AXA’s priority is to achieve -20% carbon footprint reduction target by 2025 with 2019 as the base year.
(c) Based on the strong performance in 2022, AXA Group decided to increase its ambition and set a floor at €1.7 billion for 2023.
(d) Except donations made by Mutuelles AXA and those in favour of humanitarian emergencies.
220 I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 221
4
I
SUSTAINABILITY
4.7 TRANSVERSAL INFORMATION
AXA’s gender parity amongst Top Senior Executives (women Green Premium: GWP collected on insurance products part of the
representation): share of women part of the GLN. The Global Green Business framework (i.e., contributing to Climate Change
Leadership Network (GLN) is made up of CEO and Executive Mitigation, Climate Change Adaptation, Transition to a Circular
Committees of AXA’s largest markets, growth engines and major economy and/or Limitation of biodiversity loss and pollution)
transversal entities, as well as senior leaders from the corporate defined in Section 4.3 “Climate change and biodiversity”.
functions, markets, and some country CEOs. The scope for this Annual analysis of assets or business activities vulnerable
calculation concerns all entities having GLN members. to physical risks: an annual analysis forward-looking climate
Salaried employees having been trained at least once during physical risk on AXA Group’s Property & Casualty business.
the year: share of salaried workforce having received one or Deforestation and Ecosystem Conversion Policy: existence
more training course provided by the legal entity part of SDR of a Group-wide policy to manage biodiversity risks related to
scope during the reporting year, whether in-house, including commodity-linked deforestation and ecosystem conversion.
AXA University programs, or outside the legal entity, including Number of customers covered by AXA Group’s Inclusive
e-learning programs. Even though an employee has received Protection program: data (number of Inclusive Protection
several trainings, the employee is counted only once. Employees customers) annually collected from AXA entities which have
having received one or more training course who left the Group ‘opted in’ the Inclusive Protection initiative defined in Section
and no longer are part of the workforce as of December 31 are 4.4 “Inclusive insurer”
included.
Percentage of philanthropic support aligned with the two
Carbon footprint of AXA’s own operations (energy, car fleet, strategic pillars of the sustainability’s strategy (Climate
business travel, digital): variation of the AXA Group CO2 emissions change & Biodiversity and Inclusive Protection): share of
related to energy, car fleet, business travel and IT equipment and philanthropic donations aligned with the sustainability strategy
services. The percentage corresponds to the evolution between (except donations made by Mutuelles AXA and those for
the reference year 2019 and the performance year. Target is -20% humanitarian emergencies) monitored by the AXA Community
between 2019 and 2025. Investment Survey (CIS), the AXA Group reporting of philanthropic
Percentage of employees who have been upskilled on climate and volunteering activities.
issues: share of permanent employees within the SDR Scope who Percentage of entities that have certified the anti-bribery
have been trained in climate issues, completing the AXA Climate & corruption section of the AXA Standards: share of CEOs
Academy or with a similar local initiative, excluding new joiners of entities within the scope of the AXA Standards certification
and long absences (according to local management rules). process, who have certified their level of compliance with the
Number of entities that tested all Business Continuity Plans anti-bribery & corruption section of the AXA Standards.
for High/Mission critical business processes: number of entities Percentage of entities having certified AXA Standards on
that tested all Business Continuity Plans for High/Mission critical Product Approval Process: share of CEOs who have certified
business processes. on the compliance level of the Group entities in scope of the AXA
Carbon footprint of AXA’s portfolio (General Account Assets): Standards certification process, which engaged them to conduct
EV-based carbon footprint of AXA’s portfolio, expressed in tons a Product Approval Process.
of CO2 equivalent per million euros of Enterprise Value. 2022
Percentage of customers that complained on Data Privacy: Percentage of the Group Tax footprint covered in the Tax
among all customers, percentage of customers with a substantiated transparency report published during the year (relating
complaint on Data Privacy. In 2022, 471 complaints out of 95 million to N-1): share of the Group Tax footprint covered in the Tax
customers. In 2021, 1,127 complaints out of 95 million customers. transparency report published in 2022 (relating to 2021). This
Scoring ISO 27001: average of ISO 27001 Maturity assessments Tax footprint corresponds to the detail of the various taxes paid
conducted on the 20ish most mature entities of the Group called (direct and indirect) by geography where the AXA Group operates.
“Tier 1” entities. ISO 27001 is an international cyber-security Percentage of procurement contracts entered or renewed
standard against which entities maturity is evaluated on a scale with the sustainability clause: share of procurement contracts
from 0 (inexistent) to 5 (optimized), where 3 is the minimum to entered or renewed with the mandatory sustainability clause
have an “effective” control environment. It is the framework used which includes, in particular, complying with the principles of
to compare AXA to other companies of the financial and insurance the ILO (prohibiting the use of child/forced labor, promoting
sector (AXA Tier 1 entities are all part of the first quartile of the employee health & safety and freedom of expression, and non-
most secured companies of the sector). discrimination).
Percentage of employees trained and certified (security, data
protection and cybersecurity training): share of salaried and
non-salaried employees trained and certified during the year on
the topic of security (including physical security, health & safety,
operational resilience & information security), data protection
and cybersecurity.
I Reporting methodology
An assessment of the employer responsibility, environmental,
societal, business behavior and human rights impacts of the
Time Employees (FTEs) are not included in the data collection
process. These sites are part of an extrapolation process. In 2022,
4
Group’s activities has enabled the appropriate performance environmental indicators were collected for 92,695 FTEs working
indicators to be defined in accordance with the requirements on AXA Group’s sites (unless otherwise indicated) and were then
of the French Commercial Code. extrapolated, continent by continent, to cover all 115,842 FTEs
(all types of contracts – average annual personnel) working at
AXA Group in 2022 according to the social reporting.
SCOPE OF SOCIAL, ENVIRONMENTAL
AND SOCIETAL REPORTING Scope of societal indicators
In 2022, AXA’s entities contributing to the Community Investment
For the perimeters defined below, indicators are fully consolidated, Survey, as described in Section 4.4 “Inclusive insurer” of this
unless otherwise indicated: Annual Report, represent 101,425 FTEs working on AXA sites,
meaning a coverage rate of 99%.
Scope of social indicators
The social data provided in Section 4.2 “Employer Responsibility”
of this Annual Report are collected from 259 active entities of the PERIOD
AXA Group, in which AXA holds, directly or indirectly, management
control, as of December 31, 2022, included in the consolidation The indicators cover the period from January 1, 2022 to
scope of AXA. December 31, 2022, unless mentioned otherwise. To facilitate
collection and processing, some data may be collected early
Scope of environmental indicators in the year. The data for any remaining months (maximum
6 months) is then estimated in accordance with the Group’s
Environmental reporting’s scope is based on the same scope defined methodology.
as Social reporting but AXA Group’s sites with less than 50 Full
LIMITATIONS
This is a free English translation of the report by one of the Statutory Auditors issued in French and is provided solely for the convenience
of English-speaking readers. This report should be read in conjunction with, and construed in accordance with, French law and
professional standards applicable in France.
Conclusion
Based on the procedures performed, as described in the “Nature and scope of procedures” section, and the elements that we have
collected, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the consolidated non-financial information statement is not
compliant with the applicable regulatory provisions and that the Information, taken as a whole, are not presented fairly in accordance
with the Guidelines.
the preparation of the Statement in accordance with the legal and regulatory provisions, including a presentation of the business
model, a description of the principal non financial risks, a presentation of the policies implemented considering those risks and
the outcomes of those policies, including key performance indicators and the information required by Article 8 of Regulation (EU)
2020/852 (green taxonomy);
■ preparing the statement in accordance with the entity’s Guidelines as mentioned above; and
■ implementing internal control over information relevant to the preparation of the Information that is free from material misstatement,
whether due to fraud or error.
■ we verified that the Statement provides the information set out in Article R.225-105 II of the French Commercial Code where relevant
with respect to the main risks, and includes, where applicable, an explanation for the absence of the information required under
Article L.225-102-1 III, paragraph 2 of the French Commercial Code;
■ we verified that the Statement presents the business model and a description of the principal risks associated with of all the
consolidated entities’ activities, including where relevant and proportionate, the risks associated with their business relationships,
their products or services, as well as their policies, measures and the outcomes thereof, including key performance indicators
associated to such principal risks;
■ we referred to documentary sources and conducted interviews to:
• assess the process used to identify and confirm the principal risks and the consistency of the outcomes, including the key
performance indicators used with respect to the principal risks and the policies presented, and
• corroborate the qualitative information (measures and outcomes) that we considered to be the most important presented in
appendix. For several risks (stakeholder engagement practices, safe environment, diversity and inclusion, talent management/
loss of key staff, own operations, investments, insurance, biodiversity, inclusive protection, partnership and philanthropy, anti-
bribery & fight against corruption, business conduct, responsible data use, tax policy, sustainable procurement), our work was
performed at the level of the consolidated entity; for the remaining risks, our work was carried out at the consolidated entity and
on a selection of entities, with respect to social, societal and environmental aspects;
■ we verified that the Statement covers the scope of consolidation, i.e., all the entities within the scope of the consolidated entity in
accordance with Article L. 233-16 of the French Commercial Code, within the limitations set out in the Statement;
■ we studied the internal control and risk management procedures implemented by the entity and assessed its data collection process
aimed at ensuring the completeness and fairness of the Information;
■ for the key performance indicators and other quantitative outcomes that we considered to be the most important as set out in
appendix, we implemented:
• analytical procedures to verify the proper consolidation of the data collected and the consistency of any changes in those data;
• tests of detail, based on polls or other sampling techniques to assess the proper usage of the definitions and procedures and to 4
reconcile the data with the supporting documents. This work was carried out on a selection of contributing entities, with respect
to: social (1), societal commitment (2) and environmental (3); and covers between 17% and 70% of the consolidated data selected
for these tests;
■ we assessed the overall consistency of the Statement in relation to our knowledge of all the entities within the scope of the
consolidated entity.
The procedures performed in a limited assurance review are less extensive than those required for a reasonable assurance opinion in
accordance with the professional guidelines of the French National Institute of Statutory Auditors (Compagnie Nationale des Commissaires
aux Comptes); a higher level of assurance would have required us to carry out more extensive procedures.
(1) AXA Assicurazioni, AXA Assistance France, AXA Direct Korea, AXA France IARD Maroc, AXA France Vie Maroc, AXA Italia Servizi, AXA Konzern AG, GIE AXA,
Inter Partner Assistance Servicios España S.A and AXA Life Insurance Co.
(2) AXA Germany, AXA Italy, AXA Investment Managers Holding, AXA XL Holding, AXA France Atout Cœur, AXA France Mecenat and AXA UK & Ireland.
(3) AXA Toulouse Balma, AXA China TianPing, AXA Italy, AXA Germany, AXA Japan (Life), AXA Korea, AXA Philippines Life, AXA Spain, AXA XL US and AXA XL India.
5.2
RISK FACTORS
Financial Risks
SNFP
255
256
Own Risk and Solvency Assessment (ORSA) 264
Internal Model 265
Governance of investment strategy and Asset Liability Management (ALM) 267
SNFP
You should carefully consider the following risk factors together basis, the Group’s Risk Management activities, like all control
with other information contained in this Annual Report. Any systems, are subject to inherent limitations and cannot provide
of these risks could materially affect our business, financial absolute assurance or render the Group immune in any respect
condition, or results of operations, cause the trading price of from the risks described in this Part 5 or the losses that may be
our ordinary shares to decline materially or our actual results incurred in connection with these risks.
to differ materially from those expected or those expressed in Where the risks described in this Section 5.1 have given rise to
any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the quantifiable and material financial impacts and/or material
Company. contingent liabilities, those financial impacts and/or contingent
This section presents the significant risks specific to the Group liabilities are reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements,
to which we believe it is exposed as of the filing date of this in accordance with applicable accounting principles. You
Annual Report with the AMF. The risks described below are not should also refer to Section 5.3 et seq. of this Annual Report for
the only risks the Group faces. Additional risks and uncertainties quantitative information on the material risks to which the Group
not currently known to us, not specific to the Group or that we is exposed. For the avoidance of doubt, references to “insurance”,
currently deem to be immaterial may also materially adversely “reinsurance”, “Property & Casualty” and “Life & Savings” in this
affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or Section also refer to “Health” activities, as appropriate.
cash flows. These include but are not limited to the consequences In presenting the risks set forth in this Section 5.1, Management
of the ongoing war in Ukraine (together with its geopolitical and has identified the primary categories of risk and the most
economic effects), which adversely impacted the Group during material risks in a manner that corresponds to Management’s
2022 and may result in adverse impacts in future periods. current view as to the materiality of such risk factors for the AXA
These risks are presented herein based on currently available Group, based on the perceived likelihood of the occurrence of
information and are subject to a constantly evolving context. such risks and the expected magnitude of their negative impact.
Finally, we may change our perception of the impact of one or As more fully described below, such categories include market-
more risks on the Group at any time, particularly in the event of related risks, credit- and liquidity-related risks, insurance and
one or more new internal and/or external developments. reinsurance pricing and underwriting-related risks, operational
The Company’s Risk Management processes, procedures and risks, regulatory-related risks, and risks related to the ownership
controls are described in Section 5.2 “Internal control and Risk of the Company’s shares. Further, there can be no assurance that
Management” of this Annual Report, which should be read in Management’s assessment of the relative importance of such
conjunction with this Section 5.1. While Management devotes risk factors may not change over time, whether to reflect new
very substantial resources to Risk Management on an ongoing information, events, circumstances or otherwise.
I Financial Risks
MARKET-RELATED RISKS The war in Ukraine compounded the market volatility resulting
from the COVID-19 pandemic, which began in 2020 and
resulted in market volatility through 2021 and 2022, as well as
Negative developments in economic governmental measures to contain the pandemic and address
the related health crisis. Even if the picture has improved
and financial market conditions, whether globally, AXA continues to closely monitor the Group’s exposure
on a national, continental, or global basis, to the COVID-19 pandemic and its wide-ranging consequences.
may materially and adversely affect our The process of emerging from restrictive COVID-19 policies by
business and profitability major economic actors has had significant consequences on
Our businesses, financial condition, results of operations and inflation at the global level, which had already been fueled by
solvency are impacted by global financial market fluctuations fiscal stimulus to combat the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,
and economic conditions generally. For additional information including resulting supply chain challenges and readjustments.
on the sensitivity of our Solvency II ratio to capital market A wide variety of other factors have adversely affected, and could
conditions, please refer to the AXA Group’s SFCR, available on negatively impact in the future, economic growth prospects
AXA’s website (www.axa.com) (1). and contribute to high levels of volatility in financial markets.
Financial markets have been significantly impacted by the war in These factors include, among others, concerns over a persistent
Ukraine in 2022 and its effects on the supply of energy and other slowdown or reversal in economic growth and levels of consumer
critical commodities, the resulting sanctions imposed on Russia confidence generally; current market conditions, including
by the international community, trade restrictions, disruptions asset valuations and volatility, that may lead to an abrupt and
to global supply chains and elevated energy and raw material significant repricing in financial markets; the strengthening or
prices. The impact on Europe has been particularly severe, weakening of foreign currencies against the Euro (in particular
given Europe’s dependence on Russian energy commodities. the US Dollar, which was especially strong throughout much of
The protraction, and potential further escalation (including 2022); the availability and cost of credit; the stability and solvency
involvement of other countries), of the conflict, combined with of certain financial institutions and other companies, including
OPEC member countries’ inability and unwillingness to increase related systemic credit risk concerns; continuing concerns over
production, could add further pressure to the current inflationary certain sovereign debt issuers; inflation or deflation in certain
trend or result in elevated and extended periods of instability markets; central bank intervention in the financial markets,
in financial markets, which may have a material adverse effect through interest rate adjustments, the winding-down or
on the results and operations and the financial condition of the cessation of quantitative easing or similar programs; disruptions
Group. Central banks have already had to react forcefully to in the global supply chain and elevated energy and raw material
the inflation shock by increasing interest rates and introducing prices; changes in reference rates, including the phasing out of
other counter-inflationary measures. As of early 2023, it seems
likely that even more central bank policy action will be needed
the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and reforms to and
potential changes affecting EURIBOR and other indices; volatile 5
throughout the year to manage inflation, as (i) labor markets energy costs; adverse geopolitical events (including acts of
everywhere in the developed world remain tight (shortages of terrorism or military conflicts) and rising geopolitical tensions
labor), which triggers significant labor cost increases, and (ii) in in various regions and countries (such as Russia, Ukraine,
some regions, Europe in particular, underlying inflation has not China, Iran, Turkey, Latin America, Libya, Syria, Iraq, North
started to moderate, despite some cooling (though still elevated Korea or Afghanistan); the protraction or escalation of existing
by historical standards) energy prices. This may wrong-foot military conflicts; the imposition, or significant enhancement, of
financial markets, which have been expecting a fairly swift pivot international sanctions against certain countries (in particular,
by central banks in 2023 (for example, interest rate cuts as soon Russia) and connected entities; the continuation or escalation
as the second half of 2023). While the economy has been resilient of trade-related disputes between China and the United States
so far, an extended period of elevated interest rates, further and European Union, related disruption to global supply and
interest rate increases or additional monetary tightening may value chains, the prospect, and potential impact, of any “de-
trigger a significant slowdown in aggregate demand for finished coupling” of China from the global economy, and China-related
goods and services, to the point that the prospect of a recession geopolitical tensions; and any other new or rising trade tensions,
in the United States or in Europe cannot be excluded. “trade wars”, and other governmental measures, either enacted
(1) The AXA Group’s SFCR for the year ended December 31, 2021, is available on AXA’s website, and the AXA Group’s SFCR for the year ended December 31, 2022
is expected to be published on May 17, 2023, on AXA’s website.
liquidate fixed maturity investments in order to obtain liquidity to our investment income associated with new purchases of fixed-
satisfy such obligations, which may result in realized investment income securities in our investment portfolios.
losses. Similarly, our fee income may decrease due to a decline For additional information on the sensitivity of our Solvency II
in the value of our asset managers’ fixed-income assets under ratio to financial shocks on interest rates and corporate bond
management and Unit-Linked reserves, which could result in spreads, please refer to the AXA Group’s SFCR, available on AXA’s
lower management fees and have an adverse impact on Asset website (www.axa.com) (1).
Management net inflows. In addition, we may be required, as an
issuer of securities, to pay higher interest rates on debt securities, Although we take measures, including hedging through
debt, and bank facilities, and we may face an increase in the cost derivative instruments, to manage the economic risks of
of our repurchase agreements and the cost of derivative hedging investing in a changing interest-rate environment, we may not
transactions, which may increase our interest expenses. be able to mitigate the interest rate risk of our assets relative
to our liabilities. Accordingly, ongoing volatility in interest rates
Conversely, negative interest rates and low levels of interest and credit spreads, individually or in tandem with other factors,
rates generally, such as those experienced in recent prior years, could have a material adverse effect on our solvency position,
have impacted in the past, and may negatively impact again, and on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows
our net investment income and the profitability of our Life through realized losses, impairments, and changes in unrealized
& Savings business. In-force life insurance and annuity products gains and loss positions.
may become comparatively more attractive to customers in a
declining interest-rate environment, resulting in an increase
in our liabilities (in particular in relation to flexible-premium Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may
products), asset-liability duration mismatches (as more policies significantly affect our results of operations,
and contracts remain in-force from year-to-year) and an increase financial condition, liquidity, and solvency
in provisions for guarantees included in l ife insurance and Due to the geographical diversity of our business and notably
annuity products. the fact that significant subsidiaries of the Group are located
Accordingly, during a period of declining interest rates or a in the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Japan,
prolonged period of low interest rates, our profitability may and Hong Kong, we are exposed to the risk of exchange rate
suffer as the result of a decrease in the spread between interest fluctuations since a significant portion of our shareholdings
rates credited to insurance policyholders and annuity contract and investments, revenues and expenses are denominated in
owners, and the rates we are able to earn on our fixed-income currencies other than Euro, while our Consolidated Financial
investment portfolio. In addition, certain regulatory capital and Statements are established in Euro. Likewise, the part of our debt
reserve requirements are based on formulas and models that and other obligations (including certain reinsurance treaties and
consider interest rates, such as the Group’s Internal Model, and an retrocession agreements to which we are a party) denominated
extended period of low interest rates may increase the regulatory in currencies other than Euro is exposed to foreign currency
capital we are required to hold and the amount of assets we must exchange rate fluctuations.
maintain to support our reserves, while decreasing the amount Equity of Group entities is expressed primarily in Euro, US Dollar,
of our Eligible Own Funds (EOF), which could have an adverse British Pound Sterling, Swiss Franc, Japanese Yen, and Hong
impact on our Solvency II ratio. For a description of the sensitivity
of our EOF to changes in interest rates, please refer to Section
Kong Dollar. Fluctuations in the exchange rates used to convert 5
foreign currencies into Euro, and in particular, fluctuations in
6.6 – Note 4.2 “Market risks (including sensitivity analysis)” of the US Dollar against the Euro, have had, and may have in the
this Annual Report. future, a negative impact on the Shareholders’ equity Group share
Our exposure to changes in credit spreads primarily relates to and Underlying earnings Group share. We have not implemented
the impact of such changes on market prices and cash flow a policy of fully hedging the changes in the value of the equity of
variability. A widening of credit spreads will generally reduce the our subsidiaries with equity denominated in foreign currencies.
value of the fixed-income securities we hold (including credit For more information about the impact of the fluctuations in the
derivatives where we assume credit exposure) and increase exchange rates of US Dollar, British Pound Sterling, Swiss Franc,
our investment income associated with purchases of new Japanese Yen, and Hong Kong Dollar into Euro, please refer to
fixed-income securities in our investment portfolios; and, as an Section 5.3 “Market risks” of this Annual Report.
issuer of fixed-income securities, we may face increased interest Similarly, fluctuations in exchange rates may have an impact on
expenses. Conversely, credit spread tightening will generally the Group’s net income as a result of the translation of foreign
increase the value of fixed-income securities we hold and reduce currency transactions, the settlement of foreign currency
(1) The AXA Group’s SFCR for the year ended December 31, 2021, is available on AXA’s website, and the AXA Group’s SFCR for the year ended December 31, 2022
is expected to be published on May 17, 2023 on AXA’s website.
Adverse experience relative to impairments as such evaluations are revised. There can be no
the methodologies, estimations and assurance, however, that Management has accurately assessed
assumptions used by Management in valuing the level of impairments taken and allowances reflected in
our financial statements, especially in light of uncertainties
investments and determining allowances and
surrounding the impacts of systemic risks, and those relating
impairments may materially adversely affect to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing war in Ukraine, and
our results of operations the need for and timing of any additional impairments and/or
Certain of our invested assets, for which there is no active trading allowances may have a material adverse effect on our results of
market or other observable market data, are valued using models operations and financial condition.
and methodologies that involve estimates, assumptions, and
significant Management judgment. During periods of market
disruption, a larger portion of our investment assets may be CREDIT AND LIQUIDITY-RELATED RISKS
valued using these models and methodologies as a result of
less frequent trading or less observable market data with respect
to certain asset classes that were previously actively traded in Adverse capital and credit market conditions
liquid markets. There can be no assurance that our valuations may significantly affect our ability to meet
on the basis of these models and methodologies represent, for
example, the price for which a security may ultimately be sold
liquidity needs, our access to capital and
or sold at any specific point in time. In addition, the valuations
increase our cost of capital
of certain assets may be adversely affected by external factors In recent years, the capital and credit markets have at times
and developments that were not systematically taken into experienced high levels of volatility and disruption which,
account in earlier models and methodologies, such as climate- during certain periods, have significantly limited the availability
related transition risks, which may cause the market and prices of additional liquidity in the markets and credit capacity for most
for certain investments with a high carbon footprint (also issuers, including the AXA Group. For more information about the
known as “stranded assets”), to decrease over time. For further contractual maturities of debt instruments held by the Group,
information on our climate-related transition risk analysis, please please refer to Section 6.6 – Note 9.5 “Contractual maturities of
refer to Section 4.3 “Climate change and biodiversity” of this debt instruments and loans and exposure to interest rate risk”
Annual Report. The choice of models, methodologies and/or of this Annual Report.
assumptions may have a material impact on the estimated fair
We need liquidity to pay our operating expenses (including claims
value amounts and could have a material adverse effect on our
and surrenders), dividends and interests on our debts and to
results of operations and financial condition.
refinance certain maturing debts and other liabilities. In addition,
The determination of the amount of allowances and impairments we need liquidity in connection with derivatives transactions to
that we recognize with respect to the invested assets we hold which we are party which require us to transfer cash collateral
varies by investment type, and is based upon our periodic and/or subject us to margin calls in certain circumstances.
evaluation and assessment of known and inherent risks The availability of additional financing to supplement internal
associated with the respective asset class. Such evaluations
and assessments are revised as conditions change and new
liquidity resources will depend on a variety of factors such
as market conditions, the overall availability of credit to the
5
information becomes available. In considering impairments, financial services industry, our credit ratings and credit capacity,
Management considers a wide range of factors, including those as well as the possibility that customers or lenders could develop
described in Section 6.6 – Note 1.8.2 “Financial instruments a negative perception of our long-term or short-term financial
classification” of this Annual Report, and uses its best judgment prospects if we incur large technical or investment losses or if the
in evaluating the cause of the decline in the estimated fair level of our business activity decreases due to a market downturn
value of the investment assets and the prospects for near-term or recession. While Management has put in place a liquidity Risk
recovery. For certain asset classes, particularly debt instruments, Management framework that includes active monitoring of the
Management’s evaluation involves a variety of assumptions and Group’s liquidity position and contingency plans for accessing
estimates about the operations of the issuer of the instrument liquidity, liquidity constraints over a prolonged period may have
and its future earnings potential. Management updates its a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations
evaluations regularly and reflects changes in allowances and and consolidated financial condition.
The occurrence of natural or man-made overall exposures and risk accumulation, purchase of third-party
disasters, including those resulting from reinsurance and risk transfer transactions to capital markets. In
changing weather patterns, diseases and some cases, we may reduce our exposure and/or risk appetites.
There can be no assurance, however, that we will be able to
climatic conditions could adversely affect our
adequately anticipate such evolution, as a single catastrophic
financial condition, results of operations and event, an accumulation of losses resulting from several events or
cash flows an unusual frequency of smaller losses in a particular period may
Natural catastrophes. Over the past several years, changing affect multiple geographic areas and lines of business, and the
weather patterns and climatic conditions, including as a result actual frequency or severity of catastrophic events could exceed
of climate change, have added to the unpredictability of natural our initial projections, due to impacts from outsized major
disasters and to the frequency and severity thereof and created storms or other climate-related events. Accounting principles
additional uncertainty as to future trends and exposures. and rules preventing insurers and reinsurers from reserving
Catastrophic events are inherently unpredictable. Our exposure for catastrophic events until they occur may also augment the
to natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, windstorms, impact of such events.
hailstorms, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, freezes, floods, While we seek to reduce our exposure to catastrophic events
explosions, wildfires, pandemics (such as the COVID-19 through diversification and incremental reinsurance, we have
pandemic), and infectious diseases, depends on various factors experienced, and could in the future experience, material losses
and is often more pronounced in certain geographic areas, from these types of risks, which may exceed our reinsurance and
including major urban centers, with a high concentration of retrocessional protection (or similar protection afforded through
customers, employees and/or insured property and assets. risk transfer transactions to capital markets), or such protection
Other catastrophic events. We are also exposed to other types may otherwise be inadequate to protect us against losses or
of disasters including man-made disasters which refer to those reinsurance receivables may not be recoverable as expected.
resulting from negligent or deliberate human actions, such The frequency and severity of catastrophic events may also lead
as ransomware and other disruptive forms of cyber-attacks, to an increase in AXA’s net exposure as a hardening reinsurance
systemic cyber failures, terrorist attacks, military actions, and market may limit or prevent us from obtaining adequate types
power grid and other core infrastructure (e.g., telephony or and amounts of reinsurance/retrocession (or entering into
Internet infrastructure) failures, as well as any new significant adequate risk transfer transactions to capital markets) for
systemic risks (such as those relating to cyber security). certain risks or regions, which may result in an unexpected gap
Impact of catastrophic events. The AXA Group is underwrites between our underwriting commitments and our reinsurance/
risks in most regions of the globe (Europe, North and Latin retrocessional coverage. Catastrophic events have created, and
America, Asia-Pacific) which are all exposed to natural and may create in the future, significant volatility and uncertainty in
man-made catastrophes. While we seek to manage the AXA reinsurance capacity and pricing and impact our ability to obtain
Group’s exposure through underwriting actions (both in our ceded reinsurance/retrocessional coverage for our business.
insurance operations and our inward reinsurance) and/or ceded Furthermore, we may be unable to obtain appropriate
reinsurance/retrocession coverage, there can be no assurance reinsurance/retrocession coverage with respect to exposures to
that the occurrence of catastrophic events will not have a
material adverse impact on our operations, results, financial
certain systemic risks and other risks such as the ongoing war 5
in Ukraine and similar events, which may result in an increase
condition, cash flows or solvency position. of our net exposures to such risks or require us to decrease our
Catastrophic events could result in substantial volatility in or relevant underwriting commitments.
adversely affect our operations, results, financial condition, In addition, legislative and regulatory initiatives implemented,
cash flows or solvency position, including as a result of claims and court decisions rendered, following major catastrophes may
occurring at higher levels or materially earlier than anticipated; adversely impact our results, financial condition, cash flows
losses resulting from disruptions in our operations or failures or solvency position, in particular where they seek to expand
of our counterparties to perform; or declines in value of our the intended scope of coverage for catastrophe-related claims
investment portfolio. We monitor the evolution of these risks beyond policy terms, including through policyholder-friendly or
closely and generally seek to manage our exposure to them otherwise broad interpretation of policy wording or retroactive
through individual risk selection, modelling and monitoring extension of policy coverage.
OPERATIONAL RISKS employees unable to perform their duties, for an extended period
of time.
Systemic risks or risks related to global events, the ongoing
Inadequate or failed processes, controls or war in Ukraine or pandemics may heighten and influence
systems, human factors or external events the aforementioned operational risks in an unprecedented
may adversely affect our profitability, fashion. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic, including
reputation, or operational effectiveness related governmental measures, increased the probability
and magnitude of operational risks associated with employee
Operational risk is inherent in our business and can manifest health problems, business continuity plans related to delays or
itself in various ways, including business interruption, poor failures in external services and measures impacting working
vendor performance or default (including under significant practices (such as extensive remote working arrangements or
outsourcing arrangements), systems malfunctions or failures, requirements), as well as creating shortages in multiple labor
software and/or hardware obsolescence, computer viruses, markets. Remote working patterns and higher rates of turnover
ransomware and other disruptive forms of cyber-attacks and/ more broadly could lead to difficulty in obtaining and retaining
or other unauthorized access to our websites and/or systems, talent. A failure to implement appropriate management of such
misappropriation of sensitive information, corruption of data heightened operational risks may adversely affect the Group’s
or operational disruption, regulatory breaches, human errors, brand and reputation as well as its results of operations.
defective products, external fraud, natural or man-made
disasters and terrorist attacks. We are also exposed to risks For additional information on the risks relating to the protection,
arising from potential failures in, or non-compliance with, processing, and transfer of personal data (including customer
Group and entity policies concerning such matters as internal and employee data), please refer to the paragraph below “The
controls and procedures and financial reporting policies, as evolving and complex regulatory environment surrounding data
well as from employee misconduct or negligence and fraud. protection and transfer worldwide could increase our costs and
While we take measures to manage such risk, operational risk adversely impact our business”.
is part of the business environment in which we operate and
we may incur losses from time to time due to these types of Cyber-attacks or other security breaches
risks, as well as impairments to our liquidity, disruption of our of our computer systems, technologies,
businesses, deterioration of our solvency position, legal claims, or networks, or those of our third-party
regulatory sanctions, or damage to our reputation. The risk of providers, could disrupt our businesses, result
operational failure or termination of any of the clearing agents, in damage to our reputation or significant
exchanges, clearing houses or other financial intermediaries we financial losses, and expose us to potential
use to facilitate our securities transactions could have similar regulatory sanctions
adverse effects.
The increasing frequency and sophistication of ransomware and
Our business is highly dependent on the effective operation of
other disruptive forms of cyber-attacks directed at major financial
our information technology, telecommunications, electronic
institutions and other corporations recently has made clear the
data, and other operational systems. We rely on these systems
to perform necessary business functions, including providing
significance of these cyber risks and the operational, financial, 5
and reputational damage that they can potentially inflict. In
insurance quotes, processing applications and claims, providing
recent years, this has led to an increased regulatory focus on risks
information and support to customers and distributors,
of security breaches stemming from the growing reliance of the
administering complex products, conducting actuarial analyses,
financial sector on information and communication technology.
and keeping financial records. We also use computer systems
For further information on the relevant regulatory frameworks,
to store, retrieve, evaluate, and utilize significant amounts
please refer to “Information and Communication Technology
of sensitive customer, employee and company data and
(ICT)” in Section 7.3 “General Information – Regulation and
information, including proprietary and confidential information.
Supervision – Other significant legislative and regulatory
Some of these systems, in turn, rely on third-party systems.
frameworks” of this Annual Report.
Systems failures or outages or cyber-attacks, or the failure by
third-party technology providers to maintain their services or to Despite the Group’s implementation of a variety of security
meet their contractual obligations, could compromise our ability measures, the Group’s data, systems, and technologies, as well
to perform necessary business functions in a timely manner, as the services we provide or rely on (including mobile and
which could harm our ability to conduct business and hurt our cloud services), have been and may in the future be subject to
relationships with our customers and business partners. In the unauthorized intrusions, such as physical or electronic break-
event of a disruption, our systems may be inaccessible, and our ins, ransomware, and other disruptive forms of cyber-attacks,
We may pursue acquisitions, joint ventures, We have carried out and may carry out in the future
and other transactions to expand, divestitures, reorganizations of existing businesses and internal
complement or reorganize our business, reorganizations, which may result in increased regulatory
burdens or adverse effects on our business, financial condition,
which could adversely affect our business,
or results of operations. Such divestitures and reorganizations,
future profitability, and growth which may take the form of share or asset sales or merger, as
External growth transactions involve risks that could adversely well as reinsurance transactions, may not be carried out within
affect our operating results, including the substantial amount the expected timeframe or at all, due to the failure to obtain
of Management time that may be diverted from operations to regulatory or other approvals or other reasons; the anticipated
carry out such transactions and related integration efforts. Such profit and/or positive effect on our overall risk profile, our
transactions could also result in new debt or equity issuances, Solvency Capital Requirement (SCR) and Solvency II ratio (on a
financing arrangements, and the incurrence of additional costs, Group basis or AXA SA solo basis), or local solvency and capital
contingent or unforeseen liabilities or risks and impairment and adequacy requirements, from any such transactions may
amortization expenses relating to goodwill and other intangible not be realized; or we may incur a loss on such transactions.
assets, and failure to mitigate the risks and uncertainties Divestments of equity participations we hold may also be
arising from such transactions through due diligence and exposed to volatility and other market-related or geopolitical
indemnification provisions, all of which could materially and risks, which could impact the carrying value of our remaining
adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of stake in such companies, including related goodwill, and
operations and growth. adversely affect our results of operations. All of such factors may
be exacerbated by economic conditions relating to reinsurance
Furthermore, we may be exposed from time to time to certain
pricing and market capacity. For additional information on the
risks relating to the integration of newly acquired companies.
impact of divestitures, acquisitions, and other transactions on
Such risks include difficulty or delay in integrating such
goodwill, please refer to Section 6.6 – Note 5 “Goodwill” of this
companies, their IT, operations, employees and areas of
Annual Report.
expertise in an efficient and effective manner, which may result
in the loss of certain key employees and/or customers of the From time to time, we may also consider acquisitions of or
acquired companies, and reliance on a transaction counterparty investments in other companies, including through joint
for transition services for an extended period of time, which ventures. Any such acquisition or investment may be subject
may result in additional expenses and delay the integration or to approvals from regulatory authorities in certain countries,
realization of the desired benefit of the transaction (and there including as a result of foreign investment regulations and
can be no assurance that the transaction party will provide controls, which may lead to the transfer of certain assets or
such transition services in a manner that is acceptable to us). branches of activity and/or commitments or restrictions affecting
As a result, we may not be able to effectively integrate acquired the conduct of our business. We may experience difficulty or
companies and achieve all of the expected strategic objectives, delay in acquiring and integrating such investments, which may
anticipated growth, synergies, expected cost savings, impact on result in costs, litigation or otherwise impact the intended benefit
solvency capital requirements (including contributions, if any, to of the transaction, which could have an adverse effect on our
the Group’s Solvency II ratio or profits), innovation, operational
efficiencies and business development from acquisitions within
results of operations.
We may also be exposed to liabilities and risks that were not
5
the forecast periods or at all, or we may be required to spend known or assessed correctly at the time of the transaction
additional time and resources on integration, any of which and/or need to address capital, regulatory, compliance, tax or
could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results accounting issues or disagreements that arise after transactions
of operations and growth. In the case of adverse developments have closed, which may not be covered by, or exceed the
relating to an acquired company, modifications to our expected amounts of, any indemnities provided to us by the sellers or
strategy with respect to such company, or more generally our that we provided to acquirors, and could adversely affect our
overall strategy, might have to be considered. In addition, we business and results of operations.
may be subject to, or engage in, litigation in connection with or
as a result of acquisitions or joint ventures, which could have an
adverse effect on our results of operations.
We face an ongoing challenge of effectively adapting to a We operate through arrangements with third
constantly changing technological landscape. If we are not
parties, including delegation of underwriting
effective in anticipating the impact on our business of changing
technologies, such as driverless cars, drones, connected devices,
and claims authority, which exposes us to
artificial intelligence or robot-advisors, our ability to successfully operational and regulatory risks and could
operate our business may be impaired. Technologies could materially adversely impact our business,
disrupt the demand for our products or services from current results of operations and financial condition
customers, create coverage issues or impact the frequency or We have entered into contractual outsourcing arrangements with
severity of losses. These changes could also affect our ability third-party service providers for a wide variety of services required
to accurately price our products and might significantly affect in connection with the day-to-day operation of our insurance,
our margins in certain lines of business. For example, the reinsurance, and Asset Management businesses (including policy
advent of driverless cars, connected devices and usage-based administration, claims-related services, securities pricing, and
insurance could materially alter the way that automobile, other services) and our product distribution. Such arrangements
health, or other Personal lines insurance is marketed, priced expose us to operational and regulatory risks incurred by these
and underwritten. In addition, the market for coverage for
third parties, including employee misconduct or negligence, The Group’s or its insurance or reinsurance
fraud, internal control failure, contract error, disruption to entities’ failure to meet their solvency and
distribution arrangements, ransomware and other forms of capital adequacy requirements could have
cyber-attacks, failures in processing policies and handling claims,
a material adverse effect on our business,
and non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
liquidity, ratings, results of operations and
In addition, part of our insurance and reinsurance businesses is financial condition
underwritten by third parties under contractual arrangements,
which typically authorize such third parties to bind us to new AXA and its subsidiaries are subject to evolving solvency and
policies and to renew policies, within the terms of our licenses capital adequacy requirements, including the Solvency II
and subject to various contractual obligations and restrictions. If framework, which is currently undergoing a review by the
we do not delegate appropriately to relevant third parties or these European Commission, including regarding insurance and
third parties do not abide by the terms of our policies or licenses, reinsurance group supervision and internal models used
amend material terms of the policies without our approval, do by certain insurers and reinsurers, such as the AXA Group, to
not price appropriately or fail to reserve relevant assumptions calculate their SCR. On September 22, 2021, the European
or otherwise breach their contractual obligations to us, we Commission published its proposed directive amending Directive
could be subject to fines, penalties, injunctions, or other similar 2009/138/EC (the “Solvency II Directive”) and explained its overall
restrictions for breach of outsourcing/licensing requirements intentions on the most important aspects of the forthcoming
and be liable under the policies issued by breaching third parties. level 2 amendments (in particular with respect to risk margin).
Furthermore, we may be exposed to additional exposure to such On June 17, 2022, the Council of the European Union agreed on
risks, in particular due to legislative or regulatory measures or its position and published a compromise text, with proposed
judicial decisions, such as those imposing customer-friendly amendments to the Solvency II framework. For more information
interpretation of policy wording, which may apply to policies about the proposed directive amending the Solvency II Directive,
that were bound on our behalf by certain of these third parties. please refer to Section 7.3 “General Information – Regulation and
Supervision – Regulatory Capital and Solvency Requirements
Furthermore, as with other reinsurers, in our reinsurance – Solvency II review” of this Annual Report and the paragraph
business we do not separately evaluate each of the individual below “The Group and our businesses are subject to extensive
risks assumed under our reinsurance treaties and we largely rely regulation, regulatory supervision, adverse judicial decisions,
on original underwriting decisions made by ceding companies. and emerging legal, regulatory, and reputational risks in the
As a result, if ceding companies did not adequately evaluate the various jurisdictions in which we operate”. Any changes to the
risks insured, the premiums ceded to us may not compensate us Solvency II framework resulting in an increase of own funds
for the risks we reinsure and the losses we may incur, which may that insurers and reinsurers are required to hold with respect
adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. to insurance policies or insurance-based investment products
We carry out certain of our operations through joint ventures and may require us to take actions to preserve our solvency level and
other partnership arrangements with third parties that we do business model, which might in turn have an adverse impact on
not control. These arrangements expose us, in particular, to the our business, results of operations, relationships with customers,
failure of any of our partners to meets its contractual obligations capacity to pay dividends, as well as our brand and reputation.
or to comply with applicable laws and regulations. It is difficult to predict the ultimate outcome of the proposed 5
changes to current requirements, the impacts of which could
There can be no assurance that any of our contractual
include additional regulatory costs and operational constraints,
arrangements with third parties will not expose us to operational,
as well as changes to our Internal Model, which may significantly
financial, and reputational risk, which could materially adversely
and adversely affect our Solvency II ratio and EOF, results of
impact our business, results of operations and financial
operations, financial condition, and liquidity.
condition. We may also not be fully indemnified for the
contractual breaches of our third parties. In addition, supervisory authorities may become more
conservative in the interpretation, application and enforcement
of relevant regulations, as a result of which they may, for
example, impose increased reserving requirements for certain
types of insurers and reinsurers or certain types of risks, greater
liquidity requirements (including capital conservations measures
(1) Please also refer to the AXA Group’s SFCR for the year ended December 31, 2022, which is expected to be published on May 17, 2023, on AXA’s website.
In addition, the 25% quota-share reinsurance treaties in place regulatory environment is evolving rapidly and supervisory
between the Company and the Group’s European Property authorities around the world are assuming an increasingly active
& Casualty carriers pursuant to which the Company receives and extended role in interpreting and enforcing regulations in
reinsurance premiums were subject to regulatory clearance. the jurisdictions in which we do business, resulting in significant
There can be no assurance that regulatory clearance will be compliance challenges. We have highlighted below some of
granted each time these arrangements are put in place or the more recent and noteworthy regulatory developments
renewed, as the case may be. that we anticipate may impact our business in the coming
Changes in applicable regulation or regulatory guidance may periods; further details regarding these and related regulatory
also limit the Company’s or its subsidiaries’ ability to enter into and supervisory matters also appear in Section 7.3 “General
or renew such arrangements. Information – Regulation and Supervision” of this Annual Report.
The following summarizes recent developments impacting our
Moreover, we are classified as an Internationally Active Insurance required levels of capital and surplus; anti-money laundering and
Group (IAIG) under the Common Framework for the Supervision related anti-corruption measures; regulatory pronouncements
of IAIGs (the “ComFrame”), which was developed by the with respect to interest rate and other “benchmarks”, as well as
International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) and climate change-related initiatives; changes to IFRS; and potential
will apply to IAIGs, including the AXA Group, and could, in case developments at Lloyd’s.
of adoption of implementing legislation in relevant jurisdictions,
result in the imposition of similar or other restrictions on the Capital standards and restrictions on distributions to
transfer of funds, including intra-group financing arrangements, shareholders. The multiplicity of different regulatory regimes,
which could negatively impact the fungibility of our capital. capital standards and reporting requirements resulting from
These factors may adversely impact our liquidity position and work on new capital standards led by the IAIS, such as the
capacity to pay dividends. Insurance Capital Standard, and the development by the IAIS of
the ComFrame, which will apply to IAIGs, including the Company
as a regulated reinsurer, as well as potential changes to
We may have contingent liabilities applicable solvency and capital adequacy requirements, such
from discontinued, divested and run-off as the regulatory framework established under the Solvency II
businesses and may incur other off-balance Directive, could increase operational complexity, regulatory
sheet liabilities that may result in charges costs and competition. In this regard, a review of the Solvency II
to our income statement framework by the European Commission is currently ongoing.
For more information about the proposed directive amending
We may, from time to time, retain insurance or reinsurance
the Solvency II Directive, please refer to Section 7.3 “General
obligations and other contingent liabilities in connection with
Information – Regulation and Supervision – Regulatory Capital
our divestiture, liquidation, or run-off of various businesses. We
and Solvency Requirements – Solvency II review” of this Annual
may also, from time to time and in the course of our business,
Report. In addition, given the steps taken by the European Central
provide guarantees and enter into derivative and other types
Bank (the “ECB”), EIOPA, the ACPR, the European Systemic
of off-balance sheet transactions that could result in income
Risk Board and other supervisory authorities in previous years
statement charges.
to regulate dividend distributions and share repurchases by
financial institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic, there can 5
be no assurance that additional restrictions on dividends or other
REGULATORY AND LITIGATION-RELATED distributions by financial institutions will not be implemented in
RISKS the future and, if so, how such restrictions will be interpreted and
applied by competent supervisory authorities. For additional
information on our dividend policy and previous dividend
The Group and our businesses are subject to payments, please refer to Section 1.1 “Key Figures – Dividends
extensive regulation, regulatory supervision, and dividend policy” and Section 7.3 “General Information
adverse judicial decisions, and emerging – Bylaws – Rights, preferences and restrictions attached to the
legal, regulatory, and reputational risks in the shares” of this Annual Report.
various jurisdictions in which we operate Customer protection matters. Our insurance, reinsurance, Asset
Management and banking operations are subject to an increasing
The AXA Group operates in 51 countries around the world and,
number of legislative and regulatory initiatives designed
at the Company, Group and local entity levels, our insurance
to increase consumer protection in the sector of financial
and reinsurance operations, among others, are subject to a
services, in particular by enhancing disclosure and transparency
wide variety of laws and regulations. In July 2022 the Company
requirements, as well as conduct of business and product
became the AXA Group’s internal reinsurer and, as a regulated
governance rules, which have also resulted in stricter scrutiny by
reinsurer, is subject to increased regulatory scrutiny. Our
such as those resulting from Commission Delegated Regulation periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023, following the
(EU) 2021/1257 amending Commission Delegated Regulation adoption of IFRS 17 by the European Union on November 19,
(EU) 2017/2358 regarding the integration of sustainability 2021. These changes will significantly affect the accounting
considerations into the prudential, distribution, investment and treatment of insurance liabilities and financial assets. For further
advisory framework for insurance and reinsurance undertakings, information on these two standards, please refer to “Evolution
insurance distributors, asset managers and investment firms; of accounting standards” in Section 7.3 “General Information
(iii) prudential and Risk Management requirements such as – Regulation and Supervision – Other significant legislative and
those resulting from Solvency II reforms, EIOPA guidance and regulatory frameworks” of this Annual Report. There can be no
climate change stress testing exercises (such as the climate assurance that the above-mentioned changes to IFRS, or any
stress test exercise conducted by the ACPR, the first results of changes to IFRS that may be adopted in the future, will not have a
which were published in May 2021); or (iv) general vigilance and material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial
due diligence requirements, such as those resulting from the condition.
2017 French “Loi de Vigilance” or the proposed EU directive on COVID-19 pandemic-related judicial decisions. In certain
Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (CSDD). jurisdictions, notably the United Kingdom, courts have rendered
These and similar regulatory requirements, as well as any decisions in favor of policyholders’ interests, including by
further regulations regarding the transition to a lower-carbon adopting a policyholder-friendly interpretation of certain
economy, sustainability and other ESG-related rules and business interruption policy provisions. Other judicial decisions
guidance, which may overlap or conflict with one another, may be rendered, or legislative proposals enacted to the effect of
could increase our legal and compliance costs, expose us to implementing premium deferrals or refunds, customer-friendly
new or additional risks and adversely affect our business or the interpretation of policy wording and/or retroactive extension of
value of our investments. While the Group strives to anticipate, policy coverage or restricting our ability to cancel or non-renew
monitor, analyze and implement all of these new initiatives and insurance policies or collect premiums thereunder in accordance
frameworks and the rules deriving therefrom, a risk of divergence with their terms. This may require the Group to cover losses
in interpretation, imperfect compliance, or non-compliance, and resulting from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, even though
of related enforcement or civil actions, cannot be excluded. such losses were not covered under the terms of the relevant
There is also a geopolitical element to this risk, as governments policy. As a result, we may be exposed to higher-than-expected
and regulators in different jurisdictions take varied and often losses. In addition, we may be required to materially amend
divergent approaches to the energy transition, climate policy certain of our existing policy wordings or otherwise change our
and “net-zero” initiatives. These differences could have economic underwriting and pricing policies and practices to take account
consequences, undermine the ability to fulfil our commitments, of changing judicial and regulatory developments. There can be
undermine the ability to support the energy transition, expose us no assurance that any of the foregoing developments will not
to risk of litigation and adversely affect the value of our business have an adverse effect on the Group’s financial condition and
or of our investments. For further information on climate-, ESG- results of operations or adversely impact our brand or reputation.
and sustainable finance-related regulatory initiatives, please refer Regulations for underwriting syndicates and related risks.
to “Climate and sustainable finance-related regulatory initiatives” Following the acquisition of XL group in 2018, we have been
in Section 7.3 “General Information Regulation and Supervision
– Other significant legislative and regulatory frameworks” and
managing, through AXA XL Underwriting Agencies Limited,
Syndicate 2003, a large underwriting syndicate at Lloyd’s and,
5
on investment-related climate risk analysis, please refer to as a result of which, are exposed to a variety of Lloyd’s-related
Section 4.3 “Climate change and biodiversity – Risks and impacts regulatory risks. For instance, the Council of Lloyd’s has wide
in relation to climate change and biodiversity” of this Annual discretionary powers to regulate members of Lloyd’s, and may
Report. vary the method by which the capital solvency ratio is calculated,
Changes to IFRS. Changes to IFRS, as developed and or impose additional or special levies on members. In addition,
promulgated from time to time by the International Accounting if Lloyd’s fails to satisfy the FCA’s and the Prudential Regulation
Standards Board (IASB), may significantly impact insurers and Authority’s annual solvency test in any given year, Syndicate
other financial institutions, including AXA, that prepare their 2003 could be required to cease or reduce underwriting through
consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS. Lloyd’s. A downgrading of the Lloyd’s market could also impair
In particular, the Group has undertaken the simultaneous Syndicate 2003’s ability to trade in certain classes of business at
implementation of IFRS 17 – Insurance Contracts and IFRS 9 current levels. In connection with Brexit, the Lloyd’s model for
– Financial Instruments, which became effective for annual writing business in the European Union through Lloyd’s Belgian
pandemic or as a result of challenges facing national health at the EU level, have increased and are likely to continue to
care systems such as the National Health Service in the United increase litigation, risks and costs. We face significant legal risks
Kingdom), food insecurity (including as a result of the ongoing in our businesses, and the amount of damages and penalties
war in Ukraine), or migration (including reactions to migration) claimed in litigation and regulatory proceedings, as well as the
could create significant societal problems or conflict in the volume of claims, against global financial institutions remains
countries, regions and/or markets in which we operate. These high. Furthermore, the increasing number of legislative and
issues may be exacerbated by factors including but not limited regulatory requirements, including tighter controls and higher
to broader economic and financial market conditions, impacts capital requirements, consumer protection, enhancement of
from climate change, pandemics and infectious diseases, and regulatory requirements for the oversight and disclosure of
geopolitical conflict and/or tensions, political polarization, climate, ESG and sustainable finance-related initiatives as well
protectionist and nationalist measures or trade wars. as social and reputational trends may expose us to additional
There can be no assurance that any of the foregoing civil, criminal or regulatory actions, investigations, proceedings
developments will not have an adverse effect on the Group’s or sanctions, which could restrict business or have an adverse
financial condition and results of operations. effect on the Group. For additional information, please refer to
Section 7.3 “General Information – Regulation and Supervision”
of this Annual Report and to the paragraph below “Increasing
We have been and may become in the future scrutiny and evolving expectations from investors, customers,
subject to lawsuits, regulatory investigations regulators, and other stakeholders regarding environmental,
and/or other proceedings which may affect social and governance matters, and climate change may impact
our business, brand, reputation, relations our business and results of operations”.
with regulators and/or results of operations In addition, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the opioids
We are a party to numerous lawsuits (both class actions and crisis in the United States and the ongoing war in Ukraine,
individual lawsuits) in our corporate capacity and in our capacity coverage lawsuits have been brought against insurers, including
as an insurer/reinsurer and involved in various regulatory the AXA Group or its subsidiaries in multiple jurisdictions, many
investigations and examinations, and other actions arising in the of which are ongoing. For additional information in relation to
various jurisdictions where we and our subsidiaries do business. the COVID-19 claims please refer to the sub-paragraph “COVID-19
Please refer to Section 6.6 – Note 31 “Litigations” of this Annual pandemic-related judicial decisions” in the paragraph above “The
Report. We may be involved in similar proceedings in the future. Group and our businesses are subject to extensive regulation,
regulatory supervision, adverse judicial decisions, and emerging
Certain of these lawsuits and investigations seek significant or
legal, regulatory, and reputational risks in the various jurisdictions
unspecified amounts of damages, including punitive damages
in which we operate” and Section 6.6 - Note 31 “Litigations” of
(notably in the United States), and may involve allegations of
this Annual Report. The extent of the reinsurance coverage on
bad-faith denials of coverage, which could potentially increase
these claims may vary depending, among other things, on the
the overall amounts due, if any, in connection with such
resolution of the coverage issues under the primary policies.
matters. Certain of the regulatory authorities involved in these
We may also be involved in proceedings with our reinsurers
proceedings have substantial powers over the conduct and
operations of our business. The introduction of a class action
system in France in 2014 and similar developments in certain
regarding coverage. For additional information please refer
to the paragraph above “Reinsurance may be unavailable or 5
too expensive and may not be adequate to protect us against
other European jurisdictions, as well as the adoption of Directive
losses, in particular in the context of cyclical Property & Casualty
(EU) 2020/1828 dated November 25, 2020, on representative
insurance and reinsurance businesses”.
actions for the protection of the collective interests of consumers
under which competent data protection authorities are able to as required, there is no guarantee that such mechanisms will
fine companies that do not comply with EU rules up to 4% of not be subject to future challenge or to stricter scrutiny by the
their global annual turnover. Similar data protection regulations competent authorities, or that further changes in applicable
to GDPR have entered into force in many other jurisdictions, regulations will not potentially increase our legal and compliance
including certain US states, China, Brazil, Algeria, Egypt, and costs, or result in regulatory sanctions or damage to our brand
Thailand. While we have adopted and regularly review a or reputation. In December 2022, the European Commission
global Data Privacy Organization/Governance policy designed announced a draft adequacy decision for the EU-US Data Privacy
to manage risks related to data protection, there can be no Framework (the “EU-US DPF”), a data transfer mechanism that
assurance that our existing or planned data protection rules, would replace the invalidated EU-US Privacy Shield. As with
including our privacy-related Group Binding Corporate Rules, the EU-US Privacy Shield, the EU-US DPF is limited to entities
and governance organization will not need to be updated or subject to the investigatory and enforcement powers of the US
replaced to comply with new laws and regulations and regulatory Federal Trade Commission or Department of Transportation,
guidance applicable in the European Union or other jurisdictions though other US statutory bodies recognized by the EU may
where we operate or may operate in the future. be included in future annexes of the EU-US DPF. Because of
There is a risk that data collected by the Group and its third-party this, the AXA Group believes that it may continue to rely on
service providers is not processed in accordance with notices standard contractual clauses and binding corporate rules as data
provided to, or obligations imposed by, data subjects, regulators transfer mechanisms to transfer data from the EU to the United
or other counterparties, or in compliance with applicable data- States and other non-EU jurisdictions, but the EU-US DPF is in
privacy laws. The Group’s IT and other systems may also in development and there is no guarantee that it will be approved
future be exposed to hacking and unauthorized intrusions, such in its current form.
as physical or electronic break-ins, unauthorized tampering or
security breaches or other intentional or unintentional acts by Changes in tax laws, regulations or
parties acting from within or outside the Group, which could interpretations or uncertainties in the
result in sensitive data (including customer and employee data) interpretation of certain tax laws may result in
being stolen, lost or misused. Remote working arrangements adverse consequences to our business and our
and the accelerated digitalization of our operations may increase results of operations
these threats. Negligence or failure to implement and follow
internal Group policies, in particular regarding encryption of data, As a global company operating in numerous jurisdictions, we
or to fail to perform adequate internal data collection/processing are subject to various tax regimes and regulations. Changes
controls, may also facilitate hacking and other intrusions and in tax laws, regulations or interpretations could result in
result in breaches of GDPR and other applicable laws. administrative actions, litigation, higher tax expenses, payments,
and compliance costs.
Any failure to comply with applicable data protection laws,
and data theft, loss, or misuse, affecting any Group entity or a Uncertainties in the interpretation or future developments of
third-party service provider, could result in significant regulatory tax regimes may affect our tax liability, return on investments
sanctions, penalties, injunctions or other similar restrictions, and business operations. We have been and may increasingly
damage to our reputation, need to compensate customers,
customer litigation (including class actions and individual
become exposed to the risk of tax audits and investigations
(both administrative and criminal) in the various jurisdictions in
5
lawsuits), and consequently have a material adverse effect on which we operate. The international tax environment continues
our business, results of operations and prospects. to change as a result of actions taken by the OECD, the European
Union and national governments intended to address concerns
Following the European Union Court of Justice’s decision in over perceived international tax avoidance techniques. In
2015 to invalidate the European Commission’s Safe Harbor, addition, the introduction of new or more restrictive regulations
which had allowed, under certain conditions, the transfer of related to tax matters in the countries where the Group operates
personal information from EU companies to US companies, could significantly increase compliance costs. For example,
transatlantic data flows continued using other mechanisms such contemplated tax measures adopted in connection with the
as standard contractual clauses between companies and binding American Rescue Plan, resulting from the Global Anti-Base Erosion
corporate rules for transfers within multinational corporate OECD initiative (aimed at ensuring that large multinational
groups. While we currently believe that we can continue using enterprise groups pay a minimum level of corporate tax), or
such mechanisms to transfer data to the United States and to EU VAT reform for insurance companies, could increase AXA
other non-EU jurisdictions and add supplementary measures
Information in this section should be read in conjunction with designed to ensure that executives are informed of significant
Section 6.6 – Note 4 “Financial and insurance Risk Management” risks on a timely basis and can manage these risks, so that the
of this Annual Report. The report of the Statutory Auditors on Consolidated Financial Statements and other market disclosures
the Consolidated Financial Statements covers only information are accurate.
referred to in Note 4. In addition, the Solvency II regime requires the Group to have
The AXA Group is engaged in Insurance, Reinsurance and in place an effective system of governance which provides for
Asset Management businesses on a global scale. As such, it sound and prudent Risk Management. This governance system
is exposed to a wide variety of risks, including market risks, must be based on a clear separation of responsibilities and must
credit risk, insurance risks, operational risks, and other material be proportionate to the nature, extent, and complexity of the
risks, as further described in this Part 5 “Risk Factors and Risk Group’s operations.
Management” (1) and in Section 6.6 – Note 31 “Ligitations” of this In this context, AXA has (i) put in place a control framework with
Annual Report. three lines of defense with boundaries between each of them
To manage these risks, the Group has put in place a clearly defined and (ii) established four key functions.
comprehensive system of internal control and Risk Management
Responsibilities Owners
1st line of defense Responsible for day-to-day risk and control Management and staff Actuarial function
management and decision-making
2nd line of defense Responsible for developing, facilitating and Risk Management Compliance Internal Control
(independent from the Group’s monitoring an effective risk and control (including
business operations) framework Internal Financial
Control)
The four key functions are: Management and Banking activities as well as monitoring
■ the Risk Management function is responsible for that compliance is effective. The Compliance function holder
coordinating the second line of defense, ensuring that the at Group level is the Group Chief Compliance Officer;
risk appetite is implemented with respect to all material risks, ■ the Actuarial function is responsible for coordinating the
and in charge of the design, implementation and validation calculation of technical provisions, expressing an opinion
of AXA Group economic capital model which is the basis for on the overall underwriting policy and on the adequacy of
the Group Solvency II internal model (“Internal Model”), the reinsurance arrangements. The Actuarial function holder at
documentation of the Internal Model and any subsequent Group level is the Group Actuarial function holder; and
changes made to it as well as the analysis of the performance
■ the Internal Audit function is responsible for performing an
of this model and the production of summary reports thereof.
The holder of the Risk Management function, including the evaluation of the adequacy and effectiveness of the Group’s
internal control function, at Group level is the Group Chief internal control system and other elements of the system
Risk Officer; of governance. The Internal Audit function is objective and
independent from the operational functions. The Internal
■ the Compliance function is responsible for advising on Audit function holder at Group level is the Global Head of
compliance with laws, regulations and administrative Internal Audit.
provisions regarding insurance, reinsurance, A sset
(1) This information is not required under IFRS and as such is not part of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Therefore, it is not covered by the report of the
Statutory Auditors on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
It also examines any subject relating to the financial management Reporting to the ARCC, the following Group Risk Committees
of the Group and in particular the policy on financial Risk cover the main risk categories:
Management (including management of foreign exchange and ■ for financial risks: the Group Financial Risk Committee
interest rates exposure), the liquidity and financing of the Group, is co-chaired by the Group Chief Financial Officer and the
the capital and solvency as well as the impact on capital and Group Chief Risk Officer. This Committee reviews financial
solvency at Group level of the main orientations and limits of the risk issues faced by the Group and oversees the financial Risk
Asset Liability Management (ALM) policy. It reviews the Group’s Management of all (re)insurance and bank units;
responsible investment policy, its implementation and its impact
■ for operational, other material risks (reputation, emerging)
on the Group investment portfolio and plan.
and internal control: the Operational and Information Audit,
The scope of the Finance & Risk Committee’s responsibilities Risk, Compliance Committee is co-chaired by the Group Chief
is set forth in the Board of Directors Terms of Reference and Risk Officer and the Group Chief Operating Officer.
available on www.axa.com.
(1) This information is not required under IFRS and as such is not part of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Therefore, it is not covered by the report of the
Statutory Auditors on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Group Risk Committees are supported by local Risk Committees ■ contributes to the effective implementation of the Risk
to ensure consistency in the implementation of the Enterprise Management system referred to in article 44 of the Solvency II
Risk Management (ERM) framework. Directive, in particular with respect to the risk modelling
underlying the calculation of the capital requirements set out
in Chapter VI, Sections 4 and 5, and to the assessment referred
to in article 45 of the Solvency II Directive.
LINES OF DEFENSE ORGANIZATION
The Group Actuarial function holder annually produces an
The control framework with three lines of defense has been Actuarial report submitted to the Board of Directors, and
designed to ensure that the risks that the AXA Group may face are an opinion on the reserves twice a year. The Actuarial report
systematically identified, measured, managed, and controlled. identifies any deficiencies and gives recommendations as to how
such deficiencies should be remediated.
First line of defense: management and staff The Group Actuarial function holder alerts the Executive
Committee/Board of Directors on any major deficiency on his
Management and staff have primary responsibility for area of responsibility.
(i) establishing and maintaining an effective control environment,
(ii) identifying and managing the risks inherent in the products,
services, and activities in their scope and (iii) designing, Second line of defense: Group Risk
implementing, maintaining, monitoring, evaluating, and Management function, including Group
reporting on the Group’s internal control system in accordance Internal Control function and Group
with the risk strategy and policies on internal control as approved Compliance function
by the Board of Directors.
Group Risk Management (GRM) function
Group Actuarial function
GRM is headed by the Group Chief Risk Officer, who reports to
The Group Actuarial function is headed by the Group Actuarial the Group Deputy Chief Executive Officer, in charge of Finance,
function holder, who reports to the Group Chief Financial Risk Management, Strategy, ceded Reinsurance and Operations.
Officer and Management Committee member (operational/ The role of GRM is to identify, quantify and manage the main risks
functional reporting) and to the Group Deputy Chief Executive to which the Group is exposed. To this end, GRM develops and
Officer, in charge of Finance, Risk Management, Strategy, ceded deploys a number of risk measurements, monitoring instruments
Reinsurance and Operations, and Dirigeant Effectif (executive and methods, including a standardized methodology and
who effectively runs the Company as required by Solvency II) framework for stochastic modelling (through the Internal Model)
(hierarchic reporting). including the ORSA required under Solvency II.
The Actuarial function, in accordance with article 48 of the When appropriate, this role leads to the implementation of
Solvency II Directive: decisions that affect the Group’s risk profile, helping to monitor
■ coordinates the calculation of technical provisions; the solvency position and manage the volatility of the Group’s
earnings through sound understanding of the risks taken and
■ ensures the appropriateness of the methodologies and
optimization of capital allocation.
underlying models used as well as the assumptions made in
the calculation of technical provisions; As an integrated part of all the Group’s business processes, GRM
is also responsible for the definition and implementation of the
■ assesses the sufficiency and quality of the data used in the ERM framework within the AXA Group.
calculation of technical provisions;
The ERM framework is based on the following five pillars, cemented by a strong risk culture:
THE
5
of Risk Management
at AXA
1 2 3 4 5
Extensive use
Risk Management Common Systematic of Internal Model Proactive
independence & Risk Appetite 2nd Opinion & based on a robust Risk Management
comprehensiveness Framework Challenge economic
capital metric
1. Risk Management independence and comprehensiveness: Risk Management for the Group, steers the local Risk Management
Chief Risk Officers are independent from operations (first Departments, and strives to develop a risk culture throughout
line of defense) and Internal Audit Department (third line the Group.
of defense). The Risk Management Department, together
with the Compliance and Internal Control Departments, GROUP COMPLIANCE FUNCTION
constitute the second line of defense, whose objective The Group Compliance function is responsible for advising
is to develop, coordinate and monitor a consistent risk Executive Management and the Board of Directors on applicable
framework across the Group; compliance laws, regulations, and administrative provisions, and
on the impact of regulatory change on AXA Group’s operations.
2. Common risk appetite framework: Chief Risk Officers are
The Group Compliance function provides expertise, advice,
responsible for ensuring that senior management reviews
and support to AXA entities to assess significant compliance
and approves the risks to which the relevant entity or
matters, analyzes the major compliance risks and contributes
business unit is exposed, understands the consequences
to designing solutions to mitigate the risks to which the Group
of an adverse development in such risks and have action
plans that can be implemented in case of unfavorable
developments;
is exposed. The Group Compliance function manages a wide
range of compliance related matters including (i) financial 5
crime (which includes anti-bribery and corruption, anti-money
3. Systematic second opinion on key processes: Chief Risk laundering and international sanctions/embargo compliance),
Officers provide a systematic and independent second (ii) data privacy, (iii) customer protection and conduct,
opinion on product approval process, reserves, reinsurance, (iv) compliance & ethics, (v) the monitoring of other major
investments and ALM and challenge on operational risks compliance and regulatory risks, and (vi) regular reporting
and strategic plan; of significant compliance and regulatory matters to Executive
Management, the Board of Directors and regulators.
4. E xtensive use of internal model based on a robust
economic capital metric: the Internal Model is intended The Group Chief Compliance Officer reports to the Group Deputy
to offer a concrete and powerful tool to control and Chief Executive Officer & Group General Secretary.
measure exposure to most risks, in line with the Solvency II The compliance activities within the Group are set out in a
framework. The Internal Model is designed as a consistent number of standards and policies which set the minimum
and comprehensive Risk Management tool, which also requirements expected to be achieved by AXA entities and their
forms an important element in the capital management Compliance functions.
and planning process;
The compliance section of the Group Standards contains
5. P roactive Risk Management: Chief Risk Officers are standards and policies on significant risk areas affecting
responsible for early detection of risks. This is ensured compliance activities and sets out the high-level controls
through challenge of and constant dialogue with the and monitoring principles to which the entities must adhere.
relevant business and supported by the AXA Group’s Adherence to the Standards and Policies (Compliance
emerging Risks Management framework. Governance, Anti-Money Laundering, Sanctions, Anti-Bribery,
GRM oversees the operating entities’ adherence to the ERM, Cross Border, Data Privacy) is mandatory. In 2022, a new Standard
supported by the local Risk Management teams. It coordinates on Conduct and Customer Protection was established to support
GROUP INTERNAL CONTROL FUNCTION The Group’s Internal Audit function exists to help the Board
and Executive Management protect the assets, reputation, and
To further strengthen its control environment, the AXA Group sustainability of the organization by providing an independent
established in 2017 a centralized Internal Control function and objective assurance activity designed to add value and
within the second line of defense independent from business improve the organization’s operations. It helps the organization
operations. The Group Head of Internal Control is reporting meet its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined
to the Group Head of Operational Risk and Internal Control. approach to challenge Executive Management and evaluate
The Group Internal Control Department is responsible for the the effectiveness of Risk Management, control, and governance
development of a standardized methodology and framework processes.
for internal control and for oversight of its implementation
in the AXA Group’s subsidiaries. For more information on the Group Internal Audit sets an annual plan of work, based on
internal control at local level, please refer to the paragraph “Risk an assessment of both the inherent risk and the adequacy of
Management and internal control at local level” below. controls as well as consideration of the audit cycle. The plan is
formally reviewed, and its performance formally monitored by
The Internal Control framework of the AXA Group: the Group Audit Committee.
■ is based on the principle of proportionality and takes into Over the audit cycle, all applicable audit universe components
account the nature, scale and complexity of the entities’ for each entity are expected to be audited. Any exceptions
operations; identified are notified to the Audit Committee.
■ is aligned with the COSO “Internal Control – Integrated A report is issued at the conclusion of each audit assignment
Framework” of the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations to the relevant senior management. The results of the audits
of the Tradeway Commission; and resolution status of internal audit issues are presented
to the relevant Audit Committee and Executive Management
Committee on a regular basis.
Risk Management, Internal Control Local Chief Risk Officers head the local Risk Management teams
and Actuarial function at local level within each operational entity, and report both to their local Chief
Executive Officer and to the Group Chief Risk Officer. They are
Governance: the Group Governance Standards require, among independent from operations and Internal Audit Departments.
other things, the Boards of AXA’s main subsidiaries to establish Local Chief Risk Officers regularly report to the local Board of
an Audit Committee. The Audit Committees have a critical role Directors (or to a sub-Committee) on Risk Management matters.
in reviewing financial results and other financial information
prepared by the management of these subsidiaries, financial Their teams are responsible for controlling and managing risks
reporting and control processes, critical accounting policies, within Group policies and limits, and for validating investment
specific accounting issues, key risks, and systems of internal or underwriting decisions through local Risk Committees. The
control, fraud, and similar issues. Group Chief Risk Officer chairs the Chief Risk Officers’ meeting
composed of the Chief Risk Officers of AXA’s main subsidiaries,
In addition, the Group has established Standards that apply to which meets on a quarterly basis and have monthly calls.
AXA SA and entities (including Joint ventures) where AXA has
the majority of the voting rights or has a minority interest but Internal Control: Internal Control is a local responsibility in
exercises control through other means such as management. accordance with the Internal Control Standard and Policy.
They are mandatory for all entities (including AXA SA) within Entities are expected to:
scope unless otherwise indicated. The Standards focus on critical ■ define and document their controls and control procedures
requirements and form part of the overall Risk Management covering all important risks and processes (First line
framework which allow the Group to have a clear understanding responsibility);
of risks, both locally and Group-wide.
■ regularly verify and challenge the effectiveness of the control
Chief Executive Officers are required to certify annually to the environment (Second line responsibility);
Group Chief Executive Officer that to the best of their knowledge
■ implement a comprehensive monitoring and reporting on
their entities comply with the Standards. Entity Boards must be
formally informed of the Annual Certifications, together with any internal control deficiencies at a senior level of the organization
material breaches, areas of non-compliance and corresponding to ensure that these are rectified in an adequate and timely
mitigation plans in order to monitor progress of remedial actions. manner.
Please note that in the following paragraphs AXA SA is included Local Heads of Internal Control (or equivalent) are independent
within the scope of local entities. from operations and report preferably to their local Chief Risk
Officer. Local Heads of Internal Control (or equivalent) regularly
Risk Management: Risk Management is a local responsibility, in report to the local Risk Committee and to their local Audit
accordance with GRM standards and guidelines. The roles and Committee on Internal Control matters.
responsibilities of local Risk Management teams are validated
jointly by the Executive Committees of local entities and the Compliance: the local Compliance functions are expected to
Group Chief Risk Officer to ensure the alignment of central and undertake an annual Compliance Risk Assessment to identify the
local interests. major compliance risks to which the business is exposed. Based
on the Compliance Risk Assessment, an Annual Compliance Plan
The minimum missions required for local Risk Management
teams are:
must be developed at the end of each year for the following year. 5
The local Compliance function must directly report on a regular
■ coordinating the second line of defense locally (which covers basis to local senior management and the local Audit Committee
among others Compliance, Internal Control, Security) through (or equivalent body), on significant compliance matters,
a specific system of governance framework; including key compliance risks, major regulatory changes that
have compliance implications, the Annual Compliance Plan,
■ ensuring that the risk appetite is implemented with respect
outstanding Compliance In-Depth Review action points and any
to all risks consistently with the Group’s risk appetite, with
other significant issues that require escalation.
enhanced reporting, risk limits and decision processes;
Actuarial function: the local Actuarial function holders report
■ providing a second opinion on key processes, such as the both to local Finance, Risk, or the Chief Executive Officer and to
definition of characteristics for new products before launch, the Group Actuarial function holder. Their role is, in the same
reserves, ALM studies & asset allocation and reinsurance way as for the Group Actuarial function, defined in accordance
strategies; with article 48 of the Solvency II Directive.
■ with respect to the Internal Model, Risk Management checking
the adequacy of the local risk profile, and implementing,
testing and validating the Internal Model.
The Group Actuarial function holder chairs the Chief Actuaries PBRC has defined and implemented a set of policies and
meeting composed of the local Actuarial function holders, that procedures to ensure that the consolidation process leading to
meets on a regular basis. the consolidated financial statements is timely and accurate. This
consolidation process is based on the following:
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 2. IFC Management reports are required to be submitted by
(ICOFR) the Chief Financial Officer or another senior executive of
every in-scope entity, as part of the IFC program dedicated
The AXA Group’s ICOFR is a process designed under the to ICOFR;
supervision of the Group Chief Financial Officer and the Group
Chief Risk Officer to provide reasonable assurance regarding 3. Disclosure Controls & Procedures certificates, which are
the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of required to be submitted by AXA’s Management Committee
Consolidated Financial Statements. members, Chief Financial Officers and certain other senior
executives pursuant to which each of these executives
In that context, and based on the Group Internal Control is required to review the Group’s Universal Registration
Standard, the Group has implemented a comprehensive program Document and formally certify (i) the accuracy and
managed by Group Risk Management, entitled Internal Financial completeness of the information in the Annual Report with
Control (IFC), to ensure that the Group Chief Executive Officer respect to the companies under his/her responsibility, and
has a reasonable basis to conclude that AXA Group’s ICOFR is (ii) the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures
effective as of the end of each financial year. and ICOFR at companies under his/her responsibility (with
The IFC program is based on the Group’s IFC Standard, which is an specific disclosure of any significant deficiencies or material
Internal Control and governance standard based on the “Internal weaknesses). In addition, as part of this “sub-certification”
Control – Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of process, these executives are required to review and
Sponsoring Organizations of the Tradeway Commission (COSO). comment on a number of cross-sectional disclosures in the
It is designed to ensure consistency and quality in AXA Group’s Universal Registration Document relating to risk and other
financial reporting and provide an overall framework for the matters;
annual IFC program precising the scope of application and
4. Chief Financial Officer Sign-Off certificates on the notes
governance.
to the Consolidated Financial Statements: PBRC provides
The entities in IFC scope are required to document their Chief Financial Officers with the contribution of the entities
significant processes and key controls, as well as the rationale under their responsibility to the Consolidated Financial
of how the associated risk of material misstatement due to error Statements in order to facilitate their certification on the
or fraud can be reduced to an acceptable level. This is performed accuracy and completeness of the information in the
under the supervision of the Chief Financial Officer, sponsor of Universal Registration Document of the Group.
the IFC program. The independent Internal Financial Control
function, anchored within Risk Management for most entities, For further information, please refer to Appendix I “Management’s
is in charge of testing the design and operational effectiveness annual evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting”
of those key controls, and ensuring that identified control of this Annual Report.
deficiencies are remediated.
At each year-end, the in-scope entities must perform an
evaluation of their ICOFR as part of an internal certification
CONCLUSION
process, involving formal sign-off by process owners and with
a formal management report from the entity’s Chief Financial The Group has established a comprehensive system of Internal 5
Officer and Chief Risk Officer stating their conclusion as to the Control procedures and mechanisms that management believes
effectiveness of the entity’s ICOFR. appropriate and adapted to its business and the global scale of
its operations.
Disclosure controls and procedures However, all Internal Control systems, no matter how well
designed, have inherent limitations and cannot provide absolute
The Group has implemented a formal internal review and sign-off
certainty or guarantee against the materialization of risks and
process pursuant to which all Management Committee members,
control failures. Even systems determined to be effective by the
Chief Financial Officers and certain other senior executives are
management may not prevent or detect all human errors, all
required to certify various matters covered in AXA’s Universal
system malfunctions, all fraud, or all misstatements and can
Registration Document.
provide only reasonable assurance.
This process is based on the following four pillars:
1. Chief Financial Officer Sign-Off Certificates, which are
required to be submitted by all local Chief Financial Officers
to PBRC, together with the required subsidiary financial
reporting and consolidation information;
(1) This information is not required under IFRS and as such is not part of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Therefore, it is not covered by the report of the
Statutory Auditors on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(1) This information is not required under IFRS and as such is not part of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Therefore, it is not covered by the report of the
Statutory Auditors on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2) The Group risk grid is designed to identify all risks applicable to AXA businesses. Risk categories are further split into sub-risks. The risk assessment is
performed at the sub-risk level. The risk grid is regularly reviewed and validated at Group level.v
AXA GROUP SOLVENCY II RATIO Committee. The Solvency II Committee also reviews the Internal
Model validation and model change processes and liaises with
local governance. It also reviews the conclusions of the regular
In addition to the SCR assessment, which intends to cover all
validation activities.
quantifiable risks to which the Group is exposed (insurance,
financial, and operational risks), the AXA Group performs
sensitivity analyses of its Solvency II ratio to material risks and
events. INTERNAL MODEL VALIDATION
These analyses quantify, for instance, the potential impact on the
AXA Group’s Solvency II ratio of (i) financial shocks on corporate The Group has implemented and documented a validation
bond and sovereign spreads, on interest rates, and on equity, and process of its Internal Model to monitor its performance and
credit migration, (ii) a wide range of shocks reflecting historical continued adequacy. This process and associated governance
stress events (such as the 2008-2009 financial crisis, the 2011 are documented in the Group validation policy, endorsed by the
financial crisis), and (iii) standardized shocks such as one year ARCC.
out of two hundred pandemic spread on mortality exposures, a The Group validation policy is supplemented by local
vicennial Nat-Cat shock or a vicennial operational risk. validation policies specifying the local validation activities and
These sensitivity analyses do not take into account preemptive responsibilities.
management actions that might be taken to mitigate the effects Validation does not only apply to the quantitative aspects
of the defined shocks, nor indicate a probability of occurrence, of the model (input data, theory & methodology, parameters
but are designed: & assumptions, data, results) but also encompasses
■ to demonstrate that the AXA Group Solvency ratio is resilient the qualitative aspects of the model: expert judgment,
to a wide range of shocks; documentation, model governance, use test, systems/IT.
Risk Management performs regular integrated validation
■ to ensure through the risk appetite framework that the
activities, described in the Internal Model validation policy,
management reviews and acknowledges the risks that arise in
mostly organized around:
their company, understands the consequences of an adverse
development of these risks, and have action plans that can ■ validation of the model structure, modelling choices,
be implemented in case of unfavorable developments; and parameters, and assumptions; and
■ to verify the robustness of the Internal Model. ■ validation of the Solvency Capital Requirement calculation
and results.
The Solvency II ratio as of December 31, 2022, as published on
February 23, 2023, was assessed at 215% (1), compared to 217% These tasks are performed mostly within the Risk Management
as of December 31, 2021, and meets AXA’s target level of 190%. Departments in charge of the model, through controls and
validation activities using validation tools such as sensitivity
tests, back testing, scenario testing, and stability analysis and
INTERNAL MODEL GOVERNANCE any other relevant activity.
These validation procedures are complemented by independent
At Group level, the governance bodies involved in the Internal challenge and validation of assumptions, key parameters, and
Model governance are as follows: results through Committees (including assumptions Committees,
calibration Committees and clearance Committees) intended to
■ the Board of Directors reviews the Internal Model, and provide an adequate level of expertise and seniority.
authorizes the application to the ACPR for approval of major
changes to the Internal Model; In particular, Group Risk Management teams provide
independent testing of the local model choices, local parameters,
■ the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee; and assumptions, or calibration as well as local results.
■ the Solvency II Committee. Apart from this fully integrated validation, sanctioned by the
Group Chief Risk Officer’s review and sign-off, a comprehensive
At Group level, the Internal Model is reviewed, tested, and
independent review process has been defined and implemented
approved on an ongoing basis by the Solvency II Committee.
to provide adequate comfort to AXA Group management and
The Solvency II Committee is supported by risk technical working
Board of Directors that the model and its outputs meet a “fit for
groups reviewing changes proposed to the Internal Model and
purpose” standard.
presenting conclusions of these diligences to the Solvency II
(1) The Solvency II ratio is estimated primarily using AXA’s Internal Model calibrated based on an adverse 1/200 years shock. For additional information, please
refer to Section 5.2 “Internal Control and Risk Management – Internal Model” of this Annual Report. The Solvency II ratio will be finalized prior to the publication
of the AXA Group’s SFCR currently expected to be on May 17, 2023.
The independent reviews are performed by the following two Both IMR and IFC are fully independent from the development,
internal teams: the governance, and the processing of the Internal Model.
■ IFC teams, at local and Group level, responsible for assessing Furthermore, independent third parties have been engaged to
the effectiveness of the Internal Control framework over provide a positive assurance opinion to the AXA Group Board
Solvency II, on the basis of the testing of processes and of Directors on the compliance of the Internal Model with the
controls over the EOF and STEC (short term economic capital), Solvency II Directive requirements. Such independent opinion
at least annually; and is provided based on FY2022 process and results, at Group and
local levels.
■ Internal Model Review (IMR) team, a Group team responsible
for the in-depth actuarial review of the model under local At the end of the annual validation process, the Board of
teams’ responsibility, the conception and methodology when Directors is provided with a report summarizing the conclusions
locally developed, and the local implementation of the Group of the internal review by Risk Management and the conclusion
principles where relevant. IMR controls are performed on a of the independent review by IMR and IFC as well as a review by
3-year rolling basis, independently from closing agenda. independent third parties as aforementioned.
The market risks to which Property & Casualty (P&C), Life The Group policies implemented to manage these risks are
& Savings (L&S) and Health portfolios are exposed arise from a tailored to each product type and their related risks.
variety of factors including: The main market risks to which the AXA Group is exposed are
■ a decline in market returns may cause us to accelerate the following:
amortization of deferred acquisition costs, value of business ■ interest-rate risk, spread risk and equity risk related to the
in-force and other intangibles; operating activities of Group subsidiaries;
■ a decline in returns on assets (linked to a sustained fall in yields ■ exchange-rate risk related to the operating activities of Group
on fixed income investments or to lower equity markets) could subsidiaries; and
reduce investment margins on General Account products or
fees on Unit-Linked contracts and impact the performance of ■ risks relating to the management of holding companies’
asset managers; exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and
debt.
■ a change in yields on fixed-income investments (linked to
changes in interest rates or in credit spreads) affects the market
value of investments and liabilities and could impact adversely
AXA Group’s exposure to market risks is covered by AXA
Group’s Solvency Capital Requirement metric, as detailed in
5
the Group’s solvency or liquidity position, and increase the paragraph “Internal Model” in Section 5.2 “Internal Control
policyholder’s surrenders due to competitive pressures; and Risk Management” of this Annual Report and is taken into
account in AXA’s Liquidity Risk Management framework (please
■ a decline in asset market value (relating, for example, to equity, refer to Section 5.5 “Liquidity Risk” of this Annual Report).
real estate, or alternatives, etc.) could adversely impact the
Group’s solvency position, as well as available surplus;
■ local risk appetite governance and processes, including AXA regularly monitors its exchange rate hedging strategy and
functional limits on market risks defined locally and approved will continue to review its effectiveness and the potential need to
by the local Board or Executive Committee; adapt it taking into account impacts on earnings, value, solvency,
gearing ratio and liquidity.
■ Asset Liability Management (ALM), i.e., defining an optimal
The Group Corporate Finance and Treasury Department is in
strategic asset allocation with respect to the liabilities’
charge of producing reporting data that consolidate interest
structure in order to reduce the risk to a desired level;
rate, foreign exchange, and liquidity risk exposures, as well as the
■ a disciplined investment process, requiring for any interest expenses of AXA SA and its sub-holdings. This reporting
sophisticated investment a formal thorough analysis by also includes medium-term forecasts.
the Investment Department, and a second opinion by Risk Synthetic reports, including information about hedging
Management; strategies, are sent to, and reviewed by the Finance & Risk
■ hedging of financial risks when they exceed the tolerance levels Committee of AXA’s Board of Directors five times a year.
set by the Group. Operational management of derivatives is
based on stringent rules and is mainly performed by AXA SA for
the holding company activities and AXA Investment Managers
for operating units;
■ a regular monitoring of the financial risks on the Group
Solvency II ratio; and
■ reinsurance which also offers solutions to mitigate certain
financial risks.
The following table presents the reconciliation between IFRS shareholders’ equity to group EOF:
(1) Only information contained in Section 5.2 “Internal Control and Risk Management” of this Annual Report and referred to in Section 6.6 – Note 4 “Financial
and Insurance Risks Management” of this Annual Report is covered by the report of the Statutory Auditors on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
All sensitivities are presented net of tax, and where applicable, 2022 interest rate sensitivities for Property & Casualty business
net of policyholders’ participation. (% of P&C EOF) of 0% to upward 50 bps and -1% to downward
2022 interest rate sensitivities for Life & Savings business (% of 50 bps reflect mainly the impacts on fixed-income assets, offset
L&S EOF) of 2% to upward 50 bps and -3% to downward 50 bps by discount on liabilities.
show an asymmetry mainly driven by guaranteed interest rates 2022 equity market sensitivities for Life & Savings business
having higher value when interest rates decrease, while higher (% of L&S EOF) of 6% to 25% higher value and -6% to 25% lower
reinvestment returns would need to be shared with policyholders value reflect mainly the impact of guarantees and profit-sharing
limiting shareholders’ gains in a higher rate environment. rules, along with some hedging programs to limit potential
However, this classical pattern is not followed everywhere, as losses. The impacts of equity market value changes can come
for certain type of business with significantly low interest rate from General Account exposures or from changing asset balances
guarantees, the EOF behaves more like a portfolio of fixed- impacting future fee revenue on separate account business.
income assets. In addition, higher interest rates affect the value 2022 equity market sensitivities for Property & Casualty
both positively through higher investment rate and negatively business (% of P&C EOF) of 4% to 25% higher value and -4%
through lower starting value of fixed income assets and higher to 25% lower value reflect the impacts on equities including
discount rates for future profits. For different product types these derivatives on equities.
interactions produce different results.
A 10% change in foreign exchange rate as at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 between euro and main functional currencies
of the Group (USD, JPY, and CHF) would have had the following impacts on shareholders’ equity Group share and Underlying earnings
Group share:
2022 (in %) Shareholders’ equity Group share Underlying Earnings Group share
2021 (in %) Shareholders’ equity Group share Underlying Earnings Group share
In the insurance companies, which accounted for 93% of Group financial markets. AXA France offsets its exposure to exchange-
assets at December 31, 2022 (93% in 2021), assets and liabilities rate risk by using foreign exchange forwards and other
with foreign currency exposure are generally naturally matched derivatives (notional of €19,620 million versus €20,570 million
or hedged. in 2021).
■ France: 33% of Group assets at the end of 2022 (34% in 2021): ■ Europe: 33% of Group assets at the end of 2022 (35% in 2021):
In France, AXA was exposed to exchange-rate risk for a total Switzerland
amount of €22,330 million at the end of 2022 (€22,560 million
in 2021) held both directly and indirectly through investment In Switzerland, AXA was exposed to exchange-rate risk through
funds partly invested in foreign currencies (US Dollar: their investments in foreign currencies (mainly Euro and US
€17,160 million versus €17,460 million in 2021, Pound Sterling: Dollar) due to limited investment possibilities in the Swiss
€2,660 million versus €2,920 million in 2021 and Japanese Yen: market. A major portion of the exposure is hedged back
€1,330 million versus €1,030 million in 2021). This exposure into Swiss Francs with foreign exchange swaps, options, and
allows AXA France to diversify its investments and enable forwards. At the end of 2022, Switzerland foreign exchange
policyholders to benefit from the performance of international exposure amounted to €13,051 million (€14,936 million
(€1,895 million in 2021). In particular, Mexico has its exchange- ■ Transversal and Central Holdings: 9% of Group assets at the
rate risk exposure mostly under congruent coverage, matching end of 2022 (8% in 2021):
assets and liabilities denominated in the same currency.
AXA SA & other Central Holdings
Besides, Colombia has his exchange-rate risk exposure hedged
(through forwards). Since 2001, AXA SA has adopted a hedging policy which
objective is to limit variations in net foreign currency-
■ AXA XL: 10% Group assets at the end of 2022 (9% in 2021):
denominated assets resulting from movements in exchange
For the majority of AXA XL’s business, assets and liabilities are rates. The purpose of the policy is therefore to protect partially
denominated in US Dollar. For business written in currencies the value of AXA’s net foreign-currency investments in its
other than in US Dollar, the risk is managed primarily by subsidiaries to the extent of the following year’s foreseeable
matching assets and liabilities in each currency. Asset dividends and more generally the exposure of AXA SA’s liquidity
positions in certain currencies are hedged back to US Dollars to foreign exchange movements.
using foreign exchange forwards with a notional amount of
€1,843 million at the end of 2022 (€1,468 million in 2021).
As at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the main hedging positions of AXA SA were as follows:
In addition to the foreign exchange rate management performed locally (hedged through Foreign Exchange forward and currency
swaps), the Group Corporate Finance and Treasury Department steers the global exposure to foreign exchange risk and reports the
position five times a year to the Finance & Risk Committee of the Board of Directors.
Credit risk is defined as the risk that a third party in a transaction AXA Group’s exposure to credit risk is covered by AXA Group’s
will default on its commitments. Given the nature of its core Solvency Capital Requirement metric, as detailed in the
business activities, AXA Group monitors three major types of paragraph “Internal Model” in the Section 5.2 “Internal Control
counterparties, using methods suitable to each type: and Risk Management” of this Annual Report and is taken into
account in AXA’s liquidity Risk Management framework (please
■ investment portfolios held by the Group’s insurance operations refer to Section 5.5 “Liquidity risks” of this Annual Report).
(excluding assets backing separate-account products where
As at December 31, 2022, the breakdown of the debt security CREDIT DERIVATIVES
portfolio (€307 billion) by credit rating category was as follows:
6% 7%
Supranational (a) Germany
9%
Italy
Credit risk relating to CDOs is monitored separately, depending
7% 8%
Switzerland
on the tranches held, and regardless of the type of assets held
Belgium
(debt securities or credit derivatives).
(a) Includes mainly European institution issuers (European Investment Bank,
European Union, European Financial Stability Facility, Eurofima).
(1) This figure represents an accounting view i.e. 100% of assets held directly and in consolidated investment funds “Core Investment Portfolios”, and excluding
credit derivatives in non-consolidated investment funds, in line with Section 6.6 – Note 20 “Derivative instruments” of this Annual Report. The Group holds
€17.1 billion (notional amount) of credit derivatives as total exposure including consolidated investment funds “Satellite Investment Portfolios” (€0.8 billion).
Among those exposures, the larger ones are reported monthly BANK CREDIT ACTIVITIES
on a per name basis and are aggregated wherever relevant with
exposures coming from other sources, mainly investments, to
At December 31, 2022, total invested assets of banking activities
maintain concentrations under control.
amounted to €13.3 billion (€12.9 billion as at December 31, 2021).
Each month, the Group Credit Risk Committee monitors the
AXA Banking operations, based in France, are mostly limited
aggregate ultimate shareholder exposures versus the risk
to retail banking activities, distributing simple investment and
appetite limits, as well as the contributions of the various credit
credit products.
risk sources including the split by lines of business, reviews
potential breaches to the Group limits and remediation plans, As such, AXA banks’ Risk Management policies are based on their
and when necessary, handles additional capacity requests stated risk appetite, with the following key principles:
and allocates capacity between investments and insurance ■ Dedicated Counterparty and Credit Risk functions with
& reinsurance businesses. AXA Credit team provides the Group appropriate Committees;
Credit Risk Committee with credit assessments on the biggest
exposures or on a case-by-case basis when required. ■ quality of sovereign, international institutions, corporate and
bank counterparties portfolio closely monitored;
Utilizations of Group limits per name are shared with local Risk
Management and business teams, in order to avoid excessive ■ adequacy to Group risk standards; and
concentrations and breaches.
■ tightly managed market, asset & liability, foreign exchange and
The Group Financial Risk Committee is regularly informed of interest rate risks including a strict collateral policy.
the main credit risks including those related to (re)insurance
Credit risk in the banks encompasses:
businesses.
■ retail credit risk, resulting from the commercial activity – sales
of mortgages and other type of loans to retail clients and
small enterprises. Credit Risk Management is done through
careful risk and a regular monitoring of portfolios by product
management teams and Risk Management teams;
■ other than retail credit risk, resulting from investment activity.
This activity is limited with strong control processes in place.
Credit risks are regularly reviewed by the Management Board of
each bank, and are subject to regulation.
The banks aim to meet all regulatory capital obligations.
Information in this Section should be read in conjunction with of the liquidity adequacy across the AXA Group on the basis of
Section 2.4 “Liquidity and capital resources” of this Annual the “Excess Liquidity” metric, i.e. the difference between liquidity
Report. resources and liquidity needs calculated under severe stress
The liquidity risk is the uncertainty, emanating from business conditions and over different time horizons: 1 week, 1 month,
operations, investments or financing activities, over whether 3 months and 12 months.
AXA SA and/or an AXA entity will have the ability to meet payment For each time horizon, the post-stress liquidity resources
obligations in a full and timely manner, in current or stressed available and the post-stress liquidity needs (i.e. net outflows)
environments. Liquidity risk concerns assets and liabilities as to be paid are projected to measure the excess liquidity. The
well as their interplay. stressed conditions are calibrated so as to reflect extreme
Liquidity is a key dimension of the Risk Appetite Framework circumstances (e.g. distressed financial markets, confidence
allowing the AXA Group to ensure that both AXA SA and the local crisis towards the Group, natural catastrophes). The approach
entities have at all times sufficient liquidity buffer to withstand a is prudent as it is assumed that all events occur simultaneously.
severe shock. The objective is achieved through the monitoring
Since 2015, the Group has strategically developed a strong delegation and control. 2023 Group reinsurance protections
in-house expertise of development and validation of natural ensure respecting the risk appetite as in 2022.
catastrophe models to cope with their dynamic nature in the These protections consist of major Group-covers (CAT, Property
context of global climate change. This has been complemented Per Risk, International Liability, Marine Whole Account (incl.
by a reinforced and continuously enhanced expertise in the Marine, Energy, etc.), Cyber, Motor Third Party Liability and
modelling of systemic events (without border in time and space) Life) and various entities’ specific local covers mainly driven by
like Cyber. AXA XL-dedicated protections (e.g. Aviation, Marine, Energy, US
Liability, Political risks, retro, etc.).
The structures of Group covers are designed to adequately
CEDED REINSURANCE protect the Group in compliance with the Group risk appetite
framework. Specific proportional and non-proportional covers
The reinsurance structure in charge of Life & Savings, Health are arranged through either the traditional reinsurance market
and Property & Casualty reinsurance (AXA Global Re up to mid- or alternative capital markets (cat bonds and Insurance Linked
2022 and then Group Ceded Re) reports to the Group Deputy Securities – ILS) both on an indemnity and industry loss index
Chief Executive Officer, in charge of Finance, Risk Management, basis.
Strategy, ceded Reinsurance and Operations. Its main mandate
As opposed to the other Group covers where the Group retention
is to contribute to the protection of the Group through the
is kept by AXA SA, in 2022, 94% of the Property Pool year-end
centralization of the Group’s purchase of reinsurance.
financial result net of external reinsurance protections is
For the Life & Savings, Health and Property & Casualty operations, retroceded back to local entities, through a pool mechanism
reinsurance programs are set up as follows: managed by Group Ceded Re on behalf of those local entities.
■ Group’s operating entities reinsurance capacity are set in AXA also uses alternative capital market solutions also known as
alignment with Group Standards and with their local risk Insurance-Linked Securities (ILS), such as catastrophe bonds, as
appetite limits considering the risk assessment previously part of the overall reinsurance strategy. The use of ILS may not
described; provide the same level of protection as traditional reinsurance,
■ their risks are modeled through in-depth actuarial analyses and the protections provided may vary depending on the region
conducted on each portfolio; specifically, for Property in which the loss occurred, or the number of events that make up
& Casualty modelling, via the Group economic capital the loss. Like traditional reinsurance, the accessibility of the ILS
model, AXA uses several models both internal and external market may be impacted by disruptions, volatility or uncertainty,
for assessing the risk associated with the main natural perils such as those that may arise following a major catastrophic
(storms, floods, earthquakes, etc.). event. Also, to the extent that AXA uses ILS products providing
reinsurance protections based on an industry loss index rather
than on its actual incurred losses, such transactions could result
Reinsurance strategy in a larger or lower residual loss than anticipated.
Centralization and harmonization of treaty reinsurance purchase Finally, in addition to the analyses described above, the Group
is based on the same procedures for both the Life & Savings,
Health businesses as for the Property & Casualty activities.
Security Committee regularly monitors the AXA Group credit
exposures to reinsurers, to ensure that consolidated exposures
5
In order to build adjusted and optimized protection, the Group’s remain within the Group risk tolerance (see Section 5.4 “Credit
operating entities are reinsured by AXA SA except for very specific Risk – Receivables from reinsurers” of this Annual Report).
cases notably for products developed in partnership with
reinsurers in Life and Health and except for some AXA XL treaties.
Group Ceded Re can place a variable part of the local treaties TECHNICAL RESERVES
on the reinsurance market, for regulatory reasons for example.
A portion of the risk exposure is retained and mitigated within Operational entities specifically monitor their reserve risks.
AXA SA through the Group covers (including through a pool Claims reserves are estimated and booked on a file by file basis
mechanism for Property) and the remaining part is ceded to by the claims handlers. Additional reserves are also booked by
external reinsurers. the local entities.
Group Ceded Re is responsible for all Group external cessions. The additional reserves’ calculations are carried out locally by a
Since the acquisition of the XL group, AXA XL contributes two-independent-opinion process.
to placing directly part of its covers (mainly quota share for Actuaries in charge of assessing reserves use various statistical
specialties and for US portfolios) under Group Ceded Re’s and actuarial methods. Their assumptions are made following
The breakdown of the Group’s Property & Casualty technical The Group’s Health technical reserves represented 7% of the
reserves by line of business was as follows: Group’s total technical reserves at the end of 2022 (7% at the
end of 2021). Technical reserves for Health Life-like contracts
■ 24% at the end of 2022 (25% at the end of 2021) of the Group’s (i.e. contracts with long-term guarantees or coverage and/or
Property & Casualty reserves cover Motor insurance business; surrender value) represented 93% of the Group’s Health technical
■ 10% at the end of 2022 (10% at the end of 2021) of the Group’s reserves at the end of 2022 (94% at the end of 2021).
Property & Casualty reserves cover Property insurance
business;
Information in this Section should be read in conjunction with In 2022, the Group Operational Risk Profile is reasonably well
the paragraph “Operational and business-related risks” in spread out with all seven operational risk categories covered
Section 5.1 “Risk factors” of this Annual Report. and the main risks being the following:
AXA Group has defined a single framework for identifying, ■ transaction capture, execution and maintenance risk is
quantifying and monitoring the main operational risks that may a major risk and relates to process error, failure, and/or
arise from a failure in its organization, systems, processes and misperformance;
resources or from external events.
■ compliance risk due to increases in legislation and regulation
Operational risks include legal risks and excludes risks arising remains a major concern and is under the close monitoring
from strategic decisions, as well as reputation risks. of Group Compliance;
AXA Group’s Operational risk framework provides for the ■ external fraud & system security risk continues also to be a top
deployment of a common system, dedicated operational risk priority. AXA Group’s exposure to cyber risk is still high with
teams and a common operational risk typology classifying more and more new technology into AXA Group’s products
operational risks into seven risk categories: internal fraud; and services. Information on cyber risks should be read in
external fraud; employment practices and workplace safety; conjunction with the paragraph “Operational and business-
clients, products and business practices; damages to physical related risks” in Section 5.1 “Risk factors” of this Annual Report.
assets; business disruption; and system failures and execution,
delivery and process management. Its implementation is not AXA Group’s exposure to operational risks is captured in the
limited to insurance activities. It encompasses all AXA entities, AXA Group’s Solvency Capital Requirement as detailed in the
including insurance companies, banking activities, AXA paragraph “Internal Model” in Section 5.2 “Internal Control and
Investment Managers and internal service providers consistent Risk Management” of this Annual Report.
with AXA policy on operational Risk Management. Specific actions are identified at Group and local levels to
Both quantitative and qualitative requirements are defined: mitigate these risks. Also, the implementation of the Internal
Control framework will continue to contribute to better embed
■ across the Group, the most critical operational risks of controls in activities and mitigate the risks.
each entity and a set of stress scenarios are identified and
assessed following a forward-looking and expert-opinion As regards information risks, AXA has built an Information
approach. These risk scenarios are then used to estimate Risk Management (IRM) framework to enable information risk
the capital requirement needed to cover operational risks decisions to be made consistently across the organization and
based on advanced models based on Solvency II principles.
The operational Risk Management process is embedded into
establish sustainable Risk Management capabilities that are
integrated with the business. 5
local governance through senior management validation to AXA relies on third-party providers for outsourcing of services
ensure that the risk assessment is adequate, appropriate and at different stages of the value chain. Although relying on
comprehensive but also to ensure that adequate corrective partners is a strategic advantage, onboarding a vendor into AXA’s
and pre-emptive actions are defined and implemented in organization requires AXA to assess the risks it might bring, such
respect of the main risks; as regulatory, compliance, IT security, etc.
■ in addition, a loss data collection process is in place To protect both business and customers, AXA has set up a
within most companies of the Group in order to track and dedicated Vendor Risk Framework program co-sponsored by
appropriately mitigate actual operational risk losses. This Group Risk Management and Group Procurement. This program
process is also used as a valuable source of information to is supported by Group functions (Compliance, Data Privacy,
back-test the assumptions taken in risk assessments. Information Security, Operational Resilience, Legal, Reputation
and Internal Control) and local stakeholders (Chief Risk Officers,
A key objective of the AXA Group’s operational risk economic
Chief Procurement Officers and Insurance Procurement
capital model is to understand and reduce losses resulting from
Directors).
operational failures and to define an appropriate risk response
strategy for major operational risk scenarios. Entities and Group The Vendor Risk Framework defines a set of requirements for
Operational Risk profiles are presented to local/Group Risk each relationship, with a risk-based approach, i.e. existing and
Committees for decisions and actions to be taken. potential new contracts. After identification of the criticality
through pre-determined criteria, an appropriate level of due
diligence, minimum requirements and oversight is implemented.
For more information on the AXA Group’s risk controls and Risk
Management processes, please refer to Section 5.2 “Internal
Control and Risk Management” of this Annual Report.
I Strategic risks
A strategic risk is the risk that a negative impact (current or Given the nature of strategic risks, there is no capital charge
prospective) on earnings or capital, material at the Group level, assessment but a strong strategic Risk Management framework
arises from (a) a lack of responsiveness to industry changes or to anticipate and mitigate these risks. Group Risk Management
consumers’ needs evolution, or (b) adverse business decisions is involved at early stage in major strategic projects (e.g. large
regarding: M&A projects). The Group governance standards require
■ significant changes in footprint, including through disposals among other things a Risk Management second opinion on
or acquisitions; key processes, including significant transactions and strategic
plans. Furthermore, the ORSA report provides an assessment
■ changes in product offering and client segmentation; on the overall solvency needs which include the Solvency II ratio
projection made until the strategic plan horizon and in stress
■ changes in distribution model (channel mix including
scenarios as detailed in Section 5.2 “Internal Control and Risk
alliances/partnerships, multi-access and digital distribution).
Management – Own Risk and Solvency Assessment (ORSA)” of
this Annual Report.
I Reputation risk
Reputation risk is the risk that an event, internal or external, will Three main objectives drive the Reputation Risk Management
negatively influence the stakeholders’ perception and trust of approach:
the Company or where there is a gap between stakeholders’ ■ proactively manage reputation risk, avoid or minimize negative
expectation and the Company’s behaviors, attitudes, values, issues impacting the reputation of AXA and build trust among
actions, or inactions. all of AXA stakeholders;
Given the nature of reputation risk, there is no capital charge
■ define accountability for reputation risk across the
assessment but the AXA Group has defined a global framework
organization, at Group and local levels;
with a two-fold approach to reactively protect and proactively
identify, monitor, manage and mitigate reputational issues to not ■ implement a common reputation Risk Management framework
only minimize value destruction, but also to build and maintain throughout the organization.
brand equity and trust among stakeholders.
AXA Group monitors in near real-time potential and existing
AXA Group has a Global Reputation Network whose purpose is issues and receives periodic top reputation risk reports from local
to implement locally a Reputation Risk Management framework. entities. Every two months, an informational report is submitted
The objectives of the Reputation Risk Management approach are to the Group Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee, and once a
in line with AXA’s overall Enterprise Risk Management approach year, an internal report analyzes the main cases of reputation risk
aiming to develop a reputation risk culture and risk intelligence. managed by AXA. Regular dialogue with the Global Reputation
Network allows for building awareness, identification and
dissemination of key topics that could negatively impact the
Group’s reputation.
The implementation of the Reputation Risk Framework
encompasses AXA Group’s main activities including insurance,
Asset Management as well as internal service providers.
Emerging risks are risks which may develop or which already mapping constituted of five sub-groups (environment & energy,
exist and are continuously evolving. Emerging risks are marked society, regulation & politics, economy, finance & business,
by a high degree of uncertainty, as some of them may never even health & medicine, and tech & data). After prioritization of the
emerge. monitored risks by senior management or after a warning from
Given the nature of emerging risks, there is no capital charge an entity, in-depth internal studies are developed on a bi-annual
assessment, but the AXA Group has established processes to basis by GRM to review a specific risk and its potential impact in
monitor emerging risks which could develop over time and terms of insurance.
become significant. The emerging risk framework encompasses a Since 2014, an annual Future Risks Survey is conducted to collect
network of circa 120 people within the AXA Group (mainly based the views of internal and external stakeholders on the most
in insurance, Asset Management and support function entities significant emerging risks for society at large.
such as AXA Group Operations) which allows expertise to be By seeking to develop new solutions, acting as an advisor to
shared within the business and risk communities and ensures Risk Management and actively contributing to the overall debate
adequate underwriting policies are defined. about the issues involved, along with other major market players,
Emerging risks surveillance is organized through a detection AXA Group intends to promote a better understanding and better
process including watch on scientific publications, court forecasting of the emerging risks and to support sustainable
decisions, etc. Risks are monitored and classified within a risk development.
I Regulatory risks
For further information on the regulatory environment in which AXA Group operates including regulatory risks, please refer to the
paragraph “Regulatory-related risks” in Section 5.1 “Risk factors” of this Annual Report.
6.2
6.3
6.4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
292
293
294
Note: All invested assets are shown net of related derivative instruments impact.
(a) Reclassification of Architas activities previously reported as part of Life & Savings (Insurance activities) to Asset Management (Other activities).
(b) As of December 31, 2022, amounts included the assets relating to a closed life and pensions portfolio in Germany, for which the disposal process was not finalized at year-end.
As of December 31, 2021, amounts included the assets relating to Malaysia and Singapore operations, a General Account portfolio in Belgium, as well as the remaining
Group Life portfolio in Switzerland, for which the disposal processes were not finalized at year-end.
(in Euro million, except EPS in Euro) December 31, December 31,
Notes 2022 2021
Reserves relating to changes in fair value through shareholders’ equity (27,664) (6,248)
Translation reserves 1,189 2,030
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to Profit or Loss (26,474) (4,218)
Employee benefits actuarial gains and losses 987 619
Reserves relating to changes in fair value of financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit
and loss that are attributable to changes in own credit risk 6 (2)
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to Profit or Loss 993 617
Net gains and losses recognized directly through shareholders’ equity (25,481) (3,602)
Net consolidated income 6,856 7,507
Split between:
Net consolidated income – Group share 6,675 7,294
Net consolidated income – Minority interests 180 214
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (CI) (18,625) 3,906
Split between:
Total comprehensive income – Group share (18,278) 3,815
Total comprehensive income – Minority interests (347) 90
Amounts are presented net of tax, policyholders’ participation and other shadow accounting related movements. Tax, policyholder
participation and related effects are further detailed in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
IN EQUITY
Attributable to shareholders
Share Capital Other reserves
Reserves relating
Reserves relating to the change
Capital in to the change in fair in fair value of
Number Nominal excess of value of financial hedge accounting Undistributed Shareholders’
of shares value Share nominal Treasury instruments available derivatives Translation profits and other equity Group Minority
(in Euro million, except for number of shares and nominal value) (in thousands) (in Euro) Capital value shares for sale (cash flow hedge) Other (a) reserves (b) reserves (c) share interests (b) (c)
Shareholders’ equity opening January 1, 2022 2,421,569 2.29 5,545 21,803 (1,630) 17,491 (556) 6,623 (2,843) 24,701 71,135 4,094
Capital (69,798) 2.29 (160) - - - - - - - (160) -
Capital in excess of nominal value - - - (1,707) - - - - - - (1,707) -
Equity – share based compensation - - - 59 - - - - - - 59 -
Treasury shares - - - - (520) - - - - - (520) -
Others reserves – transaction on treasury shares - - - - - - - - - - - -
Equity component of compound financial instruments - - - - - - - - - - - -
Undated subordinated debt - - - - - - - (994) - - (994) -
Financial expenses – Undated subordinated debt - - - - - - - - - (203) (203) -
(c) (d)
Others (including impact on change in scope) - - - - - - - - - (440) (440) (721)
Dividends - - - - - - - - - (3,539) (3,539) -
Impact of transactions with shareholders (69,798) 2.29 (160) (1,648) (520) - - (994) - (4,182) (7,503) (721)
Reserves relating to changes in fair value through shareholders’ equity - - - - - (26,453) (671) - - - (27,125) (539)
Translation reserves - - - - - - - 2 1,181 - 1,184 6
Employee benefits actuarial gains and losses - - - - - - - - - 981 981 6
Reserves relating to changes in fair value of financial liabilities measured
at fair value through profit and loss that are attributable to changes
in own credit risk - - - - - - - - - 6 6 0
Net consolidated income - - - - - - - - - 6,675 6,675 180
Total Comprehensive Income (CI) - - - - - (26,453) (671) 2 1,181 7,663 (18,279) (347)
6
Shareholders’ equity closing December 31, 2022 2,351,771 2.29 5,386 20,155 (2,150) (8,963) (1,227) 5,632 (1,662) 28,182 45,353 3,025
Note: Amounts are presented net of impacts of shadow accounting and its effects on policyholder participation, deferred acquisition costs, and value of business in force.
(a) Mainly undated subordinated debts (see Note 6.1.1).
(b) In 2022, it included the effect over the reporting period of applying IAS 29 standard related to hyperinflation in Turkey for €118 million of which €110 million group share (see
Note 1.2.1.2).
(c) In 2022, it included the retrospective effect of applying IAS 29 standard related to hyperinflation in Turkey for €132 million of which €130 million group share (see Note 1.2.1.2)
and cancellation of a receivable with regards to the dividend withholding tax paid in 2001, 2002 and 2003 for €-353 million.
(d) Including changes in ownership interest in consolidated subsidiaries.
294 I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 295
6 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
6.4 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
Attributable to shareholders
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
6.4 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
Shareholders’ equity opening January 1, 2021 2,418,389 2.29 5,538 21,735 (744) 22,575 483 6,411 (4,663) 20,275 71,610 4,565
Capital 3,179 2.29 7 - - - - - - - 7 -
Capital in excess of nominal value - - - 18 - - - - - - 18 -
Equity – share based compensation - - - 50 - - - - - - 50 -
Treasury shares - - - - (886) - - - - - (886) -
Others reserves – transaction on treasury shares - - - - - - - - - - - -
Equity component of compound financial instruments - - - - - - - - - - - -
Undated subordinated debt - - - - - - - 90 - - 90 -
Financial expenses – Undated subordinated debt - - - - - - - - - (194) (194) -
Others (including impact on change in scope) (b) - - - - - - - (90) - 117 27 (562)
Dividends paid - - - - - - - - - (3,403) (3,403) -
Impact of transactions with shareholders 3,179 2.29 7 68 (886) - - - - (3,480) (4,291) (562)
Reserves relating to changes in fair value through shareholders’ equity - - - - - (5,084) (1,039) - - - (6,123) (125)
Translation reserves - - - - - - - 211 1,820 - 2,032 (2)
Employee benefits actuarial gains and losses - - - - - - - - - 615 615 4
Reserves relating to changes in fair value of financial liabilities measured
at fair value through profit and loss that are attributable to changes
in own credit risk - - - - - - - - - (2) (2) 0
Net consolidated income - - - - - - - - - 7,294 7,294 214
Total Comprehensive Income (CI) - - - - - (5,084) (1,039) 211 1,820 7,906 3,815 90
Shareholders’ equity closing December 31, 2021 2,421,569 2.29 5,545 21,803 (1,630) 17,491 (556) 6,623 (2,843) 24,701 71,135 4,094
Note: Amounts are presented net of impacts of shadow accounting and its effects on policyholder participation, deferred acquisition costs, and value of business in force.
(a) Mainly undated subordinated debts (see Note 6.1.2).
(b) Including changes in ownership interest in consolidated subsidiaries without losing control.
296 I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 297
6 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
6.5 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
AXA SA, a French Société Anonyme (the “Company” and, together AXA’s Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared as of
with its consolidated subsidiaries, “AXA” or the “Group”), is the December 31.
holding (parent) company of an international financial services The Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared
group focused on financial protection (1). AXA operates both in in compliance with IFRS and interpretations of the
Europe and worldwide. The list of the main entities included in IFRS Interpretations Committee that are endorsed by the
the scope of AXA’s Consolidated Financial Statements is provided European Union before the balance sheet date with a compulsory
in Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. date of January 1, 2022. The Group does not use the “carve out”
AXA is listed on Euronext Paris Compartiment A. option allowing not to apply all hedge accounting principles
These Consolidated Financial Statements including all Notes required by IAS 39.
were set by the Board of Directors on March 14, 2023.
Amendments and
interpretations Publication date Topic
IAS 37 - Provisions, Contingent May 14, 2020 The amendments specify which costs an entity includes when determining the cost
Liabilities and Contingent of fulfilling a contract for the purpose of assessing whether the contract is onerous.
Assets: Onerous contract –
cost of fulfilling a contract
IFRS 3 - Business May 14, 2020 The amendments update IFRS 3 by replacing a reference to an old version of the
Combinations: Updating a Board’s Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting with a reference to the latest
reference to the Conceptual version, which was issued in March 2018. They also introduce an exception from
Framework the requirement in IFRS 3 to refer to the Conceptual Framework to determine what
constitutes an asset or a liability. The exception specifies that, for some types of
liabilities and contingent liabilities, an entity applying IFRS 3 should instead refer to
IAS 37 - Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets.
IAS 16 - Property, Plant and May 14, 2020 The amendments prohibit a company from deducting from the cost of property, plant
Equipment: Proceeds before and equipment amounts received from selling items produced while the company is
intended use preparing the asset for its intended use. Instead, a company will recognise such sales
proceeds and related cost in profit or loss.
Annual Improvements 2018- May 14, 2020 Collection of amendments to IFRS in response to issues that are not part of a major
2020 Cycle project.
IAS 29 requires the financial statements of the entities operating to financial assets were required during the deferral period.
in hyperinflationary economies to be adjusted to reflect the This option was only available to entities whose activities
changes in the general purchasing power of their functional are predominantly connected with insurance and that had
currency. Thus, non-monetary assets and liabilities of AXA’s not applied IFRS 9 previously; or
Turkish subsidiaries which are not already expressed in terms
(ii) adopt IFRS 9 but, for designated financial assets, remove
of the measuring unit current at the period end date are restated
from profit or loss the effects of some of the accounting
to reflect the change in the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”).
mismatches that may occur before IFRS 17 is implemented.
In the Group’s consolidated statement of financial position as During the interim period, additional disclosures were
at the reporting date, the restatement effects on equity items required.
are included in other components of comprehensive income,
altogether with the translation differences, since the change in The Group, eligible for the temporary exemption option (i),
the Turkish CPI is correlated with movements in the Turkish lira/ decided to defer the implementation of IFRS 9 until the effective
Euro exchange rate. date of IFRS 17, as mentioned above. Disclosures related to
financial assets required during the deferral period are included
The effect of inflation on monetary assets and liabilities over in the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
the reporting period is included in the reporting period’s
consolidated income as a loss on net monetary position. The Finally, an amendment to IFRS 17 -Initial Application of IFRS 17
cumulated gains and losses on net monetary position for and IFRS 9 - Comparative Information, issued on December 9,
previous periods are included within the retained earnings. 2021 and endorsed by the European Union on September 8,
2022, improved requirements for the comparative information
As stated in IAS 21 - The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange to be disclosed on initial application of IFRS 17 and IFRS 9. It
Rates, financial statements of Turkish subsidiaries, including permits entities that first apply both standards at the same time
their income statements, are translated in Euros at the closing to present comparative information about a financial asset as
exchange rate. if the classification and measurement requirements of IFRS 9
The presentation of the consolidated income statement of the had been applied to that financial asset before. AXA intends to
reporting period is not restated as the effect of the restatement restate the comparative period at the first application of IFRS 9
is not material. The comparative information is not restated. and apply this “classification overlay”, including the impairment
requirements of IFRS 9, to all eligible financial assets.
1.2.2 Standards and amendments published Status of the IFRS 17 and IFRS 9 implementation program
but not yet effective In order to adopt these two new standards in its Consolidated
Financial Statements, AXA conducted a global implementation
1.2.2.1 IFRS 17 - INSURANCE CONTRACTS AND IFRS 9 -
program launched in 2016. This program involved both the
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
central functions and all the entities included in the Group’s
AXA will apply IFRS 17 - Insurance Contracts and IFRS 9 - Financial consolidation scope, covered various aspects such as
Instruments for the first time on January 1, 2023. methodology, modelling, information systems, accounting and
IFRS 17 - Insurance Contracts, published on May 18, 2017 and reporting, risk management, internal control, etc., and required
amended on June 25, 2020 and on December 9, 2021, was the update of existing tools or the creation of new dedicated
adopted by the European Union with an exemption regarding ones.
the annual cohort requirement (see below). The adoption of IFRS 17 and IFRS 9 will result in significant
IFRS 9 - Financial Instruments was issued on July 24, 2014 and accounting changes, with an impact on AXA’s consolidated
adopted by the European Union on November 22, 2016, with statement of financial position and consolidated statement of
the published effective date on January 1, 2018. However, income. At the date of the publication of these Consolidated
amendments to IFRS 4 - Insurance Contracts “Applying IFRS 9 Financial Statements, the Group has estimated the expected
- Financial I nstruments with IFRS 4 - Insurance C ontracts”, impacts at the transition date, i.e. as of January 1, 2022, as
published on September 12, 2016, and “Extension of the disclosed below. 6
temporary exemption from applying IFRS 9”, published on The implementation process is currently focused on building the
June 25, 2020, both endorsed by the European Union, allowed comparative 2022 information applying transitional requirements
entities issuing insurance contracts within the scope of IFRS 4 in both standards. Although the work is well advanced, it is not
to mitigate certain effects of applying IFRS 9 before the new finalized as of the date of the publication of these Consolidated
insurance contract standard, IFRS 17, becomes effective. The Financial Statements, and it is not yet practicable to reliably
amendments provided two options: disclose any quantitative information on the impacts of IFRS 17
(i) apply a temporary exemption from implementing IFRS 9 and IFRS 9 for the comparative 2022 period.
until the earlier of (i) the effective date of IFRS 17, or The Group might determine that current options or valuations
(ii) annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, relating to IFRS 17 and IFRS 9 could be adjusted in the course of
2023, following the deferral of the effective application of the formal implementation of the standards in the Group’s 2023
IFRS 17 until the same date. Additional disclosures related financial reporting.
(a) Derivatives, presented alongside their underlying items until December 31, 2021 are reclassified in separate assets and liabilities lines in the restated statement of financial
position as of January 1, 2022.
(b) Insurance and reinsurance related receivables and payables as of December 31, 2021 are reclassified in the restated statement of financial position as of January 1, 2022
due to the cash basis presentation required by IFRS 17, leading to a decrease of technical liabilities and reinsurance assets, respectively amounting to €-16 and €-10 billion.
IFRS 17 and IFRS 9 total restated shareholders’ equity excluding be accounted for separately in accordance with the related
Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”) is expected to remain standards.
broadly stable at transition (€58 billion including minority
interests) compared to IFRS 4 and IAS 39. Contract boundaries
Cash flows are within the boundary of an insurance contract
With regard to the OCI, the scope of its application is different
if they arise from substantive rights and obligations that exist
under IFRS 17 compared to IFRS 4:
during the reporting period in which the entity can compel
■ for Property and Casualty contracts, the impact of changes the policyholder to pay the premiums or in which the entity
in discount rates on technical liabilities will flow through has a substantive obligation to provide the policyholder with
OCI, which will therefore partly match the OCI related to the services. A substantive obligation to provide services ends
investments; notably when the entity has the practical ability to reassess the
risks of the policyholder and, as a result, can set a price or level
■ for direct participating contracts, the OCI on the technical
of benefits that fully reflects those risks.
liabilities will fully offset the OCI on the investments. In addition,
a negative accounting mismatch in OCI will structurally occur Level of aggregation
as some underlying items, notably investments in real estate The standard defines the level of aggregation to be used for
properties, are expected to continue to be accounted for at measuring the insurance contract liabilities and the related
amortized cost, with therefore no recognition of unrealized profitability. Indeed, IFRS 17 requires to identify portfolios of
gains and losses in shareholders’ equity while these unrealized insurance contracts, which comprise contracts that are subject
gains and losses will be included in the value of the contracts to similar risks and are managed together. Afterwards, each
(with a corresponding negative effect in OCI). portfolio of insurance contracts issued shall be divided into
Further details explaining these expected impacts are provided three groups:
below for both IFRS 17 and IFRS 9. ■ contracts that are onerous at initial recognition;
IFRS 17 - Insurance Contracts ■ contracts that at initial recognition have no significant
IFRS 17 establishes the principles for the recognition, possibility of becoming onerous subsequently; and
measurement, presentation and disclosure of insurance
■ the remaining contracts in the portfolio.
contracts and supersedes IFRS 4 - Insurance Contracts. It aims
at being more economic and better reflecting the underlying Moreover, IFRS 17 as issued by the IASB introduces the “annual
profitability of the business, while increasing comparability cohort requirement” that prevents contracts issued more
across the industry. than one year apart from being included in the same group.
However, the Standard as adopted by the European Union
Scope provides an optional exemption from applying this annual cohort
IFRS 17 applies to insurance contracts issued, reinsurance
contracts issued (inward business), reinsurance contracts held
requirement for the following contracts:
■ groups of insurance contracts with direct participation
6
(outward business) and investment contracts with discretionary
features and groups of investment contracts with discretionary
participation features provided the entity also issues insurance
participation features, and with cash flows that affect or are
contracts. It requires separating the following components from
affected by cash flows to policyholders of other contracts;
insurance contracts: (i) embedded derivatives, if they meet
certain specified criteria, (ii) distinct investment components, ■ groups of insurance contracts that are managed across
and (iii) distinct performance obligations to provide non- generations of contracts and that meet certain conditions
insurance goods and services. These components should and have been approved by supervisory authorities for the
application of the matching adjustment.
The determination of the risk adjustment follows a value- ■ the liability for incurred claims (“LIC”), which is measured as
at-risk type approach, reflecting a retained confidence level the FCF related to past services allocated to the group at that
with reference to the risk drivers of reserves. The value-at-risk date.
is the maximum loss within a certain confidence level. The Under the general measurement model, the CSM is adjusted at
implementation is slightly different between Life and Savings and each subsequent reporting period for changes in expected future
Property and Casualty businesses. For Life and Savings business, cash flows driven by changes in technical assumptions (death,
groups of contracts are first shocked, risk factor by risk factor, morbidity, longevity, surrenders, expenses, future premiums…).
up to the retained confidence level to assess the change in the However, if negative changes in future discounted cash flows are
present value of future cash flows. Then, diversification benefits greater than the remaining CSM, the difference is immediately
between risks implicit to the entity’s portfolio are considered recognized in profit or loss as the CSM cannot be negative.
by applying correlation factors between risks. For Property and Interest is also accreted on the CSM at rates locked in at initial
Casualty liabilities for incurred claims, a direct value-at-risk recognition of a contract (i.e. discount rate used at inception
calculation, reflecting the retained confidence level, is applied to determine the present value of the estimated cash flows).
to the full probability distribution of the reserves. Finally, a Moreover, the CSM will be released into profit or loss based on
diversification effect between entities is considered to reflect coverage units, reflecting the quantity of the benefits provided
the fact that a same risk is unlikely to impact all the entities at and the expected coverage duration of the remaining contracts in
the same time. the group. Given the variety of insurance contracts, the definition
of coverage units involves the use of judgment by considering
both the level of coverage defined within the contract (e.g. a
death benefit over a fixed term, the policyholders’ account value, of underlying items that corresponds to the revenue of the
or a combination of guarantees) and the expected coverage insurer), (ii) for the time value of money, and (iii) for the effect of
duration of the contract. changes in financial risks not arising from underlying items (such
This general measurement model is expected to apply for AXA as options and guarantees). In order to allow an appropriate
long term Protection and Health business as well as for few release pattern of the CSM, consistent with the definition of the
General Account savings contracts with no direct participation investment-related service, real-world expected development of
features and for assumed long term reinsurance. the CSM and coverage units (the policyholders’ account value)
need to be considered when determining the CSM release factor.
The Premium Allocation Approach As a result of applying IFRS 17, the shareholders’ share in the
A simplified Premium Allocation Approach (“PAA”) is permitted unrealized capital gains and losses on underlying items related
for the measurement of the liability for remaining coverage if to VFA contracts will be recognized in CSM instead of equity under
it provides a measurement that is not materially different from the current accounting framework.
the general measurement model or if the coverage period is one
Therefore, shadow accounting (i.e. recognition of policyholders
year or less. With the PAA, the liability for remaining coverage
participation in unrealized capital gains and losses as allowed by
corresponds to premiums received at initial recognition less
IFRS 4 for insurance and investment contracts with discretionary
acquisition costs and amounts already recognized as insurance
participating features) will no longer apply under IFRS 17.
revenue at the closing date. However, the general measurement
model remains applicable for the measurement of incurred For some groups of VFA contracts, the Group also intends to apply
claims. For the PAA, changes relative to IFRS 4 are expected the “risk mitigation” accounting option that allows to reduce or
to be limited and mainly linked to the discount of all reserves, remove any accounting mismatch arising from the mitigation
a more granular onerous contract testing based on facts and of financial risks impacting the CSM by using (i) derivatives,
circumstances and the inclusion of a risk adjustment for non- (ii) financial assets measured at fair value through profit and loss
financial risk. and held within shareholders’ fund or (iii) reinsurance contracts.
Under this option, it is allowed (on a prospective basis from the
The PAA is expected to be used for most of the AXA Property and
transition date to IFRS 17) not to adjust the CSM but instead affect
Casualty business and, to a lesser extent, for some short-term
the profit or loss for the changes in the fulfilment cash flows and
Protection businesses.
the entity’s share in the fair value return on the underlying items
The Variable Fee Approach that the hedging instruments are intended to mitigate.
The Variable Fee Approach (“VFA”) is the mandatory model for
Presentation
measuring contracts with direct participation features (also
Under IFRS 17, in terms of presentation, the amounts recognized
referred to as “direct participating contracts”). A contract has
in the statements of financial performance have to be
a direct participation feature if it meets all three requirements
disaggregated into:
below:
■ an insurance service result, comprising insurance revenue
■ the contractual terms specify that the policyholder participates
(corresponding to the insurance service provided over the
in a share of a clearly identified pool of underlying items;
period, which will be more comparable with the revenue of
■ the entity expects to pay to the policyholder an amount equal other industries) and insurance service expenses (i.e. incurred
to a substantial share of the fair value returns on the underlying claims and other incurred insurance service expenses); and
items;
■ a net finance income or expenses from insurance and
■ the entity expects a substantial proportion of any change in reinsurance contracts, which mostly relates to non-direct
the amounts to be paid to the policyholder to vary with the participating business and shareholders’ funds, with the
change in fair value of the underlying items. expectation that AXA will generally apply the option to
disaggregate insurance financial income or expense between
This assessment of whether the contract meets the criteria
above is made at inception of the contract and not revised
subsequently, except in case of substantial modification of the
the statement of profit or loss and the other comprehensive
income in order to limit the volatility in net income (considering 6
that many of the supporting financial assets will be measured
contract.
at fair value through other comprehensive income under
The VFA is expected to apply for a large part of the AXA Life IFRS 9). Under this option, for non-participating contracts, the
and Savings businesses (both General Account and Unit-linked difference between the valuation of the liabilities at locked-in
contracts), as well as for long term Protection and Health rates (used for the unwind in the insurance finance income or
businesses which include participating features. expenses) and their valuation at current rates is recognised in
For these contracts, the general model described above is OCI. In the same way, when changes in liabilities arise from
adapted as follows: the CSM needs to be adjusted (i) for changes a contractual link (indexation) between inflation and the
in the variable fee (company’s share in the change in fair value payments to policyholders, the changes due to inflation that
relate to future services should also be considered as resulting
■ if both (i) the asset is held within a business model whose since initial recognition if the financial instrument has low credit
objective is to hold assets in order to collect contractual risk at the reporting date, and 12-month ECL is recognized for
cash flows and for sale, and (ii) the contractual terms of cash those financial instruments. In addition, a particular impairment
flows are SPPI, the financial asset is measured at fair value approach, quite similar to that existing under IAS 39, is applied
through other comprehensive income (“FVOCI”) and realized to instruments for which the credit event has already occurred.
gains or losses would be recycled through profit or loss upon Previously recognized ECL allowances are reversed when the
sale. Most of AXA’s investments in debt instruments are held corresponding credit risk improves.
within a business model whose objective is achieved by both As a part of its IFRS 9 implementation process, AXA created a
collecting contractual cash flows and selling financial assets; new impairment model including a credit risk assessment
■ assets not fitting either of these categories are measured at that combines quantitative and qualitative approaches, ECL
fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”). calculation tools, dedicated accounting and specific governance.
In addition, IFRS 9 provides the following classification options The new impairment model will apply to debt instruments and
designed to eliminate or significantly reduce accounting receivables held by the Group and measured at amortized cost
mismatches that would otherwise arise if the general or at FVOCI.
classification approach were applied:
Estimated impacts of IFRS 9 on financial assets as of January 1,
■ an entity can designate at FVTPL a financial asset that otherwise 2022
meets the requirements to be measured at amortized cost or Most of the Group’s financial assets are measured at fair value
at FVOCI if doing so eliminates or significantly reduces an both before and after transition to IFRS 9, and most of the debt
accounting mismatch in profit or loss; instruments accounted for at FVOCI under IAS 39 are expected
to continue to be accounted for at FVOCI under IFRS 9. The
■ for equity instruments that are not held for trading, an entity
new classification and measurement (including impairment)
can make an irrevocable election to present in OCI (instead of
requirements are however expected to result in the following
profit or loss) subsequent changes in the fair value of those
changes in the financial assets held by AXA as of January 1, 2022:
instruments (including realized gains and losses), dividends
being recognized in profit or loss. ■ for equity securities, as IAS 39 FVOCI with recycling of realized
gains and losses in profit or loss is no longer permitted under
Impairment of financial assets IFRS 9, AXA expects to apply the optional designation at FVOCI
The impairment model under IFRS 9 reflects expected credit without recycling for most of equity securities held, which
losses (“ECL”), as opposed to incurred credit losses under represents an estimated investment amount of €22 billion (of
IAS 39. Under the IFRS 9 impairment approach, it is no longer which €7 billion of unrealized gains cumulated in OCI), in order
necessary for a credit event to have occurred before credit losses to avoid a significant new volatility in net income resulting from
are recognized. Instead, an entity always accounts for expected this asset class, compared to the current IAS 39 accounting.
credit losses and changes in those expected credit losses. As a consequence of this reclassification from FVOCI with
ECL is defined at each financial reporting date based on the key recycling to FVOCI without recycling, the cumulated amount
inputs which are the probability of the default, the magnitude of IAS 39 impairment allowances (€-2 billion) is also expected
of the potential credit loss (after any potential recovery) and the to be transferred from retained earnings to OCI without
exposure to the risk of default. recycling, with no impact on the Group’s total consolidated
shareholders’ equity. As a result, the OCI balance without
The amount of expected credit losses is updated at each recycling is estimated to be €5 billion;
reporting date to reflect changes in credit risk since initial
recognition. IFRS 9 distinguishes between lifetime ECL calculated ■ some debt instruments and non consolidated funds, for a total
for financial instruments for which there have been significant of €13 billion, are expected to be reclassified from FVOCI to
increases in credit risk since initial recognition, and 12-month FVTPL with unrealized gains of €2 billion transferred from OCI
ECL recognized for financial instruments for which the credit to retained earnings, either because those instruments do not
risk has not increased significantly since initial recognition. It meet the SPPI criteria or because the optional designation at
FVTPL is applied;
6
is assumed that the credit risk has not increased significantly
some loans, accounted for at amortized cost under IAS 39, for
a total of €5 billion, are expected to be designated at FVTPL
In addition, IFRS 9 provides new accounting mechanism,
applicable retrospectively from January 1, 2023, designed to
under IFRS 9 applying the fair value option in order to eliminate reduce the volatility in profit or loss and referred to as “cost
or significantly reduce accounting mismatches in profit or loss, of hedging approach”, for the situations where only a part of a
with a limited impact on retained earnings; derivative is designated as the hedging instrument (for example,
the intrinsic value of a purchased option or changes in the spot
■ loans granted to policyholders, for a total of €2 billion,
element of a forward contract).
accounted for as investments at amortized cost under
IAS 39, will be reclassified as a part of fulfilment cash flows of When first applying IFRS 9, an entity may make an accounting
insurance contracts within the scope of IFRS 17; policy choice to continue applying the hedge accounting
requirements in IAS 39, instead of those in IFRS 9. AXA intends
■ AXA estimates that the application of new IFRS 9 impairment to apply IFRS 9 requirements for all hedges with the exception
requirements on FVOCI debt instruments will result in limited of portfolio fair value hedges of interest rate risk (commonly
additional impairment allowances (impact expected to be less referred to as “fair value macro hedges”). For the latter, AXA will
than €0.1 billion). continue applying the hedge accounting requirements currently
in IAS 39 as allowed by the IASB that is addressing macro hedge
Classification and measurement of financial liabilities
accounting as a separate project.
IFRS 9 requirements for financial liabilities remain largely
unchanged compared to IAS 39, except for the changes in fair Most Group’s hedge accounting relationships documented under
value of financial liabilities that are optionally designated at fair IAS 39 will be considered as continuing hedge relationships
value through profit or loss. under IFRS 9 with the exception of those implying derivative
instruments which are part of underlying items of insurance or
Under IAS 39, the entire amount of those changes is recorded in
investment contracts with direct participating features within
profit or loss, whereas IFRS 9 requires an entity to recognize the
the scope of IFRS 17, as no accounting mismatch exists in this
portion thereof attributable to changes in the credit risk of that
case. The IAS 39 hedge relationships implying those derivatives
liability in other comprehensive income, unless this treatment
will therefore be discontinued.
would create or enlarge an accounting mismatch in profit or loss.
AXA has applied this requirement since 2017, when the Group Change in the presentation of derivative instruments
decided to early adopt the corresponding amendment to IFRS 9. Under the current presentation, AXA discloses derivative
instruments, in its consolidated statement of financial position,
Hedge accounting alongside their underlying assets or liabilities. Thus, for each
IFRS 9 establishes a more principle -based approach for the line of assets or liabilities concerned, a net economic position
general hedge accounting model and aligns hedge accounting is currently presented.
more closely with the risk management.
Together with the first application of IFRS 9, AXA has decided
In particular, IFRS 9 introduces the possibility to apply to present its derivative instruments in separate lines of its
prospectively from January 1, 2023 the hedge accounting for consolidated statement of financial position, as either an asset or
fair value hedges of equity instruments designated at fair value a liability depending upon the fair value position at the reporting
through OCI, that implies to record in OCI, without recycling into date, with no offsetting. In the Group’s consolidated statement of
profit or loss, the changes in fair value of both the hedged equity financial position as of January 1, 2022, the derivative assets and
instrument and the derivative. liabilities lines are expected to represent respectively €9 billion
and €11 billion, the net balance of €-2 billion mostly resulting
from derivatives previously classified within the investments.
IAS 12 - Income Taxes: May 7, 2021 January 1, 2023 (a) The amendments narrow the scope of the exemption from
Deferred Tax related to Assets the recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets in IAS 12
and Liabilities arising from a so that this exception no longer applies to transactions that,
Single Transaction on initial recognition, give rise to equal taxable and deductible
temporary differences.
IAS 1 - Presentation of February 12, 2021 January 1, 2023 The amendments to IAS 1 require entities to disclose their
Financial Statements and IFRS “material accounting policy information” rather than their
Practice Statement 2: “significant accounting policies”. IFRS Practice Statement 2
Disclosure of Accounting Making Materiality Judgements is modified accordingly to
policies support these amendments.
IAS 8 - Accounting policies, February 12, 2021 January 1, 2023 The amendments introduce a definition of ‘accounting
Changes in Accounting estimates’ and other changes to help entities distinguish
Estimates and Errors: changes in accounting policies from changes in accounting
Definition of Accounting estimates.
Estimates
IAS 1 - Presentation of January 23, 2020, January 1, 2024 (b) The amendments clarify requirements in IAS 1 for the
Financial Statements: July 15, 2020, presentation of liabilities in the statement of financial position
- Classification of Liabilities as October 31, 2022 and improve the information an entity provides when its right
Current or Non-current to defer settlement of a liability for at least twelve months is
- Classification of Liabilities subject to compliance with covenants.
as Current or Non-current -
Deferral of Effective Date
- Non-current Liabilities with
Covenants
IFRS 16 - Leases: September 22, January 1, 2024 (a) (b) The amendments introduce specific subsequent measurement
Lease Liability in a Sale and 2022 requirements for sale and leaseback transactions.
Leaseback
(a) With earlier application being permitted (subject to conditions in some cases) but not elected by the Group.
(b) Not yet endorsed by the European Union.
1.2.3 Preparation of financial statements greater depth in the notes relating to the asset and liability items
concerned where meaningful and useful.
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with
IFRS requires the use of estimates and assumptions. It requires As recommended by IAS 1, assets and liabilities are generally
a degree of judgment in the application of the Group accounting classified globally on the balance sheet in increasing order of
principles described below. The main balance sheet captions liquidity, which is more relevant for financial institutions than
concerned are goodwill (in particular impairment tests described a classification between current and non-current items. As
a standard practice for insurance companies, expenses are
in paragraph 1.7.1), intangible assets acquired in a business
combination, the value of acquired business in force, deferred classified by destination in the income statement. 6
acquisition costs and equivalent, certain assets accounted at All amounts in the consolidated statement of financial position,
fair value, deferred tax assets, liabilities relating to the insurance consolidated statement of income, consolidated statement of
business, pension benefit obligations and balances related to comprehensive income, consolidated statement of cash flows,
share-based compensation. The principles set out below specify consolidated statement of changes in equity and in the Notes
the measurement methods used for these items. These methods, are expressed in Euro million.
along with key assumptions where required, are discussed in
In the context of a business combination, only restructuring If the cost of acquisition is less than the net of the acquisition-
costs that can be measured reliably and which correspond to an date amounts of the identifiable assets acquired and the
existing liability of the acquired company prior to the acquisition liabilities assumed, the difference is directly recorded in the
date are included in restructuring provisions recognized in the consolidated statement of income.
acquired company’s balance sheet at acquisition date. Adjustments can be made to goodwill within twelve months
The consideration transferred in a business combination is of the acquisition date, if new information becomes available
measured at fair value, which is calculated as the sum of the to complete the initial accounting. In this case, comparative
acquisition-date fair values of the assets transferred by the information is presented as if the initial accounting had been
Group, the liabilities incurred by the Group to former owners of completed from the acquisition date.
the acquiree and the equity interests issued by the Group. If, after the period of twelve months, a deferred tax asset, initially
Purchase consideration includes any contingent element considered as not recoverable, finally meets the recognition
(adjustment in the acquisition price conditional upon on one criteria, the corresponding tax benefit is recorded in the
or more events). In the estimate of the contingent element, consolidated statement of income without a corresponding
attention is paid to use assumptions that are consistent with the adjustment in goodwill.
assumptions used for the valuation of intangible assets such as Goodwill is allocated to cash generating units corresponding to
VBI. For business combinations that occurred before January 1, (i) the companies acquired or portfolios of business acquired
2009, any contingent element was included in the cost of the according to their expected profitability, and (ii) the entities
combination to the extent the adjustment was probable and already within the AXA Group that will benefit from the synergies
could be measured reliably. If the future events do not occur of the combination with the activities acquired. This allocation of
or the estimate needs to be revised, the cost of the business goodwill is used both for segment reporting and for impairment
combination continues to be adjusted accordingly, taking testing.
account of the impact in terms of additional goodwill and/or
adjustments of the valuation of acquired assets and liabilities. PURCHASE AND SALE OF MINORITY INTERESTS
For business combinations on or after January 1, 2009, any IN A CONTROLLED SUBSIDIARY
change to the estimate of the contingent element between the Purchase and sale transactions of minority interests in a
acquisition date and the amount actually subsequently paid is controlled subsidiary that do not change the conclusion of
recognized in the income statement. control are recorded through shareholders’ equity (including
Direct transaction costs related to a business combination are direct acquisition costs).
charged in the income statement when incurred. If control in a subsidiary is lost, any gain or loss is recognized in
In step acquisitions, any previous minority interest held by the net income. Furthermore, if an investment in the entity is retained
Group is measured at fair value and the resulting adjustment is by the Group, it is re-measured to its fair value and any gain or
recognized through net income. Similarly, when an additional loss is also recognized in net income.
purchase changes the control from significant influence or
joint control to control, any investment pre-existing in a former PUT OVER MINORITY INTERESTS
associate/joint venture is re-measured to its fair value with the When control over a subsidiary is acquired, a put option may be
gain or loss through net income (consequently also resulting in granted to minority shareholders. However, the recognition of
a new goodwill). the puttable instruments as a liability depends on the contractual
obligations.
According to a decision taken for each acquisition, any minority
interest may be measured at fair value or at its proportionate When the contract involves an unconditional commitment
interest in the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. exercisable by the option holder, it is recognized as a liability.
Since the balancing entry to this liability is not specified by
GOODWILL current IFRS, the Group’s method is to (i) reclassify minority
Goodwill is measured as the excess of (i) the aggregate of the
consideration transferred, the amount of any minority interest
interests from equity to liability, (ii) re-measure this liability at
the present value of the option price, and (iii) recognize the 6
in the acquiree and in a business combination achieved in difference either as an increase in goodwill for puts existing
stages, the acquisition-date fair value of the Group’s previously before January 1, 2009, or as a decrease in equity (Group share)
held equity interest in the acquiree over (ii) the net of the for a put granted after January 1, 2009, to the extent there is no
acquisition-date amounts of the identifiable assets acquired immediate transfer of risks and rewards. Similarly, subsequent
and the liabilities assumed. changes in the liability are recorded against goodwill for puts
existing before January 1, 2009, and against equity (Group share)
Goodwill arising from the acquisition of a foreign entity is
for puts granted after that date.
recorded in the local currency of the acquired entity and is
translated into Euro at the closing date.
INTRA-GROUP TRANSACTIONS
Intra-group transactions, including internal dividends, payables/
At the local entity level, foreign currency transactions are
translated into the functional currency using the exchange rate
receivables and gains/losses on intra-group transactions are prevailing at the date of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains
eliminated: and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions
and from the translation at closing rates of monetary assets and
■ in full for controlled subsidiaries; and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognized in
■ to the extent of AXA’s interest for entities consolidated by the income statement, except where hedge accounting is applied
equity method. as explained in paragraph 1.10.
The effect on net income of transactions between consolidated As mentioned in paragraph 1.3.2, goodwill arising on the
entities is always eliminated. However, in case of a loss, an acquisition of a foreign entity is recorded in the local currency of
impairment test is performed, in order to assess whether an the acquired entity and is translated into Euro at the closing date.
impairment of the underlying item has to be booked. Foreign exchange differences arising from the translation of a
In the event of an internal sale of an asset that is not intended net investment in a foreign subsidiary, borrowings and other
to be held on the long term by the Group, deferred tax is currency instruments qualifying for hedge accounting of
recognized as the current tax calculated on the realized gain or such investment are recorded in shareholders’ equity under
loss is eliminated. The income statement impact of the potential translation differences and are recycled in the income statement
policyholders’ participation resulting from this transaction is also as part of the realized gain or loss on disposal of the hedged net
eliminated, and a deferred policyholders’ participation asset or investment.
liability is posted to the statement of financial position. Foreign exchange differences arising from monetary financial
In addition, the transfer of consolidated shares, between two investments available for sale are recognized as income or
consolidated subsidiaries but held with different ownership expense for the period in respect of the portion corresponding
percentages, should not impact the Group net income. The to amortized cost. The residual translation differences relating
only exception would be any related tax and policyholders’ to fair value changes are recorded in shareholders’ equity, like
participation recorded in connection to the transaction, which for non-monetary items such as equity securities.
are maintained in the Consolidated Financial Statements. These Regarding the cumulative amount of the exchange differences
transfers also have an impact on Group shareholders’ equity related to disposed business, the Group applies the step-by-step
(with a balancing entry recorded in minority interests). This consolidation method (IFRIC 16).
impact is identified in the “other” changes of the consolidated
statement of shareholders’ equity.
1.5 FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
1.4 FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION The Group applies the IFRS 13 fair value hierarchy as described
OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS below for all assets and liabilities where another IFRS requires or
AND TRANSACTIONS permits fair value measurement or disclosures about fair value
measurement in the Notes. Principles below address mostly
The Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in assets given the nature of the activities of the Group.
Euro million, the Euro being the Group’s presentational currency.
The results and financial position of all Group entities that have 1.5.1 Active market: quoted price
a functional currency (i.e. the currency of the primary economic Fair values of assets and liabilities traded on active markets
environment in which the entity operates) different from the are determined using quoted market prices when available. An
Group presentational currency are translated as follows: instrument is regarded as quoted in an active market if quoted
■ assets and liabilities of entities in a functional currency prices are readily and regularly available from an exchange,
different from Euro are translated at the closing exchange rate; dealer, broker, industry group, pricing service or regulatory
agency and those prices represent actual and regularly occurring
■ revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange market transactions on an arm’s length basis between a willing
rate over the period, except for revenues and expenses of the seller and a willing buyer. For financial instruments traded in
entities operating in hyperinflationary economies which are active markets, quotes received from external pricing services
translated in Euros at the closing exchange rate as explained represent consensus prices, i.e. using similar models and inputs
in paragraph 1.2.1.2; resulting in a very limited dispersion.
■ all resulting foreign exchange differences are recognized as a The fair value amounts of assets and liabilities for which fair value
separate component of equity (translation differences). is determined in whole directly by reference to an active market
are disclosed as level 1 in the Notes to the financial statements.
1.5.2 Active versus inactive markets – received may be an indication of the large range of assumptions
financial instruments used by external pricing providers given the limited number of
transactions to be observed or reflect the existence of distress
Financial instruments are considered as being quoted in an transactions. In addition, given current market conditions since
active market when: the financial crisis and the persistency of complete inactivity of
■ quotes that represent consensus are regularly provided by some markets since then, many financial institutions closed their
external pricing services with limited dispersion; and desks dedicated to structured assets deals and are no longer in
a position to deliver meaningful quotes.
■ prices are readily available.
■ No active market: use of valuation techniques
Liquidity may be defined as the possibility to sell or dispose
of the asset in the ordinary course of business within a certain The objective of valuation techniques is to arrive at the price
limited time period at approximately the price at which the at which an orderly transaction would take place between
investment is valued. Liquidity for debt instruments is assessed market participants (a willing buyer and a willing seller) at the
using a multi-criteria approach including the number of quotes measurement date. Valuation techniques include:
available, the place of issuance and the evolution of the widening • market approach: the consideration of recent prices and
of bid ask spreads. other relevant information generated by market transactions
A financial instrument is regarded as not quoted in an active involving substantially similar assets or liabilities,
market: • income approach: use of discounted cash flow analysis,
■ if there is little observation of transaction prices as an inherent option pricing models, and other present value techniques
characteristic of the instrument; to convert future amounts to a single current (i.e. discounted)
amount,
■ when there is a significant decline in the volume and level of
trading activity; • cost approach: the consideration of amounts that would
currently be required to construct or replace the service
■ in case of significant illiquidity; capacity of an asset.
■ if observable prices cannot be considered as representing fair Valuation techniques are subjective in nature and significant
value because of dislocated market conditions. judgment is involved in establishing fair values. They include
Characteristics of inactive markets can therefore be very different recent arm’s length transactions between knowledgeable
in nature, inherent to the instrument or indicative of a change in willing parties on similar assets if available and representative
the conditions prevailing in certain markets. of fair value and involve various assumptions regarding the
underlying price, yield curve, correlations, volatility, default
rates and other factors. Unlisted equity instruments valuation
1.5.3 Assets and liabilities not quoted
is based on cross checks using different methodologies such as
in an active market discounted cash flows techniques, price earning ratios multiples,
Fair values of assets and liabilities that are not traded in an active adjusted net asset values, taking into account recent transactions
market are estimated using: on instruments which are substantially the same if concluded
at arm’s length between knowledgeable willing parties, if
■ external and independent pricing services; or
any. The use of valuation techniques and assumptions could
■ valuation techniques. produce different estimates of fair value. However, valuations
are determined using generally accepted models (discounted
Fair values of assets and liabilities that are not traded in active
cash flows, Black & Scholes models, etc.) based on quoted
market mainly based on observable market data are disclosed
market prices for similar instruments or underlyings (index,
as level 2 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
credit spread, etc.) whenever such directly observable data are
Fair values mainly not based on observable market data are
disclosed as level 3 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial
available and valuations are adjusted for liquidity and credit risk.
Valuation techniques may be used when there is little observation
6
Statements.
of transaction prices as an inherent characteristic of the market,
■ No active market: use of external pricing services when quotes made available by external pricing providers are
External pricing services may be fund asset managers in the case too dispersed or when market conditions are so dislocated that
of non-consolidated investments in funds or brokers. To the observed data cannot be used or need significant adjustments.
extent possible, the Group collects quotes from external pricing Internal mark to model valuations are therefore normal market
providers as inputs to measure fair value. Prices received may practices for certain assets and liabilities inherently scarcely
form tight clusters or dispersed quotes which may then lead traded or exceptional processes implemented due to specific
to the use of valuation techniques. The dispersion of quotes market conditions.
Use of valuation techniques in dislocated markets any significant adverse changes that might lead to the non-
recoverability of the goodwill. Compliant with IAS 36, within
The dislocation of certain markets may be evidenced by various
each cash generating unit, a comparison is made between net
factors. For example, a very large widening of bid ask spreads
book value and the recoverable value (equal to the higher of fair
may be a helpful indicator in understanding whether market
value less costs to sell and value in use). Value in use consists of
participants are willing to transact. The dislocation of markets
the net assets and the value placed on expected future earnings
may also be suspected in cases of wide dispersion in the prices
from existing and new business. For Life & Savings segment,
(over time or among market participants), small number
the value of future expected earnings is estimated on the basis
of transactions, closing down of primary and/or secondary
of embedded value models or similar calculations for other
markets, forced transactions motivated by needs of liquidity
activities. Fair value less costs to sell is determined in compliance
or other difficult financial conditions with insufficient time to
with IFRS 13 fair value as described in paragraph 1.5.
market the assets to be sold, and large bulk sales to exit such
markets at all costs that may involve side arrangements (such An impairment loss is recognized for a cash generating unit if,
as sellers providing finance for a sale to a buyer). In such cases, and only if, the recoverable amount of the unit or group of units
the Group uses valuation techniques including observable is less than the carrying amount of the unit or group of units.
data whenever possible and relevant, adjusted if needed to Fair value approach is based on risk neutral valuation techniques
develop the best estimate of fair value, including adequate risk taking into account:
premiums or develops a valuation model based on unobservable
■ the current shareholders’ net asset value plus the future
data representing estimates of assumptions that willing market
participants would use when prices are not current, relevant or profitability of the business in force:
available without undue costs and efforts: in inactive markets, • the current shareholders’ net asset value is adjusted to
transactions may be inputs when measuring fair value, but would take into account any difference between the basis of cash
likely not be determinative and unobservable data may be more flows projections used in the value of business in force
appropriate than observable inputs. calculations and IFRS,
• the profitability of business in force is determined using
the embedded value methodology, which is an industry-
1.6 SEGMENT REPORTING wide and specific valuation approach, consistent with the
principle of discounted earnings, as the value of business
The segmental analysis provided in AXA’s Annual Report and in force is represented by the discounted value of future
Consolidated Financial Statements reflects six operating earnings from the in-force portfolios. The Group uses
business segments. These segments are determined on the however both market consistent risk neutral approaches,
basis of geographies or transversally for entities operating in aligned with fair-value calculations, and traditional
various jurisdictions, and include France, Europe, Asia, AXA XL, discounted cash flows projections;
International and Transversal & Central Holdings.
■ the profitability of future new business:
• the value of future new business is computed either on the
1.7 INTANGIBLE ASSETS basis of multiples of a standardized year of new business
contribution (present value of projected future distributable
profits generated from business written in a year) or on a
1.7.1 Goodwill and impairment of goodwill projection of each of the expected annual future earnings
when multiples are not appropriate. The determination of
Goodwill is considered to have an indefinite useful life and the future earnings arising from the new business relies
is therefore not amortized but subject to a regular test for upon the use of operational and economic assumptions,
impairment. Impairment tests are performed at least annually. both of which are compliant with the requirements of the
Impairment of goodwill is not reversible. different regulatory frameworks.
AXA performs an impairment test of goodwill by cash generating The recoverable value of the Life & Savings segment is first
unit, using valuation approaches that rely on parameters such assessed on a risk free basis (basic test) and then on the basis
as market indicators, market value of assets, market value of of illustrative investment assumptions suitable for a traditional
liabilities and future operating profits, derived on the basis of embedded value approach if the recoverable value determined
operational and economic assumptions in order to determine for the basic test is lower than the carrying amount.
The value in use approach is built upon cash flow projections 1.7.4 Unearned Revenues Reserves
based on the business plans approved by AXA management
and discounted using a risk adjusted rate. Cash flows beyond Revenues received at contract inception to cover future services
that period are extrapolated using a steady growth rate and a are deferred and recognized in the income statement using
terminal value. the same amortization pattern as the one used for deferred
acquisition costs.
1.7.2 Value of purchased Life insurance
business in force (VBI) 1.7.5 Other Intangible Assets
The value of purchased insurance contracts and investment Other intangible assets include software developed for internal
contracts with discretionar y participating features use for which direct costs are capitalized and amortized on a
recognized in a business combination (see paragraph 1.3.2) straight-line basis over the assets’ estimated useful lives.
is amortized as profits emerge over the life of the contracts’ They also include customer relationships intangibles as well
portfolio. In conjunction with the liability adequacy test (see as distribution agreements recognized as a result of business
paragraph 1.14.2),VBI is subject to annual recoverability testing combinations. If these assets have a finite useful life, they are
based on actual experience and expected changes in the main amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated life. In
assumptions. all cases, they are subject to impairment tests, at each closing
for assets with a finite useful life and at least annually for
1.7.3 Deferred Acquisition Costs (DAC) other assets. In the event of a significant decline in value, an
relating to insurance contracts impairment is booked corresponding to the difference between
the value on the balance sheet and the higher of value in use and
and investment contracts with
fair value less costs to sell.
discretionary participating features –
rights to future management fees, also
known as Deferred Origination Costs
(DOC) relating to investment contracts
1.8 INVESTMENTS FROM INSURANCE,
with no discretionary participating
BANKING AND OTHER ACTIVITIES
features
Investments include investment in real estate properties and
The incremental direct costs of acquiring a portfolio of financial instruments including equity instruments, debt
insurance contracts and investment contracts with discretionary instruments and loans.
participating features, primarily related to the selling,
underwriting and initiating the insurance contracts in a portfolio, 1.8.1 Investment in real estate properties
are deferred by recognizing an asset, Deferred Acquisition Costs
(DAC). In Property & Casualty segment, DAC are amortized over Investment in real estate properties (excluding investment in real
the terms of the policies, as premium is earned. For Life & Savings estate properties totally or partially backing liabilities arising from
segment, the asset is amortized based on the estimated gross contracts where the financial risk is borne by policyholders) is
profits emerging over the life of the contracts. This asset is tested recognized at cost. The properties components are depreciated
for recoverability and any amount above future estimated gross over their estimated useful lives, also considering their residual
profits is expensed. DAC are also tested through the liability value if it may be reliably estimated.
adequacy test (see paragraph 1.15.2). In case of unrealized loss over 15%, an impairment is recognized
For investment contracts with no discretionary participating for the difference between the net book value of the investment
features, a similar asset is recognized, i.e. rights to future property and the fair value of the asset based on an independent
management fees, also known as Deferred Origination Costs valuation. Furthermore, at the level of each reporting entity, if
the cumulated amount of unrealized losses under 15% (without
(DOC) (see Note 7) but limited to incremental costs directly
attributable to the provision of investment management services. offsetting with unrealized gains) represents more than 10% of the 6
This asset is amortized by taking into account projections of fees cumulated net cost of real estate assets, additional impairment
collected over the life of the contracts. The amortization of DOC is is booked on a line-by-line approach until the 10% threshold
reviewed at each closing date to reflect changes in assumptions is reached.
and experience. This asset is also tested for recoverability. If, in subsequent periods, the appraisal value rises to at least
DAC and DOC are reported gross of unearned revenues and 15% more than the net carrying value, previously recorded
fees reserves. These unearned revenues and fees reserves are impairment is reversed to the extent of the difference between
separately recognized as liabilities and are amortized over the (i) the net carrying value and (ii) the lower of the appraisal value
contract term using the same amortization approach as the one and the depreciated cost (before impairment).
used for DAC and DOC.
Depending on the intention and ability to hold the invested Assets designated as available for sale, trading assets,
assets, financial instruments are classified in the following investments designated as at fair value through profit or loss
categories: and all derivatives are measured at fair value, i.e. the amount for
which an asset could be exchanged, between knowledgeable,
■ assets held to maturity, accounted for at amortized cost; willing parties in an arm’s length transaction. The Group applies
■ assets held for trading and assets designated as at fair value the IFRS 13 fair value hierarchy.
with change in fair value through profit or loss; Loans which are not designated under the fair value option are
accounted at amortized cost using the effective interest rate
■ available for sale assets accounted for at fair value with
method.
changes in fair value recognized through shareholders’ equity;
■ loans and receivables (including some debt instruments not IMPAIRMENT OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
quoted in an active market) accounted for at amortized cost. AXA assesses at each balance sheet date whether a financial
asset or a group of financial investments at (amortized) cost or
At inception, the option to designate financial investments
designated as available for sale should be impaired. A financial
and liabilities at fair value with change in fair value recognized
asset or group of financial investments should be impaired when
through income statement is mainly used by the Group for the
there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or
following financial instruments:
more events and this event has an impact on the estimated
■ financial investments when electing the fair value option future cash flows of the assets that can be reliably estimated.
allows the Group to solve accounting mismatch, and in
For debt instruments classified as “held to maturity” or “available
particular:
for sale”, an impairment based respectively on future cash flows
• assets backing liabilities arising from contracts where the discounted using the initial effective interest rate or on fair value
financial risk is borne by policyholders, is recorded through the income statement if future cash flows
may not be fully recoverable due to a credit event relating to the
• assets included in hedging strategies set out by the Group
instrument issuer. A downgrade of an entity’s credit rating is not,
for economic reasons but not eligible for hedge accounting
of itself, evidence of impairment. If the credit risk is eliminated or
as defined by IAS 39,
improves, the impairment may be reversed. The amount of the
• debt held by structured bond (primarily Collateralized reversal is also recognized in the income statement.
Debt Obligations) funds controlled and consolidated by
For equity instruments classified as available for sale, a significant
the Group;
or prolonged decline in the fair value below its carrying value
■ portfolios of managed financial investments whose is considered as indication for potential impairment, such as
profitability is valued on a fair value basis: mainly securities equity instruments showing unrealized losses over a 6 months
held by consolidated investment funds, managed according period or more (prior to the closing date), or unrealized losses
to the Group Risk Management policy (“Satellite Investment in excess of 20% of the net carrying value at the closing date.
Portfolio”, see definition below). If such evidence exists for an available for sale financial asset,
the cumulative loss – measured as the difference between the
In practice, assets held through consolidated investment funds acquisition cost and the current fair value, less any impairment
are classified: on that financial asset already booked in the income statement
■ either as assets of the “Core Investment Portfolios” which – is removed from shareholders’ equity and an impairment is
include assets backing liabilities arising from insurance and recognized through the income statement. Equity instruments
investment contracts, managed according to AXA’s Assets and impairment recognized in the income statement cannot be
Liabilities strategy; or reversed through the income statement until the asset is sold
or derecognized.
■ as assets of the “Satellite Investment Portfolios”, reflecting
the strategic asset allocation based on a dynamic asset Impairment testing for loans available for sale is based on the
management aimed at maximizing returns. present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the
loan’s effective interest rate (down to the loan’s observable
Underlying financial instruments held in the “Core Investment market price), or on the fair value of the collateral.
Portfolios” are classified as available for sale with change in
For financial investments accounted for at amortized cost, they are shown in a symmetrical manner to the corresponding
including loans and assets classified as “held to maturity” or liabilities. This presentation is considered more relevant for the
assets designated as “Loans and receivables”, the impairment users and consistent with the liquidity order recommended
test is first performed at the asset level. A more global test is then by IAS 1 for financial institutions, since the risks are borne by
performed on groups of assets with similar risk profile. policyholders, whatever the type of assets backing liabilities
Methods for calculating the net book value of assets sold (average (investment in real estate properties, debt instruments or equity
cost, first-in first-out, etc.) depend on local Assets and Liabilities instruments, etc.). Details of these assets are provided in the
Management (ALM) strategies as these strategies have been set Notes.
up to take into account specific commitments to policyholders.
These methods may differ within the Group provided that they
are used consistently at each entity level. 1.10 DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
1.8.3 Repurchase agreements and securities Derivatives are initially recognized at fair value at purchase date
lending and are subsequently re-measured at their fair value. Unrealized
gains and losses are recognized in the statement of income unless
The Group is party to repurchase agreements and securities they relate to a qualifying hedge relationship as described below.
lending transactions under which financial assets are sold The Group designates certain derivatives as either: (i) hedging
to a counterparty, subject to a simultaneous agreement to of the fair value of recognized assets or liabilities or of a firm
repurchase these financial assets at a certain later date, at an commitment (fair value hedge), or (ii) hedging of highly probable
agreed price. Since substantially all of the risks and rewards of expected future transactions (cash flow hedge), or (iii) hedging
the financial assets remain with the Group over the entire lifetime of net investments in foreign operations.
of the transaction, the Group does not derecognize the financial
assets. The proceeds of the sale are reported separately. Interest The Group documents, at inception, the hedge relationship, as
expense from repurchase and security lending transactions is well as its Risk Management hedging objectives and strategy. The
accrued over the duration of the agreements. Group also documents the hedge effectiveness, both at inception
and on an ongoing basis, indicating the actual or expected
Additionally, the Group is party to total return swaps under which efficiency level of the derivatives used in hedging transactions
financial assets are sold to a counterparty with a corresponding in offsetting changes in the fair values or cash flows of hedged
agreement. Cash flows equal to those of the underlying assets underlying items.
will be remitted to the Group in exchange for specified payments
taking into account any increase or decline in the fair value of the FAIR VALUE HEDGE
assets. This results in substantially all of the risks and rewards of Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and qualifying
the financial assets remaining with the Group. As such, the Group as fair value hedge are recorded in the income statement,
does not derecognize the financial assets. together with any changes in the fair value of the hedged asset
The Group is also party to reverse repurchase agreements under or liability. Therefore, the gain or loss relating to any ineffective
which financial assets are purchased from a counterparty, subject portion is directly recognized in the income statement.
to a simultaneous agreement to return these financial assets at
a certain later date, at an agreed price. If substantially all of the CASH FLOW HEDGE
risks and rewards of the securities remain with the counterparty The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives
over the entire lifetime of the agreement of the transaction, the designated and qualifying as cash flow hedge is recognized in
securities concerned are not recognized as financial assets of shareholders’ equity. The gain or loss relating to any ineffective
the Group. The amounts of cash disbursed are recorded under portion is recognized in the income statement. Cumulative gain
financial investments, except for transactions arising from or loss in shareholders’ equity is recycled in the income statement
banking activities, which are recorded as separate assets. Interest when the hedged underlying item impacts the profit or loss for
income on reverse repurchase agreements is accrued over the
duration of the agreements.
the period (for example when the hedged future transaction is
recognized). When a hedging instrument reaches its maturity
6
date or is sold, or when a hedge no longer qualifies for hedge
accounting, the cumulative gains or losses in shareholders’
1.9 ASSETS BACKING LIABILITIES equity are released in profit or loss when the initially hedged
ARISING FROM CONTRACTS WHERE future transaction ultimately impacts the income statement.
THE FINANCIAL RISK IS BORNE BY NET INVESTMENT HEDGE
POLICYHOLDERS The accounting of net investments in foreign operations hedge
is similar to the accounting of cash flow hedge. Any gain or loss
Assets backing liabilities arising from insurance or investment on the hedging instrument relating to the effective portion of
contracts where the financial risk is borne by policyholders are the hedge is recognized in shareholders’ equity; the gain or loss
presented in a separate aggregate of the balance sheet so that relating to the ineffective portion is recognized in the income
■ reserves must be sufficient; Some guaranteed benefits such as Guaranteed Minimum Death
or Income Benefits (GMDB or GMIB), or certain guarantees on
■ life reserves cannot be discounted using a discount rate higher return proposed by reinsurance treaties, are covered by a Risk
than prudently estimated expected assets yield; Management program using derivative instruments. In order
■ acquisition costs are deferred to the extent recoverable and to minimize the accounting mismatch between liabilities and
amortized based on the estimated gross profits emerging over hedging derivatives, AXA has chosen to use the option allowed
the life of the contracts; under IFRS 4.24 to re-measure its provisions: this revaluation is
carried out at each account closing based on guarantee level
■ Property & Casualty claims reserves represent estimated projections and considers interest rates and other market
ultimate costs. Post claims reserves are generally not assumptions. The liabilities revaluation impact in the current
discounted, except in limited cases (a detail of discounted period is recognized through income, symmetrically with the
reserves is shown in Note 14.10). impact of the change in value of hedging derivatives. This change
in accounting principles was adopted on the first time application
PRE-CLAIMS RESERVES of IFRS on January 1, 2004, for contract portfolios covered by the
Unearned premiums reserves of non-life insurance contracts Risk Management program at that date. Any additional contract
represent the prorata portion of written premiums that relates portfolios covered by the Risk Management program after this
to unexpired risks at the closing date. date are valued on the same terms as those that applied on the
For traditional life insurance contracts (that is, contracts with date the program was first applied.
significant mortality or morbidity risk), the future policy benefits
POST CLAIMS RESERVES
reserves are calculated on a prospective basis according to each
country’s regulation provided methods used are consistent with Claims reserves (life and non-life contracts)
the Group’s policies and using assumptions on investment yields, The purpose of claims reserves is to cover the ultimate cost of
morbidity/mortality and expenses. settling an insurance claim. Claims reserves are generally not
Changes in reserves are booked if there are impacts caused by discounted, except in cases such as disability annuities.
a change in the mortality table. Claims reserves include the claims incurred and reported, claims
Future policy benefits reserves relating to investment contracts incurred but not reported (IBNR) as well as claims handling costs.
with discretionary participation features (previously called Claims reserves are based on historical claims data, current
“savings contracts” in AXA’s accounting principles) that carry trends, actual payment patterns for all insurance business lines
low mortality and morbidity risk are generally calculated using as well as expected changes in inflation, regulatory environment
a prospective approach based on discount rates usually set at or anything else that could impact amounts to be paid.
inception with reserves similar to the retrospective approach (i.e. Shadow accounting and Deferred policyholders Participation
“account balance” methodology). Asset (DPA) or Liability (DPL)
The discount rates used by AXA are less than or equal to the In compliance with the option in IFRS 4, shadow accounting is
expected future investment yields (assessed on prudent basis). applied to insurance and investment contracts with discretionary
Part of the policyholders participation reserve is included participating features. Shadow accounting includes adjustments
in future policy benefits reserves, according to contractual to technical liabilities, policyholders participation, other
clauses. Except when these guarantees are covered by a Risk obligations, deferred acquisition costs and value of business in
Management program using derivative instruments (see next force to take into account unrealized gains or losses on insurance
liabilities or assets in the same way as it is done for a realized Liability adequacy test
gain or loss of invested assets. In addition, at each balance sheet date, liability adequacy tests
For example, for contracts with discretionary participating are performed in each consolidated entity in order to ensure
features, shadow accounting consists in recognizing the adequacy of the contract liabilities net of related DAC and
policyholders participation in unrealized capital gains and VBI assets and deferred policyholders’ participation asset. To
losses. Thus, when an unrealized gain is recognized, a deferred perform these tests, entities group contracts together according
participating liability (DPL) is recorded. In case of an unrealized to how they have been acquired, are serviced and have their
loss, a deferred participating asset (DPA) should be recognized profitability measured. Entities use current best estimates of
only in the extent that its recoverability as defined below is all future contractual cash flows as well as claims handling and
highly probable. Deferred participating liabilities and assets are administrative expenses, and take into account guarantees and
calculated using an appropriate long-term participation rate investment yields relating to assets backing these contracts:
based on a contractual, regulatory and constructive obligation ■ such tests are based on the intention and capacity of entities
to allocate a percentage of gains/losses to policyholders. to hold financial assets according to various sets of scenarios,
Jurisdictions where participating business is significant are excluding the value of new business;
Switzerland (for group insurance policies), Germany and France
■ they include projections of future investments sales according
where the minimum is set to 90%, 90% and 85% respectively, of a
basis which may include not only financial income but also other to estimated surrender patterns; and
components. Participating business is less prevalent in Japan. ■ they determine the extent to which resulting gains/losses
DPL is fully recognized in the liabilities. As a consequence, there may be allocated/charged to policyholders, i.e. profit sharing
is no component recognized as an equity component and AXA between policyholders and shareholders.
does not need to ensure the liability recognized for the whole These tests therefore measure the capacity to charge estimated
contract is not less than the amount that would result from future losses to policyholders on the basis of the assessment of
applying IAS 39 to the guaranteed element. the holding horizon and potential realization of losses among
When a net unrealized loss (unrealized change in fair value, unrealized losses existing at closing date.
impairment, expense related…) is accounted, a deferred Contract specific risks directly related to the contracts (insurance
participating asset (DPA) may be recognized only to the extent risk, asset return risk, inflation risk, persistency, adverse
that it is highly probable that it can be charged to policyholders, selection, etc.) are also considered.
by entity, in the future. This could be the case if the DPA can
be offset against future participation either directly through Depending on the type of business, the future investment cash
deduction of the DPL from future capital gains or the DPL flows and discounting may be based on a deterministic best
netted against value of businesses in force or indirectly through estimate rate, with corresponding participation, or in the case
deduction of future fees on premiums or margins. of Guaranteed Minimum Benefits, stochastic scenarios. Testing
is performed either by a comparison of the reserve booked net of
Unrealized gains and losses on assets classified as trading or related assets (DAC, VBI, etc.) directly with discounted cash flows,
designated at fair value through profit and loss, along with any or by ensuring that the discounted profit net of participation from
other entry impacting the income statement and generating release of the technical provisions exceeds net related assets.
a timing difference, are accounted for through the income
statement with a corresponding shadow entry adjustment also Any identified deficiency is charged to the income statement,
in the statement of income. The shadow accounting adjustments initially by respectively writing off DPA, DAC or VBI, and
relating to unrealized gains and losses on assets available for sale subsequently by establishing a LAT provision for losses arising
(for which change in fair value is taken to shareholders’ equity) from the liability adequacy test for any amount in excess of DPA,
are booked through shareholders’ equity. DAC and VBI. For non-life insurance contracts, an unexpired risk
provision is recognized for contracts on which the premiums are
Recoverability tests and liability adequacy test (LAT) expected to be insufficient to cover expected future claims and
Deferred participation
claims expenses. 6
When a net deferred participation asset is recognized, the Group Embedded derivatives in insurance and investment contracts
uses liquidity analyses performed by the entities to assess the with discretionary participating features
capacity to hold assets showing unrealized loss position, if any, Embedded derivatives that meet the definition of an insurance
generating such debits. The Group then performs projections contract or correspond to options to surrender insurance
to compare the value of assets backing policyholders’ contracts contracts for a set amount (or based on a fixed amount and an
with expected payments to be made to policyholders. interest rate) are not separately measured. All other embedded
derivatives are bifurcated and booked at fair value when material
(with change in fair value recognized through income statement)
1.15 REINSURANCE
1.17 OTHER LIABILITIES
The Group assumes and cedes reinsurance in the normal
course of business. Assumed reinsurance refers to the Group’s
acceptance of certain insurance risks that other companies
1.17.1 Income taxes
have underwritten. Ceded reinsurance refers to the transfer The current income tax expense (benefit) is recorded in the
of insurance risk, along with the related premiums, to other income statement on the basis of local tax regulations.
reinsurers who will assume the risks. Indeed, in the normal
Deferred tax assets and liabilities emerge from temporary
course of business, the Group seeks to reduce the potential
differences between the accounting and fiscal values of assets
amount of loss arising from claims events by reinsuring certain
and liabilities, and when applicable from tax loss carry forwards.
levels of risk assumed in various areas of exposure with other
Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable
insurers or reinsurers.
that future taxable profit will be available to offset the temporary
When these contracts meet the insurance contracts classification differences taking into account the existence of tax groups and
requirements, transactions relating to reinsurance are accounted any legal or regulatory requirements on the limits (in terms of
for in the balance sheet and income statement in a similar way amounts or timing) relating to the carry forwards of unused tax
to direct business transactions in agreement with contractual credits. The recoverability of deferred tax assets recognized in
clauses. Reinsurance premiums ceded are expensed (and any previous periods is re-assessed at each closing.
commissions recorded thereon are earned) on a monthly pro-
In particular, a deferred tax liability is recognized for any
rata basis over the period the reinsurance coverage is provided.
taxable temporary difference relating to the value of shares in a
Ceded unearned reinsurance premiums represent the portion of
consolidated company held, unless the Group controls at what
premiums ceded applicable to the unexpired term of policies in
date the temporary difference will reverse and it is probable
that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable a provision is recorded under the provision for risks and charges
future. If a Group company decides to sell its stake in another heading. If the net result is negative, a prepaid pension asset is
consolidated entity, the difference between the carrying value recorded in the balance sheet but not more than its recoverable
and the tax value of these shares for the company that holds amount (asset ceiling). Actuarial gains and losses arising from
them leads to the recognition of deferred tax (including as part of experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions
a business combination when the Group as the buyer intends to are recognized in shareholders’ equity (in Other Comprehensive
sell or carry out internal restructuring of the shares following the Income) in full in the period in which they occur. Similarly, the
acquisition). The same approach applies to dividend payments actual return on assets and any change in asset ceiling, excluding
that have been voted or deemed likely, to the extent that a tax the net interest income on assets, is recognized in shareholders’
on dividends will be due. equity. The regular impact in the income statement mainly
Deferred taxes for taxable temporary differences relating to tax relates to the current service cost (annually accruing employee
deductible goodwill are recognized to the extent they do not arise benefit) and the net interest on the amount recorded in the
from the initial recognition of goodwill. These deferred taxes are opening balance sheet (unwinding of discount applied to the net
only released if the goodwill is impaired or if the corresponding liability/asset at start of the annual period, taking into account
consolidated shares are sold. contributions and benefits payments during the period). Past
service cost represents the change in the present value of the
The measurement of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax defined benefit obligation resulting from a plan amendment or
assets reflects the expected tax impact, at the balance sheet curtailment to a defined benefit plan. It is recognized totally and
date. That would follow the way the Group expects to recover immediately in the income statement when incurred. Gains and
or settle the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities. When losses on the settlement of a defined benefit plan also have an
income taxes are calculated at a different rate if dividends are impact in the income statement when the settlement occurs.
paid, deferred taxes are measured at the tax rate applicable to
undistributed profits. The income tax consequences of dividends It should be noted that, all cumulative past actuarial gains and
are only accounted when a liability to pay the dividend is losses on all employee benefit plans were recognized in retained
recognized. earnings as of January 1, 2004, AXA Group’s transition date.
1.18.2 Other provisions and contingencies 1.19.2 Fees and revenues from investment
contracts with no discretionary
Provisions are recognized when the Group has a present
obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of past events, when it participating features
is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle Amounts collected as premiums from investment contracts
the obligation, and when the provision can be reliably estimated. with no discretionary participating features are reported as
Provisions are not recognized for future operating losses. The deposits net of any loadings and policy fees. Revenues from
same applies to contingent liabilities, except if identified at the these contracts consist of loadings and policy fees relating to
time of a business combination (see paragraph 1.3.2). underwriting, investment management, administration and
Provisions are measured at management’s best estimate, at the surrender of the contracts during the period. Front-end fees
balance sheet date, of the expenditure required to settle the collected corresponding to fees for future services are recognized
obligation, discounted at the market risk-free rate of return for over the estimated life of the contract (see “Unearned fees
long term provisions. reserves” paragraph 1.14.3).
reserves” in paragraph 1.14.2) and investment contracts with 1.19.8 Net investment result excluding
no discretionary participating features (see paragraph 1.14.3 financing expenses
“Unearned fees reserves”).
Net investment result includes:
1.19.6 Net revenues from banking activities ■ investment income from investments other than from
banking activities, net of depreciation expense on real estate
Net revenues from banking activities comprise all revenues and investments (depreciation expense relating to owner occupied
expenses from banking operations, including interest expenses properties is included in “administrative expenses”); this
not related to financing, banking fees, capital gains and losses item includes interest received calculated using the effective
on sales of financial assets, changes in the fair value of assets interest method for debt instruments and dividends received
under the fair value option and related derivatives. on equity instruments;
They exclude bank operating expenses and change in bad debt
■ investment management expenses (excluding financing debt
provisions, doubtful receivables or loans, which are recorded in
expenses);
“Bank operating expenses”.
■ realized investment gains and losses net of releases of
1.19.7 Revenues from other activities impairment following sales;
Revenues from other activities mainly include: ■ the change in unrealized gains and losses on invested assets
measured at fair value through profit or loss; and
■ commissions received and fees for services relating to Asset
Management activities; ■ the change in impairment of investments (excluding releases
of impairment following sales).
■ insurance companies revenues from non-insurance activities,
notably commissions received on the sales or distribution of In respect of banking activities, interest income and expenses
financial products; and are included in the “Net revenue from banking activities” (see
paragraph 1.19.6).
■ rental income received by real estate management companies.
Revenue is recognized when the Group satisfies a performance
obligation by transferring a service to a customer. In particular, 1.20 SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
as asset management entities of the Group deliver investment
management services to their clients, revenue for providing this
Subsequent events relate to events that occur between the
service may theoretically occur over-time, with a time-based
balance sheet date and the date when the financial statements
measure of progress, which is relevant as the service is provided
are authorized for issue:
continuously over the contract period. However, according to
IFRS 15, revenue is recognized only to the extent that it is highly ■ such events lead to an adjustment of the Consolidated
probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative Financial Statements if they provide evidence of conditions
revenue recognized will not occur. As a result, as management that existed at the balance sheet date;
fees and performance fees received by the Group are generally ■ such events result in additional disclosures if indicative of
calculated based on a percentage of assets under management conditions that arose after the balance sheet date, and if
(AUM), they are considered as variable considerations, which relevant and material.
are subject to market volatility and are recognized only when
uncertainty is resolved.
(a) AXA XL mainly operates in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, Switzerland, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Bermuda and Canada.
CONSOLIDATED INVESTMENT FUNDS AND REAL ESTATE in shareholder’s equity amounted to €1,842 million as of
COMPANIES December 31, 2022 (€2,323 million as of December 31, 2021).
As of December 31, 2022, investment funds represented a total As of December 31, 2022, 39 consolidated real estate companies
of €128,369 million invested assets (€143,905 million at the corresponded to a total of €18,048 million invested assets
end of 2021), corresponding to 325 investment funds mainly in (€20,223 million at the end of 2021) mainly in Germany, France
Switzerland, France, Japan and Belgium. and Japan.
In most investment funds (particularly open-ended investment
funds), minority interests are presented as liabilities under MAIN SUBSIDIARY WITH MINORITY INTERESTS
“Minority interests of consolidated investment funds”. As As of December 31, 2022, AXA MPS is the main subsidiary (other
of December 31, 2022, minority interests in consolidated than investment funds and real estate companies) with minority
investment funds amounted to €5,877 million (€7,710 million as interests. Summarized financial information of AXA MPS is as
of December 31, 2021). Minority interests related to consolidated follows (including AXA and external share but excluding goodwill
investment funds and real estate companies that are classified related to AXA’s holdings and before intercompany eliminations
with other companies of the Group):
Excluding minority interests related to consolidated investment funds and real estate companies that are classified in shareholders’
equity, these minority interests represent 59% (€989 million) of minority interests of the Group as of December 31, 2022 (59% or
€1,390 million as of December 31, 2021).
2.1.2 Main investments in companies accounted for using the equity method
Companies accounted for using the equity method listed below exclude investment funds and real estate entities:
France
Neuflize Vie 39.98 39.98 39.98 39.98
Asia
Philippines AXA Life Insurance Corporation 45.00 45.00 45.00 45.00
Krungthai AXA Life Insurance Company Ltd.
(Thailand) 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00
ICBC-AXA Life Insurance Co., Ltd. (China) 27.50 27.50 27.50 27.50
PT AXA Mandiri Financial Services (Indonesia) 49.00 49.00 49.00 49.00
International
Reso Garantia (Russia) 38.61 38.61 38.61 38.61
6
Bharti AXA Life (India) 49.00 49.00 49.00 49.00
Other
First
Capza (Asset Management – France) consolidation 66.09 65.45 46.99 46.62
Kyobo AXA Investment Managers Company Limited
(South Korea) 50.00 48.75 50.00 48.77
AXA SPDB Investment Managers Company Ltd.
(China) 39.00 38.03 39.00 38.04
Main changes in scope of consolidation are detailed in Note 10.
Gross written premiums 29,403 33,336 11,511 19,199 5,021 1,709 (764) 99,415 99,415
Fees and charges relating to investment
contracts with no participating features 1 143 57 - - - - 202 202
Revenues from insurance activities 29,404 33,479 11,569 19,199 5,021 1,709 (764) 99,617 99,617
Net revenues from banking activities 230 - - - - - 7 237 -
Revenues from other activities 6 326 - 82 28 2,441 (391) 2,491 897
Revenues 29,641 33,804 11,569 19,281 5,049 4,149 (1,149) 102,345 100,514
Change in unearned premiums net
of unearned revenues and fees (105) (285) 117 494 (319) (37) 8 (128) (128)
Net investment income 4,066 4,891 1,466 1,022 516 295 (51) 12,205 11,099
Net realized gains and losses relating
to investments at cost and at fair value
through shareholders’ equity 959 1,144 66 (39) (4) (12) - 2,114 2,123
Net realized gains and losses and change
in fair value of other investments at fair
value through profit or loss (b) (7,247) (1,910) (606) (49) 49 (1,568) 1 (11,329) (11,265)
of which change in fair value of assets
with financial risk borne by policyholders (6,028) (1,785) (1,337) - (23) (477) (2) (9,653) (9,653)
Change in investments impairment (390) (594) (404) (71) (19) (30) - (1,507) (1,467)
Net investment result excluding
financing expenses (2,611) 3,530 523 863 543 (1,315) (50) 1,483 490
Technical charges relating to insurance
activities (19,663) (25,283) (8,602) (14,535) (3,406) 36 576 (70,877) (70,877)
Net result from outward reinsurance (140) (279) (7) (98) (219) 84 104 (556) (556)
Bank operating expenses (13) - - - - - - (13) -
Acquisition costs (2,522) (4,348) (1,615) (2,834) (848) (630) 87 (12,710) (12,710)
Amortization of the value of purchased
business in force - (26) (27) - (1) - - (54) (54)
Administrative expenses (2,270) (2,728) (686) (1,846) (398) (3,086) 649 (10,365) (7,822)
Change in tangible assets impairment - 0 - - - 7 - 7 0
Change in goodwill impairment and other
intangible assets impairment - (41) (33) (51) (9) (1) - (135) (134)
Other income and expenses (c) (d) (1) 57 (2) (4) (0) 713 (433) 329 121
(a) Insurance covers the three insurance activities: Life & Savings, Property & Casualty and Health.
(b) Includes net realized and unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses relating to investments at cost and at fair value through shareholders’ equity.
(c) Includes the impact related to the disposal process of a General Account portfolio in Belgium (see Note 5.3).
(d) Includes the effect of applying IAS 29 standard related to hyperinflation in Turkey for €-20 million of which €-19 million group share (see Note 1.2.1.2).
(a) Insurance covers the three insurance activities: Life & Savings, Property & Casualty and Health.
(b) Includes net realized and unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses relating to investments at cost and at fair value through shareholders’ equity.
(c) Includes the impact related to the disposal process of a General Account portfolio in Belgium (see Note 5.3).
(d) Includes the effect of applying IAS 29 standard related to hyperinflation in Turkey for €-20 million of which €-19 million group share (see Note 1.2.1.2).
Gross written premiums 28,383 32,352 11,311 18,742 5,319 1,431 (713) 96,825 96,825
Fees and charges relating to investment
contracts with no participating features 1 140 37 - 31 - - 209 209
Revenues from insurance activities 28,384 32,491 11,348 18,742 5,350 1,431 (713) 97,034 97,034
Net revenues from banking activities 199 - - - 355 - (19) 535 -
Revenues from other activities 6 318 - 64 2 2,372 (400) 2,362 820
Revenues 28,589 32,809 11,348 18,806 5,707 3,803 (1,132) 99,931 97,854
Change in unearned premiums net of
unearned revenues and fees 83 (185) 69 (114) (344) (17) (0) (509) (509)
Net investment income 4,018 4,776 1,719 953 452 323 (76) 12,165 10,808
Net realized gains and losses relating to
investments at cost and at fair value through
shareholders’ equity 821 1,067 833 252 38 177 - 3,188 3,037
Net realized gains and losses and change in
fair value of other investments at fair value
through profit or loss (c) 4,665 1,759 1,412 62 214 (140) (7) 7,965 7,982
of which change in fair value of assets with
financial risk borne by policyholders 4,560 1,081 1,220 - 131 371 (0) 7,362 7,362
Change in investments impairment (132) (176) (143) (19) (9) (89) - (569) (481)
Net investment result excluding
financing expenses 9,372 7,426 3,821 1,248 694 270 (83) 22,749 21,346
Technical charges relating to insurance
activities (30,560) (29,420) (10,604) (12,539) (3,624) (728) 555 (86,920) (86,920)
Net result from outward reinsurance (90) 447 (576) (1,108) (223) (83) 118 (1,514) (1,514)
Bank operating expenses (14) - - - (49) - - (63) -
Acquisition costs (2,658) (4,171) (1,614) (2,859) (930) (519) 85 (12,665) (12,665)
Amortization of the value of purchased
business in force - (34) (353) - (1) - - (388) (388)
Administrative expenses (2,226) (2,697) (672) (1,757) (615) (3,059) 640 (10,386) (7,604)
Change in tangible assets impairment - 1 0 - - (7) - (6) 1
Change in goodwill impairment and other
intangible assets impairment - (40) (33) (168) (10) (2) - (253) (251)
Other income and expenses (d) (121) (146) (42) (6) (235) 495 (406) (461) (422)
(a) Reclassification of Architas activities (previously reported as part of France) to Transversal & Central Holdings.
(b) Insurance covers the three insurance activities: Life & Savings, Property & Casualty and Health.
(c) Included net realized and unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses relating to investments at cost and at fair value through shareholders’ equity.
(d) It included the losses related to the disposal processes of the Gulf Region operations, and the provisions related to the disposal processes of Malaysia and Singapore
operations, as well as of a General Account portfolio in Belgium.
(a) Reclassification of Architas activities (previously reported as part of France) to Transversal & Central Holdings.
(b) Insurance covers the three insurance activities: Life & Savings, Property & Casualty and Health.
(c) Included net realized and unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses relating to investments at cost and at fair value through shareholders’ equity.
(d) It included the losses related to the disposal processes of the Gulf Region operations, and the provisions related to the disposal processes of Malaysia and Singapore
operations, as well as of a General Account portfolio in Belgium.
Please refer to pages 271 to 275 of Section 5.3 “Market risks”, 4.5 LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
subsections “Interest rates & equity risks related to the operating
activities of Group subsidiaries” and “Exchange-rate risk related
Please refer to pages 85 to 90 of Section 2.4 “Liquidity and capital
to the operating activities of Group subsidiaries”.
resources” subsections “Liquidity, sources and needs for Group
operating subsidiaries”, “Liquidity position”, “Uses of funds”,
“Impact of regulatory requirements” and “Subsequent event
after December 31, 2022 impacting AXA’s liquidity”.
I Note 5 Goodwill
5.1 GOODWILL
Note: Goodwill related to entities accounted for using the equity method is not presented in this table (see Note 10).
The total Goodwill Group share amounted to €17,694 million as Consistent with IAS 36, each unit or group of units to which
of December 31, 2022, and €17,105 million as of December 31, the goodwill is allocated represents the lowest level at which
2021. the goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes
within the Group and is never larger than an operating segment
as defined by IFRS 8 such as presented in Note 3.
(a) Related to the acquisition of Commercial lines renewal rights in United Kingdom.
(b) Related to the transfer of AXA XL activities in Brazil to International.
(c) Related to Turkey hyperinflation €+180 million, full consolidation in Nigeria for €+30 million and transfer from AXA XL activities in Brazil to International for €+22 million.
Write back of
Increase in impairment
Cumulative Impairment of goodwill Currency Cumulative
impairment during sold during translation Other impairment
(in Euro million) January 1, 2022 the period the period adjustment Changes December 31, 2022
France - - - - - -
Europe - - - - - -
Asia 73 - - (5) - 68
AXA XL - - - - - -
International - - - - - -
Transversal & Central
Holdings 7 - (0) (0) - 7
TOTAL 80 - (0) (5) - 75
Write back of
Increase in impairment
Cumulative Impairment of goodwill Currency Cumulative
impairment during sold during translation Other impairment
(in Euro million) January 1, 2021 the period the period adjustment Changes December 31, 2021
France - - - - - -
Europe - - - - - -
Asia 76 - - (3) - 73
AXA XL - - - - - -
International - - - - - -
Transversal & Central
Holdings 28 0 (0) 0 (21) 7
TOTAL 104 0 (0) (3) (21) 80
Net Proceeds 0
Consolidated Book Value (105)
NET GAIN RECOGNIZED IN 2022 105
of which other comprehensive income recycling 43
ASSETS
As of December 31, 2022, the other comprehensive income of invested assets in the scope of the transaction amounted to €-82 million.
As of December 31, 2022, there was no impact recognized in the consolidated statement of income for this transaction.
(a) Related to the acquisition of Crelan Insurance in Belgium for €+59 million partly offset by the disposal process of a closed life and pensions portfolio in Germany for €-21 million.
Deferred Acquisition Costs (DAC) relating to Life & Savings (a) 14,871 14,245
Deferred origination costs (b) 408 447
Shadow accounting on DAC 268 (909)
Deferred acquisition costs and equivalent relating to Life & Savings 15,547 13,784
Deferred acquisition costs and equivalent relating to Property & Casualty 4,184 4,042
Deferred acquisition costs and equivalent 19,731 17,825
(a) Applicable to Life & Savings insurance contracts and investment contracts with discretionary participation features according to IFRS 4. Amounts are net of accumulated
amortization.
(b) Applicable to investment contracts with no discretionary participation features according to IAS 39.
2022 2021
Deferred Deferred Deferred Deferred
acquisition origination acquisition origination
(in Euro million) costs (a) costs (b) costs (a) costs (b)
(a) Applicable to contracts subject to IFRS 4, i.e. insurance contracts and investment contracts with discretionary participating features.
(b) Applicable to investment contracts with no discretionary participation features according to IAS 39.
(c) In 2022, included the impact linked to the disposal process of a closed life and pensions portfolio in Germany (see Note 5.3).
In 2021, included the impact linked to the disposal process of Singapore operations.
The value of deferred acquisition costs and equivalent for insurance business, net of amortization, unearned revenue reserves and
unearned fee reserves, was as follows:
(a) Relating to contracts subject to IFRS 4, i.e. insurance contracts and investment contracts with discretionary participating features.
(b) Applicable to investment contracts with no discretionary participation features according to IAS 39.
Other intangible assets represented €4,293 million net value as of December 31, 2022, and mainly included:
December 31,
December 31, 2022 2021
Accumulated Accumulated
(in Euro million) Gross value amortization impairment Net Value Net Value
Intangible assets recognized in business combinations mainly The amortization period for intangible assets recognized in
included value of distribution agreements and customer related business combinations with a finite useful life ranges from 5 to
intangibles, including €1,816 million (net carrying value) assets 25 years.
with indefinite useful life.
(a) In 2021, included a partial impairment related to transferring capacity away from Lloyd’s within Reinsurance for €-122 million.
(b) In 2021, mainly related to the Singapore operations disposal process.
Note 9 Investments
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
6.6 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Each investment item is presented net of the effect of related hedging derivatives IAS 39 qualifying hedges or derivatives are also
provided in Note 20.3.
Investment in real estate properties at amortized cost (a) 38,780 26,957 5.45% 2,946 2,896 13.18% 41,726 29,853 5.78%
Investment in real estate properties designated as at fair value through profit or loss (b) 1,880 1,880 0.38% - - - 1,880 1,880 0.36%
Macro-hedge and other derivatives - - - - - - - - -
Investment in real estate properties 40,661 28,837 5.83% 2,946 2,896 13.18% 43,606 31,733 6.15%
Debt instruments held to maturity - - - - - - - - -
Debt instruments available for sale 269,849 269,849 54.58% 3,940 3,940 17.93% 273,789 273,789 53.02%
Debt instruments designated as at fair value through profit or loss (c) 12,508 12,508 2.53% 48 48 0.22% 12,556 12,556 2.43%
Debt instruments held for trading 4 4 0.00% - - - 4 4 0.00%
Debt instruments (at cost) that are not quoted in an active market (d) 14,251 16,017 3.24% 15 16 0.07% 14,266 16,033 3.10%
Debt instruments 296,611 298,377 60.35% 4,003 4,004 18.22% 300,615 302,382 58.55%
Equity instruments available for sale 13,248 13,248 2.68% 1,099 1,099 5.00% 14,347 14,347 2.78%
(b)
Equity instruments designated as at fair value through profit or loss 14,721 14,721 2.98% 680 680 3.09% 15,400 15,400 2.98%
Equity instruments held for trading - - - - - - - - -
Equity instruments 27,968 27,968 5.66% 1,779 1,779 8.09% 29,747 29,747 5.76%
Non consolidated investment funds available for sale 9,306 9,306 1.88% 76 76 0.34% 9,381 9,381 1.82%
(b)
Non consolidated investment funds designated as at fair value through profit or loss 9,544 9,544 1.93% 24 24 0.11% 9,568 9,568 1.85%
Non consolidated investment funds held for trading 0 0 0.00% - - - 0 0 0.00%
Non consolidated investment funds 18,849 18,849 3.81% 100 100 0.45% 18,949 18,949 3.67%
Other assets designated as at fair value through profit or loss,
held by consolidated investment funds 19,783 19,783 4.00% 265 265 1.21% 20,049 20,049 3.88%
Macro-hedge and other derivatives 1,343 1,343 0.27% 801 801 3.64% 2,144 2,144 0.42%
Sub total Financial instruments (excluding Loans) 364,556 366,322 74.09% 6,948 6,949 31.62% 371,504 373,271 72.28%
Loans held to maturity - - - - - - - - -
Loans available for sale - - - - - - - - - 6
Loans designated as at fair value through profit or loss (b) - - - - - - - - -
Loans held for trading - - - - - - - - -
(e)
Loans at cost 21,676 22,807 4.61% 12,134 12,134 55.21% 33,810 34,941 6.77%
Macro-hedge and other derivatives (0) (0) 0.00% - - - (0) (0) 0.00%
Loans 21,676 22,807 4.61% 12,134 12,134 55.21% 33,810 34,941 6.77%
Total Financial instruments 386,231 389,129 78.70% 19,082 19,082 86.82% 405,313 408,211 79.05%
Assets backing contracts where the financial risk is borne by policyholders 76,467 76,467 15.47% - - - 76,467 76,467 14.81%
INVESTMENTS 503,359 494,433 100.00% 22,028 21,979 100.00% 525,387 516,412 100.00%
Investments (excluding those backing contracts where the financial risk
is borne by policyholders) 426,892 417,966 84.53%
346 I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 347
6 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
6.6 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Investment in real estate properties at amortized cost (b) 37,611 26,831 4.46% 2,693 2,664 13.50% 40,305 29,495 4.75%
(c)
Investment in real estate properties designated as at fair value through profit or loss 1,523 1,523 0.25% - - - 1,523 1,523 0.25%
Macro-hedge and other derivatives - - - - - - - - -
Investment in real estate properties 39,135 28,355 4.72% 2,693 2,664 13.50% 41,828 31,019 5.00%
Debt instruments held to maturity - - - - - - - - -
Debt instruments available for sale 365,239 365,239 60.75% 2,845 2,845 14.42% 368,084 368,084 59.28%
Debt instruments designated as at fair value through profit or loss (d) 14,624 14,624 2.43% 63 63 0.32% 14,688 14,688 2.37%
Debt instruments held for trading 1 1 0.00% - - - 1 1 0.00%
Debt instruments (at cost) that are not quoted in an active market (e) 15,126 14,591 2.43% 17 17 0.09% 15,144 14,608 2.35%
Debt instruments 394,991 394,455 65.61% 2,926 2,926 14.83% 397,917 397,381 63.99%
Equity instruments available for sale 20,900 20,900 3.48% 1,053 1,053 5.34% 21,953 21,953 3.54%
Equity instruments designated as at fair value through profit or loss (c) 13,623 13,623 2.27% 648 648 3.29% 14,271 14,271 2.30%
Equity instruments held for trading - - - - - - - - -
Equity instruments 34,523 34,523 5.74% 1,701 1,701 8.62% 36,225 36,225 5.83%
Non consolidated investment funds available for sale 9,746 9,746 1.62% 78 78 0.40% 9,824 9,824 1.58%
Non consolidated investment funds designated as at fair value through profit or loss (c) 7,633 7,633 1.27% 11 11 0.06% 7,644 7,644 1.23%
Non consolidated investment funds held for trading 0 0 0.00% - - - 0 0 0.00%
Non consolidated investment funds 17,379 17,379 2.89% 90 90 0.45% 17,468 17,468 2.81%
Other assets designated as at fair value through profit or loss,
held by consolidated investment funds 18,829 18,829 3.13% 465 465 2.36% 19,294 19,294 3.11%
Macro-hedge and other derivatives 583 583 0.10% (116) (116) -0.59% 468 468 0.08%
Sub total Financial instruments (excluding Loans) 466,305 465,770 77.47% 5,067 5,067 25.68% 471,372 470,836 75.82%
Loans held to maturity - - - - - - - - -
Loans available for sale - - - - - - - - -
Loans designated as at fair value through profit or loss (c) - - - - - - - - -
Loans held for trading - - - - - - - - -
Loans at cost (f) 21,562 20,794 3.46% 11,998 11,998 60.82% 33,561 32,793 5.28%
Macro-hedge and other derivatives - - - - - - - - -
Loans 21,562 20,794 3.46% 11,998 11,998 60.82% 33,561 32,793 5.28%
Total Financial instruments 487,867 486,564 80.93% 17,065 17,065 86.50% 504,933 503,629 81.10%
Assets backing contracts where the financial risk is borne by policyholders 86,315 86,315 14.36% - - - 86,315 86,315 13.90% 6
INVESTMENTS 613,317 601,234 100.00% 19,758 19,729 100.00% 633,076 620,963 100.00%
Investments (excluding those backing contracts where the financial risk
is borne by policyholders) 527,002 514,919 85.64%
348 I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 349
6 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
6.6 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Investment in real estate properties includes buildings owned directly and through consolidated real estate entities.
Breakdown of the carrying value and fair value of investment in real estate properties at amortized cost, including the impact of all
derivatives, except derivatives related to macro-hedges which ar e shown separately, is as follows:
Investment in real
estate properties
at amortized cost
Insurance (a) 29,755 (1,448) (1,320) 26,986 38,810 29,818 (1,622) (1,214) 26,982 37,762
Other activities 2,896 - - 2,896 2,946 2,664 - - 2,664 2,693
All activities
excluding
derivatives 32,651 (1,448) (1,320) 29,883 41,756 32,482 (1,622) (1,214) 29,646 40,456
Impact of derivatives (29) (29) (151) (151)
TOTAL 29,853 41,726 29,495 40,305
Change in impairment and amortization of investment in real estate properties at amortized cost (all activities), is as follows:
(a) Includes changes in the scope of consolidation and the impact of changes in exchange rates.
Including the effect of derivatives, unrealized capital gains and losses on financial investments, when not already reflected in the
income statement, were allocated as follows:
INSURANCE
Debt instruments
available for sale 299,552 269,849 269,849 15,557 45,260 323,758 365,239 365,239 47,766 6,285
Debt instruments
(at cost) that are not
quoted in an active
market 16,014 14,251 16,017 39 1,803 14,622 15,126 14,591 908 404
Equity instruments
available for sale 11,194 13,248 13,248 2,281 227 14,175 20,900 20,900 6,990 265
Non-consolidated
investment funds
available for sale 7,968 9,306 9,306 1,407 69 8,200 9,746 9,746 1,587 41
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Debt instruments
available for sale 4,461 3,940 3,940 22 543 2,847 2,845 2,845 64 66
Debt instruments
(at cost) that are not
quoted in an active
market 16 15 16 0 1 17 17 17 0 0
Equity instruments
available for sale 934 1,099 1,099 227 61 823 1,053 1,053 238 8
Non-consolidated
investment funds
available for sale 71 76 76 5 0 74 78 78 5 0
Debt instruments
available for sale 304,013 273,789 273,789 15,579 45,803 326,606 368,084 368,084 47,831 6,352
Debt instruments
(at cost) that are not
quoted in an active
market 16,030 14,266 16,033 39 1,803 14,640 15,144 14,608 908 404
Equity instruments
available for sale 12,128 14,347 14,347 2,508 288 14,998 21,953 21,953 7,228 273
Non consolidated
investment funds
available for sale 8,039 9,381 9,381 1,412 69 8,274 9,824 9,824 1,591 41
(a) Includes debt instruments issued by companies in which a State holds interests.
(b) Mainly includes fixed maturity investment funds.
Additional information on the credit risk associated with debt instruments is provided in Note 4 “Financial and insurance Risk
Management”.
Debt instruments 16,245 72,067 202,405 290,717 (4,368) 286,349 15,475 80,463 289,446 385,385 (2,612) 382,773
(a)
Loans 5,799 17,344 15,785 38,928 1,040 39,968 5,586 12,430 19,936 37,951 (171) 37,780
Total Financial
investments
exposed to interest
rate risk 22,044 89,411 218,191 329,645 (3,329) 326,317 21,062 92,893 309,382 423,336 (2,783) 420,553
of which Financial
investments exposed
to fair value interest
rate risk 20,176 81,062 198,885 300,124 19,678 86,379 291,204 397,261
Including the effect of derivatives (also detailed in Note 20.3) and equity instruments of real estate companies, the breakdown by
industry of equity instruments owned across the Group was as follows:
Total Total
Consu- exclu- inclu-
mer Basic ding Effect of ding
The breakdown of transferred financial assets/liabilities not qualifying for derecognition was as follows:
Debt Debt
instruments instruments
designated Debt Debt designated Debt Debt
at fair value instruments instruments at fair value instruments instruments
through profit available for – Loans & through profit available for – Loans &
(in Euro million) or loss sale Receivables or loss sale Receivables
(a) Amounts do not include securities received as collateral to securities lending transactions if such collateral is not recognized under the terms of the agreement because
the risks and rewards have not been transferred to the Group.
(a) Amounts are presented net of the effect of related hedging derivatives (IAS 39 qualifying hedges or economic hedges) except derivatives related to macro-hedges which are
shown separately.
(a) Asset value including impact of discounts/premiums and accrued interests, but before impairment and revaluation to fair value of assets available for sale.
(b) Asset value including impairment, discounts/premiums and accrued interests, but before revaluation to fair value of assets available for sale.
(c) Revaluation to fair value for instruments at cost related to the application of hedge accounting.
(d) Including policy loans.
Impairment – Debt
instruments 32 71 (4) (0) 1 100
Impairment – Equity
instruments 2,403 1,116 (836) - (13) 2,670
Impairment – Non-
consolidated investment
funds 928 169 (168) - 11 939
Impairment – Loans 178 75 (17) (66) 13 184
TOTAL 3,541 1,431 (1,024) (66) 12 3,894
(a) Mainly relates to changes in the scope of consolidation and the impact of changes in exchange rates.
Write back
Write back following
Increase for following sale or recovery in December 31,
(in Euro million) January 1, 2021 the period repayment value Other (a) 2021
Impairment – Debt
instruments 27 0 (4) - 9 32
Impairment – Equity
instruments 2,570 351 (658) - 141 2,403
Impairment – Non-
consolidated investment
funds 884 54 (47) - 38 928
Impairment – Loans 151 69 (1) (54) 13 178
TOTAL 3,631 474 (710) (54) 200 3,541
(a) Mainly relates to changes in the scope of consolidation and the impact of changes in exchange rates.
Debt instruments 202,842 74,967 363 278,172 273,789 279,484 90,968 322 370,774 368,084
Equity instruments 10,781 1,592 1,862 14,235 14,347 18,401 1,558 2,075 22,035 21,953
Non-consolidated
investment funds 1,681 4,028 3,624 9,333 9,381 1,715 4,947 3,150 9,812 9,824
Loans - - - - - - - - - -
Financial investments
and loans available
for sale 215,304 80,588 5,850 301,741 297,518 299,601 97,473 5,548 402,622 399,862
Investment in real estate
properties - 1,880 - 1,880 1,880 - 1,523 - 1,523 1,523
Debt instruments 6,409 5,147 985 12,540 12,556 8,459 5,632 513 14,604 14,688
Equity instruments 3,082 1,670 10,647 15,399 15,400 3,557 1,106 9,607 14,271 14,271
Non-consolidated
investment funds 248 4,924 4,285 9,458 9,568 311 4,369 3,038 7,718 7,644
Other assets held by
consolidated investment
funds designated as at fair
value through profit or loss 1,782 7,556 10,486 19,824 20,049 2,032 9,897 7,425 19,355 19,294
Loans - - - - - - - - - -
Financial investments 6
and loans designated
as at fair value through
profit or loss 11,521 21,176 26,403 59,101 59,453 14,360 22,529 20,583 57,471 57,421
Debt instruments 2 3 - 4 4 5 1 - 6 1
Equity instruments - - - - - - - - - -
Non-consolidated
investment funds - - - - - - - - - -
Loans - - - - - - - - - -
Financial investments
and loans held
for trading 2 3 - 4 4 5 1 - 6 1
TOTAL FINANCIAL
INVESTMENTS AND
LOANS ACCOUNTED
FOR AT FAIR VALUE 226,826 101,767 32,253 360,846 356,974 313,965 120,003 26,130 460,099 457,284
Methods applied to determine the fair value of investments measured at fair value in the financial statements are described in Note 1.5.
The Group applies the IFRS 13 fair value hierarchy.
I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 357
6 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
6.6 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ASSETS CLASSIFICATION
Fair values determined in whole directly by reference to an active
Fair values of assets not quoted in an active market – no active
markets (level 2 and level 3)
market relate to prices which are readily and regularly available Overview of the nature of such investments
from an exchange, dealer, broker, industry group, pricing service Amounts presented in level 2 and 3 represent a variety of
or regulatory agency which represent actual and regularly circumstances. A financial instrument is regarded as not quoted
occurring market transactions on an arm’s length basis, i.e. the in an active market if there is little observation of transaction
market is still active. Such assets are categorized in the level 1 prices as an inherent characteristic of the instrument, when there
of the IFRS 13 fair value hierarchy. is a significant decline in the volume and level of trading activity,
Level 2 and 3 assets are investments which are not quoted in an in case of significant illiquidity or if observable prices cannot
active market or for which there is no active market. Fair values be considered as representing fair value because of dislocated
for level 2 and 3 assets include: market conditions. Characteristics of inactive markets can
therefore be very different in nature, inherent to the instrument
■ values provided by external parties which:
or be indicative of a change in the conditions prevailing in certain
• are readily available including last transaction prices but markets.
relate to assets for which the market is not always active, or The identification of level 3 assets among assets not quoted in
• are provided at the request of the Group by pricing services an active market involves a significant level of judgment. The
and which are not readily publicly available; following are considered as observable: inputs provided by
external pricing services, information observable obtained from
■ assets measured on the basis of valuation techniques specialized data providers, rating agencies, external surveys.
including a varying degree of assumptions supported by The extent to which such data are external to the Group and not
market transactions and observable data. assessed by internal valuation teams is one of the main criteria
The common characteristic of level 2 and 3 assets is that their applied in assessing whether data are observable or not. Should
markets are considered as less active. Their value is generally those data be significantly adjusted or would they be outdated
based on mark to market basis, except when there is no market because of the lack of newly available factors, such inputs
or when the market is distressed, in which case a mark to model would be deemed unobservable. Another area of judgment is
approach is used. Assets not quoted in an active market which the assessment of the significance of an input against the fair
are marked to market mainly using observable inputs are value measurement in its entirety. As a result, a different cut
classified in level 2. Assets not quoted in an active market for between observable and unobservable data and variances in
which fair value determination is not mainly based on observable the weighting of the significance of each input against the fair
inputs are classified as level 3. For all assets not quoted in an value measurement in its entirety could produce a different
active market/no active market and for which a mark to model categorization.
approach is used, the classification between level 2 and level 3 Assets such as certain unquoted debt instruments, some
depends on the proportion of assumptions used supported by instruments issued on private markets such as private equity
market transactions and market observable data: instruments or private loans were always considered as not
■ assumed to be used by pricing services or; quoted in active markets as an inherent characteristic of these
investments and were included as assets not quoted in active
■ used by the Group in the limited cases of application of mark markets/no active markets in all periods presented. Valuations
to model valuations. are based either on external pricing providers or internal models
using techniques commonly used by market participants.
Fair values determined in whole directly by reference to an
Valuation teams make the maximum use of current transaction
active market (level 1)
prices (if any) and observable data but some of the underlying
During 2022, the global economic turmoil has led to a significant sectors to which the investments relate may be so particular that
rise in interest rates and, to a lesser extent, the widening of the significant adjustments are performed or unobservable data are
bid/ask spread across the board, leading to transfers from Level 1 used. Private equity funds of funds are measured on the basis of
to Level 2. the latest net asset values of funds provided to the Group.
As of December 31, 2022, the net transfer from level 2 to
level 1 amounted to €-6,602 million. This amount comprised
€3,675 million transferred from level 2 to level 1, and
€10,277 million from level 1 to level 2, of which €7,180 million
for corporate bonds and €2,368 million for government bonds.
TRANSFER IN AND OUT OF THE LEVEL 3 CATEGORY ■ €+0.7 billion of net asset transfers in and out of level 3 and
AND OTHER MOVEMENTS foreign exchange fluctuation impact;
From January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022, the amount ■ €-1.7 billion of asset sales, redemptions and settlements
of level 3 assets increased by €6.1 billion to €32.3 billion, mainly of debt instruments, equity securities and non-
representing 8.9% of the total assets at fair value (5.7% in 2021 consolidated investment funds accounted for as available for
or €26.1 billion). sale, non-consolidated investment funds, other assets held by
Main movements related to level 3 assets to be noted were the controlled investment funds and debt instruments accounted
following: for as fair value through profit or loss.
■ €4.6 billion of new investments mainly in alternative assets; A majority of assets classified in level 3 corresponds to private
■ €+2.5 billion of change in unrealized gains and losses; investments, in particular private equity assets.
Financial assets included in these investments are valued at fair value through profit or loss under the fair value option.
INSURANCE
TOTAL
For loans, the credit risk information is available through three categories: rating grades, range of probability of default (range of PD)
and scoring which is issued by AXA banking entities and past due information.
(1) These are external ratings corresponding to the average of the three main rating agencies, which are S&P, Fitch and Moody’s.
Below are detailed the gross carrying value and the fair value of loans that pass the SPPI test for which the credit risk is based on:
A) RATING GRADES:
AAA 0 0 0 0
AA 553 553 479 481
A 1,456 1,444 1,255 1,260
BBB 1,488 1,465 672 654
BB and lower 732 661 130 93
Other 68 57 274 258
Total amount of loans that pass the SPPI test and for
which the credit risk information is based on ratings 4,297 4,182 2,810 2,747
2022
Contribution Currency
Acquisitions to net translation Other
(in Euro million) January 1 & disposals income impact changes (a) December 31
(a) Includes increase in capital, dividend distributions, changes in consolidation method, and impacts of revaluation to fair value of financial investments in shareholders’
equity.
(b) The contribution of Reso Garantia to net income is mainly due to the depreciation of goodwill in 2022 for €-164 million on top of the AXA’s group share of the losses incurred
locally (see Note 10.3).
(c) AXA Mansard has been fully consolidated starting from January 1, 2022.
2021
Contribution Currency
Acquisitions to net translation Other
(in Euro million) January 1 & disposals income impact changes (a) December 31
(a) Includes increase in capital, dividend distributions, changes in consolidation method, and impacts of revaluation to fair value of financial investments in shareholders’
equity.
Financial information for the main joint venture (Krungthai AXA Life Insurance Company Ltd.) is as follows (including AXA and external
share but excluding goodwill related to AXA’s investment):
As of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Group share of interest in Krungthai AXA Life Insurance Company Ltd. was 50.0%.
A reconciliation of the summarized financial information to the Group share carrying amount of the main joint venture was as follows:
Under IAS 39, all financial assets of Krungthai AXA Life Insurance Company Ltd. are accounted for at fair value through profit and loss.
Consequently the SPPI test (Solely Payments of Principal and Interest) required as per IFRS 9 is not applicable to this investment (see
Note 9.12).
Financial information for main associates was as follows (including AXA and external share but excluding goodwill related to AXA’s
investment):
A reconciliation of the summarized financial information to the Group share carrying amount of the associates is as follows:
10.4 DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE TEMPORARY EXEMPTION FROM IFRS 9 FOR ICBC-AXA
ASSURANCE CO. LTD.
The table below sets out the result of the SPPI test (Solely Payment of Principal and Interest) for the assets not currently designated as at
fair value with change in fair value through income statement as of December 31, 2022. The amounts exclude the impact of derivatives.
I Note 11 Receivables
(a) Reclassification of Architas activities previously reported as part of Insurance activities to Other activities.
(b) Fair value is assessed as being equal to net carrying value given the nature of such assets.
(c) Including €1,519 million deposits in the central banks in 2022 and €2,397 million in 2021.
The table below reconciles assets and liabilities cash and cash equivalent balances with the statement of consolidated cash flows:
The tables above exclude cash held by consolidated investment Regarding the consolidated statement of cash flows presented in
funds in the “Satellite Investment Portfolio”, as defined in the primary financial statements, net cash provided by operating
Note 1.8.2. activities amounted to €+7,881 million in 2022, compared to
As of December 31, 2022, total consolidated net cash and cash €+6,526 million in 2021.
equivalents amounted to €26,165 million, net of €486 million Net cash used in investing activities amounted to €+470 million
bank overdrafts classified under “Other debt instrument issued in 2022, mainly reflecting:
and bank overdrafts” in the consolidated statement of financial ■ €+474 million of net cash used in purchases and sales of
position. financial invested assets.
Net cash and cash equivalents increased by €1,308 million
Net cash used in investing activities amounted to €-8,951 million
compared to 2021 mainly in:
in 2021, mainly reflecting:
■ France (€+1,566 million) mainly related to investing activities
■ €-4,689 million of net cash used in purchases and sales of
(€+1,236 million) as well as an increase in operating cash
financial invested assets;
(€+330 million);
■ €-2,835 million of net cash impact of assets lending/borrowing
■ Hong Kong (€+867 million) mainly related to an increase in
collateral receivables and payables.
operating cash (€+506 million) as well as investing activities
(€+362 million); Net cash relating to financing activities amounted to
€-6,124 million in 2022, mainly driven by:
■ Belgium (€+735 million) mainly related to an increase in
operating cash (€+418 million) as well as investing activities ■ repayment of equity instruments for €-3,959 million mainly
(€+317 million), related to the shares bought back and repayments of undated
subordinated debts;
It was partly offset by:
■ dividends payments of €-3,676 million.
■ AXA SA (€-1,765 million) mainly related to dividends paid to
the shareholders, the shares bought back, investing activities, Partly offset by:
repayment of debts and the financial charges paid, partly
■ net cash from financing debts of €+1,494 million mainly related
offset by the issuance of subordinated debts and dividends
to the issuances and repayments of subordinated debts.
received.
Net cash relating to financing activities amounted to ■ repayment of equity instruments for €-1,299 million mainly
€-4,333 million in 2021, mainly driven by: related to the shares bought back.
■ dividends payments of €-3,489 million;
As of December 31, 2022, and December 31, 2021, undated subordinated debt recognized in shareholders’ equity broke down as follows:
Undated subordinated debt often contains the following features: ■ share-based remuneration for €50 million;
■ early redemption clauses (calls) at the Group’s option, giving ■ a capital decrease of €328 million corresponding to 13.9 million
AXA the ability to redeem on certain dates the principal shares in order to eliminate the dilutive effect of employee
amount before settlement and without penalty; and share offering of 13.8 million shares and other share-based
■ interest rate step-up clauses with effect at different contractual compensation schemes of 0.1 million shares (AXA SA’s stocks
given dates. options and performance shares plans).
13.1.2 Change in shareholders’ Equity Group The 1.1 million treasury shares backing contracts where financial
share in 2021 risk is borne by policyholders held in controlled investment
funds were not deducted from shareholders’ equity. Their total
SHARE CAPITAL AND CAPITAL IN EXCESS OF NOMINAL estimated historical cost was €14 million and their market value
VALUE €28 million.
During 2021, the following transactions had an impact on AXA’s The carrying value of treasury shares and related derivatives
share capital and capital in excess of nominal value: amounted to €1,630 million and there was no AXA shares held
■ a capital increase of €292 million from the employee share by consolidated Mutual funds other than those backing contracts
offering of 13.8 million shares in December 2021; where financial risk is borne by policyholders.
UNDATED SUBORDINATED DEBT AND RELATED FINANCIAL 13.2 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE
EXPENSES
PERIOD
In 2021, the following transactions pertaining to undated
subordinated debt had an impact on AXA’s other reserves:
The Statement of Comprehensive Income, presented as primary
■ €+211 million from foreign exchange rate fluctuations; financial statements, includes net income for the period, the
reserves relating to the change in fair value of available for sale
■ €-194 million from interest expenses related to the undated
financial instruments, the translation reserve, and actuarial gains
subordinated debt (net of tax).
and losses on employee benefit obligations.
DIVIDENDS PAID
On April 29, 2021, Shareholders’ Meeting, shareholders approved 13.2.1 Comprehensive income for 2022
a dividend distribution of €1.43 per share corresponding to
RESERVES RELATED TO CHANGES IN FAIR VALUE OF
€3,403 million with respect to the 2020 financial year.
AVAILABLE FOR SALE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS INCLUDED
IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
The decrease of gross unrealized gains and losses on
assets available for sale totalled €76,263 million, of which a
€71,217 million decrease in unrealized capital gains on debt
securities driven by the increase in interest rates.
The following table shows the reconciliation between gross unrealized gains and losses on available for sale financial assets and the
corresponding reserve recognized in shareholders’ equity:
(a) Unrealized gains and losses on total available for sale invested assets including loans and assets held for sale.
(b) Net of shadow accounting on unearned revenues and fees reserves and held for sale activities.
(c) Including foreign exchange impact attributable to minority interests.
(d)
(e)
Group share.
Including unrealized gains and losses on assets held for sale.
6
On December 31, 2022, most of the unrealized gains and losses on assets available for sale were related to Life & Savings activities.
Gross unrealized gains and losses (a) (6,164) (5,049) (1,433) (325)
Less unrealized gains and losses attributable to:
Shadow accounting on policyholders’ participation and other obligations 4,253 4,205 920 (172)
(b)
Shadow accounting on Deferred Acquisition Costs 87 - 38 24
Shadow accounting on Value of purchased Business In force - - 49 -
Unallocated unrealized gains and losses before tax (1,825) (844) (426) (472)
Deferred tax 531 270 77 135
Unrealized gains and losses (net of tax) – assets available for sale (1,294) (574) (350) (337)
Unrealized gains and losses net of tax - equity accounted companies (1) - - -
UNREALIZED GAINS AND LOSSES (NET OF TAX) – 100% – TOTAL (1,294) (574) (350) (337)
Minority interests’ share in unrealized gains and losses (c) 2 0 - 0
Translation reserves (d) 0 - (299) (0)
UNREALIZED GAINS AND LOSSES (NET GROUP SHARE) (e) (1,292) (574) (649) (337)
(a) Unrealized gains and losses on total available for sale invested assets including loans and assets held for sale.
(b) Net of shadow accounting on unearned revenues and fees reserves.
(c) Including foreign exchange impact attributable to minority interests.
(d) Group share.
(e) Including unrealized gains and losses on assets held for sale.
The change in reserves related to changes in fair value of available for sale financial instruments included in shareholders’ equity as
of December 31, 2022, and December 31, 2021, broke down as follows:
Unrealized gains and losses (net of tax) 100% - opening 17,864 22,842
(a)
Transfer in the income statement on the period (2,111) (2,311)
Investments bought in the current accounting period and changes in fair value (24,632) (2,865)
Foreign exchange impact 97 281
Change in scope and other changes (173) (83)
Unrealized gains and losses (net of tax) 100% - closing (8,955) 17,864
Minority interests’ share in unrealized gains and losses (b) 301 (223)
Translation reserves (c) (308) (150)
(d)
UNREALIZED GAINS AND LOSSES (NET GROUP SHARE) (8,963) 17,491
(a) Transfer induced by disposal of financial assets, impairment write-back following reevaluation, or transfer of expenses following impairment charge during the period.
(b) Including foreign exchange impact attributable to minority interests.
(c) Group share.
(d) Including unrealized gains and losses on assets held for sale operations.
transactions with minority interests’ holders mainly included: of minority interests’ holdings due to a capital decrease for
€-178 million,
• the Gulf Region disposal for €-268 million,
• dividend payout to minority interests’ holders for
• minority interests in consolidated investment funds
€-79 million.
qualified as equity resulting from the decrease in the value
14.1.1 Segment breakdown of liabilities arising from insurance and investment contracts
(a) Other liabilities comprised unearned revenue and unearned fee reserves, liabilities arising from policyholders’ participation and other obligations, and derivatives instruments
relating to insurance and investment contracts.
(a) Other liabilities comprised unearned revenue and unearned fee reserves, liabilities arising from policyholders’ participation and other obligations, and derivatives instruments
relating to insurance and investment contracts.
Life & Property & Total Life & Property & Total
(in Euro million) Savings Casualty Insurance Savings Casualty Insurance
Liabilities arising from insurance contracts 260,073 121,036 381,109 271,492 116,335 387,827
Liabilities arising from insurance contracts
where risk is borne by policyholders 59,829 - 59,829 66,983 - 66,983
Total insurance liabilities (A) 319,902 121,036 440,938 338,475 116,335 454,810
Liabilities arising from investment contracts
with discretionary participating features 34,259 - 34,259 35,297 - 35,297
Liabilities arising from investment contracts
with no discretionary participating features 87 - 87 76 - 76
Liabilities arising from investment contracts
where the financial risk is borne by
policyholders 16,896 - 16,896 19,377 - 19,377
Total investment liabilities (B) 51,243 - 51,243 54,750 - 54,750
Unearned revenue and unearned fee reserves 2,368 - 2,368 2,117 - 2,117
Liabilities arising from participation 12,330 257 12,587 48,660 276 48,936
Derivative instruments 681 (112) 569 (947) 84 (863)
Other liabilities (C) 15,378 145 15,523 49,829 360 50,190
Total insurance and investment liabilities
(D = A + B + C) 386,523 121,181 507,703 443,054 116,696 559,750
Reinsurers’ share in insurance contracts
liabilities 12,744 26,226 38,971 13,078 23,752 36,830
Reinsurers’ share in insurance contracts
liabilities relating to policyholders’
participation 509 24 533 1 24 25
Reinsurers’ share in liabilities arising from
investment contracts 133 - 133 114 - 114
Total reinsurers’ share in insurance and
investment contracts liabilities (E) 13,386 26,250 39,636 13,193 23,776 36,970
TOTAL INSURANCE AND INVESTMENT
LIABILITIES NET OF REINSURERS’ SHARE
(F = D - E) 373,137 94,930 468,067 429,861 92,919 522,780
Liabilities arising from insurance contracts, including those where the financial risk is borne by policyholders, as disclosed in the total
(A) of Note 14.1.2, were split by as follows:
Future policy benefit reserves 236,372 111 236,483 251,279 108 251,387
Unearned premiums reserves 878 21,438 22,315 949 20,860 21,808
Claims reserves (a) 16,062 92,986 109,047 14,521 89,014 103,535
of which IBNR 5,220 39,821 45,041 4,719 37,182 41,902
Liability adequacy test reserves - - - - - -
(b)
Other reserves 6,761 6,502 13,263 4,743 6,354 11,097
Liabilities arising from insurance contracts (A) 260,073 121,036 381,109 271,492 116,335 387,827
of which measured at current assumptions (c) 1,464 - 1,464 2,428 - 2,428
Future policy benefit reserves 59,675 - 59,675 66,835 - 66,835
Claims reserves (a) 154 - 154 149 - 149
of which IBNR 1 - 1 2 - 2
Other reserves 0 - 0 0 - 0
Liabilities arising from insurance
contracts where the financial risk is borne
by policyholders (B) 59,829 - 59,829 66,983 - 66,983
Sub-total Liabilities arising from insurance
contract (C = A + B) 319,902 121,036 440,938 338,475 116,335 454,810
Reinsurers’ share in future policy benefit reserves 8,776 (13) 8,763 5,202 (10) 5,192
Reinsurers’ share in unearned premiums reserves 45 4,349 4,393 66 4,146 4,212
Reinsurers’ share in claims reserves (a) 3,124 21,934 25,058 3,227 19,651 22,878
of which IBNR 23 13,821 13,845 25 11,655 11,680
Reinsurers’ share in other reserves 799 (43) 756 4,582 (34) 4,548
Reinsurers’ share in liabilities arising from
insurance contracts (D) 12,744 26,226 38,971 13,078 23,752 36,830
Reinsurers’ share in liabilities arising from
insurance contracts where the financial risk is
borne by policyholders (E) 0 - 0 0 - 0
Sub-total Reinsurers’ share in liabilities
(F = D + E) 12,744 26,226 38,971 13,079 23,752 36,831
TOTAL LIABILITIES ARISING FROM INSURANCE
CONTRACTS, NET OF REINSURERS’ SHARE
(G = C - F) 307,158 94,809 401,967 325,397 92,583 417,979
Note: Liabilities relating to unearned revenues and fees (see Note 7.3), to policyholder participation (see Note 14.8), and derivative instruments (see Note 20.4) are excluded
from the table above.
Reinsurers’ share in insurance contracts liabilities relating to policyholders’ participation (€533 million in 2022 and €25 million in 2021), as well as derivative instruments
(none in 2022 and 2021) are excluded from the table above.
(a) Includes reserves for claims handling expenses.
(b) Notably includes non-life annuities mathematical reserves.
(c) See Note 1.14.2 – Reserves measured according to the option offered by IFRS 4.24 for selective remeasurement of reserves at current market assumptions.
The following table shows a breakdown of liabilities arising from investment contracts including those where the financial risk is borne
by policyholders, as disclosed in the sub total (B) of Note 14.1.2:
Note: Liabilities relating to unearned revenues and fees (see Note 7.3), to policyholders’ participation (see Note 14.8), and derivative instruments (see Note 20.4), are excluded
from the table above.
Reinsurance’s share in investments contracts liabilities relating to policyholders’ participation (none in 2022 and 2021), as well as derivatives instruments (none in 2022
and 2021) are excluded from the table above.
(a) Includes reserves for claims handling expenses.
(b) See Note 1.14.2 – Reserves measured according to the option opened by IFRS 4.24 for selective remeasurement of reserves at current market assumptions.
6
(a) Excluding “other policy benefits liabilities” (mainly mathematical annuity reserves), which totaled €6.5 billion in 2022 and €6.3 billion in 2021.
(b) Gross of claims paid.
(c) Excluding claims handling cost.
14.5.1 Change in liabilities arising from insurance and investment contracts – gross of reinsurance
The table below gives detailed information on change in liabilities arising from insurance and investment contracts in Life and Savings
presented in Note 14.2 (C) and 14.3 (D):
2022 2021
Insurance Investment Insurance Investment
(in Euro million) contracts contracts Total contracts contracts Total
Technical reserves as of January 1 (a) 338,475 54,750 393,225 332,146 53,466 385,612
Collected premiums net of loadings on
premiums (+) 35,157 3,950 39,106 34,151 6,247 40,398
Surrenders, maturities and other claims and
benefits paid net of charges and penalties (-) (35,934) (4,973) (40,907) (34,758) (5,346) (40,104)
Unit-Linked technical reserves value
adjustment (+/-) (8,629) (2,145) (10,774) 6,655 1,144 7,799
Change in reserves relating to technical
and actuarial items (+/-) (b) 2,391 (491) 1,900 4,004 (206) 3,798
Transfers following technical reserves/
contract reclassification 4 (4) (0) (18) 18 (0)
Change in scope of consolidation, portfolio
transfers and change in accounting
principles (11,229) 59 (11,171) (4,946) (778) (5,724)
Impact of foreign currency fluctuation (331) 97 (234) 1,241 205 1,446
Technical reserves as of December 31 (a) 319,902 51,243 371,145 338,475 54,750 393,225
(a) Includes: future policy benefit reserves (including shadow accounting reserves), unearned premium reserves, unexpired risk reserves, claims reserves, claims expense
reserves, other policy benefit reserves. Excludes: unearned revenue and unearned fee reserves, liabilities from policyholder participation.
(b) Notably includes interests credited and policyholder participation credited to reserves, fees on account balance and investment management fees and change in reserves
relating to other technical and actuarial items.
In 2022, the change in scope of consolidation amounted In 2021, the change in scope of consolidation amounted to
to €-11,171 million, mainly due to the classification as held €-5,724 million, mainly due to the classification as held for sale
for sale of a closed life and pensions portfolio in Germany (€ of Singapore Life (€-2,766 million), a General Account portfolio
-11,301 million). in Belgium (€-2,563 million) and a remaining Group Life portfolio
in Switzerland (€-351 million).
Change in reinsurers’ share in liabilities arising from insurance and investment contracts
The table below gives detailed information on change in reinsurer’s share in liabilities arising from insurance and investment contracts
in Life & Savings presented in Note 14.2 (F) and Note 14.3 (H).
2022 2021
Insurance Investment Insurance Investment
(in Euro million) contracts contracts Total contracts contracts Total
(a) Includes: future policy benefit reserves (including shadow accounting reserves), unearned premium reserves, unexpired risk reserves, claims reserves, claims expense
reserves, other policy benefit reserves. Excludes: unearned revenue and unearned fee reserves, liabilities from policyholder participation.
(b) Notably includes interests credited and policyholder participation credited to reserves, fees on account balance and investment management fees and change in reserves
relating to other technical and actuarial items.
The table below gives detailed information on liabilities arising from investment contracts presented in Note 14.3 (D):
Note: This information is presented net of the impact of derivatives, which is described in Note 20.4.1.
(a) In accordance with IFRS 4 which allows, under certain conditions, to continue to use a previous accounting policy for liabilities arising from contracts with discretionary
participating features.
(b) See Note 1.14.2 – Reserves measured according to IFRS 4.24 option which allows to evaluate certain portfolios with current assumptions.
(c) & (d) As Unit-Linked contracts reserves are measured on the basis of held asset units fair value (“current unit value”), only the valuation of related assets is different:
■ for Unit-Linked contracts with a discretionary participating feature (c), an asset representing the deferred acquisition costs is recognized in continuity with previous
accounting policies;
■ for Unit-Linked contracts with no discretionary participating feature (d), an asset representing the rights to future management fees is recognized in accordance
with IFRS 15 (Rights to future management fees also known as Deferred Origination Costs “DOC”) – see Note 1.7.3 and Note 7.
The loss reserve development table shows movements in loss scope of consolidation to that used for the last diagonal of the
reserves between 2012 and 2022, based on previously applied table.
accounting standards. All contracts concerned are insurance The first section of the table entitled “Cumulative payments”
contracts as defined by IFRS. shows, for a given column N, the cumulative amount of payments
The first line labelled “Gross reserves for unpaid claims and related to years of occurrence prior to and including N, made
claims expenses developed initially at the booking date” since December 31 of year N-1.
represents the loss reserves developed in the Group’s balance The second part of the table entitled “Reserve re-estimated”
sheet on the reporting date for the year indicated in the column shows, for a given column N, an estimate of the final cost of
heading. For example, the amount of €46,440 million appearing liabilities carried as of December 31 of year N in respect of all
in the first line of the table in the 2012 column represents all
loss reserves developed in all years of occurrence prior to and
years of occurrence prior to and including N, at each future period 6
end. The final cost estimate varies year on year as information
including 2012, recognized on the Group’s balance sheet as of relating to losses still outstanding becomes more reliable.
December 31, 2012.
The surplus (shortfall) of the initial reserve with respect to the
The second line titled “Gross reserves for unpaid claims and re-estimated (gross) final cost for each year represents, for
claims expenses developed in 2022 adjusted for changes in a given year N, the difference between the amount shown in
exchange rates and scope of consolidation” indicates the amount the second line (“Gross reserves for unpaid claims and claims
that would have been developed initially at the booking date, expenses developed in 2022 adjusted for changes in exchange
had the exchange rates for the current year been used (for rates and scope of consolidation”) and the amount shown in the
reserves recognized by AXA Group entities that do not use the final diagonal under “Reserve re-estimated”.
Euro as their functional currency) and assuming an identical
(in Euro million) 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
(a) It is not appropriate to extrapolate future redundancies or future deficiencies based on the loss reserves development presented in the table, as conditions and trends that
have affected development of the liability in prior periods may not necessarily occur in the future periods. Redundancy or deficiency disclosed includes forex impact between
one year and the next.
14.7.2 Gross and net of reinsurance loss reserve development table: AXAXL
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
(in Euro million) Gross Gross Gross Gross Gross Net Net Net Net Net
(a) It is not appropriate to extrapolate future redundancies or future deficiencies based on the loss reserves development presented in the table, as conditions and trends that
have affected development of the liability in prior periods may not necessarily occur in the future periods. Redundancy or deficiency disclosed includes forex impact between
one year and the next.
(a) Total gross claims and other reserves developed are presented on the basis of the loss reserves development table.
(b) Includes reserves inward reinsurance (€1,355 million in 2022, €1,211 million in 2021).
14.8 LIABILITIES AND ASSETS ARISING FROM POLICYHOLDER PARTICIPATION AND OTHER
OBLIGATIONS
The following table shows liabilities and assets arising from policyholder participation and other obligations as of December 31, 2022:
The deferred policyholder participation and other obligations and where required minimum local policyholders’ share in the
liabilities and deferred policyholder participation assets include entities’ results are significant. This Note discloses for such
the impact of shadow accounting (see definition in Note 1.14.2) jurisdictions unrealized gains and losses related to available for
mainly in relation to unrealized gains and losses on invested sale investments and related shadow accounting adjustments.
financial assets available for sale as described in Note 13.2.1, but In 2022, as a consequence of the increase in the interest rates,
also with regard to other temporary differences not necessarily assets arising from policyholder participaction were recognized
linked to financial assets. Note 13.2.1 also contains a focus on for €6,573 million mainly in France (€3,476 million), Hong Kong
jurisdictions with significant portions of participating business (€1,495 million) and Italy (€1,293 million).
In the tables presented in Note 14.9.1 and 14.9.2, liabilities arising The projections shown below cannot be compared with the
from Life & Savings and Property & Casualty insurance contracts reserves carried on the balance sheet and are higher than
and investment contracts exclude contracts where the financial the published balance sheet figures because they represent
risk is borne by policyholders. These liabilities are not exposed expected cash flows without the impact of discounting. They
to interest rate or duration risk, except Unit-Linked contracts are also shown net of inflows of periodical premiums payable
with performance guarantees. In addition, as far as liquidity by policyholders.
risk is concerned, entities hold Unit-Linked assets backing the The figures shown in the first line of the table below represent
corresponding liabilities arising from these contracts. Occasional estimated undiscounted cash outflows in connection to
mismatches result mainly from administrative timing differences death, incapacity and disability claims, surrenders, annuities,
in the processing of day-to-day operations. minimum guaranteed benefits for Unit-Linked contracts,
Property & Casualty and Health claims, net of premiums due
14.9.1 Payment and surrender projections from policyholders under contracts in-force. These cash flows
The table below shows the breakdown of projected payments are based on assumptions regarding mortality, incapacity and
and surrenders related to insurance and investment contracts disability, surrender and settlement frequency for Property &
(excluding contracts where the financial risk is borne by Casualty businesses, which are consistent with past experience.
policyholders). Actual maturities may differ significantly from the They are gross of reinsurance. Given the strong use of estimates,
estimates set out below, mainly because some of the contracts it is likely that actual payments will differ.
contain a surrender option controlled by the policyholder that
may reduce their duration.
2022 2021
More More
than More than More
12 months 1 year up than 12 months 1 year up than
(in Euro million) or less to 5 years 5 years Total or less to 5 years 5 years Total
14.9.2 Insurance and investment contract non-zero guaranteed rates are discounted at the technical
liabilities – discount rates restatements at closing and mainly consist of reserves for
guarantees (Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefits, etc.).
The table hereafter and related comments exclude contracts
where the financial risk is borne by policyholders (Unit-Linked In Property & Casualty, most reserves (94% as of December 31,
contracts). 2022) are not discounted, with the exception of disability
annuities and workers’ compensation liabilities that are deemed
The general principles for establishing insurance liabilities are set structured settlements and where the discount rate is revised
out in Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements. Liabilities regularly. Undiscounted reserves are not sensitive to interest rate
are based on estimates, and one of the key assumptions used in risks in the financial statements.
these estimates is the discount rate.
The rates presented in the table below are weighted average
As shown in the table below, as at December 31, 2022, 79% of rates for all the portfolios under consideration. For contracts with
Life & Savings reserves (excluding Unit-Linked contracts) were guaranteed rates that are revised annually, rates are considered
discounted, of which 13% were subject to a revision of the at the closing date. The risk factors associated with policyholders
discount rate and 66% retained the rate set at inception, subject contracts are set out in Note 4.
to the liability adequacy test described in Note 1.
Discount rates are qualified as locked-in when those used in the
By convention, contracts with zero guaranteed rates are deemed first recognition of the technical liabilities remain unchanged
undiscounted, except for products offering guaranteed rates in the subsequent years and are qualified as unlocked when
updated annually and for one year: these contracts are presented updated in subsequent years.
in discounted reserves. Reserves for savings contracts with
Life & Savings – Locked-in discount rate (a) 195,245 1.87% 215,739 1.85%
Life & Savings – Unlocked discount rate 38,275 2.26% 37,682 2.26%
Life & Savings – Undiscounted reserves 60,900 - 53,443 -
Sub-total Life & Savings 294,420 - 306,865 -
Non Life – Locked-in discount rate (a)
Non Life – Unlocked discount rate
4,897
2,229
2.76%
2.91%
4,703
2,361
2.81%
2.51%
6
Non Life – Undiscounted reserves 113,910 - 109,271 -
Sub-total – Non Life 121,036 - 116,336 -
TOTAL INSURANCE AND INVESTMENT CONTRACTS 415,456 - 423,201 -
Amounts are presented excluding the impact of derivatives on insurance and investment contracts (presented in Note 20.4) and excluding liabilities related to unearned revenues
and fees, and to policyholders’ participations.
(a) Subject to liability adequacy tests.
This following table shows the reconciliation of previous table with the Consolidated Statements of financial position (Section 6.1).
Liabilities arising from insurance contracts (as per Note 14.2) 381,109 387,827
Liabilities arising from investment contracts with discretionary participating features
(as per Note 14.3) 34,259 35,297
Liabilities arising from investment contracts with no discretionary participating features
(as per Note 14.3) 87 76
TOTAL 415,456 423,200
In accordance with IFRS 7, the Group discloses, in Note 4 of its of policyholders’ participation, tax impacts and other shadow
Consolidated Financial Statements, quantitative sensitivities of accounting impacts and was included in the income statement
the Group “EOF” (as defined in the Section 5.3 “Market risks”) to of the period.
interest risk and equity price risk.
The estimated impact of the unlocking of discount rates relating 14.9.3 Major business areas
to Life & Savings reserves was €87 million reserve increase in The tables in Note 21 set out the Group’s major insurance business
2022 (compared to €110 million reserve increase in 2021) gross areas and reflect the Group’s high degree of diversification.
AXA sells insurance contracts that contain a variety of options and ■ many of the features would themselves qualify as insurance
guarantees for contract-holders. These features are described in contracts under IFRS 4.
Note 4. They are not embedded derivatives which AXA reports
The primary features can be divided into two main categories:
separately at fair value because:
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefits (GMDB) or Guaranteed
■ many of the features would be considered clearly and closely Minimum Income Benefits (GMIB) offered on Unit-Linked
related to the host contract; and contracts and guaranteed annuity purchase rates. As of
December 2022, the AXA Group exposure to these liabilities was
not material.
Banking liabilities issued at fair value – Retail customers 353 353 641 641
Retail customers deposits 3,105 3,105 3,726 3,726
Corporate customers deposits 3,589 3,589 5,886 5,886
Interbanking refinancing 3,038 3,038 2,325 2,325
Refinancing with central banks 2,076 2,076 2,076 2,076
Macro-hedge derivatives and other derivatives relating to liabilities
arising from banking activities 782 782 (9) (9)
TOTAL LIABILITIES ARISING FROM BANKING ACTIVITIES 12,944 12,944 14,643 14,643
The fair value option (i.e. fair value through profit or loss) is ■ interbanking refinancing (€3,038 million as of December 31,
used to measure certain banking liabilities. As of December 31, 2022):
2022, the carrying value and fair value amount and the related
• €2,751 million as of December 31, 2022 (€2,251 million as of
contractual amount due at maturity for such liabilities were
December 31, 2021): values are based upon market prices
€353 million and €381 million respectively (€641 million and
that are available in active markets and are considered as
€581 million as of December 31, 2021), including the Euro
level 1 fair values,
Medium Term Notes.
The Group applies the IFRS 13 fair value hierarchy as described • €287 million as of December 31, 2022 (€74 million as of
in Note 1.5. The valuation method of liabilities arising from December 31, 2021): mainly based on non-observable
banking activities excluding derivatives (detailed in Note 20.5) market data inputs and are considered to be level 3 fair
are as follows: values;
■ banking liabilities issued at fair value – Retail customers ■ refinancing with central banks: €2,076 million as of
(€353 million as of December 31, 2022): values are based December 31, 2022 (€2,076 million as of December 31, 2021):
upon market prices that are available in active markets and values are based on observable market data inputs. As such,
are considered as level 1 fair values; the fair values of these liabilities were considered as level 2
instruments.
■ retail customers deposits (€3,105 million as of December 31,
2022) and Corporate customers deposits (€3,589 million as
of December 31, 2022) are not traded in active markets and
quoted prices are not available. Given the short maturities of
main liabilities arising from banking activities (see Note 15.2),
the carrying amounts may be considered as reasonable proxies
for fair values. Thus, the fair value of amounts displayed above
for these instruments are considered to be level 3 fair values;
6
The table below sets out the contractual maturities of liabilities arising from banking activities. These contractual maturities are mostly
classified under the category “12 months or less”. Consequently, the difference between maturities based on contractual cash flows in
comparison with the carrying values is not significant.
Provisions relating to employee benefits and share-based As of December 31, 2022, the “Other provisions for risks
compensations are commented in Note 26 “Employees”. and charges” amounted to €1,104 million, mainly driven by
AXA Group Operations (€198 million), AXA SA (€177 million),
Switzerland (€169 million), Germany (€107 million), France
(€77 million), Belgium (€73 million) and United Kingdom &
Ireland (€69 million).
Changes in provisions for risks and charges (excluding employee benefits and share-based compensation) are set out below:
(a) Hedging instruments in accordance with IAS 39 and economic hedge derivatives not eligible for hedge accounting.
(b) Excluding accrued interest on derivatives.
Derivative instruments hedging financing debt (included in the table above) are commented in Note 20.
For the sensitivity to movements in interests rates, please refer to page 271 of the “Interest rates & Equity risk related to the operating
activities of Group subsidiaries” Section 5.3 “Market risks”.
The table below sets out the reconciliation of financing debt and undated subordinated debt with the statement of cash flows (excluding
the impact of derivatives):
Currency
New debt Repay- translation
(in Euro million) January 1, 2022 issued (a) ments (b) adjustment Others December 31, 2022
(a) Issuance of two subordinated debt notes for €1,250 million each and a senior debt for €850 million by AXA SA.
(b) Mainly driven by the early repayment of subordinated debt for €1,018 million by AXA XL and for €375 million by AXA SA as well as the repayment of undated subordinated
debts for €994 million by AXA SA.
Currency
New debt Repay- translation
(in Euro million) January 1, 2021 issued (a) ments (b) adjustment Others December 31, 2021
(a) Hedging instruments in accordance with IAS 39 and economic hedge derivatives which are not acting as hedge under IAS 39.
The Group does not hold any financing debt designated as instantaneous values, and on the other hand because there are
at fair value through profit or loss (fair value option or trading multiple possible methods to derive these estimates.
instruments). Data used when calculating the fair value of financing debt are
Information on the fair value figures presented in this Note is period-end market data that reflect (i) interest rates by currency,
provided in addition to information on carrying values and (ii) AXA’s average spread by maturity and currency, distinguishing
should be used with caution. On the one hand, these estimates subordinated and senior debt, and (iii) options included in
are based on closing date parameters such as interest rates issued contracts, such as issuer redemption options.
and spreads, which fluctuate over time, and resulting in
The table below sets out the maturities based on contractual cash flows of financing debt (including the impact of derivatives detailed
in Note 20.1). Effective maturities may differ from those presented, mainly because some instruments include clauses allowing early
redemption, with or without penalty.
I Note 18 Payables
The “Minority interests of consolidated investment funds” The Collateral debts relating to investment under lending
caption is the counterparty of assets recognized on the different agreements and equivalent amounted to €34,245 million as
lines of the consolidated balance sheet for the share not held by of December 31, 2022, a decrease of €785 million compared
the Group in consolidated investment funds. Movements in this to December 31, 2021, mainly in Belgium €-824 million and
caption depends on the changes in the Group’s ownership as Switzerland €-687 million partly offset by Japan €+940 million.
well as the changes in fair value of these funds. The Other Payables amounted to €13,966 million as of
The minority interests in funds under this caption amounted December 31, 2022, an increase of €1,789 million compared to
to €6,397 million as of December 31, 2022, a decrease of December 31, 2021, mainly related to derivatives at AXA Banque
€1,353 million compared to December 31, 2021. France for €+852 million and margin calls in Japan €+267 million
and Hong Kong €+253 million.
Other debt instruments issued, notes and bank overdrafts (other than financing debt) by issuance are described below:
As of December 31, 2022, other debt instruments issued and bank overdrafts excluding total return swap agreement amounted to
€4,303 million, an increase of €58 million compared to December 31, 2021.
18.3 FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT OF OTHER DEBT INSTRUMENTS ISSUED AND BANK
OVERDRAFTS (OTHER THAN FINANCING DEBT)
The fair value of other debt instruments issued and bank instruments issued. Such fair values are mainly based on
overdrafts excluding Total Return Swap was €4,303 million as observable market data input (see Note 1.5 for a description
of December 31, 2022. Among the elements included in the of observable data) and are therefore classified as level 2
preceding table, fair value is only calculated for other debt instruments. 6
As of December 31, 2022, payables arising from direct insurance As of December 31, 2022, payables arising from direct outward
and inward reinsurance operations as disclosed in the Note 18.1, reinsurance operations amounted to €15,706 million, an increase
amounted to €11,250 million, an increase of €293 million of €344 million compared to December 31, 2021.
compared to December 31, 2021. Payables arising from direct insurance, inward reinsurance
and direct outward reinsurance operations are measured at
amortized cost.
The table below sets out the contractual maturities of other contractual cash flows or maturities based on carrying values
debt instruments (excluding the impact of derivatives which is is not significant. Effective maturities may differ from those
detailed in Note 20.1). These maturities are mostly “12 months presented, mainly because some instruments include clauses
or less”, therefore the difference between maturities based on allowing early redemption, with or without penalty.
Debts relating to investments under total return swap agreement (“TRS”) 2,985 2,752 517 6,254
Other debt instruments issued, notes and bank overdrafts excluding
TRS – Carrying value 1,134 360 2,809 4,303
Collateral debts relating to investments under a lending agreement or
equivalent 27,590 6,378 277 34,245
I Note 19 Tax
Income from operating activities, gross of tax expenses (excluding result from investments
consolidated using equity method) 8,851 9,052
Notional tax rate 25.83% 28.41%
Notional tax charge 2,286 2,572
Impact of rates difference on notional tax charges (213) (395)
Impact of change in tax rates (7) (11)
Impact of differences in tax rate and impact of taxes not linked to pre-tax income (14) (9)
Impact of differences in tax rates and tax bases (233) (414)
Tax losses of prior years used in the current year without DTA recognized previously (32) (82)
Deferred tax assets recognized on tax losses of prior years (41) (145)
Deferred tax assets not recognized on tax losses of the year 21 72
Derecognition of deferred tax assets on tax losses of prior years 16 4
Tax losses impact (36) (150)
Impact of permanent differences (118) (414)
Prior years adjustments and other (excluding impact of tax losses) (44) 95
EFFECTIVE TAX CHARGE 1,855 1,689
EFFECTIVE TAX RATE (%) 20.95% 18.66%
6
Effective tax rate stood at 20.95% in 2022 versus 18.66% in 2021. The change relates to:
■ impact of rate differences on notional tax charges ■ impact of permanent differences (€296 million) mainly
(€182 million) corresponding to the difference between the representing the impact in some countries of non-taxable
blended tax (expected tax calculated at each entity level with dividends and realized capital gains on equity instruments,
the applicable standard rate) and the tax calculated using partly compensated by non-deductible impairment on
the 25.83% French tax rate applicable to the Company. This financial assets and realized capital losses on equity
tax rate is composed of a basic tax rate (25%) and a social instruments. In 2021, a significant impact of the financial
contribution (0.83%). The blended standard rate was 23.43% market rebound led to higher impact of permanent differences.
in 2022 and 24.05% in 2021. The decrease of the blended tax
rate is mainly due to positive geographical mix combined with
a decrease of tax rate in France;
In the table below, the net deferred tax position corresponds to DTL disclosed in these tables corresponds to the deferred tax
the difference between Deferred Tax Assets (DTA) and Deferred before the netting that occurs for balance sheet presentation
Tax Liabilities (DTL) carried on the Group’s consolidated purposes as required by IAS 12. Net deferred tax balances are
statement of financial position. Note that the breakdown of DTA/ broken down as follows:
As of December 31, 2022, the €14,675 million DTA were mainly group (€1,313 million), Switzerland (€1,172 million), Japan
related to entities located in French tax group (€5,139 million), (€799 million) and Belgium (€419 million).
Germany (€3,382 million), Italy (€1.336 million), AXA XL
The balance sheet reconciliation concerning deferred tax position is detailed as follows:
The change from net liability position €-4,876 million in 2021 to net asset position €2,749 million in 2022 mainly came from the decrease
of unrealized capital gains on fixed-income assets.
2022 2021
(in Euro million) Net deferred tax Net deferred tax
(a) The movements through shareholders’ equity mainly concern net investment hedge in the Company, revaluation to fair value of financial investments through shareholders’
equity and employee benefits actuarial gains and losses.
Recognized Deferred Tax Assets (DTA) on tax loss carried forward by maturity and expiration date
The tables below are broken down by (i) in the first part, the The €14,675 million DTA included €1,056 million of DTA on tax
maturity by which the Group expects to use the DTA accounted losses carried forward as of December 31, 2022.
at year-end and the corresponding tax losses carried forward,
(ii) in the second part, the “expiration date” of the DTA, i.e. the
latest date at which the Group could use them.
2022
DTA
maturity
DTA DTA DTA DTA DTA DTA date DTA
maturity maturity maturity maturity maturity maturity between maturity No
date date date date date date 7 and date > maturity
(in Euro million) 1 year 2 years 3 years 4 years 5 years 6 years 11 years 11 years date Total
As of December 31, 2021, €15,642 million DTA included €434 million DTA on tax losses carried forward.
2021
DTA
maturity
DTA DTA DTA DTA DTA DTA date DTA
maturity maturity maturity maturity maturity maturity between maturity No
date date date date date date 7 and date > maturity
(in Euro million) 1 year 2 years 3 years 4 years 5 years 6 years 11 years 11 years date Total
The rollforward of current tax position (excluding Uncertain Tax Positions) is broken down as follows:
(a) In 2022, the movements through shareholders’ equity are mainly related to the cancellation of receivable with regards to the dividend withholding tax paid in 2001, 2002
and 2003 for €-353 million.
In 2021, the movements through shareholders’ equity mainly concern the tax impact related to subordinated loans.
The table above includes current payables net of current members of a tax group which are classified in “other receivables”
receivables towards the tax administrations. It also includes and “other payables”.
some receivables and payables with non-consolidated entities
As of December 31, 2022, the Uncertain Tax Positions were Uncertain tax treatments are determined separately at individual
mainly driven by AXA XL (€130 million), the French tax group tax entity level. For these positions considered as probably not
(€85 million), and Germany (€49 million). accepted by tax authorities, the assessment of the uncertainty
is determined based on the most likely amount in a range of
possible outcomes.
Interest rates derivatives 47,254 62,530 120,991 230,775 203,639 11,295 6,459 13,291 5,485 (1,996) 974
Equity derivatives 9,256 6,181 56 15,493 12,851 408 370 194 161 214 209
Currencies derivatives 135,590 18,035 16,985 170,610 137,191 3,321 1,670 2,826 2,803 495 (1,133)
Credit derivatives 4,030 6,311 158 10,499 12,413 67 143 14 25 53 118
Other derivatives 6,333 4,677 8,438 19,449 14,030 303 222 1,857 1,965 (1,554) (1,743)
TOTAL 202,463 97,735 146,629 446,827 380,125 15,394 8,864 18,182 10,439 (2,787) (1,575)
Note: This table includes all derivatives (assets and liabilities) as described in Note 1.10, i.e. hedge, macro-hedge and other asset or liability positions.
(a) By convention, notional amounts are displayed in absolute value, and exclude potential netting out.
Interest rates
derivatives 42,639 2,487 39,127 (5,120) - - 149,009 637 230,775 (1,996)
Equity derivatives 1,048 (9) - - - - 14,446 224 15,493 214
Currencies
derivatives 3,976 73 14,873 (837) 16,571 (138) 135,190 1,397 170,610 495
Credit derivatives - - - - - - 10,499 53 10,499 53
Other derivatives 287 (58) 5,012 (989) - - 14,150 (507) 19,449 (1,554)
TOTAL 47,949 2,492 59,012 (6,946) 16,571 (138) 323,294 1,804 446,827 (2,787)
This table includes all derivatives (assets and liabilities) as described in Note 1.10, i.e. hedge, macro-hedge and other asset or liability positions.
Interest rates
derivatives 38,061 (421) 41,298 (349) - - 124,281 1,744 203,639 974
Equity derivatives 2,988 103 - - - - 9,863 106 12,851 209
Currencies
derivatives 3,171 39 13,575 (422) 12,171 (71) 108,275 (680) 137,191 (1,133)
Credit derivatives - - - - - - 12,413 118 12,413 118
Other derivatives 287 (38) 4,149 (1,080) - - 9,594 (625) 14,030 (1,743)
TOTAL 44,507 (317) 59,021 (1,851) 12,171 (71) 264,426 664 380,125 (1,575)
Note: This table includes all derivatives (assets and liabilities) as described in Note 1.10, i.e. hedge, macro-hedge and other asset or liability positions.
(a) Notional amounts impacted by the IBOR reform: as mentioned in Note 1.2, the IAS 39 amendment ensures prospective assessments and highly probable requirements are
maintained in the context of the transition to the new benchmark rates.
As of December 31, 2022, the notional amount of all derivative and credit default swaps (CDS) as a synthetic position and an
instruments totalled €446.8 billion (€380.1 billion at the end alternative to the direct purchase of a corporate bond. These
of 2021). Their net fair value amounted to €-2,787 million schemes do not add any specific risks compared with other
as of December 31, 2022 (€-1,575 million at the end of 2021), investment assets.
comprised of the fair value of derivatives on invested assets (€- The notional amount of derivatives which is used to express
689 million and €-2,698 million at the end of 2021 – see Note 20.3) the volume of instruments outstanding and to provide a basis
and the fair value of derivatives on liabilities (€2,099 million and for comparison with other financial instruments most certainly
€-1,123 million at the end of 2021 – see Note 20.4). overstates the level of activity and does not directly measure
AXA uses derivatives primarily to hedge various risks stemming risk as it greatly exceeds the possible credit and market loss that
from both sides of the balance sheet in the context of its Asset could arise from such transactions. It does not represent the
Liability Management (ALM) strategy in insurance companies, as amounts that are effectively exchanged by the parties, and thus is
well as holdings and banks. Notional amount of such hedging not a measure of the Group’s exposure to derivative instruments.
strategies amounted to €437.3 billion as of December 31, 2022 For example, the Group is exposed to credit risk in respect of its
(€369.2 billion at the end of 2021) and were mainly used to: counterparties to the derivative instruments but is not exposed to
■ manage interest rate exposures on fixed maturity investments, credit risk on the entire notional amounts. AXA actively manages
long-term debt and guaranteed interest rates on insurance counterparty risk generated by derivatives through a specific
contracts; group-wide policy. This policy includes a limit framework and
an exposure monitoring process. Limits are specifically set for
■ reduce foreign-currency exposures on foreign-currency each authorized counterparty, based on an internal scoring
denominated investments and liabilities; system. This policy also includes daily to weekly collateralization
for the majority of the Group’s exposure. The total net collateral
■ manage liquidity positions (including the ability to pay
benefits and claims when due) in connection with Asset
Liability Management and local regulatory requirements for
given communicated for all derivative instruments including
those related to derivatives held within investment funds of the
6
“Satellite Investment Portfolio” (see Note 1.8.2) was €0.8 billion
insurance and banking operations;
as of December 31, 2022 (€2.0 billion at the end of 2021). This
■ limit equity risk; net total includes amounts recognized in the Consolidated
Statement of Financial Position and unrecognized commitments
■ limit credit risk about certain investments in corporate debt
received or given disclosed in Note 29.
instruments.
AXA is increasing or decreasing its derivative positions in accordance
AXA also uses derivatives as an alternative to gain exposure to
with AXA’s governance framework for derivatives. In particular,
certain asset classes through “synthetic positions”, for example,
hedging activities are one of the most important instruments to
holding cash and equity futures instead of physical equities.
decrease the risk of the options and guarantees that are embedded
Another example is the combination of government bonds
in some Life & Savings and Property & Casualty products; they also
20.2.3 Currency derivative instruments exchange rate risk with a total notional amount of €25.3 billion at
the end of 2022 versus €19.1 billion at the end of 2021.
The Group has entered into different currency instruments to
reduce its exposure to foreign currency risk. Currency derivative A description of exchange-rate risk related to the operating
instruments represent agreements to exchange the currency of activities of Group subsidiaries and the Company is included in
one country for the currency of another country at an agreed Section 5.3 “Market Risks” of this Annual Report with amounts
price and settlement date. of exposures to exchange-rate risk and corresponding hedges.
As of December 31, 2022, the notional amount of currency In accordance with IAS 21 and IAS 39, the translation difference
derivative amounted to €170.6 billion versus €137.2 billion at relating to these debt instruments used in operational entities
the end of 2021. Their market value was €495 million versus is recognized in profit or loss and offsets most of the change in
€-1,133 million at the end of 2021. AXA mainly uses (i) currency market value of associated derivative instruments, which is also
future and forward contracts (57% of total notional amount of recognized in profit or loss.
currency derivative instruments), (ii) currency option contracts
(25%), and (iii) currency swaps (17%). 20.2.4 Credit derivative instruments
One of the main objectives of currency derivatives instruments The Group, as part of its investment and credit Risk Management
used by the Company is to limit variations in net foreign currency- activities, uses strategies that involve credit derivatives, which
denominated assets resulting from movements in exchange consist mainly of Credit Default Swaps (CDS). These instruments
rates in order to protect partially the value of AXA’s net foreign- are used as an alternative to corporate bonds portfolios, when
currency investments in its subsidiaries to the extent of the coupled with government debt instruments, but also as a
following year’s foreseeable dividends and more generally the protection on single names or specific portfolios.
exposure of AXA SA’s liquidity to forex movements. The notional
As of December 31, 2022, the notional amount of credit
amount of derivatives used by the Company to hedge the foreign
derivatives held by the Group was €10.5 billion compared to
currency exposure increased from €22.9 billion at the end of 2021
€12.4 billion at the end of 2021 (including the instruments held
to €28.7 billion at the end of 2022.
within investment funds of the “Satellite Investment Portfolio”
Currency derivative instruments are also used to hedge foreign for €0.8 billion; see Note 1.8.2).
exchange mismatch between assets and liabilities in insurance
Credit derivative instruments are mainly used to:
subsidiaries of the Group. While most of the operating units’
commitments are matched by assets denominated in the ■ hedge credit risk involving the purchase of CDS as a protection
same currency, some entities may invest in foreign currency mainly on single corporate names or specific portfolios starting
denominated assets to diversify their investments. This is the from a certain level of losses through tranches instruments
case mainly in (i) Switzerland using such contracts to hedge (notional amount of €1.0 billion at the end of 2022 versus
exchange rate risk arising from their investments in equities and €1.5 billion at the end of 2021);
debt instruments denominated in non-CHF currencies (mainly ■ enhance the return mainly on government bonds portfolios
Euro and US Dollar) with a total notional amount of €22.2 billion by holding government bonds and at same time selling
at the end of 2022 versus €17.9 billion at the end of 2021, protection on very good quality names as an alternative to
(ii) Japan using future and forward foreign currency contracts the direct purchase of a corporate bond. This type of ALM
to hedge exchange-rate risk arising from its investments mainly strategy is implemented to compensate for the lack of depth
in fixed-maturity debt instruments denominated in non JPY or liquidity in some markets by taking a synthetic credit risk
currencies with a total notional amount of €16.8 billion at the (notional amount of €9.5 billion at the end of 2022 versus
end of 2022 versus €16.5 billion at the end of 2021 and (iii) Hong €10.9 billion at the end of 2021).
Kong using forward contracts and cross currency swaps to hedge
The impact of derivative instruments is presented in the consolidated statement of financial position within their related underlying
financial assets (and liabilities see Note 20.4.). The table below sets out the impact of derivative instruments on the related underlying
assets.
(a) Carrying value, i.e. net of impairment, discount premiums and related amortization, including accrued interest, but excluding any impact of derivatives.
(b) Including macro-hedge and other derivatives.
(c) Carrying value (see (a)), including effect of hedging instruments (IAS 39), economic hedging instruments not acting as hedging under IAS 39, macro-hedge and other
derivatives.
(d) Other investments held through consolidated investment funds designated as at fair value through profit or loss.
(a) Carrying value, i.e. net of impairment, discount premiums and related amortization, including accrued interest, but excluding any impact of derivatives.
(b) Including macro-hedge and other derivatives.
(c) Carrying value, including effect of hedging instruments (IAS 39), economic hedging instruments not acting as hedging under IAS 39, macro-hedge and other derivatives.
(d) Other investments held through consolidated investment funds designated as at fair value through profit or loss.
The impact of derivative instruments is presented in the balance sheet within their related underlying financial liabilities (and assets
see Note 20.3). The tables below set out the impact of derivative instruments on the related underlying liabilities:
Liabilities arising from insurance contracts 381,109 623 381,732 387,827 (869) 386,958
Liabilities arising from insurance contracts where the
financial risk is borne by policyholders 59,829 - 59,829 66,983 - 66,983
TOTAL LIABILITIES ARISING FROM INSURANCE
CONTRACTS 440,938 623 441,561 454,810 (869) 453,941
TOTAL LIABILITIES ARISING FROM INVESTMENT
CONTRACTS 51,243 35 51,278 54,750 (71) 54,679
Macro-hedge and other derivative instruments on
insurance and investment contracts (liabilities) - (90) (90) - 77 77
Subordinated debt 12,069 (265) 11,804 10,780 (331) 10,449
Financing debt instruments issued 1,672 - 1,672 800 - 800
Financing debt owed to credit institutions - - - - - -
(a)
FINANCING DEBT 13,741 (265) 13,476 11,580 (331) 11,249
Liabilities arising from banking activities 12,161 782 12,944 14,653 (9) 14,643
PAYABLES 92,371 1,012 93,382 92,638 81 92,719
TOTAL DERIVATIVES 2,099 (1,123)
(a) Financing debts are disclosed in the balance sheet net of the impact of derivatives. As a result, the amount showing in the column “value including effect of derivatives” is
their carrying value.
As of December 31, 2022, derivatives related to banking liabilities an appropriate interest rate spread between its interest earning
shown in Note 15 are used to hedge interest rate risk exposures assets and interest bearing liabilities. Related hedged assets are
in the context of ordinary banking activities, in order to achieve disclosed in Note 9.4.2 and liabilities in Note 15.
Principles applied by the Group in order to proceed with the The Group mitigates counterparty credit risk of derivative
classification of financial instruments into the IFRS 13 fair value instruments by contractually requiring collateral for most
hierarchy categories and the fair value hierarchy applicable to derivative contracts. As of December 31, 2022, the adjustment
such instruments are described in Note 1.5. Same principles to the fair value of derivatives for non-performance risk was not
apply as far as derivatives instruments are concerned. material.
Given the Group’s scale and diversity, none of its clients accounts for more than 10% of its business.
France 5 1 - - 44 51
Europe 193 46 58 48 120 464
Asia 57 - - - - 57
AXA XL 82 - - - - 82
International 1 - 0 - 26 28
Transversal & Central Holdings 1,508 (0) 68 433 45 2,054
TOTAL 1,847 47 126 481 236 2,737
of which recognized over time 1,330 1 123 283 139 1,876
of which recognized at a point in time 517 46 3 198 97 860
France 6 1 - - 54 60
Europe 189 47 67 38 114 454
Asia 37 - - - - 37
AXA XL 64 - - - - 64
International 32 12 1 - 53 98
Transversal & Central Holdings 1,521 1 3 391 60 1,975
TOTAL 1,849 61 70 429 281 2,689
of which recognized over time 1,605 13 67 264 113 2,063
of which recognized at a point in time 244 48 3 165 167 626
(a) Reclassification of Architas activities (previously reported as part of France) to Transversal & Central Holdings.
(b) Net of intercompany eliminations and after deduction of the value related to the shares eliminated in consolidation.
(c) Including assets held for sale.
(a) Relates to liabilities arising from investment contracts without discretionary participation features including contracts where the financial risk is borne by policyholders.
Liabilities arising
Gross revenues from insurance contracts
(In Euro million) December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021 December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021
Investment in real estate properties at amortized cost 960 595 (1) (128) 1,427
Investment in real estate properties as at fair value
through profit or loss 15 - 21 - 36
Investment in real estate properties 975 595 20 (128) 1,463
Debt instruments held to maturity - - - - -
Debt instruments available for sale 8,972 (806) (1,939) (22) 6,204
Debt instruments designated as at fair value through
profit or loss (b) 291 - (1,346) - (1,055)
Debt instruments held for trading 0 - (0) - (0)
Non-quoted debt instruments (amortized cost) 354 (1) - (48) 305
Debt instruments 9,617 (807) (3,285) (71) 5,454
Equity instruments available for sale 401 2,290 (47) (1,116) 1,528
Equity instruments designated as at fair value through
profit or loss (c) 851 - 123 - 974
Equity instruments held for trading - - (0) - (0)
Equity instruments 1,252 2,290 76 (1,116) 2,502
Non-consolidated investment funds available for sale 459 37 12 (169) 340
Non-consolidated investment funds designated
as at fair value through profit or loss 308 - (17) - 290
Non-consolidated investment funds held for trading - - 0 - 0
Non consolidated investment funds 767 37 (6) (169) 630
Other assets held by consolidated investment funds
designated as at fair value through profit or loss 93 - (4) - 89
Loans held to maturity - - - - -
Loans available for sale 4 0 - 0 4
Loans designated as at fair value through profit or loss 0 - - - 0
Loans held for trading 58 - - - 58
Loans at cost 379 5 - (24) 360
Loans 441 5 - (24) 422
Assets backing contracts where the financial risk
is borne by policyholders - - (9,653) - (9,653)
Derivative instruments (470) - (66) - (536)
Investment management expenses (537) - - - (537)
Other 67 (7) 1,587 1 1,648
NET INVESTMENT RESULT 12,205 2,114 (11,329) (1,507) 1,483
Investment in real estate properties at amortized cost 1,065 398 - (134) 1,328
Investment in real estate properties as at fair value
through profit or loss 50 - (13) - 36
Investment in real estate properties 1,115 398 (14) (134) 1,364
Debt instruments held to maturity - - - - -
Debt instruments available for sale 9,140 277 (303) (0) 9,114
Debt instruments designated as at fair value through
profit or loss (b) 412 - (309) - 103
Debt instruments held for trading 0 - (0) - (0)
Non quoted debt instruments (amortized cost) 305 13 - - 319
Debt instruments 9,858 291 (612) (0) 9,536
Equity instruments available for sale 444 2,136 (32) (351) 2,197
Equity instruments designated as at fair value through
profit or loss (c) 417 - 1,980 - 2,397
Equity instruments held for trading - - 0 - 0
Equity instruments 861 2,136 1,948 (351) 4,594
Non consolidated investment funds available for sale 466 115 29 (54) 557
Non consolidated investment funds designated as at fair
value through profit or loss 343 - 295 - 638
Non consolidated investment funds held for trading 0 - (7) - (7)
Non consolidated investment funds 809 115 318 (54) 1,188
Other assets held by consolidated investment funds
designated as at fair value through profit or loss 85 - 26 - 111
Loans held to maturity (0) - - (0) (0)
Loans available for sale 4 0 - - 4
Loans designated as at fair value through profit or loss - - - - -
Loans held for trading - - - - -
Loans at cost
Loans
411
414
11
11
-
-
(29)
(29)
392
396
6
Assets backing contracts where the financial risk
is borne by policyholders - - 7,362 - 7,362
Derivative instruments (646) - (2,542) - (3,188)
Investment management expenses (597) - - - (597)
Other 266 237 1,480 0 1,984
NET INVESTMENT RESULT 12,165 3,188 7,965 (569) 22,749
(a) Includes all acquisition expenses relating to insurance and investment contracts before capitalization/amortization of deferred acquisition expenses and equivalents.
(b) Change (capitalization and amortization) in deferred acquisition expenses relating to insurance and investment contracts with discretionary participation features and
changes in net rights to future management fees relating to investment contracts with no discretionary participation features.
(a) In 2021, it includes losses related to the disposal processes of Malaysia, Singapore, and an additional provision for the Gulf Region, as well as the loss related to the disposal
of a General Account Savings portfolio in Belgium.
I Note 26 Employees
(a) Including redundancies and early retirement expenses (the triggering event being the set up of the plan), and profit sharing with employees in France.
26.2.1 Defined contribution plans Most of the defined benefit pension plans are funded through
long-term employee benefit funds or covered by insurance
The cost of the contributions paid was recognized as an expense policies or Mutual funds.
in the income statement, and amounted to €265 million in 2022
(€248 million in 2021). Benefit payments in the United Kingdom and Switzerland are
from trustee-administered funds and plan assets held in trusts
are governed by local regulations and practices. The Board of
26.2.2 Defined benefit plans
trustees, generally composed of representatives of the Company
AXA operates various defined post-employment benefit plans and plan participants in accordance with the respective plan’s
mainly in the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, France regulations is responsible for the governance of the plans
and Belgium. including investment decisions and contribution schedules in
The defined benefit pension plans within AXA are mostly final order to meet the existing minimum funding requirement or
salary pension plans or plans based on a cash balance formula, funding regime objective.
which provide benefits in the form of a guaranteed level of lump- In France and Belgium, benefit payments are managed by
sum payable at retirement age or pension payable for life. The insurance companies or Mutual funds.
level of benefits is generally based on members’ length of service In the United Kingdom, the main defined benefit plan was closed
and their salary in the final years leading up to retirement. to new members on August 31, 2013, and members who were
In Switzerland, the benefit plan is a Swiss contribution-based part of defined benefit sections had the option to participate in
plan classified as a defined benefit plan under IAS 19 because of defined contributions sections.
guarantees, risks related to the mortality and disability coverage. AXA XL sponsors different defined benefits: pension plans mainly
In the United Kingdom and Germany, pensions in payment are in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Germany, as well
generally updated in line with the retail price index or inflation, as deferred cash awards for executive officers.
as opposed to other countries where pensions do not necessarily
receive inflationary increases once in payment.
United United
Europe Switzerland Kingdom States Japan Other
United United
Europe Switzerland Kingdom States Japan Other
For any given plan, the discount rate is determined at the closing on actuarial advice in accordance with published statistics and
date by using market yields for the corresponding currency on experience in each country. Translated into average remaining
high quality corporate bonds with consideration of AA-rated life expectancy at retirement age (between 60 and 65 in average),
bonds and depending on the plan’s duration and the maturity the mortality assumptions would give:
profile of the defined benefit obligation. ■ 23.10 years for male and 25.87 years for female retiring at end
Significant demographic assumptions used by AXA are mortality of December 2022;
tables in the measurement of the Group’s obligations under its
■ 23.89 years for male and 26.54 years for female retiring at end
defined benefit schemes. These assumptions are often set based
of December 2032 (i.e. 10 years after the reporting date).
Benefits classified in “Other benefits” include post-retirement A surplus (including minimum funding requirement effect) is
benefits other than pensions, principally health care benefits for recognized to the extent that it is recoverable, either through
retirees and deferred cash awards. future contribution reductions or a refund to which AXA has an
unconditional right, including the ability to use the surplus to
generate future benefits.
The calculation of the periodic pension cost is based on a “spot DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SEPARATE
rate approach” or “full yield approach” that involves the use ASSETS (OR REIMBURSEMENT RIGHT) AND RELATED
of separate discount rates of the yield curve, to determine the OBLIGATIONS
related service cost, interest cost and interest income on assets Separate Assets amounted to €1,036 million as of December 31,
associated to each discounted cash flow or segregated subsets 2022 (€1,199 million as of December 31, 2021) mainly in France
of the plan’s obligation. and Belgium. This represents the fair value of assets backing
Defined Benefit Obligations covered by both (i) insurance
26.2.6 Change in the liability (net of plan policies written within the Group that provide direct rights to the
employees and, (ii) insurance policies with related parties that are
assets and cumulative impact
of asset ceiling) excluding Separate outside the scope of consolidation. Under these circumstances, 6
these assets are not considered as Plan Assets that would be
Assets recognized in the statement deducted from the pensions’ Defined Benefit Obligation (DBO),
of financial position but represent reimbursement rights accounted for as Separate
Consistently with IAS 19, the statement of financial position Assets under IAS 19. Insurance assets or liabilities (within the
liability reflects the funded status (liabilities net of plan assets Group) and pension obligations remain on the balance sheet.
and cumulative impact of asset ceiling) but excludes Separate Furthermore, in Spain, there are insurance policies issued by
Assets that are backing employee benefits. AXA entities, backing the pensions’ DBO. The allocated assets
26.2.7 Sensitivity analysis of the Defined Benefit Obligation (DBO): Gross of all assets
A description of the risk that pension schemes are exposed to is presented in Note 26.2.10. The sensitivity analysis for significant actuarial
assumptions showing how the Defined Benefit Obligation (totalling €14,375 million as of December 31, 2022 and €19,779 million as
of December 31, 2021) would have been affected by changes in the relevant actuarial assumption that is reasonably possible for year
ended as of December 31, 2022, and 2021 is presented below:
2022 2021
Effect of 0.50% Effect of 0.50% Effect of 0.50% Effect of 0.50%
increase decrease increase decrease
One year increase in the life expectancy (derived from adjusted for example if significant events occur during the period. Note
mortality rates) would result in an increase of 3.1% of the Defined that the 2022 normal employer contribution to the Scheme was
Benefit Obligation. reduced to nil as the actual deficit was lower than expected.
The sensibility analysis for a change in an assumption is Indeed, the Scheme finalized the March 31, 2021 triennial funding
measured while all other assumptions remain constant (no valuation in February 2022. As part of this actuarial valuation,
correlation between assumptions used). the appropriate level of future contributions to be paid were
determined per annum until December 31, 2030. However,
contributions from 2022 are subject to adjustments depending
26.2.8 Near-term cash flows (benefits paid on the deficit calculated at each March 31 from 2022.
and employer contributions)
In Switzerland and Belgium, entities used to fund the cost of
FUNDING POLICY AND FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS the entitlements expected to be earned on at least a yearly
THAT AFFECT FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS basis where contributions are determined as a percentage
In the United Kingdom, the Pensions Act 1995 is one of the main of pensionable salaries depending on the age-class of the
pieces of legislation which governs the operation of occupational beneficiaries.
pension schemes and the Pensions Act 2004 is the legislation In Switzerland, AXA Life Switzerland and AXA pension fund have
which sets out the scope of the scheme funding provisions and commonly decided in 2021 to terminate a collective insurance
under which regulations were made relating to the funding of contract covering a large part of the retirees’ obligation. The
occupational defined benefit pension schemes. Central to the allocated assets were transferred to the pension fund with an
scheme funding regime are: the Statutory Funding Objective effective transfer date as of January 1, 2022. They have been
(SFO), which is a requirement that the Scheme has sufficient aggregated in the Plan Assets backing the global pensions’ DBO in
and appropriate assets to meet its technical provisions (i.e. the Switzerland. As a result, the pension plan in Switzerland became
amount required, on an actuarial calculation, to make provision fully funded under IAS 19 after the transaction, then over-funded
for the scheme’s liabilities); and the Statement of Funding at the end of 2022 due to financial and economical conditions
Principles (SFP), which is a document prepared by the trustees at year end. As the Plan Assets in Switzerland are restricted to
which sets out its policy for ensuring that the SFO is met. employee benefits payments and cannot be returned to AXA,
As part of the triennial funding valuation process, acting in the net asset surplus was recognized up to the asset ceiling
accordance with the scheme funding legislation and the trust measured according to IAS 19 and IFRIC 14 as at December 31,
deed and rules of the AXA UK Group Pension Scheme, the Trustee 2022. The cumulative effect of asset ceiling is presented in the
determines an appropriate level of employer contributions to be pension financial position in Note 26.2.4.
paid to the AXA UK Group Pension Scheme, having consulted In France, voluntary regular employer annual contributions are
with the Scheme Actuary and discussed this with AXA UK plc. The made to Separate Assets, with an objective of the coverage ratio
resulting schedule of contributions is prepared by the Trustee remaining within a targeted range of the total defined benefit
and the Scheme Actuary sets out what contributions are payable obligation after consideration of the yearly predetermined
and by when. This is then agreed by AXA UK plc. Where there service cost.
is a deficit on a technical provision funding basis, the Trustee
In Germany, there is no requirement to fund employee defined
will also need to agree and put in place a Recovery Plan, which
benefit obligation.
sets out the period over which the SFO will be met. There is no
prescribed period for a recovery plan, but the Pension Regulator In summary, considering Other Assets in Spain and Separate
would generally be concerned about long recovery plans. The Assets i.e. all Assets other than Plan Assets backing the current
Trustee is required to prepare the schedule of contributions liabilities, the net economic situation of the funding for defined
following valuations but may revisit (and potentially amend) benefit plans is the following:
the schedule of contributions in between actuarial valuations,
(a) Amounts representing the defined benefit obligation less plan assets adjusted for assets not recoverable by asset ceiling impact.
(b) Amounts including separate assets or right to reimbursements and other assets managed within the Group but not taken into consideration in the pension disclosures as
described in Note 26.2.6.
ESTIMATED EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PLAN FOR THE NEXT ANNUAL REPORTING PERIOD
The estimated amount of 2023 employer contributions for pension benefits is €211 million (€216 million estimated in 2021 for 2022).
2023 915 68
2024 837 46
2025 839 28
2026 868 4
2027 881 4
Five years thereafter 4,525 17
From year N+11 until the last benefit payments is paid 20,073 61
These estimated future contributions and benefits expected to be paid are subject to uncertainty as they will be notably driven by
economics of future years.
Equity instruments 11.2% 0.0% 11.2% 0.1% 0.1% 0.2% 18.8% 0.0% 18.8% 3.0% 0.0% 3.0%
(a)
Debt instruments 37.1% 0.0% 37.1% 60.0% 0.0% 60.0% 21.8% 0.0% 21.8% 51.4% 0.0% 51.4%
Other (b) 7.0% 44.6% 51.6% 2.0% 37.9% 39.9% 8.6% 50.8% 59.4% 19.9% 25.7% 45.6%
TOTAL 55.4% 44.6% 100.0% 62.1% 37.9% 100.0% 49.2% 50.8% 100.0% 74.3% 25.7% 100.0%
TOTAL (in Euro million) 6,512 5,247 11,759 2,565 1,568 4,133 3,376 3,482 6,857 571 198 769
Equity instruments 8.9% 0.0% 8.9% 0.1% 0.1% 0.2% 22.4% 0.0% 22.4% 3.9% 0.0% 3.9%
Debt instruments 45.2% 0.0% 45.2% 65.2% 0.0% 65.2% 15.3% 0.0% 15.3% 53.3% 0.0% 53.3%
Other 11.5% 34.4% 45.9% 4.6% 30.1% 34.7% 18.7% 43.6% 62.3% 23.0% 19.7% 42.8%
TOTAL 65.6% 34.4% 100.0% 69.8% 30.2% 100.0% 56.4% 43.6% 100.0% 80.3% 19.7% 100.0%
TOTAL (in Euro million) 8,472 4,446 12,919 4,847 2,094 6,941 2,766 2,141 4,908 858 211 1,069
26.2.10 Management of risks specific regularly, following actuarial valuations of the funded benefit
to the Group arising from defined plans.
benefit plans The investment positions are managed within an Asset
Liability Management (ALM) framework defining an optimal
Local operating entities and trustees have the primary
strategic allocation with respect to the liabilities structure.
responsibility for managing the risks that plans are exposed
The management of the assets notably includes liquidity
to through a defined benefit plan, in accordance with local
management, diversification of each asset type so that the failure
legislation if any and the risk framework defined at local level.
of any specific investment does not present a material risk to the
Defined benefit plans expose AXA mainly to market investment plans, and implementation of hedging programs.
risk, interest rate risk, inflationary risk and longevity risk:
In the United Kingdom, the pension scheme entered into several
■ a decline in asset market value (equity, real estate, alternatives longevity swap transactions for economically hedging longevity
etc.) will immediately increase the balance sheet liability and risk inherent within the pensioner population:
the near-term cash flows for countries where there is minimum
■ in 2015, for covering pensioner members that retired prior to
funding requirements;
April 1, 2015;
■ a decrease in corporate bond yields will result in an increase
■ in 2019, for covering pensioner members that retired prior to
in plan liabilities even if this effect will be partially offset by an
April 1, 2019;
increase in the value of the plans’ bonds; and
■ in 2020 and most recently in 2021, for covering longevity risk
■ an increase in inflation rate or an increase in life expectancy
(subject to a level of retention) of the remaining unhedged
will result in higher plan liabilities thus, an increase in future
members.
employer contributions in countries where there is minimum
funding requirements. Furthermore, a hedging strategy has been put in place to protect
the scheme funding level from movements in inflation and
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND STRATEGIES USED interest rate. The strategy is reviewed on a regular basis by AXA
BY ENTITIES/TRUSTEES TO MANAGE RISKS UK, Trustees and investment advisors.
In most countries, Trustees or Investment Committees set Additionally, caps on inflationary increases were in place in the
the general investment policies and guidelines regarding the United Kingdom & Ireland to protect the scheme against extreme
allocation of plan assets in accordance with the long term inflation.
horizon of the benefit plans. The investment strategy is reviewed
(a) Net position (excluding separate assets) for pension benefits and other benefits as reported in Note 26.2.6.
(b) As of December 31, 2022, the amount comprises liabilities relating to DBVL, part of the AXA Germany business for which the sale process was not yet finalized.
(c) It corresponds to a liability of €4,567 million as of December 31, 2022 (€7,481 million as of December 31, 2021) included in the statement of financial position under the caption
“provision for risks and charges”, and an asset of €653 million (€232 million as of December 31, 2021) included in the statement of financial position under the caption ‘‘other
receivables’’.
6
Cost by plan
AXA SA Stock options 0.5 1.2
■ 2016 grants - 0.1
■ 2017 grants 0.1 0.4
■ 2018 grants 0.3 0.6
AXA Group Shareplan 7.3 6.9
■ Classic Plan 5.5 1.4
■ Leverage Plan 1.8 5.5
AXA Performance & Restricted Shares (in France) 71.7 67.8
■ 2018 grants - 3.9
■ 2019 grants 9.1 25.5
■ 2020 grants 22.1 21.4
■ 2021 grants 22.4 17.0
■ 2022 grants 18.1 -
AXA International Performance & Restricted Shares 85.7 84.3
■ 2017 grants - 9.2
■ 2018 grants 5.7 11.6
■ 2019 grants 8.2 20.8
■ 2020 grants 20.5 19.9
■ 2021 grants 28.9 22.9
■ 2022 grants 22.5 -
AXA Retirement Performance Shares 18.1 18.9
AXA Investment Managers Performance Shares 5.7 10.9
TOTAL EMPLOYEE SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION COST 189.0 190.1
The cost includes the expenses from share-based compensation 26.3.1 Share-based compensation
instruments issued by the Group as well as by AXA subsidiaries. instruments issued by the Group
The share-based compensation instruments listed above are
mostly composed of instruments settled in equity. The unit cost AXA SA STOCK OPTIONS
of the equity settled instruments does not vary for a given plan In 2019, after having progressively reduced the number of
while the cash settled instruments unit cost is updated at each stock options beneficiaries over the past, AXA’s Board of
closing. Directors, upon recommendation from its Compensation,
The total charge is amortized over the vesting period and Governance & Sustainability Committee, in order to simplify
adjusted at each future closing date for the difference between AXA’s compensation policy and in line with market practice,
actual and expected lapse to take into account actual service decided to cease awarding stock options to corporate officers
conditions and actual non-market performance conditions. and AXA key employees. These options were either subscription
options involving newly issued AXA ordinary shares or purchase
A detail of each of the major plans and the associated cost is options involving AXA treasury shares. While the precise terms
presented in Note 26.3.1 and Note 26.3.2. and conditions of each option grant may vary, options were
(i) granted at a price not less than the average closing price of the
ordinary share on the Paris Stock Exchange during the 20 trading
days preceding the date of grant, (ii) valid for a maximum term
of ten years, and (iii) vest in instalments of 33.33% per year on
each of the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the grant date.
From 2013, for all beneficiaries, the vesting of the final instalment All options granted to the members of the Management
has been subject to the fulfilment of the market performance Committee have been subject to the fulfilment of this market-
conditions regarding the performance of the AXA shares based performance condition.
compared to the STOXX Insurance Index (“SXIP”).
Options AXA
Outstanding on January 1 10.0 13.6 21.82 21.05
Granted - - - -
Exercised (2.1) (3.2) 20.75 18.98
Cancelled and expired (0.1) (0.3) 19.90 18.15
Outstanding as of December 31 7.7 10.0 22.15 21.82
Including the last grant in 2018, valid for a maximum term of 10 years, the number of outstanding options and the number of exercisable
options among the outstanding options are shown below by maturity date.
The fair value of AXA SA stock options was calculated using the
Black & Scholes option pricing model. The effect of expected
which was checked against an analysis of historical volatility to
ensure consistency. The expected AXA SA dividend yield was
early exercise was taken into account through the use of an based on the market consensus. The risk-free interest rate was
expected life assumption based on historical data. AXA SA share based on the Euro Swap Rate curve for the appropriate term.
price volatility was estimated on the basis of implied volatility,
The option pricing assumptions and fair value at grant date for plans issued for the last time in 2018 are shown below:
Assumptions
Dividend yield 5.79% 6.50% 6.60%
Volatility 20.72% 25.05% 26.60%
Risk-free interest rate 0.72% 0.55% 0.36%
Expected life (in years) 8.6 8.5 8.5
Weighted average fair value per option at grant date (in Euro) 1.21 1.81 1.80
The total cost has been amortized over the vesting period and Chief Executive Officer’s decision setting the definitive terms of
a nil estimated pre-vesting lapse rate was applied over the the operation.
remaining vesting period. On that basis, the expense recognized At the end of the five years holding period, the employees can,
in profit or loss for the year ended December 31, 2022 was depending on their residence country, receive the cash value
€0.5 million (€1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2021). of their investment, or transfer their investment in dedicated
AXA GROUP SHAREPLAN Mutual funds.
AXA offers its employees the opportunity to become shareholders In 2022, both Classic and Guarantee Plus plans were offered
through a special employee share offering. In countries that meet to AXA employees. The subscription price for the Classic plan
the legal and fiscal requirements, two investment options are amounted to €19.15 per share (discount of 20% to the reference
available: the Classic plan and the leveraged Guarantee Plus price of €23.93). The subscription price for the Guarantee Plus
plan. plan amounted to €22.16 per share (discount of 7.40% to the
reference price of €23.93).
The Classic plan allows employees to purchase, through a
personal investment, AXA shares either through Mutual funds A total of 13.9 million new shares were issued, increasing the
(FCPE) or through direct share ownership, depending on the share capital by €296.5 million. The 2022 offering represented
country, with a discount of 20%. The shares are held within a total cost of €7.3 million (€6.9 million for the year ended
the Group Company Savings Plans and are restricted from sale December 31, 2021).
during a period of approximately five years (except specific
OTHER SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
early exit cases allowed by applicable laws). Employees receive
dividends distributed by AXA during the holding period and at AXA Performance & Restricted Shares
the end, benefits are subject to the share price evolution, up or Performance & Restricted Shares can be granted to executive
down, as compared to the subscription price. officers and other key employees in France. These plans
The Guarantee Plus plan allows employees to purchase AXA are equity-settled award plans, subjected to a three-year
shares with a discount through a personal investment and a vesting period and performance conditions. The performance
bank contribution equal to 9 times the personal investment. conditions of Restricted Shares plans are solely linked to the
The shares are purchased either through Mutual funds (FCPE) or Group Sustainability performance. Whereas, the performance
through direct share ownership, depending on the country. The conditions of Performance Shares plans are based on the Group’s
shares are held within the Group Company Savings Plans and are financial targets and strategic orientations. In addition, for some
restricted from sale during a period of approximately five years identified beneficiaries, a compulsory two-year holding period
(except specific early exit cases allowed by applicable laws). can be applicable after the vesting period.
Employees’ personal investment is guaranteed by a bank, and In 2022, the valuation was based on a market price of €25.11 per
employees also benefit from either (i) a guaranteed minimum share at grant date and an estimate 5% pre-vesting lapse rate per
return of 3% per year on their personal investment, (ii) or, if more year. The grant date fair value of Performance & Restricted Shares
favourable than the guaranteed minimum return: a multiple of granted in 2022 was €17.31 (€15.57 for 2021 grants).
4 times the protected average increase of the AXA share price
The total cost of the Performance & Restricted Shares recorded
over the holding period. The calculation of the protected average
as of December 31, 2022, was €71.7 million in profit or loss
increase is based on the reference price which is the average
(€67.8 million as of December 31, 2021).
over the twenty trading days ending on the date preceding the
AXA International Performance & Restricted Shares In 2021, following the change in the deferred remuneration fully
International Performance & Restricted Shares can be granted in DIP, AXA Investment Managers decided to cease issuing the
to executive officers and other key employees outside of France. Investment Managers Performance Shares incentive plan. As a
result, the last plan was the one granted in March 2020.
Beneficiaries have the right to receive at the settlement date,
a certain number of AXA shares based on the achievement of The total cost of AXA Investment Managers Performance Shares
performance conditions (see above). The performance period recorded as of December 31, 2022, was €5.7 million in profit or
is currently three years. The vesting period is between three and loss (€10.9 million as of December 31, 2021).
five years. For some identified beneficiaries, a compulsory two-
year holding period can be applicable after the vesting period.
The settlement is made in shares rather than in cash (except 26.4 COMPENSATION OF MANAGEMENT
where the settlement in shares is impossible for legal or other AND OFFICERS
reasons).
The total cost of the International Performance & Restricted Compensation costs/expenses:
Shares recorded as of December 31, 2022, was €85.7 million in ■ short-term benefits: the compensation paid to the
profit or loss (€84.3 million as of December 31, 2021). Management Committee members in 2022 amounted to
€25.8 million (€19.2 million in 2021), including fixed salary,
AXA Retirement Performance Shares
bonuses, directors’ fees, benefits in kind and other short-term
As voted by the Shareholders’ Meeting of April 24, 2019, AXA’s benefits;
Board of Directors is authorized to grant retirement performance
shares to designated senior executives in France. Under this plan, ■ share-based compensations: the expense recognized in
beneficiaries of Performance Shares have the right to receive at 2022 in respect of share-based compensations granted to
the settlement date, a certain number of AXA shares based on the the Management Committee members was €15.5 million
achievement of a performance condition related to the average (€11.7 million in 2021);
AXA Group Solvency II ratio calculated during the performance ■ post-retirement benefits: the estimated cost of providing
period of three years. defined benefit pensions and other post-retirement benefits
The total cost of the Performance Shares Retirement recorded to the Management Committee members for the current year
as of December 31, 2022, was €18.1 million in profit or loss of service, measured in accordance with IAS 19, amounted to
(€18.9 million as of December 31, 2021). €4.0 million in 2022 (€3.9 million in 2021).
(in Euro million) (a) December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021
(a) Except for number of shares (million of units) and earnings per share (Euro).
(b) Weighted average.
(c) Taking into account the impact of potentially dilutive instruments.
In 2022, net income per ordinary share attributable to continuing In 2021, net income per ordinary share attributable to continuing
operations stood at €2.84 on a basic calculation and at €2.83 on operations stood at €2.98 on a basic calculation and at €2.97 on
a fully diluted calculation. a fully diluted calculation.
Commitments received by AXA totaled €48,084 million at the Pledged securities and collateralized commitments received
end of 2022, a decrease by €6,973 million compared to the end totaled to €11,291 million at the end of 2022:
of 2021, mainly related to guarantee commitments received for ■ collaterals for reinsurance operations totaled to €8,000 million
€6,310 million driven by (i) €2,428 million guarantees related to mainly in Hong Kong (€3,609 million), in France (€3,122 million),
loans at AXA Banque, and (ii) €3,696 million other guarantees in AXA XL (€607 million) and at AXA SA (€470 million);
received from customers at AXA Banque.
■ collateral for derivatives totaled to €3,291 million mainly in
These commitments can be broken down as follows:
France (€1,244 million), in Hong Kong (€676 million) in Japan
Financing commitments received totaled to €10,060 million at (€512 million), in Germany (€232 million) and in Belgium
the end of 2022, and mainly consisted of: (€232 million).
■ unused credit lines received by holdings for €8,077 million Letters of credit received totaled to €407 million at the end of
mainly at AXA SA (€7,868 million); 2022 mainly at AXA SA (€227 million), and France (€137 million)
■ commitment lines for €1,983 million granted to AXA XL due to letter of credits related to reinsurance transactions.
(€1,546 million) and Japan (€437 million) as part of their Other commitments received totaled to €3,089 million at
operations. the end of 2022, mainly related to mortgages received as
Guarantee commitments received totaled to €23,237 million guarantees for debt instrument in Germany (€671 million), Japan
at the end of 2022, mainly from (i) guarantees from costumers (€546 million), Italy (€497 million), Belgium (€423 million), and
France (€388 million).
related to mortgage loans €12,957 million received mainly in
Switzerland (€10,132 million), at AXA Banque (€2,347 million) 6
and Belgium (€478 million), (ii) €6,756 million guarantees
related to loans mainly at AXA Banque (€6,670 million), and
(iii) € 3,288 million other guarantees received from customers
at AXA Banque.
Commitments given totaled to €44,869 million at the end of Letters of credit given totaled to €3,158 million at the end of
2022, a decreased by €30 million compared to the end of 2021. 2022 and were mainly at AXA XL (€3,103 million).
These commitments can be broken down as follows: Other commitments given totaled to €20,191 million at the end
Financing commitments given totaled to €690 million at the of 2022 and mainly consisted of:
end of 2022 and consisted of financing loans commitments to ■ €7,163 million commitments to private equity funds mainly
customers granted mainly at AXA Banque (€431 million) and in Germany (€2,852 million), Japan (€1,601 million) France
Germany (€231 million). (€1,273 million), AXA XL (€491 million) and Hong Kong
Guarantee commitments given totaled to €7,832 million at the (€484 million);
end of 2022 mainly from (i) other guarantees given to customers ■ €6,560 million commitments to invested assets other
for €5,165 million, mainly in Germany (€4,393 million) and France than Real Estate funds or private equity funds mainly in
(€687 million), as well as (ii) guarantee commitments given to France (€2,877 million), Germany (€1,917 million), AXA XL
credit institutions related to loans for €2,489 million mainly at (€563 million), Japan (€562 million), in United Kingdom
AXA SA (€2,068 million). (€404 million) and Belgium (€81 million);
Pledged securities and collateralized commitments given ■ €3,151 million commitments to Real Estate funds mainly in
totaled to €12,998 million at the end of 2022: Germany (€1,355 million), France (€1,267 million) and Japan
■ pledged assets and collaterals for derivatives instruments (€340 million);
totaled to €9,310 million mainly from France (€3,685 million), ■ €1,162 million commitments related to group insurance
Hong Kong (€1,464 million), Germany (€1,440 million), and contracts mainly at AXA SA (€920 million) and France
Japan (€840 million); (€242 million);
■ other pledged assets/collaterals totaled to €2,928 million ■ €541 million commitments related to acquisition/disposals of
mainly at AXA Banque (€2,283 million) and Hong Kong companies mainly at AXA SA (€511 million);
(€639 million);
■ €482 million commitments related to insurance regulatory
■ pledged assets and collaterals for reinsurance operations commitments/Insurance protection funds mainly in Germany
totaled to €759 million mainly in France (€690 million). (€463 million).
As of December 31, 2022, pledged securities and collateralized Certain AXA subsidiaries and joint ventures, principally insurance
commitments received related to reverse repurchase companies, are subject to restrictions on the amount of funds
agreements and similar operations amounted to €9,658 million they may transfer in the form of cash dividends or otherwise.
(€14,701 million as of December 31, 2021). In most cases, the amounts available for distribution from
As of December 31, 2022, pledged securities and collateralized AXA’s insurance subsidiaries and joint ventures are limited to
commitments given related to repurchase agreements and net income for the year and retained earnings calculated in
similar operations amounted to €45,436 million (€49,487 million accordance with the statutory accounting policies used by the
as of December 31, 2021) (see Note 9.7). subsidiaries to prepare their local financial statements. Further
restrictions may be imposed by the local insurance regulators in
countries where AXA operates. In some cases, amounts available
29.4 OTHER AGREEMENTS for distribution are also subject to regulatory capital adequacy
tests or the approval of an independent actuary or subject to
individual provisions contained in a company’s by laws.
29.4.1 Partial disposal of UK Life & Savings In accordance with European Union directives, insurance
operations companies with their registered office in a European Union
member country are required to maintain minimum solvency
AXA has guaranteed the liabilities and obligations of AXA UK in ratios which must be supported by eligible elements. AXA’s
connection with the sale, in 2010, of part of its Life & Savings insurance operations in countries outside the European Union
insurance business to Resolution Ltd. This includes the potential are also subject to local capital adequacy and solvency margin
liability of AXA UK under customary warranties and indemnities regulations.
given by AXA UK to Resolution Ltd. in connection with this
transaction. AXA SA is exposed to foreign currency fluctuations notably
stemming from its Non-Euro participations. The aim of the
hedging programs of the Company is to protect partially the
29.4.2 Employee and director value of AXA’s net foreign-currency investments in its subsidiaries
Indemnification Obligations to the extent of the following year’s foreseeable dividends and
In addition to other employment-related obligations, various more generally the exposure of AXA SA’s liquidity to foreign
AXA subsidiaries are required to indemnify their employees and exchange movements.
directors against certain liabilities and costs that they may incur
from time to time in performing activities within the scope of
their duties. These activities may include, for example, service
as a director, officer, agent, general partner, or in a similar
capacity for (i) an AXA Group company other than the employee’s
principal employer or (ii) a company outside the AXA Group
where service is at the request of (or for the benefit of) the Group
(e.g. joint ventures, partnerships, or special-purpose investment
Companies or funds). The potential amount of compensation
relating to commitments covered by these obligations cannot
be evaluated with any certainty.
The table below distinguishes the fee amounts paid by AXA to each of the Statutory Auditors in charge of auditing the Group’s financial
statements between the fees for the legal mission of Statutory Auditors of the statements and for other services.
2022
PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) EY (Ernst & Young)
Amount (before VAT) Amount (before VAT)
Rest of Rest of
(in Euro million, except percentages) France the world Total % France the world Total %
(a) Fees for other services paid to Statutory Auditors mainly relate to (i) other insurance assignments - agreed upon procedures on financial information, insurance services
over regulatory information, comfort letters, SSAE16/ISAE3402 reports, insurance reports on EOF and SFCR, and due diligences, (ii) tax services - out of France such as tax
compliance services, and (iii) other permitted advisory services.
2021
PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) Mazars
Amount (before VAT) Amount (before VAT)
Rest of Rest of
(in Euro million, except percentages) France the world Total % France the world Total %
(a) Fees for other services paid to Statutory Auditors mainly relate to (i) other insurance assignments - agreed upon procedures on financial information, insurance services
over regulatory information, comfort letters, SSAE16/ISAE3402 reports, insurance reports on EOF and SFCR, and due diligences, (ii) tax services - out of France such as tax
compliance services, and (iii) other permitted advisory services.
External audit fees are also paid by certain Affiliates and Mutual funds which are not required to be included in the table above.
I Note 31 Litigations
With respect to all significant litigation matters, we consider the A number of lawsuits have been filed against insurers in
likelihood of a negative outcome. If we determine the likelihood the United States and elsewhere involving the scope and
of a negative outcome is probable, and the amount of the loss interpretation of policies, insurers’ sales practices, alleged
can be reasonably estimated, we establish a reserve and record misconduct or misrepresentation, alleged failure to properly
an estimated loss for the expected outcome of the litigation. supervise agents, compensation of intermediaries, product
However, it is often difficult to predict the outcome or estimate features, fees or performance , alleged bad-faith denials of
a possible loss or range of loss because litigation is subject coverage as well as numerous other matters. Some of these
to inherent uncertainties, particularly when plaintiffs allege actions have resulted in the award of substantial judgments
substantial or indeterminate damages, the litigation is in its early against insurers (including material amounts of punitive
stages, or when the litigation is highly complex or broad in scope. damages) or in substantial settlements. In certain jurisdictions,
juries have broad discretion in awarding punitive damages.
AXA’s subsidiaries are involved in these types of litigations
31.1 MATTERS CONCERNING AXA SA as well as regulatory inquiries, investigations or actions with
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES respect to these and a wide variety of other matters related to
the ownership or management of real estate, asset or investment
AXA and its subsidiaries are involved in various legal actions and
proceedings of a character normally incidental to their business
activities, corporate transactions, employee benefit disputes,
alleged discrimination in employment practices, as well as other 6
matters.
including claims litigation arising in connection with the Group’s
insurance business and litigation arising from the Group’s Asset A number of AXA subsidiaries are involved in ongoing litigations
Management business. relating to COVID-19 exposure under business interruption
policies and non-damage business interruption extensions to
In addition, several AXA subsidiaries are involved in lawsuits business interruption policies.
(both class action and individual), investigations, and other
actions arising in the various jurisdictions where they do Some of the litigations described in this section have been
business, including the United States. brought on behalf of various alleged classes of claimants, and
certain of the claimants in these actions seek significant or
unspecified amounts of damages, including punitive damages.
AXA XL Division AXA and certain of its subsidiaries are also involved in tax
assessment negotiations and/or active litigation with tax
US OPIOID LITIGATION authorities over contested assessments or other matters in a
Lawsuits have been filed throughout the United States against number of jurisdictions including in France. These actions or
various manufacturers, distributors and retailers of opioid assessments arise in a variety of circumstances including matters
medications, some of whom are insured by entities in the AXA in connection with M&A, restructuring or financing transactions
XL Division and several of whom have entered into multi-billion as well as in the ordinary course of business.
dollar settlements. The AXA XL Division is party to coverage Over the past several years a number of jurisdictions, including
actions brought by manufacturers (including Purdue Pharma), France and Belgium, have enacted legislation that permits
distributors and retailers against insurers. Most of these are in corporate entities to be charged with criminal offences. The
the early stages and it is expected that the coverage litigation standard for attributing criminal conduct by corporate officers
(including appeals) and possible arbitrations will take several and employees to corporate entities is not clearly defined
years to reach final resolution. in many of these jurisdictions and government prosecutors
and judges have broad discretion in this area. In recent years,
AVIATION LITIGATION FOLLOWING THE RUSSIAN INVASION complaints against or indictments of corporate entities for
OF UKRAINE
alleged criminal offences have become increasingly common
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, lawsuits have been filed and certain AXA Group companies have been the subject of penal
against the AXA XL Division in the UK, Ireland and the United complaints and/or indictments from time to time including in
States relating to alleged aircraft losses in Russia. The AXA XL Belgium, France, and Switzerland. While a criminal complaint
Division provides coverage to aircraft lessors for their aircraft , against or indictment of a corporate entity may not pose material
engines and spares under various types of aviation policies financial risk, it has broad potential implications for a regulated
(including lessor war and lessor all risk) as well as other insured financial institution like AXA both from a reputation point of view
under separate policies (for example, aircraft operators under and from a regulatory perspective because a criminal conviction
operator war and operator all risk). The lawsuits are at an early can have potentially far reaching negative implications for AXA
stage, and we do not expect substantive rulings until 2024. Group companies engaged in regulated businesses around the
world (including for their ability to obtain or maintain licenses
to engage in certain types of regulated business activities such
31.2 OTHER LITIGATION as asset management, insurance and banking).
Beyond litigation risks of the type described above, AXA and
In addition to the various matters noted above, AXA and certain its subsidiaries are subject to comprehensive regulation in the
of its subsidiaries are involved in numerous legal actions and various jurisdictions where they do business. In this context,
proceedings arising out of transactions involving the acquisition AXA and its subsidiaries are subject, from time to time, to
or sale of businesses or assets, mergers or other business examinations, investigations, enforcement proceedings and
combination transactions, the establishment or dissolution other actions by regulatory and law enforcement authorities
of joint ventures or other partnerships, public exchange or (involving civil and/or penal matters) as well as to proposed
tender offers, buy-outs of minority interests or similar types changes in law and/or regulation that may significantly
of transactions (“M&A Transactions”). In connection with M&A impact their business and results of operations. For additional
Transactions, AXA and its subsidiaries from time to time: information on these matters as well as other risks and
■ are involved in legal actions or other claims brought by contingent liabilities affecting the Group and its business,
purchasers, joint venture partners, shareholders or other please see Section 5.1 “Risk Factors” and Section 7.3 “General
transaction parties asserting claims for damages on various Information” and Note 29 “Contingent assets and liabilities and
theories (including misrepresentation, failure to disclose unrecognized contractual commitments” in Part 6 “Consolidated
material information, failure to perform contractual Financial Statements” of this Annual Report.
duties, breach of fiduciary duties), seeking contractual Although the outcome of any lawsuit cannot be predicted
indemnification, or otherwise seeking to impose liability on with certainty, particularly in the early stages of an action,
AXA and/or its subsidiaries; and/or Management believes that the ultimate resolutions of the
matters described above are not likely to have a material
■ benefit from contractual rights to indemnification from third
adverse effect on the consolidated financial position of the
party sellers or other transaction counterparties that are
Group, taken as a whole. In addition, as of December 31, 2022,
designed to protect the Group against existing or potential
to the Company’s knowledge, there were no other governmental,
future litigation exposures or other types of contingent
judicial or arbitration proceedings, either pending or threatened,
liabilities of the acquired businesses or assets. These
that may have, or have had a significant impact on the financial
indemnities generally constitute unsecured obligations of
situation or profitability of the Company or the Group over the
the indemnifying party and, consequently, their value may be
past 12 months. However, due to the nature of such lawsuits
substantially impaired or rendered worthless in the event of
and investigations and the frequency of large damage awards
the bankruptcy or insolvency of the indemnifying party.
and regulatory sanctions in certain jurisdictions (particularly the or predict whether these matters, individually or in the aggregate,
United States) that bear little or no relation to actual economic will have a material adverse effect on the Group’s consolidated
damages incurred by plaintiffs or the underlying regulatory results of operations in any particular period.
violations, Management cannot make an estimate of loss, if any,
(1) The Shareholders’ Annual General Meeting authorization granted on April 28, 2022, or the authorization expected to be granted by the Shareholders’
Annual General Meeting on April 27, 2023, as applicable.
(2) The up-to €1.1 billion share buy-back program will be executed in addition to any other potential share buy-back transactions that may be launched by
AXA, including the previously announced share buy-back to be executed following the closing of the sale of the closed Life & Pensions portfolio by AXA
Germany.
(3) The purchase price will not exceed the maximum purchase price approved at the applicable Shareholders’ Annual General Meeting.
(4) https://www.axa.com/en/investor/share-buyback-programs#tab=share-buy-back-program-total
This is a translation into English of the statutory auditors’ report on the consolidated financial statements of the Company issued in French
and it is provided solely for the convenience of English-speaking users.
This statutory auditors’ report includes information required by European regulations and French law, such as information about the
appointment of the statutory auditors or the verification of the information concerning the Group presented in the management report.
This report should be read in conjunction with, and construed in accordance with, French law and professional auditing standards
applicable in France.
To the Annual General Meeting of AXA S.A.,
OPINION
In compliance with the engagement entrusted to us by your Annual General Meeting, we have audited the accompanying consolidated
financial statements of AXA S.A. for the year ended December 31,2022.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of the assets and liabilities and of the financial position
of the Group as at December 31, 2022 end and of the results of its operations for the year then ended in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union.
The audit opinion expressed above is consistent with our report to the Audit Committee.
Audit Framework
We conducted our audit in accordance with professional standards applicable in France. We believe that the audit evidence we have
obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Statutory Auditors’ Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated
Financial Statements section of our report.
Independence
We conducted our audit engagement in compliance with the independence requirements of the French Commercial Code (Code de
commerce) and the French Code of Ethics for Statutory Auditors (Code de déontologie de la profession de commissaire aux comptes)
for the period from January 1, 2022 to the date of our report and specifically we did not provide any prohibited non-audit services
referred to in Article 5(1) of Regulation (EU) No. 537/2014.
Measurement of claims reserves in the Property & Casualty line of business notably for long-tail claims
(See Notes 1.14.2, 4.4 and 14 to the consolidated financial statements)
Risk identified Our response
As at December 31, 2022, the Group recorded claims reserves Our audit approach to the risk relating to the measurement of claims
of €92,986 million, as described in Note 14.2 to the consolidated reserves in the Property & Casualty notably for long-tail claims is as
financial statements. follows:
■ We assessed the compliance of the methodology applied by the
As stated in Note 1.14.2 to the consolidated financial statements, Group with current accounting standards and its application;
these reserves correspond to the total estimated ultimate cost of ■ We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of
settling an insurance claim. They include claims reported, claims the controls we deemed key to our audit and relating to:
incurred but not reported (IBNR) as well as claims handling costs. – the management of claims and, in particular, the measurement
of reserves on a case-by-case basis;
These reserves are calculated using statistical and actuarial methods, – the calculation of the ultimate cost (assumptions, judgments,
on the basis of historical data, and use assumptions to estimate data, methodologies, compliance with the applicable
ultimate claims cost. accounting standards), including second opinions supplied
by the Risk Management teams with respect to technical
For some insurance contracts, these estimates require a high degree reserves;
of judgment, and the assumptions selected may have a significant – the IT systems used to process the technical data and
impact on the ultimate claims cost at the end of the reporting period integration into the accounting system.
as the inherent uncertainty is higher. This is especially the case for ■ We tested the reliability of the underlying data;
the long-tail Property & Casualty line of business such as general and ■ We applied analytical procedures (including monitoring the
professional liability, worker’s compensation, and other specialty change in loss ratios) to analyze the significant changes that took
lines. place over the reporting period;
■ We have evaluated, notably on branches where the estimation of
In addition, estimates of gross and net loss from natural catastrophe claims reserves has a higher risk of uncertainty and judgment, the
events and large man-made losses, including business written or outcome of the accounting estimates made the previous years in
reinsured through AXA XL, are more difficult to project as they are order to assess the reliability of the process used by Management
less frequent but can be of higher severity. to calculate these estimates;
■ Our work also consisted in assessing the relevance of the
Due to these inherent uncertainties to calculate the estimates, statistical methods and actuarial inputs applied, as well as of
we deemed the measurement of claim reserves in the Property & the assumptions used, with respect to the applicable regulations,
Casualty line of business notably for long-tail claims to be a key audit market practices, ongoing litigations and the economic and
matter. financial context of the AXA S.A. Group;
■ We have, with the help of our actuarial specialists, undertook
an independent evaluation of the reserves for some insurance
risk categories.
Accordingly, we deemed the measurement of the recoverable We assessed the adequacy of the disclosures in the notes to the
amount of goodwill to be a key audit matter. consolidated financial statements.
SPECIFIC VERIFICATIONS
We have also performed, in accordance with professional standards applicable in France, the specific verifications required by laws
and regulations of the information relating to the Group given in the Board of Directors’ management report.
We have no matters to report as to its fair presentation and its consistency with the consolidated financial statements, it being specified
that it is not our responsibility to conclude on the fair presentation and consistency with the financial statements of the solvency related
information extracted from the report required by Article L. 356-23 of the French Insurance Code (Code des assurances).
We attest that the consolidated non-financial statement required by Article L. 225-102-1 of the French Commercial Code (Code de
commerce) is included in the information relating to the Group given in the management report, it being specified that, in accordance
with Article L. 823-10 of said Code, we have verified neither the fair presentation nor the consistency with the consolidated financial
statements of the information contained therein.This information should be reported on by an independent third party.
On the basis of our work, we conclude that the preparation of the consolidated financial statements included in the annual financial
report complies, in all material respects, with the European single electronic format.
Due to the technical limitations inherent to the block-tagging of the consolidated financial statements according to the European
single electronic format, the content of certain tags of the notes may not be rendered identically to the accompanying consolidated
financial statements.
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union and for such internal control as Management determines
is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due
to fraud or error.
In preparing the consolidated financial statements, Management is responsible for assessing the Company’s ability to continue as a
going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless it
is expected to liquidate the Company or to cease operations.
The Audit Committee is responsible for monitoring the financial reporting process and the effectiveness of internal control and risk
management systems and where applicable, its internal audit, regarding the accounting and financial reporting procedures.
The consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors.
■ Evaluates the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures
made by Management in the consolidated financial statements.
■ Assesses the appropriateness of Management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence
obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Company’s
ability to continue as a going concern. This assessment is based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of his audit report.
However, future events or conditions may cause the Company to cease to continue as a going concern. If the statutory auditor
concludes that a material uncertainty exists, there is a requirement to draw attention in the audit report to the related disclosures in
the consolidated financial statements or, if such disclosures are not provided or inadequate, to modify the opinion expressed therein.
■ Evaluates the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements and assesses whether these statements represent the
underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.
■ Obtains sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business activities within the Group
to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements. The statutory auditor is responsible for the direction, supervision
and performance of the audit of the consolidated financial statements and for the opinion expressed on these consolidated financial
statements.
We submit to the Audit Committee a report which includes in particular a description of the scope of the audit and the audit program
implemented, as well as the results of our audit. We also report significant deficiencies, if any, in internal control regarding the accounting
and financial reporting procedures that we have identified.
Our report to the Audit Committee includes the risks of material misstatement that, in our professional judgment, were of most
significance in the audit of the consolidated financial statements of the current period and which are therefore the key audit matters
that we are required to describe in this report.
We also provide the Audit Committee with the declaration provided for in Article 6 of Regulation (EU) No. 537/2014, confirming our
independence within the meaning of the rules applicable in France as set out in particular in Articles L. 822-10 to L. 822-14 of the French
Commercial Code (Code de commerce) and in the French Code of Ethics for Statutory Auditors (Code de déontologie de la profession
de commissaire aux comptes). Where appropriate, we discuss with the Audit Committee the risks that may reasonably be thought to
bear on our independence, and the related safeguards.
7.2
AXA SHARES
Trading on Euronext Paris
SHARE CAPITAL
Capital ownership
Transactions involving AXA’s share capital
Fully diluted capital on December 31, 2022
7 450
450
451
451
453
454
Financial authorizations 454
The principal trading market for AXA ordinary shares is Euronext Paris (Compartment A). Since the delisting of AXA ADRs (American
Depositary Receipts representing American Depositary Shares (“ADS”), each representing one AXA ordinary share) from the New York
Stock Exchange on March 26, 2010, AXA ADRs have traded on the U.S. over-the-counter (“OTC”) market and are listed on the OTC QX
platform under the symbol AXAHY.
The table below sets forth, for the periods indicated, the reported high and low prices (intraday) in Euro for AXA ordinary shares on
Euronext Paris:
2021
Third quarter 24.4 20.8
Fourth quarter 26.6 23.3
2022
First quarter 29.1 21.0
Second quarter 27.4 21.3
Third quarter 25.8 20.3
Fourth quarter 27.7 21.8
Annual 29.1 20.3
2022 and 2023
August 2022 24.9 22.1
September 2022 25.8 22.2
October 2022 25.1 21.8
November 2022 27.6 24.9
December 2022 27.7 25.9
January 2023 28.8 26.1
February 2023 30.2 27.6
I Capital ownership
On December 31, 2022, AXA’s fully paid up and issued share capital amounted to €5,385,555,464.05 divided into 2,351,770,945 ordinary
shares, each with a par value of €2.29 and eligible for dividends as of January 1, 2022.
To the best of the Company’s knowledge, the table below summarizes the ownership of its issued outstanding ordinary shares and
related voting rights on December 31, 2022:
(a) In this table, voting rights’ percentages are calculated on the basis that all outstanding ordinary shares are entitled to voting rights, notwithstanding the fact that certain
of these shares may be deprived of voting rights by law or otherwise (for example, treasury shares are deprived of voting rights under French law).
(b) AXA Assurances IARD Mutuelle (12.40% of capital ownership and 20.71% of voting rights) and AXA Assurances Vie Mutuelle (2.97% of capital ownership and 4.95% of voting
rights).
(c) These shares will be entitled to vote when they cease to be treasury shares (e.g. upon their sale or other transfer to an unaffiliated third party).
(d) Treasury shares as indicated in Note 13 “Shareholders’ equity and minority interests” in Part 6 - “Consolidated Financial Statements” of this Annual Report.
(e) Source: Euronext Notice of January 4, 2023.
AXA Assurances IARD Mutuelle and AXA Assurances Vie Mutuelle To the best of the Company’s knowledge and except as indicated
(the “Mutuelles AXA”) are parties to agreements pursuant to in the table above, on the date of publication of the present
which they have stated their intention to collectively vote their Annual Report, only one shareholder, BlackRock Inc., acting on
shares in AXA. As part of these agreements, the Mutuelles AXA behalf of the clients and funds it manages, holds more than 5%
have established a Strategy Committee (Comité de Coordination of the Company’s share capital and voting rights.
Stratégique) composed of certain directors from their respective Certain of the Company’s shares are entitled to double
b oards. The Strategy Committee has elected amongst its voting rights as described in Section 7.3 “General information
members Mr. Philippe Guérand as Chairman. It is generally – Voting rights” of this Annual Report. Of the Company’s
consulted on all significant matters relating to the Mutuelles 2,351,770,945 outstanding ordinary shares on December 31,
AXA including their collective shareholding in AXA and overall 2022, 465,131,947 shares entitled their holders to double voting
relationship with the Company and the AXA Group. rights as of that date.
Significant changes in the Company’s share capital ownership between December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2022 are set forth in
the table below:
On December 31, 2022 (a) On December 31, 2021 (a) On December 31, 2020 (a)
Capital Capital Capital
owner- Voting owner- Voting owner- Voting
Number of ship Number of rights Number of ship Number of rights Number of ship Number of rights
shares (in %) voting rights (in %) shares (in %) voting rights (in %) shares (in %) voting rights (in %)
Mutuelles AXA (b) 361,507,687 15.37% 722,970,870 25.67% 361,466,657 14.93% 710,908,613 24.73% 361,466,657 14.95% 710,459,194 24.75%
Employees and
agents 98,878,614 4.20% 169,051,398 6.00% 99,176,003 4.10% 171,997,892 5.98% 103,366,466 4.27% 177,771,805 6.19%
Treasury shares
held directly by
the Company 87,231,920 3.71% [87,231,920] (c) [3.09%] (c) 65,818,351 2.72% [65,818,351] (c) [2.29%] (c) 32,296,045 1.34% [32,296,045] (c) [1.12%] (c)
Treasury shares
held by Company
subsidiaries (d) 7,148 0.00% [14,296] (c) [0.00%] (c) 223,814 0.01% [230,962] (c) [0.01%] (c) 240,064 0.01% [247,342] (c) [0.01%] (c)
General public 1,804,145,576 76.72% 1,837,634,408 65.24% 1,894,883,871 78.25% 1,926,155,315 66.99% 1,921,020,176 79.43% 1,950,105,021 67.93%
(e)
TOTAL 2,351,770,945 100% 2,816,902,892 100% 2,421,568,696 100% 2,875,111,133 100% 2,418,389,408 100% 2,870,879,407 100%
(a) In this table, voting rights’ percentages are calculated on the basis that all outstanding ordinary shares are entitled to voting rights, notwithstanding the fact that certain
of these shares may be deprived of voting rights by law or otherwise (for example, treasury shares are deprived of voting rights under French law).
(b) AXA Assurances IARD Mutuelle and AXA Assurances Vie Mutuelle.
(c) These shares will be entitled to vote when they cease to be treasury shares (e.g. upon their sale or other transfer to an unaffiliated third party).
(d) Treasury shares as indicated in Note 13 “Shareholders’ equity and minority interests” in Part 6 - “Consolidated Financial Statements” of this Annual Report.
(e) Source: Euronext Notice of January 4, 2023.
On December 31, 2022, to the best of the Company’s knowledge EMPLOYEE SHAREHOLDERS
based on the information available to it, the Company had 13,897
total registered holders of its ordinary shares (i.e., shareholders
holding in nominative form). Shareplan
Since 1993, the AXA Group has promoted employee shareholding
TRANSACTIONS COMPLETED IN 2022 by offering each year to its employees an opportunity to
become shareholders through a share capital increase reserved
BY AXA INVOLVING ITS OWN SHARES exclusively to them (“Shareplan”).
In connection with the share repurchase programs approved by By virtue of the authorization granted by the Shareholders’
AXA’s shareholders during their Shareholders’ Meetings held on Meeting of April 28, 2022, the Board of Directors increased the
April 29, 2021, (resolution 15) and April 28, 2022, (resolution 20) Company’s share capital through the issue of shares reserved to
and pursuant to Article L.22-10-62 of the French Commercial the Group employees under the Shareplan 2022 program. The
Code (Code de commerce), (i) 117,153,770 AXA shares (1) were shareholders waived their preferential subscription rights so
repurchased (for the purposes of (a) hedging free grants of shares that this offering could be made exclusively to Group employees
to employees of the Group or (b) cancelling them) for an average (“Shareplan 2022”).
weighted gross unit price per share of €24.90, and (ii) no AXA In countries that met the legal, regulatory and tax requirements
shares were sold between January 1 and December 31, 2022. to participate in Shareplan, two investment options were offered
On December 31, 2022, the total number of AXA treasury shares, to the Group employees in 2022:
all allocated for hedging or cancellation purposes, was 87,231,920 ■ the classic offer, proposed in 36 countries,
or 3.71% of AXA’s share capital at that date). The booking value
■ the guarantee plus offer, proposed in 32 countries.
of these 87,231,920 treasury shares on December 31, 2022 was
€2,024,029,111.82. These shares were acquired for an aggregate The classic offer allowed employees to subscribe through a
purchase price of €2,917,357,426.59 (with a par value of €2.29 per share). personal investment to AXA shares (either through Mutual
Furthermore, for information purposes, it should be noted that funds (FCPE) or through direct share ownership, depending on
on December 31, 2022, the total number of treasury shares held their country) with a 20% discount. The shares are held within
by Company subsidiaries was 7,148 (or 0.00% of AXA’s share the Group Company Savings Plans and are restricted from sale
capital at that date). The booking value of these 7,148 treasury during a period of approximately 5 years (except specific early
shares on December 31, 2022 was €129,128. exit cases allowed by applicable law). Employees are subject
(1) Including 41,502,350 AXA shares purchased in the context of the share buy-back program announced on August 3, 2022.
to the share price evolution, up or down, as compared to the (ii) transfer their assets invested in the dedicated Mutual funds
subscription price. (FCPE).
The guarantee plus offer in 2022 allowed employees to subscribe, Mutual funds (FCPE) have been created since 2005 to allow
through a personal investment and a bank contribution equal beneficiaries, in most cases, to directly exercise their voting rights
to 9 times their personal investment, in AXA shares (either during the Company’s Shareholders’ Meetings.
through Mutual funds (FCPE) or through direct share ownership, The Shareplan 2022 program was carried out through a capital
depending on their country of residence) with a 7.40% discount. increase that took place in November 2022. Approximately
These shares are held within the Group Company Savings Plans 21,000 employees took part in the Shareplan 2022 program,
and are restricted from sale during a period of approximately representing approximately 19% of eligible employees:
5 years (except specific early exit cases allowed by applicable
law). Employees’ personal investment is guaranteed by a bank, ■ the total amount invested was approximately €297 million;
and employees also benefit from the greater of (i) an annual ■ a total of approximately 14 million new shares were issued,
return of 3% capitalized on the amount of their personal each with a par value of €2.29. These shares began earning
investment, or (ii) a multiple of the average protected increase dividends on January 1, 2022.
of the AXA’s share price calculated over the holding period and
on the basis of the non-discounted reference price. On December 31, 2022, AXA employees and agents held 4.20%
of the share capital and 6.00% of the voting rights. These shares
At the end of the 5 year holding period, the employees can,
are owned through Mutual funds (FCPE) or directly either in the
depending on their country of residence, do any one of the
form of ordinary shares or ADS.
following: (i) receive the cash value of their investment; or
Amount of
share capital
Number of Issue or merger Number of after the
shares issued premium shares after the transaction
Date Transaction or cancelled (in Euro) transaction (in Euro)
2020 Share capital reduction by cancellation of shares (399,756) (8,640,255) 2,417,295,367 5,535,606,390
Exercise of stock options 403,907 5,272,316 2,417,699,274 5,536,531,337
New equity issue reserved for employees of AXA
(Shareplan 2020) 6,407,730 73,496,663 2,424,107,004 5,551,205,039
Share capital reduction by cancellation of shares (6,407,730) (95,486,643) 2,417,699,274 5,536,531,337
Exercise of stock options 690,134 8,494,702 2,418,389,408 5,538,111,744
2021 Share capital reduction by cancellation of shares (64,393) (1,451,933) 2,418,325,015 5,537,964,284
Exercise of stock options 831,610 10,861,541 2,419,156,625 5,539,868,671
New equity issue reserved for employees
of AXA (Shareplan 2021) 13,828,756 261,120,509 2,432,985,381 5,571,536,522
Share capital reduction by cancellation of shares (13,828,756) (294,951,226) 2,419,156,625 5,539,868,671
Exercise of stock options 2,412,071 43,263,893 2,421,568,696 5,545,392,314
2022 Share capital reduction by cancellation of shares (64,280,304) (1,558,266,636) 2,357,288,392 5,398,190,418
Share capital reduction by cancellation of shares (21,619,916) (452,060,384) 2,335,668,476 5,348,680,810 7
Exercise of stock options 629,174 11,194,931 2,336,297,650 5,350,121,619
New equity issue reserved for employees of AXA
(Shareplan 2022) 13,956,801 264,543,156 2,350,254,451 5,382,082,693
31/12/2022 Exercise of stock options 1,516,494 28,405,004 2,351,770,945 5,385,555,464
I Financial authorizations
FINANCIAL AUTHORIZATIONS VALID AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2022
AXA’s authorizations to issue shares or other types of securities that were valid as of December 31, 2022, are summarized in the tables
below:
Capitalization of reserves, earnings or premiums – 1 billion (a) 26 months June 29, 2023
Ordinary shares and other securities giving a claim
to ordinary shares of the Company through
subscription, conversion, exchange, redemption,
presentation of a warrant or otherwise (b) 6 billion (c) 2 billion (d) 26 months June 29, 2023
Maximum nominal
Maximum nominal amount of the capital
amount in case of increase
debt instruments (in Euro or in percentage
Securities (in Euro) of the share capital) Term Expiration date
(a) Including the issue of ordinary shares or securities (i) in the event of public offers (including those mentioned in paragraph 1 of article L. 411-2 of the French Monetary and
Financial Code), (ii) in the event of public exchange offers initiated by the Company, (iii) in consideration for contributions-in-kind for up to 10% of the Company’s share
capital, or (iv) as result of securities issued by subsidiaries of AXA.
(b) The aggregate nominal value of debt instruments associated with the issue of securities with or without preferential subscription rights may not exceed the global upper
limit of €6 billion.
(c) Common and independent ceiling.
(d) Existing shares and/or newly issued shares.
(e) At the date on which performance shares are granted by the Board of Directors.
(f) Dedicated to retirement.
The following authorizations to issue shares or securities giving a claim to ordinary shares of the Company and will be submitted to
the Shareholders’ Meeting on April 27, 2023:
Capitalization of reserves, earnings or premiums – 1 billion (a) 26 months June 27, 2025
Ordinary shares and other securities giving a claim
to ordinary shares of the Company through subscription,
conversion, exchange, redemption, presentation
of a warrant or otherwise (b) 6 billion (c) 2 billion (d) 26 months June 27, 2025
(a) Including the issue of ordinary shares or securities (i) in the event of public offers (including those mentioned in paragraph 1 of article L.411-2 of the French Monetary and
Financial Code), (ii) in the event of public exchange offers initiated by the Company, (iii) in consideration for contributions-in-kind for up to 10% of the Company’s share
capital, or (iv) as result of securities issued by subsidiaries of AXA.
(b) The aggregate nominal value of debt instruments associated with the issue of securities with or without preferential subscription rights may not exceed the global upper
limit of €6 billion.
(c) Common and independent ceiling.
AXA is a société anonyme (a public limited company) organized 92908 Paris La Défense, France) until the filing of AXA’s next
under the laws of France, and is the publicly traded parent Universal Registration Document with the Autorité des marchés
company of the AXA Group. The Company’s registered office financiers (the “AMF”): (i) the Bylaws of the Company, (ii) the
is located at 25, avenue Matignon, 75008 Paris, France and reports or other documents prepared by any expert at the
its telephone number is +33 (0) 1 40 75 57 00. AXA SA was Company’s request which are (in whole or in part) included or
incorporated in 1957 but the origin of its activities dates referred to in this Universal Registration Document, and (iii) AXA
to 1852. The Company’s corporate existence will continue, SA’s financial statements and Consolidated Financial Statements
subject to dissolution or prolongation, until December 31, for each of the three financial years preceding the publication of
2059. The Company is registered with the Paris Trade and this Universal Registration Document. These documents are also
Companies Register (Registre du commerce et des sociétés) available on AXA’s website and, more specifically, at the following
under number 572 093 920. AXA’s legal entity identifier (LEI) is links for the Bylaws of the Company (https://www.axa.com/en/
F5WCUMTUM4RKZ1MAIE39. about-us/governance-overview) and the documents referred to
The following documents may be consulted at the AXA Group in (ii) and (iii) (https://www.axa.com/en/investor/annual-and-
Legal Department (Tour Majunga – 6, place de la Pyramide – interim-reports).
The ACPR has approved the use by AXA of its internal model measures to reinforce insurance groups and companies’ financial
(the “Internal Model”) to calculate its SCR under Solvency II. The condition, such as restricting or suspending dividend or other
Solvency II ratio of the Group as of December 31, 2022, published payments to shareholders (including share buy-backs) and
on February 23, 2023, was estimated at 215% (1), compared to other implementing measures aimed at mitigating liquidity
217% as of December 31, 2021. The Group maintained eligible risk-related concerns; and (iv) amending the Group supervision
own funds in excess of its SCR at all times during 2022. regime (including the required amount of eligible own funds
AXA continues to regularly review the scope, underlying (“EOF”) requirements and the MCR for groups). The Council of
methodologies and assumptions of the Internal Model, and will the European Union must now agree on a final version with the
adjust its SCR accordingly. In addition, AXA’s Internal Model has European Parliament. The European Parliament has not finalized
been and may be revised from time to time in accordance with its position yet.
applicable regulations. However, any significant change to the
Internal Model would be subject to the prior approval of the Recovery and resolution regimes for insurers
ACPR, which may require adjustments to the level of SCR. and reinsurers
For more information on the Internal Model, please refer to If the solvency, liquidity or the interests of clients of an insurer or
Section 5.2 “Internal control and Risk Management - Internal reinsurer are threatened, insurance supervisors generally have
Model” of this Annual Report. For further information on AXA’s broad authority to exercise various administrative powers at an
SCR, Internal Model and other Solvency II disclosures, please early stage, including limiting or prohibiting certain activities or
refer to the AXA Group’s SFCR for the year ended December 31, operations (such as the acceptance of premiums), prohibiting or
2021, available on AXA’s website (www.axa.com). AXA Group’s on the contrary ordering asset or portfolio disposals, restricting
SFCR for the year ended December 31, 2022 is expected to be payment of dividends or other shareholder distributions,
published by the end of May 2023 on the same website. suspending managers, and/or putting a company under special
oversight.
Solvency II review In addition, under the French recovery and resolution framework
The Solvency II framework is currently under review by the for the insurance sector, set forth in Order No. 2017-1608 of
European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council November 27, 2017, and its various implementing measures (the
of the European Union. Following the opinion submitted by EIOPA “French Resolution Framework”), the ACPR is empowered to use
to the European Commission on December 17, 2020 as part of the resolution tools in order to maintain continuity of critical functions
review of the Solvency II framework (the “Solvency II Opinion”), of insurance holding companies, and insurance or reinsurance
the European Commission published on September 22, 2021 companies that are failing or likely to fail. These tools include
its proposed directive amending the Solvency II Directive and portfolio transfers, the establishment of a bridge institution or
explained its overall intentions on the most important aspects of the establishment of a liability management structure, as well as
the forthcoming level 2 amendments (in particular with respect to associated resolution actions such as temporary stays on certain
risk margin). On June 17, 2022, the Council of the European Union payments. Under the French Resolution Framework, major
agreed on its position and published a compromise text, with French insurance groups, such as the AXA Group, are required
proposed amendments to the Solvency II framework including, to prepare and file with the ACPR a pre-emptive recovery plan
among others, (i) the extrapolation method and changes to the (plan préventif de rétablissement) covering insurance holding
volatility adjustment, including the introduction of principles companies, insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries thereof, and
for the modelling of the dynamic volatility adjustment; (ii) new any other entity of such groups, providing key services (services
reporting requirements such as (a) the assessment of the impact indispensables) thereto, and to ensure that such recovery plan
of long-term climate change scenarios on our business in the remains up-to-date thereafter.
ORSA, (b) structural changes to the Solvency and Financial On September 22, 2021, the European Commission published its
Condition Report (SFCR) that would require undertakings to proposed directive establishing a framework for the recovery and
split their content into a part addressed to policyholders and resolution of insurance and reinsurance companies with a view
a part addressed to other market participants, and (c) the towards harmonizing national laws on recovery and resolution
requirement for internal model users to calculate and report their of insurers and reinsurers, ensuring that EU Member States have
solvency and financial condition using the standard formula; the same tools and procedures to address failures of insurers and
(iii) the introduction of macro-prudential tools, including the reinsurers, safeguarding the interests of policyholders, preserving
integration of macroeconomic considerations in the ORSA and the real economy and facilitating cooperation between national
granting supervisory authorities extended powers with respect to supervisory authorities when dealing with the failure of cross-
macro prudential concerns, allowing them to impose additional border insurance and reinsurance groups. Under the proposed
(1) The Solvency II ratio is estimated primarily using AXA’s internal model calibrated based on an adverse 1/200 years shock. For additional information, please
refer to Section 5.2.3 “Internal Model” of this Annual Report. The Solvency II ratio will be finalized prior to the publication of the AXA Group’s SFCR currently
expected to occur by the end of May 2023. The Solvency II ratio published on February 23, 2023 gave effect to the completion of the full €1.1 billion share
buy-back announced on the same date and is subject to update.
supervisory policy measures and powers of intervention for and regulations. In such event, the possible sanctions that may
macro-prudential purposes to a broader portion of the insurance be imposed include the suspension of individual employees,
sector. limitations on engaging in business for specific periods, the
The IAIS will however continue to use risk factors similar to those revocation of the registration as an investment company,
used in the past to identify GSIIs, to assess potential systemic risk censures and/or fines.
at individual insurers as part of its global monitoring exercise and In addition, certain AXA entities must comply with revised
systemic risk assessment. In addition, many of the enhanced obligations on capital resources for banks and certain investment
supervisory measures reflected in the Holistic Framework are firms, including Directive 2013/36/EU dated June 26, 2013, on
similar to and derived from the enhanced policy measures the access to the activity of credit institutions and the prudential
IAIS had formerly adopted for application to GSIIs only. In light supervision of credit institutions and investment firms (as
of the development and adoption of the Holistic Framework amended “CRD”), and Regulation (EU) No. 575/2013 dated
by the IAIS, the FSB has decided to continue suspending the June 26, 2013, on prudential requirements for credit institutions
annual identification of GSIIs as from the beginning of 2020. On and investment firms, as amended, which set forth specific
December 9, 2022, the FSB announced that it will discontinue capital, governance and remuneration requirements (as
the annual identification of GSIIs and that, going forward, it will amended “CRR”). On June 27, 2019, Directive (EU) 2019/878
utilize assessments available through the Holistic Framework to dated May 20, 2019 (“CRD II”) and Regulation (EU) 2019/876
inform its considerations of systemic risk in the insurance sector. dated May 20, 2019 (“CRR II”), which respectively amend CRD and
AXA will continue to monitor the development of the Holistic CRR, entered into force. CRD II and CRR II further implement the
Framework, ICPs and ComFrame and expects the regulatory Basel III framework by amending various CRD and CRR provisions
landscape with respect to insurance, reinsurance and financial regarding, e.g., holding company rules, leverage ratios, large
markets to continue to evolve in 2023 and beyond with further exposures, liquidity, market risk and counterparty credit risk,
legislative and regulatory initiatives. as well as reporting and disclosure requirements (including on
remuneration). Most provisions of CRD II had to be transposed
into national law by EU Member states by December 28, 2020,
and were transposed in France by Order No. 2020-1635 dated
ASSET MANAGEMENT & BANKING December 21, 2020, while most CRR II requirements became
ACTIVITIES applicable as of June 28, 2021.
Moreover, certain AXA entities are subject to Directive 2014/65/
AXA Investment Managers and other AXA asset management EU dated May 15, 2014, on markets in financial instruments (as
entities are subject to extensive regulations in the various amended, “MiFID II”) and Regulation (EU) No. 600/2014 on markets
jurisdictions in which they operate. These include, in Europe, in financial instruments, as amended (“MiFIR” and, together with
Directive 2011/61/EU dated June 8, 2011 on Alternative MiFID II, and the various regulations promulgated thereunder, the
Investment Fund Managers (as amended, “AIFMD”), and “MiFID II Package”) which entered into force in 2018. The MiFID II
Directive 2009/65/EC dated July 13, 2009 on the coordination Package, which was designed to better integrate the European
of laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to Union’s financial markets and increase cross-border investments,
undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities market transparency and investor protection, imposes a wide
(“UCITS”), and their various implementing regulations and variety of new requirements including with respect to trading/
transposition measures. On November 25, 2021, the European clearing of certain derivatives on organized platforms, regular
Commission published legislative proposals regarding the AIFMD reporting with respect to derivatives positions and certain
and the rules applicable to UCITS. On June 17, 2022, the Council other types of financial instruments, enhanced governance and
of the European Union published its agreed-upon position and investor protection standards, restrictions and/or prohibitions on
must now agree on a final version with the European Parliament. certain types of compensation arrangements or other monetary
The European Parliament has not finalized its position yet. In inducements to firms providing independent investment advice
addition, AXA’s investment management operations in the United and greater regulation of structured products and other complex
States are subject to regulation by the SEC. financial instruments.
These regulations are generally designed to safeguard client The reforms introduced by the MiFID II Package significantly
assets and ensure the adequacy of disclosures concerning impacted EU securities and derivatives markets. The European
investment returns, the risk characteristics of invested assets in Commission conducted a public consultation on the review of the
various funds, the suitability of investments for client investment MiFID II Package, which expired in May 2020, and consequently
objectives and risk tolerance, as well as the identity, regulatory revised the MiFID II Package in successive Commission delegated
approvals and qualifications of the investment manager. regulations published on March 26, 2021, July 14, 2021 and
These regulations generally grant supervisory agencies broad August 2, 2021. These regulations require investment firms that
administrative powers, including the power to limit or restrict
the carrying on of business for failure to comply with such laws
manufacture and distribute financial instruments to, among 7
other things, (i) clarify that their processes and internal control
a new data transfer mechanism, referred to as the “EU-US and have applied since July 1, 2021. AXA Group has tracked the
Privacy Shield,” was created in July 2016 but invalidated by the progress of both sets of guidelines, provided feedback to EIOPA
European Union Court of Justice in July 2020 (the “2020 ECJ and confirmed the alignment of its practices or strategy with
Decision”), which also required that supplementary measures the guidelines.
be considered for other mechanisms for data transfers to any These guidelines set out the principles developed for the
non-EU jurisdiction (without an adequacy decision adopted by financial sector under the European Commission’s Digital
the European Commission). As banks, insurance and reinsurance Operational Resilience Act (“DORA”). DORA was adopted by
companies were generally not eligible to register and participate the European Parliament on November 10, 2022 and by the
in the EU-US Privacy Shield, the AXA Group has continued to Council of the European Union on November 28, 2022, and
rely on standard contractual clauses when transferring data to will come into effect in 2025. DORA is designed to establish a
non-AXA non-EU companies, and binding corporate rules when comprehensive framework on digital operational resilience for
transferring personal data between companies within the AXA EU financial institutions, including insurance and reinsurance
Group. We currently believe that we can continue using such undertakings and intermediaries, credit institutions, investment
mechanisms to transfer data to the US and to other non-EU firms, alternative investment fund managers and UCITS
jurisdictions and add supplementary measures as required. In management companies. This framework is aimed at enhancing
December 2022, the European Commission announced a draft the ICT Risk Management conducted by financial institutions,
adequacy decision for the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (the establishing a thorough testing of ICT systems, increasing
“EU-US DPF”), a data transfer mechanism that would replace supervisors’ awareness of cyber risks and ICT-related incidents
the invalidated EU-US Privacy Shield. As with the EU-US Privacy faced by financial institutions, as well as introducing powers for
Shield, the EU-US DPF is limited to entities subject to the competent supervisory authorities to oversee risks stemming
investigatory and enforcement powers of the US Federal Trade from financial institutions’ dependency on ICT third-party service
Commission or Department of Transportation, though other providers. DORA also creates a consistent incident reporting
US statutory bodies recognized by the EU may be included in mechanism in order to strengthen supervisory effectiveness.
future annexes of the EU-US DPF. Because of this, the AXA Group
believes that it may continue to rely on standard contractual
clauses and binding corporate rules as data transfer mechanisms Executive compensation
to transfer data from the EU to the United States and other Solvency II sets out the remuneration policy principles and
non-EU jurisdictions, but the EU-US DPF is in development governance requirements to be implemented by European
and there is no guarantee that it will be approved in its current insurers and specifies that the companies subject to Solvency II
form. For further information concerning transatlantic data must adopt a written remuneration policy compliant with a
transfers, please see the paragraph “The evolving and complex number of principles set out in Delegated Regulation (EU)
regulatory environment surrounding data protection and transfer 2015/35 dated October 10, 2014 (as amended, the “Solvency II
worldwide could increase our costs and adversely impact our Regulation”) which promotes sound and effective Risk
business” in Section 5.1 “Risk Factors” of this Annual Report. Management and does not encourage risk-taking that exceeds
the risk tolerance limits of the Company. In this context, AXA
Information and Communication Technology has reviewed and formalized its existing Group remuneration
(ICT) policy, identified the individuals responsible for managing and
having an impact on the Group’s overall risk profile, and defined
In February 2020, EIOPA finalized its “Guidelines on outsourcing a consistent approach to manage remuneration of individuals in
to cloud service providers”, which national supervisors have been charge of control functions. AXA’s Compensation, Governance &
enforcing since January 2021. In addition, on October 8, 2020, Sustainability Committee is in charge of overseeing the design
EIOPA issued an additional set of guidelines, the “Guidelines of the remuneration policy and remuneration practices, their
on information and communication technology security and implementation and operation.
governance”, aimed at promoting the operational resilience of
the digital operations of insurance and reinsurance undertakings. Since 2008, there have been a variety of proposals with respect
Both sets of guidelines provide guidance to national competent to executive compensation practices at financial institutions
authorities and insurance and reinsurance undertakings on the including from the FSB and other regulatory bodies. Certain of
information and communication technology (“ICT”) security these proposals have been embodied in regulation or legislation,
and governance requirements envisaged under Solvency II, while others remain best practice recommendations.
(“article 29”) and the decree implementing article 29 published Regulation (EU) 2021/2178 dated July 6, 2021 (both Commission
on May 27, 2021. Delegated Regulations as further amended by Commission
Article 173 imposes increased transparency obligations on Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/1214 dated March 9, 2022,
investors (including institutional investors), requiring them to amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2139 regarding
disclose how they incorporate ESG objectives, including the economic activities in certain energy sectors and Delegated
specific consideration of climate risk, into their investment Regulation (EU) 2021/2178 regarding specific public disclosures
strategies and the measures implemented to support the energy for those economic activities) supplement the Taxonomy
and ecological transition. Regulation by, among other things, specifying the content and
presentation of the information to be disclosed in a non-financial
Article 29 maintains the current disclosure framework under statement.
article 173 and strengthens certain of its provisions, particularly
with respect to the publication of risks related to climate change Regulation (EU) 2019/2089 amending the EU Benchmark
and biodiversity erosion. The decree implementing article 29 Regulation in connection with the EU Climate Transition
published on May 27, 2021, provides a framework for extra- Benchmarks, EU Paris-aligned Benchmarks and sustainability-
financial reporting by market participants, which will include related disclosures for the benchmarks was adopted on
certain entities of the AXA Group, and defines how ESG qualitative November 27, 2019, and seeks to, among other things, ensure the
information and the means implemented to support the energy integrity of low-carbon benchmarks. Directive 2014/95/EU (also
and ecological transition are to be presented. known as the Non-Financial reporting Directive, or “NFRD”) is an
amendment to Directive 2013/34/EU (the “Accounting Directive”)
At the European Union level, Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 on that requires certain large companies, such as AXA SA, to publish
sustainability-related disclosures in the financial services sector annually a non-financial statement.
(“SFDR”) was adopted on November 27, 2019. The SFDR sets
out harmonized rules for financial market participants, which On April 21, 2021, the European Commission published the
includes certain AXA Group entities, on transparency with respect Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (the “CSRD”) which,
to the integration of sustainability risks, the consideration of with respect to corporate sustainability reporting, amends the
adverse sustainability impacts of market participants’ processes Accounting Directive, Directive 2004/109/EC (the Transparency
and the provision of sustainability-related information of certain Directive, as amended), Directive 2006/43/EC and Regulation (EU)
financial products. On April 6, 2022, the European Commission No. 537/2014. The CSRD was published in the Official Journal
adopted a delegated regulation supplementing the SFDR with of the European Union on December 16, 2022 and entered into
respect to regulatory technical standards (“RTS”) for the content force on January 5, 2023. The CSRD introduced, among other
and presentation of disclosure requirements under the SFDR, things, new sustainability-related reporting requirements for
which has been published in the Official Journal of the European companies, including (i) the principal risks the issuer faces with
Union as the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/1288 respect to sustainability matters and how the issuer manages
on July 25, 2022. The Joint Committee of the European those risks, (ii) the resilience of the issuer’s business model and
Supervisory Authorities has published a set of questions and strategy in light of risks related to sustainability matters, (iii) the
answers regarding the RTS on November 17, 2022. The RTS opportunities which sustainability matters may present for the
became applicable as of January 1, 2023. On October 31, 2022, issuer, (iv) the issuer’s plan(s) to ensure that its business model
following a final report by the Joint Committee of the European and strategy are compatible with the transition to a sustainable
Supervisory Authorities, the European Commission adopted economy and with the global warming limit of 1.5°C set by the
amendments to the RTS to require financial market participants Paris Agreement, an international climate change agreement
to disclose the extent to which their portfolios are exposed to gas that entered into force on November 4, 2016, (v) a description
and nuclear-related activities. These amendments are currently of the targets set by the issuer related to sustainability matters
subject to scrutiny by the Council of the European Union and by and the progress the issuer has made towards achieving those
the European Parliament. targets, (vi) the role of the administrative, management and
supervisory bodies with regards to sustainability matters, and
Regulation (EU) 2020/852 on the establishment of a framework (vii) the due diligence process(es) implemented by the issuer
to facilitate sustainable investment (the “Taxonomy Regulation”) with respect to sustainability matters.
was adopted on June 18, 2020. The Taxonomy Regulation
applies, in particular, to undertakings (such as the Company) that On February 23, 2022, the European Commission published
are required to publish a non-financial statement. The Taxonomy its proposal for a directive on corporate sustainability due
Regulation establishes the criteria for determining whether an diligence (the “CSDD Directive”). The CSDD Directive aims at,
economic activity qualifies as environmentally sustainable for among other things, improving corporate governance practices
the purposes of establishing the degree to which an investment is to better integrate Risk Management and mitigation processes
environmentally sustainable. Commission Delegated Regulation of human rights and environmental risks and impacts into
corporate strategies, and improve access to remedies for those
(EU) 2021/2139 dated June 4, 2021 and Commission Delegated
7
risks, to which AXA is therefore exposed. AXA is conducting a Furthermore, Orders No. 2020-1342 of November 4, 2020 and
Group-wide project to manage this transition and manage No. 2020-115 of February 12, 2020, enhanced the requirements
the impacts of future benchmark changes, which could have for French financial institutions, including the reinforcement of
implications for our capital models, Risk Management efforts, internal procedures to implement asset-freezing measures and
investment strategies and product design, among others. prevent and detect acts of corruption committed in France and
abroad, while strengthening the supervisory and enforcement
Evolution of the regulatory and litigation powers of supervisory authorities. In addition, French Law
environment No. 2022-401 dated March 21, 2022 amended certain provisions
of Sapin II to improve the protection of whistleblowers and
The Group’s insurance, reinsurance, asset management and became effective on September 1, 2022.
banking operations are subject to an increasing number of
In light of this and other initiatives in respect of compliance
legislative and regulatory initiatives designed to increase
requirements, Management believes that the complexity and
consumer protection in the sector of financial services. In the
risks for international financial institutions like AXA in this area
European Union, initiatives related to the financial sector include
will likely continue to increase, and that compliance costs will
in particular the IDD, MiFID II and the PRIIPs Regulation. Similar
also increase accordingly.
initiatives are under review (or in the course of implementation)
in other jurisdictions where the Group operates, and these The litigation environment in which the Group operates also
initiatives are likely to continue to expand, resulting in increased continues to evolve. In continental Europe, the introduction
operational compliance costs to meet regulatory expectations. of class actions, including in France in 2014, has, and is likely
to continue to, increase litigation risks and costs for insurers,
The IDD superseded the Insurance Mediation Directive and is
asset managers and other financial institutions. Most recently,
designed to improve consumer protection by ensuring that all
the adoption of Directive (EU) 2020/1828 dated November 25,
distributors of insurance products operate on a level playing field.
2020, on representative actions for the protection of the
The main provisions of the IDD relate to enhanced professional
collective interests of consumers at the EU level aims at enabling
requirements (e.g., continuing training and development for
qualified entities to seek remedy through representative actions
distributors), conduct of business rules, conflicts of interest
against infringements of provisions of EU law in a variety of
(relating to fees, commissions and bonuses), increased
areas (including data protection and financial services), in
disclosure and transparency and extensive product governance
order to provide an effective and efficient way of protecting the
requirements. It also includes additional requirements for the
collective interests of consumers. This Directive was required to
sale of insurance products with investment elements in order
be transposed by EU Member States by December 25, 2022, for a
to ensure that policyholders receive a similar level of protection
scheduled application date of June 25, 2023. A bill to transpose
as buyers of retail investment products regulated under MiFID II
this Directive has not yet been submitted to the French National
(e.g., when providing advice, distributors have to assess whether
Assembly.
the insurance-based investment product is suitable for the
customer). In addition, the litigation environment has been evolving in the
context of the COVID-19 pandemic, with holders of property
The IDD entered into force on October 1, 2018, while MiFID II
and casualty insurance policies increasingly seeking coverage
and the PRIIPs Regulation entered into force at the beginning
for losses caused by the governmental actions and measures
of January 2018.
implemented to contain the spread of COVID-19, such as
Financial crime compliance programs of financial institutions lockdown measures. A number of lawsuits have been and
(anti-money laundering, anti-corruption and international may be introduced against insurers, such as AXA, in multiple
sanctions compliance) continue to be a major focus for jurisdictions.
regulatory and law enforcement authorities, with increasingly
For additional information, please see “The Group and our
significant penalties imposed for compliance failures. In
businesses are subject to extensive regulation, regulatory
particular, French Law No. 2016-1691 dated December 9, 2016
supervision, adverse judicial decisions, and emerging legal,
on transparency, the fight against corruption and modernization
regulatory, and reputational risks in the various jurisdictions
of the economy, known as “Sapin II”, which was introduced in
in which we operate” and “We have been and may become in
June 2017, included new requirements for all large French
the future subject to lawsuits, regulatory investigations and/
companies to establish internal procedures to prevent and
or other proceedings which may affect our business, brand,
detect acts of corruption and influence peddling committed
reputation, relations with regulators and/or results of operations”
in France and abroad. Sapin II also established a new French
in Section 5.1 “Risk Factors” and Section 5.8 “Other material risks
anti-corruption agency (Agence française anticorruption), which
– Regulatory risks” of this Annual Report.
was given strengthened supervisory and enforcement powers.
(1) The list of the Group’s main subsidiaries and participating interests is available in Appendix III “AXA parent company financial statements” of this Annual
Report. The legal organizational chart of the Group is also published on the Company’s website (www.axa.com).
AXA has no licensed insurance or operating business activities under IFRS. All differences are fully explained (see Section 6.6
in the countries specifically identified as non-cooperative - Note 19 “Tax” of this Annual Report). It should be noted that
jurisdictions (1) under French and European rules, except in in many jurisdictions where AXA operates, the income and
Panama. The presence in this jurisdiction is purely driven by capital gains on savings products benefit from a favorable tax
operational purposes. treatment, also when such products are included in life insurance
AXA still holds two non-consolidated operating companies in products. This leads to a lower effective tax rate for life insurance
Panama (one providing assistance services to local customers, companies.
and the other delivering health claim services) employing circa In addition to the details reported around the Group effective tax
40 people at the end of 2022. rate, AXA reports substantial information on the impacts of any
More globally, AXA does not use non-cooperative jurisdictions change in local tax regulations on its business, as well as details
to avoid taxes on operational activities performed elsewhere. of the tax burden per line of business and per country. AXA’s
income tax expenses/benefits are extensively disclosed in the
Any presence in countries in which AXA operates with tax rates Annual Report and are broken down by business segment and
lower than France are driven by business operations. With the country. For each, a dedicated paragraph provides a comment
acquisition of the XL Group in September 2018, AXA now has about the line related to Tax Income (see Section 2.3 “Activity
a material presence and substance in Bermuda with nearly Report” of this Annual Report).
200 employees working for AXA XL there. Despite the fact that
Bermuda is a low-tax jurisdiction, it is a center of expertise and Since 2019, AXA has been annually reporting a Tax Transparency
one of the key locations of the worldwide reinsurance market. It is report where it discloses a lot of information around its tax
not considered as a non-cooperative jurisdiction according to the footprint in its key geographies, as well as key principles of its
French and European Union laws. This presence is mainly driven tax policy. This report is available on the AXA website (www.axa.
by local capital management regulation enabling flexibility on com) at the end of the AXA Group Tax Policy page. AXA updates
the required capital for reinsurance activities and AXA supports this report annually and the most recent version was issued in
the Economic Substance legislation enacted in this country. This June 2022.
situation will in no way change how the AXA Group is managed
on the tax side. AXA will continue to tax its operations in the
various countries where operational profits are made. TAX ASPECTS OF ACTIVITIES
AND PRODUCTS OFFERED BY THE GROUP
Disclosure on tax matters and information
on taxes connected with the Group’s activities
in each country Activities of the Group
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in The Group’s activities are subject to strict regulations and rigorous
compliance with IFRS standards (as disclosed in Section 6.6 - control in each territory in which AXA operates. In addition to
Note 1 “Accounting principles” of this Annual Report). Accounting these regulations, AXA has developed a set of detailed internal
for income taxes recognizes both the current tax consequences standards that applies to all Group entities that are managed or
of transactions and events and the future tax consequences controlled by AXA, regardless of the activities undertaken by the
of the future recovery or settlement of the carrying amount entity or its ownership structure.
of the entity’s assets and liabilities, as required by IAS 12 (see According to these internal standards, Chief Executive Officers
Section 6.6 - Note 1.17.1 “Income taxes” of this Annual Report). must ensure that staff are fully conversant, and comply with
The Consolidated Financial Statements present the reconciliation applicable laws, mandatory Codes of Conduct, rules and
between the theoretical tax charge and the effective tax charge regulations (including applicable tax laws and regulations)
relevant to their area of operations.
(1) The French list of Non-Cooperative States which is, in principle, updated each year, has been updated on March 16, 2022 (Ministerial Order dated March 2,
2022 published on March 16, 2022. and amending ministerial order dated February 12, 2010) and more recently on February 5, 2023 (Ministerial Order dated
February 3, 2023 published on February 5, 2023 and amending ministerial order dated February 12, 2010). It applies to such States and jurisdictions as from
the first day of the third month following the publication of the order (arrêté) including such States and jurisdictions on the list of Non-Cooperative States. It
includes the United States Virgin Islands, the American Samoa, Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, Fiji, Guam, Palau, Panama, Samoa, Seychelles, Trinidad
and Tobago and Vanuatu. As from May 1, 2023 it will also include in addition to the territories listed Turks and Caicos Islands and the Bahamas.
I Bylaws
Certain material provisions of applicable French law, in force ■ all reinsurance operations of any kind, the transfer and
at the filing date of this Annual Report, and of the Company’s retrocession of risks of all kinds, or the takeover in any form
Bylaws are summarized below. Copies of AXA SA’s Bylaws are of reinsurance contracts or commitments;
available at the Paris Trade and Companies Register (Registre
■ all financial operations as well as operations on personal or
du commerce et des sociétés du Tribunal de commerce de Paris)
real estate properties, contributions to companies;
and on the Company’s website (www.axa.com).
■ acquire, manage and sell all listed or unlisted shares and
securities, or any other financial instruments as well as
CORPORATE PURPOSE any personal or real estate properties, or rights, shares or
securities, whether listed or unlisted, that are related to such
properties; and
Pursuant to article 3 of its Bylaws, AXA SA’s corporate purpose
is generally to: ■ perform all industrial, commercial, financial, personal or real
estate property transactions, directly or indirectly, related to
■ acquire all types of ownership interests in any French or foreign
any of the foregoing or to any similar or related purpose.
company or business, including insurance companies;
relevant provisions include, among other things, the existence of well as the total number of securities giving a differed claim to
AXA shares with double voting rights, which are described above, the share capital and the potential voting rights attached thereto.
and specific notification requirements applicable when holdings The notification shall be repeated in the conditions stated above
exceed specified thresholds, as described below. each time an additional fraction of 0.5% of the share capital or
French law generally requires mergers and certain consolidations voting rights is crossed upward or downward.
to be approved by two-thirds of the shareholders attending In the event of failure to comply with the notification
or represented at the Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting requirements described above, shares exceeding the fraction
convened to decide on such matters. that should have been notified will be deprived of voting rights at
the Shareholders’ Meetings if, at such meetings, the notification
failure has been recorded and if one or more shareholders jointly
NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS holding at least 5% of the share capital so request. Loss of voting
WHEN HOLDINGS EXCEED SPECIFIED rights shall be applicable in all Shareholders’ Meetings that
THRESHOLDS would be held up until two years following proper notification.
APPENDIX II
APPENDIX III
MANAGEMENT’S ANNUAL EVALUATION OF INTERNAL CONTROL
OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
A
STATEMENT OF THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR THE UNIVERSAL
REGISTRATION DOCUMENT
479
480
The AXA Group’s Internal Control Over Financial Reporting (A.3) IFC PRINCIPLES
(ICOFR) is a process designed under the supervision of the Group AXA Group’s ICOFR includes policies and procedures that provide
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to provide reasonable assurance reasonable assurance that:
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation
■ the maintenance of records accurately and fairly reflect the
of Consolidated Financial Statements.
transactions and dispositions of Group assets;
Since its delisting from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in
March 2010 and its deregistration with the United States Securities ■ the transactions are recorded as necessary to permit the
and Exchange Commission (SEC) in June 2010, the Group has preparation of financial statements in accordance with the
maintained an annual Internal Financial Control (IFC) program applicable generally accepted accounting principles;
designed to evaluate the effectiveness of AXA Group’s ICOFR. ■ the receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance
AXA’s Statutory Auditors provide a reasonable assurance report with the authorization of management and directors of the
on AXA Group’s ICOFR each year. Group; and
The IFC program is based on the Group Internal Control Standard
■ unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of Group assets that
and the Group Internal Control Policy, which include additional
could have a material effect on the Group’s financial statements
specific requirements for the IFC framework.
would be prevented or detected in a timely manner.
(a) IFC framework In order to assess the effectiveness of ICOFR, financial reporting
risks are initially identified at Group level with a focus on
The IFC framework is based on the “Internal Control – Integrated identifying those risks that may result in a material misstatement
Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of Consolidated Financial Statements not being prevented or
of the Treadway Commission (COSO). It is designed to define detected in a timely manner. This top-down and risk-based
the IFC scope, governance, and principles in order to ensure approach enables to identify in-scope entities and processes.
consistency and quality in AXA Group’s financial reporting.
In line with the COSO framework, AXA Group’s ICOFR is organized
(A.1) IFC SCOPE around the following key process categories: Entity-Level Controls
(ELC), IT ELC, Financial Statement Closing Process, Business
The IFC program includes primarily the entities which are
Processes, and IT General Controls.
individually significant to consolidated financial position or results
of operations, as well as the entities which provide significant For every key process category, the in-scope entities (i) document
services to AXA and/or its consolidated subsidiaries (the “Group”). the significant processes and/or controls, as well as the rationale
of how the associated risk of material misstatement due to error or
(A.2) IFC GOVERNANCE fraud can be reduced to an acceptable level, (ii) test the design and
Management, including the Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), operational effectiveness of key controls based on the test plans
is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate ICOFR. elaborated with insight into risks, and (iii) remediate identified
control deficiencies.
The IFC program is steered by the Group IFC Committee chaired
by the Group CFO and involves the Planning Budgets Results Outstanding control deficiencies are consolidated at Group level
Central (PBRC) Department, other relevant AXA departments, to evaluate their impact on Consolidated Financial Statements,
and representatives from each in-scope entity. The IFC program compensating controls and other qualitative factors. This
and the conclusion of management as to the effectiveness of evaluation process is designed to identify any control deficiencies
AXA Group’s ICOFR are also reviewed by AXA’s Audit Committee. that may rise to the level of a material weakness. A material
weakness is a deficiency or a combination of deficiencies in internal
control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable
possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s financial
statements will not be prevented or detected on time.
(A.4) IFC CERTIFICATION All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have
At each year-end, the in-scope entities are required to perform inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined
an evaluation of their ICOFR as part of an internal certification to be effective may not prevent or detect misstatements and
process. This process involves formal sign-off by the entity’s can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial
process owners and culminates with a formal management report statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any
from the entity’s CFO or another senior executive officer stating evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the
their conclusion as to the effectiveness of the entity’s ICOFR. risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes
in conditions or if the degree of compliance with the policies or
This internal certification process across all in-scope entities is procedures deteriorates.
designed to assist AXA’s management in its evaluation of AXA
Group’s ICOFR and to support its conclusion as to the effectiveness
of AXA Group’s ICOFR. (c) Report of the Statutory Auditors on ICOFR
PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit and Ernst & Young Audit have
(b) Management’s annual evaluation on ICOFR performed audit procedures in order to be able to obtain
based on the IFC framework reasonable assurance as to whether management’s conclusion
as to the effectiveness of AXA Group’s ICOFR based on the IFC
Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of AXA framework is fairly stated.
Group’s ICOFR in accordance with the IFC framework as described
above. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that
AXA Group’s ICOFR was effective as of December 31, 2022.
A
I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 477
A APPENDICES
APPENDIX I MANAGEMENT’S ANNUAL EVALUATION OF INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit
63, rue de Villiers
Ernst & Young Audit
Tour First, TSA 14444
92208 Neuilly-sur-Seine Cedex 92037 Paris-La Défense
APPENDIX II STATEMENT OF
THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE
FOR THE UNIVERSAL
REGISTRATION DOCUMENT
I, the undersigned, hereby certify that the information contained in this Universal Registration Document is, to the best of my knowledge,
in accordance with the facts and contains no material omission likely to render it misleading or inaccurate.
I confirm that, to the best of my knowledge, the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable accounting
standards and fairly present the assets and liabilities, the financial position and the profit or loss of the Company and its consolidated
subsidiaries, and that the Board of Directors’ report presented in page 524 fairly presents the evolution of the business, results and
financial position of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, and describes the principal risks and contingencies facing the Group.
Paris, March 21, 2023
Thomas Buberl
Chief Executive Officer of AXA
A
I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 479
A APPENDICES
APPENDIX III AXA PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1) Including €357 million of non-life technical income, (€84) million of life technical income and €8 million of non-technical income.
The table below provides a summary of the life and non-life technical results, and non-technical result of the reinsurance business
before and after reallocation of net investment income as described in the notes to the statutory accounts, in paragraph 3.3 describing
investment income and expenses.
Reinsurance income for the 2022 financial year was down by ■ other investments amounted to €3,427 million compared
€124 million, mainly due to the recognition of a provision of to €369 million taking into account the creation of a portfolio
€92 million following the deviation of claims recorded in a life of investments in government and corporate bonds for
insurance treaty. €1,695 million within the holding activity, and assets held by
Service income, representing the compensation received by the the reinsurance business for €1,344 million;
Company for treaties placement and management, remained ■ receivables for cash deposited with ceding companies as
stable at €58 million. collateral for technical provisions ceded to AXA SA amounted
Investment results of €85 million increased by €40 million due to to €1,852 million, an increase of €647 million compared to
capital gains of €34 million on the sale of investment securities. 2021, of which, €848 million of the new property and casualty
quota-share reinsurance treaties implemented in 2022.
■ land and buildings corresponding to investments in real
BALANCE SHEET estate funds covering the reinsurance business, amounted
to €105 million.
The total balance sheet at December 31, 2022, amounted to Share of assignees and retroceding companies in technical
€89,257 million compared to €77,621 million at December 31, reserves amounted to €5,576 million, of which €5,103 million
2021, according to the presentation under the French Insurance for non-life technical reserves retroceded to reinsurers outside
Chart of Accounts. or inside the AXA Group.
Receivables amounted to €2,343 million and mainly include
Assets receivables from reinsurers for €1,885 million, up €893 million.
Intangible assets amounted to €319 million. This mainly includes Cash amounted to €3,030 million, down €1,319 million following
the AXA brand, valued at €308 million. the implementation of the investment portfolio described above.
Investments amounted to €71,812 million compared to Marketable securities of €2,024 million represented 87.2 million
€67,398 million at December 31, 2021, the increase is mainly due to: of AXA shares, in which 41.5 million under the share buyback
■ investments in subsidiaries amounted to €66,428 million program for €1,003 million and 45.7 million in the amount of
compared to €67,029 million at year-end 2021, representing €1,021 million to meet its obligations to deliver shares and to
a decrease of €601 million, reflecting: eliminate the dilutive effect of certain share-based compensation
schemes.
• the cancellation of the securities held in AXA Global Re
following the merger, representing €860 million, Prepayments and accrued income amounted to €4,152 million
of which €3,411 million related to the deferred recognition of net
• €590 million of net allowance for impairments, foreign exchange losses in line with statutory hedge accounting
• partly offset by capital increases up to €726 million; principles more than offset by unrealized gains on equity
investments in subsidiaries.
A
I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 481
A
Liabilities
APPENDICES
APPENDIX III AXA PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Subordinated debts amounted to €17,126 million compared ■ debts arising from reinsurance operations for €937 million.
to €15,853 million in 2021, up to €1,273 million due to the Accruals and liabilities amounted €1,477 million compared to
subordinated debts issues for €2,500 million, partly offset by €849 million at December 31, 2021, reflecting unrealized foreign
€1,294 million in repayments made during the period. exchange gains for €304 million, €407 million in accrued interests,
Gross technical reserves amounted to €8,230 million and and €301 million relating to premiums on options received.
included non-life claims reserves of €7,524 million, an increase
of €1,078 million due especially to the technical reserves accepted Other information
for the new property and casualty reinsurance quota share treaties
by €1,225 million. In accordance with article L.225-102 of the French Commercial
Code (Code de commerce), disclosures related to the Company’s
Other non-technical provisions were €1,054 million compared to executive compensation appear in Part 3, Section 3.2. “Executive
€936 million in 2021, mainly including €266 million of provisions compensation and share ownership” of this Annual Report.
for the possible repayment of tax savings to subsidiaries belonging
to the French tax consolidation group, €179 million provision for
unrealized losses on options, as well as €161 million for unrealized Payment terms
capital losses on interest rate derivatives not eligible for hedge In accordance with the provisions in force under article L.441-6-1
accounting. and D.441-6 of the French Commercial Code, companies disclose
Debts for cash deposits received from retroceding companies their settlement periods.
amounted to €1,683 million up €647 million. Pursuant to the circular of the French Insurance Federation of
May 29, 2017, the information in the tables below does not include
transactions related to reinsurance contracts.
Payment delay used for these calculation is French legal delay (30 days after the invoice issuing day)
December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31,
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
(a) Before 2022, gross revenues only concern holding activity (dividends mainly).
From 2022, gross revenues correspond to the gross of reinsurance written premiums, dividends are from now on recorded in investments income.
(b) Dividend proposed at year end 2022 is submitted to the Shareholders’ Meeting of April 27, 2023 and based on 2,351,770,945 outstanding ordinary shares.
A
I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 483
A
BALANCE SHEET
APPENDICES
APPENDIX III AXA PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Assets
Capital subscribed and not called or liaison account with the head office - -
Intangible assets 319 322
Land and Buildings 105 -
Investments in affiliated undertakings and in undertakings with which a participating
interest exists 66,428 67,029
Other Investments 3,427 369
Receivables for cash deposited with ceding companies 1,852 -
Investments 71,812 67,398
Investments representing the technical provisions for Unit-Linked policies - -
Unearned premium reserves (non-life) 142 -
Life insurance reserves - -
Claims reserves (life) 157 -
Claims reserves (non-life) 5,103 -
Profit-sharing and rebates reserves (life) - -
Profit-sharing and rebates reserves (non-life) - -
Equalization reserves - -
Other technical reserves (life) 188 -
Other technical reserves (non-life) (14) -
Technical reserves for Unit-Linked policies - -
Share of assignees and retroceding companies in technical reserves 5,576 -
Receivables on reinsurance transactions 1,885 -
Sundry receivables 458 337
Called unpaid capital - -
Receivables 2,343 337
Tangible operating assets 1 1
Bank current accounts and cash 3,030 4,349
Treasury shares 2,024 1,527
Other assets 5,055 5,877
Accrued not due interest and rental income 82 68
Deferred acquisition costs - -
Other prepayments and accrued income 4,070 3,618
Accruals – assets 4,152 3,686
TOTAL ASSETS 89,257 77,621
Liabilities
Share capital or liaison account with the head office 5,386 5,545
Capital premiums 19,122 20,829
Revaluation reserve -
Other reserves 6,051 6,211
Retained earnings 7,526 8,085
Net year income 2,809 2,819
Equity 40,893 43,490
Subordinated liabilities 17,126 15,853
Unearned premium reserves (non-life) 170
Life insurance reserves
Claims reserves (life) 251
Claims reserves (non-life) 7,524
Profit-sharing and rebates reserves (non-life) -
Other technical reserves (life) 285
Other technical reserves (non-life)
Gross technical reserves 8,230
Technical reserves for Unit-Linked policies -
Other non technical provisions 1,054 936
Liabilities relating to cash deposits from retroceding companies 1,683
Receivables arising from reinsurance transactions 937
Bond issues 3,440 3,686
Amounts due to credit institutions -
Other liabilities 14,417 12,807
Other liabilities 18,795 16,493
Accruals – liabilities 1,477 849
TOTAL LIABILITIES 89,257 77,621
A
I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 485
A
INCOME STATEMENT
APPENDICES
APPENDIX III AXA PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Net
Assignments Net transactions
Gross and transactions 12/31/2021
(in Euro million) transactions retrocessions 12/31/2022 restated
Net
Assignments Net transactions
Gross and transactions 12/31/2021
(in Euro million) transactions retrocessions 12/31/2022 restated
Premiums 93 (62) 31 -
Investment income 21 - 21 -
Other investment income - - - -
Profits from investments 6 - 6 -
Investment income 28 - 28 -
Allocated investment income - - - -
Adjustments on Unit-Linked policies (capital gains) - - - -
Other technical income - - - -
Benefits and costs paid (59) 41 (18) -
Claims reserves expenses (31) 18 (13) -
Claims expenses (90) 59 (31) -
Income (expenses) on other technical reserves (277) 185 (92) -
Profit-sharing (6) 4 (1) -
Acquisition costs (4) - (4) -
Administration costs (2) - (2) -
Commissions received from reinsurance - 2 2 -
Acquisition and administration costs (6) 2 (3) -
Internal and external investment management and financial costs (5) - (5) -
Other investment expenses (3) - (3) -
Losses on investments (7) - (7) -
Investment expenses (14) - (14) -
Adjustments on Unit-Linked policies (capital losses) - - - -
Other technical expenses (1) - (1) -
Investment income transferred - - - -
LIFE INSURANCE TECHNICAL RESULT (272) 188 (84) -
A
I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 487
A APPENDICES
APPENDIX III AXA PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Non-technical account
12/31/2022
Affiliated 12/31/2021
Commitments received and given (in Euro million) companies Other Total restated
Commitments received
Letters of credit 227 227
Credit facilities (authorized but not drawn) 7,868 7,868 8,489
Commitments to buy back shares and bonds from Group entities 35 35 31
Securities pledged by reinsurers to AXA SA 16 470 485
Commitments given
Credit facilities (authorized but not drawn) 553 10 563 943
Endorsements, securities and credit guarantees given 5,209 5,206 10,416 10,438
Securities pledged as collateral by AXA SA to cedants entites 56 17 73
Commitments given on uncalled financial assets 94 94
Outstanding forward and option contracts (notional) 1,307 41,710 43,016 38,056
Swaps 1,307 23,235 24,542 23,024
Interest rate asset swap (notional) 15 15
Credit Default Swap (CDS) 192 192
Interest rate swaps 12,548 12,548 12,780
Cross Currency swaps (long term) 1,307 5,694 7,001 7,331
Foreign Exchange swaps (short term) 4,498 4,498 2,914
Options 18,414 18,414 14,839
Foreign Exchange Options 18,414 18,414 13,839
Equity options
Index options
Swaption 1,000
Foreign exchange Forward 60 60 193
A
I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 489
A APPENDICES
APPENDIX III AXA PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Asset
Liabilities
Shareholders’ equity
Capital
Ordinary shares 5,545
Capital in excess of nominal value
Issue premiums 18,753
Merger and contribution premiums 2,076
Reserves
Legal reserve 555
Specific reserves for long term capital gains 2,316
Other reserves 3,180
Retained earnings 8,085
Tax driven provision 45
Net income for the financial year 2,819
I 43,374
Other shareholders’ equity
Undated subordinated notes 3,867
II 3,867
Provisions for risks and charges III 768
Liabilities
Subordinated debt 12,264
Financial debt 16,367
Operating payables
Tax payables 7
Social payables -
Other payables
Debt on fixed assets 75
Other 201
Cash instruments 86
Deferred income -
IV 29,000
Prepayments and accrued expense
Unrealized foreign exchange gains 686
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 77,695
A
I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 491
A APPENDICES
APPENDIX III AXA PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
A
I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 493
A APPENDICES
APPENDIX III AXA PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
01/01/2022 figures are those published by AXA Global Re, the year before the merger with AXA SA.
A
I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 495
A
4.
APPENDICES
APPENDIX III AXA PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PRESENTATION OF THE ACCOUNTS Pursuant to article 242-2 of Regulation ANC No. 2015-11,
transactions involving structural investments in subsidiaries in
foreign currencies are considered as transactions in euros and are
BALANCE SHEET – ASSETS frozen in euros at the historical exchange rate, and no translation
differences are recognized subsequently.
4.3 Share of assignees and retroceding The application of regulations (ANC No. 2014-03 chapter “titre VI,
companies in technical reserves chapitre II, Section 4 “Plans d’options d’achat ou de souscription
d’actions et plans d’attribution d’actions gratuites aux salaries”)
UNEARNED PREMIUM RESERVES relating to the accounting treatment of stock options, subscription
or purchase, and performance shares/units (free shares granted
These reserves amounted to €142 million for the 2022 fiscal
to employees) leads the Company to record a provision.
year and correspond to the share of gross written and unearned
premiums retroceded as liabilities on the balance sheet.
4.6 Accrual assets
CLAIMS RESERVES
Non-life and life claims reserves amounted to €5,103 million and INTEREST AND RENT NOT YET DUE
€157 million respectively for the 2022 fiscal year. This item includes accrued interests on investments and financial
hedges amounting to €82 million, including €67 million for accrued
OTHER NON-LIFE TECHNICAL RESERVES interests not yet due on swaps.
These reserves amounted to €14 million for the 2022 financial year
and cover the reserve for counterparty risk, which is deducted from OTHER ACCRUED INCOMES
the reinsurers’ share in the technical reserves. This reserve takes It amounted to €4,070 million and mainly includes:
into account the default risk of reinsurers according to their rating. ■ €3,411 million in respect of foreign exchange losses realized
through Forward Financial Instruments relating to hedging
OTHER LIFE INSURANCE TECHNICAL RESERVES
transactions on equity securities subject to the definition of
These reserves amounted to €188 million for the 2022 fiscal year structural assets and deferred until the disposal of the securities;
and represent the retroceded share of a reserve related to the
claims experience deviation recorded on a life insurance treaty. ■ €202 million in respect of currency fluctuations – assets on
perpetual debts from structural equity investments;
4.4 Receivables ■ €187 million in option premiums paid.
A
I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 497
A
4.9
APPENDICES
APPENDIX III AXA PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Gross technical reserves The Company is the head of a tax consolidation group; in this
respect, the tax consolidation agreement provides that tax savings
Gross technical reserves amounted to €8,230 million at the end are recognized directly in the Company’s financial statements.
of the 2022 fiscal year and includes non-life claims reserves of However, a provision for the risk of reimbursement of tax savings is
€7,524 million, which represent an increase of €1,078 million recognized when there is a high probability that these subsidiaries
due in particular to the reserves accepted for new Property & will become profitable again, expected future taxable incomes
Casualty Treaties, as a proportionate share implemented in 2022 resulting from the Group’s strategic plan process.
and totaling €1,225 million.
This item includes all provisions at the end of the fiscal year 4.11 Liabilities relating to cash deposits
calculated at a level that makes it possible to cover the estimated from retroceding companies
amount of its own commitments for declared and undeclared
claims. Cash deposits amounted to €1,683 million, including €1,319 million
in deposits received through retroceding companies up 805 million.
■ Claims reserves are defined in accordance with article R.343-
7 of the French Insurance Code as the “estimated value of
the principal expenses and costs, both internal and external, 4.12 Other liabilities
necessary for the settlement of all incurred and unpaid losses, Other liabilities amounted to €18,795 million compared to
including capital constituting annuities not yet payable by the €16,493 million at December 31, 2021 and mainly include:
Company”.
■ financial liabilities to Group subsidiaries for €12,045 million;
Article R.347-7 of the French Insurance Code specifies that
■ bonds related to Group entities for €3,440 million as well as
policy benefits reserves correspond to the “present value of the
€500 million of commercial papers;
Company’s commitments with regard to the capital constituting
annuities charged to it”. Gross policy benefits reserves are provided ■ senior debts for €1,350 million;
by the entities. In the same way as for the other reserves, the
■ debts arising from reinsurance operations for €937 million.
conditions of reinsurance treaties are applied to obtain the
retroceded and net policy benefits reserves.
Claims reserves also include the reserve for claims handling costs
4.13 Accruals liabilities
of €12 million, which is intended to cover the future handling costs Accruals liabilities amounted to €1,477 million compared to
incurred by the Company to manage and settle outstanding claims. €849 million at December 31, 2021 and mainly include translation
■ Unearned premium reserves of €170 million at December 31, adjustments on liabilities for €304 million, €407 million in accrued
2022 recognized for all current contracts, the portion – calculated interests not yet due and €301 million relating to options premium
on the gross written premiums and estimated on the remaining received.
premiums to be written – which relates to the period between
PENSION COMMITMENTS
the inventory date and the next premium due date or, by default,
the term of the contract. As part of the update to social commitments, an assessment
was made of the additional reserves to be established to cover
■ Other technical reserves amounted to €285 million at commitments under defined-benefit pension plans, in accordance
December 31, 2022 and mainly include a reserve for increasing with ANC Recommendation No. 2013-02. Method 1 defined by this
risks in the life business. recommendation has been applied: the cost of past services is
spread out in the income statement over the vesting period of the
4.10 Other non-technical provisions rights, and the expected return on the assets is retained as part
of the expense for the period. This assessment led to no reserve
These amounted to €1,054 million compared to €936 million being recorded at December 31, 2022. The option retained by the
in 2021 and mainly include €266 million in reserves for the Company is to not record any provisions in the balance sheet.
Company’s subsidiaries for the risk of tax savings under the
French tax consolidation scheme, €179 million in reserves for
unrealized losses on options and €161 million for unrealized losses
on interest rate derivatives not eligible for hedge accounting.
OFF BALANCE SHEET COMMITMENTS Commitments on financial instruments received and given
Forward financial instruments (FFIs) are accounted for as
Pledged securities and letters of credit to cover reinsurance
operations commitments given or received for their notional amount in
separate accounts depending on the nature of the transaction
The off-balance sheet commitments relating to the reinsurance
to which the strategy belongs.
business are intended to cover claims reserves to be paid in
accordance with the terms provided in the treaties. These are Premiums relating to option contracts or similar contracts shall
deposits made either in the form of pledged securities received be recorded in the balance sheet, in an asset or liability account
from reinsurers on behalf of the Company and its ceding depending if the amount is paid or received.
companies, or letters of credit issued by banks to reinsurers for ■ In the case of FFIs used as part of yield strategies, income
the benefit of the Company. and expenses relating to FFIs, whether received or settled
Securities pledged by reinsurers as collateral for their commitments or unrealized, are recognized in the income statement on a
are valued at market value at the closing date and are recorded straight-line basis over the expected life of the strategy and
in off-balance sheet. The Company ensures that the value of calculated as accrued interests.
these pledged securities is in line with accepted risks and that
■ For other strategies, all flows recorded on these transactions
additional payments are made in the event of a decrease in the
are recorded in accruals and deferred income;
value of the securities or an increase in claims.
■ In the case of foreign currency FFIs, they are recorded in
Guarantees and sureties given as part of the holding accordance with point 3.3.
company’s activity
■ Commitments given consisted mainly of financial guarantees At each cut-off date, the unrealized losses on each FFIs, resulting
granted to Group entities. from the comparison of the market value of the FFIs and the
overall book value of the FFIs including all the items recorded
■ The credit facilities (authorized but not drawn) represent the in the balance sheet of the Company and relating to this FFIs,
liquidity capacity that the holding company can mobilize give rise to the constitution of an other non-technical provision.
from bank counterparties and its commitment to benefit the Unrealized gains are not recognized in the income statement.
Group’s companies.
The presentation of the appendix does not omit the existence of a
Forward financial instruments are financial transactions whose significant commitment or one that may become so in the future.
main purpose is to protect financial items against market
movements, mainly via swaps.
A
I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 499
A
5.
APPENDICES
APPENDIX III AXA PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(a) Note: for redeemable bonds, this table does not take into account the amortization of discounts and premiums.
A
500 I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 501
A APPENDICES
APPENDIX III AXA PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Table 2: Movements in intangible assets, land and buildings, ownership interests in affiliated companies and companies
with which there is no shareholding link, bonds, debentures and receivables with these companies:
5.2 Investments
5.2.1 SUMMARY STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS
Table 3: Summary
12/31/2022
Value
(in Euro million) Gross Net Fair
1/ Real estate investments and current real estate investments 105 105 113
2/ Shares and other variable income securities other than UCITS units 68,266 66,327 76,009
3/ UCITS units other than those referred to in 4 168 168 182
4/ UCITS units holding exclusively fixed-income securities
5/ Bonds and other fixed-income securities 2,584 2,577 2,456
6/ Mortgage loans
7/ Other loans and similar 435 435 435
8/ Deposits with ceding companies 2,131 2,132 2,120
9/ Deposits other than those referred to in 8 and cash guarantees and other investments 62 62 62
10/ Assets representing Unit-Linked policies
11/ FFIs
FFI Performance strategies 45 45 (105)
FFI other transactions 172 172 535
FFI Exchange strategies (146 (146) (353)
TOTAL (LINES 1 TO 11) 73,821 71,876 81,454
o/w TOTAL FFIs 71 71 78
o/w TOTAL Investments 73,751 71,805 81,376
o/w
Estimated values according to article R343-9 4,650 4,644 4,511
Estimated values according to article R343-10 69,100 67,161 76,855
Estimated values according to article R343-13
Estimated values according to article R343-11
Other forward and option contracts 71 71 78
o/w
Values attributable to the representation of technical reserves other
than those referred to below 4,919 4,912 4,806
Securities securing liabilities to pension funds or covering managed investment
funds
Securities deposited with cedants (o/w securities deposited with cedants
for which the Company has given a joint and several guarantee) 78 78 73
Values allocated to special technical reserves for other business in France
Other allocations or no allocation 68,824 66,886 76,575
Note: Fair value of investments in subsidiaries corresponds to the fair value retained for the Solvency II balance sheet valuation.
A
I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 503
A
5.2.2
APPENDICES
APPENDIX III AXA PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DERIVATIVES INSTRUMENTS
Table 4: Off balance sheet commitments – derivative instruments
Contracts
Contracts by Contracts Contracts by type of
(In Euro million) Notional maturity date by strategy by market Contracts by market risks instruments
Investments 73,751
Investments in UCITS 0
Total investments 73,751
To be deducted:
Amortization of redemption price differences 22
Reserves Equities and other UCITS 105
Provisions in affliated companies and companies with a shareholding link 1,834
To be added:
Differences in the redemption prices to be collected 15
Cash on deposit buildings
TOTAL SUMMARY STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS 71,805
Table 7: Analysis of property rights (including assets representing variable capital contracts)
12/31/2022
(in Euro million) Gross value Net value Fair value
Operating buildings
Real rights
Shares in unlisted real estate or property companies
Other capital assets
Shares in unlisted real estate or property companies * 105 105 113
TOTAL 105 105 113
A
I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 505
A APPENDICES
APPENDIX III AXA PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Guarantees and
commitments given
Net Book Loans and cash by the Company
Other Gross Book Value of advances given under commitments Last closing Closing date
Share shareholders’ Percentage of Value of securities by the Company made by subsidiary/ revenues Last closing Dividends and other
(in Euro thousand) capital equity capital held securities held held still outstanding participation available (a) result available received observations
A. DETAILED INFORMATION CONCERNING SUBSIDIARIES AND
INVESTMENTS ACCOUNTING FOR IN EXCESS OF 1% OF AXA’S
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
1) Subsidiaries (at least 50%-owned)
AXA ASIA 8,401,354 307,090 100.00% 8,413,436 8,413,436 - - 140,693 198,428 - 31 décembre 2022
21, avenue Matignon – 75008 Paris
ARCHITAS LIMITED 7 51,184 100.00% 76,851 76,851 - - 21,945 16,950 27,146 31 décembre 2022
5 Old Broad Street – EC2N 1AD – London – Royaume-Uni
AXA PARTNERS HOLDINGS SA 494,952 13,025 100.00% 595,138 595,138 69,000 - 2098,066 (51,406) - 31 décembre 2022
6, rue André Gide – 92320 Chatillon – France
AXA CHINA 461,655 (667) 51.00% 235,448 235,448 - - - (17) - 31 décembre 2022
23, avenue Matignon – 75008 Paris – France
AXA France VIE 487,725 6,565,640 98.34% 2,525,109 2,525,109 - 320,000 20942,669 568,919 691,143 31 décembre 2022
313,Terrasses de l’Arche – 92727 Nanterre – France
AXA France IARD 214,799 2,581,466 99.92% 1,801,832 1,801,832 - - 7889,858 1091,021 579,066 31 décembre 2022
313,Terrasses de l’Arche – 92727 Nanterre – France
AXA FRANCE PARTICIPATIONS 746,755 17,997 100.00% 746,755 746,755 - - 8,784 8,503 - 31 décembre 2022
313,Terrasses de l’Arche – 92727 Nanterre – France
XL GROUP 0 18,129,821 100.00% 18,253,297 18,253,297 - 2,068,001 - 905,641 113,971 31 décembre 2022
O’Hara House, One Bermudiana Road – Hamilton Bermuda HM 08 –
Bermudes
AXA GENERAL INSURANCE 185,883 75,736 99.71% 293,728 293,728 - - 637,441 32,995 - 31 décembre 2022
395-70, Shindaebang-dong, Dongjak-gu – Seoul – Corée du Sud
AXA HOLDINGS BELGIUM 453,101 882,048 100.00% 4,493,243 4,493,243 - - 245,544 244,702 313,600 31 décembre 2022
1, place du Trône – 1170 BRUXELLES – Belgique
AXA INVESTMENT MANAGERS 52,843 1,278,182 75.65% 1,616,301 1,616,301 - 116,167 403,100 333,168 142,695 31 décembre 2022
Tour Majunga, La Défense 9 – 92800 Puteaux – France
AXA HOLDING JAPAN 603,615 2,370,546 78.55% 2,261,181 2,261,181 - - 4974,584 508,469 280,496 31 décembre 2022
NBF Platinium Tower 1-17-3 Shirokane – Minato-ku
108 – 8020 Tokyo – Japon
AXA LIFE EUROPE 99,960 1,193,526 100.00% 869,424 869,424 - - 229,764 43,210 30,000 31 décembre 2022
Wolfe Tone House, Wolfe Tone street – D01 HP90 – Dublin – Irlande
ARCHITAS SOLUTIONS 106,211 (104,752) 100.00% 120,000 14,448 - - - 5 - 31 décembre 2022
Wolfe Tone House, Wolfe Tone street – D01 HP90 – Dublin – Irlande
AXA MEDITERRANEAN HOLDING 211,477 3,555,247 100.00% 4,485,474 4,485,474 276,000 181,274 526,228 584,944 153,300 31 décembre 2022
Calle monseñor Palmer numéro 1 – Palma de Mallorca – Iles Baléares
AXA GROUP OPERATIONS SAS 298,893 (75,375) 99.98% 496,406 151,842 35,000 - - (71,668) - 31 décembre 2022
81 Rue Mistislav Rostropovitch – 75017 Paris – France
AXA UK PLC (b) 914,722 5,181,946 100.00% 5,689,934 5,689,934 - 1,352,982 - -- 349,304 31 décembre 2022
20 Gracechurch Street – Londres EC2N 1AD – Royaume-Uni
AXA VERSICHERUNGEN AG 162,819 3,828,332 100.00% 5,171,327 5,171,327 - - 3636,692 1296,109 863,677 31 décembre 2022
General Guisan-str,40 – CH-8401 Winterthur – Suisse - -
CFP MANAGEMENT 1,300 12,171 100.00% 139,808 15,931 - - - 2,400 11,890 31 décembre 2022
21, avenue Matignon – 75008 Paris – France - -
COLISEE RE 95,436 98,037 100.00% 619,892 169,730 - - 2,302 (4,830) 53,000 31 décembre 2022
61 Rue Mistislav Rostropovitch – 75017 Paris – France
(a) For Insurance companies: gross written premiums. For real estate companies: rental revenues. For holding companies: dividends. For financial services companies: gross
banking revenues.
(b) Consolidated data.
A
506 I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 507
A APPENDICES
APPENDIX III AXA PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Guarantees and
commitments given
APPENDICES
APPENDIX III AXA PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(a) For Insurance companies: gross written premiums. For real estate companies: rental revenues. For holding companies: dividends. For financial services companies: gross
banking revenues.
(b) Consolidated data.
A
508 I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 509
A APPENDICES
APPENDIX III AXA PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Table 9: Transactions with affiliated companies and companies with which the Company has a participating interest
5.3 Receivables
Table 10: Table of breakdowns of receivables by residual valu
2022 2021
Up to From 1 year More than
(in Euro million) 1 year to 5 years 5 years Total Total
RECEIVABLES
Receivables arising from direct insurance transactions
Premiums to be issued
Other receivables arising from direct insurance operations
Receivables arising from reinsurance operations
(excluding provision for doubtful debts) 1,888 1,888
Provision for receivables arising from doubtful reinsurance operations (3) (3)
Other receivables
Personnel 1 1
Government, social security bodies and local authorities 353 353 102
Sundry debtors 60 45 105 235
TOTAL 2,299 45 2,344 337
Table 11: Table of transactions with affiliated companies and companies with which the Company has a participating interes
12/31/2021
(in Euro million) 12/31/2022 restated
ACCRUED INCOME
Earned premiums not yet written (from cedants) 727
Personnel 1
Social security organizations
State 353 102
Miscellaneous- accrued income 92 235
TOTAL ACCRUED INCOME 1,173 337
ACCRUALS – ASSETS
Accrued not due interest and rental income 82 68
Deferred acquisition costs:
Life
Non-life
Other prepayments and accrued income (assets):
Deferred acquisition costs of buildings
Other deferred expenses
Difference on redemption prices receivable (assets) 62 30
Reinsurance technical assessments (assets) 94
Other accruals – derivatives 86
Other accruals- Assets 3,422 3,302
Unrealized foreign exchange losses 202 278
Option premiums paid 187
Prepaid expenses 17 8
TOTAL ACCRUALS – ASSETS 4,152 3,686
Nominal
Movements of securities (in Euro) Number value Share capital
(a) Proposed dividend at year-end 2022 is submitted to Shareholders’ Meeting of April 27, 2023.
The perpetual subordinated notes are undated bonds. The instruments. When payment is deferred for an extended period,
Company has the option of deferring payment of the coupons the coupons remain payable by law. Similarly, in the absence
under certain conditions. Nonetheless, the coupons must be paid of dividends being paid, unpaid coupons accumulated over
when these conditions cease to be met or on redemption of the the years will be recognized as payable upon liquidation, if any.
Reversal Reversal
for the year for the year
Allocation (reserve (reserve not
(in Euro million) 12/31/2021 for the year used) used) 12/31/2022
Regulated reserves 45 - - - 45
Reserves for exchange losses 57 128 5 - 180
Provisions for taxes 12 1 12 - 1
Provisions for deferred taxes 243 203 4 - 442
Other non technical reserves 579 54 247 - 386
TOTAL 936 386 268 - 1,054
2022 2021
From
Up to 1 year to More than
(in Euro million) 1 year 5 years 5 years Total Total
LIABILITIES - - - - -
Liabilities for cash deposits received from ceding companies 1,683 - - 1,683 -
Liabilities arising from direct insurance operations - - - - -
Liabilities arising from reinsurance operations 937 - - 937 -
Bonds 920 1,585 935 3,440 3,686
Liabilities towards credit institutions - - - - -
Other liabilities 2,317 2,619 9,480 14,417 12,807
TOTAL 5,857 4,204 10,416 20,477 16,493
A
I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 513
A APPENDICES
APPENDIX III AXA PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Table 19: Table of transactions with affiliated companies and companies with which the Company has a participating interest
ACCRUED EXPENSES
Earned premiums to retrocede (to reinsurers) 674 -
Personnel - -
Accrued liabilities for paid leave - -
Accrued liabilities for employee profit-sharing - -
Other accrued expenses 1 -
Social security organizations - -
Social security charges on paid leave - -
Other accrued expenses - -
State - -
Tax charges on paid leave - -
Other accrued expenses - 7
Shareholders, dividends to be distributed - -
Miscellaneous – accrued expenses 362 199
TOTAL ACCRUED EXPENSES 1,037 206
ACCRUALS – LIABILITIES
Accrued not due interest on debts 407 361
Estimated commission and brokerage - -
Other prepayments and accrued expense (liabilities) - -
Income to be deferred over several financial years - -
Amortization of differences in redemption prices (liabilities) 23 -
Reinsurance technical assessments (liabilities) 88 -
Other accruals – derivatives 309 -
Other accruals- Liabilities 45 -
Unrealized foreign exchange gains 304 402
Option premiums received 301 86
TOTAL ACCRUALS - LIABILITIES 1,477 849
A
I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 515
A APPENDICES
APPENDIX III AXA PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Life Insurance 2 -
Non-Life Insurance 1,506 -
TOTAL 1,509 -
Financial income
and financial Financial income
expenses relating and financial
to investments in expenses on other
Type (in Euro million) affiliated companies investments 12/31/2022 12/31/2021
12/31/2022 12/31/2021
For previous For previous
Tax (in Euro million) For the year years Total For the year years Total
Related to ordinary operations 254 82 336 649 16 665
Related to exceptional income and expenses
TOTAL 254 82 336 649 16 665
Table 26: Options and performance shares or units granted to members of the Management Committee paid by the Company
7. OTHER INFORMATION
A
I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 517
A APPENDICES
APPENDIX III AXA PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit
63, rue de Villiers
ERNST & YOUNG Audit
Tour First, TSA 14444
92208 Neuilly-sur-Seine Cedex 92037 Paris-La Défense
This is a translation into English of the Statutory Auditors’ report on the financial statements of the Company issued in French and it is
provided solely for the convenience of English speaking users.
This statutory auditors’ report includes information required by European regulation and French law, such as information about the
appointment of the statutory auditors or verification of the management report and other documents provided to shareholders.
This report should be read in conjunction with, and construed in accordance with, French law and professional auditing standards
applicable in France.
OPINION
In compliance with the engagement entrusted to us by your Shareholders’ Meeting, we have audited the accompanying financial
statements of AXA SA for the year ended December 31, 2022.
In our opinion, the financial statements give a true and fair view of the assets and liabilities and of the financial position of the Company
as at December 31, 2022 and of the results of its operations for the year then ended in accordance with French accounting principles.
The audit opinion expressed above is consistent with our report to the Audit Committee.
Audit Framework
We conducted our audit in accordance with professional standards applicable in France. We believe that the audit evidence we have
obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Statutory Auditors’ Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial
Statements section of our report.
Independence
We conducted our audit engagement in compliance with independence requirements of rules required by the French Commercial Code
(code de commerce) and the French Code of ethics (code de déontologie de la profession de commissaire aux comptes) for statutory
auditors for the period from January 1, 2022 to the date of our report, and specifically we did not provide any prohibited non-audit
services referred to in Article 5(1) of Regulation (EU) N° 537/2014.
EMPHASIS OF MATTER
We draw attention to the following matter described in Notes 2 and 3 to the financial statements which specify the impact on these
accounts of the application of ANC Regulation n° 2015-11 of November 26, 2015 modified relating to the annual financial statements
of insurance companies, following the approval in 2022 as a reinsurance company.
In accordance with the requirements of Articles L.823-9 and R.823-7 of the French Commercial Code (code de commerce) relating
to the justification of our assessments, we inform you of the key audit matters relating to risks of material misstatement that, in our
professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the financial statements of the current period, as well as how we
addressed those risks.
These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon,
and we do not provide a separate opinion on specific items of the financial statements.
Measurement of Investments in affiliated undertakings and in undertakings with which a participating interest exists
(See Notes 4.2 to the financial statements)
Key audit matter How our audit addressed the matter
At December 31, 2022, investments in affiliated undertakings and in To assess the reasonableness of the estimated value in use of
undertakings with which a participating interest exists represented investments in affiliated undertakings and in undertakings with which
€66 428 million, a significant balance sheet item. a participating interest exists, based on the information provided to
us, our audit work consisted primarily of verifying that the estimated
These investments are initially carried at acquisition cost or their values determined by management were based on an appropriate
contribution value. At the end of the fiscal year, an impairment measurement method and assumptions, depending on the investment
allowance is recognized if the value at closing date is less than the concerned.
acquisition cost.
For valuations based on forecast data:
As described in note 4.2 to the financial statements, the value at ■ Assess the appropriateness of the methodology and assumptions
closing date corresponds to the value in use and is determined used with regard to the Solvency II texts and the European
by management on the basis of the share price, the equity value Embedded Value principles published by the CFO Forum when
(including unrealized gains), or the future prospects of the subsidiary. the values in use of life and non-life insurance companies are
Estimating the value in use of these types of investments requires based on these frameworks;
a significant degree of judgment from management in terms of ■ For the other entities notably non-life business, obtain the
selecting the measurement methods, depending on the investment projections for cash flow and operating cash flow for the businesses
in question, and in determining which data and assumptions should produced by their respective operational management teams, and:
be used to estimate the expected profits when these are taken into – Check the consistency of the historical data used with the
account in the valuation. financial statements of the audited entities;
– Check that the assumptions made are consistent with the
In particular: economic environment at the closing date and at the date
■ for the “Life, Savings and Retirement” activities, the value of the financial statements were prepared;
future profits is estimated on the basis of the calculations of the – Compare projections made in previous periods with actual
European Embedded Value published by the Group. results in order to assess the reliability of the estimates;
■ for “Property and Casualty” activities, the value in use approach – Verify the accuracy of the value in use calculated;
results from cash-flow projections based on the strategic plan – Confirm that the value in use, which is based on projected cash
approved by management, discounted using a risks adjusted flows, has been adjusted to account for debts;
rate. Beyond the strategic plan horizon, future cash-flows are
extrapolated using long term growth rates deemed achievable, We also verified the recording of other non technical reserves where the
to derive a terminal value company is exposed to the losses of a subsidiary with negative equity.
Given the inherent uncertainty involved in the use of forecasts (in Finally, we assessed the adequacy of the disclosures in the financial
terms of whether or not they will be achieved) and in the judgment statements.
required to assess value in use, we deemed the correct measurement
of investments in affiliated undertakings and in undertakings with
which a participating interest exists, particularly those based on
forward-looking data, to be a key audit matter.
A
I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 519
A APPENDICES
APPENDIX III AXA PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Measurement of claims reserves for reinsurance contracts notably for long-tail claims development businesses
(See Notes 3.2 and 4.9 to the financial statements)
Key audit matter How our audit addressed the matter
The technical reserves of your company amount to €7 524 million for Our audit approach to the risk relating to the measurement of claim
Non-life business and €251 million for Life business as at December reserves notably for long-tail claims development is as follows:
31, 2022. ■ We assessed the compliance of the methodology applied by
AXA S.A. with current accounting standards and its application;
As described in notes 3.2 and 4.9 of the financial statements, the ■ We evaluated and tested the design and operating effectiveness of
amount of claims reserves corresponds to estimated value of the the internal controls we deemed key to our audit and related to:
principal expenses and costs, both internal and external, necessary – the management of claims and, in particular, the measurement
for the settlement of all incurred and unpaid losses, including capital of reserves on a case-by-case basis;
constituting annuities not yet payable by the Company. – the calculation of the ultimate cost (assumptions, judgments,
data, methodologies, compliance with the applicable
They include estimated reserves on a case-by-case basis and late accounting principles and methods), including second opinion
claims estimated using statistical methods. supplied by Risk Management with respect to technical reserves;
– the IT systems used to process the technical data and
Technical reserves are established on the basis of data provided by integration into the accounting system.
ceding companies and supplemented by actuarial estimates. ■ We tested the reliability of the underlying data;
■ Our work also consisted in assessing the statistical methods and
These estimates, based on reinsurance commitments or on statistical actuarial inputs applied, as well as of the assumptions used, with
and actuarial bases, involve significant uncertainties, particularly respect to the applicable regulations, and the economic and
with regard to long-tail claims development and require a significant financial context of AXA SA;
degree of judgment from management. ■ We have, notably on branches where the estimation of claims
provisions has a higher risk of uncertainty and judgment, evaluated
In this context, we considered the measurement of claims reserves the outcome of the accounting estimates made the previous
for reinsurance contracts notably for long-tail claims development, years with a view to assessing the reliability of the process used
to be a key audit matter. by management to calculate these estimates;
■ We have, with the help of our actuarial specialists, undertook
an independent evaluation of the reserves for some insurance
risk categories.
SPECIFIC VERIFICATIONS
We have also performed, in accordance with professional standards applicable in France, the specific verifications required by law
and regulations.
Information given in the management report and in the other documents with respect
to the financial position and the financial statements provided to the Shareholders
We have no matters to report as to the fair presentation and the consistency with the financial statements of the information given in
the management report of the Board of Directors and in the other documents with respect to the financial position and the financial
statements provided to the Shareholders.
Concerning the fair presentation and the consistency with the financial statements of the information on supplier payment terms
referred to in Article D.441-6 of the French Commercial Code, we have the following matter to report: as explained in the management
report, the information does not include insurance and reinsurance transactions because the Company considers that they do not
fall within the scope of the disclosure requirement in accordance with the circular issued by the Fédération Française de l’Assurance
dated 29 May 2017.
Other Information
In accordance with French law, we have verified that the required information concerning the identity of the shareholders and holders
of the voting rights has been properly disclosed in the management report.
Format of presentation of the financial statements included in the annual financial report
We have also verified, in accordance with the professional standard applicable in France relating to the procedures performed by the
statutory auditor relating to the annual and consolidated financial statements presented in the European single electronic format,
that the presentation of the consolidated financial statements included in the annual financial report mentioned in Article L. 451-1-2,
I of the French Monetary and Financial Code (code monétaire et financier), prepared under the responsibility of the Chief Executive
Officer, complies with the single electronic format defined in the European Delegated Regulation No 2019/815 of 17 December 2018.
Based on the work we have performed, we conclude that the presentation of the financial statements included in the annual financial
report complies, in all material respects, with the European single electronic format.
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with French accounting
principles and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that
are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, management is responsible for assessing the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern,
disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless it is expected to
liquidate the Company or to cease operations.
The Audit Committee is responsible for monitoring the financial reporting process and the effectiveness of internal control and risks
management systems and where applicable, its internal audit, regarding the accounting and financial reporting procedures.
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors.
A
I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 521
A APPENDICES
APPENDIX III AXA PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The information is disclosed in the “Embedded Value and Solvency II Own Funds Report 2022” which is available on AXA’s website
(www.axa.com).
A
I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 523
A
APPENDIX V GLOSSARY
APPENDICES
APPENDIX V GLOSSARY
This glossary includes definitions of non-GAAP financial measures, • The Gulf Region (insurance activities until June 2021
or alternative performance measures (“APMs”), indicated by an (disposed on September 7, 2021), and holding),
asterisk (*), that Management believes are useful to understand
• Luxembourg (insurance activities and holding),
the Group’s business and analyze the Group’s performance.
• Mexico (insurance activities),
• Russia (Reso) (insurance activities),
SCOPE AND COMPARABLE BASIS
• Turkey (insurance activities and holding);
• Africa & Asia:
Split by geography
• India (Property & Casualty activities until June 2021
The split by geography is detailed below: (disposed on September 8, 2021), Life & Savings activities
■ France (insurance and banking activities, and holding); and holding),
■ Europe, consisting of: • Malaysia (insurance activities held for sale until June 2021
and disposed on August 30, 2022),
• Switzerland (insurance activities),
• Morocco (insurance activities and holding),
• Germany (insurance activities and holding),
• Nigeria (insurance activities and holding),
• Belgium (insurance activities and holding),
• Singapore (insurance activities held for sale until
• United Kingdom & Ireland (insurance activities and holding), December 31, 2021 and disposed on February 11, 2022, and
• Spain (insurance activities), holding);
• Japan (insurance activities and holding), • AXA Investment Managers (including Architas),
• Thailand (insurance activities), • AXA Global Re until June 30, 2022 (when it merged with and
into AXA SA),
• Indonesia (insurance activities),
• AXA Life Europe,
• China (insurance activities),
• AXA SA (including Group’s internal reinsurance activity
• The Philippines (insurance activities); consequently to the merger with AXA Global Re on June 30,
• South Korea (insurance activities), 2022) and other Central Holdings.
• Asia Holdings;
Main Developed Markets
■ AXA XL (insurance and reinsurance activities and holding); and Main Emerging Markets
■ International, consisting of: The split between main developed markets and main emerging
• EME-LATAM: markets is detailed below:
■ Main Developed Markets: Belgium, France, Germany, Hong
• AXA Bank Belgium (disposed on December 31, 2021),
Kong, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom &
• Brazil (insurance activities and holding), Ireland and AXA XL;
• Colombia (insurance activities), ■ Main Emerging Markets: Brazil, China, Indonesia, Mexico, the
Philippines and Thailand.
• Greece (insurance activities) until March 2021 (disposed
on May 31, 2021),
Comparable basis for revenues, Annual ■ integration costs related to new acquired companies as well
Premium Equivalent and NBV Margin as restructuring costs related to productivity improvement
plans; and
“On a comparable basis” means:
■ exceptional operations (primarily changes in scope and
■ data for the current period were restated using the prevailing discontinued operations).
foreign currency exchange rates for the same period of prior
year (constant exchange rate basis);
Earnings per share
■ data in one of the two periods being compared were restated
for the results of acquisitions, disposals and business transfers Earnings per share (“EPS”) represent AXA’s consolidated
(constant structural basis) and for changes in accounting earnings (net of financial charges related to undated and deeply
principles (constant methodological basis). subordinated debts recorded through shareholders’ equity)
divided by the weighted average number of outstanding ordinary
shares over the period. Shares held by AXA and its subsidiaries (i.e.
treasury shares) are deducted for the calculation of outstanding
EARNINGS AND CAPITAL shares.
Diluted earnings per share (“diluted EPS”) represent AXA’s
consolidated earnings (net of financial charges related to undated
Underlying earnings *
and deeply subordinated debts recorded through shareholders’
Underlying earnings represent the net income (Group share) equity) divided by the weighted average number of outstanding
as disclosed in the table set forth on pages 46 and 47 of this ordinary shares over the period, on a diluted basis (i.e. including
Annual Report, before the impact of the following items net of the potential impact of all outstanding dilutive stock options
policyholder participation, deferred acquisition costs, Value of being exercised, performance shares, and conversion of existing
Business in-force, taxes and minority interests: convertible debt into shares, provided that their impact is not
■ realized gains and losses, change in impairment valuation anti-dilutive). Shares held by AXA and its subsidiaries (i.e. treasury
allowances (on assets not designated under fair value option shares) are deducted for the calculation of outstanding shares.
or trading assets) and cost at inception, intrinsic value and Underlying Earnings per share* correspond to underlying
pay-off of derivatives used for the economic hedging of realized Earnings (net of financial charges related to undated subordinated
gains and impairments of equity securities (other than the debts recorded through shareholders’ equity) divided by the
funds backing contracts where the financial risk is borne by weighted average number of outstanding ordinary shares over
policyholders); the period. Shares held by AXA and its subsidiaries (i.e. treasury
shares) are deducted for the calculation of outstanding shares.
■ profit or loss on financial assets accounted for under fair value
option (excluding assets backing liabilities for which the financial
risk is borne by the policyholder), foreign exchange impacts Return on Equity
on assets and liabilities, and derivatives related to invested Return on Equity (“RoE”), presented in this annual report, is
assets and liabilities. calculated as earnings net of interest charges related to undated
Derivatives related to invested assets and liabilities: and deeply subordinated debts divided by the average of opening
and closing shareholders’ equity both excluding:
• include all foreign exchange derivatives, except the pay-off
■ for underlying RoE *:
related to currency options in earnings hedging strategies
which are included in underlying earnings, • reserves relating to the change in the fair value through
• include all interest rate derivatives, except the pay-off related shareholders’ equity,
to rate instrument in earnings hedging strategies which are • undated and deeply subordinated debts since they are
included in underlying earnings, treated as financing debt;
• exclude derivatives related to insurance contracts evaluated ■ for net income RoE:
according to the “selective unlocking” accounting policy;
• reserves relating to the change in the fair value of available
■ impairments of goodwill, impairments and amortization of for sale fixed income securities assets through shareholders’
intangibles related to customers and distribution; equity,
• undated and deeply subordinated debts since they are
treated as financing debt.
A
I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 525
A
Free Cash Flows
APPENDICES
APPENDIX V GLOSSARY
Underlying fees & revenues include: ■ amortization of Deferred Acquisition Costs (DAC) and net rights
■ loadings charged to policyholders (or contractual charges) on to future management fees for investment contracts without
premiums of all Life & Savings products; DPF, including the impact of interest capitalized;
■ administrative expenses; and
■ loadings on deposits received on all Life & Savings products
and fees on funds under management for separate account ■ policyholder bonuses if the policyholder participates in the
(Unit-Linked) business; expenses of the Company.
■ capitalization of deferred income linked to new business: Underlying VBI amortization includes VBI (Value of Purchased
Unearned Revenue Reserve (“URR”) and Unearned Fee Reserve Life Business In-force) amortization related to underlying margins.
(“UFR”);
There are certain material differences between the detailed
■ amortization of URR and UFR, including the impact of interest line-by-line presentation in the Statement of Income and the
capitalized; components of Life & Savings Margin Analysis as set out below:
■ revenues derived from mutual fund sales (which are part of ■ for insurance contracts and investment contracts with DPF:
consolidated revenues); and • gross premiums (net of deposits), fees and other revenues
■ other fee revenues, e.g. fees received on financial planning or are allocated in the Margin Analysis based on the nature of
sales of third-party products. the revenue between “Fees & Revenues” and “Net Technical
Margin”,
Underlying net technical margin includes the following
components: • policyholders’ interest in participating contracts is reflected
as a change in insurance benefits in the Statement of Income.
■ mortality and morbidity margin: the difference between income
In the Margin Analysis, it is allocated to the related margin,
or earned premiums for assuming risk and the cost of benefits
i.e. primarily “Investment Margin” and “Net Technical Margin”,
and claims charges directly linked to the claims experience or
its anticipation (death or disability) as well as other changes in • the “Investment margin” represents the net investment result
claims and insurance reserves: all the reserve strengthening in the Statement of Income and is adjusted to consider the
or release coming from changes in valuation assumptions and related policyholder participation (see above) as well as
other technical impacts such as premium deficiencies net of changes in specific reserves linked to invested assets’ returns
derivatives if any; and to exclude the fees on (or contractual charges included
in) contracts with the financial risk borne by policyholders,
■ surrender margin: the difference between the benefit reserve
which are included in “Fees & Revenues”,
and the surrender value paid to the policyholder in the event
of early contract termination; • change in URR (Unearned Revenue Reserve – capitalization
net of amortization) is presented in the line “Change in
■ policyholder bonuses if the policyholders participate in the
unearned premiums net of unearned revenues and fees” in
risk margin;
the underlying Statement of Income, whereas it is located in
■ ceded reinsurance results; and the line “Fees & Revenues” in the Margin Analysis;
■ claims handling costs. ■ for investment contracts without DPF:
Expenses include the following components: • deposit accounting is applied. As a consequence, fees and
charges related to these contracts are presented in the
■ acquisition expenses, including commissions and general
Underlying Statement of Income within Gross Consolidated
expenses allocated to new business;
Revenues on a separate line, and in Margin Analysis in the
■ capitalization of acquisition expenses linked to new business: lines “Fees & Revenues” and “Net Technical Margin”,
Deferred Acquisition Costs (“DAC”) and net rights to future
• change in UFR (Unearned Fee Reserve - capitalization net of
management fees only for investment contracts without
amortization) is presented in the line “Change in unearned
Discretionary Participation Features (“DPF”);
premiums net of unearned revenues & fees” in the Underlying
Statement of Income, whereas it is located in the line “Fees
& Revenues” in the Margin Analysis.
A
I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 527
A APPENDICES
APPENDIX V GLOSSARY
This Annual Report includes all the elements required to be included in the Board of Directors’ report of AXA established pursuant to
articles L.225-100 et seq. and L.22-10-35 et seq. of the French Commercial Code (Code de commerce).
The following references to the Sections of this Annual Report correspond to the components of the Board of Directors’ report as
approved by the Board of Directors of the Company.
Sections Pages
1. Trends/Earnings/Financial position and key performance indicators 14 to 18; 32 to 92 and 480 to 517
2. Use of financial instruments by the Company when relevant for assessing its assets and liabilities, 84 to 90; 255 to 287
financial position, and profits and losses and 346 to 365
3. Description of major risk factors and uncertainties 230 to 254 and 269 to 287
4. Internal control and Risk Management procedures 255 to 268
5. Acquisition of significant equity interests in companies headquartered in France 482
6. Events subsequent to fiscal year end/Outlook 90 to 91 and 441
7. Dividend distributions over the last three years 16
8. Information on market and liquidity risks (interest rate, exchange rate and stock price fluctuation 84 to 90; 230 to 254
risk) and 269 to 287
9. Purchase and sale of the Company’s own shares 452
10. Transactions involving Company stock completed by corporate officers 151
11. Capital ownership 451 and 452
12. Employee shareholders 452 and 453
13. Adjustment of the rights of holders of securities with a claim on the capital of the Company n/a
14. Extra-financial performance statement 164 to 208 and 216 to 228
15. Anti-corruption framework 205; 259 and 260
16. Financial risks related to climate change 180 to 198 and 238 to 240
17. Research and development activities 203 and 204
18. Terms of payment 482
19. Vigilance plan 209 to 215
20. Corporate governance report 530
Exhibits
21. Table of the Company’s financial results over the last five years 483
22. Report of the Statutory Auditors on the corporate governance report 521
A
I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 529
A APPENDICES
APPENDIX VII CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT – CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE
This Annual Report includes all the elements required to be included in AXA’s corporate governance report established pursuant to
articles L.225-37 et seq. and L.22-10-8 et seq. of the French Commercial Code (Code de commerce).
The following references to the Sections of this Annual Report correspond to the components of the corporate governance report as
approved by the Board of Directors of the Company.
Sections Pages
1. Compensation policy of the corporate officers 154 to 158
2. Corporate officers’ compensation 126 to 153
3. Directorships and positions held by the corporate officers 103 to 111
4. Agreements between a corporate officer or a shareholder of the Company 124
and a subsidiary of the Company
5. Procedure for assessment of ordinary agreements concluded at arm’s length terms 160
and conditions
6. Table of the capital increase delegations 454 to 456
7. Exercise of Executive Management 94 and 95; 123
8. Composition and conditions of preparation and organization of the Board of Directors’ work 95 to 122
9. Application the principle of balanced representation of women and men on the Board of Directors 95 and 96; 99 to 102
10. Board of directors’ diversity policy 95 to 98
11. Gender diversity within leadership teams 175
12. Limitation of the powers of the Chief Executive Officer 94 and 123
13. Corporate Governance Code of Reference 159
14. Conditions for the participation to Shareholders’ Meetings 472
15. Anti-takeover provisions 472 and 473
Universal Registration Document filed with the Autorité des marchés financiers (“AMF”) on March 21, 2023.
Items Pages
(a) Note to Draft: To also refer to the disclaimer regarding AXA’s website, included at the beginning of the URD under “Certain preliminary information about this Annual Report”.
A
I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 531
A
Items
APPENDICE
APPENDIX VIII COMMISSION DELEGATED REGULATION (EU) 2019/980 OF MARCH 14, 2019 – CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE
Pages
5.7.4 Environmental issues that may affect the issuer’s utilization of the tangible 467; 180 to 198
fixed assets
6. Organizational structure
6.1 Brief description of the Group and the issuer’s position within the Group 6 to 12; 14
6.2 List of the issuer’s significant subsidiaries 326 to 330
7. Operating and financial review
7.1 Financial condition 290 to 299
7.2 Operating results
7.2.1 Significant factors materially affecting the income from operations 49 to 50
7.2.2 Reasons of the change in net sales or revenues 43 to 45
8. Capital resources
8.1 Issuer’s capital resources 84 to 90; 394 to 396
8.2 Sources and amounts of the issuer’s cash flows 84 to 87; 298 to 299; 372 to 373
8.3 Borrowing requirements and funding structure of the issuer 84 to 90; 394 to 396
8.4 Restrictions on the use of capital resources 84 to 90
8.5 Anticipated sources of funds needed to perform commitments referred to in Item 5.7.2 84 to 87
9. Regulatory environment 457 to 473
10. Trend information
10.1(a) Most significant recent trends in production, sales and inventory, and costs 90 to 92; 441
and selling price
10.1(b) Any significant change in the financial performance of the Group 90 to 92; 441
from December 31, 2019 to the date of the Registration Document
10.2 Known trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments or events that 92; 441; 457 to 473
are reasonably likely to have a material effect on the issuer’s prospects
11. Profit forecasts or estimates
11.1 Inclusion of profit forecast or estimate in the Registration Document n/a
11.2 Assumptions upon which the issuer has based its forecast or estimate n/a
11.3 Statement that the profit forecast or estimate has been compiled and prepared n/a
on a basis which is both: (a) comparable with the historical financial information;
(b) consistent with the issuer’s accounting policies
12. Administrative, management, and supervisory bodies and senior management
12.1 Information concerning members of the Board of Directors and senior management 94 to 124
12.2 Conflicts of interests affecting administrative, management and supervisory bodies 124; 149 to 150; 160;
and senior management 433 to 434
13. Remuneration and benefits
13.1 Amount of remuneration paid and benefits in kind granted by the issuer 126 to 151
and its subsidiaries
13.2 Amounts set aside or accrued by the issuer or its subsidiaries to provide for pension, 152 to 153
retirement or similar benefits
14. Board practices
14.1 Current terms of office 100 to 101
14.2 Information about members of the administrative, management or supervisory bodies’ 124
service contracts with the issuer or any of its subsidiaries providing for benefits upon
termination of employment
14.3 Information about the issuer’s Audit Committee and Remuneration Committee 119 and 121 to 122
14.4 Statement regarding the compliance with the corporate governance regime applicable 159
to the issuer
14.5 Potential material impacts on the corporate governance 32; 101 to 102; 115 to 116
Items Pages
15. Employees
15.1 Number of employees 125 and 171
15.2 Shareholdings and stock options 145 to 150
15.3 Arrangements for involving the employees in the capital of the issuer 137 to 150
16. Major shareholders
16.1 Identification of major shareholders 451 to 452
16.2 Voting rights of major shareholders 451 to 452; 471 to 472
16.3 Ownership and control of the issuer 451 to 453
Arrangements, known to the issuer, the operation of which may at a subsequent
16.4 date result in a change in control of the issuer n/a
17. Related party transactions 160 and 433 to 434
18. Financial information concerning the issuer’s assets and liabilities, financial
position and profits and losses
18.1 Historical financial information 14 to 16; 290 to 441; 480 to 521
18.2 Interim and other financial information n/a
18.3 Auditing of historical annual financial information
18.3.1 Audit report prepared in accordance with Directive 2014/56/EU 442 to 447; 518 to 522
and Regulation (EU) No. 537/2014
18.3.2 Other information audited by the auditors 161 to 162
18.3.3 Sources of the financial information not extracted from the issuer’s n/a
audited financial statements
18.4 Pro forma financial information n/a
18.5 Dividend policy
18.5.1 Issuer’s policy on dividend distributions and restrictions thereon 16; 471
18.5.2 Amount of dividend per share for each financial year for the period covered 16
by the historical financial information
18.6 Legal and arbitration proceedings 439 to 441
18.7 Significant change in the issuer’s financial position 90 to 92; 441
19. Additional information
19.1 Share capital
19.1.1 Subscribed share capital 451
19.1.2 Shares not representing capital n/a
19.1.3 Treasury shares held by the issuer, on its behalf or by its subsidiaries 451 and 452
19.1.4 Convertible, exchangeable securities or securities with warrants 454
19.1.5 Acquisition rights and/or obligations over authorized but unissued capital n/a
or an undertaking to increase the capital
19.1.6 Options on share capital of the members of the Group n/a
19.1.7 Historical information on share capital 452
19.2 Memorandum and articles of association
19.2.1 Corporate purpose 470
19.2.2 Rights, preferences and restrictions attaching to each class of existing shares 471 to 473
19.2.3 Provisions likely to defer, delay or prevent a change in control of the issuer 472 and 473
20. Material contracts n/a
21. Documents available 457
A
I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 533
A APPENDICES
APPENDIX VIII COMMISSION DELEGATED REGULATION (EU) 2019/980 OF MARCH 14, 2019 – CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE
Items Pages
Pursuant to article 19 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129, the following ■ the following Sections of AXA’s Universal Registration Document
items are incorporated by reference into this Universal Registration for the year ended December 31, 2020 (the “2020 URD”), the
Document: French version of which was filed with the AMF on March 22,
■ the following Sections of AXA’s Universal Registration Document 2021 under number D.21-0162 and is available on the AMF’s
for the year ended December 31, 2021 (the “2021 URD”), the website within the BDIF (https://bdif.amf-france.org/fr/
French version of which was filed with the AMF on March 22, 2022 details/D_21-0162):
under number D.22-0129 and is available on the AMF’s website (a) Section 2.2 “Operating Highlights” on pages 32 to 37,
within the AMF’s Decisions and Financial Disclosures Database
(the “BDIF”) (https://bdif.amf-france.org/fr/details/D_22-0129): (b) the report of the Board of Directors of AXA for the year ended
December 31, 2020, including all Sections listed in Appendix VI
(a) Section 2.1 “Operating Highlights” on pages 32 to 39, “Board of Directors’ report – Cross-Reference Table” on
(b) the report of the Board of Directors of AXA for the year ended page 484, and
December 31, 2021, including all Sections listed in Appendix VI (c) Part 6 “Consolidated Financial Statements”, which includes
“Board of Directors’ report – Cross-Reference Table” on AXA’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended
page 506, and December 31, 2020 and the Statutory Auditors’ report thereon,
(c) Part 6 “Consolidated Financial Statements”, which includes respectively, on pages 268 to 418 and pages 419 to 424;
AXA’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended ■ the Bylaws of AXA SA, as amended from time to time, are
December 31, 2021 and the Statutory Auditors’ report thereon, available on the website of the Company (https://www.axa.
respectively, on pages 290 to 440 and pages 441 to 446; com/en/about-us/governance-overview).
The non-incorporated parts of the 2020 and 2021 URDs are either
not relevant for investors or covered elsewhere in this Universal
Registration Document.
This Annual Report includes all the components of the Annual Financial Report (Rapport Financier Annuel) referred to in paragraph I of
article L.451-1-2 of the French Monetary and Financial Code (Code monétaire et financier) as well as in article 222-3 of the AMF General
Regulation.
The following references to sections of this Annual Report correspond to the components of the Annual Financial Report.
Sections Pages
A
I UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION DOCUMENT - ANNUAL REPORT 2022 - AXA I 535
NOTES
AXA Group
25, avenue Matignon
75008 Paris – France
Phone: + 33 (0) 1 40 75 48 42
E-mail: investor.relations@axa.com
Individual Shareholders
AXA Group
Retail Shareholders Relations
25, avenue Matignon
75008 Paris – France
Phone: 0 800 43 48 43
(toll-free number from France)
Phone: + 33 (0) 1 40 75 48 43
E-mail: actionnaires.web@axa.com