Exhibit B.3(a): Annual Information Form
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
ANNUAL INFORMATION FORM
November 29, 2023
CIBC 2023 Annual Information Form 1
A NOTE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
From time to time, we make written or oral forward-looking statements within the meaning of certain securities laws, including in this Annual Information Form, in other filings with Canadian securities regulators or the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and in other communications. All such statements are made pursuant to the “safe harbour” provisions of, and are intended to be forward-looking statements under applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation, including the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements made about our operations, business lines, financial condition, risk management, priorities, targets and sustainability commitments (including with respect to net-zero emissions and our environmental, social and governance (ESG) related activities), ongoing objectives, strategies, the regulatory environment in which we operate and outlook for calendar year 2024 and subsequent periods. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by the words “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “estimate”, “forecast”, “target”, “predict”, “commit”, “ambition”, “goal”, “strive”, “project”, “objective” and other similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will”, “may”, “should”, “would” and “could”. By their nature, these statements require us to make assumptions, including the economic assumptions set out in this Annual Information Form, and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific. Given the continuing impact of high inflation, rising interest rates, ongoing adverse developments in the U.S. banking sector which adds pressure on liquidity and funding conditions for the financial industry, the impact of hybrid work arrangements and higher interest rates on the U.S. real estate sector, potential recession and the war in Ukraine and conflict in the Middle East on the global economy, financial markets, and our business, results of operations, reputation and financial condition, there is inherently more uncertainty associated with our assumptions as compared to prior periods. A variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control, affect our operations, performance and results, and could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in any of our forward-looking statements. These factors include: inflationary pressures; global supply-chain disruptions; geopolitical risk, including from the war in Ukraine and conflict in the Middle East, the occurrence, continuance or intensification of public health emergencies, such as the impact of post-pandemic hybrid work arrangements, and any related government policies and actions; credit, market, liquidity, strategic, insurance, operational, reputation, conduct and legal, regulatory and environmental risk; currency value and interest rate fluctuations, including as a result of market and oil price volatility; the effectiveness and adequacy of our risk management and valuation models and processes; legislative or regulatory developments in the jurisdictions where we operate, including the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Common Reporting Standard, and regulatory reforms in the United Kingdom and Europe, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision’s global standards for capital and liquidity reform, and those relating to bank recapitalization legislation and the payments system in Canada; amendments to, and interpretations of, risk-based capital guidelines and reporting instructions, and interest rate and liquidity regulatory guidance; exposure to, and the resolution of, significant litigation or regulatory matters, our ability to successfully appeal adverse outcomes of such matters and the timing, determination and recovery of amounts related to such matters; the effect of changes to accounting standards, rules and interpretations; changes in our estimates of reserves and allowances; changes in tax laws; changes to our credit ratings; political conditions and developments, including changes relating to economic or trade matters; the possible effect on our business of international conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine and conflict in the Middle East, and terrorism; natural disasters, disruptions to public infrastructure and other catastrophic events; reliance on third parties to provide components of our business infrastructure; potential disruptions to our information technology systems and services; increasing cyber security risks which may include theft or disclosure of assets, unauthorized access to sensitive information, or operational disruption; social media risk; losses incurred as a result of internal or external fraud; anti-money laundering; the accuracy and completeness of information provided to us concerning clients and counterparties; the failure of third parties to comply with their obligations to us and our affiliates or associates; intensifying competition from established competitors and new entrants in the financial services industry including through internet and mobile banking; technological change including the use of data and artificial intelligence in our business; global capital market activity; changes in monetary and economic policy; general business and economic conditions worldwide, as well as in Canada, the U.S. and other countries where we have operations, including increasing Canadian household debt levels and global credit risks; climate change and other ESG related risks; our success in developing and introducing new products and services, expanding existing distribution channels, developing new distribution channels and realizing increased revenue from these channels; changes in client spending and saving habits; our ability to attract and retain key employees and executives; our ability to successfully execute our strategies and complete and integrate acquisitions and joint ventures; the risk that expected benefits of an acquisition, merger or divestiture will not be realized within the expected time frame or at all; and our ability to anticipate and manage the risks associated with these factors. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of our forward-looking statements. These and other factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Information Form represent the views of management only as of the date hereof and are presented for the purpose of assisting our shareholders and financial analysts in understanding our financial position, objectives and priorities and anticipated financial performance as at and for the periods ended on the dates presented, and may not be appropriate for other purposes. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that is contained in this Annual Information Form or in other communications except as required by law.
CIBC 2023 Annual Information Form 2
INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Certain disclosures in this Annual Information Form (AIF) are incorporated by reference from CIBC’s 2023 Annual Report for the year ended October 31, 2023. The table below identifies pages from the 2023 Annual Report which are incorporated by reference into this AIF. The 2023 Annual Report is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
| AIF Item | 2023 Annual Report – Page Reference | |||
| CORPORATE STRUCTURE |
||||
| Intercorporate Relationships |
189 | |||
| DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS |
||||
| The CIBC Organization |
1–107 | |||
| Environmental and Social Policies |
55, 85 | |||
| Risk Factors |
47–87 | |||
| GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS |
4, 14 | |||
| DIVIDENDS |
167–171 | |||
| CAPITAL STRUCTURE |
167–172 | |||
| DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS |
||||
| Directors and Board Committees |
202 | |||
| LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND REGULATORY ACTIONS |
183–185 | |||
| TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR |
201 | |||
| FEES FOR SERVICES PROVIDED BY SHAREHOLDERS’ AUDITOR |
100 | |||
|
GLOSSARY |
101–107 | |||
Unless otherwise specified, this AIF presents information as at October 31, 2023.
Name, Address and Incorporation
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) is a diversified financial institution governed by the Bank Act (Canada), which constitutes its charter. CIBC was formed through the amalgamation of The Canadian Bank of Commerce and Imperial Bank of Canada in 1961. The Canadian Bank of Commerce was originally incorporated as Bank of Canada by special act of the legislature of the Province of Canada in 1858. Subsequently, the name was changed to The Canadian Bank of Commerce and it opened for business under that name in 1867. Imperial Bank of Canada was incorporated in 1875 by special act of the Parliament of Canada and commenced operations in that year. The address of the registered and head office of CIBC is 81 Bay Street, CIBC SQUARE, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5J 0E7.
Information about the intercorporate relationships among CIBC and its significant subsidiaries is provided in Note 26 to the consolidated financial statements included in the 2023 Annual Report.
CIBC is a leading North American financial institution. CIBC serves its clients through four main strategic business units: Canadian Personal and Business Banking, Canadian Commercial Banking and Wealth Management, U.S. Commercial Banking and Wealth Management, and Capital Markets and Direct Financial Services.
Canadian Personal and Business Banking provides personal and business clients across Canada with financial advice, services and solutions through banking centres, as well as mobile and online channels to help make their ambitions a reality.
Canadian Commercial Banking and Wealth Management provides high-touch, relationship-oriented banking and wealth management services to middle-market companies, entrepreneurs, high-net-worth individuals and families across Canada, as well as asset management services to institutional investors.
U.S. Commercial Banking and Wealth Management provides tailored, relationship-oriented banking and wealth management solutions across the U.S., focusing on middle-market and mid-corporate companies, entrepreneurs, high-net-worth individuals and families, as well as operating personal and small business banking services in four U.S. markets.
Capital Markets and Direct Financial Services provides integrated global markets products and services, investment banking and corporate banking solutions, and top-ranked research to our clients around the world, and leverages CIBC’s digital capabilities to provide a cohesive set of direct banking, direct investing and innovative multi-currency payment solutions for CIBC’s clients.
CIBC 2023 Annual Information Form 3
CIBC’s four main strategic business units are supported by the following functional groups: Technology, Infrastructure and Innovation, Risk Management, People, Culture and Brand, Finance and Enterprise Strategy, as well as other support groups, which all form part of Corporate and Other. Information about CIBC’s business lines and functional groups is provided in the 2023 Annual Report on pages 1 to 107.
A more complete description of services provided by Canadian Personal and Business Banking, Canadian Commercial Banking and Wealth Management, U.S. Commercial Banking and Wealth Management, and Capital Markets and Direct Financial Services can be found in the 2023 Annual Report on pages 21 to 32.
CIBC was the fifth largest Canadian chartered bank in terms of market capitalization as at October 31, 2023.
Canada’s economy started strongly in 2023, but soon stalled as higher interest rates and a slowing global economy negatively impacted consumer spending and exports. Rapid population growth has supported consumer spending for essentials and demand for rental housing, however, discretionary purchases have started to weaken, particularly in per-capita terms. The unemployment rate, which briefly fell below 5% in 2022, is expected to climb to just under 6% by the end of the calendar year as employment increases have failed to keep up with the rapid growth of the labour force. While inflation has remained above the Bank of Canada’s target, it has decelerated notably from the peaks seen in the prior year. On the household side, mortgage demand has been weak as a result of the higher interest rate environment, but the use of personal lines of credit and credit cards continued to rise after being drawn down during the pandemic. Deposits have continued to shift towards term deposits as interest rates have continued to climb. While the U.S. economy hasn’t shown the same clear signs of deceleration as that of the Canadian economy, inflation has still decelerated markedly from its 2022 peaks as some of the supply chain pressures which were impacting the global economy have eased. Business loan demand has stagnated in 2023 in both Canada and the U.S. following a strong 2022.
Environmental and Social Policies
Additional information about our environmental policies and environmental and social risk can be found under “Management of risk – Top and emerging risks – Climate risk” and “Management of risk – Other risks – Environmental and social risk” on page 55 and page 85, respectively, of the 2023 Annual Report. Furthermore, CIBC’s Sustainability Report and Public Accountability Statement summarizes our commitment to our stakeholders and highlights the activities we are undertaking to enhance our economic, environmental, social and governance contributions.
This report is available on our website at https://www.cibc.com/en/about-cibc/corporate-responsibility.html.
A discussion of risk factors related to CIBC and its business, and the steps taken to manage those risks appears throughout the 2023 Annual Report and in particular under the heading “Management of risk” on pages 47 to 87.
GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS
At CIBC, our goal is to deliver superior client experience and top-tier shareholder returns while maintaining our financial strength.
As discussed in the “Overview” section in the 2023 Annual Report, CIBC has reported a scorecard of financial measures to evaluate and report on our progress to external stakeholders. These measures, for which CIBC has set through the cycle targets, which we currently define as three to five years, assuming a normal business environment and credit cycle, can be categorized into four key areas:
| 1. | Earnings Growth |
| · | Our target was 7% to 10% growth in our simple average of annual adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS)(1). Going forward, we will continue to target an adjusted diluted EPS(1)(2) compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7% to 10% through the cycle. |
| 2. | Operating Leverage |
| · | Our target was to deliver positive adjusted operating leverage(1). Going forward, we will continue to target positive adjusted operating leverage(1) through the cycle. |
| 3. | Shareholder Profitability and Return — Return on Common Shareholders’ Equity (ROE) / Dividend Payout Ratio / Total Shareholder Return (TSR) |
| · | Our target was an adjusted ROE(1) of at least 16%. Going forward, we will continue to target an adjusted ROE(1) of at least 16% through the cycle by 2025. |
| · | Our target was an adjusted dividend payout ratio(1) in the range of 40% to 50% of earnings to common shareholders. Going forward, we will continue to target an adjusted dividend payout ratio(1) of 40% to 50% through the cycle. |
| · | TSR that exceeds the industry average, which we have defined as the Standard & Poor’s (S&P)/Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) Composite Banks Index, over rolling three- and five-year periods. |
| 4. | Balance Sheet Strength |
| · | Our target was to actively manage our capital to maintain a strong and efficient capital base while supporting our business and returning capital to our shareholders. Going forward, we will continue to maintain a strong buffer to regulatory requirements. |
| · | The Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) standard requires that, absent a situation of financial stress, the value of the ratio be no lower than 100%. |
| (1) | Adjusted measures are non-GAAP measures. For additional information and a reconciliation of reported results to adjusted results, where applicable, see the “Non-GAAP measures” section starting on page 14 of the 2023 Annual Report, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. |
| (2) | On April 7, 2022, CIBC shareholders approved a two-for-one share split (Share Split) of CIBC’s issued and outstanding common shares. Each shareholder of record at the close of business on May 6, 2022 (Record Date) received one additional share on May 13, 2022 (Payment Date) for every one share held on the Record Date. All common share numbers and per common share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the Share Split as if it was retroactively applied to all periods presented. |
CIBC 2023 Annual Information Form 4
Fiscal 2023 was faced with economic challenges driven by geopolitical and persistent inflationary pressures that impacted our ability to achieve certain performance objectives. Specific challenges include higher provisions for credit losses related to the U.S. office real estate portfolio, credit normalization in other portfolios, and higher capital requirements.
| 1. | Earnings Growth |
Reported diluted EPS(1) was $5.16 in 2023, compared with $6.68 in 2022, down 23%. Reported diluted EPS(1) was $6.96 in 2021, $4.11 in 2020 and $5.60 in 2019. Adjusted diluted EPS(1)(2) was $6.72 in 2023, compared with $7.05 in 2022, down 5%. Adjusted diluted EPS(1)(2) was $7.23 in 2021, $4.85 in 2020 and $5.96 in 2019. Our 3-year CAGR(3) for reported and adjusted(2) diluted EPS(1) were 7.9% and 11.5%, respectively, and our 5-year CAGR(3) for reported and adjusted(2) diluted EPS(1) were (2.4)% and 1.9%, respectively.
| 2. | Operating Leverage |
Reported operating leverage(4) was (5.2)% in 2023, compared with (1.9)% in 2022, 5.3% in 2021, (4.0)% in 2020 and (1.5)% in 2019. Adjusted operating leverage(2) was 1.2% in 2023, compared with (1.9)% in 2022, 0.7% in 2021, (0.6)% in 2020 and 0.2% in 2019. Our 3-year simple average reported(4) and adjusted(2) operating leverage was (0.6)% and 0.0%, respectively. Our 5-year simple average reported(4) and adjusted(2) operating leverage was (1.5)% and (0.1)%, respectively.
| 3. | Shareholder Profitability and Return — Return on Common Shareholders’ Equity / Dividend Payout Ratio / Total Shareholder Return |
In 2023, reported ROE(4) of 10.3% was down from 14.0% in 2022. Reported ROE(4) was 16.1% in 2021, 10.0% in 2020, and 14.5% in 2019. Adjusted ROE(2) of 13.3% in 2023 was below our through the cycle target of at least 16% and down from 14.7% reported in 2022. Adjusted ROE(2) was 16.7% in 2021, 11.7% in 2020 and 15.4% in 2019. On a 3-year average basis, our reported(4) and adjusted(2) ROE were 13.5% and 14.9%, respectively. On a 5-year average basis, our reported(4) and adjusted(2) ROE were 13.0% and 14.4%, respectively.
CIBC’s 2023 reported dividend payout ratio(4) was 66.6%, compared with 48.8% in 2022. The reported dividend payout ratio(4) was 41.8% in 2021, 70.7% in 2020 and 49.9% in 2019. CIBC’s 2023 adjusted dividend payout ratio(2) was 51.2%, compared with 46.3% in 2022. The adjusted dividend payout ratio(2) was 40.3% in 2021, 60.0% in 2020 and 46.9% in 2019. On a 3-year average basis, our reported(4) and adjusted(2) dividend payout ratios were 52.4% and 45.9%, respectively. On a 5-year average basis, our reported(4) and adjusted(2) dividend payout ratios were 55.6% and 48.9%, respectively.
CIBC’s rolling three-year TSR for the period ended October 31, 2023 was 15.0%, compared with 36.2% for the S&P/TSX Composite Banks Index. For the five years ended October 31, 2023, our TSR was 12.7%, which was below the S&P/TSX Composite Banks Index of 29.8%.
| 4. | Balance Sheet Strength |
At the end of 2023, CIBC’s Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio(5) was 12.4%, compared with 11.7% in 2022, 12.4% in 2021, 12.1% in 2020 and 11.6% in 2019, well above the current regulatory requirement set by OSFI of 11%.
For the quarter ended October 31, 2023, our three-month daily average liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) (5) was 135% compared to 129% for the same period last year. LCR was 127% in 2021, 145% in 2020 and 125% in 2019. It measures unencumbered high-quality liquid assets (HQLA) that can be converted into cash to meet liquidity needs for a 30-calendar-day liquidity stress scenario.
| (1) | On April 7, 2022, CIBC shareholders approved a two-for-one share split (Share Split) of CIBC’s issued and outstanding common shares. Each shareholder of record at the close of business on May 6, 2022 (Record Date) received one additional share on May 13, 2022 (Payment Date) for every one share held on the Record Date. All common share numbers and per common share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the Share Split as if it was retroactively applied to all periods presented. |
| (2) | Adjusted measures are non-GAAP measures. For additional information and a reconciliation of reported results to adjusted results, where applicable, see the “Non-GAAP measures” section starting on page 14 of the 2023 Annual Report, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. |
| (3) | The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is calculated from 2020 to 2023 and the 5-year CAGR is calculated from 2018 to 2023. |
| (4) | Certain additional disclosures for these specified financial measures have been incorporated by reference and can be found in the “Financial Highlights” section on page 4 of the 2023 Annual Report, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. |
| (5) | CET1 and LCR are calculated pursuant to OSFI’s Capital Adequacy Requirements (CAR) Guideline and OSFI’s Liquidity Adequacy Requirements (LAR) Guideline, respectively, which are both based on the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) standards. The 2023 results reflect the impacts from the implementation of Basel III reforms that became effective as of February 1, 2023. Certain additional disclosures for these specified financial measures have been incorporated by reference and can be found in the “Capital management” and “Liquidity risk” sections on page 35 and page 77, respectively, of the 2023 Annual Report, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. |
CIBC has a common share dividend policy of maintaining a balance between the distribution of profits to shareholders and the need to retain capital for safety and soundness, and to support growth of the businesses. In the context of this overall policy, CIBC’s key criteria for considering dividend increases are the current payout ratio compared to the target, and its view on the sustainability of the level of current earnings through the cycle. Going forward, CIBC will continue to target an adjusted dividend payout ratio(1) of 40% to 50%.
The cash dividends declared and paid per share for each class of CIBC shares and restrictions on the payment of dividends can be found on pages 167 to 171 of the 2023 Annual Report.
| (1) | Adjusted measures are non-GAAP measures. For additional information and a reconciliation of reported results to adjusted results, where applicable, see the “Non-GAAP measures” section starting on page 14 of the 2023 Annual Report, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. |
CIBC 2023 Annual Information Form 5
The following summary of CIBC’s capital structure is qualified in its entirety by CIBC’s by-laws and the actual terms and conditions of such shares. Additional detail on CIBC’s capital structure is provided on pages 43 to 45 and 167 to 172 of the 2023 Annual Report.
CIBC’s authorized common share capital consists of an unlimited number of common shares without nominal or par value. The holders of common shares are entitled to receive dividends as and when declared by the Board of Directors of CIBC (the Board), subject to the preference of holders of preferred shares. A holder of common shares is entitled to notice of and to attend all shareholders’ meetings, except meetings at which only holders of a specified class or series of shares are entitled to vote, and for all purposes will be entitled to one vote for each common share held. In the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of CIBC, after payment of all outstanding deposits and debts and subject to the preference of any shares ranking senior to the common shares, the holders of common shares will be entitled to a pro rata distribution of the remaining assets of CIBC. The holders of common shares have no pre-emptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights. The rights, preferences and privileges of the common shares are subject to the rights of the holders of preferred shares.
Share Split
In February 2022, CIBC’s Board of Directors approved a two-for-one share split (Share Split) of CIBC’s issued and outstanding common shares to be effected through an amendment to CIBC’s by-laws. On April 7, 2022, CIBC shareholders approved the Share Split. Each shareholder of record at the close of business on May 6, 2022 (Record Date) received one additional share on May 13, 2022 (Payment Date) for every one share held on the Record Date. All common share numbers and per common share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the Share Split as if it was retroactively applied to all periods presented.
Description of Preferred Shares
CIBC is authorized to issue an unlimited number of Class A Preferred Shares and Class B Preferred Shares without nominal or par value, issuable in series, with such rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions as the Board may determine, provided that, for each class of preferred shares, the maximum aggregate consideration for all outstanding shares, at any time does not exceed $10 billion. The following series of Class A Preferred Shares(1) are currently outstanding: Series 39, 41, 43, 47, 49, 51, 53, 54, 55 and 56. No Class B Preferred Shares are currently outstanding.
| (1) | Non-Cumulative 5-Year Fixed Rate Reset Class A Preferred Shares Series 53, 54 and 55 (NVCC) (Preferred Shares Series 53, 54 and 55) are held by a consolidated entity, CIBC LRCN Limited Recourse Trust (the Limited Recourse Trust). |
The Bank Act (Canada) requires that banks maintain adequate capital in relation to their operations. The Superintendent of Financial Institutions (the Superintendent) establishes capital adequacy requirements for issuances of regulatory capital by banks. These requirements include that all regulatory capital must be able to absorb losses in a failed financial institution. Effective January 1, 2013, in accordance with capital adequacy requirements adopted by the Superintendent, non-common capital instruments issued after January 1, 2013, including preferred shares, must include non-viability contingent capital (NVCC) provisions, providing for the full and permanent automatic conversion (an NVCC Automatic Conversion) of such non-common capital instruments into common shares upon the occurrence of certain trigger events relating to financial viability (the NVCC Provisions) in order to qualify as regulatory capital.
The following describes certain general terms and conditions of the preferred shares.
Certain Conditions of the Class A Preferred Shares as a Class
The following is a summary of certain provisions attached to the Class A Preferred Shares as a class.
Priority
The Class A Preferred Shares of each series of Class A Preferred Shares rank on a parity with every other series of Class A Preferred Shares and rank in priority to the Class B Preferred Shares and the common shares of CIBC with respect to the payment of dividends and on the distribution of assets in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of CIBC, provided that an NVCC Automatic Conversion as contemplated under the NVCC Provisions applicable to a series of Class A Preferred Shares has not occurred.
Restrictions on Creation of Additional Class A Preferred Shares
In addition to any shareholder approvals required by applicable law, the approval of the holders of the Class A Preferred Shares given in the manner described under “Modification” below, is required for any increase in the maximum aggregate consideration for which the Class A Preferred Shares may be issued and for the creation of any shares ranking prior to or on a parity with the Class A Preferred Shares.
Modification
Approval of amendments to the provisions of the Class A Preferred Shares as a class and any other authorization required to be given by the holders of Class A Preferred Shares may be given by a resolution carried by an affirmative vote of not less than 662/3% of the votes cast at a meeting at which the holders of 10% of the outstanding Class A Preferred Shares are present or represented by proxy or, if no quorum is present at such meeting, at an adjourned meeting at which the shareholders then present would form the necessary quorum.
CIBC 2023 Annual Information Form 6
Rights on Liquidation
In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of CIBC, provided that an NVCC Automatic Conversion as contemplated under the NVCC Provisions applicable to a series of Class A Preferred Shares has not occurred, the holders of the Class A Preferred Shares will be entitled to receive an amount equal to the price at which such shares are issued together with such premium, if any, as shall have been provided for with respect to the Class A Preferred Shares of any series, together with all declared and unpaid dividends, before any amount is paid or any assets of CIBC are distributed to the holders of any shares ranking junior to the Class A Preferred Shares. Upon payment to the holders of the Class A Preferred Shares of the amounts so payable to them, they will not be entitled to share in any further distribution of the assets of CIBC. If an NVCC Automatic Conversion as contemplated under the NVCC Provisions applicable to a series of Class A Preferred Shares has occurred, all of the Class A Preferred Shares of such series shall have been converted into common shares of CIBC in accordance with a pre-determined conversion formula specified at the time of issuance of the Class A Preferred Shares of such series and will rank on parity with all other common shares of CIBC.
Voting Rights
Subject to the provisions of the Bank Act (Canada), the directors of CIBC are empowered to set voting rights, if any, for each series of Class A Preferred Shares.
Contingent Conversion of Certain Series of Class A Preferred Shares
All of CIBC’s currently outstanding Class A Preferred Shares were issued after January 1, 2013 and, accordingly, contain NVCC Provisions in their respective share terms and conditions. The number of common shares into which such Class A Preferred Shares would be converted upon an NVCC Automatic Conversion will be determined in accordance with a pre-determined conversion formula specified at the time of issuance of such Class A Preferred Shares.
Description of Limited Recourse Capital Notes
CIBC has outstanding 4.375% Limited Recourse Capital Notes Series 1 due October 28, 2080 (NVCC) (subordinated indebtedness), 4.000% Limited Recourse Capital Notes Series 2 due January 28, 2082 (NVCC) (subordinated indebtedness) and 7.150% Limited Recourse Capital Notes Series 3 due July 28, 2082 (NVCC) (subordinated indebtedness), collectively referred to as the “Notes”, which are reported as equity on the consolidated balance sheet, and carry standard NVCC provisions necessary for them to qualify as Tier 1 regulatory capital under Basel III.
The following describes certain general terms and conditions of the Notes.
Certain Conditions of the Limited Recourse Capital Notes
The following is a summary of certain provisions attached to the Notes.
Priority
The Notes are junior, subordinated, unsecured indebtedness of CIBC and will rank subordinate to all of CIBC’s deposit liabilities and all other indebtedness (including all of CIBC’s other unsecured and subordinated indebtedness) from time to time issued and outstanding, except for such indebtedness which by its terms ranks equally in right of payment with, or is subordinate to, the Notes.
Limited Recourse
In the event of a non-payment by CIBC of the principal amount of, interest on, or redemption price for, the Notes when due, the sole remedy of holders of the Notes shall be the delivery of the Preferred Shares Series 53, 54 and 55, which are held in the Limited Recourse Trust and carry standard NVCC provisions as described above.
Voting Rights
None, other than in certain limited circumstances.
Bank Act (Canada) Restrictions Related to Share Ownership
The Bank Act (Canada) contains restrictions on the issue, transfer, acquisition, beneficial ownership and voting of all shares of a chartered bank. By way of summary, no person, or persons acting jointly or in concert, shall be a major shareholder of a bank if the bank has equity of $12 billion or more (which would include CIBC). A person is a major shareholder of a bank where: (i) the aggregate of the shares of any class of voting shares beneficially owned by that person, by entities controlled by that person and by any person associated or acting jointly or in concert with that person (as contemplated by the Bank Act (Canada)) is more than 20% of that class of voting shares; or (ii) the aggregate of the shares of any class of non-voting shares beneficially owned by that person, by entities controlled by that person and by any person associated or acting jointly or in concert with that person (as contemplated by the Bank Act (Canada)) is more than 30% of that class of non-voting shares. No person, or persons acting jointly or in concert, shall have a significant interest in any class of shares of a bank, including CIBC, unless the person first receives the approval of the Minister of Finance (Canada). For purposes of the Bank Act (Canada), a person has a significant interest in a class of shares of a bank where the aggregate of any shares of the class beneficially owned by that person, by entities controlled by that person and by any person associated or acting jointly or in concert with that person (as contemplated by the Bank Act (Canada)) exceeds 10% of all of the outstanding shares of that class of shares of such bank.
In addition, the Bank Act (Canada) prohibits a bank, including CIBC, from recording in its securities register the transfer or issuance of shares of any class to His Majesty in right of Canada or of a province, an agent or agency of His Majesty, a government of a foreign country or any political subdivision of a foreign country, or an agent or agency of a foreign government. The Bank Act (Canada) also suspends the exercise of any voting rights attached to any share of a bank, including CIBC, that is beneficially owned by His Majesty in right of Canada or of a province, an agency of His Majesty, a government of a foreign country or any political subdivision of a foreign country, or any agency thereof.
CIBC 2023 Annual Information Form 7
CIBC funds its operations with client-sourced deposits, supplemented with a wide range of wholesale funding.
CIBC’s principal approach aims to fund its consolidated balance sheet with deposits primarily raised from personal and commercial banking channels. CIBC maintains a foundation of relationship-based core deposits, whose stability is regularly evaluated through internally developed statistical assessments.
We routinely access a range of short-term and long-term secured and unsecured funding sources diversified by geography, depositor type, instrument, currency and maturity. We raise long-term funding from existing programs including covered bonds, asset securitizations and unsecured debt.
Credit ratings assigned by external agencies impact CIBC’s ability to raise capital and funding in wholesale markets and related borrowing costs. Adverse movements in CIBC’s credit ratings could potentially result in higher financing costs, increased collateral pledging requirements and reduced access to capital markets. CIBC regularly reviews the impact of ratings downgrades and maintains liquidity buffers to ensure preparedness for continuity of operations under adverse conditions.
Additional information relating to CIBC’s liquidity management and credit ratings is available on pages 77 to 83 of the 2023 Annual Report under the heading “Management of risk – Liquidity risk”.
The table below provides the ratings for CIBC’s Class A Preferred Shares and debt obligations as at November 29, 2023:
|
DBRS Limited (DBRS) |
Fitch Ratings, Inc. (Fitch) |
Moody’s
Investors Service, Inc. (Moody’s) |
Standard &
Poor’s Ratings Services (S&P) | |||||
|
Deposit/Counterparty(1) |
AA | AA | Aa2 | A+ | ||||
|
Legacy senior debt(2) |
AA | AA | Aa2 | A+ | ||||
|
Senior debt(3) |
AA(L) | AA- | A2 | A- | ||||
|
Subordinated indebtedness |
A(H) | A | Baa1 | A- | ||||
|
Subordinated indebtedness – NVCC(4) |
A(L) | A | Baa1 | BBB+ | ||||
|
Limited recourse capital notes – NVCC(4) |
BBB(H) | n/a | Baa3 | BBB- | ||||
|
Preferred shares – NVCC(4) |
Pfd-2 | n/a | Baa3 | P-2(L) | ||||
|
Short-term debt |
R-1(H) | F1+ | P-1 | A-1 | ||||
|
Outlook |
Stable | Stable | Stable | Stable | ||||
| (1) | DBRS Long-Term Issuer Rating; Fitch Long-Term Deposit Rating and Derivative Counterparty Rating; Moody’s Long-Term Deposit and Counterparty Risk Assessment Rating; S&P’s Issuer Credit Rating. |
| (2) | Includes senior debt issued prior to September 23, 2018 as well as senior debt issued on or after September 23, 2018 which is not subject to the bank recapitalization (bail-in) conversion regulations issued by the Department of Finance (Canada). |
| (3) | Comprises liabilities which are subject to conversion under the bail-in regulations. |
| (4) | Comprises instruments which are treated as NVCC in accordance with OSFI’s CAR Guideline. |
| n/a | Not applicable. |
The ratings should not be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold CIBC securities. Ratings may be revised or withdrawn at any time by the respective rating agencies.
Definitions of rating categories are available on the respective rating agencies’ websites and are outlined in Appendix A. More detailed explanations of the various rating categories may be obtained directly from the rating agencies.
As is common practice, CIBC has paid fees charged by all four of the above-noted rating agencies for their rating services and, to certain of the rating agencies, for other services during the last two years. CIBC reasonably expects that such payments will continue to be made for services in the future.
CIBC 2023 Annual Information Form 8
CIBC maintains a listing of its common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange. CIBC maintains a listing of its
Class A Preferred Shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
The following subordinated indebtedness securities issued by CIBC are listed on the London Stock Exchange:
| · | U.S. Dollar Floating Rate Debenture Notes Due 2084 with interest at 6-month US$ LIBOR plus 0.25%. To CIBC’s knowledge, the issue did not trade on the exchange during the year ended October 31, 2023. |
| · | U.S. Dollar Floating Rate Subordinated Capital Debentures Due 2085 with interest at 6-month US$ LIBOR plus 0.125%. To CIBC’s knowledge, the issue did not trade on the exchange during the year ended October 31, 2023. |
| (1) | From time to time, securities of CIBC may be listed on other stock exchanges or quotation systems by investors, brokers or others without the consent or involvement of CIBC. This section does not include debt instruments that are deposits. |
| 2022 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nov. | Dec. | Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Shares |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| High | $65.24 | $62.92 | $60.78 | $63.49 | $63.60 | $58.60 | $57.77 | $58.56 | $58.39 | $57.96 | $55.56 | $52.63 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Low | $60.61 | $53.58 | $54.77 | $60.56 | $55.00 | $55.41 | $53.81 | $55.17 | $55.41 | $53.01 | $51.77 | $47.44 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Volume (thousands) | 51,518 | 119,481 | 67,460 | 50,892 | 126,282 | 58,701 | 51,892 | 88,609 | 56,921 | 58,488 | 69,599 | 52,248 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred Shares Series 39 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| High | $18.29 | $17.70 | $18.99 | $18.74 | $18.28 | $18.84 | $17.60 | $17.75 | $18.25 | $18.48 | $18.35 | $17.90 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Low | $17.25 | $17.20 | $17.40 | $18.15 | $16.50 | $17.11 | $16.16 | $16.96 | $17.46 | $17.02 | $16.91 | $17.25 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Volume (thousands) | 99 | 255 | 161 | 87 | 151 | 293 | 380 | 107 | 116 | 562 | 310 | 324 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred Shares Series 41 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| High | $18.75 | $17.80 | $18.97 | $18.25 | $17.79 | $17.78 | $17.12 | $17.24 | $17.21 | $17.09 | $17.05 | $16.69 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Low | $17.00 | $16.81 | $16.99 | $17.35 | $15.92 | $16.76 | $15.90 | $16.16 | $16.65 | $16.11 | $16.10 | $15.70 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Volume (thousands) | 68 | 118 | 121 | 74 | 82 | 209 | 57 | 146 | 84 | 368 | 222 | 194 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred Shares Series 43 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| High | $19.19 | $19.00 | $20.38 | $20.03 | $19.46 | $18.71 | $18.00 | $18.38 | $18.45 | $18.32 | $17.74 | $17.53 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Low | $18.29 | $18.31 | $18.30 | $19.10 | $17.13 | $17.85 | $16.78 | $17.06 | $17.51 | $17.08 | $16.93 | $16.56 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Volume (thousands) | 112 | 130 | 100 | 63 | 110 | 146 | 88 | 226 | 70 | 211 | 84 | 216 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred Shares Series 47 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| High | $21.70 | $21.87 | $22.89 | $22.92 | $22.20 | $22.31 | $21.80 | $21.10 | $20.70 | $20.75 | $20.57 | $20.06 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Low | $20.95 | $20.11 | $20.99 | $22.07 | $21.15 | $21.32 | $20.60 | $20.16 | $20.10 | $20.10 | $19.79 | $18.60 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Volume (thousands) | 186 | 299 | 418 | 373 | 229 | 222 | 219 | 348 | 322 | 269 | 209 | 258 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred Shares Series 49 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| High | $23.84 | $24.00 | $24.59 | $24.40 | $24.27 | $23.49 | $23.08 | $23.49 | $23.93 | $23.50 | $23.70 | $23.48 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Low | $22.72 | $23.30 | $23.27 | $23.75 | $23.00 | $22.88 | $21.96 | $22.10 | $22.60 | $22.21 | $22.22 | $22.55 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Volume (thousands) | 88 | 190 | 96 | 51 | 91 | 94 | 82 | 70 | 267 | 95 | 76 | 199 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred Shares Series 51 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| High | $24.75 | $24.95 | $24.91 | $24.98 | $24.70 | $24.00 | $23.75 | $24.12 | $24.63 | $24.60 | $24.12 | $24.05 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Low | $23.80 | $24.20 | $24.00 | $24.08 | $23.50 | $23.06 | $22.37 | $23.09 | $23.80 | $23.18 | $23.21 | $22.81 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Volume (thousands) | 94 | 178 | 56 | 33 | 71 | 124 | 84 | 104 | 123 | 149 | 90 | 164 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (1) | Data from TMX Money. |
CIBC sold two issues of subordinated indebtedness during the year ended October 31, 2023 which are not listed or quoted on an exchange:
| · | $1.0 billion 5.33% Debentures due January 20, 2033 (NVCC) (subordinated indebtedness) were issued on January 20, 2023, at a price of 99.991%. |
| · | $0.75 billion 5.35% Debentures due April 20, 2033 (NVCC) (subordinated indebtedness) were issued on April 20, 2023, at a price of 99.887%. |
Escrowed Securities and Securities Subject to Contractual Restriction on Transfer
The following securities were held in escrow or subject to contractual restriction on transfer as at October 31, 2023.
| Designation of class | Number of securities held in escrow or that are subject to a contractual restriction on transfer |
Percentage of class | ||||||
| Preferred Shares Series 53 (1) |
750,000 | 0.894 | % | |||||
| Preferred Shares Series 54 (1) |
750,000 | 0.894 | % | |||||
| Preferred Shares Series 55 (1) |
800,000 | 0.954 | % | |||||
| (1) | The Preferred Shares Series 53, Series 54 and Series 55 are held by the Limited Recourse Trust in connection with the issuance of the Limited Recourse Capital Notes. The Preferred Shares Series 53, Series 54 and Series 55 are distributable to holders of such Notes upon certain events. See “Certain Conditions of the Limited Recourse Capital Notes – Limited Recourse” section above. |
CIBC 2023 Annual Information Form 9
Directors and Board Committees
Information concerning the directors and board committees of CIBC is found on page 202 of the 2023 Annual Report.
All of the directors have held their principal occupation indicated on page 202 of the 2023 Annual Report for the past five years with the exception of the following:
| (i) | Mark Podlasly was a director of governance of the First Nations Financial Management Board from 2016 to 2020; and a member of the advisory board of the Manitoba Government – Crown Services from 2021 to 2023. |
| (ii) | Luc Desjardins was previously President and Chief Executive Officer of Superior Plus Corp. from 2011 to 2023. |
| (iii) | William F. Morneau was Canada’s Minister of Finance and a member of Parliament for Toronto Centre and Governor at the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank from 2015 to 2020. |
| (iv) | Christine E. Larsen was previously Senior Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer at First Data Corporation from December 2018 to March 2019 and Executive Vice-President and Chief Operations Officer from 2013 to 2018. |
| (v) | Martine Turcotte was previously Vice Chair at BCE Inc. and Bell Canada from July 2011 to January 2020. |
| (vi) | Mary Lou K. Maher was previously the Canadian Managing Partner, Quality and Risk Management of KPMG Canada, and Global Head of Inclusion and Diversity of KPMG International from December 2017 to March 2021; Business Unit Leader, GTA Audit from 2014 to 2017; and Chief Inclusion Officer from 2014 and 2017 of KPMG Canada. |
Directors are elected annually. Under the Bank Act (Canada) and CIBC’s by-laws, a director’s term expires at the close of the next annual meeting of shareholders, which is scheduled for April 4, 2024.
The following are CIBC’s executive officers, their titles and their municipalities of residence, as at November 29, 2023:
| Name | Title | Municipality of Residence | ||
| Victor G. Dodig | President and Chief Executive Officer | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | ||
| Shawn Beber | Senior Executive Vice-President and Group Head, U.S. Region; President and CEO, CIBC Bank USA | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | ||
| Frank Guse | Senior Executive Vice-President and Chief Risk Officer | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | ||
| Harry Culham | Senior Executive Vice-President and Group Head, Capital Markets and Direct Financial Services | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | ||
| Jon Hountalas | Senior Executive Vice-President and Group Head, Canadian Banking | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | ||
| Christina Kramer | Senior Executive Vice-President and Group Head, Technology, Infrastructure and Innovation | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | ||
| Kikelomo Lawal | Executive Vice-President and Chief Legal Officer | Mississauga, Ontario, Canada | ||
| Hratch Panossian | Senior Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | ||
| Sandy Sharman | Senior Executive Vice-President and Group Head, People, Culture and Brand | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
All of the executive officers have held their present position or another executive position in CIBC for more than five years except for Kikelomo Lawal who was Chief Legal Officer, Ombudsman and Corporate Secretary at Interac Corporation from 2008 to 2020.
Shareholdings of Directors and Executive Officers
To CIBC’s knowledge, as at October 31, 2023, the directors and executive officers of CIBC as a group, beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, or exercised control or direction over less than 1% of the outstanding common shares of CIBC or FirstCaribbean International Bank Limited.
Corporate Cease Trade Orders or Bankruptcies
To CIBC’s knowledge, in the last 10 years, no director or executive officer of CIBC is or has been a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer of a company that: (i) while that person was acting in that capacity, was the subject of a cease trade or similar order or an order that denied the company access to any exemption under securities legislation, for a period of more than 30 consecutive days; or (ii) was subject to such an order that was issued, after that person ceased to be a director or chief executive officer or chief financial officer, and which resulted from an event that occurred while that person was acting in the capacity as director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer. To CIBC’s knowledge, in the last 10 years, no director or executive officer of CIBC is or has been a director or executive officer of a company that, while that person was acting in that capacity or within a year of that person ceasing to act in that capacity, became bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets.
CIBC 2023 Annual Information Form 10
To CIBC’s knowledge, no director or executive officer of CIBC: (i) has been subject to any penalties or sanctions imposed by a court relating to securities legislation or by a securities regulatory authority or has entered into a settlement agreement with a securities regulatory authority, or (ii) has been subject to any other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body that would likely be considered important to a reasonable investor in making an investment decision.
To CIBC’s knowledge, in the last 10 years, no director or executive officer has become bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, or was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors, or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold the assets of the director or executive officer.
To CIBC’s knowledge, no director or executive officer of CIBC or its subsidiaries has an existing or potential material conflict of interest with CIBC or any of its subsidiaries.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND REGULATORY ACTIONS
A description of significant legal proceedings to which CIBC is a party is provided under the heading “Contingent liabilities and provisions” on pages 183 to 185 of the 2023 Annual Report.
INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS
To CIBC’s knowledge, no director or executive officer of CIBC, or any of their associates has any material interest, directly or indirectly, in any transaction within the three most recently completed financial years that has materially affected or is reasonably expected to materially affect CIBC.
The addresses for CIBC’s transfer agent and registrar are provided on page 201 of the 2023 Annual Report.
Ernst & Young LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants, Toronto, Ontario, audited our Annual Consolidated Financial Statements, which comprise the consolidated balance sheets as at October 31, 2023 and 2022, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for the years then ended, including the related notes and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2023. Ernst & Young LLP is the independent public accountant with respect to the Bank within the meaning of the Rules of Professional Conduct of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario and the rules and regulations adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).
CIBC 2023 Annual Information Form 11
The Audit Committee Mandate as approved by the Board is included in Appendix B. The members of the Audit Committee are listed below. Each member of the Audit Committee is independent and financially literate as defined by Canadian securities laws. At least one member of the Audit Committee has been designated by the Board as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by the rules of the SEC.
This section describes the education and experience of CIBC’s Audit Committee members that is relevant to the performance of their responsibilities.
Each member of the Audit Committee currently is, or has previously been, in charge of, or an advisor or a consultant to, a significant business operation, often as president, chief executive officer, chief financial officer or chief operating officer of a large public company. Given the breadth and complexity of a financial institution’s accounting issues, the Audit Committee members participate from time to time in internal or external sessions related to accounting matters or developments. Travel and attendance costs are paid by CIBC. Further detail on the education and experience of each Audit Committee member is set out below.
Michelle L. Collins
Ms. Collins has been President of Cambium LLC, a Chicago-based advisory firm serving small and medium-sized businesses, since 2007. From 1998 to 2007, Ms. Collins was Managing Director of Svoboda Capital Partners LLC, a private equity firm and is currently a member of its advisory board. From 1992 to 1998, Ms. Collins was a principal in Corporate Finance at William Blair & Company LLC. She is currently a member of the advisory board of Cedar Street Asset Management and 5th Century Partners, LLC. Ms. Collins has served on the Audit Committees of several publicly traded companies across a wide range of industries. She is currently a director and Chair of the Audit Committees of CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. and CIBC Bank USA, and a director, member of the Audit Committee and Compensation Committee of Ulta Beauty, Inc. She is also a director and member of the Audit Committee of Ryan Specialty Group Holdings, Inc. She has previously served on the Audit Committees of Integrys Energy Group, Inc., Molex, Inc., and Bucyrus International. Ms. Collins holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Yale University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Graduate School of Business.
Mary Lou Maher (Chair of the Audit Committee)
Ms. Maher was Canadian Managing Partner, Quality and Risk, KPMG Canada from 2017 to February 2021. She was also Global Head of Inclusion and Diversity KPMG International for the same period. Ms. Maher was with KPMG since 1983, in various executive and governance roles including Chief Financial Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer. Ms. Maher was a member of the World Economic Forum focused on Human Rights — the business perspective and has served on other not-for-profit boards, including as Chair of Women’s College Hospital and member of CPA Ontario Council, and is a member of the Board of Governors of McMaster University. Ms. Maher created KPMG Canada’s first ever National Diversity Council and was the executive sponsor of pride@kpmg. Ms. Maher received the Wayne C. Fox Distinguished Alumni Award from McMaster University in recognition of her work on inclusion and diversity, was inducted into the Hall of Fame for the WXN 100 Top Most Powerful Women in Canada, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Out on Bay Street (Proud Strong), and the Senior Leadership Award for Diversity from the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion. Ms. Maher is a director and member of the Audit Committee of CAE Inc. and Magna International Inc. Ms. Maher completed the Competent Board for ESG Program, she holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McMaster University and holds the designation of FCPA, FCA.
Martine Turcotte
Ms. Turcotte was Vice Chair, Québec of BCE Inc. and Bell Canada from 2011 to 2020. She was Chief Legal Officer of BCE from 1999 to 2008 and of Bell Canada from 2003 to 2008 and was Executive Vice-President and Chief Legal and Regulatory Officer of BCE and Bell Canada from 2008 to 2011. Ms. Turcotte has more than 25 years of strategic, legal and regulatory experience. Ms. Turcotte is a member of the Board of Directors of The Institute of Corporate Directors Québec and is a member of the McGill University Bicentennial Campaign Cabinet Executive Committee. Ms. Turcotte is a past recipient of the Canadian General Counsel Lifetime Achievement award, was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada, received the title of Advocatus Emeritus from the Québec Bar Association for professional excellence and was awarded both the Queen’s Gold and Diamond Jubilee Medals in recognition of her contributions to Canada. In 2020, Ms. Turcotte was appointed Chair of the Judicial Compensation and Benefits Commission. Ms. Turcotte holds a Bachelor degree in Civil Law and Common Law from McGill University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the London Business School.
CIBC 2023 Annual Information Form 12
PRE-APPROVAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The Audit Committee has adopted the CIBC Policy on the Scope of Services of the Shareholders’ Auditor (the Scope of Services Policy) to provide a consistent approach for the engagement of the shareholders’ auditor. The Scope of Services Policy requires that work performed by the shareholders’ auditor for CIBC or its subsidiaries be pre-approved by the Audit Committee, along with the related fee for that work. The Audit Committee may establish pre-approval policies and procedures that are specific to a particular service. Under the Scope of Services Policy, the shareholders’ auditor will only perform audit, audit-related and tax work, and other work if pre-approved by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee may approve exceptions to the Scope of Services Policy if it determines that such an exception is in the overriding best interests of CIBC, and the exception does not impair the independence of the shareholders’ auditor. However, certain non-audit activities set out in the Scope of Services Policy are generally prohibited and will not be considered for exception from the Policy. On a quarterly basis, the Audit Committee is presented with a summary report of all engagements of the shareholders’ auditor that are currently underway or have been completed since the prior quarter’s report, including engagements entered into pursuant to pre-approved limits. The summary report will describe the nature of each engagement, confirm that each engagement is in compliance with the Scope of Services Policy and state the fees received by the shareholders’ auditor for each engagement. The Scope of Services Policy also sets out ongoing relationship standards and requires that the shareholders’ auditor annually certify compliance with the Policy.
FEES FOR SERVICES PROVIDED BY SHAREHOLDERS’ AUDITOR
The information on professional service fees paid to the shareholders’ auditor is provided on page 100 of the 2023 Annual Report.
Additional information with respect to CIBC, including directors’ and officers’ remuneration and indebtedness, principal holders of CIBC’s securities and securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans, where applicable, is contained in CIBC’s management proxy circular for its most recent annual meeting of shareholders that included in its proceedings the election of directors. Additional financial information is provided in the 2023 Annual Report. These documents, as well as additional information relating to CIBC, are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
For a description of Canadian bank resolution powers and the consequent risk factors attaching to certain liabilities of CIBC, reference is made to “Regulatory capital and total loss absorbing capacity (TLAC) requirements” on page 37 and the “Outstanding share data” on page 44 of the 2023 Annual Report and https://www.cibc.com/content/dam/about_cibc/investor_relations/pdfs/debt_info/canadian-bail-in-website-disclosure-en.pdf. The information on our website does not form a part of this AIF.
CIBC 2023 Annual Information Form 13
Rating Definitions
DBRS
| Short-term debt |
Rating: R-1 (high) |
Short-term debt ratings provide an opinion on the risk that an issuer will not be able to meet its short-term financial obligations in a timely manner. Short-term debt rated R-1 (high) is of the highest credit quality, indicative of an entity with an exceptionally high capacity to repay its short-term financial obligations. R-1 is the highest of six short-term debt rating categories. The R-1 and R-2 categories are further denoted with “high”, “middle” and “low” subcategories.
| Long-term issuer rating |
Rating: AA | |
| Legacy senior debt(1) |
Rating: AA | |
| Senior debt(2) |
Rating: AA (low) |
Long-term issuer and senior debt ratings provide an assessment of the risk that an issuer will not be able to meet its financial obligations in accordance with the terms under which an obligation has been issued. Credit ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer, and the relative ranking of claims. Issuers and senior debt rated AA is ranked in the second highest of 10 categories. It is considered to be of superior credit quality, with capacity for payment considered to be high. The credit quality of issuers and obligations rated AA differs from the highest AAA category only to a small degree and is unlikely to be significantly susceptible to future events. The AA category is further denoted by the subcategories “high” and “low”. The absence of a “high” or “low” indicates a rating in the middle of the category.
| Subordinated indebtedness |
Rating: A (high) | |
| Subordinated indebtedness – NVCC |
Rating: A (low) |
Long-term debt rated A is ranked in the third highest of 10 categories. It is considered to be of good credit quality, with substantial capacity for payment. The A category is further denoted by the subcategories “high” and “low”. The absence of a “high” or “low” indicates a rating in the middle of the category.
| Limited recourse capital notes – NVCC |
Rating: BBB (high) |
Long-term debt rated BBB is ranked in the fourth highest of 10 categories. It is considered to be of adequate credit quality with acceptable capacity for payment. The BBB category is further denoted by the subcategories “high” and “low”. The absence of a “high” or “low” indicates a rating in the middle of the category.
| Preferred shares – NVCC |
Rating: Pfd-2 |
Preferred share ratings provide an assessment of the risk that an issuer will not be able to meet its dividend and principal obligations in accordance with the terms under which the preferred shares have been issued. Preferred shares rated Pfd-2 are of good credit quality with substantial protection of dividends and principal. A Pfd-2 rating is the second highest of six categories for preferred shares. Each category is further denoted by the subcategories “high” and “low”. The absence of a “high” or “low” indicates a rating in the middle of the category.
Fitch
| Short-term debt |
Rating: F1+ |
The F1 category is for obligations of the highest short-term credit quality and indicates strong intrinsic capacity to meet near-term obligations. The F1 rating is the highest of seven categories used for short-term debt; a “+” may be added to indicate very strong capacity to meet near-term obligations.
| Derivative counterparty rating |
Rating: AA | |
| Legacy senior debt(1) Issuer default rating |
Rating: AA Rating: AA- | |
| Senior debt(2) |
Rating: AA- |
Derivative counterparty ratings reflect a bank’s relative vulnerability to default, due to an inability to pay on any derivative contract with third-party, non-government counterparties. Ratings of individual securities or financial obligations of a corporate issuer address relative vulnerability to default on an ordinal scale. In addition, for financial obligations in corporate finance, a measure of recovery given default on that liability is also included in the rating assessment. Issuer default ratings (IDR) opine on an entity’s relative vulnerability to default on financial obligations. The threshold default risk addressed by the IDR is generally that of the financial obligations whose non-payment would best reflect the uncured failure of that entity. AA is the second highest of 11 rating categories for long-term obligations and indicates an assessment of very low default risk. This rating indicates a very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments that is not significantly susceptible to foreseeable events.
| Subordinated indebtedness |
Rating: A | |
| Subordinated indebtedness – NVCC |
Rating: A |
The A category is the third highest of the rating categories for long-term obligations and indicates an assessment of low default risk. The capacity for payment is considered strong but may be more susceptible to adverse business or economic conditions than that of higher rating categories.
The designation “+” or “-” may be used to denote relative position within certain major long-term rating categories, while the absence of such a modifier indicates a rating in the middle of the category.
| (1) | Includes senior debt issued prior to September 23, 2018 as well as senior debt issued on or after September 23, 2018 that is not subject to the bail-in regulations. |
| (2) | Comprises liabilities that are subject to conversion under the bail-in regulations. |
CIBC 2023 Annual Information Form 14
Moody’s
| Short-term debt |
Rating: P-1 |
Short-term debt ratings are assessments of an issuer’s ability to repay obligations with an original maturity of 13 months or less. Moody’s has four categories of short-term ratings with the P-1 category being the highest credit quality. Borrowers rated P-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
| Counterparty Risk Rating |
Rating: Aa2 | |
| Legacy senior debt(1) |
Rating: Aa2 |
Counterparty risk ratings (CRR) are opinions of the ability of entities to honour their non-debt financial liabilities to unrelated counterparties such as derivatives and sale and repurchase transactions. CRRs also reflect the expected financial losses not covered by collateral, in the event such liabilities are not honoured.
Long-term debt ratings assess both the likelihood of default on contractual payments and the expected loss in the event of default on obligations with an original maturity of 11 months or more.
The Aa rating category is the second highest of nine categories and includes obligations judged to be high quality and subject to very low credit risk.
| Senior debt(2) |
Rating: A2 |
The A rating category is the third highest of nine categories and includes obligations judged to be upper medium grade and subject to low credit risk.
| Subordinated indebtedness |
Rating: Baa1 | |
| Subordinated indebtedness – NVCC |
Rating: Baa1 | |
| Limited recourse capital notes – NVCC |
Rating: Baa3 | |
| Preferred shares – NVCC |
Rating: Baa3 |
The Baa rating category is the fourth highest of nine categories on the long-term rating scale and includes obligations judged to be medium grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.
The modifiers 1, 2 and 3 are used with certain long-term rating categories to indicate that an obligation ranks in the higher, middle or lower range of the rating category respectively.
S&P
| Short-term debt |
Rating: A-1 |
The A-1 category is the highest of six categories used by S&P for short-term debt. An obligation rated A-1 indicates that the borrower’s capacity to meet its financial commitment with respect to the obligation is strong.
| Issuer credit rating |
Rating: A+ | |
| Legacy senior debt(1) Senior debt(2) Subordinated indebtedness |
Rating: A+ Rating: A- Rating: A- |
Issuer credit ratings are a forward-looking opinion about an obligor’s overall creditworthiness. This opinion focuses on the obligor’s capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due. It does not apply to any specific financial obligation, as it does not take into account the nature of and provisions of the obligation, its standing in bankruptcy or liquidation, statutory preferences, or the legality and enforceability of the obligation. Debt ratings are a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated.
The A rating category is the third highest of 10 categories used by S&P for long-term debt obligations. Although the obligor’s ability to meet its financial commitment is strong, obligations rated A are somewhat more vulnerable to the negative effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions when compared to obligations in higher rating categories.
| Subordinated indebtedness – NVCC Limited recourse capital notes – NVCC |
Rating: BBB+ Rating: BBB- |
The BBB rating category is the fourth highest of 10 categories used by S&P for long-term debt obligations. The obligor’s ability to meet its financial commitment is adequate, however, negative economic conditions or changes in circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakening of this capacity.
A “+” or “-” may be used to denote the relative standing of a rating within each category.
| Preferred shares – NVCC (Canadian Preferred Share Scale) |
Rating: P-2 (low) |
P-2 is the second highest of the eight categories used by S&P in its Canadian Preferred Share Scale, which is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of the issuer with respect to a specific preferred share obligation issued in Canada. A “high” or “low” modifier may be used to indicate the relative standing of a credit within a particular rating category, while the absence of such a modifier indicates a rating in the middle of the category.
| (1) | Includes senior debt issued prior to September 23, 2018 as well as senior debt issued on or after September 23, 2018 that is not subject to the bail-in regulations. |
| (2) | Comprises liabilities that are subject to conversion under the bail-in regulations. |
CIBC 2023 Annual Information Form 15
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
Audit Committee Mandate
| 1. | Purpose |
| (1) | The primary functions of the Committee are to: (i) fulfill its responsibilities for reviewing the integrity of CIBC’s financial statements, related management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A) and internal control over financial reporting; (ii) monitor the system of internal control; (iii) monitor CIBC’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; (iv) select the external auditors for shareholder approval; (v) review the qualifications, independence and service quality of the external auditors and the performance of CIBC’s internal auditors; and (vi) act as the audit committee for certain federally regulated subsidiaries. |
| 2. | Responsibilities |
| (1) | Financial Reporting |
The Committee will be responsible for overseeing senior management concerning the establishment and maintenance of a system of processes and controls to ensure the integrity, accuracy and reliability of financial information. The Committee will review and recommend Board approval of:
| (a) | the annual consolidated audited financial statements of CIBC, the related MD&A and the external auditors’ report on the consolidated financial statements; |
| (b) | the interim consolidated financial statements of CIBC, the related MD&A and the external auditors’ review report on the interim consolidated financial statements; |
| (c) | the Annual Information Form of CIBC, the Form 40-F of CIBC, financial disclosure in a news release disclosing financial results and any other material financial disclosure; and |
| (d) | such other periodic disclosure documents as requested by regulators or that may be required by law. |
| (2) | Review Considerations |
In conducting its review of the annual consolidated financial statements or the interim financial statements, and the related MD&A, the Committee will:
| (a) | meet with management and the external auditors to discuss the financial statements and MD&A; |
| (b) | review the disclosures in the financial statements and the MD&A and satisfy itself that the financial statements, present fairly, in all material respects in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of CIBC; |
| (c) | review the reports prepared by the external auditors for the Committee summarizing their key findings and required communications in respect of the annual audit and the interim reviews; |
| (d) | discuss with management, the external auditors and internal legal counsel, as requested, any litigation claim or other contingency that could have a material effect on the financial statements; |
| (e) | review key areas of risk for material misstatement of the financial statements including critical accounting policies, models and estimates and other areas of measurement uncertainty or judgment underlying the financial statements and the MD&A as presented by management; |
| (f) | review areas of significant auditor judgment as it relates to their evaluation of accounting policies, accounting estimates and financial statement disclosures; discuss and review estimates with management and the external auditor, whether the external auditor considers estimates/models to be within an acceptable range and in accordance with IFRS; |
| (g) | review any material effects of regulatory and accounting changes, significant or unusual transactions, and the impact of material subsequent events between the reporting date and the approval date of the financial statements and the MD&A as presented by management; |
| (h) | review management and external auditor reports on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting; |
| (i) | review correspondence between the external auditor and management related to any substantive matters in the external auditors’ findings and any difficult or contentious matters noted by the external auditor; |
| (j) | review results of CIBC’s whistleblowing program; and |
| (k) | review any other matters related to the financial statements and the MD&A that are brought forward by the internal auditors, external auditors, management or which are required to be communicated to the Committee under auditing standards or applicable law. |
CIBC 2023 Annual Information Form 16
| (3) | External Auditors |
| (a) | General — The Committee will be responsible for overseeing the work of the external auditors in auditing and reviewing CIBC’s financial statements and internal control over financial reporting. |
| (b) | Appointment and Compensation — The Committee will recommend the appointment of the external auditors for shareholder approval, recommend the audit fee for Board approval, approve the annual audit engagement letter and any change in lead audit engagement partner. |
The Committee will satisfy itself that the level of the audit fees are commensurate with the scope of work undertaken and conducive to a quality audit. The Committee will also assess whether any proposed change to the external auditor’s materiality level and/or scope continues to ensure a quality audit.
| (c) | Audit Plan — At least annually, and as required, the Committee will review and approve the external auditors’ scope, terms of engagement and annual audit plan to ensure that it is risk based and addresses all relevant activities. The Committee will review any material changes to the scope of the plan and the coordination of work between the internal and external auditors. |
| (d) | Independence of External Auditors — At least annually, and before the external auditors issue their report on the annual financial statements, the Committee will review a formal written statement from the external auditors confirming their objectivity and independence, including their compliance with audit partner rotation requirements, and delineating all relationships between the external auditors and CIBC consistent with the rules of professional conduct adopted by the provincial institute or order of chartered professional accountants to which they belong or other regulatory bodies, as applicable. The Committee will also ensure that any concern raised by regulators or other stakeholders about the external auditors’ independence are appropriately reviewed and addressed. |
| (e) | Annual and Periodic Comprehensive Review of External Auditors — At least annually, the Committee will assess the qualifications, independence, application of professional skepticism and service quality of the external auditors. The Committee will review a report by the external auditors describing: (i) their internal quality-control procedures; and (ii) any material issues raised by their most recent internal quality-control review or peer review of the external auditors, or by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities within the preceding five years respecting one or more independent audits carried out by the external auditors and any steps taken to deal with any findings. The Committee will also review additional reports or communications of the external auditors as required by the Canadian Public Accountability Board, Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions, and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). At least every five years, the Committee will conduct a periodic comprehensive review of the external auditors. |
| (f) | Pre-Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services — The Committee will pre-approve any retainer of the external auditors for any audit and non-audit service to CIBC or its subsidiaries in accordance with law and Board approved policies and procedures. The Chair of the Committee may pre-approve on behalf of the Committee and may delegate pre-approval authority to a member of the Committee. The Committee may also establish pre-approval policies and procedures that are specific to a particular service and will review these policies or procedures annually to verify they continue to be appropriate. The decisions of any member of the Committee to whom this authority has been delegated, as well as any pre-approvals of a particular service must be presented to the full Committee for ratification at its next scheduled Committee meeting. |
| (g) | Hiring Practices — The Committee will review and approve policies regarding the hiring of employees or former employees of the current or former external auditors. |
| (4) | Internal Audit Function |
The Committee will be responsible for overseeing the performance of the Internal Audit function.
| (a) | Organizational Framework — At least annually, the Committee will review and approve the Internal Audit organizational framework (Charter) having regard to its role as an independent control function. |
| (b) | Chief Auditor — The Chief Auditor will have unfettered access to the Committee. Further, the Committee will review and recommend Board approval of the appointment, reappointment or removal of the Chief Auditor. At least annually, the Committee will: (i) review the goals of the Chief Auditor; (ii) review and approve the mandate of the Chief Auditor; and (iii) review an assessment of the effectiveness and performance of the Chief Auditor. |
| (c) | Effectiveness Review — At least annually, the Committee will: |
| (i) | review and recommend Board approval of the Internal Audit function’s financial plan and staff resources; |
| (ii) | review the Internal Audit function’s self-assessment of the independence and effectiveness of the Internal Audit function; and |
| (iii) | review the compliance of Internal Audit with professional standards. |
On a periodic basis, the Committee will engage an independent third party to assess the Internal Audit function in accordance with professional standards and the Committee will review the results of that assessment.
| (d) | Audit Plan — At least annually, the Committee will review and approve the audit plan including the audit scope and the overall risk assessment methodology presented by the Chief Auditor to ensure that it is risk-based and addresses all relevant activities over a measurable cycle. On a quarterly basis, the Committee will review with the Chief Auditor the status of the audit plan and any changes needed, including a review of: |
| (i) | the results of audit activities, including any significant issues reported to management and management’s response and/or corrective actions; |
| (ii) | the status of identified control weaknesses; |
CIBC 2023 Annual Information Form 17
| (iii) | the overall design and operating effectiveness of the system of internal control, risk management, governance systems and processes; and |
| (iv) | any difficulties encountered by the Chief Auditor in the course of internal audits. |
At least annually, the Committee will review a report from the Chief Auditor with Internal Audit’s assessment of CIBC’s risk governance framework and its assessment of the oversight by Finance and Risk Management (including Compliance).
| (e) | Succession Planning — At least annually, the Committee will review succession plans for the Chief Auditor. |
| (5) | Finance Function |
| (a) | Organizational Framework — At least annually, the Committee will review and approve the Finance organizational framework, having regard to its role as an independent control function. |
| (b) | Chief Financial Officer — The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will have unfettered access to the Committee. The Committee will review and recommend Board approval of the appointment or removal of the CFO. At least annually, the Committee will review the goals, approve the mandate of the CFO and review an assessment of the effectiveness of the CFO. |
| (c) | Effectiveness Review — At least annually, the Committee will: |
| (i) | review and recommend Board approval of the Finance function’s financial plan and staff resources; and |
| (ii) | review management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Finance function. |
On a periodic basis, the Committee will engage an independent third party to assess the Finance function.
| (d) | Succession Planning — At least annually, the Committee will review succession plans for the CFO. |
| (6) | Internal Control |
| (a) | General — The Committee will monitor the system of internal control and ensure that senior management establishes and maintains adequate and effective internal control systems and processes, including systems and processes that are designed to detect and prevent fraud. |
| (b) | Establishment, Review and Approval — The Committee will require management to implement and maintain appropriate policies and systems of internal control in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and guidance, including internal control over financial reporting and disclosure and to review, evaluate and approve these policies and systems of internal control. The Committee will review management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting and the external auditors’ report on internal control over financial reporting. As part of this review at least annually, the Committee will consider and review the following with management, the external auditors and the Chief Auditor: |
| (i) | the effectiveness of, or weaknesses or deficiencies in: the design or operation of CIBC’s internal controls; the overall control environment for managing business risks, accounting, financial and disclosure controls, operational controls, and legal and regulatory controls and the impact of any identified weaknesses in internal controls on management’s conclusions; |
| (ii) | any significant changes in internal control over financial reporting that are disclosed, or considered for disclosure; |
| (iii) | any material issues raised by any inquiry or investigation by CIBC’s regulators as they pertain to responsibilities under this mandate; |
| (iv) | CIBC’s fraud prevention and detection program (including anti-bribery and anti-corruption), including deficiencies in internal controls that may impact the integrity of financial information, or may expose CIBC to other significant internal or external fraud losses and the extent of those losses and any disciplinary action in respect of fraud taken against management or other employees who have a significant role in financial reporting; |
| (v) | any related significant issues and recommendations of the external auditors and internal auditors together with management’s responses thereto; and |
| (vi) | consideration of matters that may be jointly addressed with other committees of the Board. |
| (7) | Certain Federally Regulated Subsidiaries — The Committee will be the audit committee for certain federally regulated subsidiaries of CIBC that require an audit committee under applicable law. |
| (8) | Regulatory Reports and Returns — The Committee will provide or review, as applicable, all reports and returns required of the Committee under applicable law. |
| (9) | Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements — The Committee will review reports from management, the external auditor and the Chief Auditor on the assessment of compliance with applicable laws as they pertain to responsibilities under this mandate, and management’s plans to remediate any deficiencies identified. The Committee will report any material findings to the Board and recommend changes it considers appropriate. |
| (10) | Whistleblowing Procedures — The Committee will ensure that procedures are established for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by CIBC from employees or others, confidentially and anonymously, regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters. The Committee will review management reports on the procedures. |
| (11) | Adverse Investments and Transactions — The Committee will review any investments and transactions that could adversely affect the well-being of CIBC. |
| (12) | Committee Disclosure — The Committee will review and approve any audit committee disclosures required by securities regulators in CIBC’s disclosure documents. |
CIBC 2023 Annual Information Form 18
| (13) | Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) — The Committee will oversee the establishment and maintenance by management of a system of processes and controls to ensure the integrity, accuracy and reliability of ESG disclosures in the Annual Report, Sustainability Report, and other material ESG disclosure documents. |
| 3. | Membership |
| (1) | Number — The Committee will consist of at least three Board members. |
| (2) | Appointment or Removal of Members — The Board will appoint Committee members annually until the member’s resignation, disqualification or removal from the Committee or the Board. The Board may fill a vacancy in Committee membership. |
| (3) | Chair — The Board will appoint a Committee Chair from among the Committee members to preside over meetings; coordinate fulfilment of the Committee’s mandate; and oversee development of meeting agendas and workplans. The Chair may vote on any matter requiring a vote but does not have a second vote in the case of a tie. If the Chair is not available for a Committee meeting, Committee members may appoint a Chair from among the members who are present. |
| (4) | Qualifications — Each Committee member will meet the independence standards approved by the Board. No Committee member may be an officer or employee of the Bank or of an affiliate of the Bank. Committee membership will reflect a balance of experience and expertise required to fulfill the Committee’s mandate, notably relevant financial industry and risk management expertise. |
Each Committee member will be financially literate or become financially literate within a reasonable period after appointment to the Committee. At least one member will be an “audit committee financial expert” in accordance with legal requirements.
| (5) | Service on Multiple Audit Committees — No member of the Audit Committee may serve on the audit committees of more than two other public companies, unless the Board determines that this simultaneous service would not impair the ability of the member to effectively serve on the Audit Committee. |
| 4. | Meetings |
| (1) | Meetings — The Committee will hold at least four meetings annually and any other meetings as required to fulfill its mandate. Meetings may be called by the Committee Chair or a Committee member, the Chair of the Board, external auditors, Chief Auditor, Chief Financial Officer or the Chief Executive Officer. The external auditors are entitled to attend and be heard at each Committee meeting. CIBC management members and others may attend meetings as the Committee Chair considers appropriate. |
| (2) | Notice of Meeting — Notice of a meeting may be given in writing or by telephone or electronic means, at least 24 hours before the time fixed for the meeting, at the member’s contact information recorded with the Corporate Secretary. A member may waive notice of a meeting in any manner and attendance at a meeting is waiver of notice of the meeting, except where a member attends for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the grounds that the meeting is not lawfully called. |
| (3) | Written Resolution — A resolution in writing signed by all members entitled to vote on that resolution at a Committee meeting will be as valid as if it had been passed at a Committee meeting. |
| (4) | Secretary and Minutes — The Corporate Secretary or any other person the Committee requests, will act as secretary at Committee meetings. The Corporate Secretary will record meeting minutes for Committee approval. |
| (5) | Quorum — A quorum for meetings is a majority of Committee members. If a quorum cannot be obtained, Board members who qualify as Committee members may, at the request of the Committee Chair, serve as Committee members for that meeting. |
| (6) | Access to Management and Outside Advisors — The Committee will have unrestricted access to the external auditors, management and employees of CIBC and authority to retain and terminate external counsel and other advisors to assist it in fulfilling its responsibilities. CIBC will provide funding, as determined by the Committee, for the service of an advisor. The Committee will be responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of an advisor. The Committee will hold portions of regularly scheduled meetings to meet separately with the Chief Auditor, the Chief Financial Officer and the external auditors. |
| (7) | Meetings Without Management — The Committee will hold portions of regularly scheduled meetings to meet without management members present. |
| (8) | Access to Other Committees — The Committee Chair or a member may request input of another Board committee on any responsibility in the Committee’s mandate. The Committee may also invite other directors to attend Committee meetings to leverage their skills, such as risk or compensation expertise, to support the Committee in carrying out its mandate. |
| (9) | Delegation — The Committee may designate a sub-committee to review any matter within the Committee’s mandate. |
| 5. | Reporting to the Board |
The Committee Chair will report to the Board on recommendations and material matters arising at Committee meetings and any significant matters that arise between Board meetings.
| 6. | Committee Member Development and Performance Review |
The Committee Chair will co-ordinate orientation and continuing director development programs relating to the Committee’s mandate. At least annually, the Committee will evaluate and review its performance and the adequacy of the Committee’s mandate.
| 7. | Currency of the Committee Mandate |
This mandate was last revised and approved by the Board on May 25, 2023.
CIBC 2023 Annual Information Form 19
