UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20152016
 
Commission file number 000-24939

 EAST WEST BANCORP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
95-4703316
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
135 North Los Robles Ave., 7th Floor, Pasadena, California
 (Address of principal executive offices)
 
91101
(Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(626) 768-6000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 
  Title of each class  Name of each exchange on which registered 
 Common Stock, $0.001 Par Value NASDAQ “Global Select Market” 
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
NONENone
     Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes x  No ¨
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨  No x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x  No ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x  No ¨
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of the Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filed,filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
  Large accelerated filerx Non-accelerated filer¨   
  Accelerated filer¨ Smaller reporting company¨   
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨  No x
 
The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $6,382,812,659$4,880,099,369 (based on the June 30, 20152016 closing price of Common Stock of $44.82$34.18 per share).
 
As of January 31, 2016, 143,917,8462017, 144,167,656 shares of East West Bancorp, Inc. Common Stock were outstanding.
 
DOCUMENT INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement relating to its 20162017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III.
 





EAST WEST BANCORP, INC.
20152016 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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PART I
 
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain matters discussed in this Annual Report contain or incorporate statements that East West Bancorp, Inc. (referred to herein on an unconsolidated basis as “East West” and on a consolidated basis as the “Company” or, “we”, or “EWBC”) believes are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Rule 175 promulgated thereunder, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and Rule 3b-6 promulgated thereunder. These statements relate to the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance or business. They usually can be identified by the use of forward-looking language, such as “likely result in,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” “projects,” “intends to,” or may include other similar words or phrases, such as “believes,” “plans,” “trend,” “objective,” “continues,” “remains,” or similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs, such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may,” “might,” “can,” or similar verbs. You should not place undue reliance on these statements, as they are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those described in the documents incorporated by reference. When considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind these risks and uncertainties, as well as any cautionary statements the Company may make. Moreover, you should treat these statements as speaking only as of the date they are made and based only on information then actually known to the Company. 
There are a number of important factors that could cause future results to differ materially from historical performance and these forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such differences, some of which are beyond the Company’s control, include, but are not limited to:

the Company’s ability to compete effectively against other financial institutions in its banking markets;
changes in the commercial and consumer real estate markets;
changes in the Company’s costs of operation, compliance and expansion;
changes in the United States (“U.S.”) economy, including inflation, employment levels, rate of growth and general business conditions;
changes in government interest rate policies;
changes in laws or the regulatory environment including regulatory reform initiatives and policies of the U.S. Department of Treasury, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Board (“Federal Reserve”) System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”); and the California Department of Business Oversight (“DBO”) — Division of Financial Institutions;
heightened regulatory and governmental oversight and scrutiny of the Company’s business practices, including dealings with retail customers;
changes in the economy of and monetary policy in the People’s Republic of China;
changes in income tax laws and regulations;
changes in accounting standards as may be required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) or other regulatory agencies and their impact on critical accounting policies and assumptions;
changes in the equity and debt securities markets;
future credit quality and performance, including ourthe Company’s expectations regarding future credit losses and allowance levels;
fluctuations of the Company’s stock price;
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;
success and timing of the Company’s business strategies;
ability of the Company to adopt and successfully integrate new technologies into its business in a strategic manner;
impact of reputational risk from negative publicity, fines and penalties and other negative consequences from regulatory violations and legal actions;
impact of potential federal tax increases and spending cuts;
impact of adverse judgments or settlements in litigation;
impact of regulatory enforcement actions;
changes in the Company’s ability to receive dividends from its subsidiaries;
impact of political developments, wars or other hostilities that may disrupt or increase volatility in securities or otherwise affect economic conditions;
impact of natural or man-made disasters or calamities or conflicts;
continuing consolidation in the financial services industry;
the Company’s capital requirements and its ability to generate capital internally or raise capital on favorable terms;


impact of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) on the Company’s business, business practices and cost of operations;
impact of adverse changes to the Company’s credit ratings from the major credit rating agencies;
impact of failure in, or breach of, the Company’s operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of third parties with whom the Company does business, including as a result of cyber attacks; and other similar matters;matters which could result in, among other things, confidential and/or proprietary information being disclosed or misused;
adequacy of the Company’s risk management framework, disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting;

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the effect of the current low interest rate environment or changes in interest rates on ourthe Company’s net interest income and net interest margin;
the effect of changes in the level of checking or savingssaving account deposits on the Company’s funding costs and net interest margin; and
a recurrence of significant turbulence or disruption in the capital or financial markets, which could result in, among other things, a reduction in the availability of funding or increased funding costs, reduced investor demand for mortgage loans and declines in asset values and/or recognition of other-than-temporary impairment on securities held in the Company’s available-for-sale investment securities portfolio.

For a more detailed discussion of some of the factors that might cause such differences, see Item 1A. Risk Factors presented elsewhere in this report. The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of events or circumstances after the date of such statements except as required by law.


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ITEM 1.  BUSINESS 
Organization
East West is a bank holding company incorporated in Delaware on August 26, 1998 and is registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (“BHCA”). The Company commenced business on December 30, 1998 when, pursuant to a reorganization, it acquired all of the voting stock of East West Bank or the “Bank.” The Bank is the Company’s(the “Bank”), which became its principal asset. In addition to the Bank, East West has sixseven other subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016. Six of these subsidiaries were established as statutory business trusts (the “Trusts”) as of December 31, 2015 and one subsidiary - East West Insurance Services, Inc. (the “Agency”) that provides business and consumer insurance services. The Trusts were set up for the purpose of issuing junior subordinated debt to third party investors. The remaining subsidiary, East West Insurance Services, Inc. (the “Agency”), provides business and consumer insurance services.
East West’s principal business is to serve as a holding company for the Bank and other banking or banking-related subsidiaries, which East West may establish or acquire. As a legal entity separate and distinct from its subsidiaries, East West’s principal source of funds is, and will continue to be, dividends that may be paid by its subsidiaries. East West’s other sources of funds include proceeds from the issuance of its common stock in connection with stock option and employee stock purchase plans. As of December 31, 2015,2016, the Company had $32.35$34.79 billion in total assets, $23.41$25.27 billion in total loans (net of allowance), $27.48$29.89 billion in total deposits and $3.12$3.43 billion in stockholders’ equity.
As of December 31, 2015,2016, the Bank has three wholly owned subsidiaries. The first subsidiary, E-W Services, Inc., is a California corporation organized by the Bank in 1977. E-W Services, Inc. holds1977 to hold properties used by the Bank in its operations. The second subsidiary, East-West Investments,Investment, Inc., primarily acts as a trustee in connection with real estate secured loans. The remaining subsidiary is East West Bank (China) Limited.
On November 6, 2009, the Bank acquired United Commercial Bank (“UCB”), a California state-chartered bank headquartered in San Francisco, California. Under the terms of the UCB Purchase and Assumption Agreement, the Bank acquired certain assets of UCB with a fair value of approximately $9.86 billion and assumed liabilities with a fair value of approximately $9.57 billion. On June 11, 2010, the Bank acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Washington First International Bank (“WFIB”), a Washington state-chartered bank headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Under the terms of the WFIB Purchase and Assumption Agreement, the Bank acquired certain assets of WFIB with a fair value of approximately $492.6 million and assumed liabilities with a fair value of approximately $481.3 million were assumed.million. Both of these transactions were FDIC-assisted acquisitions. On January 17, 2014, the Bank completed the acquisition of MetroCorp Bancshares, Inc., (“MetroCorp”) parent of MetroBank, N.A. and Metro United Bank. MetroCorp, headquartered in Houston, Texas, operated 19 branch locations within Texas and California under its two banks. The Bank acquired MetroCorp to further expand its market presence, primarily in Texas within the markets of Houston and Dallas, Texas and in California within the San Diego, market.California. Approximately $1.70 billion of assets were acquired and $1.41 billion of liabilities were assumed.
The Bank continues to develop its international banking capabilities.capabilities with its network of branches and representative offices. The Bank’s presence includes five full-service branches in Greater China, located in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shantou and Shenzhen. Shanghai has two in Shanghaibranches, including one in the Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone, Shantou and Shenzhen.Zone. The Bank also has five representative offices in Greater China located in Beijing, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Taipei and Xiamen. In addition to facilitating traditional letters of credit and trade finance to businesses, these representative offices allow the Bank to assist existing clients as well asand develop new business relationships. Through these branches and offices, the Bank is focused on growing its export-import lending volume by aidingcross-border client base between the U.S. exportersand Greater China, helping U.S. based businesses expand in identifyingGreater China and developing new salesChina based middle market companies pursue business opportunities in the U.S. The assets, revenues and earnings attributable to China-based customers,activities in the foreign locations were not material as well as capturing additional letters of credit business generated from China-based exporters through broader correspondent banking relationships.December 31, 2016 and 2015 and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.
The Bank continues to explore opportunities to establish other foreign offices, subsidiaries, or strategic investments and partnerships to expand its international banking capabilities and to capitalize on the growing international trade businesscross-border businesses between the United StatesU.S. and Greater China.

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Banking Services
As of December 31, 2015, East West2016, the Bank was the fourth largest independent commercial bank headquartered in California based on total assets. East WestThe Bank is the largest bank in the United StatesU.S. that focuses on the financial servicesservice needs of individuals and businesses,which operate both in the United StatesU.S. and Greater China as well as havingand has a strong focus on the Chinese American community. Through its network of banking locations in the United StatesU.S. and Greater China, the Bank provides a wide range of personal and commercial banking services to small and medium-sized businesses, business executives, professionals, and other individuals. The Bank offersprovides multilingual services to its customers in English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Taiwanese and Spanish. The Bank also offers a variety of deposit products which includes the traditional range of personal and business checking and savingssaving accounts, time deposits and individual retirement accounts, travelers’travelers checks, safe deposit boxes, and MasterCard® and Visa® merchant deposit services. The Bank’s lending activities include commercial and residential real estate, construction, trade finance, and commercial business, including accounts receivable, small business administration,Small Business Administration, inventory and working capital loans. The Bank generally provides commercial business loans to small and medium-sized businesses. The Bank’s commercial borrowers are engaged in a wide variety of manufacturing, wholesale trade and service businesses. In addition, the Bank is focused on providing financing to clients needingin need of a financial bridge that facilitatesto facilitate their business transactions between the United StatesU.S. and Greater China.
The Bank’s three operating segments: Retail Banking, Commercial Banking and Other are based on the Bank’s core strategy. The Retail Banking segment focuses primarily on retail operations through the Bank’s branch network. The Commercial Banking segment primarily generates commercial and industrial (“C&I”) loans and commercial real estate (“CRE”) loans through the domestic commercial lending offices located in California, New York, Texas, Washington, Massachusetts, Nevada and Georgia, and through the foreign commercial lending offices located in China and Hong Kong. Furthermore, the Commercial Banking segment also offers a wide variety of international finance and trade services and products. The remaining centralized functions, including the Company’s treasury operations of the Company and intersegment amount eliminations of intersegment amounts have beenwere aggregated and included in “Other.” For complete discussion and disclosure, please see the information in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of the Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) Operating Segment Results and Note 2019 Business Segments to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Market Area and Competition
The bankingBank operates in a highly competitive environment. The Company faces competition from domestic and foreign lending institutions and numerous other providers of financial services. Competition is based on a number of factors including, among others, customer service, quality and range of products and services offered, reputation, interest rates on loans and deposits, lending limits and customer convenience. Competition also varies based on the types of customers and locations served. The Company maintains a strong presence within select markets through providing cross-border expertise to customers across a number of industry in California generally,specializations between the U.S and inGreater China. While the Bank’s market areas specifically,Company believes it is well positioned within the highly competitive. The increasingly competitive environment is primarilyindustry, the industry could become even more competitive as a result of changes in lawslegislative, regulatory, economic, and regulations,technological changes, in technology and product delivery systems, as well as continuing consolidation among financial services providers. The Bank competes for loans, deposits, and customers with other commercial banks, other financial services institutions and other companies that offer banking services. Some of these competitors are larger in total assets and capitalization and offer a broader range of financial services than the Bank.continued consolidation.

The Bank concentrates on marketing its services in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area and the greater San Francisco Bay area as California continues to grow as a top trading partner with Greater China and other Pacific Rim countries continue to grow as California’s top trading partners.countries.  This provides the Bank with an important competitive advantage to its customers participating in the Asia Pacific marketplace. The Bank believes that its customers benefit from the Bank’s understanding of the Asian markets through its physical presence in Greater China, the Bank’s corporate and organizational ties throughout Asia, as well as the Bank’s international banking products and services. The Bank believes that this approach, combined with the extensive ties of the Bank’s management and Board of DirectorsDirectors’ (the “ Board”) extensive ties to growing Asian business opportunities as well asand the Chinese-American communities, providesprovide the Bank with an advantagea competitive advantage. The Bank also has its presence in competing for customersGreater China to identify and build corporate relationships, which the Bank can do business in the Bank’s market area.  California and its other U.S. markets.

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Supervision and Regulation
General
East West and the Bank are extensively regulated under both federal and state laws. Regulation and supervision by the federal and state banking agencies are intended primarily for the protection of depositors, and the Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”) administered by the FDIC and the banking system as a whole, and not for the protection of our stockholders. As a bank holding company, East West is subject to primary inspection, supervision, regulation, and examination by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve under the BHCA. The Bank, as a California state-chartered bank and a member of the Federal Reserve System, is subject to primary supervision and examination by the Federal Reserve, as well as the California Department of Business Oversight (“DBO”)DBO - Division of Financial Institutions. The Company is also subject to regulation by certain foreign regulatory agencies where we conduct business.


The Company is also subject to the disclosure and regulatory requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Exchange Act as administered by the SEC. Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (“NASDAQ”) under the trading symbol “EWBC” and is subject to NASDAQ rules for listed companies. The Company is also subject to the accounting oversight and corporate governance of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Described below are material elements of selected laws and regulations applicable to East West and the Bank. The descriptions are not intended to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the statutes and regulations described. A change in applicable statutes, regulations or regulatory policy may have a material effect on the Company’s business.
East West 

East West is subject to regulation and examination by the Federal Reserve under the BHCA and its authority to, among other things:

require periodic reports and such additional information as the Federal Reserve may require;
require the Company to maintain certain levels of capital and, under the Dodd-Frank Act, limit the ability of bank holding companies to pay dividends or bonuses unless their capital levels exceed the capital conservation buffer (please see(see Item 1. Business — Supervision and Regulation — Capital Requirements);
require bank holding companies to serve as a source of financial and managerial strength to subsidiary banks and commit resources, as necessary, to support each subsidiary bank. A bank holding company’s failure to meet its obligations to serve as a source of strength to its subsidiary banks will generally be considered by the Federal Reserve to be an unsafe and unsound banking practice or a violation of Federal Reserve regulations or both;
restrict the receipt and the payment of dividends;
terminate an activity or terminate control of or liquidate or divest certain nonbank subsidiaries, affiliates or investments if the Federal Reserve believes that the activity or the control of the nonbank subsidiary or affiliate constitutes a significant risk to the financial safety, soundness or stability of anythe bank subsidiary;holding company;
regulate provisions of certain bank holding company debt, including the authority to impose interest ceilings and reserve requirements on such debt and require prior approval to purchase or redeem the Company’s securities in certain situations;
require the prior approval of senior executive officer or director changes and prohibit golden parachute payments, including change in control agreements, or new employment agreements with such payment terms, which are contingent upon termination;termination, under certain circumstances;
approve acquisitions and mergers with banks and consider certain competitive, management, financial and other factors in granting these approvals. DBO approvals may also be required for certain mergers and acquisitions.

As a bank holding company within the meaning of the California Financial Code, East West is subject to examination by, and may be required to file reports with, the DBO.


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The Bank and its subsidiariesSubsidiaries

East West Bank is a California state-chartered bank, a member and stockholder of the Federal Reserve and a member of the FDIC. The Bank is subject to primary supervision,inspection, periodic examination, and regulationsupervision by the CFPB, DBO, and the Federal Reserve as the(the Bank’s primary federal regulator.regulator). The Federal Reserve and the DBO also regulate the Bank’s foreign operations. TheseThe Bank’s foreign operations are also subject to the supervisory authorities of the host countries in which the Bank’s overseas offices reside. Specific federal and state laws and regulations whichthat are applicable to banks regulate, among other things, the scope of their business, their investments, their reserves against deposits, the timing of the availability of deposited funds, and the nature and amount of collateral for certain loans. The regulatory structure also gives the bank regulatory agencies extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies. California law permits state chartered commercial banks to engage in any activity permissible for national banks, unless such activity is expressly prohibited by state law. Therefore, the Bank may form subsidiaries to engage in the many so-called “closely related to banking” or “nonbanking” activities commonly conducted by national banks in operating subsidiaries, and further, pursuant to the Gramm Leach Bliley Act, the Bank may conduct certain “financial” activities in a subsidiary to the same extent permitted for a national bank, provided the Bank is and remains “well-capitalized,“well capitalized,“well-managed”“well managed” and in satisfactory“in satisfactory” compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”).



Regulation of Subsidiaries/Branches

Foreign-based subsidiaries, includingThe Bank’s foreign-based subsidiary, East West Bank China (Limited), are(China) Limited, is subject to applicable foreign laws and regulations, such as those implemented by the China Banking Regulatory Commission. Nonbank subsidiaries are subject to additional or separate regulation and supervision by other state, federal and self-regulatory bodies. The Agency is subject to the licensing and supervisory authority of the California Department of Insurance. The East West Bank Hong Kong branch is subject to applicable foreign laws and regulations, such as those implemented by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.

Dodd-Frank Act

The Dodd-Frank Act, which was enacted in July 2010, comprehensively reformed the regulation of financial institutions and their products and services. The Dodd-Frank Act also significantly revised and expanded the rulemaking, supervisory and enforcement authority of the federal bank regulatory agencies. Among other things, the Dodd-Frank Act established the CFPB to be responsible for consumer protection in the financial services industry; provided for new capital standards that eliminate the treatment of trust preferred securities as Tier 1I regulatory capital; required that deposit insurance assessments be calculated based on an insured depository institution’s assets rather than its insured deposits; raised the minimum Designated Reserve Ratio to 1.35%; established a comprehensive regulatory regime for the derivatives activities of financial institutions; established new compensation restrictions and standards regarding the time, manner and form of compensation given to key executives and other personnel receiving incentive compensation; prohibited banking entities, after a transition period, from engaging in certain types of proprietary trading, as well as having investments in, sponsoring, and maintaining certain types of relationships with hedge funds and private equity funds (through provisions commonly referred to as the “Volcker Rule”); placed limitations on the interchange fees charged for debit card transactions; and established new minimum mortgage underwriting standards for residential mortgages.

The Dodd-Frank Act impacts many aspects of the financial industry and will impact larger and smaller financial institutions and community banks differently over time. Many of the key provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act affecting the financial industry are either in effect or are in the proposed rules or implementation stages. The Company will continue to assess our businesses and risk management and compliance practices to conform to developments in the regulatory environment.


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CFPB Supervision

The Dodd-Frank Act centralized responsibility for consumer financial protection by creating a new agency, the CFPB, and giving it responsibilitythe authority for implementing, examining and enforcing compliance with federal consumer financial laws. Depository institutions with assets exceeding $10 billion (such as the Bank), their affiliates, and certain non-banks in the markets for consumer financial services (as determined by the CFPB) are subject to direct supervision by the CFPB, including any applicable examination, enforcement and reporting requirements the CFPB may establish. The CFPB is focused on:

risks to consumers and compliance with the Federalfederal consumer financial laws, when it evaluates the policies and practices of a financial institution;
unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts on practices, which the Dodd-Frank Act empowers the agencyCFPB to prevent through rulemaking, enforcement and examination;
rulemaking to implement various federal consumer statutes such as the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, Truth in Lending Act, Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and Electronic Fund Transfer Act;
the markets in which firms operate, and risks to consumers posed by activities in those markets; and
holding lenders accountable for discriminatory dealer markups with respect to the indirect auto business, holding lenders accountable for discriminatory dealer markups.business.

The statutes and regulations that the CFPB enforces mandate certain disclosure and other requirements, and regulate the manner in which financial institutions must deal with customers when taking deposits, making loans, collecting loans, and providing other services.  In addition, the Department of Justice enforces the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, which provides protection for military servicemembers and their familyfamilies including a limitation on the ability to retake collateral in the event of default and a statutory interest rate cap for certain debts. Failure to comply with these laws can subject the Bank to various penalties, including, but not limited to, enforcement actions, injunctions, fines or criminal penalties, punitive damages or restitution to consumers, and the loss of certain contractual rights.  The Bank and the Company are also subject to federal and state laws prohibiting unfair or fraudulent business practices, untrue or misleading advertising and unfair competition.



Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) and Federal Reserve

The Bank is a member of the FHLB of San Francisco. As ana FHLB member, the Bank is required to own a certain amount of capital stock in the FHLB. The Bank may also access the FHLB for both short-term and long-term secured borrowing sources. The Federal Reserve requires all depository institutions to maintain interest-earning reserves at specified levels against their transaction accounts. As of December 31, 2015,2016, the Bank was in compliance with these requirements. AsThe Bank is also a member bank the Bank is also required to own capital stock inof the Federal Reserve.

Dividends and Other Transfers of Funds

Dividends from the Bank constitute the principal source of income to East West. The Bank is subject to various statutory and regulatory restrictions on its ability to pay dividends. In addition, the banking agencies have the authority to prohibit or limit the Bank from paying dividends, depending upon the Bank’s financial condition, if such payment is deemed to constitute an unsafe or unsound practice. Furthermore, under the federal prompt corrective actionPrompt Corrective Action (“PCA”) regulations, the Federal Reserve or FDIC may prohibit a bank holding company from paying any dividends if the holding company’s bank subsidiary is classified as “undercapitalized.” For more information, please see Capital Requirements below.

It is the Federal Reserve’s policy that bank holding companies should generally pay dividends on common stock only out ofif the organization’s net income available to common stockholders over the past yearsyear has been sufficient to fully fund the dividends, and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention isappears consistent with the organization’s expected futurecapital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. It is also the Federal Reserve’s policy that bank holding companies should not maintain dividend levels that undermine the company’s ability to be a source of strength to its banking subsidiaries. Additionally, in consideration of the current financial and economic environment, theThe Federal Reserve has stated thatrequires bank holding companies should carefullyto continuously review their dividend policy in light of their organizations’ financial condition and compliance with regulatory capital requirements, and has discouraged payment ratios that are at maximum allowable levels, unless both asset quality and capital are very strong.

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Transactions with Affiliates

Federal laws strictly limit the ability of banks to engage in transactions with their affiliates, including their bank holding companies. Regulations promulgated by the Federal Reserve limit the types and amounts of these transactions that may take place and generally require those transactions to be on an arm's length basis. In general, these regulations require that “covered transactions” between a subsidiary bank and its parent company or the nonbanknon-bank subsidiaries of the bank holding company are limited to 10% of the bank subsidiary's capital and surplus and, with respect to such parent company and all such nonbanknon-bank subsidiaries, to an aggregate of 20% of the bank subsidiary's capital and surplus. Further, these restrictions, contained in the Federal Reserve’s Regulation W, prevent East West and other affiliates from borrowing from, or entering into other credit transactions with, the Bank or its operating subsidiaries, unless the loans or other credit transactions are secured by specified amounts of collateral. Federal law also limits a bank's authority to extend credit to its directors, executive officers and 10% shareholders, as well as to entities controlled by such persons. Among other things, extensions of credit to insiders are required to be made on terms that are substantially the same as, and follow credit underwriting procedures that are not less stringent than, those prevailing for comparable transactions with unaffiliated persons. The terms of such extensions of credit may not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features and may not exceed certain limitations on the amount of credit extended to such persons, individually and in the aggregate, which limits are based, in part, on the amount of the bank's capital. The Dodd-Frank Act treats derivative transactions resulting in credit exposure to an affiliate as covered transactions. It expands the transactions for which collateral is required to be maintained, and for all such transactions, it requires collateral to be maintained at all times. In addition, the Volcker Rule under the Dodd-Frank Act establishes certain prohibitions, restrictions and requirements (known as “Super 23A” and “Super 23B”) on transactions between a covered fund and a banking entity that serves as an investment manager, investment adviser, organizer and offeror, or sponsor with respect to that covered fund, regardless of whether the banking entity has an ownership interest in the fund.



Stress Testing for Banks with Assets of $10 Billion to $50 Billion

The Dodd-Frank Act requires stress testing of bank holding companies and banks that have more than $10 billion but less than $50 billion of total consolidated assets (“$10 - $50 billion companies”). Additional stress testing is required for banking organizations havingwith total consolidated assets of $50 billion or more of assets.more. $10 - $50 billion companies, including the Company and the Bank, are required to conduct annual company-run stress tests under rules issued by the federal bank regulatory agencies issued in October 2012.agencies. Stress tests assess the potential impact of scenarios on the consolidated earnings, balance sheet and capital of a bank holding company or bank over a designated planning horizon of nine quarters, taking into account the organization’s current condition, risks, exposures, strategies, activities and such factors as the regulators may request of a specific organization. Each banking organization’s Board and senior management are required to review and approve the policies and procedures of their stress testing processes as frequently as economic conditions or the condition of the organization may warrant, and at least annually. They are also required to consider the results of the stress test in the normal course of business, including the banking organization’s capital planning (including dividends and share buybacks), assessment of capital adequacy and maintaining capital consistent with its risks, and risk management practices. The results of the stress tests are provided to the applicable federal banking agencies. The final rule requirement for public disclosure of a summary of the stress testing results for the $10 - $50 billion companies has been implemented starting with the 2014 stress test, with the disclosure requirements effective in June 2015. The Bank has developed a process to comply with the stress testing requirements, which process involves senior management and the Board. The Bank submits the results of the annual company-run stress tests to the Federal Reserve and makes summaries of the results of the company-run stress tests available to the public on its website.

CRA

Under the CRA as implemented by FDIC regulations, an institution has a continuing and affirmative obligation to help serve the credit needs of its communities, including extendingthe extension of credit to low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. The CRA requires public disclosure of the Bank’s CRA rating. Should the Bank fail to serve the community adequately, potential penalties may include regulatory denials of applications to expand branches, relocate, add subsidiaries and affiliates, expand into new financial activities, and merge with or purchase other financial institutions.


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FDIC Deposit Insurance Assessments

The FDIC insures the Bank’s customer deposits through the DIF of the FDIC up to prescribed limits$250,000 for each depositor. The Bank is subject to deposit insurance assessments as determined by the FDIC. The Dodd-Frank Act increasedBank’s DIF assessment is calculated by multiplying its assessment rate by the minimum targetassessment base, which is defined as the average consolidated total assets less the average tangible equity of the Bank. The initial base assessment rate is based on an institution’s capital level, and capital adequacy, asset quality, management, earnings, liquidity and sensitivity (“CAMELS”) ratings, certain financial measures to assess an institution’s ability to withstand asset related stress and funding related stress, and in some cases, additional discretionary adjustments by the FDIC to reflect additional risk factors. The FDIC’s DIF restoration plan is designed to ensure that the DIF reserve ratio from 1.15% of estimated insured deposits toreaches 1.35% of estimated insured deposits. The FDIC must seek to achieve the 1.35% ratio by September 30, 2020. Insured institutions with assets of $10 billion or more, such as the Bank, are responsible for funding the increase. With the increase of the DIF reserve ratio to 1.17% on June 30, 2016, the range of initial assessment rates has declined for all banks from five to 35 basis points on an annualized basis to three to 30 basis points on an annualized basis. In order to reach a DIF reserve ratio of 1.35%, insured depository institutions with $10 billion or more in total assets, such as the Bank, are required to pay a quarterly surcharge equal to an annual rate of 4.5 basis points applied to the Bank’s assessment base (with certain adjustments), in addition to regular assessments. In the event that the reserve ratio does not reach 1.35% by December 31, 2018, the FDIC will impose a shortfall on large banks in the first quarter of 2019. For additional information regarding deposit insurance, see Item 1A. Risk Factors. The FDIC may terminate a depository institution’s deposit insurance upon a finding that the institution’s financial condition is unsafe or unsound or that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices that pose a risk to the DIF or that may prejudice the interest of the bank’s depositors. The termination of deposit insurance for the Bank would also result in the revocation of the Bank’s charter by the DBO.



Anti-Money Laundering (“AML”) and Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) Regulation

A major focus of governmental policy on financial institutions in recent years has been aimed at combating money laundering and terrorist financing. The Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”) and its implementing regulations and parallel requirements of the federal banking regulators require the Bank to maintain a risk-based AML program reasonably designed to prevent and detect money laundering and terrorist financing and to comply with the recordkeeping and reporting requirements of the BSA, including the requirement to report suspicious activity.activities. There is an expectation by the Bank’s regulators that there will be an effective governance structure for the program which includes effective oversight by our Board and management. The program must include, at a minimum, a designated compliance officer, written policies, procedures and internal controls, training of appropriate personnel and independent testing of the program, and a customer identification program. The United States Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) and the federal banking agencies continue to issue regulations and guidance with respect to the application and requirements of the BSA and their expectations for effective AML programs. Banking regulators also examine banks for compliance with the economic sanctions regulations administered by the OFAC.OFAC for economic sanctions against targeted foreign countries, nationals and others. Failure of a financial institution to maintain and implement adequate BSA/AML and OFAC programs, or to comply with all of the relevant laws or regulations, could have serious legal and reputational consequences for the institution.

Capital Requirements

The federal banking agencies have risk-based capital adequacy guidelines intended to provide a measure of capital adequacy that reflects the degree of risk associated with a banking organization’s operations, both for transactions reported on the balance sheet as assets and for transactions, such as letters of credit and recourse arrangements, that are recorded as off-balance sheet items. Prior to January 1, 2015, these guidelines were based upon the 1988 capital accord (“Basel I”) of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (the “Basel Committee”). In 2013, the Federal Reserve, FDIC, and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency issued final rules (the “Basel III Capital Rules”) establishing a new comprehensive capital framework for U.S. banking organizations. The rules implement the Basel Committee’s December 2010 framework, commonly referred to as Basel III, for strengthening international capital standards, as well as implementing certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act.
    
The Basel III Capital Rules substantially revise the risk-based capital requirements applicable to bank holding companies and depository institutions, including the Company and the Bank, compared to the previous U.S. risk-based capital rules. The Basel III Capital Rules became effective for the Company and the Bank on January 1, 2015 (subject to phase-in periods for some of their components). The Basel III Capital Rules: (i) introduce a new capital measure called Common Equity Tier 1I (“CET1”) and a related regulatory capital ratio of CET1 to risk-weighted assets; (ii) specify that Tier 1I capital consists of CET1 and “Additional Tier 1I capital” instruments, which are instruments treated as Tier 1I instruments under the prior capital rules that meet certain revised requirements; (iii) mandate that most deductions or adjustments to regulatory capital measures be made to CET1 and not to the other components of capital; and (iv) expand the scope of the deductions from and adjustments to capital, as compared to existing regulations. Under the Basel III Capital Rules, for most banking organizations, the most common form of Additional Tier 1I capital is noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and the most common form of Tier 2II capital is subordinated notes and a portion of the allowance for loan and lease losses, in each case, subject to the Basel III Capital Rules’ specific requirements.


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Under the Basel III Capital Rules, the following are the initial minimum capital ratios applicable to the Company and the Bank as of January 1, 2015:

4.5% CET1 to risk-weighted assets;
6.0% Tier 1I capital (that is, CET1 plus Additional Tier 1I capital) to risk-weighted assets;
8.0% total capital (that is, Tier 1I capital plus Tier 2II capital) to risk-weighted assets; and
4.0% Tier 1I leverage ratio.



The Basel III Capital Rules also introduce a newintroduced “capital conservation buffer,” composed entirely of CET1, on top of these minimum risk-weighted asset ratios. The capital conservation buffer is designed to absorb losses during periods of economic stress. Banking institutions with a ratio of CET1 to risk-weighted assets above the minimum but below the capital conservation buffer will face constraints on dividends, equity repurchases and compensation based on the amount of the shortfall. The implementation of the capital conservation buffer began on January 1, 2016 at 0.625% and will be phased in over a four-year period (increasing by that amount on each subsequent January 1, until it reaches 2.5% on January 1, 2019). Thus, whenIn 2016, banking organizations including the Company and the Bank were required to maintain a CET1 capital ratio of at least 5.125%, a Tier I capital ratio of at least 6.625%, and a total capital ratio of at least 8.625% to avoid limitations on capital distributions and certain discretionary incentive compensation payments. When fully phased-in on January 1, 2019, the Company and the Bank will be required tomust maintain this additional capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of CET1, resulting in the following minimum capital ratios:

4.5% CET1 to risk-weighted assets, plus the capital conservation buffer, effectively resulting in a minimum ratio of CET1 to risk-weighted assets of at least 7%;
6.0% Tier 1I capital to risk-weighted assets, plus the capital conservation buffer, effectively resulting in a minimum Tier 1I capital ratio of at least 8.5%;
8.0% total capital to risk-weighted assets, plus the capital conservation buffer, effectively resulting in a minimum total capital ratio of at least 10.5%; and
4.0% Tier 1I leverage ratio.

The Basel III Capital Rules provide for a number of deductions from and adjustments to CET1. These include, for example, the requirement that (i) mortgage servicing rights, (ii) deferred tax assets arising from temporary differences that could not be realized through net operating loss carrybacks, and (iii) significant investments in non-consolidated financial entities be deducted from CET1 to the extent that any one such category exceeds 10% of CET1 or all such items, in the aggregate, exceed 15% of CET1. Implementation of the deductions and other adjustments to CET1 began on January 1, 2015 and willwould be phased-in over a four-year period (beginning at 40% on January 1, 2015 and an additional 20% per year thereafter). Under the Basel III Capital Rules, the effects of certain accumulated other comprehensive income or loss items are not excluded for the purposes of determining regulatory capital ratios; however, non-advanced approaches banking organizations (i.e., banking organizations with less than $250 billion in total consolidated assets or with less than $10 billion of on-balance sheet foreign exposures), including the Company and the Bank, may make a one-time permanent election to exclude these items. This election must be made concurrently with the first filing of certain of the Company and the Bank’s periodic regulatory reports in the beginning of 2015. The Company and the Bank have made this election in the first quarter of 2015’s call reports in order to avoid significant variations in the level of capital depending upon the impact of interest rate fluctuations on the fair value of its available-for-sale investment securities portfolio.


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The Basel III Capital Rules prescribe a new standardized approach for risk weightings that expandexpands the risk weighting categories from the previous four Basel I-derived categories (0%, 20%, 50% and 100%) to a larger and more risk-sensitive number of categories, generally ranging from 0% for U.S. Government and agency securities, to 600% for certain equity exposures, depending on the nature of the assets. The new capital rules generally result in higher risk weights for a variety of asset classes, including certain CRE mortgages. Additional aspects of the Basel III Capital Rules that are relevant to the Company and the Bank include:

consistent with the Basel I risk-based capital rules, assigning exposures secured by single familysingle-family residential properties to either a 50% risk weight for first-lien mortgages that meet prudentialprudent underwriting standards or a 100% risk weight category for all other mortgages;
providing for a 20% credit conversion factor for the unused portion of a commitment with an original maturity of one year or less that is not unconditionally cancellable (set at 0% under the Basel I risk basedrisk-based capital rules);
assigning a 150% risk weight to all exposures that are nonaccrual or 90 days or more past due (set at 100% under the Basel I risk-based capital rules), except for those secured by single familysingle-family residential properties, which will be assigned a 100% risk weight, consistent with the Basel I risk-based capital rules;
applying a 150% risk weight instead of a 100% risk weight for certain high volatility CRE acquisition, development and construction loans; and
applying a 250% risk weight to the portion of mortgage servicing rights and deferred tax assets arising from temporary differences that could not be realized through net operating loss carrybacks that are not deducted from CET1 capital (set at 100% under the Basel I risk-based capital rules).



As of December 31, 2015,2016, the Company’s and the Bank’s capital ratios exceeded the minimum capital adequacy guideline percentage requirements of the federal banking agencies for “well capitalized” institutions under the Basel III capital rules on a fully phased-in basis. For complete discussion and disclosure please see Item 7. MD&A — Regulatory Capital and Ratios and Note 1918Regulatory Requirements and Matters to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

With respect to the Bank, the Basel III Capital Rules also revise the PCA regulations pursuant to Section 38 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as discussed below under “PCA.”

PCA

The Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended (“FDIA”), requires federal banking agencies to take PCA in respect of depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements. The FDIA includes the following five capital tiers: “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized”undercapitalized,” and “critically undercapitalized.” A depository institution’s capital tier will depend upon how its capital levels compare with various relevant capital measures and certain other factors, as established by regulation. The Basel III Capital Rules, as promulgated by the Federal Reserve, revised the PCA requirements effective January 1, 2015. Under the revised PCA provisions of the FDIA, an insured depository institution generally will be classified in the following categories based on the capital measures indicated:
  
PCA Category Total risk-based capital ratio Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio CET1 risk-based ratio Tier 1 leverage ratio 
Total Risk-Based
Capital Ratio
 Tier I Risk-Based
Capital Ratio
 
CET1 Risk-Based
Ratio
 Tier I Leverage
Ratio
Well capitalized 10% 8% 6.5% 5% 10% 8% 6.5% 5%
Adequately capitalized 8% 6% 4.5% 4% 8% 6% 4.5% 4%
Undercapitalized < 8% < 6% < 4.5% < 4% < 8% < 6% < 4.5% < 4%
Significantly undercapitalized < 6% < 4% < 3% < 3% < 6% < 4% < 3.0% < 3%
Critically undercapitalized Tangible Equity/Total Assets ≤ 2% Tangible Equity/Total Assets ≤ 2%

An institution may be downgraded to, or deemed to be in, a capital category that is lower than indicated by its capital ratios, if it is determined to be in an unsafe or unsound condition or if it receives an unsatisfactory examination rating with respect to certain matters. A bank’s capital category is determined solely for the purpose of applying PCA regulations and the capital category may not constitute an accurate representation of the bank’s overall financial condition or prospects for other purposes.


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The FDIA generally prohibits a depository institution from making any capital distributions (including payment of a dividend) or paying any management fee to its parent holding company, if the depository institution would thereafter be “undercapitalized.” “Undercapitalized” institutions are subject to growth limitations and are required to submit a capital restoration plan.plans. If a depository institution fails to submit an acceptable plan, it is treated as if it is “significantly undercapitalized.” “Significantly undercapitalized” depository institutions may be subject to a number of requirements and restrictions, including orders to sell sufficient voting stock to become “adequately capitalized,” requirements to reduce total assets, and cessation of receipt of deposits from correspondent banks. “Critically undercapitalized” institutions are subject to the appointment of a receiver or conservator.



Future Legislation and Regulation

Considering the recent conditions in the global financial markets and economy, legislators,Legislators, presidential candidatesadministration and regulators have continuedmay enact rules, laws, and policies to increase their focus on regulation of the financial services industry. Proposals to further increase regulation ofregulate the financial services industry have been and are expectedpublic companies from time to continue to be introduced in the U.S. Congress, in state legislatures and abroad. In addition, not all regulations authorized or required under the Dodd-Frank Act have been proposed or finalized by federal regulators.time. Further legislative changes and additional regulations may change ourthe Company’s operating environment in substantial and unpredictable ways. Such legislation and regulations could increase the cost of conducting business, impede the Company’sefficiency of the internal business affect the Company’s compensation structureprocesses, and restrict or expand the activities in which the Company may engage among other financial institutions.engage. The Company cannot predict whether future legislative proposals will be enacted and, if enacted, the effect from implementing such regulationsthey would have on the Company’s business strategy, results of operations or financial condition.condition of the Company. The same uncertainty exists with respect to regulations authorized or required under the Dodd-Frank Act but that have not yet been proposed or finalized. Members of the current U.S. federal government administration have indicated that the Dodd-Frank Act will be evaluated and that some of the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act and rules promulgated thereunder, including those provisions establishing the CFPB and the rules and regulations proposed and enacted by the CFPB, may be revised, repealed, or amended. It is unclear if this evaluation of the rules and regulations will result in material changes to the current laws and rules, or those that are in process, applicable to financial institutions like us and financial services or products like ours. It also is not clear what the impact from any such changes, whether positive or negative, would be on our business or the markets and industries in which we compete and any such changes could have a material adverse impact on our business and our prospects. There can be no assurance that these or future reforms will not significantly impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Employees
AtAs of December 31, 2015,2016, the Company had approximately 2,8332,873 employees. None of the Company’s employees are subject to any collective bargaining agreements.
Available Information
The Company’s annual reports on Form 10-K, the proxy statements, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13 (a) or 15 (d) of the Exchange Act are available for free of charge at www.eastwestbank.com as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to the SEC. These reports are also available for free of charge on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Also, these reports can be found and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549, or by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.

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ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS
In the course of conducting the Company’s business,businesses, the Company is exposed to a variety of risks, some of which are inherent in the financial services industry and others of which are more specific to the Company’s business.businesses. The following discussion sets forth what management currently believes could be the most significant factors, of which we are currently aware, that could affect our businesses, results of operations and financial condition. Additional factors that could affect our businesses, results of operations and financial condition are discussed in the Forward-Looking Statements. Other factors not discussed below or elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K could also adversely affect the Company’s businesses, results of operations and financial condition. Therefore, the risk factors below should not be considered a complete discussion of all of the riskrisks and uncertainties the Company may face.
Regulatory, Compliance and Legal Risks
Changes in law, regulation or oversight may adversely affect the Company’s operations. EWBC is subject to extensive regulation under federal and state laws, as well as supervision and examination by the DBO, FDIC, Federal Reserve, SEC, the CFPB, U.S. and State Attorneys General, and other regulatorygovernment bodies. Congress and federal agencies have significantly increased their focus on the regulation of the financial services industry. TheAmong other things, the Dodd-Frank Act, enacted in July 2010, instituted major changes to the banking and financial institutions regulatory regimes, many parts of which are now in effect. The Federal Reserve has adopted regulations implementing the Basel III framework on bank capital adequacy, stress testing, and market liquidity risk in the U.S. These regulations affect our lending practices, capital structure, investment practices, dividend policy and growth, among other things. RegulationMoreover, regulation of the financial services industry continues to undergo major changes. Changes to statutes, regulations or regulatory policies, including changes in interpretation or implementation of statutes, regulations or policies could affect EWBC in substantial and unpredictable ways. In addition, such changes could also subject us to additional costs and limit the types of financial services and products we may offer. Failure to comply with laws, regulations or policies could result in civil or criminal sanctions by state and federal agencies, the loss of FDIC insurance, the revocation of our banking charter, civil moneyor criminal monetary penalties and/or reputationreputational damage, which could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s businesses, results of operations and financial condition. The effects of such legislation and regulatory actions on EWBC cannot be reliably determined at this time. See Item 1. Business — Supervision and Regulation for more information about the regulations to which we are subject.
Good standing with our regulators is of fundamental importance to the continuation and growth of our businesses given that banks operate in an extensively regulated environment under state and federal law. The Bank is subject to supervision and regulation by regulators, including theFederal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (the “FRB”) and the DBO. Federal and state regulators, in the performance of their supervisory and enforcement duties, have significant discretion and power to initiate enforcement actions for violations of laws and regulations, and unsafe and unsound practices. The enforcement powers available to federal banking regulators include, among others, the ability to assess civil monetary penalties, to issue cease and desist or removal orders, to require written agreements, and to initiate injunctive actions.
The CFPB is in the process of reshaping the consumer financial laws through rulemaking and enforcement of such laws against unfair, deceptive and abusive acts or practices. Compliance with any such change may impact the business operations of depository institutions offering consumer financial products or services, including the Bank. The CFPB has broad rulemaking authority to administer and carry out the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act with respect to financial institutions that offer covered financial products and services to consumers. The CFPB has also been directed to write rules identifying practices or acts that are unfair, deceptive or abusive in connection with any transaction with a consumer for a consumer financial product or service, or the offering of a consumer financial product or service. The prohibition on “abusive”What constitutes unfair, deceptive and abusive acts or practices was created by the Dodd-Frank Act and did not previously exist in federal law. The meaning of the prohibition is being clarified each year by CFPB enforcement actions and opinions from courts and administrative proceedings. Moreover, the Bank will be examined by the CFPB for compliance with the CFPB’s lawsrules and policies.regulations. The CFPB has further issued a series of final rules, which went into effect in January 2014, to implement provisions in the Dodd-Frank Act related to mortgage origination and servicing that may increase the cost of originating and servicing residential mortgage loans, which went into effect in January 2014.. While it is difficult to quantify the increase in our regulatory compliance burden, we do believe that costs associated with regulatory compliance, including the need to hire additional compliance personnel, may continue to increase.


We face risk of noncompliance and enforcement actions under the BSA and other AML statutes and regulations. The BSA requires banks and other financial institutions to, among other things, develop and maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and file suspicious activity and currency transaction reports as appropriate. The FinCEN has delegated examination authority for compliance by banks with the BSA to the federal bankbanking regulators, including to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve (the “Board of Governors”) for state licensed member banks. Under parallel authority of the bank regulators, the federal bank regulators and certain state regulators have authority to bring enforcement actions related to BSA compliance which may include compliance undertakings, a written agreement, aagreements, cease and desist order,orders, and/or civil moneymonetary penalties. FinCEN may also impose civil moneymonetary penalties based on BSA violations that are deemed willful, andwillful. In addition, willful violations of the BSA also could result in criminal BSA finefines, penalties or forfeitures. The banking regulators also examine compliance with the rules enforced by the OFAC. Banks are under enhanced scrutiny for both BSA and OFAC compliance. Consequently, if our policies, procedures and internal controls are deemed deficient, we could face moneymonetary penalties as well as serious reputational consequences that could materially and adversely affect our business,businesses, results of operations and financial condition or operations.condition.


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The Bank is subject to supervision pursuant to a written agreement with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco(the “FRB”)FRB and a memorandum of understanding with the DBO regarding BSA and AML compliance, which could result in additional actions taken against the Bank, and will increase the Bank’s operating costs and could adversely affect the Bank’s results of operations.

Our good standing with our regulators is of fundamental importance to the continuation and growth of our business given that banks operate in an extensively regulated environment under state and federal law. The Bank is subject to supervision and regulation by regulators, including the FRB and the DBO. Federal and state regulators, in the performance of their supervisory and enforcement duties, have significant discretion and power to initiate enforcement actions for violations of laws and regulations and unsafe and unsound practices. The enforcement powers available to federal banking regulators include, among others, the ability to assess civil monetary penalties, to issue cease and desist or removal orders, to require written agreements and to initiate injunctive actions. The Bank entered into a Written Agreement, dated November 9, 2015 with the FRB (the “Written Agreement”), and a related memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) with the DBO, relating to certain deficiencies identified in the Bank’s BSA/AML compliance program, as described in further detail in Item 7. MD&A — Regulatory Matters. If additional compliance issues are identified or if the regulators conclude that the Bank has not satisfactorily complied with the Written Agreement, the DBO or the FRB could take further action with respect to the Bank, and if any such further action were taken, such action could have a material adverse effect on our business,businesses, results of operations and financial condition or operations.condition. The operating and other conditions of the Written Agreement could lead to an increased risk of being subject to additional regulatory actions by the DBO and FRB or other government agencies, as well as additional actions resulting from future regular annual soundness and compliance examinations by federal and state regulators.
 
We anticipate that we will need to continue to dedicate significant resources to our efforts to comply with the Written Agreement and related MOU, which are expected to increase our operational costs and adversely affect the amount of time our management has to conduct our business.businesses. The additional operating costs to comply with, and the restrictions under, the Written Agreement and MOU will adversely affect the Bank’s businesses, results of operations.operations and financial condition.

We are subject to financial and reputational risk arising from lawsuits and other legal proceedings. We face significant risk from litigation and claims brought by consumers, borrowers and counterparties. This includes claims for monetary damages, penalties and fines, as well as demands for injunctive relief. The results of these lawsuits and other legal proceedings could lead to significant financial obligations for the Company, as well as restrictions or changes to how we conduct our businesses. The costs of litigation and defense may adversely impact our businesses, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, we may suffer reputational harm as a result of lawsuits and claims. Moreover, it may be difficult to predict the outcome of a lawsuit or legal proceeding, which may present additional uncertainty to our business prospects.

Increased deposit insurance costs and changes in deposit regulation may adversely affect the Company’s results of operations. The FDIC insures deposit accounts at insured banks and financial institutions, including East Westthe Bank. The FDIC charges the insured financial institutions premiums to maintain the DIF at a certain level. During 2008 and 2009, there were higher levels of bank failures, which dramatically increased resolution costs of the FDIC and depleted the DIF. The FDIC collected a special assessment in 2009 to replenish the DIF and also required a prepayment of an estimated amount of future deposit insurance premiums. In accordance with the Dodd-Frank Act, the FDIC adopted new rules that redefined how deposit insurance assessments are calculated. The new rate schedule and other revisions to the assessment rules became effective April 1, 2011, and had the effect of reducing the assessment that we would otherwise pay. As the new assessment rules currently stand, we expect the rules will have a continued positive impact on our future FDIC deposit insurance assessment fees compared to the assessment rules in effect prior to the changes. However, the FDIC’s rules could be subject to future changes, especially if there are additional bank or financial institution failures or the government or FDIC develop new regulatory goals with respect to the banking sector. Increases in assessment fees or required prepayments of FDIC insurance premiums may have an adverse effect on our businesses, results of operations.operations and financial condition.



The Company’s interest expense may increase following the repeal of the federal prohibition on payment of interest on demand deposits. The federal prohibition on the ability of financial institutions to pay interest on demand deposit accounts was repealed as part of the Dodd-Frank Act beginning on July 21, 2011. As a result, financial institutions could commence offering interest on demand deposits to compete for clients. Currently, market interest rates are low. We cannot predict what interest rates other banks may offer as market interest rates increase in the future. The Bank has started offeringoffers interest on certain demand deposits to attract additional customers or to maintain current customers. If market interest rates increase, the Company’s interest expense will increase and net interest margin will decrease which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition,businesses, results of operations and cash flows.financial condition.
Changes in accounting standards or inaccurate estimates or assumptions in applying accounting policies could materially impact the Company’s financial statements. From time to time, the FASB or the SEC may change the financial accounting and reporting standards that govern the preparation of the Company’s financial statements. In addition, the FASB, SEC, banking regulators and the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm may also amend or even reverse their previous interpretations or positions on how various standards should be applied. These changes may be difficult to predict and could impact how we prepare and report the Company’s financial statements. In some cases, we could be required to apply a new or revised standard retroactively, resulting in the Company revising and republishing prior-period financial statements.

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Capital and Liquidity Risks
 As a regulated entity, we are subject to capital and liquidity requirements, and a failure to meet these standards could affect our financial condition. The Company and the Bank are subject to certain capital and liquidity guidelines, qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors. New regulatory capital and liquidity requirements may limit or otherwise restrict how we utilize our capital, including common stock dividends and stock repurchases, and may require us to increase our regulatory capital, or increase regulatory capital ratios or liquidity. TheSignificant parts of the capital requirements applicable to the Company and the Bank under the recently adopted Basel III rules are in the process of being phased-inCapital Rules adopted by the Federal Reserve.Reserve are effective, although certain provisions of the rules are phased-in over a period of years, with the rules generally fully phased-in as of January 1, 2019. We are required to satisfy more stringent capital adequacy and liquidity standards than we have in the past. In addition, we may be required to increase our capital levels, even in the absence of actual adverse economic conditions or forecasts, as a result of stress testing and capital planning based on the hypothetical future adverse economic scenarios. We expect to meet the requirements of the Basel III rules,Capital Rules, including the capital conservation buffer fully phased-in as phased inof January 1, 2019 by the Federal Reserve. Compliance with these capital requirements, including leverage ratios, may limit operations that require intensive use of capital. This could adversely affect our ability to expand or maintain present business levels, which may adversely affect our businesses, results of operations and financial results.condition. Additional information on the regulatory capital requirements applicable to the Company and the Bank is set forth in Item 1. Business — Supervision and Regulation — Capital Requirements.
The Company’s ability to pay dividends.  East West is dependent on the Bank for dividends, distributions and other payments. Our principal source of cash flow, including cash flow to pay dividends to our stockholders and principal and interest on our outstanding debt, is dividendsdividend income from the Bank. The ability of the Bank to pay dividends to East West is limited by Federalfederal and California law. Subject to the Bank meeting or exceeding regulatory capital requirements, the primaryregulatory approval of the Federal Reserve is required if the total of all dividends declared by the Bank in any calendar year would exceed the sum of the Bank’s net profits for that year and its retained net profits for the preceding two years. Federal law also prohibits the Bank from paying dividends that would be greater than its undivided profits. In addition, Federal Reserve guidance sets forth the supervisory expectation that bank holding companies will inform and consult with the Federal Reserve in advance of issuing a dividend that exceeds earnings for the quarter and should not pay dividends in a rolling four quarter period in an amount that exceeds net income for the period.
The Company is subject to liquidity risk, which could negatively affect the Company’s funding levels. Market conditions or other events could negatively affect the level of or cost of funding, which in turn could affect the Company’s ongoing ability to accommodate liability maturities and deposit withdrawals, meet contractual obligations, or fund asset growth and new business initiatives at a reasonable cost, in a timely manner and without adverse consequences. Although the Company has implemented strategies to maintain sufficient and diverse sources of funding to accommodate planned, as well as unanticipated changes in assets, liabilities, and off-balance sheet commitments under various economic conditions, a substantial, unexpected or prolonged change in the level or cost of liquidity could have a material adverse effect on the Company.Company’s businesses, results of operations and financial condition. If the cost effectiveness or the availability of supply in the credit markets is reduced for a prolonged period of time, the Company’s funding needs may require the Company to access funding and manage liquidity by other means. These alternatives may include generating client deposits, securitizing or selling loans, and further managing loan growth and investment opportunities. These alternative means of funding may not be available under stressed conditions.


Market Risks
General economic, political or industry conditions may be less favorable than expected. Our businesses and results of operations are affected by the financial markets and general economic conditions in the U.S. and China, including factors such as the level and volatility of short termshort-term and long-term interest rates, inflation, home prices, unemployment and under-employment levels, bankruptcies, household income, consumer spending, fluctuations in both debt and equity capital markets and currencies, liquidity of the global financial markets, the availability and cost of capital and credit, investor sentiment and confidence in the financial markets, and the sustainability of economic growth in the U.S. and China. The deterioration of any of these conditions could adversely affect our consumer and commercial businesses, our securities and derivatives portfolios, our level of charge-offs and provision for credit losses, the carrying value of our deferred tax assets, our capital levels and liquidity, and our results of operations. Because the Company’s operations and the collateral securing its loan portfolio are concentrated primarily in Northern and Southern California, the Company may be particularly susceptible to the adverse economic conditions in the state of California.

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Despite improving labor markets and declines in energy costs, an elevated level of underemployment and household debt and prolonged low interest rates pose challenges for the domestic economic performance and the financial services industry. Home sales continue to show signs of improvement but the improvement in the housing market remains modest in certain areas. Mortgage delinquency and foreclosure rates continue to decline. Any unfavorable changes in the economic and market conditions would lead to the following risks:
The process the Company uses to estimate losses inherent in the Company’s credit exposure requires difficult, subjective and complex judgments, including forecasts of economic conditions and how these economic conditions might impair the ability of the borrowers to repay their loans. The level of uncertainty concerning economic conditions may adversely affect the accuracy of the Company’s estimates which may, in turn, impact the reliability of the process.
The Company’s commercial and residential borrowers may not be unableable to make timely repayments of their loans, or the decrease in value of real estate collateral securing the payment of such loans could result in credit losses, delinquencies, foreclosures and customer bankruptcies, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operating results.
A decrease in the demand for loans and other products and services offered by us.
A decrease in deposit balances due to overall reductions in customers’ accounts.
The value of the portfolio of available-for-sale investment securities portfolio that the Company holds may be adversely affected by defaults by debtors.
Future disruptions in the capital markets or other events, including actions by rating agencies and deteriorating investor expectations, may result in an inability to borrow on favorable terms or at all from other financial institutions.

A portion of the Company’s loan portfolio is secured by real estate and thus the Company has a higher degree of risk from a downturn in real estate markets.  As discussed in the “General economic, political or industry conditions may be less favorable than expected” section above, a decline in real estate markets could hurt the Company’s businessbusinesses because many of the Company’s loans are secured by real estate. Real estate values and real estate markets are generally affected by changes in national, regional or local economic conditions, fluctuations in interest rates and the availability of loans to potential purchasers, changes in tax laws and other governmental statutes, regulations and policies, and acts of nature and national disasters, such as earthquakes which are particular to California. A significant portion of the Company’s real estate collateral is located in California. If real estate values decline, the value of real estate collateral securing the Company’s loans could be significantly reduced. The Company’s ability to recover on defaulted loans by foreclosing and selling the real estate collateral would then be diminished and the Company would be more likely to suffer losses on defaulted loans. Furthermore, CRE and multifamily loans typically involve large balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers. Since payments on these loans are often dependent on the successful operation or management of the properties, as well as the business and financial condition of the borrower, repayment of such loans may be subject to adverse conditions in the real estate market, adverse economic conditions, or changes in applicable government regulations. Borrowers’ inability to repay such loans may have an adverse effect on the Company’s business.businesses, results of operations and financial condition.


The Company’s business isbusinesses are subject to interest rate risk and variations in interest rates may negatively affect the Company’s financial performance. Our financial results depend substantially on net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income we earn on interest-earning assets and the interest expense we pay on interest-bearing liabilities. Interest-earning assets primarily include loans extended, securities held in our investment portfolio and excess cash held to manage short-term liquidity. We fund our assets using deposits and borrowings. While we offer interest-bearing deposit products, a portion of our deposit balances are from noninterest-bearing products. Overall, the interest rates we receive on our interest-earning assets and pay on our interest-bearing liabilities could be affected by a variety of factors, including market interest rate changes, competition, regulatory requirements and a change in the product mix. Changes in key variable market interest rates such as the Federal Funds, National Prime, the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or Treasury rates generally impact our interest rate spread. In addition, changes in interest rates could also affect the average life of our loans and mortgage related securities where decreases in interest rates resulting from actions taken by the Federal Reserve has caused an increase in prepayments of loans and mortgage related securities, as borrowers refinance to reduce borrowing costs. In addition, because of the differences in the maturities and repricing characteristics of the Company’s interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, changes in interest rates do not produce equivalent changes in interest income earned on interest-earning assets and interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities. Overall, interest rates have been at historically low levels for an unprecedented long period of time. Continued low interest rates, possibly compounded by a flat yield curve, may challenge the bank’s interest margin.

18The fiscal and monetary policies of the federal government and its agencies could have a material adverse effect on our earnings. The Federal Reserve Board regulates the supply of money and credit in the U.S. Its policies determine in large part the cost of funds for lending and investing and the return earned on those loans and investments, both of which affect our net interest margin. They can also materially decrease the value of financial assets we hold. Federal Reserve policies may also adversely affect borrowers, potentially increasing the risk that they may fail to repay their loans, or could adversely create asset bubbles which result from prolonged periods of accommodative policy. This, in turn, may result in volatile markets and rapidly declining collateral values. Changes in Federal Reserve policies are beyond our control and difficult to predict; consequently, the impact of these changes on our activities and results of operations is difficult to predict. Also, potential new taxes on corporations generally, or on financial institutions specifically, would adversely affect our net income.


There may be substantial changes to fiscal and tax policies that may adversely affect our business. The U.S. government may make substantial changes to a variety of federal policies and regulations, including fiscal and tax policies that may affect our business. This may result in a significant reform of the Internal Revenue Code, including significant changes to taxation of business entities. There is a substantial lack of clarity around the likelihood, timing and details of any possible tax reforms or other policy changes and we cannot predict the impact, if any, of these changes on our business. However, it is possible that these reforms and changes could adversely affect our business.

We face risks associated with international operations.  A substantial number of our customers have economic and cultural ties to Asia and China. The Bank’s presence includes five full-service branches in Greater China, located in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shantou and Shenzhen. Shanghai has two in Shanghaibranches, including one in the Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone, Shantou and Shenzhen.Zone. The Bank also has five representative offices in Greater China located in Beijing, Chongqing, Guangzhou, XiamenTaipei and Taipei, Taiwan.Xiamen. Our efforts to expand our businessbusinesses in Asia and China carry certain risks, including risks arising from the uncertainty regarding our ability to generate revenues from foreign operations, risks associated with leveraging and conducting business on an international basis, including among others, legal, regulatory and tax requirements and restrictions, uncertainties regarding liability, trade barriers, difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations, political and economic risks, financial risks including currency and payment risks. Further, volatility in the Shanghai and Hong Kong stock exchanges and/or a potential dramatic fall in real estate prices in China, among other things, may negatively impact asset values and the profitability and liquidity of the Company’s customers who operate in this region. These risks could adversely affect the success of our international operations and could have a material adverse effect on our overall business,businesses, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, we face risks that our employees and affiliates may fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations governing our international operations, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, anti-corruption laws, and other foreign laws and regulations. Failure to comply with such laws and regulations could, among other things, result in enforcement actions and fines against us, as well as limitations on our conduct, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business andbusinesses, results of operations.operations and financial condition.
The Company is subject to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company’s foreign translation exposure relates primarily to its China subsidiary that has its functional currency denominated in Chinese Renminbi (RMB)(“RMB”). In addition, as the Company continues to expand its businessbusinesses in China and Hong Kong, certain transactions are conducted in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar (“USD”). Although the Company has entered into derivative instruments to offset the impact of the foreign exchange fluctuations, given the volatility of exchange rates, there is no assurance that the Company will be able to effectively manage foreign currency translation risk. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s businesses, results of operations and financial condition.


Credit Risks
The Company’s allowance for credit losses level may not be adequate to cover actual losses.  In accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”), we maintain an allowance for loan losses to provide for loan defaults and non-performance, and an allowance for unfunded credit reserves which, when combined, are referred to as the allowance for credit losses. Our allowance for loan losses is based on our evaluation of risks associated with our loan held for investmentloans held-for-investment portfolio, including historical loss experience, expected loss calculations, delinquencies, performing status, the size and composition of the loan portfolio, economic conditions, and concentrations within the portfolio. The allowance estimation process requires subjective and complex judgments, including analysis of economic conditions and how these economic conditions might impair the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans. Current economic conditions in the U.S. and in the international markets could deteriorate, which could result in, among other things, greater than expected deterioration in credit quality of our loan portfolio or in the value of collateral securing these loans. Our allowance for loan losses may not be adequate to cover probable loan losses, and future provisions for loan losses could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.operations and financial condition. Additionally, in order to maximize the collection of loan balances, we sometimes modify loan terms when there is a reasonable chance that an appropriate modification would allow our clientthe borrower to continue servicing the debt. If such modifications ultimately are less effective at mitigating loan losses than we expect, we may incur losses in excess of the specific amount of allowance for loan losses associated with a modified loan, and this would result in additional provision for loan losses. In addition, we establish a reserve for losses associated with our unfunded credit reserves. The level of the allowance for unfunded credit reserves is determined by following a methodology similar to that used to establish our allowance for loan losses in our loan held for investmentloans held-for-investment portfolio. There can be no assurance that our allowance for unfunded credit reserves will be adequate to provide for the actual losses associated with our unfunded credit commitments. An increase in the allowance for unfunded credit reserves in any period may result in a charge to earnings.
In 2012,January 2016, the FASB issued for public comment a proposed Accounting Standard Update, ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments Credit LossesInstruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-15), that would substantially change the accounting for credit losses under U.S. GAAP.825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. Under U.S. GAAP's current standards, credit losses are not reflected in the financial statements until it is probable that the credit loss has been incurred. Under the Credit Loss Proposal,ASU 2016-01, an entity would reflect in its financial statements its current estimate of credit losses on financial assets over the expected life of each financial asset. The Credit Loss Proposal, if adopted as proposed,ASU 2016-01 may have a negative impact on our reported earnings, capital, regulatory capital ratios, as well as on regulatory limits which are based on capital, since it would accelerate the recognition of estimated credit losses.


19



We may be subject to increased credit risk and higher credit losses to the extent that our loans are concentrated by loan type, industry segment, borrower type, or location of the borrower or collateral. Our credit risk and credit losses can increase if our loans are concentrated in borrowers engaged in the same or similar economic conditions in those markets or elsewhere, which could result in materially higher credit losses. A deteriorationDeterioration in economic conditions, housing conditions, or real estate values in the markets in which we operate could result in materially higher credit losses. The Bank has a concentration of real estate loans in California. Potential deterioration in the real estate market could result in additional loan charge-offs and provision for loan losses, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition,businesses, results of operations and capital.financial condition.

Operational Risks
A failure in or breach of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of third parties, could disrupt our businesses, and adversely impact our results of operations, cash flows, liquidity and financial condition, as well as cause reputational harm. The potential for operational risk exposure exists throughout our organization and from our interactions with third parties. Our operational and security systems, infrastructure, including our computer systems, network infrastructure, data management and internal processes, as well as those of third parties, are integral to our performance. In addition, we rely on our employees and third parties in our ongoing operations, who may, as a result of human error or malfeasance or failure or breach of third-party systems or infrastructure, expose us to risk. We have taken measures to implement backup systems and safeguards to support our operations, but our ability to conduct business may be adversely affected by any significant disruptions to us or to the third parties with whom we interact. In addition, our ability to implement backup systems and other safeguards with respect to third-party systems is more limited than with respect to our own systems. Our financial, accounting, data processing, backup or other operating or security systems and infrastructure may fail to operate properly or may become disabled or damaged as a result of a number of factors including events that are wholly or partially beyond our control which could adversely affect our ability to process these transactions or provide certain services. There could be electrical, telecommunications or other major physical infrastructure outages, natural disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and floods, disease pandemics, and events arising from local or larger scale political or social matters, including terrorist acts. We continuously update these systems to support our operations and growth, and this entails significant costs and creates risks associated with implementing new systems and integrating them with existing ones. Operational risk exposures could adversely impact our results of operations, cash flows, liquidity and financial condition, and may result in loss of confidence, significant litigation exposure and harm to our reputation.



A cyber attack, information or security breach, or a technology failure of ours or of a third party could adversely affect our ability to conduct our business,businesses, manage our exposure to risk or expand our businesses, result in the disclosure or misuse of confidential or proprietary information, increase our costs to maintain and update our operational and security systems and infrastructure, and adversely impact our results of operations, cash flows, liquidity and financial condition, as well as cause reputational harm. The Company offers various Internet-basedinternet-based services to its clients, including online banking services. The secure transmission of confidential information over the Internetinternet is essential to maintain theour clients’ confidence in the Company’s online services. In addition, our business isbusinesses are highly dependent on the security and efficacy of our infrastructure, computer and data management systems, as well as those of third parties with whom we interact. Cyber security risks for financial institutions have significantly increased in recent years in part because of the proliferation of new technologies, the use of the Internet and telecommunications technologies to conduct financial transactions, and the increased sophistication and activities of organized crime, hackers, terrorists and other external parties. Our business reliesbusinesses rely on the secure processing, transmission, storage and retrieval of confidential, proprietary and other information in our computer and data management systems and networks, and in the computer and data management systems and networks of third parties. We rely on digital technologies, computer, database and email systems, software and networks. Although the Company has developed systems and processes that are designed to prevent security breaches and periodically test the Company’s security, failure to mitigate breaches of security could adversely affect the Company’s ability to offer and grow the online services, result in violations of applicable privacy and other laws, costly litigation and loss of customer relationships and could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business.businesses, results of operations and financial condition.


20



Failure to keep pace with technological change could adversely affect the Company’s business.businesses. The Company may face risks associated with the ability to utilize information technology systems to support our operations effectively. The financial services industry is continually undergoing rapid technological change with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. The effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to better serve customers and to reduce costs. The Company’s future success depends, in part, upon its ability to address the needs of its customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands, as well as to create additional efficiencies in the Company’s operations. Many of the Company’Company’s competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. The Company may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing these products and services to its customers. Failure to successfully keep pace with technological change affecting the financial services industry could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s businessbusinesses and, in turn, the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.operations and financial condition. In addition, if we do not implement systems effectively or if our outsourcing business partners do not perform their functions properly, there could be an adverse effect on us. There can be no assurance that we will be able to effectively maintain or improve our systems and processes, or utilize outsourced talent, to meet our business needs efficiently. Any such failure of such could adversely affect our businesses, results of operations, financial condition, and results of operations or reputation.

Natural disasters and geopolitical events beyond the Company’s control could adversely affect the Company.  Natural disasters such as earthquakes, wildfires, extreme weather conditions, hurricanes, floods, and other acts of nature and geopolitical events involving terrorism or military conflict could adversely affect the Company’s business operations and those of the Company’s customers and cause substantial damage and loss to real and personal property. These natural disasters and geopolitical events could impair the borrowers’ ability to service their loans, decrease the level and duration of deposits by customers, erode the value of loan collateral, and result in an increase in the amount of the nonperforming loans and a higher level of nonperforming assets, (including real estate owned), net charge-offs, and provision for loan losses, which could adversely affect the Company’s earnings.businesses, results of operations and financial condition.

The actions and soundness of other financial institutions could affect the Company.  Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty or other relationships. The Company executes transactions with various counterparties in the financial industry, including brokers and dealers, commercial banks and investment banks. Defaults by financial services institutions and uncertainty in the financial services industry in general could lead to market wide liquidity problems and may expose the Company to credit risk in the event of default of its counterparty or client. Further, the Company’s credit risk may increase when the underlying collateral held cannot be realized or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the loan or derivative exposure due to the Company. Any such losses could materially and adversely affect the Company’s businesses, results of operations.operations and financial condition.
The Company’s controls and procedures could fail or be circumvented. Management regularly reviews and updates the Company’s internal controls, disclosure controls and procedures, and corporate governance policies and procedures. Any system of controls, however well designed and operated, is based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, but not absolute, assurances of the effectiveness of these systems and controls, and that the objectives of these controls have been met. Any failure or circumvention of the Company’s controls and procedures, and any failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures could adversely affect the Company’s business,businesses, results of operations and financial condition.


The Company is dependent on key personnel and the loss of one or more of those key personnel may materially and adversely affect the Company’s prospects.  Competition for qualified employees and personnel in the banking industry is intense and there is a limited number of qualified persons with knowledge of, and experience in, the regional banking industry, especially in the West Coast market. The process of recruiting personnel with the combination of skills and attributes required to carry out the Company’s strategies is often lengthy. The Company’s success depends, to a significant degree, upon its ability to attract and retain qualified management, loan origination, finance, administrative, marketing and technical personnel, as well as upon the continued contributions of its management and personnel. In particular, the Company’s success has been and continues to be highly dependent upon the abilities of certain key executives.

21



We face strong competition in the financial services industry and we could lose business or suffer margin declines as a result. The Company’s financial performance and profitability also depend on the Company’s ability to compete with financial services companies and other companies that offer banking services. The Company conducts the majority of its operations in California. The banking and financial services businesses in California are highly competitive, and increased competition in the Company’s primary market area may adversely impact the level of loans and deposits. Ultimately, the Company may not be able to compete successfully against current and future competitors. These competitors include national banks, regional banks and other community banks. The Company also faces competition from many other types of financial institutions, including savings and loan associations, finance companies, brokerage firms, insurance companies, credit unions, mortgage banks and other financial intermediaries. In particular, the Company’s competitors include major financial companies whose greater resources may afford them a marketplace advantage by enabling them to maintain numerous locations and mount extensive promotional and advertising campaigns. Areas of competition include interest rates for loans and deposits, efforts to obtain loan and deposit customers and a range in quality of products and services provided, including new technology-driven products and services. If the Company is unable to attract and retain banking customers, the Company may be unable to continue its loan growth and level of deposits.
The Company has engaged in and may continue to engage in further expansion through acquisitions, which could negatively affect the Company’s businessbusinesses and earnings. There are risks associated with expansion through acquisitions. These risks include, among others, incorrectly assessing the asset quality of a bank acquired in a particular transaction, encountering greater than anticipated costs in integrating acquired businesses, facing resistance from customers or employees, and being unable to profitably deploy assets acquired in the transaction. Additional country- and region-specific risks are associated with transactions outside the United States,U.S., including in China. To the extent the Company issues capital stock in connection with additional transactions, these transactions and related stock issuances may have a dilutive effect on earnings per share and share ownership.
Other Risks
Anti-takeover provisions could negatively impact the Company’s stockholders.  Provisions of Delaware law and of the Company’s certificate of incorporation, as amended, and bylaws could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of the Company or could have the effect of discouraging a third party from attempting to acquire control of the Company, even if an acquisition might be in the best interest of the stockholders. For example, the Company’s certificate of incorporation requires the approval of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of voting stock to approve certain business combinations. The Company is also subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which would make it more difficult for another party to acquire the Company without the approval of the Board. Additionally, the Company’s certificate of incorporation, as amended, authorizes the Board to issue preferred stock and preferred stock could be issued as a defensive measure in response to a takeover proposal. These and other provisions could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire the Company, even if an acquisition might be in the best interest of the stockholders.
Managing reputational risk is important to attracting and maintaining customers, investors and employees.  Threats to the Company’s reputation can come from many sources, including unethical practices, employee misconduct, failure to deliver minimum standards of service or quality, compliance deficiencies, and questionable or fraudulent activities of the Company’s customers. The Company has policies and procedures in place to protect its reputation and promote ethical conduct, but these policies and procedures may not be fully effective. Negative publicity regarding the Company’s business,businesses, employees or customers, with or without merit, may result in the loss of customers, investors and employees, costly litigation, a decline in revenues, and increased governmental regulation.


22




The price of the Company’s common stock may be volatile or may decline.  The trading price of the Company’s common stock may fluctuate as a result of a number of factors, many of which are outside the Company’s control. In addition, the stock market is subject to fluctuations in the share prices and trading volumes that affect the market prices of the shares of many companies. These broad market fluctuations could adversely affect the market price of the Company’s common stock. Among the factors that could affect the Company’s stock price are: 

actual or anticipated quarterly fluctuations in the Company’s operating results and financial condition;
changes in revenue or earnings estimates or publication of research reports and recommendations by financial analysts;
failure to meet analysts’ revenue or earnings estimates;
speculation in the press or investment community;
strategic actions by the Company or its competitors, such as acquisitions or restructurings;
actions by institutional stockholders;
fluctuations in the stock price and operating results of the Company’s competitors;
general market conditions and, in particular, developments related to market conditions for the financial services industry;
proposed or adopted regulatory changes or developments;
anticipated or pending investigations, proceedings or litigation that involve or affect the Company; orand
domestic and international economic factors unrelated to the Company’s performance.

 The stock market and, in particular, the market for financial institution stocks, has experienced significant volatility in the previous years. As a result, the market price of the Company’s common stock may be volatile. In addition, the trading volume in the Company’s common stock may fluctuate more than usual and cause significant price variations to occur. The trading price of the shares of the Company’s common stock and the value of other securities will depend on many factors, which may change from time to time, including, without limitation, the financial condition, performance, creditworthiness and prospects, and future sales of the equity or equity-related securities. In some cases, the markets have produced downward pressure on stock prices and credit availability for certain issuers without regard to those issuers’ underlying financial strength. A significant decline in the Company’s stock price could result in substantial losses for individual stockholders and could lead to costly and disruptive securities litigation.

If the Company’s goodwill were determined to be impaired, it would result in a charge against earnings and thus a reduction in stockholders’ equity. The Company tests goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently, if necessary. Quoted market prices in active markets are the best evidence of fair value and are to be used as the basis for measuring impairment, when available. Other acceptable valuation methods include present-value measurements based on multiples of earnings or revenues, or similar performance measures. If the Company were to determine that the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeded its implied fair value, the Company would be required to write down the value of the goodwill on the balance sheet, adversely affecting earnings as well as capital.

ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
 
None.

ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES

East West’s headquarters is located at 135 North Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, California, in an eight-story office building. The Company operates over 130 locations worldwide including its headquarters, main administrative offices, branches and representative offices. In the U.S., the Bank’s headquarters, main administrative offices and branches are located in the United States’ markets of California, Georgia, Massachusetts, Nevada, New York, Texas, Washington, Massachusetts, Nevada and Washington.Georgia. In Greater China, East West’s presence includes full service branches in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shantou and Shenzhen, and representative offices in Beijing, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Taipei and Xiamen.

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East West currently neitherAs of December 31, 2016, the Bank owns nor leases any real or personal property. the property at 34 of its U.S. locations. All international and other domestic branch and office locations are leased by the Bank, with lease expiration dates ranging from 2017 to 2032, exclusive of renewal options. All properties occupied by the Bank are used across all business segments and for corporate purposes. See Note 19 - Business Segments to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details on each segment. The Bank also owns leasehold improvements, equipment, furniture, and fixtures at its offices, all of which are used in its business activities.


East West uses the premises, equipment, and furniture of the Bank.Bank and does not currently own or lease any real or personal property. The Agency also currently conducts its operations in one of the administrative offices of the Bank and reimburses the Bank for its use of this facility. East West’s headquarters is located at 135 North Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, California, an eight-story office building owned by the Bank.

As of December 31, 2015, the Bank owns the buildings and land at approximately 35 of its retail branches and offices located in the United States. All international and other domestic branch and administrative locations are leased by the Bank, with lease expiration dates ranging from 2016 to 2032, exclusive of renewal options. All properties occupied by the Bank are used across all business segments and for corporate purposes. Please see Note 20 - Business Segments to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details on each segment. The Bank also owns leasehold improvements, equipment, furniture, and fixtures at our offices, all of which are used in our business activities.
The Company believes that its existing facilities are in good condition and suitable for the conduct of its business and operations. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its current and planned projected space requirements and, from time to time, it may determine that certain premises or facilities are no longer necessary for its operations. The Company believes that, if necessary, it could secure alternative facilities on similar terms without adversely affecting its operations.


ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
Please seeSee Litigation in Note 1413 Commitments, Contingencies and Related Party Transactions to the Consolidated Financial Statements, which is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
 
Not applicable.
 

24




PART II 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
 
Market Information
 
The Company’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol “EWBC.” The following tables setsset forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices of the Company’s common stock as reported on NASDAQ, as well as dividend information.
 2015 2016
 High Low Cash dividends High Low 
Cash
Dividends
First quarter $41.48
 $35.68
 $0.20 $41.07 $27.25 $0.20
Second quarter $46.50
 $39.88
 $0.20 $40.00 $31.34 $0.20
Third quarter $45.91
 $37.19
 $0.20 $37.59 $31.34 $0.20
Fourth quarter $43.94
 $36.40
 $0.20 $51.73 $36.31 $0.20
 
 2014 2015
 High Low Cash dividends High Low 
Cash
Dividends
First quarter $38.26
 $31.62
 $0.18 $41.48 $35.68 $0.20
Second quarter $36.98
 $32.19
 $0.18 $46.50 $39.88 $0.20
Third quarter $36.95
 $33.04
 $0.18 $45.91 $37.19 $0.20
Fourth quarter $39.71
 $30.50
 $0.18 $43.94 $36.40 $0.20
 
As of January 31, 2016, 143,917,8462017, 144,167,656 shares of the Company’s common stock were held by 773753 stockholders of record and by approximately 49,000 additional stockholders whose shares were held for them in street name or nominee accounts.
 
On January 27, 2016,The quarterly dividends fordeclared on the Company’s common stock were declared$0.20 per share for the firsteach quarter of 2016 in($0.80 per share for the amountyear). On January 25, 2017, the Company’s Board declared first quarter 2017 cash dividends of $0.20 payablefor the Company’s common stock. The common stock cash dividend of $0.20 per share was paid on or about February 16, 201615, 2017 to stockholders of record on February 1, 2016. This remains the same, at $0.20 per share, as the prior year’s quarterly dividend.2017. For information on the statutory and regulatory limitations on the ability of the Company to pay dividends to its stockholders and on the Bank to pay dividends to East West, please see Item 1.Business — Supervision and Regulation — Dividends and Other Transfers of Funds, presented elsewhere in this report.Item 7. MD&A— Asset Liability and Market Risk Management and Note 20 — Parent Company Condensed Financial Statements to the Consolidated Financial Statements. For information regarding securities authorized for issuance under the Company’s equity compensation plans, please see Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters of Part III presented elsewhere in this report, which are incorporated herein by reference.


25



Stock Performance Graph
 
The following graph and table compare the Company’s cumulative total return on its common stock with the cumulative total return of the Standard & Poor’s 500 (“S(the “S&P 500”) Index and the KBW Regional Bank (the “KRX”) Index (“KRX”) over the five-year period through December 31, 2015.2016.  In 2015, the Company changed its stock performance graph indices from the SNL Bank and Thrift and SNL Western Bank Indices to the S&P 500 Index and KRX.the KRX Index. The KRX Index was used to further align EWBC with those companies of a relatively similar size. The S&P 500 Index was utilized as a benchmark against performance. The S&P 500 Index is a commonly referenced U.S. equity benchmark consisting of leading companies from different economic sectors. The KBW Regional BankKRX Index seeks to reflect the performance of banks and thrifts that are publicly traded in the U.S. and is composed of approximately 50 companies. The graph and table below assume that on December 31, 2010,2011, $100 was invested in EWBC’s common stock, the S&P 500 Index and the KRX Index, and that all dividends were reinvested. Historical stock price performance shown on the graph is not necessarily indicative of future price performance.  The information set forth under the heading “Stock Performance Graph” shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the Commission, except to the extent the Company specifically requests that such information be treated as soliciting material or specifically incorporates it by reference into a filing under the Exchange Act, or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

             
  December 31,
Index 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
East West Bancorp, Inc. $100.00
 $101.92
 $112.90
 $187.48
 $211.71
 $231.75
KBW Regional Bank Index (KRX) $100.00
 $94.86
 $107.42
 $157.75
 $161.57
 $171.13
S&P 500 $100.00
 $102.11
 $118.45
 $156.82
 $178.28
 $180.75
             
Indices used in the prior year            
SNL Western U.S. Bank Index $100.00
 $90.34
 $114.01
 $160.41
 $192.51
 $199.46
SNL U.S. Bank and Thrift Index $100.00
 $77.76
 $104.42
 $142.97
 $159.60
 $162.83
             
Source:    SNL Financial LC
Keefe, Bruyette & Woods
 
  December 31,
Index 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
East West Bancorp, Inc. $100.00 $110.78 $183.95 $207.73 $227.39 $284.11
KRX Index $100.00 $113.25 $166.31 $170.34 $180.41 $250.79
S&P 500 Index $100.00 $116.00 $153.57 $174.60 $177.01 $198.18
SNL Western U.S. Bank Index $100.00 $126.20 $177.56 $213.09 $220.79 $244.77
SNL U.S. Bank and Thrift Index $100.00 $134.28 $183.86 $205.25 $209.39 $264.35
 
Source: SNL Financial LC; Keefe, Bruyette & Woods


26



Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
 
On July 17, 2013, the Company’s Board authorized a stock repurchase program to buy back up to $100.0 million of the Company’s common stock. The Company did not repurchase any shares under this program thereafter, including during 20142016 and 2015. Although this program has no stated expiration date, the Company does not intend to repurchase any stock pursuant to this program absent further action of the Company’s Board.


ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

For selected financial data information, please see Item 7. MD&A — Overview — Five-Year Summary of Selected Financial Data, which is incorporated herein by reference.


27




ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion provides information about the results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, and capital resources of East West Bancorp, Inc. (referred to herein on an unconsolidated basis as “East West” and on a consolidated basis as the “Company”) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, East West Bank and subsidiaries (referred to herein as “East West Bank” or the “Bank”) and East West Insurance Services, Inc. This information is intended to facilitate the understanding and assessment of significant changes and trends related to the Company’s financial condition and the results of operations. Prior periods were restated to reflect the retrospective application of adopting Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-01, the new accounting guidance related to the Company’s investments in qualified affordable housing projects. Please see Note 9 Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Partnerships, Tax Credit and Other Investments, Net to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes presented elsewhere in this report.
 
Overview
 
The Company’s vision is to serve as the financial bridge between the United StatesU.S. and Greater China. The Company’s primary strategy to achievingachieve this vision is to expand the Company’s global network of contacts and resources to better meet its customers’ diverse financial needs in and between the world’s two largest markets. With over 130 brancheslocations in the United StatesU.S. and Greater China, along with theand a full range of cross-border products and services, the Company is well positionedequipped to assistfulfill its customers with the products and services their businesses need.customers’ business needs.

Financial Highlights

The Company successfully completed another year with strong earnings and financial results in 2015,for the year ended December 31, 2016, achieving healthy growth and an increase in revenues. During 2015, noteworthyIt is the Company’s priority to focus on strengthening its risk management infrastructure, compliance, and the BSA/AML programs in order to meet increasing regulatory expectations, while still providing strong return to stockholders.

Noteworthy items on the Company’s performance included:

Net income increased $38.8totaled $431.7 million or 11% from $345.9 million in 2014 to $384.7 million in 2015. Net income per diluted share for the full year of 2015 totaled $2.66,ended December 31, 2016, which reflected an increase of $0.25$47.0 million or 10% from $2.4112%, compared to the same period in 2014.2015.
Diluted earnings per share was $2.97 for the year ended December 31, 2016, which reflected an increase of $0.31 or 12%, compared to the same period in 2015.
Revenue, the sum of net interest income and noninterest income (loss), before provision for credit losses, increased $104.7$81.7 million or 10%7% to $1.13$1.22 billion for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the same period in 2015.
The return on average assets and the return on average equity was 1.27% and 12.74%, respectivelyNoninterest expense increased $75.0 million or 14% to $615.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, both up two2016, compared to the same period in 2015.
The Company’s effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2016 was 24.6%, compared to 33.5% for the same period in 2015. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily attributable to additional tax credit investments in 2016, compared to 2015.
Return on average assets increased three basis points year-over-year.to 1.30% for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the same period in 2015. Return on average equity increased 32 basis points to 13.06% for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the same period in 2015.
TotalCost of funds improved three basis points to 0.36% for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the same period in 2015.

Additionally, the Company experienced growth of total assets increased $3.61of $2.44 billion or 13% from 20148% to a record$34.79 billion as of December 31, 2016, compared to $32.35 billion as of December 31, 2015. This increase was primarily attributable to the increases in gross loans held-for-investment, cash and cash equivalents and securities purchased under resale agreements (“resale agreements”), partially offset by a decrease in available-for-sale investment securities.
Total
Gross loans receivable (including loans held for sale)held-for-investment increased $1.92$1.86 billion or 9%8% to a record$25.50 billion as of $23.69December 31, 2016, compared to $23.64 billion as of December 31, 2015, which was largely attributable to increases of $1.29 billion or 19% in commercial real estate (“CRE”) loans, $925.8 million or 11% in commercial loans and $442.3 million or 29% in consumer loans, partially offset by a decrease of $799.9 million or 21% in single-family residential loans, as a result of loan sales during 2015.
Deposits increased $3.47 billion or 14% from 2014 to a record $27.48 billion as of December 31, 2015, with core deposits amounting to a record $20.86 billion.
Cost of funds decreased from 0.46% in 2014 to 0.39% in 2015.
The allowance for loan losses to loans held-for-investment ratio decreased to 1.12% as of December 31, 2015, from 1.20% as of December 31, 2014. The decrease inwhile the allowance for loan losses to loans held-for-investment ratio was primarily the resultas of an overall improvement in credit quality.
Nonperforming assetsDecember 31, 2016 declined by 10 basis points to 1.02% compared to 1.12% as of December 31, 2015 totaled $128.4 million, an improvement of $4.0 millionas credit quality continued to improve. The overall balance sheet growth was primarily fueled by solid deposit growth during the year ended December 31, 2016. Deposits increased $2.42 billion or 3%, compared9% to $132.4 million$29.89 billion as of December 31, 2014. Nonperforming assets2016 compared to $27.48 billion as of December 31, 2015, primarily due to a $3.42 billion or 16% increase in core deposits to $24.28 billion as of December 31, 2016, partially offset by a $1.00 billion or 15% decrease in time deposits to $5.62 billion as of December 31, 2016. Core deposits accounted for 81% and 76% of total assetsdeposits as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.



From a capital management perspective, the Company continued to maintain a strong capital position with its CET1 capital ratio improved by six basis pointsat 10.9% as of December 31, 2016, compared to 0.40%10.5% as of December 31, 2015. ThisThe total risk-based capital ratios were 12.4% and 12.2% as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Tier I leverage capital ratio was below 1.00% for the fourth consecutive year. In addition, year-to-date net charge-offs to average loans held-for-investments improved from 0.18% for the year ended8.7% as of December 31, 20142016, compared to 0.01% for the year ended8.5% as of December 31, 2015. Book value per common share increased $2.08 or 10% to $23.78 as of December 31, 2016 from $21.70 as of December 31, 2015.


28



The strong balance sheet growth and increased revenues positioned the Company well to focus on the Company’sits bridge banking strategy and target future growth opportunities. The Company’s cost of funds was 0.39% forCompany continued to provide stockholders with healthy returns on their investment by maintaining the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to 0.46% a year ago, which was mainly due to$0.20 quarterly dividend during 2016. As the extinguishment of $545.0 million of its higher cost securities sold under repurchase agreements (“repurchase agreements”) and the shift in deposit portfolio mix. During 2015, the Company also reached an agreement with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) to early terminate the United Commercial Bank (“UCB”) and Washington First International (“WFIB”) shared-loss agreements. The Company made a total payment of $125.5 million for the early terminations. As of December 31, 2015, all rights and obligations of the Company and the FDIC under the shared-loss agreements have been eliminated.

The Company’s successful year was also highlighted by the increase in the quarterly dividends paid to stockholders, which increased from $0.18 per share to $0.20 per share during 2015. The Company remains focused on its continued growth, while still meetingthe Company continues to meet its customers’ financial needs. In January 2016,2017, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) declared first quarter dividends for the Company’s common stock. The common stock cash dividend of $0.20 per share was paid on February 16, 201615, 2017 to stockholders of record on February 1, 2016.2017.


29



Five-Year Summary of Selected Financial Data
($ in thousands, except per share data) 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011
($ and shares in thousands, except per share data) 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012
Summary of Operations:                    
Interest and dividend income $1,053,815
 $1,153,698
 $1,068,685
 $1,051,095
 $1,080,448
 $1,137,481
 $1,053,815
 $1,153,698
 $1,068,685
 $1,051,095
Interest expense 103,376
 112,820
 112,492
 132,168
 177,422
 104,843
 103,376
 112,820
 112,492
 132,168
Net interest income before provision for credit losses 950,439
 1,040,878
 956,193
 918,927
 903,026
 1,032,638
 950,439
 1,040,878
 956,193
 918,927
Provision for credit losses 14,217
 49,158
 22,364
 65,184
 95,006
 27,479
 14,217
 49,158
 22,364
 65,184
Net interest income after provision for credit losses 936,222
 991,720
 933,829
 853,743
 808,020
 1,005,159
 936,222
 991,720
 933,829
 853,743
Noninterest income (loss) (1)
 183,383
 (11,714) (92,468) (5,618) 10,924
 182,918
 183,383
 (11,714) (92,468) (5,618)
Noninterest expense (2)
 540,884
 532,983
 394,215
 406,837
 424,377
 615,889
 540,884
 532,983
 394,215
 406,837
Income before income taxes (2)
 578,721
 447,023
 447,146
 441,288
 394,567
 572,188
 578,721
 447,023
 447,146
 441,288
Income tax expense (2)
 194,044
 101,145
 153,822
 163,552
 151,794
 140,511
 194,044
 101,145
 153,822
 163,552
Net income (2)
 384,677
 345,878
 293,324
 277,736
 242,773
 431,677
 384,677
 345,878
 293,324
 277,736
Preferred stock dividends 
 
 3,428
 6,857
 6,857
 
 
 
 3,428
 6,857
Net income available to common stockholders (2)
 $384,677
 $345,878
 $289,896
 $270,879
 $235,916
 $431,677
 $384,677
 $345,878
 $289,896
 $270,879
                    
Per Common Share:                    
Basic earnings (2)
 $2.67
 $2.42
 $2.10
 $1.89
 $1.60
 $3.00
 $2.67
 $2.42
 $2.10
 $1.89
Diluted earnings (2)
 $2.66
 $2.41
 $2.09
 $1.87
 $1.58
 $2.97
 $2.66
 $2.41
 $2.09
 $1.87
Dividends declared $0.80
 $0.72
 $0.60
 $0.40
 $0.16
 $0.80
 $0.80
 $0.72
 $0.60
 $0.40
Book value (2)
 $21.70
 $19.89
 $17.19
 $17.01
 $15.53
 $23.78
 $21.70
 $19.89
 $17.19
 $17.01
                    
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding:                    
Basic 143,818
 142,952
 137,342
 141,457
 147,093
 144,087
 143,818
 142,952
 137,342
 141,457
Diluted 144,512
 143,563
 139,574
 147,175
 153,467
 145,172
 144,512
 143,563
 139,574
 147,175
Common shares outstanding at period-end 143,909
 143,582
 137,631
 140,294
 149,328
 144,167
 143,909
 143,582
 137,631
 140,294
                    
At Year End:                    
Total assets (2)
 $32,350,922
 $28,743,592
 $24,732,216
 $22,539,744
 $21,976,451
 $34,788,840
 $32,350,922
 $28,743,592
 $24,732,216
 $22,539,744
Loans held-for-investment, net $23,378,789
 $21,468,270
 $17,600,613
 $14,645,785
 $13,984,930
 $25,242,619
 $23,378,789
 $21,468,270
 $17,600,613
 $14,645,785
Available-for-sale investment securities $3,773,226
 $2,626,617
 $2,733,797
 $2,607,029
 $3,072,578
 $3,335,795
 $3,773,226
 $2,626,617
 $2,733,797
 $2,607,029
Customer deposits $27,475,981
 $24,008,774
 $20,412,918
 $18,309,354
 $17,453,002
 $29,890,983
 $27,475,981
 $24,008,774
 $20,412,918
 $18,309,354
Long-term debt $206,084
 $225,848
 $226,868
 $137,178
 $212,178
 $186,327
 $206,084
 $225,848
 $226,868
 $137,178
Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances $1,019,424
 $317,241
 $315,092
 $312,975
 $455,251
FHLB $321,643
 $1,019,424
 $317,241
 $315,092
 $312,975
Stockholders’ equity (2)
 $3,122,950
 $2,856,111
 $2,366,373
 $2,385,991
 $2,319,527
 $3,427,741
 $3,122,950
 $2,856,111
 $2,366,373
 $2,385,991
                    
Financial Ratios:                    
Return on average assets (2)
 1.27% 1.25% 1.24% 1.27% 1.13% 1.30% 1.27% 1.25% 1.24% 1.27%
Return on average equity (2)
 12.74% 12.72% 12.50% 11.94% 10.82%
Common dividend payout ratio (2)
 30.21% 30.07% 28.74% 21.26% 10.12%
Return on average stockholders’ equity 13.06% 12.74% 12.72% 12.50% 11.94%
Total average stockholders’ equity to total average assets 9.97% 9.95% 9.83% 9.95% 10.62%
Common dividend payout ratio 27.01% 30.21% 30.07% 28.74% 21.26%
Net interest margin 3.35% 4.03% 4.38% 4.63% 4.66% 3.30% 3.35% 4.03% 4.38% 4.63%
(1)
ChangesIncludes changes in FDIC indemnification asset and receivable/payable was a chargecharges of $38.0 million, $201.4 million, $228.6 million $122.3 million and $100.1$122.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013 2012 and 2011,2012, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company terminated the UCB and WFIB shared-loss agreements. Please see Note 8 — Loans ReceivableThere was no balance of FDIC indemnification asset and Allowance for Credit Losses toreceivable/payable during the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
(2)
Prior periods were restated to reflect the retrospective application of adopting the new accounting guidance related to the Company’s investments in qualified affordable housing projects ASU 2014-01. Please see Note 9 Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Partnerships, Tax Credit and Other Investments, Net to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
year ended December 31, 2016.



Results of Operations
 
The Company’s netNet income for the year ended December 31, 20152016 was $384.7$431.7 million compared to $345.9$384.7 million and $293.3$345.9 million for the years ended December 31,same period in 2015 and 2014, and 2013, respectively. The Company has successfully increased net income for sixseven consecutive years. The 20152016 earnings performance reflected continued success in executing the Company’s continued focus on its growth and efforts in achieving business strategy. Underpinningexcellence. The results of operations for the operating results in 2015 were sustained loan and deposit growth, stable loan credit quality and fee incomeyear ended December 31, 2016 benefited from improved revenue from diverse sources.sources and a lower effective tax rate, which was partially offset by a higher noninterest expense.


30



Revenue, the sum of net interest income and noninterest income (loss), before provision for credit losses, was $1.13$1.22 billion for the year ended December 31, 2016, an increase of $81.7 million or 7% from $1.13 billion for the same period in 2015. The increase was mainly due to higher interest income from strong loan growth. Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $1.13 billion, an increase of $104.7 million or 10% from $1.03 billion for the year ended December 31,same period in 2014. Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2014, increased by $165.4 million or 19% from $863.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase in revenue year over year was primarily due to the reduction in expenses related to changes in the FDIC indemnification asset and receivable/payable. This decrease was largely due to the expiration of the UCB non single-familynon-single-family shared-loss agreement in 2014 and the early termination of the remaining shared-loss agreements in 2015.

Income tax expense was $140.5 million, $194.0 million, and $101.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. The Company’s returneffective tax rate was 24.6%, 33.5%, and 22.6% for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. The fluctuation of the effective tax rate year over year was mainly attributable to the tax credits recognized from investments in historic rehabilitation and renewable energy projects.

Noninterest expense was $615.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, an increase of $75.0 million or 14% from $540.9 million for the same period in 2015. The increase was mainly due to higher amortization of tax credit and other investments from additional tax credit investments placed into service for the year ended December 31, 2016, and higher compensation and employee benefits in support of business expansion and regulatory compliance requirements for the year ended December 31, 2016. Noninterest expense increased slightly to $540.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $533.0 million for the same period in 2014.

Return on average assets increased three basis points to 1.30% for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to 1.27% for the same period in 2015; and also increased two basis points to 1.27% for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to 1.25% for the same period in 2014; and also2014. The return on average equity increased one32 basis pointpoints to 1.25%13.06% for the year ended December 31, 2014,2016, compared to 1.24%12.74% for the same period in 2013. The return on average equity2015; and increased two basis points to 12.74% for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to 12.72% for the same period in 2014; and climbed 22 basis points to 12.72% for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to 12.50% for the same period in 2013.2014. The strong returns on average assets and average equity reflected the Company’s ability to achieve increasing levels ofhigher profitability while expanding the loan and deposit base.

Net Interest Income
 
The Company’s primary source of revenue is net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on loans, available-for-sale investment securities and other interest-earning assets less interest expense on customers’customer deposits, securities sold under repurchase agreements (“repurchase agreements”), long-term debt and other interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest margin is calculated by dividing gross interest revenue less gross interest expense by average interest-earning assets. Net interest income and net interest margin are affected by several factors, including changes in average balances and composition of interest-earning assets and funding sources, market interest rate fluctuations and slope of the yield curve, repricing characteristics and maturity of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, volume of noninterest-bearing sources of funds and asset quality.

Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $1.03 billion, an increase of $82.2 million or 9% compared to $950.4 million for the same period in 2015. The increase in net interest income was primarily due to higher interest income from strong loan growth during 2016. Net interest margin was 3.30% for the year ended December 31, 2016, a five basis points decrease from 3.35% in 2015. The decrease in net interest margin was primarily due to a reduction of eight basis points in loan yields from 4.35% for the year ended December 31, 2015 to 4.27% for the year ended December 31, 2016. The decrease in loan yields was primarily due to the lower accretion income from the loans accounted for under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality (“ASC 310-30”). For the year ended December 31, 2016, total accretion income from the loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 was $45.4 million compared to $61.3 million for the same period in 2015.



Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $950.4 million, a decrease of $90.4 million or 9% compared to net interest income of $1.04 billion for the same period in 2014. Net interest margin was 3.35% for the year ended December 31, 2015, a decrease of 68 basis points from 4.03% for the year ended December 31, 2014. The decreasedecreases in net interest income and net interest margin waswere primarily due to the decreasedecreases in interest income and yieldyields on loans as a result of lower accretion income associated with the loans acquired from the FDIC assistedFDIC-assisted acquisitions of UCB and WFIB, partially offset by a reduction in interest expense on repurchase agreements that were paid off during 2015.

For the year ended December 31, 2014, net interest income2016, average interest-earning assets increased by $84.7 million$2.91 billion or 9%10% to $31.30 billion from $956.2 million, and net interest margin decreased by 35 basis points from 4.38%$28.39 billion for the same period in 2013.2015. The increase in net interest income was primarily due to an increase in the volume of loans. The 35 basis points decrease in net interest margin was primarily due to a decrease$1.98 billion or 9% increase in discount accretion from loans associated withaverage loan balances to $24.26 billion for the FDIC assisted acquisitions of UCB and WFIB.

year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $22.28 billion for the same period in 2015. For the year ended December 31, 2015, average interest-earning assets increased by $2.59 billion or 10% to $28.39 billion from $25.80 billion for the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase was primarily due to an increase in average loan balances of $1.92 billion or 9% to $22.28 billion for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $20.35 billion for the same period in 2014.

Customer deposits are an important source of low-cost funding and affectaffecting both net interest income and net interest margin. Average deposits which consist of noninterest-bearing demand, interest-bearing checking, money market, savingssaving and time deposits, increasedincreased by $2.74 billion or 11% to $28.50 billion for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $25.76 billion for the same period in 2015. Average deposits increased by $2.82 billion or 12% to $25.76 billion for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $22.94 billion for the same period in 2014.

The ratio of average noninterest-bearing demand deposits to total average deposits increased from 31% as of December 31, 2015 to 33% as of December 31, 2016. Cost of deposits was 0.30% for the year ended December 31, 2016. Cost of deposits remained stable at 0.29% for each of the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. Average loans were 117% funded 116% by average deposits for the year ended December 31, 2015, consistent with2016, which was higher than the funding rateslevel of 113%116% and 119%113% for the same periodperiods in 2015 and 2014, and 2013, respectively.


31




The following table presents the interest spread, net interest margin, average balances, interest income and expense, and the average yield/rates by asset and liability component for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 and 2013:2014:

($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
2015 2014 2013 2016 2015 2014
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Yield/
Rate
 Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Yield/
Rate
 Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Yield/
Rate
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Yield/
Rate
 Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Yield/
Rate
 Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Yield/
Rate
ASSETS                                    
Interest-earning assets:                                    
Due from banks and short-term investments $1,851,604
 $17,939
 0.97% $1,469,200
 $23,214
 1.58% $1,184,709
 $17,340
 1.46%
Securities sold under repurchase agreements (“resale agreements”) (1)
 1,337,274
 19,799
 1.48% 1,340,411
 20,323
 1.52% 1,503,014
 21,236
 1.41%
Available-for-sale investment securities (2)(3)
 2,847,655
 41,375
 1.45% 2,540,228
 44,684
 1.76% 2,729,019
 43,846
 1.61%
Interest-bearing cash and deposits with banks $1,893,064
 $14,731
 0.78% $1,851,604
 $17,939
 0.97% $1,469,200
 $23,214
 1.58%
Resale agreements (1)
 1,708,470
 30,547
 1.79% 1,337,274
 19,799
 1.48% 1,340,411
 20,323
 1.52%
Investment securities (2)(3)
 3,355,086
 53,399
 1.59% 2,847,655
 41,375
 1.45% 2,540,228
 44,684
 1.76%
Loans (4)(5)
 22,276,589
 968,625
 4.35% 20,351,818
 1,059,205
 5.20% 16,276,031
 979,394
 6.02% 24,264,895
 1,035,377
 4.27% 22,276,589
 968,625
 4.35% 20,351,818
 1,059,205
 5.20%
FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock 77,460
 6,077
 7.85% 96,921
 6,272
 6.47% 134,918
 6,869
 5.09%
Investments in FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock 75,260
 3,427
 4.55% 77,460
 6,077
 7.85% 96,921
 6,272
 6.47%
Total interest-earning assets $28,390,582
 $1,053,815
 3.71% $25,798,578
 $1,153,698
 4.47% $21,827,691
 $1,068,685
 4.90% $31,296,775
 $1,137,481
 3.63% $28,390,582
 $1,053,815
 3.71% $25,798,578
 $1,153,698
 4.47%
Noninterest-earning assets:                                    
Cash and cash equivalents 342,606
     322,581
     306,551
    
Cash and due from banks 365,104
     342,606
     322,581
    
Allowance for loan losses (263,143)     (254,616)     (241,049)     (262,804)     (263,143)     (254,616)    
Other assets (6)
 1,858,412
     1,786,427
     1,670,096
     1,770,298
     1,858,412
     1,786,427
    
Total assets (6)
 $30,328,457
     $27,652,970
     $23,563,289
     $33,169,373
     $30,328,457
     $27,652,970
    
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITYLIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY              LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY              
Interest-bearing liabilities:Interest-bearing liabilities:                Interest-bearing liabilities:                
Checking deposits $2,795,379
 $8,453
 0.30% $2,179,428
 $5,431
 0.25% $1,487,844
 $3,556
 0.24% $3,495,094
 $12,640
 0.36% $2,795,379
 $8,453
 0.30% $2,179,428
 $5,431
 0.25%
Money market deposits 6,763,979
 18,988
 0.28% 5,958,461
 16,001
 0.27% 5,217,666
 15,019
 0.29% 7,679,695
 27,094
 0.35% 6,763,979
 18,988
 0.28% 5,958,461
 16,001
 0.27%
Savings deposits 1,785,085
 3,468
 0.19% 1,748,465
 2,971
 0.17% 1,546,188
 2,961
 0.19%
Saving deposits 2,104,060
 4,719
 0.22% 1,785,085
 3,468
 0.19% 1,748,465
 2,971
 0.17%
Time deposits 6,482,697
 42,596
 0.66% 6,218,745
 41,083
 0.66% 5,964,017
 41,960
 0.70% 5,852,042
 39,771
 0.68% 6,482,697
 42,596
 0.66% 6,218,745
 41,083
 0.66%
Federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings 4,797
 58
 1.21% 888
 
 % 155
 
 % 25,591
 713
 2.79% 4,797
 58
 1.21% 888
 
 %
FHLB advances 327,080
 4,270
 1.31% 349,767
 4,116
 1.18% 315,867
 4,173
 1.32% 380,868
 5,585
 1.47% 327,080
 4,270
 1.31% 349,767
 4,116
 1.18%
Repurchase agreements (1)
 404,096
 20,907
 5.17% 955,147
 38,395
 4.02% 995,000
 41,381
 4.16% 211,475
 9,304
 4.40% 404,096
 20,907
 5.17% 955,147
 38,395
 4.02%
Long-term debt 218,353
 4,636
 2.12% 237,738
 4,823
 2.03% 166,690
 3,442
 2.06% 198,589
 5,017
 2.53% 218,353
 4,636
 2.12% 237,738
 4,823
 2.03%
Total interest-bearing liabilities $18,781,466
 $103,376
 0.55% $17,648,639
 $112,820
 0.64% $15,693,427
 $112,492
 0.72% $19,947,414
 $104,843
 0.53% $18,781,466
 $103,376
 0.55% $17,648,639
 $112,820
 0.64%
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:                
Noninterest-bearing liabilities and stockholders’ equity:                  
Demand deposits 7,928,460
     6,834,871
     5,179,721
     9,371,481
     7,928,460
     6,834,871
    
Other liabilities 599,436
     451,287
     343,112
    
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 544,549
     599,436
     451,287
    
Stockholders’ equity (6)
 3,019,095
     2,718,173
     2,347,029
     3,305,929
     3,019,095
     2,718,173
    
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (6)
 $30,328,457
     $27,652,970
     $23,563,289
     $33,169,373
     $30,328,457
     $27,652,970
    
                  
Interest rate spread     3.16% 

   3.83% 

   4.18%     3.10%     3.16%     3.83%
                  
Net interest income and net interest margin   $950,439
 3.35% 

 $1,040,878
 4.03% 

 $956,193
 4.38%   $1,032,638
 3.30%   $950,439
 3.35%   $1,040,878
 4.03%
                                    
 
(1)
Average balancebalances of resale and repurchase agreements are reported net pursuant to Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”)ASC 210-20-45, Balance Sheet Offsetting.
(2)Yields on tax exempttax-exempt securities are not presented on a tax-equivalent basis.
(3)Includes the amortization of net premiums on available-for-sale investment securities of $26.2 million, $18.7 million $24.2 million and $34.0$24.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 and 2013,2014, respectively.
(4)Average balance includes nonperforming loans.
(5)Includes the accretion of ASC 310-30 discount,net deferred loan fees, unearned income and amortization of net deferred loan costspremiums, which totaled $53.5 million, $66.2 million $185.8 million and $232.5$185.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 and 2013,2014, respectively.
(6)
Prior periods were restated to reflect the retrospective application of adopting the new accounting guidance related to the Company’s investments in qualified affordable housing projects ASU 2014-01. Please see Note 9 Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Partnerships, Tax Credit and Other Investments, Net to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.


32



The following table summarizes the extent to which changes in interest rates and changes in average interest-earning assets and average interest-bearing liabilities affected the Company’s net interest income for the periods presented. The total change for each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities is segmented into the change attributable to variations in volume and the change attributable to variations in interest rates. Changes that are not solely due to either volume or rate are allocated proportionally based on the absolute value of the change related to average volume and average rate. Nonaccrual loans are included in average loans used to compute the table below:
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
2015 vs. 2014 2014 vs. 2013 2016 vs. 2015 2015 vs. 2014
Total
Change
 Changes Due to 
Total
Change
 Changes Due to
Total
Change
 Changes Due to 
Total
Change
 Changes Due to
 Volume  Yield/Rate  Volume Yield/Rate   Volume  Yield/Rate  Volume Yield/Rate 
Interest-bearing assets:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Due from banks and short-term investments $(5,275)
$5,102
 $(10,377) $5,874
 $4,413
 $1,461
Interest-bearing cash and deposits with banks $(3,208)
$394
 $(3,602) $(5,275) $5,102
 $(10,377)
Resale agreements (524)
(47) (477) (913) (2,398) 1,485
 10,748

6,149
 4,599
 (524) (47) (477)
Available-for-sale investment securities (3,309)
5,022
 (8,331) 838
 (3,155) 3,993
Investment securities 12,024

7,831
 4,193
 (3,309) 5,022
 (8,331)
Loans (90,580)
94,158
 (184,738) 79,811
 223,735
 (143,924) 66,752

85,120
 (18,368) (90,580) 94,158
 (184,738)
FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock (195)
(1,389) 1,194
 (597) (2,202) 1,605
Investments in FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock (2,650)
(168) (2,482) (195) (1,389) 1,194
Total interest and dividend income $(99,883)
$102,846

$(202,729) $85,013
 $220,393
 $(135,380) $83,666

$99,326

$(15,660) $(99,883) $102,846
 $(202,729)
Interest-bearing liabilities:  

 

 
  
  
  
  

 

 
  
  
  
Checking deposits $3,022

$1,722
 $1,300
 $1,875
 $1,717
 $158
 $4,187

$2,348
 $1,839
 $3,022
 $1,722
 $1,300
Money market deposits 2,987

2,237
 750
 982
 2,035
 (1,053) 8,106

2,798
 5,308
 2,987
 2,237
 750
Savings deposits 497

63
 434
 10
 364
 (354)
Saving deposits 1,251

671
 580
 497
 63
 434
Time deposits 1,513

1,735
 (222) (877) 1,747
 (2,624) (2,825)
(4,249) 1,424
 1,513
 1,735
 (222)
Federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings 58


 58
 
 
 
 655

503
 152
 58
 
 58
FHLB advances 154

(278) 432
 (57) 424
 (481) 1,315

752
 563
 154
 (278) 432
Repurchase agreements (17,488)
(26,397) 8,909
 (2,986) (1,627) (1,359) (11,603)
(8,831) (2,772) (17,488) (26,397) 8,909
Long-term debt (187)
(405) 218
 1,381
 1,442
 (61) 381

(445) 826
 (187) (405) 218
Total interest expense $(9,444)
$(21,323)
$11,879
 $328
 $6,102
 $(5,774) $1,467

$(6,453)
$7,920
 $(9,444) $(21,323) $11,879
Change in net interest income $(90,439)
$124,169

$(214,608) $84,685
 $214,291
 $(129,606) $82,199

$105,779

$(23,580) $(90,439) $124,169
 $(214,608)

Noninterest Income (Loss)

Noninterest income (loss) includes revenue earned from sources other than interest income. These sources include service charges and fees on customer deposit accounts, fees and commissions generated from trade finance transactions, wealth management activities, feesdecreased slightly to $182.9 million for issuance of letters of credit and foreign exchange income, ancillary fees on loans,the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $183.4 million for the same period in 2015. The decrease was primarily due to the decreases in net gains on sales of loans and available-for-sale investment securities and loans, partially offset by a reduction in expenses related to changes in FDIC indemnification asset and receivable/payable and miscellaneous noninterest-related income.

The following table presents the components of noninterest income (loss) for the periods indicated:
 
($ in millions) Year Ended December 31,
 2015
2014
2013
Branch fees $39.5
 $37.9
 $32.0
Letters of credit fees and foreign exchange income 39.0
 37.3
 34.8
Ancillary loan fees 15.0
 10.6
 9.4
Wealth management fees 18.3
 16.2
 10.9
Derivative commission income 16.2
 12.8
 8.8
Changes in FDIC indemnification asset and receivable/payable (38.0) (201.4) (228.6)
Net gains on sales of loans 24.9
 39.1
 7.8
Net gains on sales of available-for-sale investment securities 40.4
 10.9
 12.1
Other fees and other operating income 28.1
 24.9
 20.3
Total noninterest income (loss) $183.4
 $(11.7) $(92.5)
 


33



payable. Noninterest income increased by $195.1 million to $183.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to noninterest loss of $11.7 million for the same period in 2014. The increase in noninterest income for 2015 was primarily due to the declinea reduction in expenses related to changes in FDIC indemnification asset and receivable/payable and an increase in net gains on sales of available-for-sale investment securities. Noninterest loss



The following table presents the components of noninterest income (loss) for the periods indicated:
 
($ in millions) Year Ended December 31,
 2016
2015
2014
Branch fees $41.2
 $39.5
 $37.9
Letters of credit fees and foreign exchange income 45.8
 39.0
 37.3
Ancillary loan fees 19.4
 15.0
 10.6
Wealth management fees 13.2
 18.3
 16.2
Derivative fees and other income 16.8
 16.5
 11.0
Net gains on sales of loans 6.1
 24.9
 39.1
Net gains on sales of available-for-sale investment securities 10.4
 40.4
 10.7
Changes in FDIC indemnification asset and receivable/payable 
 (38.0) (201.4)
Other fees and other operating income 30.0
 27.8
 26.9
Total noninterest income (loss) $182.9
 $183.4
 $(11.7)
 

The following discussion provides the composition of the major changes in 2014noninterest income (losses) and the factors contributing to the changes.

Net gains on sales of available-for-sale investment securities decreased by $80.8$30.0 million from a lossor 74% to $10.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $40.4 million for the same period in 2015. Net gains on sales of $92.5available-for-sale investment securities increased by $29.7 million or 277% to $40.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $10.7 million for the same period in 2013.2014. The improvement in noninterest loss forlarger net gains on sales of available-for-sale investment securities recognized during the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to December 31, 2016 and 2014, was primarily due to $21.7 million of gains realized from the declinesale of non-investment grade corporate debt securities, which had a $112.3 million of other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses recorded prior to December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Net gains on sales of loans for the year ended December 31, 2016 totaled $6.1 million, compared to $24.9 million and $39.1 million for the same periods in expenses related to changes in FDIC indemnification asset2015 and receivable/payable and an increase in2014, respectively. The net gains on saleincluded valuation adjustments of loans.$5.6 million and $3.0 million to carry loans held-for-sale at lower of cost or fair value for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. No valuation adjustment was recorded for the same period in 2014. See Item 7. MD&A — Total Loan Portfolio for details.

Changes in FDIC indemnification asset and receivable/payable decreased by $163.4 million to a loss of $38.0 million for 2015 from a loss of $201.4 million for 2014. The changes in FDIC indemnification asset and receivable/payable were reduced significantly which was mainly attributable toDuring the expiration of the shared-loss coverage for the UCB and WFIB commercial loans. Inyear ended December 31, 2015, the Company reached an agreement with the FDIC to early terminate the UCB and WFIB shared-loss agreements. For 2014,There were no remaining shared-loss agreements with the expensesFDIC as of December 31, 2015. As a result, there was no expense related to the changes in FDIC indemnification asset and receivable/payable decreased by $27.2 million to a loss of $201.4 million from a loss of $228.6 million for 2013. The decrease in the changes in the FDIC indemnification asset and receivable/payable was primarily attributable to the continued payoffs and improved credit performance of the covered loan portfolio, as compared to the Company’s original estimate.

Net gains on sales of available-for-sale investment securities increased by $29.5 million to $40.4 million for 2015 compared to $10.9 million for 2014. Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale investment securities for 2015 amounted to $1.67 billion compared to $623.7 million for 2014. For 2013, net gains and proceeds from sales of available-for-sale investment securities were $12.1 million and $663.6 million, respectively, which was largely consistent compared to 2014. The net gains on sales of available-for-sale investment securities increased significantly in 2015 mainly due to the realized gains of $21.7 million associated with the sales of non-investment grade corporate debt securities with previously recognized OTTI. Please see Note 6 Available-for-Sale Investments Securities to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details. The other securities sold during 2015 were primarily comprised of U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities.

Net gains on sales of loans for 2015, which included lower of cost or market (“LOCOM”) valuation adjustments, amounted to $24.9 million, compared to $39.1 million and $7.8 million for 2014 and 2013, respectively. For 2015, the Company recorded $3.0 million of LOCOM valuation adjustments related to the loans held for sale portfolio. No LOCOM adjustment was recorded during the yearsyear ended December 31, 20142016, compared to $38.0 million and 2013. Approximately $1.70 billion, $1.09 billion and $364.4$201.4 million of loans were soldexpenses for the same period in 2015 and 2014, and 2013, respectively. Loans sold in 2015 were primarily comprised of single-family residential and commercial and industrial (“C&I”) loans. For 2014 and 2013, loans sold were mainly comprised of student and C&I loans.

Noninterest Expense

The following table presents the various components of noninterestNoninterest expense totaled $615.9 million for the periods indicated: 
       
  Year Ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2015 2014 2013
Compensation and employee benefits $262.2
 $231.8
 $175.9
Occupancy and equipment expense 61.3
 63.8
 56.6
Amortization of tax credit and other investments (1)
 36.1
 44.1
 6.0
Amortization of premiums on deposits acquired 9.2
 10.2
 9.4
Deposit insurance premiums and regulatory assessments 18.8
 21.9
 16.6
Deposit related expenses 9.6
 7.5
 6.5
Other real estate owned (“OREO”) income (8.9) (3.6) (1.1)
Legal expense 16.4
 53.0
 31.7
Data processing 10.2
 15.9
 9.1
Consulting expense 17.2
 8.5
 6.4
Repurchase agreements’ extinguishment costs 21.8
 
 
Other operating expense 87.0
 79.9
 77.1
Total noninterest expense (1)
 $540.9
 $533.0
 $394.2
       
(1)
Prior periods were restated to reflect the retrospective application of adopting the new accounting guidance related to the Company’syear ended December 31, 2016, an increase of $75.0 million or 14%, compared to $540.9 million for the same period in 2015. The increase for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 was primarily due to higher amortization of tax credit and other investments, in qualified affordable housing projects ASU 2014-01. Please see Note 9 Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Partnerships, Tax Credit and Other Investments, Net to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

34



Noninterest expense, which is primarily comprised of compensation and employee benefits, occupancy and equipment, and other operating expenses,real estate owned (“OREO”) expense (income). This increase was partially offset by the fact that there were no repurchase agreements’ extinguishment costs incurred for the year ended December 31, 2016 and lower legal expense. Noninterest expense totaled $540.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, an increase of $7.9 million or 1%, compared to $533.0 million for the same period in 2014. The increase for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 was the result ofprimarily due to higher compensation and employee benefits and the extinguishment costs related to repurchase agreements, which was partially offset by lower legal expenses.



The following table presents the various components of noninterest expense for the periods indicated: 
       
  Year Ended December 31,
($ in millions) 2016 2015 2014
Compensation and employee benefits $300.1
 $262.2
 $231.8
Occupancy and equipment expense 61.5
 61.3
 63.8
Deposit insurance premiums and regulatory assessments 23.3
 18.8
 21.9
OREO expense (income) 1.5
 (8.9) (3.6)
Legal expense 2.8
 16.4
 53.0
Data processing 11.7
 10.2
 15.9
Consulting expense 22.7
 17.2
 8.5
Deposit related expenses 10.4
 10.4
 8.5
Computer software expense 12.9
 8.7
 7.5
Other operating expense 77.5
 77.5
 71.4
Amortization of tax credit and other investments 83.4
 36.1
 44.1
Amortization of core deposit intangibles 8.1
 9.2
 10.2
Repurchase agreements’ extinguishment costs 
 21.8
 
Total noninterest expense $615.9
 $540.9
 $533.0
       

Compensation and employee benefits increased by $37.9 million or 14% to $300.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $262.2 million for the same period in 2015. The increase was primarily attributable to the increased headcount to support the Company’s growing business and to enhance the Company’s risk management programs. For the year ended December 31, 2014, noninterest expense was $533.0 million, an increase of $138.8 million or 35% compared to $394.2 million for the same period in 2013. The increase for the year ended December 31, 2014 was primarily due to higher2015, compensation and employee benefits, amortization of tax credit and other investments and legal expenses.

Compensation and employee benefits increased by $30.4 million or 13% to $262.2 million, for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $231.8 million for the same period in 2014. The increase in compensation and employee benefits in 2015 was primarily due to an increase in headcount due to the growth that the Company has experienced. For the year ended December 31, 2014, compensation

The amortization of tax credit and employee benefitsother investments increased by $55.9$47.3 million or 32%131% to $231.8 million compared to $175.9 million for the same period in 2013. The increase was primarily due to increased headcount and severance and retention expenses related to the MetroCorp acquisition.

Legal expense decreased by $36.6 million or 69% to $16.4$83.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015,2016, compared to $53.0$36.1 million for the same period in 2014, as the amount in 2014 included a $31.6 million litigation accrual related2015. The increase was primarily due to the case titled “F&F, LLC and 618 Investments, Inc. v. East West Bank”additional tax credit investments that was previously disclosed in the Form 8-K filed on September 8, 2014.were placed into service during 2016. For the year ended December 31, 2014, legal expense increased $21.3 million or 67% to $53.0 million, compared to $31.7 million in 2013. This increase was primarily due to the accrual provided for the “F&F, LLC and 618 Investments, Inc. v. East West Bank” case discussed above.

The2015, amortization of tax credit and other investments decreased by $8.0 million or 18% to $36.1 million, for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $44.1 million for the same period in 2014. TheThis decrease was primarily due to a reduction in projected tax credits. Forcredit investments that were placed into service during 2015 compared to 2014.

OREO expense was $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, amortization of tax credit and other investments increased by $38.1 million to $44.1 million,2016, compared to $6.0OREO income of $8.9 million for the same period in 2013. This2015. The change was mainly attributable to lower net gains on OREO sales. In comparison, OREO income increased by $5.3 million or 147% to $8.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $3.6 million for the same period in 2014. The increase was primarily due to an increase of $39.9 million or 57% in tax credit and other investmentslower expense associated with a declining OREO portfolio.

There were no extinguishment costs related to $110.1 million as ofrepurchase agreements for the years ended December 31, 2014, compared to $70.2 million as of December 31, 2013.

2016 and 2014. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded $21.8 million related to the extinguishment of higher costhigher-cost repurchase agreements. Duringagreements of $545.0 million.

Legal expense decreased by $13.6 million or 83% to $2.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $16.4 million for the same period in 2015. The decrease was mainly due to a reversal of a $13.4 million legal accrual following the settlement of a lawsuit titled “F&F, LLC and 618 Investments, Inc. v. East West Bank” during the year ended December 31, 2016. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company extinguished $545.0legal expense decreased by $36.6 million of repurchase agreements. There were no repurchase agreements’ extinguishment costsor 69% to $16.4 million, compared to $53.0 million for the yearssame period in 2014. The decrease was mainly due to the fact that the amount incurred for the year ended December 31, 2014 included a $31.6 million legal accrual related to the aforementioned lawsuit. See Note 13 Commitments, Contingencies and 2013.Related Party Transactions to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details of the lawsuit.



Income Taxes
 
Provision for income taxesIncome tax expense was $140.5 million, $194.0 million, $101.1 million, and $153.8$101.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 and 2013,2014, respectively. The effective tax rate wasrates were 24.6%, 33.5%, and 22.6% and 34.4% for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The lower effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the same period in 2015, was mainly due to more tax credits that were recognized in 2016 from investments in qualified affordable housing, historic rehabilitation and 2013, respectively.renewable energy projects. The higher effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to the same period in 2014, was mainly dueattributable to less tax credits that were recognized in 2015 from investments in qualified affordable housing, historic rehabilitation and renewable energy projects. The lower effectiveCompany recognizes investment tax rate for year ended December 31, 2014, compared to the same period in 2013, was attributable to the additional purchases ofcredits from qualified affordable housing partnerships and other tax credit investments. investments in the year the credit arises under the flow-through method of accounting. Included in the income tax expense recognized induring the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 and 2013 was $126.2 million, $67.6 million $85.7 million and $35.0$85.7 million, respectively, of tax credits generated mainly from investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships and other tax credit investments. Income tax expense and effective tax rates for prior periods reflect the retrospective adoption of ASU 2014-01 in 2015. For further discussion of the impact of ASU 2014-01, please see Note 9 Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Partnerships, Tax Credit and Other Investments, Net to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

As of December 31, 20152016 and 2014,2015, the Company had net deferred tax assets of $135.9$129.7 million and $389.6$135.9 million, respectively. For additional detaildetails on components of net deferred tax assets, please see Note 1312 — Income Taxes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Operating Segment Results
 
The Company defines its operating segments based on its core strategy, and the Company has identified three reportable operating segments: Retail Banking, Commercial Banking and Other.
 

35



The Retail Banking segment focuses primarily on retail operations through the Bank’s branch network. The Commercial Banking segment, which includes C&I and CRE, primarily generates commercial loans through the domestic commercial lending offices located in California, New York, Texas, Washington, Massachusetts, Nevada and Georgia,Georgia; and the foreign commercial lending offices located in China and Hong Kong. Furthermore, the Commercial Banking segment offers a wide variety of international finance and trade services and products. The remaining centralized functions, including the treasury operations of the Company and eliminations of intersegment amounts have been aggregated and included in the “Other” segment.

Changes in the Company’s management structure or reporting methodologies may result in changes in the measurement of operating segment results. Results for prior periods are generally restated for comparability when there are changes in management structure or reporting methodologies, unless it is not deemed practicable to do so.
 
The Company’s internal transfer pricing process is formulated to incentivize loan and deposit growth that is consistent with the Company’s overall growth objectives, as well as to provide a reasonable and consistent basis for measurement of the Company’s business segments and product net interest margins. The Company’s internal transfer pricing assumptions and methodologies are reviewed at least annually to ensure that the process is reflective of current market conditions. 

For additional information about the Company’s segments, including information about the underlying accounting and reporting process, please seeNote 2019 — Business Segments to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The following table presents the selected segment information for the periods indicated:
   
($ in millions) Year ended December 31,
 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014
 Retail Banking Commercial Banking Other
Net interest income (loss) $459.4
 $453.0
 $462.1
 $530.9
 $509.6
 $596.4
 $42.3
 $(12.2) $(17.6)
Noninterest income (loss) $51.4
 $46.3
 $14.5
 $96.0
 $71.8
 $(63.9) $35.5
 $65.3
 $37.7
Noninterest expense $230.5
 $199.6
 $197.8
 $178.1
 $164.5
 $189.4
 $207.3
 $176.8
 $145.8
Pretax income (loss) $170.1
 $212.0
 $181.3
 $377.9
 $382.2
 $293.4
 $24.2
 $(15.5) $(27.7)
   



Retail Banking
 
The Retail Banking segment reported pretax income of $170.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $212.0 million for the same period in 2015. The decrease in pretax income for this segment for the year ended December 31, 2016 was primarily driven by an increase in noninterest expense, which was partially offset by increases in net interest income and noninterest income.

Net interest income for this segment increased $6.4 million or 1% to $459.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $453.0 million for the same period in 2015. The increase in net interest income was primarily due to the growth in core deposits for the segment, partially offset by lower discount accretion to interest income from the purchased credit impaired (“PCI”) loan portfolio and lower-yielding single-family residential loans, compared to loans in the portfolio during the same periods in 2015.

Noninterest income for this segment increased $5.1 million or 11% to $51.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $46.3 million for the same period in 2015. The increase in noninterest income was attributable to a decrease in the reduction of changes in FDIC indemnification asset and receivable/payable, as all shared-loss agreements with the FDIC were early terminated in 2015, and an increase in derivative income. The increase in noninterest income was partially offset by decreases in net gains on sales of loans and wealth management fees.

Noninterest expense for this segment increased $30.9 million or 15% to $230.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $199.6 million for the same period in 2015. The increase was primarily due to higher consulting expense, compensation and employee benefits, deposit insurance premiums and regulatory assessments and data processing expense.

Comparing the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Retail Banking segment reported pretax income of $212.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to pretax income of $181.3 million for the same period in 2014. The increase of $30.7 million or 17% in earnings for this segment was due to higher noninterest income and lower provision for credit losses, partially offset by lower net interest income.

Net interest income for this segment decreased $9.1 million or 2%, to $453.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $462.1 million for the same period in 2014. The reduction ofin net interest income was primarily due to lower discount accretion to interest income from the purchased credit impaired (“PCI”)PCI loan portfolio and sale of single-family residential loans.

Noninterest income for this segment increased $31.8 million or 219%, to $46.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $14.5 million for the same period in 2014. The increase was primarily due to a decrease in the reduction of changes in FDIC indemnification asset and receivable/payable, partially offset by lower net gains on sales of loans.

Noninterest expense for this segment increased $1.8 million or 1%, to $199.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $197.8 million for the same period in 2014. The increase in noninterest expense was primarily due to higher compensation and employee benefits, partially offset by lower FDIC deposit insurance premiums.premiums and regulatory assessments.

Comparing the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the RetailCommercial Banking

The Commercial Banking segment reported pretax income of $181.3$377.9 million in 2014,for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $382.2 million for the same period in 2015. The decrease of $4.3 million or 1% in pretax income of $132.9 million in 2013. The increased earnings for this segment were duewas attributable to higher net interest incomeincreases in noninterest expense and noninterest income, partially offset by higher provision for credit losses, partially offset by increases in noninterest income and noninterest expense. net interest income.

Net interest income for this segment increased $47.9$21.3 million or 12%,4% to $462.1$530.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014,2016, compared to $414.2$509.6 million for the same period in 2013.2015. The higherincrease in net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2016 was primarily attributeddue to the growth in low-cost deposits. of CRE and C&I loans, partially offset by the lower discount accretion to interest income from the PCI loan portfolio.

Noninterest income for this segment increased $32.3$24.2 million or 181%,34% to noninterest income of $14.5$96.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014,2016, compared to a loss of $17.8$71.8 million for the same period in 2013.2015. The increase was primarily dueattributable to an increase in net gains on sale of student loans and a decrease in the reduction of changes in FDIC indemnification asset and receivable/payable, as discussed above under “Retail Banking”, and increases in ancillary loan fees, letters of credit fees and foreign exchange income, partially offset by a reductiondecreases in loan fees. net gains on sales of loans and derivative fees and other income.

Noninterest expense for this segment increased $4.8$13.6 million or 3%,8% to $197.8$178.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014,2016, compared to $193.0$164.5 million for the same period in 2013.2015. The increase in noninterest expense was primarily due to higherincreases in compensation and employee benefits, OREO expense and occupancy and equipmentconsulting expense, partially offset by lower loan relateddecreases in legal and legal expense.loan-related expenses.

Commercial Banking

TheComparing the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Commercial Banking segment reported pretax income of $382.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $293.4 million for the same period in 2014. The increase of $88.8 million or 30% in earnings for this segment was due to an increase in noninterest income and decreases in noninterest expense and provision for credit losses, partially offset by a decrease in net interest income.


36



Net interest income for this segment decreased $86.8 million or 15%, to $509.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $596.4 million for the same period in 2014. The decrease in net interest income was primarily due to lower discount accretion to interest income from the PCI loan portfolio.

Noninterest income for this segment increased $135.7 million or 212%, to noninterest income of $71.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to a noninterest loss of $63.9 million for the same period in 2014. The increase was primarily due to a decrease in the reduction of changes in FDIC indemnification asset and receivable/payable and higher net gains on sales of small business administration (“SBA”) loans.

Noninterest expense for this segment decreased $24.9 million or 13%, to $164.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $189.4 million for the same period in 2014. The decrease in noninterest expense was largely attributed to a decrease in legal expense, partially offset by an increase in compensation and employee benefits.

Comparing the years ended December 31, 2014 to 2013, the Commercial BankingOther

The Other segment reported pretax income of $293.4$24.2 million in 2014,for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to pretax incomeloss of $283.9$15.5 million for the same period in 2013.2015. The increased earningsincrease in pretax income for this segment were due to higherfor the year ended December 31, 2016 was driven by an increase in net interest income, and lower noninterest loss,partially offset by increasesa decrease in provision for credit lossesnoninterest income and an increase in noninterest expense.

Net interest income for this segment increased $71.4$54.5 million or 14%, to $596.4$42.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014,2016, compared to $525.0a net interest loss of $12.2 million for the same period in 2013.2015. The Other segment includes the activities of the treasury function, which is responsible for the liquidity and interest rate risk management of the Company, and supports the Retail Banking and Commercial Banking segments through internal transfer pricing credits and charges, which are included in net interest income. The increase in net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2016 was primarily due to growthan increase in commercial loansinterest income from investment securities and deposits, partially impacted by lowresale agreements, a decrease in interest rates. expense on repurchase agreements, and a reduction in net transfer pricing paid.

Noninterest lossincome for this segment decreased $35.0$29.8 million or 35%,46% to $63.9$35.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014,2016, compared to a noninterest loss of $98.9$65.3 million recorded for the same period in 2013.2015. The decrease in noninterest lossincome for this segmentthe year ended December 31, 2016 was primarily due to a decrease in the reductionlower net gains on sales of changes in FDIC indemnification asset and receivable/payable and increases in letters of credit fees and commissions and loan and branch fees. available-for-sale investment securities.

Noninterest expense for this segment increased $62.7$30.5 million or 49%,17% to $189.4$207.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014,2016, compared to $126.7$176.8 million for the same period in 2013. The2015. This increase in noninterest expense was largely attributedprimarily due to higher amortization of tax credit and other investments and compensation and employee benefits, partially offset by repurchase agreements’ extinguishment costs incurred in 2015 and legallower consulting expense.

Other
TheComparing the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Other segment reported pretax lossesloss of $15.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to pretax lossesloss of $27.7 million for the same period in 2014. The decrease in losses was due to lower net interest loss and higher noninterest income, partially offset by an increase in noninterest expense.

Net interest loss for this segment decreased $5.4 million or 31%, to $12.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $17.6 million for the same period in 2014. The Other segment includes activities of the treasury function, which is responsible for the liquidity and interest rate risk management of the Bank, and supports the Retail Banking and Commercial Banking segments through funds transfer pricing which was the primary cause of the decrease in net interest income. In addition, it bears the cost of adverse movements in interest rates which affect the net interest margin.

Noninterest income for this segment increased $27.6 million or 73%, to $65.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $37.7 million for the same period in 2014. The increase was primarily due to the higher net gains on salesales of available-for-sale investment securities.

Noninterest expense for this segment increased $31.0 million or 21%, to $176.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $145.8 million for the same period in 2014. The increase was primarily due to the extinguishment costs related to repurchase agreements incurred in 2015, and increases in compensation and employee benefits and consulting expense in the same period, partially offset by reductions in amortization of tax credit and other investments and other one-time merger and integration expense related to the MetroCorp acquisition in 2014.

Comparing the years ended December 31, 2014 to 2013, the Other segment reported pretax losses of $27.7 million in 2014, compared to pretax income of $30.3 million in 2013. The decrease in earnings for this segment was due to lower net interest income and an increase in noninterest expense, partially offset by an increase in noninterest income. Net interest income for this segment decreased $34.6 million or 204%, to a loss of $17.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to income of $17.0 million for the same period in 2013. Noninterest income for this segment increased $13.4 million or 56%, to $37.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $24.3 million for the same period in 2013. The increase was primarily due to dividends received from the Community Reinvestment Act investments. Noninterest expense for this segment increased $71.3 million or 96%, to $145.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $74.5 million for the same period in 2013. The increase in noninterest expense was primarily due to higher amortization of tax credit and other investments and the incurrence of merger and integration related expenses from the acquisition of MetroCorp.

37



Balance Sheet Analysis
 
Total assets increased $3.61$2.44 billion or 13%,8% to $34.79 billion as of December 31, 2016, compared to $32.35 billion as of December 31, 2015, compared to $28.74 billion as of December 31, 2014.2015. The increase in total assets was primarily dueattributable to the increases of $1.92$1.86 billion or 8% in totalnet loans receivable (including loans held for sale), $1.15 billionheld-for-investment, $517.6 million or 38% in available-for-sale investment securities, $375.0cash and cash equivalents, $400.0 million or 25% in resale agreements and $321.0$144.0 million in cash and cash equivalents.the held-to-maturity investment security, partially offset by a decrease of $437.4 million or 12% in available-for-sale investment securities.

The $1.86 billion increase in net loans held-for-investment was primarily driven by growth in the loan portfolio, mainly from increases of $649.0 million in C&I loans, $590.8 million in CRE loans, $501.4 million in residential loans and $118.2 million in consumer loans. The $517.6 million increase in cash and cash equivalents was largely due to the timing of cash inflowsinflow versus outflows from fundings, payments and cash requirements related to normal operating activities. The $321.0 million cash increase was primarily funded by the increase in deposits and FHLB advances discussed below. The $375.0$400.0 million increase in resale agreements was due to $1.55 billion of purchases of resale agreements, partially offset by $1.50 billion of paydowns and maturities of resale agreements during the reinvestmentyear ended December 31, 2016. The increase was also due to a $350.0 million decrease in resale and repurchase agreements that were eligible for netting as of net cash inflows for yield improvement.December 31, 2016 compared to December 31, 2015. The $1.15 billion$144.0 million increase in held-to-maturity investment security was the result of a securitization of multifamily real estate loans entered into by the Company during the first quarter of 2016. The $437.4 million decrease in available-for-sale investment securities was primarilylargely due to increasesdecreases of $494.0 million in U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt corporate debtsecurities and $278.0 million in U.S. Treasury securities, partially offset by increases of $294.1 million in foreign bonds and $176.5 million in U.S. government agency and U.S. Treasurygovernment sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities.

The increase in total loans receivable was primarily due to organic growth in C&I, CRE and consumer loans, partially offset by loan sales of approximately $1.70 billion, mainly comprised of single-family residential and C&I loans. Allowance for loan losses remained relatively unchanged at $265.0 million or 1.12% of total loans held-for-investment as of December 31, 2015, compared to $261.7 million or 1.20% of total loans held-for-investment as of December 31, 2014.

Total depositsliabilities increased $3.47$2.13 billion or 14%,7% to $27.48$31.36 billion as of December 31, 2015,2016, compared to $24.01$29.23 billion as of December 31, 2014.2015. The increase in total depositsliabilities funded the asset growth. This net increase was mainly dueprimarily attributable to a $2.96the increases of $2.42 billion or 17% increase9% in core deposits. In addition, timecustomer deposits increased $504.2and $350.0 million in repurchase agreements, partially offset by a decrease of $697.8 million or 8%, largely due to the growth68% in the Company’s public deposit relationships.FHLB advances.

FHLB advances increased $702.2 millionTotal customer deposits grew to $1.02$29.89 billion as of December 31, 2015, compared2016, largely due to $317.2increases in noninterest-bearing demand deposits of $1.53 billion, money market deposits of $1.24 billion, and savings and interest-bearing checking accounts of $647.6 million. Such increases in customer deposits were partially offset by a decrease in time deposits of $1.00 billion as a result of reductions in public deposits. The $350.0 million increase in repurchase agreements was due to a $350.0 million decrease in resale and repurchase agreements that were eligible for netting as of December 31, 2014.2016 compared to December 31, 2015 as discussed in the preceding paragraph. The increase is$697.8 million decrease in FHLB advances was primarily due to the repayment of $700.0 million of short-term FHLB advances borrowedwhich matured in December 2015 to support the Company’s cash needs. The durationfirst quarter of the short-term FHLB advances was approximately one month.2016.

There were no balances for securities sold under repurchase agreements (“repurchase agreements”) reportedTotal stockholders’ equity increased $304.8 million or 10% to $3.43 billion as of December 31, 2015,2016, compared to $795.0 million in repurchase agreements$3.12 billion as of December 31, 2014. The $795.0 million decrease2015. This increase was mainlyprimarily due to changes in net income after common stock dividends paid.

The following discussion provides additional information about the extinguishment of $545.0 millionmajor components of the higher cost repurchase agreements that resulted in $21.8 million in extinguishment expenses in 2015, and an additional $250.0 million of resale agreements that were eligible for netting against existing repurchase agreements as of December 31, 2015.Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Available-for-Sale Investment Securities
 
Income from available-for-sale investment securities provides a significant portion of the Company’s total income. The Company’sincome, primarily from available-for-sale investment securities are liquid in nature and available to meet funding needs that arise during the normal course of business.securities. The Company aims to maintain an investment portfolio, with an appropriate mixwhich consists of fixed-ratehigh quality and adjustable-rateliquid securities with relatively short durations to minimize overall interest rate and liquidity risk. The Company’s available-for-sale investment securities provide:

interest income for earnings and yield enhancement;
availability for funding needs arising during the normal course of business;
the ability to execute interest rate risk management strategies due to changes in economic or market conditions which influence loan origination demand, prepayment speeds, or deposit balances and mix; and
collateral to support pledging agreements as required and/or to enhance the Company’s borrowing capacity.

Held-to-maturity security

During the first quarter of 2016, the Company securitized $201.7 million of multifamily loans and retained $160.1 million of the senior tranche of the resulting securities from the securitization as held-to-maturity, which is carried at amortized cost. The held-to-maturity security is a non-agency commercial mortgage-backed security maturing on April 25, 2046. Management intends to, and the Company has the ability to, hold the security to maturity.



Available-for-sale investment securities

The Company’s available-for-sale investment securities portfolio consists primarily of U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. government agency securities,and U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities, U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise and other mortgage-backed securities, municipal securities, corporate debt securities and other securities.foreign bonds. Investments classified as available-for-sale are carried at their estimated fair values with the corresponding changes in fair values recorded in accumulatedAccumulated other comprehensive income or loss, net of tax, as a component of stockholders’ equity.Stockholders’ equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

TotalThe following table provides a breakout of the amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale investment securities increased $1.15by major categories as of the dates indicated:
 
  December 31,
($ in thousands) 2016 2015 2014
 Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value
Available-for-sale investment securities:            
U.S. Treasury securities $730,287
 $720,479
 $1,002,874
 $998,515
 $873,101
 $873,435
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities 277,891
 274,866
 771,288
 768,849
 311,927
 311,024
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities 1,539,044
 1,525,546
 1,350,673
 1,349,058
 926,369
 932,508
Municipal securities 148,302
 147,654
 173,785
 175,649
 245,408
 250,448
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities 11,592
 11,477
 62,133
 62,393
 52,694
 53,918
Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed securities 
 
 
 
 34,000
 34,053
Corporate debt securities 232,381
 231,550
 292,341
 289,074
 99,117
 95,056
Foreign bonds 405,443
 383,894
 90,586
 89,795
 39,510
 39,318
Other securities 40,501
 40,329
 40,149
 39,893
 37,181
 36,857
Total available-for-sale investment securities $3,385,441
 $3,335,795
 $3,783,829
 $3,773,226
 $2,619,307
 $2,626,617
             

Total fair value of available-for-sale investment securities decreased by $437.4 million or 12% to $3.34 billion or 44% toas of December 31, 2016, compared with $3.77 billion as of December 31, 2015, compared with $2.63 billion as2015. The primary drivers of December 31, 2014,this decrease were:

$278.0 million decrease in U.S. Treasury securities primarily due to the increase$820.9 million of sales and $110.0 million of maturities, partially offset by $661.8 million of purchases;
$494.0 million decrease in U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities primarily due to $618.9 million of securities called and mortgage$57.0 million of maturities, partially offset by $190.3 million of purchases; and
$294.1 million increase in foreign bonds primarily due to purchases of multilateral development bank bonds of $374.9 million. These purchases were partially offset by calls of $50.0 million.

The Company recorded net gains totaling $10.4 million, $40.4 million, and $10.9 million on sales of available-for-sale investment securities and corporate debt securities. As offor the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, theand 2014, respectively. The available-for-sale investment portfolio had net unrealized losses of $10.6$49.6 million compared to net unrealized gains of $7.3and $10.6 million as of December 31, 2014.2016 and 2015, respectively. The changes in the net unrealized amount were primarily attributed to an increase in interest rates. As of December 31, 20152016 and 2014,2015, available-for-sale investment securities with a fair value of $873.0767.4 million and $1.96 billion873.0 million, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits, repurchase agreements, the Federal Reserve Bank’s discount window, and for other purposes required or permitted by law.


38



Total repayments/maturities and proceeds from sales of available-for-sale investment securities amounted to $734.9 million and $1.67 billion, respectively for the year ended December 31, 2015. In comparison, total repayments/maturities were $554.7 million and $444.1 million and proceeds from sales of available-for-sale investment securities amounted to $623.7 million and $663.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Proceeds from repayments, maturities, sales and redemptions in 2015, 2014 and 2013 were applied towards additional investment securities purchases totaling $3.55 billion, $960.1 million and $1.32 billion respectively. The Company recorded net gains totaling $40.4 million, $10.9 million, and $12.1 million on sales of available-for-sale investment securities for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

Securities in an unrealized loss position are analyzed periodically for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”). No OTTI was recognized for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 and 2013.2014. For complete discussion and disclosure, please see Note 1Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Note 3 Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments, and Note 65 Available-for-Sale InvestmentsInvestment Securities to the Consolidated Financial Statements.



The following table presents the weighted average yields and contractual maturity distribution, excluding periodic principal payments, of the Company’s available-for-sale investment securities as of December 31, 2015:
the periods indicated. Actual maturities of mortgage-backed securities can differ from contractual maturities as the borrowers have the right to prepay the obligations. In addition, such factors as prepayments and interest rate changes may affect the yields on the carrying values of mortgage-backed securities.
 
($ in thousands) 
Within
One Year
 
After One
But Within
Five Years
 
After Five
But Within
Ten Years
 
After
Ten Years
 Total
 Amount Yield Amount Yield Amount Yield Amount Yield Amount Yield
Available-for-sale investment securities                    
U.S. Treasury securities $110,439
 0.50% $785,929
 1.17% $102,147
 1.78% $
 % $998,515
 1.16%
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities 537,393
 1.03% 143,057
 1.02% 88,399
 1.91% 
 % 768,849
 1.13%
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities:                    
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 
 % 43,014
 1.03% 162,615
 1.88% 146,033
 1.99% 351,662
 1.82%
Residential mortgage-backed securities 
 % 2,366
 2.23% 93,471
 2.49% 901,559
 1.69% 997,396
 1.77%
Municipal securities (1)
 
 % 142,780
 2.32% 25,252
 2.48% 7,617
 3.94% 175,649
 2.42%
Other residential mortgage-backed securities:                    
Investment grade 
 % 
 % 
 % 62,393
 3.20% 62,393
 3.20%
Corporate debt securities:                    
Investment grade 50,855
 1.19% 35,606
 2.22% 79,096
 1.68% 199,156
 1.89% 364,713
 1.78%
Non-investment grade 9,642
 1.03% 
 % 
 % 
 % 9,642
 1.03%
Other securities 44,407
 2.45% 
 % 
 % 
 % 44,407
 2.45%
Total available-for-sale investment securities $752,736
   $1,152,752
   $550,980
   $1,316,758
   $3,773,226
  
 
 
  December 31,
($ in thousands) 2016 2015
 
Amortized
Cost
 Fair Value 
Yield (1)
 
Amortized
Cost
 Fair Value 
Yield (1)
Available-for-sale investment securities:            
U.S. Treasury securities:            
Maturing in one year or less $100,707
 $100,653
 0.65% $110,513
 $110,439
 0.50%
Maturing after one year through five years 376,580
 371,917
 1.27% 790,117
 785,929
 1.17%
Maturing after five years through ten years 253,000
 247,909
 1.59% 102,244
 102,147
 1.78%
Total 730,287
 720,479
 1.29% 1,002,874
 998,515
 1.16%
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities:            
Maturing in one year or less 118,966
 118,982
 0.94% 538,737
 537,393
 1.03%
Maturing after one year through five years 52,622
 52,630
 1.38% 143,448
 143,057
 1.02%
Maturing after five years through ten years 81,829
 78,977
 2.07% 89,103
 88,399
 1.91%
Maturing after ten years 24,474
 24,277
 2.50% 
 
 %
Total 277,891
 274,866
 1.49% 771,288
 768,849
 1.13%
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities:            
Maturing after one year through five years 47,278
 46,950
 1.74% 45,635
 45,379
 1.09%
Maturing after five years through ten years 79,379
 78,903
 3.11% 257,707
 256,086
 2.10%
Maturing after ten years 1,412,387
 1,399,693
 2.34% 1,047,331
 1,047,593
 1.74%
Total 1,539,044
 1,525,546
 2.36% 1,350,673
 1,349,058
 1.78%
Municipal securities (2):
            
Maturing in one year or less 6,404
 6,317
 2.56% 
 
 %
Maturing after one year through five years 127,178
 127,080
 2.31% 140,602
 142,781
 2.32%
Maturing after five years through ten years 9,785
 9,515
 2.50% 25,515
 25,252
 2.48%
Maturing after ten years 4,935
 4,742
 3.95% 7,668
 7,616
 3.94%
Total 148,302
 147,654
 2.40% 173,785
 175,649
 2.42%
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities:            
Maturing after ten years 11,592
 11,477
 2.52% 62,133
 62,393
 3.20%
Corporate debt securities:            
Maturing in one year or less 12,671
 11,347
 1.80% 12,741
 10,822
 1.29%
Maturing after five years through ten years 40,479
 40,500
 2.40% 79,890
 79,096
 1.68%
Maturing after ten years 179,231
 179,703
 2.26% 199,710
 199,156
 1.89%
Total 232,381
 231,550
 2.26% 292,341
 289,074
 1.81%
Foreign bonds:            
Maturing in one year or less 304,427
 287,695
 2.09% 54,515
 54,189
 1.04%
Maturing after one year through five years 101,016
 96,199
 2.11% 36,071
 35,606
 2.22%
Total 405,443
 383,894
 2.09% 90,586
 89,795
 1.51%
Other securities:            
Maturing in one year or less 40,501
 40,329
 2.72% 40,149
 39,893
 2.71%
             
Maturing in one year or less 583,676
 565,323
   756,655
 752,736
  
Maturing after one year through five years 704,674
 694,776
   1,155,873
 1,152,752
  
Maturing after five years through ten years 464,472
 455,804
   554,459
 550,980
  
Maturing after ten years 1,632,619
 1,619,892
   1,316,842
 1,316,758
  
 Total available-for-sale investment securities $3,385,441
 $3,335,795
   $3,783,829
 $3,773,226
  
             
Held-to-maturity investment security:            
Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed security:            
Maturing after ten years $143,971
 $144,593
 3.91% $
 $
 %
 
(1)Weighted average yields are computed based on amortized cost balances.
(2)Yields on tax exempt securities are not presented on a tax-equivalent basis.



Total Loan Portfolio
 
The Company offers a broad range of financial products designed to meet the credit needs of its borrowers. The Company’s lending activities consist of income producing CRE loans including land loans and construction loans, commercial business loans, trade finance, single-family residential loans, multifamily residential loans and consumer loans.

CRE Loans. The Company offers variable, hybrid and fixed rate CRE loans. The CRE loan portfolio includes income producing real estate loans, construction loanssegments include CRE, C&I, residential and land loans. Although real estate lending activities are collateralized by real property, these transactions are subject to similar credit evaluation, underwriting and monitoring standards as those applied to commercial business loans. Approximately 75% of the CRE loans are secured by real estate in California. Consequently, changes in the California economy and in real estate values could have a significant impact on the collectability of these loans and on the required level of allowance for loan losses.


39



C&I Loans. The C&I loan portfolio includes commercial business and trade finance loans. Included in commercial business loans are loans for working capital, accounts receivable lines, inventory lines, SBA loans and lease financing. The Company also offers a variety of international trade services and products, including letters of credit, revolving lines of credit, import loans, bankers’ acceptances, working capital lines, domestic purchase financing and pre-export financing.

Most of the Company’s trade finance activities are related to trade with Asian countries. However, a majority of the Company’s loans are made to companies domiciled in the United States. A substantial portion of this business involves California based customers engaged in import and export activities. The Company also offers export-import financing to various customers. The Company’s trade finance portfolio primarily represents loans made to borrowers that import goods into the U.S. and export goods to China. Certain C&I loans may be guaranteed by the Export-Import Bank of the United States or are direct obligations of the Export-Import Bank of China.

Residential Loans. The residential loan portfolio consists of both single-family and multifamily loans. The Company offers adjustable rate (“ARM”) first mortgage loans secured by one-to-four unit residential properties located in its primary lending areas. The Company offers ARM single-family loan programs with one-year, three-year or five-year initial fixed periods. In addition, the Company also offers ARM multifamily residential loan programs with six-month or three-year initial fixed periods.

Consumer Loans. The consumer loans segment includes home equity lines of credit (“HELOCs”), auto loans, and insurance premium financing loans. The Company’s ARM and HELOCs are secured by one-to-four unit residential properties located in its primary lending areas. The program is a low documentation program that requires low loan to value ratios, typically 50% or less. These loans have historically experienced low delinquency and default rates.

consumer. Net loans, including loans held for sale,held-for-sale, increased $1.90$1.85 billion or 9%8% from $21.51 billion as of December 31, 2014 to $23.41 billion as of December 31, 2015.2015 to $25.27 billion as of December 31, 2016. The increase was largely attributable to increases of $1.29 billion$649.0 million or 19%7% in C&I loans, $590.8 million or 7% in CRE loans, $925.8$501.4 million or 11% in C&Iresidential loans and $442.3$118.2 million or 29%6% in consumer loans, partially offset by a decrease of $726.8 million or 14% in residential loans, as a consequence of secondary market loan sales during the year ended December 31, 2015. The Company, from time to time, identifies opportunities to sell certain loans when the pricing is attractive to provide additional noninterest income. The Company sells these loans out of the loans held for sale portfolio.loans.


40



The following table presents the composition of the Company’s total loan portfolio by segment as of the dates indicated:
($ in thousands) December 31, December 31,
2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012
Amount % Amount % Amount % Amount % Amount %
Amount (1)
 % 
Amount (1)
 % 
Amount (1)
 % 
Amount (1)
 % 
Amount (1)
 %
CRE:                                        
Income producing $7,478,474
 32% $6,256,059
 29% $5,265,160
 30% $4,743,023
 32% $4,904,555
 34% $8,016,109
 31% $7,471,812
 32% $6,253,195
 29% $5,265,861
 30% $4,742,418
 33%
Construction 438,671
 2% 332,287
 1% 225,068
 1% 394,567
 3% 551,872
 4% 551,560
 2% 434,623
 2% 332,135
 1% 225,098
 1% 394,517
 2%
Land 193,604
 1% 231,167
 1% 182,913
 1% 180,117
 1% 256,713
 2% 123,194
 1% 193,637
 1% 231,061
 1% 182,937
 1% 180,094
 1%
Total CRE 8,110,749
 35% 6,819,513
 31% 5,673,141
 32% 5,317,707
 36% 5,713,140
 40% 8,690,863
 34% 8,100,072
 35% 6,816,391
 31% 5,673,896
 32% 5,317,029
 36%
C&I:                                        
Commercial business 8,213,897
 35% 7,181,189
 33% 4,881,809
 27% 3,922,989
 26% 3,148,040
 22% 8,959,633
 35% 8,201,764
 35% 7,180,848
 33% 4,884,737
 27% 3,924,096
 26%
Trade finance 789,110
 3% 896,012
 4% 875,794
 5% 843,791
 6% 732,563
 5% 680,930
 3% 789,771
 3% 895,602
 4% 875,911
 5% 843,683
 6%
Total C&I 9,003,007
 38% 8,077,201
 37% 5,757,603
 32% 4,766,780
 32% 3,880,603
 27% 9,640,563
 38% 8,991,535
 38% 8,076,450
 37% 5,760,648
 32% 4,767,779
 32%
Residential:                                        
Single-family 3,066,919
 13% 3,866,781
 18% 3,464,383
 19% 2,514,549
 17% 2,200,101
 16% 3,509,779
 14% 3,069,969
 13% 3,872,141
 18% 3,474,701
 19% 2,522,889
 17%
Multifamily 1,522,995
 6% 1,449,908
 7% 1,364,986
 8% 1,479,346
 10% 1,756,416
 12% 1,585,939
 6% 1,524,367
 6% 1,451,918
 7% 1,369,051
 8% 1,484,253
 10%
Total residential 4,589,914
 19% 5,316,689
 25% 4,829,369
 27% 3,993,895
 27% 3,956,517
 28% 5,095,718
 20% 4,594,336
 19% 5,324,059
 25% 4,843,752
 27% 4,007,142
 27%
Consumer:                                        
Student loans 
 % 
 % 679,220
 4% 475,799
 3% 306,325
 2% 
 % 
 % 
 % 637,241
 4% 442,963
 3%
Other consumer 1,956,091
 8% 1,513,742
 7% 934,627
 5% 345,440
 2% 361,630
 3% 2,075,995
 8% 1,957,805
 8% 1,513,049
 7% 934,751
 5% 345,407
 2%
Total consumer 1,956,091
 8% 1,513,742
 7% 1,613,847
 9% 821,239
 5% 667,955
 5% 2,075,995
 8% 1,957,805
 8% 1,513,049
 7% 1,571,992
 9% 788,370
 5%
Total loans held-for-investment (1)(2)
 $23,659,761
 100% $21,727,145
 100% $17,873,960
 100% $14,899,621
 100% $14,218,215
 100% $25,503,139
 100% $23,643,748
 100% $21,729,949
 100% $17,850,288
 100% $14,880,320
 100%
Unearned fees, premiums, and discounts, net (16,013)   2,804
   (23,672)   (19,301)   (16,762)  
Allowance for loan losses (264,959)   (261,679)   (249,675)   (234,535)   (216,523)   (260,520)   (264,959)   (261,679)   (249,675)   (234,535)  
Loans held for sale, net 31,958
   45,950
   204,970
   174,317
   278,603
  
Loans held-for-sale 23,076
   31,958
   45,950
   204,970
   174,317
  
Total loans, net $23,410,747
   $21,514,220
   $17,805,583
   $14,820,102
   $14,263,533
   $25,265,695
   $23,410,747
   $21,514,220
   $17,805,583
   $14,820,102
  
(1)Includes $1.2 million, $(16.0) million, $2.8 million, $(23.7) million and $(19.3) million as of December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, of unearned fees, net deferred loan fees, and unamortized premiums and unaccreted discounts.
(2)Loans net of ASC 310-30 discount.

Loans heldAlthough the loan portfolio grew 8% in 2016, the loan type composition remained relatively unchanged from December 31, 2015. The Company’s largest credit risks are concentrated in the commercial lending portfolios, comprised of C&I and CRE loans. The commercial lending portfolios comprised 72% and 73% of the total loan portfolio as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and are discussed further below.

C&I Loans. C&I loans of $9.64 billion and $9.0 billion as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, which includes commercial business and trade finance loans, accounted for 38% of the total loan portfolio in both years, and comprises the largest sector in the lending portfolio. Over the last few years, the Company has experienced higher growth in its specialized lending verticals in industries such as entertainment, private equity, technology, health care and energy. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, specialized lending verticals comprised approximately 37% and 31% of total C&I loans, respectively.



Although the C&I industry sectors in which the Company provides financing are diversified, the Company had higher concentrations in the industry sectors of wholesale trade (which includes $680.9 million and $789.8 million of trade finance loans as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively), manufacturing, real estate and leasing, entertainment, and private equity. The Company’s overseas offices, includingexposures within wholesale trade are largely to U.S. domiciled companies, which import goods from Greater China for U.S. consumer consumption, many of which are based in California. The private equity loans are largely capital call lines of credit. The Company also has a syndicated loan portfolio within the Hong Kong branchC&I loan portfolio, which totaled $755.9 million and $462.1 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company monitors concentrations within the C&I loan portfolio by customer exposure and industry classifications, setting limits for specialized lending verticals and setting diversification targets.

CRE Loans. CRE loans include income producing real estate, construction and land loans where interest rates may be fixed, variable, or hybrid. The Company focuses on providing financing to experienced real estate investors and developers who are long-time customers and have moderate levels of leverage. Loans are generally underwritten with high standards for cash flow, debt service coverage ratios, and loan-to-value ratios. Due to the nature of the Company’s geographical footprint and market presence, the Company has CRE loan concentrations in California, which comprised 74% and 75% of the CRE loan portfolio as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, where changes in the California economy and real estate values could have a significant impact on the collectability of these loans and the subsidiary bankrequired level of allowance for loan losses. Approximately 19% and 20% of the CRE loans as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, are owner occupied properties, while the remaining 81% and 80% are non-owner occupied (where 50% or more of the debt service for the loan is provided by rental income) as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Within the income producing CRE category, the Company had higher concentrations in China totaled $694.6retail and strip centers, industrial and office buildings as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.

The Company had $551.6 million of construction loans and $356.5$526.4 million respectively,of unfunded commitments as of December 31, 2016, compared to $434.6 million of construction loans and $527.4 million of unfunded commitments as of December 31, 2015. In comparison, loans held inThe composition of the Hong Kong branch and the subsidiary bank in China totaled $423.4 million and $271.8 million, respectively,construction portfolio as of December 31, 2014. In total, these2016 and 2015 was largely in the financing of the construction of hotels, mixed use (residential and retail), multifamily and residential condominiums.

Residential Loans. Residential loans represent approximately 3%are comprised of single-family and 2%multifamily loans. The Company offers first lien mortgage loans secured by one-to-four unit residential properties located in its primary lending areas. The Company offers a variety of total consolidated assetsfirst lien mortgage loan programs, including fixed rate conforming loans and adjustable rate mortgage (“ARM”) loans with initial fixed periods of one to five years, which adjust annually thereafter. The Company’s multifamily loan portfolio is largely comprised of loans secured by smaller multifamily properties ranging from five to 15 units, in its primary lending areas. Approximately 73% and 79% of the Company’s residential loans are concentrated in California as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014, respectively.2015. Many of the single-family residential loans within the Company’s portfolio are reduced documentation loans where a substantial down payment is required, resulting in a low loan to value ratio, typically 60% or less. These loans have historically experienced low delinquency and default rates.
Consumer Loans. Consumer loans are included incomprised of home equity lines of credit (“HELOCs”), auto loans, and insurance premium financing loans. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the totalCompany’s HELOCs are the largest component of the consumer loan portfolio, table above.and are secured by one-to-four unit residential properties located in its primary lending areas. The HELOCs loan portfolio is largely comprised of loans originated through a reduced documentation loan program, where a substantial down payment is required, resulting in a low loan to value ratio, typically 60% or less. The Company is in a first lien position for many of these reduced documentation HELOCs. These loans have historically experienced low delinquency and default rates.

The Company’s total loan portfolio includes originated and purchased loans. Originated and purchased loans, for which there was no evidence of credit deterioration at their acquisition date, are referred to collectively as non-PCInon-purchased credit impaired (“non-PCI”) loans. Acquired loans for which there was, at the acquisition date, evidence of credit deterioration are referred to as PCI loans. PCI loans are recorded net of ASC 310-30 discount and totaled $642.4 million and $970.8 million, and $1.32 billionrespectively, as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014, respectively.2015. For additional details regarding PCI loans, please see Note 87 — Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Lossesto the Consolidated Financial Statements.


41The Company’s overseas offices include the branch in Hong Kong and the subsidiary bank in China. As of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, loans held in the Hong Kong branch totaled $733.3 million, $694.6 million and $423.4 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, loans held in the subsidiary bank in China totaled $425.3 million, $356.5 million and $271.8 million, respectively. These overseas loans are largely comprised of C&I loans to cross-border or trade finance companies. In total, these loans represent approximately 3%, 3% and 2% of total consolidated assets as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These loans are included in the total loan portfolio table.




When a determination is made at the time of commitment to originate or purchase loans as held-for-investment, it is the Company’s intent to hold these loans to maturity or for the “foreseeable future,” subject to periodic review under the Company’s management evaluation processes, including asset/liability management. When the Company subsequently changes its intent to hold certain loans, the loans are transferred from the loans held-for-investment portfolio to the loans held-for-sale portfolio at the lower of cost or fair value. Transfers of loans held-for-investment to loans held-for-sale were $814.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. These loan transfers were comprised of C&I, multifamily residential and CRE loans. In comparison, $1.69 billion and $837.4 million of loans held-for-investment were transferred to loans held-for-sale during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These loan transfers were comprised primarily of single-family residential and C&I loans for the year ended December 31, 2015, and consumer and C&I loans for the year ended December 31, 2014. The Company recorded $1.9 million, $5.1 million and $5.2 million, respectively, in write-downs to the allowance for loan losses related to loans transferred from loans held-for-investment to loans held-for-sale for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company sold or securitized $571.3 million in originated loans, which were primarily comprised of $262.9 million of multifamily loans, $175.1 million of C&I loans and $115.2 million of CRE loans, resulting in net gains of $11.5 million. During the same period, the Company also recorded $1.1 million in net gains and $641 thousand in mortgage servicing rights, and retained $160.1 million of the senior tranche of the resulting securities from the securitization of $201.7 million of multifamily residential loans. In comparison, during the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company sold $1.04 billion in originated loans, which were primarily comprised of $907.4 million of single-family residential loans and $127.7 million of C&I loans, resulting in net gains of $26.1 million. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company sold $68.1 million in originated loans, which were primarily comprised of $67.0 million of C&I loans, resulting in net gains of $7.2 million. Excluding the impact of the $571.3 million in originated loans sold and securitized, organic loan growth during the year ended December 31, 2016 was $2.43 billion or 10%.

From time to time, the Company purchases and sells loans in the secondary market. The Company purchased approximately $1.14 billion, $282.4 million and $865.2 million of loans during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The increase in the loans purchased in 2016, compared to 2015, was primarily due to the purchase of single-family residential loans that were made to low-to-moderate income borrowers. Other loan purchases were largely made within the Company’s syndicated loan portfolio, which is discussed above. Certain purchased loans were transferred from loans held-for-investment to loans held-for-sale and a write-down to allowance for loan losses was recorded, where appropriate. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company sold $259.1 million of loans in the secondary market at net gains of $188 thousand. In comparison, the Company sold $661.9 million and $1.02 billion, respectively, of loans in the secondary market during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, resulting in net gains of $1.7 million and $31.9 million, respectively, during the same periods.

For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company recorded valuation adjustments of $5.6 million and $3.0 million, respectively, in Net gains on sales of loans on the Consolidated Statements of Income to carry the loans held-for-sale portfolio at the lower of cost or fair value. No such valuation adjustment was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2014.

The following table shows the contractual loan maturities by loan segments:
($ in thousands) 
Within
One Year
 
After One
But Within
Five Years
 
More Than
Five Years
 Total 
Within
One Year
 
After One
But Within
Five Years
 
More Than
Five Years
 Total
CRE $882,751
 $3,036,903
 $4,191,095
 $8,110,749
 $1,031,625
 $3,084,306
 $4,574,932
 $8,690,863
C&I 4,382,593
 2,974,739
 1,645,675
 9,003,007
 3,402,510
 4,569,628
 1,668,425
 9,640,563
Residential 75,221
 287,570
 4,227,123
 4,589,914
 73,965
 307,548
 4,714,205
 5,095,718
Consumer 42,070
 163,852
 1,750,169
 1,956,091
 56,341
 203,963
 1,815,691
 2,075,995
Total loans (1)
 $5,382,635
 $6,463,064
 $11,814,062
 $23,659,761
 $4,564,441
 $8,165,445
 $12,773,253
 $25,503,139
                
Distribution of loans to changes in interest rates:                
Fixed rate loans $550,287
 $692,988
 $614,031
 $1,857,306
 $541,958
 $592,646
 $1,149,020
 $2,283,624
Variable rate loans 4,753,420
 5,507,715
 7,770,189
 18,031,324
 3,957,753
 7,374,838
 8,059,541
 19,392,132
Hybrid adjustable-rate loans 78,928
 262,361
 3,429,842
 3,771,131
 64,730
 197,961
 3,564,692
 3,827,383
Total loans (1)
 $5,382,635
 $6,463,064
 $11,814,062
 $23,659,761
 $4,564,441
 $8,165,445
 $12,773,253
 $25,503,139
(1)Loans net of ASC 310-30 discount.



Non-PCI Nonperforming Assets
 
Non-PCI nonperforming assets are comprised of nonaccrual loans and OREO, net. Loans are placed on nonaccrual status when they become 90 days past due or when the full collection of principal or interest becomes uncertain regardless of the length of past due status. The following table presents information regarding non-PCI nonperforming assets and restructured loansperforming troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) as of the dates indicated:
($ in thousands) December 31, December 31,
2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012
Nonaccrual loans $121,369
 $100,262
 $129,315
 $135,490
 $164,551
 $122,817
 $121,698
 $100,262
 $129,315
 $135,490
OREO, net 7,034
 32,111
 40,273
 59,719
 92,974
 6,745
 7,034
 32,111
 40,273
 59,719
Total nonperforming assets $128,403
 $132,373
 $169,588
 $195,209
 $257,525
 $129,562
 $128,732
 $132,373
 $169,588
 $195,209
Performing troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) loans $43,575
 $68,338
 $71,826
 $94,580
 $99,603
Performing TDRs $83,238
 $43,743
 $68,338
 $71,826
 $94,580
Non-PCI nonperforming assets to total assets 0.40% 0.46% 0.69% 0.87% 1.17% 0.37% 0.40% 0.46% 0.69% 0.87%
Non-PCI nonaccrual loans to total loans held-for-investment 0.51% 0.46% 0.72% 0.91% 1.16%
Non-PCI nonaccrual loans to loans held-for-investment 0.48% 0.51% 0.46% 0.72% 0.91%
Allowance for loan losses to non-PCI nonaccrual loans 218.31% 261.00% 193.08% 173.10% 131.58% 212.12% 217.72% 261.00% 193.08% 173.10%

Typically, changes to nonaccrual loans period-over-period represent inflows for loans that are placed on nonaccrual status in accordance with the Company’s accounting policy, offset by reductions for loans that are paid down, charged off, sold, foreclosed, or are no longer classified as nonaccrual as a result of continued performance and an improvement in the borrower’s financial condition and loan repayment capabilities. Reductions can also comeNonaccrual loans increased slightly to $122.8 million as of December 31, 2016 from borrower repayments even if the loan remains on nonaccrual.$121.7 million as of December 31, 2015. Nonaccrual loans increased by $21.1$21.4 million or 21% from $100.3 million as of December 31, 2014 to $121.4$121.7 million as of December 31, 2015. The overall increase in nonaccrual loans was largely2015, mainly due to three TDR commercial loans and one commercial loan where payments are current but was placed on nonaccrual status during 2015 due to future cash flow concerns. This increase was partially offset by payoffs and principal paydowns in 2015. Nonaccrual loans decreased by $29.1 million or 22% from $129.3 million as of December 31, 2013 to $100.3 million as of December 31, 2014. The decrease in nonaccrual loans during the year ended December 31, 2014 was mainly due to payoffs and paydowns.

As of December 31, 2015, $69.22016, $78.8 million or 57%64% of the $121.4$122.8 million non-PCI nonaccrual loans consisted of loans which were less than 90 days past due. In comparison, approximately $41.8$69.3 million or 42%57% of the $100.3$121.7 million non-PCI nonaccrual loans consisted of loans which were less than 90 days past due as of December 31, 2014.2015. For additional details regarding the Company’s non-PCI nonaccrual loans policy, please see Note 1Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


42



TDRs may be designated as performing or nonperforming. A TDR may be designated as performing, if the loan has demonstrated sustained performance under the modified terms. The period of sustained performance may include the periods prior to modification if prior performance has met or exceeded the modified terms. A loan will remain on nonaccrual status until the borrower demonstrates a sustained period of performance, generally six consecutive months of payments.

The following table presents the accruingperforming and nonaccruing TDR loansnonperforming TDRs by loan segments as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014:2015:


($ in thousands)
 December 31, December 31,
2015 2014 2016 2015
 Performing TDR Nonperforming TDR Performing TDR Nonperforming TDR


($ in thousands)
Performing
TDRs
 
Nonperforming
TDRs
 
Performing
TDRs
 
Nonperforming
TDRs
 $11,470
 $8,310
 $28,364
 $8,239
 $20,145
 $14,446
 $11,530
 $8,333
 17,095
 34,285
 16,227
 5,413
 44,363
 23,771
 17,205
 34,240
Residential 13,770
 10,508
 22,488
 7,008
 17,178
 717
 13,766
 10,522
Consumer 1,240
 
 1,259
 
 1,552
 49
 1,242
 
Total $43,575
 $53,103
 $68,338
 $20,660
Total TDRs $83,238
 $38,983
 $43,743
 $53,095

The $24.8Performing TDRs increased $39.5 million decrease in the performing TDR loans balanceor 90% to $43.6$83.2 million as of December 31, 2015 was2016, primarily due to paydowns of CRE loans and residential performing TDR loans and the classification of one CRE loan and one residential TDR loan from performingthree C&I loans becoming TDRs in 2016. Nonperforming TDRs decreased $14.1 million or 27% to nonperforming in 2015. The $32.4$39.0 million increase in the nonperforming TDR loans balance wasas of December 31, 2016, primarily due to three TDR commercialthe charge-offs of two C&I loans as previously discussed.and payoff of one residential loan.
    


Impaired loans exclude the homogeneous consumer loan portfolio which is evaluated collectively for impairment. The Company’s impaired loans include predominantly include non-PCI loans held-for-investment on nonaccrual status and any non-PCI loans modified inas a TDR, on botheither accrual andor nonaccrual status. Please seeSee Note 1Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the Company’s TDRTDRs and impaired loan policies. As of December 31, 2015,2016, the allowance for loan losses included $20.3$12.7 million for impaired loans with a total recorded balance of $85.8$84.1 million. As of December 31, 2014,In comparison, the allowance for loan losses included $19.5$20.4 million for impaired loans with a total recorded balance of $71.7 million.$86.2 million as of December 31, 2015.
 
The following table presents information regardingthe recorded investment balances for non-PCI impaired loans as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014:2015:
($ in thousands) December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015
Amount Percent Amount Percent Amount Percent Amount Percent
CRE:                
Income producing $40,067
 24% $51,141
 31% $46,508
 23% $40,216
 24%
Construction 14
 % 6,913
 4% 
 % 14
 %
Land 1,315
 1% 8,460
 5% 5,870
 3% 1,345
 1%
Total CRE impaired loans 41,396
 25% 66,514
 40% 52,378
 26% 41,575
 25%
C&I:                
Commercial business 71,156
 43% 38,440
 23% 120,453
 58% 71,399
 43%
Trade finance 10,675
 7% 6,705
 4% 5,166
 2% 10,689
 7%
Total C&I impaired loans 81,831
 50% 45,145
 27% 125,619
 60% 82,088
 50%
Residential:                
Single-family 15,012
 9% 17,401
 11% 14,335
 7% 15,042
 9%
Multifamily 23,727
 15% 34,413
 21% 10,041
 5% 23,751
 15%
Total residential impaired loans 38,739
 24% 51,814
 32% 24,376
 12% 38,793
 24%
Consumer 1,240
 1% 1,259
 1% 3,682
 2% 1,242
 1%
Total gross impaired loans $163,206
 100%
$164,732
 100%
Total impaired loans $206,055
 100%
$163,698
 100%
 

43



Allowance for Credit Losses
 
Allowance for credit losses consists of allowance for loan losses and allowance for unfunded credit reserves. Unfunded credit reserves include reserves provided for unfunded lending commitments, unissuedissued commercial letters of credit and standby letters of credit (“SBLCs”) and recourse obligations for loans sold. The allowance for credit losses is increased by the provision for credit losses which is charged against current period operating results, and is increased or decreased by the amount of net recoveries or charge-offs, respectively, during the period. The allowance for unfunded credit reserves is included in accruedAccrued expenses and other liabilities of on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Net adjustments to the allowance for unfunded credit reserves are included in the provisionProvision for credit losses.losses on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The Company is committed to maintaining the allowance for credit losses at a level that is commensurate with the estimated inherent loss in the loan portfolio, including unfunded credit reserves. In addition to regular quarterly reviews of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses, the Company performs an ongoing assessment of the risks inherent in the loan portfolio. While the Company believes that the allowance for loan losses is appropriate as of December 31, 2015,2016, future allowance levels may increase or decrease based on a variety of factors, including loan growth, portfolio performance and general economic conditions. For additional details on the Company’s allowance for credit losses, including the methodologies used, please see the Item 7. MD&A — Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates, section, Note 1Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 87 — Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses to the Consolidated Financial Statements.



The following table presents a summary of the activityactivities in the allowance for credit losses for the periods indicated:
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012
Allowance for loan losses, beginning of period $261,679
 $249,675
 $234,535
 $216,523
 $234,633
 $264,959
 $261,679
 $249,675
 $234,535
 $216,523
Provision for loan losses 6,569
 47,583
 20,207
 66,747
 93,958
 31,718
 6,569
 47,583
 20,207
 66,747
Gross charge-offs:                    
CRE (1,545) (3,660) (3,737) (28,595) (78,803) (581) (1,545) (3,660) (3,737) (28,595)
C&I (20,423) (39,984) (8,461) (26,792) (30,606) (47,739) (20,423) (39,984) (8,461) (26,792)
Residential (1,686) (1,103) (3,197) (7,700) (13,323) (166) (1,686) (1,103) (3,197) (7,700)
Consumer (600) (5,871) (2,385) (1,825) (1,959) (22) (600) (5,871) (2,385) (1,825)
Total gross charge-offs (24,254) (50,618) (17,780) (64,912) (124,691) (48,508) (24,254) (50,618) (17,780) (64,912)
Gross recoveries:                    
CRE 7,135
 1,982
 4,793
 9,482
 4,691
 1,691
 7,135
 1,982
 4,793
 9,482
C&I 8,782
 10,198
 4,392
 4,970
 7,041
 8,453
 8,782
 10,198
 4,392
 4,970
Residential 4,621
 2,410
 2,004
 1,614
 596
 1,877
 4,621
 2,410
 2,004
 1,614
Consumer 427
 449
 1,524
 111
 295
 330
 427
 449
 1,524
 111
Total gross recoveries 20,965
 15,039
 12,713
 16,177
 12,623
 12,351
 20,965
 15,039
 12,713
 16,177
Net charge-offs (3,289) (35,579) (5,067) (48,735) (112,068) (36,157) (3,289) (35,579) (5,067) (48,735)
Allowance for loan losses, end of period 264,959
 261,679
 249,675
 234,535
 216,523
 260,520
 264,959
 261,679
 249,675
 234,535
                    
Allowance for unfunded credit reserves, beginning of period 12,712
 11,282
 9,437
 11,000
 9,952
 20,360
 12,712
 11,282
 9,437
 11,000
Provision for (reversal of) unfunded credit reserves 7,648
 1,575
 2,157
 (1,563) 1,048
Charge-offs (recoveries) 
 145
 (312) 
 
(Reversal of) provision for unfunded credit reserves (4,239) 7,648
 1,575
 2,157
 (1,563)
Recoveries 
 
 (145) (312) 
Allowance for unfunded credit reserves, end of period 20,360
 $12,712
 $11,282
 $9,437
 $11,000
 $16,121
 $20,360
 $12,712
 $11,282
 $9,437
Allowance for credit losses $285,319
 $274,391
 $260,957
 $243,972
 $227,523
 $276,641
 $285,319
 $274,391
 $260,957
 $243,972
                    
Average loans held-for-investment $22,146,442
 $20,105,856
 $16,055,008
 $14,276,729
 $13,806,116
 $24,223,535
 $22,140,443
 $20,093,921
 $16,030,030
 $14,260,797
Loans held-for-investment $23,659,761
 $21,727,145
 $17,873,960
 $14,899,621
 $14,218,215
 $25,503,139
 $23,643,748
 $21,729,949
 $17,850,288
 $14,880,320
Net charge-offs to average loans held-for-investment 0.01% 0.18% 0.03% 0.34% 0.81% 0.15% 0.01% 0.18% 0.03% 0.34%
Allowance for loan losses to loans held-for-investment 1.12% 1.20% 1.40% 1.57% 1.52% 1.02% 1.12% 1.20% 1.40% 1.58%
Allowance for credit losses to loans held-for-investment 1.21% 1.26% 1.46% 1.64% 1.60% 1.08% 1.21% 1.26% 1.46% 1.64%


44



The increasegenerally increasing trend in the allowance for loan losses over the five years, presented above, was primarilylargely due to the overall growth in the loan portfolio. Along with the growth in loans, the credit quality of loans has improved over the years, with the allowance for loan losses to loans held-for-investment ratio showing a decreasing trend. Provision for credit losses includes provision for loan losses and unfunded credit reserves. Provision for credit losses are charged to income to bring the allowance for credit losses to a level deemed appropriate by the Company based on the factors described above. The fluctuation in the provision for credit losses is highly dependent on the historical loss rates trend along with the net charge-offs experienced during the period. The increase in provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015 was reflective of the higher charge-offs and the overall loan portfolio growth. In contrast, the decrease in provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014 was primarily due to an overall improvement in the historical loss rate,rates, partially offset by the growth in the loan portfolio. The increase in net charge-offs for the allowance for unfunded credit reserves duringyear ended December 31, 2016 compared to the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 was primarily dueattributable to four larger C&I loans totaling $29.4 million in unrelated industries that had been placed on nonaccrual status before the increase in the volume of unfunded lending commitments and unissued standby letters of credit.charge-off.



 The following table presents the Company’s allocation of the allowance for loan losses by segment and the ratio of each loan segment to total loans as of the dates indicated:
($ in thousands) December 31, December 31,
2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012
Allowance Allocation % of Total Loans Allowance Allocation % of Total Loans Allowance Allocation % of Total Loans Allowance Allocation % of Total Loans Allowance Allocation % of Total Loans
Allowance
Allocation
 
% of
Total
Loans
 Allowance
Allocation
 % of
Total
Loans
 Allowance
Allocation
 % of
Total
Loans
 Allowance
Allocation
 % of
Total
Loans
 Allowance
Allocation
 % of
Total
Loans
CRE $81,538
 35% $72,977
 31% $72,111
 32% $72,385
 36% $70,426
 40% $72,916
 34% $81,538
 35% $72,977
 31% $72,111
 32% $72,385
 36%
C&I 134,606
 38% 134,598
 37% 115,496
 32% 107,719
 32% 89,455
 27% 142,167
 38% 134,606
 38% 134,598
 37% 115,496
 32% 107,719
 32%
Residential 39,295
 19% 43,856
 25% 50,716
 27% 49,436
 27% 52,250
 28% 37,338
 20% 39,295
 19% 43,856
 25% 50,716
 27% 49,436
 27%
Consumer 9,520
 8% 10,248
 7% 11,352
 9% 4,995
 5% 4,392
 5% 8,099
 8% 9,520
 8% 10,248
 7% 11,352
 9% 4,995
 5%
Total $264,959
 100% $261,679
 100% $249,675
 100% $234,535
 100% $216,523
 100% $260,520
 100% $264,959
 100% $261,679
 100% $249,675
 100% $234,535
 100%

The Company maintains an allowance on non-PCI and PCI loans. Based on the Company’s estimates of cash flows expected to be collected, an allowance for the PCI loans is established, with a charge to income through the provision for loan losses.  PCI loan losses are estimated collectively for groups of loans with similar characteristics. As of December 31, 2015,2016, the Company has established an allowance of $118 thousand on $642.4 million of PCI loans. In comparison, an allowance of $359 thousand was established on $970.8 million of PCI loans. Asloans as of December 31, 2014, an allowance of $714 thousand was established on $1.32 billion of PCI loans.2015. The allowance balances for both periods were attributed mainly to the PCI CRE loans.

Deposits
 
Deposits are the primary source of funding of the Company. The Company offers a wide variety of deposit account products to both consumer and commercial customers. As of December 31, 2015,2016, total deposits grew to a record of $27.48 billion, an increase of $3.47increased by $2.42 billion or 14% from $24.019% to $29.89 billion, compared to $27.48 billion as of December 31, 2014.2015. This increase was mainly attributable to robust growth in core deposits. Core deposits totaled $24.28 billion as of December 31, 2016, an increase of $3.42 billion or 16% from $20.86 billion as of December 31, 2015, an increase of $2.96 billion or 17% from $17.90 billion as of December 31, 2014.2015. Core deposits grew largely due to increases of $1.28$1.53 billion or 17%18% in noninterest-bearing demand deposits, $790.7$1.24 billion or 18% in money market accounts, and $647.6 million or 31%12% in interest-bearing checking deposits and $614.8 million or 10% in money market accounts. All deposit categories grew in 2015, including time deposits which increased $504.2 million or 8% from $6.11 billion assavings deposits. As of December 31, 2014 to2016 and 2015, core deposits comprised 81% and 76% of the total deposits, respectively, reflecting the continued investments in deposit products and capabilities as well as the strengthening of the Company’s deposit mix.

The increase in core deposits was offset by a decrease in time deposits of $1.00 billion or 15% from $6.62 billion as of December 31, 2015.
Public deposits increased $1.29 billion or 75%2015 to $3.01$5.62 billion as of December 31, 2015, from $1.72 billion as of December 31, 2014 mainly2016, largely due to increasesa decrease in certificates of deposit, money market deposits and interest-bearing checkingpublic time deposits. A majority of the public deposits as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are with agencies located in California, Illinois, and Texas.

45



Domestic time deposits of $100,000 or more were $4.72totaled $3.77 billion, representing 17%13% of the total deposit portfolio as of December 31, 2015.2016. These accounts had a weighted average interest rate of 0.67%0.70% as of December 31, 2015.2016. The following table presents the maturity distribution of domestic time deposits of $100,000 or more: 
($ in thousands) December 31, 2015 December 31, 2016
3 months or less $1,632,697
 $1,240,380
Over 3 months through 6 months 913,768
 695,096
Over 6 months through 12 months 1,139,297
 1,104,441
Over 12 months 1,038,413
 725,634
Total $4,724,175
 $3,765,551

Borrowings
 
The Company utilizes short-term and long-term borrowings to manage its liquidity position. Borrowings include short-term andborrowings, long-term FHLB advances and repurchase agreements.
During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company’s subsidiary, East West Bank (China) Limited, entered into short-term borrowings totaling $60.1 million with interest rates ranging from 2.80% to 3.27%, maturing in 2017.



Selected information for short-term borrowings is as follows:
     
($ in thousands) 2016 2015 2014
Year-end balance $60,050
 $
 $
Weighted average rate on outstandings at year-end 3.01% % %
Highest month-end balance $60,050
 $23,269
 $
Average amount outstanding $25,560
 $4,776
 $
Weighted average rate 2.84% 2.37% %
       

FHLB advances increaseddecreased by $702.2$697.8 million to $321.6 million as of December 31, 2016 from $1.02 billion as of December 31, 2015 from $317.2 million as of December 31, 2014.2015. The increasedecrease was primarily due to the repayment of short-term FHLB advances of $700.0 million entered during the fourth quarter of 2015 to improve the Company’s liquidity and available cash, which matured in February 2016. As of December 31, 2015,2016, FHLB advances excluding the short-term advances of $700.0 million, had floating interest rates ranging from 0.56%0.92% to 0.80%1.27% with remaining maturities between 3.122.12 to 6.865.86 years.
 
Gross repurchase agreements totaled $450.0 million as of both December 31, 2016 and 2015. Resale and repurchase agreements are reported net pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”)ASC 210-20-45, Balance Sheet Offsetting. Please see OffsettingNote 5 Securities Purchased Under Resale Agreements and Sold Under Repurchase Agreements to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details. As. Net repurchase agreements totaled $350.0 million as of December 31, 2015,2016, resulting from $100.0 million of gross repurchase agreements that were eligible for netting against resale agreements. In comparison, all $450.0 million of gross repurchase agreements were eligible for netting against resale agreements, resulting in no repurchase agreements’ balances reported. As of December 31, 2014, $200.0 million out of $995.0 million of grossnet repurchase agreements were eligible for netting against resale agreements, resulting in a net $795.0 million of repurchase agreements reported. The $795.0 million decrease was mainly due to the extinguishment of $545.0 million of repurchase agreements that resulted in $21.8 million in extinguishment expenses in 2015, and an additional $250.0 million of resale agreements that were eligible for netting against existing repurchase agreementsreported as of December 31, 2015. GrossAs of December 31, 2016, gross repurchase agreements outstanding as of December 31, 2015 had interest rates ranging from 2.56%3.11% to 2.68%3.18% and original terms ranging between 10.0 years and 16.5 years. The remaining maturity terms of the repurchase agreements range between seven5.8 and eight6.7 years.

Repurchase agreements are accounted for as collateralized financing transactions and recorded at the balances at which the securities were sold. The collateral for these agreements wereare primarily comprised of U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities, U.S. Treasury securities, and U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities. To ensure that the market value of the underlying collateral remains sufficient, the Company monitors the fair value of collateral pledged relative to the principal amounts borrowed under repurchase agreements. The Company manages liquidity risks related to the repurchase agreements by sourcing funding from a diverse group of counterparties and mortgage-backed securities.entering into repurchase agreements with longer durations, when appropriate. For additional details, see Note 4 Securities Purchased Under Resale Agreements and Sold Under Repurchase Agreements to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Long-Term Debt
 
The Company uses long-term debt to provide funding to acquire earning assets and enhance liquidity. Long-term debt, consistingwhich consists of junior subordinated debt and a term loan, decreased $19.7$19.8 million or 9%10% from $225.8 million as of December 31, 2014 to $206.1 million as of December 31, 2015.2015 to $186.3 million as of December 31, 2016.  The decrease was primarily due to paymentsthe quarterly repayment on the term loan, totaling $20.0 million onduring the term loan.year ended December 31, 2016.

The junior subordinated debt was issued in connection with the Company’s various pooled trust preferred securities offerings. Junior subordinated debt is recorded as a component of long-term debt and considersincludes the value of the common stock issued by the Trusts to the Companysix wholly-owned subsidiaries in conjunction with these transactions. The junior subordinated debt totaled $146.3 million and $146.1 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, compared to $145.8 million as of December 31, 2014.respectively. The junior subordinated debt outstanding had a weighted average interest rate of 1.89%2.28% and 1.82%1.89% for the years ended December 31, 20152016 and 2014,2015, respectively, and remaining maturity terms of 1918 years to 2221 years as of December 31, 2015. Although2016. Beginning in 2016, trust preferred securities remain qualified at December 31, 2015no longer qualify as Tier I capital and are limited to Tier II capital for regulatory purposes, (at adjusted percentages of 25% and 75%, respectively), they will be limited to Tier II capital beginning in 2016 based on the Basel III Capital Rules as discussed inRules. For further discussion, see Item 1. Business — Supervision and Regulation — Capital Requirements.


46



In 2013, the Company entered into a $100.0 million three-year term loan agreement. The terms of the agreement were modified in 2015 to extend the term loan maturity from July 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018, where principal repayments of $5.0 million are due quarterly. The term loan bears interest at the rate of the three-month London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”)LIBOR plus 150 basis points and the weighted average interest rate was 1.83%2.24% and 1.76%1.83% for the years ended December 31, 20152016 and 2014,2015, respectively. The outstanding balance of the term loan was $60.0$40.0 million and $80.0$60.0 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. For additional details, see Note 11 FHLB Advances and 2014, respectively.Long-Term Debt to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 


Related Party Transactions

In the ordinary course of business, the Company may enter into transactions with various related parties. The Company’s relatedRelated party transactions were not material for the years ended December 31, 20152016 and 2014.2015.

Capital
 
The Company maintains an adequate capital base to support its anticipated asset growth, operating needs and credit risks and to ensure that East West and the Bank are in compliance with all regulatory capital guidelines. The Company engages in regular capital planning processes to optimize the use of available capital and to appropriately plan for future capital needs. The capital plan considers capital needs for the foreseeable future and allocates capital to both existing and future business activities. In addition, the Company conducts capital stress tests as part of its annual capital planning process. The stress tests enable the Company to assess the impact of adverse changes in the economy and interest rates on its capital base.

The Company’s stockholders’ equity increased $304.8 million or 10% to $3.43 billion as of December 31, 2016, compared to $3.12 billion as of December 31, 2015. The Company’s primary source of capital is the retention of its operating earnings. Retained earnings increased $268.5$315.1 million or 17% to $2.19 billion as of December 31, 2016, compared to $1.87 billion as of December 31, 2015, compared to $1.60 billion as of December 31, 2014.2015. The increase was primarily due to net income of $384.7$431.7 million, reduced by $116.2$116.6 million of common stock dividends. Total stockholders’ equitydividends declared during the year ended December 31, 2016. In addition, common stock and additional paid-in capital increased $266.8$26.1 million or 9% to $3.12 billion as of December 31, 2015, compared to $2.86 billion as of December 31, 2014. The increase was2% primarily due to the $268.5activity in employee stock compensation plans. For other factors that contributed to the change in stockholders’ equity, refer to the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity.

Book value was $23.78 per common share based on 144.2 million increase in retained earnings, as discussed earlier,common shares outstanding at December 31, 2016, compared to $21.70 per common share based on 143.9 million common shares outstanding at December 31, 2015. The Company made a quarterly dividend payment of $0.20 per common share during the years ended December 31, 2016 and a $19.8 million increase in restricted stock unit activities, partially offset by the $6.0 million repurchase of 147,295 treasury shares related to shares withheld from employees’ vested restricted stock units for income tax withholdings.2015.

Regulatory Capital and Ratios
    
As discussed inThe federal banking agencies have risk-based capital adequacy guidelines that are designed to reflect the degree of risk associated with a banking organization’s operations and transactions. The guidelines cover transactions that are reported on the balance sheet as well as those recorded as off-balance sheet items. In 2013, the Federal Reserve Board, FDIC, and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency issued the final Basel III Capital Rules establishing a new comprehensive capital framework for strengthening international capital standards as well as implementing certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. See Item 1. Business — Supervision and Regulation — Capital Requirements, thefor additional details. The Basel III Capital Rules became effective for the Company and the Bank on January 1, 2015 (subject to phase-in periods for certain of their components).

The Basel III Capital Rules require that banking organizations maintain a minimum common equity Tier 1 (“CET1”)CET1 ratio of 4.5%, a Tier 1I capital ratio of 6.0%, and a total capital ratio of 8.0%. Moreover, beginning in 2016, the rules willthat require banking organizations to maintain a capital conservation buffer of 2.5% above the capital minimums, are being phased-in over four years.years beginning in 2016. When fully phased-in in 2019, the banking organizations will be required to maintain a CET1 capital ratio of at least 7.0%, a Tier 1I capital ratio of at least 8.5%, and a total capital ratio of at least 10.5% to avoid limitations on capital distributions (including common stock dividends and share repurchases) and certain discretionary incentive compensation payments.
    

47




The Company is committed to maintaining capital at a level sufficient to assure the Company’s stockholders, customers and regulators that the Company and the Bank are financially sound. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, both the Company and the Bank were considered “well capitalized,” and met all capital requirements on a fully phased-in basis under the Basel III Capital Rules. The following tables presenttable presents the Company’s and the Bank’s capital ratios as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and 2014 under the Basel III and the 1988 capital accord (“Basel I”) capital rules, respectively,Capital Rules and those required by regulatory agencies for capital adequacy and well-capitalizedwell capitalized classification purposes. Both the Company and the Bank met all capital requirements under the Basel III Capital Rules on a fully phased-in basis.purposes:
   
December 31, 2015 Basel III Capital Rules
 East West 
East West
Bank
 
Minimum
Regulatory
Requirements
 
Well-
Capitalized
Requirements
 Fully Phased-in Minimum Regulatory Requirement
CET1 risk-based capital 10.5% 11.0% 4.5% 6.5% 7.0%
Tier 1 risk-based capital 10.7% 11.0% 6.0% 8.0% 8.5%
Total risk-based capital 12.2% 12.1% 8.0% 10.0% 10.5%
Tier 1 leverage capital 8.5% 8.8% 4.0% 5.0% 5.0%
   
   
December 31, 2014 Basel I Capital Rules
 East West East West
Bank
 Minimum
Regulatory
Requirements
 Well-
Capitalized
Requirements
 Fully Phased-in Minimum Regulatory Requirement
CET1 risk-based capital N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 7.0%
Tier 1 risk-based capital 11.0% 10.6% 4.0% 6.0% 8.5%
Total risk-based capital 12.6% 11.8% 8.0% 10.0% 10.5%
Tier 1 leverage capital 8.4% 8.2% 4.0% 5.0% 5.0%
   
   
  Basel III Capital Rules
  December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 
Minimum
Regulatory
Requirements
 
Well
Capitalized
Requirements
 
Fully Phased-
in Minimum
Regulatory
Requirements
  Company 
East
West
Bank
 Company 
East
West
Bank
   
CET1 risk-based capital 10.9% 11.3% 10.5% 11.0% 4.5% 6.5% 7.0%
Tier I risk-based capital 10.9% 11.3% 10.7% 11.0% 6.0% 8.0% 8.5%
Total risk-based capital 12.4% 12.3% 12.2% 12.1% 8.0% 10.0% 10.5%
Tier I leverage capital 8.7% 9.1% 8.5% 8.8% 4.0% 5.0% 4.0%
   

The changes from the Basel III Capital Rules, along with the growth inon the Company’s balance sheet,Consolidated Balance Sheets contributed to the $3.30$2.13 billion or 15%8% increase in risk weighted assetsweighted-assets from $21.93 billion as of December 31, 2014 to $25.23 billion as of December 31, 2015. With the expiration2015 to $27.36 billion as of the shared-loss coverage for UCB and WFIB commercial loans and the termination of the shared-loss agreements on UCB and WFIB residential loans in 2015, the risk weighting for the majority of the UCB and WFIB acquired loans have increased from 20% to 100%.December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2015,2016, the Company’s CET1 risk-based capital, Tier 1I risk-based capital, total risk-based capital ratios and Tier 1I leverage capital ratios were 10.5%10.9%, 10.7%10.9%, 12.2%12.4% and 8.5%8.7%, respectively, well above the well-capitalized requirements of 6.5%, 8.0%, 10.0% and 5.0%, respectively.


48



Regulatory Matters

The Bank entered into a Written Agreement dated November 9, 2015, with the FRB to correct less than satisfactory BSA and AML programs detailed in a joint examination by the FRB and the DBO. The Bank also entered into a related MOU with the DBO. The Written Agreement, among other things, requires the Bank to:

within 60 days of the Written Agreement, submit a written plan to strengthen the Board’s oversight of the Bank’s compliance with the applicable laws, rules and regulations relating to AML, including compliance with the BSA, the rules and regulations issued thereunder by the U.S. Department of Treasury, and the AML requirements of Regulation H of the Board of Governors (collectively, “BSA/AML Requirements”);
within 60 days of the Written Agreement, submit a written revised program for compliance with all applicable BSA/AML Requirements, which, at a minimum, will include, among other things, a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with all applicable BSA/AML Requirements and controls designed to ensure compliance with all applicable requirements relating to correspondent accounts for foreign financial institutions;
within 60 days of the Written Agreement, submit a written revised program for conducting appropriate levels of customer due diligence, including policies, procedures, and controls to ensure that the Bank collects, analyzes, and retains complete and accurate customer information for all account holders, including customers of the Bank’s foreign operations;
within 60 days of the Written Agreement, submit an enhanced written program to reasonably ensure the identification and timely, accurate and complete reporting by the Bank of all known or suspected violations of law or suspicious transactions to law enforcement and supervisory authorities as required by applicable suspicious activity reporting laws and regulations;
within 60 days of the Written Agreement, submit a written plan to the FRB for the full installation, testing, and activation of an effective automated transaction monitoring system to reasonably ensure the identification and timely, accurate, and complete reporting by the Bank of all known or suspected violations of law or suspicious transactions to law enforcement and supervisory authorities;
within 30 days following completion of the customer account remediation required by the Written Agreement, engage an independent consultant to conduct a review of, and prepare a report detailing findings relating to, account and transaction activity associated with any high risk customer accounts during a six-month period in 2014 to determine whether suspicious activity involving high risk customer accounts or transactions was properly identified and reported; and
within 60 days of the Written Agreement, submit a plan to enhance the Bank’s compliance with Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”)OFAC Regulations, including enhanced OFAC screening procedures and an improved methodology for assessing OFAC risks.



We believe the Bank is making progress in executing the compliance plans and programs required by the Written Agreement and MOU, although there can be no assurances that our plans and progress will be found to be satisfactory by our regulators. As a result,To date, the Bank has added significant resources to meet the monitoring and reporting obligations imposed by the Written Agreement and will continue to require significant management and third party consultant resources to comply with the Written Agreement and MOU and to address any additional findings or recommendations by the regulators. The Bank has already added significant resources to meet the monitoring and reporting obligations imposed by the Written Agreement. The Bank expects theseThese incremental administrative and third party costs, as well as the operational restrictions imposed by the Written Agreement, tomay adversely affect the Bank’s results of operations.

If additional compliance issues are identified or if the regulators determine that the Bank has not satisfactorily complied with the terms of the Written Agreement, the regulators could take further actions with respect to the Bank and, if such further actions were taken, such actions could have a material adverse effect on the Bank. The operating and other conditions of the Written Agreement could lead to an increased risk of being subject to additional regulatory actions by the DBO and FRB or other government agencies, as well as additional actions resulting from future regular annual safety and soundness and compliance examinations by the federal and state regulators that downgrade the regulatory ratings of the Bank.


49



Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations
 
In the course of the Company’s business, the Company may enter into or be a party to transactions that are not recorded on the balance sheet and are considered to be off-balance sheet arrangements. Off-balance sheet arrangements are any contractual arrangements whereby an unconsolidated entity is a party, under which the Company has: (1) any obligation under a guarantee contract; (2) a retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity or similar arrangement that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to that entity for such assets; (3) any obligation under certain derivative instruments; or (4) any obligation under a material variable interest held by the Company in an unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit risk support to the Company, or engages in leasing, hedging or research and development services with the Company.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As a financial service provider, the Company routinely enters into commitments to extend credit to customers, such as loan commitments, commercial letters of credit for foreign and domestic trade, SBLCs and financial guarantees. Many of these commitments to extend credit may expire without being drawn upon. The credit policies used in underwriting loans to customers are also used to extend these commitments. Under some of these contractual agreements, the Company may also have liabilities contingent upon the occurrence of certain events. The Company’s liquidity sources have been, and are expected to be, sufficient to meet the cash requirements of its lending activities. The following table summarizespresents the Company’s commitments, commercial letters of credit and SBLCs as of December 31, 2015:2016:
($ in thousands) Commitments
Outstanding
 Commitments
Outstanding
Loan commitments $3,370,271
 $5,077,869
Commercial letters of credit and SBLCs $1,293,547
 $1,525,613

 A discussion of significant contractual arrangements under which the Company may be held contingently liable is included in Note 1413 Commitments, Contingencies and Related Party Transactions to the Consolidated Financial Statements. In addition, the Company has commitments and obligations under post-retirement benefit plans as described in Note 1615 Employee Benefit Plans to the Consolidated Financial Statements.



Contractual Obligations
 
The following table presents the Company’s significant fixed and determinable contractual obligations, withinalong with the categories and payment dates described below as of December 31, 2015:2016:
($ in thousands)
Payment Due by Period
Payment Due by Period

Less than
1 year

1-3 years
3-5 years
After
5 years

Indeterminate
Maturity
(1)

Total
Less than
1 year

1-3 years
3-5 years
After
5 years

Indeterminate
Maturity
(1)

Total
Contractual Obligations

















Deposits (2)

$5,404,746
 $848,248
 $253,646
 $110,255
 $20,859,086

$27,475,981

$4,665,713
 $721,440
 $183,209
 $44,907
 $24,275,714

$29,890,983
FHLB advances (2)

700,000
 
 80,035
 239,389
 

1,019,424


 80,657
 
 240,986
 

321,643
Gross repurchase agreements (2)


 
 
 450,000
 

450,000


 
 
 450,000
 

450,000
Affordable housing partnership and other tax credit investment commitments
84,456
 55,128
 29,309
 5,828
 

174,721

96,390
 52,103
 20,674
 5,089
 

174,256
Long-term debt obligations (2)

20,000
 40,000
 
 146,084
 

206,084
Short-term borrowings (2)
 60,050
 
 
 
 
 60,050
Long-term debt (2)

20,000
 20,000
 
 146,327
 

186,327
Operating lease obligations (3)

28,042
 46,165
 32,820
 53,320
 

160,347

25,334
 40,936
 26,316
 31,571
 

124,157
Unrecognized tax liabilities(4)

 3,022
 5,862
 
 

8,884


 
 18,346
 
 

18,346
Projected cash payments for postretirement benefit plan
2,617
 629
 668
 8,563
 

12,477

310
 648
 688
 8,214
 

9,860
Total contractual obligations
$6,239,861

$993,192

$402,340

$1,013,439

$20,859,086

$29,507,918

$4,867,797

$915,784

$249,233

$927,094

$24,275,714

$31,235,622
(1)Includes deposits with no defined maturity, such as noninterest-bearing demand, interest-bearing checking, money-market and savingssaving accounts.
(2)AmountsBalances exclude contractual interest.
(3)Represents the Company’s lease obligations for all rental properties.
(4)Balance includes interest and penalties.


50



Asset Liability and Market Risk Management
 
Liquidity
 
Liquidity refers to the Company’s ability to meet its contractual and contingent financial obligations, on or off balanceoff-balance sheet, as they become due. The Company’s primary liquidity management objective is to provide sufficient funding for its businesses throughout market cycles and be able to manage both expected and unexpected cash flowsflow needs and requirements without adversely impacting the financial health of the Company. To achieve this objective, the Company analyzes its liquidity risk, maintains readily available liquid assets and accesses diverse funding sources including its stable core deposit base. The Company’s Asset/Liability Committee (“ALCO”) sets the liquidity guidelines that govern the day-to-day active management of the Company’s liquidity position. The ALCO regularly monitors the Company’s liquidity status and related management process,processes, and provides regular reports to the Board.

The Company maintains liquidity in the form of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investmentsinterest-bearing deposits with banks, and available-for-sale investment securities. These assets totaled $5.54 billion and $5.43 billion as of December 31, 2016 and $4.01 billion, which represented2015, respectively, accounting for 16% and 17% and 14% of total assets as of December 31, 20152016 and December 31, 2014,2015, respectively. Traditional forms of funding such as deposits and borrowings augment these liquid assets. Total deposits amounted to $29.89 billion as of December 31, 2016, compared to $27.48 billion as of December 31, 2015, compared to $24.01 billion as of December 31, 2014, of which core deposits comprised 76%81% and 75%76% of total deposits as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014,2015, respectively. As a means of augmenting the Company’s liquidity, the Company maintains available borrowing capacity under secured borrowing lines with the FHLB of San Francisco and the Federal Reserve Bank,FRB, unsecured federal funds’ lines of credit with various correspondent banks for purchase of overnight funds, and several master repurchase agreements with major brokerage companies. The Company’s available borrowing capacity with the FHLB of San Francisco and Federal Reserve BankFRB was $4.45$5.58 billion and $2.91$3.25 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2015.2016. The Bank’s unsecured federal funds’ lines of credit, subject to availability, was $683.0were $729.0 million with correspondent banks.banks as of December 31, 2016. The Company believes that its liquidity sources are sufficient to meet all reasonablereasonably foreseeable short-term and intermediate-term needs.
 


During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 and 2013, the Company experienced2014, net cash inflows from operating activities ofwas $641.9 million, $469.6 million and $392.9 million, respectively. The $172.2 million increase in net cash inflows from operating activities from $469.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 to $641.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 was primarily due to a $47.0 million increase in net income, a $133.0 million reduction in payments related to FDIC shared-loss agreements, a $138.3 million increase in cash inflows from accrued interest receivable and $425.8other assets, partially offset by a $126.1 million respectively.decrease in non-cash charges mainly due to lower deferred tax expenses. The $76.7 million increase in net cash inflows from operating activities from $392.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $469.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 was mainly due to a $38.8 million increase in net income, a $305.8$307.8 million increase in non-cash charges that increased net operating cash and a $55.4 million decreaseincrease in cash inflows from accrued expenses and other liabilities, partially offset by a $193.7 million decrease in net cash inflow from loans held for saleheld-for-sale and a $131.7 million increase in payments related to FDIC shared-loss agreements. The $305.8$307.8 million increase in non-cash charges between 2014 and 2015 was mainly due to higher deferred tax expenses. Net cash from operating activities decreased $32.9 million from $425.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 to $392.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, while net income increased $52.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 2013.  These differences were mainly due to $120.9 million, $96.1 million and $57.2 million increases in cash outflows related to accrued interest receivable and other assets, accrued expenses and other liabilities and payments related to FDIC shared-loss agreements, respectively, partially offset by $251.3 million increases in net cash inflow from loans held for sale.

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $1.79 billion, $3.63 billion $2.36 billion and $2.73$2.36 billion during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The $1.84 billion reduction in net cash used in investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 was primarily due to a $1.53 billion increase in net cash inflows from available-for-sale investment securities and 2013, respectively.a $575.0 million decrease in net cash outflows from resale agreements, partially offset by a $192.0 million increase in net cash outflows from loans held-for-investment. The $1.27 billion increase in net cash used in investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 was primarily due to $1.36 billion and $500.0 million increases in net cash outflows from available-for-sale investment securities and resale agreements, respectively, partially offset by a $722.3 million increase in net cash inflow from loans held-for-investment. The $375.0 million decrease in net cash used in investing activities, comparing December 31, 2014 and 2013, was primarily due to $427.4 million and $208.3 million increases in net cash inflowsoutflows from available-for-sale investment securities and loans held-for-investment, respectively, partially offset by a $275.0 million increase in cash outflow from resale agreements.held-for-investment.

During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 and 2013,2014, the Company experienced net cash inflows from financing activities of $1.68 billion, $3.49 billion $2.11 billion and $1.88$2.11 billion, respectively. Net cash inflowinflows from financing activities of $1.68 billion in 2016 were primarily comprised of a $2.45 billion net increase in deposits, partially offset by a $700.0 million repayment in short-term FHLB advances and $115.8 million in cash dividends paid. Net cash inflows from financing activities of $3.49 billion in 2015 waswere primarily comprised of a $3.49 billion net increase in deposits and a $700.0 million increase in short-term FHLB advances, partially offset by $566.8 million related to the extinguishment of repurchase agreements and $115.6 million in cash dividends paid. Net cash inflowinflows from financing activities of $2.11 billion in 2014 waswere primarily comprised of a $2.28 billion increase in deposits, partially offset by $103.6 million in cash dividends paid. Net cash inflow from financing activities in 2013 was primarily comprised of a $2.10 billion increase in deposits and $100.0 million increase in long-term borrowings, partially offset by $200.0 million of treasury stock repurchases related to the Stock Repurchase Plan and $86.3 million in cash dividends paid.


51



As of December 31, 2015,2016, the Company is not aware of any trends, events or uncertainties that had or were reasonably likely to have a material effect on its liquidity position. As of December 31, 2015,Furthermore, the Company is not aware of any material commitments for capital expenditures in the foreseeable future.
 
East West’s liquidity has historically been dependent on the payment of cash dividends by its subsidiary, East West Bank, subject to applicable statutes, regulations and special approval.approval as discussed in Item 1. Business — Supervision and Regulation — Dividends and Other Transfers of Funds. The Bank paid total$35.0 million of dividends of $100.0 million to East West in January 2016 and no2017, in addition to $100.0 million of dividends to East West during the year ended December 31, 2016. No dividend was paid for the year ended December 31, 2015. For the year ended December 31, 2014, total dividends paid by the Bank to East West amounted to $111.6 million. Also,In addition, in January 2016,2017, the Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share onfor the Company’s common stock payable on or about February 16, 201615, 2017 to stockholders of record as ofon February 1, 2016.2017.

Interest Rate Risk Management

Interest rate risk results primarily from the Company’s traditional banking activities of gathering deposits and extending loans, and is the primary market risk for the Company. Economic and financial conditions, movements in interest rates and consumer preferences affect the difference between the interest the Company earns on interest-earning assets and pays on interest-bearing liabilities, and the level of the noninterest bearingnoninterest-bearing funding sources. In addition, changes in interest raterates can influence the rate of principal prepayments on loans and speed of deposit withdrawals. Due to the pricing term mismatches and embedded options inherent in certain products, changes in market interest rates not only affect expected near-term earnings, but also the economic value of these interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. Other market risks include foreign currency exchange risk and equity price risk. These risks are not considered significant to the Company’s interest rate riskCompany and no separate quantitative information concerning these risks is presented herein.

With oversight by the Company’s Board, the ALCO coordinates the overall management of the Company’s interest rate risk. The ALCO meets regularly and is responsible for reviewing the Company’s open market positions and establishing policies to monitor and limit exposure to market risk. Management of interest rate risk is carried out primarily through strategies involving the Company’s investment securities portfolio, loan portfolio, available funding channels and capital market activities. In addition, the Company’s policies permit the use of off-balance sheet derivative instruments to assist in managing interest rate risk.



The interest rate risk exposure is measured and monitored through various risk management tools which include a simulation model that performs interest rate sensitivity analysis under multiple scenarios. The model includes the Company’s loan, deposit,loans, investment securities, resale agreements, customer deposits and borrowing portfolio,portfolios, including the repurchase agreements and resale agreements. The financial instruments from the Company’s domestic and foreign operations, forecasted noninterest income and noninterest expense items are also incorporated in the simulation. The interest rate scenarios simulated include an instantaneous parallel shift and non-parallel shift in the yield curve. In addition, the Company also performs various simulations using alternative interest rate scenarios. The alternative interest rate scenarios include yield curve flattening, yield curve steepening, and yield curve inverting. In order to apply the assumed interest rate environment, adjustments are made to reflect the shift in the U.S. Treasury and other appropriate yield curves. The Company incorporates both a static balance sheet and a forward growth balance sheet in order to perform these evaluations. Results of these various simulations are used to formulate and gauge strategies to achieve a desired risk profile within the Company’s capital and liquidity guidelines.

The simulation model is based on the actual maturity and re-pricing characteristics of the Company’s interest-rate sensitive assets, liabilities and related derivative contracts. The modeled results are highly sensitive to the deposit decay assumptions used for deposits that do not have specific maturities. The Company uses historical regression analysis of the Company’s internal deposit data as a guide to set these deposit decay assumptions. In addition, the model is also highly sensitive to certain assumptions on the correlation of the change in interest rates paid on our non-maturitycore deposits to changes in benchmark market interest rates, commonly referred to as deposit beta assumptions. These depositDeposit beta assumptions are based on the Company’s historical experience. The model is also sensitive to theincludes loan and investment prepayment assumption. This assumption,assumptions. The loan and investment assumptions, which relatesrelate to anticipated prepayments under different interest rate environments, isare based on an independent model, as well as the Company’s historical prepayment experiences.

Existing investments,investment securities, loans, customer deposits and borrowings are assumed to roll into new instruments at a similar spread relative to benchmark interest rates and internal pricing guidelines. The assumptions applied in the model are documented and supported for reasonableness. Changes to key model assumptions are reviewed by the ALCO. Due to the sensitivity of the model results, to some of the assumptions noted above, the Company performs periodic testing to assess the impact of those assumptions as well as to makethe assumptions. The Company also makes appropriate calibrations to the assumptions, when necessary. These scenariosScenarios do not reflect strategies that management could employ to limit the impact as interest rate expectations change. The simulationSimulation results are highly dependent on these assumptions. To the extent actual behavior is different from the assumptions in the models, there could be a material change in interest rate sensitivity.


52



The following table presents the Company’s net interest income and economic value of equity (“EVE”) sensitivity exposure at December 31, 20152016 and December 31, 20142015 related to an instantaneous and sustained non-parallel shift in market interest rates of 100 and 200 basis points in both directions:directions.
Change in Interest Rates
(Basis Points)
 
Net Interest Income
Volatility (1)
 
EVE
Volatility (2)
 
Net Interest
Income
   Volatility (1)
 
EVE
Volatility (2)
December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015
+200 18.5 % 15.5 % 9.8 % 9.5 % 22.4 % 18.5 % 12.3 % 9.8 %
+100 9.6 % 7.6 % 5.3 % 4.8 % 12.0 % 9.6 % 7.5 % 5.3 %
-100 (4.0)% (1.1)% (4.2)% (2.0)% (6.8)% (4.0)% (5.0)% (4.2)%
-200 (4.6)% (1.4)% (6.9)% (3.4)% (7.5)% (4.6)% (9.3)% (6.9)%
(1)The percentage change represents net interest income over 12 months in a stable interest rate environment versus net interest income in the various rate scenarios.
(2)The percentage change represents net portfolio value of the Company in a stable interest rate environment versus net portfolio value in the various rate scenarios.



Twelve-Month Net Interest Income Simulation

The Company’s estimated twelve-month net interest income sensitivity increased at December 31, 2015,2016, compared to December 31, 2014,2015, for both the upward and downward interest rate scenarios. In a simulated downward rate scenario,The increase in sensitivity increased slightly at December 31, 2015, compared to December 31, 2014, but remained relatively flat overall for both downward interest rate scenarios, mainly due to rates being at or near the floor rate in the current rate environment. The net interest income simulation results indicate that at both December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company was asset sensitive over the twelve-month forecast horizon in a rising rate environment. This was primarily due to approximately 76%the increase in core deposits as well as the rising interest rate environment. The increases of core deposits caused the portfolio to become more interest rate sensitive, since these deposits are either noninterest-bearing demand deposits or have a low deposit beta. The rate increases in December 2016 resulted in an increased number of loans in the Company’s portfolio exceeding their contractual rate floor, which added to the interest income sensitivity of the Company’s customer deposit portfolio being comprised of less rate-sensitive core deposits and approximately 87% of the Company’s loan portfolio being comprised of loans with maturity or repricing terms of less than one year. The increase in asset sensitivity between December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was primarily due to changes in the balance sheet mix, offset by certain prepayments of some of the Company’s long term borrowing positions, and a change in the assumptions with regards to repricing of money market deposits in a rising rate environment which the Company included in the first quarter of 2015.portfolio.

Under most rising interest rate environments, the Company would expect some customers to move balances infrom demand deposits into higher interest-bearing depositsdeposit types such as money market, savings,saving, or time deposits. The models aremodel is particularly sensitive to the assumption about the rate of such migration. The following table presents the Company’s net interest income sensitivity as of December 31, 20152016 for the +100upward 100 basis point and +200upward 200 basis point interest rate scenarios assuming a $1.00 billion, $2.00 billion and $2.00$3.00 billion demand deposit migration:
Change in Interest Rates
(Basis Points)
 Net Interest Income Volatility Net Interest Income Volatility
td.00 Billion Migration
12 Months
 td.00 Billion Migration
12 Months
December 31, 2016
Change in Interest Rates
(Basis Points)
td.00 Billion
Migration
12 Months
 
td.00 Billion
Migration
12 Months
 $3.00 Billion
Migration
12 Months
 15.6% 12.8% 19.7% 17.0% 14.2%
 7.8% 6.0% 10.3% 8.5% 6.8%

EVE at Risk

The Company’s EVE at risksensitivity increased as of December 31, 2015,2016, compared to December 31, 2014,2015, for both upward and downward interest rate scenarios. InThe increase in sensitivity was primarily due to changes in the balance sheet portfolio mix. As of December 31, 2016, in simulated downwardpositive 100 basis-point and 200 basis-point interest rate scenarios, sensitivity increased for bothwas 7.5% and 12.3%, respectively. This compared to the simulated positive 100 basis-point and 200 basis-point interest rate scenarios. Overall, sensitivity in the downward interest rate scenarios remained relatively flat at (4.2)% and (6.9)% of the base level as of December 31, 2015 of 5.3% and 9.8%, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, in decliningsimulated negative 100 basis-point and 200 basis-point interest rate scenarios, ofsensitivity was (5.0)% and (9.3)%, respectively, compared to the simulated negative 100 basis pointsbasis-point and 200 basis points, respectively. The change in sensitivity betweenbasis-point interest rate scenarios as of December 31, 2015 of (4.2)% and December 31, 2014 was primarily due to general changes in the mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. In addition, the Bank adjusted the deposit decay assumption as a result of its annual update, which lengthened the deposit life of some of the Bank’s non-maturity deposits. Lower interest rates during the year also contributed to the decline in EVE at risk, as lower interest rates serve to lengthen the life of indeterminate maturity deposits and shorten the life of mortgage-related assets and, together, increase asset sensitivity.(6.9)%, respectively.


53



The Company’s net interest income and EVE profile as of December 31, 2015,2016, as set forthpresented in the net interest income and EVE tables, above, reflects an asset sensitive net interest income position and an asset sensitive EVE position in an upward interest rate scenario. However, in a downward rate environment, the Company tends to see lower net interest income and EVE as projected in the volatility table above.position. The Company is naturally asset sensitive due to its large portfolio of rate-sensitive commercial loans that are funded in part by non-interest bearingnoninterest-bearing and rate-stable core deposits. As a result, if there are no significant changes in the mix of assets and liabilities, the net interest income increases when interest rates increase and net interest income decreases when interest rates decrease. As of December 31, 2015,2016, the federal funds target rate was at a range of 0.25%0.50% to 0.50%0.75% compared to a range of 0%0.25% to 0.25%0.50% as of December 31, 2014.2015. Further declinedeclines in interest rates are not expected to significantly reduce earning asset yield or liability costs, nor have a meaningful impact on net interest income. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company showed a slight increase in its sensitivity in a downward 100 and downward 200 basis points decrease in interest rate, respectively. However, given the current low rate environment, this is not particularly meaningful. Given the uncertainty of the magnitude, timing and direction of future interest rate movements and the shape of the yield curve, actual results may vary from those predicted by the Company’s model.

Derivatives

It is the Company’s policy not to speculate on the future direction of interest rates or foreign currency exchange rates. However, the Company will, from time to time, enter into derivatives transactions in order to reduce its exposure to market risks, including interest rate risk and foreign currency risk. The Company believes these transactions, when properly structured and managed, may provide a hedge against inherent risk in our assets or liabilities and against risk in specific transactions. Hedging transactions may be implemented using swaps, caps, floors, financial futures, forwards and options. Prior to entering into any hedging activities, the Company analyzes the costs and benefits of the hedge in comparison to alternative strategies.

As

The Company had two cancellable interest rate swap contracts with original terms of 20 years as of December 31, 20152016, and 2014, the Company had seven cancellable interest rate swapsswap contracts with original terms between 20 and 25 years.years as of December 31, 2015. The objective of these interest rate swap contracts,swaps, which were designated as fair value hedges, was to obtain low-cost floating rate funding on the Company’s brokered certificate deposits (“CDs”). Atcertificates of deposit. As of December 31, 2015,2016, under the terms of the swap contracts, called for the Company to receivereceived a fixed interest rate and paypaid a variable interest rate. As of December 31, 20152016 and 2014,2015, the notional amountvalues of the Company’s brokered CDcertificates of deposit interest rate swaps was $112.9were $48.4 million and $132.7$112.9 million, respectively. The fair value wasvalues were a $6.0 million liability ofand a $5.2 million and $9.9 millionliability as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and 2014, respectively. During 2015,The decrease in order to maintain hedge effectivenessnotional balance was primarily due to $63.7 million notional balances of interest rate swaps on certificates of deposit that were called during the decline in the CD balance from early withdrawals, a notional amount of $19.8 million was canceled, the hedges dedesignated and simultaneously redesignated as new hedges.year ended December 31, 2016.

The Company also offers various interest rate derivative products to clients.its customers. When derivative transactions are executed with clients,its customers, the derivative contracts are offset by paired trades with registered swap dealers. These contracts allow borrowers to lock in attractive intermediate and long term fixed rate financing while not increasing the interest rate risk to the Company. These transactions are not linked to specific Company assets or liabilities inon the Consolidated Balance Sheets or to forecasted transactions in a hedge relationship and, therefore, are economic hedges and hedge accounting does not apply.  The contracts are marked to market at each reporting period and recorded with changes in fair value recorded as part of other noninterestNoninterest income in(loss) on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Fair values are determined from verifiable third-party sources that have considerable experience with derivative markets. The Company provides data to the third party source for purposes of calculating the credit valuation component of the fair value measurement of client derivative contracts. As of December 31, 20152016 and 2014,2015, the Company had entered into derivative contracts with clients and offsetting derivative contracts with counterparties having a notional balancebalances totaling $7.67 billion and $6.49 billion, and $4.86 billion, respectively. SinceThe Company’s net exposures to these contracts are primarily back-to-back interest rate swaps, the Company’s net exposurederivative contracts as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 were a $2.4 million asset and 2014a $110 thousand liability, respectively, due to the credit valuation component of these back-to-back interest rate derivative contracts was $110 thousand and $245 thousand liability, respectively.swap contracts.

54




The Company enters into foreign exchange contracts with its clientscustomers and counterparty banks primarily for the purpose of allowing its clients to hedge transactions in foreign currencies from fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and also to allow the Company to economically hedge against foreign exchange fluctuations in certain CDscertificates of deposit and loans that it offers to its customers that are denominated in foreign currencies. These transactions are economic hedges and the Company does not apply hedge accounting. The Company’s policies also permit taking proprietary currency positions within approved limits, in compliance with the proprietary trading exemption provided under Section 619 of the Dodd-Frank Act. The Company does not speculate in the foreign exchange markets, and actively manages its foreign exchange exposures within prescribed risk limits and defined controls. As of December 31, 20152016 and 2014,2015, the Company’s outstanding foreign exchange contracts that were not designated as hedging instruments totaled $653.0$767.8 million and $680.6$653.0 million, respectively. The fair valuevalues of the foreign exchange contracts included in otherOther assets and Accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets totaled $10.2$11.9 million and $11.2 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2016, and $10.3 million and $9.4 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2015 and $8.1 million and $9.2 million, respectively as2015.

As of December 31, 2014.

On November 10,2016 and 2015, the Company entered intohad two foreign exchange contracts, which were designated as net investment hedges to mitigate the risk of adverse changes in the USD-RMBUSD - RMB exchange rate and to hedge a portion of the Company’s net investment in its subsidiary, East West Bank (China) Limited. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company’s currency hedge has ahad notional valuevalues of $560.0$83.0 million RMB orand $86.6 million, USD equivalent withrespectively. The fair values were a net positive fair value of$4.3 million asset and a $2.4 million USD. Theasset as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, the contracts have a weighted average strike price of 6.4676.745 RMB to USD and will expire in March 2016.2017.

Additional information on the Company’s derivatives is presented in Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Note 3 Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Note 76 Derivatives to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Report, which is incorporated here by reference.Statements.



Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Significant accounting policies are described in Note 1Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements presented elsewhere in this report.Statements. Some accounting policies, by their nature, are inherently subject to estimation techniques, valuation assumptions and other subjective assessments. In addition, some accounting policies require significant judgment in applying complex accounting principles to individual transactions to determine the most appropriate treatment. The Company has established procedures and processes in place to facilitate making the judgments necessary to prepare financial statements.these judgments.

Certain accounting policies are considered to have critical effect on the Company’s Financial Statements in our judgment. The following is a discussion of the critical accounting policies including significant estimates. In each area, the Company has identified the most important variables in the estimation process. The Company has used the best information available to make the estimations necessary for the related assets and liabilities. Actual performance that differsresults could differ from the Company’s estimates, and future changes in the key variables could change future valuations and impact the results of operations.
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
In determining the fair value of financial instruments, the Company uses market prices of the same or similar instruments whenever such prices are available. The Company does not use prices involving distressed sellers in determining fair value. If observable market prices are unavailable or impracticable to obtain, then fair value is estimated using modeling techniques such as discounted cash flow analysis. These modeling techniques incorporate management’s assessments regarding assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or the liability, including assumptions about the risks inherent in a particular valuation technique and the risk of nonperformance.

For a complete discussion on the Company’s fair value hierarchy of financial instruments, fair value measurement techniques and assumptions, and the impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements, please see Note 3 Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 


55



Available-for-Sale Investment Securities
 
The fair value of the available-for-sale investment securities are generally determined by independent external pricing service providers and/or by comparison to an average of quoted market prices obtained from independent external brokers. The Company performs a monthly analysis on the broker quotes and pricing service values received from third parties to ensure that the prices represent a reasonable estimate of the fair value. The procedures include, but are not limited to, initial and on-going review of third party pricing methodologies used for fair value measurement, review of pricing trends, and monitoring of trading volumes. The Company ensures prices received from independent brokers represent a reasonable estimate of the fair value through the use of observable market inputs including comparable trades, yield curves, spreads and, when available, market indices. As a result of this analysis, the price received from the third party is adjusted accordingly if the Company determines that there is a more appropriate fair value based upon the available market data. Prices from third party pricing services are often unavailable for securities that are rarely traded or are traded only in privately negotiated transactions. As a result, certain securities are priced via independent broker quotations which utilize proprietary models with observable market based inputs. Additionally, the majority of these independent broker quotations are non-binding.
 
The Company considers available information relevant to the collectability of the securities, including information about past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts, when developing the estimate of future cash flows in making its OTTI assessment for its portfolio of trust preferred securities. The Company considers factors such as remaining payment terms of the securities, prepayment speeds, expected defaults, the financial condition of the issuer(s), and the value of any underlying collateral.
 
PCI Loans
 
In situations where PCI loans have similar risk characteristics, PCI loans were aggregated into pools to estimate cash flows under ASC 310-30. A pool is accounted for as a single asset with a single interest rate, cumulative loss rate and cash flow expectation. The cash flows expected over the life of the pools are estimated by an internal cash flow model that projects cash flows and calculates the carrying values of the pools, book yields, effective interest income and impairment, if any, based on pool level events. Assumptions as to cumulative loss rates, loss curves and prepayment speeds are utilized to calculate the expected cash flows.
 


Allowance for Credit Losses
 
The Company’s methodology to determine the overall appropriateness of the allowance for credit losses is based on a classification migration model with quantitative factors and qualitative considerations. The migration model examines pools of loans having similar characteristics and analyzes their loss rates over a historical period. The Company assigns loss rates to each loan grade within each pool of loans. Loss rates derived by the migration model are based predominantly on historical loss trends that may not be entirely indicative of the actual or inherent loss potential. Additionally, the Company utilizes qualitative and environmental factors as adjusting mechanisms to supplement the historical results of the classification migration model. Qualitative and environmental factors are reflected as percentage adjustments and are added to the historical loss rates derived from the classified asset migration model to determine the appropriate allowance for each loan pool. The evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to revision as more information becomes available. Additionally, non-classified loans are also considered in the allowance for loan losses calculation and are factored in based on the historical loss experience adjusted for various qualitative factors.

Quantitative factors include the Company’s historical loss experience, delinquency and charge-off trends, collateral values, changes in nonperforming loans, probability of commitment usage, and other factors. Qualitative considerations include, but are not limited to, prevailing economic or market conditions, relative risk profiles of various loan segments, volume concentrations, growth trends, delinquency and nonaccrual status, problem loan trends, geographic concentrations, credit risk factors for loans outstanding to the customers, and the terms and expiration dates of the unfunded credit facilities.
 
As the Company adds new products, increases the complexity of the loan portfolio, and expands the geographic coverage, the Company willexpects to continue to enhance the methodology to keep pace with the size and complexity of the loan portfolio and the changing credit environment. Changes in any of the factors cited above could have a significant impact on the credit loss calculation. The Company believes that the methodologies currently employed continue to be appropriate given the Company’s size and level of complexity. For additional information on allowance for credit losses, please see Note 87 — Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses to the Consolidated Financial Statements presented elsewhere in this report.


56



Goodwill Impairment
 
Under ASC 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other, goodwill is required to be allocated to reporting units and tested for impairment. The Company tests goodwill for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events or circumstances, such as adverse changes in the business, indicate that there may be justification for conducting an interim test. Impairment testing is performed at the reporting-unit level (which is the same level as the Company’s major operating segments identified in Note 2019 — Business Segments to the Consolidated Financial Statements presented elsewhere in this report). The first part of the test is a comparison, at the reporting unit level, of the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. In order to determine the fair value of the reporting units, a combined income approach and market approach is used. Under the income approach, the Company provided a net income projection and a terminal growth rate to calculate the discounted cash flows and the present value of the reporting units. Under the market approach, the fair value is calculated using the current fair values of comparable peer banks of similar size geographic footprint and focus. The market capitalizations and multiples of these peer banks are used to calculate the market price of the Company and each reporting unit. The fair value is also subject to a control premium adjustment, which is the cost savings that a purchase of the reporting unit could achieve by eliminating duplicative costs. Under the combined income and market approach, the value from each approach is weighted based on management’s perceived risk of each approach to determine the fair value. If the fair value is less than the carrying value, then the second part of the test is needed to measure the amount of goodwill impairment. The implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill is calculated and compared to the actual carrying value of goodwill recorded within the reporting unit. If the carrying value of reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, then the Company would recognize an impairment loss for the amount of the difference, which would be recorded as a charge against net income. For complete disclosure, please see Note 109 — Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets to the Consolidated Financial Statements presented elsewhere in this report.

Income Taxes

The Company examines its Consolidated Financial Statements, its income tax provision, and its federal and state income tax returns and analyzes its tax positions, including permanent and temporary differences, as well as the major components of income and expense to determine whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. In the event a tax position is not more likely than not to be sustained by the tax authorities, a reserve is established by management.



A valuation allowance is established for deferred tax assets if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. A valuation allowance is established, when necessary, to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. Management has concluded that it is more likely than not that all of the benefit of the deferred tax assets will be realized, with the exception of the deferred tax assets related to certain state NOLs.net operating losses. Accordingly, a valuation allowance has been recorded for these amounts. The Company believes that adequate provisions have been made for all income tax uncertainties consistent with the standards of ASC 740-10, Income Taxes.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
For detailed discussion and disclosure on new accounting pronouncements adopted and recent accounting standards, please see Note 1Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

ITEM 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
For quantitative and qualitative disclosures regarding market risk in the Company’s portfolio, please see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis — Asset Liability and Market Risk Management of the Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Part II and Note 76 — Derivatives to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part IV of this report.
 

57




ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders

East West Bancorp, Inc.:
 
We have audited the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets of East West Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014,2015, and the related Consolidated Statements of Income, Comprehensive Income, Changes in Stockholders’ Equity, and Cash Flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015.2016. These Consolidated Financial Statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these Consolidated Financial Statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the Consolidated Financial Statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014,2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015,2016, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015,2016, based on criteria established in the Internal Control-IntegratedControl Integrated Framework 2013 issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 26, 201627, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
/s/ KPMG LLP
 
Los Angeles, California

February 26, 201627, 2017



58




EAST WEST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
($ in thousands)thousands, except shares)
 
  December 31,
  2015 2014
ASSETS    
Cash and cash equivalents $1,360,887
 $1,039,885
Short-term investments 299,916
 338,714
Securities purchased under resale agreements (“resale agreements”) 1,600,000
 1,225,000
Available-for-sale investment securities, at fair value 3,773,226
 2,626,617
Loans held for sale 31,958
 45,950
Loans held-for-investment (net of allowance for loan losses of $264,959 in 2015 and $261,679 in 2014) 23,378,789
 21,468,270
Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock, at cost 28,770
 31,239
Investment in Federal Reserve Bank stock, at cost 54,932
 54,451
Investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, net (1)
 193,978
 178,962
Premises and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation of $100,060 in 2015 and $85,409 in 2014) 166,993
 180,900
Goodwill 469,433
 469,433
Other assets (1)
 992,040
 1,084,171
TOTAL (1)
 $32,350,922
 $28,743,592
LIABILITIES  
  
Customer deposits:  
  
Noninterest-bearing $8,656,805
 $7,381,030
Interest-bearing 18,819,176
 16,627,744
Total deposits 27,475,981
 24,008,774
FHLB advances 1,019,424
 317,241
Securities sold under repurchase agreements (“repurchase agreements”) 
 795,000
Long-term debt 206,084
 225,848
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 526,483
 540,618
Total liabilities 29,227,972
 25,887,481
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 14) 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY    
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 164,246,517 and 163,772,218 shares issued in 2015 and 2014, respectively. 164
 164
Additional paid in capital 1,701,295
 1,677,767
Retained earnings (1)
 1,872,594
 1,604,141
Treasury stock at cost—20,337,284 shares in 2015 and 20,189,989 shares in 2014. (436,162) (430,198)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (“AOCI”), net of tax (14,941) 4,237
Total stockholders’ equity (1)
 3,122,950
 2,856,111
TOTAL (1)
 $32,350,922
 $28,743,592
 
(1)
Prior period was restated to reflect the retrospective application of adopting the new accounting guidance related to the Company’s investments in qualified affordable housing projects Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-01. Please see Note 9 Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Partnerships, Tax Credit and Other Investments, Net to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

 
  December 31,
  2016 2015
ASSETS    
Cash and due from banks $460,559
 $340,717
Interest-bearing cash with banks 1,417,944
 1,020,170
Cash and cash equivalents 1,878,503
 1,360,887
Interest-bearing deposits with banks 323,148
 299,916
Securities purchased under resale agreements (“resale agreements”) 2,000,000
 1,600,000
Available-for-sale investment securities, at fair value (includes assets pledged as collateral of $767,437 in 2016 and $872,971 in 2015) 3,335,795
 3,773,226
Held-to-maturity investment security, at cost (fair value of $144,593 in 2016) 143,971
 
Loans held-for-sale 23,076
 31,958
Loans held-for-investment (net of allowance for loan losses of $260,520 in 2016 and $264,959 in 2015; includes assets pledged as collateral of $16,441,068 in 2016 and $15,911,933 in 2015) 25,242,619
 23,378,789
Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock, at cost 17,250
 28,770
Investment in Federal Reserve Bank stock, at cost 55,525
 54,932
Investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, net 183,917
 193,978
Investments in tax credit and other investments, net 173,260
 187,456
Premises and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation of $114,890 in 2016 and $100,060 in 2015) 159,923
 166,993
Goodwill 469,433
 469,433
Other assets 782,420
 804,584
TOTAL $34,788,840
 $32,350,922
LIABILITIES  
  
Customer deposits:  
  
Noninterest-bearing $10,183,946
 $8,656,805
Interest-bearing 19,707,037
 18,819,176
Total deposits 29,890,983
 27,475,981
Short-term borrowings 60,050
 
FHLB advances 321,643
 1,019,424
Securities sold under repurchase agreements (“repurchase agreements”) 350,000
 
Long-term debt 186,327
 206,084
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 552,096
 526,483
Total liabilities 31,361,099
 29,227,972
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 14) 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY    
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 164,604,072 and 164,246,517 shares issued in 2016 and 2015, respectively. 164
 164
Additional paid-in capital 1,727,434
 1,701,295
Retained earnings 2,187,676
 1,872,594
Treasury stock at cost — 20,436,621 shares in 2016 and 20,337,284 shares in 2015. (439,387) (436,162)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCI”), net of tax (48,146) (14,941)
Total stockholders’ equity 3,427,741
 3,122,950
TOTAL $34,788,840
 $32,350,922
 












See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

62
59




EAST WEST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
($ and shares in thousands, except per share data, shares in thousands)data)
 Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
 2015 2014 2013 2016 2015 2014
INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME  
  
  
  
  
  
Loans receivable, including fees $968,625
 $1,059,205
 $979,394
 $1,035,377
 $968,625
 $1,059,205
Available-for-sale investment securities 41,375
 44,684
 43,846
Investment securities 53,399
 41,375
 44,684
Resale agreements 19,799
 20,323
 21,236
 30,547
 19,799
 20,323
Investment in FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock 6,077
 6,272
 6,869
Due from banks and short-term investments 17,939
 23,214
 17,340
Investments in FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock 3,427
 6,077
 6,272
Interest-bearing cash and deposits with banks 14,731
 17,939
 23,214
Total interest and dividend income 1,053,815
 1,153,698
 1,068,685
 1,137,481
 1,053,815
 1,153,698
INTEREST EXPENSE  
  
  
  
  
  
Customer deposits 73,505
 65,486
 63,496
 84,224
 73,505
 65,486
Short-term borrowings 58
 
 6
Federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings 713
 58
 
FHLB advances 4,270
 4,116
 4,173
 5,585
 4,270
 4,116
Repurchase agreements 20,907
 38,395
 41,381
 9,304
 20,907
 38,395
Long-term debt 4,636
 4,823
 3,436
 5,017
 4,636
 4,823
Total interest expense 103,376
 112,820
 112,492
 104,843
 103,376
 112,820
Net interest income before provision for credit losses 950,439
 1,040,878
 956,193
 1,032,638
 950,439
 1,040,878
Provision for credit losses 14,217
 49,158
 22,364
 27,479
 14,217
 49,158
Net interest income after provision for credit losses 936,222
 991,720
 933,829
 1,005,159
 936,222
 991,720
NONINTEREST INCOME (LOSS)  
  
  
  
  
  
Branch fees 39,495
 37,866
 32,036
 41,178
 39,495
 37,866
Letters of credit fees and foreign exchange income 38,985
 37,323
 34,774
 45,760
 38,985
 37,323
Ancillary loan fees 15,029
 10,616
 9,368
 19,352
 15,029
 10,616
Wealth management fees 18,268
 16,162
 10,878
 13,240
 18,268
 16,162
Derivative commission income 16,193
 12,753
 8,813
Changes in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”)
indemnification asset and receivable/payable
 (37,980) (201,417) (228,585)
Derivative fees and other income 16,781
 16,493
 10,991
Net gains on sales of loans 24,874
 39,132
 7,750
 6,087
 24,874
 39,132
Net gains on sales of available-for-sale investment securities 40,367
 10,851
 12,089
 10,362
 40,367
 10,715
Other fees and other operating income 28,152
 25,000
 20,409
Changes in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”)
indemnification asset and receivable/payable
 
 (37,980) (201,417)
Other fees and operating income 30,158
 27,852
 26,898
Total noninterest income (loss) 183,383
 (11,714) (92,468) 182,918
 183,383
 (11,714)
NONINTEREST EXPENSE  
  
  
  
  
  
Compensation and employee benefits 262,193
 231,838
 175,906
 300,115
 262,193
 231,838
Occupancy and equipment expense 61,292
 63,815
 56,641
 61,453
 61,292
 63,815
Amortization of tax credit and other investments (1)
 36,120
 44,092
 5,973
Amortization of premiums on deposits acquired 9,234
 10,204
 9,365
Deposit insurance premiums and regulatory assessments 18,772
 21,922
 16,550
 23,279
 18,772
 21,922
Deposit related expenses 9,582
 7,536
 6,536
Other real estate owned (“OREO”) income (8,914) (3,591) (1,128)
Other real estate owned (“OREO”) expense (income) 1,474
 (8,914) (3,591)
Legal expense 16,373
 53,018
 31,718
 2,841
 16,373
 53,018
Data processing 10,185
 15,888
 9,095
 11,683
 10,185
 15,888
Consulting expense 17,234
 8,511
 6,446
 22,742
 17,234
 8,511
Deposit related expenses 10,394
 10,379
 8,452
Computer software expense 12,914
 8,660
 7,493
Other operating expense 77,462
 77,538
 71,341
Amortization of tax credit and other investments 83,446
 36,120
 44,092
Amortization of core deposit intangibles 8,086
 9,234
 10,204
Repurchase agreements’ extinguishment costs 21,818
 
 
 
 21,818
 
Other operating expense 86,995
 79,750
 77,113
Total noninterest expense (1)
 540,884
 532,983
 394,215
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES (1)
 578,721
 447,023
 447,146
INCOME TAX EXPENSE (1)
 194,044
 101,145
 153,822
NET INCOME (1)
 384,677
 345,878
 293,324
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS 
 
 3,428
NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS (1)
 $384,677
 $345,878
 $289,896
EARNINGS PER SHARE AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS      
BASIC (1)
 $2.67
 $2.42
 $2.10
DILUTED (1)
 $2.66
 $2.41
 $2.09
Total noninterest expense 615,889
 540,884
 532,983
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 572,188
 578,721
 447,023
INCOME TAX EXPENSE 140,511
 194,044
 101,145
NET INCOME $431,677
 $384,677
 $345,878
EARNINGS PER SHARE (“EPS”)      
BASIC $3.00
 $2.67
 $2.42
DILUTED $2.97
 $2.66
 $2.41
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING            
BASIC 143,818
 142,952
 137,342
 144,087
 143,818
 142,952
DILUTED 144,512
 143,563
 139,574
 145,172
 144,512
 143,563
DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE $0.80
 $0.72
 $0.60
 $0.80
 $0.80
 $0.72
(1)
Prior periods were restated to reflect the retrospective application of adopting the new accounting guidance related to the Company’s investments in qualified affordable housing projects ASU 2014-01. Please see Note 9 Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Partnerships, Tax Credit and Other Investments, Net to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.



See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

63
60




EAST WEST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
($ in thousands)
 
  Year Ended December 31,
  2015 2014 2013
Net income (1)
 $384,677
 $345,878
 $293,324
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:      
Net change in unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale investment securities (10,381) 34,696
 (35,128)
Foreign currency translation adjustments (8,797) 
 
Other comprehensive (loss) income (19,178) 34,696
 (35,128)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (1)
 $365,499
 $380,574
 $258,196
 
(1)
Prior periods were restated to reflect the retrospective application of adopting the new accounting guidance related to the Company’s investments in qualified affordable housing projects ASU 2014-01. Please see Note 9 Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Partnerships, Tax Credit and Other Investments, Net to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

 
  Year Ended December 31,
  2016 2015 2014
Net income $431,677
 $384,677
 $345,878
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:      
Net change in unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale investment securities (22,628) (10,381) 34,696
Foreign currency translation adjustments (10,577) (8,797) 
Other comprehensive (loss) income (33,205) (19,178) 34,696
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME $398,472
 $365,499
 $380,574
 


















































See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

64
61




EAST WEST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
($ in thousands, except share data)
 
  Preferred Stock and Additional Paid-in Capital Common Stock and Additional Paid-in Capital 
Retained
Earnings
 
Treasury
Stock
 
AOCI,
net of tax
 
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
  Shares Amount Shares Amount    
BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 2013 (1)
 85,710
 $83,027
 140,294,092
 $1,464,896
 $1,155,697
 $(322,298) $4,669
 $2,385,991
Net income (1)
 
 
 
 
 293,324
 
 
 293,324
Other comprehensive loss 
 
 
 
 
 
 (35,128) (35,128)
Stock compensation costs 
 
 
 13,548
 
 
 
 13,548
Tax benefit from stock compensation plans, net 
 
 
 5,522
 
 
 
 5,522
Net activity of common stock pursuant to various stock compensation plans and agreements 
 
 (230,469) 4,840
 
 (14,989) 
 (10,149)
Preferred stock dividends 
 
 
 
 (3,428) 
 
 (3,428)
Common stock dividends 
 
 
 
 (83,315) 
 
 (83,315)
Conversion of Series A preferred stock into common stock (85,710) (83,027) 5,594,080
 83,027
 
 
 
 
Purchase of treasury stock pursuant to the Stock Repurchase Plan 
 
 (8,026,807) 
 
 (199,992) 
 (199,992)
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2013 (1)
 
 $
 137,630,896
 $1,571,833
 $1,362,278
 $(537,279) $(30,459) $2,366,373
Net income (1)
 
 
 
 
 345,878
 
 
 345,878
Other comprehensive income 
 
 
 
 
 
 34,696
 34,696
Stock compensation costs 
 
 
 13,883
 
 
 
 13,883
Tax benefit from stock compensation plans, net 
 
 
 6,513
 
 
 
 6,513
Net activity of common stock pursuant to various stock compensation plans and agreements 
 
 368,240
 7,803
 
 (10,705) 
 (2,902)
Common stock dividends 
 
 
 
 (104,015) 
 
 (104,015)
Issuance of common stock pursuant to MetroCorp Bancshares, Inc. (“MetroCorp”) acquisition 
 
 5,583,093
 73,044
 
 117,786
 
 190,830
Warrant acquired pursuant to MetroCorp acquisition 
 
 
 4,855
 
 
 
 4,855
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2014 (1)
 
 $
 143,582,229
 $1,677,931
 $1,604,141
 $(430,198) $4,237
 $2,856,111
Net income 
 
 
 
 384,677
 
 
 384,677
Other comprehensive loss 
 
 
 
 
 
 (19,178) (19,178)
Stock compensation costs 
 
 
 16,502
 
 
 
 16,502
Tax benefit from stock compensation plans, net 
 
 
 3,291
 
 
 
 3,291
Net activity of common stock pursuant to various stock compensation plans and agreements 
 
 327,004
 3,735
 
 (5,964) 
 (2,229)
Common stock dividends 
 
 
 
 (116,224) 
 
 (116,224)
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2015 
 $
 143,909,233
 $1,701,459
 $1,872,594
 $(436,162) $(14,941) $3,122,950
 
(1)
Prior periods were restated to reflect the retrospective application of adopting the new accounting guidance related to the Company’s investments in qualified affordable housing projects ASU 2014-01. Please see Note 9 Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Partnerships, Tax Credit and Other Investments, Net to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

 
  Common Stock and Additional Paid-in Capital 
Retained
Earnings
 
Treasury
Stock
 
AOCI,
net of tax
 
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
  Shares Amount    
BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 2014 137,630,896
 $1,571,833
 $1,362,278
 $(537,279) $(30,459) $2,366,373
Net income 
 
 345,878
 
 
 345,878
Other comprehensive income 
 
 
 
 34,696
 34,696
Stock compensation costs 
 13,883
 
 
 
 13,883
Net activity of common stock pursuant to various stock compensation plans and agreements, and related tax benefits 368,240
 14,316
 
 (10,705) 
 3,611
Common stock dividends 
 
 (104,015) 
 
 (104,015)
Issuance of common stock pursuant to MetroCorp Bancshares, Inc. (“MetroCorp”) acquisition 5,583,093
 73,044
 
 117,786
 
 190,830
Warrant acquired pursuant to MetroCorp acquisition 
 4,855
 
 
 
 4,855
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2014 143,582,229
 $1,677,931
 $1,604,141
 $(430,198) $4,237
 $2,856,111
Net income 
 
 384,677
 
 
 384,677
Other comprehensive loss 
 
 
 
 (19,178) (19,178)
Stock compensation costs 
 16,502
 
 
 
 16,502
Net activity of common stock pursuant to various stock compensation plans and agreements, and related tax benefits 327,004
 7,026
 
 (5,964) 
 1,062
Common stock dividends 
 
 (116,224) 
 
 (116,224)
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2015 143,909,233
 $1,701,459
 $1,872,594
 $(436,162) $(14,941) $3,122,950
Net income 
 
 431,677
 
 
 431,677
Other comprehensive loss 
 
 
 
 (33,205) (33,205)
Stock compensation costs 
 22,102
 
 
 
 22,102
Net activity of common stock pursuant to various stock compensation plans and agreements, and related tax benefits 258,218
 4,037
 
 (3,225) 
 812
Common stock dividends 
 
 (116,595) 
 
 (116,595)
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2016 144,167,451
 $1,727,598
 $2,187,676
 $(439,387) $(48,146) $3,427,741
 







See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

65
62




EAST WEST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
($ in thousands)
 Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
 2015 2014 2013 2016 2015 2014
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES  
  
  
  
  
  
Net income (1)
 $384,677
 $345,878
 $293,324
 $431,677
 $384,677
 $345,878
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:  
  
  
  
  
  
Depreciation and amortization (1)
 80,583
 96,057
 79,873
 162,596
 107,397
 117,485
(Accretion) of discount and amortization of premiums, net (63,770) (184,318) (245,665)
Accretion of discount and amortization of premiums, net (51,042) (63,770) (184,318)
Changes in FDIC indemnification asset and receivable/payable 37,980
 201,417
 228,585
 
 37,980
 201,417
Stock compensation costs 16,502
 13,883
 13,548
 22,102
 16,502
 13,883
Deferred tax expenses (benefit) 261,214
 (147,868) (42,836) 26,966
 261,214
 (147,868)
Tax benefit from stock compensation plans, net (3,291) (6,513) (5,522)
Provision for credit losses 14,217
 49,158
 22,364
 27,479
 14,217
 49,158
Net gains on sales of loans (24,874) (39,132) (7,750) (6,087) (24,874) (39,132)
Net gains on sales of available-for-sale investment securities (40,367) (10,851) (12,089) (10,362) (40,367) (10,715)
Net gains on sales of OREO and premises and equipment (14,646) (14,056) (10,385)
Originations and purchases of loans held for sale (623) (92,475) (99,688)
Proceeds from sales and paydowns/payoffs in loans held for sale 3,174
 288,706
 44,627
Net gains on sales of premises and equipment and OREO (4,129) (14,646) (14,056)
Originations and purchases of loans held-for-sale (18,804) (623) (92,475)
Proceeds from sales and paydowns/payoffs in loans held-for-sale 23,749
 3,174
 288,706
Repurchase agreements’ extinguishment costs 21,818
 
 
 
 21,818
 
Net (payments to) proceeds from FDIC shared-loss agreements (132,999) (1,343) 55,826
Net change in accrued interest receivable and other assets (1)
 (86,643) (67,472) 53,405
Net payments to FDIC shared-loss agreements 
 (132,999) (1,343)
Net change in accrued interest receivable and other assets 24,837
 (113,457) (89,036)
Net change in accrued expenses and other liabilities 16,785
 (38,586) 57,527
 15,353
 16,785
 (38,586)
Other net operating activities (113) 413
 701
 (2,479) (3,404) (6,100)
Total adjustments (1)
 84,947
 47,020
 132,521
Total adjustments 210,179
 84,947
 47,020
Net cash provided by operating activities 469,624
 392,898
 425,845
 641,856
 469,624
 392,898
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES  
  
  
  
  
  
Acquisitions, net of cash paid 
 138,465
 
 
 
 138,465
Net (increase) decrease in:  
  
  
  
  
  
Loans receivable (3,512,004) (3,396,728) (2,458,694)
Short-term investments 30,140
 (81,241) 108,905
Loans held-for-investment (1,549,736) (3,285,436) (2,552,244)
Interest-bearing deposits with banks (38,249) 30,140
 (81,241)
Investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, tax credit and other investments (95,074) (87,925) (42,149) (87,860) (95,074) (87,925)
Purchases of:  
  
  
  
  
  
Resale agreements (1,675,000) (925,000) (450,000) (1,550,000) (1,675,000) (925,000)
Available-for-sale investment securities (3,547,193) (960,135) (1,316,764) (2,396,199) (3,547,193) (960,135)
Loans receivable (49,458) (20,783) (680,821)
Premises and equipment (6,555) (11,853) (88,108)
Loans held-for-investment (1,142,054) (282,548) (865,267)
Proceeds from sale of:  
  
  
  
  
  
Available-for-sale investment securities 1,669,334

623,689

663,569
 1,275,645

1,669,334

623,689
Loans receivable 1,722,665
 856,434
 370,171
Loans held-for-investment 661,025
 1,729,187
 856,434
OREO 41,050
 70,936
 64,312
 7,408
 41,050
 70,936
Paydowns and maturities of resale agreements 1,050,000
 800,000
 600,000
 1,500,000
 1,050,000
 800,000
Repayments, maturities and redemptions of available-for-sale investment securities 734,934
 554,742
 444,057
 1,503,127
 734,934
 554,742
Redemption of FHLB stock 13,086
 33,801
 44,945
Surrender of life insurance policies 156
 49,480
 
Other net investing activities (3,962) (3,775) 5,731
 24,233
 2,725
 67,653
Net cash used in investing activities (3,627,881) (2,359,893) (2,734,846) (1,792,660) (3,627,881) (2,359,893)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES  
  
  
  
  
  
Net increase (decrease) in:  
  
  
Net increase in:  
  
  
Deposits 3,492,603
 2,277,007
 2,103,564
 2,452,870
 3,492,603
 2,277,007
Short-term borrowings 
 
 (20,000) 62,506
 
 
Proceeds from:  
  
  
  
  
  
Increase in long-term borrowings 
 
 100,000
FHLB advances 700,000
 
 
 
 700,000
 
Issuance of common stock pursuant to various stock plans and agreements 2,835
 6,794
 3,054
Issuance of common stock pursuant to various stock compensation plans and agreements 2,982
 2,835
 6,794
Payments for:  
  
  
  
  
  
Repayment of FHLB advances 
 (10,000) 
 (700,000) 
 (10,000)
Repayment of long-term debt (20,000) (30,310) (10,310) (20,000) (20,000) (30,310)
Extinguishment of repurchase agreements (566,818) (25,000) 
 
 (566,818) (25,000)
Repurchase of vested shares due to employee tax liability (5,964) (10,326) (13,833) (3,225) (5,964) (10,326)
Repurchase of shares of treasury stock pursuant to the Stock Repurchase Plan 
 
 (199,992)
Cash dividends (115,641) (103,618) (86,290)
Tax benefit from stock compensation plans, net 3,291
 6,513
 5,522
Cash dividends on common stocks (115,828) (115,641) (103,618)
Other net financing activities 1,055
 3,291
 6,513
Net cash provided by financing activities 3,490,306
 2,111,060
 1,881,715
 1,680,360
 3,490,306
 2,111,060
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (11,047) 
 
 (11,940) (11,047) 
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 321,002
 144,065
 (427,286)
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 517,616
 321,002
 144,065
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR 1,039,885
 895,820
 1,323,106
 1,360,887
 1,039,885
 895,820
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR $1,360,887
 $1,039,885
 $895,820
 $1,878,503
 $1,360,887
 $1,039,885
(1)



Prior periods were restated to reflect the retrospective application of adopting the new accounting guidance related to the Company’s investments in qualified affordable housing projects ASU 2014-01. Please see Note 9 Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Partnerships, Tax Credit and Other Investments, Net to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

66
63




EAST WEST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
($ in thousands)
 Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
 2015 2014 2013 2016 2015 2014
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:            
Cash paid during the year for:  
  
  
Cash paid (received) during the year for:  
  
  
Interest $105,831
 $112,695
 $112,169
 $104,251
 $105,831
 $112,695
Income tax (refunds) payments $(18,601) $321,177
 $142,980
Income tax payments (refunds), net $39,478
 $(18,601) $321,177
Noncash investing and financing activities:  
  
  
  
  
  
Loans transferred to loans held for sale, net $1,686,294
 $837,389
 $97,065
Loans held-for-investment transferred to loans held-for-sale, net $814,157
 $1,694,245
 $837,389
Transfers to OREO $9,296
 $47,547
 $43,989
 $8,083
 $9,296
 $47,547
Conversion of preferred stock to common stock $
 $
 $83,027
Loans to facilitate sales of OREO $1,750
 $2,000
 $139
Loans to facilitate sale of OREO $
 $1,750
 $2,000
Held-to-maturity investment security retained from securitization of loans $160,135
 $
 $
Dividends payable $767
 $583
 $397
Issuance of common stock related to acquisition $
 $190,830
 $
 $
 $
 $190,830



















































See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

67
64




EAST WEST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
NOTE 1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
East West Bancorp, Inc. (referred to herein on an unconsolidated basis as “East West” and on a consolidated basis as the “Company”) is a registered bank holding company that offers a full range of banking services to individuals and small to mid-size businesses through its subsidiary bank, East West Bank and its subsidiaries (“East West Bank” or the “Bank”). The Bank is the Company’s principal asset. As of December 31, 2015,2016, the Company operated over 130 locations worldwide, included in the United States (“U.S.”) markets of California, Georgia, Massachusetts, Nevada, New York, Texas and Washington. In Greater China, the Company’s presence includes five full-service branches in Hong Kong, two in Shanghai, including one in the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, Shantou and Shenzhen, and five representative offices in Beijing, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Taipei and Xiamen.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Basis of Presentation — The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and general practices in the banking industry. To prepare the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, management must make estimates based on conditions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and income and expenses during the reporting period and the related disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain items inon the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes for the prior years have been reclassified to conform to the 20152016 presentation.
The Company restated financial statements for prior periods to reflect the impact of the retrospective application of ASU 2014-01, Investments Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects. Please see Note 9 Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Partnerships, Tax Credit and Other Investments, Net to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details.
 
Principles of Consolidation — The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of East West and its wholly owned subsidiaries, East West Bank and East West Insurance Services, Inc. Intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. East West also has six wholly-owned subsidiaries that are statutory business trusts (the “Trusts”), one of which was the result of the acquisition of MetroCorp during the three months ended March 31, 2014, as discussed in Note 2 Business Combination to the Consolidated Financial Statements. In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810, the Trusts are not included inon the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, cash items in transit, cash due from the Federal Reserve Bank and other financial institutions, interest-bearing deposits in other banks, and bank placements,federal funds sold with original maturities up to 90 days.three months.

Short-Term InvestmentsInterest-bearing Deposits with BanksShort-term investmentsInterest-bearing deposits with banks include interest-bearing deposits incash placed with other banks and other short-term investments with original maturities greater than 90 daysthree months and less than one year.

Resale Agreements and Repurchase Agreements — Resale agreements are recorded at the balances at which the securities were acquired. The market values of the underlying securities collateralizing the related receivable of the resale agreements, including accrued interest, are monitored. Additional collateral may be requested by the Company from the counterparty when deemed appropriate. Repurchase agreements are accounted for as collateralized financing transactions and recorded at the balances at which the securities were sold. The Company may have to provide additional collateral for the repurchase agreements, as necessary. Collateral accepted includes securities that are not recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Collateral pledged consists of securities that are not netted on the Consolidated Balance Sheets against the related collateralized liability. Collateral accepted or pledged in resale and repurchase agreements with other financial institutions may also be sold or re-pledged by the secured party but is usually delivered to and held by the third party trustees. The Company has elected to offset resale and repurchase transactions with the same counterparty on the Consolidated Balance Sheets when it has a legally enforceable master netting agreement and when the transactions are eligible for netting under ASC 210-10-45.

Available-for-Sale Investment Securities — The Company holds debt securities and marketable equity securities in its investment portfolioportfolio. These securities are classified as available-for-sale investment securities and reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses, after applicable income taxes, are reported in AOCI.other comprehensive income. Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on available-for-sale investment securities are recorded as yield adjustments on such securities using the effective interest method. The specific identification method is used for purposes of determining cost in computing realized gains and losses on available-for-sale investment securities sold.


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For each reporting period, all securities that are in an unrealized loss position are analyzed as part of the Company’s ongoing assessment of other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”). In determining whether an impairment is other than temporary, the Company considers the severity and duration of the decline in fair value, the length of time expected for recovery, the financial condition of the issuer, changes in the securities’ ratings and other qualitative factors, as well as whether the Company either plans to sell the security or it is more-likely-than-not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of the amortized cost. If the impairment of the available-for-sale debt security is credit-related, an OTTI loss is recorded in earnings. For available-for-sale debt securities,on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Otherwise, the non-credit-related impairment loss is recognizedrecorded in AOCI.other comprehensive income. If the Company intends to sell an available-for-sale debt security or believes it will be more-likely-than-not required to sell a security, the Company records the full amount of the impairment loss as an OTTI loss. Available-for-sale marketable equity securities are carried at fair value with net unrealized gains and losses included in AOCIother comprehensive income on an after-tax basis. If there is thean other-than-temporary decline in the fair value of any individual available-for-sale marketable equity security, the cost basis is reduced and the Company reclassifies the associated net unrealized loss out of AOCIother comprehensive income with a corresponding charge to the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Loans Held for SaleHeld-for-Sale — Loans held for saleheld-for-sale are carried at the lower of cost or market (“LOCOM”).fair value. When a determination is made at the time of commitment to originate or purchase loans as held-for-investment, it is the Company’s intent to hold these loans to maturity or for the “foreseeable future,” subject to periodic review under the Company’s management evaluation processes, including asset/liability management. When the Company subsequently changes its intent to hold certain loans, the loans would beare transferred from the loans held-for-investment portfolio to the loans held for saleheld-for-sale portfolio at LOCOM. Originationlower of cost or fair value. Loan origination fees on loans held for sale,held-for-sale, net of certain costs of processing and closing the loans, are deferred until the time of sale and are included in the computation of the gaincomputing gains or losslosses from the salesales of the related loans. If the loan or a portion of the loan cannot be sold, it is subsequently transferred back into the loans held-for-investment portfolio from the loans held-for-sale portfolio at lower of cost or fair value on the transfer date. A valuation allowance is established if the fair value of such loans is lower than their cost, with a corresponding charge to noninterest income.
Loans Held-for-Investment — Loans receivable that the Company has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity are stated at their outstanding principal, reduced by an allowance for loan losses and net of deferred loan fees or costs on originated loans and unamortized premiums or discounts on purchased loans. Nonrefundable fees and direct costs associated with the origination or purchase of loans are deferred and netted against outstanding loan balances. The deferred net loan fees and costs are recognized in interest income as an adjustment to yield over the loan term using the effective interest method or straight-line method. Discounts or premiums on purchased loans are accreted or amortized to interest income using the effective interest method or straight-line method over the remaining period to contractual maturity adjusted for anticipated prepayments.maturity. Interest on loans is calculated using the simple-interest method on daily balances of the principal amounts outstanding. Accrual ofGenerally, loans are placed on nonaccrual status when they become 90 days past due. Loans are considered past due when contractually required principal or interest is discontinuedpayments have not been made on a loanthe due dates. Loans are also placed on nonaccrual status when management believes, after considering economic and business conditions and collection efforts, that the borrower’s financial condition is such that full collection of principal or interest becomes uncertain, regardless of the length of past due status. Generally, loans are placed on nonaccrual status when they become 90 days past due or the full collection of principal or interest becomes uncertain, regardless of the length of past due status. Once a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, interest accrual is discontinued and all unpaid accrued interest is reversed against interest income. Interest payments received on nonaccrual loans are reflected as a reduction of principal and not as interest income. A loan is returned to accrual status when the borrower has demonstrated a satisfactory payment trend subject to management’s assessment of the borrower’s ability to repay the loan.
Troubled Debt Restructurings — A loan is classified as a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) when the Company, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the borrower that the Company would not otherwise consider. The concessions may be granted in various forms, including a below-market change in the stated interest rate, a reduction in the loan balance or accrued interest, an extension of the maturity date with a stated interest rate lower than the current market rate or note splits referred to as A/B notes.note restructurings. In A/B note restructurings, the original note is bifurcated into two notes where theA and B notes. The A note represents the portion of the modified original loan which allows for acceptable loan-to-value and debt coverage on the collateral and is expected to be collected in full and thefull. The B note represents the portion of the original loan where there is a shortfall in value and is fully charged off. The A/B note balance after the restructuring is comprised of the A note balance only.only, as the B note would have been charged off. A notes are not disclosed as TDRs in subsequent years after the year of restructuring, if the restructuring agreement specifies an interest rate equal to or greater than the rate that the Company was willing to accept at the time of the restructuring for a new loan with comparable risk,risk; the loan is not impaired based on the terms specified by the restructuring agreementagreement; and has demonstrated a period of sustained performance under the modified terms.



TDRs may be designated as performing or nonperforming. A TDR may be designated as performing if the loan has demonstrated sustained performance under the modified terms. The period of sustained performance may include the periods prior to modification, if prior performance has met or exceeded the modified terms. A loan will remain on nonaccrual status until the borrower demonstrates a sustained period of performance. TDRs are included in the impaired loan quarterly valuation allowance process. Please referRefer to Impaired Loans below for a complete discussion.


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Impaired Loans — The Company’s loans are grouped into heterogeneous and homogeneous (mostly consumer loans) categories. Classified loans in the heterogeneous category are identified and evaluated for impairment on an individual basis. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will not be unableable to collect all scheduled payments of principal or interest due according toin accordance with the original contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining and measuring loan impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of delay,and the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment isImpaired loans are measured on a loan-by-loan basis for residential, commercial real estate (“CRE”) and commercial and industrial (“C&I”) loans based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or, as appropriate, at the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent, less costs to sell.If When the measurevalue of thean impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan and the loan is classified as nonperforming and uncollectible, the deficiency is charged off against the allowance for loan losses. If the loan is a performing TDR, the deficiency is included in the specific reserves of the allowance for loan losses, as appropriate. In general, consumerPayments received on impaired loans consist of homogeneous smaller balance loans andon nonaccrual status are collectively evaluated for impairment.not recognized in interest income, but are applied as a reduction to the principal outstanding. The Company’s impaired loans include predominantly include non-purchased credit impaired (“non-PCI”) loans held-for-investment on nonaccrual status and any non-PCI loans modified inas a TDR, on botheither accrual andor nonaccrual status.

Allowance for Credit Losses — The allowance for credit losses consists of the allowance for loan losses and the allowance for unfunded credit reserves. Unfunded credit reserves include reserves provided for unfunded lending commitments, unissued standby letters of credit and recourse obligations for loans sold. The allowance for loan losses is established as management’s estimate of probable losses inherent in the Company’s lending activities. The allowance for loan losses is increased by the provision for loan losses and decreased by net charge-offs when management believes the uncollectability of a loan is confirmed.probable. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basismonthly by management and is based on management’s periodic review of the collectability of the loans.

The allowance for loan losses on non-PCI loans consists of specific reserves and general reserves. The Company’s non-PCI loans fall into heterogeneous and homogeneous categories. Impaired loans are subject to specific reserves. Loans in the homogeneous category, as well as non-impaired loans in the heterogeneous category, are evaluated as part of the general reserves. General reserves are calculated by utilizing both quantitative and qualitative factors. There are different qualitative risks for the loans in each portfolio segment. ThePredominant risk characteristics of the residential and CRE segments’ predominant risk characteristicscommercial real estate (“CRE”) segments are the collateral and the geographic locations of the properties collateralizing the loans. ThePredominant risk is qualitatively assessed based oncharacteristics of the total real estate loan concentration in those geographic areas. The commercial and industrial (“C&I segment’s predominant risk characteristics&I”) segment are the global cash flows of the borrowers and guarantors, andas well as the economic and market conditions. Consumer loans are largely comprised of home equity lines of credit (“HELOCs”) for whichand the predominant risk characteristic is the real estate collateral securing the loans.

The Company also maintains an allowance for loan losses on purchased credit impaired (“PCI”) loans when there is deterioration in credit quality subsequent to acquisition. Based on the Company’s estimates of cash flows expected to be collected, the Company establishes an allowance for the PCI loans, with a charge to income throughProvision for credit losses on the provision for loan losses. Consolidated Statements of Income. 

When determined uncollectible, it is the Company’s policy to promptly charge off the difference inof the outstanding loan balance and the fair value of the collateral or the discounted value of expected cash flows. Recoveries are recorded when payment is received on loans that were previously charged off through the allowance for loan losses. Allocation of a portion of the allowance to one segment of the loan portfolio does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other segments.
 


The allowance for unfunded credit reserves is maintained at a level believed by management to be sufficient to absorb estimated probable losses related to unfunded credit facilities. The determination of the adequacy of the allowance is based on periodic evaluations of the unfunded credit facilities, including an assessment of the probability of commitment usage, credit risk factors for loans outstanding, to these same customers, and the terms and expiration dates of the unfunded credit facilities. The allowance for loan losses is reported separately on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, whereas the allowance for unfunded credit reserves is reportedincluded in accruedAccrued expenses and other liabilities.liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The provision for credit losses is reported inon the Consolidated Statements of Income.


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PCI Loans — Acquired loans in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations, are recorded at fair value as of acquisition date in accordance with ASC 805, .Business Combinations. A purchased loan is deemed to be credit impaired when there is evidence of credit deterioration since its origination and it is probable at the acquisition date that the Company would be unable to collect all contractually required payments and is accounted for under ASC 310-30, Receivables Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality. Under ASC 310-30, loans are recorded at fair value at acquisition date, factoring in credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the loan. Accordingly, an allowance for loan losses is not carried over or recorded as of the acquisition date.

The amount of expected cash flows over the initial investment in the loan represents the “accretable yield,” which is recognized as interest income on a level yield basis over the life of the loan. The excess of total contractual cash flows over the cash flows expected to be received at origination is deemed the “nonaccretable difference.” In estimating the nonaccretable difference, the Company (a) calculates the contractual amount and timing of undiscounted principal and interest payments (the “undiscounted contractual cash flows”) and (b) estimates the amount and timing of undiscounted expected principal and interest payments (the “undiscounted expected cash flows”). The cash flows expected over the life of the pools are estimated by an internal cash flow model that projects cash flows and calculates the carrying values of the pools, book yields, effective interest income and impairment, if any, based on pool level events. Assumptions such as cumulative loss rates, loss curves and prepayment speeds are utilized to calculate the expected cash flows. The difference between the undiscounted contractual cash flows and the undiscounted expected cash flows is the nonaccretable difference. Subsequent to the acquisition date, any increases in expected cash flows over thosethe expected cash flows at purchase date in excess of fair value that are significant and probable are adjusted through the accretable yield on a prospective basis. Any subsequent decreases in expected cash flows over thosethe expected cash flows at purchase date that are probable are recognized by recording an allowancea charge to the provision for loan losses. Any disposals of loans, including sales of loans, payments in full or foreclosures, result in the removal of the loan from the ASC 310-30 portfolio at the carrying amount.
Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Partnerships, Tax Credit and Other Investments, Net — The Company records itsthe investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, net, using the proportional amortization method. Under the proportional amortization method, the Company amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received, and recognizes the amortization inon the Consolidated Statements of Income as a component of incomeIncome tax expense. The Company records investments in tax credit and other investments, net, using either the equity method or cost method of accounting. Investments that are recorded using the cost method are being amortized over the life of the related tax credits. The tax credits are recognized on the Consolidated Financial Statements to the extent they are utilized on the Company’s income tax returns. The investments are reviewed for impairment on an annual basis or on an interim basis, if an event occurs that would trigger potential impairment.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets — Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired as a result ofin various past acquisitions. Goodwill is not amortized and is reviewed for impairment on an annual basis or on an interim basis, if an event occurs or circumstances change that would reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. Premiums on deposits,Core deposit intangibles, which represent the intangible value of depositor relationships resulting from deposit liabilities assumed in acquisitions, are amortized over the projected useful lives of the deposits, which is typically 7 to 15 years. Core deposit intangibles are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Impairment on goodwill and premiums on depositscore deposit intangibles is recognized by writing down the asset as a charge to noninterest expense to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value.
 
Premises and Equipment, net — The Company’s premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are computed based on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the various classes of assets. The ranges of estimated useful lives for the principal classes of assets are as follows:
  
Buildings and building improvements25 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment3 to 7 years
Leasehold improvementsTerm of lease or useful life, whichever is shorter
  
 


The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment annually or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amountamounts of these assets may not be recoverable. An asset is considered impaired when the fair value, which is the expected undiscounted cash flows over the remaining useful life, areis less than the net book value. When impairment is indicated for an asset, the amount of impairment loss is theThe excess of the net book value over its fair value.value is charged as impairment loss to noninterest expense.
 

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Long-Term Debt — Long-term debt consists of junior subordinated debt and a term loan. The Trusts issued both fixed and variable rate capital securities, representing undivided preferred beneficial interests in the assets of the Trusts, to third party investors. The Company is the owner of all the beneficial interests represented by the common securities of the Trusts, and third parties hold the fixed and variable rate capital securities of the Trusts. The purpose of issuing the capital securities was to provide the Company with a cost-effective means of obtaining Tier I capital for regulatory reporting purposes. Although trust preferred securities still qualify asSince the beginning of December 31, 2015 as Tier I and Tier II capital for regulatory purposes (at adjusted percentages of 25% and 75% respectively), they will be limited2016, pursuant to Tier II capital beginning in 2016 per the relevant provisions of theBasel III Capital Rules under Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

The TrustsAct, trust preferred securities have been fully phased out of Tier I capital and are not consolidated by the Company. Junior subordinated debt represents liabilities of the Company to the Trusts and is included in long-term debt on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.now qualified as Tier II capital.
 
Income TaxesThe Company files consolidated federal income tax returns, foreign tax returns, and various combined and separate company state tax returns. The calculation of the Company's income tax provision and related tax accruals requires the use of estimates and judgments.

Accrued income tax liabilities (assets) represent the estimated amounts due to (receivable from) the various taxing jurisdictions where the Company has established a business presence.

Deferred income taxestax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences in future years of existing temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax basesreporting basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each year-end, based onusing enacted tax laws and statutoryrates and tax rates applicablecarryforwards. To the extent a deferred tax asset is no longer expected more likely than not to be realized, a valuation allowance is established. See Note 12— Income Taxes for discussion of management assessment of evidence considered by the periodsCompany in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. establishing a valuation allowance.

The Company recognizesestablished an allowance for potential taxes, interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as partpositions. This contingent reserve is estimated based on facts and circumstances, including the interpretation of its provision for income taxes.existing law, new judicial or regulatory guidance, and the status of tax audits.

Stock-Based Compensation — The Company issues stock-based compensationawards to certain employees, officers and directors. The Companydirectors, and accounts for stock-based awards to employees, officers, and directorsthe related costs in accordance with the provisions of ASC 505, Equity, and ASC 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation. Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award,awards, and is recognized as an expenseexpensed over the employee’s requisite service period.

The Company grants nonqualified stock options, restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) and restricted stock units (“RSUs”), which include a service conditionconditions for vesting. Additionally, some of the Company’s RSAs and RSUs include a company financialcontain performance requirementconditions required to be met in order for vesting.the awards to vest. The stock option awards vest between three to four years from the grant date. RSAs vest ratably over three years, cliff vest after three years, or vest at a rate of 50% each at the fourth and fifth year of continued employment from the date of the grant. RSUs vest ratably over three years or cliff vest after three or five years of continued employment from the date of the grant. Compensation expense is amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award, which is generally the maximum vesting period of the award.

The fair values of stock options are estimated based on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.model on the grant date. For time-based RSAs and RSUs, the grant-date fair value isvalues are measured at the fair value of the Company’s common stock as if the RSARSAs or RSURSUs are vested and issued on the date of grant. For performance based RSAs and RSUs, the grant date fair value considers theboth performance conditions.and market conditions (where applicable). As stock-based compensation expense is estimated based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it is reduced for estimated forfeitures.by the expense related to awards expected to be forfeited. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and are reviewed annually for reasonableness. If the estimated forfeitures are revised, a cumulative effect of a changechanges in estimated forfeitures for current and prior periods is recognized in compensation expense in the period of change.
 


Earnings Per Share(“EPS”)EPS The Company applies the two-class method in computing EPS. The Company’s restricted stock, which receives dividends as declared, qualifies as participating securities. RSUs granted by the Company are not considered participating securities, as they do not have dividend distribution rights during the vesting period. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income net of income allocatedavailable to participating securities,common stockholders by the weighted-averageweighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period, plus common share equivalents calculated for stock options, warrants and RSUs outstanding using the treasury stock method. The Company has issued RSAs, which are unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents. These RSAs are considered participating securities. Accordingly, the Company applied the two-class method in the computation of basic and diluted EPS reflectsin the additional dilutive effect of common stock equivalents such asperiods when the RSAs were outstanding. RSUs stock options and warrants.do not contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends when granted.
 
Derivatives— As part of the asset and liability management strategy, the Company uses derivative financial instruments to mitigate exposure to interest rate and foreign currency risks.  Derivatives utilized by the Company include swaps, forwards and option contracts.  All derivative instruments including certain derivative instruments embeddedare included in other contracts, are recognizedOther assets or Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. The related cash flows are recognized on the Cash flows from operating activities section on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The Company uses its accounting hedges based on the exposure being hedged as either fair value hedges or hedges of the net investments in certain foreign operations. Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as fair value hedges are recorded as earnings.reported in Interest expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income.  Changes in fair value of derivatives used as hedges of the net investments in foreign operations, to the extent effective, are recorded as a component of AOCI. The Company’s interest rate swapschange in fair value attributable to the ineffective portion of the hedging instrument is recognized immediately in Noninterest income on certain certificatesthe Consolidated Statements of deposit qualify for hedge accounting treatment under ASC 815, Income. For all other derivatives, changes in fair value are recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Income.Derivatives

All derivatives designated as fair value hedges and Hedging. The Company also uses derivatives to hedge certainhedges of the net investments in certain foreign operations.


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operations are linked to specific hedged items or to groups of specific assets and liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  To qualify as an accounting hedge under the hedge accounting rules (versus an economic hedge where hedge accounting is not sought), a derivative must be highly effective in offsetting the risk designated as being hedged.  The Company formally documents its hedge relationships at inception, including identification of the hedging instruments and the hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transaction at the time the derivative contract is executed. This includes designatingQuarterly after the derivative contract as a “fair value hedge” which is a hedge of a recognized asset or liability.  All derivatives designated as fair value hedges are linked to specific hedged items or to groups of specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet.  Both at inception, and quarterly thereafter, the Company assesses whether the derivatives used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value of the hedged item.items.  Retroactive effectiveness is also assessed, as well as the continued expectation that the hedge will remain effective prospectively. Any ineffective portion of the changes of fair value hedges is reported in earnings.

The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when (i) a derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value,value; (ii) a derivative expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised, or (iii) the Company determines that designation of a derivative as a hedge is no longer appropriate.  If a fair value hedge is discontinued, the derivative instrument is terminated orwill continue to be recorded on the hedge designation is removed,Consolidated Balance Sheets at its fair value with changes in fair value included on the previous adjustments to the carrying amountConsolidated Statements of the hedged liability would be subsequently accounted for in the same manner as other components of the carrying amount of that liability. For interest-bearing liabilities, such adjustments would be amortized into earnings over the remaining life of the respective liability.Income. When the hedged net investment is either sold or substantially liquidated, the effective portion of the changes in the fair value of the derivatives are reclassified out of AOCI into earnings.Foreign exchange income on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The Company also offers various interest rate and foreign currency derivative products to clientscustomers and enters into derivative transactions in due course. These transactions are not linked to specific CompanyCompany’s assets or liabilities inon the Consolidated Balance Sheets or to forecasted transactions in a hedge relationship and, therefore, do not qualify for hedge accounting. The contracts are marked-to-market at the end of each reporting period with changes in fair value recorded inon the Consolidated Statements of Income.
 
Fair Value — Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and, in many cases, requires management to make a number of significant judgments. Based on the observable inputs used in the valuation techniques, the Company classifies its assets and liabilities measured and disclosed at fair value in accordance with a three-level hierarchy (e.g., Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3) established under ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements. The Company records certain financial instruments, such as available-for-sale investment securities, and derivative assets and liabilities, at fair value on a recurring basis. Certain financial statement line items such as impaired loans, loan held for sale,loans held-for-sale and OREO are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Nonrecurring fair value measurements generally involve assets that are periodically evaluated for impairment. For additional information about fair value, see Note 3 — Fair Value Measurement And Fair Value Of Financial Instruments to the Consolidated Financial Statements.



Foreign Currency Translation — The Company revalues assets, liabilities, revenue and expense denominated in non-U.S. currencies into U.S. Dollars (“USD”) functional currencies into USD reporting currencies using applicable exchange rates. Gains and losses relating to nonfunctional currency transactions, including non-U.S. operations where the functional currency is USD, are reported inon the Consolidated Statements of Income.

During the quarter ended September 30, 2015, the Company’s foreign subsidiary in China — East West Bank (China) Limited, changed its functional currency from USD to Renminbi (“RMB”). The assets and liabilities of the Company’s China foreignthis subsidiary are translated, for consolidation purposes, from RMB to the USD reporting currency at period-end rates and generally at average rates for results of operations. Gains and losses relating to translatingarising from the RMB functional currency financial statements for U.S reportingtranslations are recorded in the Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment currency translation adjustment account within AOCI in stockholders’ equity, along with any related hedged effects.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS ADOPTED
 
In January 2014,February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2014-01,Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-02, InvestmentsConsolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis Equity Methodthat changes the analysis a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. The amended guidance: 1) modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects. ASU 2014-01 permitssimilar legal entities are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) or voting interest entities; 2) eliminates the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership; 3) affects the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships; and 4) provides a scope exception from the consolidation guidance for reporting entities that are required to make an accounting policy electioncomply with or operate in accordance with requirements that are similar to account for their investmentsthose in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, the Company amortizes the initial costRule 2a7 of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received, and recognizes the amortization expense in the income statement as a componentInvestment Company Act of income tax expense.1940 for registered money market funds. The Company adopted this amended guidance in the first quarter of 2015 with retrospective application to all periods presented. Please see Note 9 Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Partnerships, Tax Credit2016 and Other Investments, Net to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details regarding this adoption.


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In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-04, Receivables Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40): Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure. ASU 2014-04 clarifies when an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs that would require a transfer of mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate properties to OREO. The guidance also requires disclosure of the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by the creditor and the recorded investment in residential real estate mortgage loans that are in the process of foreclosure. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2015 with prospective application. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, as this guidance was consistent with the Company’s prior practice. Please see Note 8 — Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details regarding this adoption.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The new guidance replaces existing revenue recognition guidance for contracts to provide goods or services to customers and amends existing guidance related to recognition of gains and losses on the sale of certain nonfinancial assets such as real estate.  ASU 2014-09 establishes a principles-based approach to recognizing revenue that applies to all contracts other than those covered by other authoritative U.S. GAAP guidance. Quantitative and qualitative disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are also required.  ASU 2014-09 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and is applied on either a modified retrospective or full retrospective basis. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis to improve targeted areas of the consolidation guidance and reduce the number of consolidation models. The Company may either apply the amendments retrospectively or use a modified retrospective approach. ASU 2015-02 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. ASU 2015-03 simplifies the presentation of debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability to be presented inon the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The Company should apply the newadopted this guidance retrospectively to all prior periods. ASU 2015-03 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Earlyin the first quarter of 2016. The adoption is permitted if theof this guidance is applied as of the beginning of the annual period of adoption. This new guidance willdid not have a material impact on itsthe Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement. ASU 2015-05 amends ASC 350-40 and requires the Company to determine whether a cloud computing arrangement contains a software license. If the arrangement contains a software license, the Company should account for the fees related to the software license element consistent with how the acquisitions of other software licenses are accounted for under ASC 350-40. If the arrangement does not contain a software license, the Company should account for the arrangement as a service contract. The Company may either apply the newadopted this guidance prospectively to all arrangements entered into or materially modified afterin the effective date,first quarter of 2016. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-17, Consolidation (Topic 810):Interests Held through Related Parties That Are under Common Control to amend ASU 2015-02’s consolidation requirements that apply to a single decision maker’s evaluation of interests held through related parties that are under common control when it is determining whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE. ASU 2016-17 requires that the single decision maker considers its indirect economic interests in a VIE held through related parties that are under common control on a proportionate basis, in a manner consistent with its consideration of its indirect economic interests held through related parties that are not under common control. Entities that have adopted ASU 2015-02 are required to apply ASU 2016-17 retrospectively to all relevant prior periods beginning with the fiscal year in which ASU 2015-02 was initially applied. The Company adopted ASU 2016-17 retrospectively in the fourth quarter of 2016. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.



RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The new guidance replaced existing revenue recognition guidance for contracts to provide goods or retrospectively.services to customers.  ASU 2015-052014-09 clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue and replaces nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP. Quantitative and qualitative disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers are also required. ASU 2014-09 as amended by ASU 2015-14, ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10, ASU 2016-12 and ASU 2016-20, is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015.2017 and is applied on either a modified retrospective or full retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted.permitted for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company’s revenue is mainly comprised of net interest income from financial assets and liabilities, which is explicitly excluded from the scope of the new guidance, and noninterest income. The Company does not expectcontinues to evaluate the adoptionimpact of this guidance to have a material impactASU 2014-09 on its Consolidated Financial Statements.our noninterest income and on our presentation and disclosures. The Company’s implementation efforts include the identification of revenue within the scope of ASU 2014-09 and the review is on-going.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. ASU 2016-01 amendsrequires equity investments, except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or consolidated, to be measured at fair value with changes recognized in net income. If there is no readily determinable fair value, the guidance in U.S. GAAPallows entities the ability to measure investments at cost less impairment, whereby impairment is based on a qualitative assessment. The guidance eliminates the requirement to disclose the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments measured at amortized cost and changes the presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities on the accounting for equity investments, financial liabilities underConsolidated Balance Sheets or in the footnotes. If an entity has elected the fair value option andto measure liabilities, the presentation and disclosure requirementsnew accounting guidance requires the portion of financial instruments.the change in the fair value of a liability resulting from credit risk to be presented in other comprehensive income. The Company has not elected to measure any of its liabilities at fair value. ASU 2016-01 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is not permitted except for the accounting guidance on financial liabilitiescertain specific changes under the fair value option.option guidance. To adopt the amendments, the Company is required to make a cumulative-effect adjustment to the consolidated balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which the guidance is effective. However, the amendments related to equity securities without readily determinable fair values (including disclosure requirements) should be applied prospectively to equity investments that exist as of the adoption date. The Company is currently evaluating the impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.


71In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which is intended to increase transparency and comparability in the accounting for lease transactions. ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize all leases longer than twelve months on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as lease assets and lease liabilities and quantitative and qualitative disclosures regarding key information about leasing arrangements. Lessor accounting is largely unchanged. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years with an option to early adopt. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company expects a gross-up of its Consolidated Balance Sheets as a result of recognizing lease liabilities and right of use assets. The Company does not expect a material impact to its recognition of operating lease expense on its Consolidated Statements of Income.


In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-05, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Effect of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedge Accounting Relationships, to clarify that a change in the counterparty to a derivative instrument that has been designated as the hedging instrument in an existing hedging relationship would not be considered a termination of the derivative instrument or a change in a critical term of the hedging relationship provided that all other hedge accounting criteria in ASC 815 continue to be met. This clarification applies to both cash flow and fair value hedging relationships. ASU 2016-05 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years with an option to early adopt. The Company has an option to adopt the amendments of this ASU either on a prospective basis or modified retrospective basis. The adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-06, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Contingent Put and Call Options in Debt Instruments that requires an entity to use a four step decision model when assessing contingent call (put) options that can accelerate the payment of principal on debt instruments to determine whether they are clearly and closely related to their debt hosts. ASU 2016-06 will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and must be implemented using a modified retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.




In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-07, Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323):Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting, to eliminate the requirement for an investor to retroactively apply the equity method when its increase in ownership interest (or degree of influence) in an investee triggers equity method accounting. The amendments in ASU 2016-07 also require that an entity that has an available-for-sale equity security that becomes qualified for the equity method of accounting recognize through earnings the unrealized holding gain or loss in AOCI at the date the investment becomes qualified for use of the equity method. ASU 2016-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years and should be applied prospectively. Early adoption is not permitted. The adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company has adopted ASU 2016-09 in the first quarter of 2017 and has begun recording the excess tax benefits and deficiencies within the income tax expense on a prospective basis. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments to introduce a new approach based on expected losses to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, which modifies the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities and provides for a simplified accounting model for purchased financial assets with credit deterioration since their origination. The new “expected credit loss” impairment model will apply to most financial assets measured at amortized cost and certain other instruments, including trade and other receivables, loans, available-for-sale and held-to-maturity (“HTM”) debt securities, net investments in leases and off-balance-sheet credit exposures. For available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses, ASU 2016-13 does not change the measurement method of credit losses, except that the losses will be recognized as allowances rather than reductions in the amortized cost of the securities. ASU 2016-13 also expands the disclosure requirements regarding an entity’s assumptions, models and methods for estimating the allowance for loans and lease losses and requires disclosure of the amortized cost balance for each class of financial asset by credit quality indicator, disaggregated by the year of origination (i.e., by vintage year). ASU 2016-13 is effective for the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years using a modified retrospective approach through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. Earlier adoption is permitted as of the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. While the Company is still evaluating the impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company expects that ASU 2016-13 may result in an increase in the allowance for credit losses due to the following factors: 1) the allowance for credit losses will increase to provide for expected credit losses over the remaining expected life of the loan portfolio, and will consider expected future changes in macroeconomic conditions; 2) the nonaccretable difference on the PCI loans will be recognized as an allowance, offset by an increase in the carrying value of the PCI loans; and 3) an allowance may be established for estimated credit losses on available-for-sale and HTM debt securities. The amount of increase will be impacted by the portfolio composition and quality, as well as the economic conditions and forecasts as of the adoption date. The Company has began its implementation efforts by identifying key interpretive issues, and assessing its processes and identifying the system requirements against the new guidance to determine what modifications may be required.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, to provide guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments on the consolidated statement of cash flows in order to reduce diversity in practice. ASU 2016-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash, whichrequires the Company to include in its cash and cash-equivalent balances in the statement of cash flows those amounts that are deemed to be restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents. In addition, the Company is required to explain the changes in the combined total of restricted and unrestricted balances in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-18 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, where the guidance should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.



In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment to simplify the accounting for goodwill impairments. An entity will no longer perform a hypothetical purchase price allocation to measure goodwill impairment. Instead, impairment will be measured using the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the reporting unit. ASU 2017-04 also eliminates the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment. ASU 2017-04 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years and should be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests with measurement dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

NOTE 2 — BUSINESS COMBINATION
 
On January 17, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of MetroCorp, parent of MetroBank, N.A. and Metro United Bank. MetroCorp was headquartered in Houston, Texas and previously operated 19 branch locations within Texas and California under its two banks. The Company acquired MetroCorp to further expand its presence, primarily in Texas, within the markets of Houston and Dallas, and in California, within the San Diego market. The purchase consideration was satisfied with two thirdstwo-thirds in East West common stock and one thirdone-third in cash. The fair value of the consideration transferred in the acquisition of MetroCorp was $291.4 million, which consisted of 5,583,093 shares of East West common stock fair valued at $190.8 million at the date of acquisition and $89.4 million in cash, $2.4 million of additional cash to MetroCorp stock option holders and a MetroCorp warrant, fair valued at $8.8 million, assumed by the Company.

The assets acquired and liabilities assumed have been accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. At the acquisition date, the Company recorded total fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed of $1.70 billion and $1.41 billion, respectively. The assets and liabilities, both tangible and intangible, were recorded at their estimated fair values as of the January 17, 2014 acquisition date. Goodwill from the acquisition represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired and is not deductible for tax purposes. The Company recorded $121.0 million of goodwill on the acquisition date. During the three months ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded additional tax and bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) adjustments of $10.3 million and $0.7 million,$700 thousand, respectively, related to the MetroCorp acquisition, increasing goodwill to $132.0 million.    


NOTE 3 — FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT AND FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
In determining fair value, the Company uses various methods including market and income approaches. Based on these approaches, the Company utilizes certain assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated or generally unobservable. The Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy noted below is based on the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair value. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices available in active markets and the lowest priority to data lacking transparency. The fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities is classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
Level 1 — Valuation is based on quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.
Level 2 — Valuation is based on quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable and can be corroborated by market data.
Level 3 —
Level 1Valuation is based on quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.
Level 2Valuation is based on quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable and can be corroborated by market data.
Level 3Valuation is based on significant unobservable inputs for determining the fair value of assets or liabilities. These significant unobservable inputs reflect assumptions that market participants may use in pricing the assets or liabilities.

In determining the appropriate hierarchy levels, the Company performs an analysis of the assets and liabilities that are subject to fair value disclosure. These assets and liabilities are reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair values as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. The Company’s assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to their fair value measurements.


72



The following tables present both financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014:2015:
                
 Assets (Liabilities) Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
as of December 31, 2015
 Assets (Liabilities) Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
as of December 31, 2016
($ in thousands) Fair Value Measurements December 31, 2015 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Fair Value
Measurements
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Available-for-sale investment securities:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
U.S. Treasury securities $998,515
 $998,515
 $
 $
 $720,479
 $720,479
 $
 $
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities 768,849
 
 768,849
 
 274,866
 
 274,866
 
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 351,662
 
 351,662
 
 266,799
 
 266,799
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities 997,396
 
 997,396
 
 1,258,747
 
 1,258,747
 
Municipal securities 175,649
 
 175,649
 
 147,654
 
 147,654
 
Other residential mortgage-backed securities:  
  
  
  
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities:  
  
  
  
Investment grade 62,393
 
 62,393
 
 11,477
 
 11,477
 
Corporate debt securities:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Investment grade 364,713
 
 364,713
 
 222,377
 
 222,377
 
Non-investment grade 9,642
 
 9,642
 
 9,173
 
 9,173
 
Foreign bonds:        
Investment grade 383,894
 
 383,894
 
Other securities 44,407
 35,635
 8,772
 
 40,329
 30,991
 9,338
 
Total available-for-sale investment securities $3,773,226
 $1,034,150
 $2,739,076
 $
 $3,335,795
 $751,470
 $2,584,325
 $
                
Derivative assets:                
Foreign currency forward contracts $2,365
 $
 $2,365
 $
 $4,325
 $
 $4,325
 $
Interest rate swaps and caps $67,215
 $
 $67,215
 $
Interest rate swaps and options $67,578
 $
 $67,578
 $
Foreign exchange contracts $10,254
 $
 $10,254
 $
 $11,874
 $
 $11,874
 $
Credit risk participation agreements (“RPAs”) $3
 $
 $3
 $
                
Derivative liabilities:                
Interest rate swaps on certificates of deposit $(5,213) $
 $(5,213) $
 $(5,976) $
 $(5,976) $
Interest rate swaps and caps $(67,325) $
 $(67,325) $
Interest rate swaps and options $(65,131) $
 $(65,131) $
Foreign exchange contracts $(9,350) $
 $(9,350) $
 $(11,213) $
 $(11,213) $
Credit risk participation agreements (“RPA”) $(4) $
 $(4) $
RPAs $(3) $
 $(3) $
                
 

73




 Assets (Liabilities) Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
as of December 31, 2014
 Assets (Liabilities) Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
as of December 31, 2015
($ In thousands) Fair Value Measurements December 31, 2014 Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
($ in thousands) 
Fair Value
Measurements
 Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Available-for-sale investment securities:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
U.S. Treasury securities $873,435
 $873,435
 $
 $
 $998,515
 $998,515
 $
 $
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities 311,024
 
 311,024
 
 768,849
 
 768,849
 
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 141,420
 
 141,420
 
 351,662
 
 351,662
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities 791,088
 
 791,088
 
 997,396
 
 997,396
 
Municipal securities 250,448
 
 250,448
 
 175,649
 
 175,649
 
Other residential mortgage-backed securities:  
  
  
  
Investment grade 53,918
 
 53,918
 
Other commercial mortgage-backed securities:  
  
  
  
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities:  
  
  
  
Investment grade 34,053
 
 34,053
 
 62,393
 
 62,393
 
Corporate debt securities:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Investment grade 115,182
 
 115,182
 
 279,432
 
 279,432
 
Non-investment grade 14,681
 
 8,153
 6,528
 9,642
 
 9,642
 
Foreign bonds:        
Investment grade 89,795
 4,514
 85,281
 
Other securities 41,368
 32,357
 9,011
 
 39,893
 31,121
 8,772
 
Total available-for-sale investment securities $2,626,617
 $905,792
 $1,714,297
 $6,528
 $3,773,226
 $1,034,150
 $2,739,076
 $
                
Derivative assets:                
Foreign exchange options $6,136
 $
 $6,136
 $
Interest rate swaps and caps $41,534
 $
 $41,534
 $
Foreign currency forward contracts $2,365
 $
 $2,365
 $
Interest rate swaps and options $67,215
 $
 $67,215
 $
Foreign exchange contracts $8,118
 $
 $8,118
 $
 $10,254
 $
 $10,254
 $
                
Derivative liabilities:                
Interest rate swaps on certificates of deposit $(9,922) $
 $(9,922) $
 $(5,213) $
 $(5,213) $
Interest rate swaps and caps $(41,779) $
 $(41,779) $
Interest rate swaps and options $(67,325) $
 $(67,325) $
Foreign exchange contracts $(9,163) $
 $(9,163) $
 $(9,350) $
 $(9,350) $
Embedded derivative liabilities $(3,392) $
 $
 $(3,392)
RPAs $(4) $
 $(4) $
                


74




At each reporting period, all assets and liabilities for which the fair value measurement is based on significant unobservable inputs are classified as Level 3. There were no assets or liabilities measured using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) on a recurring basis for the year ended December 31, 2016. The following tables presenttable presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for major asset and liability categories measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:2014:
                    
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
2015 2014 2013 2015 2014
Corporate Debt
Securities:
Non-Investment Grade
 Embedded Derivative 
Liabilities
 Corporate Debt
Securities:
Non-Investment Grade
 Embedded Derivative 
Liabilities
 Corporate Debt
Securities:
Non-Investment Grade
 Embedded Derivative 
Liabilities
Corporate
Debt
Securities:
Non-Investment
 Grade
 Embedded
Derivative 
Liabilities
 Corporate
Debt
Securities:
Non-Investment
 Grade
 Embedded
Derivative 
Liabilities
Beginning balance $6,528
 $(3,392) $6,371
 $(3,655) $4,800
 $(3,052) $6,528
 $(3,392) $6,371
 $(3,655)
Total gains (losses) for the period:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Included in earnings (1)
 960
 (20) 802
 263
 
 (603) 960
 (20) 802
 263
Included in other comprehensive (loss) income (2)
 922
 
 2,326
 
 1,653
 
 922
 
 2,326
 
Purchases, issues, sales, settlements:      
  
  
  
Purchases 
 
 
 
 
 
Issues 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales and settlements:  
  
  
  
Sales (7,219) 
 (2,595) 
 
 
 (7,219) 
 (2,595) 
Settlements (98) 3,412
 (376) 
 (82) 
 (98) 3,412
 (376) 
Transfer from investment grade to non-investment grade 
 
 
 
 
 
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3 (1,093) 
 
 
 
 
Transfers out of Level 3 (1,093) 
 
 
Ending balance $
 $
 $6,528
 $(3,392) $6,371
 $(3,655) $
 $
 $6,528
 $(3,392)
Change in unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings relating to assets and liabilities held for the period $
 $
 $
 $263
 $
 $(603)
Changes in unrealized gains included in earnings relating to assets and liabilities held for the period (1)
 $
 $
 $
 $263
                    
(1)
Net gains or losses (realized and unrealized) of corporate debt securities and embedded derivative liabilities are included in netNet gains on sales of available-for-sale investment securities and otherOther operating expense, respectively, inon the Consolidated Statements of Income.
(2)
Unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale investment securities are reported in otherOther comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax in, on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Transfers into or out of fair value hierarchy classifications are made if the significant inputs used in the financial models measuring the fair values of the assets and liabilities becamebecome unobservable or observable in the current marketplace. The Company’s policy, with respect to transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy, is to recognize transfers into and out of each level as of the end of the reporting period. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company transferred $1.1 million of assets measured on a recurring basis out of Level 3 into Level 2 due to increased market liquidity and price observability on certain pooled trust preferred securities. There were no transfers of assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis in and out of Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 for the years ended December 31, 20142016 and 2013.

The following table presents quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs used in2014. During the valuationyear ended December 31, 2015, the Company transferred $1.1 million of pooled trust preferred securities measured on a recurring basis out of Level 3 into Level 2 due to increased market liquidity and price observability. There were no transfers of assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis classified asbetween Level 3 as of1 and Level 2 during the year ended December 31, 2014 :2015.
           
($ in thousands) Fair Value
Measurements
(Level 3)
 
Valuation
 Technique(s)
 Unobservable Input(s) Range of Inputs Weighted
Average
Available-for-sale investment securities:  
        
Corporate debt securities:  
        
Non-investment grade $6,528
 Discounted cash flow Constant prepayment rate 0.00% - 1.00% 0.73%
   
   Constant default rate 0.75% - 1.20% 0.87%
   
   Loss severity 85.00% 85.00%
   
   Discount margin 4.50% - 7.50% 6.94%
Embedded derivative liabilities $(3,392) Discounted cash flow Credit risk 0.12% - 0.14% 0.13%
           

Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include certain non-PCI loans that were impaired, loans, OREO and loans held for sale.held-for-sale.  These fair value adjustments result from impairments recognized during the period on certain non-PCI impaired loans, application of fair value less cost to sell on OREO and application of LOCOMthe lower of cost or fair value valuation on loans held for sale.held-for-sale.


75




The following tables present the carrying amounts of all assets included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets that were still held as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 for whichhad fair value changes measured on a nonrecurring fair value measurement was recorded:basis:
                
 Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
as of December 31, 2015
 Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
as of December 31, 2016
(S in thousands) 
Fair Value
Measurements
 Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
($ in thousands) 
Fair Value
Measurements
 Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Non-PCI impaired loans:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
CRE $17,252
 $
 $
 $17,252
 $14,908
 $
 $
 $14,908
C&I 35,558
 
 
 35,558
 52,172
 
 
 52,172
Residential 16,472
 
 
 16,472
 2,464
 
 
 2,464
Consumer 1,180
 
 
 1,180
 610
 
 
 610
Total non-PCI impaired loans $70,462
 $
 $
 $70,462
 $70,154
 $
 $
 $70,154
OREO $4,929
 $
 $
 $4,929
 $345
 $
 $
 $345
Loans held for sale $29,238
 $
 $29,238
 $
Loans held-for-sale $22,703
 $
 $22,703
 $
                
                
 Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
as of December 31, 2014
 Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
as of December 31, 2015
($ in thousands) 
Fair Value
Measurements
 Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Fair Value
Measurements
 Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Non-PCI impaired loans:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
CRE $26,089
 $
 $
 $26,089
 $17,252
 $
 $
 $17,252
C&I 16,581
 
 
 16,581
 35,558
 
 
 35,558
Residential 25,034
 
 
 25,034
 16,472
 
 
 16,472
Consumer 107
 
 
 107
 1,180
 
 
 1,180
Total non-PCI impaired loans $67,811
 $
 $
 $67,811
 $70,462
 $
 $
 $70,462
OREO $17,521
 $
 $
 $17,521
 $4,929
 $
 $
 $4,929
Loans held-for-sale $29,238
 $
 $29,238
 $
                

The following table presents fair value adjustments of certain assets measured on a nonrecurring basis recognized forduring the years ended and still heldwhich were included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 and 2013:2014:
            
 Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 2016 2015 2014
Non-PCI impaired loans:  
  
  
  
  
  
CRE $(2,747) $2,196
 $(4,250) $1,084
 $(2,747) $2,196
C&I (5,612) (9,169) (13,135) (27,106) (5,612) (9,169)
Residential (611) (61) (1,378) (224) (611) (61)
Consumer (59) (1) (112) 34
 (59) (1)
Total non-PCI impaired loans $(9,029) $(7,035) $(18,875) $(26,212) $(9,029) $(7,035)
OREO $(233) $(2,600) $(4,814) $(23) $(233) $(2,600)
Loans held for sale $(1,991) $
 $
Loans held-for-sale $(5,565) $(1,991) $
            


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The following table presents quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation of assets measured on a nonrecurring basis classified as Level 3 as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014:2015:
($ in thousands) Fair Value
Measurements
(Level 3)
 Valuation
Technique(s)
 Unobservable
Input(s)
 Range of Inputs Weighted 
Average
 Fair Value
Measurements
(Level 3)
 Valuation
Technique(s)
 Unobservable
Input(s)
 
Range
of
Inputs
 Weighted 
Average
December 31, 2016  
        
Non-PCI impaired loans $31,835
 Discounted cash flow Discount 0% — 62% 7%
 $38,319
 Market comparables 
Discount (1)
 0% — 100% 18%
OREO $345
 Appraisal Selling cost 8% 8%
December 31, 2015  
           
Non-PCI impaired loans $27,522
 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 0% - 87% 30% $27,522
 Discounted cash flow Discount 0% — 87% 30%
 $42,940
 Market comparables 
Discount rate (1)
 0% - 100% 17% $42,940
 Market comparables 
Discount(1)
 0% — 100% 17%
OREO $4,929
 Appraisal Selling cost 8% 8% $4,929
 Appraisal Selling cost 8% 8%
December 31, 2014   
Non-PCI impaired loans $11,499
 Discounted cash flow Discount rate 0% - 81% 49%
 $56,312
 Market comparables 
Discount rate (1)
 0% - 100% 4%   
OREO $17,521
 Appraisal Selling cost 8% 8%
   
(1)Discount rate is adjusted for factors such as liquidation cost of collateral and selling cost.

The following tables present the carrying and fair values per the fair value hierarchy of certain financial instruments, excluding those measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014:2015:
($ in thousands) December 31, 2015 December 31, 2016
Carrying
Amount
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 
Estimated
Fair Value
Carrying
Amount
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 
Estimated
Fair Value
Financial assets:                    
Cash and cash equivalents $1,360,887
 $1,360,887
 $
 $
 $1,360,887
 $1,878,503
 $1,878,503
 $
 $
 $1,878,503
Short-term investments $299,916
 $
 $299,916
 $
 $299,916
Interest-bearing deposits with banks $323,148
 $
 $323,148
 $
 $323,148
Resale agreements (1)
 $1,600,000
 $
 $1,533,961
 $
 $1,533,961
 $2,000,000
 $
 $1,980,457
 $
 $1,980,457
Loans held for sale $31,958
 $
 $31,958
 $
 $31,958
Loans receivable, net $23,378,789
 $
 $
 $23,000,817
 $23,000,817
Held-to-maturity investment security $143,971
 $
 $
 $144,593
 $144,593
Loans held-for-sale $23,076
 $
 $23,076
 $
 $23,076
Loans held-for-investment, net $25,242,619
 $
 $
 $24,915,143
 $24,915,143
Investment in FHLB stock $28,770
 $
 $28,770
 $
 $28,770
 $17,250
 $
 $17,250
 $
 $17,250
Investment in Federal Reserve Bank stock $54,932
 $
 $54,932
 $
 $54,932
 $55,525
 $
 $55,525
 $
 $55,525
Accrued interest receivable $89,243
 $
 $89,243
 $
 $89,243
 $100,524
 $
 $100,524
 $
 $100,524
Financial liabilities:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Customer deposit accounts:  
  
  
  
  
Demand, savings and money market deposits $20,859,086
 $
 $20,859,086
 $
 $20,859,086
Customer deposits:  
  
  
  
  
Demand, interest checking, saving and money market deposits $24,275,714
 $
 $24,275,714
 $
 $24,275,714
Time deposits $6,616,895
 $
 $6,606,942
 $
 $6,606,942
 $5,615,269
 $
 $5,611,746
 $
 $5,611,746
Short-term borrowings $60,050
 $
 $60,050
 $
 $60,050
FHLB advances $1,019,424
 $
 $1,032,000
 $
 $1,032,000
 $321,643
 $
 $334,859
 $
 $334,859
Repurchase agreements (1)
 $350,000
 $
 $411,368
 $
 $411,368
Long-term debt $186,327
 $
 $186,670
 $
 $186,670
Accrued interest payable $8,848
 $
 $8,848
 $
 $8,848
 $9,440
 $
 $9,440
 $
 $9,440
Long-term debt $206,084
 $
 $186,593
 $
 $186,593
(1)
Resale and repurchase agreements are reported net pursuant to ASC 210-20-45, Balance Sheet Offsetting. As of December 31, 2016, $100.0 million out of $450.0 millionof repurchase agreements was eligible for netting against resale agreements.



 
($ in thousands) December 31, 2015
 Carrying
Amount
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Estimated
Fair Value
Financial assets:  
  
  
  
  
Cash and cash equivalents $1,360,887
 $1,360,887
 $
 $
 $1,360,887
Interest-bearing deposits with banks $299,916
 $
 $299,916
 $
 $299,916
Resale agreements (1)
 $1,600,000
 $
 $1,533,961
 $
 $1,533,961
Loans held-for-sale $31,958
 $
 $31,958
 $
 $31,958
Loans held-for-investment, net $23,378,789
 $
 $
 $23,000,817
 $23,000,817
Investment in FHLB stock $28,770
 $
 $28,770
 $
 $28,770
Investment in Federal Reserve Bank stock $54,932
 $
 $54,932
 $
 $54,932
Accrued interest receivable $89,243
 $
 $89,243
 $
 $89,243
Financial liabilities:  
  
  
  
  
Customer deposits:  
  
  
  
  
Demand, interest checking, savings and
  money market deposits
 $20,859,086
 $
 $20,859,086
 $
 $20,859,086
Time deposits $6,616,895
 $
 $6,606,942
 $
 $6,606,942
FHLB advances $1,019,424
 $
 $1,032,000
 $
 $1,032,000
Long-term debt $206,084
 $
 $186,593
 $
 $186,593
Accrued interest payable $8,848
 $
 $8,848
 $
 $8,848
 
(1)
Resale and repurchase agreements are reported net pursuant to ASC 210-20-45, Balance Sheet Offsetting. As of December 31, 2015, the carrying amount of $450.0 millionof repurchase agreements was eligible for netting against resale agreements, resulting in no repurchase agreements’ balances being reported.


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  December 31, 2014
($ in thousands) Carrying
Amount
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Estimated
Fair Value
Financial assets:  
  
  
  
  
Cash and cash equivalents $1,039,885
 $1,039,885
 $
 $
 $1,039,885
Short-term investments $338,714
 $
 $338,714
 $
 $338,714
Resale agreements (1)
 $1,225,000
 $
 $1,191,060
 $
 $1,191,060
Loans held for sale $45,950
 $
 $45,950
 $
 $45,950
Loans receivable, net $21,468,270
 $
 $
 $20,997,379
 $20,997,379
Investment in FHLB stock $31,239
 $
 $31,239
 $
 $31,239
Investment in Federal Reserve Bank stock $54,451
 $
 $54,451
 $
 $54,451
Accrued interest receivable $88,303
 $
 $88,303
 $
 $88,303
Financial liabilities:  
  
  
  
  
Customer deposit accounts:  
  
  
  
  
Demand, savings and money market deposits $17,896,035
 $
 $17,896,035
 $
 $17,896,035
Time deposits $6,112,739
 $
 $6,095,217
 $
 $6,095,217
FHLB advances $317,241
 $
 $336,302
 $
 $336,302
Repurchase agreements (1)
 $795,000
 $
 $870,434
 $
 $870,434
Accrued interest payable $11,303
 $
 $11,303
 $
 $11,303
Long-term debt $225,848
 $
 $205,777
 $
 $205,777
 
(1)
Resale and repurchase agreements are reported net pursuant to ASC 210-20-45, Balance Sheet Offsetting. As of December 31, 2014, the carrying amount of $200.0 million out of $995.0 million of repurchase agreements was eligible for netting against resale agreements.

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies and significant assumptions used to measure financial assets and liabilities at fair value and to estimate fair value for certain financial instruments not recorded at fair value. The description also includes the level of the fair value hierarchy in which the assets or liabilities are classified.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents — The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. As such, the estimated fair value is classified as Level 1.
 
Short-Term InvestmentsInterest-bearing deposits with banks — The fair value of short-term investmentsinterest-bearing deposits with banks generally approximates their book value due to their short maturities.  In addition, due to the observable nature of the inputs used in deriving the estimated fair value, these instruments are classified as Level 2.
 
Resale Agreements — The fair value of resale agreements is estimated by discounting the cash flows based on expected maturities or repricing dates utilizing estimated market discount rates.  In addition, due to the observable nature of the inputs used in deriving the estimated fair value, these instruments are classified as Level 2.
 
Held-to-Maturity Investment Security — The fair value of the held-to-maturity investment security is determined by the discount cash flow approach. The discount rate is derived from conditional prepayment rate, constant default rate, loss severity and discount margin. Due to the significant unobservable inputs, the held-to-maturity investment security is classified as Level 3.

Available-for-Sale Investment Securities — When available, the Company uses quoted market prices to determine the fair value of available-for-sale investment securities; such items are classified as Level 1.  Level 1 available-for-sale investment securities mainly include U.S. Treasury securities.  The fair values of other available-for-sale investment securities are generally determined by independent external pricing service providers who have experience in valuing these securities or by the average of quoted market prices obtained from independent external brokers. In obtaining such valuation information from third parties, the Company has reviewed the methodologies used to develop the resulting fair values.  The available-for-sale investment securities valued using such methods are classified as Level 2.
 
Loans Held for SaleHeld-for-Sale — The Company’s loans held for saleheld-for-sale are carried at the LOCOM.lower of cost or fair value. These loans are mainly comprised of student loans.  The fair value of loans held for saleheld-for-sale is derived from current market prices and comparative current sales. As such, the Company records any fair value adjustments on a nonrecurring basis. Loans held for saleheld-for-sale are classified as Level 2.
 

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Non-PCI Impaired Loans The Company evaluates non-PCI impaired loans on a nonrecurring basis. The fair value of non-PCI impaired loans is measured using the market comparables technique.or discounted cash flow techniques. For CRE loans and C&I loans, the fair value is based on each loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral less cost to sell, if the loan is collateral dependent. The fair value of collateral is generally based on third party appraisals (or internal evaluation if third party appraisal is not required by regulations) which utilize one or more valuation techniques (income, market and/or cost approaches). All third party appraisals and evaluations which are reviewed and validated by independent appraisers or the Company’s appraisal department.department staffed by licensed appraisers and/or experienced real estate reviewers. The third party appraisals are ordered through the appraisal department (except for one-to-four unit residential appraisals which are typically ordered through an approved appraisal management company or an approved residential appraiser) at the inception, renewal or, for all real estate related loans, upon the occurrence of any event causing a downgrade to an adverse grade (i.e., “substandard” or “doubtful”). Updated appraisals and evaluations are generally obtained within the last 12 months. The Company increases the frequency of obtaining updated appraisals for adversely graded credits when declining market conditions exist. All appraisals include an “as is” market value without conditions as of the effective date of the appraisal. Updated appraisals and evaluations are generally obtained within the last 12 months. For certain impaired loans, the Company utilizes the discounted cash flow approach and applies a discount rate derived from historical data. For impaired loans with an unpaid balance below a certain threshold, the Company applies historical loss rates to derive the fair value. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of non-PCI impaired loans are discount rates applied based on the liquidation cost of collateral and selling cost. On a quarterly basis, all nonperforming assets are reviewed to assess whether the current carrying value is supported by the collateral or cash flow and to ensure that the current carrying value is appropriate. Non-PCI impaired loans are classified as Level 3.
 
Loans Receivable, NetHeld-for-Investment, net — The fair value of loans held-for-investment other than Non-PCI impaired loans is determined based on a discounted cash flow approach considered for an exit price value. The discount rate is derived from the associated yield curve plus spreads and reflectsthat reflect the offering rates in the market for loans with similar financial characteristics. No adjustments have been made for changes in credit within any of the loan portfolios. It is management’s opinion that the allowance for loan losses pertaining to performing and nonperforming loans results in a fair value valuation of credit for such loans. Due to the unobservable nature of the inputs used in deriving the estimated fair value, these instruments are classified as Level 3.
 
OREO — The Company’s OREO represents properties acquired through foreclosure or through full or partial satisfaction of loans receivable,held-for-investment, which are recorded at estimated fair value less the cost to sell at the time of foreclosure and at the lower of cost or estimated fair value less the cost to sell subsequent to acquisition. The fair values of OREO properties are based on third party appraisals, broker price opinions or accepted written offers. ReferPlease refer to the Non-PCI Impaired Loans section above for a detailed discussion on the Company’s policies and procedures related to appraisals and evaluations. On a monthly basis, the current fair market value of each OREO property is reviewed to ensure that the current carrying value is appropriate. The Company uses the market comparablescomparable valuation technique to measure the fair value of OREO properties. The significant unobservable input used is the selling cost. OREO properties are classified as Level 3.

Investment in FHLB Stock and Federal Reserve Bank Stock — The carrying amounts of the Company’s investments in FHLB Stock and Federal Reserve Bank Stock approximate fair value. The valuation of these investments is classified as Level 2. Ownership of these securities is restricted to member banks and the securities do not have a readily determinable fair value.  Purchases and sales of these securities are at par value.
 
Accrued Interest Receivable — The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. Due to the observable nature of the inputs used in deriving the estimated fair value, these instruments are classified as Level 2.
Foreign Exchange Options — The Company entered into foreign exchange option contracts with major investment firms in 2010. The settlement amount is determined based upon the performance of the RMB relative to the USD over the five year term of the contracts. The performance amount is computed based on the average quarterly value of the RMB compared to the USD as compared to the initial value. The fair value of these derivative contracts is provided by third parties and is determined based on the change in the RMB and the volatility of the option over the life of the agreement. The option value is derived based on the volatility of the option, interest rate, currency rate and time remaining to maturity. The Company’s consideration of the counterparty’s credit risk resulted in a nominal adjustment to the valuation of the foreign exchange options. Due to the observable nature of the inputs used in deriving the fair value of these derivative contracts, the valuation of the option contracts is classified as Level 2.


79



Interest Rate Swaps and CapsOptions — The Company enters into interest rate swap and capoption contracts with institutional counterparties to hedge against interest rate swap and capoption products offered to bank customers. These products allow borrowers to lock in attractive intermediate and long-term interest rates by entering into an interest rate swap or capoption contract with the Company, resulting in the customer obtaining a synthetic fixed rate loan. The Company also enters into interest rate swap contracts with institutional counterparties to hedge against certificates of deposit issued. This product allows the Company to lock in attractive floating rate funding. The fair value of interest rate swaps is determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash payments (or receipts) and the discounted expected variable cash receipts (or payments).  The variable cash receipts (or payments) are based on the expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observed market interest rate curves.  The fair value of interest rate options is determined using the market standard methodology of discounting the future expected cash receipts that would occur if variable interest rates fell below (rise above) the strike rate of the floors (caps).  The variable interest rates used in the calculation of projected receipts on the floor (cap) are based on an expectation of future interest rates derived from observable market interest rate curves and volatilities. In addition, to comply with the provisions of ASC 820, the Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements of its derivatives. The credit valuation adjustments associated with the Company’s derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, model-derived credit spreads. As of December 31, 2015,2016, the Company has assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of these interest rate contracts’ positions and has determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of its derivative portfolios. As a result, the Company classifies these derivative valuations in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy due to the observable nature of the significant inputs utilized.
 
Foreign Exchange Contracts — The Company enters into short-term foreign exchange contracts to purchase/sell foreign currencies at set rates in the future.  These contracts economically hedge against foreign exchange rate fluctuations. The Company also enters into contracts with institutional counterparties to hedge against foreign exchange products offered to bank customers. These products allow customers to hedge the foreign exchange risk of their deposits and loans denominated in foreign currencies. The Company assumes minimal foreign exchange rate risk asbecause the contractcontracts with the customer and the institutional party mirrorsmirror each other.  The fair value is determined at each reporting period based on changes in the foreign exchange rate. These are over the counterover-the-counter contracts where quoted market prices are not readily available.  Valuation is measured using conventional valuation methodologies with observable market data.  Valuation depends on the type of derivative and the nature of the underlying rate and contractual terms including period of maturity, price orand index upon which the derivative’s value is based. Key inputs include foreign exchange rates (spot and/or forward rates), volatility of currencies, and the correlation of such inputs. The counterparties’ credit risks are considered nominal and resulted in no adjustments to the valuation of the foreign exchange contracts. Due to the observable nature of the inputs used in deriving the fair value of these contracts, the valuation of foreign contracts is classified as Level 2.

Customer Deposits — The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as demand deposits, interest checking, savings and money market deposits, approximates the carrying amount as the amounts are payable on demand at the measurement date. Due to the observable nature of the inputs used in deriving the estimated fair value, these instruments are classified as Level 2. For time deposits, the fair value is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows using current market rates for instruments with similar maturities. Due to the observable nature of the inputs used in deriving the estimated fair value, time deposits are classified as Level 2.

FHLB Advances — The fair value of FHLB advances is estimated based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows, using rates currently offered by the FHLB of San Francisco for advances with similar remaining maturities at each reporting date. Due to the observable nature of the inputs used in deriving the estimated fair value, these instruments are classified as Level 2.

Repurchase Agreements — The fair value of the repurchase agreements wasis calculated by discounting future cash flows based on expected maturities or repricing dates, utilizing estimated market discount rates and taking into consideration the call features of each instrument. Due to the observable nature of the inputs used in deriving the estimated fair value, these instruments are classified as Level 2.

Accrued Interest Payable — The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. Due to the observable nature of the inputs used in deriving the estimated fair value, these instruments are classified as Level 2.

Long-Term Debt — The fair value of long-term debt is estimated by discounting the cash flows through maturity based on current market rates the Company would pay for new issuances. Due to the observable nature of the inputs used in deriving the estimated fair value, long-term debt is classified as Level 2.


80



Embedded Derivative Liabilities — Under ASC 815, a certificate of deposit that pays interest based on changes in foreign exchange rates is a hybrid instrument with an embedded derivative that must be accounted for separately from the host contract (i.e., the certificate of deposit). The Company issues certain certificates of deposit that have a term of five years and pay interest based on the performance of the RMB relative to the USD. The fair value of these embedded derivatives is based on the discounted cash flow approach.  The liabilities are divided between the portion under FDIC insurance coverage and the non-insured portion.  For the FDIC insured portion, the Company applied a risk premium comparable to an agency security risk premium. For the non-insured portion, the Company considered its own credit risk in determining the valuation by applying a risk premium based on the Company’s institutional credit rating.  Total credit valuation adjustments were considered nominal to the valuation of embedded derivative liabilities. Increases (decreases), if any, of those inputs in isolation would result in a lower (higher) fair value measurement.  The valuation of the embedded derivative liabilities falls within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, since the significant inputs used in deriving the fair value of these derivative contracts are not directly observable. 

Foreign currency forward contracts — The Company enters into foreign currency forward contracts to hedge its net investment in East West Bank (China) Limited, a non-USD functional currency subsidiary in China. The fair value of foreign currency forward contracts is valued by comparing the contracted foreign exchange rate to the current market exchange rate. Inputs include spot rates, forward rates, and the interest rate curve of the domestic and foreign currency. Interest rate forward curves are used to determine which forward rate pertains to a specific maturity. Due to the observable nature of the inputs used in deriving the estimated fair value, these instruments are classified as Level 2.
 
RPARPAs — The Company enters into RPAs, under which the Company assumes its pro-rata share of the credit exposure associated with the borrower’s performance related to interest rate derivative contracts. The fair value of RPAs is calculated by determining the total expected asset or liability exposure of the derivatives to the borrowers and applying the borrower’sborrowers’ credit spread to that exposure. Total expected exposure incorporates both the current and potential future exposure of the derivatives, derived from using observable inputs, such as yield curves and volatilities. The credit spreads of the borrowers used in the calculation are estimated by the Company based on current market conditions, including consideration of current borrowing spreads for similar customers and transactions, review of existing collateralization or other credit enhancements, and changes in credit sector and entity-specific credit information. The Company has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value RPAs fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

The fair value estimates presented herein are based on pertinent information available to management as of each reporting date. Although the Company is not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the estimated fair value amounts, such amounts have not been comprehensively revalued for purposes of these financial statements since that date, and therefore, current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein.



81



NOTE 4CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
Cash and cash equivalents include cash, amounts due from banks, interest-bearing deposits in other banks, and bank placements, with original maturities up to 90 days. The following table presents the composition of cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:
 
($ in thousands) December 31,
 2015 2014
Cash and amounts due from banks $1,177,889
 $944,118
Cash equivalents:  
  
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks 68,000
 
Bank placements 114,998
 95,767
Total cash and cash equivalents $1,360,887
 $1,039,885
 
Short-term investments include interest-bearing deposits in other banks and bank placements, with original maturities greater than 90 days and less than one year. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, short-term investments totaled $299.9 million and $338.7 million, respectively. Included in short-term investments were interest-bearing deposits in other banks of $160.9 million and $50.2 million, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

NOTE 54SECURITIES PURCHASED UNDER RESALE AGREEMENTS AND SOLD UNDER REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

Resale Agreements

Resale agreements are recorded at the balances at which the securities were acquired. The market values of the underlying securities collateralizing the related receivable of the resale agreements, including accrued interest, are monitored. Additional collateral may be requested by the Company from the counterparty when deemed appropriate. Gross resale agreements were $2.05$2.10 billion and $1.43$2.05 billion as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014,2015, respectively. The weighted average interest rates were 1.61%1.84% and 1.55%1.61% as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014,2015, respectively. As of December 31, 2015,2016, total gross resale agreements that are maturing in the next five years are as follows: 20162017$950.0 million; 2017 and$1.40 billion; 2018 — $50.0 million each;million; 2019 — $0.0 million; 2020 — $100.0 million; 2021 — $0.0 million and thereafter — $900.0$550.0 million.
    
Repurchase Agreements

Long-term repurchase agreements are accounted for as collateralized financing transactions and recorded at the balances at which the securities were sold. The collateral for these agreements areis primarily comprised of U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise debtmortgage-backed securities, U.S. Treasury securities, and mortgage-backedU.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities. The Company may have to provide additional collateral for the repurchase agreements, as necessary.

Gross repurchase agreements were $450.0 million and $995.0 million as of both December 31, 20152016 and 2014, respectively.2015. The weighted average interest rates were 2.60%3.15% and 3.70%2.60% as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014,2015, respectively. The Company had no charges related to the extinguishment of repurchase agreements for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2014. In comparison, the Company recorded $21.8 million of charges related to the extinguishment of $545.0 million of repurchase agreements for the year ended December 31, 2015. In comparison, there was no extinguishment charge recorded forAll of the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. As$450.0 million in gross repurchase agreements as of December 31, 2015, total gross repurchase agreements that are maturing in the next five years are as follows: 2016 through 2020 — $0.0 million and thereafter — $450.0 million.mature after 2021.


82




Balance Sheet Offsetting
 
The Company’s resale and repurchase agreements are transacted under legally enforceable master repurchase agreements that provide the Company, in the event of default by the counterparty, the right to liquidate securities held and to offset receivables and payables with the same counterparty. The Company nets resale and repurchase transactions with the same counterparty on the Consolidated Balance Sheets when it has a legally enforceable master netting agreement and the transactions are eligible for netting under ASC 210-20-45. Collateral accepted includes securities that are not recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Collateral pledged consists of securities that are not netted on the Consolidated Balance Sheets against the related collateralized liability. Collateral accepted or pledged in resale and repurchase agreements with other financial institutions may also be sold or re-pledged by the secured party, but is usually delivered to and held by the third party trustees. The collateral amounts received/posted are limited for presentation purposes to the related recognized asset/liability balance for each counterparty, and accordingly, do not include excess collateral received/pledged.

The following tables present resale and repurchase agreements included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014:2015:
($ in thousands)
As of December 31, 2015
As of December 31, 2016


Gross Amounts
of Recognized
Assets

Gross Amounts
Offset on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets

Net Amounts of
Assets Presented
on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets

Gross Amounts Not Offset on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets



Gross Amounts
of Recognized
Assets

Gross Amounts
Offset on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets

Net Amounts of
Assets Presented
on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets

Gross Amounts Not Offset on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets

Net
Amount
Assets
Financial
Instruments


Collateral
Received

Net Amount
Financial
Instruments

Collateral
Received

Resale agreements
$2,050,000

$(450,000)
$1,600,000

$

$(1,593,503)
(1) 

$6,497

$2,100,000

$(100,000)
$2,000,000

$(150,000)
(1) 
$(1,839,120)
(2) 
$10,880

























Gross Amounts
of Recognized
Liabilities

Gross Amounts
Offset on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets

Net Amounts of
Liabilities
Presented on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets

Gross Amounts Not Offset on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets


Liabilities
Gross Amounts
of Recognized
Liabilities

Gross Amounts
Offset on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets

Net Amounts of
Liabilities
Presented on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets

Gross Amounts Not Offset on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets

Net
Amount

Gross Amounts
of Recognized
Liabilities

Gross Amounts
Offset on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets

Net Amounts of
Liabilities
Presented on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets

Financial
Instruments


Collateral 
Posted

Net Amount
Financial
Instruments

Collateral 
Pledged

Repurchase agreements

$

$
(2) 

$

$450,000

$(100,000)
$350,000

$(150,000)
(1) 
$(200,000)
(3) 
$
($ In thousands) As of December 31, 2014 As of December 31, 2015
 Gross Amounts
of Recognized
Assets
 Gross Amounts
Offset on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets
 Net Amounts of
Assets Presented
on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets
 Gross Amounts Not Offset on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets
   Gross Amounts
of Recognized
Assets
 Gross Amounts
Offset on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets
 Net Amounts of
Assets Presented
on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets
 Gross Amounts Not Offset on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
Net
Amount
Assets Financial
Instruments
  Collateral
Received
 Net Amount Financial
Instruments
 Collateral
Received
 
Resale agreements $1,425,000
 $(200,000) $1,225,000
 $(425,000)
(3) 
 $(797,172)
(1) 
 $2,828
 $2,050,000
 $(450,000) $1,600,000
 $
 $(1,593,503)
(2) 
$6,497
                        
 Gross Amounts
of Recognized
Liabilities
 Gross Amounts
Offset on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets
 Net Amounts of
Liabilities
Presented on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets
 Gross Amounts Not Offset on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets
  
Liabilities Gross Amounts
of Recognized
Liabilities
 Gross Amounts
Offset on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets
 Net Amounts of
Liabilities
Presented on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets
 Gross Amounts Not Offset on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
Net
Amount
 Gross Amounts
of Recognized
Liabilities
 Gross Amounts
Offset on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets
 Net Amounts of
Liabilities
Presented on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets
 Financial
Instruments
  Collateral 
Posted
 Net Amount  Financial
Instruments
 Collateral 
Pledged
 
Repurchase agreements $(425,000)
(3) 
 $(370,000)
(2) 
 $
 $450,000
 $(450,000) $
 $
 $
(3) 
$
(1)Represents financial instruments subject to enforceable master netting arrangements that are not eligible to be offset under ASC 210-20-45 but would be eligible for offsetting to the extent that an event of default has occurred.
(2)Represents the fair value of securities the Company has received under resale agreements, limited for table presentation purposes to the amount of the recognized asset due from each counterparty.
(2)(3)Represents the fair value of securities the Company has pledged under repurchase agreements, limited for table presentation purposes to the amount of the recognized liability owed to each counterparty.
(3)Includes financial instruments subject to enforceable master netting arrangements that are not permitted to be offset under ASC 210-20-45 but would be eligible for offsetting to the extent an event of default has occurred.

In addition to the amounts included in the tabletables above, the Company also has balance sheet netting related to derivatives, refer to Note 76 Derivatives to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.



83




NOTE 6 — AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
NOTE 5INVESTMENT SECURITIES
 
The following table presents the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains gross unrealizedand losses and fair value by major categories of available-for-sale investment securities:securities, which are carried at fair value, and a held-to-maturity investment security, which is carried at amortized cost:
($ in thousands) Amortized
Cost
 Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
 As of December 31, 2016
As of December 31, 2015  
  
  
  
($ in thousands) Amortized
Cost
 Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
  
  
  
  
        
U.S. Treasury securities $1,002,874
 $33
 $(4,392) $998,515
 $730,287
 $21
 $(9,829) $720,479
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities 771,288
 555
 (2,994) 768,849
 277,891
 224
 (3,249) 274,866
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities:  
  
  
  
        
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 354,418
 268
 (3,024) 351,662
 272,672
 345
 (6,218) 266,799
Residential mortgage-backed securities 996,255
 7,542
 (6,401) 997,396
 1,266,372
 3,924
 (11,549) 1,258,747
Municipal securities 173,785
 2,657
 (793) 175,649
 148,302
 1,252
 (1,900) 147,654
Other residential mortgage-backed securities:        
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities:        
Investment grade (1)
 62,133
 433
 (173) 62,393
 11,592
 
 (115) 11,477
Corporate debt securities:        
        
Investment grade (1)
 366,921
 132
 (2,340) 364,713
 222,190
 562
 (375) 222,377
Non-investment grade (1)
 11,491
 
 (1,849) 9,642
 10,191
 
 (1,018) 9,173
Foreign bonds        
Investment grade (1) (2)
 405,443
 30
 (21,579) 383,894
Other securities 44,664
 124
 (381) 44,407
 40,501
 337
 (509) 40,329
Total available-for-sale investment securities $3,783,829
 $11,744
 $(22,347) $3,773,226
 $3,385,441
 $6,695
 $(56,341) $3,335,795
Held-to-maturity investment security:        
Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed security $143,971
 $622
 $
 $144,593
Total investment securities $3,529,412
 $7,317
 $(56,341) $3,480,388
                
As of December 31, 2014  
  
  
  
Available-for-sale investment securities:  
  
  
  
U.S. Treasury securities $873,101
 $1,971
 $(1,637) $873,435
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities 311,927
 490
 (1,393) 311,024
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities:  
  
  
  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 140,957
 1,056
 (593) 141,420
Residential mortgage-backed securities 785,412
 9,754
 (4,078) 791,088
Municipal securities 245,408
 6,202
 (1,162) 250,448
Other residential mortgage-backed securities:        
Investment grade (1)
 52,694
 1,359
 (135) 53,918
Other commercial mortgage-backed securities:        
Investment grade (1)
 34,000
 53
 
 34,053
Corporate debt securities:        
Investment grade (1)
 116,236
 
 (1,054) 115,182
Non-investment grade (1)
 17,881
 
 (3,200) 14,681
Other securities 41,691
 393
 (716) 41,368
Total available-for-sale investment securities $2,619,307
 $21,278
 $(13,968) $2,626,617
        
 
($ in thousands) As of December 31, 2015
 Amortized
Cost
 Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
Available-for-sale investment securities:        
U.S. Treasury securities $1,002,874
 $33
 $(4,392) $998,515
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities 771,288
 555
 (2,994) 768,849
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities:        
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 354,418
 268
 (3,024) 351,662
Residential mortgage-backed securities 996,255
 7,542
 (6,401) 997,396
Municipal securities 173,785
 2,657
 (793) 175,649
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities:        
Investment grade (1)
 62,133
 433
 (173) 62,393
Corporate debt securities:        
Investment grade (1)
 280,850
 129
 (1,547) 279,432
Non-investment grade (1)
 11,491
 
 (1,849) 9,642
Foreign Bonds        
Investment grade (1) (2)
 90,586
 3
 (794) 89,795
Other securities 40,149
 124
 (380) 39,893
Total available-for-sale investment securities $3,783,829
 $11,744
 $(22,347) $3,773,226
 


(1)Available-for-sale investment securities rated BBB- or higher by S&P or Baa3 or higher by Moody are considered investment grade.  Conversely, available-for-sale investment securities rated lower than BBB- by S&P or lower than Baa3 by Moody’s are considered non-investment grade. Classifications are based on the lower of the credit ratings by S&P or Moody’s.
(2)Fair values of foreign bonds include $353.6 million and $49.7 million of multilateral development bank bonds as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.


84



Unrealized Losses

Unrealized Losses

The following table presents the Company’s investment portfolio’s gross unrealized losses and related fair values, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position:
 
($ in thousands) As of December 31, 2016
 Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Available-for-sale investment securities:            
U.S. Treasury securities $670,268
 $(9,829) $
 $
 $670,268
 $(9,829)
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities 203,901
 (3,249) 
 
 203,901
 (3,249)
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities:            
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 202,106
 (5,452) 29,201
 (766) 231,307
 (6,218)
Residential mortgage-backed securities 629,324
 (9,594) 119,603
 (1,955) 748,927
 (11,549)
Municipal securities 57,655
 (1,699) 2,692
 (201) 60,347
 (1,900)
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities:            
Investment grade 5,033
 (101) 6,444
 (14) 11,477
 (115)
Corporate debt securities:            
Investment grade 
 
 71,667
 (375) 71,667
 (375)
Non-investment grade 
 
 9,173
 (1,018) 9,173
 (1,018)
Foreign bonds         

 

Investment grade 363,618
 (21,327) 14,258
 (252) 377,876
 (21,579)
Other securities 30,991
 (509) 
 
 30,991
 (509)
Total available-for-sale investment securities $2,162,896
 $(51,760) $253,038
 $(4,581) $2,415,934
 $(56,341)
Held-to-maturity investment security:            
Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed security $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
Total investment securities $2,162,896
 $(51,760) $253,038
 $(4,581) $2,415,934
 $(56,341)
 
 
($ in thousands) As of December 31, 2015
 Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total
 Fair
Value
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Available-for-sale investment securities:            
U.S. Treasury securities $907,400
 $(4,250) $20,282
 $(142) $927,682
 $(4,392)
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities 541,385
 (2,994) 
 
 541,385
 (2,994)
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities:            
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 252,340
 (2,562) 20,793
 (462) 273,133
 (3,024)
Residential mortgage-backed securities 535,842
 (4,530) 58,315
 (1,871) 594,157
 (6,401)
Municipal securities 48,495
 (437) 14,739
 (356) 63,234
 (793)
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities:            
Investment grade 5,123
 (1) 6,242
 (172) 11,365
 (173)
Corporate debt securities:            
Investment grade 149,358
 (683) 80,276
 (864) 229,634
 (1,547)
Non-investment grade 
 
 9,642
 (1,849) 9,642
 (1,849)
Foreign bonds            
Investment grade 74,101
 (506) 9,713
 (288) 83,814
 (794)
Other securities 13,475
 (112) 8,731
 (268) 22,206
 (380)
Total available-for-sale investment securities $2,527,519
 $(16,075) $228,733
 $(6,272) $2,756,252
 $(22,347)
 
 
($ in thousands) Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross Unrealized
Losses
As of December 31, 2015  
  
  
  
  
  
Available-for-sale investment securities:  
  
  
  
  
  
U.S. Treasury securities $907,400
 $(4,250) $20,282
 $(142) $927,682
 $(4,392)
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities 541,385
 (2,994) 
 
 541,385
 (2,994)
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities:  
  
  
  
  
  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 252,340
 (2,562) 20,793
 (462) 273,133
 (3,024)
Residential mortgage-backed securities 535,842
 (4,530) 58,315
 (1,871) 594,157
 (6,401)
Municipal securities 48,495
 (437) 14,739
 (356) 63,234
 (793)
Other residential mortgage-backed securities:  
  
  
  
  
  
Investment grade 5,123
 (1) 6,242
 (172) 11,365
 (173)
Corporate debt securities:  
  
  
  
  
  
Investment grade 218,944
 (1,189) 89,989
 (1,151) 308,933
 (2,340)
Non-investment grade 
 
 9,642
 (1,849) 9,642
 (1,849)
Other securities 17,990
 (112) 8,731
 (269) 26,721
 (381)
Total available-for-sale investment securities $2,527,519
 $(16,075) $228,733
 $(6,272) $2,756,252
 $(22,347)
             
As of December 31, 2014  
  
  
  
  
  
Available-for-sale investment securities:  
  
  
  
  
  
U.S. Treasury securities $170,260
 $(266) $163,800
 $(1,371) $334,060
 $(1,637)
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities 69,438
 (504) 124,104
 (889) 193,542
 (1,393)
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities:          
  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 45,405
 (257) 16,169
 (336) 61,574
 (593)
Residential mortgage-backed securities 81,927
 (270) 241,047
 (3,808) 322,974
 (4,078)
Municipal securities 6,391
 (26) 61,107
 (1,136) 67,498
 (1,162)
Other residential mortgage-backed securities:          
  
Investment grade 
 
 7,217
 (135) 7,217
 (135)
Corporate debt securities:          
  
Investment grade 25,084
 (12) 90,098
 (1,042) 115,182
 (1,054)
Non-investment grade 
 
 14,681
 (3,200) 14,681
 (3,200)
Other securities 15,885
 (716) 
 
 15,885
 (716)
Total available-for-sale investment securities $414,390
 $(2,051) $718,223
 $(11,917) $1,132,613
 $(13,968)
 



For each reporting period, the Company examines all individual securities that are in an unrealized loss position for OTTI.  For discussion of the factors and criteria the Company uses in analyzing securities for OTTI, see Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting PoliciesAvailable-for-Sale Investment Securities to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

ManagementThe unrealized losses were primarily attributed to the yield curve movement, in addition to widened liquidity spread and credit spread. The issuers of these securities have not, to the Company’s knowledge, established any cause for default on these securities. These securities have fluctuated in value since their purchase dates as market interest rates have fluctuated. The Company believes that the gross unrealized losses detailed in the previous tables above are temporary and are not due to reasons of credit quality. As a result, we expectthe Company expects to recover the entire amortized cost basis of these securities. Accordingly, no impairment loss has been recorded on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. At December 31, 2016, the Company had 170 available-for-sale investment securities in an unrealized loss position with no credit impairment, primarily comprised of 13 investment grade foreign bonds, 82 U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities and 26 U.S. Treasury securities. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had 186 available-for-sale investment securities in an unrealized loss position with no credit impairment, primarily comprising of 85 U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities, 39 U.S. Treasury securities and 12 corporate debt securities.


85During the first quarter of 2016, the Company obtained a non-agency mortgage-backed investment security, through the securitization of multifamily real estate loans, which was classified as held-to-maturity and recorded at amortized cost. The Company has the intent and ability to hold the security to maturity.



OTTI

The following table presents a rollforward of the amounts related to the OTTI credit losses recognized in earnings for the years ended December 31:
($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 2016 2015 2014
Beginning balance $112,338
 $115,511
 $115,511
 $
 $112,338
 $115,511
Addition of OTTI previously not recognized 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional increase to the amount related to the credit
loss for which an OTTI was previously recognized
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reduction for securities sold (112,338) (3,173) 
 
 (112,338) (3,173)
Ending balance $
 $112,338
 $115,511
 $
 $
 $112,338

No OTTI credit losses were recognized for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 and 2013.2014. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company realized a gain of $21.7 million from the sale of non-investment grade corporate debt securities with previously recognized OTTI credit losses of $112.3 million. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company realized a gain of $802 thousand from the sale of non-investment grade corporate debt securities with previously recognized OTTI credit losses of $3.2 million. There was no sale of investment securities with previously recognized OTTI credit losses for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Realized Gains and Losses

The following table presents the proceeds, gross realized gains and gross realized losses, and related tax expense related to the sales of available-for-sale investment securities for the years ended December 31:
 
 Year Ended December 31, 
($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 2016 2015 2014 
Proceeds from sales $1,669,334
 $623,689
 $663,569
 $1,275,645
 $1,669,334
 $623,689
 
Gross realized gains $40,367
 $10,978
 $13,904
 $10,487
 $40,367
 $10,978
 
Gross realized losses $
 $127
(1) 
$1,815
 $125
 $
 $127
(1) 
Related tax expense $16,954
 $4,557
 $5,077
 $4,357
 $16,974
 $4,500
 
 
(1)The gross realized losses of $127 thousand resulted from available-for-sale investment securities acquired from MetroCorp which were sold immediately after the acquisition closed.

Available-for-Sale
Maturities of Investment Securities Maturities
 
The following table presents the scheduled maturities of available-for-sale investment securities as of December 31, 2015:2016:
($ in thousands) 
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Due within one year $756,656
 $752,736
 $583,676
 $565,323
Due after one year through five years 1,155,873
 1,152,752
 704,674
 694,776
Due after five years through ten years 554,458
 550,980
 464,472
 455,804
Due after ten years 1,316,842
 1,316,758
 1,632,619
 1,619,892
Total available-for-sale investment securities $3,783,829
 $3,773,226
 $3,385,441
 $3,335,795

The following table presents the scheduled maturity of the held-to-maturity investment security as of December 31, 2016:
 
($ in thousands) 
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Due after ten years $143,971
 $144,593
 

Actual maturities of mortgage-backed securities can differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have the right to prepay obligations. In addition, such factors as prepayments and interest rates may affect the yields on the carrying values of mortgage-backed securities.

Available-for-sale investment securities with fair values of $767.4 million and $873.0 million as of December 31, 2016 and $1.96 billion2015, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits, repurchase agreements, the Federal Reserve Bank’s discount window, or for other purposes required or permitted by law as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.law.



86



NOTE 76 — DERIVATIVES
     
The Company uses derivatives to manage exposure to market risk, including interest rate risk and foreign currency risk and to assist customers with their risk management objectives. The Company’s goal is to manage interest rate sensitivity and volatility so that movements in interest rates are not significant to earnings or capital. The Company also uses foreign exchange contracts to manage the foreign exchange risk associated with certain foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities, as well as the Company’s investmentsinvestment in its China subsidiary. The Company recognizes all derivatives on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. While the Company designates certain derivatives as hedging instruments in a qualifying hedge accounting relationship, other derivatives consist of economic hedges. For moreadditional information on the Company’s derivatives and hedging activities, see Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policiesto the Consolidated Financial Statements.



The following table presents the total notional and fair values of the Company’s derivatives as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014:2015:
($ in thousands) December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015
Notional
Amount
 Fair Value 
Notional
Amount
 Fair Value
Notional
Amount
 Fair Value 
Notional
Amount
 Fair Value
 
Derivative
Assets (1)
 
Derivative
Liabilities (1)
 
Derivative
Assets (1)
 
Derivative
Liabilities (1)
 
Derivative
Assets (1)
 
Derivative
Liabilities (1)
 
Derivative
Assets (1)
 
Derivative
Liabilities (1)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:                        
Interest rate swaps on certificates of deposit $112,913
 $
 $5,213
 $132,667
 $
 $9,922
 $48,365
 $
 $5,976
 $112,913
 $
 $5,213
Foreign currency forward contracts 86,590
 2,365
 
 
 
 
 83,026
 4,325
 
 86,590
 2,365
 
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments $199,503
 $2,365
 $5,213
 $132,667
 $
 $9,922
 $131,391
 $4,325
 $5,976
 $199,503
 $2,365
 $5,213
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:                        
Foreign exchange options $
 $
 $
 $85,614
 $6,136
 $
Embedded derivative liabilities 
 
 
 47,838
 
 3,392
Interest rate swaps and caps 6,494,900
 67,215
 67,325
 4,858,391
 41,534
 41,779
Interest rate swaps and options $7,668,482
 $67,578
 $65,131
 $6,494,900
 $67,215
 $67,325
Foreign exchange contracts 652,993
 10,254
 9,350
 680,629
 8,118
 9,163
 767,764
 11,874
 11,213
 652,993
 10,254
 9,350
RPA 43,033



4






RPAs 71,414
 3
 3
 43,033
 
 4
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments $7,190,926
 $77,469
 $76,679
 $5,672,472
 $55,788
 $54,334
 $8,507,660
 $79,455
 $76,347
 $7,190,926
 $77,469
 $76,679
(1)
Derivative assets are included in Other Assets. Derivativeand derivative liabilities are included in Other Assets and Accrued Expensesexpenses and Other Liabilities, and Interest-Bearing Deposits.other liabilities, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
Interest Rate Swaps on Certificates of Deposit — The Company is exposed to changes in the fair value of certain fixed rate certificates of deposit due to changes in the benchmark interest rate, London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”).Offered Rate. Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges involve the receipt of fixed rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making variable-rate payments over the life of the agreements without the exchange of the underlying notional amount.
 
The total notional amounts of the interest rate swaps on certificates of deposit were $112.9$48.4 million and $132.7$112.9 million, as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014,2015, respectively. The fair value liabilities of the interest rate swaps were $5.2$6.0 million and $9.9$5.2 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and 2014, respectively. In orderThis decrease was primarily due to realign the hedged$63.7 million notional amounts of the interest rate swaps against the outstanding balances of the relatedon certificates of deposit that were called during the Company dedesignated certain existing hedge relationships of its fixed rate certificates of deposit and simultaneously redesignated them as new hedge relationships during 2015.year ended December 31, 2016.
  

87



The following table presents the net gains (losses) recognized inon the Consolidated Statements of Income related to derivatives designated as fair value hedges for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 and 2013:2014:
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
2015 2014 2013 2016 2015 2014
Gains (losses) recorded in interest expense:      
(Losses) gains recorded in interest expense:      
Recognized on interest rate swaps $3,452
 $6,885
 $(9,255) $(794) $3,452
 $6,885
Recognized on certificates of deposit (3,190) (6,784) 9,675
 157
 (3,190) (6,784)
Net amount recognized on fair value hedges (ineffective portion) $262
 $101
 $420
 $(637) $262
 $101

For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company also recognized net reductions to interest expense of $3.0 million and $3.6 million, respectively, primarily related to net settlements of the derivatives.



Net Investment Hedges Consistent with ASC 830-20, Foreign Currency Matters — Foreign Currency Transactions, ASC 815 allows hedging of the foreign currency risk of a net investment in a foreign operation. During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company entered into foreign currency forward contracts to hedge its investment in East West Bank (China) Limited, a non-U.S.non-USD functional currency subsidiary in China. The hedging instruments designated as net investment hedges, involvesinvolve hedging the risk of changes in the USD equivalent value of a designated monetary amount of the Company’s net investment in China, against the risk of adverse changes in the foreign currency exchange rate. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company designated new foreign currency forward contracts as new hedge relationships. The Company expects that the hedging instrument will be highly effective in offsetting the changes in the value of the hedged net investment attributable to the hedged risk. The Company recorded the changes in the carrying amount of its China subsidiary in the Foreign Currency Translation Adjustmentcurrency translation adjustment account within AOCI. Simultaneously, the effective portion of the hedge of this exposure was also recorded in the Foreign Currency Translation Adjustmentcurrency translation adjustment account and the ineffective portion, if any, was recorded in current earnings.

As of December 31, 2016, the total notional amount and fair value of the foreign currency forward contracts were $83.0 million and a $4.3 million asset, respectively. As of December 31, 2015, the total notional amountsamount and fair valuesvalue of the foreign currency forward contracts were $86.6 million and a $2.4 million asset, respectively. The following table presents the gains (losses) recorded in the Foreign Currency Translationcurrency translation adjustment account within AOCI related to the effective portion of the net investment hedges and the ineffectiveness recorded inon the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 and 2013:2014:
($ in thousands)Years ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
2015 2014 2013 2016 2015 2014
Gains recognized in AOCI on net investment hedges (effective portion)$1,485
 $
 $
 $2,908
 $1,485
 $
Gains recognized in foreign exchange income (ineffective portion)$880
 $
 $
 $1,124
 $880
 $

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Foreign Exchange Options — During 2010, the Company entered into foreign exchange option contracts with major brokerage firms to economically hedge against foreign exchange fluctuations in certain certificates of deposit available to its customers. These certificates of deposit have a term of 5 years and pay interest based on the performance of the RMB relative to the USD. Under ASC 815, a certificate of deposit that pays interest based on changes in foreign exchange rates is a hybrid instrument with an embedded derivative that must be accounted for separately from the host contract (i.e., the certificate of deposit). In accordance with ASC 815, both the embedded derivative instruments and the freestanding foreign exchange option contracts are recorded at fair value. All of the Company’s foreign exchange option contracts have expired as of December 31, 2015. In addition, there were no embedded derivative liabilities as of December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2014, the notional amounts and fair values of the foreign exchange options were $85.6 million and a $6.1 million asset, respectively, while the notional amounts and fair values of the embedded derivative liabilities were $47.8 million and a $3.4 million liability, respectively.

88



Interest Rate Swaps and CapsOptions — The Company enters into interest rate derivatives including interest rate swaps and capsoptions with its customers to allow them to hedge against the risk of rising interest rates on their variable rate loans. To economically hedge against the interest rate risks in the products offered to its customers, the Company enters into mirrored interest rate contracts with institutional counterparties.  As of December 31, 2015,2016, the total notional amountsamount of interest rate swaps and caps,options, including mirrored transactions with institutional counterparties and the Company’s customers totaled $3.86 billion for derivatives that were in an asset valuation position and $3.81 billion for derivatives that were in a liability valuation position. As of December 31, 2015, the total notional amount of interest rate swaps and options, including mirrored transactions with institutional counterparties and the Company’s customers totaled $3.25 billion for derivatives that were in an asset valuation position and $3.25 billion for derivatives that were in a liability valuation position. AsThe fair values of December 31, 2014, the total notional amounts of interest rate swapsswap and caps, including mirrored transactionsoption contracts with institutional counterparties and the Company’s customers totaled $2.45 billion for derivatives that were in anamounted to a $67.6 million asset valuation position and $2.40 billion for derivatives that were in a $65.1 million liability valuation position.as of December 31, 2016. The fair values of the interest rate swap and capoption contracts with institutional counterparties and the Company’s customers amounted to a $67.2 million asset and a $67.3 million liability as of December 31, 2015. The fair values of interest rate swap and cap contracts with institutional counterparties and the Company’s customers amounted to a $41.5 million asset and a $41.8 million liability as of December 31, 2014.
 
Foreign Exchange Contracts — The Company enters into foreign exchange contracts on a regular basis to economically hedge against foreign exchange rate fluctuations. A majority of these contracts have original maturities of approximately one year or less.year. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and 2014, the total notional amounts of short-term foreign exchange contracts were $653.0$767.8 million and $680.6$653.0 million, respectively.  The fair values of the short-term foreign exchange contracts recorded were an $11.9 million asset and an $11.2 million liability as of December 31, 2016. The fair values of short-term foreign exchange contracts recorded were a $10.3 million asset and a $9.4 million liability as of December 31, 2015. The fair values of short-term foreign exchange contracts recorded were an $8.1 million asset and a $9.2 million liability as of December 31, 2014.



RPADuring 2015, theThe Company has entered into RPAs, under which the Company assumed its pro-rata share of the credit exposure associated with the borrower’s performance related to interest rate derivative contracts. The Company may or may not be a party to the interest rate derivative contract and enters into such RPAs in instances where the Company is a party to the related loan participation agreement with the borrower. The Company will make/receive payments under the RPAs if the borrower defaults on its obligation to perform under the interest rate derivative contract. The Company manages its credit risk on the RPAs by monitoring the credit worthiness of the borrowers, which is based on the normal credit review process. The notional amounts of the RPAs reflect the Company’s pro-rata share of the derivative instrument. As of December 31, 2016, the notional amount and the fair value of RPAs purchased were approximately $48.3 million and a $3 thousand liability, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, the notional amount and the fair value of RPAs sold were approximately $23.1 million and a $3 thousand asset, respectively. As of December 31, 2015, the notional amountsamount and the fair valuesvalue of RPAs purchased were approximately $33.7 million and a $4 thousand liability, respectively. As of December 31, 2015, the notional amount of the RPA sold was approximately $9.3 million and the fair value of the derivative asset was insignificant. Assuming all underlying borrowers referenced in the interest rate derivative contracts defaulted as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the exposureexposures from the RPAs purchased would be $179 thousand and $257 thousand.thousand, respectively.  As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the weighted average remaining maturitymaturities of the outstanding RPAs waswere 3.7 years and 3.2 years.years, respectively.

Foreign Exchange Options — During 2010, the Company entered into foreign exchange option contracts with major brokerage firms to economically hedge against foreign exchange fluctuations in certain certificates of deposit available to its customers. These certificates of deposit had a term of five years and paid interest based on the performance of the RMB relative to the USD. Under ASC 815, a certificate of deposit that pays interest based on changes in foreign exchange rates is a hybrid instrument with an embedded derivative that must be accounted for separately from the host contract (i.e., the certificate of deposit). In accordance with ASC 815, both the embedded derivative instruments and the freestanding foreign exchange option contracts are recorded at fair value. These instruments expired in the second quarter of 2015.

The following table presents the net gains (losses) recognized on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income related to derivatives not designated as hedging instruments for the yearyears ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 and 2013:2014:
($ in thousands) 
Location in
Consolidated
Statements of Income
 Year Ended December 31, 
Location in
Consolidated
Statements of Income
 Year Ended December 31,
 2015 2014 2013  2016 2015 2014
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:            
Interest rate swaps and options Derivative fees and other income $2,557
 $65
 $(1,865)
Foreign exchange contracts Foreign exchange income 12,632
 4,235
 (3,880)
Foreign exchange options Foreign exchange income $236
 $103
 $653
 Foreign exchange income 
 236
 103
Embedded derivative liabilities Other operating expense (136) 5
 23
 Other operating expense 
 (136) 5
Interest rate swaps and caps Other fees and operating income 65
 (1,865) 1,582
Foreign exchange contracts Foreign exchange income 4,235
 (3,880) 2,624
Total net income (loss) $4,400
 $(5,637) $4,882
Total net gains (losses) $15,189
 $4,400
 $(5,637)
 
Credit-Risk-Related Contingent Features Certain over-the-counter derivative contracts of the Company contain early termination provisions that may require the Company to settle any outstanding balances upon the occurrence of a specified credit-risk-related event. These events, which are defined by the existing derivative contracts, primarily relate to downgradesa downgrade in the event that the credit rating of East West Bank fallsto below investment grade. In the event that East West Bank’s credit rating is downgraded to below investment grade, no additional collateral would be required to be posted, since the liabilities related to such contracts were fully collateralized as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014.2015.


89




Offsetting of Derivatives

The Company has entered into agreements with certain counterparty financial institutions, which include master netting agreements.  However, the Company has elected to account for all derivatives with counterparty institutions on a gross basis. The following tables present gross derivatives on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the respective collateral received or pledged in the form of other financial instruments, which are generally marketable securities and/or cash. The collateral amounts in these tables are limited to the outstanding balances of the related asset or liability (after netting is applied); thus instances of overcollateralization are not shown:
 
($ in thousands)
As of December 31, 2015


Gross Amounts
of Recognized
Assets

Gross Amounts
Offset on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets

Net Amounts of
Assets Presented
on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets

Gross Amounts Not Offset on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets



Assets



Financial
Instruments


Collateral
Received


Net Amount
Derivatives
$8,733

$

$8,733

$(5,293)
(1) 

$(3,068)
(2) 

$372
 













 
Gross Amounts
of Recognized
Liabilities

Gross Amounts
Offset on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets

Net Amounts of
Liabilities
Presented on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets

Gross Amounts Not Offset on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets



Liabilities



Financial
Instruments


Collateral 
Posted


Net Amount
Derivatives
$78,779

$

$78,779

$(5,293)
(1) 

$(73,109)
(3) 

$377
 
 
($ in thousands) As of December 31, 2016
  Total Contracts Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangements Contracts Subject to Master Netting Arrangements


 Gross Amounts of Recognized  Gross Amounts of Recognized  Gross Amounts of Recognized
Gross Amounts
Offset on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets

Net Amounts
Presented
on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets

Gross Amounts Not Offset on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets

Net
Amount

  


Derivative
Amounts

Collateral
Received

Derivative Assets
$83,780
 $51,218
 $32,562

$

$32,562

$(20,991)
(1) 
$(10,687)
(2) 
$884


    












 Gross Amounts of Recognized  Gross Amounts of Recognized  Gross Amounts of Recognized
Gross Amounts
Offset on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets

Net Amounts
Presented
on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets

Gross Amounts Not Offset on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets

Net
Amount

  


Derivative
Amounts

Collateral 
Posted

Derivative Liabilities
$82,323
 $24,097
 $58,226

$

$58,226

$(20,991)
(1) 
$(36,349)
(3) 
$886
 
 
($ in thousands)
As of December 31, 2014


Gross Amounts
of Recognized
Assets

Gross Amounts
Offset on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets

Net Amounts of
Assets Presented
on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets

Gross Amounts Not Offset on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets



Assets



Financial
Instruments


Collateral
Received


Net Amount
Derivatives
$12,383

$

$12,383

$(5,718)
(1) 

$(3,460)
(2) 

$3,205















 
Gross Amounts
of Recognized
Liabilities

Gross Amounts
Offset on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets

Net Amounts of
Liabilities
Presented on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets

Gross Amounts Not Offset on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets



Liabilities



Financial
Instruments


Collateral 
Posted


Net Amount
Derivatives
$56,493

$

$56,493

$(5,718)
(1) 

$(49,948)
(3) 

$827
 
 
($ in thousands)
As of December 31, 2015
  Total Contracts Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangements Contracts Subject to Master Netting Arrangements


 Gross Amounts of Recognized  Gross Amounts of Recognized  Gross Amounts of Recognized
Gross Amounts
Offset on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets

Net Amounts
Presented
on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets

Gross Amounts Not Offset on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets

Net
Amount

  


Derivative
Amounts

Collateral
Received

Derivative Assets
$79,834
 $71,101
 $8,733

$

$8,733

$(5,293)
(1) 
$(3,068)
(2) 
$372


    












 Gross Amounts of Recognized  Gross Amounts of Recognized  Gross Amounts of Recognized
Gross Amounts
Offset on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets

Net Amounts
Presented
on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets

Gross Amounts Not Offset on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets

Net
Amount

  


Derivative
Amounts

Collateral
Received

Derivative Liabilities
$81,892
 $3,113
 $78,779

$

$78,779

$(5,293)
(1) 
$(73,109)
(3) 
$377
                 
(1)Represents the netting of derivative receivable and payable balances for the same counterparty under enforceable master netting arrangements if the Company has elected to net.
(2)Represents $3.1$8.1 million and $3.5$3.1 million of cash collateral received against derivative assets with the same counterparty that are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014,2015, respectively.
(3)Represents cash and securities pledged against derivative liabilities with the same counterparty that are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements. Includes approximately $21.1 million$170 thousand and $12.5$21.1 million of cash collateral posted as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014,2015, respectively.

In addition to the amounts included in the table above, the Company also has balance sheet netting related to resale and repurchase agreements, refer to Note 5—4— Securities Purchased Under Resale Agreements and Sold Under Repurchase Agreements to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. Please referRefer to Note 3 Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments to the Consolidated Financial Statements for fair value measurement disclosures on derivatives.



90




NOTE 87LOANS RECEIVABLE AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES

The Company’sheld-for-investment loan portfolio includes originated and purchased loans. Originated and purchased loans for which there waswith no evidence of credit deterioration at their acquisition date are referred to collectively as non-PCI loans. PCI loans are loans acquired with evidence of credit deterioration since their origination and it is probable at the acquisition date that the Company would be unable to collect all contractually required payments. PCI loans are accounted for in accordance withunder ASC Subtopic 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality. PCI loans consist of loans acquired from the United Commercial Bank (“UCB”) FDIC assisted acquisition on November 6, 2009, the Washington First International Bank (“WFIB”) FDIC assisted acquisition on June 11, 2010 and, to a lesser extent, a small portion of loans acquired from the MetroCorp acquisition on January 17, 2014. The Company has elected to account for these acquired PCI loans on a pool level basis in accordance withunder ASC 310-30 at the time of acquisition. Please refer to Note 2 — Business Combination to the Consolidated Financial Statements, included in this report, for further details on the MetroCorp acquisition and Note 8 — Covered Assets and FDIC Indemnification Asset to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company’s 2014 Form 10-K for additional details related to the UCB and WFIB acquisitions.

The following table presents the composition of the Company’s non-PCI and PCI loans as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014:2015:
($ in thousands) December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015
Non-PCI Loans 
PCI Loans (1)
 
Total (1)
 Non-PCI Loans 
PCI Loans (1)
 
Total (1)
Non-PCI
Loans
(1)
 
PCI
    Loans(2)
 
Total(1)(2)
 
Non-PCI
Loans(1)
 
PCI
Loans
(2)
 
Total(1)(2)
CRE:                        
Income producing $6,937,199
 $541,275
 $7,478,474
 $5,568,046
 $688,013
 $6,256,059
 $7,667,661
 $348,448
 $8,016,109
 $6,930,537
 $541,275
 $7,471,812
Construction 436,776
 1,895
 438,671
 319,843
 12,444
 332,287
 551,560
 
 551,560
 432,728
 1,895
 434,623
Land 187,409
 6,195
 193,604
 214,327
 16,840
 231,167
 121,276
 1,918
 123,194
 187,442
 6,195
 193,637
Total CRE 7,561,384
 549,365
 8,110,749
 6,102,216
 717,297
 6,819,513
 8,340,497
 350,366
 8,690,863
 7,550,707
 549,365
 8,100,072
C&I:                        
Commercial business 8,155,991
 57,906
 8,213,897
 7,097,853
 83,336
 7,181,189
 8,921,246
 38,387
 8,959,633
 8,143,858
 57,906
 8,201,764
Trade finance 787,800
 1,310
 789,110
 889,728
 6,284
 896,012
 680,930
 
 680,930
 788,461
 1,310
 789,771
Total C&I 8,943,791
 59,216
 9,003,007
 7,987,581
 89,620
 8,077,201
 9,602,176
 38,387
 9,640,563
 8,932,319
 59,216
 8,991,535
Residential:                        
Single-family 2,877,286
 189,633
 3,066,919
 3,647,262
 219,519
 3,866,781
 3,370,669
 139,110
 3,509,779
 2,880,336
 189,633
 3,069,969
Multifamily 1,374,718
 148,277
 1,522,995
 1,184,017
 265,891
 1,449,908
 1,490,285
 95,654
 1,585,939
 1,376,090
 148,277
 1,524,367
Total residential 4,252,004
 337,910
 4,589,914
 4,831,279
 485,410
 5,316,689
 4,860,954
 234,764
 5,095,718
 4,256,426
 337,910
 4,594,336
Consumer 1,931,828
 24,263
 1,956,091
 1,483,956
 29,786
 1,513,742
 2,057,067
 18,928
 2,075,995
 1,933,542
 24,263
 1,957,805
Total loans $22,689,007
 $970,754
 $23,659,761
 $20,405,032
 $1,322,113
 $21,727,145
 $24,860,694
 $642,445
 $25,503,139
 $22,672,994
 $970,754
 $23,643,748
Unearned fees, premiums, and discounts, net (16,013) 
 (16,013) 2,804
 
 2,804
Allowance for loan losses (264,600) (359) (264,959) (260,965) (714) (261,679) (260,402) (118) (260,520) (264,600) (359) (264,959)
Loans, net $22,408,394
 $970,395
 $23,378,789
 $20,146,871
 $1,321,399
 $21,468,270
 $24,600,292
 $642,327
 $25,242,619
 $22,408,394
 $970,395
 $23,378,789
(1)Includes $1.2 million and $(16.0) million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, of unearned fees, net deferred loan fees and unamortized premiums and unaccreted discounts.
(2)Loans net of ASC 310-30 discount.

The Company’s CRE lending activitiesloans include loans to finance income-producing properties,income producing real estate, construction and land loans. The Company’sloans where the interest rates may be fixed, variable or hybrid. Included in CRE loans are owner occupied CRE loans, and also non-owner occupied CRE loans where the borrowers rely on income from tenants to debt service the loan. Commercial business and trade finance in the C&I lending activities include commercial businesssegment provide financing for small and middle-marketto businesses in a wide spectrum of industries. Included in commercial business
Residential loans are loans for working capital, accounts receivable lines, inventory lines, Small Business Administration loanscomprised of single-family and lease financing.multifamily loans. The Company also offers a variety of international trade finance services and products, including letters of credit, revolving lines of credit, import loans, bankers’ acceptances, working capital lines, domestic purchase financing and pre-export financing.

The Company’s single-family residential loans are primarily comprised of adjustable rate (“ARM”) first lien mortgage loans secured by one-to-four unit residential properties.properties located in its primary lending areas. The Company’s ARM single-family residentialCompany offers a variety of first lien mortgage loan programs, generally have a one-year, three-year or five-yearincluding fixed rate conforming loans and adjustable rate mortgage (“ARM”) loans with initial fixed period. The Company’s multifamily residentialperiods of one to five years, which adjust annually thereafter.

Consumer loans are primarily comprised of variable rate loans that have a six-month or three-year initial fixed period. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, consumer loans were primarily composed of home equity lines of credit.credit (“HELOCs”), auto loans, and insurance premium financing loans. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company’s HELOCs are the largest component of the consumer loan portfolio, and are secured by one-to-four unit residential properties located in its primary lending areas. The HELOCs loan portfolio is largely comprised of loans originated through a reduced documentation loan program, where a substantial down payment is required, resulting in a low loan to value ratio, typically 60% or less. The Company is in a first lien position for many of these reduced documentation HELOCs. These loans have historically experienced low delinquency and default rates.


91




All loans originated are subject to the Company’s underwriting guidelines and loan origination standards. Management believes that the Company’s underwriting criteria and procedures adequately consider the unique risks which may come from these products. The Company conducts a variety of quality control procedures and periodic audits, including review of criteria for lending and legal requirements, to ensure it is in compliance with its origination standards.

As of December 31, 20152016 and 2014,2015, loans totaling $15.91$16.44 billion and $14.66$15.91 billion, respectively, were pledged to secure borrowings and to provide additional borrowing capacity from the FHLB and the Federal Reserve Bank.

Credit Quality Indicators

All loans are subject to the Company’s internal and external credit review and monitoring. Loans are risk rated based on an analysis of the current state of the borrower’s credit quality. The analysis of credit quality includes a review of all repayment sources, the borrower’s current payment performance/delinquency, current financial and liquidity status and all other relevant information.  For single-family residential loans, payment performance/delinquency is the driving indicator for the risk ratings.  Risk ratings remainare the overall credit quality indicator for the Company as well asand the credit quality indicator utilized for estimating the appropriate allowance for loan losses. The Company utilizes a risk rating system, which can be classified within the following categories: Pass, Watch, Special Mention, Substandard, Doubtful and Loss. The risk ratings reflect the relative strength of the repayment sources.

Pass and Watch loans are generally considered to have sufficient sources of repayment in order to repay the loan in full in accordance with all terms and conditions. These borrowers may have some credit risks that require monitoring, but full repayments are expected. Special Mention loans are considered to have potential weaknesses that warrant closer attention by management. Special Mention is considered a transitory grade. If any potential weaknesses are resolved, the loan is upgraded to a Pass or Watch grade. If negative trends in the borrower’s financial status or other information indicates that the repayment sources may become inadequate, the loan is downgraded to a Substandard grade. Substandard loans are considered to have well-defined weaknesses that jeopardize the full and timely repayment of the loan. Substandard loans have a distinct possibility of loss, if the deficiencies are not corrected. Additionally, when management has assessed a potential for loss but a distinct possibility of loss is not recognizable, the loan is still classified as Substandard. Doubtful loans have insufficient sources of repayment and a high probability of loss. Loss loans are considered to be uncollectible and of such little value that they are no longer considered bankable assets. These internal risk ratings are reviewed routinely and adjusted due tobased on changes in the borrowers’ financial status and likelihood of loan repayment.the loans’ collectability.


92




The following tables present the credit risk rating for non-PCI loans by portfolio segment as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014:2015:
($ in thousands) Pass/Watch 
Special
Mention
 Substandard Doubtful Loss Total Non-PCI Loans December 31, 2016
December 31, 2015  
  
  
  
    
($ in thousands) Pass/Watch 
Special
Mention
 Substandard Doubtful Loss 
Total Non-
PCI Loans
  
  
  
  
    
            
Income producing $6,672,951
 $59,309
 $204,939
 $
 $
 $6,937,199
 $7,476,804
 $29,005
 $161,852
 $
 $
 $7,667,661
Construction 435,112
 1,194
 470
 
 
 436,776
 551,560
 
 
 
 
 551,560
Land 172,189
 
 15,220
 
 
 187,409
 107,976
 
 13,290
 10
 
 121,276
C&I:        
    
            
Commercial business 7,794,735
 201,280
 135,449
 24,527
 
 8,155,991
 8,559,674
 155,276
 201,139
 5,157
 
 8,921,246
Trade finance 750,144
 13,812
 23,844
 
 
 787,800
 635,027
 9,435
 36,460
 
 8
 680,930
Residential:        
    
            
Single-family 2,841,722
 8,134
 27,430
 
 
 2,877,286
 3,341,015
 10,179
 19,475
 
 
 3,370,669
Multifamily 1,317,550
 2,918
 54,250
 
 
 1,374,718
 1,462,522
 2,268
 25,495
 
 
 1,490,285
Consumer 1,926,418
 883
 4,527
 
 
 1,931,828
 2,043,405
 6,764
 6,898
 
 
 2,057,067
Total $21,910,821
 $287,530
 $466,129
 $24,527
 $
 $22,689,007
 $24,177,983
 $212,927
 $464,609
 $5,167
 $8
 $24,860,694
($ in thousands) Pass/Watch 
Special
Mention
 Substandard Doubtful Loss Total Non-PCI Loans December 31, 2015
December 31, 2014  
  
  
  
    
($ in thousands) Pass/Watch 
Special
Mention
 Substandard Doubtful Loss Total Non-
PCI Loans
  
  
  
  
    
            
Income producing $5,243,640
 $54,673
 $269,733
 $
 $
 $5,568,046
 $6,665,994
 $59,290
 $205,238
 $
 $15
 $6,930,537
Construction 310,259
 11
 9,573
 
 
 319,843
 431,100
 1,158
 470
 
 
 432,728
Land 185,220
 5,701
 23,406
 
 
 214,327
 172,093
 
 15,349
 
 
 187,442
C&I:  
  
  
  
    
            
Commercial business 6,836,914
 130,319
 130,032
 533
 55
 7,097,853
 7,780,686
 201,016
 137,740
 24,416
 
 8,143,858
Trade finance 845,889
 13,031
 30,808
 
 
 889,728
 750,770
 13,836
 23,847
 
 8
 788,461
Residential:  
  
  
  
    
            
Single-family 3,627,491
 3,143
 16,628
 
 
 3,647,262
 2,844,758
 8,092
 27,486
 
 
 2,880,336
Multifamily 1,095,982
 5,124
 82,911
 
 
 1,184,017
 1,318,896
 2,928
 54,266
 
 
 1,376,090
Consumer 1,480,208
 1,005
 2,743
 
 
 1,483,956
 1,927,755
 1,246
 4,541
 
 
 1,933,542
Total $19,625,603
 $213,007
 $565,834
 $533
 $55
 $20,405,032
 $21,892,052
 $287,566
 $468,937
 $24,416
 $23
 $22,672,994


93



The following tables present the credit risk rating for PCI loans by portfolio segment as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014:2015:
($ in thousands) Pass/Watch 
Special
Mention
 Substandard Doubtful Loss Total PCI Loans December 31, 2016
December 31, 2015  
  
  
  
    
($ in thousands) Pass/Watch 
Special
Mention
 Substandard Doubtful Loss 
Total PCI
Loans
  
  
  
  
    
            
Income producing $440,100
 $4,987
 $96,188
 $
 $
 $541,275
 $293,529
 $3,239
 $51,680
 $
 $
 $348,448
Construction 
 
 1,895
 
 
 1,895
 
 
 
 
 
 
Land 4,285
 
 1,910
 
 
 6,195
 1,562
 
 356
 
 
 1,918
C&I:        
                
Commercial business 52,212
 819
 4,875
 
 
 57,906
 33,885
 772
 3,730
 
 
 38,387
Trade finance 1,310
 
 
 
 
 1,310
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential:        
    
            
Single-family 184,092
 1,293
 4,248
 
 
 189,633
 136,245
 1,239
 1,626
 
 
 139,110
Multifamily 130,770
 
 17,507
 
 
 148,277
 86,190
 
 9,464
 
 
 95,654
Consumer 23,121
 452
 690
 
 
 24,263
 17,433
 316
 1,179
 
 
 18,928
Total (1)
 $835,890
 $7,551
 $127,313
 $
 $
 $970,754
 $568,844
 $5,566
 $68,035
 $
 $
 $642,445
(1)Loans net of ASC 310-30 discount.
($ in thousands) Pass/Watch 
Special
Mention
 Substandard Doubtful Loss Total PCI Loans December 31, 2015
December 31, 2014  
  
  
  
    
($ in thousands) Pass/Watch 
Special
Mention
 Substandard Doubtful Loss Total PCI
Loans
  
  
  
  
    
       

    
Income producing $534,015
 $9,960
 $144,038
 $
 $
 $688,013
 $440,100
 $4,987
 $96,188
 $
 $
 $541,275
Construction 589
 1,744
 10,111
 
 
 12,444
 
 
 1,895
 
 
 1,895
Land 7,012
 5,391
 4,437
 
 
 16,840
 4,285
 
 1,910
 
 
 6,195
C&I:  
  
  
  
    
            
Commercial business 70,586
 1,103
 11,647
 
 
 83,336
 52,212
 819
 4,875
 
 
 57,906
Trade finance 4,620
 
 1,664
 
 
 6,284
 1,310
 
 
 
 
 1,310
Residential:  
  
  
  
    
            
Single-family 213,829
 374
 5,316
 
 
 219,519
 184,092
 1,293
 4,248
 
 
 189,633
Multifamily 230,049
 
 35,842
 
 
 265,891
 130,770
 
 17,507
 
 
 148,277
Consumer 29,026
 116
 644
 
 
 29,786
 23,121
 452
 690
 
 
 24,263
Total (1)
 $1,089,726
 $18,688
 $213,699
 $
 $
 $1,322,113
 $835,890
 $7,551
 $127,313
 $
 $
 $970,754
(1)Loans net of ASC 310-30 discount.


94




Nonaccrual and Past Due Loans

Non-PCI loans that are 90 or more days past due are generally placed on nonaccrual status. Additionally, non-PCI loans that are not 90 or more days past due but have identified deficiencies, such as when the full collection of principal or interest becomes uncertain, are also placed on nonaccrual status. The following tables present the aging analysis on non-PCI loans as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014:2015:
($ in thousands) 
Accruing
Loans
30-59 Days
Past Due
 
Accruing
Loans
60-89 Days
Past Due
 
Total
Accruing
Past Due
Loans
 
Nonaccrual
Loans Less
Than 90 
Days
Past Due
 
Nonaccrual
Loans
90 or More
Days 
Past Due
 
Total
Nonaccrual
Loans
 
Current
Accruing
Loans
 Total Non-PCI Loans December 31, 2016
December 31, 2015  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
($ in thousands)
Accruing
Loans
30-59 Days
Past Due
 
Accruing
Loans
60-89 Days
Past Due
 
Total
Accruing
Past Due
Loans
 
Nonaccrual
Loans Less
Than 90 
Days
Past Due
 
Nonaccrual
Loans
90 or More
Days 
Past Due
 
Total
Nonaccrual
Loans
 
Current
Accruing
Loans
 
Total Non-
PCI Loans
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
                
Income producing $3,465
 $25,256
 $28,721
 $11,359
 $17,870
 $29,229
 $6,879,249
 $6,937,199
 $6,233
 $14,080
 $20,313
 $14,872
 $12,035
 $26,907
 $7,620,441
 $7,667,661
Construction 
 
 
 14
 
 14
 436,762
 436,776
 4,994
 
 4,994
 
 
 
 546,566
 551,560
Land 1,124
 
 1,124
 277
 406
 683
 185,602
 187,409
 
 
 
 433
 4,893
 5,326
 115,950
 121,276
C&I:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
                
Commercial business 1,992
 1,185
 3,177
 50,726
 14,009
 64,735
 8,088,079
 8,155,991
 45,052
 2,279
 47,331
 60,511
 20,737
 81,248
 8,792,667
 8,921,246
Trade finance 
 
 
 
 
 
 787,800
 787,800
 
 
 
 8
 
 8
 680,922
 680,930
Residential:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 

              
Single-family 7,657
 2,927
 10,584
 92
 8,634
 8,726
 2,857,976
 2,877,286
 9,595
 8,076
 17,671
 
 4,214
 4,214
 3,348,784
 3,370,669
Multifamily 6,320
 981
 7,301
 6,486
 9,758
 16,244
 1,351,173
 1,374,718
 3,951
 374
 4,325
 2,790
 194
 2,984
 1,482,976
 1,490,285
Consumer 2,078
 209
 2,287
 233
 1,505
 1,738
 1,927,803
 1,931,828
 3,327
 3,228
 6,555
 165
 1,965
 2,130
 2,048,382
 2,057,067
Total $22,636
 $30,558
 $53,194
 $69,187
 $52,182
 $121,369
 $22,514,444
 $22,689,007
 $73,152
 $28,037
 $101,189
 $78,779
 $44,038
 $122,817
 $24,636,688
 $24,860,694
($ in thousands) 
Accruing
Loans
30-59 Days
Past Due
 
Accruing
Loans
60-89 Days
Past Due
 
Total
Accruing
Past Due
Loans
 
Nonaccrual
Loans Less
Than 90 
Days
Past Due
 
Nonaccrual
Loans
90 or More
Days 
Past Due
 
Total
Nonaccrual
Loans
 
Current
Accruing
Loans
 Total Non-PCI Loans December 31, 2015
December 31, 2014  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
($ in thousands)
Accruing
Loans
30-59 Days
Past Due
 
Accruing
Loans
60-89 Days
Past Due
 
Total
Accruing
Past Due
Loans
 
Nonaccrual
Loans Less
Than 90 
Days
Past Due
 
Nonaccrual
Loans
90 or More
Days 
Past Due
 
Total
Nonaccrual
Loans
 
Current
Accruing
Loans
 Total Non-
PCI Loans
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
                
Income producing $14,171
 $3,593
 $17,764
 $19,348
 $9,165
 $28,513
 $5,521,769
 $5,568,046
 $3,481
 $25,254
 $28,735
 $11,393
 $17,952
 $29,345
 $6,872,457
 $6,930,537
Construction 
 
 
 15
 6,898
 6,913
 312,930
 319,843
 
 
 
 14
 
 14
 432,714
 432,728
Land 
 
 
 221
 2,502
 2,723
 211,604
 214,327
 1,124
 
 1,124
 280
 406
 686
 185,632
 187,442
C&I:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
                
Commercial business 3,187
 4,361
 7,548
 6,623
 21,813
 28,436
 7,061,869
 7,097,853
 2,029
 1,203
 3,232
 50,747
 14,128
 64,875
 8,075,751
 8,143,858
Trade finance 
 
 
 73
 292
 365
 889,363
 889,728
 
 
 
 8
 
 8
 788,453
 788,461
Residential:  
  
  
 0
  
  
  
  
                
Single-family 6,381
 1,294
 7,675
 2,861
 5,764
 8,625
 3,630,962
 3,647,262
 7,649
 2,919
 10,568
 104
 8,655
 8,759
 2,861,009
 2,880,336
Multifamily 4,425
 507
 4,932
 12,460
 8,359
 20,819
 1,158,266
 1,184,017
 6,339
 983
 7,322
 6,473
 9,795
 16,268
 1,352,500
 1,376,090
Consumer 2,154
 162
 2,316
 169
 3,699
 3,868
 1,477,772
 1,483,956
 2,174
 268
 2,442
 232
 1,511
 1,743
 1,929,357
 1,933,542
Total $30,318
 $9,917
 $40,235
 $41,770
 $58,492
 $100,262
 $20,264,535
 $20,405,032
 $22,796
 $30,627
 $53,423
 $69,251
 $52,447
 $121,698
 $22,497,873
 $22,672,994
                                

For information on the policy for recording payments received and resuming accrual of interest on non-PCI loans that are placed on nonaccrual status, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

PCI loans are excluded from the above aging analysis tabletables as the Company has elected to account for these loans on a pool level basis in accordance withunder ASC 310-30 at the time of acquisition. Please refer to the discussion ofon PCI Loansloans within this note for additional details on interest income recognition of PCI loans.recognition. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, PCI loans on nonaccrual status totaled $11.7 million and 2014, $37.7 million, and $63.4 million of PCI loans, respectively, were on nonaccrual status.respectively.



Loans in Process of Foreclosure

As of December 31, 20152016 and 2014,2015, the Company had $18.0$3.1 million and $16.9$17.4 million, respectively, of recorded investment in consumer mortgage loans secured by residential real estate properties, for which formal foreclosure proceedings were in process according to local requirements of the applicable jurisdictions, which were not included in OREO. Foreclosed residential real estate properties with a carrying amount of $401 thousand were included in total net OREO of $6.7 million as of December 31, 2016. In comparison, foreclosed residential real estate properties with a carrying amount of $912 thousand were included in total net OREO of $7.0 million as of December 31, 2015. In comparison, foreclosed residential real estate properties with a carrying amount of $3.6 million were included in total net OREO of $32.1 million as of December 31, 2014.




95



TDRs

Potential TDRs are individually evaluated and the type of restructuring is selected based on the loan type and the circumstances of the borrower’s financial difficulty in order to maximize the Company’s recovery. A TDR is a modification of the terms of a loan when the Company, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the borrower, it would not otherwise consider.

The following tables present the additions to non-PCI TDRs for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 and 2013:2014:
($ in thousands) Loans Modified as TDRs During the Year Ended December 31, 2015 Loans Modified as TDRs During the Year Ended December 31, 2016
Number
of
Loans
 Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
(1)
 
Financial
Impact 
(2)
Number
of
Loans
 Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
(1)
 
Financial
Impact 
(2)
CRE:  
  
  
  
        
Income producing 3
 $1,802
 $1,705
 $
 6
 $19,275
 $18,824
 $701
Land 2
 $2,227
 $83
 $102
 1
 $5,522
 $4,883
 $
C&I:                
Commercial business 18
 $42,816
 $34,124
 $6,726
 17
 $62,024
 $35,278
 $20,549
Trade finance 1
 $3,967
 $5,127
 $25
Residential:                
Single-family 1
 $281
 $279
 $2
 3
 $1,291
 $1,268
 $
Consumer 3
 $491
 $382
 $1
 Loans Modified as TDRs During the Year Ended December 31, 2014
($ in thousands) Number
of
Loans
 Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
(1)
 
Financial
Impact 
(2)
 Loans Modified as TDRs During the Year Ended December 31, 2015
($ in thousands) Number
of
Loans
 Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
(1)
 
Financial
Impact 
(2)
  
  
  
  
        
Income producing 6
 $8,829
 $8,624
 $43
 3
 $1,802
 $1,727
 $
Land 2
 $2,227
 $83
 $102
C&I:                
Commercial business 13
 $4,379
 $3,089
 $2,205
 18
 $42,816
 $34,165
 $6,726
Trade finance 1
 $190
 $73
 $14
Residential:                
Single-family 9
 $11,454
 $8,269
 $
 1
 $281
 $279
 $2
Multifamily 6
 $5,471
 $3,705
 $7
Consumer 1
 $509
 $504
 $
 Loans Modified as TDRs During the Year Ended December 31, 2013
($ in thousands) Loans Modified as TDRs During the Year Ended December 31, 2014
 Number
of
Loans
 Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
(1)
 
Financial
Impact 
(2)
Number
of
Loans
 Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
(1)
 
Financial
Impact 
(2)
CRE:                
Income producing 6
 $26,021
 $17,456
 $219
 6
 $8,829
 $8,624
 $43
C&I:                
Commercial business 6
 $16,220
 $15,624
 $4,274
 13
 $4,379
 $3,089
 $2,205
Trade finance 1
 $190
 $73
 $14
Residential:                
Single-family 9
 $11,454
 $8,269
 $
Multifamily 1
 $1,093
 $1,071
 $
 6
 $5,471
 $3,705
 $7
Consumer 1
 $651
 $639
 $
 1
 $509
 $504
 $
(1)Includes subsequent payments after modification and reflects the balance as of December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 and 2013.2014.
(2)The financial impact includes charge-offs and specific reserves recorded at the modification date.

96




The following tables summarizepresent the non-PCI TDR modifications for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 and 20132014 by modification type:
($ in thousands) Modification Type Modification Type During the Year Ended December 31, 2016
Principal (1)
 
Principal and Interest (2)
 Interest Rate Reduction A/B Note Other Total
Principal (1)
 
Principal
and
  Interest (2)
 
Interest
Rate
Reduction
 Interest
Deferments
 Other Total
December 31, 2015            
CRE $521
 $791
 $
 $
 $476
 $1,788
 $22,633
 $
 $
 $
 $1,074
 $23,707
C&I 16,325
 17,799
 
 
 
 $34,124
 34,499
 
 5,876
 30
 
 40,405
Residential 279
 
 
 
 
 $279
 264
 
 797
 207
 
 1,268
Consumer 333
 
 49
 
 
 382
Total $17,125
 $18,590
 $
 $
 $476
 $36,191
 $57,729
 $
 $6,722
 $237
 $1,074
 $65,762
($ in thousands) Modification Type Modification Type During the Year Ended December 31, 2015
Principal (1)
 
Principal and Interest (2)
 Interest Rate Reduction A/B Note Other Total
Principal (1)
 
Principal
and
Interest (2)
 
Interest
Rate
Reduction
 
Interest
Deferments
 Other Total
December 31, 2014            
CRE $691
 $5,100
 $2,165
 $
 $668
 $8,624
 $548
 $787
 $
 $
 $475
 $1,810
C&I 2,677
 73
 94
 
 318
 3,162
 16,364
 17,801
 
 
 
 34,165
Residential 9,756
 1,471
 
 
 747
 11,974
 279
 
 
 
 
 279
Consumer 
 
 
 
 504
 504
Total $13,124
 $6,644
 $2,259
 $
 $2,237
 $24,264
 $17,191
 $18,588
 $
 $
 $475
 $36,254
($ in thousands) Modification Type Modification Type During the Year Ended December 31, 2014
Principal (1)
 
Principal and Interest (2)
 Interest Rate Reduction A/B Note Other Total
Principal (1)
 
Principal
and
Interest (2)
 
Interest
Rate
Reduction
 Interest
Deferments
 Other Total
December 31, 2013            
CRE $15,923
 $540
 $
 $884
 $109
 $17,456
 $691
 $5,100
 $2,165
 $
 $668
 $8,624
C&I 15,488
 136
 
 
 
 15,624
 2,677
 73
 94
 
 318
 3,162
Residential 
 
 
 1,071
 
 1,071
 9,756
 1,471
 
 
 747
 11,974
Consumer 
 
 
 
 639
 $639
 
 
 
 
 504
 504
Total $31,411
 $676
 $
 $1,955
 $748
 $34,790
 $13,124
 $6,644
 $2,259
 $
 $2,237
 $24,264
(1)Principal modification includesIncludes forbearance payments, term extensions and principal deferments that modify the terms of the loan from principal and interest payments to interest payments only.
(2)Principal and interest modification includesIncludes principal and interest deferments or reductions.

Subsequent to restructuring, a TDR that becomes delinquent, generally beyond 90 days, is considered to have defaulted. As TDRs are individually evaluated for impairment under the specific reserve methodology, subsequent defaults do not generally have a significant additional impact on the allowance for loan losses. The following table presents information for loans modified as TDRs within the previous 12 months that have subsequently defaulted during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, and 2013:were still in default at the respective years ended:
 Loans Modified as TDRs that Subsequently Defaulted
During the Year Ended December 31,
 2015 2014 2013
($ in thousands) Number of
Loans
 Recorded
Investment
 Number of
Loans
 Recorded
Investment
 Number of
Loans
 Recorded
Investment
 Loans Modified as TDRs that Subsequently Defaulted
During the Year Ended December 31,
($ in thousands) 2016 2015 2014
Number of
Loans
 Recorded
Investment
 Number of
Loans
 Recorded
Investment
 Number of
Loans
 Recorded
Investment
            
Income producing 2
 $3,150
 
 $
 
 $
Land 1
 $4,883
 
 $
 
 $
C&I:  
  
  
  
                
Commercial business 
 $
 1
 $957
 1
 $570
 
 $
 
 $
 1
 $957
Residential:  
  
  
  
                
Single-family 1
 $279
 
 $
 
 $
 
 $
 1
 $279
 
 $
Consumer 
 $
 
 $
 1
 $639
                        


The amount of additional funds committed to lend to borrowers whose terms have been modified was $9.9 million as of December 31, 2016. In comparison, the amount of additional funds committed to lend to borrowers whose terms have been modified was immaterial as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.2015.


97



Impaired Loans

The following tables present theinformation on non-PCI impaired loans as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014:2015:
($ in thousands) 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Recorded
Investment
With No
Allowance
 
Recorded
Investment
With
Allowance
 
Total
Recorded
Investment
 
Related
Allowance
 December 31, 2016
December 31, 2015  
  
  
  
  
($ in thousands)
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Recorded
Investment
With No
Allowance
 
Recorded
Investment
With
Allowance
 
Total
Recorded
Investment
 
Related
Allowance
  
  
  
  
  
          
Income producing $47,043
 $24,347
 $15,720
 $40,067
 $3,148
 $50,718
 $32,507
 $14,001
 $46,508
 $1,263
Construction 66
 
 14
 14
 1
Land 1,537
 632
 683
 1,315
 118
 6,457
 5,427
 443
 5,870
 63
C&I:  
  
  
  
  
          
Commercial business 81,720
 31,045
 40,111
 71,156
 15,993
 162,239
 78,316
 42,137
 120,453
 10,443
Trade finance 10,675
 
 10,675
 10,675
 95
 5,227
 
 5,166
 5,166
 34
Residential:  
  
  
  
  
          
Single-family 16,486
 4,401
 10,611
 15,012
 584
 15,435
 
 14,335
 14,335
 687
Multifamily 25,634
 16,944
 6,783
 23,727
 339
 11,181
 5,684
 4,357
 10,041
 180
Consumer 1,240
 
 1,240
 1,240
 60
 4,016
 
 3,682
 3,682
 31
Total $184,401
 $77,369
 $85,837
 $163,206
 $20,338
 $255,273
 $121,934
 $84,121
 $206,055
 $12,701
($ in thousands) 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Recorded
Investment
With No
Allowance
 
Recorded
Investment
With
Allowance
 
Total
Recorded
Investment
 
Related
Allowance
 December 31, 2015
December 31, 2014  
  
  
  
  
($ in thousands)
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Recorded
Investment
With No
Allowance
 
Recorded
Investment
With
Allowance
 
Total
Recorded
Investment
 
Related
Allowance
  
  
  
  
  
          
Income producing $58,900
 $35,495
 $15,646
 $51,141
 $1,581
 $47,043
 $24,416
 $15,800
 $40,216
 $3,197
Construction 6,913
 6,913
 
 6,913
 
 66
 
 14
 14
 1
Land 13,291
 2,838
 5,622
 8,460
 1,906
 1,537
 660
 685
 1,345
 118
C&I:  
  
  
    
          
Commercial business 44,569
 12,723
 25,717
 38,440
 15,174
 81,720
 31,071
 40,328
 71,399
 16,005
Trade finance 12,967
 6,431
 274
 6,705
 28
 10,675
 8
 10,681
 10,689
 95
Residential:  
  
  
    
          
Single-family 18,908
 6,003
 11,398
 17,401
 461
 16,486
 4,406
 10,636
 15,042
 584
Multifamily 37,649
 21,523
 12,890
 34,413
 313
 25,634
 16,946
 6,805
 23,751
 339
Consumer 1,259
 1,151
 108
 1,259
 1
 1,240
 
 1,242
 1,242
 60
Total $194,456
 $93,077
 $71,655
 $164,732
 $19,464
 $184,401
 $77,507
 $86,191
 $163,698
 $20,399



The following table presents the average recorded investment and the amount of interest income recognized on non-PCI impaired loans forduring the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 and 2013:2014:
         
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
2015 2014 2013 2016 2015 2014
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Recognized
Interest
Income (1)
 Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Recognized
Interest
Income (1)
 Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Recognized
Interest
Income (1)
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Recognized
Interest
   Income (1)
 Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Recognized
Interest
Income 
(1)
 Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Recognized
Interest
   Income (1)
CRE:  
  
  
  
                
Income producing $44,043
 $536
 $54,544
 $1,249
 $71,856
 $2,480
 $47,064
 $1,253
 $43,598
 $536
 $54,509
 $1,249
Construction 14
 
 6,888
 
 6,888
 
 
 
 14
 
 6,884
 
Land 2,708
 39
 8,633
 298
 12,453
 496
 6,388
 34
 2,726
 39
 8,627
 298
C&I:      
  
                
Commercial business 73,513
 315
 36,528
 833
 38,294
 735
 144,807
 2,464
 73,886
 315
 36,504
 833
Trade finance 11,402
 223
 336
 15
 1,603
 11
 4,179
 148
 11,404
 223
 336
 15
Residential:                        
Single-family 15,347
 242
 16,413
 342
 15,322
 154
 14,323
 447
 15,365
 242
 16,402
 342
Multifamily 24,001
 312
 37,128
 830
 35,799
 850
 15,763
 302
 24,024
 312
 37,104
 830
Consumer 1,251
 47
 1,259
 47
 3,225
 4
 3,703
 63
 1,252
 47
 1,258
 47
Total impaired non-PCI loans $172,279
 $1,714
 $161,729
 $3,614
 $185,440
 $4,730
Total non-PCI impaired loans $236,227
 $4,711
 $172,269
 $1,714
 $161,624
 $3,614
         
(1)Includes interest recognized on accruing non-PCI TDRs. Interest payments received on nonaccrual non-PCI loans are reflected as a reduction ofto principal and not as interest income.

98




Allowance for Credit Losses    

The following tables present a summary of the activityactivities in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 and 2013:2014:
($ in thousands) Non-PCI Loans     Year Ended December 31, 2016
CRE C&I Residential Consumer Total PCI Loans Total Non-PCI Loans 
PCI
Loans
 Total
Year Ended December 31, 2015  
  
  
  
  
  
  
($ in thousands) CRE C&I Residential Consumer Total 
PCI
Loans
 Total
 $72,263
 $134,598
 $43,856
 $10,248
 $260,965
 $714
 $261,679
 $81,191
 $134,597
 $39,292
 $9,520
 $264,600
 
 3,338
 11,640
 (7,499) (555) 6,924
 (355) 6,569
(Reversal of) provision for loan losses (9,497) 46,855
 (3,670) (1,729) 31,959
 (241) 31,718
Charge-offs (1,545) (20,423) (1,686) (600) (24,254) 
 (24,254) (581) (47,739) (166) (22) (48,508) 
 (48,508)
Recoveries 7,135
 8,782
 4,621
 427
 20,965
 
 20,965
 1,691
 8,453
 1,877
 330
 12,351
 
 12,351
Net recoveries (charge-offs) 5,590
 (11,641) 2,935
 (173) (3,289) 
 (3,289) 1,110
 (39,286) 1,711
 308
 (36,157) 
 (36,157)
Ending balance $81,191
 $134,597
 $39,292
 $9,520
 $264,600
 $359
 $264,959
 $72,804
 $142,166
 $37,333
 $8,099
 $260,402
 $118
 $260,520
($ in thousands) Non-PCI Loans     Year Ended December 31, 2015
CRE C&I Residential Consumer Total PCI Loans Total Non-PCI Loans 
PCI
Loans
 Total
Year Ended December 31, 2014  
  
  
  
  
  
  
($ in thousands) CRE C&I Residential Consumer Total 
PCI
Loans
 Total
 $70,154
 $115,184
 $50,716
 $11,352
 $247,406
 $2,269
 $249,675
 $72,263
 $134,598
 $43,856
 $10,248
 $260,965
 
 3,264
 49,200
 (8,167) 4,318
 48,615
 (1,032) 47,583
 3,338
 11,640
 (7,499) (555) 6,924
 (355) 6,569
Charge-offs (3,137) (39,984) (1,103) (5,871) (50,095) (523) (50,618) (1,545) (20,423) (1,686) (600) (24,254) 
 (24,254)
Recoveries 1,982
 10,198
 2,410
 449
 15,039
 
 15,039
 7,135
 8,782
 4,621
 427
 20,965
 
 20,965
Net (charge-offs) recoveries (1,155) (29,786) 1,307
 (5,422) (35,056) (523) (35,579)
Net recoveries (charge-offs) 5,590
 (11,641) 2,935
 (173) (3,289) 
 (3,289)
Ending balance $72,263
 $134,598
 $43,856
 $10,248
 $260,965
 $714
 $261,679
 $81,191
 $134,597
 $39,292
 $9,520
 $264,600
 $359
 $264,959
($ in thousands) Non-PCI Loans     Year Ended December 31, 2014
CRE C&I Residential Consumer Total PCI Loans Total Non-PCI Loans 
PCI
Loans
 Total
Year Ended December 31, 2013  
  
  
  
  
  
  
($ in thousands) CRE C&I Residential Consumer Total 
PCI
Loans
 Total
 $72,385
 $107,719
 $49,436
 $4,995
 $234,535
 $
 $234,535
 $70,154
 $115,184
 $50,716
 $11,352
 $247,406
 
 (3,287) 11,534
 2,473
 7,218
 17,938
 2,269
 20,207
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses 3,264
 49,200
 (8,167) 4,318
 48,615
 (1,032) 47,583
Charge-offs (3,737) (8,461) (3,197) (2,385) (17,780) 
 (17,780) (3,137) (39,984) (1,103) (5,871) (50,095) (523) (50,618)
Recoveries 4,793
 4,392
 2,004
 1,524
 12,713
 
 12,713
 1,982
 10,198
 2,410
 449
 15,039
 
 15,039
Net recoveries (charge-offs) 1,056
 (4,069) (1,193) (861) (5,067) 
 (5,067)
Net (charge-offs) recoveries (1,155) (29,786) 1,307
 (5,422) (35,056) (523) (35,579)
Ending balance $70,154
 $115,184
 $50,716
 $11,352
 $247,406
 $2,269
 $249,675
 $72,263
 $134,598
 $43,856
 $10,248
 $260,965
 $714
 $261,679

For further information on accounting policies and the methodology used to estimate the allowance for credit losses and loan charge-offs, see Note 1Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The following table presents a summary of the activityactivities in the allowance for unfunded credit reserves forduring the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 and 2013:2014:
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
2015 2014 2013 2016 2015 2014
Beginning balance $12,712
 $11,282
 $9,437
 $20,360
 $12,712
 $11,282
Provision for unfunded credit reserves 7,648
 1,575
 2,157
(Reversal of) provision for unfunded credit reserves (4,239) 7,648
 1,575
Charge-offs 
 145
 312
 
 
 (145)
Ending balance $20,360
 $12,712
 $11,282
 $16,121
 $20,360
 $12,712
            

The allowance for unfunded credit reserves is maintained at a level believed by management to be sufficient to absorb estimated probable losses related to unfunded credit facilities. The allowance for unfunded credit reserves wasis included in accrued expenseAccrued expenses and other liabilities in on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Please refer toSee Note 1413 — Commitments, Contingencies and Related Party Transactions to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to unfunded credit reserves.


99




The following tables present the Company’s allowance for loan losses and recorded investments in loans by portfolio segment and impairment methodology as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014 and disaggregated by the Company’s impairment methodology:2015:
($ in thousands) CRE C&I Residential Consumer Total December 31, 2016
As of December 31, 2015  
  
  
  
  
($ in thousands) CRE C&I Residential Consumer Total
 
Individually evaluated for impairment $3,267
 $16,088
 $923
 $60
 $20,338
 $1,326
 $10,477
 $867
 $31
 $12,701
Collectively evaluated for impairment 77,924
 118,509
 38,369
 9,460
 244,262
 71,478
 131,689
 36,466
 8,068
 247,701
Acquired with deteriorated credit quality
 347
 9
 3
 
 359
 112
 1
 5
 
 118
Ending balance $81,538
 $134,606
 $39,295
 $9,520
 $264,959
 $72,916
 $142,167
 $37,338
 $8,099
 $260,520
                    
Recorded investment in loans                    
Individually evaluated for impairment $41,396
 $81,831
 $38,739
 $1,240
 $163,206
 $52,378
 $125,619
 $24,376
 $3,682
 $206,055
Collectively evaluated for impairment 7,519,988
 8,861,960
 4,213,265
 1,930,588
 22,525,801
 8,288,119
 9,476,557
 4,836,578
 2,053,385
 24,654,639
Acquired with deteriorated credit quality (1)
 549,365
 59,216
 337,910
 24,263
 970,754
 350,366
 38,387
 234,764
 18,928
 642,445
Ending balance (1)
 $8,110,749
 $9,003,007
 $4,589,914
 $1,956,091
 $23,659,761
 $8,690,863
 $9,640,563
 $5,095,718
 $2,075,995
 $25,503,139
(1)Loans net of ASC 310-30 discount.

($ in thousands) CRE C&I Residential Consumer Total December 31, 2015
As of December 31, 2014  
  
  
  
  
($ in thousands) CRE C&I Residential Consumer Total
 
Individually evaluated for impairment $3,487
 $15,202
 $774
 $1
 $19,464
 $3,316
 $16,100
 $923
 $60
 $20,399
Collectively evaluated for impairment 68,776
 119,396
 43,082
 10,247
 241,501
 77,875
 118,497
 38,369
 9,460
 244,201
Acquired with deteriorated credit quality 714
 
 
 
 714
 347
 9
 3
 
 359
Ending balance $72,977
 $134,598
 $43,856
 $10,248
 $261,679
 $81,538
 $134,606
 $39,295
 $9,520
 $264,959
                    
Recorded investment in loans                    
Individually evaluated for impairment $66,514
 $45,145
 $51,814
 $1,259
 $164,732
 $41,575
 $82,088
 $38,793
 $1,242
 $163,698
Collectively evaluated for impairment 6,035,702
 7,942,436
 4,779,465
 1,482,697
 20,240,300
 7,509,132
 8,850,231
 4,217,633
 1,932,300
 22,509,296
Acquired with deteriorated credit quality (1)
 717,297
 89,620
 485,410
 29,786
 1,322,113
 549,365
 59,216
 337,910
 24,263
 970,754
Ending balance (1)
 $6,819,513
 $8,077,201
 $5,316,689
 $1,513,742
 $21,727,145
 $8,100,072
 $8,991,535
 $4,594,336
 $1,957,805
 $23,643,748
(1)Loans net of ASC 310-30 discount.

PCI Loans

AsAt the date of the respective acquisition, dates, PCI loans wereare pooled and accounted for at fair value, which represents the discounted value of the expected cash flows of the loan portfolio. A pool is accounted for as a single asset with a single interest rate, cumulative loss rate and cash flow expectation. The cash flows expected over the life of the pools are estimated by an internal cash flow model that projects cash flows and calculates the carrying values of the pools, book yields, effective interest income and impairment, if any, based on pool level events. Assumptions as to cumulative loss rates, loss curves and prepayment speeds are utilized to calculate the expected cash flows. The amount of expected cash flows over the initial investment in the loan representrepresents the “accretable yield,” which is recognized as interest income on a level yield basis over the life of the loan. Prepayments affect the estimated life of PCI loans, which may change the amount of interest income, and possibly principal, expected to be collected. The excess of total contractual cash flows over the cash flows expected to be received at origination is deemed to be the “nonaccretable difference.”



The following table presents the changes in the accretable yield for the PCI loans for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 and 2013:2014:
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
2015 2014 2013 2016 2015 2014
Beginning balance $311,688
 $461,545
 $556,986
 $214,907
 $311,688
 $461,545
Addition 
 6,745
 
 
 
 6,745
Accretion (107,442) (219,169) (347,010) (68,708) (107,442) (219,169)
Changes in expected cash flows 10,661
 62,567
 251,569
 (9,952) 10,661
 62,567
Ending balance $214,907
 $311,688
 $461,545
 $136,247
 $214,907
 $311,688


100


Loans Held-for-Sale

Covered assets consistLoans held-for-sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value. When a determination is made at the time of commitment to originate or purchase loans receivable and OREO that were acquired inas held-for-investment, it is the UCB acquisition on November 6, 2009 and inCompany’s intent to hold these loans to maturity or for the WFIB acquisition on June 11, 2010 for which“foreseeable future,” subject to periodic reviews under the Company’s management evaluation processes, including asset/liability management. When the Company entered into shared-loss agreements withsubsequently changes its intent to hold certain loans, the FDIC. The shared-loss coverageloans are transferred from the loans held-for-investment portfolio to the loans held-for-sale portfolio at the lower of the UCBcost or fair value.

Loans held-for-sale amounted to $23.1 million and WFIB commercial loans ended$32.0 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and were comprised primarily of consumer loans. Transfers of loans held-for-investment to loans held-for-sale were $814.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. These loan transfers were comprised of C&I, multifamily residential and CRE loans. In comparison, $1.69 billion and $837.4 million of loans held-for-investment were transferred to loans held-for-sale during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These loan transfers were comprised primarily of single-family residential and June 30,C&I loans for the year ended December 31, 2015, respectively.and consumer and C&I loans for the year ended December 31, 2014. The Company recorded $1.9 million, $5.1 million and $5.2 million, respectively, in write-downs to the allowance for loan losses related to loans transferred from loans held-for-investment to loans held-for-sale for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.
During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company sold or securitized $571.3 million in originated loans, which were primarily comprised of mutifamily, C&I and CRE loans, resulting in net gains of $11.5 million. During the same period, the Company also recorded $1.1 million in net gains and $641 thousand in mortgage servicing rights, and retained $160.1 million of the senior tranche of the resulting securities from the securitization of $201.7 million of multifamily loans. In addition,comparison, during the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company reached an agreement with the FDIC to early terminate the WFIB and UCB shared-loss agreements and made a total payment of $125.5 million for the early termination. As a result, the Company has no remaining shared-loss agreements with the FDIC as of December 31, 2015. Of the total $1.32sold $1.04 billion in PCIoriginated loans, aswhich were comprised primarily of single-family residential and C&I loans, resulting in net gains of $26.1 million. During the year ended December 31, 2014, $1.23 billionthe Company sold $68.1 million in originated loans, which were covered under shared-loss agreements. Ascomprised primarily of C&I loans, resulting in net gains of $7.2 million.

From time to time, the Company purchases and sells loans in the secondary market. During the year ended December 31, 2014, $1.482016, the Company purchased approximately $1.14 billion of total loans, were covered under shared-loss agreements.

FDIC Indemnification Asset/Net Payablecompared to FDIC

The Company amortizes the difference between the recorded amount of the FDIC indemnification asset$282.4 million and the expected reimbursement from the FDIC over the life of the indemnification asset. Due to the early termination of the shared-loss agreements entered with FDIC as previously discussed, the Company no longer has a FDIC indemnification asset/net payable to the FDIC as of December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2014, a net payable to the FDIC of $96.1$865.2 million, was included in accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The following table presents a summary of the FDIC indemnification asset/net payable to the FDIC forrespectively, during the years ended December 31, 2015 2014 and 2013:
   
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31,
 2015 2014 2013
Beginning balance $(96,106) $74,708
 $316,313
Amortization (3,906) (101,638) (99,055)
Reductions (1)
 (10,307) (33,595) (95,536)
FDIC repayment (2)
 110,319
 (35,581) (47,014)
Ending balance $
 $(96,106) $74,708
   
(1)Reductions relate2014. The increase in the loans purchased in 2016, compared to charge-offs, partial prepayments, loan payoffs and loan sales which result in a corresponding reduction of the indemnification asset.
(2)Represents the change in the calculated estimate the Company will be required to pay the FDIC at the end of the FDIC shared-loss agreements, due to lower thresholds of losses, with the exception of the amount in the year ended December 31, 2015, which includes the final payments made to the FDIC due to the early termination of the shared-loss agreements.

Loans Held for Sale

Loans held for sale were $32.0 million and $46.0 million as of December 31, 2015, and 2014, respectively. $1.69 billion of loans held-for-investment were transferredwas primarily due to loans held for sale during the year ended December 31, 2015. These loans were primarily comprisedpurchase of single-family residential and C&I loans. In comparison, $837.4 million and $97.1 million of loans held-for-investmentthat were transferredmade to loans held for sale duringlow-to-moderate income borrowers. Other loan purchases were largely made within the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. TheseCompany’s syndicated loan portfolio. Certain purchased loans were primarily comprised of student and C&I loans.

The Company recorded $5.1 million and $5.2 million in write-downs related to loans transferred from loans held-for-investment to loans held for saleheld-for-sale and a write-down to the allowance for loan losses forwas recorded, where appropriate. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company sold $259.1 million of loans in the secondary market at net gains of $188 thousand. In comparison, the Company sold $661.9 million and $1.02 billion, respectively, of loans in the secondary market during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Theresulting in net gains of $1.7 million and $31.9 million, respectively, during the same periods.

For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company did not record any write-downs relatedrecorded valuation adjustments of $5.6 million and $3.0 million, respectively, in Net gains on sales of loans on the Consolidated Statements of Income to carry the loans transferred from loans held-for-investment to loans held for saleheld-for-sale portfolio at the lower of cost or fair value. No such valuation adjustment was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2013.
For the year ended December 31, 2015, approximately $1.70 billion of loans were sold, resulting in net gains of $27.8 million. Loans sold during the year ended December 31, 2015 were primarily comprised of single-family residential and C&I loans. For the year ended December 31, 2014, approximately $1.09 billion of loans, mainly comprised of student and C&I loans, were sold, resulting in net gains of $39.1 million. For the year ended December 31, 2013, approximately $364.4 million of loans, mainly comprised of student and C&I loans, were sold, resulting in net gains of $7.8 million. In addition, the Company recorded a $3.0 million LOCOM adjustment related to the loans held for sale portfolio during the year ended December 31, 2015. The LOCOM adjustment was included in the net gains on sales of loans in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company did not record any LOCOM adjustment related to the loans held for sale portfolio during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.2014.


101




NOTE 98INVESTMENTS IN QUALIFIED AFFORDABLE HOUSING PARTNERSHIPS, TAX CREDIT AND OTHER INVESTMENTS, NET

The Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) encourages banks to meet the credit needs of their communities for housing and other purposes, particularly in neighborhoods with low or moderate income.  The Company invests in certain affordable housing limited partnerships that qualify for CRA credits. Such limited partnerships are formed to develop and operate apartment complexes designed as high-quality affordable housing for lower income tenants throughout the United States.U.S. Each of the partnerships must meet the regulatory requirements for affordable housing for a minimum 15-year compliance period to fully utilize the tax credits.  In addition to affordable housing limited partnerships, the Company invests in new market tax credit projects that qualify for CRA credits and eligible projects that qualify for renewable energy and historic tax credits. Investments in renewable energy tax credits help promote the development of renewable energy sources, while the investments in historic tax credits promote the rehabilitation of historic buildings and economic revitalization of the surrounding areas.

Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Partnerships, Net

As discussed in Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements, theThe Company adopted ASU 2014-01 on January 1, 2015 with retrospective application to all periods presented. Prior to adopting ASU 2014-01, the Company applied the equity method or the cost method of accounting depending on the ownership percentage and the influence the Company has on these limited partnerships. The amortization of therecords its investments in qualified affordable housing limited partnerships, was previously presented under noninterest expense innet, using the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.proportional amortization method. Under the proportional amortization method, the Company now amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received, and recognizes the amortization inon the Consolidated Statements of Income as a component of income tax expense. The cumulative effect of the retrospective application of the change in amortization method was a $2.1 million increase in retained earnings on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 1, 2014.

The following tables present the impact of the new accounting guidance on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the Consolidated Statements of Income as of the periods indicated:
 
($ in thousands) December 31, 2014
 As Previously Reported As Revised
Consolidated Balance Sheets:    
Investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, net $178,652
 $178,962
Other assets — deferred tax assets $384,367
 $389,601
Retained earnings $1,598,598
 $1,604,141
 
 
($ in thousands, except per share data) Year Ended December 31,
 2014 2013
 As Previously Reported As Revised As Previously Reported As Revised
Consolidated Statements of Income:        
Noninterest expense — amortization of tax credit and other investments $75,660
 $44,092
 $27,268
 $5,973
Income before income taxes $415,455
 $447,023
 $425,850
 $447,146
Income taxes expense $72,972
 $101,145
 $130,805
 $153,822
Net income $342,483
 $345,878
 $295,045
 $293,324
Earnings Per Share:        
Basic $2.39
 $2.42
 $2.11
 $2.10
Diluted $2.38
 $2.41
 $2.10
 $2.09
 


102



The following table presents the balances of the Company’s investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, net, and related unfunded commitments as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:the periods indicated:
($ in thousands) December 31, December 31,
2015 2014 2016 2015
Investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, net $193,978
 $178,962
 $183,917
 $193,978
Accrued expenses and other liabilities — Unfunded commitments $61,525
 $43,311
 $57,243
 $61,525

The following table presents otheradditional information related to the Company’s investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, net, for the periods indicated:
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
2015 2014 2013 2016 2015 2014
Tax credits and other tax benefits recognized $38,271
 $32,613
 $29,084
 $37,252
 $38,271
 $32,613
Amortization expense included in income tax expense $26,814
 $21,428
 $20,824
 $28,206
 $26,814
 $21,428

Investments in Tax Credit and Other Investments, Net

Investments in tax credit and other investments, net, were $187.2$173.3 million and $110.1$187.5 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and 2014, respectively, and were included in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.respectively. The Company is not the primary beneficiary in these partnerships and, therefore, is not required to consolidate its investments in tax credit and other investments on the Consolidated Financial Statements. Depending on the ownership percentage and the influence the Company has on the limited partnership, the Company applies either the equity method or cost method of accounting.

Total unfunded commitments for these investments were $113.2$117.0 million and $71.4$113.2 million as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014,2015, respectively, and were included in accruedAccrued expenses and other liabilities in on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Amortization of tax credit and other investments were $83.4 million, $36.1 million $44.1 million and $6.0$44.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, and 2013, respectively.
    


The Company’s unfunded commitments related to investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, tax credit and other investments, net, are estimated to be paid as follows:
    
Estimates For The Years Ending December 31, Amount
 ($ in thousands)
2016 $84,456
Estimates for the Years Ending December 31, 
Amount
($ in thousands)
2017 34,483
 $96,390
2018 20,645
 34,849
2019 13,891
 17,254
2020 15,418
 12,502
2021 8,172
Thereafter 5,828
 5,089
Total $174,721
 $174,256
    



103



NOTE 109 GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
    
Goodwill

Total goodwill of $469.4 million remained unchanged as of December 31, 20152016 compared withto December 31, 2014.2015. Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis as of December 31st, or more frequently as events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. The Company’s three operating segments, Retail Banking, Commercial Banking, and Other, are equivalent to the Company’s reporting units. For complete discussion and disclosure, please refer tosee Note 2019 - Business Segments to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The following table presents the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for segments with goodwill balances for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:
 
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31,
 2015 2014
 Retail Banking Commercial Banking Total Retail Banking Commercial Banking Total
Beginning balance $357,207
 $112,226
 $469,433
 $320,566
 $16,872
 $337,438
Addition from MetroCorp acquisition (1)
 
 
 
 36,641
 95,354
 131,995
Ending balance $357,207
 $112,226
 $469,433
 $357,207
 $112,226
 $469,433
 
(1)
Includes $11.0 million of tax and BOLI adjustments recorded in the fourth quarter of 2014 due to the acquisition of MetroCorp, as discussed in Note 2Business Combination to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Impairment testingAnalysis

The Company performed its annual impairment testanalysis as of December 31, 20152016 to determine whether and to what extent, if any, recorded goodwill was impaired. The Company used an income approach or a combined income and market approach to determine the fair value of the reporting units. Under the income approach, the Company provided a net income projection for the next three years plus a terminal growth rate that was used to calculate the discounted cash flows and the present value of the reporting units. Under the market approach, the fair value was calculated using the current fair values of comparable peer banks of similar size, geographic footprint and focus. The market capitalizations and multiples of these peer banks were used to calculate the market price of the Company and each reporting unit. The fair value was also subject to a control premium adjustment, which represents the cost savings that a purchaser of the reporting units could achieve by eliminating duplicative costs. Under the combined income and market approaches, the fair value from each approach was weighted based on management’s perceived risk of each approachjudgment to determine the fair value. As a result of this analysis, the Company determined that there was no goodwill impairment as of December 31, 20152016 as the fair values of all reporting units exceeded the current carrying amounts of the goodwill. No assurance can be given that goodwill will not be written down in future periods.
    
Premiums on AcquiredCore Deposits Intangibles

Premiums on acquired depositsCore deposit intangibles represent the intangible value of depositor relationships resulting from deposit liabilities assumed in various acquisitions. These intangibles are tested for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently as events occur, or as current circumstances and conditions warrant. There were no impairment write-downs on core deposit premiumsintangibles for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 and 2013.2014.

The following table presents the gross carrying value of intangible assets and accumulated amortization for the years ended December 31, 20152016 and 2014:2015:
($ in thousands) December 31,
 2015 2014 2016 2015
Gross balance $108,814
 $108,814
 $108,814
 $108,814
Accumulated amortization 72,739
 63,505
 80,825
 72,739
Net carrying balance $36,075
 $45,309
 $27,989
 $36,075



104



Amortization Expense

The Company amortizes premiums on acquired depositsthe core deposit intangibles based on the projected useful lives of the related deposits. The amortization expense related to the intangible assets was $8.1 million, $9.2 million $10.2 million and $9.4$10.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 and 2013,2014, respectively.

The following table presents the estimated future amortization expense of premiums on acquired depositsthe core deposit intangibles at December 31, 2015:2016:
Year ended December 31, Amount
 ($ in thousands)
2016 $8,086
Years Ending December 31, 
Amount
($ in thousands)
2017 6,935
 $6,935
2018 5,883
 5,883
2019 4,864
 4,864
2020 3,846
 3,846
2021 2,833
Thereafter 6,461
 3,628
Total $36,075
 $27,989


NOTE 1110 CUSTOMER DEPOSITS

The following table presents the balances for customer deposits as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014:2015:
 December 31,
($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2016 2015
Core deposits:        
Noninterest-bearing demand $8,656,805
 $7,381,030
 $10,183,946
 $8,656,805
Interest-bearing checking 3,336,293
 2,545,618
 3,674,417
 3,336,293
Money market 6,932,962
 6,318,120
 8,174,854
 6,932,962
Savings deposits 1,933,026
 1,651,267
Savings 2,242,497
 1,933,026
Total core deposits 20,859,086
 17,896,035
 24,275,714
 20,859,086
Time deposits:  
  
  
  
Less than $100,000 1,434,767
 1,662,046
 1,300,091
 1,570,353
$100,000 or greater 5,182,128
 4,450,693
 4,315,178
 5,046,542
Total time deposits 6,616,895
 6,112,739
 5,615,269
 6,616,895
Total deposits $27,475,981
 $24,008,774
 $29,890,983
 $27,475,981

Time deposits in the $100 thousand or greater category included $191.0$219.7 million and $133.3$191.0 million of deposits held by the Company’s foreign banking offices located in Hong Kong; and $267.0$329.9 million and $233.9$267.0 million of deposits held by the Company’s foreign banking offices located in China as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014,2015, respectively.

The aggregate amount of domestic time deposits in denominations that meet or exceed the current FDIC insurance limit of $250,000 was $3.17$2.35 billion and $2.40$3.03 billion as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and 2014, respectively. Foreign officesThe aggregate amount of foreign office time deposits, which includeincluding both Hong Kong and China that meet or exceed the current FDIC insurance limit of $444.1$250,000 was $538.0 million and $350.1$444.1 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and 2014, respectively, were in denominations of $250,000 or more.respectively.


105



The following table presents the scheduled maturities of time deposits as of December 31, 2015:2016:
($ in thousands) Amount
2016 $5,404,746
Years Ending December 31, 
Amount
($ in thousands)
2017 572,989
 $4,665,713
2018 275,259
 529,030
2019 173,894
 192,410
2020 79,753
 91,171
2021 92,038
Thereafter 110,254
 44,907
Total $6,616,895
 $5,615,269


NOTE 1211FHLB ADVANCES AND LONG-TERM DEBT
 
FHLB Advances

FHLB advances totaled $321.6 million and $1.02 billion and $317.2 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and 2014, respectively. During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company entered into short-term FHLB advances of $700.0 million as a means to improve liquidity and cash availability, which matured in February 2016. The FHLB advances have floating interest rates that reset monthly or quarterly based on LIBOR.London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). The weighted average interest rate was 0.51%1.13% and 0.58%0.51% as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014,2015, respectively. The interest rates ranged from 0.41% to 1.27% and 0.51% to 0.63%, in 2016 and 0.30% and 0.58% in 2015, and 2014, respectively. As of December 31, 2015,2016, FHLB advances that will mature in the next five years are as follows: 20162017$700.0$0.0 million; 2017 and 2018 — $0.0 million; 2019 — $80.0$80.6 million; 2020 — $0.0 million; 2021 — $0.0 million and thereafter — $239.4$241.0 million.

The Company’s available borrowing capacity from FHLB advances totaled $4.45$5.58 billion and $5.54$4.45 billion as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014,2015, respectively. The Company’s available borrowing capacity from the FHLB is derived from its portfolio of loans that are pledged to the FHLB reduced by its outstanding FHLB advances. As of December 31, 20152016 and 2014,2015, all advances were secured by real estate loans.

Long-Term Debt

The following table presents the components of long-term debt as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014:2015:
        
($ in thousands) December 31, December 31,
2015 2014 2016 2015
Junior subordinated debt $146,084
 $145,848
 $146,327
 $146,084
Term loan 60,000
 80,000
 40,000
 60,000
Total long-term debt $206,084
 $225,848
 $186,327
 $206,084
        

Junior Subordinated Debt — As of December 31, 2015,2016, the Company has six statutory business trusts for the purpose of issuing junior subordinated debt to third party investors. The junior subordinated debt was issued in connection with the Company’s various pooled trust preferred securities offerings. JuniorThe junior subordinated debt is recorded as a component of long-term debt and considersincludes the value of the common stock issued by six of the Trusts to the CompanyCompany’s wholly-owned subsidiaries in conjunction with these transactions. The common stock is recorded in other assets for the amount issued in connection with these junior subordinated debt issuances.


106




The following table presents the outstanding junior subordinated debt issued by each trust:
     
 December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Issuer 
Stated
Maturity 
(1)
 Stated
Interest Rate
 Current Rate December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015
 
Stated
Maturity 
(1)
 Stated
Interest Rate
 Current Rate Aggregate Principal Amount of Trust Securities Aggregate Principal Amount of the Junior Subordinated Debts Aggregate Principal Amount of Trust Securities Aggregate Principal Amount of the Junior Subordinated Debts  
Aggregate
Principal
Amount of
Trust
Securities
 
Aggregate
Principal
Amount of
the Junior
Subordinated
Debts
 Aggregate
Principal
Amount of
Trust
Securities
 Aggregate
Principal
Amount of
the Junior
Subordinated
Debts
($ in thousands)                
East West Capital Trust V November 2034 3-month Libor + 1.80% 2.18% $464
 $15,000
 $464
 $15,000
 November 2034 3-month LIBOR + 1.80% 2.72% $464
 $15,000
 $464
 $15,000
East West Capital Trust VI September 2035 3-month Libor + 1.50% 2.01% 619
 20,000
 619
 20,000
 September 2035 3-month LIBOR + 1.50% 2.46% 619
 20,000
 619
 20,000
East West Capital Trust VII June 2036 3-month Libor + 1.35% 1.86% 928
 30,000
 928
 30,000
 June 2036 3-month LIBOR + 1.35% 2.31% 928
 30,000
 928
 30,000
East West Capital Trust VIII June 2037 3-month Libor + 1.40% 1.85% 619
 18,000
 619
 18,000
 June 2037 3-month LIBOR + 1.40% 2.35% 619
 18,000
 619
 18,000
East West Capital Trust IX September 2037 3-month Libor + 1.90% 2.41% 928
 30,000
 928
 30,000
 September 2037 3-month LIBOR + 1.90% 2.86% 928
 30,000
 928
 30,000
Metro Bank Trust December 2035 3-month Libor + 1.55% 2.06% 1,083
 35,000
 1,083
 35,000
MCBI Statutory Trust I December 2035 3-month LIBOR + 1.55% 2.51% 1,083
 35,000
 1,083
 35,000
Total $4,641
 $148,000
 $4,641
 $148,000
 $4,641
 $148,000
 $4,641
 $148,000
(1)All the above debt instruments are subject to call options where early redemption requires appropriate notice.

The proceeds from these issuances represent liabilities of the Company to the Trusts and are reported inon the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a component of long-term debt. Interest payments on these securities are made quarterly and are deductible for tax purposes. AlthoughBeginning in 2016, trust preferred securities remain qualified at December 31, 2015no longer qualify as Tier I capital and are limited to Tier II capital for regulatory purposes, (at adjusted percentages of 25% and 75%, respectively), they will be limited to Tier II capital beginning in 2016 based on the final rules issued by the Federal Reserve (“Basel III Capital Rules as discussed inRules”). For further discussion, see Item 1. Business - Supervision and Regulation - Capital Requirements.

Term Loan — In 2013, the Company entered into a $100.0 million three-year term loan agreement. The terms of the agreement were modified in 2015 to extend the term loan maturity from July 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018, where principal repayments of $5.0 million are due quarterly. The term loan bears interest at the rate of the three-month LIBOR plus 150 basis points and the weighted average interest rate on the term loan was 1.83%2.24% and 1.76%1.83% for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, and 2014.respectively. The outstanding balancesbalance of the term loan were $60.0was $40.0 million and $80.0$60.0 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and 2014, respectively. The term loan is included in long-term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.


107




NOTE 1312 INCOME TAXES
 
Income tax expense was $194.0$140.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $194.0 million and $101.1 million for years ended December 31, 2015 representing anand 2014, respectively. The effective tax rate ofrates were 24.6%, 33.5%, compared to $101.1 million, representing an effective tax rate of and 22.6% and $153.8 million, representing an effective tax rate of 34.4% for the years ended December 31, 20142016, 2015 and 2013,2014, respectively. The higherlower effective tax rate during the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 comparedwas attributable to 2014, was mainly due to lessadditional tax credits that were recognized in 2015 from investments in qualified affordable housing, historic rehabilitation and renewable energy projects.projects during the year ended December 31, 2016. The Company recognizes investment tax credits from affordable housing partnerships and other tax creditthese investments in the year the credit arisestax credits arise under the flow-through method of accounting. Included in the income tax expense recognized during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 and 2013 were $126.2 million, $67.6 million $85.7 million and $35.0$85.7 million, respectively, of tax credits generated mainly from investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships and other tax credit investments.

The following table presents the components of income tax expense for the years indicated:
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
2015 2014 2013 2016 2015 2014
Current income tax (benefit) expense:  
  
  
Current income tax expense (benefit):      
Federal $(62,829) $174,640
 $152,061
 $63,642
 $(62,829) $174,640
State (4,750) 70,527
 44,389
 48,558
 (4,750) 70,527
Foreign 409
 3,846
 208
 1,345
 409
 3,846
Total current income tax (benefit) expense (67,170) 249,013
 196,658
Total current income tax expense (benefit) 113,545
 (67,170) 249,013
Deferred income tax expense (benefit):  
  
  
      
Federal 199,858
 (111,122) (31,293) 25,296
 199,858
 (111,122)
State 60,437
 (36,040) (13,155) 1,883
 60,437
 (36,040)
Foreign 919
 (706) 1,612
 (213) 919
 (706)
Total deferred income tax expense (benefit) 261,214
 (147,868) (42,836) 26,966
 261,214
 (147,868)
Income tax expense (1)
 $194,044
 $101,145
 $153,822
 $140,511
 $194,044
 $101,145
(1)
Prior periods were restated to reflect the retrospective application of adopting the new accounting guidance related

The preceding table does not include the tax benefit associated with the Company’s stock compensation plans recorded directly to the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity of $1.1 million, $3.3 million and $6.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 

The following table presents the reconciliation of the federal statutory rate to the Company’s investments in qualified affordable housing projects ASU 2014-01. Please see Note 9 Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Partnerships, Tax Credit and Other Investments, Net to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

 The difference between the effective tax rate implicit infor the Consolidated Financial Statementsyears ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and the statutory federal income tax rate can be attributed to the following:2014:
 Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
 2015 2014 2013 2016 2015 2014
Federal income tax provision at statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 %
State franchise taxes, net of federal tax effect 6.3
 5.0
 4.6
 6.1
 6.3
 5.0
Tax credits (8.7) (16.7) (4.8)
Tax credits, net of amortization (18.3) (8.7) (16.7)
Other, net 0.9
 (0.7) (0.4) 1.8
 0.9
 (0.7)
Effective income tax rate (1)
 33.5 % 22.6 % 34.4 % 24.6 % 33.5 % 22.6 %
(1)
Prior periods were restated to reflect the retrospective application of adopting the new accounting guidance related to the Company’s investments in qualified affordable housing projects ASU 2014-01. Please see Note 9 Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Partnerships, Tax Credit and Other Investments, Net to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
    

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Management regularly reviews the Company’s tax positions and deferred tax assets. Factors considered in this analysis include future reversals of existing temporary differences, future taxable income exclusive of reversing differences, taxable income in prior carryback years, and tax planning strategies. The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability approach, the objective of which is to establish deferred tax assets and liabilities for the temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities at enacted rates expected to be in effect when such amounts are realized and settled. The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portionsportion of the deferred tax (liabilities) assets and deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 are presented below:
 
($ in thousands) December 31,
 2015 2014
 Federal State Foreign Total Federal State Foreign Total
Deferred tax liabilities:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Core deposit intangibles $(12,588) $(3,616) $
 $(16,204) $(15,748) $(4,513) $
 $(20,261)
Fixed assets (15,167) (4,093) 
 (19,260) (16,615) (4,101) 
 (20,716)
FHLB stock (2,229) (618) 
 (2,847) (5,064) (1,475) 
 (6,539)
Deferred loan fees (1,198) (332) 
 (1,530) (1,587) (454) 
 (2,041)
Purchased loan discounts 
 
 
 
 (51) (15) 
 (66)
State taxes (912) 
 
 (912) (8,244) 
 
 (8,244)
Gain from FDIC-assisted acquisition 
 
 
 
 (2,063) (64) 
 (2,127)
Acquired debt (2,295) (637) 
 (2,932) (2,237) 1,369
 
 (868)
Acquired loans and OREO (7,222) (1,714) (406) (9,342) 
 
 
 
Other, net (1,740) (883) 
 (2,623) (1,652) (473) 
 (2,125)
Total gross deferred tax (liabilities) (43,351) (11,893) (406) (55,650) (53,261) (9,726) 
 (62,987)
Deferred tax assets:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Tax credit and other investments (1)
 (1,250) 3,894
 
 2,644
 5,523
 6,349
 
 11,872
Allowance for loan losses and OREO reserves 102,382
 28,686
 1,153
 132,221
 93,749
 23,615
 1,409
 118,773
NOL carryforwards 
 282
 
 282
 
 749
 
 749
Deferred compensation 21,484
 6,028
 
 27,512
 16,505
 4,785
 
 21,290
Mortgage servicing assets 875
 243
 
 1,118
 2,570
 735
 
 3,305
Purchased loan premium 172
 48
 
 220
 292
 84
 
 376
Unrealized loss on securities 4,685
 1,279
 
 5,964
 42,737
 12,638
 
 55,375
FDIC receivable & clawback 
 
 
 
 36,630
 11,736
 
 48,366
Acquired loans and OREO 
 
 
 
 139,360
 36,678
 256
 176,294
Nonaccrual interest income 4,124
 1,144
 
 5,268
 356
 102
 
 458
Other, net 12,905
 3,573
 96
 16,574
 11,833
 4,116
 97
 16,046
Total gross deferred tax assets (1)
 145,377
 45,177
 1,249
 191,803
 349,555
 101,587
 1,762
 452,904
Valuation allowance 
 (282) 
 (282) 
 (316) 
 (316)
Net deferred tax assets (1)
 $102,026
 $33,002
 $843
 $135,871
 $296,294
 $91,545
 $1,762
 $389,601
 
(1)
Prior period was restated to reflect the retrospective application of adopting the new accounting guidance related to the Company’s investments in qualified affordable housing projects ASU 2014-01. Please see Note 9 Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Partnerships, Tax Credit and Other Investments, Net to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

 
($ in thousands) December 31,
 2016 2015
 Federal State Foreign Total Federal State Foreign Total
Deferred tax assets:                
Allowance for loan losses and OREO reserves $97,921
 $27,792
 $1,365
 $127,078
 $102,382
 $28,686
 $1,153
 $132,221
Investments in partnerships, tax credit and other investments, net 
 
 
 
 (1,250) 3,894
 
 2,644
Net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards 
 283
 
 283
 
 282
 
 282
Deferred compensation 20,093
 5,731
 
 25,824
 21,484
 6,028
 
 27,512
Mortgage servicing assets 
 
 
 
 875
 243
 
 1,118
Purchased loan premiums 170
 48
 
 218
 172
 48
 
 220
Unrealized losses on securities 16,253
 5,315
 
 21,568
 4,070
 1,083
 
 5,153
State taxes 1,333
 
 
 1,333
 
 
 
 
Interest income on nonaccrual loans 4,461
 1,258
 
 5,719
 4,124
 1,144
 
 5,268
Other, net 1,883
 4,938
 97
 6,918
 13,520
 3,769
 96
 17,385
Total gross deferred tax assets 142,114
 45,365
 1,462
 188,941
 145,377
 45,177
 1,249
 191,803
Valuation allowance 
 (283) 
 (283) 
 (282) 
 (282)
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance $142,114
 $45,082
 $1,462
 $188,658
 $145,377
 $44,895
 $1,249
 $191,521
Deferred tax liabilities:                
Core deposit intangibles $(9,768) $(2,874) $
 $(12,642) $(12,588) $(3,616) $
 $(16,204)
Investments in partnerships, tax credit and other investments, net (7,012) 5,318
 
 (1,694) 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment (26,406) (5,226) 
 (31,632) (15,167) (4,093) 
 (19,260)
FHLB stock dividends (1,189) (335) 
 (1,524) (2,229) (618) 
 (2,847)
Deferred loan fees 
 
 
 
 (1,198) (332) 
 (1,530)
State taxes 
 
 
 
 (912) 
 
 (912)
Mortgage servicing assets (184) (52) 
 (236) 
 
 
 
Acquired debt (2,210) (623) 
 (2,833) (2,295) (637) 
 (2,932)
Acquired loans and OREO (5,407) (1,242) (406) (7,055) (7,222) (1,714) (406) (9,342)
Other, net (1,025) (319) 
 (1,344) (1,740) (883) 
 (2,623)
Total gross deferred tax liabilities (53,201) (5,353) (406) (58,960) (43,351) (11,893) (406) (55,650)
Net deferred tax assets $88,913
 $39,729
 $1,056
 $129,698
 $102,026
 $33,002
 $843
 $135,871
 

A valuation allowance is established for deferredThe tax assets if, based onbenefits of deductible temporary differences and tax carryforwards are recorded as an asset to the weightextent that management assesses the utilization of available evidence, it issuch temporary differences and carryforwards to be more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.not. A valuation allowance is used, as needed, to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized.

Evidence the Company considered includes the Company’s ability to generate future taxable income, implement tax-planning strategies, and utilize taxable income from prior carryback years (if such carryback is permitted under the applicable tax law), as well as future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences. The Company expects to have sufficient taxable income in future years to fully realize the deferred tax assets. Based onApart from this factor, the availableCompany also performed an overall assessment by weighing all positive evidence management believesagainst all negative evidence and concluded that it is more likely than not that all of the benefitbenefits of the deferred tax assets recorded as of December 31, 2015 will be realized, with the exception of the deferred tax assets related to certain state net operating loss (“NOL”)NOL carryforwards. A valuation allowance has been recorded for the state NOL (forFor states other than California, Georgia, Massachusetts and New York)York, since management believes that these NOLsthe state NOL carryforwards may not be fully utilized.utilized, a valuation allowance was recorded accordingly. The Company believes that adequate provisions have been made for all income tax uncertainties consistent with the standards of ASC 740-10. As of December 31, 20152016 and 2014,2015, the Company hadrecorded net deferred tax assets of $129.7 million and $135.9 million, and $389.6 million, respectively. The decreaserespectively, in deferred taxOther assets in 2015 was mainly due to the termination of the FDIC shared-loss agreements, realization of previously impaired available-for-sale investment securities and the deductibility of certain acquired loans for tax purposes. Net deferred tax assets are included in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.


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The following table summarizes the activityactivities related to the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits:
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
2015 2014 2016 2015
Beginning Balance $5,020
 $4,677
 $7,125
 $5,020
Additions for tax positions of prior years 2,105
 343
 5,819
 2,105
Reductions for tax positions of prior years 
 
Additions for tax positions of current year 
 
Settlements 
 
 (2,525) 
Ending Balance $7,125
 $5,020
 $10,419
 $7,125
 
For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company increased the unrecognized tax benefits by $2.1 million and $343 thousand, respectively, for the California enterprise zone net interest deduction. As of December 31, 20152016 and 2014, the balances of unrecognized tax benefits related to tax uncertainties, including interest and penalties was $8.9 million and $7.2 million, respectively, which is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Also, for the years ended December 31, 2015, and 2014, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impactfavorably affect the effective income tax rate isin the future was $6.8 million and $4.6 million, respectively. The Company recognizes interest and $3.3penalties, if applicable, related to the underpayment of income taxes as a component of Income Tax Expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company recorded a charge (reversal) of $6.2 million, ($460) thousand and $597 thousand of interest and penalties for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Total accrued interest and penalties included in Accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets were $7.9 million and $1.8 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
 
The foreign provision for income taxes is based on foreign pre-tax earnings of $4.5 million, $5.3 million and $12.6 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company’s consolidated financial statements provide for any related tax liability on undistributed earnings that the Company does not intend to be indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S. All of the Company’s undistributed international earnings intended to be indefinitely reinvested in operations outside the U.S. were generated by the Company’s subsidiary organized in China, which has a statutory tax rate of 25%. As of December 31, 2016, U.S. income taxes have not been provided on a cumulative total of $31.0 million of such earnings. The amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability related to these temporary differences is estimated to be $3.1 million.

Every year, subsequent to 2012, the Company has executed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with the IRSInternal Revenue Service (“IRS”) to voluntarily participate in the IRS Compliance Assurance Process (“CAP”) where. Under the CAP, the IRS will assistaudits the tax position of the Company, in identifying and resolvingidentifies and resolves any tax issues that may arise throughout the tax year. The objective of the CAP is to resolve issues in a timely and contemporaneous manner and eliminate the need for a lengthy post-filing examination. Filed in September 2014,2015, the 20132014 tax return received a full acceptance of all tax matters from the IRS. The Company has executed a MOU with the IRS for the 20142015 to 20162017 tax years. For federal tax purposes, tax years from 20112013 and beyond remain open. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company closed its audits for the tax years 2003 to 2008 with the California Franchise Tax Board and received a settlement of $4.7 million related to various refund claims under review. This settlement contributed to a $3.0 million income tax benefit during the year ended December 31, 2016. For California franchise tax purposes, tax years from 20032009 and beyond remain open. The stateCity of North Carolina hasNew York initiated an audit of East West Bank’sthe Company’s corporate income tax return for the 2012 to 2014 tax year.years in September 2016. The Company does not believe that the outcome of unresolved issues or claims in any tax jurisdiction is likely to be material to the Company’s financial position, cash flows or results of operations. The Company further believes that adequate provisions have been made for all income tax uncertainties. The Company does not anticipate that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change forin the year ended December 31, 2016.next twelve months.
 
The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if applicable, related to the underpayment of income taxes as a component of income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company recorded a change in interest and penalties of ($460) thousand, $597 thousand and ($744) thousand for its unrecognized tax positions as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Total interest and penalties accrued as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were $1.8 million and $2.2 million, respectively, which is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.


NOTE 1413 COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
Credit Extensions — In the normal course of business, the Company has various outstanding commitments to extend credit that are not reflected inon the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. While the Company does not anticipate losses as a result of these transactions, commitments to extend credit are included in determining the appropriate level of the allowance for unfunded commitments and unissued SBLCs.outstanding commercial and standby letters of credit (“SBLCs”). The following table summarizes the Company’s credit-related commitments as of December 31:31, 2016 and 2015:
 
($ in thousands) December 31,
 2016 2015
Loan commitments $5,077,869
 $3,370,271
Commercial letters of credit and SBLCs $1,525,613
 $1,293,547
 
 
($ in thousands) 2015 2014
Loan commitments $3,370,271
 $2,973,577
Commercial and standby letters of credit (“SBLCs”) $1,293,547
 $1,253,066
 



Loan commitments are agreements to lend to a customer provided there is no violation of any condition established in the agreement. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require maintenance of compensatory balances. Of the $3.37$5.08 billion unfunded loan commitments as of December 31, 2015,2016, approximately $1.84$2.22 billion are expected towill expire in 2016.within one year or less, $2.33 billion after one year through three years, $463.9 million after three years through five years, and $63.6 million thereafter. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future funding requirements.


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Commercial letters of credit are issued to facilitate domestic and foreign trade transactions while SBLCs generally are contingent upon the failure of the customers to perform according to the terms of the underlying contract with the third party. As a result, the total contractual amounts do not necessarily represent future funding requirements. The Company’s historical experience is that SBLCs typically expire without being funded. Additionally, in many cases, the Company holds collateral in various forms against these SBLCs. As part of its risk management activities, the Company monitors the creditworthiness of customers in conjunction with its SBLC exposure. The customer isCustomers are obligated to reimburse the Company for any payment made on the customer’stheir behalf. If thea customer fails to pay, the Company would, as applicable, liquidate the collateral and/or offset accounts. Total letters of credit of $1.29$1.53 billion consisted of commercial letters of credit of $64.9$46.8 million and SBLCs of $1.23$1.48 billion as of December 31, 2015.2016. Approximately $420.8$404.2 million of thesetotal letters of credit will expire in 2016.within one year or less, $588.1 million after one year through three years, $325.1 million after three years through five years, and $208.2 million thereafter.

The Company uses the same credit underwriting criteria in extending loans, commitments, and conditional obligations to customers. Each customer’s creditworthiness is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Collateral may be obtained based on management’s assessment of the customer’s credit. Collateral may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, and income-producing commercial properties.property.

Estimated exposure to loss from these commitments is included in the allowance for unfunded credit reserves and amounted to $19.8$15.7 million and $10.5$19.8 million as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014,2015, respectively. These amounts are included in accruedAccrued expenses and other liabilities inon the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Guarantees — The Company has sold or securitized loans with recourse in the ordinary course of business. The recourse component in the loans sold or securitized with recourse is considered a guarantee. As the guarantor, the Company is obligated to make payments when the loans default. As of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the maximum potential future payment, which is generally the unpaid principal balance of total single-family and multifamily loans sold or securitized with recourse amounted to $191.3$150.5 million and was comprised of $29.8$191.3 million, in single-family loans with full recourse and $161.5 million in multifamily loans with limited recourse. In comparison, total loans sold or securitized with recourse amounted to $249.8 million as of December 31, 2014, and was comprised of $35.5 million in single-family loans with full recourse and $214.3 million in multifamily loans with limited recourse. The recourse provision on multifamily loans varies by loan sale and is limited to 4% of the top loss on the underlying loans. The Company’s recourse reserve related to these guarantees is included in the allowance for unfunded credit reserves and totaled $630 thousand and $2.2 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The allowance for unfunded credit reserves wereis included in accruedAccrued expenses and other liabilities in on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company continues to experience minimal losses from the single-family and multifamily residential loan portfolios sold or securitized with recourse.

Lease Commitments — The Company conducts a portion of its operations utilizing leased premises and equipment under operating leases. Rental expense amounted to $24.6$24.1 million, $26.2$24.6 million and $26.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 and 2013,2014, respectively.

Future minimum rental payments under non-cancellable operating leases are estimated as follows:
Years Ending December 31, Amount 
Amount
($ in thousands)
 ($ in thousands)
2016 $28,042
2017 24,902
 $25,334
2018 21,263
 22,083
2019 18,112
 18,853
2020 14,708
 14,699
2021 11,617
Thereafter 53,320
 31,571
Total $160,347
 $124,157
 
Related Party Transactions — In the ordinary course of business, the Company may enter into transactions with various related parties. The Company’s related party transactions were not material for the years ended December 31, 20152016 and 2014.2015.


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Litigation — The Company is a party to various legal actions arising in the normal course of business. In accordance with ASC 450, Contingencies, the Company accrues reserves for currently outstanding lawsuits, claims, and proceedings when a loss contingency is probable and can be reasonably estimated. The outcome of such legal actions is inherently difficult to predict and it is possible that one or more of the currently pending, or threatened legal or regulatory matters could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s liquidity, consolidated financial position, and/or results of operations. Based on the information currently available, advice of counsel and established reserves, the Company believes that the eventual outcome of pending legal matters will not individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position.Consolidated Financial Statements. On September 8, 2014, a jury in the case titled “F&F, LLC and 618 Investment, Inc. v. East West Bank,” Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles, Case No. BC462714, delivered a verdict in favor of plaintiff F&F, LLC. The case is being appealed.On November 2, 2016, the Company and plaintiff entered into a settlement agreement, fully resolving and discharging this matter, whereby the Company has agreed to pay $25.0 million to the plaintiff. The litigation accrual was $35.4$25.0 million and $31.6$35.4 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and 2014, respectively. The $25.0 million settlement was subsequently paid to the plaintiff in January 2017.

Other Commitments — The Company has commitments to invest in qualified affordable housing partnerships and other tax credit investments qualifying for community reinvestment tax credits or other types of tax credits. These commitments are payable on demand. As of December 31, 20152016 and 2014,2015, these commitments were $174.7$174.3 million and $114.7$174.7 million, respectively. These commitments are included in accruedAccrued expenses and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.


NOTE 1514 STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS
 
Pursuant to the Company’s 19982016 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, the Company issuesmay issue stock options, RSAs, RSUs, stock appreciation rights, stock purchase warrants, phantom stock and RSUsdividend equivalents to employees.certain employees and non-employee directors of the Company and its subsidiaries. An aggregate of 11.014.0 million shares of common stock were authorized under the 19982016 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, and the total number available for grant was approximately 3.05.4 million as of December 31, 2015.2016.

The following table summarizes the total share-based compensation expense and the related net tax benefit associated with its various employee share-based compensation plans for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 and 2013:2014:
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
2015 2014 2013 2016 2015 2014
Compensation expense related to RSAs and RSUs $16,502
 $13,883
 $13,531
Stock compensation costs $22,102
 $16,502
 $13,883
Net tax benefit recognized in equity for stock compensation plans $3,291
 $6,513
 $5,522
 $1,055
 $3,291
 $6,513

Stock Options — The Company issues stock options to certain employees, officers and directors. Stock options are issued at the current market price on the date of grant. No options have been granted since 2011. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had 42,116 stock options outstanding that were vested and exercisable at a weighted average exercise price of $20.75. TheseThe options had a four-year vesting period and contractual term of seven years. During 2015, all outstanding stock options have been fully exercised and there were no outstanding options as of December 31, 2015.2015 and December 31, 2016.

The following table presents information related to stock options for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 and 2013:2014:
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
2015 2014 2013 2016 2015 2014
Cash proceeds from options exercised $874
 $4,937
 $1,680
 $
 $874
 $4,937
Net tax benefit recognized from options exercised $320
 $1,398
 $48
 $
 $320
 $1,398
Total intrinsic value of options exercised $760
 $3,546
 $926
 $
 $760
 $3,546
Total fair value of options vested N/A
 N/A
 $363



 RSAs and RSUs — RSAs and RSUs are granted under our long-term incentive plan at no cost to the recipient. RSAs vest ratably over three years, cliff vest after three years, or vest at a rate of 50% each at the fourth and fifth year of continued employment from the date of the grant. RSUs vest ratably over three years or cliff vest after three or five years of continued employment from the date of the grant. The restricted stock entitlesRSAs and RSUs entitle the recipient to receive cash dividends equivalent to any dividends paid on the underlying common stock during the period the restricted stock is outstandingRSAs and RSUs are outstanding. The RSAs have non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents and, as such, are considered participating securities as discussed in Note 17 —Stockholders’ Equity and Earnings Per Share1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements. AllDuring 2015, all RSAs have vested and there were no outstanding RSAs as of December 31, 2015.2016. While a portion of the RSAs and RSUs are time-vesting awards, others vest subject to the attainment of specified performance goals. All RSAs and RSUs are subject to forfeiture until vested.


112



The following table presents a summary of the activity for the Company’s time-based RSAs and RSUs, and performance-based RSUs during the year ended December 31, 20152016 based on the target amount of awards:
 2015
RSAs and RSUs 2016
Time-Based Performance-Based Time-Based RSUs Performance-Based RSUs
Shares 
Weighted
Average Grant-Date Fair Value
 Shares 
Weighted
Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Shares 
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 Shares Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Outstanding at beginning of year 751,020
 $30.61
 400,508
 $27.51
 933,312
 $36.83
 389,358
 $34.21
Granted 477,417
 40.36
 133,295
 41.15
 529,385
 31.86
 159,407
 29.18
Vested (225,566) 23.65
 (144,445) 22.05
 (125,608) 25.78
 (138,019) 25.25
Forfeited (69,559) 36.64
 
 
 (118,375) 35.80
 
 
Outstanding at end of year 933,312
 $36.83
 389,358
 $34.21
 1,218,714
 $35.92
 410,746
 $35.27
 
The weighted average fair values of the time-based awards granted during 2016, 2015 and 2014 were $31.86, $40.36 and 2013 were $40.36, $36.59, and $25.82, respectively. The weighted average fair value of the performance-based awards granted during the year ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were $29.18, $41.15 and 2013 were $41.15, $36.85, and $25.25, respectively. The total fair value of time-based awards that vested during 2016, 2015 and 2014 and 2013 was $4.2 million, $9.1 million $21.6 million and $24.7$21.6 million, respectively. The total fair value of performance-based awards that vested during 2016, 2015 and 2014 and 2013 was $4.4 million, $5.8 million $3.1 million and $1.7$3.1 million, respectively.

Compensation expensecosts for the Company’s time-based awards isare based on the quoted market price of the relatedCompany’s stock at the grant date. Performance-basedCompensation costs for performance-based awards granted that include discretionaryare based on the grant date fair value of the performance-based awards which considers both market and performance basedconditions. The associated compensation expense of the performance-based awards fluctuates with the estimated outcome of meeting the performance condition, where the total amount of compensation expense recognized on these awards will be finalized upon vesting conditionsof such awards.

Compensation costs of both time-based and performance-based awards are subject to variable accounting.recognized on a straight-line basis from the grant date until the vesting date of each grant. As of December 31, 2015,2016, total unrecognized compensation cost related to time-based and performance-based RSAsRSUs amounted to $23.3$21.9 million and $10.0$9.6 million, respectively. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.921.84 years and 1.781.71 years, respectively.

Stock Purchase Plan — The 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Purchase Plan”) provides eligible employees of the Company the right to purchase shares of its common stock at a discount. Employees could purchase shares at 90% of the fair market price subject to an annual purchase limitation of $22,500 per employee. As of December 31, 2015,2016, the Purchase Plan qualifies as a non-compensatory plan under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code and, accordingly, no compensation expense has been recognized. 2,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock have been made available for sale under the Purchase Plan. During 2016 and 2015, 67,198 shares totaling $2.1 million and 2014, 55,485 shares totaling $2.0 million and 58,587 shares totaling $1.9 million, respectively, have been sold to employees under the Purchase Plan. As of December 31, 2015,2016, there were 639,228572,030 shares available under the Purchase Plan.



113



NOTE 1615 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
The Company sponsors a defined contribution plan, the East West Bank Employees 401(k) Savings Plan (the “Plan”), designed to provide retirement benefits financed by participants’ tax deferred contributions for the benefits of its employees. A Roth 401(k) investing option is also available to the participants, which is designed to be made on an after-tax basis. Under the terms of the Plan, eligible employees may elect to defer up to 80% of their compensation before taxes, up to the dollar limit imposed by the Internal Revenue ServiceIRS for tax purposes. Participants can also designate a part or all of their contributions as Roth 401(k) contributions. Effective as of April 1, 2014, the Company matches 75% of the first 6% of the Plan participant’s deferred compensation. The Company’s contributions to the Plan are determined annually by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) in accordance with the Plan requirements. Plan participants become vested in the matching contributions received from the Plan sponsor at the rate of 20% per year for each full year of service after the first year such that the Plan participants become 100% vested after five years of credited service. For the Plan years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 and 2013,2014, the Company expensed $8.4 million, $7.5 million $5.9 million and $4.3$5.9 million, respectively.

During 2001,2002, the Company adopted a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”). The SERP meets the definition of a pension plan per ASC 715-30, Compensation — Retirement Benefits — Defined Benefit Plans — Pension, pursuant to which the Company will pay supplemental pension benefits to certain executive officers designated by the Board upon retirement based upon the officers’ years of service and compensation. The SERP is an unfunded, non-qualified plan under which the participants have no rights beyond those of a general creditor of the Company, and there are no specific assets set aside by the Company in connection with the plan. As of December 31, 2016, there were no additional benefits to be accrued for under the SERP. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, there were one and 2014 there was only one executive accruing benefitstwo executives remaining under the SERP. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, and 2013,$624 thousand, $619 thousand $583 thousand and $644$583 thousand, respectively, of benefits were expensed and accrued for. The benefit obligation was $6.1$4.1 million and $5.8$6.1 million as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014.2015. The following table presents a summary of expected SERP payments to be paid for the next five years and thereafter as of December 31, 2015:2016:
    
Year ended December 31, Amount
 ($ in thousands)
2016 $2,617
Years Ending December 31, 
Amount
($ in thousands)
2017 310
 $310
2018 319
 319
2019 329
 329
2020 339
 339
2021 349
Thereafter 8,563
 8,214
Total $12,477
 $9,860
    


NOTE 1716 — STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE

Series A Preferred Stock Offering — In April 2008, the Company issued 200,000 shares of 8% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A (“Series A”), with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. The Company received $194.1 million of additional Tier 1 qualifying capital, after deducting stock issuance costs. On May 1, 2013, the Company exercised its mandatory conversion right related to all the outstanding shares of its Series A preferred stock. At the conversion date, the remaining 85,710 shares of outstanding Series A Preferred Stock were converted to 5,594,080 shares of common stock.

MetroCorp Warrant — The Company completed the acquisition of MetroCorp on January 17, 2014. Prior to the acquisition, MetroCorp had an outstanding warrant to purchase 771,429 shares of its common stock.  Upon the acquisition, the rights of the warrant holder were converted into the right to acquire 230,282 shares of East West’s common stock until January 16, 2019. The warrant has not been exercised as of December 31, 2015.
Stock Repurchase Program — On January 23, 2013, the Company’s Board authorized a stock repurchase program to buy back up to $200.0 million of the Company’s common stock. During 2013, the Company completed the authorized repurchased program, repurchasing 8,026,807 shares at a weighted average price of $24.89 per share for a total cost of $200.0 million. On July 17, 2013, the Company’s Board authorized an additional stock repurchase program to buy back up to $100.0 million of the Company’s common stock. The Company has not repurchased any shares under this program. Although this program has no stated expiration date, the Company does not intend to repurchase any shares pursuant to this program absent further action of the Company’s Board.


114Warrant — The Company acquired MetroCorp on January 17, 2014. Prior to the acquisition, MetroCorp had an outstanding warrant to purchase 771,429 shares of its common stock.  Upon the acquisition, the rights of the warrant holder were converted into the right to acquire 230,282 shares of East West’s common stock until January 16, 2019. The warrant has not been exercised as of December 31, 2016.



Quarterly Dividends — The Company paid quarterly dividends on its common stock of $0.20 per share for each quarter of 2015.2016. In comparison, the Company paid quarterly dividends on its common stock of $0.18$0.20 and $0.15$0.18 per share for each quarter of 20142015 and 2013,2014, respectively. Total dividends amounting to $116.6 million, $116.2 million $104.0 million and $83.3$104.0 million were paid to the Company’s common stockholders during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 and 2013,2014, respectively.

The Company’s Board declared and paid quarterly preferred stock cash dividends of $20.00 per share on its Series A preferred stock in 2013. Cash dividends totaling $3.4 million were paid to the Company’s Series A preferred stock stockholders during the year ended December 31, 2013. The Series A preferred stock were converted into common stock on May 1, 2013.

EPS EPS is calculated using the two-class method. Certain of the Company’s instruments containing rights to nonforfeitable dividends granted in stock-based payment transactions are considered participating securities prior to vesting and, therefore, have been included in the earnings allocations to compute basic and diluted EPS.

The following table presents the EPS calculations for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 and 2013:2014. The Company applied the two-class method in the computation of basic and diluted EPS in the periods when the RSAs were outstanding. The RSAs were fully vested as of December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2016, there were no outstanding RSAs. For additional information regarding the Company’s EPS calculation, see Note 1Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
  Year Ended December 31,
($ in thousands, except per share data, shares in thousands) 2015 2014 2013
Basic      
Net income (1)
 $384,677
 $345,878
 $293,324
Less: Preferred stock dividends
 
 
 3,428
          Earnings allocated to participating securities 3
 506
 1,682
Net income allocated to common stockholders (1)
 $384,674
 $345,372
 $288,214
       
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding 143,818
 142,952
 137,342
Basic EPS (1)
 $2.67
 $2.42
 $2.10
       
Diluted      
Net income allocated to common stockholders (1)
 $384,674
 $345,372
 $288,214
Add: Convertible preferred stock dividends 
 
 3,428
Net income allocated to diluted common stockholders (1)
 $384,674
 $345,372
 $291,642
       
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding 143,818
 142,952
 137,342
Diluted potential common shares (2)
 694
 611
 2,232
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding 144,512
 143,563
 139,574
Diluted EPS (1)
 $2.66
 $2.41
 $2.09
 
 
($ and shares in thousands, except per share data) Year Ended December 31,
 2016 2015 2014
Basic      
Net income $431,677
 $384,677
 $345,878
Less: Earnings allocated to participating securities 
 3
 506
Net income allocated to common stockholders $431,677
 $384,674
 $345,372
       
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 144,087
 143,818
 142,952
Basic EPS $3.00
 $2.67
 $2.42
       
Diluted      
Net income allocated to common stockholders $431,677
 $384,674
 $345,372
       
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 144,087
 143,818
 142,952
Diluted potential common shares (1)
 1,085
 694
 611
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 145,172
 144,512
 143,563
Diluted EPS $2.97
 $2.66
 $2.41
 
(1)
Prior periods were restated to reflect the retrospective application of adopting the new accounting guidance related to the Company’s investments in qualified affordable housing projects ASU 2014-01. Please see Note 9 Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Partnerships, Tax Credit and Other Investments, Net to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
(2)Includes dilutive shares from stock options,RSUs and RSUswarrants for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 and 2013.2014. Also includes dilutive shares from warrantsstock options for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, and dilutive shares from preferred stock for the year ended December 31, 2013.2014.

For the yearyears ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, approximately 8 thousand and 16 thousand weighted average anti-dilutive shares offrom RSUs, respectively, were excluded from the diluted EPS computation. For the yearsyear ended December 31, 2014, and 2013, approximately 27 thousand and 187 thousand weighted average anti-dilutive shares, respectively, comprised of stock options and RSUs, were excluded from the diluted EPS computation.



115



NOTE 1817 — ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The following table presents the changes in the components of AOCI balances for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 and 2013.2014:
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
2015 2014 2013 2016 2015 2014
Available-
for-Sale Investment
Securities
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments (1)
 Total 
Available-
for-Sale Investment
Securities
 Total 
Available-
for-Sale Investment
Securities
 Total
Available-
for-Sale
Investment
Securities
 
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments (1)
 Total Available-
for-Sale
Investment
Securities
 
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments (1)
 Total Available-
for-Sale
Investment
Securities
 Total
Beginning balance $4,237
 $
 $4,237
 $(30,459) $(30,459) $4,669
 $4,669
 $(6,144) $(8,797) $(14,941) $4,237
 $
 $4,237
 $(30,459) $(30,459)
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period 13,012
 (8,797) 4,215
 40,911
 40,911
 (27,833) (27,833)
Net unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period (16,623) (10,577) (27,200) 13,012
 (8,797) 4,215
 40,911
 40,911
Amounts reclassified from AOCI (23,393) 
 (23,393) (6,215) (6,215) (7,295) (7,295) (6,005) 
 (6,005) (23,393) 
 (23,393) (6,215) (6,215)
Changes, net of taxes (10,381) (8,797) (19,178) 34,696
 34,696
 (35,128) (35,128) (22,628) (10,577) (33,205) (10,381) (8,797) (19,178) 34,696
 34,696
Ending balance $(6,144) $(8,797) $(14,941) $4,237
 $4,237
 $(30,459) $(30,459) $(28,772) $(19,374) $(48,146) $(6,144) $(8,797) $(14,941) $4,237
 $4,237
(1)Represents foreign currency translation adjustments related to the Company’s net investment in non-U.S. operations, including related hedges. In the third quarter of 2015, there was a change in functional currency from USD to the local currency of the Company’s foreign subsidiary.



The following table presents the components of other comprehensive income (loss), reclassifications to net income and the related tax effects for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014 and 2013:2014:
                                    
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
2015 2014 2013 2016 2015 2014
Before-Tax Tax
Effect
 Net-of-Tax Before-Tax Tax
Effect
 Net-of-Tax Before-Tax Tax
Effect
 Net-of-Tax
Before -
Tax
 Tax
Effect
 
Net-of-
Tax
 Before -
Tax
 Tax
Effect
 Net-of-
Tax
 Before -
Tax
 Tax
Effect
 Net-of-
Tax
Available-for-sale investment securities:  
  
  
  
  
  
                        
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period $22,454
 $(9,442) $13,012
 $70,537
 $(29,626) $40,911
 $(47,988) $20,155
 $(27,833)
Net unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period $(28,681) $12,058
 $(16,623) $22,454
 $(9,442) $13,012
 $70,537
 $(29,626) $40,911
Net realized gains reclassified into net income (1)
 (40,367) 16,974
 (23,393) (10,715) 4,500
 (6,215) (12,577) 5,282
 (7,295) (10,362) 4,357
 (6,005) (40,367) 16,974
 (23,393) (10,715) 4,500
 (6,215)
Net change (17,913) 7,532
 (10,381) 59,822
 (25,126) 34,696
 (60,565) 25,437
 (35,128) (39,043) 16,415
 (22,628) (17,913) 7,532
 (10,381) 59,822
 (25,126) 34,696
                  
Foreign currency translation adjustments:                                    
Net unrealized losses arising during period (8,797) 
 (8,797) 
 
 
 
 
 
 (10,577) 
 (10,577) (8,797) 
 (8,797) 
 
 
Net change (8,797) 
 (8,797) 
 
 
 
 
 
 (10,577) 
 (10,577) (8,797) 
 (8,797) 
 
 
Other comprehensive (loss)income $(26,710) $7,532
 $(19,178) $59,822
 $(25,126) $34,696
 $(60,565) $25,437
 $(35,128) $(49,620) $16,415
 $(33,205) $(26,710) $7,532
 $(19,178) $59,822
 $(25,126) $34,696
(1)
For the yearyears ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the pretax amount wasamounts were reported in netNet gains on sales of available-for-sale investment securities in on the Consolidated Statements of Income. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the pretax amount was reported in net gains on sales of available-for-sale investment securities and other fees and other operating income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.



116


NOTE 1918REGULATORY REQUIREMENTSAND MATTERS
 
Capital AdequacyThe Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. The Bank is a member bank of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Reserve Bank is the Bank’s primary regulator. In July 2013, the Federal Reserve Bank published Basel III Capital Rules establishing a new comprehensive capital framework for U.S. banking organizations based upon the 1988 capital accord (“Basel I”) of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision. The Basel III Capital Rules apply to all depository institutions and top-tier bank holding companies with assets of $500.0 million or more, and accordingly are effective for the Company and the Bank on January 1, 2015 (subject to phase-in periods for certain of their components). The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 requires that the federal regulatory agencies adopt regulations defining capital tiers for banks: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Basel III Capital Rules: (i) introduced a new capital measure called Common Equity Tier 1I Risk-based Capital (“CET1”) and a related regulatory capital ratio of CET1 to risk-weighted assets; (ii) specified that Tier 1I capital consists of CET1 and “Additional Tier 1I capital” instruments, which are instruments treated as Tier 1I instruments under the prior capital rules that meet certain revised requirements; (iii) mandated that most deductions or adjustments to regulatory capital measures be made to CET1 and not to the other components of capital; and (iv) expanded the scope of the deductions from and adjustments to capital, compared to existing regulations. The Basel III Capital Rules also prescribed a new standardized approach for risk weightings that expanded the risk weighting categories from the previous four Basel I-derived categories (0%, 20%, 50% and 100%) to a larger and more risk-sensitive number of categories.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 requires that the federal regulatory agencies adopt regulations defining capital tiers for banks: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized. The Basel III Capital Rule requires that banking organizations maintain a minimum CET1 ratio of 4.5%, a Tier I capital ratio of 6.0%, and a total capital ratio of 8.0% to be considered adequately capitalized. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can result in certain mandatory actions and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.


As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company and 2014, the Bank waswere both categorized as well capitalized based on applicable U.S. regulatory capital ratio requirements in accordance with Basel III standardized approaches, as set forth in the table below. The Company believes that no changes in conditions or events have occurred since December 31, 2015,2016, which would result in changes that would cause the Company or the Bank to fall below the well capitalized level. The following tables present the regulatory capital information of the Company and the Bank as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014:2015:
 December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Basel III
($ in thousands) Basel III Basel I
 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015
Actual Minimum Requirement Well Capitalized Requirement Actual Minimum Requirement Well Capitalized Requirement Actual Minimum Requirement Well Capitalized Requirement Actual Minimum Requirement Well Capitalized Requirement
($ in thousands) Amount Ratio Ratio Ratio Amount Ratio Ratio Ratio Amount Ratio Ratio Ratio Amount Ratio Ratio Ratio
 
  
  
  
  
                        
Company $3,082,945
 12.2% 8.0% 10.0% $2,753,599
 12.6% 8.0% 10.0% $3,400,642
 12.4% 8.0% 10.0% $3,082,945
 12.2% 8.0% 10.0%
East West Bank $3,039,524
 12.1% 8.0% 10.0% $2,590,173
 11.8% 8.0% 10.0% $3,371,885
 12.3% 8.0% 10.0% $3,039,524
 12.1% 8.0% 10.0%
Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets)  
  
  
  
  
  
                    
Company $2,686,627
 10.7% 6.0% 8.0% $2,405,452
 11.0% 4.0% 6.0% $2,976,002
 10.9% 6.0% 8.0% $2,686,627
 10.7% 6.0% 8.0%
East West Bank $2,754,201
 11.0% 6.0% 8.0% $2,316,615
 10.6% 4.0% 6.0% $3,095,245
 11.3% 6.0% 8.0% $2,754,201
 11.0% 6.0% 8.0%
CET1 capital (1) (to risk-weighted assets)
                
CET1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)
                
Company $2,650,413
 10.5%
4.5% 6.5% N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 $2,976,002
 10.9%
4.5% 6.5% $2,650,413
 10.5% 4.5% 6.5%
East West Bank $2,754,201
 11.0%
4.5% 6.5% N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 $3,095,245
 11.3%
4.5% 6.5% $2,754,201
 11.0% 4.5% 6.5%
Tier I leverage capital (to adjusted average assets)  
  
  
  
                        
Company $2,686,627
 8.5% 4.0% 5.0% $2,405,452
 8.4% 4.0% 5.0% $2,976,002
 8.7% 4.0% 5.0% $2,686,627
 8.5% 4.0% 5.0%
East West Bank $2,754,201
 8.8% 4.0% 5.0% $2,316,615
 8.2% 4.0% 5.0% $3,095,245
 9.1% 4.0% 5.0% $2,754,201
 8.8% 4.0% 5.0%
Risk weighted assets  
  
  
  
                        
Company $25,232,575
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 $21,931,486
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 $27,357,753
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 $25,232,575
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
East West Bank $25,129,885
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 $21,875,078
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 $27,310,540
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 $25,129,885
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
Adjusted quarterly average total assets (2)(1)
  
  
  
  
                        
Company $31,458,517
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 $28,501,115
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 $34,209,827
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 $31,458,517
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
East West Bank $31,385,333
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 $28,418,340
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 $34,163,667
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 $31,385,333
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
(1)CET1 capital measurement was introduced under the Basel III Capital Rules implemented during 2015.
(2)Reflects adjusted average total assets for the three months ended December 31, 20152016 and 2014.2015.
N/A = not applicableapplicable.


117


Reserve Requirement— The Bank is required to maintain a percentage of its deposits as reserves at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (the “FRB”). The daily average reserve requirement was approximately $395.6$503.8 million and $325.7$395.6 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and 2014, respectively.


Regulatory Matters — The Bank entered into a Written Agreement, dated November 9, 2015, with the FRB (the “Written Agreement”), to correct less than satisfactory Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”) and Anti-Money Laundering (“AML”) programs detailed in a joint examination by the FRB and the California Department of Business Oversight (“DBO”). The Bank also entered into a related MOU with the DBO. The Written Agreement, among other things, requires the Bank to:

within 60 days of the Written Agreement, submit a written plan to strengthen the Board’s oversight of the Bank’s compliance with the applicable laws, rules and regulations relating to AML, including compliance with the BSA, the rules and regulations issued thereunder by the U.S. Department of Treasury, and the AML requirements of Regulation H of the Board of Governors (collectively, “BSA/AML Requirements”);
within 60 days of the Written Agreement, submit a written revised program for compliance with all applicable BSA/AML Requirements, which, at a minimum, will include, among other things, a system of internal controls to ensure compliance with all applicable BSA/AML Requirements and controls designed to ensure compliance with all applicable requirements relating to correspondent accounts for foreign financial institutions;
within 60 days of the Written Agreement, submit a written revised program for conducting appropriate levels of customer due diligence, including policies, procedures, and controls to ensure that the Bank collects, analyzes, and retains complete and accurate customer information for all account holders, including customers of the Bank’s foreign operations;
within 60 days of the Written Agreement, submit an enhanced written program to reasonably ensure the identification and timely, accurate and complete reporting by the Bank of all known or suspected violations of law or suspicious transactions to law enforcement and supervisory authorities as required by applicable suspicious activity reporting laws and regulations;
within 60 days of the Written Agreement, submit a written plan to the FRB for the full installation, testing, and activation of an effective automated transaction monitoring system to reasonably ensure the identification and timely, accurate, and complete reporting by the Bank of all known or suspected violations of law or suspicious transactions to law enforcement and supervisory authorities;
within 30 days following completion of the customer account remediation required by the Written Agreement, engage an independent consultant to conduct a review of, and prepare a report detailing findings relating to, account and transaction activity associated with any high risk customer accounts during a six-month period in 2014 to determine whether suspicious activity involving high risk customer accounts or transactions was properly identified and reported; and
within 60 days of the Written Agreement, submit a plan to enhance the Bank’s compliance with Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) Regulations, including enhanced OFAC screening procedures and an improved methodology for assessing OFAC risks.

We believeThe Company believes that the Bank is making progress in executing the compliance plans and programs required by the Written Agreement and MOU, although there can be no assurances that our plans and progress will be found to be satisfactory by our regulators. As a result,To date, the Bank has added significant resources to meet the monitoring and reporting obligations imposed by the Written Agreement and will continue to require significant management and third party consultant resources to comply with the Written Agreement and MOU, and to address any additional findings or recommendations by the regulators. The Bank has already added significant resources to meet the monitoring and reporting obligations imposed by the Written Agreement. The Bank expects theseThese incremental administrative and third party costs, as well as the operational restrictions imposed by the Written Agreement, tomay adversely affect the Bank’s results of operations.

If additional compliance issues are identified or if the regulators determine that the Bank has not satisfactorily complied with the terms of the Written Agreement, the regulators could take further actions with respect to the Bank and, if such further actions were taken, such actions could have a material adverse effect on the Bank. The operating and other conditions of the Written Agreement could lead to an increased risk of being subject to additional regulatory actions by the DBO or FRB or other government agencies, as well as additional actions resulting from future regular annual safety and soundness and compliance examinations by the federal and state regulators that downgrade the regulatory ratings of the Bank.



118




NOTE 2019 BUSINESS SEGMENTS

The Company utilizes an internal reporting system to measure the performance of various operating segments within the Bank and the Company. The Company has identified three operating segments for purposes of management reporting: (1) Retail Banking; (2) Commercial Banking; and (3) Other. These three business divisions meet the criteria of an operating segment: the segment engages in business activities from which it earns revenues and incurs expenses, its operating results are regularly reviewed by the Company’s chief operating decision-maker to render decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance and discrete financial information is available.

The Retail Banking segment focuses primarily on retail operations through the Bank’s branch network. The Commercial Banking segment, which includes CRE, primarily generates commercial loans through the commercial lending offices located in the Bank’s production offices. Furthermore, the Company’s Commercial Banking segment offers a wide variety of international finance and trade services and products. The remaining centralized functions, including treasury activities and eliminations of inter-segment amounts, have been aggregated and included in the “Other” segment, which provides broad administrative support to the two core segments.

The Company’s internal funds transfer pricing assumptions are intended to promote core deposit growth and to reflect the current risk profiles of various loan categories within the credit portfolio. TransferInternal transfer pricing assumptions and methodologies are reviewed at least annually to ensure that the Company’s process is reflective of current market conditions. The internal transfer pricing process is formulated with the goal of incenting loan and deposit growth that is consistent with the Company’s overall growth objectives, as well as to provide a reasonable and consistent basis for the measurement of the Company’s business segments and product net interest margins.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Operating segment results are based on the Company’s internal management reporting process, which reflects assignments and allocations of certain operating and administrative costs and the provision for credit losses. Net interest income is based on the Company’s internal funds transfer pricing system which assigns a cost of funds or a credit for funds to assets or liabilities based on their type, maturity or repricing characteristics. Noninterest income and noninterest expense, including depreciation and amortization, directly attributable to a segment are assigned to that business segment. Indirect costs, including overhead expense, are allocated to the segments based on several factors, including, but not limited to, full-time equivalent employees, loan volume and deposit volume. The provision for credit losses is allocated based on actual charge-offs for the period as well as average loan balances for each segment during the period. The Company evaluates overall performance based on profit or loss from operations before income taxes excluding nonrecurring gains and losses.

Changes in the Company’s management structure or reporting methodologies may result in changes in the measurement of operating segment results. Results for prior periods are generally restated for comparability for changes in management structure or reporting methodologies unless it is not deemed practicable to do so.


119




The following tables present the operating results and other key financial measures for the individual operating segments as of and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 2014, and 2013:2014:
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2015 Year Ended December 31, 2016
Retail
Banking
 
Commercial
Banking
 Other Total Retail
Banking
 Commercial
Banking
 Other Total
Interest income $331,755
 $654,966
 $67,094
 $1,053,815
 $315,146
 $726,013
 $96,322
 $1,137,481
Charge for funds used (86,769) (163,601) (66,773) (317,143) (95,970) (216,849) (47,646) (360,465)
Interest spread on funds used 244,986
 491,365
 321
 736,672
 219,176
 509,164
 48,676
 777,016
Interest expense (53,088) (18,025) (32,263) (103,376) (60,180) (16,892) (27,771) (104,843)
Credit on funds provided 261,117
 36,251
 19,775
 317,143
 300,446
 38,636
 21,383
 360,465
Interest spread on funds provided 208,029
 18,226
 (12,488) 213,767
 240,266
 21,744
 (6,388) 255,622
Net interest income (loss) $453,015
 $509,591
 $(12,167) $950,439
Net interest income before provision for credit losses $459,442
 $530,908
 $42,288
 $1,032,638
(Reversal of) provision for credit losses $(5,835) $20,052
 $
 $14,217
 $(4,356) $31,835
 $
 $27,479
Depreciation, amortization and accretion (1)
 $10,051
 $(28,096) $64,247
 $46,202
Segment pre-tax profit (loss) $212,036
 $382,233
 $(15,548) $578,721
Depreciation, amortization and (accretion), net $601
 $(35,534) $118,281
 $83,348
Segment income before income taxes $170,129
 $377,913
 $24,146
 $572,188
As of December 31, 2016:        
Goodwill $357,207
 $112,226
 $
 $469,433
Segment assets $7,095,737
 $17,923,319
 $7,331,866
 $32,350,922
 $7,821,610
 $19,128,510
 $7,838,720
 $34,788,840
 
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2014
 Retail
Banking
 Commercial
Banking
 Other Total
Interest income $378,445
 $715,075
 $60,178
 $1,153,698
Charge for funds used (94,162) (141,652) (47,570) (283,384)
Interest spread on funds used 284,283
 573,423
 12,608
 870,314
Interest expense (48,020) (15,650) (49,150) (112,820)
Credit on funds provided 225,873
 38,592
 18,919
 283,384
Interest spread on funds provided 177,853
 22,942
 (30,231) 170,564
Net interest income (loss) $462,136
 $596,365
 $(17,623) $1,040,878
Provision for credit losses $14,979
 $34,179
 $
 $49,158
Depreciation, amortization and accretion (1)(2)
 $14,376
 $(8,372) $76,549
 $82,553
Segment pre-tax profit (loss) (2)
 $181,286
 $293,425
 $(27,688) $447,023
Segment assets (2)
 $7,621,808
 $15,595,862
 $5,525,922
 $28,743,592
 
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2013 Year Ended December 31, 2015
Retail
Banking
 Commercial
Banking
 Other Total Retail
Banking
 Commercial
Banking
 Other Total
Interest income $374,818
 $627,118
 $66,749
 $1,068,685
 $331,755
 $654,966
 $67,094
 $1,053,815
Charge for funds used (86,552) (116,161) (18,244) (220,957) (86,769) (163,601) (66,773) (317,143)
Interest spread on funds used 288,266
 510,957
 48,505
 847,728
 244,986
 491,365
 321
 736,672
Interest expense (47,287) (15,185) (50,020) (112,492) (53,088) (18,025) (32,263) (103,376)
Credit on funds provided 173,194
 29,262
 18,501
 220,957
 261,117
 36,251
 19,775
 317,143
Interest spread on funds provided 125,907
 14,077
 (31,519) 108,465
 208,029
 18,226
 (12,488) 213,767
Net interest income $414,173
 $525,034
 $16,986
 $956,193
Provision for credit losses $10,911
 $11,453
 $
 $22,364
Depreciation, amortization and accretion (1)(2)
 $19,865
 $8,120
 $47,829
 $75,814
Segment pre-tax profit (2)
 $132,961
 $283,885
 $30,300
 $447,146
Segment assets (2)
 $7,820,191
 $11,545,405
 $5,366,620
 $24,732,216
Net interest income (loss) before provision for credit losses $453,015
 $509,591
 $(12,167) $950,439
(Reversal of) provision for credit losses $(5,835) $20,052
 $
 $14,217
Depreciation, amortization and (accretion), net (1)
 $10,051
 $(28,096) $64,247
 $46,202
Segment income (loss) before income taxes $212,036
 $382,233
 $(15,548) $578,721
As of December 31, 2015:        
Goodwill $357,207
 $112,226
 $
 $469,433
Segment assets $7,095,737
 $17,923,319
 $7,331,866
 $32,350,922
(1)Includes amortization and accretion(accretion) related to the FDIC indemnification asset/net payable to the FDIC.


 
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2014
 Retail
Banking
 Commercial
Banking
 Other Total
Interest income $378,445
 $715,075
 $60,178
 $1,153,698
Charge for funds used (94,162) (141,652) (47,570) (283,384)
Interest spread on funds used 284,283
 573,423
 12,608
 870,314
Interest expense (48,020) (15,650) (49,150) (112,820)
Credit on funds provided 225,873
 38,592
 18,919
 283,384
Interest spread on funds provided 177,853
 22,942
 (30,231) 170,564
Net interest income (loss) before provision for credit losses $462,136
 $596,365
 $(17,623) $1,040,878
Provision for credit losses $14,979
 $34,179
 $
 $49,158
Depreciation, amortization and (accretion), net (1)
 $14,376
 $(8,372) $76,549
 $82,553
Segment income (loss) before income taxes $181,286
 $293,425
 $(27,688) $447,023
As of December 31, 2014:        
Goodwill $357,207
 $112,226
 $
 $469,433
Segment assets $7,621,808
 $15,595,862
 $5,525,922
 $28,743,592
 
(2)(1)
Prior periods were restated to reflect the retrospective application of adopting the new accounting guidanceIncludes amortization and (accretion) related to the Company’s investments in qualified affordable housing projects ASU 2014-01. Please see Note 9 Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Partnerships, Tax Credit and Other Investments, Net FDIC indemnification asset/net payable to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
FDIC.



120



NOTE 2120 PARENT COMPANY CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The principal sources of East West’s income (on a parent company-only basis) are dividends from the Bank. In addition to dividend restrictions set forth in statutes and regulations, the banking agencies have the authority to prohibit or to limit the Bank from paying dividends, if, in the banking regulator’s opinion, payment of a dividend would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice in light of the financial condition of the Bank. The Bank declared $100.0 million and $111.6 million of dividends to East West during 2016 and 2014, respectively. The Bank did not declare any dividends to East West during 2015. For information on the statutory and regulatory limitations on the ability of the Company to pay dividends to its stockholders and on the Bank to pay dividends to East West, see Item 1. Business — Supervision and Regulation — Dividends and Other Transfers of Funds. The financial information of East West Bancorp, Inc. as of December 31, 20152016 and 20142015 and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 and 2013 areis as follows:

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS 
($ in thousands) December 31, December 31,
2015 2014 2016 2015
ASSETS  
  
    
Cash and due from banks $38,699
 $18,334
Interest-bearing cash with banks 565
 564
Cash and cash equivalents $18,898
 $211,053
 39,264
 18,898
Available-for-sale investment securities, at fair value 8,731
 8,370
 9,338
 8,731
Investment in subsidiaries (1)
 3,233,206
 2,847,227
Investment in subsidiaries 3,552,659
 3,233,206
Tax credit investments, net 47,488
 41,054
 32,245
 47,488
Other assets 46,894
 22,474
 4,812
 46,894
TOTAL (1)
 $3,355,217
 $3,130,178
TOTAL $3,638,318
 $3,355,217
LIABILITIES  
  
  
  
Long-term debt $206,084
 $225,848
 $186,327
 $206,084
Other liabilities 26,183
 48,219
 24,250
 26,183
Total liabilities 232,267
 274,067
 210,577
 232,267
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY  
  
    
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 164,246,517 and 163,772,218 shares issued in 2015 and 2014, respectively. 164
 164
Additional paid in capital 1,701,295
 1,677,767
Retained earnings (1)
 1,872,594
 1,604,141
Treasury stock at cost—20,337,284 shares in 2015 and 20,189,989 shares in 2014. (436,162) (430,198)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (14,941) 4,237
Total stockholders’ equity (1)
 3,122,950
 2,856,111
TOTAL (1)
 $3,355,217
 $3,130,178
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 164,604,072 and 164,246,517 shares issued in 2016 and 2015, respectively. 164
 164
Additional paid-in capital 1,727,434
 1,701,295
Retained earnings 2,187,676
 1,872,594
Treasury stock at cost — 20,436,621 shares in 2016 and 20,337,284 shares in 2015. (439,387) (436,162)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (48,146) (14,941)
Total stockholders’ equity 3,427,741
 3,122,950
TOTAL $3,638,318
 $3,355,217
(1)
Prior periods were restated to reflect the retrospective application of adopting the new accounting guidance related to the Company’s investments in qualified affordable housing projects ASU 2014-01. Please see Note 9 Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Partnerships, Tax Credit and Other Investments, Net to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.



CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME 
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
2015 2014 2013 2016 2015 2014
Dividends from subsidiaries $88
 $111,701
 $319,085
 $100,107
 $88
 $111,701
Other income 625
 7,414
 821
 610
 625
 7,414
Total income 713
 119,115
 319,906
 100,717
 713
 119,115
Interest expense 4,636
 4,823
 3,436
 5,017
 4,636
 4,823
Compensation and net occupancy reimbursement to subsidiary 5,386
 4,039
 3,662
 5,001
 5,386
 4,039
Other expense 24,829
 50,280
 12,677
 15,069
 24,829
 50,280
Total expense 34,851
 59,142
 19,775
 25,087
 34,851
 59,142
(Loss) income before income tax benefit and equity in undistributed income (loss) of subsidiaries (34,138) 59,973
 300,131
Income (loss) before income tax benefit and equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries 75,630
 (34,138) 59,973
Income tax benefit 30,849
 80,674
 22,885
 26,041
 30,849
 80,674
Equity in undistributed income (loss) of subsidiaries (1)
 387,966
 205,231
 (29,692)
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries 330,006
 387,966
 205,231
Net income (1)
 $384,677
 $345,878
 $293,324
 $431,677
 $384,677
 $345,878
(1)
Prior periods were restated to reflect the retrospective application of adopting the new accounting guidance related to the Company’s investments in qualified affordable housing projects ASU 2014-01. Please see Note 9 Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Partnerships, Tax Credit and Other Investments, Net to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.


121




CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31,
2015 2014 2013 2016 2015 2014
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES  
  
  
      
Net income (1)
 $384,677
 $345,878
 $293,324
 $431,677
 $384,677
 $345,878
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:  
  
  
      
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries (1)
 (387,965) (317,620) (289,309) (330,006) (387,966) (317,620)
Depreciation and amortization 22,870
 46,365
 8,806
 14,094
 22,870
 46,365
Gains on sales of available-for-sale investment securities and other investments (20) (4,357) (161) 
 (20) (4,357)
Tax benefit from stock compensation plans, net (3,291) (6,513) (5,522)
Net change in other assets and other liabilities (37,334) 186,382
 293,112
 47,072
 (40,624) 179,869
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (21,063) 250,135
 300,250
Net cash provided (used in) by operating activities 162,837
 (21,063) 250,135
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES  
  
  
      
Net increase in tax credit investments (35,633) (53,071) (12,970) (6,554) (35,633) (53,071)
Purchases of:  
  
  
      
Available-for-sale investment securities 
 (9,000) (69,986) 
 
 (9,000)
Proceeds from sale of:  
  
  
      
Available-for-sale investment securities 20
 74,002
 
 
 20
 74,002
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (35,613) 11,931
 (82,956) (6,554) (35,613) 11,931
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES  
  
  
      
Proceeds from:  
  
  
      
Increase in long-term borrowings 
 
 100,000
Issuance of common stock pursuant to various stock plans and agreements 2,835
 6,794
 3,054
 2,081
 2,835
 6,794
Payments for:  
  
  
      
Repayment of long-term debt (20,000) (30,310) (10,310) (20,000) (20,000) (30,310)
Repurchase of vested shares due to employee tax liability (5,964) (10,326) (13,833) (3,225) (5,964) (10,326)
Repurchase of shares of treasury stock pursuant to the Stock Repurchase Plan 
 
 (199,992)
Cash dividends on common stock (115,641) (103,618) (82,862) (115,828) (115,641) (103,618)
Cash dividends on preferred stock 
 
 (3,428)
Tax benefit from stock compensation plans, net 3,291
 6,513
 5,522
Other net financing activities 1,055
 3,291
 6,513
Net cash used in financing activities (135,479) (130,947) (201,849) (135,917) (135,479) (130,947)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (192,155) 131,119
 15,445
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 20,366
 (192,155) 131,119
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 211,053
 79,934
 64,489
 18,898
 211,053
 79,934
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $18,898
 $211,053
 $79,934
 $39,264
 $18,898
 $211,053
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:  
  
  
      
Cash paid during the year for:  
  
  
      
Interest $4,254
 $4,462
 $3,292
 $4,691
 $4,254
 $4,462
Noncash financing activities:  
  
  
      
Conversion of preferred stock to common stock $
 $
 $83,027
Issuance of common stock related to acquisition $
 $190,830
 $
 $
 $
 $190,830
(1)
Prior periods were restated to reflect the retrospective application of adopting the new accounting guidance related to the Company’s investments in qualified affordable housing projects ASU 2014-01. Please see Note 9 Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Partnerships, Tax Credit and Other Investments, Net to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.




122



NOTE 2221 QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (unaudited)

Quarters Ended
Quarters Ended
($ in thousands, except per share data)
December 31,
September 30,
June 30,
March 31,
December 31,
September 30,
June 30,
March 31,
2015
 

 

 

 
2016











Interest and dividend income
$270,477

$264,632

$255,445

$263,261

$302,127

$280,317

$278,865

$276,172
Interest expense
23,536

24,343

27,953

27,544

29,425

26,169

25,281

23,968
Net interest income before (reversal of) provision for credit losses
246,941

240,289

227,492

235,717
(Reversal of) provision for credit losses
(2,000)
7,736

3,494

4,987
Net interest income after (reversal of) provision for credit losses
248,941

232,553

223,998

230,730
Net interest income before provision for credit losses
272,702

254,148

253,584

252,204
Provision for credit losses
10,461

9,525

6,053

1,440
Net interest income after provision for credit losses
262,241

244,623

247,531

250,764
Noninterest income
44,483

54,181

40,593

44,126

48,800

49,341

44,264

40,513
Noninterest expense
144,939

147,745

120,170

128,030

149,904

170,500

148,879

146,606
Income before taxes
148,485

138,989

144,421

146,826
Income before income taxes
161,137

123,464

142,916

144,671
Income tax expense
56,680

44,892

45,673

46,799

50,403

13,321

39,632

37,155
Net income
$91,805

$94,097

$98,748

$100,027

$110,734

$110,143

$103,284

$107,516
                
Earnings per share        
EPS        
Basic
$0.64

$0.65

$0.69

$0.70

$0.77

$0.76

$0.72

$0.75
Diluted
$0.63

$0.65

$0.68

$0.69

$0.76

$0.76

$0.71

$0.74
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (in thousands)                
Basic 143,900
 143,861
 143,846
 143,655
 144,166
 144,122
 144,101
 143,958
Diluted 144,686
 144,590
 144,480
 144,349
 145,428
 145,238
 145,078
 144,803
Dividends declared per common share $0.20
 $0.20
 $0.20
 $0.20
 $0.20
 $0.20
 $0.20
 $0.20
 Quarters Ended Quarters Ended
($ in thousands, except per share data) December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
2014  
  
  
  
2015        
Interest and dividend income $287,135
 $285,948
 $294,442
 $286,173
 $270,477
 $264,632
 $255,445
 $263,261
Interest expense 27,647
 28,974
 27,992
 28,207
 23,536
 24,343
 27,953
 27,544
Net interest income before provision for credit losses 259,488
 256,974
 266,450
 257,966
Provision for credit losses 19,000
 15,225
 8,000
 6,933
Net interest income after provision for credit losses 240,488
 241,749
 258,450
 251,033
Noninterest income (loss) 7,805
 10,342
 (14,945) (14,916)
Net interest income before (reversal of) provision
for credit losses
 246,941
 240,289
 227,492
 235,717
(Reversal of) provision for credit losses (2,000) 7,736
 3,494
 4,987
Net interest income after (reversal of) provision
for credit losses
 248,941
 232,553
 223,998
 230,730
Noninterest income 44,483
 54,181
 40,593
 44,126
Noninterest expense (1)
 125,698
 166,792
 120,539
 119,954
 144,939
 147,745
 120,170
 128,030
Income before taxes (1)
 122,595
 85,299
 122,966
 116,163
Income tax expense (benefit) (1)
 27,093
 (6,601) 38,661
 41,992
Income before income taxes 148,485
 138,989
 144,421
 146,826
Income tax expense 56,680
 44,892
 45,673
 46,799
Net income (1)
 $95,502
 $91,900
 $84,305
 $74,171
 $91,805
 $94,097
 $98,748
 $100,027
                
Earnings per share        
EPS        
Basic (1)
 $0.67
 $0.64
 $0.59
 $0.52
 $0.64
 $0.65
 $0.69
 $0.70
Diluted (1)
 $0.66
 $0.64
 $0.59
 $0.52
 $0.63
 $0.65
 $0.68
 $0.69
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (in thousands)                
Basic 143,432
 143,210
 143,187
 141,962
 143,900
 143,861
 143,846
 143,655
Diluted 144,116
 143,810
 143,689
 142,632
 144,686
 144,590
 144,480
 144,349
Dividends declared per common share $0.18
 $0.18
 $0.18
 $0.18
 $0.20
 $0.20
 $0.20
 $0.20
(1)
Prior periods were restated to reflect the retrospective application of adopting the new accounting guidance related to the Company’s investments in qualified affordable housing projects ASU 2014-01. Please see Note 9 Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Partnerships, Tax Credit and Other Investments, Net to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.



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NOTE 2322 — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
Dividend Payout

On January 27, 2016,25, 2017, the Company’s Board declared first quarter 20162017 dividends for the Company’s common stock. The common stock cash dividend of $0.20 per share was paid on February 16, 201615, 2017 to stockholders of record on February 1, 2016.2017.

The Company has evaluated the effect of events that have occurred subsequent to December 31, 2015,2016, and there have been no material events that would require recognition in the 20152016 Consolidated Financial Statements or disclosure in the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.



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ITEM 9.CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
As of December 31, 2015,2016, pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) of the Exchange Act, the Company conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act). Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2015.2016.

The Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. The Company’s disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that the Company files under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.SU.S. GAAP.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate.

The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015.2016. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth in Internal Control – Integrated Framework 2013 issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on the Company’s assessment, the Company concluded its internal control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria as of December 31, 2015.2016.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the year ended December 31, 2015,2016, that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Audit Report of the Company’s Registered Public Accounting Firm

KPMG LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, issued an audit report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015.2016. The report is presented on the following page.


125




REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
East West Bancorp, Inc.:
 
We have audited East West Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015,2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Control — Integrated Framework 2013 2013 issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Overover Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
 
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015,2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Control — Integrated Framework 2013 issued by COSO.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Consolidated Balance Sheets of the Company as of December 31, 20152016 and 2014,2015, and the related Consolidated Statements of Income, Comprehensive Income, Changes in Stockholders’ Equity and Cash Flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015,2016, and our report dated February 26, 201627, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on those Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
/s/KPMG LLP
 
Los Angeles, California
February 26, 201627, 2017



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ITEM 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION
 
None.

PART III 

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

The following table presents the executive officers of the Company, their ages, positions and office, and business experience during the last five years. There is no family relationship between any of the Company’s executive officers or directors. Each officer is appointed by the Board of the Company or the Bank and serves at their pleasure.
     
Name 
Age (1)
 Position with Company or Bank and Prior Positions
Dominic Ng 5758 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank since 1992.
Julia S. GouwGregory L. Guyett 5653 President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company and the Bank since 2009.
Wendy Cai-Lee41
October 2016; 2015 - 2016: Executive Vice President of Corporate Development at Johnson Controls; 2014 - 2015: Co-Head of Banking and Head of U.S. Eastern and Texas Regions, Head of Consumer and BusinessInvestment Banking, since 2015; 2014 - 2015: Executive Vice President and Head of U.S. Eastern and Texas Regions;
2011Asia Pacific; 2013 - 2014: Senior Managing Director and HeadChief Executive Officer for Greater China; 2009-2012: Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Eastern and Texas Regions;
2009 - 2011: Managing Director at Deloitte & Touche LLP.
the Global Corporate Bank, J.P. Morgan.
Douglas P. Krause 5960 Executive Vice President, Chief Risk Officer, General Counsel, and Secretary of the Company and the Bank since 1996.
Irene H. Oh 3839 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company and the Bank since 2010.
Albert Sun61Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of the Bank since 2015; 2014: Managing Director of Capital Markets of the Bank; 2012 - 2014: Senior Vice President of Corporate Finance and Restructuring of GE Capital; 2008 - 2012: Managing Director of Blackrock Capital Investment Corporation.
Gary Teo 4344 Senior Vice President and Head of Human Resources of the Company and the Bank since 2015; 2014 - 2015: Senior Vice President and Director of Human Resources U.S. and Greater China of the Company and the Bank; 2013 - 2014: Senior Vice President and Director of Recruiting/Greater China Human Resources of the Company and the Bank; 2010 - 2013: First Vice President and Recruiting Manager of the Company and the Bank.
Andy Yen 5859 Executive Vice President and Head of International and Commercial Banking since 2013; 2005 - 2013: Executive Vice President and Director of the Business Banking Division of the Bank.
 
(1)As of February 26, 2016.27, 2017.
 
Information regarding the Company’s directors is included in the Company’s definitive proxy statement tofor its 20162017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “2016“2017 Proxy Statement”) underin the heading of following section “Board of Directors and NomineesNominees” under the heading “Proposal 1: Election of Directors”, and Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Code of Ethics
 
The Company has adopted a code of ethics that applies to its principal executive officer, principal financial and accounting officer, controller, and persons performing similar functions. The code of ethics is posted on the Company’s website at www.eastwestbank.com.

Audit Committee Financial Experts
 
The Company has determined that allAll members of the Audit Committee, namely Directors Molly Campbell, Rudolph Estrada, Keith Renken and Lester Sussman, are independent of management. The Company has determined that Molly Campbell, Keith Renken and Lester Sussman are “Audit Committee Financial Experts,” as defined under Item 407 of Regulation S-K. All members of the Audit Committee are independent of management.


127



ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
Information regarding the Company’s executive compensation is included in the 20162017 Proxy Statement in the following sections “Director Compensation” under the headingsheading “Proposal 1 : Election of Directors” Director Compensation, Compensationand “Compensation Discussion and Analysis, Analysis” and Report by Compensation Committee” under the Compensation Committee,heading and Compensation of Executive OfficersOfficers.”. The information is incorporated into this item by reference.



ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Information concerning security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management not otherwise included herein is incorporated by reference to the Company’s definitive proxy statement for its 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders,2017 Proxy Statement, which will be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days of the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.2016.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
 
The following table sets forth the total number of shares available for issuance under the Company’s employee equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2015 regarding equity compensation plans:2016:
 
Number of securities
to be issued upon exercise
of outstanding options
Weighted average
exercise price of
outstanding options
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation plans
 
Plan Category 
Number of Securities
to be Issued upon
Exercise
of Outstanding
Options
 
Weighted Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding Options
 
Number of Securities
Remaining Available
for
Future Issuance under
Equity Compensation
Plans
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
 $
 3,016,3245,419,177
(1) 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
 
 
 
Total
 $
 3,016,3245,419,177
 
  
(1)Represents future shares available under the shareholder-approved 19982016 Stock Incentive Plan as amended effective May 24, 2011.2016.

ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions is included in the 20162017 Proxy Statement under the headings of section “Director Independence/Independence, Financial Experts and Risk Management Experience” andwith the heading Certain Relationships and Related Transactions“Proposal 1 : Election of Directors.”. The information is incorporated into this item by reference.

ITEM 14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
 
Information regarding principal accountant fees and services is included in the 20162017 Proxy Statement underin the heading following section “Proposal No.2:No.5: Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.Auditors.” The information is incorporated into this item by reference.


128




PART IV
 
ITEM 15.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
(1)Financial Statements
 
The following financial statements of East West Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiaries, and the auditor’s report thereon are filed as part of this report under Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data:
 Page
 
(2)Financial Statement Schedules

All financial statement schedules for East West Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiaries have been included inon the Consolidated Financial Statements or the related footnotes, or are either inapplicable or not required.

(3)Exhibits

A list of exhibits to this Form 10-K is set forth on the Exhibit Index immediately preceding such exhibits and is incorporated into this item by reference.

ITEM 16.  FORM 10-K SUMMARY

None.
129



Glossary of Acronyms
ALCOAsset/Liability Committee
AMLAnti-money laundering
AOCIAccumulated other comprehensive loss
ARMAdjustable rate mortgage
ASCAccounting Standards Codification
ASUAccounting Standards Update
BHCABank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended
BSABank Secrecy Act
C&ICommercial and Industrial
CAPCompliance Assurance Process
CAMELSCapital adequacy, asset quality, management, earnings, liquidity and sensitivity
CET1Common equity tier I
CFPBConsumer Financial Protection Bureau
CRACommunity Reinvestment Act
CRECommercial real estate
DBOCalifornia Department of Business Oversight
DIFDeposit Insurance Fund
EPSEarnings per share
EVEEconomic value of equity
FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board
FDIAFederal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended
FDICFederal Deposit Insurance Corporation
FHLBFederal Home Loan Bank
FinCENFinancial Crimes Enforcement Network
FRBFederal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
HELOCsHome equity lines of credit
IRSInternal Revenue Service
KRXKBW Regional Bank Index
LIBORLondon Interbank Offered Rate
MD&AManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
MOUMemorandum of Understanding
NAICSNorth American Industry Classification System
NASDAQNASDAQ Global Select Market
NOLNet operating loss
Non-PCINon-purchased credit impaired
OFACOffice of Foreign Assets Control
OREOOther real estate owned
OTTIOther-than-temporary impairment
PCAPrompt corrective action
PCIPurchased credit impaired
RMBChinese Renminbi
ROCRisk Oversight Committee
RPAsCredit risk participation agreements
RSAsRestricted stock awards
RSUsRestricted stock units
S&P 500Standard & Poor’s 500
SBLCsStandby letters of credit
SECU.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
SERPSupplemental Executive Retirement Plan
TDRsTroubled debt restructurings
UCBUnited Commercial Bank
U.S.United States
U.S. GAAPUnited States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
USDU.S. Dollar
VIEsVariable interest entities
WFIBWashington First International Bank


SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Dated:February 26, 201627, 2017 
   
  
EAST WEST BANCORP INC.
(Registrant)
   
  By/s/ DOMINIC NG 
   Dominic Ng
   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
 

130



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
 
Signature Title Date
     
/s/ DOMINIC NG 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
 February 26, 201627, 2017
Dominic Ng
/s/ JULIA GOUWPresident and Chief Operating OfficerFebruary 26, 2016
Julia Gouw   
     
/s/ IRENE H. OH 
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 February 26, 201627, 2017
Irene H. Oh   
     
/s/ MOLLY CAMPBELL Director February 26, 201627, 2017
Molly Campbell    
     
/s/ IRIS CHAN Director February 26, 201627, 2017
Iris Chan    
     
/s/ RUDOLPH I. ESTRADA Lead Director February 26, 201627, 2017
Rudolph I. Estrada    
     
/s/ PAUL H. IRVING Director February 26, 201627, 2017
Paul H. Irving    
     
/s/ JOHN LEE Vice-Chairman and Director February 26, 201627, 2017
John Lee    
     
/s/ HERMAN Y. LI Director February 26, 201627, 2017
Herman Y. Li    
     
/s/ JACK C. LIU Director February 26, 201627, 2017
Jack C. Liu    
     
/s/ KEITH W. RENKEN Director February 26, 201627, 2017
Keith W. Renken    
     
/s/ LESTER M. SUSSMAN Director February 26, 201627, 2017
Lester M. Sussman    
 



131




EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No. Exhibit Description
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) from Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A filed with the Commission on November 13, 1998 (File No. 333-63605).]
   
3.1.1 Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i).1 from Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 filed with the Commission on March 28, 2003 (File No. 000-24939).]
   
3.1.2 Amendment to Certification of Incorporation to Increase Authorized Shares of the Registrant [Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the Commission on April 15, 2005 (File No. 000-24939).]
   
3.1.3 Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A from the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the Commission on April 24, 2008 (File No. 000-24939).]
   
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant dated January 29, 2013 [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.10 from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on January 30, 2013 (File No. 000-24939).]
   
3.3 Certificate of Designations of 8.00% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A, including Form of Series A Preferred Stock Certificate. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on April 30, 2008 (File No. 000-24939).]
   
4.1 Specimen Common Stock Certificate of Registrant [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 from Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A filed with the Commission on November 13, 1998 (File No. 333-63605).]
   
4.2 Form of Certificate of the Registrant’s 8.00% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 from Registrant’s Current report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on April 30, 2008 (File No. 000-24939).]
   
10.1.1 Form of Employment Agreement- Mr. Ng* [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 from Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A filed with the Commission on November 13, 1998 (File No. 333-63605).]
   
10.1.2 Form of Amendment to Employment Agreement – Mr. Ng* Filed herewith.
   
10.2.1 Form of Employment Agreement- Mr. Krause* [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 from Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A filed with the Commission on November 13, 1998 (File No. 333-63605).]
   
10.2.2 Form of Amendment to Employment Agreement – Mr. Krause* Filed herewith.
   
10.3 Form of Employment Agreement – Mr. Yen* Filed herewith.[Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 from Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 filed with the Commission on February 26, 2016 (File No. 000-24939).]
   
10.4 Form of July 2011 Executive CompensationEmployment Agreement – Julia Gouw*Mr. Guyett* [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.210.1 from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 29, 2011October 5, 2016 (File No. 000-24939).]
   
10.5.110.5Form of Employment Agreement – Ms. Oh* [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on December 22, 2016 (File No. 000-24939).]
10.6.1 Form of Agreement Regarding Grants of Incentive Shares and Clawbacks – Mr. Ng* [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on April 10, 2012 (File No. 000-24939).]
   
10.5.2Form of Agreement Regarding Grants of Incentive Shares and Clawbacks – Ms. Gouw* [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3.1 from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on April 10, 2012 (File No. 000-24939).]
10.5.310.6.2 Form of Agreement Regarding Grants of Incentive Shares and Clawbacks – Mr. Krause* [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3.2 from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on April 10, 2012 (File No. 000-24939).]
   
10.5.410.6.3 Form of Agreement Regarding Grants of Incentive Shares and Clawbacks – Ms. Oh* [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3.3 from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on April 10, 2012 (File No. 000-24939).]
   
10.6.110.7.1 East West Bancorp, Inc. 1998 Stock Incentive Plan and Forms of Agreements* [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 from Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A filed with the Commission on November 13, 1998 (File No. 333-63605).]
   


10.6.2
Exhibit No.Exhibit Description
10.7.2 Amended East West Bancorp, Inc. 1998 Stock Incentive Plan* [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A from Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the Commission on April 14, 2011 (File No. 000-24939).]

132



Exhibit No.Exhibit Description
   
10.6.310.7.3East West Bancorp, Inc. 2016 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A from the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the Commission on April 21, 2016 (File No. 000-24939).]
10.7.4 1998 NonQualified Stock Option Program for Employees and Independent Contractors* [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 9, 2005 (File No. 000-24939).]
   
10.6.410.7.5 Amended Performance-Based Bonus Plan* [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A from Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed with the Commission on April 20, 2012 (File No. 000-24939).]
   
10.6.510.7.6 1999 Spirit of Ownership Restricted Stock Program* [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 9, 2005 (File No. 000-24939).]
   
10.6.610.7.7 2003 Directors’ Restricted Stock Program* [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 9, 2005 (File No. 000-24939).]
   
10.710.8 East West Bancorp, Inc. 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan* [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 from Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4/A filed with the Commission on November 13, 1998 (File No. 333-63605).]
   
10.810.9 Amended Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans* [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 from Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 filed with the Commission on March 11, 2005 (File No. 000-24939).]
   
10.910.10 Director Compensation.* Filed herewith.
10.10Purchase and Assumption Agreement – Whole Bank – All Deposits, among the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Receiver of United Commercial Bank, San Francisco, California, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and East West Bank, dated as of November 6, 2009 [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on November 12, 2009 (File No. 000-24939).]
10.11Purchase and Assumption Agreement – Whole Bank – All Deposits, among the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Receiver of Washington First International Bank, Seattle, Washington, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and East West Bank, dated as of June 11, 2010 [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A, filed with the Commission on August 27, 2010 (File No. 000-24939).]
   
12.1 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges. Filed herewith.
   
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant. Filed herewith.
   
23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm KPMG LLP. Filed herewith.
   
31.1 Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.
   
31.2 Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.
   
32.1 Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant Toas adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.
   
32.2 Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant Toas adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.
   
99.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between East West Bancorp, Inc. and MetroCorp Bancshares, Inc. dated September 18, 2013 [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 from Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Commission on September 18, 2013 (File No. 000-24939).]
   
101.INS XBRL Instance Document. Filed herewith.
   
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. Filed herewith.
   
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. Filed herewith.
   
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. Filed herewith.
   
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. Filed herewith.
   
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. Filed herewith.

*    Denotes management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.



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