0001069157us-gaap:CommercialPortfolioSegmentMemberewbc:FinancingAssets1To89DaysPastDueMemberewbc:CommercialAndIndustrialLoanMember2020-12-31





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, 20172020

OR

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to

Commission file number 000-24939

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.001 Par ValueNASDAQ “GlobalEWBCNasdaq Global Select Market”Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:None
None
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. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer, “accelerated filer”filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “smaller reporting“emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filerxNon-accelerated filer¨
Accelerated filer¨Smaller reporting company¨
Non-accelerated filerEmerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.

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 $8,393,797,096$5,090,501,829 (based on the June 30, 20172020 closing price of Common Stock of $58.58$36.24 per share).
As of January 31, 2018, 144,544,0222021, 141,565,473 shares of East West Bancorp, Inc. Common Stock were outstanding.

DOCUMENT INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A relating to its 20182021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III.
III of this Form 10-K.





EAST WEST BANCORP, INC.
20172020 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
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PART I

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain matters discussed in thisThis Annual Report contain or incorporateon Form 10-K (“this Form 10-K”) contains certain forward-looking information about us that is intended to be covered by the safe harbor for “forward-looking statements” provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements that East West Bancorp, Inc. (referredare not historical facts, and are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the Company’s industry, management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by management, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond the Company’s control, particularly with regard to herein on an unconsolidated basis as “East West” and on a consolidated basis asdevelopments related to the “Company”, “we”, or “EWBC”Coronavirus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) 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.pandemic. 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,” “assumes,” 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.verbs, and the negative thereof. 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 abilityimpact of disease pandemics, such as the resurgences and subsequent waves of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company, its operations and its customers, employees and the markets in which the Company operates and in which its loans are concentrated; and the measures that international, federal, state and local governments, agencies, law enforcement and/or health authorities implement to compete effectively againstaddress it, which may precipitate or exacerbate one or more of the below-mentioned and/or other financial institutionsrisks, and significantly disrupt or prevent the Company from operating its business in its banking markets;the ordinary course for an extended period;
changes in governmental policy and regulation, including measures taken in response to economic, business, political and social conditions, such as the commercialSmall Business Administration’s (“SBA”) Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and consumer real estate markets;
changes inEconomic Security Act (“CARES Act”) and any similar or related rules and regulations, the Company’s costsBoard of operation, compliance and expansion;
changes inGovernors of the Federal Reserve System (“Federal Reserve”) efforts to provide liquidity to the United States (“U.S.”) financial system, including changes in government interest rate policies, and to provide credit to private commercial and municipal borrowers, and other programs designed to address the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the resulting effect of all such items on the Company’s operations, liquidity and capital position, and on the financial condition of the Company’s borrowers and other customers;
changes in the U.S. economy, including an economic slowdown or recession, inflation, deflation, housing prices, 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 System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) and the California Department of Business OversightFinancial Protection and Innovation (“DBO”DFPI”) - Division of Financial Institutions;Institutions, and SBA;
heightened regulatorythe changes and governmental oversighteffects thereof in trade, monetary and scrutiny offiscal policies and laws, including the Company’s business practices, including dealings with consumers;
changes inongoing trade dispute between the economy ofU.S. and monetary policy in the People’s Republic of China;China;
changes in the commercial and consumer real estate markets;
changes in consumer spending and savings habits;
fluctuations in the Company’s stock price;
changes in income tax laws and regulations and the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act;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 the Company’s expectations regarding future credit losses and allowance levels;ability to compete effectively against other financial institutions in its banking markets;
fluctuations in the Company’s stock price;
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;
success and timing of the Company’s business strategies;
the Company’s ability to retain key officers and employees;
impact on the Company’s funding costs, net interest income and net interest margin from changes in key variable market interest rates, competition, regulatory requirements and the Company’s product mix;
changes in the Company’s costs of operation, compliance and expansion;
the CompanyCompany’s ability to adopt and successfully integrate new technologies into its business in a strategic manner;
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impact of reputational risk from negative publicity, fines and penalties and other negative consequences from regulatory violations and legal actions;benchmark interest rate reform in the U.S. that resulted in the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) being selected as the preferred alternative reference rate to the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”);
impact of potential federal tax changes and spending cuts;
impact of adverse judgmentsa communications 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 or other events that may directly or indirectly result in a negative impact on the Company’s financial performance;
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 oftechnology disruption, 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 which could result in, among other things, confidential and/or proprietary information being disclosed or misused;misused and materially impact the Company’s ability to provide services to its clients;
adequacy of the Company’s risk management framework, disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting;
future credit quality and performance, including the Company’s expectations regarding future credit losses and allowance levels;
impact of adverse changes to the Company’s credit ratings from major credit rating agencies;
impact of adverse judgments or settlements in interest rateslitigation;
impact on the Company’s net interest incomeinternational operations due to political developments, disease pandemics, wars or other hostilities that may disrupt or increase volatility in securities or otherwise affect economic conditions;
heightened regulatory and net interest margin;governmental oversight and scrutiny of the Company’s business practices, including dealings with consumers;
impact of reputational risk from negative publicity, fines and penalties and other negative consequences from regulatory violations and legal actions and from the effectCompany’s interactions with business partners, counterparties, service providers and other third parties;
impact of regulatory enforcement actions;
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;
impact of other potential federal tax changes and spending cuts;
the Company’s capital requirements and its ability to generate capital internally or raise capital on favorable terms;
impact on the Company’s liquidity due to changes in the level of checkingCompany’s ability to receive dividends from its subsidiaries;
any future strategic acquisitions or savings account deposits ondivestitures;
continuing consolidation in the Company’s funding costsfinancial services industry;
changes in the equity and net interest margin;debt securities markets;
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;
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 increasedincreases in funding costs, reduceda reduction in investor demand for mortgage loans and declines in asset values and/or recognition of other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on securities held in the Company’s available-for-sale investment(“AFS”) debt securities portfolio; and
impact of natural or man-made disasters or calamities, such as wildfires and earthquakes, which are particular to California, or conflicts or other events that may directly or indirectly result in a negative impact on the Company’s abilityfinancial performance.

Given the ongoing and dynamic nature of the COVID-19 pandemic circumstances, it is difficult to retain key officerspredict the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s business. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts the Company will depend on future developments that are uncertain and employees may change;unpredictable, including the scope, severity and duration of the pandemic and its impact on the Company’s customers, the actions taken by governmental authorities in response to the pandemic as well as its impact on global and regional economies, and the pace of recovery when the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, among others.
any future strategic acquisitions or divestitures.

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 or revise 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 Bancorp, Inc. (referred to herein on an unconsolidated basis as “East West” and on a consolidated basis as the “Company,” “we” or “EWBC”) 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”BHC Act”). The Company commenced business on December 30, 1998 when, pursuant to a reorganization, it acquired all of the voting stock of East West Bank (the “Bank”), which became its principal asset. In addition to the Bank, East West has six subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 that were established as statutory business trusts for the purpose of issuing junior subordinated debt to third party investors. East West also owns East West Insurance Services, Inc. (“EWIS”). In the third quarter of 2017, the Company sold the insurance brokerage business of EWIS for $4.3 million, and recorded a pre-tax gain of $3.8 million. EWIS remains a subsidiary of East West and continues to maintain its insurance broker license.
East West’s principal business is to serve as a holding company for the Bank and other banking or banking-related subsidiaries that East West may establish or acquire. As a legal entity separateThe Company operates in more than 120 locations in the U.S. and distinct fromGreater China. In the U.S., the Bank’s corporate headquarters and main administrative offices are located in California, and its subsidiaries, East West’s principal source of funds is,branches are located in California, Texas, New York, Washington, Georgia, Massachusetts 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, 2017, the Company had $37.15 billion in total assets, $28.69 billion in total loans (net of allowance), $32.22 billion (including deposits held-for-sale) in total deposits and $3.84 billion in stockholders’ equity.
As of December 31, 2017, theNevada. The Bank has three wholly owned subsidiaries. The firsta banking subsidiary E-W Services, Inc., is a California corporation organized by the Bankbased in 1977 to hold properties used by the Bank in its operations. The second subsidiary, East-West Investment, Inc., primarily acts as a trustee in connection with real estate secured loans. The remaining subsidiary isChina - East West Bank (China) Limited.
In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Bank entered into a Purchase and Assumption Agreement to sell all eight of its Desert Community Bank (“DCB”) branches and related assets and liabilities to Flagstar Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Flagstar Bancorp, Inc.
As of December 31, 2017, DCB branch2020, the Company had $52.16 billion in total assets, $37.77 billion in total loans (including loans held-for-sale, were $91.3 million, which primarily comprised $78.1 millionnet of allowance), $44.86 billion in loans held-for-sale. DCBtotal deposits, held-for-sale were $605.1 million. All regulatory approvals necessary for this transaction have been received, and the sale is expected to be completed$5.27 billion in the first quarter of 2018.total stockholders’ equity.

Strategy

The Bank continues to develop its international banking presence with its network of overseas branches and representative offices. The Bank’s international presence includes fiveoffices that include four full-service branches in Greater China, located in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shantou and Shenzhen. Shanghai has two branches, including one in the Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone. The Bank also has fivefour representative offices in Greater China, located in Beijing, Chongqing, Guangzhou Taipei and Xiamen. In addition to facilitating traditional letters of credit and trade financefinancing to businesses, these representative offices allow the Bank to assist existing clients and to develop new business relationships. Through these branches and offices, the Bank is focused on growing its cross-border client base between the U.S. and Greater China, helping U.S. based businesses expand in Greater China and Chinacompanies based companiesin Greater China pursue business opportunities in the U.S.

The assets, revenuesBank believes that its customers benefit from the Bank’s understanding of the Greater China markets through its physical presence, corporate and earnings attributableorganizational ties in Greater China, as well as the Bank’s international banking products and services. The Bank believes that this approach, combined with its senior management’s and Board of Directors’ extensive ties to activitiesChinese business opportunities and Chinese-American communities, provides the Bank with a competitive advantage. The Bank utilizes its presence in Greater China to identify and build corporate relationships, which the foreign locations were not material for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016Bank may leverage to create business opportunities in California and 2015.other U.S. markets.

The Bank continues to explore opportunities to establish other foreign offices, subsidiaries, strategic investments and partnerships to expand its international banking capabilities and to capitalize on long-term cross-border businessesbusiness opportunities between the U.S. and Greater China.

Banking Services

As of December 31, 2017,2020, the Bank was the fourth largest independent commercial bank headquartered in California based on total assets. The Bank is the largest bank in the U.S. that focusesfocused on the financial service needs of individuals and businesses that operate both in the U.S. and Greater China, andChina. The Bank also has a strong focus on the Chinese AmericanChinese-American community. Through its network of over 120 banking locations in the U.S. and Greater China, the Bank provides a wide range of personal and commercial banking services to businesses business executives, professionals, and other individuals. The Bank provides multilingual services to its customers in English Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Taiwanese and Spanish. The Bank also offers a variety ofin over 10 other languages. In addition to offering traditional deposit products which includes the traditional range ofthat include personal and business checking and savings accounts, money market, and time deposits, individual retirement accounts, travelers checks, safe deposit boxes,the Bank also offers foreign exchange, treasury management, and MasterCard® and Visa® merchant depositwealth management services. The Bank’s lending activities include commercial and residential real estate, lines of credit, construction, trade finance, andletters of credit, commercial business, including accounts receivable, Small Business Administration, inventoryaffordable housing lending, asset-based lending and working capital loans.equipment financing. In addition, the Bank is focused on providing financing to clients in need of a financial bridge to facilitate their business transactions between the U.S. and Greater China.



The integration of digital channels and brick and mortar channels has been our focus, and an area of investment for the bank, for both commercial and consumer banking platforms. Our strategic priorities include the use of technology to innovate and expand commercial payments and treasury management products and services. We are also developing a digital consumer banking platform to enhance our customer user experience and offer a full suite of banking services tailored to our customers’ unique needs. The omnichannel banking service approach increases efficiency, enables us to provide a better customer experience and deepen customer relationships.

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Operating Segments

The Bank’s three operating segments: Retailsegments, (1) Consumer and Business Banking, (2) Commercial Banking and (3) Other, are based on the Bank’s core strategy. The RetailConsumer and Business Banking segment focuses primarily on retail operations including consumers,provides financial products and smallservices to consumer and medium-sized enterprisescommercial customers through the Bank’sCompany’s domestic branch network. The Commercial Banking segment primarily generates commercial and industrial loans and commercial real estate (“CRE”) loans through domestic commercial lending offices located in California, New York, Texas, Washington, Massachusetts, Nevada and Georgia, and through 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, and generates commercial deposits. The remaining centralized functions, including the Company’scorporate treasury operationsactivities of the Company and intersegment amount eliminations of inter-segment amounts, are aggregated and included in the Other segment. For complete discussion and disclosure, see the information in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations(“MD&A”) —Operating Segment Results and Note 1918Business Segments to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.in this Form 10-K.
Market Area and
Competition

The Bank operates in a highly competitive environment. The Company faces intense 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 and convenience, quality and range of products and services offered, reputation, interest rates on loans and deposits, and lending limits and customer convenience.limits. Competition also varies based on the types of customers and locations served. The Company is a leader of banking market share among the Chinese-American community, and maintains a strongdifferentiated presence within selectselected markets throughby providing cross-border expertise to customers acrossin a number of industry specializations between the U.SU.S. and Greater China.

While the Company believes it is well positioned within a highly competitive industry, the industry could become even more competitive as a result of legislative, regulatory, economic, and technological changes, as well as continuedcontinuing consolidation.


Human Capital

As a company that delivers relationship-driven financial solutions to a diverse customer base, we believe that the strength of our workforce is one of the significant contributors to our success. Our key human capital objectives are to attract, retain and develop quality talent, who we reward through competitive pay and benefits. To achieve these objectives, our human resource programs have been designed based on our core values and attributes which include absolute integrity, customer-centric principles, creativity, respect, teamwork, expertise, and selflessness. These core values and attributes are used to prepare our employees for leadership positions and to advance their careers. East West is committed to promoting diversity in employment and advancement.

As of December 31, 2020, we had approximately 3,200 full-time equivalent employees, of which 220 are in China and Hong Kong. None of our employees are subject to a collective bargaining agreement.

Diversity and Inclusion

East West Bank was founded in 1973 in Chinatown, Los Angeles, California as a savings & loan association for immigrants who were underserved by mainstream banks, and, as such, we have a long history of, and commitment to, diversity and inclusion. As of December 31, 2020, the Bank had grown to be the largest FDIC-insured, minority-operated depository institution headquartered in the continental United States, serving communities with diverse ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds in seven states across the nation. Our operations are concentrated in areas that include larger numbers of immigrants and minorities. We proudly offer financing for affordable housing, provide community development loans, and partner with a diverse list of nonprofit and community-based organizations to promote wealth generation and entrepreneurship in underserved communities. Throughout our history, the diversity of our employees has been essential to successfully grow customer relationships.

Our commitment to diversity is reflected in the composition of our employees. In 2020, 74% of the Company’s employees are Asian or Asian-American, 15% are other minorities of color, and 11% are Caucasian. Nearly two-thirds of our employees are women. Our managers are equally as diverse as our employees: 75% of our managers are Asian or Asian-American and 11% are other minorities of color, and 57% of our managers are women. In addition, given our diverse customer base and the diversity of the communities that we serve, our retail bankers are able to assist customers in English and in over 10 other languages.

The Bank concentrates on marketing its servicescomposition of our Board of Directors exemplifies our commitment to diversity. Of our eight directors, six are minorities, representing four ethnic groups, and three are women.
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Talent Acquisition, Development and Promotion

We endeavor to attract, retain and develop diverse talent as part of our ongoing commitment to building a stronger workforce to serve our customers and communities. We offer a total compensation package, including salary, benefits and incentive pay, which is competitive with those offered by our peers in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan areabusinesses and markets where we operate. We are committed to fair and equitable compensation programs, and regularly assess the current business environment and labor markets to review our compensation and benefits programs for pay equity.

To foster a strong sense of ownership and to align the interests of our employees with our shareholders, restricted stock units are awarded to eligible employees under our stock incentive programs. We award stock grants under our “Spirit of Ownership” program to all of our employees, regardless of job title or part-time/full-time status. The program allows each employee to share directly in the success they help create. The fact that our employees are also owners is a source of pride for EWBC.

We recognize the importance of employee development and career growth in achieving personal development for our employees and also the Company’s strategic objectives. We provide a variety of resources to help our employees grow in their current roles and build new skills for future advancement, including tuition reimbursement and a management trainee program. Our success in talent development is evident by our internal promotions into leadership positions.

Health, Safety and Wellness

We are committed to supporting our employees’ well-being by offering flexible and competitive benefits. Comprehensive health insurance coverage is offered to employees working at least 30 hours or more each week. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, we offered a variety of programs and benefits designed to promote employee wellness. In addition, we encourage our employees to engage with our local communities by leading or participating in events to foster community and development, as COVID-19 safety protocols permit. Based on the guidance from health authorities regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, we provided resources and implemented measures to limit the risk of exposure to our employees, and the greater San Francisco Bay areacommunities in which they live and work. Refer to Item 7 MD&A — Overview — Our response to the COVID-19 pandemic for further discussion.

Available Information

The Company’s website is www.eastwestbank.com. The Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, proxy statements, Current Reports on Form 8-K, amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as California continues to grow as a top trading partner with Greater Chinaamended (the “Exchange Act”), and other Pacific Rim countries,filings with the SEC are available free of charge at http://investor.eastwestbank.com under the heading “SEC Filings”, as wellsoon as building relationships in other markets acrossreasonably practicable after the U.S. This providesCompany electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to, the Bank with an important competitive advantage to its customers participating inSEC. These reports are also available for free on the Asia Pacific marketplace. The Bank believes that its customers benefit fromSEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, the Bank’s understandingCompany’s Code of Conduct, Corporate Governance Guidelines, charters of the Asian markets through its physical presence in Greater China, the Bank’s corporateAudit Committee, Compensation Committee, Executive Committee, Risk Oversight Committee 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 Bank’s management and Board of Directors’ extensive ties to growing Asian business opportunities and the Chinese-American communities, provides the Bank with a competitive advantage. The Bank also has its presence in Greater China to identify and build corporate relationships, which the Bank may leverage to create business opportunities in CaliforniaNominating/Corporate Governance Committee, and other U.S. markets.corporate governance materials are available on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website. The information contained on the Company’s website as referenced in this report is not part of this report.


Shareholders may also request a copy of any of the above-referenced reports and corporate governance documents free of charge by writing to: Investor Relations, East West Bancorp, Inc., 135 N. Los Robles Avenue, 7th Floor, Pasadena, California 91101; by calling (626) 768-6000; or by sending an e-mail to InvestorRelations@eastwestbank.com.

Supervision and Regulation
General
Overview

East West and the Bank are extensively regulatedsubject to extensive and comprehensive regulation under U.S. federal and state laws, as well as the applicable laws of certain jurisdictions outside the U.S. in which we conduct business.laws. Regulation and supervision by the federal and state banking agencies are intended primarily for the protection of depositors, the Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”) administered by the FDIC, consumers and the banking system as a whole, and not for the protection of our investors. As a bank holding company, East West is subject to primary inspection,regulation, supervision, regulation, and examination by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve under the BHCA.BHC Act. The Bank is regulated, supervised, and examined by the Federal Reserve, the DFPI, and, with respect to consumer laws, the CFPB. As insurer of the Bank’s deposits, the FDIC has back-up examination authority of the Bank as well. In addition, the CompanyBank is also subject to regulationregulated by certain foreign regulatory agencies in international jurisdictions where we conduct,now, or may in the future wish to conduct business, including Greater China and Hong Kong.
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The Company is also subject to the disclosure and regulatory requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, as amended, both as administered by the SEC. Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQNasdaq Global Select Market (“NASDAQ”) under the trading symbol “EWBC” and is subject to NASDAQNasdaq 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 policypolicies may have a material effect on the Company’s business.



East West


As a bank holding company and pursuant to its election of financial holding company status, East West is subject to regulation, supervision, and examinationexaminations by the Federal Reserve under the BHCABHC Act. The BHC Act provides a federal framework for the regulation and itssupervision of all bank holding companies and their nonbank subsidiaries. The BHC Act and other federal statutes grant the Federal Reserve authority to, among other things:

require periodic reports and such additional information as the Federal Reserve may require in its discretion;
require the Companybank holding companies to maintain certain levels of capital and, under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (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 (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. Abank, including at times when bank holding company’scompanies may not be inclined to do so, and the failure to meet its obligations to serve as a source of strength to its subsidiary banks willdo so generally may 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 receiptdividends and the payment of dividends;other distributions from subsidiary banks to their parent bank holding companies;
require bank holding companies to 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 significantserious risk to the financial safety, soundness or stability of the bank holding company;company, or if the activity, ownership, or control is inconsistent with the purposes of the BHC Act;
regulate provisions of certain bank holding company debt, including the authority to imposeby imposing interest ceilings and reserve requirements on such debt and requirerequiring a bank holding company to obtain prior approval to purchase or redeem the Company’sits securities in certain situations;
require the prior approval ofapprove in advance senior executive officer or director changes and prohibit (under certain circumstances) golden parachute payments to officers and employees, including change in control agreements orand new employment agreements, with such payment terms, whichthat are contingent upon termination, under certain circumstances;termination; and
require the approvalapprove in advance acquisitions of acquisitions and mergers with bank holding companies, banks and largeother financial companies, and consider certain competitive, management, financial, financial stability and other factors in granting these approvals. DBO approvalsDFPI approval may also be required for certain acquisitions and mergers.mergers involving a California-chartered bank such as the Bank.


AsEast West’s election to be a bankfinancial holding company withinas permitted under the meaningGramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (“GLBA”), generally allows East West to engage in any activity that the Federal Reserve has determined to be financial in nature or incidental or complementary to activities that are financial in nature, or acquire and retain the shares of a company engaged in any such activity, without prior Federal Reserve approval. Activities that are considered to be financial in nature include securities underwriting and dealing, insurance agency and underwriting, merchant banking activities and activities that the Federal Reserve, in consultation with the U.S. Secretary of the California Financial Code,Treasury, determines to be financial in nature or incidental to such financial activity. To maintain financial holding company status and continue to be able to engage in new activities or investments that are financial in nature, a financial holding company and all of its depository institution subsidiaries must be “well capitalized” and “well managed”, and the financial holding company’s depository institution subsidiaries must have Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) records of at least “satisfactory.” A depository institution subsidiary is considered to be “well capitalized” if it satisfies the requirements for this status discussed in the sections captioned “Capital RequirementsandPrompt Corrective Action,” included elsewhere under this item. A depository institution subsidiary is considered “well managed” if it received a composite rating and a management rating of at least “satisfactory” in its most recent examination. See the section captioned “Community Reinvestment Act” included elsewhere under this item. As of December 31, 2020, East West is subject to examination by,a financial holding company and may be required to file reports with, the DBO.has financial subsidiaries, as discussed in Item 1. Business — Organization.


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The Bank and its Subsidiaries


East West Bank is a California state-chartered bank and a member and stockholder of the Federal Reserve, and a member ofits deposits are insured by the FDIC. The Bank is subject to primary inspection, periodic examination, and supervision byBank’s operations in the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the “CFPB”), the DBO, and the Federal Reserve (the Bank’s primary federal regulator). The FDIC, which insures the Bank’s deposits, also has examination authority over the Bank. The Bank’s foreign operationsU.S. are primarily regulated and supervised by the Federal Reserve and the DBO, as well asDFPI, and its activities outside the U.S. are regulated and supervised by both its U.S. regulators and the applicable regulatory authoritiesauthority in the host countriescountry in which the Bank’seach overseas offices reside.office is located. Specific federal and state laws and regulations that are applicable to banks regulate, among other things, their regulatory capital levels, 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 bankBank regulatory agencies also have extensive discretion to impose various restrictions on management or operations and to issue policies and guidance in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies. California law permits state charteredstate-chartered commercial banks to engage in any activity permissible for national banks, unless such activity is expressly prohibited by state law. Therefore, theThe Bank may also 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,subsidiaries. Further, pursuant to the Gramm Leach Bliley Act,GLBA, 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,”capitalized” and “well managed” and in “satisfactory” compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”).has a CRA rating of at least “satisfactory.”


Regulation of Subsidiaries/Subsidiaries and Branches


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




Regulatory Capital Requirements


The federal banking agencies have imposed risk-based capital adequacy guidelinesrequirements intended to provide a measure ofensure that banking organizations maintain capital adequacy that reflectsis commensurate with 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.their operations. In July 2013, the Federal Reserve, FDIC, and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency issuedfederal banking agencies adopted final rules (the “Basel III Capital Rules”) establishing a new comprehensive capital framework for U.S. banking organizations. The rules implemented the Basel Committee’s December 2010 framework, commonly referred to as Basel III, for strengthening international capital standards and implemented certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act.
The Basel III Capital Rulesorganizations that became effective for the Company and the Bank onbeginning January 1, 2015 (subject2015. The Basel III Capital Rules define the components of regulatory capital, include a required ratio of Common Equity Tier 1 (“CET1”) capital to phase-in periodsrisk-weighted assets and restrict the type of instruments that may be recognized in Tier 1 and 2 capital (including by phasing out trust preferred securities from Tier 1 capital for some of their components)bank holding companies). The Basel III Capital Rules among other things, (i) introducedalso prescribe a new capital measure called Common Equity Tier 1 (“CET1”)standardized approach for risk weighting assets and include a relatednumber of risk weighting categories that affect the denominator in banking institutions’ regulatory capital ratioratios.

Under the Basel III Capital Rules, to be considered adequately capitalized, standardized approach banking organizations, such as the Company and the Bank are required to maintain minimum capital ratios of at least 4.5% CET1 capital to risk-weighted assets; (ii) specified thatassets, 6.0% Tier 1 capital consists of CET1to risk-weighted assets, 8.0% total capital (Tier 1 plus Tier 2) to risk-weighted assets and “Additionala 4.0% Tier 1 capital” instruments, which were treated asleverage ratio of Tier 1 instrumentscapital to average total consolidated assets. The Basel III Capital Rules also include a “capital conservation buffer” of 2.5% that fully phased in on January 1, 2019, on top of each of the minimum risk-based capital ratios. Banking institutions with a risk-based capital ratio that meets or exceeds the minimum requirement but does not meet the capital conservation buffer will face constraints on dividends, equity repurchases and discretionary bonus payments based on the amount of the shortfall. To avoid these constraints, a banking organization must meet or exceed the following risk-based capital ratios (after any distribution): (i) CET1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 7.0%, (ii) Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 8.5%, and (iii) total risk-based capital to risk-weighted assets of 10.5%.

As of December 31, 2020, the Company’s and the Bank’s capital ratios exceeded the minimum capital adequacy requirements of the federal banking agencies, including the capital conservation buffer, and the Company and the Bank were classified as “well capitalized.” For additional discussion and disclosure see Item 7. MD&A — Regulatory Capital and Ratios and Note 17Regulatory Requirements and Matters to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.

The Bank is also subject to additional capital requirements under the priorPrompt Corrective Action (“PCA”) regulations that implement Section 38 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (“FDIA”), as discussed below under the Prompt Corrective Action section.

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Recent Regulatory Capital-Related Developments

From time to time, the regulatory agencies propose changes and amendments to, and issue interpretations of, risk-based capital rules that meet certain revised requirements; (iii) mandated that most deductions or adjustments torequirements and related reporting instructions. Such proposals and interpretations could, if implemented in the future, affect our regulatory capital measures be maderequirements and reported capital ratios.

In July 2019, the federal banking agencies issued a final rule (the “Capital Simplifications Rule”) to CET1reduce regulatory compliance burden by simplifying certain risk-based and not to the other components of capital; (iv) expanded the scopeleverage capital requirements of the deductions from and adjustments to capital, as compared to existing regulations; (v) required banking organizations with $15 billion or more in assets (including the Company) to phase-out trust preferred securities from Tier 1 regulatory capital; and (vi) providedBasel III Capital Rules for non-advanced approaches banking organizations (i.e., banking organizations with less than $250 billion in total consolidated assets orand with less than $10 billion of on-balance sheet foreign exposures), including the Company and the Bank, the option to make a one-time permanent election to exclude the effects of certain accumulated other comprehensive income or loss items.Bank. The Basel III Capital Rules also providedSimplifications Rule became effective 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 nonconsolidated 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 is being phased-in over several years in order to give banking organizations time to adjust and adapt to the new requirements. The Basel III Capital Rules also prescribe a new standardized approach for risk weighting assets and expand the risk weighting categories to a larger and more risk-sensitive number of categories.

Under the Basel III Capital Rules, to be considered adequately capitalized, the Company and the Bank are requiredon April 1, 2020. Application of the Capital Simplifications Rule to maintain minimumour consolidated balance sheet did not have a significant impact on the capital ratios of 4.5% CET1 to risk-weighted assets, 6.0% Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, 8.0% total capital to risk-weighted assets, and a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4.0%. The Basel III Capital Rules also introduced a “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 is being 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).

The following table lists the minimum Basel III regulatory capital ratios considering the capital conservation buffer that the Company and the Bank.

In light of the recent disruptions in economic conditions caused by COVID-19 pandemic, the federal banking agencies have also revised the definition of eligible retained income to be the greater of (1) a banking organization’s net income for the four preceding calendar quarters, net of any distributions and associated tax effects not already reflected in net income, and (2) the average of a banking organization’s net income over the preceding four quarters. This revision reduces the likelihood that a banking organization is suddenly subject to abrupt and restrictive distribution limitations in a scenario where its capital ratios fall below an applicable minimum risk-based capital ratio requirement plus capital conservation buffer, and instead makes the application of these limitations more gradual. The revision became effective on March 20, 2020.

In April 2020, in recognition of the CARES Act requirements and to facilitate the use of the Paycheck Protection Program Liquidity Facility (“PPPLF”), the U.S. banking agencies issued an interim final rule that allows banking organizations to exclude from risk-based and leverage capital requirements any eligible assets sold or pledged to the Federal Reserve on a non-recourse basis through the PPPLF. The interim final rule states that PPP loans originated by a banking organization under the PPP will be risk-weighted at zero percent for regulatory capital purposes and PPP loans pledged as collateral to PPPLF may be excluded from the denominator of the Tier 1 leverage ratio. In addition, the CARES Act, the banking agencies’ “Interagency Statement on Loan Modifications and Reporting for Financial Institutions Working with Customer Affected by the Coronavirus (Revised)” (the “Interagency Statement”) issued on March 22, 2020 and April 7, 2020, and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (the “CAA”), enacted December 27, 2020, provided options for financial institutions to elect to temporarily suspend troubled debt restructurings (“TDR”) accounting under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Subtopic 310-40. For additional information, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Troubled Debt Restructurings, to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K. The election to apply the TDR relief under these regulatory guidance provided banking organizations such as the Bank must satisfya capital benefit by increasing its regulatory capital ratios as the loan modifications related to the COVID-19 pandemic are not adjusted to a higher risk weighting normally associated with a TDR classification.

In December 2018, the regulatory agencies approved a final rule to address changes to credit loss accounting, including with respect to banking organizations’ implementation of the Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13 Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326) Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which introduced the current expected credit losses (“CECL”) methodology. The final rule among other things provides banking organizations with the option to phase in over a three-year period the day-one adverse effects on regulatory capital upon the adoption of ASU 2016-13. On March 31, 2020, the federal banking agencies issued an interim final rule that provided banking organizations that adopted CECL during 2020, the option to delay for two years the estimated impact of CECL on regulatory capital, followed by a three-year transition period to phase out the aggregate amount of the capital benefit provided during the applicableinitial two-year delay (i.e., a five-year transition, periods in order to avoid certain restrictionstotal). The Company adopted the five-year transition in 2020. As a result, the effects of CECL on capital distributions and discretionary bonus payments:
 
Regulatory Capital Ratios January 1,
 2016 2017 2018 2019
CET1 risk-based capital ratio 5.13% 5.75% 6.38% 7.00%
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio 6.63% 7.25% 7.88% 8.50%
Total risk-based capital ratio 8.63% 9.25% 9.88% 10.50%
 

As of December 31, 2017, the Company’s and the Bank’s regulatory capital ratios exceededwill be delayed through the minimum capital adequacy guideline percentage requirements ofyear 2021, after which the federal banking agencies for “well capitalized” institutions under the Basel III capital rules oneffects will be phased-in over a fully phased-in basis. For additional discussion and disclosure see Item 7. MD&A — Regulatory Capital and Ratios and Note 18Regulatory Requirements and Matters to the Consolidated Financial Statements.three-year period from January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024.

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With respect to the Bank, the Basel III Capital Rules also revised the Prompt Corrective Action (“PCA”) regulations pursuant to Section 38 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as discussed below under the Prompt Corrective Action section below.




Prompt Corrective Action


The Federal Deposit Insurance Act,FDIA, as amended, (“FDIA”), requires federal banking agencies to take PCA with respect to 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, revised the PCA requirements effective January 1, 2015. Under the revisedfederal banking agencies’ regulations implementing the PCA provisions of the FDIA, an insured depository institution generally will beis classified in the following categories based on the capital measures indicated:
PCA CategoryRisk-Based Capital Ratios
Total CapitalTier 1 CapitalCET1 CapitalTier 1 Leverage
Well capitalized (1)
≥ 10%≥ 8%≥ 6.5%≥ 5%
Adequately capitalized≥ 8%≥ 6%≥ 4.5%≥ 4%
Undercapitalized< 8%< 6%< 4.5%< 4%
Significantly undercapitalized< 6%< 4%< 3.0%< 3%
Critically undercapitalizedTangible Equity/Total Assets ≤ 2%
         
PCA Category 
Total Risk-Based
Capital Ratio
 Tier 1 Risk-Based
Capital Ratio
 
CET1 Risk-Based
Ratio
 Tier 1 Leverage
Ratio
Well capitalized 10% 8% 6.5% 5%
Adequately capitalized 8% 6% 4.5% 4%
Undercapitalized < 8% < 6% < 4.5% < 4%
Significantly undercapitalized < 6% < 4% < 3.0% < 3%
Critically undercapitalized Tangible Equity/Total Assets ≤ 2%
 
(1)Additionally, to be classified as well capitalized, an insured depository institution may not be subject to any written agreement, order, capital directive, or PCA directive issued by its primary federal regulator to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure.


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.


The FDIA generally prohibits a depository institution from making any capital distributions (including payment of any dividend) or paying any management fee to its parent holding company, if the depository institution would thereafter be “undercapitalized.” “Undercapitalized”Undercapitalized institutions are subject to growth limitations and are required to submit capital restoration plans. If a depository institution fails to submit an acceptable plan, it is treated as if it is “significantly undercapitalized.” “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/or cessation of receipt of deposits from correspondent banks.banks and/or restrictions on interest rates paid on deposits. “Critically undercapitalized” institutions are subject to the appointment of a receiver or conservator. The FDIA also generally permits only “well capitalized” insured depository institutions to accept brokered deposits, however an “adequately capitalized” institution may apply to the FDIC for a waiver of this restriction.


Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Act and Stress Testing for Banks with Assets

In May 2018, the enactment of $10 Billion to $50 Billion

Thethe Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (“EGRRCPA”) amended certain provisions in the Dodd-Frank Act requires stress testing ofand other statutes administered by the Federal Reserve. Amongst other things, the EGRRCPA provided regulatory relief, including from risk committee requirements, for bank holding companies and state member banks with total consolidated assets between $10 billion and $50 billion. We were among the bank holding companies and banks that have more than $10 billion but less thanin this range until we exceeded $50 billion ofin total consolidated assets (“$10 -as of September 30, 2020.

The EGRRCPA also lifted the asset size threshold and provided relief for banks with assets between $50 billion companies”). Additionaland $100 billion with respect to many of the Dodd-Frank Act’s enhanced prudential standards, except for the risk committee requirements. The EGRRCPA also raised the asset size threshold for required company-run stress testing isat banks and bank holding companies from $10 billion to $250 billion. Additionally, based on authority provided in the EGRRCPA, the Federal Reserve raised the asset size threshold for required for banking organizations with total consolidated assets ofsupervisory stress testing at bank holding companies from $50 billion or more. $10 - $50 billion companies, includingto $100 billion. Although the Company and the Bank are not required to conduct annual company-run stress tests, under rules issued by the Federal Reserve Bank. Thiswe continue to conduct annual capital and quarterly liquidity stress test assesses the potential impact of different 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 and activities. Each banking organization’s Board of Directors 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, assessment of capital adequacy and maintenance of capital consistent with its risks, and risk management practices. The results of the stress tests are provided to the applicable Federal Reserve banking agency. The final rule requires public disclosure of a summary of the severely adverse stress testing results for the $10 - $50 billion companies. The Bank has developed a process to comply with the stress testing requirements, which involves senior management and the Board of Directors. The Bank is required to submit the results of the annual company-run stress tests to the Federal Reserve Bank by the close of business July 31 of each calendar year, using data as of December 31 of the preceding year and publish a summary of the results of the company-run stress tests between October 15 and October 31. The Company reported the results of its 2017 annual stress tests to the Federal Reserve Bank on July 27, 2017 and published a summary of the results on its website on October 23, 2017.tests.



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Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Supervision


The Dodd-Frank Act centralized responsibility for consumer financial protection by givingestablished the CFPB, which has the authority for implementing, examiningto implement, examine and enforcingenforce compliance with federal consumer financial laws. Depositorylaws that apply to banking institutions and certain other companies. The CFPB has exclusive authority to examine insured depository institutions with assets exceeding $10 billion (such as the Bank), and their affiliates and certain non-banks in the markets forwith respect to these consumer financial services (as determined by the CFPB) are subject to direct supervision by the CFPB, including any applicable examination,laws, and may also take enforcement and reporting requirements theaction. The CFPB may establish. The CFPB is focused on:focus its supervisory, examination, and enforcement efforts on, among other things:

risks to consumers and compliance with federal consumer financial laws when it evaluatesevaluating the policies and practices of a financial institution;
unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices, which the Dodd-Frank Act empowers the CFPB 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, Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Fair Credit Billing Act; and
the markets in which firms operate and risks to consumers posed by activities in those markets; andmarkets.
holding lenders accountable for discriminatory dealer markups with respect to the indirect auto 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 customersconsumers when taking deposits, making loans, collecting payments on loans and providing other services. In addition, the Department of Justice enforces the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, which provides certain protections for military service members and their families, who have utilized a financial product or service, 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 BankCompany and the CompanyBank 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 and the Federal Reserve’s Reserve Requirements


The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of San Francisco. As a 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 Bank is also a member bank and stockholder of the Federal Reserve. credit.

The Federal Reserve requires all depository institutions to maintain reserves at specified levels against their transaction accounts either in the form of vault cash or an interest-bearing account at the Federal Reserve Bank, or a pass-through account as defined by the Federal Reserve. AsOn March 26, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Reserve reduced reserve requirement ratios to zero percent, eliminating the reserve requirement for all deposit institutions, an action that provides liquidity in the banking system to support lending to households and businesses. The Bank is also a member bank and stockholder of December 31, 2017, the Federal Reserve Bank was in compliance with these requirements.of San Francisco (“FRBSF”).


Dividends and Other Transfers of Funds


Dividends from the Bank constitute theThe principal source of income toliquidity of East West.West is dividends received from the Bank. The Bank is subject to various statutory and regulatory restrictions on its ability to pay dividends. In addition, the banking agencies have thean 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 PCA regulations,regime, 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 “significantly undercapitalized” or, in some circumstances, “undercapitalized.” For more information, see Item 1. Business — Supervision and Regulation— Capital Requirements.

It is the Federal Reserve’s policy that a bank holding companiescompany should generally pay dividends on common stock only if the organization’scompany’s net income available to common stockholders over the past year has beenfour quarters, net of distributions, would be sufficient to fully fund the dividends, and if the prospective rate of earnings retention appears consistent with the organization’scompany’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. It is also the Federal Reserve’s policy that a bank holding companiescompany should not maintain dividend levels that undermine the company’s ability to be a financial source of strength to its banking subsidiaries. The Federal Reserve requires bank holding companies to 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 and InsidersAvailable Information


PursuantThe Company’s website is www.eastwestbank.com. The Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, proxy statements, Current Reports on Form 8-K, amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 23A13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and 23Bother filings with the SEC are available free of charge at http://investor.eastwestbank.com under the heading “SEC Filings”, 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 on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, the Company’s Code of Conduct, Corporate Governance Guidelines, charters of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Executive Committee, Risk Oversight Committee and Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee, and other corporate governance materials are available on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website. The information contained on the Company’s website as referenced in this report is not part of this report.

Shareholders may also request a copy of any of the above-referenced reports and corporate governance documents free of charge by writing to: Investor Relations, East West Bancorp, Inc., 135 N. Los Robles Avenue, 7th Floor, Pasadena, California 91101; by calling (626) 768-6000; or by sending an e-mail to InvestorRelations@eastwestbank.com.

Supervision and Regulation

Overview

East West and the Bank are subject to extensive and comprehensive regulation under U.S. federal and state laws. Regulation and supervision by the federal and state banking agencies are intended primarily for the protection of depositors, the Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”) administered by the FDIC, consumers and the banking system as a whole, and not for the protection of our investors. As a bank holding company, East West is subject to primary regulation, supervision, and examination by the Federal Reserve under the BHC Act. The Bank is regulated, supervised, and examined by the Federal Reserve, the DFPI, and, with respect to consumer laws, the CFPB. As insurer of the Bank’s deposits, the FDIC has back-up examination authority of the Bank as well. In addition, the Bank is regulated by certain foreign regulatory agencies in international jurisdictions where we now, or may in the future wish to conduct business, including China and Hong Kong.
7


The Company is also subject to the disclosure and regulatory requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, as amended, both as administered by the SEC. Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the trading symbol “EWBC” and 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 policies may have a material effect on the Company’s business.

East West

As a bank holding company and pursuant to its election of financial holding company status, East West is subject to regulation, supervision, and examinations by the Federal Reserve under the BHC Act. The BHC Act provides a federal framework for the regulation and supervision of all bank holding companies and their nonbank subsidiaries. The BHC Act and other federal statutes grant the Federal Reserve authority to, among other things:
require periodic reports and such additional information as the Federal Reserve may require in its discretion;
require bank holding companies to maintain certain levels of capital and, under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (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 (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, including at times when bank holding companies may not be inclined to do so, and the failure to do so generally may be considered by the Federal Reserve to be an unsafe and unsound banking practice or a violation of Federal Reserve regulations or both;
restrict dividends and other distributions from subsidiary banks to their parent bank holding companies;
require bank holding companies to 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 serious risk to the financial safety, soundness or stability of the bank holding company, or if the activity, ownership, or control is inconsistent with the purposes of the BHC Act;
regulate provisions of certain bank holding company debt, including by imposing interest ceilings and reserve requirements on such debt and requiring a bank holding company to obtain prior approval to purchase or redeem its securities in certain situations;
approve in advance senior executive officer or director changes and prohibit (under certain circumstances) golden parachute payments to officers and employees, including change in control agreements and new employment agreements, that are contingent upon termination; and
approve in advance acquisitions of and mergers with bank holding companies, banks and other financial companies, and consider certain competitive, management, financial, financial stability and other factors in granting these approvals. DFPI approval may also be required for certain acquisitions and mergers involving a California-chartered bank such as the Bank.

East West’s election to be a financial holding company as permitted under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (“GLBA”), generally allows East West to engage in any activity that the Federal Reserve has determined to be financial in nature or incidental or complementary to activities that are financial in nature, or acquire and retain the shares of a company engaged in any such activity, without prior Federal Reserve approval. Activities that are considered to be financial in nature include securities underwriting and dealing, insurance agency and underwriting, merchant banking activities and activities that the Federal Reserve, in consultation with the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, determines to be financial in nature or incidental to such financial activity. To maintain financial holding company status and continue to be able to engage in new activities or investments that are financial in nature, a financial holding company and all of its depository institution subsidiaries must be “well capitalized” and “well managed”, and the financial holding company’s depository institution subsidiaries must have Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) records of at least “satisfactory.” A depository institution subsidiary is considered to be “well capitalized” if it satisfies the requirements for this status discussed in the sections captioned “Capital RequirementsandPrompt Corrective Action,” included elsewhere under this item. A depository institution subsidiary is considered “well managed” if it received a composite rating and a management rating of at least “satisfactory” in its most recent examination. See the section captioned “Community Reinvestment Act” included elsewhere under this item. As of December 31, 2020, East West is a financial holding company and has financial subsidiaries, as discussed in Item 1. Business — Organization.

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The Bank and its Subsidiaries

East West Bank is a California state-chartered bank and a member of the Federal Reserve, Act, as implementedand its deposits are insured by the FDIC. The Bank’s operations in the U.S. are primarily regulated and supervised by the Federal Reserve’s Regulation W,Reserve and the DFPI, and its activities outside the U.S. are regulated and supervised by both its U.S. regulators and the applicable regulatory authority in the host country in which each overseas office is located. Specific federal and state laws and regulations that are applicable to banks regulate, among other things, their regulatory capital levels, 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. Bank is subjectregulatory agencies also have extensive discretion to impose various restrictions that strictly limit the ability ofon management or operations and to issue policies and guidance in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies. California law permits state-chartered commercial banks to engage in transactionsany activity permissible for national banks, unless such activity is expressly prohibited by state law. The Bank may also form subsidiaries to engage in the many activities commonly conducted by national banks in operating subsidiaries. Further, pursuant to the GLBA, the Bank may conduct certain “financial” activities in a subsidiary to the same extent permitted for a national bank, provided the Bank is “well capitalized” and “well managed” and has a CRA rating of at least “satisfactory.”

Regulation of Subsidiaries and Branches

The Bank’s foreign-based subsidiary, East West Bank (China) Limited, is subject to applicable foreign laws and regulations, such as those implemented by the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission. East West Bank’s Hong Kong branch is subject to applicable foreign laws and regulations, such as those implemented by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong.

Regulatory Capital Requirements

The federal banking agencies have imposed risk-based capital adequacy requirements intended to ensure that banking organizations maintain capital that is commensurate with the degree of risk associated with their affiliates, including their parentoperations. In July 2013, the federal banking agencies adopted final rules (the “Basel III Capital Rules”) establishing a comprehensive capital framework for U.S. banking organizations that became effective for the Company and the Bank beginning January 1, 2015. The Basel III Capital Rules define the components of regulatory capital, include a required ratio of Common Equity Tier 1 (“CET1”) capital to risk-weighted assets and restrict the type of instruments that may be recognized in Tier 1 and 2 capital (including by phasing out trust preferred securities from Tier 1 capital for bank holding companies. Regulations promulgated bycompanies). The Basel III Capital Rules also prescribe a standardized approach for risk weighting assets and include a number of risk weighting categories that affect the Federal Reserve limitdenominator in banking institutions’ regulatory capital ratios.

Under the types and amounts of these transactions that may take place and generally require those transactionsBasel III Capital Rules, to be on an arm's-length basis. In general, these regulations require that “covered transactions” between a subsidiary bankconsidered adequately capitalized, standardized approach banking organizations, such as the Company and any one affiliate (e.g., its parent company or the non-bank subsidiaries of the bank holding company) are limited to 10% of the bank subsidiary's capital and surplus and, with respect to such bank subsidiary and all such affiliates, 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 mademaintain minimum capital ratios of at least 4.5% CET1 capital to risk-weighted assets, 6.0% Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, 8.0% total capital (Tier 1 plus Tier 2) to risk-weighted assets and a 4.0% Tier 1 leverage ratio of Tier 1 capital to average total consolidated assets. The Basel III Capital Rules also include a “capital conservation buffer” of 2.5% that fully phased in on termsJanuary 1, 2019, on top of each of the minimum risk-based capital ratios. Banking institutions with a risk-based capital ratio that are substantiallymeets or exceeds the same as,minimum requirement but does not meet the capital conservation buffer will face constraints on dividends, equity repurchases 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 arediscretionary bonus payments 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 andshortfall. To avoid these constraints, a banking entity that serves as an investment manager, investment adviser, organizerorganization must meet or exceed the following risk-based capital ratios (after any distribution): (i) CET1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 7.0%, (ii) Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 8.5%, and offeror, or sponsor with respect(iii) total risk-based capital to that covered fund, regardlessrisk-weighted assets of whether10.5%.

As of December 31, 2020, the banking entity has an ownership interest in the fund.

Community Reinvestment Act

Under the terms of the CRA as implemented by FDIC regulations, an institution has a continuingCompany’s and affirmative obligation to help serve the credit needs of its communities, including the extension of credit to low to moderate-income neighborhoods. 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.

FDIC Deposit Insurance Assessments

The FDIC insures the Bank’s customer deposits through the DIF of the FDIC up to $250,000 for each depositor. The DIF is funded mainly through quarterly assessments on member banks. The Dodd-Frank Act revised the FDIC's fund management authority by setting requirements for the Designated Reserve Ratio (“DRR”) and redefining the assessment base, which is used to calculate banks' quarterly assessments. The FDIA requires the FDIC's Board to set a target or DRR for the DIF annually. The FDIC views the 2.0 percent DRR as a long-term goal andcapital ratios exceeded the minimum level needed to withstand future crises of the magnitude of past crises. The Bank’s DIF assessment is calculated by multiplying its assessment rate by the assessment 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 adequacy asset quality, management, earnings, liquidity and sensitivity to market risk (“CAMELS”) ratings, certain financial measures to assess an institution’s ability to withstand asset related stress and funding related stress, and a measure of loss severity that estimates the relative magnitude of potential losses to the FDIC in the event of the Bank’s failure. The FDIC’s DIF restoration plan is designed to ensure that the DIF reserve ratio reaches 1.35% by September 30, 2020. Insured institutions with total 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 and Office of Foreign Assets Control 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 requireagencies, including the capital conservation buffer, and the Company and the Bank were classified as “well capitalized.” For additional discussion and disclosure see Item 7. MD&A — Regulatory Capital and Ratios and Note 17Regulatory Requirements and Mattersto maintain a risk-based Anti-Money Launderingthe Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.

The Bank is also subject to additional capital requirements under the Prompt Corrective Action (“AML”PCA”) program reasonably designed to prevent and detect money laundering and terrorist financing and to comply with the recordkeeping and reporting requirementsregulations that implement Section 38 of the BSA, includingFederal Deposit Insurance Act (“FDIA”), as discussed below under the requirementPrompt Corrective Action section.

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Recent Regulatory Capital-Related Developments

From time to report suspicious activities. There is an expectation bytime, the Bank’s regulators that there will be an effective governance structure forregulatory agencies propose changes and amendments to, and issue interpretations of, risk-based capital requirements and related reporting instructions. Such proposals and interpretations could, if implemented in the program which includes effective oversight byfuture, affect our Board of Directorsregulatory capital requirements 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 risk-based customer due diligence procedures. The United States Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) andreported capital ratios.

In July 2019, the federal banking agencies continueissued a final rule (the “Capital Simplifications Rule”) to issue regulationsreduce regulatory compliance burden by simplifying certain risk-based and leverage capital requirements of the Basel III Capital Rules for non-advanced approaches banking organizations (i.e., banking organizations with less than $250 billion in total consolidated assets and with less than $10 billion of on-balance sheet foreign exposures), including the Company and the Bank. The Capital Simplifications Rule became effective for the Company and the Bank on April 1, 2020. Application of the Capital Simplifications Rule to our consolidated balance sheet did not have a significant impact on the capital ratios of the Company and the Bank.

In light of the recent disruptions in economic conditions caused by COVID-19 pandemic, the federal banking agencies have also revised the definition of eligible retained income to be the greater of (1) a banking organization’s net income for the four preceding calendar quarters, net of any distributions and associated tax effects not already reflected in net income, and (2) the average of a banking organization’s net income over the preceding four quarters. This revision reduces the likelihood that a banking organization is suddenly subject to abrupt and restrictive distribution limitations in a scenario where its capital ratios fall below an applicable minimum risk-based capital ratio requirement plus capital conservation buffer, and instead makes the application of these limitations more gradual. The revision became effective on March 20, 2020.

In April 2020, in recognition of the CARES Act requirements and to facilitate the use of the Paycheck Protection Program Liquidity Facility (“PPPLF”), the U.S. banking agencies issued an interim final rule that allows banking organizations to exclude from risk-based and leverage capital requirements any eligible assets sold or pledged to the Federal Reserve on a non-recourse basis through the PPPLF. The interim final rule states that PPP loans originated by a banking organization under the PPP will be risk-weighted at zero percent for regulatory capital purposes and PPP loans pledged as collateral to PPPLF may be excluded from the denominator of the Tier 1 leverage ratio. In addition, the CARES Act, the banking agencies’ “Interagency Statement on Loan Modifications and Reporting for Financial Institutions Working with Customer Affected by the Coronavirus (Revised)” (the “Interagency Statement”) issued on March 22, 2020 and April 7, 2020, and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (the “CAA”), enacted December 27, 2020, provided options for financial institutions to elect to temporarily suspend troubled debt restructurings (“TDR”) accounting under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Subtopic 310-40. For additional information, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Troubled Debt Restructurings, to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K. The election to apply the TDR relief under these regulatory guidance provided banking organizations such as the Bank a capital benefit by increasing its regulatory capital ratios as the loan modifications related to the COVID-19 pandemic are not adjusted to a higher risk weighting normally associated with a TDR classification.

In December 2018, the regulatory agencies approved a final rule to address changes to credit loss accounting, including with respect to the application and requirementsbanking organizations’ implementation of the BSA and their expectationsAccounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13 Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326) Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which introduced the current expected credit losses (“CECL”) methodology. The final rule among other things provides banking organizations with the option to phase in over a three-year period the day-one adverse effects on regulatory capital upon the adoption of ASU 2016-13. On March 31, 2020, the federal banking agencies issued an interim final rule that provided banking organizations that adopted CECL during 2020, the option to delay for effective AML programs. Banking regulators also examine banks for compliance with regulations administeredtwo years the estimated impact of CECL on regulatory capital, followed by a three-year transition period to phase out the Office of Foreign Assets Control (“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 allaggregate amount of the relevant laws or regulations, could have serious legal and reputational consequences forcapital benefit provided during the institution.

Future Legislation and Regulation

Legislators, presidential administrations and regulators may enact rules, laws, and policies to regulateinitial two-year delay (i.e., a five-year transition, in total). The Company adopted the financial services industry and public companies from time to time. Further legislative changes and additional regulations may changefive-year transition in 2020. As a result, the effects of CECL on the Company’s operating environment in substantial and unpredictable ways. Such legislation and regulations could increase the cost of conducting business, impedeBank’s regulatory capital will be delayed through the efficiency of the internal business processes, and restrict or expand the activities inyear 2021, after which the Company may engage. The Company cannot predict whether future legislative proposalseffects will be enacted and, if enacted, the effect they would have on the business strategy, results of operations or financial condition of the Company. phased-in over a three-year period from January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024.
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Prompt Corrective Action

The same uncertainty existsFDIA, as amended, requires federal banking agencies to take PCA with respect to depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements. The FDIA includes the following five capital tiers: “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly 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. Under the federal banking agencies’ regulations authorized or required underimplementing the Dodd-Frank Act that have not yet been proposed or finalized. MembersPCA provisions of the current U.S.FDIA, an insured depository institution generally is classified in the following categories based on the capital measures indicated:
PCA CategoryRisk-Based Capital Ratios
Total CapitalTier 1 CapitalCET1 CapitalTier 1 Leverage
Well capitalized (1)
≥ 10%≥ 8%≥ 6.5%≥ 5%
Adequately capitalized≥ 8%≥ 6%≥ 4.5%≥ 4%
Undercapitalized< 8%< 6%< 4.5%< 4%
Significantly undercapitalized< 6%< 4%< 3.0%< 3%
Critically undercapitalizedTangible Equity/Total Assets ≤ 2%
(1)Additionally, to be classified as well capitalized, an insured depository institution may not be subject to any written agreement, order, capital directive, or PCA directive issued by its primary federal government administration haveregulator to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure.

An institution may be downgraded to, or deemed to be in, a capital category that is lower than indicated thatby 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 Dodd-Frank Act will be evaluatedpurpose of applying PCA regulations and that somethe capital category may not constitute an accurate representation of the bank’s overall financial condition or prospects for other purposes.

The FDIA generally prohibits a depository institution from making any capital distributions (including payment of any 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 capital restoration 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, cessation of receipt of deposits from correspondent banks and/or restrictions on interest rates paid on deposits. “Critically undercapitalized” institutions are subject to the appointment of a receiver or conservator. The FDIA also generally permits only “well capitalized” insured depository institutions to accept brokered deposits, however an “adequately capitalized” institution may apply to the FDIC for a waiver of this restriction.

Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Act and Stress Testing

In May 2018, the enactment of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (“EGRRCPA”) amended certain provisions ofin the Dodd-Frank Act and rules promulgated thereunder,other statutes administered by the Federal Reserve. Amongst other things, the EGRRCPA provided regulatory relief, including those provisions establishingfrom risk committee requirements, for bank holding companies and state member banks with total consolidated assets between $10 billion and $50 billion. We were among the bank holding companies and banks in this range until we exceeded $50 billion in total consolidated assets as of September 30, 2020.

The EGRRCPA also lifted the asset size threshold and provided relief for banks with assets between $50 billion and $100 billion with respect to many of the Dodd-Frank Act’s enhanced prudential standards, except for the risk committee requirements. The EGRRCPA also raised the asset size threshold for required company-run stress testing at banks and bank holding companies from $10 billion to $250 billion. Additionally, based on authority provided in the EGRRCPA, the Federal Reserve raised the asset size threshold for required supervisory stress testing at bank holding companies from $50 billion to $100 billion. Although the Company and the Bank are not required to conduct stress tests, we continue to conduct annual capital and quarterly liquidity stress tests.

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Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Supervision

The Dodd-Frank Act established the CFPB, which has the authority to implement, examine and enforce compliance with federal consumer financial laws that apply to banking institutions and certain other companies. The CFPB has exclusive authority to examine insured depository institutions with assets exceeding $10 billion (such as the Bank) and their affiliates with respect to these consumer financial laws, and may also take enforcement action. The CFPB may focus its supervisory, examination, and enforcement efforts on, among other things:
risks to consumers and compliance with federal consumer financial laws when evaluating the policies and practices of a financial institution;
unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices, which the Dodd-Frank Act empowers the CFPB 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, Electronic Fund Transfer Act, Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Fair Credit Billing Act; and
the markets in which firms operate and risks to consumers posed by activities in those markets.

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 consumers when taking deposits, making loans, collecting payments on loans and providing other services. 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 rulesloss of certain contractual rights. The Company and regulations proposedthe Bank are also subject to federal and enactedstate laws prohibiting unfair or fraudulent business practices, untrue or misleading advertising and unfair competition.

Federal Home Loan Bank and the Federal Reserve’s Reserve Requirements

The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of San Francisco. As a 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 credit.

The Federal Reserve requires all depository institutions to maintain reserves at specified levels against their transaction accounts either in the form of vault cash or an interest-bearing account at the Federal Reserve Bank, or a pass-through account as defined by the CFPB,Federal Reserve. On March 26, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Reserve reduced reserve requirement ratios to zero percent, eliminating the reserve requirement for all deposit institutions, an action that provides liquidity in the banking system to support lending to households and businesses. The Bank is also a member bank and stockholder of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (“FRBSF”).

Dividends and Other Transfers of Funds

The principal source of liquidity of East West is dividends received from the Bank. The Bank is subject to various statutory and regulatory restrictions on its ability to pay dividends. In addition, the banking agencies have an 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 PCA regime, the Federal Reserve or FDIC may be revised, repealed,prohibit a bank holding company from paying any dividends if the holding company’s bank subsidiary is classified as “significantly undercapitalized” or, amended.in some circumstances, “undercapitalized.” It is unclearthe Federal Reserve’s policy that a bank holding company should generally pay dividends on common stock only if this evaluationthe company’s net income available to common stockholders over the past four quarters, net of distributions, would be sufficient to fully fund the rulesdividends, and regulations will resultif the prospective rate of earnings retention appears consistent with the company’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. It is also the Federal Reserve’s policy that a bank holding company should not maintain dividend levels that undermine the company’s ability to be a financial source of strength to its banking subsidiaries. The Federal Reserve requires bank holding companies to continuously review their dividend policy in material changes to the current lawslight of their organizations’ financial condition and rules, or thosecompliance with regulatory capital requirements, and has discouraged payment ratios that are in process, applicable to financial institutions like usat maximum allowable levels, unless both asset quality 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 prospects. There can be no assurance that these or future reforms will not significantly impact our businesses, results of operations and financial condition.capital are very strong.


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Employees

As of December 31, 2017, the Company had approximately 3,000 employees. None of the Company’s employees are subject to any collective bargaining agreements.
Available Information

The Company’s annual reportswebsite is www.eastwestbank.com. The Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reportsQuarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, proxy statements, current reportsCurrent Reports on Form 8-K, amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and other filings with the SEC are available free of charge at http://investor.eastwestbank.com under the heading “SEC Filings”, 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 on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Also,www.sec.gov. In addition, the Company’s Code of Conduct, Corporate Governance Guidelines, charters of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Executive Committee, Risk Oversight Committee and Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee, and other corporate governance materials are available on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website. The information contained on the Company’s website as referenced in this report is not part of this report.

Shareholders may also request a copy of any of the above-referenced reports and corporate governance documents free of charge by writing to: Investor Relations, East West Bancorp, Inc., 135 N. Los Robles Avenue, 7th Floor, Pasadena, California 91101; by calling (626) 768-6000; or by sending an e-mail to InvestorRelations@eastwestbank.com.

Supervision and Regulation

Overview

East West and the Bank are subject to extensive and comprehensive regulation under U.S. federal and state laws. Regulation and supervision by the federal and state banking agencies are intended primarily for the protection of depositors, the Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”) administered by the FDIC, consumers and the banking system as a whole, and not for the protection of our investors. As a bank holding company, East West is subject to primary regulation, supervision, and examination by the Federal Reserve under the BHC Act. The Bank is regulated, supervised, and examined by the Federal Reserve, the DFPI, and, with respect to consumer laws, the CFPB. As insurer of the Bank’s deposits, the FDIC has back-up examination authority of the Bank as well. In addition, the Bank is regulated by certain foreign regulatory agencies in international jurisdictions where we now, or may in the future wish to conduct business, including China and Hong Kong.
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The Company is also subject to the disclosure and regulatory requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, as amended, both as administered by the SEC. Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the trading symbol “EWBC” and 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 policies may have a material effect on the Company’s business.

East West

As a bank holding company and pursuant to its election of financial holding company status, East West is subject to regulation, supervision, and examinations by the Federal Reserve under the BHC Act. The BHC Act provides a federal framework for the regulation and supervision of all bank holding companies and their nonbank subsidiaries. The BHC Act and other federal statutes grant the Federal Reserve authority to, among other things:
require periodic reports and such additional information as the Federal Reserve may require in its discretion;
require bank holding companies to maintain certain levels of capital and, under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (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 (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, including at times when bank holding companies may not be inclined to do so, and the failure to do so generally may be considered by the Federal Reserve to be an unsafe and unsound banking practice or a violation of Federal Reserve regulations or both;
restrict dividends and other distributions from subsidiary banks to their parent bank holding companies;
require bank holding companies to 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 serious risk to the financial safety, soundness or stability of the bank holding company, or if the activity, ownership, or control is inconsistent with the purposes of the BHC Act;
regulate provisions of certain bank holding company debt, including by imposing interest ceilings and reserve requirements on such debt and requiring a bank holding company to obtain prior approval to purchase or redeem its securities in certain situations;
approve in advance senior executive officer or director changes and prohibit (under certain circumstances) golden parachute payments to officers and employees, including change in control agreements and new employment agreements, that are contingent upon termination; and
approve in advance acquisitions of and mergers with bank holding companies, banks and other financial companies, and consider certain competitive, management, financial, financial stability and other factors in granting these reportsapprovals. DFPI approval may also be required for certain acquisitions and mergers involving a California-chartered bank such as the Bank.

East West’s election to be a financial holding company as permitted under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (“GLBA”), generally allows East West to engage in any activity that the Federal Reserve has determined to be financial in nature or incidental or complementary to activities that are financial in nature, or acquire and retain the shares of a company engaged in any such activity, without prior Federal Reserve approval. Activities that are considered to be financial in nature include securities underwriting and dealing, insurance agency and underwriting, merchant banking activities and activities that the Federal Reserve, in consultation with the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, determines to be financial in nature or incidental to such financial activity. To maintain financial holding company status and continue to be able to engage in new activities or investments that are financial in nature, a financial holding company and all of its depository institution subsidiaries must be “well capitalized” and “well managed”, and the financial holding company’s depository institution subsidiaries must have Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) records of at least “satisfactory.” A depository institution subsidiary is considered to be “well capitalized” if it satisfies the requirements for this status discussed in the sections captioned “Capital RequirementsandPrompt Corrective Action,” included elsewhere under this item. A depository institution subsidiary is considered “well managed” if it received a composite rating and a management rating of at least “satisfactory” in its most recent examination. See the section captioned “Community Reinvestment Act” included elsewhere under this item. As of December 31, 2020, East West is a financial holding company and has financial subsidiaries, as discussed in Item 1. Business — Organization.

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The Bank and its Subsidiaries

East West Bank is a California state-chartered bank and a member of the Federal Reserve, and its deposits are insured by the FDIC. The Bank’s operations in the U.S. are primarily regulated and supervised by the Federal Reserve and the DFPI, and its activities outside the U.S. are regulated and supervised by both its U.S. regulators and the applicable regulatory authority in the host country in which each overseas office is located. Specific federal and state laws and regulations that are applicable to banks regulate, among other things, their regulatory capital levels, 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. Bank regulatory agencies also have extensive discretion to impose various restrictions on management or operations and to issue policies and guidance 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. The Bank may also form subsidiaries to engage in the many activities commonly conducted by national banks in operating subsidiaries. Further, pursuant to the GLBA, the Bank may conduct certain “financial” activities in a subsidiary to the same extent permitted for a national bank, provided the Bank is “well capitalized” and “well managed” and has a CRA rating of at least “satisfactory.”

Regulation of Subsidiaries and Branches

The Bank’s foreign-based subsidiary, East West Bank (China) Limited, is subject to applicable foreign laws and regulations, such as those implemented by the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission. East West Bank’s Hong Kong branch is subject to applicable foreign laws and regulations, such as those implemented by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong.

Regulatory Capital Requirements

The federal banking agencies have imposed risk-based capital adequacy requirements intended to ensure that banking organizations maintain capital that is commensurate with the degree of risk associated with their operations. In July 2013, the federal banking agencies adopted final rules (the “Basel III Capital Rules”) establishing a comprehensive capital framework for U.S. banking organizations that became effective for the Company and the Bank beginning January 1, 2015. The Basel III Capital Rules define the components of regulatory capital, include a required ratio of Common Equity Tier 1 (“CET1”) capital to risk-weighted assets and restrict the type of instruments that may be recognized in Tier 1 and 2 capital (including by phasing out trust preferred securities from Tier 1 capital for bank holding companies). The Basel III Capital Rules also prescribe a standardized approach for risk weighting assets and include a number of risk weighting categories that affect the denominator in banking institutions’ regulatory capital ratios.

Under the Basel III Capital Rules, to be considered adequately capitalized, standardized approach banking organizations, such as the Company and the Bank are required to maintain minimum capital ratios of at least 4.5% CET1 capital to risk-weighted assets, 6.0% Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, 8.0% total capital (Tier 1 plus Tier 2) to risk-weighted assets and a 4.0% Tier 1 leverage ratio of Tier 1 capital to average total consolidated assets. The Basel III Capital Rules also include a “capital conservation buffer” of 2.5% that fully phased in on January 1, 2019, on top of each of the minimum risk-based capital ratios. Banking institutions with a risk-based capital ratio that meets or exceeds the minimum requirement but does not meet the capital conservation buffer will face constraints on dividends, equity repurchases and discretionary bonus payments based on the amount of the shortfall. To avoid these constraints, a banking organization must meet or exceed the following risk-based capital ratios (after any distribution): (i) CET1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 7.0%, (ii) Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 8.5%, and (iii) total risk-based capital to risk-weighted assets of 10.5%.

As of December 31, 2020, the Company’s and the Bank’s capital ratios exceeded the minimum capital adequacy requirements of the federal banking agencies, including the capital conservation buffer, and the Company and the Bank were classified as “well capitalized.” For additional discussion and disclosure see Item 7. MD&A — Regulatory Capital and Ratios and Note 17Regulatory Requirements and Matters to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.

The Bank is also subject to additional capital requirements under the Prompt Corrective Action (“PCA”) regulations that implement Section 38 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (“FDIA”), as discussed below under the Prompt Corrective Action section.

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Recent Regulatory Capital-Related Developments

From time to time, the regulatory agencies propose changes and amendments to, and issue interpretations of, risk-based capital requirements and related reporting instructions. Such proposals and interpretations could, if implemented in the future, affect our regulatory capital requirements and reported capital ratios.

In July 2019, the federal banking agencies issued a final rule (the “Capital Simplifications Rule”) to reduce regulatory compliance burden by simplifying certain risk-based and leverage capital requirements of the Basel III Capital Rules for non-advanced approaches banking organizations (i.e., banking organizations with less than $250 billion in total consolidated assets and with less than $10 billion of on-balance sheet foreign exposures), including the Company and the Bank. The Capital Simplifications Rule became effective for the Company and the Bank on April 1, 2020. Application of the Capital Simplifications Rule to our consolidated balance sheet did not have a significant impact on the capital ratios of the Company and the Bank.

In light of the recent disruptions in economic conditions caused by COVID-19 pandemic, the federal banking agencies have also revised the definition of eligible retained income to be the greater of (1) a banking organization’s net income for the four preceding calendar quarters, net of any distributions and associated tax effects not already reflected in net income, and (2) the average of a banking organization’s net income over the preceding four quarters. This revision reduces the likelihood that a banking organization is suddenly subject to abrupt and restrictive distribution limitations in a scenario where its capital ratios fall below an applicable minimum risk-based capital ratio requirement plus capital conservation buffer, and instead makes the application of these limitations more gradual. The revision became effective on March 20, 2020.

In April 2020, in recognition of the CARES Act requirements and to facilitate the use of the Paycheck Protection Program Liquidity Facility (“PPPLF”), the U.S. banking agencies issued an interim final rule that allows banking organizations to exclude from risk-based and leverage capital requirements any eligible assets sold or pledged to the Federal Reserve on a non-recourse basis through the PPPLF. The interim final rule states that PPP loans originated by a banking organization under the PPP will be risk-weighted at zero percent for regulatory capital purposes and PPP loans pledged as collateral to PPPLF may be excluded from the denominator of the Tier 1 leverage ratio. In addition, the CARES Act, the banking agencies’ “Interagency Statement on Loan Modifications and Reporting for Financial Institutions Working with Customer Affected by the Coronavirus (Revised)” (the “Interagency Statement”) issued on March 22, 2020 and April 7, 2020, and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (the “CAA”), enacted December 27, 2020, provided options for financial institutions to elect to temporarily suspend troubled debt restructurings (“TDR”) accounting under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Subtopic 310-40. For additional information, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Troubled Debt Restructurings, to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K. The election to apply the TDR relief under these regulatory guidance provided banking organizations such as the Bank a capital benefit by increasing its regulatory capital ratios as the loan modifications related to the COVID-19 pandemic are not adjusted to a higher risk weighting normally associated with a TDR classification.

In December 2018, the regulatory agencies approved a final rule to address changes to credit loss accounting, including with respect to banking organizations’ implementation of the Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13 Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326) Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which introduced the current expected credit losses (“CECL”) methodology. The final rule among other things provides banking organizations with the option to phase in over a three-year period the day-one adverse effects on regulatory capital upon the adoption of ASU 2016-13. On March 31, 2020, the federal banking agencies issued an interim final rule that provided banking organizations that adopted CECL during 2020, the option to delay for two years the estimated impact of CECL on regulatory capital, followed by a three-year transition period to phase out the aggregate amount of the capital benefit provided during the initial two-year delay (i.e., a five-year transition, in total). The Company adopted the five-year transition in 2020. As a result, the effects of CECL on the Company’s and the Bank’s regulatory capital will be delayed through the year 2021, after which the effects will be phased-in over a three-year period from January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024.
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Prompt Corrective Action

The FDIA, as amended, requires federal banking agencies to take PCA with respect to depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements. The FDIA includes the following five capital tiers: “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly 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. Under the federal banking agencies’ regulations implementing the PCA provisions of the FDIA, an insured depository institution generally is classified in the following categories based on the capital measures indicated:
PCA CategoryRisk-Based Capital Ratios
Total CapitalTier 1 CapitalCET1 CapitalTier 1 Leverage
Well capitalized (1)
≥ 10%≥ 8%≥ 6.5%≥ 5%
Adequately capitalized≥ 8%≥ 6%≥ 4.5%≥ 4%
Undercapitalized< 8%< 6%< 4.5%< 4%
Significantly undercapitalized< 6%< 4%< 3.0%< 3%
Critically undercapitalizedTangible Equity/Total Assets ≤ 2%
(1)Additionally, to be classified as well capitalized, an insured depository institution may not be subject to any written agreement, order, capital directive, or PCA directive issued by its primary federal regulator to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure.

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.

The FDIA generally prohibits a depository institution from making any capital distributions (including payment of any 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 capital restoration 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, cessation of receipt of deposits from correspondent banks and/or restrictions on interest rates paid on deposits. “Critically undercapitalized” institutions are subject to the appointment of a receiver or conservator. The FDIA also generally permits only “well capitalized” insured depository institutions to accept brokered deposits, however an “adequately capitalized” institution may apply to the FDIC for a waiver of this restriction.

Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Act and Stress Testing

In May 2018, the enactment of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (“EGRRCPA”) amended certain provisions in the Dodd-Frank Act and other statutes administered by the Federal Reserve. Amongst other things, the EGRRCPA provided regulatory relief, including from risk committee requirements, for bank holding companies and state member banks with total consolidated assets between $10 billion and $50 billion. We were among the bank holding companies and banks in this range until we exceeded $50 billion in total consolidated assets as of September 30, 2020.

The EGRRCPA also lifted the asset size threshold and provided relief for banks with assets between $50 billion and $100 billion with respect to many of the Dodd-Frank Act’s enhanced prudential standards, except for the risk committee requirements. The EGRRCPA also raised the asset size threshold for required company-run stress testing at banks and bank holding companies from $10 billion to $250 billion. Additionally, based on authority provided in the EGRRCPA, the Federal Reserve raised the asset size threshold for required supervisory stress testing at bank holding companies from $50 billion to $100 billion. Although the Company and the Bank are not required to conduct stress tests, we continue to conduct annual capital and quarterly liquidity stress tests.

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Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Supervision

The Dodd-Frank Act established the CFPB, which has the authority to implement, examine and enforce compliance with federal consumer financial laws that apply to banking institutions and certain other companies. The CFPB has exclusive authority to examine insured depository institutions with assets exceeding $10 billion (such as the Bank) and their affiliates with respect to these consumer financial laws, and may also take enforcement action. The CFPB may focus its supervisory, examination, and enforcement efforts on, among other things:
risks to consumers and compliance with federal consumer financial laws when evaluating the policies and practices of a financial institution;
unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices, which the Dodd-Frank Act empowers the CFPB 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, Electronic Fund Transfer Act, Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Fair Credit Billing Act; and
the markets in which firms operate and risks to consumers posed by activities in those markets.

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 consumers when taking deposits, making loans, collecting payments on loans and providing other services. Failure to comply with these laws can be foundsubject the Bank to various penalties, including, but not limited to, enforcement actions, injunctions, fines or criminal penalties, punitive damages or restitution to consumers, and copiedthe loss of certain contractual rights. The Company and the Bank 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 and the Federal Reserve’s Reserve Requirements

The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of San Francisco. As a 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 credit.

The Federal Reserve requires all depository institutions to maintain reserves at specified levels against their transaction accounts either in the form of vault cash or an interest-bearing account at the SEC’s Public Reference RoomFederal Reserve Bank, or a pass-through account as defined by the Federal Reserve. On March 26, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Reserve reduced reserve requirement ratios to zero percent, eliminating the reserve requirement for all deposit institutions, an action that provides liquidity in the banking system to support lending to households and businesses. The Bank is also a member bank and stockholder of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (“FRBSF”).

Dividends and Other Transfers of Funds

The principal source of liquidity of East West is dividends received from the Bank. The Bank is subject to various statutory and regulatory restrictions on its ability to pay dividends. In addition, the banking agencies have an 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 PCA regime, 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 “significantly undercapitalized” or, in some circumstances, “undercapitalized.” It is the Federal Reserve’s policy that a bank holding company should generally pay dividends on common stock only if the company’s net income available to common stockholders over the past four quarters, net of distributions, would be sufficient to fully fund the dividends, and if the prospective rate of earnings retention appears consistent with the company’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. It is also the Federal Reserve’s policy that a bank holding company should not maintain dividend levels that undermine the company’s ability to be a financial source of strength to its banking subsidiaries. The Federal Reserve requires bank holding companies to 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 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549,maximum allowable levels, unless both asset quality and capital are very strong.

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Transactions with Affiliates and Insiders

Pursuant to Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act, as implemented by the Federal Reserve’s Regulation W, banks are subject to restrictions that strictly limit their ability to engage in transactions with their affiliates, including their parent bank holding companies. Regulations promulgated by the Federal Reserve limit the types, terms and amounts of these transactions and generally require the transactions to be on an arm’s-length basis. In general, these regulations require that “covered transactions,” which include bank’s extensions of credit to or purchase of assets from an affiliate, be limited to 10% of the bank’s capital and surplus with respect to any one affiliate, and 20% of the bank’s capital and surplus with respect to the aggregate of all covered transactions with all affiliates. In addition, a bank generally may not extend credit to an affiliate unless the extension of credit is secured by callingspecified amounts of collateral. The Dodd-Frank Act expanded the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.

coverage and scope of the limitations on affiliate transactions, including by treating derivative transactions resulting in a bank’s credit exposure to an affiliate as covered transactions. 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.


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.

Community Reinvestment Act

Under the CRA, an insured depository institution has a continuing and affirmative obligation to help serve the credit needs of its communities, including low- and moderate-income borrowers and neighborhoods. The Federal Reserve periodically evaluates a state member bank’s performance under applicable performance criteria and assign a rating of “outstanding,” “satisfactory,” “needs to improve” or “substantial noncompliance.” The Federal Reserve takes this performance into account when reviewing applications by banks and their parent companies to expand branches, relocate, add subsidiaries and affiliates, expand into new financial activities and merge with or acquire other financial institutions. Unsatisfactory CRA performance may result in the denial of such applications. On September 21, 2020, the Federal Reserve issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that invites the public to comment on its proposal to modernize CRA regulations by strengthening, clarifying, and tailoring them to reflect the current banking landscape and better meet the core purpose of the CRA. The impact on the Company from any changes in CRA regulations will depend on how they are implemented and applied.

FDIC Deposit Insurance Assessments

The FDIC insures the Bank’s customer deposits through the DIF up to $250,000 for each depositor, per FDIC-insured bank, for each account ownership category. The DIF is funded mainly through quarterly insurance assessments on insured banks based on their assessment base. The Dodd-Frank Act revised the FDIC’s fund management authority by establishing a minimum Designated Reserve Ratio of 1.35 percent of total estimated insured deposits and redefining the assessment base to be calculated as average consolidated total assets minus average tangible equity. The Bank’s DIF quarterly assessment is calculated by multiplying its assessment base by the applicable assessment rate. The assessment rate is calculated based on an institution’s risk profile, including capital adequacy, asset quality, management, earnings, liquidity and sensitivity to market risk ratings, certain financial measures to assess an institution’s ability to withstand asset related stress and funding related stress, and a measure of loss severity that estimates the relative magnitude of potential losses to the FDIC in the event of the Bank’s failure.

As of June 30, 2020, the DIF reserve ratio fell to 1.30 percent, below the statutory minimum of 1.35 percent. The decline in the ratio was due to extraordinary insured deposit growth, which was resulted mainly from the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically monetary policy action, direct government assistance to the consumers and businesses, and an overall reduction in spending. The FDIC projects that the DIF reserve ratio would return to 1.35 percent without further action by the FDIC and has continued to maintain existing schedule of assessment rates.

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In June 2020, the FDIC published a final rule that mitigates the deposit insurance assessment effects of participating in the PPP, PPPLF and the Money Market Mutual Fund Liquidity Facility (“MMLF”). Under the rule, the FDIC provided adjustments to the risk based premium formula and certain of its risk ratios, and an offset to an insured institution’s total assessment amount due for the increase to its assessment base attributable to participation in the PPP and MMLF. Absent such a change to the assessment rules, an insured depository institution could have become subject to increased deposit insurance assessments based on its participation in the PPP, PPPLF or MMLF programs. This final rule became effective on April 1, 2020, which applied the changes to deposit insurance assessments starting in the second quarter of 2020.

The FDIC may terminate a depository institution’s deposit insurance upon a finding that the institution’s financial condition is unsafe or unsound, that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, or has violated any applicable rule, regulation, condition, or order imposed by the FDIC.

Bank Secrecy Act and Anti-Money Laundering

The Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”), USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 (“PATRIOT Act”), federal laws and regulations impose obligations on U.S. financial institutions to implement and maintain appropriate policies, procedures and controls, which are reasonably designed to prevent, detect and report instances of money laundering, the financing of terrorism and to comply with the recordkeeping and reporting requirements. Regulatory agencies expect that the Bank will have an effective governance structure for the program which includes effective oversight by our Board of Directors and management. We regularly evaluate and continue to enhance our systems and procedures to comply with the PATRIOT Act and other anti-money laundering (“AML”) initiatives. Failure of a financial institution to maintain and implement adequate BSA/AML programs, or to comply with all of the relevant laws or regulations, could have serious legal, financial and reputational consequences for the institution. The Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020, which became law in January 2021, made a number of changes to anti-money laundering laws, including increasing penalties for anti-money laundering violations. The Bank regularly evaluates and continues to enhance its systems and procedures to ensure compliance with the regulations.

Office of Foreign Assets Control Regulation

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) is responsible for helping to ensure that U.S. financial institutions do not engage in transactions with certain prohibited parties, as defined by various Executive Orders and Acts of Congress. Banking regulators also examine banks for compliance with regulations administered by the OFAC for economic sanctions against designated foreign countries, designated nationals, and others. OFAC publishes lists of persons and organizations suspected of aiding, harboring or engaging in terrorist acts, known as Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons. Generally, if a bank identifies a transaction, account or wire transfer relating to a person or entity on an OFAC list, it must freeze the account or block the transaction, file a suspicious activity report and notify the appropriate authorities. Failure to comply with these sanctions could have serious legal, strategic, and reputational consequences, and result in civil money penalties on the Company and the Bank.

Privacy and Cybersecurity

Federal statutes and regulations require banking organizations to take certain actions to protect nonpublic consumer financial information. The Bank has prepared a privacy policy that it must disclose to consumers annually. In some cases, the Bank must obtain a consumer’s consent before sharing information with an unaffiliated third party, and the Bank must allow a consumer to opt out of the Bank’s sharing of information with its affiliates for marketing and certain other purposes. Additional conditions affect the Bank’s information exchanges with credit reporting agencies. The Bank's privacy practices and the effectiveness of its systems to protect consumer privacy are subjects covered in the Federal Reserve’s periodic compliance examinations.

Consumer data privacy and data protection are also the subject of state laws. For example, on January 1, 2020, the Bank became subject to the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”). This statute grants consumers several rights, including the right to request disclosure of information collected about them and whether that information has been sold or shared with others, the right to request deletion of personal information (subject to certain exceptions), and the right to opt out of the sale of their personal information. However, a consumer does not have these rights with respect to information that is collected, processed, sold, or disclosed pursuant to the GLBA or the California Financial Information Privacy Act. The California Attorney General has adopted regulations to implement the CCPA.

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The Federal Reserve pays close attention to the cybersecurity practices of state member banks and their holding companies and affiliates. The interagency council of the agencies, the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (“FFIEC”), has issued a number of policy statements and other guidance for banks in light of the growing threat posed by cybersecurity threats. FFIEC has recently focused on such matters as compromised customer credentials, cyber resilience and business continuity planning. Examinations by the banking agencies now include review of an institution’s information technology and its ability to thwart or mitigate cyber-attacks. Additionally, on December 18, 2020, the federal banking agencies released a notice of proposed rulemaking that would require a banking organization to notify its primary federal regulator within 36 hours of a significant cybersecurity incident.

Future Legislation and Regulation

New statutes, regulations and policies that contain wide-ranging proposals for altering the structures, regulations and competitive relationships of financial institutions and public companies operating in the U.S. are regularly adopted. Such changes to applicable status, regulations and policies may change the Company’s operating environment in substantial and unpredictable ways, increase the Company’s cost of conducting business, impede the efficiency of the internal business processes, and restrict or expand the activities in which the Company may engage. Accordingly, such changes may have a significant influence on our operations and activities, financial condition, results of operations, growth plans or future prospects and the overall growth and distribution of loans, investments and deposits. We cannot predict whether or in what form any statute, regulation or policy will be proposed or adopted or the extent to which our businesses may be affected by any new statute or regulation.

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS


In the course of conducting the Company’sits businesses, the Company is exposed to a variety of risks, some of which are inherent into the financial services industry and others of which are more specific to the Company’s businesses. The followingCompany’s enterprise risk management (“ERM”) program incorporates risk management throughout the organization in identifying, managing, monitoring, and reporting risks. Our ERM program identifies the Company’s major risk categories as risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic; geopolitical uncertainties; financial risks; capital and liquidity risks; credit risk; operational risk; regulatory, compliance and legal risks; accounting and tax risks; and strategic and reputational risks. The ERM is comprised of senior management of the Company and chaired by the Chief Risk Officer.

The discussion sets forth what management currently believes could be the most significantbelow addresses material factors, of which we are currently aware, that could affecthave a material and adverse effect on our businesses, results of operations and financial condition. AdditionalMany of the following risks and uncertainties are, and will be, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and any worsening of the global business and economic environment as a result. These risk factors and other forward-looking statements that relate to future events, expectations, trends and operating periods involve certain factors that are subject to change, and important risks and uncertainties that could affect our businesses,cause actual results of operationsto differ materially. These risks 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 belowuncertainties should not be considered a complete discussion of all of the risks and uncertainties the Company may face.face and although the risks are organized by headings and each risk is discussed separately, many are interrelated.


Regulatory, ComplianceRisks Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted, and Legal Risksmay continue to impact, the Company’s businesses, financial condition, liquidity, capital and results of operations, and the extent and duration of these impacts depend on future developments, which remain uncertain and cannot be predicted. The COVID-19 pandemic and governmental responses to the pandemic have had and will likely continue to have a severe impact on global economic conditions, including disruption and volatility in the financial markets, disruption of global supply chains, temporary closures or failures of businesses, increased unemployment, and the imposition of social distancing and restrictions on movement in the U.S. and other countries.


ChangesEast West Bank is considered an essential business in law, regulationthe seven states where we have branches or oversightoffice locations. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to enhanced health and safety measures, the Company has implemented business continuity plans, prepared all East West Bank facilities with employee safety protocols, including personal protection equipment, visual safety reminders related to social distancing, social distancing markers, temperature checks and sanitary products, and continued to provide financial services to our customers. Subsequent waves of the COVID-19 pandemic may negatively affect our ability to provide services due to increased illnesses among our employees, quarantines, new “stay-at-home” orders or other restrictions on our employees, or the safety measures implemented to prevent illnesses of our employees, including the potential closure of particular branches and certain employees working remotely.
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Governments and regulatory authorities worldwide have taken and may continue to take measures to stabilize the markets and support economic growth. However, the success of these measures is unknown, and these measures may not be sufficient to address the negative economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic or to avert severe and prolonged slowdowns in economic activity.

We may face increased cybersecurity risks due to the shifting of a majority of our corporate and division office functions to operating remotely in regions impacted by “stay-at-home” orders.Increased levels of remote access may create additional opportunities for cybercriminals to attempt to exploit vulnerabilities, and our employees may be more susceptible to phishing and social engineering attempts due to increased stress caused by the crisis and from balancing family and work responsibilities at home. In addition, our technological resources may be strained due to the number of remote users.

The conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic could continue to adversely affect the ability of the Company’s borrowers to satisfy their obligations. Given that many of the Company’s loans are secured by real estate, a potential decline in real estate markets could further impact the Company’s business and financial condition, and the credit quality of the Company’s loan portfolio. In addition, some of the Company’s business customers are in volatile businesses and industries, which are sensitive to global economic conditions, supply chain disruptions and/or commodity prices. Any decline in these businesses and industries could cause decreased borrowings and potentially increase credit losses, which in turn could adversely affect the Company’s operations. EWBC is subjectfinancial condition. If unemployment continues to extensive regulation under federalrise and state laws,our customers experience credit deterioration, including inability to pay loans as well as supervisionthey come due or a decrease in the value of collateral and/or higher than usual draws on outstanding lines of credit, our level of charge-offs and examination byprovision for credit losses could continue to increase. Further, the DBO, FDIC, Federal Reserve, FHLB, SEC, CFPB, U.S.disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic may decrease our borrowers’ confidence with respect to purchasing real estate or homes and State Attorneys General,adversely affect the demand for the Company’s loans and other government bodies. Congressproducts and federal agencies have significantly increased their focus onservices, the regulationvaluation of our loans, securities, derivatives portfolios, goodwill and intangibles, the financial services industry. Among other things,carrying value of our deferred tax assets, our capital levels and liquidity, and our results of operations.

In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act, enacted in July 2010, instituted major changesunprecedented developments relating to the banking andCOVID-19 pandemic have contributed to heightened volatility in 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 riskmarkets in the U.S. These regulations affect our lending practices, capital structure, investment practices, dividend policy and growth, among other things. In addition, our overseas operationsworldwide. The continuation of prolonged adverse economic conditions primarily in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan are subject to extensive regulation under the laws of those jurisdictions as well as supervision and examination by financial regulators for those jurisdictions, which have also increased their focus on the regulation of the financial services industry. Moreover, 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 may limit the types of financial services and products we offer. Failure to comply with laws, regulations or policies could result in civil or criminal sanctions by state, federal and non-U.S. agencies, the loss of FDIC insurance, the revocation of our banking charter, civil or criminal monetary penaltiesU.S. and/or reputational damage, which couldGreater China can be expected to have a material adverse impacteffects on the Company’s businesses, results of operations and financial condition. The effects of any such legislative changes 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 importanceMarket declines or volatility due to the continuation and growthCOVID-19 pandemic could have material impacts on the value 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 the Federal Reserve, the DBO and financial regulators in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Federal, state and non-U.S. 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 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. Further, regulators and bank supervisors continue to exercise qualitative supervision and regulation of our industry and specific business operations and related matters. Any failure to satisfy regulators' substantive and qualitative expectations may adversely affect our business and operations. Violations of laws and regulations or deemed deficiencies in risk management or other qualitative practices also may be incorporated into the Company’s bank supervisory ratings. A downgrade in these ratings, or other regulatory actions and settlements could limit the Company’s ability to pursue acquisitions or conduct other expansionary activities and require new or additional regulatory approvals before engaging in certain other business activities.



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. What constitutes unfair, deceptive and abusive acts or practices may be clarified 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 rules and regulations. The CFPB 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. We maintain additional compliance personnel and have taken other steps to satisfy the associated regulatory compliance burden. While it remains difficult to quantify any additional required increase in our regulatory compliance burden, additional costs associated with regulatory compliance may be incurred.

We face risk of noncompliance and enforcement actions under the BSA and other AML statutes and regulations. The BSA requires bankssecurities, derivatives and other financial instruments which the Company owns. The Company executes transactions with various counterparties in the financial industry, including broker-dealers, commercial banks and investment banks, and defaults by financial services institutions and uncertainty in the financial services industry in general could lead to among other things, developmarket-wide liquidity problems and maintainmay expose the Company to credit risk in the event of default of its counterparties or clients and further increase the possibility of downgrades in the Company’s credit ratings. Any further measures undertaken by governmental authorities to address the COVID-19 pandemic could significantly disrupt or prevent us from operating our business in the ordinary course for an effective anti-money laundering programextended period, which could have a significant adverse effect on our results of operations and file suspicious activity and currency transaction reports as appropriate. FinCEN has delegated examination authority for compliance by banks with the BSAfinancial condition. Economic distress due to the federal banking regulators,COVID-19 pandemic could exacerbate these effects.Additionally, the earnings impact from recent and continued emergency interest rate cuts could further compress interest margins, which could potentially have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic and associated economic downturn continue to impact our businesses, results of operations and financial condition is uncertain and will depend on numerous evolving factors that are outside our control and cannot be accurately predicted, including the scope, severity and duration of the pandemic, the governmental, business and individual actions in response to the Boardpandemic, the impact of Governorsthose actions on global economic activities, and the pace of economic recovery when the COVID-19 pandemic subsides.

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The impact of the Federal Reserve for state licensed member banks. Under parallel authorityU.S. federal government actions to mitigate the effects of the bank regulators, the federal bank regulatorsCOVID-19 pandemic, and certain state regulators have authority to bring enforcement actions related to BSA compliance whichour participation in those efforts, may include compliance undertakings, written agreements, cease and desist orders, and/or civil monetary penalties. FinCEN may also impose civil monetary penalties based on BSA violations that are deemed willful. In addition, willful violations of the BSA also could result in criminal fines, penalties or forfeitures. The banking regulators also examine for 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 monetary penalties as well as serious reputational consequences that could materially and adversely affect our businesses, results of operations and financial condition.

The Bank is subjectU.S. federal government has taken significant action to supervision pursuantaddress the economic and financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Federal Reserve has sharply reduced interest rates and instituted quantitative easing measures, as well as domestic and global capital market support programs. In addition, Congress, various federal agencies and state governments have taken measures to a written agreement withaddress the economic and social consequences of the pandemic, including the enactment on March 27, 2020 of the CARES Act, which, among other things, established various initiatives to protect individuals, businesses and local economies in an effort to lessen the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on consumers and businesses. These initiatives included the PPP, funding and authority for the Federal Reserve Bankand U.S. Department of San FranciscoTreasury to establish the Main Street Lending Program (“FRB”MSLP”), relief with respect to TDRs, mortgage forbearance, and a memorandumextended unemployment benefits. In response to the continued market disruption and economic impact of understanding (“MOU”)the COVID-19 pandemic, the President signed into law the CAA on December 27, 2020. The CAA extended some of these relief provisions in certain respects as well as provided other forms of relief.

The PPP permitted small businesses, sole proprietorships, independent contractors and self-employed individuals to apply for forgivable loans from existing SBA lenders and other approved regulated lenders that enroll in the program, subject to numerous limitations and eligibility criteria. The CARES Act appropriated $349 billion to fund the PPP, and Congress appropriated an additional $310 billion for PPP commitments on April 24, 2020, and amended the PPP on June 5, 2020 to make the terms of the PPP loans and loan forgiveness more flexible. From April to August 2020, we accepted PPP applications and originated loans to qualified small businesses under this program. Consistent with the DBO regarding BSAterms of the PPP, these loans carry an interest rate of 1% and AMLare 100% guaranteed by the SBA. The substantial majority of the Company’s PPP loans have a term of two years. The Federal Reserve established the PPPLF to enable Federal Reserve Banks to extend credit to financial institutions that originate PPP loans, while taking the PPP loans as collateral. Earlier in 2020, we borrowed under the PPPLF by pledging PPP loans as collateral, and paid down all borrowings in the month of October 2020. The CAA provided additional funding to the PPP, expanded eligibility of business for the PPP, extended the PPP to March 31, 2021, and allowed eligible borrowers to obtain a second PPP loan with a maximum amount of $2 million. In January 2021, the Company began processing applications under this latest round of the SBA’s PPP. The Bank was also a participating lender in the MSLP, which was established by the Federal Reserve to support lending to small- and medium-sized businesses and nonprofit organizations that were in sound financial condition before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company’s participation in these programs could subject us to increased governmental and regulatory scrutiny, negative publicity or increased exposure to litigation, which could increase our operational, legal and compliance which agreementscosts and damage our reputation. Moreover, if the federal stimulus measures are not effective in mitigating the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, credit issues for our loan customers may be severe and adversely affect our businesses, results of operations, and financial condition more substantially over a longer period of time.

The CARES Act, as amended by the CAA, and related guidance from the federal banking agencies provide financial institutions the option to temporarily suspend requirements under the U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) related to classification of certain loan modifications as TDRs, to account for the current and anticipated effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act also includes a range of other provisions designed to support the U.S. economy and mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on financial institutions and their customers. Among other provisions, sections 4022 and 4023 of the CARES Act, respectively, require mortgage servicers to grant, on a borrower’s request, forbearance for up to 180 days (which can be extended for an additional 180 days) on a federally-backed single-family mortgage loan or forbearance up to 30 days (which can be extended for two additional 30-day periods) on a federally-backed multifamily mortgage loan when the borrowers experience financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Further, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Reserve implemented a number of facilities in addition to the PPPLF and MSLP to provide emergency liquidity to various segments of the U.S. economy and financial markets. Many of these facilities expired December 31, 2020, or were extended for brief periods into 2021. The expiration of these facilities could have adverse effect on U.S. economy and ultimately on our businesses,financial condition and results of operations.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, all of the federal banking regulatory agencies have encouraged lenders to extend additional loans, and the conditions which ledfederal government is considering additional stimulus and support legislation focused on providing aid to various sectors, including small businesses. The full impact on our business activities as a result of government and regulatory policies, programs and guidelines, as well as regulators’ reactions to such agreementsactivities, remains uncertain.

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Risks Related to Geopolitical Uncertainties

Unfavorable general economic, political or industry conditions, either domestically or internationally, may adversely affect our businesses, results of operations and financial condition. Our businesses and results of operations are affected by the financial markets and general economic conditions in the U.S. and Greater China, including factors such as the level and volatility of short-term and long-term interest rates, inflation, deflation, home prices, unemployment and under-employment levels, bankruptcies, household income, consumer behavior, 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 sustainability of economic growth in the U.S. and Greater 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, liquidity, and our results of operations. In addition, because the Company’s operations and the collateral securing its real estate lending portfolio are concentrated in Northern and Southern California, the Company may be particularly susceptible to the adverse economic conditions in the state of California. Any unfavorable changes in the economic and market conditions could lead to the following risks:
the process the Company uses to estimate the expected losses in the Company’s credit exposure requires difficult, subjective and complex judgments, including consideration of 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 of expected losses in the Company’s credit exposure which may, in turn, adversely impact the Company’s results of operations and financial condition;
the Company’s commercial and residential borrowers may not be able to make timely repayments of their loans, or a decrease in the value of real estate collateral securing the payment of such loans could result in additionalcredit losses, delinquencies, foreclosures and customer bankruptcies, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition;
a decrease in the demand for loans and other products and services;
a decrease in deposit balances;
future disruptions in the capital markets or other events, including actions being taken against by rating agencies and deteriorating investor expectations, may result in an inability to borrow on favorable terms or at all from other financial institutions;
the Bank,value of the AFS debt securities portfolio that the Company holds may be adversely affected by debt defaults; and
a loss of confidence in the financial services industry, our market sector and the equity markets by investors, placing pressure on the Company’s stock price.

Changes in the U.S. and Greater China trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs and retaliatory tariffs, may adversely impact the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. There have been ongoing discussions regarding potential changes to trade policies, legislation, treaties and tariffs between the U.S. and Greater China. Tariffs and retaliatory tariffs have been imposed and proposed. Changes in tariffs, retaliatory tariffs or other trade restrictions on products and materials that the Company’s customers import or export could cause the prices of their products to increase, possibly reduce demand and hence may negatively impact the Company’s customer margins and their ability to service debt. The Company may also experience a decrease in the demand for loans and other financial products, or experience a deterioration in the credit quality of the loans extended to the customers whose industry sectors that are most sensitive to the tariffs.

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We face risks associated with international operations. A substantial number of our customers have economic and cultural ties to Asia. The Bank’s international presence includes four full-service branches and four representative offices in Greater China. Our presence in Greater China carries 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, cross-border trade restrictions or tariffs, uncertainties regarding liability, trade barriers, difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations, political and economic risks, and financial risks including currency and payment risks. Additionally, our business could be adversely affected by the effects of a widespread outbreak of disease pandemics, including the current spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Any outbreak of disease pandemics, and other adverse public health developments, particularly in Asia, could have a material and adverse effect on our business operations. These could include temporary closures of our branches and offices and reduced consumer spending in the impacted regions or in the U.S., depending upon the severity, globally, which could adversely impact our operating costsresults and the performance of loans to impacted borrowers in Greater China or in the U.S. In addition, a significant outbreak of disease pandemics in the human population, specifically the COVID-19 pandemic, has resulted in a widespread health crisis that have had and continue to adversely affect the economies and financial markets of many countries, resulting in an economic downturn that could adversely affect our customers’ financial results. Further, volatility in the Shanghai and Hong Kong stock exchanges and/or a potential 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 operating in this region. These risks could adversely affect the Bank’ssuccess of our international operations and could have a material adverse effect on our overall business, results of operations. The Bank entered into a Written Agreement, dated November 9, 2015operations 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 FRB (the “Written Agreement”),U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, anti-corruption laws, and a related MOUother U.S. and foreign laws and regulations. Failure to comply with the DBO, relating to certain deficiencies identifiedsuch laws and regulations could, among other things, result in the Bank’s BSA/AML compliance program,enforcement actions and fines against us, 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 or MOU, the FRB or DBO could take further action with respect to the Bank, and ifwell as limitations on our conduct, any such further actions were taken, such actionof which could have a material adverse effect on our businesses, results of operations and financial condition. The operating

Natural disasters and geopolitical events beyond the Company’s control could adversely affect the Company. Natural disasters such as wildfires, earthquakes, extreme weather conditions, hurricanes, floods, widespread health emergencies or disease pandemics and other conditionsacts of nature and geopolitical events involving political unrest, terrorism or military conflicts could adversely affect the Company’s business operations and those of the Written Agreement could leadCompany’s customers and cause substantial damage and loss to an increased risk of beingreal and personal property. For example, California, in which the Company’s operations and the collateral securing its real estate lending portfolio are concentrated, contains active earthquake zones and has been, and continues to be, subject to additional regulatory actionsnumerous devastating wildfires. These natural disasters and geopolitical events could impair borrowers’ ability to service their loans, decrease the level and duration of deposits by customers, erode the FRBvalue of loan collateral, and DBO or other government agencies, as well as additional actions resulting from future regular annual soundnessresult in an increase in the amount of nonperforming assets, net charge-offs, and compliance examinations by federal and state regulators. To date,provision for credit losses, which could adversely affect the Company has added significant resources to comply with the Written Agreement and MOU, and to address any additional findings or recommendations by our regulators.

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 ourCompany’s businesses, results of operations and financial condition.

Risks Related to Financial Matters

Aportion 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. Because many of the Company’s loans are secured by real estate, a decline in the real estate markets could impact the Company’s business and financial condition. Real estate values and real estate markets are generally affected by changes in general 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 natural disasters, such as wildfires and earthquakes, which are particular to California, where a significant portion of the Company’s real estate collateral is located. 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 be further diminished, and the Company would be more likely to suffer losses on defaulted loans. Furthermore, commercial real estate (“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 borrowers, 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 businesses, results of operations and financial condition.

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The Company’s businesses are subject to interest rate risk and variations in interest rates may have a material adverse effect on 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 our product mix. Changes in key variable market interest rates such as the Federal Funds, National Prime, LIBOR or Treasury rates generally impact our interest rate spread. Because of the differences in 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 expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities. Increases in interest rates may result in a change in the mix of noninterest and interest-bearing deposit accounts. Rising interest rates may cause our funding costs to increase at a faster pace than the yield we earn on our assets, ultimately causing our net interest margin to decrease. Higher interest rates may also result in lower mortgage production income and increased charge-offs in certain segments of the loan portfolio, such as CRE and home equity. In contrast, declining interest rates would increase the Bank’s lending capacity, decrease funding cost, increase prepayments of loans and mortgage related securities, as borrowers refinance to reduce borrowing costs. Accordingly, changes in levels of interest rates could materially and adversely affect our net interest income, net interest margin, cost of deposits, loan origination volume, average loan portfolio balance, asset quality, liquidity and overall profitability.

Reforms to and uncertainty regarding LIBOR may adversely affect our business. On July 27, 2017, the United Kingdom (“U.K.”)’s Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”), which regulates LIBOR, announced that it will no longer compel banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021. In June 2017, U.S. Federal Reserve Bank's Alternative Reference Rates Committee (“ARRC”) selected the SOFR as the preferred alternative rate to LIBOR. SOFR differs from LIBOR in two key respects: SOFR is a single overnight rate, while LIBOR includes rates of several tenors; and SOFR is deemed a credit risk-free rate, while LIBOR incorporates an evaluation of credit risk. In addition, wethe SOFR methodology has not been tested for an extended period of time, which may suffer reputational harmlimit market acceptance of the use of SOFR. The ARRC and other entities intend for the transition to be economically neutral. During 2020, the ARRC has issued updated hardwired fallback language for bilateral business loans and syndicated loans, and a recommended spread methodology for non-consumer cash products, as well as guidance on several matters related to the transition. On October 23, 2020, the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (“ISDA”) launched its 2020 IBOR Fallbacks Supplement (“Supplement”) and IBOR Fallbacks Protocol (“Protocol”). The Supplement amended ISDA’s standard definitions for interest rate derivatives to incorporate robust fallbacks for derivatives linked to certain IBORs, with the changes effective on January 25, 2021. From that date, all new cleared and non-cleared derivatives that reference the definitions include the fallbacks. The Protocol enabled market participants to incorporate the revisions into their legacy non-cleared derivatives trades with other counterparties that choose to adhere to the Protocol. The Protocol was open for adherence beginning October 23, 2020 and became effective on the same date as the Supplement, January 25, 2021. The ARRC supports the ISDA Protocol. On November 30, 2020, LIBOR’s administrator, the ICE Benchmark Administration (“IBA”), in coordination with U.K. and U.S. regulators, announced the IBA’s intention to cease publication of the one-week and two-month U.S. dollar (“USD”) LIBOR settings immediately following the LIBOR publication on December 31, 2021, and the remaining USD LIBOR settings immediately following the LIBOR publication on June 30, 2023. Banks are encouraged to cease entering new contracts that use USD LIBOR as a reference rate as soon as practicable and in any event by December 31, 2021. The Company created a cross-functional team to manage the communication of the Company’s transition plans with both internal and external stakeholders and to ensure that the Company appropriately updates its business processes, analytical tools, information systems and contract language to minimize disruption during and after the LIBOR transition. However, due to the uncertainty surrounding the future of LIBOR, the transition is anticipated to span several reporting periods through the end of 2021 and potentially into 2023 with newly released timing of LIBOR cessation. Since the volume of our products that are indexed to LIBOR is significant, the transition, if not sufficiently planned for and managed by our cross-functional teams, could adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. Although implementation of the SOFR benchmark is intended to have minimal economic effect on the parties to a LIBOR-based contract, the transition from LIBOR to a new benchmark rate could result in significant increased systems compliance and legal costs. Inconsistent approaches to a transition from LIBOR to an alternative rate among different market participants and for different financial products may cause market disruption and operational problems, which could adversely affect us, including by exposing us to increased basis risk and resulting costs in connection with remediating these problems, and by creating the possibility of lawsuitsdisagreements with counterparties. This transition may also result in our customers challenging the determination of their interest payments or entering into fewer transactions or postponing their financing needs, which could reduce the Company’s revenue and claims. Moreover, itadversely impact our business. In addition, the uncertainty regarding the future of LIBOR as well as the transition from LIBOR to another benchmark rate or rates could have adverse impacts on floating-rate obligations, loans, deposits, derivatives, and other financial instruments that currently use LIBOR as a benchmark rate and, ultimately, adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.
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The 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 also affect the return earned on those loans and investments, both of which in turn affect our net interest margin. They can also materially decrease the value of financial assets we hold. Federal Reserve policies may bealso 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 predictpredict. Consequently, the outcomeimpact of a lawsuit or legal proceeding, which may present additional uncertainty tothese changes on our business prospects. Also, what constitutes unfair, deceptive and abusive acts or practices mayresults of operations is difficult to predict.

The Company is subject to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company’s foreign currency translation exposure relates primarily to its China subsidiary that has its functional currency denominated in Chinese Renminbi (“RMB”). In addition, as the Company continues to expand its businesses in China and Hong Kong, certain transactions are conducted in currencies other than the 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 shaped by opinions from courts, administrative proceedingsable to effectively manage foreign currency translation risk. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could have a material unfavorable impact on the Company’s net income, therefore adversely affecting the Company’s business, results of operations and agency guidance.financial condition.




Risks Related to Our Capital Resources and Liquidity Risks


As a regulated entity, we are subject to capital requirements, and a failure to meet these standards could adversely affect our financial condition. The Company and the Bank are subject to certain capital 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 ourrules, including the Basel III Capital Rules, which establish the minimum capital including common stock dividends and stock repurchases,adequacy requirements and may require us to increase our regulatory capital or liquidity targets, increase regulatory capital ratios, or liquidity. Significant parts of the capital requirements applicable to the Company and the Bank under the Basel III Capital Rules adopted by the Federal 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. As such,change how we are required to adopt more stringent capital adequacy standards than we have in the past. In addition, wecalculate regulatory capital. 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 enhance capital planning based on the hypothetical future adverse economic scenarios. We expect to meetAs of December 31, 2020, we met the requirements of the Basel III Capital Rules, including the capital conservation buffer fully phased-in as of January 1, 2019.buffer. Compliance with these capital requirements including leverage ratios, may limit capital-intensive operations that require intensive use of capital.and increase operational costs, and we may be limited or prohibited from distributing dividends or repurchasing our stock. This could adversely affect our ability to expand or maintain present business levels, which may adversely affect our businesses, results of operations and financial 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.in this Form 10-K.


The Company’s dependence on dividends from the Bank could affect the Company’s liquidity and ability to pay dividends. East West is dependent on the Bank for dividends, distributions and other payments. Our principal source of cash flows, including cash flows to pay dividends to our stockholders and principal and interest on our outstanding debt, is dividend incomedividends received from the Bank. The ability of the Bank to pay dividends to East West is limited by federal and California law. Subject to the Bank meeting or exceeding regulatory capital requirements, regulatory approval is required under federal law if the total of all dividends declared by the Bank in any calendar year would exceed the sum of the Bank’s net profitsincome for that year and its retained net profitsearnings for the preceding two years. Federal law also prohibits the Bank from paying dividends that would be greater than its undivided profits.profits, unless the Bank has received prior approval of the Federal Reserve and of at least two-thirds of the shareholders of each class of stock. Likewise, California law imposes its own limitations on capital distributions by California-charted banks that could require the Bank to obtain the approval of the DFPI prior to making a distribution to the Company. 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, net of distributions, for the period. Further description of regulatory requirements applicable to dividends by us and the Bank is set forth in Item 1. Business — Supervision and Regulation — Dividends and Other Transfers of Funds in this Form 10-K.


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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’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 market conditions or realized timely.in a timely fashion.




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-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 in Northern and Southern California, the Company may be particularly susceptible to the adverse economic conditions in the state of California. Any unfavorable changes in the economic and market conditions could 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 able 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;
a decrease in deposit balances due to overall reductions in customers’ accounts;
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;
the value of the available-for-sale investment securities portfolio that the Company holds may be adversely affected by defaults by debtors; and
a loss of confidence in the financial services industry, our market sector and the equity markets by investors, placing pressure on the Company’s stock price.

Aportion 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 impact the Company’s businesses 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 businesses, results of operations and financial condition.



The Company’s businesses 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 helddowngrades 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 our product mix. Changes in key variable market interest rates such as the Federal Funds, National Prime, the London Interbank Offered Rate or Treasury rates generally impact our interest rate spread. 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. Over the past several quarters, the Federal Reserve has been raising interest rates. Increases in interest rates may result in a change in the mix of non-interest and interest-bearing deposit accounts. When interest rates rise, our funding costs may rise faster than the yield we earn on our assets, causing our net interest margin to contract. Higher interest rates may also result in lower mortgage production income and increased charge-offs in certain segments of the loan portfolio, such as CRE and home equity.

The fiscal and monetary policies of the federal government and its agenciescredit ratings 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 theliquidity, 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.

We face risks associated with international operations. A substantial number of our customers have economic and cultural ties to Asia. The Bank’s international presence includes five full-service branches in Greater China, located in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shantou and Shenzhen. Shanghai has two branches, including one in the Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone. The Bank also has five representative offices in Greater China located in Beijing, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Taipei and Xiamen. Our efforts to expand our businesses in Asia 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, and financial risks including currency and payment risks. Further, volatility in the Shanghai and Hong Kong stock exchanges and/or a potential 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 businesses,funding, cash flows, results of operations and financial condition. Credit rating agencies regularly evaluate us, and their ratings are based on a number of factors, including our financial strength, capital adequacy, liquidity, asset quality and ability to generate earnings. Some of these factors are not entirely within our control, including conditions affecting the financial services industry as a whole. Severe downgrades in credit ratings could impact our business and reduce the Company’s profitability in different ways, including a reduction in the Company’s access to capital markets, triggering additional collateral or funding obligations which could negatively affect our liquidity. 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,counterparties, as well as limitationsour clients, rely on our conduct, anyfinancial strength and stability and evaluate the risks of whichdoing business with us. If we experience a decline in our credit rating, this could haveresult in a material adverse effect on our businesses, resultsdecrease in the number of operationscounterparties and clients who may be willing to transact with us. Our borrowing costs may also be affected by various external factors, including market volatility and concerns or perceptions about the financial condition.

The Company is subject to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company’s foreign currency translation exposure relates primarily to its China subsidiary that has its functional currency denominated in Chinese Renminbi. In addition, as the Company continues to expand its businesses 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 isservices industry. There can be no assurance that the Companywe can maintain our credit ratings nor that they will be ablelowered in the future.

Risks Related 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 Matters




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”),GAAP, we maintain an allowance for loan losses to provide for loan defaults and non-performance, andnonperformance, and an allowance for unfunded credit reservescommitments 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 loans held-for-investment portfolio, including historical loss experience, expected loss calculations,current economic conditions, reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions, 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 further 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 loancredit losses may not be adequate to cover probable loanabsorb actual credit losses, and future provisions for loancredit losses could materially and adversely affect our operating results. The amount of future losses is influenced by changes in economic, operating and other conditions, including changes in interest rates that may be beyond our control, and these losses may exceed current estimates.

Moreover, we adopted new guidance for estimating credit losses on loans receivable, held-to-maturity debt securities, and unfunded loan commitments effective January 1, 2020.The CECL model significantly changed how entities recognize impairment of many financial assets by requiring immediate recognition of estimated credit losses that occur over the life of the financial asset. This requires reserves over the life of the loan rather than the loss emergence period used in the prior model.The CECL guidance requires the implementation of new modeling to quantify this estimate by using principles of not only relevant historical experience and current conditions, but also reasonable and supportable forecasts of future events and circumstances, thus incorporating a broad range of estimates and assumptions in developing credit loss estimates, which could result in significant changes to both the timing and amount of credit loss expense and allowance.Adoption of, and efforts to implement this guidance has caused and may in the future cause our allowance for credit losses to change, which could have a material adverse effect on our businesses, financial condition, results of operations and financial condition. future prospects.

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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 the 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.commitments. The level of the allowance for unfunded credit reservescommitments is determined by following a methodology similar to that used to establish our allowance for loan losses in our loans held-for-investment portfolio. There can be no assurance that our allowance for unfunded credit reservescommitments will be adequate to provide for the actual losses associated with our unfunded credit commitments. An increase in the allowance for unfunded credit reservescommitments in any period may result in a charge to earnings.


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 inaffected by the same or similar economic conditions in the markets in which we operate or elsewhere, which could result in materially higher credit losses. Deterioration in economic conditions, housing conditions, or real estate values in those markets could result in materially higher credit losses. TheFor example, the Bank has a concentration of real estate loans in California. Potential deterioration in the California 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 businesses,business, results of operations and financial condition. If any particular industry or market sector were to experience economic difficulties, loan collectability from customers operating in those industries or sectors may differ from what we expected, which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition.


Operational Risks Related to Our Operations

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, financial condition, cash flows, and liquidity, 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, weour ongoing operations 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 wildfires, disease pandemics, 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, financial condition, cash flows, and liquidity, and may result in loss of confidence, significant litigation exposure and harm to our reputation.



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A cyber-attack, information or security breach, or a technology failure of oursour systems or of a third partyparty’s systems could adversely affect our ability to conduct our businesses,business, manage our exposure to risk or expand our businesses,businesses. This could also 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, financial condition, cash flows and liquidity, as well as causeresult in reputational harm. The Company offers various internet-based services to its clients, including online banking services. The secure transmission of confidential information over the internet is essential to maintainin maintaining our clients’ confidence in the Company’s online services. In addition, our businesses arebusiness is 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, including ransomware and malware attacks, for financial institutions have significantly increased in recent years in part because of the proliferation of new technologies, the use of the internet and telecommunicationstelecommunication technologies to conduct financial transactions, especially as more employees are working remotely, and the increased sophistication and activities of organized crime, hackers, terrorists, nation-states and other external parties. Our businessesbusiness 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 developednetworks; notwithstanding our defensive systems and processes that are designed to prevent security breaches and periodically test the Company’s security. The Company employs a combination of preventative and detective controls such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, data loss prevention, anti-malware, endpoint detection and response solutions to safeguard against cyber-attacks. There is no assurance that all of our security failuremeasures will be effective, especially as the threat from cyber-attacks is continuous and severe, attacks are becoming more sophisticated and increasing in volume, and attackers respond rapidly to changes in defensive measures. Failure to mitigate breaches of security, or to comply with frequent imposition of increasingly demanding new and changing industry standards and regulatory requirements, could adverselyresult in violation of applicable privacy laws, reputational damage, regulatory fines, litigation exposure, increase security compliance costs, 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 businesses, results of operations and financial condition. We have not experienced any known attacks on our information technology systems that have resulted in any material system failure, incident or security breach to date.


Failure to keep pace with technological change could adversely affect the Company’s 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 continuously 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’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 businesses and, in turn, the Company’s results of 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 could adversely affect our businesses, results of operations, financial condition and 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 nonperforming assets, net charge-offs, and provision for loan losses, which could adversely affect the Company’s 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,broker-dealers, commercial banks and investment banks. Defaults by financial services institutions and uncertainty in the financial services industry in general could lead to the unavailability ofmarket-wide liquidity throughout the marketproblems and may expose the Company to credit risk in the event of default of its counterparty or client.risk. 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 and financial condition.

The Company’s controls and procedures could fail or be circumvented. Management regularly reviews and updates the Company’s internal controls, disclosurereporting 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 or supervisory expectations related to controls and procedures could adversely affect the Company’s businesses, results of operations and financial condition.

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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.

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.Company operates in a highly competitive environment. 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. TheseOur competitors include nationalcommercial banks, other regional banks and 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 regional, national, and global financial intermediaries. In particular,institutions. Some of the Company’smajor competitors include majormultinational financial service 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 foron loans and deposits, efforts to obtain loan and deposit customerscustomer services, and a range inof price and quality of products and services, provided, including new technology-driven products and services. If the Company is unableFailure to attract and retain banking customers may adversely impact the Company may be unable to continue itsCompany’s loan growth and level of deposits.deposit growth.

The Company has engaged in and may continue to engage in further expansion through acquisitions, which could negatively affect the Company’s businesses and earnings. There are risks associated with expansionexpanding 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 fromfailing to retain customers or employees, and being unable to profitably deploy assets acquired in the transaction. Additional country/country or region-specific risks are associated with transactions outside the U.S., including in Greater 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 (“EPS”) and share ownership.

Risks Related to Regulatory, Compliance and Legal Matters

Changes in current and future legislation and regulation may require the Company to change its business practices, increase costs, limit the Company’s ability to make investments and generate revenue, or otherwise adversely affect business operations and/or competitiveness. EWBC is subject to extensive regulation under federal and state laws, as well as supervision and examination by the DFPI, FDIC, Federal Reserve, SEC, CFPB, and other government agencies and self-regulatory organizations. We are also subject to enforcement oversight by the U.S. Department of Justice and state attorneys general. Our overseas operations in Greater China are subject to extensive regulation under the laws of those jurisdictions as well as supervision and examinations by financial regulators for those jurisdictions. Moreover, 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 the manner in which EWBC conducts business. In addition, such changes could also subject us to additional costs and may limit the types of financial services and products we offer, and the investments we make.

Given that banks operate in an extensively regulated environment under federal and state law, good standing with our regulators is of fundamental importance to the continuation and growth of our businesses. In the performance of their supervisory and enforcement duties, U.S. federal and state regulators, and non-U.S. regulators have significant discretion and power to initiate enforcement actions for violations of laws and regulations, and unsafe and unsound practices. Further, regulators and bank supervisors continue to exercise qualitative supervision of our industry and specific business operations and related matters. Violations of laws and regulations or deemed deficiencies in risk management or other qualitative practices also may be incorporated into the Company’s bank supervisory ratings. A downgrade in these ratings, or other enforcement actions or supervisory criticisms could limit the Company’s ability to pursue acquisitions or conduct other expansionary activities and require new or additional regulatory approvals before engaging in certain other business activities, as well as result in civil monetary penalties, other sanctions, and damage to our reputation, all of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and future prospects.

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Failure to comply with laws, regulations or policies could result in civil or criminal sanctions by U.S. federal and state, and non-U.S. agencies, the loss of FDIC insurance, the revocation of our banking charter, civil or criminal monetary penalties and/or reputational damage, which could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s businesses, results of operations and financial condition. We continue to adjust to our businesses and operations, capital, policies, procedures and controls to comply with these laws and regulations, final rulemaking, and interpretations from the regulatory authorities. See Item 1. Business — Supervision and Regulation for more information about the regulations to which we are subject.

We face a risk of noncompliance and enforcement action with the Bank Secrecy Act and other anti-money laundering statutes and regulations. The BSA, the PATRIOT Act, and other laws and regulations require financial institutions, among other duties, to institute and maintain an effective AML program and file suspicious activity reports and currency transaction reports when appropriate. We are also required to ensure our third party vendors adhere to BSA laws and regulations. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network is authorized to implement, administer, and enforce compliance with the BSA and associated regulations. It has the authority to impose significant civil money penalties for violations of those requirements and has been engaging in coordinated enforcement efforts with the federal and state banking regulators, as well as the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). Further, we may provide banking services to customers considered to be higher risk customers, which subjects us to greater enforcement risk under the BSA.

We are also required to comply with U.S. economic and trade sanctions administered by OFAC regarding, among other things, the prohibition of transacting business with, and the need to freeze assets of, certain persons and organizations identified as a threat to the national security, foreign policy or economy of the U.S. A violation of any AML or OFAC-related law or regulation could subject us to significant civil and criminal penalties as well as regulatory enforcement actions, which may include restrictions on our ability to pay dividends and the necessity to obtain regulatory approvals to proceed with certain aspects of our business plan, including any acquisition plans. Any of these violations could have a material adverse effect on our businesses, results of operations, financial condition, reputation and future prospects.

We are subject to significant financial and reputational risk arising from lawsuits and other legal proceedings. We face significant risk from lawsuits and claims brought by consumers, borrowers and counterparties. These actions include claims for monetary damages, penalties and fines, as well as demands for injunctive relief. If these lawsuits or claims, whether founded or unfounded, are not resolved in a favorable manner to us, they could lead to significant financial obligations for the Company, as well as restrictions or changes to how we conduct our businesses. Although we establish accruals for legal matters when and as required by GAAP and certain expenses and liabilities in connection with such matters may or may not be covered by insurance, the amount of loss ultimately incurred in relation to those matters may be substantially higher than the amounts accrued and/or insured. Substantial legal liability could adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition. In addition, we may suffer significant reputational harm as a result of lawsuits and claims, adversely impacting our ability to attract and retain customers and investors. Moreover, it may be difficult to predict the outcome of certain legal proceedings, which may present additional uncertainty to our business prospects.

Risks Related to Accounting and Tax RisksMatters

Changes in accounting standards or changes in how the accounting standards are interpreted or applied could materially impact the Company’s financial statements. The preparation of the Company’s financial statements is based on accounting standards established by the FASB and the SEC. From time to time, the FASB or the SECthese accounting standards may change the financial accounting and reporting standards that govern the preparation ofsuch changes may have a material impact on 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, the Company could be required to applyadopt a new or revised standard retroactively, potentially resulting in the Company restatingrestatements to a prior period’s financial statements.

The Company’s consolidated financial statements are based in part on assumptions and estimates which, if incorrect, could cause unexpected losses in the future. Pursuant to U.S. GAAP, we are required to use certain assumptions and estimates in preparing our financial statements, including in determining credit loss reserves, reserves related to litigation and the fair value of certain assets and liabilities, among other items. Several of our accountingAccounting policies related to these estimates and assumptions are critical because they require management to make subjective and complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertainuncertain. If these estimates and because it is likely that materially different amounts wouldassumptions are incorrect, we may be reported under different conditions or by using different assumptions.required to restate prior-period financial statements. For a description of these policies, refer to Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements.Statements in this Form 10-K.



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There may be substantial changesChanges to fiscal policies and tax policies thatlegislation may adversely affect our business. business.From time to time, the U.S. government may introduce new fiscal policies and tax laws or make substantial changes to a variety of federal policies and regulations, including fiscal and tax policies that may affect our business. In addition, new tax laws or the expiration of or changes in the existing tax laws, or the interpretation of those laws,legislation. These changes could have a material impact on the Company’s businesses, results of operations and financial condition. The Company’s positions or its actions taken prior to such changes, may be compromised by such changes. In addition, the Company’s actions taken in response to, or in reliance upon, such changes in the tax laws may impact our tax position in a manner that may result in adverse financial conditions. On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”) was enacted. The Tax Act resulted in additional income tax expense being recorded in the fourth quarter of 2017. The Tax Act made numerous changes to the federal corporate tax law that, among other things, reducing the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, expensing 100% of the cost of acquired qualified property after September 27, 2017, transitioning from a worldwide tax system to a territorial system, imposing a one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of cumulative foreign earnings as of December 31, 2017, and eliminating any carrybacks of tax credits and net operating losses (“NOLs”) incurred after December 31, 2017. In addition, NOLs incurred after December 31, 2017 are now limited to 80% of taxable income for any given year and may be carried forward indefinitely.  The changes enacted by the Tax Act will be partially effective in the current 2018 tax year and fully effective in the 2019 tax year. The Company is analyzing the Tax Act with its professional advisors. While we currently anticipate that the changes enacted by the Tax Act will have a favorable effectalso provides for current and deferred taxes in our financial statements, based on our financial condition, profitability and/or cash flows, until such analysis is complete, the full impact of the Tax Act on the Company in future periods is uncertain and no assurances can be made by the Company on any potential impacts. In the absence of guidance on various uncertainties and ambiguities in the application of certain provisions of the Tax Act, we will use what we believe are reasonable interpretations and assumptions in applying the Tax Act, but it is possible that the IRS could issue subsequent guidance or take positions upon audit that differ from our prior interpretations and assumptions, which could have a material adverse effect on our cash tax liabilities, results of operations and financial condition. We may take tax return filing positions for which the final determination of tax is uncertain and our income tax expense could be increased if a federal, state, or local authority were to assess additional taxes that have not been provided for in our consolidated financial statements. There can be no assurance that we will achieve our anticipated effective tax rate. The CARES Act included a number of tax relief provisions for eligible individuals and businesses. It is possible that the U.S. government could further introduce new tax legislation or amend current tax laws that would adversely affect the Company. In addition, the President’s proposed budget, negotiations with Congress over the details of the budget, and the terms of the approved budget could create uncertainty about the U.S. economy, ultimately having an adverse effect on our business.

The Company’s investments in certain tax-advantaged projects may not generate returns as anticipated and may have an adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations. The Company invests in certain tax-advantaged projectsinvestments that support qualified affordable housing projects, community development and renewable energy resources. The Company’s investments in these projects are designed to generate a return primarily through the realization of federal and state income tax credits, and other tax benefits, over specified time periods. Due diligence review is performed both prior to the initial investment and on an ongoing basis, however, there may be assessments that we failed or were unable to discover or identify in the course of performing due diligence review. The Company is subject to the risk that previously recorded tax credits, which remain subject to recapture by taxing authorities based on compliance features required to be met at the project level, willmay fail to meet certain government compliance requirements and willmay not be able to be realized. The possible inability to realize these tax credits and other tax benefits couldmay have a negative impact on the Company’s financial results. The risk of not being able to realize the tax credits and other tax benefits depends on many factors outside the Company’s control, including changes in the applicable tax code and the ability of the projects to be completed.
Other Risks
General Risk Factors

Anti-takeover provisions could negatively impact the Company’s stockholders. Provisions of Delaware and California 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.Company. 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 of Directors. Additionally, the Company’s certificate of incorporation, as amended, authorizes the Board of Directors to issue preferred stock and preferred stockwhich could be issued as a defensive measure in response to a takeover proposal.

Further, prior approval of the Federal Reserve and the DFPI is required for any person to acquire control of us, and control for these purposes may be presumed to exist when a person owns 10% or more of our outstanding common stock. Federal Reserve approval is also required for a bank holding company to acquire more than 5% of our outstanding common stock. 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 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.




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 ofin response to a number of factors, manysome 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: include, among other things:

actual or anticipated quarterly fluctuations in the Company’s results of operations and financial condition;
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changes in revenue or earnings estimates or publication of research reports and recommendations by financial analysts;analysts and rating agencies;
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;
addition or departure of key personnel;
fluctuations in the stock price and operating results of the Company’s competitors;
general market conditions and, in particular, developments related to market conditions forin the financial services industry;
proposed or adopted regulatory changes or developments;
cyclical fluctuations;
trading volume of the Company’s common stock; and
anticipated or pending investigations, proceedings or litigation that involve or affect the Company;Company.

Industry factors, general economic and
domestic political conditions and internationalevents, such as cyber or terrorist attacks, economic factors unrelateddownturn or recessions, interest rate changes, credit default trends, currency fluctuations, changes to the Company’s performance.

The markettrade policies or public health issues could also cause our stock price to decline regardless of the Company’s common stock may be volatile. In addition, the trading volume in the Company’s common stock may fluctuate 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, future sales of the equity or equity-related securities, government legislation, regulatory action and cyclical fluctuations.our operating results. 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.stockholders.


If the Company’s goodwill werewas 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 pricesA significant decline in active markets areour expected future cash flows, a material change in interest rates, a significant adverse change in the best evidencebusiness climate, slower growth rates, or a significant or sustained decline in the price of fair value and arethe Company’s common stock may necessitate taking charges in the future related 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.goodwill. If the Company were to determinedetermines that a future write-down of goodwill is necessary, the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeded its implied fair value, the Company wouldsuch impairment charge could be required to write down the value of the goodwill on the balance sheet,significant and could adversely affectingaffect earnings as well as capital.




ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS


None.


ITEM 2. PROPERTIES


East West’s corporate headquarters is located at 135 North Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, California, in an eight-story office building.building that it owns. The Company operates over 130in 116 locations worldwide including its headquarters, main administrative offices, branchesin the U.S. and representative offices.eight locations in Greater China. In the U.S., the Bank’s corporate headquarters and main administrative offices are located in California, and branches are located in California, Texas, New York, Washington, Georgia, Massachusetts and Nevada. 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.


As of December 31, 2017,2020, the Bank owns approximately 154,000 square feet of property at 19 U.S. locations and leases approximately 783,000 square feet in the properties at 32 of itsremaining U.S. locations. All international and other domestic branch and office locations are leased, with lease expirationExpiration dates rangingfor these leases range from 20182021 to 2032,2036, exclusive of renewal options. The Bank leases all of its branches and offices in Greater China, totaling approximately 58,000 square feet. Expiration dates for these leases range from 2021 to 2026. 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 and does not currently own or lease any real or personal property. 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 facilitiesproperties on similar terms without adversely affecting its operations.


ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS


See Note 1312 — Commitments, Contingencies and Related Party Transactions — Litigation to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES


Not applicable.

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PART II


ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES


Market Information, Holders of Common Stock and Dividends


The Company’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQNasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “EWBC.” The following tables set forth the high and low closing sales prices per share of the Company’s common stock as reported on the NASDAQ, as well as the quarterly dividends the Company declared, for the periods indicated:
 
  2017
  High Low 
Cash
Dividends
First quarter $56.53 $49.11 $0.20
Second quarter $59.31 $49.43 $0.20
Third quarter $60.06 $53.03 $0.20
Fourth quarter $62.18 $56.66 $0.20
 
 
  2016
  High Low 
Cash
Dividends
First quarter $41.07 $27.25 $0.20
Second quarter $40.00 $31.34 $0.20
Third quarter $37.59 $31.34 $0.20
Fourth quarter $51.73 $36.31 $0.20
 

As of January 31, 2018, 144,544,0222021, the Company had 712 stockholders of record holding 141,565,473 shares of the Company’s common stock, werenot including beneficial owners whose shares are held by 751 stockholdersin record names of record and by approximately 61,500 additional stockholders whosebrokers or other nominees.

Holders of the Company’s common stock was held for them in street name or nominee accounts.

For informationare entitled to receive cash dividends when declared by the Company’s Board of Directors out of legally available funds. The Board of Directors presently intends to continue the policy of paying quarterly cash dividends, however, there can be no assurance as to future dividends because they are dependent on the statutoryCompany’s future earnings, capital requirements and regulatory restrictions that limit the Company’s ability to pay dividends to its stockholders and the Bank’s ability to pay dividends to East West, see Item 1.Business — Supervision and RegulationDividends and Other Transfers of Funds,Item 7. MD&A — Asset Liability and Market Risk Managementand Note 20— Parent Company Condensed Financial Statements to the Consolidated Financial Statements.financial condition.


Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans


For information regarding securities authorized for issuance under the Company’s equity compensation plans, see Note 13 — Stock Compensation Plans to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters of Part III presented elsewhere in this report,Form 10-K, which are incorporated herein by reference.



Five-Year Stock Performance


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 (“S&P”) 500 Index and the Keefe, Bruyette and Woods (“KBW”) NASDAQNasdaq Regional Banking Index (“KRX”) over the five-year period through December 31, 2017.2020. The S&P 500 Index is utilized as a benchmark against performance and is a commonly referenced U.S. equity benchmark consisting of leading companies from different economic sectors. The KRX is used to align EWBC with those companies of a relatively similar size. This index seeks to reflect the performance of publicly traded U.S. companies that do business as regional banks or thrifts, and is composed of 50 companies. The graph and table below assume that on December 31, 2012,2015, $100 was invested in EWBC’s common stock, the S&P 500 Index and the KRX, 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 “Five-Year Stock Performance” shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material��material” or to be “filed” with the SEC or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the Company specifically requests that such information to be treated as soliciting material or specifically incorporates itto be incorporated by reference into a filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

ewbc-20201231_g1.jpg
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 December 31,December 31,
Index 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017Index201520162017201820192020
East West Bancorp, Inc. $100.00 $166.05 $187.52 $205.26 $256.46 $311.21East West Bancorp, Inc.$100.00$124.90$151.60$110.20$126.10$135.50
KRX $100.00 $146.85 $150.41 $159.31 $221.46 $225.34KRX$100.00$139.00$141.50$116.70$144.50$131.90
S&P 500 Index $100.00 $132.39 $150.51 $152.59 $170.84 $208.14S&P 500 Index$100.00$112.00$136.40$130.40$171.50$203.00
Source: KBW


Repurchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers


On July 17, 2013,March 3, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a stockthe repurchase program to buy backof up to $100.0$500.0 million of the Company’s common stock. This $500.0 million repurchase authorization is inclusive of the unused portion of the Company’s $100.0 million stock repurchase authorization previously outstanding in 2013. The share repurchase authorization has no expiration date. In March 2020, the Company repurchased 4,471,682 shares at an average price of $32.64 per share and a total cost of $146.0 million. The Company’s total remaining available share repurchase authorization as of December 31, 2020 was $354.0 million. The Company did not repurchase any shares under this program thereafter, including during 20172019 and 2016. 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 of Directors.2018.




ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA


For selected financial data information, see Information in response to this Item 6 can be found in Item 7. MD&A — Overview — Five-Year Summary of Selected Financial Data, which is incorporated herein by reference.


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EAST WEST BANCORP, INC.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page

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Overview

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”“Company,” “we” or “EWBC”), and its various subsidiaries, including its subsidiary bank, East West Bank and its subsidiaries (referred to herein as “East West Bank” or the “Bank”). This information is intended to facilitate the understanding and assessment of significant changes and trends related to the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes presented elsewhere in this report.Form 10-K.


Company Overview


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.BHC Act. The Company commenced business on December 30, 1998 when, pursuant to a reorganization, it acquired all of the voting stock of the Bank, which became its principal asset. The Bank is an independent commercial bank headquartered in California that has a strong focus on the financial service needs of the Chinese AmericanAsian-American community. The Bank operates both in the United States (“U.S.”) and Greater China. As of December 31, 2017, East West had $37.2 billion in assets and approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent employees.

The Company’s vision is to serve as the financial bridge between the U.S. and Greater China. The Company’s primary strategy to achieve 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. WithThrough over 130120 locations in the U.S. and Greater China, and by offeringthe Company provides a full range of cross-borderconsumer and commercial products and services through three business segments: Consumer and Business Banking, Commercial Banking, with the remaining operations included in Other. The Company’s principal activity is lending to and accepting deposits from businesses and individuals. The primary source of revenue is net interest income, which is principally derived from the difference between interest earned on loans and debt securities and interest paid on deposits and other funding sources. As of December 31, 2020, the Company continueshad $52.16 billion in assets and approximately 3,200 full-time equivalent employees. For additional information on products and services provided by the Bank, see Item 1. Business — Banking Services.

Corporate Strategy

We are committed to seek attractive opportunitiesenhancing long-term shareholder value by executing on the fundamentals of growing loans, deposits and revenue, improving profitability, and investing for growth in pursuing its cross-borderthe future while managing risks, expenses and capital. Our business banking strategy.model is built on customer loyalty and engagement, understanding of our customers’ financial goals, and meeting our customers’ financial needs through our diverse products and services. The Company’s approach is concentrated on seeking out and deepening client relationships that meet our risk/return measures. This focus guides our decision-making across every aspect of our operations: the products we develop, the expertise we cultivate and the infrastructure we build to help our customers conduct business. For additional information on products and services provided by the Bank, see Item 1. Business — Banking Services.

We remain committed to enhancing long-term shareholder value by continuing to execute on the fundamentals of growing loans, deposits and revenue and improving profitability, while investing for the future and managing risk, expenses and capital. Our business model is built on customer loyalty and engagement, understanding our customers’ financial goals and meeting their financial needs through our offering of diverse products and services. The Company’s approach is concentrated on organically growing and deepening client relationships that meet our risk/return measures.businesses. We expect our relationshiprelationship-focused business model to continue to generate organic growth and to expand our targeted customer bases. We continue to focus on expense management by investingOn an ongoing basis, we invest in technology onto improve the customer user experience, strengthen critical business infrastructure, and streamliningstreamline core processes. In addition, ourprocesses, while appropriately managing operating expenses. Our risk management activities are focused on ensuring that the Company identifies and manages risks to maintain safety and soundness while maximizing profitability.



Coronavirus Disease 2019 Global Pandemic


Financial HighlightsThe COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruption around the world, as well as economic and financial market deterioration, which did not exist at the beginning of 2020. These economic and operating conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have created financial difficulties for many of the Company’s commercial and consumer customers. As a result, some borrowers may not be able to satisfy their obligations to us. As many of the Company’s loans are secured by real estate, a potential decline in the real estate markets could also negatively impact the Company’s business, financial condition and the credit quality of the Company’s loan portfolio. It has adversely affected, and is likely continue to adversely affect, our business, financial condition and results of operations. We cannot predict at this time the scope and duration of the pandemic as the COVID-19 pandemic has not yet been contained. While there have been various governmental and other responses to slow or control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to mitigate its adverse impacts, such as stay-at-home orders, restrictions on business activities, economic relief for individuals and businesses, and monetary policy measures, these responses have met varying degrees of success, and it remains uncertain whether these actions will be successful as the pandemic continues. Although effective vaccines have been developed, their distribution is still in the early stages and it is uncertain how long the process will take to complete, nationally or globally.


For
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Regulatory Developments Relating to the year endedCOVID-19 Pandemic

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act —The CARES Act was enacted on March 27, 2020 to lessen the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals, businesses and local economies. The CARES Act initiatives included extended unemployment benefits, mortgage forbearance, the SBA PPP and funding and authorization for the MSLP. The Company participated in the Federal Reserve’s MSLP and funded $233.6 million in MSLP loans as of December 31, 20172020. The related Main Street special purpose vehicle purchased participations in these loans which amounted to $221.9 million or 95%. The CARES Act also required mortgage servicers to grant, on a borrower’s request, forbearance for up to 180 days (which could be extended for up to another 180 days) on a federally-backed single-family mortgage loan or forbearance up to 30 days (which could be extended for two additional 30-day periods) on a federally-backed multifamily mortgage loan when the borrowers experience financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response to the continued market disruption and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, President Trump signed into law the CAA on December 27, 2020. The CAA contains a variety of provisions for emergency relief to individuals and business related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including measures to, among other things, provide additional funding to businesses, facilitate emergency capital investments by community development financial institutions, fund rental assistance for certain individuals and extend regulatory relief relating to the adoption of CECL until the earlier of the first day of the fiscal year of the institution that begins after the national emergency termination date or January 1, 2022. The CAA provided additional funding to the PPP, expanded eligibility of businesses for the PPP, extended the PPP to March 31, 2021, and allows eligible borrowers to obtain a second PPP loan (“second draw”) up to a maximum amount of $2 million. Second draw PPP borrowers are eligible for loan forgiveness on the same terms as the first draw borrowers. The CAA also simplified the loan forgiveness process for first and second draw borrowers with PPP loans of $150,000 or less and includes a “hold harmless” provision, which provides that a lender may rely on any certification or documentation submitted by a borrower for a PPP loan and that no enforcement action may be taken against the lender, and the lender will not be subject to any penalties relating to loan origination or forgiveness, if (i) the lender acts in good faith relating to loan origination or forgiveness and (ii) all other applicable statutory and regulatory requirements are satisfied.

Paycheck Protection Program — The PPP provides forgivable loans to businesses in order to keep their employees on the payroll and make certain other eligible payments. The SBA guarantees 100% of the PPP loans made to eligible borrowers, and the entire principal amount and any accrued interest on the loans are eligible to be forgiven if certain conditions are met, at which point the SBA will pay the bank that originated the PPP loan the forgiven amount. The Company is a participant in the PPP. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had approximately 6,200 PPP loans outstanding with balances totaling $1.57 billion, which were recorded in the commercial and industrial (“C&I”) portfolio. Related to the PPP loans made in 2020, as of February 25, 2021, the Company has successfully completedsubmitted and received approval from the SBA for forgiveness approximately 2,700 PPP loan applications, totaling $341.9 million. In January 2021, the Company began processing applications under the newly funded PPP, largely second draw PPP loans. Since the start of the second draw PPP through February 25, 2021, the Company has funded over 4,300 new PPP loans, totaling $700.3 million.

Other U.S. Government Facilities and ProgramsIn connection with our participation in the PPP under the CARES Act as discussed above, the Company participated in the PPPLF. During the second quarter of 2020, the Federal Reserve established the PPPLF to allow eligible lenders to facilitate lending under the SBA’s PPP, taking PPP loans as collateral. The Company drew down $1.44 billion from the Federal Reserve PPPLF and pledged the same amount in PPP loans as collateral during the second quarter of 2020. The Company paid off the outstanding amounts under the PPPLF in full during the fourth quarter of 2020.

Loan Modifications — The CARES Act and related guidance from the federal banking agencies provide financial institutions the option to temporarily suspend requirements under GAAP related to classification of certain loan modifications as TDRs to account for the current and anticipated effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act, as amended by the CAA, specified that COVID-19 related loan modifications executed between March 1, 2020 and the earlier of (i) 60 days after the date of termination of the national emergency declared by the President and (ii) January 1, 2022, on loans that were current as of December 31, 2019 are not TDRs. Additionally, under guidance from the federal banking agencies, other short-term modifications made on a good faith basis in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to borrowers that were current prior to any relief are not TDRs under ASC Subtopic 310-40, “Troubled Debt Restructuring by Creditors.” These modifications include short-term (e.g., up to six months) modifications such as payment deferrals, fee waivers, extensions of repayment terms, or delays in payment that are insignificant. We have granted loan modifications to our customers in the form of maturity extensions, payment deferrals and forbearance. For a summary of the loans that we have modified in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, please refer to Item 7. MD&A — Risk Management — Credit Risk Management in this Form 10-K.
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Regulatory Capital — The CARES Act requires PPP loans to be assigned a zero percent risk weight under the federal banking agencies’ risk-based capital rules. Additionally, under an interim final rule of the federal banking agencies, PPP loans that an institution pledges as collateral to the PPPLF may be deducted from the institution’s average total consolidated assets for purposes of the Tier 1 leverage ratio.

Federal Reserve Requirements — On March 26, 2020, the Federal Reserve reduced reserve requirement ratios to zero percent, eliminating the reserve requirement for all depository institutions, an action that provides liquidity in the banking system to support lending to households and businesses, in response to the economic stress stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

In response to the pandemic, the Company has implemented protocols and processes to execute its eighth consecutive year of record earnings, reflecting strong revenue growth, in excess of expense growth.business continuity plans to help protect its employees and support its customers. The Company’s focus on creating sustainable, expandable and profitable customer relationships has provided consistent financial results and delivered strong returnsCompany is managing its response to the COVID-19 pandemic according to its stockholders.Enterprise Business Continuity Policy, which invokes centralized management of the crisis event and the integration of its response. The CEO and key members of the Company’s management team meet regularly with senior executives to help drive decisions, communication and consistency of response across all businesses and functions. In addition, we have implemented measures to assist our employees and customers as discussed below:
Employees:
The majority of the Company’s employees are able to work from home. The Company continues to evaluate its continuity plans and work-from-home strategy to best protect the health and safety of its employees. For employees with jobs that are required to be performed on-site, we have taken significant actions to ensure employee safety by providing personal protection equipment, adopting social distancing measures, placing visual safety reminders related to social distancing, implementing an enhanced cleaning program, installing plexiglass panels, and requiring temperature screenings and the wearing of masks for all employees.
Customers:
We assisted our commercial, consumer and small business clients affected by the COVID-19 pandemic through payment deferrals, suspension of foreclosures on certain residential mortgage loans, and participation in the SBA PPP and the MSLP.We intend to evaluate participation in additional new government-sponsored programs, as they are established. In addition, the Company is committedcontinues to investingmake a wide range of banking services accessible to customers through mobile and other digital channels to reduce the need for in-person branch visits.

Impact on our Financial Position and Results of OperationsOur financial position and results of operations are sensitive to the ability of our loan customers to meet loan obligations, the availability of our workforce and the decline in technologythe value of assets held by us. While its effects continue to materialize, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a significant decrease in commercial activity throughout our operating footprint. This decrease in commercial activity has caused and human capitalmay continue to drive business growth, continuously strengthening infrastructurecause our customers to ensure prudent risk management and enhance operational excellence.

Noteworthy items aboutbe unable to meet existing payment or other obligations to us. The greatest impact of the Company’s performance included:

Net income totaled $505.6 million forCOVID-19 pandemic on our financial condition has been in the year ended December 31, 2017, which reflected an increase of $73.9 million or 17%, compared to the same period in 2016. Diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) was $3.47 for the year ended December 31, 2017, which reflected an increase of $0.50 or 17%, compared to the same period in 2016.
Net income and diluted EPS for the year ended December 31, 2017, included a $41.5 million after-tax net gain recognized from the sale of a commercial property in San Francisco, California and a $2.2 million after-tax net gain recognized from the sale of East West Insurance Services, Inc.’s (“EWIS”) business, partially offset by a $41.7 million increase in income tax expense related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”).
Return on average assets increased 11 basis points to 1.41% for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to 1.30% in 2016. Return on average equity increased 65 basis points to 13.71% for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to 13.06% in 2016.
Revenue, the sum of net interest income before provision for credit losses and noninterest income, increased $227.9the allowance for loan losses. We recorded approximately $210.7 million or 19% to $1.44 billionof provision for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016.
Full year 2017 net interest income of $1.19 billion increased $152.4 million or 15% year-over-year, primarily reflecting loan growth and the positive impact of higher interest rates on the Company’s interest-sensitive balance sheet.
Full year 2017 net interest margin of 3.48% expanded 18 basis points compared to 3.30% in 2016. The average loan yield of 4.40% in 2017 increased 13 basis points from 4.27% in 2016, and the cost of deposits of 0.38% in 2017 increased eight basis points from 0.30% in 2016.
Noninterest income increased $75.5 million or 41% in 2017 to $258.4 million, primarily reflecting the impact of the gain on sale of the aforementioned commercial property.
Noninterest expense increased $46.2 million or 8% to $662.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016.
Thecredit losses during 2020, bringing our allowance for loan losses was $287.1 million, or 0.99% of loans held-for-investment as of December 31, 2017, compared to $260.5 million, or 1.02% of loans held-for-investment as of December 31, 2016. For the full year 2017, net charge-offs of $22.5 million were 0.08% of average loans held-for-investment, compared to $36.2 million or 0.15% of average loans held-for-investment for the full year 2016. Non-purchased credit impaired (“non-PCI”) nonperforming assets of $115.1$620.0 million as of December 31, 2017 decreased by 11% year-over-year from $129.6 million as of December 31, 2016.
The Company’s effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2017 was 31.2%, compared to 24.6% for the same period in 2016. The increase in the effective tax rate was primarily attributable to the recognition of the effects of the Tax Act in the period of the enactment.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity

The Company experienced growth of total assets of $2.36 billion or 7% to $37.15 billion as of December 31, 2017, compared to $34.79 billion as of December 31, 2016. This increase predominantly reflected loan growth, followed by higher cash and cash equivalents, partially offset by decreases in resale agreements, investment securities and other assets.

Gross loans held-for-investment increased $3.47 billion or 14% to $28.98 billion as of December 31, 2017, compared to $25.50 billion as of December 31, 2016, driven by increases across almost all of the Company’s major commercial and consumer loan categories. The2020, with an allowance for loan losses was $287.1 million, or 0.99% ofto loans held-for-investment asratio of December 31, 2017, compared1.61%. Despite the impact of the increased provision for credit losses, we maintained solid profitability for the full year of 2020, earning 1.16% on return on average assets (“ROA”) and 11.17% on return on average equity (“ROE”). Our capital ratios are strong, and we remain well-positioned from a liquidity perspective, enabling us to $260.5 million, or 1.02%weather adverse economic scenarios while continuing to support our customers and invest in our business.

For additional information, see Item 7. MD&A — Risk Management — Credit Risk Management and — Liquidity Risk Management, and — Balance Sheet Analysis — Regulatory Capital and Ratios in this Form 10-K. Further discussion of loans held-for-investment asthe potential impacts on our business from the COVID-19 pandemic is provided under Part I, Item 1A — Risk Factors in this Form 10-K.

Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 Adoption

On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses, which establishes a single allowance framework for all financial assets carried at amortized cost, and for certain off-balance sheet exposures. Replacing the prior incurred loss model, this framework requires that management estimate credit losses over the full remaining expected life of December 31, 2016.



Deposits neta loan, and consider expected future changes in macroeconomic conditions. The adoption of held-for-sale,CECL on January 1, 2020 increased $1.72 billion or 6% to $31.62 billion as of December 31, 2017, compared to $29.89 billion as of December 31, 2016, primarily due to a $1.70 billion or 7% increase in core deposits. The Company’s deposit mix has been stable. Core deposits accountedthe allowance for 82% and 81% of total deposits as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Noninterest-bearing demand deposits accounted for 34% of total deposits as of both December 31, 2017 and 2016.

Capital

The Company’s financial performance in 2017 resulted in strong capital generation, which increased total stockholders’ equityloan losses by $414.2 million or 12% to $3.84 billion as of December 31, 2017, compared to December 31, 2016. The Company returned $116.8$125.2 million, and $115.8the allowance for unfunded credit commitments by $10.5 million, in cash dividendsand an after-tax decrease to our stockholders for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Book value per common share increased 12% to $26.58 asretained earnings of December 31, 2017, compared to $23.78 as of December 31, 2016.$98.0 million.

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From a capital management perspective, the Company continued to maintain a strong capital position with its Common Equity Tier 1 (“CET1”) capital ratio at 11.4% as of December 31, 2017, compared to 10.9% as of December 31, 2016. The total risk-based capital ratio was 12.9% and 12.4% as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The Tier 1 leverage capital ratio was 9.2% as of December 31, 2017, compared to 8.7% as of December 31, 2016.





Five-Year Summary of Selected Financial Data
($ and shares in thousands, except per share, ratio and headcount data)20202019201820172016
Summary of operations:
  Net interest income before provision for credit losses (1)
$1,377,193 $1,467,813 $1,386,508 $1,185,069 $1,032,638 
  Noninterest income (2)
235,547 222,245 217,433 263,654 186,921 
  Total revenue1,612,740 1,690,058 1,603,941 1,448,723 1,219,559 
  Provision for credit losses210,653 98,685 64,255 46,266 27,479 
  Noninterest expense (3)
716,322 747,456 720,990 667,357 619,892 
  Income before income taxes685,765 843,917 818,696 735,100 572,188 
  Income tax expense (4)
117,968 169,882 114,995 229,476 140,511 
  Net income (1)(2)(3)(4)
$567,797 $674,035 $703,701 $505,624 $431,677 
Per common share:
  Basic earnings$3.99 $4.63 $4.86 $3.50 $3.00 
  Diluted earnings$3.97 $4.61 $4.81 $3.47 $2.97 
  Dividends declared$1.10 $1.06 $0.86 $0.80 $0.80 
  Book value$37.22 $34.46 $30.52 $26.58 $23.78 
  Non-GAAP tangible common equity per share (5)
$33.85 $31.15 $27.15 $23.13 $20.27 
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:
  Basic142,336 145,497 144,862 144,444 144,087 
  Diluted142,991 146,179 146,169 145,913 145,172 
  Common shares outstanding at period-end141,565 145,625 144,961 144,543 144,167 
Performance metrics:
  ROA1.16 %1.59 %1.83 %1.41 %1.30 %
  ROE11.17 %14.16 %17.04 %13.71 %13.06 %
  Return on average non-GAAP tangible equity (5)
12.42 %15.88 %19.48 %16.03 %15.62 %
  Total average equity to total average assets10.38 %11.21 %10.72 %10.30 %9.97 %
  Common dividend payout ratio27.97 %23.04 %17.90 %23.14 %27.01 %
  Net interest margin2.98 %3.64 %3.78 %3.48 %3.30 %
  Efficiency ratio (6)
44.42 %44.23 %44.95 %46.07 %50.83 %
  Non-GAAP efficiency ratio (5)
39.30 %38.14 %39.39 %41.26 %44.04 %
At year end:
  Total assets$52,156,913 $44,196,096 $41,042,356 $37,121,563 $34,788,840 
  Total loans (7)
$38,392,743 $34,778,973 $32,385,464 $29,053,935 $25,526,215 
  AFS debt securities$5,544,658 $3,317,214 $2,741,847 $3,016,752 $3,335,795 
  Total deposits$44,862,752 $37,324,259 $35,439,628 $31,615,063 $29,890,983 
  Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities$151,739 $152,270 $146,835 $171,577 $186,327 
  FHLB advances$652,612 $745,915 $326,172 $323,891 $321,643 
  Stockholders’ equity (8)
$5,269,175 $5,017,617 $4,423,974 $3,841,951 $3,427,741 
  Non-GAAP tangible common equity (5)
$4,791,579 $4,535,841 $3,936,062 $3,343,693 $2,922,638 
  Head count (full-time equivalent)3,214 3,294 3,196 2,933 2,838 
EWBC capital ratios:
  CET1 capital12.7 %12.9 %12.2 %11.4 %10.9 %
  Tier 1 capital12.7 %12.9 %12.2 %11.4 %10.9 %
  Total capital14.3 %14.4 %13.7 %12.9 %12.4 %
  Tier 1 leverage capital9.4 %10.3 %9.9 %9.2 %8.7 %
  Total stockholders’ equity to total assets10.1 %11.4 %10.8 %10.3 %9.9 %
  Non-GAAP tangible common equity to tangible assets (5)
9.3 %10.4 %9.7 %9.1 %8.5 %
(1)2020 includes $43.3 million of interest income related to PPP loans.
(2)2018 includes $31.5 million of gain recognized from the sale of the Desert Community Bank (“DCB”) branches. 2017 includes $71.7 million and $3.8 million of gains recognized from the sales of a commercial property in California and EWIS’s insurance brokerage business, respectively.
(3)2020 includes $10.7 million of recovery related to DC Solar and affiliates (“DC Solar”) tax credit investments, of which $1.1 million was recorded as an impairment recovery. 2020 also includes $8.7 million in extinguishment costs related to assets sold under repurchase agreements’ (“repurchase agreements”). 2019 includes $7.0 million in impairment charge related to DC Solar, of which $1.6 million was subsequently recovered.
(4)2020 includes $5.1 million of tax expense to record an uncertain tax position related to DC Solar. 2019 includes $30.1 million of additional tax expense to reverse certain previously claimed tax credits related to DC Solar. 2017 includes an additional $41.7 million in income tax expense recognized due to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
(5)For a discussion of non-GAAP tangible common equity per share, return on average non-GAAP tangible equity, non-GAAP efficiency ratio, non-GAAP tangible common equity and total non-GAAP tangible common equity to tangible assets, refer to Item 7. MD&A — Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this Form 10-K.
(6)The efficiency ratio is noninterest expense divided by total revenue.
(7)Includes $1.57 billion of PPP loans as of December 31, 2020.
(8)On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments using the modified retrospective approach. The Company recorded $125.2 million increase to allowance for loan losses and $98.0 million after-tax decrease to opening retained earnings as of January 1, 2020.
35
 
($ and shares in thousands, except per share data) 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
Summary of operations:          
Interest and dividend income $1,325,119
 $1,137,481
 $1,053,815
 $1,153,698
 $1,068,685
Interest expense 140,050
 104,843
 103,376
 112,820
 112,492
Net interest income before provision for credit losses 1,185,069
 1,032,638
 950,439
 1,040,878
 956,193
Provision for credit losses 46,266
 27,479
 14,217
 49,158
 22,364
Net interest income after provision for credit losses 1,138,803
 1,005,159
 936,222
 991,720
 933,829
Noninterest income (loss) (1)
 258,406
 182,918
 183,383
 (11,714) (92,468)
Noninterest expense 662,109
 615,889
 540,884
 532,983
 394,215
Income before income taxes 735,100
 572,188
 578,721
 447,023
 447,146
Income tax expense (2)
 229,476
 140,511
 194,044
 101,145
 153,822
Net income 505,624
 431,677
 384,677
 345,878
 293,324
Preferred stock dividends 
 
 
 
 3,428
Net income available to common stockholders $505,624
 $431,677
 $384,677
 $345,878
 $289,896
           
Per common share:          
Basic earnings $3.50
 $3.00
 $2.67
 $2.42
 $2.10
Diluted earnings $3.47
 $2.97
 $2.66
 $2.41
 $2.09
Dividends declared $0.80
 $0.80
 $0.80
 $0.72
 $0.60
Book value $26.58
 $23.78
 $21.70
 $19.89
 $17.19
           
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:          
Basic 144,444
 144,087
 143,818
 142,952
 137,342
Diluted 145,913
 145,172
 144,512
 143,563
 139,574
Common shares outstanding at period-end 144,543
 144,167
 143,909
 143,582
 137,631
           
At year end:          
Total assets $37,150,249
 $34,788,840
 $32,350,922
 $28,743,592
 $24,732,216
Loans held-for-investment, net $28,688,590
 $25,242,619
 $23,378,789
 $21,468,270
 $17,600,613
Available-for-sale investment securities $3,016,752
 $3,335,795
 $3,773,226
 $2,626,617
 $2,733,797
Total deposits, excluding held-for-sale deposits $31,615,063
 $29,890,983
 $27,475,981
 $24,008,774
 $20,412,918
Long-term debt $171,577
 $186,327
 $206,084
 $225,848
 $226,868
Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances $323,891
 $321,643
 $1,019,424
 $317,241
 $315,092
Stockholders’ equity $3,841,951
 $3,427,741
 $3,122,950
 $2,856,111
 $2,366,373
           
Financial ratios:          
Return on average assets 1.41% 1.30% 1.27% 1.25% 1.24%
Return on average equity 13.71% 13.06% 12.74% 12.72% 12.50%
Total average equity to total average assets 10.30% 9.97% 9.95% 9.83% 9.95%
Common dividend payout ratio 23.14% 27.01% 30.21% 30.07% 28.74%
Net interest margin 3.48% 3.30% 3.35% 4.03% 4.38%
Loans-to-deposits ratio, excluding held-for-sale 90.74% 84.45% 85.09% 89.42% 86.22%
           
Capital ratios of EWBC (3):
          
CET1 capital 11.4% 10.9% 10.5% N/A
 N/A
Tier 1 capital 11.4% 10.9% 10.7% 11.0% 11.9%
Tier 1 leverage capital 9.2% 8.7% 8.5% 8.4% 8.6%
Total capital 12.9% 12.4% 12.2% 12.6% 13.5%
           
(1)Includes $71.7 million and $3.8 million of pretax gains recognized from the sale of a commercial property in California and EWIS’s insurance brokerage business, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2017. Includes changes in FDIC indemnification asset and receivable/payable charges of $38.0 million, $201.4 million and $228.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company terminated the United Commercial Bank (“UCB”) and Washington First International Bank (“WFIB”) shared-loss agreements during the year ended December 31, 2015. There were no FDIC indemnification asset and receivable/payable balances during each of the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.
(2)Includes an additional $41.7 million in income tax expense recognized during the year ended December 31, 2017 due to the enactment of the Tax Act.
(3)Capital ratios are calculated under the Basel III Capital Rules which became effective on January 1, 2015. Prior to this date, the ratios were calculated under the Basel I Capital Rules. The CET1 capital ratio was introduced under the Basel III Capital Rules.
N/A Not applicable.


Results of Operations

Components of Net Income


 
($ in thousands, except per share data) Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015 
2017 vs. 2016
% Change
 
2016 vs. 2015
% Change
Interest and dividend income $1,325,119
 $1,137,481
 $1,053,815
 16% 8 %
Interest expense 140,050
 104,843
 103,376
 34% 1 %
Net interest income before provision for credit losses 1,185,069
 1,032,638
 950,439
 15% 9 %
Noninterest income 258,406
 182,918
 183,383
 41% 0 %
Revenue 1,443,475
 1,215,556
 1,133,822
 19% 7 %
Provision for credit losses 46,266
 27,479
 14,217
 68% 93 %
Noninterest expense 662,109
 615,889
 540,884
 8% 14 %
Income tax expense 229,476
 140,511
 194,044
 63% (28)%
Net income $505,624
 $431,677
 $384,677
 17% 12 %
Diluted EPS $3.47
 $2.97
 $2.66
 17% 12 %
 
Our MD&A reviews the financial condition and results of operations of the Company for 2020 and 2019. Some tables include additional periods to comply with disclosure requirements or to illustrate trends in greater depth. When reading the discussion in the MD&A, readers should also refer to the consolidated financial statements and related notes in this Form 10-K. The page locations of specific sections that we refer to are presented in the table of contents. To review our financial condition and results of operations for 2018 and a comparison between 2018 and 2019 results, see Item 7. MD&A of our 2019 Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 27, 2020.


NetFinancial Review

Noteworthy items about the Company’s performance for 2020 included:
Earnings: 2020 net income increased $73.9 million to $505.6was $567.8 million, or $3.47$3.97 per diluted share, compared with 2019 net income of $674.0 million, or $4.61 per diluted share, a decrease of $106.2 million or 16%. The decrease primarily came from a higher provision for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016. The higher results for 2017 compared to 2016 were primarily driven by highercredit losses and lower net interest income and noninterest income, partially offset by an increasea decrease in noninterest expense and a higher effectiveincome tax rate in 2017. Netexpense.
Adjusted Earnings: 2020 non-GAAP net income increased $47.0 million to $431.7was $565.2 million, or $2.97$3.95 per diluted share, a decrease of 20% from 2019 non-GAAP net income of $707.9 million, or $4.84 per diluted share. Non-GAAP adjustments in 2020 and 2019 exclude the impacts of the impairment, recoveries and income tax items related to the Company’s investment in DC Solar. For 2020, DC Solar-related adjustments consisted of $10.7 million in recoveries, $3.0 million of income tax expense related to the recoveries, and $5.1 million of income tax expense booked for an uncertain tax position. For 2019, DC Solar-related adjustments consisted of $7.0 million in impairment charge, $1.6 million in recovery, $1.6 million of income tax expense related to the impairment and recovery, and $30.1 million of income tax expense booked for the year ended December 31, 2016 comparedreversal of certain previously claimed tax credits. For additional detail, refer to the same periodreconciliations of non-GAAP measures presented under Item 7. MD&A — Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures in 2015. The higher results for 2016 compared to 2015 were driven by an increase in net interest income and a lower effective tax rate, partially offset by an increase in noninterest expense.this Form 10-K.

Revenue:Revenue, or the sum of net interest income before provision for credit losses and noninterest income, increased $227.9 million to $1.44was $1.61 billion during the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016. The increase in revenue for 20172020, compared with 2016$1.69 billion in 2019, a decrease of $77.3 million or 5%. This decrease was predominatelyprimarily due to an increase inlower net interest income, reflecting growth in the loan portfolio and the positive impact of short-term interest rate increases in 2017, andpartially offset by an increase in noninterest income.
Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin: 2020 net interest income primarily duewas $1.38 billion, a decrease of $90.6 million or 6%, compared with 2019 net interest income of $1.47 billion. 2020 net interest margin was 2.98%, a decrease of 66 basis points from 3.64% for 2019. The decreases in the net interest income and net interest margin reflected significantly lower interest rates year-over-year, including a 150 basis points reduction to gains recognized from the sale of the commercial property. Revenuetarget federal funds rate in March 2020.
Provision for the year ended December 31, 2016credit losses: 2020 provision for credit losses was $1.22 billion,$210.7 million, an increase of $81.7$112.0 million from $1.13 billionor 113%, compared with $98.7 million for 2019. The year-over-year increase in the provision for credit losses reflected the deteriorating macroeconomic conditions and outlook due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Provision expense in the first half of 2020 was $176.3 million, compared with $34.4 million in the second half of 2020.
Tax: 2020 income tax expense was $118.0 million and the effective income tax rate was 17.2%, compared with income tax expense of $169.9 million and an effective tax rate of 20.1%, for 2019. 2020 income tax expense included $8.1 million of income tax expense related to DC Solar tax credit investments; $5.1 million due to an uncertain tax position and $3.0 million of tax expense for $10.7 million of recoveries included in Amortization of tax credit and other investments. 2019 income tax expense included $30.1 million for the same periodreversal of certain previously claimed tax credits related to DC Solar and $1.6 million of income tax benefit related to an impairment and recovery related to DC Solar.
Profitability: 2020 ROA was 1.16%, compared with 1.59% for 2019. 2020 ROE was 11.17%, compared with 14.16% for 2019. Adjusted for the non-recurring items related to DC Solar in 2015.2020 and 2019, 2020 non-GAAP ROA was 1.16%, compared with 1.67% for 2019. 2020 non-GAAP ROE was 11.12%, compared with 14.87% for 2019. For additional detail, refer to the reconciliations of non-GAAP measures presented under Item 7. MD&A — Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this Form 10-K.
Loans: Total loans were $38.39 billion as of December 31, 2020, an increase of $3.61 billion or 10% from $34.78 billion as of December 31, 2019. Loan growth was well-diversified across each of the Company’s major loan portfolios of C&I, driven by PPP loan funding, single-family residential and CRE.
Deposits: Total deposits were $44.86 billion as of December 31, 2020, an increase of $7.54 billion or 20% from $37.32 billionas of December 31, 2019. Growth was primarily driven by noninterest-bearing demand deposits and money market accounts, partially offset by a decrease in time deposits.
36


Allowance for Loan Losses: The allowance for loan losses was $620.0 million, or 1.61% of loans held-for-investment, as of December 31, 2020, compared with $358.3 million, or 1.03% of loans held-for-investment, as of December 31, 2019. On January 1, 2020, the allowance for loan losses increased by $125.2 million, reflecting the adoption of ASU 2016-13. Between January 2 and December 31, 2020, the allowance for loan losses increased by $136.5 million, primarily reflecting the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and a deterioration of the macroeconomic forecast for the first half of 2020.
Asset Quality Metrics: Nonperforming assets were $234.9 million or 0.45% of total assets, as of December 31, 2020, an increase of $113.4 million or 93% from $121.5 million or 0.27% of total assets, as of December 31, 2019. For 2020, net charge-offs were $63.2 million or 0.17% of average loans held-for-investment, compared with net charge-offs of $52.8 million or 0.16% of average loans held-for-investment for 2019.
Capital Levels: Our capital levels are strong. As of December 31, 2020, all of the Company’s and the Bank’s regulatory capital ratios were well above the required well-capitalized levels. See Item 7. MD&A — Balance Sheet Analysis — Regulatory Capital and Ratios in this Form 10-Kfor more information regarding capital.
Capital Return: The annual cash dividend on common stock was mainly due$1.10 per share in 2020, compared with $1.055 per share in 2019. The Company returned $158.2 million and $155.1 million in cash dividends to higher interest income fromstockholders during 2020 and 2019, respectively. On March 3, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a strong loan growth.stock repurchase program to buy back up to $500.0 million of the Company’s common stock. During the first quarter of 2020, the Company repurchased 4,471,682 shares at an average price of $32.64 per share and a total cost of $146.0 million. As of December 31, 2020, $354.0 million remains available under the outstanding authorization.


See below within this section for discussions
Results of net interest income, noninterest income, noninterest expense and income taxes.Operations


Net Interest Income


The Company’s primary source of revenue is net interest income, which is the difference between interest income earned on loans, investment securities, resale agreements and other interest-earning assets less interest expense paid on deposits, securities sold under repurchase agreements (“repurchase agreements”), borrowings and other interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest margin is calculated by dividingthe ratio of net interest income byto average interest-earning assets. Net interest income and net interest margin are affectedimpacted by several factors, including changes in average balances and the composition of interest-earning assets and funding sources, market interest rate fluctuations and the 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.

ewbc-20201231_g2.jpgewbc-20201231_g3.jpg
ewbc-20201231_g4.jpgewbc-20201231_g5.jpg
37


Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 20172020 was $1.19$1.38 billion, an increasea decrease of $152.4$90.6 million or 15%6%, compared to the same periodwith $1.47 billion in 2016.2019. The notable increasedecrease in net interest income for 2020 was due to lower interest-earning asset yields, reflecting significantly lower benchmark interest rates in 20172020, partially offset by a lower cost of funds. Net interest margin for 2020 was 2.98%, a decrease of 66 basis points from 3.64% in 2019.

Average interest-earning assets were $46.24 billion in 2020, an increase of $5.92 billion or 15% from $40.32 billion in 2019. This was primarily due to strong loan growth, and higher yields from interest-earning assets, partially offset by a higher cost of funds. The higher cost of funds was primarily due to a 14 basis point increase in the cost of interest-bearing deposits from 0.44% for the year ended December 31, 2016 to 0.58% for the year ended December 31, 2017. 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 strong loan growth during 2016.



For the year ended December 31, 2017, net interest margin increased 18 basis points to 3.48%, compared to 3.30% for the same period in 2016. The increase in net interest margin in 2017 was due to higher yields from interest-earning assets (primarily due to a 13 basis points increase in loan yield of 4.27% for the year ended December 31, 2016 to 4.40% for the year ended December 31, 2017), as a result of the short-term interest rate increases. The higher loan yield for the year ended December 31, 2017 was partially offset by lower accretion income from the purchased credit impaired (“PCI”) loans accounted for under Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality. For the year ended December 31, 2017, total accretion income from loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 decreased by $24.4 million to $21.1 million, compared to the same period in 2016. For the year ended December 31, 2016, net interest margin was 3.30%, a decrease of five basis points from 3.35% in 2015, primarily due to a reduction in loan yield from 4.35% for the year ended December 31, 2015 to 4.27% for the year ended December 31, 2016. The reduction in loan yield was mainly attributable to the decrease in PCI loan accretion income to $45.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $61.3 million for the same period in 2015.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, average interest-earning assets increased $2.74 billion or 9% to $34.03 billion from $31.30 billion for the same period in 2016. This increase was primarily due towell as increases of $2.99$1.19 billion or 12% in average loans and $349.2 million or 18% in average interest-bearing cash and deposits with banks, partially offset by decreasesand $1.17 billion in average AFS debt securities. Average loans were $36.80 billion in 2020, an increase of $328.4 million$3.43 billion or 10% decreasefrom $33.37 billion in average investment securities and $269.7 million or 16% decrease in average resale agreements. For the year ended December 31, 2016,2019.

The yield on average interest-earning assets increased $2.91 billionfor 2020 was 3.45%, a decrease of 122 basis points from 4.67% in 2019. The year-over-year yield compression reflected the lower average loan yield, as well as yield compression for all other earning asset categories, in response to the low interest rate environment. The average loan yield for 2020 was 3.98%, a decrease of 117 basis points from 5.15% in 2019. The year-over-year yield compression reflected materially lower benchmark interest rates, including a 150 basis points reduction to the target federal funds rate in March 2020. Approximately 65% and 64% of loans held-for-investment were variable-rate or 10% to $31.30 billion from $28.39 billion for the samehybrid loans in their adjustable rate period in 2015. The increase was primarily due to a $1.99 billion or 9% increase in average loans to $24.26 billion for the year endedas of December 31, 2016, compared to $22.28 billion for the same period in 2015.2020 and 2019, respectively.


Deposits are an important source of fundingfunds and affectimpact both net interest income and net interest margin. Deposits are comprisedAverage total deposits were $40.76 billion in 2020, an increase of $4.71 billion or 13% from $36.05 billion in 2019. Average noninterest-bearing demand deposits were $13.82 billion in 2020, an increase of $3.32 billion or 32% from $10.50 billion in 2019. Average interest-bearing deposits were $26.94 billion in 2020, an increase of $1.39 billion or 5% from $25.55 billion in 2019. Due to the strong growth in average noninterest-bearing deposits, the share of noninterest-bearing demand interest-bearing checking, money market, savings and time deposits. Average deposits increased $2.31 billion or 8% to $30.81 billion for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to $28.50 billion for the same period in 2016. In comparison, average deposits increased $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. The average noninterest-bearing demand deposits to total average deposits ratio increased to 34% forof average total deposits in 2020, compared with 29% in 2019.

The average cost of funds in 2020 was 0.51%, a decrease of 61 basis points from 1.12% in 2019. The decrease in the year ended December 31, 2017, from 33% and 31% foraverage cost of funds primarily reflected a 150 basis points reduction to the same periodstarget federal funds rate in 2016 and 2015, respectively. Cost of deposits was 0.38%, 0.30% and 0.29% for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. CostMarch 2020. The average cost of interest-bearing deposits was 0.58%, 0.44% and 0.41% for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The average loansdecreased 78 basis points to average deposits ratio increased to 88% for the year ended December 31, 20170.69% in 2020, from 85% and 86% for the same periods1.47% in 2016 and 2015, respectively.

2019. Other than deposits, other sources of funding included in the calculation of the average cost of funds primarily includeconsist of long-term debt, FHLB advances, long-term debtrepurchase agreements, and repurchase agreements. Cost of funds was 0.44% for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to 0.36% and 0.39% for the same periods in 2016 and 2015, respectively.short-term borrowings.


The Company utilizes various tools to manage interest rate risk. Refer to the “InterestInterest Rate Risk Management”Management section of Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”)&AAsset Liability andRisk Management — Market Risk Management for details.

38



The following table presents the interest spread, net interest margin, average balances, interest income and expense, and the average yield/rate by asset and liability component in 2020, 2019 and 2018:
($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Average
Balance
InterestAverage
Yield/
Rate
Average
Balance
InterestAverage
Yield/
Rate
Average
Balance
InterestAverage
Yield/
Rate
ASSETS
Interest-earning assets:
Interest-bearing cash and deposits with banks$4,236,430 $25,175 0.59 %$3,050,954 $66,518 2.18 %$2,609,463 $54,700 2.10 %
Assets purchased under resale agreements (“resale agreements”) (1)
1,101,434 21,389 1.94 %969,384 28,061 2.89 %1,020,822 29,432 2.88 %
AFS debt securities (2)(3)
4,023,668 82,553 2.05 %2,850,476 67,838 2.38 %2,773,152 60,911 2.20 %
Loans (4)(5)
36,799,017 1,464,382 3.98 %33,373,136 1,717,415 5.15 %30,230,014 1,503,514 4.97 %
Restricted equity securities79,160 1,543 1.95 %76,854 2,468 3.21 %73,691 3,146 4.27 %
Total interest-earning assets$46,239,709 $1,595,042 3.45 %$40,320,804 $1,882,300 4.67 %$36,707,142 $1,651,703 4.50 %
Noninterest-earning assets:
Cash and due from banks528,406 471,060 445,768 
Allowance for loan losses(577,560)(330,125)(298,600)
Other assets2,747,238 2,023,146 1,688,259 
Total assets$48,937,793 $42,484,885 $38,542,569 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Checking deposits (6)
$5,357,934 $24,213 0.45 %$5,244,867 $58,168 1.11 %$4,477,793 $34,657 0.77 %
Money market deposits (6)
9,881,284 42,720 0.43 %8,220,236 111,081 1.35 %7,985,526 83,696 1.05 %
Saving deposits (6)
2,234,913 6,398 0.29 %2,118,060 9,626 0.45 %2,245,644 8,621 0.38 %
Time deposits (6)
9,465,608 111,411 1.18 %9,961,289 196,927 1.98 %7,431,749 107,778 1.45 %
Short-term borrowings108,398 1,504 1.39 %44,881 1,763 3.93 %32,222 1,398 4.34 %
FHLB advances664,370 13,792 2.08 %592,257 16,697 2.82 %327,435 10,447 3.19 %
Repurchase agreements (1)
350,849 11,766 3.35 %74,926 13,582 18.13 %50,000 12,110 24.22 %
Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities734,921 6,045 0.82 %152,445 6,643 4.36 %159,185 6,488 4.08 %
Total interest-bearing liabilities$28,798,277 $217,849 0.76 %$26,408,961 $414,487 1.57 %$22,709,554 $265,195 1.17 %
Noninterest-bearing liabilities and stockholders’ equity:
Demand deposits (6)
13,823,152 10,502,618 11,089,537 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities1,234,178 812,461 612,656 
Stockholders’ equity5,082,186 4,760,845 4,130,822 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$48,937,793 $42,484,885 $38,542,569 
Interest rate spread2.69 %3.10 %3.33 %
Net interest income and net interest margin$1,377,193 2.98 %$1,467,813 3.64 %$1,386,508 3.78 %
(1)Average balances of resale and repurchase agreements are reported net, pursuant to ASC 210-20-45-11, Balance Sheet Offsetting: Repurchase and Reverse Repurchase Agreements. The weighted-average yields of gross resale agreements were 1.94%, 2.66% and 2.63% for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The weighted-average interest rates of gross repurchase agreements were 3.25%, 4.74% and 4.46% for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
(2)Yields on tax-exempt securities are not presented on a tax-equivalent basis.
(3)Includes the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016amortization of premiums on debt securities of $33.9 million, $10.9 million and 2015:$16.1 million for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
(4)Average balances include nonperforming loans and loans held-for-sale.
(5)Loans include the accretion of net deferred loan fees, unearned fees and amortization of premiums, which totaled $52.4 million, $36.8 million and $39.2 million for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
(6)Average balance of deposits for 2018 includes average deposits held-for-sale related to the sale of DCB branches.
39
 
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
 Average
Balance
 Interest Average
Yield/
Rate
 Average
Balance
 Interest Average
Yield/
Rate
 Average
Balance
 Interest Average
Yield/
Rate
ASSETS                  
Interest-earning assets:                  
Interest-bearing cash and deposits with banks $2,242,256
 $33,390
 1.49% $1,893,064
 $14,731
 0.78% $1,851,604
 $17,939
 0.97%
Resale agreements (1)
 1,438,767
 32,095
 2.23% 1,708,470
 30,547
 1.79% 1,337,274
 19,799
 1.48%
Investment securities (2)(3)
 3,026,693
 58,670
 1.94% 3,355,086
 53,399
 1.59% 2,847,655
 41,375
 1.45%
Loans (4)(5)
 27,252,756
 1,198,440
 4.40% 24,264,895
 1,035,377
 4.27% 22,276,589
 968,625
 4.35%
Restricted equity securities 73,593
 2,524
 3.43% 75,260
 3,427
 4.55% 77,460
 6,077
 7.85%
Total interest-earning assets $34,034,065
 $1,325,119
 3.89% $31,296,775
 $1,137,481
 3.63% $28,390,582
 $1,053,815
 3.71%
Noninterest-earning assets:                  
Cash and due from banks 395,092
     365,104
     342,606
    
Allowance for loan losses (272,765)     (262,804)     (263,143)    
Other assets 1,631,221
     1,770,298
     1,858,412
    
Total assets $35,787,613
     $33,169,373
     $30,328,457
    
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY              
Interest-bearing liabilities:                
Checking deposits (6)
 $3,951,930
 $18,305
 0.46% $3,495,094
 $12,640
 0.36% $2,795,379
 $8,453
 0.30%
Money market deposits (6)
 8,026,347
 44,181
 0.55% 7,679,695
 27,094
 0.35% 6,763,979
 18,988
 0.28%
Saving deposits (6)
 2,369,398
 6,431
 0.27% 2,104,060
 4,719
 0.22% 1,785,085
 3,468
 0.19%
Time deposits (6)
 5,838,382
 47,474
 0.81% 5,852,042
 39,771
 0.68% 6,482,697
 42,596
 0.66%
Federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings 34,546
 1,003
 2.90% 25,591
 713
 2.79% 4,797
 58
 1.21%
FHLB advances 391,480
 7,751
 1.98% 380,868
 5,585
 1.47% 327,080
 4,270
 1.31%
Repurchase agreements (1)
 140,000
 9,476
 6.77% 211,475
 9,304
 4.40% 404,096
 20,907
 5.17%
Long-term debt 178,882
 5,429
 3.03% 198,589
 5,017
 2.53% 218,353
 4,636
 2.12%
Total interest-bearing liabilities $20,930,965
 $140,050
 0.67% $19,947,414
 $104,843
 0.53% $18,781,466
 $103,376
 0.55%
Noninterest-bearing liabilities and stockholders’ equity:                  
Demand deposits (6)
 10,627,718
     9,371,481
     7,928,460
    
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 541,717
     544,549
     599,436
    
Stockholders’ equity 3,687,213
     3,305,929
     3,019,095
    
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $35,787,613
     $33,169,373
     $30,328,457
    
                   
Interest rate spread     3.22%     3.10%     3.16%
                   
Net interest income and net interest margin   $1,185,069
 3.48%   $1,032,638
 3.30%   $950,439
 3.35%
                   
(1)
Average balances of resale and repurchase agreements are reported net pursuant to ASC 210-20-45-11, Balance Sheet Offsetting: Repurchase and Reverse Repurchase Agreements.

(2)Yields on tax-exempt securities are not presented on a tax-equivalent basis.
(3)Interest income on investment securities includes the amortization of net premiums on investment securities of $21.2 million, $26.2 million and $18.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
(4)Average balance includes nonperforming loans and loans held-for-sale.
(5)Interest income on loans includes net deferred loan fees, accretion of ASC 310-30 discounts and amortization of premiums, which totaled $30.8 million, $53.5 million and $66.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
(6)Includes deposits held-for-sale as of December 31, 2017.


The following table summarizes the extent to which changes in (1) interest ratesrates; and changes in(2) 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 changechanges attributable to variations in volume and the change attributable to variations in interest rates.yield/rate. Changes that are not solely due to either volume or yield/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,
2020 vs. 20192019 vs. 2018
Total
Change
Changes Due toTotal
Change
Changes Due to
VolumeYield/RateVolumeYield/Rate
Interest-earning assets:
Interest-bearing cash and deposits with banks$(41,343)$19,300 $(60,643)$11,818 $9,554 $2,264 
Resale agreements(6,672)3,454 (10,126)(1,371)(1,489)118 
AFS debt securities14,715 25,037 (10,322)6,927 1,734 5,193 
Loans(253,033)163,842 (416,875)213,901 160,392 53,509 
Restricted equity securities(925)72 (997)(678)130 (808)
Total interest and dividend income$(287,258)$211,705 $(498,963)$230,597 $170,321 $60,276 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Checking deposits$(33,955)$1,228 $(35,183)$23,511 $6,666 $16,845 
Money market deposits(68,361)18,949 (87,310)27,385 2,526 24,859 
Saving deposits(3,228)506 (3,734)1,005 (511)1,516 
Time deposits(85,516)(9,365)(76,151)89,149 43,130 46,019 
Short-term borrowings(259)1,387 (1,646)365 507 (142)
FHLB advances(2,905)1,864 (4,769)6,250 7,590 (1,340)
Repurchase agreements(1,816)16,640 (18,456)1,472 5,028 (3,556)
Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities(598)8,397 (8,995)155 (282)437 
Total interest expense$(196,638)$39,606 $(236,244)$149,292 $64,654 $84,638 
Change in net interest income$(90,620)$172,099 $(262,719)$81,305 $105,667 $(24,362)
 
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31,
 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
 
Total
Change
 Changes Due to 
Total
Change
 Changes Due to
  Volume  Yield/Rate   Volume Yield/Rate 
Interest-earning assets:  
  
  
  
  
  
Interest-bearing cash and deposits with banks $18,659

$3,134
 $15,525
 $(3,208) $394
 $(3,602)
Resale agreements 1,548

(5,287) 6,835
 10,748
 6,149
 4,599
Investment securities 5,271

(5,580) 10,851
 12,024
 7,831
 4,193
Loans 163,063

130,282
 32,781
 66,752
 85,120
 (18,368)
Restricted equity securities (903)
(74) (829) (2,650) (168) (2,482)
Total interest and dividend income $187,638

$122,475

$65,163
 $83,666
 $99,326
 $(15,660)
Interest-bearing liabilities:  

 

 
  
  
  
Checking deposits $5,665

$1,800
 $3,865
 $4,187
 $2,348
 $1,839
Money market deposits 17,087

1,274
 15,813
 8,106
 2,798
 5,308
Saving deposits 1,712

642
 1,070
 1,251
 671
 580
Time deposits 7,703

(93) 7,796
 (2,825) (4,249) 1,424
Federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings 290

259
 31
 655
 503
 152
FHLB advances 2,166

160
 2,006
 1,315
 752
 563
Repurchase agreements 172

(3,796) 3,968
 (11,603) (8,831) (2,772)
Long-term debt 412

(531) 943
 381
 (445) 826
Total interest expense $35,207

$(285)
$35,492
 $1,467
 $(6,453) $7,920
Change in net interest income $152,431

$122,760

$29,671
 $82,199
 $105,779
 $(23,580)
 




Noninterest Income


Noninterest income increased $75.5 million or 41% to $258.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016. This increase was primarily due to a gain on the sale of a commercial property in California. Noninterest income decreased slightly to $182.9 million for 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 available-for-sale investment securities and loans, partially offset by a reduction in expenses related to changes in FDIC indemnification asset and receivable/payable. Noninterest income represented 18%, 15% and 16% of revenue for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
The following table presents the components of noninterest income for the periods indicated:
 
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31,
 2017
2016
2015 
2017 vs. 2016
% Change
 
2016 vs. 2015
% Change
Branch fees $42,490
 $41,178
 $39,495
 3 % 4 %
Letters of credit fees and foreign exchange income 42,779
 45,760
 38,985
 (7)% 17 %
Ancillary loan fees and other income 23,333
 19,352
 15,029
 21 % 29 %
Wealth management fees 14,632
 13,240
 18,268
 11 % (28)%
Derivative fees and other income 17,671
 16,781
 16,493
 5 % 2 %
Net gains on sales of loans 8,870
 6,085
 24,873
 46 % (76)%
Net gains on sales of available-for-sale investment securities 8,037
 10,362
 40,367
 (22)% (74)%
Net gains on sales of fixed assets 77,388
 3,178
 3,567
 2,335 % (11)%
Net gains on sale of business 3,807
 
 
 100 %  %
Changes in FDIC indemnification asset and receivable/payable 
 
 (37,980)  % NM
Other fees and operating income 19,399
 26,982
 24,286
 (28)% 11 %
Total noninterest income $258,406
 $182,918

$183,383
 41 % 0 %
 
($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31,
Change from 2019
20202019$%2018
Lending fees$74,842 $63,670$11,17218 %$59,758
Deposit account fees48,148 38,6489,50025 %39,176
Interest rate contracts and other derivative income31,685 39,865(8,180)(21)%18,980
Foreign exchange income22,370 26,398(4,028)(15)%21,259
Wealth management fees17,494 16,547947%13,624
Net gains on sales of loans4,501 4,03546612 %6,590
Gains on sales of AFS debt securities12,299 3,9308,369213 %2,535
Net gain on sale of business— — %31,470
Other investment income10,641 18,117(7,476)(41)%7,731
Other income13,567 11,0352,53223 %16,310
Total noninterest income$235,547 $222,245$13,3026 %$217,433
NM Not Meaningful.

The following discussion provides the compositionNoninterest income comprised 15% and 13% of the major changestotal revenue in 2020 and 2019, respectively. 2020 noninterest income and the factors contributing to the changes.

Net gains on saleswas $235.5 million, an increase of fixed assets increased $74.2$13.3 million or 2,335% to $77.46%, compared with $222.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to $3.2 million for the same period in 2016.2019. This increase was primarily due to the $71.7 million of pre-tax gain recognized from the sale of a commercial propertyincreases in California during the first quarter of 2017. In the first quarter of 2017, East West Bank completed the salelending fees, deposit account fees and leaseback of a commercial property in California for cash consideration of $120.6 million and entered into a lease agreement for part of the property, consisting of a retail branch and office facilities. The total pre-tax profit from the sale was $85.4 million, of which $71.7 million was recognized in the first quarter of 2017, and $13.7 million was deferred and recognized over the term of the lease agreement.

In the third quarter of 2017, the Company sold the insurance brokerage business of its subsidiary, EWIS, for $4.3 million and recognized a pre-tax gain of $3.8 million. EWIS remains a subsidiary of East West and continues to maintain its insurance broker license.

Net gains on sales of available-for-saleAFS debt securities, partially offset by decreases in interest rate contracts and other derivative income, and other investment securities for the year ended December 31, 2017 totaled $8.0income.
40


Lending fees were $74.8 million compared to $10.4 million and $40.4 million for the same periods in 2016 and 2015, respectively. Net gains on the sales2020, an increase of available-for-sale investment securities for the year ended December 31, 2016 decreased by $30.0$11.1 million or 74%18%, compared to the same periodwith $63.7 million in 2015. The larger net gains on sale of available-for-sale investment securities recognized during the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to the years ended December 31, 2017 and 20162019. This increase was primarily due to $21.7valuation gains on warrants received as part of lending relationships and the subsequent exercise of warrants during the fourth quarter of 2020.

Deposit account fees were $48.1 million in 2020, an increase of gains realized from$9.5 million or 25%, compared with $38.6 million in 2019. This increase was primarily due to an increase in customer-driven transactions.

Interest rate contracts and other derivative income was $31.7 million in 2020, a decrease of $8.2 million or 21%, compared with $39.9 million in 2019. This decrease was primarily due to the saleimpact of non-investment grade corporate debt securities.negative credit valuation adjustments, which reflected higher loss probabilities for borrowers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a decline in customer interest rate swap transactions.


Net gainsGains on sales of loansAFS debt securities were $12.3 million in 2020, an increase of $8.4 million or 213%, compared with $3.9 million in 2019. This increase primarily reflected gains recorded from $131.6 million in sales of municipal bonds during the second quarter of 2020.

Other investment income was $10.6 million in 2020, a decrease of $7.5 million or 41%, compared with $18.1 million in 2019. This decrease was due to reduced earnings from CRA tax credit investments accounted for under the year ended December 31, 2017 totaled $8.9 million, compared to $6.1 millionequity method, and $24.9 million for the same periodsdecreased distributions from investments in 2016 and 2015, respectively. The net gains included valuation adjustments of $61 thousand, $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, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. See Item 7. MD&A — Balance Sheet Analysis — Total Loan Portfolio for details.qualified affordable housing partnerships.




During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company reached an agreement with the FDIC to early terminate the UCB and WFIB shared-loss agreements. There were no remaining shared-loss agreements with the FDIC as of December 31, 2015. As a result, there was no expense related to the changes in FDIC indemnification asset and receivable/payable for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, compared to $38.0 million of expenses for the same period in 2015.

Noninterest Expense


NoninterestThe following table presents the components of noninterest expense totaled $662.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, an increaseperiods indicated:
($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31,
Change from 2019
20202019$%2018
Compensation and employee benefits$404,071 $401,700 $2,371 %$379,622 
Occupancy and equipment expense66,489 69,730 (3,241)(5)%68,896 
Deposit insurance premiums and regulatory assessments15,128 12,928 2,200 17 %21,211 
Deposit account expense13,530 14,175 (645)(5)%11,244 
Data processing16,603 13,533 3,070 23 %13,177 
Computer software expense29,033 26,471 2,562 10 %22,286 
Consulting expense5,391 9,846 (4,455)(45)%11,579 
Legal expense7,766 8,441 (675)(8)%8,781 
Other operating expense79,489 92,249 (12,760)(14)%88,042 
Amortization of tax credit and other investments70,082 98,383 (28,301)(29)%96,152 
Repurchase agreements’ extinguishment cost8,740 — 8,740 100 %— 
Total noninterest expense$716,322 $747,456 $(31,134)(4)%$720,990 
Efficiency ratio (1)
44.42 %44.23 %44.95 %
(1)Refer to Item 7. MD&A — Reconciliation of $46.2GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this Form 10-K for the detailed calculation of GAAP and non-GAAP efficiency ratios.

2020 noninterest expense was $716.3 million, a decrease of $31.2 million or 8%4%, compared to the same periodwith $747.5 million in 2016. The increase2019. This decrease was primarily due to increases in compensation and employee benefits, and legal expense, partially offset by a decrease in consulting expense. Noninterest expense totaled $615.9 million for the year 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 was primarily due to increasesdecreases in amortization of tax credit and other investments, and compensation and employee benefits,other operating expense, partially offset by the fact that there were no repurchase agreements’ extinguishment costs incurred for the year ended December 31, 2016 and a decrease in legal expense.cost.

The following table presents the various components of noninterest expense for the periods indicated: 
 
  Year Ended December 31,
($ in thousands) 2017 2016 2015 
2017 vs. 2016
% Change
 
2016 vs. 2015
% Change
Compensation and employee benefits $335,291
 $300,115
 $262,193
 12 % 14 %
Occupancy and equipment expense 64,921
 61,453
 61,292
 6 % 0 %
Deposit insurance premiums and regulatory assessments 23,735
 23,279
 18,772
 2 % 24 %
Legal expense 11,444
 2,841
 16,373
 303 % (83)%
Data processing 12,093
 11,683
 10,185
 4 % 15 %
Consulting expense 14,922
 22,742
 17,234
 (34)% 32 %
Deposit related expense 9,938
 10,394
 10,379
 (4)% 0 %
Computer software expense 18,183
 12,914
 8,660
 41 % 49 %
Other operating expense 76,697
 78,936
 68,624
 (3)% 15 %
Amortization of tax credit and other investments 87,950
 83,446
 36,120
 5 % 131 %
Amortization of core deposit intangibles 6,935
 8,086
 9,234
 (14)% (12)%
Repurchase agreements’ extinguishment costs 
 
 21,818
  % NM
Total noninterest expense $662,109
 $615,889
 $540,884
 8 % 14 %
 
NM Not Meaningful.

Compensation and employee benefits increased $35.2 million or 12% during the year ended December 31, 2017, and $37.9 million or 14% during the year ended December 31, 2016. The increases for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were primarily attributable to an increase in headcount to support the Company’s growing business, and risk management and compliance requirements.

Legal expense increased $8.6 million or 303% during the year ended December 31, 2017, and decreased $13.5 million or 83% during the year ended December 31, 2016. This fluctuation in legal expense was mainly due to a $13.4 million reversal in 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.

Consulting expense increased $5.5 million or 32% during the year ended December 31, 2016, primarily attributable to Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”) and Anti-Money Laundering (“AML”) related consulting expense incurred as part of the Company’s ongoing efforts in executing the compliance plans and programs required by the Written Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”). Consulting expense subsequently decreased $7.8 million or 34% during the year ended December 31, 2017 primarily due to the progress made by the Company in strengthening the BSA and AML compliance programs.

Computer software expense increased $5.3 million or 41% to $18.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016. For the year ended December 31, 2016, computer software expense increased by $4.3 million or 49% to $12.9 million, compared to $8.7 million for the same period in 2015. The increased expenses in both 2017 and 2016 were due to new system implementations and software upgrades incurred to support the Company’s growing business.




Amortization of tax credit and other investments increased $4.5was $70.1 million in 2020, a decrease of $28.3 million or 5% to $88.029%, compared with $98.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, comparedin 2019. This year-over-year change was primarily due to the same periodrecognition pattern of production and renewable energy tax credit investments placed in 2016,service; $10.7 million of recoveries recorded in the fourth quarter of 2020 related to DC Solar tax credit investments, and $47.3lower OTTI charges. In 2020, there were $5.2 million of OTTI charges related to three historic tax credit investments and a CRA investment. In comparison, during 2019, there were $7.6 million of OTTI charges related to five historic tax credit investments and a CRA investment, as well as $5.4 million of net OTTI charges related to DC Solar tax credit investments.

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Other operating expense primarily consists of telecommunications and postage, loan related expenses, marketing, other real estate owned expense (“OREO”), charitable contributions, travel, and other miscellaneous expense categories. Other operating expense was $79.5 million in 2020, a decrease of $12.7 million or 131% to $83.414%, compared with $92.2 million in 2019. This decrease was largely driven by lower travel and marketing expenses, partially offset by a write-down on OREO.

In the second quarter of 2020, the Company prepaid $150.0 million of repurchase agreements and incurred a debt extinguishment cost of $8.7 million. No such expense was incurred in 2019.

Efficiency ratio, calculated as noninterest expense divided by total revenue, was 44.42% and 44.23% in 2020 and 2019, respectively. Non-GAAP efficiency ratio, adjusted for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the same period in 2015. The increases in amortization of tax credit and other investments, the amortization of core deposit intangibles, and repurchase agreements’ extinguishment cost (where applicable), was 39.30% in both 20172020, an increase of 116 basis points from 38.14% in 2019. For additional detail, see the reconciliations of non-GAAP measures presented under Item 7. MD&A — Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this Form 10-K.

Income Taxes
($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Income before income taxes$685,765 $843,917 $818,696 
Income tax expense$117,968 $169,882 $114,995 
Effective tax rate17.2 %20.1 %14.0 %

2020 income tax expense was $118.0 million, and 2016 were primarily due to additional renewable energythe effective tax rate was 17.2%, compared with 2019 income tax expense of $169.9 million, and historic rehabilitationan effective tax credit investments that were placed into service during the same periods.

There were no extinguishment costs related to repurchase agreements for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded $21.8rate of 20.1%. 2020 income tax expense included $5.1 million in uncertain tax position related to the extinguishment of higher-cost repurchase agreements of $545.0 million.

Income Taxes
 
  Year Ended December 31,
($ in thousands) 2017 2016 2015 
2017 vs. 2016
% Change
 
2016 vs. 2015
% Change
Income before income taxes $735,100
 $572,188
 $578,721
 28% (1)%
Income tax expense $229,476
 $140,511
 $194,044
 63% (28)%
Effective tax rate 31.2% 24.6% 33.5% 27% (27)%
           

See Note 12 — Income Taxes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation of the effective tax rates to the U.S federal statutory income tax rate.Company’s investment in DC Solar. The higher effective tax rate of 31.2% for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016,2019 was mainlyprimarily due to the enactment$30.1 million of the Tax Act, which resulted in an additional $41.7 million tax expense recognized that contributed to a 5.7% increase in the effective tax rate in 2017. The lower effective tax rate of 24.6% 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 housing partnerships and other tax credit investments.

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Act was enacted. It significantly changes U.S. corporate income tax laws by, among other things, reducing the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, expensing 100% of the cost of acquired qualified property after September 27, 2017, transitioning from a worldwide tax system to a territorial system, imposing a one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of cumulative foreign earnings as of December 31, 2017, and eliminating any carrybacks of tax credits and net operating losses (“NOLs”) incurred after December 31, 2017. In addition, NOLs incurred after December 31, 2017 are now limited to 80% of taxable income for any given year and may be carried forward indefinitely. ASC 740, Income Taxes, requires companies to recognize the effect of the Tax Act in the period of enactment. Hence, such effects must be recognized in the Company’s 2017 Consolidated Financial Statements, even though the effective date of the law for most provisions is January 1, 2018. The SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 to address the application of generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) in situations where a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act. The Company recorded $41.7 million of income tax expense in the fourth quarter of 2017recorded to reverse certain previously claimed tax credits related to the impact of the Tax Act, the periodCompany’s investment in which the legislation was enacted. This amount was primarily related to the remeasurements of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities of $33.1 million, as well as tax credits and other tax benefits related to qualified affordable housing partnerships of $7.9 million.DC Solar.


The Company anticipates a significant reduction in its effective tax rate as a result of the income tax rate reduction, and such changes will be included in the Company’s financial statements effective January 1, 2018. The Company will also likely have more taxable income in post-2017 tax years as a result of the Tax Act’s changes to the Section 162(m) limitation on executive compensation over $1 million and the limitation related to deductibility of FDIC assessment fees.

Management regularly reviews the Company’s tax positions and deferred tax balances. Factors considered in this analysis include the Company’s ability to generate future taxable income, implement tax-planning strategies (as defined in ASC 740, Income Taxes) 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 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 tax rates expected to be in effect when such amounts are realized and settled. Net deferred tax assets decreased by $32.3increased $57.3 million or 25%53.8% to $97.4$163.8 million as of December 31, 2017,2020, compared to $129.7with $106.5 million as of December 31, 2016, largely as2019. This increase was mainly due to an increase in allowance for credit losses due to the result of the remeasurement of netCompany’s CECL adoption, partially offset by an increase in deferred tax assets pursuant to the Tax Act as discussed above.liabilities arising from net unrealized loss on securities. For additional details on the components of net deferred tax assets, see Note 1211 — Income Taxes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.Statements in this Form 10-K.




A valuation allowance is established for deferred tax assets if, based on the weight of all positive evidence against all negative 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 used, as needed, to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than notmore-likely-than-not to be realized. Management hasTo determine whether a valuation allowance is needed, the Company considers evidence such as the Company’s ability to generate future taxable income, implement tax-planning strategies (as defined in ASC 740, Income Taxes), 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 its deferred tax assets. The Company also performed an overall assessment by weighing all positive evidence against all negative evidence, and concluded that it is more likely than notmore-likely-than-not that all of the benefits of the deferred tax assets will be realized, with the exception of the deferred tax assets related to NOLs in certain states. Accordingly, astate net operating losses (“NOL”) carryforwards. As of December 31, 2020, management released $21 thousand of valuation allowance has beenprovided as of December 31, 2019, which related to the state NOL carryforwards. No additional valuation allowance was recorded for these amounts. as of December 31, 2020. For additional details on the components of net deferred tax assets, see Note 11 — Income Taxes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.

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Impact of Investment in DC Solar Tax Credit Funds

The Company believesinvested in four solar energy tax credit funds in the years 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2018 as a limited member. These tax credit funds engaged in the acquisition and leasing of mobile solar generators through DC Solar entities. The Company’s investments in the DC Solar tax credit funds qualified for federal energy tax credit under Section 48 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Company also received a “should” level legal opinion from an external law firm supporting the legal structure of the investments for tax credit purposes. These investments were recorded in Investments in tax credit and otherinvestments, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and were accounted for under the equity method of accounting. DC Solar had its assets frozen in December 2018 and filed for bankruptcy protection in February 2019. In February 2019, an affidavit from the Federal Bureau of Investigation special agent stated that adequate provisionsDC Solar was operating a fraudulent “Ponzi-like scheme” and that the majority of the mobile solar generators sold to investors and managed by DC Solar, as well as the majority of the related lease revenues claimed to have been madereceived by DC Solar might not have existed. In January 2020, the owners of DC Solar pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering in a Ponzi scheme related to DC Solar.

During 2019, the Company fully wrote off the remainder of its tax credit investments related to DC Solar, recorded a $7.0 million OTTI charge and a subsequent $1.6 million recovery. During 2020, the Company further recorded $10.7 million in recoveries, of which $1.1 million is recorded as an impairment recovery. The recoveries were recorded in Amortization of tax credit and other investments, net on the Consolidated Statement of Income. There were no balances in Accrued expenses and other liabilities — Unfunded commitments related to DC Solar as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. More discussion on the Company’s impairment evaluation and monitoring process of tax credit investments is provided in Note 2 — Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.

ASC 740-10-25-6 states in part, that an entity shall initially recognize the financial statement effects of a tax position when it is more-likely-than-not, based on the technical merits, that the position will be sustained upon examination. The term “more-likely-than-not” means a likelihood of more than 50 percent; the terms “examined” and “upon examination” include resolution of the related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The level of evidence that is necessary and appropriate to support the technical merits of a tax position is subject to judgment and depends on available information as of the balance sheet date. The Company received a “should” level legal opinion from an external law firm supporting the legal structure of these investments for alltax credit purposes. A subsequent measurement of a tax position is based on management’s best judgment given the facts, circumstances and information available at the latest quarterly reporting date. A change in judgment that results in a subsequent derecognition or change in measurement of a tax position is recognized as a discrete item in the period in which the change occurs.

Investors in DC Solar funds, including the Company, received tax credits for making renewable energy investments. Between 2014 and 2018, the Company had invested in four DC Solar energy tax credit funds and claimed tax credits of approximately $53.9 million, partially reduced by a deferred tax liability of $5.7 million related to the 50% tax basis reduction, for a net impact of $48.2 million to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In 2019, the Company, in coordination with other fund investors, engaged an unaffiliated third-party inventory firm to investigate the actual number of mobile solar generators in existence. Based on the inventory report, none of the mobile service generators that had been purchased by the Company’s 2017 and 2018 tax credit funds were found. On the other hand, a vast majority of the mobile solar generators purchased by the Company’s 2014 and 2015 tax credit funds were found. In 2019, the Company reversed $33.6 million out of $53.9 million in previously claimed tax credits, and $3.5 million out of $5.7 million deferred tax liability, resulting in $30.1 million of additional income tax uncertainties consistentexpense. Based on management’s best judgments regarding the future settlement of the related tax positions with ASC 740-10, Income Taxes.the IRS, the Company recorded $5.1 million in uncertain tax position related to its investments in DC Solar in 2020. The Company’s investigation related to this matter is ongoing. For additional information on the risks surrounding the Company’s investments in tax-advantaged projects, see Item 1A. Risk Factors in this Form 10-K.


Operating Segment Results

The Company definesorganizes its operating segments based on its core strategy, and has identifiedoperations into three reportable operating segments: (1) RetailConsumer and Business Banking; (2) Commercial Banking; and (3) Other. These segments are defined by the type of customers served and the related products and services provided. The segments reflect how financial information is currently evaluated by management. For additional description of the Company’s internal management reporting process, including the segment cost allocation methodology, see Note 18 — Business Segments to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.


The Retail Banking
43


Segment net interest income represents the difference between actual interest earned on assets and interest incurred on liabilities of the segment, focuses primarily on deposit operationsadjusted for funding charges or credits through the Bank’s branch network. The Commercial Banking segment primarily generates commercial loans and deposits through domestic commercial lending offices in the U.S. and foreign offices in China and Hong Kong. Furthermore, the Commercial Banking segment offers a wide variety of international finance, trade finance, and cash management services and products. The remaining centralized functions, including the treasury activities of the Company 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.

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

The Company’s internal funds transfer pricing (“FTP”) process. The process is formulated withwas effective in the goal of encouraging loan and deposit growth that is consistent with the Company’s overall profitability objectives, as well as to provide a reasonable and consistent basis for the measurement of its business segments’ net interest margins and profitability. The Company’s internal funds transfer pricing assumptions and methodologies are reviewed at least annually to ensure that the process is reflective of current market conditions.

Note 19 — Business Segments to the Consolidated Financial Statements describes the Company’s segment reporting methodology and the business activitiesconditions as of each business segment, and presents financial results of these business segments for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.2020.


The following tables present the selectedresults by operating segment for the periods indicated:
Year Ended December 31,
Consumer and Business BankingCommercial BankingOther
($ in thousands)202020192018202020192018202020192018
Total revenue$597,944 $754,471 $812,822 $845,651 $786,035 $715,937 $169,145 $149,552 $75,182 
Provision for credit losses3,885 14,178 9,364 206,768 84,507 54,891 — — — 
Noninterest expense331,750 343,001 341,396 266,923 263,064 237,520 117,649 141,391 142,074 
Segment income (loss) before income taxes262,309 397,292 462,062 371,960 438,464 423,526 51,496 8,161 (66,892)
Segment net income$187,931 $284,161 $330,683 $266,342 $313,833 $303,553 $113,524 $76,041 $69,465 

Consumer and Business Banking

The Consumer and Business Banking segment primarily provides financial products and services to consumer and commercial customers through the Company’s domestic branch network. This segment offers consumer and commercial deposits, mortgage and home equity loans, and other products and services. It also originates commercial loans for small- and medium-sized enterprises. Other products and services provided by this segment include wealth management, treasury management and foreign exchange services. The integration of digital channels and our brick and mortar channels has been a priority for the Bank. The Company is developing a digital consumer banking platform to enhance the customer user experience and offer a full suite of banking services. Customer adoption of the digital banking application is in progress, and has contributed to growth in segment fee income and deposit growth in 2020.

The following table presents additional financial information for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016Consumer and 2015:
 
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
Retail
Banking
 
Commercial
Banking
 Other Total
Net interest income (loss) $590,821
 $553,817
 $40,431
 $1,185,069
Noninterest income $55,093
 $110,104
 $93,209
 $258,406
Noninterest expense $320,287
 $193,176
 $148,646
 $662,109
Segment income (loss) before income taxes $323,815
 $426,291
 $(15,006) $735,100
Segment income after income taxes $190,404
 $251,834
 $63,386
 $505,624
 
 
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
Retail
Banking
 
Commercial
Banking
 Other Total
Net interest income $459,442
 $530,908
 $42,288
 $1,032,638
Noninterest income $51,435
 $96,010
 $35,473
 $182,918
Noninterest expense (1)
 $306,570
 $172,259
 $137,060
 $615,889
Segment income (loss) before income taxes (1)
 $208,663
 $422,824
 $(59,299) $572,188
Segment income after income taxes (1)
 $122,256
 $248,474
 $60,947
 $431,677
 


 
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
Retail
Banking
 
Commercial
Banking
 Other Total
Net interest income $453,015
 $509,591
 $(12,167) $950,439
Noninterest income $46,265
 $71,867
 $65,251
 $183,383
Noninterest expense (1)
 $276,144
 $159,987
 $104,753
 $540,884
Segment income (loss) before income taxes (1)
 $228,971
 $401,419
 $(51,669) $578,721
Segment income after income taxes (1)
 $134,383
 $236,459
 $13,835
 $384,677
 
(1)Noninterest expense for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was reclassified to include inter-segment allocations and the change in amortization on tax credit and other investments allocation methodology. As a result, the segment income (loss) before income taxes and segment income after income taxes were reclassified accordingly.

Retail Banking

The RetailBusiness Banking segment reported segment income before income taxes of $323.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to $208.7 million for the same period in 2016. The increase of $115.1periods indicated:
($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31,
Change from 2019
20202019$%2018
Net interest income before provision for credit losses$530,829 $696,551 $(165,722)(24)%$727,215 
Noninterest income67,115 57,920 9,195 16 %85,607 
Total revenue597,944 754,471 (156,527)(21)%812,822 
Provision for credit losses3,885 14,178 (10,293)(73)%9,364 
Noninterest expense331,750 343,001 (11,251)(3)%341,396 
Segment income before income taxes262,309 397,292 (134,983)(34)%462,062 
Segment net income$187,931 $284,161 $(96,230)(34)%$330,683 
Average loans$12,056,987 $10,647,814 $1,409,173 13 %$9,469,764 
Average deposits$27,201,737 $25,124,827 $2,076,910 %$24,700,474 

Segment net income decreased $96.2 million, or 55%34%, to $187.9 million in Retail Banking segment income before income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2017 was2020 compared with 2019, primarily driven by an increase indue to lower net interest income partially offset by an increase in noninterest expense.before provision for credit losses.


Net interest income before provision for this segment increased $131.4credit losses decreased $165.7 million, or 29%24%, to $590.8$530.8 million in 2020, primarily reflecting a lower credit assigned to deposits under the FTP system in a near-zero interest environment. Noninterest income increased $9.2 million, or 16%, to $67.1 million in 2020, primarily driven by higher deposit account fees due to higher customer-driven transactions.

The provision for credit losses decreased $10.3 million, to $3.9 million in 2020, primarily driven by the year ended December 31, 2017, comparedmethodology change to $459.4credit loss estimates under CECL. The loan portfolio in the Consumer and Business Banking segment is predominantly made up of residential mortgage loans, with a long history of low loan losses.

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Noninterest expense decreased $11.3 million, for the same periodor 3%, to $331.8 million in 2016. The increase in net interest income was2020, primarily due to the growth in core deposits for the segment, and the higher interest income credits received by this segment under the Bank’s internal funds transfer pricing system due to interest rate increases.

Noninterest income for this segment increased $3.7 million or 7% to $55.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to $51.4 million for the same period in 2016. The increase in noninterest income was primarily attributable to increases in wealth management fees and derivative fees as a result of higher customer transaction volumes. This was partially offset by a decrease in ancillary loan fees.

Noninterest expense for this segment increased $13.7 million or 4% to $320.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to $306.6 million for the same period in 2016. The increase was primarily due to increases in compensation and employee benefitslower allocated corporate overhead expense.


The Retail Banking segment reported segment income before income taxes of $208.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $229.0 million for the same period in 2015. The $20.3 million or 9% decrease in segment income before income taxes for this segment was primarily driven by an increase in noninterest expense, partially offset by increases in net interest income and noninterest income. The $30.5 million or 11% increase in noninterest expense to $306.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $276.1 million for the same period in 2015 was primarily due to higher consulting expense and compensation and employee benefits expense. The increase in net interest income was primarily due to growth in core deposits for the segment. The increase in noninterest income for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 was mainly 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 fees and other income. The increase in noninterest income was partially offset by decreases in net gains on sales of loans and wealth management fees.

Commercial Banking


The Commercial Banking segment reported segment income before income taxesprimarily generates commercial loans and deposits. Commercial loan products include commercial business loans and lines of $426.3 millioncredit, trade finance loans and letters of credit, CRE loans, construction and land lending, affordable housing loans and letters of credit, asset-based lending, and equipment financing. Commercial deposit products and other financial services include treasury management, foreign exchange services, and interest rate and commodity risk hedging.

The following table present additional financial information for Commercial Banking for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to $422.8 million for the same period in 2016. The increase of $3.5periods indicated:
($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31,
Change from 2019
20202019$%2018
Net interest income before provision for credit losses$706,286 $651,413 $54,873 %$605,650 
Noninterest income139,365 134,622 4,743 %110,287 
Total revenue845,651 786,035 59,616 %715,937 
Provision for credit losses206,768 84,507 122,261 145 %54,891 
Noninterest expense266,923 263,064 3,859 %237,520 
Segment income before income taxes371,960 438,464 (66,504)(15)%423,526 
Segment net income$266,342 $313,833 $(47,491)(15)%$303,553 
Average loans$24,742,030 $22,725,322 $2,016,708 %$20,760,250 
Average deposits$10,811,020 $8,591,285 $2,219,735 26 %$6,897,424 

Segment net income decreased $47.5 million, or 1%15%, to $266.3 million in segment income before income taxes2020 compared with 2019, reflecting a higher provision for this segment was attributable to increases incredit losses, partially offset by higher net interest income and noninterest income, partially offset by increases in noninterest expense.before provision for credit losses.


Net interest income before provision for this segmentcredit losses increased $22.9$54.9 million, or 4%8%, to $553.8$706.3 million in 2020, primarily driven by lower FTP charges assessed for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to $530.9 million for the same period in 2016. The increase in net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2017 was due to growth in commercial loans, and commercial core deposits, from which the segment receives interest income credit under the Bank’s internal funds transfer pricing system.



Noninterest income for this segment increased $14.1 million or 15% to $110.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to $96.0 million for the same period in 2016. The increase was attributable to increases in ancillary loan fees and letters of credit fees, and a net gain on sale of the insurance brokerage business of the Company’s subsidiary EWIS.

Noninterest expense for this segment increased $20.9 million or 12% to $193.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to $172.3 million for the same period in 2016. The increase in noninterest expense was primarily due to increases in legal expense and compensation and employee benefits expense.

Comparing the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Commercial Banking segment reported segment income before income taxes of $422.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $401.4 million for the same period in 2015. The increase of $21.4 million or 5% in segment income before income taxes for this segment was attributable to increases in net interest income and noninterest income, partially offset by increases in noninterest expense and provision for credit losses. Netlower interest income for this segmentearned on loans due to the lower interest rate environment. Noninterest income increased $21.3$4.7 million, or 4%, to $530.9$139.4 million in 2020, primarily driven by higher lending fees, partially offset by lower interest rate contracts and other derivative income.

The provision for the year ended December 31, 2016, comparedcredit losses increased $122.3 million, to $509.6$206.8 million for the same period in 20152020, primarily due to the loan growth. Noninterest income for this segment increased $24.1 million or 34%, to $96.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $71.9 million for the same period in 2015. The increase was attributable to a decreasedeteriorating macroeconomic conditions and outlook in the reductionfirst half of 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The loan portfolio in the Commercial Banking segment primarily consists of commercial and CRE loans, the loss estimates for which are highly sensitive to changes in FDIC indemnification asset and receivable/payable, and increases in ancillary loan fees, letters of credit fees and foreign exchange income, partially offset by decreases in net gains on sales of loans and derivative fees and other income. the macroeconomic conditions.

Noninterest expense for this segment increased $12.3$3.9 million or 8%, to $172.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $160.0 million for the same period in 2015. The increase in noninterest expense was2020, primarily due to increases in compensation and employee benefits expense.a write-down on OREO.


Other


Centralized functions, including the corporate treasury activities of the Company 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, namely the Consumer and Business Banking and the Commercial Banking segments.

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The following table presents additional financial information for Other segment reported segment loss before income taxes of $15.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to $59.3 million for the same period in 2016. The $44.3periods indicated:
($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31,
Change from 2019
20202019$%2018
Net interest income before provision for credit losses$140,078 $119,849 $20,229 17 %$53,643 
Noninterest income29,067 29,703 (636)(2)%21,539 
Total revenue169,145 149,552 19,593 13 %75,182 
Noninterest expense117,649 141,391 (23,742)(17)%142,074 
Segment income (loss) before income taxes51,496 8,161 43,335 531 %(66,892)
Segment net income$113,524 $76,041 $37,483 49 %$69,465 
Average deposits$2,750,134 $2,330,958 $419,176 18 %$1,632,351 

Segment net income increased $37.5 million, or 75% reduction49%, to $113.5 million in segment loss before income taxes for this segment for the year ended December 31, 2017 was2020 compared with 2019, primarily driven by an increase inlower noninterest expense and higher net interest income which was primarily attributable to the net gain on sale of a commercial property in California, partially offset by an increase in noninterest expense.before provision for credit losses.


Net interest income before provision for this segment decreased $1.9credit losses increased $20.2 million, or 4%17%, to $40.4$140.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to $42.3 million for the same period in 2016. 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 funds transfer pricing credits and charges, which are included in net interest income. The decrease in net2020, primarily driven by lower deposit costs, partially offset by lower interest income for the year ended December 31, 2017 was primarily due to an increase in net interest expense from deposits due to higher interest rates.

on investments. Noninterest income for this segment increased $57.7 million or 163% to $93.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to $35.5 million recorded for the same period in 2016. The increase in noninterest income for the year ended December 31, 2017 was primarily due to the $71.7 million net gain on sale of a commercial property in California, as discussed in Item 7. MD&A — Results of Operations — Noninterest income.remained relatively flat year-over-year.


Noninterest expense for this segment increased $11.5decreased $23.7 million, or 8%17%, to $148.6$117.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to $137.1 million for the same period in 2016. This increase was primarily attributable to increases in compensation and employee benefits expense and2020, reflecting lower amortization of tax credit and other investments.


Comparing the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015,The income tax expense or benefit in the Other segment reportedconsists of the remaining unallocated income tax expense or benefit after allocating income tax expense to the two core segments. Income tax expense is allocated to the Consumer and Business Banking and the Commercial Banking segments based on statutory income tax rates, applied to segment lossincome before taxes of $59.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $51.7 million for the same period in 2015. The increase in segment loss before taxes for this segment for the year ended December 31, 2016 was driven by a decrease in noninterest income and an increase in noninterest expense, partially offset by an increase in net interest income. Net interest income for this segment increased $54.5 million, to $42.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to a net interest loss of $12.2 million for the same period in 2015. The increase in net interest income was primarily due to an increase in interest income from investment securities and resale agreements, a decrease in interest expense on repurchase agreements, and a reduction in net transfer pricing paid. Noninterest income for this segment decreased $29.8 million or 46%, to $35.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $65.3 million for the same period in 2015. The decrease was primarily due to lower net gains on sales of available-for-sale investment securities. Noninterest expense for this segment increased $32.3 million or 31% to $137.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $104.8 million for the same period in 2015. The increase was primarily attributable to higher amortization of tax credit and other investments.taxes.




46


Balance Sheet Analysis


The following istable presents a discussion of the significant changes between December 31, 20172020 and December 31, 2016:2019:


Selected Consolidated Balance Sheet Data
($ in thousands)December 31,Change
20202019$%
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents$4,017,971 $3,261,149 $756,822 23 %
Interest-bearing deposits with banks809,728 196,161 613,567 313 %
Resale agreements1,460,000 860,000 600,000 70 %
AFS debt securities, at fair value (amortized cost of $5,470,523 in 2020 and $3,320,648 in 2019)5,544,658 3,317,214 2,227,444 67 %
Restricted equity securities, at cost83,046 78,580 4,466 %
Loans held-for-sale1,788 434 1,354 312 %
Loans held-for-investment (net of allowance (1) for loan losses of $619,983 in 2020 and $358,287 in 2019)
37,770,972 34,420,252 3,350,720 10 %
Investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, net213,555 207,037 6,518 %
Investments in tax credit and other investments, net266,525 254,140 12,385 %
Premises and equipment103,251 118,364 (15,113)(13)%
Goodwill465,697 465,697 — — %
Operating lease right-of-use assets95,460 99,973 (4,513)(5)%
Other assets1,324,262 917,095 407,167 44 %
TOTAL$52,156,913 $44,196,096 $7,960,817 18 %
LIABILITIES  
Noninterest-bearing$16,298,301 $11,080,036 $5,218,265 47 %
Interest-bearing28,564,451 26,244,223 2,320,228 %
Total deposits44,862,752 37,324,259 7,538,493 20 %
Short-term borrowings21,009 28,669 (7,660)(27)%
FHLB advances652,612 745,915 (93,303)(13)%
Repurchase agreements300,000 200,000 100,000 50 %
Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities151,739 152,270 (531)%
Operating lease liabilities102,830 108,083 (5,253)(5)%
Accrued expenses and other liabilities796,796 619,283 177,513 29 %
Total liabilities46,887,738 39,178,479 7,709,259 20 %
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (1)
5,269,175 5,017,617 251,558 %
TOTAL$52,156,913 $44,196,096 $7,960,817 18 %
 
($ in thousands) December 31, Change
 2017 2016 $ %
         
ASSETS        
Cash and cash equivalents $2,174,592
 $1,878,503
 $296,089
 16 %
Interest-bearing deposits with banks 398,422
 323,148
 75,274
 23 %
Resale agreements 1,050,000
 2,000,000
 (950,000) (48)%
Available-for-sale investment securities, at fair value 3,016,752
 3,335,795
 (319,043) (10)%
Held-to-maturity investment security, at cost 
 143,971
 (143,971) (100)%
Restricted equity securities, at cost 73,521
 72,775
 746
 1 %
Loans held-for-sale 85
 23,076
 (22,991) (100)%
Loans held-for-investment (net of allowance for loan losses of $287,128 in 2017 and $260,520 in 2016) 28,688,590
 25,242,619
 3,445,971
 14 %
Investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, net 162,824
 183,917
 (21,093) (11)%
Investments in tax credit and other investments, net 224,551
 173,280
 51,271
 30 %
Premises and equipment 121,209
 159,923
 (38,714) (24)%
Goodwill 469,433
 469,433
 
  %
Branch assets held-for-sale 91,318
 
 91,318
 100 %
Other assets 678,952
 782,400
 (103,448) (13)%
TOTAL $37,150,249
 $34,788,840
 $2,361,409
 7 %
LIABILITIES  
  
    
Deposits $31,615,063
 $29,890,983
 $1,724,080
 6 %
Branch liability held-for-sale 605,111
 
 605,111
 100 %
Short-term borrowings 
 60,050
 (60,050) (100)%
FHLB advances 323,891
 321,643
 2,248
 1 %
Repurchase agreements 50,000
 350,000
 (300,000) (86)%
Long-term debt 171,577
 186,327
 (14,750) (8)%
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 542,656
 552,096
 (9,440) (2)%
Total liabilities 33,308,298
 31,361,099
 1,947,199
 6 %
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 3,841,951
 3,427,741
 414,210
 12 %
TOTAL $37,150,249
 $34,788,840
 $2,361,409
 7 %
     
(1)On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments using the modified retrospective approach. The Company recorded $125.2 million increase to allowance for loan losses and $98.0 million after-tax decrease to opening retained earnings as of January 1, 2020.


As of December 31, 2020, total assets were $52.16 billion, an increase of $7.96 billion or 18% from $44.20 billion as of December 31, 2019, primarily due to loan growth, and an increase in purchases of AFS debt securities.The loan growth came from C&I lending, driven by originations of PPP loans, single-family residential and CRE.

As of December 31, 2017,2020, total assetsliabilities were $37.15$46.89 billion, an increase of $2.36$7.71 billion or 7%20% from $39.18 billion as of December 31, 2016. The predominant area of asset2019, primarily due to deposit growth, was in loans, which was driven by strong increases across a majority of the Company’s commercial and consumer loan categories, as well as higher cash and cash equivalents resulting from deposit growth and active liquidity management. These increases were partially offset by decreases in resale agreements, investment securities and other assets.noninterest-bearing deposits.


As of December 31, 2017,2020, total liabilities were $33.31stockholders’ equity was $5.27 billion, an increase of $1.95$251.6 million or 5% from $5.02 billion or 6% fromas of December 31, 2016,2019, primarily due to increases$567.8 million in deposits, reflecting the continued strong growth from existing and new customers. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in repurchase agreements primarily due to an increase in resale agreements that were eligible for netting against repurchase agreements under ASC 210-20-45-11, Balance Sheet Offsetting: Repurchase and Reverse Repurchase Agreements.

As of December 31, 2017, total stockholders’ equity was $3.84 billion, an increase of $414.2 million or 12% from December 31, 2016. This increase was primarily due to $505.6 million in2020 net income, partially offset by $117.0 million of cash dividends declared on common stock.stock and common stock repurchases.




On November 11, 2017, the Bank entered into a Purchase and Assumption Agreement to sell all of its eight Desert Community Bank (“DCB”) branches located in the High Desert area of California, and related assets and liabilities to Flagstar Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Flagstar Bancorp, Inc. All regulatory approvals necessary for this transaction have been received, and the sale is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2018. DCB is reported under the “Retail Banking” operating segment. The Company determined that this transaction met the criteria for held-for-sale as of December 31, 2017. The branch assets classified as held-for-sale as of December 31, 2017 related to the DCB Purchase and Assumption Agreement were mainly comprised of $78.1 million in loans held-for-sale and $8.0 million in premises and equipment held-for-sale, net. The branch liability classified as held-for-sale was comprised of $605.1 million in deposits held-for-sale as of December 31, 2017.

InvestmentDebt Securities

The Company aims to maintain an investmentmaintains a portfolio that consists of high quality and liquid debt securities with relatively short durations to minimize overall interest rate and liquidity risks. The Company’s available-for-sale investmentdebt securities provide:

Interestinterest income for earnings and yield enhancement;
Availabilityavailability for funding needs arising during the normal course of business;
The
47


the ability to execute interest rate risk management strategies duein response to changes in economic or market conditions which influence loan origination, prepayment speeds, or deposit balancesconditions; and mix; and
Collateralcollateral to support pledging agreements as required and/or to enhance the Company’s borrowing capacity.

Held-to-Maturity Investment Security

During the first quarter of 2016, the Company securitized $201.7 million of multifamily residential 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 investment security is a non-agency commercial mortgage-backed security maturing on April 25, 2046. During the third quarter of 2017, the Company transferred this non-agency commercial mortgage-backed security with a net carrying amount of $115.6 million from held-to-maturity to available-for-sale. The transfer reflected the Company’s intent to sell the security as part of its active liquidity management. This investment security was sold in the fourth quarter of 2017.


Available-for-Sale InvestmentDebt Securities


As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company’s available-for-sale investment securities portfolio was primarily comprised of U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities, U.S. Treasury securities and foreign bonds. InvestmentDebt securities classified as available-for-saleAFS are carried at their fair value with the corresponding changes in fair value recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss,income (loss), net of tax, as a component of Stockholders’ equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.




The following table presents the amortized cost anddistribution of the Company’s AFS debt securities portfolio by fair value and percentage of available-for-sale investment securities by major categoriesfair value as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and by credit ratings as of December 31, 2020:
($ in thousands)December 31,
Ratings (2)
20202019As of December 31, 2020
Fair
Value
% of TotalFair
Value
% of TotalAAA/AAABBBNo Rating
AFS debt securities:
U.S. Treasury securities$50,761 %$176,422 %100 %— %— %— %
U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise debt securities814,319 15 %581,245 18 %100 %— %— %— %
U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities2,814,664 51 %1,607,368 48 %100 %— %— %— %
Municipal securities396,073 %102,302 %91 %%— %%
Non-agency mortgage-backed securities529,617 10 %135,098 %89 %— %— %11 %
Corporate debt securities405,968 %11,149 — %— %30 %70 %— %
Foreign government bonds (1)
182,531 %354,172 11 %17 %83 %— %— %
Asset-backed securities (1)
63,231 %64,752 %100 %— %— %— %
CLOs (1)
287,494 %284,706 %92 %%— %— %
Total AFS debt securities$5,544,658 100 %$3,317,214 100 %88 %6 %5 %1 %
(1)There were no securities of a single non-governmental agency issuer that exceeded 10% of stockholder’s equity as of both December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
(2)Primarily based upon the dates indicated:lowest of the credit ratings issued by S&P, Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) or Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”). Rating percentages are allocated based on fair value.
 
($ in thousands) December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
 Amortized
Cost
 Fair
Value
Available-for-sale investment securities:            
U.S. Treasury securities $651,395
 $640,280
 $730,287
 $720,479
 $1,002,874
 $998,515
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities 206,815
 203,392
 277,891
 274,866
 771,288
 768,849
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities 1,528,217
 1,509,228
 1,539,044
 1,525,546
 1,350,673
 1,349,058
Municipal securities 99,636
 99,982
 148,302
 147,654
 173,785
 175,649
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities 9,136
 9,117
 11,592
 11,477
 62,133
 62,393
Corporate debt securities 37,585
 37,003
 232,381
 231,550
 292,341
 289,074
Foreign bonds (1)
 505,396
 486,408
 405,443
 383,894
 90,586
 89,795
Other securities 31,887
 31,342
 40,501
 40,329
 40,149
 39,893
Total available-for-sale investment securities $3,070,067
 $3,016,752
 $3,385,441
 $3,335,795
 $3,783,829
 $3,773,226
             
(1)The Company held bonds from International Bank for Reconstruction and Development that exceeded 10% of stockholders’ equity, with an unamortized cost of $474.9 million and a fair value of $456.1 million as of December 31, 2017 and an unamortized cost of $374.9 million and a fair value of $353.6 million as of December 31, 2016.


The fair value of available-for-sale investmentAFS debt securities totaled $3.02$5.54 billion as of December 31, 2017, compared to $3.342020, an increase of $2.23 billion or 67% from $3.32 billion as of December 31, 2016.2019. The decrease of $319.0 million or 10% was primarily attributable to the sales, repayments, maturities and redemptions oflargest net change came from U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsoredgovernment-sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities, U.S. Treasury securities andwhich increased $1.21 billion, followed by corporate debt securities, partially offset by purchases of U.S. government agencywhich increased $394.8 million, and U.S. government sponsored enterprisenon-agency mortgage-backed securities, U.S. Treasury securities and foreign bonds.which increased $394.5 million.


The Company’s available-for-saledebt securities portfolio had an effective duration of 4.2 years as of December 31, 2020 which increased from 3.1 years as of December 31, 2019, primarily due to an increase in the target duration of securities purchases to achieve enhancement in portfolio yield. As of December 31, 2020, 88% of the carrying value of the Company’s debt securities portfolio was rated “AA-” or “Aa3” or higher by nationally recognized credit rating agencies, compared with 97% as of December 31, 2019. The decrease in higher-rated securities was primarily due to the strategic growth in non-agency securities within the portfolio mix. Credit ratings of BBB- or higher by S&P and Fitch, or Baa3 or higher by Moody’s, are considered investment grade.

The Company’s AFS debt securities are carried at fair value with changesnoncredit-related unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported in fair value reflected in other Other comprehensive income (loss) unless a security is deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired. Ason the Consolidated Statement of December 31, 2017, the Company’sComprehensive Income. Pre-tax net unrealized lossesgain on available-for-sale investmentAFS debt securities were $53.3 million, compared to $49.6was $74.1 million as of December 31, 2016. The increase in2020, a net improvement of $77.6 million from pre-tax net unrealized losses was primarily attributed to an increase in interest rate. Gross unrealized losses on available-for-sale investment securities totaled $58.3of $3.4 million as of December 31, 2017, compared2019. This change was primarily due to $56.3a decrease in benchmark interest rates as of December 31, 2020. Gross unrealized losses on AFS debt securities totaled $22.5 million as of December 31, 2016.2020, compared with $23.2 million as of December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2017,2020, the Company had no intention to sell securities with unrealized losses and believesbelieved it is more likely than notmore-likely-than-not that it would not be required to sell such securities before recovery of their amortized cost. No other-than-temporary impairment loss was recognized forcosts.

48


Of the years endedsecurities with gross unrealized losses, substantially all were rated investment grade as of both December 31, 20172020 and 2016.2019, as classified based upon the lowest of the credit ratings issued by S&P, Moody’s, or Fitch. The Company believes that the gross unrealized losses were due to non-credit related factors and the gross unrealized losses were primarily attributable to yield curve movement and widened spreads. The Company believes that the credit support levels of the AFS debt securities are strong and, based on current assessments and macroeconomic forecasts, expects that full contractual cash flows will be received, even if near term credit performance is impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

If a credit loss exists, the Company records an impairment related to credit losses through the allowance for credit losses with a corresponding Provision for credit losses on the Consolidated Statement of Income. There were no credit losses recognized in earnings for 2020 and no OTTI credit losses were recognized in earnings for 2019. The Company assesses individual securities for credit losses for each reporting period. For complete discussionadditional information of the Company’s accounting policies, valuation and disclosure,composition, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Note 32 — Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments, and Note 54 — Securities to the Consolidated Financial Statements.Statements in this Form 10-K.


As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, available-for-sale investment securities with fair value of $534.3 million and $767.4 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.
49




The following table presents the weighted-average yields and contractual maturity distribution, excluding periodic principal payments, of the Company’s investmentAFS debt securities as of the periods indicated.December 31, 2020 and 2019. Actual maturities of mortgage-backedcertain securities can differ from contractual maturities as the borrowers have the right to prepay the obligations.obligations with or without prepayment penalties. In addition, factors such factors as prepayments and interest rate changesrates may affect the yields on the carrying valuevalues of mortgage-backedthese securities.
($ in thousands)December 31,
20202019
Amortized
Cost
Fair
Value
Yield (1)
Amortized
Cost
Fair
Value
Yield (1)
AFS debt securities:
U.S. Treasury securities:
Maturing in one year or less$50,310 $50,761 1.26 %$— $— — %
Maturing after one year through five years— — — %177,215 176,422 1.33 %
Total50,310 50,761 1.26 %177,215 176,422 1.33 %
U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise debt securities:
Maturing in one year or less640,153 640,366 1.78 %328,628 326,341 2.62 %
Maturing after one year through five years118,053 122,012 2.38 %158,490 156,431 2.69 %
Maturing after five years through ten years11,091 11,697 2.54 %44,908 45,189 2.38 %
Maturing after ten years37,517 40,244 2.74 %52,249 53,284 2.78 %
Total806,814 814,319 1.92 %584,275 581,245 2.63 %
U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities:
Maturing in one year or less4,185 4,232 3.46 %112 113 2.72 %
Maturing after one year through five years21,566 22,668 2.72 %23,144 23,289 2.29 %
Maturing after five years through ten years216,332 222,905 2.17 %85,970 88,261 2.72 %
Maturing after ten years2,517,644 2,564,859 2.11 %1,489,035 1,495,705 2.66 %
Total2,759,727 2,814,664 2.12 %1,598,261 1,607,368 2.66 %
Municipal securities (2):
Maturing in one year or less18,663 18,868 3.04 %37,136 37,291 2.67 %
Maturing after one year through five years36,000 37,716 2.89 %18,699 18,948 2.52 %
Maturing after five years through ten years230,851 239,883 2.07 %12,151 12,451 3.15 %
Maturing after ten years97,059 99,606 2.08 %33,635 33,612 2.63 %
Total382,573 396,073 2.20 %101,621 102,302 2.69 %
Non-agency mortgage-backed securities:
Maturing in one year or less7,920 7,920 0.63 %— — — %
Maturing after one year through five years49,704 49,870 3.80 %7,920 7,914 3.78 %
Maturing after five years through ten years21,332 21,376 1.50 %— — — %
Maturing after ten years444,529 450,451 2.48 %125,519 127,184 3.21 %
Total523,485 529,617 2.48 %133,439 135,098 3.24 %
Corporate debt securities:
Maturing in one year or less126,250 124,846 1.71 %1,250 1,262 5.20 %
Maturing after one year through five years276,073 277,103 3.56 %10,000 9,887 4.00 %
Maturing after five years through ten years4,000 4,019 4.50 %— — — %
Total406,323 405,968 2.99 %11,250 11,149 4.13 %
Foreign government bonds:
Maturing in one year or less45,681 45,655 0.85 %354,481 354,172 2.22 %
Maturing after one year through five years138,147 136,876 2.41 %— — — %
Total183,828 182,531 2.02 %354,481 354,172 2.22 %
Asset-backed securities:
Maturing after ten years63,463 63,231 0.85 %66,106 64,752 2.65 %
CLOs:
Maturing after ten years294,000 287,494 1.34 %294,000 284,706 3.08 %
Total AFS debt securities$5,470,523 $5,544,658 2.13 %$3,320,648 $3,317,214 2.60 %
Total aggregated by maturities:
Maturing in one year or less$893,162 $892,648 1.72 %$721,607 $719,179 2.43 %
Maturing after one year through five years639,543 646,245 3.05 %395,468 392,891 2.11 %
Maturing after five years through ten years483,606 499,880 2.12 %143,029 145,901 2.65 %
Maturing after ten years3,454,212 3,505,885 2.08 %2,060,544 2,059,243 2.76 %
Total AFS debt securities$5,470,523 $5,544,658 2.13 %$3,320,648 $3,317,214 2.60 %
(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.

50
 
  December 31,
($ in thousands) 2017 2016
 
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 $120,233
 $119,844
 1.01% $100,707
 $100,653
 0.65%
Maturing after one year through five years 531,162
 520,436
 1.55% 376,580
 371,917
 1.27%
Maturing after five years through ten years 
 
 % 253,000
 247,909
 1.59%
Total 651,395
 640,280
 1.45% 730,287
 720,479
 1.29%
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities:            
Maturing in one year or less 24,999
 24,882
 1.02% 118,966
 118,982
 0.94%
Maturing after one year through five years 9,720
 9,743
 2.36% 52,622
 52,630
 1.38%
Maturing after five years through ten years 119,645
 116,570
 2.05% 81,829
 78,977
 2.07%
Maturing after ten years 52,451
 52,197
 2.58% 24,474
 24,277
 2.50%
Total 206,815
 203,392
 2.07% 277,891
 274,866
 1.49%
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities:            
Maturing after one year through five years 48,363
 47,811
 2.34% 47,278
 46,950
 1.74%
Maturing after five years through ten years 71,562
 70,507
 2.48% 79,379
 78,903
 3.11%
Maturing after ten years 1,408,292
 1,390,910
 2.31% 1,412,387
 1,399,693
 2.34%
Total 1,528,217
 1,509,228
 2.32% 1,539,044
 1,525,546
 2.36%
Municipal securities (2):
            
Maturing in one year or less 7,395
 7,424
 2.69% 6,404
 6,317
 2.56%
Maturing after one year through five years 83,104
 83,301
 2.31% 127,178
 127,080
 2.31%
Maturing after five years through ten years 4,156
 4,215
 2.92% 9,785
 9,515
 2.50%
Maturing after ten years 4,981
 5,042
 4.40% 4,935
 4,742
 3.95%
Total 99,636
 99,982
 2.47% 148,302
 147,654
 2.40%
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities:            
Maturing after ten years 9,136
 9,117
 2.79% 11,592
 11,477
 2.52%
Corporate debt securities:            
Maturing in one year or less 12,650
 11,905
 2.29% 12,671
 11,347
 1.80%
Maturing after five years through ten years 24,935
 25,098
 2.90% 40,479
 40,500
 2.40%
Maturing after ten years 
 
 % 179,231
 179,703
 2.26%
Total 37,585
 37,003
 2.70% 232,381
 231,550
 2.26%
Foreign bonds:            
Maturing in one year or less 405,396
 387,729
 2.13% 304,427
 287,695
 2.09%
Maturing after one year through five years 100,000
 98,679
 2.71% 101,016
 96,199
 2.11%
Total 505,396
 486,408
 2.24% 405,443
 383,894
 2.09%
Other securities:            
Maturing in one year or less 31,887
 31,342
 2.71% 40,501
 40,329
 2.72%
             
Total:            
Maturing in one year or less 602,560
 583,126
   583,676
 565,323
  
Maturing after one year through five years 772,349
 759,970
   704,674
 694,776
  
Maturing after five years through ten years 220,298
 216,390
   464,472
 455,804
  
Maturing after ten years 1,474,860
 1,457,266
   1,632,619
 1,619,892
  
 Total available-for-sale investment securities $3,070,067
 $3,016,752
   $3,385,441
 $3,335,795
  
             
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.





The following sections provide a discussion on the Company’s loan portfolios, non-PCI nonperforming assets and allowance for credit losses.

Total Loan Portfolio

Loan Portfolio Reviews


The Company offers a broad range of financial products designed to meet the credit needs of its borrowers. The Company’s loan portfolio segments include commercial lending loans, (which are comprisedwhich consist of commercial and industrial (“C&I”),&I, CRE, multifamily residential, and construction and land loans)loans; and consumer lending loans, (which are comprisedwhich consist of single-family residential, home equity lines of credit (“HELOCs”) and other consumer loans).loans. Total net loans, including loans held-for-sale, increased $3.50 billion or 14% from $25.27were $37.77 billion as of December 31, 2016 to $28.772020, an increase of $3.35 billion or 10% from $34.42 billion as of December 31, 2017. The increase2019. This was broad based and primarily driven by strong increases of $1.14$1.48 billion or 33%12% in C&I loans, driven by PPP loan growth; $1.08 billion or 15% in single-family residential loans $1.07 billion or 11% in C&I loans, $957.6and $896.2 million or 12%9% in CRE loans and $342.7 million or 22% in multifamily residential loans. The composition of the loan portfolio as of December 31, 2020 was similar to the composition as of December 31, 2019.


The following table presents the composition of the Company’s total loan portfolio by segmentloan type as of the periods indicated:
($ in thousands)December 31,
20202019201820172016
Amount (1)
%
Amount (1)
%
Amount (1)
%
Amount (1)
%
Amount (1)
%
Commercial:
C&I (2)
$13,631,726 36 %$12,150,931 35 %$12,056,970 37 %$10,697,231 37 %$9,640,563 38 %
CRE:
CRE11,174,611 29 %10,278,448 30 %9,260,199 28 %8,758,818 31 %7,890,368 31 %
Multifamily residential3,033,998 %2,856,374 %2,470,668 %2,094,255 %1,711,680 %
Construction and land599,692 %628,499 %538,794 %659,697 %674,754 %
Total CRE14,808,301 39 %13,763,321 40 %12,269,661 38 %11,512,770 40 %10,276,802 40 %
Total commercial28,440,027 75 %25,914,252 75 %24,326,631 75 %22,210,001 77 %19,917,365 78 %
Consumer:
Residential mortgage:
Single-family residential8,185,953 21 %7,108,590 20 %6,036,454 19 %4,646,289 16 %3,509,779 14 %
HELOCs1,601,716 %1,472,783 %1,690,834 %1,782,924 %1,760,776 %
Total residential mortgage9,787,669 25 %8,581,373 24 %7,727,288 24 %6,429,213 22 %5,270,555 21 %
Other consumer163,259 — %282,914 %331,270 %336,504 %315,219 %
Total consumer9,950,928 25 %8,864,287 25 %8,058,558 25 %6,765,717 23 %5,585,774 22 %
Total loans held-for-investment38,390,955 100 %34,778,539 100 %32,385,189 100 %28,975,718 100 %25,503,139 100 %
Allowance for loan losses(619,983)(358,287)(311,322)(287,128)(260,520)
Loans held-for-sale (3)
1,788 434 275 78,217 23,076 
Total loans, net$37,772,760 $34,420,686 $32,074,142 $28,766,807 $25,265,695 
 
($ in thousands) December 31,
 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
 
Amount (1)
 % 
Amount (1)
 % 
Amount (1)
 % 
Amount (1)
 % 
Amount (1)
 %
Commercial lending:                    
C&I $10,697,231
 37% $9,640,563
 38% $8,991,535
 38% $8,076,450
 37% $5,760,648
 32%
CRE 8,936,897
 31% 8,016,109
 31% 7,471,812
 32% 6,253,195
 29% 5,265,861
 30%
Multifamily residential 1,916,176
 7% 1,585,939
 6% 1,524,367
 6% 1,451,918
 7% 1,369,051
 8%
Construction and land 659,697
 2% 674,754
 3% 628,260
 3% 563,196
 2% 408,035
 2%
Total commercial lending 22,210,001
 77% 19,917,365
 78% 18,615,974
 79% 16,344,759
 75% 12,803,595
 72%
Consumer lending:   

                
Single-family residential 4,646,289
 16% 3,509,779
 14% 3,069,969
 13% 3,872,141
 18% 3,474,701
 19%
HELOCs 1,782,924
 6% 1,760,776
 7% 1,681,228
 7% 1,258,079
 6% 735,993
 4%
Other consumer 336,504
 1% 315,219
 1% 276,577
 1% 254,970
 1% 835,999
 5%
Total consumer lending 6,765,717
 23% 5,585,774
 22% 5,027,774
 21% 5,385,190
 25% 5,046,693
 28%
Total loans held-for-investment (2)
 28,975,718
 100% 25,503,139
 100% 23,643,748
 100% 21,729,949
 100% 17,850,288
 100%
Allowance for loan losses (287,128)   (260,520)   (264,959)   (261,679)   (249,675)  
Loans held-for-sale (3)
 78,217
   23,076
   31,958
   45,950
   204,970
  
Total loans, net $28,766,807
   $25,265,695
   $23,410,747
   $21,514,220
   $17,805,583
  
 
(1)Includes(1)On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13. Total loans include net deferred loan fees, unearned fees, unamortized premiums and unaccreted discounts of $(58.8) million, $(43.2) million, $(48.9) million, $(34.0) million and $1.2 million $(16.0) million, $2.8 million and $(23.7) million as of December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, of net deferred loan fees, unearned fees, unamortized premiums and unaccreted discounts.
(2)Includes ASC 310-30 discount of $35.3 million, $49.4 million, $80.1 million, $133.6 million and $265.9 million as of December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
(3)Includes $78.1 million of loans held-for-sale in branch assets held-for-sale as of December 31, 2017.

Although the loan portfolio grew 14% in 2017, the loan type composition remained relatively unchanged from December 31, 2016. The Company’s commercial lending portfolio comprised 77% and 78% of the total loan portfolio as of December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and are discussed below.

Commercial Lending C&I Loans. C&Irespectively. Net origination fees related to PPP loans of $10.70 billion and $9.64 billion, which accounted for 37% and 38% of the total loan portfoliowere $(12.7) million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, comprised 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, structured specialty finance, energy and private equity.2020.



Although the C&I industry sectors in which the Company provides financing are diversified, the Company has higher concentrations in the industry sectors(2)Includes $1.57 billion of wholesale trade, manufacturing, real estate and leasing, entertainment and private equity. The Company’s C&I loan exposures within the wholesale trade sector, which totaled $1.56 billion and $1.38 billionPPP loans as of December 31, 20172020.
(3)Includes $78.1 million of loans held-for-sale in Branch assets held-for-sale as of December 31, 2017.

Actions to Support Customers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company assisted customers by offering SBA PPP loans to help struggling businesses in our communities pay their employees and 2016, respectively,sustain their businesses, and by providing payment relief through various loan modification programs. For a summary of the loans that the Company has modified in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, refer to Item 7. MD&A — Risk Management — Credit Risk Management in this Form 10-K.

As of December 31, 2020, the Company had approximately 6,200 SBA PPP loans outstanding with balances totaling $1.57 billion, which were included in the C&I portfolio. These loans carry an interest rate of 1%, and are largely related100% guaranteed by the SBA. The substantial majority of the Company’s PPP loans have a term of two years. Related to U.S. domiciled companies that import goodsthe PPP loans made in 2020, as of February 25 2021, the Company has submitted and received approval from Greater Chinathe SBA for U.S. consumer consumption, manyforgiveness approximately 2,700 PPP loan applications, totaling $341.9 million.

51


In January 2021, the Company began processing applications to provide additional support for those in need under the latest round of which are companies basedthe SBA’s PPP in California.response to the CAA signed by the President on December 27, 2020. Year-to-date through February 25, 2021, the Company funded over 4,300 new PPP loans, totaling $700.3 million. For more information on PPP loans, refer to Item 7. MD&A — Overview — Regulatory Developments Relating to the COVID-19 Pandemic — Paycheck Protection Program and Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Paycheck Protection Program to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.

Commercial

The commercial loan portfolio comprised 75% of total loans as of both December 31, 2020 and 2019. The Company actively monitors the commercial lending portfolio for elevated levels of credit risk and reviews credit exposures for sensitivity to changing economic conditions.

Commercial — Commercial and Industrial Loans. C&I loans totaled $13.63 billion, or 36% of total loans held-for-investment, as of December 31, 2020, compared with $12.15 billion, or 35% of total loans held-for-investment, as of December 31, 2019. Year-over-year, C&I loans increased $1.48 billion, or 12%, driven by PPP loan funding. The C&I loan portfolio includes loans and financing for businesses in a wide spectrum of industries, and includes asset-based lending, equipment financing and leasing, project-based finance, revolving lines of credit, SBA lending, structured finance, term loans and trade finance. The Company also has a syndicated loan portfolio within theof broadly syndicated C&I loan sector,loans, primarily Term B, which totaled $616.2$892.1 million and $758.5$894.6 million as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, respectively. The majority of the C&I loans have variable interest rates.

The C&I portfolio is well-diversified by industry. The Company monitors concentrations within the C&I loan sectorportfolio by customer exposure and industry classifications, setting limits for specialized lending verticals andclassification, setting diversification targets.targets and exposure limits by industry or loan product. The following charts illustrate the industry mix within our C&I portfolio as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.

ewbc-20201231_g6.jpgewbc-20201231_g7.jpg
Oil & gas loans outstanding comprised 7% of C&I loans and 3% of total loans held-for-investment as of December 31, 2020, a decrease from 11% of C&I loans and 4% of total loans held-for-investment as of December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2020, oil & gas outstanding totaled $1.03 billion, a decrease of 23% from $1.33 billion as of December 31, 2019. Unfunded commitments to oil & gas borrowers were $312.1 million as of December 31, 2020, a decrease of 35% from $477.6 million as of December 31, 2019. Based on total commitment as of December 31, 2020, the oil & gas portfolio mix was: 59% exploration and production (“E&P”) companies, 34% midstream and downstream companies, and 7% oilfield services and other companies. In comparison, the oil & gas portfolio mix was: 64% E&P companies, 29% midstream and downstream companies, and 7% oilfield services and other companies as of December 31, 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic, fallen global commodity demand, and oil & gas price volatility have unfavorably impacted the credit risk of the oil & gas industry sector. Accordingly, the Company increased its allowance for loan loss coverage for oil & gas loans outstanding to 11% as of December 31, 2020, up from 5% as of December 31, 2019.

Commercial Lending Commercial Real Estate Loans. The CRE Loans.portfolio consists of income-producing CRE, multifamily residential, and construction and land loans. Total CRE loans represent income producing real estateoutstanding were $14.81 billion, or 39% of total loans whereheld-for-investment as of December 31, 2020, compared with $13.76 billion, or 40% of total loans held-for-investment as of December 31, 2019. Year-over-year, total CRE loans increased $1.04 billion, or 8%, primarily driven by growth in income-producing CRE.
52


The Company’s total CRE portfolio is granular and broadly diversified by property type, which serves to mitigate a portion of its geographical concentration in California. The average size of total CRE loans was $2.4 million and $2.1 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The following table summarizes the interest rates may be fixed, variableCompany’s total CRE loans by property type as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:
($ in thousands)December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Amount%Amount%
Property types:
Retail$3,466,141 23 %$3,300,106 24 %
Multifamily3,033,998 20 %2,856,374 21 %
Offices2,747,082 19 %2,375,087 17 %
Industrial2,407,594 16 %2,163,769 16 %
Hospitality1,888,797 13 %1,865,031 14 %
Construction and land599,692 %628,499 %
Other664,997 %574,455 %
Total CRE loans$14,808,301 100 %$13,763,321 100 %

The weighted-average loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratio of the total CRE portfolio was 51% as of December 31, 2020, compared with 50% as of December 31, 2019. The low weighted-average LTV ratio was consistent by CRE property type. Approximately 89% of total CRE loans had an LTV ratio of 65% or hybrid.lower as of December 31, 2020, compared with 85% as of December 31, 2019. The Company focuses on providing financing to experienced real estate investorsconsistency of the Company’s low LTV underwriting standards has historically resulted in lower credit losses for income-producing CRE and developers who have moderate levels of leverage, many of whom are long-time customers. Loans are generally underwritten with high standards for cash flows, debt service coverage ratios and loan-to-value ratios.multifamily residential loans.


The following tables summarizeprovide a summary of the Company’s income-producing CRE, multifamily residential, and construction and land loans by geographic marketsgeography as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016:
 
($ in thousands) December 31, 2017
 CRE % 
Multifamily
Residential
 % 
Construction
and Land
 %
Geographic markets:            
Northern California $1,975,890
   $446,068
   $137,539
  
Southern California 4,809,095
   1,170,565
   293,814
  
California 6,784,985
 76% 1,616,633
 84% 431,353
 65%
New York 707,910
 8% 98,391
 5% 132,866
 20%
Texas 555,397
 6% 46,910
 2% 34,330
 5%
Washington 328,570
 4% 61,779
 3% 25,377
 4%
Other markets 560,035
 6% 92,463
 6% 35,771
 6%
Total loans (1)
 $8,936,897
 100% $1,916,176
 100% $659,697
 100%
             
 
($ in thousands) December 31, 2016
 CRE % 
Multifamily
Residential
 % 
Construction
and Land
 %
Geographic markets:            
Northern California $1,810,131
   $433,919
   $81,537
  
Southern California 4,214,110
   903,733
   299,234
  
California 6,024,241
 75% 1,337,652
 84% 380,771
 56%
New York 591,530
 7% 84,911
 5% 181,793
 27%
Texas 490,076
 6% 45,635
 3% 34,240
 5%
Washington 336,782
 4% 59,663
 4% 38,609
 6%
Other markets 573,480
 8% 58,078
 4% 39,341
 6%
Total loans (1)
 $8,016,109
 100% $1,585,939
 100% $674,754
 100%
             
(1)Loans net2019. The distribution of ASC 310-30 discount.

As illustrated by the table above, due to the nature oftotal CRE loan portfolio reflects the Company’s geographical footprint, and market presence, the Company has CRE loan concentrations primarilywhich is concentrated in California:
($ in thousands)December 31, 2020
CRE%Multifamily
Residential
%Construction
and Land
%Total%
Geographic markets:
Southern California$5,884,691 $1,867,646 $249,282 $8,001,619 
Northern California2,476,510 674,813 197,195 3,348,518 
California8,361,201 75 %2,542,459 84 %446,477 74 %11,350,137 77 %
New York696,712 %137,114 %93,806 16 %927,632 %
Texas864,639 %116,367 %2,581 %983,587 %
Washington341,374 %91,824 %22,724 %455,922 %
Arizona147,187 %12,406 %— — %159,593 %
Nevada88,959 %86,644 %22,384 %197,987 %
Other markets674,539 %47,184 %11,720 %733,443 %
Total loans$11,174,611 100 %$3,033,998 100 %$599,692 100 %$14,808,301 100 %
53


($ in thousands)December 31, 2019
CRE%Multifamily
Residential
%Construction
and Land
%Total%
Geographic markets:
Southern California$5,446,786 $1,728,086 $247,170 $7,422,042 
Northern California2,359,808 603,135 203,706 3,166,649 
California7,806,594 76 %2,331,221 82 %450,876 72 %10,588,691 77 %
New York701,902 %116,923 %79,962 13 %898,787 %
Texas628,576 %124,646 %8,604 %761,826 %
Washington306,247 %55,913 %37,552 %399,712 %
Arizona149,151 %37,208 %6,951 %193,310 %
Nevada102,891 %138,577 %40 %241,508 %
Other markets583,087 %51,886 %44,514 %679,487 %
Total loans (1)
$10,278,448 100 %$2,856,374 100 %$628,499 100 %$13,763,321 100 %
(1)Loans net of ASC 310-30 discount.

Since 77% these loans were concentrated in California which comprised 76% and 75% of the CRE loan portfolio as of both December 31, 20172020 and 2016, respectively. Accordingly,2019, changes in the CaliforniaCalifornia’s economy and real estate values could have a significant impact on the collectability of these loans and the required level of allowance for loan losses. For additional information related to the higher degree of risk from a downturn in real estate markets in California, see Item 1A. Risk Factors in this Form 10-K.

Commercial — Income-Producing Commercial Real Estate Loans. The Company focuses on providing financing to experienced real estate investors and developers who have moderate levels of leverage, many of whom are long-time customers of the Bank. Income-producing CRE loans totaled $11.17 billion, or 29% of total loans held-for-investment, as of December 31, 2020, compared with $10.28 billion, or 30% of total loans held-for-investment as of December 31, 2019. Interest rates on CRE loans may be fixed, variable or hybrid. Loans are underwritten with conservative standards for cash flows, debt service coverage and LTV.

Owner-occupied properties comprised 20% of the totalincome-producing CRE loans as of each ofboth December 31, 20172020 and 20162019. The remainder were owner occupiednon-owner-occupied properties, while the remaining 80% were non-owner occupied properties (wherewhere 50% or more of the debt service for the loan is typically provided by unaffiliated rental income) asincome from a third party.

Commercial —Multifamily Residential Loans. The multifamily residential loan portfolio is largely made up of each of December 31, 2017 and 2016.



Despite the geographical concentration of CRE loans as discussed in the preceding paragraph, CREsecured by residential properties with five or more units. Multifamily residential loans are broadly diversified across all property types. The following table summarizes the Company’s CRE loan sector by property type as December 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
($ in thousands) December 31,
 2017 2016
 Amount % Amount %
Retail $3,077,556
 34% $2,940,374
 37%
Offices 1,714,821
 19% 1,460,056
 18%
Industrial 1,696,253
 19% 1,440,992
 18%
Hotel/Motel 1,279,884
 14% 1,233,534
 15%
Other 1,168,383
 14% 941,153
 12%
Total CRE loans (1)
 $8,936,897
 100%
$8,016,109
 100%
 
(1)Loans net of ASC 310-30 discount.

Commercial Lending Construction and Land Loans. The Company had $583.9 million of construction loans and $522.0 million of unfunded commitmentstotaled $3.03 billion as of December 31, 2017,2020, compared to $551.6 million of construction loans and $526.4 million of unfunded commitmentswith $2.86 billion as of December 31, 2016. The construction portfolio2019, and accounted for 8% of total loans held-for-investment as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 comprised largely of financing for the construction of hotels, multifamily and residential condominiums, as well as mixed use (residential and retail) structures. Similar to CRE loans, the Company has a geographic concentration of construction and land loans primarily in California.

Commercial Lending Multifamily Residential Loans. The Company’s multifamily residential loans in the commercial lending portfolio are largely comprised of loans secured by smaller multifamily properties ranging from 5 to 15 units in its primary lending areas.both dates. The Company offers a variety of first lien mortgage loan programs,mortgages, including fixed ratefixed- and variable-rate loans, as well as adjustable rate mortgagehybrid loans with interest rates that adjust annually after thean initial fixed periodsrate period of onethree to seven years. As

Commercial —Construction and Land Loans. Construction and land loans provide financing for a portfolio of eachprojects diversified by real estate property type. These loans totaled $599.7 million December 31, 20172020, compared with $628.5 million as of December 31, 2019, and 2016, 84%accounted for 2% of the Company’s multifamily residentialtotal loans were concentratedheld-for-investment as of both dates. Construction loan exposure was made up of $554.7 million in California.loans outstanding, plus $288.2 million in unfunded commitments, as of December 31, 2020, compared with $558.2 million in loans outstanding, plus $351.4 million in unfunded commitments, as of December 31, 2019.


54


Consumer

The following table summarizestables summarize the Company’s single-family residential and HELOCHELOCs loan portfolioportfolios by geographic marketgeography as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016:2019:
($ in thousands)December 31, 2020
Single-
Family
Residential
%HELOCs%Total Residential Mortgage%
Geographic markets:
Southern California$3,462,067 $728,733 $4,190,800 
Northern California1,059,832 354,014 1,413,846 
California4,521,899 55 %1,082,747 68 %5,604,646 57 %
New York2,277,722 28 %244,425 15 %2,522,147 26 %
Washington597,231 %180,765 11 %777,996 %
Massachusetts259,368 %44,633 %304,001 %
Texas209,737 %— — %209,737 %
Other markets319,996 %49,146 %369,142 %
Total$8,185,953 100 %$1,601,716 100 %$9,787,669 100 %
Lien priority:
First mortgage$8,185,953 100 %$1,372,270 86 %$9,558,223 98 %
Junior lien mortgage— — %229,446 14 %229,446 %
Total$8,185,953 100 %$1,601,716 100 %$9,787,669 100 %
 
($ in thousands) December 31,
 2017 2016
 
Single-
Family
Residential
 % HELOCs % 
Single-
Family
Residential
 % HELOCs %
Geographic markets:                
Northern California $738,680
   $380,184
   $565,961
   $369,735
  
Southern California 2,270,420
   918,492
   1,829,142
   958,691
  
California 3,009,100
 65% 1,298,676
 73% 2,395,103
 68% 1,328,426
 75%
New York 788,917
 17% 270,291
 15% 562,998
 16% 255,620
 15%
Washington 408,497
 9% 144,950
 8% 190,935
 5% 121,039
 7%
Other markets 439,775
 9% 69,007
 4% 360,743
 11% 55,691
 3%
Total (1)
 $4,646,289
 100% $1,782,924
 100% $3,509,779
 100% $1,760,776
 100%
 
(1)Loans net of ASC 310-30 discount.

($ in thousands)December 31, 2019
Single-
Family
Residential
%HELOCs%Total Residential Mortgage%
Geographic markets:
Southern California$3,081,368 $702,915 $3,784,283 
Northern California1,038,945 309,883 1,348,828 
California4,120,313 58 %1,012,798 69 %5,133,111 60 %
New York1,657,732 23 %257,344 17 %1,915,076 22 %
Washington630,307 %133,625 %763,932 %
Massachusetts235,393 %31,310 %266,703 %
Texas188,838 %— — %188,838 %
Other markets276,007 %37,706 %313,713 %
Total (1)
$7,108,590 100 %$1,472,783 100 %$8,581,373 100 %
Lien priority:
First mortgage$7,108,588 100 %$1,238,186 84 %$8,346,774 97 %
Junior lien mortgage%234,597 16 %234,599 %
Total (1)
$7,108,590 100 %$1,472,783 100 %$8,581,373 100 %
(1)Loans net of ASC 310-30 discount.

Consumer Lending Single-Family Residential Loans. The Company offers a varietyLoans. Single-family residential loans totaled $8.19 billion, or 21% of first lien mortgage loan programs, including fixed rate conformingtotal loans held-for-investment, as wellof December 31, 2020, compared with $7.11 billion, or 20% of total loans held-for-investment as adjustable rate mortgage loans with interest rates. The first lien mortgage loans are secured by one-to-four unit residential properties located in the Company’s primary lending areas. Many of theDecember 31, 2019. Year-over-year, single-family residential loans within the Company’s portfolioincreased $1.08 billion, or 15%, primarily driven by growth in New York and Southern California. The Company was in a first lien position for virtually all single-family residential loans as of both December 31, 2020 and 2019. Many of these loans are reduced documentation loans, wherefor which a substantial down payment is required, resulting in a low loan-to-valueLTV ratio at origination, typically 65% or less. These loans have historically experienced low delinquency and loss rates. The Company offers a variety of single-family residential first lien mortgage loan programs, including fixed- and variable-rate loans, as well as hybrid loans with interest rates that adjust annually after an initial fixed rate period.
55


Consumer — Home Equity Lines of Credit. HELOCs totaled $1.60 billion as of December 31, 2020, compared with $1.47 billion as of December 31, 2019, and accounted for 4% of total loans held-for-investment as of both dates. Year-over-year, HELOCs increased $128.9 million, or 9%, primarily driven by growth in California and Washington. The Company was in a first lien position for 86% and 84% of its HELOCs as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Many of the loans within this portfolio are reduced documentation loans, for which a substantial down payment is required, resulting in a low LTV ratio at origination, typically 60% or less. These loans have historically experienced low delinquency and defaultloss rates. AsVirtually all of December 31, 2017 and 2016, 65% and 68% of the Company’s single-family residential loans, respectively, were concentrated in California.



Consumer Lending HELOC Loans. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company’s HELOCs were secured by one-to-four unit residential properties located in its primary lending areas. The HELOCvariable-rate loans.

All originated commercial and consumer loans are subject to the Company’s underwriting guidelines and loan portfolio was comprised largely 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.origination standards. Management believes that the Company’s underwriting criteria and procedures adequately consider the unique risks associated with these products. The Company conducts a variety of quality control procedures and periodic audits, including the review of lending and legal requirements, to ensure that the Company is in a first lien position for many ofcompliant with these reduced documentation HELOCs. These loans have historically experienced low delinquency and default rates. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, 73% and 75% of the Company’s HELOC loans, respectively, were concentrated in California.requirements.


The following table presents the contractual loan maturities by loan categoriescategory and the contractual distribution of loans in those categories to changes in interest rates as of December 31, 2017:2020:
($ in thousands)Due within
one year
Due after one
year through
five years
Due after
five years
Total
Commercial:
C&I$4,648,509 $7,697,855 $1,285,362 $13,631,726 
CRE:
CRE808,302 5,047,922 5,318,387 11,174,611 
Multifamily residential167,854 580,924 2,285,220 3,033,998 
Construction and land323,627 221,375 54,690 599,692 
Total CRE1,299,783 5,850,221 7,658,297 14,808,301 
Total commercial5,948,292 13,548,076 8,943,659 28,440,027 
Consumer:
Residential mortgage:
Single-family residential329 6,696 8,178,928 8,185,953 
HELOCs— 366 1,601,350 1,601,716 
Total residential mortgage329 7,062 9,780,278 9,787,669 
Other consumer59,496 98,268 5,495 163,259 
Total consumer59,825 105,330 9,785,773 9,950,928 
Total loans held-for-investment$6,008,117 $13,653,406 $18,729,432 $38,390,955 
Distribution of loans to changes in interest rates:
Variable-rate loans$4,864,904 $10,762,372 $9,332,028 $24,959,304 
Fixed-rate loans1,143,213 2,693,339 3,296,293 7,132,845 
Hybrid adjustable-rate loans— 197,695 6,101,111 6,298,806 
Total loans held-for-investment$6,008,117 $13,653,406 $18,729,432 $38,390,955 
 
($ in thousands) 
Due within
one year
 
Due after one
but within
five years
 
More than
five years
 Total
Commercial lending:        
C&I $3,966,385
 $5,414,089
 $1,316,757
 $10,697,231
CRE 803,604
 2,947,192
 5,186,101
 8,936,897
Multifamily residential 116,652
 304,853
 1,494,671
 1,916,176
Construction and land 399,178
 238,857
 21,662
 659,697
Consumer lending:       

Single-family residential 2,551
 12,643
 4,631,095
 4,646,289
HELOCs 696
 10
 1,782,218
 1,782,924
Other consumer 58,711
 256,935
 20,858
 336,504
Total loans held-for-investment (1)
 $5,347,777
 $9,174,579
 $14,453,362
 $28,975,718
         
Distribution of loans to changes in interest rates:        
Fixed rate loans $609,839
 $701,951
 $1,002,560
 $2,314,350
Variable rate loans 4,706,173
 8,233,794
 8,283,397
 21,223,364
Hybrid adjustable-rate loans 31,765
 238,834
 5,167,405
 5,438,004
Total loans held-for-investment (1)
 $5,347,777
 $9,174,579
 $14,453,362
 $28,975,718
 
(1)Loans net of ASC 310-30 discount.


Purchased Credit-ImpairedCredit Deteriorated Loans


LoansThe Company adopted ASU 2016-13 using the prospective transition approach for purchased financial assets with evidence of credit deterioration that were previously classified as of their acquisition dates are PCI loans. PCI loans are recorded net ofpurchased credit impaired (“PCI”) and accounted for under ASC 310-30 discount and totaled $482.3 million and $642.4 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The decrease from December 31, 2016, was due in part to higher prepayment trends as real estate price appreciation and310-30. On January 1, 2020, the corresponding reduction in loan to collateral value ratios enabled more borrowers to qualify for refinancing options resulting in an increase in paydowns and payoffs during the year ended December 31, 2017. PCI loans are considered to be accruing due to the existenceamortized cost basis of the accretable yield, which represents the cash expectedpurchased credit deteriorated (“PCD”) loans was adjusted to be collected in excessreflect a $1.2 million addition of their carrying value, and not based on consideration given to contractual interest payments. The accretable yield was $102.0 million and $136.2 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. A nonaccretable difference is established for PCI loans to absorb losses expected on the contractual amounts of those loans in excess of the fair value recorded at the date of acquisition. Amounts absorbed by the nonaccretable difference do not affect the Consolidated Statement of Income or the allowance for creditloan losses. The Company did not acquire any PCD loans during 2020. For additional details regarding PCIPCD loans, see Note 71 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 6 — Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses to the Consolidated Financial Statements.Statements in this Form 10-K. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-13, the carrying value of PCI loans totaled $222.9 million as of December 31, 2019.



56



Loans Held-for-Sale


When a determination is made atAs of December 31, 2020 and 2019, loans held-for-sale totaled $1.8 million and $434 thousand, respectively, and consisted of single-family residential loans. At the time of commitment to originate or purchase loans asa loan, a loan is determined to be held-for-investment if it is the Company’s intent to hold these loansthe loan to maturity or for the “foreseeable future,” subject to periodic reviews under the Company’s management evaluation processes, including asset/liabilityliquidity and credit risk management. WhenIf the Company subsequently changes its intent to hold certain loans, thethose loans are transferred from held-for-investment to held-for-sale at the lower of cost or fair value. As

Sales of December 31, 2017,Originated Loans and Purchased Loans

All loans held-for-sale amounted to $78.2 million, which comprised primarily of loans relatedoriginated by the Company are underwritten pursuant to the pending saleCompany’s policies and procedures. Although the Company’s primary focus is on directly originated loans, in certain circumstances, the Company also purchases loans and participates in loans with other banks. The Company also participates out interests in directly originated commercial loans to other financial institutions or sells loans in the normal course of DCB branches of $78.1 million included in Branch assets held-for-sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. For additionalbusiness.

The following tables provide information on the pending sale, see Note 2 — Dispositions and Held-for-Sale to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The remaining loans held-for-sale, which amounted to $85 thousand were comprised of single-family residential loans. In comparison, loans held-for-sale of $23.1 million and $32.0 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, were comprised primarily of student loans. Loans transferred from held-for-investment to held-for-sale of $613.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2017, were comprised primarily of C&I and CRE loans. In comparison, $819.1 million and $1.75 billion of loans were transferred from held-for-investment to held-for-saleloan sales during the years ended December 31, 20162020, 2019 and 2015, respectively. These loan transfers were comprised primarily of C&I, multifamily residential and CRE loans for the year ended December 31, 2016, and single-family residential and C&I loans for the year ended December 31, 2015. As the result of these loan transfers, the Company recorded $473 thousand, $1.9 million and $5.1 million in write-downs2018. Refer to the allowance for loan losses for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company sold $178.2 million in originated loans resulting in net gains of $8.3 million. Originated loans sold during the year ended December 31, 2017 comprised primarily of $99.1 million of C&I loans, $52.2 million of CRE and $21.1 million of single-family residential loans. In comparison, during the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company sold or securitized $571.3 million in originated loans, resulting in net gains of $11.5 million. These amounts included $201.7 million of multifamily residential loans securitized during the first quarter of 2016, which resulted in net gains of $1.1 million, mortgage servicing rights of $641 thousand and a held-to-maturity investment security of $160.1 million. The remaining $369.6 million of originated loans sold during the year ended December 31, 2016, comprised primarily of $175.1 million of C&I loans, $110.9 million of CRE loans and $61.3 million of multifamily residential loans, resulted in net gains of $10.4 million. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company sold $1.04 billion in originated loans resulting in net gains of $26.1 million. Originated loans sold during the year ended December 31, 2015 comprised primarily of $907.4 million of single-family residential loans and $127.7 million of C&I loans.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company purchased $534.7 million of loans, compared to $1.14 billion and $282.4 million during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Purchased loans for each of the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 comprised primarily of C&I syndication and single-family residential loans. The higher amount of loans purchased for the year ended December 31, 2016 primarily included $488.3 million of single-family residential loans purchased for Community Reinvestment Act purposes.

From time to time, the Company purchases and sells loans in the secondary market. Certain purchased loans are transferred from held-for-investment to held-for-sale and corresponding write-downs to allowance for loan losses are recorded, when appropriate. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company sold purchased loans of $399.8 million in the secondary market at net gains of $588 thousand. In comparison, the Company sold loans of $259.1 million and $661.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, in the secondary market. Loan sales in the secondary market resulted in net gains of $188 thousand and $1.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The Company records valuation adjustments in Net gains on sales of loans on the Consolidated Statement of Income to carry the loans held-for-sale portfolio at the lower of cost or fair value. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company recorded $61 thousand, $5.6 million and $3.0 million, respectively, in valuation adjustments.



Non-PCI Nonperforming Assets

Non-PCI nonperforming assets are comprised of nonaccrual loans and other real estate owned (“OREO”). OREO represents properties acquired through foreclosure, or through full or partial satisfaction of loans held-for-investment. Hence, OREO are not directly related to the Company’s business and are considered nonperforming assets. Generally, 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. Collectability is generally assessed based on economic and business conditions, the borrower’s financial conditions and the adequacy of collateral, if any. The following table presents information regarding non-PCI nonperforming assets as of the dates indicated:
 
($ in thousands) December 31,
 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
Nonaccrual loans:          
Commercial lending:          
C&I $69,213
 $81,256
 $64,883
 $28,801
 $28,894
CRE 26,986
 26,907
 29,345
 28,513
 37,693
Multifamily residential 1,717
 2,984
 16,268
 20,819
 27,652
Construction and land 3,973
 5,326
 700
 9,636
 19,694
Consumer lending:          
Single-family residential 5,923
 4,214
 8,759
 8,625
 12,206
HELOCs 4,006
 2,130
 1,743
 703
 1,495
Other consumer 2,491
 
 
 3,165
 1,681
Total nonaccrual loans 114,309
 122,817
 121,698

100,262

129,315
OREO 830
 6,745
 7,034
 32,111
 40,273
Total nonperforming assets $115,139
 $129,562
 $128,732

$132,373

$169,588
Non-PCI nonperforming assets to total assets (1)
 0.31% 0.37% 0.40% 0.46% 0.69%
Non-PCI nonaccrual loans to loans held-for-investment (1)
 0.39% 0.48% 0.51% 0.46% 0.72%
Allowance for loan losses to non-PCI nonaccrual loans 251.19% 212.12% 217.72% 261.00% 193.08%
 
(1)Total assets and loans held-for-investment include PCI loans of $482.3 million, $642.4 million, $970.8 million, $1.32 billion and $1.87 billion as of December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

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 no longer classified as nonaccrual as a result of continued performance and improvement in the borrower’s financial condition and loan repayment capabilities. Nonaccrual loans decreased by $8.5 million or 7% to $114.3 million as of December 31, 2017 from $122.8 million as of December 31, 2016. The decrease in nonaccrual loans was primarily due to payoffs and paydowns of nonaccrual loans of $85.0 million, transfers of nonaccrual loans to accrual status of $39.1 million, and charge-offs of nonaccrual loans of $38.4 million, partially offset by loans transferred to nonaccrual status of $158.7 million, during the year ended December 31, 2017. Nonaccrual loans as a percentage of loans held-for-investment declined from 0.48% as of December 31, 2016 to 0.39% as of December 31, 2017. C&I loans comprised 61% and 66% of total nonaccrual loans as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Credit risks related to the C&I nonaccrual loans were mitigated by the collateral. As of December 31, 2017, $34.3 million or 30% of the $114.3 million non-PCI nonaccrual loans consisted of loans that were less than 90 days past due. In comparison, $78.8 million or 64% of non-PCI nonaccrual loans consisted of loans that were less than 90 days delinquent as of December 31, 2016. The risk of loss of all nonaccrual loans had been considered as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 and the Company believes that this was appropriately covered by the allowance for loan losses.

For additional details regarding the Company’s non-PCI nonaccrual loans policy, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements.



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. Loans with contractual terms that have been modified as a TDR and are current at the time of restructuring may remain on accrual status if there is demonstrated performance prior to the restructuring and payment in full under the restructured terms is expected. Otherwise, the loans are placed on nonaccrual status and are reported as nonperforming, until the borrower demonstrates a sustained period of performance, generally six months, and the ability to repay the loan according to the contractual terms. If accruing TDRs cease to perform in accordance with their modified contractual terms, they are placed on nonaccrual status and reported as nonperforming TDRs.

The following table presents the performing and nonperforming TDRs by loan segments as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
($ in thousands) December 31,
 2017 2016
 
Performing
TDRs
 
Nonperforming
TDRs
 
Performing
TDRs
 
Nonperforming
TDRs
Commercial lending:        
C&I $29,472
 $39,509
 $44,363
 $23,771
CRE 8,570
 17,830
 19,601
 9,522
Multifamily residential 8,919
 289
 7,057
 511
Construction and land 
 3,973
 544
 4,924
Consumer lending:        
Single-family residential 8,415
 778
 10,121
 206
HELOCs 1,202
 530
 1,552
 49
Total TDRs $56,578
 $62,909
 $83,238
 $38,983
 

Performing TDRs decreased by $26.7 million or 32% to $56.6 million as of December 31, 2017, primarily due to the transfers of one CRE and two C&I loans from performing to nonperforming status during the year ended December 31, 2017. Nonperforming TDRs increased by $23.9 million or 61% to $62.9 million as of December 31, 2017, primarily due to the aforementioned transfers of CRE and C&I loans between performing and nonperforming status and a C&I loan becoming a TDR loan, partially offset by charge-offs and transfers from non-performing TDRs to performing TDRs during the year ended December 31, 2017.

The Company’s impaired loans include predominantly non-PCI loans held-for-investment on nonaccrual status and any non-PCI loans modified as a TDR, on either accrual or nonaccrual status. See Note 1Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the Company’s TDRs and impaired loan policies. As of December 31, 2017, the allowance for loan losses included $19.9 million for impaired loans with a total recorded investment balance of $91.8 million. In comparison, the allowance for loan losses included $12.7 million for impaired loans with a total recorded investment balance of $84.1 million as of December 31, 2016.



The following table presents the recorded investment balances for non-PCI impaired loans as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
($ in thousands) December 31,
 2017 2016
 Amount % Amount %
Commercial lending:        
C&I $98,685
 58% $125,619
 61%
CRE 35,556
 21% 46,508
 22%
Multifamily residential 10,636
 6% 10,041
 5%
Construction and land 3,973
 2% 5,870
 3%
Total commercial lending 148,850
 87% 188,038
 91%
Consumer lending:        
Single-family residential 14,338
 8% 14,335
 7%
HELOCs 5,208
 3% 3,682
 2%
Other consumer 2,491
 2% 
 %
Total consumer lending 22,037
 13% 18,017
 9%
Total non-PCI impaired loans $170,887
 100%
$206,055
 100%
 

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, issued 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 the current period’s results of operations, 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 Accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Net adjustments to the allowance for unfunded credit reserves are included in Provision for credit losses on the Consolidated Statement 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, 2017, future allowance levels may increase or decrease based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, loan growth, portfolio performance and general economic conditions. The estimation of the allowance for credit losses involves subjective and complex judgments. For additional details on the Company’s allowance for credit losses, including the methodologies used, see Item 7. MD&A — Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates, Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 76 — Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses to the Consolidated Financial Statements.



The following table presents a summary of activities in the allowance for credit losses for the periods indicated:
 
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
Allowance for loan losses, beginning of period $260,520
 $264,959
 $261,679
 $249,675
 $234,535
Provision for loan losses 49,069
 31,718
 6,569
 47,583
 20,207
Gross charge-offs:          
Commercial lending:          
C&I (38,118) (47,739) (20,423) (39,984) (8,461)
CRE 
 (464) (1,052) (2,317) (2,119)
Multifamily residential (635) (29) (1,650) (1,011) (2,810)
Construction and land (149) (117) (493) (1,343) (1,618)
Consumer lending:       

 

Single-family residential (1) (137) (36) (92) (387)
HELOCs (55) (9) (98) (125) (1,264)
Other consumer (17) (13) (502) (5,746) (1,121)
Total gross charge-offs (38,975) (48,508) (24,254) (50,618) (17,780)
Gross recoveries:          
Commercial lending:          
C&I 12,065
 8,453
 8,782
 10,198
 4,392
CRE 2,111
 1,488
 2,488
 1,134
 1,258
Multifamily residential 1,357
 1,476
 4,298
 2,287
 1,452
Construction and land 259
 203
 4,647
 848
 3,535
Consumer lending:       

 

Single-family residential 546
 401
 323
 123
 552
HELOCs 24
 7
 54
 252
 2
Other consumer 152
 323
 373
 197
 1,522
Total gross recoveries 16,514
 12,351
 20,965
 15,039
 12,713
Net charge-offs (22,461) (36,157) (3,289) (35,579) (5,067)
Allowance for loan losses, end of period 287,128
 260,520
 264,959
 261,679
 249,675
           
Allowance for unfunded credit reserves, beginning of period 16,121
 20,360
 12,712
 11,282
 9,437
(Reversal of) provision for unfunded credit reserves (2,803) (4,239) 7,648
 1,575
 2,157
Charge-offs 
 
 
 (145) (312)
Allowance for unfunded credit reserves, end of period 13,318
 16,121
 20,360
 12,712
 11,282
Allowance for credit losses $300,446
 $276,641
 $285,319
 $274,391
 $260,957
           
Average loans held-for-investment $27,237,981
 $24,223,535
 $22,140,443
 $20,093,921
 $16,030,030
Loans held-for-investment $28,975,718
 $25,503,139
 $23,643,748
 $21,729,949
 $17,850,288
Allowance for loan losses to loans held-for-investment 0.99% 1.02% 1.12% 1.20% 1.40%
Net charge-offs to average loans held-for-investment 0.08% 0.15% 0.01% 0.18% 0.03%
 



As of December 31, 2017, the allowance for loan losses amounted to $287.1 million or 0.99% of loans held-for-investment, compared to $260.5 million or 1.02% and $265.0 million or 1.12% of loans held-for-investment as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The increase in the allowance for loan losses was largely due to the overall growth in the loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses to loans held-for-investment ratio as of December 31, 2017 decreased slightly compared to both December 31, 2016 and 2015. The decreaseStatements in this ratio was primarily attributable to the higher credit qualityForm 10-K for additional information on loan purchases and transfers.
($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31, 2020
CommercialConsumerTotal
CREResidential Mortgage
C&ICREMultifamily
Residential
Construction
and Land
Single-Family
Residential
Loans sold:
Originated loans:
Amount$291,740 $26,994 $1,398 $— $80,309 $400,441 
Net gains$565 $2,940 $— $— $996 $4,501 
Purchased loans:
Amount (1)
$11,780 $— $— $— $— $11,780 
($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31, 2019
CommercialConsumerTotal
CREResidential Mortgage
C&ICREMultifamily
Residential
Construction
and Land
Single-Family
Residential
Loans sold:
Originated loans:
Amount$179,280 $39,062 $— $1,573 $10,410 $230,325 
Net gains$875 $3,045 $— $— $115 $4,035 
Purchased loans:
Amount (1)
$66,511 $— $— $— $— $66,511 
57


($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31, 2018
CommercialConsumerTotal
CREResidential Mortgage
C&ICREMultifamily
Residential
Construction
and Land
Single-Family
Residential
Loans sold:
Originated loans:
Amount$212,485 $62,291 $— $— $34,966 $309,742 
Net gains$1,129 $4,876 $— $— $552 $6,557 
Purchased loans:
Amount$201,359 $— $— $— $— $201,359 
Net gains$33 $— $— $— $— $33 
(1)Net gains on sales of newly originatedpurchased loans resulting in loans held-for-investment increasing at a higher rate than the estimated allowance for loan losses. In addition, the relatively stable economic cycle and prudent credit risk management practices have led to continued declines in the Company’s historical loss rate experience, which has resulted in a slower rate of change in the allowance for loan losses compared to the Company’s loan growth. Provision for credit losses includes provision for loan losses and unfunded credit reserves. Provision for credit losses is 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 impacted by the historical loss rates trend along with the net charge-offs experienced during the period. The increase in the provision for credit losses for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to the same periods in 2016 and 2015, was reflective of the overall loan portfolio growth, partially offset by a decline in the historical loss factor during the year ended December 31, 2017. The Company believes the allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was appropriate to cover credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio, including unfunded credit commitments, at each respective date.were insignificant or none.


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 held-for-investment as of the periods indicated:
 
($ in thousands) December 31,
 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
 
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
Commercial lending:                    
C&I $163,058
 37% $142,167
 38% $134,606
 38% $134,598
 37% $115,496
 32%
CRE 41,237
 31% 47,927
 31% 58,623
 32% 53,989
 29% 56,742
 30%
Multifamily residential 19,109
 7% 17,543
 6% 19,630
 6% 14,043
 7% 14,012
 8%
Construction and land 26,881
 2% 24,989
 3% 22,915
 3% 18,988
 2% 15,369
 2%
Consumer lending:                    
Single-family residential 26,362
 16% 19,795
 14% 19,665
 13% 29,813
 18% 36,704
 19%
HELOCs 7,354
 6% 7,506
 7% 8,745
 7% 10,538
 6% 861
 4%
Other consumer 3,127
 1% 593
 1% 775
 1% (290) 1% 10,491
 5%
Total $287,128
 100% $260,520
 100% $264,959
 100% $261,679
 100% $249,675
 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, 2017, the Company established an allowance of $58 thousand on $482.3 million of PCI loans. In comparison, an allowance of $118 thousand was established on $642.4 million of PCI loans as of December 31, 2016. The allowance balances for both periods were attributed mainly to the PCI CRE loans.



Deposits

The Company offers a wide variety of deposit products to both consumer and commercial customers. Deposits are the primary source of funding, the cost of which has a significant impact on the Company’s net interest income and net interest margin. The following table presents the balances for deposits as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
($ in thousands) December 31, 2017 
% of Total
Deposits
 December 31, 2016 % of Total
Deposits
 Change
     $ %
Core deposits:            
Noninterest-bearing demand $10,887,306
 34% $10,183,946
 34% $703,360
 7%
Interest-bearing checking 4,419,089
 14% 3,674,417
 12% 744,672
 20%
Money market 8,359,425
 26% 8,174,854
 27% 184,571
 2%
Savings 2,308,494
 7% 2,242,497
 8% 65,997
 3%
Total core deposits 25,974,314
 82% 24,275,714
 81% 1,698,600
 7%
Time deposits 5,640,749
 18% 5,615,269
 19% 25,480
 0%
Total deposits $31,615,063
 100% $29,890,983
 100% $1,724,080
 6%
       

The Company’s deposit strategy is to grow and retain relationship-based deposits, which provides a stable and low-cost source of funding and liquidity to the Company. Total deposits increased mainly due to growth in core deposits from existing and new customers. Core deposits comprised 82% and 81% of total deposits as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The $1.70 billion or 7% increase in core deposits was primarily due to the increases in interest-bearing checking and noninterest-bearing demand deposits. Noninterest-bearing demand deposits comprised 34% of total deposits as of both December 31, 2017 and 2016. Interest-bearing checking deposits comprised 14% and 12% of total deposits as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, the total deposits were 109% of total loans held-for-investment, compared to 117% as of December 31, 2016, as the growth in total loans held-for-investment outpaced deposit growth.

Domestic time deposits of $100,000 or more totaled $3.63 billion, representing 11% of the total deposit portfolio as of December 31, 2017. These accounts had a weighted-average interest rate of 0.91% as of December 31, 2017. The following table presents the maturity distribution of domestic time deposits of $100,000 or more: 
 
($ in thousands) December 31, 2017
3 months or less $1,309,451
Over 3 months through 6 months 746,101
Over 6 months through 12 months 1,095,836
Over 12 months 483,293
Total $3,634,681
 

Borrowings

The Company utilizes short-term and long-term borrowings to manage its liquidity position. Borrowings include short-term borrowings, long-term FHLB advances and repurchase agreements.

The Company had no short-term borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2017. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company’s subsidiary, East West Bank (China) Limited, entered into short-term borrowings of $60.1 million with interest rates ranging from 2.80% to 3.27%. These borrowings matured in 2017.



The following table presents the selected information for short-term borrowings as of the periods indicated:
 
($ in thousands) 2017 2016 2015
Year-end balance $
 $60,050
 $
Weighted-average rate on amount outstanding at year-end % 3.01% %
Highest month-end balance $60,603
 $60,050
 $23,269
Average amount outstanding $31,725
 $25,560
 $4,776
Weighted-average rate 3.11% 2.84% 2.37%
 

FHLB advances increased by $2.2 million to $323.9 million as of December 31, 2017 from $321.6 million as of December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2017, FHLB advances had floating interest rates ranging from 1.70% to 1.95% with remaining maturities between 1.1 to 4.9 years.

Gross repurchase agreements totaled $450.0 million as of both December 31, 2017 and 2016. Resale and repurchase agreements are reported net pursuant to ASC 210-20-45-11, Balance Sheet Offsetting: Repurchase and Reverse Repurchase Agreements. Net repurchase agreements totaled $50.0 million as of December 31, 2017 after offsetting $400.0 million of gross repurchase agreements against gross resale agreements that were both eligible for netting pursuant to ASC 210-20-45-11. Net repurchase agreements totaled $350.0 million as of December 31, 2016 after offsetting $100.0 million of gross repurchase agreements against gross resale agreements that were both eligible for netting pursuant to ASC 210-20-45-11. As of December 31, 2017, gross repurchase agreements of $450.0 million had interest rates ranging from 3.61% to 3.75% and original terms ranging between 10.0 and 16.5 years. The remaining maturity terms of the repurchase agreements range between 4.8 and 5.7 years.

Repurchase agreements are accounted for as collateralized financing transactions and recorded at the balances at which the securities are sold. The collateral for the repurchase agreements is primarily comprised of U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed 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 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 interest-earning assets and enhance liquidity. Long-term debt, which consists of junior subordinated debt and a term loan, decreased $14.8 million or 8% from $186.3 million as of December 31, 2016 to $171.6 million as of December 31, 2017. The decrease was primarily due to the quarterly repayment on the term loan, totaling $15.0 million, during the year ended December 31, 2017.

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 includes the value of the common stock issued by six wholly-owned subsidiaries in conjunction with these transactions. The junior subordinated debt totaled $146.6 million and $146.3 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The junior subordinated debt had a weighted-average interest rate of 2.79% and 2.28% for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and remaining maturity terms of 16.9 years to 19.7 years as of December 31, 2017. Beginning in 2016, trust preferred securities are no longer qualified as Tier 1 capital and are limited to Tier 2 capital for regulatory purposes, based on Basel III Capital Rules. For further discussion, see Item 1. Business — Supervision and Regulation — Capital Requirements.

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 Offered Rate plus 150 basis points and the weighted-average interest rate was 2.70% and 2.24% for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The outstanding balance of the term loan was $25.0 million and $40.0 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. For additional details, see Note 11 Federal Home Loan Bank Advances and Long-Term Debt to the Consolidated Financial Statements.



Foreign Outstandings


The Company’s overseas offices, which include the branch in Hong Kong and the subsidiary bank in China, are subject to the general risks inherent in conducting business in foreign countries, such as regulations, or economic and economicpolitical uncertainties. In addition, the Company’s financial assets held in the branch in Hong Kong branch and the subsidiary bank in China may be affected by changes in demand or pricing resulting from fluctuations in currency exchange rates or other factors. The Company’s country risk exposure is largely concentrated in China and Hong Kong. The following table below presents the major financial assets held in the Company’s overseas offices as of December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015:2018:
($ in thousands)December 31,
202020192018
Amount% of Total
Consolidated
Assets
Amount% of Total
Consolidated
Assets
Amount% of Total
Consolidated
Assets
Hong Kong branch:
Cash and cash equivalents$647,883 %$511,639 %$360,786 %
AFS debt securities (1)
$66,170 %$204,948 %$221,932 %
Loans held-for-investment (2)
$704,415 %$573,305 %$653,860 %
Total assets$1,426,479 %$1,361,652 %$1,247,207 %
Subsidiary bank in China:
Cash and cash equivalents$611,088 %$548,930 %$695,527 %
Interest-bearing deposits with banks$74,079 %$142,587 %$221,000 %
AFS debt securities (3)
$152,219 %$— — %$— — %
Loans held-for-investment (2)
$796,153 %$819,110 %$777,412 %
Total assets$1,634,896 %$1,520,627 %$1,700,357 %
 
($ in thousands) December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
 Amount 
% of Total
Consolidated
Assets
 Amount 
% of Total
Consolidated
Assets
 Amount % of Total
Consolidated
Assets
Hong Kong Branch            
Cash and cash equivalents $151,631
 0% $46,895
 0% $71,268
 0%
Loans held-for-investment (1)(2)
 $713,728
 2% $733,286
 2% $694,608
 2%
Available-for-sale investment securities (3)
 $242,107
 1% $251,680
 1% $263,292
 1%
Total assets $1,100,471
 3% $1,040,465
 3% $1,036,485
 3%
             
Subsidiary Bank in China            
Cash and cash equivalents $626,658
 2% $387,354
 1% $331,959
 1%
Loans held-for-investment (2)
 $484,214
 1% $425,336
 1% $356,535
 1%
Total assets $1,302,562
 4% $987,286
 3% $830,727
 3%
 
(1)Includes ASC 310-30 discount of $353 thousand, $747 thousand and $3.1 million as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
(2)Comprises primarily C&I loans.
(3)Comprises primarily U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities, and foreign bonds.

(1)Primarily comprised of U.S. Treasury securities and foreign government bonds as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
(2)Primarily comprised of C&I loans as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
(3)Comprised of foreign government bonds as of December 31, 2020.

The following table below presents the total revenue generated by the Company’s overseas offices for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016in 2020, 2019 and 2015:2018:
($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Amount% of Total
Consolidated
Revenue
Amount% of Total
Consolidated
Revenue
Amount% of Total
Consolidated
Revenue
Hong Kong Branch:
Total revenue$22,947 %$33,791 %$31,122 %
Subsidiary Bank in China:
Total revenue$20,178 %$32,071 %$34,143 %
58
 
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
 Amount % of Total
Consolidated
Revenue
 Amount % of Total
Consolidated
Revenue
 Amount % of Total
Consolidated
Revenue
Hong Kong Branch            
Total revenue $28,096
 2% $26,754
 2% 21,774
 2%
             
Subsidiary Bank in China            
Total revenue $24,235
 2% $21,055
 2% 23,574
 2%
 



Related Party Transactions

In the ordinary course of business, the Company may enter into transactions with various related parties. Related party transactions were not material for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

Capital


The Company maintains an adequatea strong capital base to support its anticipated asset growth, operating needs and credit risks, and to ensure that East Westthe Company and the Bank are in compliancecompliant with all regulatory capital guidelines. The Company engages in regular capital planning processes on at least an annual basis to optimize the use of available capital and to appropriately plan for future capital needs. Theneeds, allocating capital plan considers capital needs for the foreseeable future and allocates capital to both existing and future business activities. In addition,Furthermore, 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.



In March 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $500.0 million of the Company’s common stock. This $500.0 million repurchase authorization was inclusive of the Company’s $100.0 million stock repurchase authorization previously outstanding. The Company determines the timing and amount of stock repurchases, based on its assessment of various factors, including prevailing market conditions, alternate uses of capital, liquidity and the economic environment. During the first quarter of 2020, the Company repurchased 4,471,682 shares at an average price of $32.64 per share and a total cost of $146.0 million. The Company did not repurchase any shares during the remainder of 2020. As of December 31, 2020, the total remaining available capital authorized for repurchase was $354.0 million.


The Company’s stockholders’ equity increased by $414.2 million or 12% to $3.84was $5.27 billion as of December 31, 2017, compared to $3.432020, an increase of $251.6 million or 5% from $5.02 billion as of December 31, 2016.2019. The increase in the Company’s primary source of capital is the retention of its operating earnings. Retained earnings increased by $388.6 million or 18% to $2.58 billion as of December 31, 2017, compared to $2.19 billion as of December 31, 2016. The increasestockholders’ equity was primarily due to 2020 net income of $505.6$567.8 million, partially offset by $117.0 million of cash dividends during the year ended December 31, 2017. In addition, common stockdeclared of $158.8 million and additional paid-in capital increased by $27.9 million or 2% primarily due to the activities in employee stock compensation plans.share repurchases of $146.0 million. For other factors that contributed to the changes in stockholders’ equity, refer to theItem 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data — Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity.Equity in this Form 10-K.


Book value was $26.58$37.22 per common share based on 144.5 million common shares outstanding as of December 31, 2017, compared to $23.782020, an increase of 8% from $34.46 per common share based on 144.2 million common shares outstanding as of December 31, 2016.2019. The Company made dividend paymentspaid cash dividends of $0.20$1.100 per common share in each quarter during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.2020, compared with $1.055 per share in 2019. In January 2018,2021, the Company’s Board of Directors declared first quarter 20182021 cash dividends forof $0.330 per common share, which represents a 20% increase, or 5.5 cents per share, from the Company’s common stock. The common stockprevious quarterly cash dividend of $0.20$0.275 per sharecommon share. The dividend was paid on February15, 2018February 23, 2021 to stockholders of record as of February 5, 2018.9, 2021.


Deposits and Other Sources of Funds

Deposits are the Company’s primary source of funding, the cost of which has a significant impact on the Company’s net interest income and net interest margin. Additional funding is provided by short- and long-term borrowings, and long-term debt. See Item 7. MD&A — Risk Management — Liquidity Risk Management — Liquidity in this Form 10-Kfor a discussion of the Company’s liquidity management. The following table summarizes the Company’s sources of funds as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:
($ in thousands)December 31,Change
20202019
Amount%Amount%$%
Deposits
Noninterest-bearing demand$16,298,301 36 %$11,080,036 30 %$5,218,265 47 %
Interest-bearing checking6,142,193 14 %5,200,755 14 %941,438 18 %
Money market10,740,667 24 %8,711,964 23 %2,028,703 23 %
Savings2,681,242 %2,117,196 %564,046 27 %
Time deposits9,000,349 20 %10,214,308 27 %(1,213,959)(12)%
Total deposits$44,862,752 100 %$37,324,259 100 %$7,538,493 20 %
Other Funds
Short-term borrowings$21,009 $28,669 $(7,660)(27)%
FHLB advances652,612 745,915 (93,303)(13)%
Repurchase agreements300,000 200,000 100,000 50 %
Long-term debt147,376 147,101 275 %
Total other funds$1,120,997 $1,121,685 $(688)0 %
Total sources of funds$45,983,749 $38,445,944 $7,537,805 20 %

59


Deposits

The Company offers a wide variety of deposit products to consumer and commercial customers. The Company’s deposit strategy is to grow and retain relationship-based deposits, which provide a stable and low-cost source of funding and liquidity to the Company.

Total deposits reached $44.86 billion as of December 31, 2020, an increase of $7.54 billion or 20% from $37.32 billion as of December 31, 2019. Deposit growth was well-diversified across our commercial sectors and branch network, including cross-border clients, partially offset by a reduction in higher-cost time deposits. The strongest growth was in noninterest-bearing demand deposits, which increased by $5.22 billion or 47% year-over-year. Noninterest-bearing demand deposits reached $16.30 billion, or 36% of total deposits, as of December 31, 2020, up from $11.08 billion, or 30% of total deposits, as of December 31, 2019. Additional information regarding the impact of deposits on net interest income, with a comparison of average deposit balances and rates, is provided in Item 7 — MD&A — Results of Operations — Net Interest Income in this Form 10-K.

Domestic time deposits of $100,000 or more totaled $7.17 billion, representing 16% of the total deposit portfolio as of December 31, 2020. The following table presents the maturity distribution of domestic time deposits of $100,000 or more:
($ in thousands)December 31, 2020
3 months or less$4,111,699 
Over 3 months through 6 months1,219,791 
Over 6 months through 12 months1,684,566 
Over 12 months149,527 
Total$7,165,583

As of December 31, 2020, foreign time deposits of $100,000 or more consisted of $312.4 million of deposits held in the Company’s branch in Hong Kong and $522.7 million of deposits held in the Company’s subsidiary bank in China. This compares with $611.0 million of deposits held in the Company’s branch in Hong Kong and $595.1 million of deposits held in the Company’s subsidiary bank in China as of December 31, 2019.

Other Sources of Funding

Short-term borrowings consist of borrowings entered into by the Company’s subsidiary, East West Bank (China) Limited, which amounted to $21.0 million as of December 31, 2020, compared with $28.7 million as of December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2020, short-term borrowings entered into by East West Bank (China) Limited had a fixed interest rate of 3.70% and mature in the first quarter of 2021.

The following table presents selected information for short-term borrowings as of the periods indicated:
($ in thousands)20202019
Year-end balance$21,009 $28,669 
Weighted-average rate on amount outstanding at year-end3.70 %3.69 %
Maximum month-end balance$68,843 $59,225 
Average amount outstanding$45,290 $44,511 
Weighted-average rate3.69 %3.90 %

FHLB advances were $652.6 million as of December 31, 2020, a decrease of $93.3 million or 13% from $745.9 million as of December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2020, FHLB advances had fixed and floating interest rates ranging from zero percent to 2.34% and remaining maturities between four months and 1.9 years. Of these, $405.0 million have a blended interest rate of 2.22% and mature in the second quarter of 2021.

60


Gross repurchase agreements totaled $300.0 million and $450.0 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The decrease was due to the extinguishment of $150.0 million of repurchase agreements in the second quarter of 2020. Resale and repurchase agreements are reported net, pursuant to ASC 210-20-45-11, Balance Sheet Offsetting: Repurchase and Reverse Repurchase Agreements. As of December 31, 2020, the Company did not have gross resale agreements that were eligible for netting pursuant to ASC 210-20-45-11. In comparison, net repurchase agreements totaled $200.0 million as of December 31, 2019, after netting gross repurchase agreements of $250.0 million against gross resale agreements. As of December 31, 2020, gross repurchase agreements had interest rates ranging from 2.46% to 2.48%, with original terms between 4.0 years and 8.5 years and remaining maturities between 2.6 years and 2.7 years.

Repurchase agreements are accounted for as collateralized financing transactions and recorded as liabilities based on the values at which the assets are sold. As of December 31, 2020, the collateral for the repurchase agreements was comprised of U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities, and U.S. Treasury securities. To ensure 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 funds from a diverse group of counterparties, and entering into repurchase agreements with longer durations, when appropriate. For additional details, see Note 3Assets Purchased under Resale Agreements and Sold under Repurchase Agreements to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.

The Company uses long-term debt to provide funding to acquire interest-earning assets, and to enhance liquidity and regulatory capital adequacy. Long-term debt totaled $147.4 million and $147.1 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Long-term debt consists of junior subordinated debt, which qualifies as Tier 2 capital for regulatory purposes. The junior subordinated debt was issued in connection with the Company’s various pooled trust preferred securities offerings, as well as with common stock issued by the six wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company in conjunction with these offerings. The junior subordinated debt had a weighted-average interest rate of 2.26% and 3.98% during 2020 and 2019, respectively, with remaining maturities ranging between 13.9 years and 16.7 years as of December 31, 2020. In October 2020, the Company paid off the $1.43 billion in borrowing from the Federal Reserve PPPLF. This debt was included in long-term debt on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30 and September 30, 2020.

Regulatory Capital and Ratios


The federal banking agencies have risk-based capital adequacy guidelines intended to ensure that are designed to reflectbanking organizations maintain capital that is commensurate with 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, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 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.operations. See Item 1. Business — Supervision and Regulation — Regulatory Capital Requirements in this Form 10-K for additional details.

The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020. The Company elected the phase-in option provided by regulatory guidance, which delays the estimated impact of CECL on regulatory capital for two years and phases the impact over three years. As a result, the effects of CECL on the Company’s and the Bank’s regulatory capital will be delayed through the year 2021, after which the effects will be phased-in over a three-year period from January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024. In April 2020, in recognition of CARES Act requirements, and to facilitate the use of the PPPLF, the U.S banking agencies issued an interim final rule that banking organizations may exclude from leverage and risk-based capital requirements any eligible assets sold or pledged to the Federal Reserve on a non-recourse basis as part of the PPPLF. In addition, under the CARES Act, loans originated by a banking organization under the PPP (whether or not sold or pledged in the PPPLF) will be risk-weighted at zero percent for regulatory capital purposes. Accordingly, the December 31, 2020 capital ratios exclude the impact of the increased allowance for loan losses due to CECL, and PPP loans are risk weighted at zero percent. In addition, the quarterly average PPP loan balances that were pledged as collateral to PPPLF was excluded from the Tier 1 leverage ratio.

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The following table presents the Company’s and the Bank’s capital ratios as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 under the Basel III Capital Rules, became effectiveand those required by regulatory agencies for the Companycapital adequacy and well-capitalized classification purposes:
Basel III Capital Rules
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019Minimum
Regulatory
Requirements
Fully Phased-in
Minimum
Regulatory
Requirements (2)
Well-
Capitalized
Requirements
CompanyEast West BankCompanyEast West Bank
Risk-Based Capital Ratios:
CET 1 capital12.7 %12.1 %12.9 %12.9 %4.5 %7.0 %6.5 %
Tier 1 capital12.7 %12.1 %12.9 %12.9 %6.0 %8.5 %8.0 %
Total capital14.3 %13.4 %14.4 %13.9 %8.0 %10.5 %10.0 %
Tier 1 leverage (1)
9.4 %9.0 %10.3 %10.3 %4.0 %4.0 %5.0 %
(1)The Tier 1 leverage well-capitalized requirement applies only to the Bank onsince there is no Tier 1 leverage ratio component in the definition of a well-capitalized bank holding company.
(2)As of January 1, 2015 (subject to phase-in periods for certain components).

The Basel III Capital Rules require that banking organizations maintain a minimum CET1 capital ratio of 4.5%, a Tier 1 capital ratio of 6.0%, and a total capital ratio of 8.0%. Moreover,2019, the rules that require banking organizations to maintain a2.5% capital conservation buffer of 2.5% above the minimum capital minimums, are being phased-in over four years beginningratios was required in 2016 (increasing by 0.625% on each subsequent January 1, until it reaches 2.5% on January 1, 2019). When fully phased-in in 2019, the banking organizations will be required to maintain a minimum CET1 capital ratio of 7.0%, a minimum Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.5% and a minimum total capital ratio of 10.5%order to avoid limitations on capital distributions, (including common stock dividends and share repurchases)including dividend payments and certain discretionary incentive compensation payments.bonus payments to executive officers.


The Company is committed to maintaining strong capital at a level sufficientlevels to assure the Company’s investors, customers and regulators that the Company and the Bank are financially sound. As of both December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, both the Company and the Bank were considered “well capitalized,” and metcontinued to exceed all “well-capitalized” capital requirements on a fully phased-in basisand the required minimum capital requirements under the Basel III Capital Rules.

The following table presents the Company’s and the Bank’s capital ratios under the Basel III Capital Rules, and those required by regulatory agencies for capital adequacy and well capitalized classification purposes as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
  Basel III Capital Rules
 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 
Minimum
Regulatory
Requirements
 
Well
Capitalized
Requirements
 
Fully Phased-
in Minimum
Regulatory
Requirements
 Company East West Bank Company East West Bank   
CET1 risk-based capital 11.4% 11.4% 10.9% 11.3% 4.5% 6.5% 7.0%
Tier 1 risk-based capital 11.4% 11.4% 10.9% 11.3% 6.0% 8.0% 8.5%
Total risk-based capital 12.9% 12.4% 12.4% 12.3% 8.0% 10.0% 10.5%
Tier 1 leverage capital 9.2% 9.2% 8.7% 9.1% 4.0% 5.0% 4.0%
 



The Company’s CET1 and Tier 1 capital ratios improved by 55 basis points, while the total risk-based and Tier 1 leverage capital ratios improved by 51 basis points, during the year ended December 31, 2017. The improvement was primarily driven by increases in revenues, primarily due to increases in net interest income and net gains recorded from the sale of commercial property during the first quarter of 2017. The $2.31 billion or 8.4% increase in Total risk-weighted assets from $27.36were $38.41 billion as of December 31, 2016 to $29.672020, an increase of $3.27 billion or 9% from $35.14 billion as of December 31, 20172019. The increase in the risk-weighted assets was primarily due to loan growth.

Other Matters

LIBOR Transition

On July 27, 2017, the growthFCA, which regulates LIBOR, announced that it will no longer persuade or require banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021. The ARRC has proposed the SOFR as its preferred alternative rate for LIBOR. On November 30, 2020, LIBOR’s administrator, the IBA, in coordination with U.K. and U.S. regulators, announced the IBA’s intention to cease publication of the one-week and two-month USD LIBOR settings immediately following the LIBOR publication on December 31, 2021, and the remaining USD LIBOR settings immediately following the LIBOR publication on June 30, 2023. Banks are encouraged to cease entering new contracts that use USD LIBOR as a reference rate as soon as practicable by December 31, 2021.

Given LIBOR’s extensive use across financial markets, the transition away from LIBOR presents various risks and challenges to financial markets and institutions, including to the Company. A portion of the Company’s assets. Asloans, derivatives, debt securities, resale agreements, FHLB advances, as well as junior subordinated debt and repurchase agreements are indexed to LIBOR and mature after 2021. The volume of December 31, 2017, the Company’s CET1 risk-based capital, Tier 1 risk-based capital, total risk-based capitalproducts that are indexed to LIBOR is significant and, Tier 1 leverage capital ratios were all well aboveif not sufficiently planned for, the well capitalized requirements.discontinuation of LIBOR could result in financial, operational, legal, reputational or compliance risks to the Company.


Regulatory Matters

The Bank enteredDue to the uncertainty surrounding the future of LIBOR, the transition is anticipated to span several reporting periods through the end of 2021 and potentially into a Written Agreement, dated November 9, 2015,2023 with the Federal Reserve Banknewly released LIBOR cessation timing. The Company has created a cross-functional team to manage the communication of San Francisco (the “Written Agreement”),the Company’s transition plans with both internal and external stakeholders and to correct less than satisfactory BSAensure that the Company appropriately updates its business processes, analytical tools, information systems and AML programs detailed incontract language to minimize disruptions during and after the LIBOR transition. The Company has completed a joint examination by the Federal Reserve Bankreview of San Francisco (“FRB”)LIBOR contracts maturing after 2021 and the California Department of Business Oversight (“DBO”). The Bank also entered into a related MOU with the DBO in 2015. The Written Agreement, among other things, requires the Bankhas begun taking steps to enhance compliance programsconvert these contracts to alternative rates. For additional information related to the BSA and AML and Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) laws, rules and regulations and retain an independent firm to conduct a review ofpotential impact surrounding the account and transaction activity covering a six-month period to determine whether any suspicious activity was properly identified and reported in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.

The Company believes that it is making progress in executing the compliance plans and programs required by the Written Agreement and MOU, although there can be no assurances thattransition from LIBOR on the Company’s plans and progress will be found to be satisfactory by our regulators. To date, the Company has added significant resources to comply with the Written Agreement and MOU, and to address any additional findings or recommendations by the regulators.business, see Item 1A. Risk Factors in this Form 10-K.


If additional compliance issues are identified or the regulators determine the Bank has not satisfactorily complied with the terms of the Written Agreement and MOU, 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 in the BSA and AML program and the auditing and oversight of the program that led to the Written Agreement and MOU could also lead to an increased risk of being subject to additional actions by the FRB and DBO, an increased risk of future examinations that may downgrade the regulatory ratings of the Bank, and an increased risk that investigations by other government agencies may result in fines, penalties, increased expenses or restrictions on operations. 
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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 Consolidated Balance Sheet and are considered to be off-balance sheet arrangements. Off-balance sheet arrangements are any contractual arrangements wherebyto which a nonconsolidated entity is a party and 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 unconsolidateda nonconsolidated 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


Commitments to Extend Credit

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, SBLCsstandby letters of credit (“SBLCs”), and financial guarantees.guarantees to meet the financing needs of our customers. 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 presentsInformation about the Company’s loan commitments, commercial letters of credit and SBLCs as of December 31, 2017:
 
($ in thousands) Commitments
Outstanding
Loan commitments $5,075,480
Commercial letters of credit and SBLCs $1,655,897
 



A discussion of significant contractual arrangements under which the Company may be held contingently liable is includedprovided in Note 1312 — Commitments, Contingencies and Related Party Transactions to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Statements in this Form 10-K.

Guarantees

In addition,the ordinary course of business, the Company has commitmentsenters into various guarantee agreements in which the Company sells or securitizes loans with recourse. Under these guarantee arrangements, the Company is contingently obligated to repurchase the recourse component of the loans when the loans default. Additional information regarding guarantees is provided in Note 12 — Commitments, Contingencies and obligations under post-retirement benefit plans as described in Note 15 — Employee Benefit PlansRelated Party Transactions to the Consolidated Financial Statements.Statements in this Form 10-K.


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Contractual Obligations


The following table presents the Company’s significant fixed and determinable contractual obligations, along with the categories andof payment dates described below as of December 31, 2017:2020:
($ in thousands)Payment Due by Period
Less than
1 year
1-3 years3-5 yearsAfter
5 years
Indeterminate
Maturity
(1)
Total
On-balance sheet obligations:
Deposits$8,608,547 $373,987 $17,800 $15 $35,862,403 $44,862,752 
FHLB advances405,000 247,612 — — — 652,612 
Gross repurchase agreements— 300,000 — — — 300,000 
Affordable housing partnership and other tax credit investment commitments125,142 51,674 2,496 3,414 — 182,726 
Short-term borrowings21,009 — — — — 21,009 
Long-term debt (2)
— — — 147,376 — 147,376 
Operating lease liabilities30,811 36,652 21,780 13,587 — 102,830 
Finance lease liabilities975 1,000 161 2,227 — 4,363 
Projected cash payments for post-retirement benefit plan349 729 774 6,710 — 8,562 
Total on-balance sheet obligations9,191,833 1,011,654 43,011 173,329 35,862,403 46,282,230 
Off-balance sheet obligations:
Contractual interest payments (3)
181,038 39,234 6,990 29,158 — 256,420 
Total off-balance sheet obligations181,038 39,234 6,990 29,158 — 256,420 
Total contractual obligations$9,372,871 $1,050,888 $50,001 $202,487 $35,862,403 $46,538,650 
(1)Includes deposits with no defined maturity, such as noninterest-bearing demand, interest-bearing checking, money-market and savings accounts.
(2)Represents junior subordinated debt, which is subject to call options where early redemption requires appropriate notice.
(3)Represents the future interest obligations related to interest-bearing time deposits, FHLB, gross repurchase agreements, short-term borrowings and long-term debt in the normal course of business. These interest obligations assume no early debt redemption. The Company estimated variable interest rate payments using December 31, 2020 rates, which the company held constant until maturity.

Risk Management

Overview

In conducting its businesses, the Company is exposed to a variety of risks, some of which are inherent to the financial services industry and others of which are more specific to the Company’s businesses. The Company operates under a Board-approved ERM framework, which outlines the company-wide approach to risk management and oversight, and describes the structures and practices employed to manage the current and emerging risks inherent to the Company. The Company’s ERM program incorporates risk management throughout the organization in identifying, managing, monitoring, and reporting risks. It identifies the Company’s major risk categories as credit risk; liquidity risk; capital risk; market risk; operational risk; regulatory, compliance and legal risks; accounting and tax risks, and strategic and reputational risks.

The Board of Directors monitors the ERM program to ensure independent review and oversight of the Company’s risk appetite and control environment. The Risk Oversight Committee provides focused oversight of the Company’s identified enterprise risk categories on behalf of the full Board of Directors. Under the direction of the Risk Oversight Committee, management committees apply targeted strategies to reduce the risks to which the Company’s operations are exposed.

The Company’s ERM program is executed along the three lines of defense model, which provides for a consistent and standardized risk management control environment across the enterprise. The first line of defense is comprised of production, operational, and support units. The second line of defense is comprised of various risk management and control functions charged with monitoring and managing specific major risk categories and/or risk subcategories. The third line of defense is comprised of the Internal Audit function and Independent Asset Review. Internal Audit provides assurance and evaluates the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes as established by the Company. Internal Audit has organizational independence and objectivity, reporting directly to the Board’s Audit Committee. Further discussion and analysis of each major risk area are included in the following sub-sections of Risk Management.
64
 
($ in thousands)
Payment Due by Period

Less than
1 year

1-3 years
3-5 years
After
5 years

Indeterminate
Maturity
(1)

Total
Deposits (2)

$4,930,794
 $497,042
 $180,910
 $32,003
 $25,974,314

$31,615,063
FHLB advances (2)


 81,286
 
 242,605
 

323,891
Gross repurchase agreements (2)


 
 150,000
 300,000
 

450,000
Affordable housing partnership and other tax credit investment commitments
98,000
 51,534
 18,812
 841
 

169,187
Short-term borrowings (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt (2)

20,000
 5,000
 
 146,577
 

171,577
Operating lease obligations (3)

31,845
 49,247
 32,579
 27,988
 

141,659
Unrecognized tax liabilities (4)


 
 18,798
 
 

18,798
Projected cash payments for postretirement benefit plan
319
 668
 708
 7,855
 

9,550
Total contractual obligations
$5,080,958

$684,777

$401,807

$757,869

$25,974,314

$32,899,725
 
(1)Includes deposits with no defined maturity, such as noninterest-bearing demand, interest-bearing checking, money-market and savings accounts.
(2)Balances exclude contractual interest.
(3)Represents the Company’s lease obligations for all rental properties.
(4)Balance includes interest and penalties.



Credit Risk Management

Credit risk is the risk that a borrower or counterparty will fail to perform according to the terms and conditions of a loan or investment and expose the Company to loss. Credit risk exists with many of the Company’s assets and exposures such as loans and certain derivatives. The majority of the Company’s credit risk is associated with lending activities.

The Risk Oversight Committee has primary oversight responsibility of identifying enterprise risk categories including credit risk. The Risk Oversight Committee monitors management’s assessment of asset quality and credit risk trends, credit quality administration and underwriting standards; as well as portfolio credit risk management strategies and processes, such as diversification and liquidity; all of which enable management to control credit risk. At the management level, the Credit Risk Management Committee has primary oversight responsibility for credit risk. The Senior Credit Supervision function manages credit policy and provides the resources to manage the line of business transactional credit risk, assuring that all exposure is risk-rated according to the requirements of the credit risk rating policy. The Senior Credit Supervision function evaluates and reports the overall credit risk exposure to senior management and the Risk Oversight Committee. The Independent Asset Review function supports a strong credit risk management culture by providing independent and objective assessment of underwriting and documentation quality, reporting directly to the Board’s Risk Oversight Committee. A key focus of our credit risk management is adherence to a well-controlled underwriting process.

The Company assesses overall credit quality performance of the loan held-for-investment portfolio through an integrated analysis of specific performance ratios. This approach forms the basis of the discussion in the sections immediately following: Nonperforming Assets, TDRs and Allowance for Credit Losses.

Nonperforming Assets

Nonperforming assets are comprised of nonaccrual loans, OREO, and other nonperforming assets. Other nonperforming assets and OREO are repossessed assets and properties, respectively, acquired through foreclosure, or through full or partial satisfaction of loans held-for-investment. Loans are generally 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. Collectability is generally assessed based on economic and business conditions, the borrower’s financial condition and the adequacy of collateral, if any. For additional details regarding the Company’s nonaccrual loan policy, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies— Loans Held-for-Investment to the Consolidated Cash Flows AnalysisFinancial Statements in this Form 10-K.


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The following table presents information regarding nonperforming assets as of the periods indicated:
($ in thousands)December 31,
Nonaccrual LoansNon-PCI Nonaccrual Loans
20202019201820172016
Commercial:
C&I$133,939 $74,835 $43,840 $69,213 $81,256 
CRE:
CRE46,546 16,441 24,218 26,986 26,907 
Multifamily residential3,668 819 1,260 1,717 2,984 
Construction and land— — — 3,973 5,326 
Total CRE50,214 17,260 25,478 32,676 35,217 
Consumer:
Residential mortgage:
Single-family residential16,814 14,865 5,259 5,923 4,214 
HELOCs11,696 10,742 8,614 4,006 2,130 
Total residential mortgage28,510 25,607 13,873 9,929 6,344 
Other consumer2,491 2,517 2,502 2,491 — 
Total nonaccrual loans215,154 120,219 85,693 114,309 122,817 
OREO, net15,824 125 133 830 6,745 
Other nonperforming assets3,890 1,167 7,167 — — 
Total nonperforming assets$234,868 $121,511 $92,993 $115,139 $129,562 
Nonperforming assets to total assets0.45 %0.27 %0.23 %0.31 %0.37 %
Nonaccrual loans to loans held-for-investment0.56 %0.35 %0.26 %0.39 %0.48 %
Allowance for loan losses to nonaccrual loans288.16 %298.03 %363.30 %251.19 %212.12 %
Net charge-offs to average loans held-for-investment0.17 %0.16 %0.13 %0.08 %0.15 %
TDRs included in nonperforming loans$71,924 $54,566 $30,315 $62,909 $38,983 

Period-over-period changes to nonaccrual loans represent loans that are placed on nonaccrual status in accordance with the Company’s accounting policy, offset by reductions from loans that are repaid, paid down, charged off, sold, foreclosed, or no longer classified as nonaccrual as a result of continued performance and improvement in the borrowers’ financial condition and loan repayment capabilities. Nonaccrual loans were $215.2 million or 0.56% of loans held-for-investments, as of December 31, 2020, compared with $120.2 million or 0.35% of loans held-for-investments, as of December 31, 2019. Year-over-year, nonaccrual loans increased by $94.9 million or 79%, primarily driven by inflows of C&I oil & gas loans and CRE loans to nonaccrual status, partially offset by charge-offs and sales of C&I loans, as well as a transfer of a CRE loan to OREO. C&I nonaccrual loans were 62% of total nonaccrual loans as of both December 31, 2020 and 2019. As of December 31, 2020, $106.4 million, or 49% of nonaccrual loans were less than 90 days delinquent. In comparison, $35.6 million, or 30% of nonaccrual loans were less than 90 days delinquent as of December 31, 2019.

OREO was $15.8 million as of December 31, 2020, an increase of $15.7 million from $125 thousand as of December 31, 2019 due to the Company taking possession of one retail CRE property located in Southern California.
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The following table presents accruing loans past due by loan portfolio segments as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:
($ in thousands)
Total Accruing Past Due Loans (1)
ChangePercentage of
Total Loans Outstanding
December 31,December 31,
20202019$%20202019
Commercial:
C&I$9,717 $48,155 $(38,438)(80)%0.07 %0.40 %
CRE:
CRE375 24,807 (24,432)(98)%0.00 %0.24 %
Multifamily residential1,818 729 1,089 149 %0.06 %0.03 %
Construction and land19,900 — 19,900 100 %3.32 %— %
Total CRE22,093 25,536 (3,443)(13)%0.15 %0.19 %
Total commercial31,810 73,691 (41,881)(57)%0.11 %0.29 %
Consumer:
Residential mortgage:
Single-family residential12,494 20,517 (8,023)(39)%0.15 %0.29 %
HELOCs6,052 7,064 (1,012)(14)%0.38 %0.48 %
Total residential mortgage18,546 27,581 (9,035)(33)%0.19 %0.32 %
Other consumer234 11 223 NM0.14 %0.00 %
Total consumer18,780 27,592 (8,812)(32)%0.19 %0.31 %
Total$50,590 $101,283 $(50,693)(50)%0.13 %0.29 %
NM — Not meaningful.
(1)There were no accruing loans past due 90 days or more as of both December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Troubled Debt Restructurings

TDRs are loans for which contractual terms have been modified by the Company for economic or legal reasons related to a borrower’s financial difficulties, and for which a concession to the borrower was granted that the Company would not otherwise consider. The Company’s loan modifications are handled on a case-by-case basis and are negotiated to achieve mutually agreeable terms that maximize loan collectability and meet the borrower’s financial needs. The following table presents the performing and nonperforming TDRs by loan portfolio segments as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. The allowance for loan losses for TDRs was $10.3 million as ofDecember 31, 2020 and $400 thousand as of December 31, 2019.
($ in thousands)December 31,
20202019
Performing
TDRs
Nonperforming
TDRs
Performing
TDRs
Nonperforming
TDRs
Commercial:
C&I$85,767 $68,451 $39,208 $41,014 
CRE:
CRE24,851 — 5,177 11,503 
Multifamily residential3,310 1,448 3,644 229 
Construction and land19,900 — 19,691 — 
Total CRE48,061 1,448 28,512 11,732 
Consumer:
Residential mortgage:
Single-family residential6,748 1,169 7,346 1,098 
HELOCs2,631 856 2,832 722 
Total residential mortgage9,379 2,025 10,178 1,820 
Total TDRs$143,207 $71,924 $77,898 $54,566 

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Performing TDRs were $143.2 million as of December 31, 2020, an increase of $65.3 million or 84% from $77.9 million as of December 31, 2019. This increase reflected $68.4 million in newly designated C&I TDRs, primarily from general manufacturing & wholesale, and oil & gas sectors, and $21.2 million in newly designated CRE TDRs. Over 85% of the performing TDRs were current as of both December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Nonperforming TDRs were $71.9 million as of December 31, 2020, an increase of $17.4 million or 32% from $54.6 million as of December 31, 2019. This increase primarily reflected additions to nonperforming TDR, from C&I oil & gas loans, partially offset by a sale of one C&I loan and a transfer of one CRE loan to OREO.

Existing TDRs that were subsequently modified in response to the COVID-19 pandemic continue to be classified as TDRs. As of December 31, 2020, there were four TDRs totaling $11.8 million that were provided subsequent modifications related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Loan Modifications Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Beginning in late March 2020, the Company granted various commercial and consumer loan accommodation programs, predominantly in the form of payment deferrals, to provide relief to borrowers experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 pandemic. Section 4013 of the CARES Act, as amended by the CAA, permits a financial institution to elect to temporarily suspend TDR accounting under ASC Subtopic 310-40 in certain circumstances. To be eligible under Section 4013 of the CARES Act, a loan modification must be (1) related to the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) executed on a loan that was not more than 30 days past due as of December 31, 2019; and (3) executed between March 1, 2020, and the earlier of (a) 60 days after the date of termination of the federal National Emergency or (b) January 1, 2022. The federal banking regulators, in consultation with the FASB, issued the Interagency Statement on April 7, 2020 confirming that, for loans not subject to Section 4013 of the CARES Act, short-term modifications (i.e. six months or less) made on a good faith basis in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to borrowers who were current as of the implementation date of a loan modification, or modifications granted under government mandated modification programs, are not considered as TDRs under ASC Subtopic 310-40. See additional information in Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Troubled Debt Restructurings in this Form 10-K.

The delinquency aging of loans modified related to the COVID-19 pandemic is frozen at the time of the modification. As a result, the recognition of delinquent loans, nonaccrual status, and loan net charge-offs may be delayed for certain borrowers who are enrolled in these loan modification programs, which would have otherwise moved into past due or nonaccrual status. Interest income continues to be recognized over the accommodation period.
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The following table provides a summary of the COVID-19 pandemic-related loan modifications that remained under their modified terms as of December 31, 2020. The amounts represent loan modifications that meet the criteria under Section 4013 of the CARES Act, as amended by the CAA, or Interagency Statement and therefore are not considered TDRs. The amounts exclude loan modifications related to the COVID-19 pandemic made on existing TDRs. A loan is counted once in the table regardless of the number of accommodations received.
($ in thousands)December 31, 2020
Number of LoansOutstanding Balance% of Balance
of Respective Loan Portfolio
Payment deferral and forbearance
Commercial:
C&I14$36,266 %
CRE:
CRE63597,972%
Multifamily residential417,111%
Construction and land366,62911 %
Total CRE70681,712%
Total commercial84717,9783 %
Consumer:
Residential mortgage:
Single-family residential501208,347%
HELOCs10239,469%
Total residential mortgage603247,816%
Total consumer603247,8162 %
Total687$965,794 3 %

The above table excludes loan modifications related to the COVID-19 pandemic that did not meet the criteria provided under Section 4013 of the CARES Act, as amended by the CAA, or the Interagency Statement, and that were evaluated and deemed to not be classified as TDRs. The determination to not consider a modification a TDR was made on the premise that the amount of the delayed restructured payments was insignificant relative to the unpaid principal or collateral value of the loan, resulting in an insignificant shortfall in the contractual amount due from the borrower, or an insignificant delay in the timing of the restructured payment period relative to the payment frequency under the loan’s original contractual maturity or expected duration. The above table also excludes loan modifications related to the COVID-19 pandemic made on existing TDRs.

The COVID-19 pandemic-related loan modifications primarily consisted of payment deferrals three months or less in duration, in the form of either principal payment deferrals, where the borrower was still paying interest, or full principal and interest payment deferrals. Other forbearance programs consisted of interest rate concessions. The deferred payments for commercial loans are either repaid at contractual maturity, or spread over the remaining contractual term of the loan. The deferred payments for consumer loans are repaid under defined payment plans between six to 36 months after the deferral period ends, or the loan term is extended beyond the contractual maturity by the number of payments deferred.

As of December 31, 2020, the Company had $965.8 million of loans under payment deferral and forbearance programs, a decrease of $602.1 million or 38% from $1.57 billion as of September 30, 2020, and a decrease of $1.86 billion or 66% from $2.82 billion as of June 30, 2020. The CRE COVID-19 loan modifications outstanding as of December 31, 2020 were primarily concentrated in the hotel and retail CRE portfolios. Of the CRE COVID-19 loan modifications, 73% were making partial payments, generally as interest payments, while 27% were under full payment deferral. Modifications are considered to have exited active accommodation after the borrower exited the modification program or after the modification period expired. The loans with expired COVID-19 modifications were predominantly current as of December 31, 2020. The Company monitors the delinquency status of loans exiting relief programs on an ongoing basis. The impacts of the COVID-19 loan modifications were considered in determination of the allowance for credit loss.
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Allowance for Credit Losses

Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses that requires the measurement of the allowance for credit losses to be based on management’s best estimate of lifetime expected credit losses inherent in the Company’s relevant financial assets. The allowance for credit losses estimate uses various models and estimation techniques based on historical loss experience, current borrower characteristics, current conditions, reasonable and supportable forecasts, and other relevant factors. On January 1, 2020, the adoption of the new accounting standard increased the allowance for loan losses by $125.2 million, and the allowance for unfunded credit commitments by $10.5 million. Corresponding with the increase to the allowance due the adoption of ASU 2016-13, there was an after-tax decrease to opening retained earnings of $98.0 million.

The Company’s methodology for determining the allowance for loan losses includes an estimate of expected credit losses on a collective basis for loan groups with similar risk characteristics, and a specific allowance for loans that are individually evaluated. For collectively evaluated loans, the Company uses quantitative models to forecast expected credit losses and these models consider historical credit loss experience, current market and economic conditions, and forecasted changes in market and economic conditions, if such forecasts are considered reasonable and supportable. The Company also considers qualitative factors in determining the allowance for loan losses. Qualitative adjustments are used to capture characteristics in the portfolio that impact expected credit losses, and which are not otherwise fully captured within the Company’s expected credit loss models.

In addition to the allowance for loan losses, the Company maintains an allowance for unfunded credit commitments. The Company has three general areas for which it provides the allowance for unfunded credit commitments: recourse obligations for loans sold, letters of credit, and unfunded lending commitments. The Company’s methodology for determining the allowance for unfunded lending commitments calculation uses the lifetime loss rates of the on-balance sheet commitment. Recourse obligations for loans sold and letters of credit use the weighted loss rates for the segment of the individual credit.

The Company employs a disciplined process and methodology to establish its allowance for loan losses each quarter. The process for estimating the allowance for loan losses takes into consideration many factors, including historical and forecasted loan loss trends, loan-level credit quality ratings and loan-specific risk characteristics. In addition to regular quarterly reviews of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, the Company performs ongoing assessments of the risks inherent in the loan portfolio. Determining the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses is complex and requires judgement by management about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.

The Company is committed to maintaining the allowance for credit losses at a level that is commensurate with the estimated inherent losses in the loan portfolio, including unfunded credit facilities. While the Company believes that the allowance for credit losses was appropriate as of December 31, 2020, future allowance levels may increase or decrease based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, accounting standard and regulatory changes, loan growth, portfolio performance and general economic conditions. For a description of the policies, methodologies and judgements used to determine the allowance for credit losses, see Item 7. MD&A — Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates, Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 6 — Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses to the Consolidated StatementFinancial Statements in this Form 10-K.

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The following table presents an allocation of Cash Flowsthe allowance for loan losses by loan portfolio segments as of the periods indicated:
($ in thousands)December 31,
20202019201820172016
Allowance
Allocation
 % of Loan Type to
Total Loans
Allowance
Allocation
% of Loan Type to
Total Loans
Allowance
Allocation
% of Loan Type to
Total Loans
Allowance
Allocation
% of Loan Type to
Total Loans
Allowance
Allocation
% of Loan Type to
Total Loans
Commercial:
C&I$398,040 36 %$238,376 35 %$189,117 37 %$163,058 37 %$142,167 38 %
CRE:
CRE163,791 29 %40,509 30 %40,666 28 %40,809 31 %47,559 31 %
Multifamily residential27,573 %22,826 %19,885 %19,537 %17,911 %
Construction and land10,239 %19,404 %20,290 %26,881 %24,989 %
Total CRE201,603 39 %82,739 40 %80,841 38 %87,227 40 %90,459 40 %
Total Commercial599,643 75 %321,115 75 %269,958 75 %250,285 77 %232,626 78 %
Consumer:
Residential mortgage:
Single-family residential15,520 21 %28,527 20 %31,340 19 %26,362 16 %19,795 14 %
HELOCs2,690 %5,265 %5,774 %7,354 %7,506 %
Total residential mortgage18,210 25 %33,792 24 %37,114 24 %33,716 22 %27,301 21 %
Other consumer2,130 %3,380 %4,250 %3,127 %593 %
Total Consumer20,340 25 %37,172 25 %41,364 25 %36,843 23 %27,894 22 %
Total$619,983 100 %$358,287 100 %$311,322 100 %$287,128 100 %$260,520 100 %
20202019201820172016
Average loans held-for-investment$36,796,989 $33,372,890 $30,209,219 $27,237,981 $24,223,535 
Loans held-for-investment$38,390,955 $34,778,539 $32,385,189 $28,975,718 $25,503,139 
Allowance for loan losses to loans held-for-investment1.61 %1.03 %0.96 %0.99 %1.02 %
Net charge-offs to average loans held-for-investment0.17 %0.16 %0.13 %0.08 %0.15 %

The allowance for loan losses was $620.0 million as of December 31, 2020, an increase of $261.7 million from $358.3 million as of December 31, 2019. This increase to allowance reflects a deterioration in the macroeconomic conditions and outlook as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the adoption of CECL. The change is comprised of the following:
a net $125.2 million increase due to the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020,
subsequent to January 1, 2020, a net $150.1 million addition in the allowance against commercial loans, predominantly in C&I and CRE income-producing, and
a net $13.6 million reduction in the allowance against consumer loans, predominantly in single-family residential and other consumer.

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The Company considers multiple economic scenarios to develop the estimate of the allowance for loans. The scenarios consist of a base forecast representing management's view of the most likely outcome, combined with downside and upside scenarios reflecting possible worsening or improving economic conditions. The base forecast assumed near-term economic stress and the economy beginning to recover in 2021, based on anticipated economic stimulus from the government and the Federal Reserve maintaining its target fed funds range. The downside scenario assumed more sustained adverse economic impact resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, as compared to the base forecast. The upside scenario assumed a more optimistic view for the economic recovery, as compared with the base forecast, including travel, business and other restrictions ending sooner, and improved consumer optimism based on more rapid distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. The Company applies management judgment to add qualitative factors for the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on industry and CRE sectors that are affected by the pandemic.

As of December 31, 2020, PPP loans outstanding were $1.57 billion. As these loans are 100% guaranteed by SBA, the Company expects these loans will have zero expected loss. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2020, these loans had no related allowance for loan losses.

2020 net charge-offs were $63.2 million or 0.17% of average loans-held-for-investment, compared with $52.8 million, or 0.16% of average loan held-for-investment, in 2019. The year-over-year change in net loan charge-offs was largely due to higher CRE charge-offs, compared with recoveries in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic may continue to impact the credit quality of our loan portfolio. Although the potential impacts were considered in our allowance for loan losses, payment deferral activities instituted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic could delay the recognition of some loan charge-offs.

The following tables summarize activity in the allowance for loan losses for loans by loan portfolio segments for the periods indicated:
($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31, 2020
CommercialConsumerTotal
C&ICREResidential MortgageOther
Consumer
CREMultifamily
Residential
Construction
and Land
Single-
Family
Residential
HELOCs
Allowance for loan losses, beginning of period$238,376 $40,509 $22,826 $19,404 $28,527 $5,265 $3,380 $358,287 
Impact of ASU 2016-13 adoption74,237 72,169 (8,112)(9,889)(3,670)(1,798)2,221 125,158 
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses on loans(a)145,212 55,864 10,879 644 (9,922)(605)(3,381)198,691 
Gross charge-offs(66,225)(15,206)— — — (221)(185)(81,837)
Gross recoveries5,428 10,455 1,980 80 585 49 95 18,672 
Total net (charge-offs) recoveries(60,797)(4,751)1,980 80 585 (172)(90)(63,165)
Foreign currency translation adjustment1,012 — — — — — — 1,012 
Allowance for loan losses, end of period$398,040 $163,791 $27,573 $10,239 $15,520 $2,690 $2,130 $619,983 
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($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Net cash provided by operating activities $696,906
 $641,856
 $469,624
Net cash used in investing activities (2,500,455) (1,792,660) (3,627,881)
Net cash provided by financing activities 2,068,460
 1,680,360
 3,490,306
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 31,178
 (11,940) (11,047)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 296,089
 517,616
 321,002
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 1,878,503
 1,360,887
 1,039,885
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $2,174,592
 $1,878,503
 $1,360,887
       
($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31, 2019
CommercialConsumerTotal
C&ICREResidential MortgageOther
Consumer
CREMultifamily
Residential
Construction
and Land
Single-
Family
Residential
HELOCs
Allowance for loan losses, beginning of period$189,117 $40,666 $19,885 $20,290 $31,340 $5,774 $4,250 $311,322 
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses on loans(a)109,068 (4,345)1,085 (1,422)(2,938)(516)(839)100,093 
Gross charge-offs(73,985)(1,021)— — (11)— (50)(75,067)
Gross recoveries14,501 5,209 1,856 536 136 19 22,264 
Total net (charge-offs) recoveries(59,484)4,188 1,856 536 125 (31)(52,803)
Foreign currency translation adjustment(325)— — — — — — (325)
Allowance for loan losses, end of period$238,376 $40,509 $22,826 $19,404 $28,527 $5,265 $3,380 $358,287 

($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31, 2018
CommercialConsumerTotal
C&ICREResidential MortgageOther
Consumer
CREMultifamily
Residential
Construction
and Land
Single-
Family
Residential
HELOCs
Allowance for loan losses, beginning of period$163,058 $40,809 $19,537 $26,881 $26,362 $7,354 $3,127 $287,128 
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses on loans(a)75,629 (5,337)(1,409)(7,331)3,765 (1,618)1,308 65,007 
Gross charge-offs(59,244)— — — (1)— (188)(59,433)
Gross recoveries10,417 5,194 1,757 740 1,214 38 19,363 
Total net (charge-offs) recoveries(48,827)5,194 1,757 740 1,213 38 (185)(40,070)
Foreign currency translation adjustment(743)— — — — — — (743)
Allowance for loan losses, end of period$189,117 $40,666 $19,885 $20,290 $31,340 $5,774 $4,250 $311,322 
($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31, 2017
CommercialConsumerTotal
C&ICREResidential MortgageOther
Consumer
CREMultifamily
Residential
Construction
and Land
Single-
Family
Residential
HELOCs
Allowance for loan losses, beginning of period$142,167 $47,559 $17,911 $24,989 $19,795 $7,506 $593 $260,520 
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses on loans(a)46,944 (8,861)904 1,782 6,022 (121)2,399 49,069 
Gross charge-offs(38,118)— (635)(149)(1)(55)(17)(38,975)
Gross recoveries11,371 2,111 1,357 259 546 24 152 15,820 
Total net (charge-offs) recoveries(26,747)2,111 722 110 545 (31)135 (23,155)
Foreign currency translation adjustment694 — — — — — — 694 
Allowance for loan losses, end of period$163,058 $40,809 $19,537 $26,881 $26,362 $7,354 $3,127 $287,128 
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($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31, 2016
CommercialConsumerTotal
C&ICREResidential MortgageOther
Consumer
CREMultifamily
Residential
Construction
and Land
Single-
Family
Residential
HELOCs
Allowance for loan losses, beginning of period$134,606 $58,623 $19,630 $22,915 $19,665 $8,745 $775 $264,959 
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses on loans(a)46,847 (12,088)(3,166)1,988 (134)(1,237)(492)31,718 
Gross charge-offs(47,739)(464)(29)(117)(137)(9)(13)(48,508)
Gross recoveries9,003 1,488 1,476 203 401 323 12,901 
Total net (charge-offs) recoveries(38,736)1,024 1,447 86 264 (2)310 (35,607)
Foreign currency translation adjustment(550)— — — — — — (550)
Allowance for loan losses, end of period$142,167 $47,559 $17,911 $24,989 $19,795 $7,506 $593 $260,520 

The Company’s net cash inflows from operating activities were $696.9 million, $641.9 million and $469.6 millionfollowing table summarizes activity in the allowance for unfunded credit commitments for the years endedperiods indicated:
($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31,
20202019201820172016
Unfunded credit facilities
Allowance for unfunded credit commitments, beginning of period$11,158 $12,566 $13,318 $16,121 $20,360 
Impact of ASU 2016-13 adoption10,457 — — — — 
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses on unfunded credit commitments(b)11,962 (1,408)(752)(2,803)(4,239)
Allowance for unfunded credit commitments, end of period$33,577 $11,158 $12,566 $13,318 $16,121 
Provision for credit losses(a) + (b)$210,653 $98,685 $64,255 $46,266 $27,479 

The allowance for unfunded credit commitments was $33.6 million as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The $55.12020, compared with $11.2 million increase in net cash inflows from operating activities for the year endedas of December 31, 2017, compared to2019. The Company believes the allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 was adequate.

Upon adoption of ASU 2016-13, allowance for loan losses for PCD loans is determined using the same period in 2016, was primarily due to a $73.9 million increase in net income and a $22.3 million increase in net changes in cash flows receivable frommethodology as other assets, partially offset by a $19.3 million change in non-cash amounts and a $17.3 million decrease in net changes in the cash flows from accrued expenses and other liabilities. The increase in net changes in cash flows receivable from other assets, comparing the year endedloans held-for-investment. As of December 31, 2017 to the same period in 2016, was primarily due to a reduction in tax receivables. The $172.2 million increase in net cash inflows from operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the same period in 2015, was primarily due to a $47.0 million increase in net income, a $133.0 million reduction of payments related to FDIC shared-loss agreements and a $140.7 million increase in cash inflows from accrued interest receivable and other assets, partially offset by a $126.1 million decrease in non-cash charges mainly due to lower deferred tax expenses.



Net cash used in investing activities totaled $2.50 billion and $1.79 billion during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The $707.8 million increase in net cash used in investing activities was primarily due to a $1.45 billion increase in net cash outflows from loans held-for-investment, partially offset by a $700.0 million increase in net cash inflows from resale agreements. 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 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.

During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015,2019, the Company experienced net cash inflows from financing activitieshad no allowance for loan losses against $222.9 million of $2.07 billion, $1.68 billion and $3.49 billion, respectively. Net cash inflows from financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2017 comprised primarily of a $2.27 billion net increase in deposits, partially offset by $116.8 million in cash dividends paid and $61.6 million in short-term borrowing repayments. Net cash inflows from financing activities during 2016 comprised primarily of a $2.45 billion net increase in deposits, partially offset by a $700.0 million repayment of short-term FHLB advances and $115.8 million in cash dividends paid. Net cash inflows from financing activities in 2015 comprised primarily 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.PCI loans.


Asset Liability and MarketLiquidity Risk Management


Liquidity


Liquidity is a financial institution’s capacity to meet its deposit obligations and other counterpartycounterparties’ obligations as they come due, or to obtain adequate funding at a reasonable cost.cost to meet those obligations. The objective of liquidity management is to manage the potential mismatch of asset and liability cash flows. Maintaining an adequate level of liquidity depends on the institution’s ability to efficiently meet both expected and unexpected cash flows, and collateral needs without adversely affecting either daily operations or the financial condition of the institution. To achieve this objective, the Company analyzes its liquidity risk, maintains readily available liquid assets and accessesutilizes diverse funding sources including its stable core deposit base.

The Board of Directors’ Risk Oversight Committee has primary oversight responsibility. At the management level, the Company’s Asset/Liability Committee (“ALCO”) setsestablishes the liquidity guidelines that govern the day-to-day active management of the Company’s liquidity position.position by requiring sufficient asset-based liquidity to cover potential funding requirements and avoid over-dependence on volatile, less reliable funding markets. These guidelines are established and monitored for both the Bank and for East West, the parent company, on a stand-alone basis to ensure that the Company is a source of strength for its subsidiaries. The ALCO regularly monitors the Company’s liquidity status and related management processes, and providesproviding regular reports to the Board of Directors. The Company’s liquidity management practices have been effective under normal operating and stressed market conditions such as the financial stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Liquidity Risk — Liquidity Sources The Company’s primary source of funding is from deposits generated by its banking business, which are relatively stable and low-cost. Total deposits amounted to $44.86 billion as of December 31, 2020, compared with $37.32 billion as of December 31, 2019. The Company’s loan-to-deposit ratio was 86% December 31, 2020, compared with 93% as of December 31, 2019.

In addition to deposits, the Company has access to various sources of wholesale funding, as well as borrowing capacity at the FHLB and FRBSF to sustain an adequate liquid asset portfolio, meet daily cash demands and allow management flexibility to execute its business strategy. Economic conditions and the stability of capital markets impact the Company’s access to and the cost of wholesale financing. The Company’s access to capital markets is also affected by the ratings received from various credit rating agencies. See Item 7— MD&A — Balance Sheet Analysis — Deposits and Other Sources of Funds in this Form 10-K for further detail related to the Company’s funding sources.

The Company maintains its liquidity in the form of cash and cash equivalents, interest-bearing deposits with banks, short-term resale agreements, and unpledged investmentunencumbered high-quality and liquid AFS debt securities. These assets totaled $5.51 billion and $5.91 billion, accounting for 15% and 17% of totalThe following table presents the Company’s liquid assets as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016, respectively, including the reserve requirement of $503.8 million and $699.4 million2019:
($ in thousands)December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
EncumberedUnencumberedTotalEncumberedUnencumberedTotal
Cash and cash equivalents$— $4,017,971 $4,017,971 $— $3,261,149 $3,261,149 
Interest-bearing deposits with banks— 809,728 809,728 — 196,161 196,161 
Short-term resale agreements— 900,000 900,000 — 400,000 400,000 
U.S. Treasury, and U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise debt securities91,637 773,443 865,080 142,203 615,464 757,667 
U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities494,132 2,320,532 2,814,664 334,194 1,273,174 1,607,368 
Foreign government bonds— 182,531 182,531 — 354,172 354,172 
Municipal securities1,033 395,040 396,073 1,040 101,262 102,302 
Non-agency mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities and CLOs434 879,908 880,342 733 483,823 484,556 
Corporate debt securities1,249 404,719 405,968 1,262 9,887 11,149 
Total$588,485 $10,683,872 $11,272,357 $479,432 $6,695,092 $7,174,524 

Unencumbered liquid assets totaled $10.68 billion as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Investment2020, compared with $6.70 billion as of December 31, 2019. AFS debt securities included as part of liquidity sources are comprised primarilyconsists of mortgage-backedhigh quality and liquid securities with relatively short durations to minimize overall interest rate and debt securities issued by U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprises, as well as the U.S. Treasury.liquidity risks. The Company believes these investmentAFS debt securities provide quick sources of liquidity through sales or pledging to obtain financing, regardless of market conditions. Traditional forms of funding such as deposit growth and borrowings augment these liquid assets. Total deposits (including deposits held-for-sale) amounted to $32.22 billion as of December 31, 2017, compared to $29.89 billion as of December 31, 2016, of which core deposits comprised 81% of total deposits as of both December 31, 2017 and 2016. conditions, through sale or pledging.

As a means of augmenting the Company’sto generate incremental liquidity, the Company maintains available borrowing capacity under secured borrowing lines with the FHLB and FRB,FRBSF, unsecured federal funds’funds lines of credit with various correspondent banks, to purchase of overnight funds, and several master repurchase agreements with major brokerage companies. The Company’sAs of December 31, 2020, the Company had total available borrowing capacity with the FHLB and FRB was $6.83 billion and $3.15 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2017. The Bank’s unsecured federal funds’ lines of credit, subject to availability, totaled $731.0 million with correspondent banks as of December 31, 2017.$17.04 billion. The Company believes that its liquidity sources are sufficient to meet all reasonably foreseeable short-term and intermediate-term needs.needs over the next 12 months


As of December 31, 2017,2020, the Company had available borrowing capacity of $6.33 billion with the FHLB and $5.54 billion with the FRBSF. Unencumbered loans and/or securities were pledged to the FHLB and the FRBSF discount window as collateral. The Company has established operational procedures to enable borrowing against these assets, including regular monitoring of the total pool of loans and securities eligible as collateral. Eligibility of collateral is defined in guidelines from the FHLB and FRBSF and is subject to change at their discretion. The Bank’s unsecured federal funds lines of credit with correspondent banks, subject to availability, totaled $976.0 million as of December 31, 2020. Estimated borrowing capacity from unpledged AFS debt securities totaled $4.18 billion as of December 31, 2020.

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In connection with the Company’s participation in the PPP under the CARES Act, the Company has the ability to pledge loans originated under the SBA’s PPP program to the PPPLF, and receive term funding matching the balance and term of the pledged loans. In the second quarter of 2020, the Company drew down $1.44 billion from the Federal Reserve PPPLF and pledged the same amount in PPP loans as collateral. The Company paid off the outstanding amounts under the PPPLF in full during the fourth quarter of 2020. As of December 31, 2020, the Company did not awarehave any outstanding balance under the PPPLF.

Liquidity Risk — Liquidity for East West In addition to bank level liquidity management, the Company manages liquidity at the parent company level for various operating needs including payment of any trends, events or uncertainties that had or were reasonably likely to have a material effectdividends, repurchases of common stock, principal and interest payments on its liquidity position. Furthermore, the Company is not aware of any material commitments for capital expendituresborrowings, acquisitions and additional investments in the foreseeable future.

its subsidiaries. East West’s primary source of liquidity has historically been dependent on the payment ofis from cash dividends distributed by its subsidiary, East West Bank. The Bank is subject to applicable statutes, regulationsvarious statutory and special approvalregulatory restrictions on its ability to pay dividends as discussed in Item 1. Business — Supervision and Regulation — Dividends and Other Transfers of Funds. Thein this Form 10-K. As of December 31, 2020, East West held $439.1 million in cash and cash equivalents, after receiving $511.0 million in dividends from the Bank. In comparison, as of December 31, 2019, East West held $166.1 million in cash and cash equivalents, after receiving $190.0 million in dividends from the Bank. Each year, the dividends from the Bank paid total dividends of $35.0 million to East West in January 2018, in additionare sufficient to $255.0 million and $100.0 millionmeet the projected cash obligations of dividends to East West during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. In addition, in January 2018,parent company for the Board of Directors declared a quarterly common stock cash dividend of $0.20 per share, payable on February 15, 2018 to stockholders of record on February 5, 2018.coming year.




Liquidity Risk — Liquidity Stress Testing Liquidity stress testing is performed at the Company level, as well as at the foreign subsidiary and foreign branch levels. Stress testingtests and scenario analysisanalyses are intended to quantify the potential impact of a liquidity event on the financial and liquidity position of the entity. These scenariosScenario analyses include assumptions about significant changes in key funding sources, market triggers, and potential uses of funding and economic conditions in certain countries. In addition, Company specific events are incorporated into the stress testing. Liquidity stress tests are conducted to ascertain potential mismatches between liquidity sources and uses over a variety of time horizons, both immediate and longer term, and over a variety of stressed conditions. Given the range of potential stresses, the Company maintains a series of contingency funding plans on a consolidated basis and for individual entities.


Liquidity Risk — COVID-19 Pandemic In response to the ongoing developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company continues to closely monitor the impact of the pandemic on its business. The uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, and its impact on the financial services industry, could potentially impact the liquidity of the Company. The prolonged strained economic, capital, credit and/or financial market conditions may expose the Company to liquidity risk. However, the Company believes that market conditions have shown signs of improvement after the Federal Reserve stepped in with a broad array of actions to stabilize financial markets and to lower borrowing costs. In December 2020, the CAA was signed into law which issued new relief provisions, extended certain provisions of the CARES Act, and provided additional stimulus funding. Additional government stimulus assistance may be passed in 2021. The combination of the CAA and any additional stimulus legislation in 2021 may further enhance economic recovery.

As of December 31, 2020, the Company was not aware of any material commitments for capital expenditures in the foreseeable future and believes it has adequate liquidity resources to conduct operations and meet other needs in the ordinary course of business. Given the uncertainty and the rapidly changing market and economic conditions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company will continue to actively evaluate the nature and extent of impact on its business and financial position.

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Consolidated Cash Flows Analysis

The following table presents a summary of the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the periods indicated. While this information may be helpful to highlight business strategies and certain macroeconomic trends, the cash flow analysis may not be as relevant when analyzing changes in the Company’s net earnings and assets. The Company believes that in addition to this traditional cash flow analysis, the discussion related to liquidity in Item 7. MD&A Risk Management Liquidity Risk Management Liquidity may provide a useful context in evaluating the Company’s liquidity position and related activity.
($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Net cash provided by operating activities$693,325 $735,829 $883,172 
Net cash used in investing activities(6,848,716)(2,571,176)(3,832,412)
Net cash provided by financing activities6,908,793 2,124,962 3,800,808 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents3,420 (29,843)(24,783)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents756,822 259,772 826,785 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year3,261,149 3,001,377 2,174,592 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year$4,017,971 $3,261,149 $3,001,377 

Operating Activities — Net cash provided by operating activities was $693.3 million, $735.8 million and $883.2 million in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. During 2020, 2019 and 2018, net cash provided by operating activities mainly reflected inflows of net income, in the amounts of $567.8 million, $674.0 million and $703.7 million for each of the respective years. During 2020, net operating cash inflows also benefited from noncash adjustments of $285.0 million to reconcile net income to net operating cash, as well as net changes in accrued expenses and other liabilities of $170.4 million, partially offset by net changes in accrued interest receivable and other assets of $339.9 million. The net changes in accrued interest receivable and other assets of $339.9 million during 2020 were primarily due to changes in derivative asset fair values. In comparison, during 2019, net operating cash inflows benefited from noncash adjustments of $221.6 million to reconcile net income to net operating cash, partially offset by net changes in accrued interest receivable and other assets of $170.8 million. Net operating cash inflows for 2018 benefited from $150.4 million in noncash adjustments to reconcile net income to net operating cash, as well as net changes in accrued expenses and other liabilities of $88.1 million, partially offset by net changes in accrued interest receivable and other assets of $60.8 million.

Investing Activities — Net cash used in investing activities was $6.85 billion, $2.57 billion and $3.83 billion in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. During 2020, net cash used in investing activities primarily reflected cash outflows of $3.62 billion from loans held-for-investment, $2.16 billion from AFS debt securities, $577.6 million from interest-bearing deposits with banks, $350.0 million from resale agreements, and $154.9 million from investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, tax credit and other investments. In comparison, during 2019, net cash used in investing activities primarily reflected cash outflows of $2.42 billion from loans held-for-investment, $521.2 million from AFS debt securities, and $146.9 million from investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, tax credit and other investments. These investing cash outflows were partially offset by cash inflows of $325.0 million from resale agreements and $193.5 million from interest-bearing deposits with banks. During 2018, net cash used in investing activities primarily reflected $3.43 billion increase in net loans held-for-investment, a $503.7 million payment for the sale of the Bank’s eight DCB branches to Flagstar Bank, and $132.6 million in net funding of investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, tax credit and other investments, partially offset by $217.7 million of net cash inflows from AFS debt securities.

Financing Activities —Net cash provided by financing activities was $6.91 billion, $2.12 billion and $3.80 billion in2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. During 2020, net cash provided by financing activities primarily reflected net increases of $7.48 billion in deposits, and $1.44 billion in PPPLF advances, partially offset by $1.44 billion repayment of PPPLF advances, $158.7 million net repayment in repurchase agreements, $158.2 million in cash dividends paid, $146.0 million in shares repurchased, and $95.0 million net repayment in FHLB advances. In comparison, net cash inflows in 2019 primarily reflected net increases of $1.90 billion in deposits and $418.0 million in FHLB advances, partially offset by $155.1 million in cash dividends paid. Net cash inflows in 2018 primarily reflected net increases in deposits of $3.90 billion, partially offset by cash dividends paid of $126.0 million.

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Market Risk Management

Market risk is the risk that the Company’s financial condition may change resulting from adverse movements in market rates or prices including interest rates, foreign exchange rates, interest rate contracts, investment securities prices, credit spreads, and related risk resulting from mismatches in rate sensitive assets and liabilities. In the event of market stress, the risk could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial condition.

The Board’s Risk Oversight Committee has primary oversight responsibility. At the management level, the ALCO establishes and monitors compliance with the policies and risk limits pertaining to market risk management activities. Corporate Treasury supports the ALCO in measuring, monitoring and managing interest rate risk as well as all other market risks.

Interest Rate Risk Management


Interest rate risk results primarily from the Company’s traditional banking activities of gathering deposits and extending loans, andloans; it is the primary market risk for the Company. Economic and financial conditions, movements in interest rates, and consumer preferences impact the level of noninterest-bearing funding sources at the Company, as well as 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-bearing funding sources.liabilities. In addition, changes in interest rates can influence the rate of principal prepayments on loans and the speed of deposit withdrawals. Due to the pricing term mismatches and the 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 of Directors, 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 investmentdebt 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 analysisanalyses under multiple interest rate scenarios. The model includesincorporates the Company’s cash instruments, loans, investmentdebt securities, resale agreements, deposits, borrowings and borrowing portfolios, including repurchase agreements. Theagreements, as well as 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.operations. The Company incorporatesuses both a static balance sheet and a forward growth balance sheet in order to perform these evaluations.analyses. The simulated interest rate scenarios include a non-parallel shift in the yield curve (“rate shock”) and a gradual non-parallel shift in the yield curve (“rate ramp”). In addition, the Company also performs simulations using alternative interest rate scenarios, including various permutations of the yield curve flattening, steepening or inverting. 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 net interest income simulation model is based on the actual maturity and re-pricingrepricing characteristics of the Company’s interest-rate sensitive assets, liabilities and related derivative contracts. The Company’s net interest income simulation modelIt also incorporates various assumptions, which management believes to be reasonable but may have a significant impact on results. They include:These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the timing and magnitude of changes in interest rates, the yield curve evolution and shape, the correlation between various interest rate indices, financial instrument future repricing characteristics and spread relative to benchmark rates, and the effect of interest rate floors periodic loan caps and lifetime loan caps. In addition, theThe modeled results are highly sensitive to the deposit decay and deposit beta assumptions, used for deposits that do not have specific maturities. The Company uses historicalwhich are derived from a regression analysis of the Company’s internalhistorical deposit data as a guidedata. Deposit beta commonly refers to set deposit decay assumptions. The model is also highly sensitive to certain assumptions on the correlation of the changechanges in interest rates paid on core deposits to changes in benchmark market interest rates, commonly referred to as deposit beta assumptions. Deposit beta assumptions are developed based on the Company’s historical experience.rates. The model is also sensitive to the loan and investment prepayment assumption. The loanassumptions, based on an independent model and investmentthe Company’s historical prepayment assumption,data, which considers theconsider anticipated prepayments under different interest rate environments, is based on an independent model, as well as the Company’s historical prepayment experiences.environments.


Existing investment securities, loans, 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. Simulation results are highly dependent on theseinput assumptions. To the extent actual behavior is different from the assumptions in the models, there could be a material change in interest rate sensitivity. The Company performs periodic testingassumptions applied in the model are documented and supported for reasonableness, and periodically back-tested to assess the sensitivity of the model results to the assumptions used.their effectiveness. The Company also makes appropriate calibrations to the model when necessary.as needed, continually refining the model, methodology and results. Changes to key model assumptions are reviewed by the ALCO. Scenario results do not reflect strategies that management could employ to limit the impact asof changing interest rate expectations change.expectations.



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Since the federal funds rate range was lowered to near zero in March 2020 and the Federal Reserve has committed its resources to support the financial markets, businesses, and state and local governments, it is not expected that rates will decline further, nor is it expected that rates will enter into the negative territory. Consequently, the simulation results for the downward interest rate scenarios as of December 31, 2020 are not provided.

Twelve-Month Net Interest Income Simulation

Net interest income simulation modeling looks at interest rate risk through earnings. It projects the changes in interest rate sensitive asset and liability cash flows, expressed in terms of net interest income, over a specified time horizon for defined interest rates scenarios. Net interest income simulations generate insight into the impact of market rates changes on earnings and guide risk management decisions. The Company assesses interest rate risk by comparing net interest income using different interest rate scenarios.

The federal funds rate range was between 0.00% and 0.25% as of December 31, 2020 and between 1.50% and 1.75% as of December 31, 2019. After lowering the range to between 0.00% and 0.25% in March 2020, the Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) pledged to maintain monetary support for the economy. Moreover, in December 2020, acknowledging the uncertain and likely lengthy path to a full post-pandemic economic recovery, the majority of FOMC members projected that the federal funds rate range will likely remain unchanged through 2023.The FOMC statement indicated that the federal funds target rate will remain unchanged until maximum employment has been reached and inflation rises to and remains at 2% for some time.

The following table presents the Company’s net interest income and economic value of equity (“EVE”) sensitivity related to an instantaneous and sustained non-parallel shift in market interest rates of 100 and 200 basis points in an upward direction as of December 31, 2020 and in both directions as of December 31, 20172019.
Change in Interest Rates
(Basis Points)
Net Interest Income Volatility (1)
December 31,
20202019
+20012.6 %13.2 %
+1005.6 %6.7 %
-100NM(5.5)%
-200NM(8.7)%
NM — Not meaningful.
(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.

The Company’s net interest income profile as of December 31, 2020 reflects an asset sensitive position. Net interest income would be expected to increase if interest rates rise and 2016:to decrease if interest rates decline. The potential impact of rate decreases is somewhat muted due to the current low rate environment with the federal funds rate floored and the federal funds rate range between 0.00% and 0.25%. The Company is naturally asset sensitive due to the large share of variable rate loans in its loan portfolio, which are primarily linked to Prime and LIBOR indices. The Company’s interest income is vulnerable to changes in short-term interest rates.However, given the current low level of interest rates, the potential for further rate decreases is limited which reduces the Bank’s exposure to risks associated with falling rates. The Company’s deposit portfolio is primarily comprised of non-maturity deposits, which are not directly tied to short-term interest rate indices, but are, nevertheless, sensitive to changes in short-term interest rates.
 
Change in Interest Rates
(Basis Points)
 
Net Interest Income Volatility (1)
 
EVE Volatility (2)
 December 31, December 31,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
+200 18.9 % 22.4 % 7.1 % 12.3 %
+100 10.7 % 12.0 % 3.2 % 7.5 %
-100 (7.4)% (6.8)% (3.5)% (5.0)%
-200 (12.6)% (7.5)% (8.8)% (9.3)%
 
(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 as of December 31, 20172020 was lower compared to December 31, 2016 for both upward interest rate scenarios, as simulated increases in interest income are offset by an increase inthan the rate of repricing for the Company’s deposit portfolio. In a simulated downward interest rate scenario, sensitivity increased overall for both of the downward interest rate scenarios, mainly due to the impact of the recent interest rate increases on December 14, 2016, March 15, 2017, and June 14, 2017. As interest rates rise further away from all time historical lows, there is more room for the Company’s simulated interest income to decline in a downward interest rate scenario, relative to previous simulations.

Under most rising interest rate environments, the Company would expect some customers to move balances in demand deposits into higher interest-bearing deposits such as money market, savings or time deposits. The models are particularly sensitive to the assumption about the rate of such migration. The federal funds target rate was between 0.50% and 0.75% as of December 31, 2016, and between 1.25% and 1.50%2019 under both higher rate scenarios. This reflects reduced upward repricing in the Company’s rate sensitive assets due to a higher proportion of floating rate loans at rate floors under a near-zero interest rate environment, as compared with the proportion at rate floors as of December 31, 2017. It should2019.

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While an instantaneous and sustained non-parallel shift in market interest rates was used in the simulation model described in the preceding paragraphs, the Company believes that any shift in interest rates would likely be notedmore gradual and would therefore have a more modest impact. The rate ramp table below shows the net income volatility under a gradual non-parallel shift of the yield curve upward and downward, in even quarterly increments over the first 12 months, followed by rates held constant thereafter:
Change in Interest Rates
(Basis Points)
Net Interest Income Volatility (1)
December 31,
20202019
+200 Rate Ramp4.9 %6.0 %
+100 Rate Ramp2.2 %3.0 %
-100 Rate RampNM(2.6)%
-200 Rate RampNM(5.1)%
NM — Not meaningful.
(1)The percentage change represents net interest income under a gradual non-parallel shift in even quarterly increments over 12 months.

The Company believes that despite the rate ramp table, shown above, when evaluated together with the results of the rate shock simulation, presents a more meaningful indication of the potential impact of rising interest rates to the Company’s twelve-month net interest income. During 2020, the Company’s modeled asset sensitivity decreased under a ramp simulation for the higher interest rate increasesscenarios.

Economic Value of Equityat Risk

Economic value of equity (“EVE”) is a cash flow calculation that takes the present value of all asset cash flows and subtracts the present value of all liability cash flows. This calculation is used for asset/liability management and measures changes in the economic value of the bank. The fair market values of a bank's assets and liabilities are directly linked to interest rates. The economic value approach provides a comparatively broader scope than the net income volatility approach since December 16, 2015, asit captures all anticipated cash flows.

EVE simulation reflects the effect of December 31, 2017,interest rate shifts on the value of the Company has not observed this deposit movementand is used to assess the degree of interest rate risk exposure. In contrast to the earnings perspective, the economic perspective identifies risks arising from repricing or maturity gaps over the life of the balance sheet. Changes in its own portfolio, though thereeconomic value indicate anticipated changes in the value of the bank’s future cash flows. Thus, the economic perspective can be no assurance as to how long this is expected to continue.provide a leading indicator of the bank’s future earnings and capital values. The economic value method also reflects sensitivity across the full maturity spectrum of the bank’s assets and liabilities.


The following table presents the Company’s netEVE sensitivity related to an instantaneous and sustained non-parallel shift in market interest income sensitivity for the upwardrates of 100 and 200 basis point interest rate scenarios assuming a $1.00 billion, $2.00 billion and $3.00 billion demand deposit migrationspoints in an upward direction as of December 31, 2017:2020 and in both directions as of December 31, 2019:
Change in Interest Rates
(Basis Points)
EVE Volatility (1)
December 31,
20202019
+2009.6 %7.0 %
+1004.8 %3.6 %
-100NM(1.4)%
-200NM(3.5)%
 
Change in Interest Rates
(Basis Points)
 Net Interest Income Volatility
 December 31, 2017
 
$1.00 Billion
Migration
12 Months
 
$2.00 Billion
Migration
12 Months
 $3.00 Billion
Migration
12 Months
+200 16.9% 14.9% 13.0%
+100 9.4% 8.1% 6.9%
 
NM — Not meaningful.

(1)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.
Economic Value of Equityat Risk


The Company’s EVE sensitivity decreasedfor the upward interest rate scenarios increased as of December 31, 2017,2020, compared to December 31, 2016, for both ofwith the upward interest rate scenarios. In the simulated upward 100 and 200 basis point interest rate scenarios, EVE sensitivity was 3.2% and 7.1%, respectively,results as of December 31, 2017, compared to 7.5% and 12.3%, respectively, as of December 31, 2016. These decreases2019. The changes in EVE sensitivity during this period were primarily due to changes in the balance sheet portfolio mix. In the declining 100level and 200 basis point rate scenarios, EVE sensitivity was (3.5)% and (8.8)%, respectively, as of December 31, 2017, compared to (5.0)% and (9.3)%, respectively, as of December 31, 2016. The Company regularly reviews and updates its assumptions with regards to the timing and magnitude of changes in interest rates, and the shape and evolution of the yield curve, to more accurately reflect expected customer behavior.and an increased proportion of low cost and noninterest-bearing deposits in total deposits.



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The Company’s net interest income and EVE profile as of December 31, 2017, as presented in the net interest income and EVE sensitivity tables,2020 reflects an asset sensitive netEVE position under the higher interest income position and an asset sensitive EVE position. Net interest income would be expected to increase if interest rates increase and to decline if interest rates decrease. The Company is naturally asset sensitive due to its large portfolio of rate-sensitive loans that are funded in large part by noninterest-bearing and rate-stable core deposits. As a result, if there are no significant changes in the mix of assets and liabilities, net interest income increases when interest rates increase, and decreases when interest rates decrease.rate scenarios. 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.rates and commodity prices. However, the Company will from time to time,periodically enter into derivativesderivative transactions in order to reduce its exposure to market risks, includingprimarily interest rate risk and foreign currency risk. The Company believes that these derivative transactions, when properly structured and managed, may provide a hedge against inherent risk in certain assets orand liabilities and against risk in specific transactions. Hedging transactions may be implemented using a variety of derivative instruments such as 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. In addition, the Company enters into derivative transactions in order to assist customers with their risk management objectives, such as managing exposure to fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currencies and commodity prices. To economically hedge against the derivative contracts entered into with the Company’s customers, the Company enters into mirrored derivative contracts with third-party financial institutions. The exposures from derivative transactions are collateralized by cash and/or eligible securities based on limits as set forth in the respective agreements entered between the Company and counterparty financial institutions.


Interest Rate Swaps on CertificatesThe Company is subject to credit risk associated with the counterparties to the derivative contracts. This counterparty credit risk is a multi-dimensional form of Deposit risk, affected by both the exposure and credit quality of the counterparty, both of which are sensitive to market-induced changes. The Company’s Credit Risk Management Committee provides oversight of credit risks and the Company has guidelines in place to manage counterparty concentration, tenor limits and collateral. The Company manages the credit risk of its derivative positions by diversifying its positions among various counterparties, by entering into legally enforceable master netting arrangements, and by requiring collateral arrangements, where possible. The Company may also transfer counterparty credit risk-related to interest rate swaps to institutional third parties through the use of credit risk participation agreements. Certain derivative contracts are required to be centrally cleared through clearinghouses to further mitigate counterparty credit risk. The Company incorporates credit value adjustments and other market standard methodologies to appropriately reflect its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements of its derivatives.

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The following table summarizes certain information concerning derivative financial instruments utilized by the Company in its management of interest rate risk and foreign currency risk as of December 31, 2020 and 2019: 
December 31,
($ in thousands)20202019
Interest Rate Contracts(1)
Foreign Exchange Contracts
Interest Rate Contracts(2)
Foreign Exchange Contracts
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:Cash Flow HedgesNet Investment HedgesFair Value HedgesNet Investment Hedges
Notional amounts:$275,000 $84,269 $31,026 $86,167 
Fair value:
Recognized as an asset— — — — 
Recognized as a liability1,864 235 3,198 1,586 
Net fair value$(1,864)$(235)$(3,198)$(1,586)
Weighted average interest rates:
Pay fixed (receive floating)0.483%
(3-month USD-LIBOR)
NMNMNM
Weighted average remaining term to maturity (in months):25.8 2.6 165.1 2.7 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:Interest Rate ContractsForeign Exchange ContractsInterest Rate ContractsForeign Exchange Contracts
Notional amounts:$18,155,678 $3,108,488 $15,489,692 $4,839,661 
Fair value:
Recognized as an asset489,13230,300192,88354,637
Recognized as a liability315,83422,524124,11947,024
Net fair value$173,298 $7,776 $68,764 $7,613 
NM Not meaningful.
(1)As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had two cancellable2020, there were no interest rate swap contracts with original terms of 20 years.designated as fair value hedges. The objective of these interest rate swaps, which werecontracts designated as fair value hedges was to obtain low-cost floating rate funding onas of December 31, 2019 were dedesignated when the Company’s brokered certificates of deposit. deposits were called during 2020.
(2)As of December 31, 20172019, there were no interest rate contracts designated as cash flow hedges.

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments — Interest rate and 2016, underforeign exchange derivative contracts are utilized in our asset and liability management activities and serve as an efficient tool to manage the termsCompany’s interest rate risk and foreign exchange risk. We use derivatives to hedge the risk of variable cash flows that the Company is exposed to from its variable interest rate borrowings, including repurchase agreements and FHLB advances. The Company also uses derivatives to hedge the risk of changes in the USD equivalent value of a designated monetary amount of the swap contracts,Company’s net investment in East West Bank (China) Limited. For both cash flow and net investment hedges, the Company received a fixed interest rate and paid a variable interest rate.change in the fair value of the hedging instruments is recognized in AOCI, net of tax, on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The fluctuation in foreign currency translation of the hedged exposure is expected to be offset by changes in the fair value of the forwards. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016,2020, the notional amountsoutstanding foreign currency forwards effectively hedged approximately 50% of the RMB exposure in East West Bank (China) Limited.

Changes to the composition of the Company’s brokered certificates of depositderivatives designated as hedging instruments during 2020 reflect actions taken for interest rate swaps were $35.8 millionrisk and $48.4 million, respectively.foreign exchange rate risk management. The fair value liabilitiesdecisions to reposition our derivatives portfolio are based on the current assessment of economic and financial conditions, including the interest rate swaps were $6.8 million and $6.0 millionforeign currency environments, balance sheet composition and trends, and the relative mix of our cash and derivative positions.

Derivatives Not Designated as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Interest Rate Swaps and Options Hedging Instruments The Company also offers variousenters into interest rate, derivative productsforeign exchange and energy commodity contracts to support the business requirements of its customers. When derivative transactions are executed with its customers, the derivative contracts are offset by paired trades with registered swap dealers. Thesethird-party financial institutions. The Company may enter into derivative contracts that are either exchange-traded, centrally cleared through a clearinghouse or over-the counter.

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The Company offers various interest rate derivative contracts to its customers. For the interest rate contracts entered into with its customers, the Company managed its interest rate risk by entering into offsetting interest rate contracts with third-party financial institutions including with central clearing organizations. Certain derivative contracts entered with central clearing organizations are settled-to-market daily to the extent the central clearing organizations’ rulebooks legally characterize the variation margin as settlement. Derivative 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 on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, or to forecasted transactions in a hedgehedging relationship, and are therefore are economic hedges. The contracts are marked to marketmarked-to-market at each reporting period. Fair value is determined from verifiableThe changes in fair values of the derivative contracts traded with third-party sources that have considerable experience with derivative markets. The Company provides datafinancial institutions are expected to be largely comparable to the third party source to calculatechanges in fair values of the derivative transactions executed with customers throughout the terms of these contracts, except for the credit valuation componentadjustment component. The Company records credit valuation adjustments on derivatives to properly reflect the variances of credit worthiness between the fair value of the client derivative contracts.

As of December 31, 2017, the notional amounts of interest rate swaps and options, including mirrored transactions with institutional counterpartiesCompany and the Company’s customers, totaled $4.69 billion for derivatives that were in an asset valuation positioncounterparties, considering the effects of enforceable master netting agreements and $4.65 billion for derivatives that were in a liability valuation position. As of December 31, 2016, the notional amounts of interest rate swaps and 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. The fair value of interest rate swap and option contracts with institutional counterparties and the Company’s customers amounted to a $58.6 million asset and a $58.0 million liability as of December 31, 2017. The fair value of interest rate swap and option contracts with institutional counterparties and the Company’s customers amounted to a $67.6 million asset and a $65.1 million liability as of December 31, 2016.collateral arrangements.


Foreign Exchange Contracts The Company enters into foreign exchange contracts with its customers, primarily comprisedconsisting of forward, spot, swap and spotoption contracts to enableaccommodate the business needs of its customers to hedge their transactions in foreign currencies from fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, and also to allow the Company to economically hedge against foreign currency fluctuations in certain foreign currency denominated deposits that it offers to its customers, as well as the Company’s investment in its China subsidiary, East West Bank (China) Limited.

customers. For a majority of the foreign exchange transactionscontracts entered into with its customers, the Company entersmanaged its foreign exchange and credit exposures by entering into offsetting foreign exchange contracts with institutionalthird-party financial institutions and/or entering into bilateral collateral and master netting agreements with customer counterparties. The changes in the fair values entered with third-party financial institutions are expected to be largely comparable to the changes in fair values of the foreign exchange transactions executed with the customers throughout the terms of these contracts. As of December 31, 2020, the Company anticipates performance by all counterparties and has not experienced nonperformance by any of its counterparties, and therefore did not incur any related losses. The Company also utilizes foreign exchange contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments to mitigate the economic effect of fluctuations in certain foreign exchange risk. These transactions are economic hedgescurrency on-balance sheet assets and the Company does not apply hedge accounting.liabilities, primarily foreign currency denominated deposits offered to its customers. The Company’s policies also permit taking proprietary currency positions within approved limits, in compliance with theexemptions to proprietary trading exemptionrestrictions provided under Section 619 of the Dodd-Frank Act.Act, or the Volcker Rule. The Company does not speculate in the foreign exchange markets, and actively manages its foreign exchange exposures within prescribed risk limits and defined controls.




ASC 830-20, Foreign Currency Matters — Foreign Currency Transactions and ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, allows hedging of the foreign currency risk of a net investment in a foreign operation. During the fourth quarter of 2015, theThe Company began enteringenters into foreign currency forwardenergy commodity contracts with its customers to allow them to hedge its investment in East West Bank (China) Limited, a non-U.S. dollar (“USD”) functional currency subsidiary in China. The hedging instruments, designated as net investment hedges, involve 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 adversefluctuation in energy commodity prices. To economically hedge against the risk of fluctuation in commodity prices in the products offered to its customers, the Company enters into offsetting commodity contracts with third-party financial institutions, including with central clearing organizations. Certain derivative contracts entered into with central clearing organizations are settled to market daily, to the extent the central clearing organizations’ rulebooks legally characterize the variation margin as settlement. The changes in the foreign currency exchange rate. The notional amount and fair valuevalues of the net investment hedges were $83.0 million and a $4.3 million asset, respectively, as of December 31, 2016. Since policyenergy commodity contracts traded with third-party financial institutions are expected to be largely comparable to the changes by the People’s Bank of China in 2017, the central bankfair values of the People’s Republic of China, as well as market sentiments have caused a divergence inenergy commodity transactions executed with customers throughout the exchange rate movements of the on-shore Chinese Renminbi and off-shore Chinese Renminbi, the net investment hedge relationships were dedesignated during the first quarter of 2017, even though they continued to meet the hedge effectiveness test. As of December 31, 2017, the notional amount and fair valueterms of these two foreign exchange forward contracts, which were accounted for as economic hedges, were $95.2 million and a $7.2 million liability, respectively. These amounts have been included in the foreign exchange contracts’ notional amount of $770.2 million and the fair value liability of $10.2 million disclosed below.contracts.


As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company’s total notional amounts of the foreign exchange contracts that were not designated as hedging instruments were $770.2 million and $767.8 million, respectively. The fair value of these foreign exchange contracts was a $5.8 million asset and a $10.2 million liability, respectively, as of December 31, 2017 and an $11.9 million asset and an $11.2 million liability, respectively, as of December 31, 2016.

Credit Risk Participation Agreements The Company has entered into credit risk participation agreements (“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 amount of the RPAs reflects the Company’s pro-rata share of the derivative instrument. As of December 31, 2017, the notional amount and fair value of the RPAs purchased were $35.2 million and an $8 thousand liability, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, the notional amount and fair value of the RPAs sold were $13.8 million and a $1 thousand asset, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, the notional amount and fair value of the RPAs purchased were $48.3 million and a $3 thousand liability, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, the notional amount and fair value of the RPAs sold were $23.1 million and a $3 thousand asset, respectively.

Warrants The Company has obtained warrants to purchase preferred and common stock of technology and life sciences companies, as part of the loan origination process. As of December 31, 2017, the warrants included on the Consolidated Financial Statements were from public and private companies. The Company valued these warrants based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model. For warrants from public companies, the model uses the underlying stock price, stated strike price, warrant expiration date, risk-free interest rate based on duration-matched U.S. Treasury rate and market-observable company-specific option volatility as inputs to value the warrants. For warrants from private companies, the model uses inputs such as the offering price observed in the most recent round of funding, stated strike price, warrant expiration date, risk-free interest rate based on duration-matched U.S. Treasury rate and option volatility. The option volatility assumption is based on public market indices that include members that operate in similar industries as the private companies that issued the warrant. The model values were further adjusted for a general lack of liquidity due to the private nature of the underlying companies. As of December 31, 2017, the total fair value of the warrants held in public and private companies was a $1.7 million asset.

Additional information on the Company’s derivatives is presented in Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,Policies— Derivatives, Note 32 — Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Note 65 — Derivatives to the Consolidated Financial Statements.Statements in this Form 10-K.


Impact of Inflation


The consolidated financial statements and related financial data presented in this report have been prepared according to U.S. GAAP, which require the measurement of financial and operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering the change in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. The primary impact of inflation on our operations is reflected in increased operating costs and in the effect that general inflation may have on both short-term and long-term interest rates. Since almost all the assets and liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature, interest rates generally have a more significant impact on a financial institution's performance than do general levels of inflation. AlthoughWhile inflation expectations do affect interest rates, interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction, or to the same extent, as the prices of goods and services.



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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates


SignificantThe Company’s significant accounting policies which are described in Note 1 — Summaryand use of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements,estimates are fundamental to understanding the Company’s reported results.its results of operations and financial condition. Some accounting policies, by their nature, are inherently subject to estimation techniques, valuation assumptions and other subjective assessments. In addition, some significant accounting policies require significant judgmentjudgments in applying complex accounting principles to individual transactions to determinetransaction and determining the most appropriate treatment. The Company has procedures and processes in place to facilitate making these judgments.


Certain accounting policies are considered to have a critical effect on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s judgment.Statements. Critical accounting policies are defined as those that require the most complex or subjective judgments and are reflective of significant uncertainties, and whose actual results could differ from the Company’s estimates. Future changes in the key variables could change future valuations and impact the results of operations. The following is a discussion of the critical accounting policies including significantare critical to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements as they require management to make subjective and complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain where actual results could differ materially from the Company’s 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.


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. Changes in the market conditions such as reduced liquidity in the capital markets or changes in secondary market activities, may increase variability or reduce the availability of market prices used to determine fair value. If observable market prices are unavailable or impracticable to obtain, then fair value is estimated using modeling techniques such as discounted cash flows 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. The use of methodologies or assumptions different than those used by the Company could result in different estimates of fair value of financial instruments.


Significant judgment is also required to determine the fair value hierarchy for certain financial instruments. When fair values are based on valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement, the financial assets and liabilities are classified as Level 3 under the fair value hierarchy. Total recurring Level 3 assets were $273 thousand and $421 thousand as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and there were no recurring Level 3 liabilities as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. 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, see Note 32 — Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments to the Consolidated Financial Statements.Statements in this Form 10-K.

Available-for-Sale Investment Securities

The fair value of the available-for-sale investment securities is 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, if the Company determines that there is a more appropriate fair value based upon the available market data, such fair value is used in lieu of the price received from the third party. 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 other-than-temporary impairment assessment. 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 are 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 flows expectation. The cash flows expected over the life of the pools are estimated by an internal cash flows 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 Loan Losses and Unfunded Credit Commitments

On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses

The Company’s methodology to determine(Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which requires the overall appropriatenessmeasurement of the allowance for credit losses to be based on management’s best estimate of lifetime expected credit losses inherent in the Company’s relevant financial assets. The Company’s lifetime expected credit losses are determined using macroeconomic forecast assumptions and management judgments applicable to and through the expected life of the loan portfolios, and are net of expected recoveries on loans that were previously charged off.

The Company’s allowance for loan losses and the allowance for unfunded credit commitments are calculated with the objective of maintaining a reserve sufficient to absorb losses inherent in our credit portfolio. Management’s determination of the appropriateness of the allowance 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 indicativeperiodic evaluation of the actual or inherent loss potential within its current loan portfolio. Additionally, the Company utilizes qualitativeportfolio, lending-related commitments 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. Theother relevant factors. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires numerous estimates as further discussed below.

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The Company develops and documents the allowance for loan losses methodology at the portfolio segment level. The commercial loan portfolio is comprised of C&I, CRE, multifamily residential, and construction and land loans; and the consumer loan portfolio is comprised of single-family residential, HELOCs, and other consumer loans. When similar risk characteristics exist, the Company measures the expected loan losses on a collective pool basis. Lifetime loss rate models have been adopted for the portfolios, which use historical loss rates and forecast economic variables to calculate the expected credit losses for each loan pool. Models consisting of quantitative and qualitative components are designed for each pool to develop the expected credit loss estimate. Quantitative methods consider a variety of factors such as historical loss experience, the current credit quality of the portfolio as well as an economic outlook over the life of the loan. The Company incorporates forward-looking information using macroeconomic scenarios applied over the forecasted life of the loans. These macroeconomic scenarios, which are applied over a reasonable and supportable forecast period, may consist of a base forecast representing management’s review of the most likely outcome, combined with downside and upside scenarios reflecting possible worsening or improving economic conditions. Additionally, the Company utilizes qualitative factors and environmental factors that are not already included in the quantitative models. The Company reviews the existing qualitative factors for appropriateness and examines the portfolio for any new qualitative factors that may be topical or appropriate. As the economy and risks in the loan portfolio change, management recommends adjustments to these factors as appropriate.

When loans do not share risk characteristics, the Company evaluates the expected credit losses on an individual basis if, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the original contractual terms of the loan agreement. The following three different asset valuation measurement methods are available: (1) the present value of expected future cash flows, (2) the fair value of collateral less costs to sell, and (3) the loan’s observable market price. The allowance for loan losses for collateral-dependent loans is determined based on the fair value of the collateral less costs to sell. For loans that are not collateral-dependent, the Company applies the present value of expected future cash flows valuation or the market value of the loan.

The allowance for unfunded credit commitments includes reserves provided for unfunded loan commitments, letters of credit, SBLCs and recourse obligations for loans sold. For all off-balance sheet instruments and commitments, the unfunded credit exposure is calculated using utilization assumptions based on the Company's historical utilization experience in related portfolio segments. Loss rates are applied to the calculated exposure balances to estimate the allowance for unfunded credit commitments. Other elements such as credit risk factors for loans outstanding, terms and expiration dates of the unfunded credit facilities, and other pertinent information are considered to determine the adequacy of the allowance.

The evaluation of allowance is inherently subjective, as it requires numerous estimates and judgments that are susceptible to revision as more information becomes available. Additionally, non-classified loans are also considered inTo the extent actual results differ from estimates or management’s judgments, the allowance for loancredit 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 net 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 economicmay be greater 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.

less than future charge-offs. As the Company adds new products, increases the complexity of the loan portfolio and expands the geographic coverage, the Company expects to continue to enhance the methodologyits methodologies to keep pace with the changing credit environment and the size and complexity of the loan portfolio and the changingunfunded credit environment.commitments. Changes in any of the factors cited above could have a significant impact on the allowance for 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, see Note 71 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 6 — Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses to the Consolidated Financial Statements presented elsewhere in this report.Form 10-K.


Goodwill Impairment


Under ASC 350, IntangiblesThe accounting for goodwill is discussed in Note 1 — Significant Accounting Policies and Note 8 — Goodwill and Other, goodwill is required Intangible Assets to be allocated to reporting units and tested for impairment.the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K. The Company testsassesses goodwill for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if events or circumstances such as adverse changes in the business,change that indicate that there may be justification for conducting an interim test. Impairment testing is performeda potential impairment at the reporting unit level (which islevel. The Company has the same level asoption to perform a qualitative assessment of goodwill or elect to bypass the Company’s major operating segments identifiedqualitative test and proceed directly to a quantitative test. Factors considered in Note 19 — Business Segmentsqualitative assessments may include but are not limited to the Consolidated Financial Statements presented elsewhere in this report). The first partmacroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, financial performance of the test is a comparison, at therespective operating segment and other specific reporting unit level, ofconsiderations. If the qualitative analysis indicates that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying fair value, the Company is required to perform a quantitative assessment to determine if there is goodwill impairment. A quantitative valuation involves determining the fair value of each reporting unit and comparing the fair value to its corresponding carrying value, including goodwill.value. In order to determine the fair value of the reporting units, a combined income approach and market approach is used. Under
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Significant judgments are applied and assumptions are made when estimating the income approach, the Company provides a net income projection and a terminal growth rate to calculate the discounted cash flows and the presentfair value of the reporting units. Under the market approach, theEstimates of fair value is calculated using the current fair value of comparable peer banks of similar size and focus. The market capitalizations and multiples of these peer banks are used to calculate the market pricedependent upon various factors including estimates 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 purchaseprofitability of the Company’s reporting unit could achieve by eliminating duplicative costs. Underunits, long term growth rates and the combined income andestimated market approach,cost of equity. Imprecision in estimating these factors can affect 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 impliedestimated fair value of the reporting unit goodwill is calculated and compared tounits. Certain events or circumstances could have a negative effect on the actual carrying value of goodwill recorded within the reporting unit. If the carrying value of reporting unit goodwill exceeds the impliedestimated fair value of thatthe reporting units, including declines in business performance, increases in credit losses, as well as deterioration in economic or market conditions and adverse regulatory or legislative changes, which could result in a material impairment charge to earnings in a future period.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic impact and market volatility, an interim goodwill thenimpairment analysis was conducted as of March 31, 2020. In addition, the Company would recognize anperformed its annual goodwill impairment losstest on all reporting units as of December 31, 2020. There was no goodwill impairment for the amountits business segments as of the difference, which would be recorded as a charge against net income. For complete disclosure, see Note 9 — GoodwillMarch 31, 2020 and Other Intangible Assets to the Consolidated Financial Statements presented elsewhere in this report.December 31, 2020.


Income Taxes


The Company examines its Consolidated Financial Statements, itsis subject to income tax provision,laws of the various tax jurisdictions in which it conducts business, including the U.S., its states and its federalthe municipalities, and statethe tax jurisdictions in Hong Kong and China. The Company estimates income tax returnsexpense based on amounts expected to be owed to these various tax jurisdictions. The estimated income tax expense or benefit is reported on the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Accrued taxes represent the net estimated amount due to or due from various tax jurisdictions and analyzes itsare reported in Accrued expenses and other liabilities or Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In estimating accrued taxes, the Company assesses the appropriate tax treatment of transactions and filing positions after considering statutes, regulations, judicial precedent, and other pertinent information. The income tax laws are complex and subject to different interpretations by the Company and the relevant government taxing authorities. Significant judgment is required in determining the tax accruals and in evaluating the tax positions, including permanent and temporary differences, as well asevaluating uncertain tax positions. Changes in the major componentsestimate of income and expenseaccrued taxes occur periodically due to determine whether achanges in tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination byrates, interpretations of tax authorities. Inlaws, the event a tax position is not more likely than not to be sustainedstatus of examinations by the tax authorities, and newly enacted statutory, judicial, and regulatory guidance that could impact the relative merits and risks of tax positions. These changes, when occur, impact tax expense and can materially affect our operating results and financial condition. The Company reviews its tax positions on a reserve is established by management.quarterly basis and makes adjustments to accrued taxes as new information becomes available.




Deferred tax assets represent amounts available to reduce income taxes payable in future years. Such assets arise due to temporary differences between the financial accounting basis and the income tax basis of assets and liabilities, as well as from NOL and tax credit carryforwards. The Company regularly evaluates the realizability of deferred tax assets. The available evidence used in connection with the evaluations includes taxable income, potential tax-planning strategies, and projected future reversals of deferred tax items. A valuation allowance is established for deferred tax assets if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than notmore-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. A valuation allowance is established, when necessary,

The Company reports a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken, or expected to reducebe taken, in an income tax return. Uncertain tax positions that meet the deferred tax assetsmore-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize. An uncertain tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is more likelymanagement believes has a greater than 50% likelihood of realization upon settlement. Tax benefits not to be realized. Management has concluded that it is more likely than not that all of the benefit of the deferredmeeting our realization criteria represent unrecognized tax assets will be realized, with the exception of the deferred tax assetsbenefits. The Company establishes a liability for potential taxes, interest and penalties related to certain state NOLs. Accordingly, a valuation allowance has been recorded for these amounts.uncertain tax positions based on facts and circumstances, including the interpretation of existing law, new judicial or regulatory guidance, and the status of tax audits. The Company believes that adequate provisions have been recorded for all income tax uncertainties consistent with the standards of ASC 740-10, 740, Income Taxes.

The Tax Act, which was enacted in December 2017, had a substantial impact to the Company’s income tax expense for the year endedas of December 31, 2017.2020. See Note 1211 — Income Taxes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K for further detail.additional information on income taxes.


Recently Issued Accounting Standards


For detailed discussion and disclosure on new accounting pronouncements adopted and recent accounting standards, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements.Statements in this Form 10-K.


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Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements presented in accordance with GAAP, the Company uses certain non-GAAP measures of financial performance. Non-GAAP financial measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative to GAAP. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s performance that either excludes or includes amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. A non-GAAP financial measure may also be a financial metric that is not required by GAAP or other applicable requirements. The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures, when taken together with the corresponding GAAP financial measures, provide meaningful supplemental information regarding its performance, and allow comparability to prior periods. These non-GAAP financial measures may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies, limiting their usefulness for comparison purposes.

During 2020, the Company recorded $10.7 million in recoveries, of which $1.1 million was recorded as an impairment recovery, and $5.1 million in uncertain tax position related to the Company’s investment in DC Solar. In addition, the Company prepaid $150.0 million of repurchase agreements and incurred a debt extinguishment cost of $8.7 million in 2020. During 2019, the Company recorded a $7.0 million impairment charge, reversed $30.1 million of certain previously claimed tax credits and subsequently recovered $1.6 million related to DC Solar. During 2018, the Company sold its eight DCB branches and recognized a pre-tax gain on sale of $31.5 million.

The following tables present the reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures in 2020, 2019 and 2018:
($ and shares in thousands, except per share data)Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Net income(a)$567,797 $674,035 $703,701 
Add: Impairment charge related to DC Solar (1)
— 6,978 — 
Less: Recoveries related to DC Solar (1)
(10,739)(1,583)— 
Less: Gain on sale of business— — (31,470)
Tax effect of adjustments (2)
3,047 (1,595)9,303 
Add: Reversal of certain previously claimed tax credits related to DC Solar— 30,104 — 
Add: Uncertain tax position recorded in income tax expense related to DC Solar5,127 — — 
Non-GAAP net income(b)$565,232 $707,939 $681,534 
Diluted weighted-average number of shares outstanding142,991 146,179 146,169 
Diluted EPS$3.97 $4.61 $4.81 
Diluted EPS impact of impairment charge related to DC Solar, net of tax— 0.03 — 
Diluted EPS impact of recoveries related to DC Solar, net of tax(0.06)(0.01)— 
Diluted EPS impact of reversal of certain previously claimed tax credits related to DC Solar— 0.21 — 
Diluted EPS impact of uncertain tax position recorded in income tax expense related to DC Solar0.04 — — 
Diluted EPS impact of gain on sale of business, net of tax— — (0.15)
Non-GAAP diluted EPS$3.95 $4.84 $4.66 
Average total assets(c)$48,937,793 $42,484,885 $38,542,569 
Average stockholders’ equity(d)$5,082,186 $4,760,845 $4,130,822 
ROA(a)/(c)1.16 %1.59 %1.83 %
Non-GAAP ROA(b)/(c)1.16 %1.67 %1.77 %
ROE(a)/(d)11.17 %14.16 %17.04 %
Non-GAAP ROE(b)/(d)11.12 %14.87 %16.50 %
(1)Included in Amortization of tax credit and other investments on the Consolidated Statement of Income.
(2)Applied statutory tax rates of 28.37% for 2020 and 29.56%.for both 2019 and 2018.
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($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Net interest income before provision for credit losses(a)$1,377,193 $1,467,813 $1,386,508 
Total noninterest income (1)
235,547 222,245 217,433 
Total revenue(b)$1,612,740 $1,690,058 $1,603,941 
Total noninterest income (1)
$235,547 $222,245 $217,433 
Less: Gain on sale of business— — (31,470)
Non-GAAP noninterest income(c)$235,547 $222,245 $185,963 
Non-GAAP revenue(a)+(c)=(d)$1,612,740 $1,690,058 $1,572,471 
Total noninterest expense (1)
(e)$716,322 $747,456 $720,990 
Less: Amortization of tax credit and other investments (1)
(70,082)(98,383)(96,152)
 Amortization of core deposit intangibles(3,634)(4,518)(5,492)
 Repurchase agreements’ extinguishment cost(8,740)  
Non-GAAP noninterest expense(f)$633,866 $644,555 $619,346 
Efficiency ratio(e)/(b)44.42 %44.23 %44.95 %
Non-GAAP efficiency ratio(f)/(d)39.30 %38.14 %39.39 %
(1)In the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company reclassified certain income/losses from equity-method investments from Amortization of tax credit and other investments to Other investment income, with no effect on net income. Prior-period amounts have been revised to conform with the current presentation.

($ and shares in thousands, except per share data)December 31,
202020192018
Stockholders’ equity(a)$5,269,175 $5,017,617 $4,423,974 
Less: Goodwill(465,697)(465,697)(465,547)
Other intangible assets (1)
(11,899)(16,079)(22,365)
Non-GAAP tangible common equity(b)$4,791,579 $4,535,841 $3,936,062 
Total assets(c)$52,156,913 $44,196,096 $41,042,356 
Less: Goodwill(465,697)(465,697)(465,547)
Other intangible assets (1)
(11,899)(16,079)(22,365)
Non-GAAP tangible assets(d)$51,679,317 $43,714,320 $40,554,444 
Total stockholders’ equity to total assets(a)/(c)10.10 %11.35 %10.78 %
Non-GAAP tangible common equity to tangible assets(b)/(d)9.27 %10.38 %9.71 %
Number of common shares, at period-end(e)141,565 145,625 144,961 
Non-GAAP tangible common equity per share(b)/(e)$33.85 $31.15 $27.15 
(1)Includes core deposit intangibles and mortgage servicing assets.
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($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Net income$567,797 $674,035 $703,701 
Add: Amortization of core deposit intangibles3,634 4,518 5,492 
Amortization of mortgage servicing assets1,920 2,738 1,814 
Tax effect of adjustments (1)
(1,575)(2,145)(2,160)
Non-GAAP tangible net income(a)$571,776 $679,146 $708,847 
Average stockholders’ equity$5,082,186 $4,760,845 $4,130,822 
Less: Average goodwill(465,697)(465,663)(466,346)
Average other intangible asset (2)
(13,769)(19,340)(25,337)
Average non-GAAP tangible equity(b)$4,602,720 $4,275,842 $3,639,139 
Return on average non-GAAP tangible equity(a)/(b)12.42 %15.88 %19.48 %
(1)Applied statutory rate of 28.37% for 2020 and 29.56% for both 2019 and 2018.
(2)Includes core deposit intangibles and mortgage servicing assets.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

For quantitative and qualitative disclosures regarding market risk in the Company’s portfolio, see Item 7. MD&A — Asset Liability andRisk Management — Market Risk Management of the Results of Operations and Financial Condition in Part II and Note 65 — Derivatives to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part IV of this report.

Form 10-K.

89


EAST WEST BANCORP, INC.
ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

90



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
East West Bancorp, Inc.:

Opinion on the ConsolidatedFinancial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of East West Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-yearthree‑year period ended December 31, 2017,2020, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three‑year period ended December 31, 2017,2020, 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) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017,2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 27, 201826, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.reporting.

Change in Accounting Principle
As discussed in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for the recognition and measurement of credit losses as of January 1, 2020 due to the adoption of ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.
Basis for Opinion
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 are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
91


Allowance for loan losses for loans evaluated on a collective pool basis
As discussed in Notes 1 and 6 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (ASC Topic 326) as of January 1, 2020. As of January 1, 2020, the allowance for loan losses (ALL) was $483 million, which includes the ALL for commercial loans and residential mortgage loans evaluated on a collective pool basis (the January 1, 2020 collective ALL). As of December 31, 2020, the ALL was $620 million, which includes the ALL for commercial loans evaluated on a collective pool basis (the December 31, 2020 commercial collective ALL). The ALL is the portion of the loan’s amortized cost basis that the Company does not expect to collect due to anticipated credit losses over the loan’s contractual life, adjusted for estimated prepayments. The Company measured the expected credit losses on a collective pool basis when similar risk characteristics existed. The January 1, 2020 collective ALL and the December 31, 2020 commercial collective ALL included quantitative and qualitative components (together, the collective ALL). The Company developed and documented the collective ALL methodology at the portfolio segment level. The collective ALL methodology used various models and estimation techniques based on the Company’s historical loss experience, current borrower characteristics, which included internal risk ratings, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable macroeconomic forecasts. The commercial loan portfolio is comprised of commercial and industrial (C&I) and commercial real estate (CRE), which also included multifamily residential, and construction and land loans. The residential mortgage portfolio is comprised of single-family residential and home equity line of credit (HELOC) loans. The Company’s C&I lifetime loss rate model estimated credit losses by estimating a loss rate expected over the life of a loan which is applied to the amortized cost basis, excluding accrued interest receivables, to determine expected credit losses. The Company’s CRE and residential mortgage projected probability of defaults (PDs) and loss given defaults (LGDs) are applied to the estimated exposure at default, considering the term and payment structure of the loan, to generate estimates of expected loss. The Company incorporated forward-looking information using macroeconomic scenarios, which included variables that are considered key drivers of increases and decreases in credit losses. A probability-weighted multiple scenario forecast over a reasonable and supportable forecast period is incorporated into both the quantitative models. The Company’s C&I lifetime loss rate model reverts to the historical average loss rate, expressed through the loan-level lifetime loss rate, after the reasonable and supportable forecast period. The Company’s CRE and residential mortgage models consider the contractual life of the loans and the forecast of future economic conditions return to long-run historical economic trends within the reasonable and supportable period. In order to estimate the life of a loan under both quantitative models, the contractual term of the loan is adjusted for estimated prepayments based on historical prepayment experience. The Company also considered qualitative factors in determining the collective ALL. Qualitative adjustments were used to capture characteristics in the portfolio that impact expected credit losses which were not fully captured within the Company’s quantitative expected credit loss models.

We identified the assessment of the January 1, 2020 collective ALL and the December 31, 2020 commercial collective ALL as a critical audit matter. A high degree of audit effort, including specialized skills and knowledge, and subjective and complex auditor judgment was involved in the assessment due to significant measurement uncertainty. Specifically, the assessment encompassed the evaluation of the collective ALL methodology, including an evaluation of the conceptual soundness and performance of the methods and models used to estimate (1) the quantitative component and its significant data elements and assumptions, which included portfolio segments, historic loss experience, reasonable and supportable forecast period, internal risk ratings, probability-weighted macroeconomic forecast scenarios, contractual term of the loan adjusted for estimated prepayments, and (2) the qualitative component. In addition, auditor judgment was required to evaluate the sufficiency of audit evidence obtained.

The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls related to the Company’s measurement of the collective ALL estimates, including controls over the:

development of the collective ALL methodology

development of the quantitative models

performance monitoring of the quantitative models for the December 31, 2020 commercial collective ALL

identification and determination of the significant data elements and assumptions used in the quantitative models

development of the qualitative component

analysis of the collective ALL results, trends, and ratios.
92



We evaluated the Company’s process to develop the collective ALL estimates by testing the models, significant data elements and assumptions that the Company used, and considered the relevance and reliability of such models, data, factors, and assumptions. We performed ratio and trend analysis over key ratios and peer comparison information relevant to the collective ALL. In addition, we involved credit risk professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, who assisted in:

evaluating the Company’s collective ALL methodology for compliance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles

evaluating judgments made by the Company relative to the development, conceptual soundness and performance testing of the quantitative models, which are based on historical loss experience by comparing them to relevant Company-specific metrics and trends and the applicable industry and regulatory practices

evaluating the judgments made by the Company in selecting the macroeconomic forecast scenarios, including the reasonable and supportable period and the related probability-weighted macroeconomic forecast scenarios assessing the macroeconomic forecast scenarios through comparison to publicly available forecasts

determining whether the loan portfolio is pooled based on loans with similar risk characteristics by comparing to the Company’s business environment and relevant industry practices

evaluating risk ratings for a selection of collectively evaluated loans

evaluating the conceptual soundness of the framework used to develop the qualitative factors and the effect of those factors on the collective ALL compared with relevant credit risk factors and consistency with credit trends and identified limitations of the underlying quantitative models.

We also assessed the sufficiency of the audit evidence obtained related to the collective ALL estimates by evaluating the:

cumulative results of audit procedures

qualitative aspects of the Company’s accounting practices

potential bias in accounting estimates.


/s/ KPMG LLP



We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2009.


Los Angeles, California
February 27, 201826, 2021






93


EAST WEST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
($ in thousands, except shares)
December 31,
20202019
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks$592,117 $536,221 
Interest-bearing cash with banks3,425,854 2,724,928 
Cash and cash equivalents4,017,971 3,261,149 
Interest-bearing deposits with banks809,728 196,161 
Assets purchased under resale agreements (“resale agreements”)1,460,000 860,000 
Securities:
Available-for-sale (“AFS”) debt securities, at fair value (amortized cost of $5,470,523 in 2020 and $3,320,648 in 2019; includes assets pledged as collateral of $588,484 in 2020 and $479,432 in 2019)5,544,658 3,317,214 
Restricted equity securities, at cost83,046 78,580 
Loans held-for-sale1,788 434 
Loans held-for-investment (net of allowance for loan losses of $619,983 in 2020 and $358,287 in 2019;
  includes assets pledged as collateral of $23,263,517 in 2020 and $22,431,092 in 2019)
37,770,972 34,420,252 
Investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, net213,555 207,037 
Investments in tax credit and other investments, net266,525 254,140 
Premises and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation of $127,884 in 2020 and $116,790 in 2019)103,251 118,364 
Goodwill465,697 465,697 
Operating lease right-of-use assets95,460 99,973 
Other assets1,324,262 917,095 
TOTAL$52,156,913 $44,196,096 
LIABILITIES
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing$16,298,301 $11,080,036 
Interest-bearing28,564,451 26,244,223 
Total deposits44,862,752 37,324,259 
Short-term borrowings21,009 28,669 
Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances652,612 745,915 
Assets sold under repurchase agreements (“repurchase agreements”)300,000 200,000 
Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities151,739 152,270 
Operating lease liabilities102,830 108,083 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities796,796 619,283 
Total liabilities46,887,738 39,178,479 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 12)00
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 167,240,600 and 166,621,959 shares issued in 2020 and 2019, respectively167 167 
Additional paid-in capital1,858,352 1,826,345 
Retained earnings4,000,414 3,689,377 
Treasury stock, at cost 25,675,371 shares in 2020 and 20,996,574 shares in 2019(634,083)(479,864)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”), net of tax44,325 (18,408)
Total stockholders’ equity5,269,175 5,017,617 
TOTAL$52,156,913 $44,196,096 
 
  December 31,
  2017 2016
ASSETS    
Cash and due from banks $457,181
 $460,559
Interest-bearing cash with banks 1,717,411
 1,417,944
Cash and cash equivalents 2,174,592
 1,878,503
Interest-bearing deposits with banks 398,422
 323,148
Securities purchased under resale agreements (“resale agreements”) 1,050,000
 2,000,000
Securities:    
Available-for-sale investment securities, at fair value (includes assets pledged as collateral of $534,327 in 2017 and $767,437 in 2016) 3,016,752
 3,335,795
Held-to-maturity investment security, at cost (fair value of $144,593 in 2016) 
 143,971
Restricted equity securities, at cost 73,521
 72,775
Loans held-for-sale 85
 23,076
Loans held-for-investment (net of allowance for loan losses of $287,128 in 2017 and $260,520 in 2016; includes assets pledged as collateral of $18,880,598 in 2017 and $16,441,068 in 2016) 28,688,590
 25,242,619
Investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, net 162,824
 183,917
Investments in tax credit and other investments, net 224,551
 173,280
Premises and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation of $111,898 in 2017 and $114,890 in 2016) 121,209
 159,923
Goodwill 469,433
 469,433
Branch assets held-for-sale 91,318
 
Other assets 678,952
 782,400
TOTAL $37,150,249
 $34,788,840
LIABILITIES  
  
Deposits:  
  
Noninterest-bearing $10,887,306
 $10,183,946
Interest-bearing 20,727,757
 19,707,037
Total deposits 31,615,063
 29,890,983
Branch liability held-for-sale 605,111
 
Short-term borrowings 
 60,050
Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances 323,891
 321,643
Securities sold under repurchase agreements (“repurchase agreements”) 50,000
 350,000
Long-term debt 171,577
 186,327
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 542,656
 552,096
Total liabilities 33,308,298
 31,361,099
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 13) 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY    
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 165,214,770 and 164,604,072 shares issued in 2017 and 2016, respectively 165
 164
Additional paid-in capital 1,755,330
 1,727,434
Retained earnings 2,576,302
 2,187,676
Treasury stock, at cost — 20,671,710 shares in 2017 and 20,436,621 shares in 2016 (452,327) (439,387)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (37,519) (48,146)
Total stockholders’ equity 3,841,951
 3,427,741
TOTAL $37,150,249
 $34,788,840
 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


6994








EAST WEST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
($ and shares in thousands, except per share data)
 Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015202020192018
INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME  
  
  
INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME
Loans receivable, including fees $1,198,440
 $1,035,377
 $968,625
Loans receivable, including fees$1,464,382 $1,717,415 $1,503,514 
Investment securities 58,670
 53,399
 41,375
AFS debt securitiesAFS debt securities82,553 67,838 60,911 
Resale agreements 32,095
 30,547
 19,799
Resale agreements21,389 28,061 29,432 
Restricted equity securities 2,524
 3,427
 6,077
Restricted equity securities1,543 2,468 3,146 
Interest-bearing cash and deposits with banks 33,390
 14,731
 17,939
Interest-bearing cash and deposits with banks25,175 66,518 54,700 
Total interest and dividend income 1,325,119
 1,137,481
 1,053,815
Total interest and dividend income1,595,042 1,882,300 1,651,703 
INTEREST EXPENSE  
  
  
INTEREST EXPENSE
Deposits 116,391
 84,224
 73,505
Deposits184,742 375,802 234,752 
Federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings 1,003
 713
 58
Short-term borrowingsShort-term borrowings1,504 1,763 1,398 
FHLB advances 7,751
 5,585
 4,270
FHLB advances13,792 16,697 10,447 
Repurchase agreements 9,476
 9,304
 20,907
Repurchase agreements11,766 13,582 12,110 
Long-term debt 5,429
 5,017
 4,636
Long-term debt and finance lease liabilitiesLong-term debt and finance lease liabilities6,045 6,643 6,488 
Total interest expense 140,050
 104,843
 103,376
Total interest expense217,849 414,487 265,195 
Net interest income before provision for credit losses 1,185,069
 1,032,638
 950,439
Net interest income before provision for credit losses1,377,193 1,467,813 1,386,508 
Provision for credit losses 46,266
 27,479
 14,217
Provision for credit losses210,653 98,685 64,255 
Net interest income after provision for credit losses 1,138,803
 1,005,159
 936,222
Net interest income after provision for credit losses1,166,540 1,369,128 1,322,253 
NONINTEREST INCOME  
  
  
NONINTEREST INCOME
Branch fees 42,490
 41,178
 39,495
Letters of credit fees and foreign exchange income 42,779
 45,760
 38,985
Ancillary loan fees and other income 23,333
 19,352
 15,029
Lending feesLending fees74,842 63,670 59,758 
Deposit account feesDeposit account fees48,148 38,648 39,176 
Interest rate contracts and other derivative incomeInterest rate contracts and other derivative income31,685 39,865 18,980 
Foreign exchange incomeForeign exchange income22,370 26,398 21,259 
Wealth management fees 14,632
 13,240
 18,268
Wealth management fees17,494 16,547 13,624 
Derivative fees and other income 17,671
 16,781
 16,493
Net gains on sales of loans 8,870
 6,085
 24,873
Net gains on sales of loans4,501 4,035 6,590 
Net gains on sales of available-for-sale investment securities 8,037
 10,362
 40,367
Net gains on sales of fixed assets 77,388
 3,178
 3,567
Net gains on sales of AFS debt securitiesNet gains on sales of AFS debt securities12,299 3,930 2,535 
Net gain on sale of business 3,807
 
 
Net gain on sale of business31,470 
Changes in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”)
indemnification asset and receivable/payable
 
 
 (37,980)
Other fees and operating income 19,399
 26,982
 24,286
Other investment incomeOther investment income10,641 18,117 7,731 
Other incomeOther income13,567 11,035 16,310 
Total noninterest income 258,406
 182,918
 183,383
Total noninterest income235,547 222,245 217,433 
NONINTEREST EXPENSE  
  
  
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
Compensation and employee benefits 335,291
 300,115
 262,193
Compensation and employee benefits404,071 401,700 379,622 
Occupancy and equipment expense 64,921
 61,453
 61,292
Occupancy and equipment expense66,489 69,730 68,896 
Deposit insurance premiums and regulatory assessments 23,735
 23,279
 18,772
Deposit insurance premiums and regulatory assessments15,128 12,928 21,211 
Deposit account expenseDeposit account expense13,530 14,175 11,244 
Data processingData processing16,603 13,533 13,177 
Computer software expenseComputer software expense29,033 26,471 22,286 
Consulting expenseConsulting expense5,391 9,846 11,579 
Legal expense 11,444
 2,841
 16,373
Legal expense7,766 8,441 8,781 
Data processing 12,093
 11,683
 10,185
Consulting expense 14,922
 22,742
 17,234
Deposit related expense 9,938
 10,394
 10,379
Computer software expense 18,183
 12,914
 8,660
Other operating expense 76,697
 78,936
 68,624
Other operating expense79,489 92,249 88,042 
Amortization of tax credit and other investments 87,950
 83,446
 36,120
Amortization of tax credit and other investments70,082 98,383 96,152 
Amortization of core deposit intangibles 6,935
 8,086
 9,234
Repurchase agreements’ extinguishment costs 
 
 21,818
Repurchase agreements’ extinguishment costRepurchase agreements’ extinguishment cost8,740 
Total noninterest expense 662,109
 615,889
 540,884
Total noninterest expense716,322 747,456 720,990 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 735,100
 572,188
 578,721
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES685,765 843,917 818,696 
INCOME TAX EXPENSE 229,476
 140,511
 194,044
INCOME TAX EXPENSE117,968 169,882 114,995 
NET INCOME $505,624
 $431,677
 $384,677
NET INCOME$567,797 $674,035 $703,701 
EARNINGS PER SHARE (“EPS”)      EARNINGS PER SHARE (“EPS”)
BASIC $3.50
 $3.00
 $2.67
BASIC$3.99 $4.63 $4.86 
DILUTED $3.47
 $2.97
 $2.66
DILUTED$3.97 $4.61 $4.81 
WEIGHTED-AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING      WEIGHTED-AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING
BASIC 144,444
 144,087
 143,818
BASIC142,336 145,497 144,862 
DILUTED 145,913
 145,172
 144,512
DILUTED142,991 146,179 146,169 
CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE $0.80
 $0.80
 $0.80

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


7095








EAST WEST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
($ in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Net income$567,797 $674,035 $703,701 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Net changes in unrealized gains (losses) on AFS debt securities54,666 43,402 (8,652)
   Net changes in unrealized losses on cash flow hedges(1,230)
Foreign currency translation adjustments9,297 (3,636)(5,732)
Other comprehensive income (loss)62,733 39,766 (14,384)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME$630,530 $713,801 $689,317 
 
  Year Ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015
Net income $505,624
 $431,677
 $384,677
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:      
Net changes in unrealized losses on available-for-sale investment securities (2,126) (22,628) (10,381)
Foreign currency translation adjustments 12,753
 (10,577) (8,797)
Other comprehensive income (loss) 10,627
 (33,205) (19,178)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME $516,251
 $398,472
 $365,499
 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


7196








EAST WEST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
($ in thousands, except shares)
shares and per share data)
 
  Common Stock and Additional Paid-in Capital 
Retained
Earnings
 
Treasury
Stock
 
AOCI,
net of Tax
 
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
  Shares Amount    
BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 2015 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
Cash dividends on common stock 
 
 (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
Cash dividends on common stock 
 
 (116,595) 
 
 (116,595)
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2016 144,167,451
 $1,727,598
 $2,187,676
 $(439,387) $(48,146) $3,427,741
Net income 
 
 505,624
 
 
 505,624
Other comprehensive income 
 
 
 
 10,627
 10,627
Stock compensation costs 
 24,657
 
 
 
 24,657
Net activity of common stock pursuant to various stock compensation plans and agreements 375,609
 3,240
 
 (12,940) 
 (9,700)
Cash dividends on common stock 
 
 (116,998) 
 
 (116,998)
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2017 144,543,060
 $1,755,495
 $2,576,302
 $(452,327) $(37,519) $3,841,951
 
Common Stock and
Additional Paid-in Capital
Retained
Earnings
Treasury
Stock
AOCI,
Net of Tax
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
SharesAmount
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2017144,543,060 $1,755,495 $2,576,302 $(452,327)$(37,519)$3,841,951 
Cumulative-effect of change in accounting principle related to marketable equity securities (1)
— — (545)— 385 (160)
Reclassification of tax effects in AOCI resulting from the new federal corporate income tax rate (2)
— — 6,656 — (6,656)— 
Net income— — 703,701 — — 703,701 
Other comprehensive loss— — — — (14,384)(14,384)
Net activity of common stock pursuant to various stock compensation plans and agreements418,303 34,482 — (15,634)— 18,848 
Cash dividends on common stock ($0.860 per share)— — (125,982)— — (125,982)
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2018144,961,363 $1,789,977 $3,160,132 $(467,961)$(58,174)$4,423,974 
Cumulative-effect of change in accounting principle related to leases (3)
— — 10,510 — — 10,510 
Net income— — 674,035 — — 674,035 
Other comprehensive income— — — — 39,766 39,766 
Warrants exercised180,226 1,711 — 2,732 — 4,443 
Net activity of common stock pursuant to various stock compensation plans and agreements483,796 34,824 — (14,635)— 20,189 
Cash dividends on common stock ($1.055 per share)— — (155,300)— — (155,300)
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2019145,625,385 $1,826,512 $3,689,377 $(479,864)$(18,408)$5,017,617 
Cumulative-effect of change in accounting principle related to credit losses (4)
— — (97,967)— — (97,967)
Net income— — 567,797 — — 567,797 
Other comprehensive income— — — — 62,733 62,733 
Net activity of common stock pursuant to various stock compensation plans and agreements411,526 32,007 — (8,253)— 23,754 
Repurchase of common stock pursuant to the Stock Repurchase Program(4,471,682)— — (145,966)— (145,966)
Cash dividends on common stock ($1.100 per share)— — (158,793)— — (158,793)
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2020141,565,229 $1,858,519 $4,000,414 $(634,083)$44,325 $5,269,175 

(1)Represents the impact of the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-01, Financial Instruments — Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities on January 1, 2018.
(2)Represents amounts reclassified from AOCI to retained earnings due to the early adoption of ASU 2018-02, Income Statement — Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on January 1, 2018.
(3)Represents the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) and subsequent related ASUson January 1, 2019.
(4)Represents the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326) on January 1, 2020. Refer to Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (“this Form 10-K”) for additional information.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


7297








EAST WEST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
($ in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES   
Net income$567,797 $674,035 $703,701 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:   
Provision for credit losses210,653 98,685 64,255 
Depreciation and amortization119,908 144,178 139,499 
Accretion of discount and amortization of premiums, net(16,456)(22,379)(20,572)
Stock compensation costs29,237 30,761 30,937 
Deferred income tax benefit(41,515)(21,604)(16,470)
Net gains on sales of loans(4,501)(4,035)(6,590)
Gains on sales of AFS debt securities(12,299)(3,930)(2,535)
Net gain on sale of business(31,470)
Loans held-for-sale:
Originations and purchases(81,662)(10,569)(20,176)
Proceeds from sales and paydowns/payoffs of loans originally classified as held-for-sale80,659 10,436 20,068 
Proceeds from distributions received from equity method investees8,786 3,470 3,761 
Net change in accrued interest receivable and other assets(339,868)(170,819)(60,791)
Net change in accrued expenses and other liabilities170,403 7,012 88,070 
Other net operating activities2,183 588 (8,515)
Total adjustments125,528 61,794 179,471 
Net cash provided by operating activities693,325 735,829 883,172 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES   
Net (increase) decrease in:   
Investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, tax credit and other investments(154,887)(146,902)(132,605)
Interest-bearing deposits with banks(577,607)193,455 4,212 
Resale agreements:
Proceeds from paydowns and maturities450,000 650,000 175,000 
Purchases(800,000)(325,000)(160,000)
AFS debt securities:
Proceeds from sales525,433 627,110 364,270 
Proceeds from repayments, maturities and redemptions2,070,131 1,155,002 742,132 
Purchases(4,758,254)(2,303,317)(888,673)
Loans held-for-investment:
Proceeds from sales of loans originally classified as held-for-investment331,864 288,823 483,948 
Purchases(389,863)(524,142)(597,112)
Other changes in loans held-for-investment, net(3,557,369)(2,184,915)(3,313,382)
Premises and equipment:   
Proceeds from sales5,154 403 1,638 
Purchases(2,656)(9,859)(13,787)
Payment received from the sales of businesses, net of cash transferred(503,687)
Distributions received from equity method investees15,901 9,502 5,185 
Other net investing activities(6,563)(1,336)449 
Net cash used in investing activities(6,848,716)(2,571,176)(3,832,412)
 
  Year Ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES  
  
  
Net income $505,624
 $431,677
 $384,677
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:  
  
  
Depreciation and amortization 149,822
 137,578
 88,728
Accretion of discount and amortization of premiums, net (7,260) (26,024) (45,101)
Changes in FDIC indemnification asset and receivable/payable 
 
 37,980
Stock compensation costs 24,657
 22,102
 16,502
Deferred income tax expense 33,856
 26,966
 261,214
Provision for credit losses 46,266
 27,479
 14,217
Net gains on sales of loans (8,870) (6,085) (24,873)
Net gains on sales of available-for-sale investment securities (8,037) (10,362) (40,367)
Net gains on sales of premises and equipment (77,388) (3,178) (3,567)
Net gains on sales of OREO (1,024) (951) (11,079)
Net gain on sale of business (3,807) 
 
Originations and purchases of loans held-for-sale (20,521) (18,804) (623)
Proceeds from sales and paydowns/payoffs in loans held-for-sale 21,363
 23,749
 3,174
Repurchase agreements’ extinguishment costs 
 
 21,818
Net payments to FDIC shared-loss agreements 
 
 (132,999)
Net change in accrued interest receivable and other assets 46,005
 23,685
 (117,046)
Net change in accrued expenses and other liabilities (1,966) 15,353
 16,785
Other net operating activities (1,814) (1,329) 184
Total adjustments 191,282
 210,179
 84,947
Net cash provided by operating activities 696,906
 641,856
 469,624
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES  
  
  
Net (increase) decrease in:  
  
  
Loans held-for-investment (3,514,786) (1,549,736) (3,285,436)
Interest-bearing deposits with banks (63,096) (38,249) 30,140
Investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, tax credit and other investments (161,661) (87,860) (95,074)
Purchases of:  
  
  
Resale agreements (600,000) (1,550,000) (1,675,000)
Available-for-sale investment securities (828,604) (2,396,199) (3,547,193)
Loans held-for-investment (534,816) (1,142,054) (282,548)
Premises and equipment (13,754) (12,181) (6,555)
Proceeds from sale of:  
  
  
Available-for-sale investment securities 832,844

1,275,645

1,669,334
Loans held-for-investment 566,688
 661,025
 1,729,187
Other real estate owned (“OREO”) 6,999
 7,408
 41,050
Premises and equipment 119,749
 8,163
 7,133
Business, net of cash transferred 3,633
 
 
Paydowns and maturities of resale agreements 1,250,000
 1,500,000
 1,050,000
Repayments, maturities and redemptions of available-for-sale investment securities 413,593
 1,503,127
 734,934
Other net investing activities 22,756
 28,251
 2,147
Net cash used in investing activities (2,500,455) (1,792,660) (3,627,881)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES  
  
  
Net increase (decrease) in:  
  
  
Deposits 2,272,500
 2,452,870
 3,492,603
Short-term borrowings (61,560) 62,506
 
Proceeds from:  
  
  
FHLB advances 
 
 700,000
Issuance of common stock pursuant to various stock compensation plans and agreements 2,280
 2,982
 2,835
Payments for:  
  
  
Repayment of FHLB advances 
 (700,000) 
Repayment of long-term debt (15,000) (20,000) (20,000)
Extinguishment of repurchase agreements 
 
 (566,818)
Repurchase of vested shares due to employee tax liability (12,940) (3,225) (5,964)
Cash dividends on common stock (116,820) (115,828) (115,641)
Other net financing activities 
 1,055
 3,291
Net cash provided by financing activities 2,068,460
 1,680,360
 3,490,306
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 31,178
 (11,940) (11,047)
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 296,089
 517,616
 321,002
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR 1,878,503
 1,360,887
 1,039,885
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR $2,174,592
 $1,878,503
 $1,360,887
 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


7398








EAST WEST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
($ in thousands)
(Continued)
 
  Year Ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOWS INFORMATION:      
Cash paid (received) during the year for:  
  
  
Interest paid $138,766
 $104,251
 $105,831
Income taxes paid (refunded), net $98,126
 $39,478
 $(18,601)
Noncash investing and financing activities:  
  
  
Loans transferred from held-for-investment to held-for-sale (1)
 $613,088
 $819,100
 $1,747,621
Loans transferred from held-for-sale to held-for-investment $
 $(4,943) $(53,376)
Deposits transferred to branch liability held-for-sale $605,111
 $
 $
Investment security transferred from held-to-maturity to available-for-sale $115,615
 $
 $
Held-to-maturity investment security retained from securitization of loans $
 $160,135
 $
Premises and equipment transferred to branch assets held-for-sale $8,043
 $
 $
Loans transferred to OREO $777
 $8,083
 $9,296
 
Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net increase in deposits7,482,730 1,902,741 3,903,192 
Net (decrease) increase in short-term borrowings(9,016)(28,535)61,392 
FHLB advances:
Proceeds10,300 1,500,000 
Repayments(105,300)(1,082,001)
Repurchase agreements:
Proceeds48,063 
Repayment(198,063)
Extinguishment cost(8,740)
Long-term debt and lease liabilities:
Proceeds from long-term debt1,437,269 
Repayments of long-term debt and lease liabilities(1,438,335)(884)(25,000)
Common stock:
Proceeds from issuance pursuant to various stock compensation plans and agreements2,326 3,383 2,846 
Stock tendered for payment of withholding taxes(8,253)(14,635)(15,634)
Repurchase of common stock pursuant to the Stock Repurchase Program(145,966)
Cash dividends paid(158,222)(155,107)(125,988)
Other net financing activities
Net cash provided by financing activities6,908,793 2,124,962 3,800,808 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents3,420 (29,843)(24,783)
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS756,822 259,772 826,785 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR3,261,149 3,001,377 2,174,592 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR$4,017,971 $3,261,149 $3,001,377 
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the year for:   
Interest$233,139 $418,840 $253,026 
Income taxes, net$116,412 $158,296 $85,872 
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Loans transferred from held-for-investment to held-for-sale$329,069 $285,637 $481,593 
Loans transferred from held-for-sale to held-for-investment$$$2,306 
Loans transferred to other real estate owned (“OREO”)$19,504 $2,013 $1,206 
(1)December 31, 2017 amount includes loans transferred from held-for-investment to branch assets held-for-sale.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


7499








EAST WEST BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies


Organization

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 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, 2017,2020, the Company operates over 130in more than 120 locations worldwide including its headquarters, main administrative offices, branchesin the United States (“U.S.”) and representative offices.Greater China. In the U.S., the Bank’s corporate headquarters and main administrative offices are located in California, and its branches are located in California, Texas, New York, Washington, Georgia, Massachusetts and Nevada. 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. The Bank has 4 wholly owned subsidiaries, one of which includes a banking subsidiary based in China — East West Bank (China) Limited.


On March 17, 2018, the Bank completed the sale of its 8 Desert Community Bank branches located in the High Desert area of Southern California to Flagstar Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Flagstar Bancorp, Inc. The transaction resulted in a net cash payment of $499.9 million by the Company to Flagstar Bank and a pre-tax gain of $31.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.

In 2019, the Company acquired East West Markets, LLC, a private broker-dealer and established East West Investment Management LLC, a registered investment adviser. Both East West Markets, LLC and East West Investment Management LLC are wholly owned subsidiaries of East West.

Significant Accounting Policies


Basis of Presentation The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform with United Statesthe U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”), applicable guidelines prescribed by regulatory authorities and general practices in the banking industry. The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements, income and expenses during the reporting period, and the related disclosures. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Certain items on the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes for the prior years have been reclassified to conform to the 20172020 presentation.


Principles of Consolidation The Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K include the accounts of East West and its subsidiaries, as well as East West Bank.subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. East West also has six wholly-owned6 wholly owned subsidiaries that are statutory business trusts (the “Trusts”). In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810, Consolidation, the Trusts are not included on 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 of San Francisco (“FRBSF”) and other financial institutions, and federal funds sold with original maturities up to three months.


Interest-bearing Deposits with Banks Interest-bearing deposits with banks include cash placed with other banks with original maturities greater than three months and less than one year.


Assets Purchased under Resale Agreements and Assets Sold under Repurchase Agreements Resale agreements are recorded atas receivables based on the balancesvalues at which the securities or loans are acquired. The Company’s policy is to monitor the market values of the underlying securities collateralizing the related receivable of the resale agreements, including accrued interest, and obtain collateral from or return collateral pledged to counterparties when appropriate. Repurchase agreements are accounted for as collateralized financing transactions and recorded atas liabilities based on the balancesvalues at which the securities are sold. The Company may havemonitors the values of the underlying assets collateralizing the resale and repurchase agreements, including accrued interests, and obtains or posts additional collaterals in order to provide additionalmaintain the appropriate collateral to the counterparties, or may receive collateral returned from counterparties,requirements for the repurchase agreements when appropriate. Thetransactions. In addition, the Company has elected to offset resale and repurchase transactions with the same counterparty on the Consolidated Balance Sheet when it has a legally enforceable master netting agreement and when the transactions are eligible for netting under ASC 210-20-45-11, Balance Sheet Offsetting: Repurchase and Reverse Repurchase Agreements.


100


Securities The Company’s securities include various debt andsecurities, marketable equity securities and restricted equity securities. Debt securities are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of their trade dates. The Company classifies its debt and marketable equity securities as available-for-saletrading securities, AFS or held-to-maturity investmentdebt securities based on management’s intention on the date of the purchase. Predominantly all of the Company’s investment

Debt securities are held in connection with itspurchased for liquidity and investment purpose, as part of asset-liability management objectives. Available-for-sale investmentand other strategic activities. Debt securities for which the Company does not have the positive intention and ability to hold to maturity are carriedclassified as AFS. AFS debt securities are reported at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Unrealizedwith unrealized gains and losses, net of applicable income taxes, are reportedincluded in other comprehensive income. The specific identification method is used in computingAOCI, and net of the allowance for credit losses. We recognize realized gains and losses on available-for-sale investmentthe sale of AFS debt securities in earnings, using the specific identification method.

Marketable equity securities that were sold. Held-to-maturity debthave readily determinable fair values are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, due to changes in fair value, reflected in earnings. Marketable equity securities include mutual fund investments, which are included in Investments in tax credit and other investments, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Non-marketable equity securities that management hasdo not have readily determinable fair values are accounted for under one of the intent andfollowing accounting methods:
Equity Method When we have the ability to hold until maturityexert significant influence over the investee.
Cost Method The cost method is applied to investments such as FRBSF and FHLB stock. These investments are held at their cost minus impairment. If impaired, the carrying value is written down to the fair value of the security.
Measurement Alternative This method is applied to all remaining non-marketable equity securities. These securities are carried at amortized cost. Amortizationcost adjusted for impairment, if any, plus or minus observable price changes in orderly transactions of premiums and accretionan identical or similar security of discounts on investmentthe same issuer.

Non-marketable equity securities are recorded as yield adjustments on such securities using the effective interest method.



For each reporting period, all securitiesinclude tax credit investments that are included in Investments in tax credit and other investments, net, and Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Our review for impairment for equity method, cost method and measurement alternative securities typically includes an unrealized loss position are analyzed as partanalysis of the Company’s ongoing assessmentfacts and circumstances of each security, the intent or requirement to sell the security, the expectations of cash flows, capital needs and the viability of its business model. For equity method and cost method investments, we reduce the asset’s carrying value when we consider declines in value to be other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”). In determining whether an impairment is other-than-temporary,For securities accounted for under the Company considersmeasurement alternative, we reduce the severity and duration of the decline in fairasset 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. When the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell the security prior to recovery of the amortized cost, the credit component of an OTTI of a debt security is recognized as OTTI loss on the Consolidated Statement of Income and the non-credit component is recognized in other comprehensive income. If the Company intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security prior to recovery of the amortized cost, the full amount of the impairment loss is recognized as OTTI loss on the Consolidated Statement of Income. If there is an other-than-temporary decline inwhen the fair value is less than the carrying value, without the consideration 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 other comprehensive income with a corresponding charge to the Consolidated Statement of Income.recovery.


Restricted equity securities include Federal Reserve BankFRBSF and FHLB stocks.stock. The Federal Reserve BankFRBSF stock is required by law to be held as a condition of membership in the Federal Reserve System. The FHLB stock is required to obtain advances from the FHLB. They are carried at cost as they do not have a readily determinable fair value.


Loans Held-for-Sale Loans are initially classified as loans held-for-sale when they are individually identified as being available for immediate sale and management has committed to a formal plan to sell them. Loans held-for-sale are carried at lower of cost or 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, subjectSubject to periodic review under the Company’s management evaluation processes,process, including asset/liability management and credit risk management. Whenmanagement, the Company subsequently changes its intent to holdmay transfer certain loans the loans are transferred from the loans held-for-investment portfolio to the loans held-for-sale portfoliomeasured at the lower of cost or fair value. Any write-downwrite-downs in the carrying amount of the loan at the date of transfer isare recorded as a charge-off.charge-offs to allowance for loan losses. Loan origination fees on loans held-for-sale, net of certain costs in processing and closing the loans, are deferred until the time of sale and are included in the periodic determination of the lower of cost or fair value adjustments and/or the gain or loss recognized at the time of sale. A valuation allowance is established if the fair value of such loans is lower than their cost, with a corresponding charge to noninterest income. If the loan or a portion of the loan cannot be sold, it is subsequently transferred back to the loans held-for-investment portfolio from the loans held-for-sale portfolio at the 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.


101


Loans Held-for-Investment Loans receivable that At the Company hastime of commitment to originate or purchase a loan, the loan is determined to be held-for-investment if it is the Company’s intent and ability to hold the loan to maturity or for the foreseeable future or until maturity“foreseeable future.” Loans held-for-investment are stated at their outstanding principal, reduced by an allowance for loan losses and net of deferred loan fees or costs, or unearned fees on originated loans, unearned income, andnet of unamortized premiums or unaccreted 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 Discounts/premiums on purchased loans are accreted or accreted/amortized to interest income using the effective interest method or straight-line method over the remaining period to the contractual maturity. Interest on loans is calculated using the simple-interest method on daily balances of the principal amounts outstanding. Generally, loans are placed on nonaccrual status when they become 90 days past due.due or more. Loans are considered past due when contractually required principal or interest payments have not been made on the 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. 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 generally 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 note restructurings. Loans with contractual terms that have been modified as a TDR and are current at the time of restructuring may remain on accrual status if there is demonstrated performance prior to the restructuring and payment in full under the restructured terms is expected. Otherwise, thethese loans are placed on nonaccrual status and are reported as nonperforming, until the borrower demonstrates a sustained period of performance, generally six months, and the ability to repay the loan according to the contractual terms. If accruing TDRs cease to perform in accordance with their modified contractual terms, they are placed on nonaccrual status and reported as nonperforming TDRs. TDRs are included in the impaired loan quarterly allowance for credit losses valuation allowance process. Refer to Impaired LoansAllowance for Loan Losses below for a complete discussion.



The Company has implemented various loan modification programs to provide its borrowers relief from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. As provided under Section 4013 of the CARES Act, as amended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (“CAA”), the Company has elected not to apply TDR classification to any COVID-19 pandemic related loan modifications that were executed after March 1, 2020 and earlier of (A) 60 days after the national emergency termination date concerning the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak declared by the President on March 13, 2020 under the National Emergencies Act, or (B) January 1, 2022 to borrowers who were current as of December 31, 2019. For loans that were modified in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that do not meet the CARES Act criteria (e.g., current payment status as of December 31, 2019), the Company has applied the guidance included in the “Interagency Statement on Loan Modifications and Reporting for Financial Institutions Working with Customer Affected by the Coronavirus (Revised)” (the “Interagency Statement”) issued by the federal banking regulators on April 7, 2020. The Interagency Statement states that short-term loan modifications (i.e. six months or less) are not TDRs if they were made on a good faith basis in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to borrowers who were current as of the implementation date of a loan modification program. The aging on the delinquency of the loans modified under the CARES Act, as amended by the CAA, and the Interagency Statement is frozen at the time of the modification. Interest income continues to be recognized over the accommodation period.


Impaired LoansPaycheck Protection Program From April to August 2020, the Company accepted Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) applications and originated loans to qualified small businesses under the PPP established by the CARES Act. The Company’sCAA extends the PPP to March 31, 2021. PPP loans are grouped into heterogeneousincluded in the commercial and homogeneous (mostly consumer loans) categories. Impairedindustrial (“C&I”) portfolio, carrying an interest rate of 1%, and are 100% guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (“SBA”). No allowance for loan losses was recorded for these loans as of December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had approximately 6,200 SBA 7(a) approved PPP loans with an outstanding loan balance of $1.57 billion. The substantial majority of the Company’s PPP loans have a term of two years. The SBA paid the Company fees for processing PPP loans and such fees are accounted for loan origination fees, where net deferred fees are recognized over the estimated life of the loan as a yield adjustment on the loans. Under the terms of the PPP, if certain conditions are satisfied, such loans are identifiedeligible to be forgiven in which case the SBA will make payments to the Company for the forgiven amounts. If a loan is paid off or forgiven by the SBA prior to its projected estimated life, the remaining unamortized deferred fees will be recognized as interest income in that period.

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Allowance for Loan Losses — The Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments on January 1, 2020, which introduced a new current expected credit losses (“CECL”) model.The allowance for loan losses is established as management’s estimate of expected credit losses inherent in the Company’s lending activities; it is increased by the provision for credit losses and decreased by net charge-offs. The allowance for loan losses is evaluated quarterly by management based on regular reviews of the collectability of the Company’s loans. The Company develops and documents the allowance for impairmentloan losses methodology at the portfolio segment level —thecommercial loan portfolio is comprised of C&I, commercial real estate (“CRE”), multifamily residential, and construction and land loans; and the consumer loan portfolio is comprised of single-family residential, home equity lines of credit (“HELOCs”), and other consumer loans.

The allowance for loan losses represents the portion of a loan’s amortized cost basis that the Company does not expect to collect due to anticipated credit losses over the loan’s contractual life, adjusted for prepayments. The Company measures the expected loan losses on a collective pool basis when similar risk characteristics exist. Models consisting of quantitative and qualitative components are designed for each pool to develop the expected credit loss estimates. Reasonable and supportable forecast periods vary by loan portfolio. The Company has adopted lifetime loss rate models for the portfolios, which use historical loss rates and forecast economic variables to calculate the expected credit losses for each loan pool.

When loans do not share similar risk characteristics, the Company evaluates the loan for expected credit losses on an individual basis. The Company’s impairedIndividually assessed loans include predominantly non-purchasednonaccrual and TDR loans. The Company evaluates loans for expected credit impaired (“non-PCI”) loans held-for-investmentlosses on nonaccrual status and any non-PCI loans modified as a TDR, designated either as performing or nonperforming. A loan is considered impaired when,an individual basis if, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the original contractual terms of the loan agreement. The following three different asset valuation measurement methods are available: (1) the present value of expected future cash flows, (2) the fair value of collateral less costs to sell, and (3) the loan's observable market price. The allowance for loan losses for collateral-dependent loans is determined based on the fair value of the collateral less costs to sell. For loans that are not collateral-dependent, the Company applies the present value of expected future cash flows valuation or the market value of the loan. When the loan is deemed uncollectible, it is the Company’s policy to promptly charge off the estimated credit losses.

The amortized cost of loans held-for-investment excludes accrued interest, which is included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company has made an accounting policy election to not recognize an allowance for credit losses for accrued interest receivables as the Company reverses accrued interest if a loan is on nonaccrual status.

The allowance for loan losses is reported separately on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and the Provision for credit losses is reported on the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Allowance for Unfunded Credit Commitments — The allowance for unfunded credit commitments includes reserves provided for unfunded loan commitments, letters of credit, standby letters of credit (“SBLCs”) and recourse obligations for loans sold. The Company estimates the allowance for unfunded credit commitments over the contractual period in which the entity is exposed to credit risk via a present contractual obligation to extend credit. Within the period of credit exposure, the estimate of credit losses will consider both the likelihood that funding will occur, and an estimate of the expected credit losses on the commitments that are expected to fund over their estimated lives.

The allowance for unfunded credit commitments is maintained at a level believed by management to be sufficient to absorb estimated expected credit losses related to unfunded credit facilities. The determination of the adequacy of the allowance is based on periodic evaluations of the unfunded credit facilities. For all off-balance sheet instruments and commitments, the unfunded credit exposure is calculated using utilization assumptions based on the Company's historical utilization experience in related portfolio segments. Loss rates are applied to the calculated exposure balances to estimate the allowance for unfunded credit commitments. Other elements such as credit risk factors for loans outstanding, terms and expiration dates of the unfunded credit facilities, and other pertinent information are considered to determine the adequacy of the allowance.

The allowance for unfunded credit commitments is included in Accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Changes to the allowance for unfunded credit commitments are included in Provision for credit losses on the Consolidated Income Statements.

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Allowance for Credit Losses on Available-for-Sale Debt Securities — For each reporting period, every AFS debt security that is in an unrealized loss position is individually analyzed as part of the Company’s ongoing assessments to determine whether a fair value below the amortized cost basis has resulted from a credit loss or other factors. The initial indicator of impairment is a decline in fair value below the amortized cost of the AFS debt security, excluding accrued interest. The Company first considers whether there is a plan to sell the AFS debt security or it is more-likely-than-not that it will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of the amortized cost. In determining whether an impairment is due to credit related factors, the Company considers the severity of the decline in fair value, nature of the security, the underlying collateral, the financial condition of the issuer, changes in the AFS debt security’s ratings and other qualitative factors. For securities that are fully guaranteed by the U.S. government, or certain government enterprises, the Company believes that the credit loss exposure on these securities is remote and applies a zero credit loss assumption.

When the Company does not intend to sell the impaired AFS debt security and it is more-likely-than-not that the Company will not be required to sell the impaired debt security prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis, the credit component of the unrealized loss of the impaired AFS debt security is recognized as an allowance for credit losses, with a corresponding Provision for credit losses on the Consolidated Statement of Income and the non-credit component is recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss) on the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, net of applicable taxes. At each reporting period, the Company increases or decreases the allowance for credit losses as appropriate, while limiting reversals of the allowance for credit losses to the extent of the amounts previously recorded. If the Company intends to sell the impaired debt security or it is more-likely-than-not that the Company will be required to sell the impaired debt security prior to recovering its amortized cost basis, the entire impairment amount is recognized as an adjustment to the debt security’s amortized cost basis, with a corresponding Provision for credit losses on the Consolidated Statement of Income.

The amortized cost of the Company’s AFS debt securities excludes accrued interest, which is included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company has made an accounting policy election to not recognize an allowance for credit losses for accrued interest receivables on AFS debt securities as the Company reverses any accrued interest if a debt security is impaired. As each AFS debt security has a unique security structure, where the accrual status is clearly determined when certain criteria listed in the terms are met, the Company assesses the default status of each security as defined by the debt security’s specific security structure.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Assessment on AFS Debt Securities Prior to the Adoption of the CECL Guidance, Applicable for the Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 —For each reporting period, debt securities classified as either AFS or held-to-maturity debt securities that were in an unrealized loss position were analyzed as part of the Company’s ongoing OTTI assessment. The initial indicator of OTTI was a decline in fair value below the amortized cost of the debt security. In determining whether OTTI had occurred, the Company considered 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 debt securities’ ratings and other qualitative factors, as well as whether the Company either planned to sell the debt security or it was more-likely-than-not that it would be required to sell the debt security before recovery of the amortized cost. When the Company did not intend to sell the impaired debt security and it was more-likely-than-not that the Company would not be required to sell the impaired debt security prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis, the credit component of an OTTI of the impaired debt security was recognized as OTTI loss on the Consolidated Statement of Income and the non-credit component was recognized in other comprehensive income. This applied for both AFS and held-to-maturity debt securities. If the Company intended to sell the impaired debt security or it was more-likely-than-not that the Company would be required to sell the impaired debt security prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis, the full amount of the impairment loss (equal to the difference between the debt security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date) was recognized as OTTI loss on the Consolidated Statement of Income. Following the recognition of OTTI, the debt security’s new amortized cost basis was the previous basis minus the OTTI amount recognized in earnings.

Allowance for Collateral-Dependent Financial AssetsA financial asset is considered collateral-dependent if repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral. The allowance for credit losses is measured on an individual basis for collateral-dependent financial assets and determined by comparing the fair value of the collateral, minus the cost to sell, to the amortized cost basis of the related financial asset at the reporting date. Other than loans, collateral-dependent financial assets could also include resale agreements. In arrangements which the borrower must continually adjust the collateral securing the asset to reflect changes in the collateral’s fair value (e.g., resale agreements), the Company estimates the expected credit losses on the basis of the unsecured portion of the amortized cost as of the balance sheet date. If the fair value of the collateral is equal to or greater than the amortized cost of the resale agreement, the expected losses would be zero. If the fair value of the collateral is less than the amortized cost of the asset, the expected losses are limited to the difference between the fair value of the collateral and the amortized cost basis of the resale agreement.

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Allowance for Purchased Credit Deteriorated Assets — ASU 2016-13 replaces the concept of purchased credit impaired (“PCI”) accounting under ASC 310-30 Receivables - Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality with the concept of purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 using the prospective transition approach for Purchased Credit Deteriorated (“PCD”) assets that were previously classified as PCI assets. PCD financial assets are defined as acquired individual financial assets (or groups with similar risk characteristics) that as of the date of acquisition, have experienced a more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination. For PCD debt securities and PCD loans, the company records the allowance for credit losses by grossing up the initial amortized cost, which includes the purchase price and the allowance for credit losses. The expected credit losses of PCD debt securities are measured at the individual security level. The expected credit losses for PCD loans are measured based on the loan’s unpaid principal balance. Beginning January 1, 2020, for any asset designated as a PCD asset at the time of acquisition, the Company estimates and records an allowance for credit losses, which is added to the purchase price to establish the initial amortized cost basis of the financial asset. Hence, there is no income statement impact from the acquisition. Subsequent changes in the allowance for credit losses on PCD assets will be recognized in Provision for credit losses on the Consolidated Statement of Income. The non-credit discount or premium will be accreted to interest income based on the effective interest rate on the PCD assets determined after the gross-up for the allowance for credit losses.

Allowance for Credit Losses Prior to the Adoption of the CECL Guidance, Applicable for the Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 — Prior to CECL adoption, the allowance of credit losses represented the Company’s estimate of probable credit losses inherent in the lending activities, and consisted of general and specific reserves. Impaired loans were subject to specific reserves. Non-impaired loans were evaluated as part of the general reserve. General reserves were calculated by utilizing both quantitative and qualitative factors. There were different qualitative risks for the loans in each portfolio segment. Predominant risk characteristics of the CRE, multifamily, single-family residential loans and HELOC loans considered the collateral and geographic locations of the properties collateralizing the loans. Predominant risk characteristics of the C&I loans included cash flows, debt service and collateral of the borrowers and guarantors, as well as the economic and market conditions.

Impaired Loans Prior to the Adoption of the CECL Guidance, Applicable for the Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 — Impaired loans were identified and evaluated for impairment on an individual basis. A loan was considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it was probable that the Company would not be able to collect all scheduled payments of principal or interest due in accordance with the original contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining and measuring loan impairment includeincluded 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 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. Impaired loans arewere measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interesta designated discount rate or, as appropriate, at the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral, if the loan iswas collateral dependent, less cost to sell. When

Purchased Credit-Impaired LoansPrior to the value of an impaired loan is less than the recorded investment 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 reservesAdoption of the allowance for loan losses, as appropriate. Payments received on impaired loans classified as nonperforming are not recognized in interest income, but are applied as a reduction to the principal outstanding.

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 probable. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. The allowance for loan losses is evaluated monthly by management 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. Non-impaired loans are evaluated as part of the general reserves. General reserves are calculated by utilizing both quantitative and qualitative factors. There are different qualitative risksCECL Guidance, Applicable for the loans in each portfolio segment. Predominant risk characteristics of the commercial real estate (“CRE”)Years Ended December 31, 2019 and multifamily residential loans, as well as single-family residential loans include the collateral and geographic locations of the properties collateralizing the loans. Predominant risk characteristics of the commercial and industrial (“C&I”) loans include the global cash flows of the borrowers and guarantors, as well as the economic and market conditions. Predominant risk characteristics of home equity lines of credit (“HELOCs”) include 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 Provision for credit losses on the Consolidated Statement of Income.

When determined uncollectible, it is the Company’s policy to promptly charge off the difference of 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, and the terms and expiration dates of the unfunded credit facilities. The allowance for loan losses is reported separately on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, whereas the allowance for unfunded credit reserves is included in Accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Provision for credit losses is reported on the Consolidated Statement of Income.



Purchased Credit Impaired Loans 2018Acquired loans arewere recorded at fair value as of acquisition date in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations. A purchased loan iswas deemed to be credit impaired when there iswas evidence of credit deterioration since its origination and it iswas probable at the acquisition date that the Company would be unable to collect all contractually required payments and iswas accounted for under ASC 310-30, Receivables — Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality. Under ASC 310-30, loans arewere 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 iswas not carried over or recorded as of the acquisition date.


Variable Interest and Voting Interest Entities —The amountCompany determines whether it has a controlling financial interest in an entity by first evaluating whether the entity is a voting interest entity or a variable interest entity (“VIE”). We first determine whether or not we have variable interests in the entity, which are investments or other interests that absorb portions of an entity’s expected cash flowslosses or receive portions of the entity’s expected returns. If it is determined that we do not have a variable interest in the entity, no further analysis is required and the entity is not consolidated. A VIE is an entity that lacks equity investors or whose equity investors do not have a controlling financial interest in the entity through their equity investments. The Company consolidates a VIE if it has both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE. For entities that do not meet the definition of a VIE, the entity is considered a voting interest entity. We consolidate these entities if we can exert control over the initial investmentfinancial and operating policies of an investee, which can occur if we have a 50% or more voting interest 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 flows 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 the 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 the expected cash flows at purchase date that are probable are recognized by a 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.entity.


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Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Partnerships, Net, Tax Credit and Other Investments, Net The Company records the 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 in Income tax expenseon the Consolidated Statement of Income as a component of Income tax expense..

The Company records investments in tax credit and other investments, net, using either the equity method or cost method of accounting. The tax credits are recognized on the Consolidated Financial Statements to the extent they are utilized on the Company’s income tax returns in the year the credit arises under the flow-through method of accounting. The investments are reviewed for impairment on an annual basis or on an interim basis, if an event occurs that would trigger potential impairment.


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:
Premises and EquipmentUseful Lives
Buildings and building improvements25 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment, building improvements3 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 amounts 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, is less than the net book value. The excess of the net book value over its fair value is charged as impairment loss to noninterest expense.


Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in an acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized and is reviewedtested for impairment on an annual basis as of December 31, or on an interim basis, if an event occursmore frequently as events occur or circumstances change that could reduceindicate a potential impairment at the reporting unit level. The Company assesses goodwill for impairment at each operating segment level. The Company organizes its operations into 3 reporting segments: (1) Consumer and Business Banking; (2) Commercial Banking; and (3) Other. For information on how the reporting units are identified and the components are aggregated, see Note 18 — Business Segments to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K. The Company has the option to perform a qualitative assessment of goodwill or elect to bypass the qualitative test and proceed directly to a quantitative test. If the Company performs a qualitative assessment of goodwill to test for impairment and concludes it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is greater than its carrying value, quantitative tests are not required. If the qualitative analysis indicates that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying fair value, the Company is required to perform a quantitative assessment to determine if there is goodwill impairment. Factors considered in the qualitative assessments include but are not limited to macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, financial performance of the respective operating segment and other reporting unit specific considerations. The Company uses a combined income and market approach in its quantitative valuation methodologies. A quantitative valuation involves determining the fair value of aeach reporting unit belowand comparing the fair value to its corresponding carrying value. Goodwill impairment loss is recorded as a charge to noninterest expenses and an adjustment to the carrying value of goodwill. Subsequent reversals of goodwill impairment are not allowed.

Other intangible assets are comprised of core deposit intangibles and are included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Core deposit intangibles which represent the intangible value of depositor relationships resulting from deposit liabilitiesdeposits assumed in acquisitions,various acquisitions. Core deposit intangibles are amortized over the projected useful lives of the deposits, which is typically 7between eight to 15 years. Core deposit intangibles are reviewed forThe impairment whenevertest is performed annually, or more frequently as events occur or changes in circumstances indicate that the intangible asset’s carrying valuevalues may not be recoverable. Impairment on goodwill and core 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.



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Derivatives As part of its asset and liability management strategy, the Company uses derivative financial instruments to mitigate exposure to interest rate and foreign currency risks.risks, and to assist customers with their risk management objectives. Derivatives utilized by the Company include primarily swaps, forwards and option contracts. All derivativeDerivative instruments are included in Other assetsorAccrued Expenseexpenses and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet 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, cash flow hedges or hedges of the net investments in certain foreign operations. ChangesFor fair value hedges of interest rate risk, changes in fair value of derivatives designated as fair value hedges are reported in within Interest expense on the Consolidated Statement of Income. Changes in fair value of derivatives useddesignated as hedges of the net investments in foreign operations to the extent effective, are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”). TheAOCI. For cash flow hedges of floating-rate interest payments, the change in the fair value attributable to the ineffective portion of the hedging instrumenthedges is recognized immediately in Noninterest income AOCI and reclassified to earnings in the same period when the hedged cash flows impact earnings. Reclassified gains and losses of cash flow hedges are recorded in the same line item as the hedged interest payment within Interest expense on the Consolidated StatementStatements of Income. For all other derivatives, changes in fair value are recognized on the Consolidated Statement of Income.


All derivatives designated as fair value hedges and hedges of the net investments in certain foreign operations are linked to specific hedged items or to groups of specific assets and liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Cash flow hedges are linked to the forecasted transactions related to a recognized asset or liability. 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 hedgehedging relationships at inception, including the 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. Subsequent to inception, on a quarterly basis, the Company assesses whether the derivatives used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value of the hedged items.  Retroactiveitems or the cash flows of attributable hedged risks. Retrospective effectiveness is also assessed, as well as the continued expectation that the hedge will remain effective prospectively.


The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when (i) a derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair 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 will continue to be recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at fair value with changes in fair value recognized on the Consolidated Statement of 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 Foreign exchange income on the Consolidated Statement of Income. If a cash flow hedge is discontinued, the derivative net gain or loss will remain in AOCI and reclassified in to earnings in the periods in which the hedged forecasted cash flow affects earnings.


The Company also offers various interest rate, and foreign currency, and energy commodity derivative products to customers, and enters into derivative transactions in due course.customers. These transactions are not linked to specific assets or liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet or to forecasted transactions in a hedgehedging relationship and, therefore, do not qualify for hedge accounting. TheThese contracts are marked-to-marketrecorded at the end of each reporting periodfair value with changes in fair value recorded on the Consolidated Statement of Income.


TheAs part of the Company’s loan origination process, from time to time, the Company holds a portfolio ofobtains equity warrants to purchase equity securities from bothpreferred and/or common stock of public andor private companies that were obtained as part of the loan origination process. Theit provides loans to. These equity warrants are accounted for as derivatives and recorded at fair value included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at fair value with changes in fair value at each reporting period recorded on the Consolidated Statement of Income.


The Company is exposed to counterparty credit risk, which is the risk that counterparties to the derivative contracts do not perform as expected. Valuation of derivative assets and liabilities reflect the value of the instrument inclusive of the nonperformance risk. The Company uses master netting arrangements to mitigate counterparty credit risk in derivative transactions. To the extent the derivatives are subject to master netting arrangements, the Company takes into account the impact of master netting arrangements that allow the Company to settle all derivative contracts executed with the same counterparty on a net basis, and to offset the net derivative position with the related cash collateral and securities. The Company elected to offset derivative transactions with the same counterparty on the Consolidated Balance Sheet when a derivative transaction has a legally enforceable master netting arrangement and when it is eligible for netting under ASC 210-20-45-1, Balance Sheet Offsetting: Netting Derivative Positions on Balance Sheet. Derivative balances and related cash collateral are presented net on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.In addition, the Company applied the Settlement to Market treatment for the cash collateralizing our interest rate and commodity contracts with certain centrally cleared counterparties. As a result, derivative balances with these counterparties are considered settled by the collateral.

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Fair Value Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or the price that would be 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. Fair value measurements are based on the exit price notion and are determined by maximizing the use of observable inputs. However, for certain instruments, we must utilize unobservable inputs in determining fair value due to the lack of observable inputs in the market, which requires greater judgment in the measurement of fair value. 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 (i.e., 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 investmentAFS debt securities, and derivative assets and liabilities, at fair value on a recurring basis. Certain financial instruments, such as impaired loans and loans held-for-sale, are not carried at fair value each period but may require nonrecurring fair value adjustments due to lower-of-cost-or-market accounting or write-downs of individual assets. For additional information on the fair value, see Note 32 — Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments to the Consolidated Financial Statements.Statements in this Form 10-K.


Stock-Based Compensation The Company issues stock-based awards to certaineligible employees, officers and directors, and accounts for the 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 awards and expensed over the employee’s requisite service period.




The Company grants nonqualified stock options, restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) and restricted stock units (“RSUs”), which include service conditions for vesting. Additionally, some of the Company’s RSUs contain performance goals and market conditions that are required to be met in order for 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 may vest ratably over three years or cliff vest after three or five years of continued employment from the date of the grant. RSUs are authorized to settle predominantly in shares of the Company’s common stock. Compensation expensecost for those awards is based on quoted market price of the Company’s common stock at the grant date. Certain RSUs will be settled in cash, which subjects these RSUs to variable accounting whereby the compensation cost is adjusted to fair value based on changes in the Company’s stock price up to the settlement date. Compensation cost 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. Effective January 1, 2017, the Company adopted ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation(Topic 718): Improvement to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. As a result of its adoption, all excessExcess tax benefits and deficiencies on share-based payment awards are recognized within Income tax expense on the Consolidated Statement of Income. Before 2017, the tax benefits are recorded as increases to Additional paid-in capital on the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholder’s Equity.


The fair value of stock options is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model on the grant date. For time-based RSAs and RSUs, the grant-date fair value is measured at the fair value of the Company’s common stock as if the RSAs or RSUs are vested and issued on the date of grant. For performance-based RSAs and RSUs, the grant dategrant-date fair value considers both performance and market conditions (where applicable).conditions. As stock-based compensation expense is estimated based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it is reduced by the expense related to awards expected to be forfeited. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and are reviewed semi-annually for reasonableness.updated quarterly. If the estimated forfeitures are revised, a cumulative effect of changes in estimated forfeitures for the current and prior periods is recognized in compensation expense in the period of change. For performance-based RSUs, the compensation expense fluctuates based on the estimated outcome of meeting the performance conditions. The Company evaluates the probable outcome of the performance conditions quarterly and makes cumulative adjustments for current and prior periods in compensation expense in the period of change. Market conditions subsequent to the grant date have no impact on the amount of compensation expense the Company will recognize over the life of the award. Refer to Note 13 — Stock Compensation Plans to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K for additional information.


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Revenue from Contracts with Customers —The Company recognizes two primary types of revenue on its Consolidated Statement of Income: net interest income and noninterest income. The Company adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) using the modified retrospective method on January 1, 2018. The adoption of ASU 2014-09 did not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements. The majority of our revenue streams are out-of-scope of ASU 2014-09, since our primary revenue streams are accounted for in accordance with the financial instrument standards. Remaining in-scope noninterest income revenue streams include service charges and fees related to deposit accounts and card income, as well as wealth management fees. These revenue streams as described below comprised 29%, 26% and 25% of total noninterest income for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Deposit Service Charges and Related Fee Income — The Company offers a range of deposit products to individuals and businesses, which includes savings, money market, checking and time deposit accounts. The deposit account services include ongoing account maintenance, as well as certain optional services such as various in-branch services, automated teller machine/debit card usage, wire transfer services or check orders. In addition, treasury management and business account analysis services are offered to commercial deposit customers. The monthly account fees may vary with the amount of average monthly deposit balances maintained, or the Company may charge a fixed monthly account maintenance fee if certain average balances are not maintained. In addition, each time a deposit customer selects an optional service, the Company may earn transaction fees, generally recognized by the Company at the point when the transaction occurs. For business analysis accounts, commercial deposit customers receive an earnings credit based on their account balance, which can be used to offset the cost of banking and treasury management services. Business analysis accounts that are assessed fees in excess of earnings credits received are typically charged at the end of each month, after all transactions are known and the credits are calculated. Deposit service charge and related fee income are recognized in the all segments.

Card Income — Card income consists of merchant referral fees and interchange income. For merchant referral fees, the Company provides marketing and referral services to acquiring banks for merchant card processing services and earns variable referral fees based on transaction activities. The Company satisfies its performance obligation over time as the Company identifies, solicits and refers business customers who are provided such services. The Company receives monthly fees net of consideration it pays to the acquiring bank performing the merchant card processing services. The Company recognizes revenue on a monthly basis when the uncertainty associated with the variable referral fees is resolved after the Company receives monthly statements from the acquiring bank. For interchange income, the Company, as a card issuer, has a stand ready performance obligation to authorize, clear and settle card transactions. The Company earns or pays interchange fees, which are percentage-based on each transaction, and based on rates published by the corresponding payment network for transactions processed using their network. The Company measures its progress toward the satisfaction of its performance obligation over time as services are rendered, and the Company provides continuous access to this service and settles transactions as its customer or the payment network requires. Interchange income is presented net of direct costs paid to the customer and entities in their distribution chain, which are transaction-based expenses such as rewards program expenses and certain network costs. Revenue is recognized when the net profit is determined by the payment networks at the end of each day. Card income is recognized in consumer and business banking, and commercial banking segments.

Wealth Management Fees —The Company provides investment planning services for customers including wealth management services, asset allocation strategies, portfolio analysis and monitoring, investment strategies and risk management strategies. The fees the Company earns are variable and are generally received monthly. The Company recognizes revenue for the services performed at quarter-end based on actual transaction details received from the broker-dealer the Company engages. Wealth management fees is recognized in consumer and business banking, and commercial banking segments.

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Income Taxes The 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. AccruedIncome tax expense comprises of two components: current and deferred. Current tax expense represents taxes to be paid or refunded for the current period and includes income tax expense related to our uncertain tax positions. Income tax liabilities (assets)(receivables) represent the estimated amounts due to (receivable(received from) the various taxing jurisdictions where the Company has established a businesstax presence. Deferred tax expense results from changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized forbetween period, and is determined using the expected futurebalance sheet method. Under the balance sheet method, the net deferred tax consequencesasset or liability is based on the tax effects of existing temporarythe differences between the financial reportingbook and tax reporting basis of assets and liabilities using enactedliabilities. Deferred tax lawsassets are also recognized for tax attributes such as net operating loss carryforwards and rates and tax credit carryforwards. To the extent a deferred tax asset is no longer expected more likely than notmore-likely-than-not to be realized, a valuation allowance is established. Deferred tax assets net of deferred tax liabilities are included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. See Note 1211 — Income Taxes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K for a discussion of management’s assessment of evidence considered by the Company in establishing a valuation allowance.


The Company establishedreports a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken, or expected to be taken, in an allowanceincome tax return. Uncertain tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize. An uncertain tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that management believes has a greater than 50% likelihood of realization upon settlement. Tax benefits not meeting our realization criteria represent unrecognized tax benefits. The Company establishes a liability for potential taxes, interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. This contingent reserve is estimatedpositions based on facts and circumstances, including the interpretation of existing law, new judicial or regulatory guidance, and the status of tax audits.


Earnings Per Share Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-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 any incremental dilutive common share equivalents calculated for warrants and RSUs outstanding using the treasury stock method. In prior years, the Company 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 when the RSAs were outstanding during 2015. RSUs do not contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends when granted.


Foreign Currency Translation During the third quarter of 2015, the The Company’s foreign subsidiary in China, East West Bank (China) Limited, changed itsLimited’s functional currency from U.S. dollar (“USD”) tois in Chinese Renminbi (“RMB”). As a result, assets and liabilities of this foreign subsidiary wereEast West Bank (China) Limited are translated, for consolidation purpose, from its functional currenciescurrency into USDU.S. dollar (“USD”) using period-end spot foreign exchange rates. Revenues and expenses of this foreign subsidiary wereEast West Bank (China) Limited are translated, for the purpose of consolidation, purpose, from its functional currenciescurrency into USD at the transaction date foreign exchange rates. The effects of those translation adjustments are reported in the Foreign currency translation adjustmentadjustments account within Other comprehensive income (loss)on the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, along withnet of any related hedged effects. For transactions that are denominated in a currency other than the functional currency, including transactions denominated in the local currencies of foreign operations withthat use the USD as their functional currency, the effects of changes in exchange rates are primarily reported in Foreign exchange income on the Consolidated Statement of Income.



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New Accounting StandardsPronouncements Adopted in 20172020

StandardRequired Date of AdoptionDescriptionEffects on Financial Statements
Standards Adopted in 2020
ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments and subsequent related ASUs
January 1, 2020

Early adoption is permitted on January 1, 2019.
The ASU introduces a new CECL model that applies to most financial assets measured at amortized cost and certain instruments, including trade and other receivables, loan receivables, AFS and held-to-maturity debt securities, net investments in leases and off-balance sheet credit exposures. The CECL model utilizes a lifetime “expected credit loss” measurement objective for the recognition of credit losses at the time the financial asset is originated or acquired. The expected credit losses are adjusted in each period for changes in expected lifetime credit losses. ASU 2016-13 also eliminates the guidance for PCI loans, but requires an allowance for loan losses for purchased financial assets with more than an insignificant deterioration of credit since origination. The ASU also modifies the OTTI model for AFS debt securities to require an allowance for credit losses instead of a direct write-down. A reversal of the allowance for credit losses is allowed in future periods based on improvements in credit performance expectations. This ASU expands the disclosure requirements regarding an entity’s assumptions, models and methods for estimating the allowance for loan 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). The guidance should be applied using a modified retrospective approach through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the reporting period of adoption. The new guidance also allows optional relief for certain instruments measured at amortized cost with an option to irrevocably elect the fair value option under ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments.
The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 using a modified retrospective approach on January 1, 2020 without electing the fair value option on eligible financial instruments under ASU 2019-05. The adoption of this ASU increased the allowance for loan losses by $125.2 million, and allowance for unfunded credit commitments by $10.5 million and an after-tax decrease to opening retained earnings of $98.0 million on January 1, 2020. The increase to allowance for loan losses was primarily related to the C&I and CRE loan portfolios. The Company did not record an allowance for credit losses related to the Company’s AFS debt securities as a result of this adoption. Disclosures for periods after January 1, 2020 are presented in accordance with ASC 326 while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with the incurred-loss methodology before CECL adoption.

The Company has elected the CECL phase-in option provided by regulatory capital rules, which delays the impact of CECL on regulatory capital for two years, followed by a three-year transition period. As a result, the effects of CECL on the Company’s and the Bank’s regulatory capital will be delayed through the year 2021, after which the effects will be phased-in over a three-year period from January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024.
ASU 2017-04, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment
January 1, 2020

Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests with measurement dates after January 1, 2017.
The ASU simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment. Under this guidance, an entity will no longer perform a hypothetical purchase price allocation to measure goodwill impairment. Instead, an impairment loss will be recognized when the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value and the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The guidance also eliminates the requirement to perform a qualitative assessment for any reporting units with a zero or negative carrying amount. This guidance should be applied prospectively.The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2020. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
ASU 2018-15, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other — Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40) Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract
January 1, 2020The ASU amends ASC Topic 350-40 to align the accounting for costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement with the guidance on developing internal use software. Specifically, if a cloud computing arrangement is deemed to be a service contract, certain implementation costs are eligible for capitalization. The new guidance prescribes the balance sheet and income statement presentation and cash flow classification for the capitalized costs and related amortization expense. The amendments in this ASU should be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption.The Company adopted this guidance on a prospective basis on January 1, 2020. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
In March 2016, the FASB issued
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Recent Accounting Standards Update (“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 flows and fair value hedging relationships. The Company adopted this guidance prospectively in the first quarter of 2017. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.Pronouncement

StandardRequired Date of AdoptionDescriptionEffect on Financial Statements
Standard Not Yet Adopted
ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting

Effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020
through December 31, 2022.
In March 2020, the FASB issued an accounting standard related to contracts or hedging relationships that reference London interbank offered rate or other reference rates that are expected to be discontinued due to reference rate reform. This ASU provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions regarding the accounting requirements related to the modification of certain contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that are affected by the reference rate reform. The guidance permits the Company to make a one-time election to sell and/or transfer qualifying held-to-maturity securities, and not to apply modification accounting or remeasure lease payments in lease contracts if the changes to the contract are related to the discontinuation of the reference rate. If certain criteria are met, the amendments also allow exceptions to the de-designation criteria of the hedging relationship and the assessment of hedge effectiveness during the transition period. This one time election may be made at any time after March 12, 2020, but no later than December 31, 2022.The Company adopted this guidance on a prospective basis in January 2021. At the time of adoption, the guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company will continue to track the exposure as of each reporting period and to assess the impact as the reference rate transition occurs through the cessation of LIBOR.
ASU 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope
Effective immediately as of January 7, 2021 through December 31, 2022 for all entities.In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01, which expanded the scope of Topic 848 to include all affected derivatives and give market participants the ability to apply certain aspects of the contract modification and hedge accounting expedients to derivative contracts affected by the discounting transition. The amendments of this guidance may be elected retrospectively as of any date from the beginning of the interim period that includes March 12, 2020, or prospectively to new modifications made on or after any date that includes January 7, 2021.The Company adopted this guidance on a prospective basis in January 2021. At the time of adoption, the guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s 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, which 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. The Company adopted this guidance on a modified retrospective basis in the first quarter of 2017. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s 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. The Company adopted this guidance prospectively in the first quarter of 2017. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s 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 income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification in the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2017. The changes that impacted the Company included a requirement that excess tax benefits and deficiencies be recognized as a component of Income tax expense on the Consolidated Statement of Income rather than Additional paid-in capital on the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity as required in the previous guidance. The adoption of this guidance results in increased volatility to the Company’s income tax expense, but does not have a material impact on the Consolidated Balance Sheet or the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity. The income tax expense volatility is dependent on the Company’s stock price on the dates the RSUs vest, which occur primarily in the first quarter of each year. Net excess tax benefits for RSUs of $4.8 million have been recognized by the Company as a component of Income tax expense on the Consolidated Statement of Income during the year ended December 31, 2017. The guidance also removes the impact of the excess tax benefits and deficiencies from the calculation of diluted EPS. In addition, ASU 2016-09 no longer requires a presentation of excess tax benefits and deficiencies as both an operating outflow and a financing inflow on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Instead, excess tax benefits and deficiencies are recorded along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity. These changes to the guidance were applied on a prospective basis. The Company has also elected to retain its existing accounting policy election to estimate award forfeitures.

Accounting Standards Issued but not yet Adopted

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue for contracts to provide goods or services to customers and will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. Quantitative and qualitative disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers are also required. The Company plans to adopt ASU 2014-09 in the first quarter of 2018 using the modified retrospective method. The Company’s revenue is mainly comprised of net interest income and noninterest income. The scope of the guidance explicitly excludes net interest income, as well as other revenues from financial instruments such as loans, leases, securities and derivatives. Accordingly, the majority of the Company’s revenues will not be affected. The Company’s implementation efforts included the identification of revenue streams within the scope of the guidance, evaluation of the revenue contracts and existing revenue recognition policies. The Company’s evaluation indicates that the new standard will not impact the timing or measurement of its revenue recognition. The adoption of this new accounting standard does not have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.



In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments — Overall(Subtopic 825-10):Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which requires 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, thus eliminating eligibility for the current available-for-sale category. Investments in Federal Reserve Bank and FHLB stock are not subject to this guidance and will continue to be presented at cost. The Company does not have a significant amount of equity securities classified as available-for-sale. Upon adoption, the Company’s investments in equity securities classified as available-for-sale will be accounted for at fair value with unrealized gains or losses reflected in earnings, where the amount of net unrealized gain or loss related to the available-for-sale equity securities portfolio will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. The Company expects to account for its cost method equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair value using the measurement alternative at cost less impairment, whereby impairment is based on a qualitative assessment. Any changes in the carrying value of such investments is adjusted through earnings for subsequent observable transactions in the same or similar investment. Upon adoption, the Company does not expect a significant transition adjustment for the accounting change related to its cost method equity investments. If an entity has elected the fair value option to measure liabilities, the guidance requires the portion of the change in the fair value of a liability resulting from credit risk to be presented in other comprehensive income. The Company does not have any financial liabilities accounted for under the fair value option. 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. However, upon adoption, the Company must apply the exit-price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments measured at amortized cost for disclosure purposes. For the guidance that is applicable to the Company, the accounting will be implemented on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment to the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 1, 2018, except for the guidance related to equity securities without readily determinable fair value, which should be applied on a prospective basis. The adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

In 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. The guidance requires lessees to recognize right-of-use assets and related lease liabilities for all leases with lease terms of more than 12 months on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, and provide quantitative and qualitative disclosures regarding key information about the leasing arrangements. For short-term leases with a term of 12 months or less, lessees can make a policy election not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. Lessor accounting is largely unchanged. ASU 2016-02 is effective on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The guidance should be applied using a modified retrospective transition method through a cumulative-effect adjustment. The Company has completed its review of its existing lease contracts and service contracts that may include embedded leases and is in the process of reviewing system requirements. The Company expects the adoption of ASU 2016-02 to result in additional assets and liabilities, as the Company will be required to recognize operating leases on its Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company does not expect a material impact to its recognition of operating lease expense on its Consolidated Statement of Income and is in the process of evaluating the impacts of adopting the new accounting guidance on its disclosures.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The new Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) impairment model applies to most financial assets measured at amortized cost and certain other instruments, including trade and other receivables, loan receivables, available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities, net investments in leases and off-balance sheet credit exposures. The CECL model utilizes a lifetime “expected credit loss” measurement objective for the recognition of credit losses at the time the financial asset is originated or acquired. The expected credit losses are adjusted in each period for changes in expected lifetime credit losses. ASU 2016-13 is effective on January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted on January 1, 2019. The guidance should be applied using a modified retrospective approach through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the reporting period of adoption. 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 provides 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 held-to-maturity debt securities. The amount of the increase will be impacted by the portfolio composition and quality, as well as the economic conditions and forecasts as of the adoption date. ASU 2016-13 also expands the disclosure requirements regarding an entity’s assumptions, models and methods for estimating the allowance for loan 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). The Company has begun its implementation efforts by identifying key interpretive issues, assessing its processes and identifying the data and 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 eight specific issues related to classification on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows in order to reduce diversity in practice. The specific issues cover cash payments for debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; cash outflows for settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing; contingent consideration payments that are not made soon after a business combination; proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, including bank-owned life insurance policies; distributions received from equity method investees; beneficial interests received in securitization transactions; and clarification regarding when no specific U.S. GAAP guidance exists and the sources of the cash flows are not separately identifiable, the classification should be based on the activity that is likely to be the predominant source or use of the cash flows. ASU 2016-15 became effective on January 1, 2018. The guidance should be applied using a retrospective transition method. The adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on the Company’s 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 those amounts that are deemed to be restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in its cash and cash equivalent balances on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. In addition, the Company is required to explain the changes in the combined total of restricted and unrestricted balances on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. ASU 2016-18 became effective on January 1, 2018. The guidance should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. ASU 2017-01 narrows the definition of a business by adding an initial screen to determine if substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single asset or group of similar assets. If the screen is met, the set is not a business. ASU 2017-01 also specifies the minimum required inputs and processes necessary to be a business, and it removes the requirement to evaluate a market participant’s ability to replace missing elements when all of the inputs or processes that the seller used in operating a business were not obtained. ASU 2017-01 became effective on January 1, 2018. The adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements as the guidance is to be applied prospectively.

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 impairment. 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. The guidance also eliminates the requirements for any reporting units with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment. ASU 2017-04 is effective on January 1, 2020 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 does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, Receivables — Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities, which amends the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium, shortening such period to the earliest call date. The guidance does not require any accounting changes for debt securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized as an adjustment of yield over the contractual life (to maturity) of the instrument. ASU 2017-08 is effective on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The guidance should be applied using a modified retrospective transition method, with the cumulative-effect adjustment recognized to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting, which amends the scope of modification accounting for share-based payment arrangements. Specifically, an entity would not apply modification accounting if the fair value, vesting conditions and classification of the awards are the same immediately before and after the modification. ASU 2017-09 became effective on January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The guidance should be applied prospectively to awards modified on or after the adoption date. The Company plans to adopt this guidance in the first quarter of 2018 prospectively.



In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities, which better aligns the Company’s risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes to both the description and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results, expands and refines hedge accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk components, and aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item on the Consolidated Financial Statements. ASU 2017-12 is effective on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. Upon adoption, the guidance will be applied using a retrospective transition method to any existing cash flows or net investment hedges through a cumulative-effect adjustment to AOCI to eliminate the separate measurement of ineffectiveness. The amended presentation and disclosure guidance is applied prospectively. The Company has elected to early adopt ASU 2017-12 in the first quarter of 2018 and the adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Note 2 — Dispositions and Held-for-Sale

Dispositions

In the first quarter of 2017, the Company completed the sale and leaseback of a commercial property in San Francisco, California for cash consideration of $120.6 million and entered into a leaseback with the buyer for part of the property, consisting of a retail branch and office facilities. The net book value of the property was $31.6 million at the time of the sale, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $85.4 million after considering $3.6 million in selling costs. As the leaseback is an operating lease, $71.7 million of the gain was recognized on the closing date, and $13.7 million was deferred and will be recognized over the term of the lease agreement. The first quarter 2017 diluted EPS impact from the sale of the commercial property was $0.28 per share, net of tax.

In the third quarter of 2017, the Company sold the insurance brokerage business of its subsidiary, East West Insurance Services, Inc. (“EWIS”), for $4.3 million, and recorded a pre-tax gain of $3.8 million. The third quarter 2017 diluted EPS impact from the sale of the Company’s insurance brokerage business was $0.02 per share, net of tax. EWIS remains a subsidiary of East West and continues to maintain its insurance broker license.

Held-for-Sale

The Company reports a business as held-for-sale when management has approved or received approval to sell the business and is committed to a formal plan, the business is available for immediate sale, the business is being actively marketed, the sale is anticipated to occur during the next 12 months and certain other specific criteria are met. A business classified as held-for-sale is recorded at the lower of its carrying amount or estimated fair value less costs to sell. If the carrying amount of the business exceeds its estimated fair value, a loss is recognized. Depreciation and amortization expense is not recorded on the assets of a business after it is classified as held-for-sale.

On November 11, 2017, the Bank entered into a Purchase and Assumption Agreement to sell all of its eight Desert Community Bank (“DCB”) branches located in the High Desert area of Southern California, and related assets and liabilities to Flagstar Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Flagstar Bancorp, Inc. All regulatory approvals necessary for this transaction have been received, and the sale is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2018. DCB is reported under the “Retail Banking” operating segment. The Company determined that this transaction met the criteria for held-for-sale as of December 31, 2017. The branch assets classified as held-for-sale as of December 31, 2017 related to the DCB Purchase and Assumption Agreement were mainly comprised of $78.1 million in loans held-for-sale and $8.0 million in premises and equipment held-for-sale, net. The branch liability held-for-sale was comprised of $605.1 million in deposits held-for-sale as of December 31, 2017.



Note 32 — Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments


Fair Value Determination

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or the price that would be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining the fair value of financial instruments, 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 an asset or a 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 prices derived from 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 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.
Level 2 — Valuation is based on quoted prices for similar instruments traded in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments traded in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable and can be corroborated by market data.

Level 3 — Valuation 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.

The classification of assets and liabilities within the hierarchy is based on whether the inputs to the valuation methodology used for measurement are observable or unobservable, and the significance of those inputs in the fair valuationvalue measurement. 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.


Level 3
112


Assets and Liabilities Valuation ProcessMeasured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The Company generally determines the fair value of Level 3 assets and liabilities by using internal valuation methodologies, which primarily include discounted cash flows techniques that require both observable and unobservable inputs. Unobservable inputs (such as volatility and liquidity discount) are generally derived from historic performance of similar instruments or determined from previous market trades in similar instruments. Such inputs can be derived from similar portfolios with known historic experience or recent trades where particular unobservable inputs may be implied. The Company compares each unobservable input to historic experience and other third-party data where available. The models developed under internal valuation methodologies are subject to review according to the Company’s risk management policies and procedures, which include model validation. Model validation assesses the adequacy and appropriateness of the model, including reviewing its supporting model documentation and key components such as inputs, logic, processing components and output results. Validation also includes ensuring significant unobservable model inputs are appropriate given observable market transactions or other market data within the same or similar asset classes. The Company has ongoing monitoring procedures in place for Level 3 assets and liabilities that use internal valuation methodologies, which include but are not limited to, the following:

review of valuation results against expectations, including review of significant or unusual value fluctuations; and
quarterly analysis related to market data, where available.



The following tables present financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
($ in thousands) Assets (Liabilities) Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
as of December 31, 2017
 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 $640,280
 $640,280
 $
 $
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities 203,392
 
 203,392
 
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities:        
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 318,957
 
 318,957
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities 1,190,271
 
 1,190,271
 
Municipal securities 99,982
 
 99,982
 
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities:        
Investment grade 9,117
 
 9,117
 
Corporate debt securities:        
Investment grade 37,003
 
 37,003
 
Foreign bonds:        
Investment grade 486,408
 
 486,408
 
Other securities 31,342
 20,735
 10,607
 
Total available-for-sale investment securities $3,016,752
 $661,015
 $2,355,737
 $
         
Derivative assets:        
Interest rate swaps and options $58,633
 $
 $58,633
 $
Foreign exchange contracts 5,840
 
 5,840
 
Credit risk participation agreements (“RPAs”) 1
 
 1
 
Warrants 1,672
 
 993
 679
Total derivative assets $66,146
 $
 $65,467
 $679
         
Derivative liabilities:        
Interest rate swaps on certificates of deposit $(6,799) $
 $(6,799) $
Interest rate swaps and options (57,958) 
 (57,958) 
Foreign exchange contracts (10,170) 
 (10,170) 
RPAs (8) 
 (8) 
Total derivative liabilities $(74,935) $
 $(74,935) $
 



 
  Assets (Liabilities) Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
as of December 31, 2016
($ 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 $720,479
 $720,479
 $
 $
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities 274,866
 
 274,866
 
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities:        
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 266,799
 
 266,799
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities 1,258,747
 
 1,258,747
 
Municipal securities 147,654
 
 147,654
 
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities:        
Investment grade 11,477
 
 11,477
 
Corporate debt securities:        
Investment grade 222,377
 
 222,377
 
Non-investment grade 9,173
 
 9,173
 
Foreign bonds:        
Investment grade 383,894
 
 383,894
 
Other securities 40,329
 30,991
 9,338
 
Total available-for-sale investment securities $3,335,795
 $751,470
 $2,584,325
 $
         
Derivative assets:        
Foreign currency forward contracts $4,325
 $
 $4,325
 $
Interest rate swaps and options 67,578
 
 67,578
 
Foreign exchange contracts 11,874
 
 11,874
 
RPAs 3
 
 3
 
Total derivative assets $83,780
 $
 $83,780
 $
         
Derivative liabilities:        
Interest rate swaps on certificates of deposit $(5,976) $
 $(5,976) $
Interest rate swaps and options (65,131) 
 (65,131) 
Foreign exchange contracts (11,213) 
 (11,213) 
RPAs (3) 
 (3) 
Total derivative liabilities $(82,323) $
 $(82,323) $
         



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 as of and during the year ended December 31, 2016. The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for the 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, 2017 and 2015:
 
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2015
 Other
Securities
 Warrants Corporate Debt
Securities:
Non-Investment
Grade
 Embedded
Derivative
Liabilities
Beginning balance $
 $
 $6,528
 $(3,392)
Transfer of investment security from held-to-maturity to available-for-sale 115,615
 
 
 
Total gains (losses) for the period:        
Included in earnings (1)
 1,156
 
 960
 (20)
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)(2)
 
 
 922
 
Issuances, sales and settlements:        
Issuances 
 679
 
 
Sales (116,771) 
 (7,219) 
Settlements 
 
 (98) 3,412
Transfers out of Level 3 
 
 (1,093) 
Ending balance $
 $679
 $
 $
 
(1)
Net realized gains of other securities and corporate debt securities are included in Net gains on sales of available-for-sale investment securities on the Consolidated Statement of Income. Net realized and unrealized losses of embedded derivative liabilities are included in Other operating expense on the Consolidated Statement of Income.
(2)
Net unrealized gains of corporate debt securities are included in Net changes in unrealized losses on available-for-sale investment securities on the Consolidated Statement 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 value of the assets and liabilities become 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. There were no transfers of assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis into and out of Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. During the third quarter of 2017, the Company transferred a non-agency commercial mortgage-backed security with a net carrying amount of $115.6 million from held-to-maturity to available-for-sale to reflect the Company’s intent to sell the security as part of its active liquidity management. This non-agency commercial mortgage-backed security was sold during the fourth quarter of 2017. During the year 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 between Level 1 and Level 2 during the year ended December 31, 2015.

The following table presents quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation of assets measured on a recurring basis classified as Level 3 as of December 31, 2017. Significant unobservable inputs presented in the table below are those that the Company considers significant to the fair value of the Level 3 assets or liabilities. The Company considers unobservable inputs to be significant if, by their exclusion, the fair value of the Level 3 assets or liabilities would be impacted by a predetermined percentage change.
 
($ in thousands) 
Fair Value
Measurements
(Level 3)
 
Valuation
Technique
 
Unobservable
Inputs
 
Weighted-
 Average
Derivative assets:        
Warrants $679
 Black-Scholes option pricing model Volatility 44%
      Liquidity discount 47%
 



Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include certain non-PCI loans that were impaired, OREO and loans 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 the lower of cost or fair value on loans held-for-sale.

The following tables present the carrying amounts of assets included on the Consolidated Balance Sheet that had fair value changes measured on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
($ in thousands) Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
as of December 31, 2017
 
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:        
Commercial lending:        
C&I $31,404
 $
 $
 $31,404
CRE 2,667
 
 
 2,667
Construction and land 3,973
 
 
 3,973
Consumer lending: 

      
Single-family residential 144
 
 
 144
HELOCs 
 
 
 
Total non-PCI impaired loans $38,188

$

$

$38,188
OREO $9
 $
 $
 $9
 
 
($ in thousands) Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
as of December 31, 2016
 
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:        
Commercial lending:        
C&I $52,172
 $
 $
 $52,172
CRE 14,908
 
 
 14,908
Consumer lending: 

      
Single-family residential 2,464
 
 
 2,464
HELOCs 610
 
 
 610
Total non-PCI impaired loans $70,154

$

$

$70,154
OREO $345
 $
 $
 $345
Loans held-for-sale $22,703
 $
 $22,703
 $
 



The following table presents the fair value adjustments of assets measured on a nonrecurring basis recognized during the years ended and which were included on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:
 
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Non-PCI impaired loans:      
Commercial lending:      
C&I $(19,703) $(27,106) $(5,612)
CRE (272) 1,084
 (2,629)
Multifamily residential 
 
 (115)
Construction and land (147) 
 (118)
Consumer lending:      
Single-family residential (11) (224) (496)
HELOCs 
 34
 (59)
Other consumer (2,491) 
 
Total non-PCI impaired loans $(22,624)
$(26,212)
$(9,029)
OREO $(1) $(23) $(233)
Loans held-for-sale $
 $(5,565) $(1,991)
 

The following table presents the 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, 2017 and 2016:
 
($ in thousands) Fair Value
Measurements
(Level 3)
 Valuation
Technique(s)
 Unobservable
Input(s)
 
Range
of
Input(s)
 Weighted-
Average
December 31, 2017          
Non-PCI impaired loans $22,802
 Discounted cash flows Discount 4% — 10% 6%
  $9,773
 Fair value of property Selling cost 8% 8%
  $3,207
 Fair value of collateral Discount 20% — 32% 29%
  $2,406
 Fair value of collateral Contract value NM NM
OREO $9
 Fair value of property Selling cost 8% 8%
December 31, 2016          
Non-PCI impaired loans $31,835
 Discounted cash flows Discount 4% — 8% 5%
  $14,941
 Fair value of property Selling cost 4% — 8% 6%
  $18,417
 Fair value of collateral Discount 0% — 75% 35%
  $4,961
 Fair value of collateral Contract value NM NM
OREO $345
 Fair value of property Selling cost 8% 8%
           
NM Not meaningful.



The following tables present the fair value estimates for financial instruments as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, excluding financial instruments recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as they are included in the tables presented elsewhere in Note 4Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments. The carrying amounts in the following tables are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet under the indicated captions, except for accrued interest receivable and accrued interest payable, which are included in Other assets.
 
($ in thousands) December 31, 2017
 
Carrying
Amount
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 
Estimated
Fair Value
Financial assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents $2,174,592
 $2,174,592
 $
 $
 $2,174,592
Interest-bearing deposits with banks $398,422
 $
 $398,422
 $
 $398,422
Resale agreements (1)
 $1,050,000
 $
 $1,035,158
 $
 $1,035,158
Restricted equity securities $73,521
 $
 $73,521
 $
 $73,521
Loans held-for-sale $85
 $
 $85
 $
 $85
Loans held-for-investment, net $28,688,590
 $
 $
 $28,956,349
 $28,956,349
Branch assets held-for-sale $91,318
 $5,143
 $10,970
 $78,132
 $94,245
Accrued interest receivable $121,719
 $
 $121,719
 $
 $121,719
Financial liabilities:          
Customer deposits:          
Demand, checking, savings and money market deposits $25,974,314
 $
 $25,974,314
 $
 $25,974,314
Time deposits $5,640,749
 $
 $5,626,855
 $
 $5,626,855
Branch liability held-for-sale $605,111
 $
 $
 $643,937
 $643,937
FHLB advances $323,891
 $
 $335,901
 $
 $335,901
Repurchase agreements (1)
 $50,000
 $
 $104,830
 $
 $104,830
Long-term debt $171,577
 $
 $171,673
 $
 $171,673
Accrued interest payable $10,724
 $
 $10,724
 $
 $10,724
 
(1)
Resale and repurchase agreements are reported net pursuant to ASC 210-20-45-11, Balance Sheet Offsetting: Repurchase and Reverse Repurchase Agreements. As of December 31, 2017, $400.0 million out of $450.0 million of repurchase agreements were eligible for netting against resale agreements.


 
($ in thousands) December 31, 2016
 Carrying
Amount
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Estimated
Fair Value
Financial assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents $1,878,503
 $1,878,503
 $
 $
 $1,878,503
Interest-bearing deposits with banks $323,148
 $
 $323,148
 $
 $323,148
Resale agreements (1)
 $2,000,000
 $
 $1,980,457
 $
 $1,980,457
Held-to-maturity investment security $143,971
 $
 $
 $144,593
 $144,593
Restricted equity securities $72,775
 $
 $72,775
 $
 $72,775
Loans held-for-sale $23,076
 $
 $23,076
 $
 $23,076
Loans held-for-investment, net $25,242,619
 $
 $
 $24,915,143
 $24,915,143
Accrued interest receivable $100,524
 $
 $100,524
 $
 $100,524
Financial liabilities:          
Customer deposits:          
Demand, checking, savings and money market deposits $24,275,714
 $
 $24,275,714
 $
 $24,275,714
Time deposits $5,615,269
 $
 $5,611,746
 $
 $5,611,746
Short-term borrowings $60,050
 $
 $60,050
 $
 $60,050
FHLB advances $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 $9,440
 $
 $9,440
 $
 $9,440
 
(1)
Resale and repurchase agreements are reported net pursuant to ASC 210-20-45-11, Balance Sheet Offsetting: Repurchase and Reverse Repurchase Agreement. As of December 31, 2016, $100.0 million out of $450.0 million of repurchase agreements were eligible for netting against resale agreements.

The following is a description ofsection describes the valuation methodologies and significant assumptions used by the Company to measure financial assets and liabilities at fair value, andon a recurring basis, as well as the general classification of these instruments pursuant 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.hierarchy.

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.

Interest-Bearing Deposits with Banks — The fair value of interest-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.

Available-for-SaleInvestmentDebt Securities When available, the Company uses quoted market prices to determine the fair value of available-for-sale investmentAFS debt securities, which are classified as Level 1. Level 1 available-for-sale investmentAFS debt securities are primarily comprised of U.S. Treasury securities. The fair value of other available-for-sale investmentAFS debt securities is generally determined by independent external pricing service providers who have experience in valuing these securities or by taking the average quoted market prices obtained from independent external brokers. The valuations provided by the third-party pricing service providers are based on observable market inputs, which include benchmark yields, reported trades, issuer spreads, benchmark securities, bids, offers, prepayment expectation and reference data obtained from market research publications. Inputs used by the third-party pricing service providers in valuing collateralized mortgage obligations and other securitization structures also include new issue data, monthly payment information, whole loan collateral performance, tranche evaluation and “To Be Announced” prices. In obtaining such valuation information from third parties,valuing securities issued by state and political subdivisions, inputs used by third-party pricing service providers also include material event notices.

On a monthly basis, the Company reviewedvalidates the methodologiesvaluations provided by third-party pricing service providers to ensure that the fair value determination is consistent with the applicable accounting guidance and the financial instruments are properly classified in the fair value hierarchy. To perform this validation, the Company evaluates the fair values of securities by comparing the fair values provided by the third-party pricing service providers to prices from other available independent sources for the same securities. When variances in prices are identified, the Company further compares inputs used by different sources to developascertain the resulting fair value. The available-for-sale investmentreliability of these sources. On a quarterly basis, the Company reviews the documentation received from the third-party pricing service providers regarding the valuation inputs and methodology used for each category of securities.

When pricing is unavailable from third-party pricing service providers for certain securities, valued using such methodsthe Company requests market quotes from various independent external brokers and utilizes the average quoted market prices. These valuations are based on observable inputs in the current marketplace and are classified as Level 2. The Company periodically communicates with the independent external brokers to validate their pricing methodology. Information such as pricing sources, pricing assumptions, data inputs and valuation technique are reviewed.


Held-to-Maturity Investment Security Equity Securities As Equity securities consisted of mutual funds as of both December 31, 2017 the Company had no investments that were designated as held-to-maturity investment security. As of December 31, 2016, the held-to-maturity investment security was comprised of a floating rate non-agency commercial mortgage-backed security. The fair value of this security is estimated by discounting the future expected cash flows utilizing the underlying index2020 and a discount margin. Other unobservable inputs include conditional prepayment rate, constant default rate and loss severity. Due to the significant unobservable inputs used in estimating the fair value, this security is classified as Level 3.


Restricted Equity Securities — Restricted equity securities are comprised of Federal Reserve Bank stock and FHLB stock. Ownership of these securities is restricted to member banks and these securities do not have a readily determinable fair value. Purchases and sales of these securities are at par value. The carrying amounts of the Company’s restricted equity securities approximate fair value. These investments are classified as Level 2.

Loans Held-for-Sale — The Company’s loans held-for-sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value. Loans held-for-sale were comprised of single-family residential loans and primarily of other consumer loans as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The fair value of loans held-for-sale is derived from current market prices and comparative current sales.2019. The Company records any fairuses net asset value adjustments on a nonrecurring basis. Loans held-for-sale are classified as Level 2.

Loans Held-for-Investment, net — The fair value of loans held-for-investment other than non-PCI impaired loans is determined using a discounted cash flows approach based on the exit price notion. The discount rate is derived from the associated yield curve plus spreads that reflect the 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(“NAV”) information to performing and nonperforming loans results in a fair value adjustment 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.

Non-PCI Impaired Loans — The Company typically adjusts the carrying amount of impaired loans when there is evidence of probable loss and when the expected fair value of the loan is less than its carrying amount. Impaired loans with specific reserves are classified as Level 3 assets. The following two methods are used to derivedetermine the fair value of impaired loans:

Discounted cash flows valuation techniques generally consist of developing an estimate of future cash flows that are expectedthese equity securities. When NAV is available periodically and the equity securities can be put back to occur over the life oftransfer agents at the loan and then discounting these cash flows. The fair values are estimated using a discounted cash flow model that employs a discount rate that reflects the contractual effective interest rates of the loan, adjusted by credit losses inherent for similar loans.
The Company establishes a specific reserve for an impaired loan based onpublicly available NAV, the fair value of the underlying collateral (whichequity securities is classified as Level 1. When NAV is available periodically but the equity securities may takenot be readily marketable at its periodic NAV in the form of real estate, inventory, equipment, contract or guarantee). The fair value of the other underlying collateral is generally based on third party appraisals (or internal evaluation if a third party appraisal is not required by regulations), which utilize one or more valuation techniques (income,secondary market, and/or cost approaches). Updated appraisals and evaluations are generally obtained within the last 12 months. All appraisals include an “as is” market value without conditions as of the effective date of the appraisal. In respect of those loans that are collateralized by either real estate, inventory or equipment, the significant unobservable inputs used to determine the fair values of such loans generally include discounts applied to the liquidation cost of the underlying collateral and/or selling cost of the collateral. In respect of those loans that are collateralized by contracts or guarantees, the fair value of these loans are determined based on the fair value of the underlying contract or guarantee.

Other Real Estate Owned — The Company’s OREO represents properties acquired through foreclosure, or through full or partial satisfaction of loans 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 value of OREO properties is based on third party appraisals or accepted written offers. 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 significant unobservable input used is the selling cost. OREO properties are classified as Level 3.

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

Branch Assets Held-for-Sale This includes loans receivable, premises and equipment, and the cash balances related to DCB that were held-for-sale pursuant to the DCB Purchase and Assumption Agreement. Due to the short-term nature of the cash balances, the carrying value of cash approximates its fair value and henceequity securities is classified as Level 1. The fair value of the premises and equipment is determined based on third party appraisals of similar properties, and hence is classified as Level 2. The fair value of the DCB loans held-for-sale is determined based on the terms of the DCB Purchase and Assumption Agreement where the terms are derived from unobservable assumptions over the sale of the combination of loans and deposits and hence is classified as Level 3.




Deposits The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as noninterest-bearing demand deposits, interest-bearing checking, savings and money market deposits, approximates the carrying amount as these deposits 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.

Branch Liability Held-for-Sale The fair value of the DCB deposits held-for-sale is determined based on the terms of the DCB Purchase and Assumption Agreement where the terms are derived from unobservable assumptions over the sale of the combination of loans and deposits as discussed in Note 2Dispositions and Held-for-Sale to the Consolidated Financial Statements, and hence classified as Level 3.

Short-Term Borrowing — 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.

Federal Home Loan Bank 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 is 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.

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.

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.

Interest Rate Swaps and OptionsContracts The Company enters into interest rate swap and option contracts with institutional counterparties to hedge against interest rate swap and option products offered to bank customers. These products allowits borrowers to lock in attractive intermediate and long-term interest rates, by entering into an interest rate swap or option contract with the Company, resulting in the customer obtaining a synthetic fixedfixed-rate loan. To economically hedge against the interest rate loan.risks in the products offered to its customers, the Company enters into mirrored offsetting interest rate contracts with third-party financial institutions. 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 floatingcertain variable interest rate funding.borrowings. The fair value of the 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 the interest rate options, consistingwhich consist of floors and caps, is determined using the market standard methodology of discounting the future expected cash receipts that would occur if variable interest rates fellfall below (rise above) the strike rate of the floors (caps). The variable interest rates used in the calculation of projected receipts on the floors (caps) 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,Fair Value Measurement, 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 model-derived credit spreads, which are Level 3 inputs, model-derived credit spreads.inputs. As of December 31, 2017,2020 and 2019, the Company has assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of these interest rate contracts and has determined that the credit valuation adjustments arewere not significant to the overall valuation of its derivative portfolios. As a result, theThe Company classifies these derivative instruments as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy due to the observable nature of the significant inputs utilized.



113



Foreign Exchange Contracts The Company enters into short-term foreign exchange contracts to purchase/sell foreign currencies at set rates inaccommodate the future. These contracts economically hedge againstbusiness needs of its customers. For a majority of the foreign exchange rate fluctuations.contracts entered with its customers, the Company entered into offsetting foreign exchange contracts with third-party financial institutions to manage its exposure. The Company also enters into contracts with institutional counterparties to hedge againstutilizes foreign exchange products offeredcontracts that are not designated as hedging instruments to bankmitigate the economic effect of fluctuations in certain foreign currency on-balance sheet assets and liabilities, primarily foreign currency denominated deposits that it offers to its 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 because the contracts with the customer and the institutional party mirror each other. The fair value is determined at each reporting period based on changes in the foreign exchange rates. These are over-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 and 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. Due to the short-term nature of the majority of these contracts, the counterparties’ credit risks are considered nominal and result 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 exchange contracts are classified as Level 2. As of December 31, 2017,2020 and 2019, the Bank held foreign exchangecurrency non-deliverable forward contracts used to economically hedge the Company’sits net investment in its China subsidiary, East West Bank (China) Limited, a non-U.S. Dollarnon-USD functional currency subsidiary in China,China. These foreign currency non-deliverable forward contracts were designated as net investment hedges. The fair value of foreign currency contracts is determined by comparing the contracted foreign exchange rate to the current market foreign exchange rate. Key inputs of the current market exchange rate include spot rates and forward rates of the contractual currencies. Foreign exchange forward curves are includedused to determine which forward rate pertains to a specific maturity. Due to the observable nature of the inputs used in this caption. See Foreign Currency Forwardderiving the estimated fair value, these instruments are classified as Level 2.

Credit Contracts in the section below for details on valuation methodologies and significant assumptions.

Credit Risk Participation Agreements The Company entersmay periodically enter into RPAs, under which the Company assumes its pro-rata share ofcredit risk participation agreements (“RPAs”) to manage the credit exposure on interest rate contracts associated with the borrower’s performance related to interest rate derivative contracts.syndicated loans. The Company may enter into protection sold or protection purchased RPAs with institutional counterparties. 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 borrowers’ 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 the RPAs are observable. Accordingly,observable;accordingly, RPAs fall within Level 22.

Equity Contracts As part of the fair value hierarchy.

Warrants — Theloan origination process, the Company has obtainedperiodically obtains warrants to purchase preferred andand/or common stock of technology and life sciences companies as part of the loan origination process.to which it provides loans. As of December 31, 2017,2020 and 2019, the warrants included on the Consolidated Financial Statements were from both public and private companies. The Company valuedvalues these warrants based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model. For warrants from public companies, the model uses the underlying stock price, stated strike price, warrant expiration date, risk-free interest rate based on a duration-matched U.S. Treasury rate and market-observable company-specific option volatility as inputs to value the warrants. Due to the observable nature of the inputs used in deriving the estimated fair value, warrants from public companies are classified as Level 2. For warrants from private companies, the model uses inputs such as the offering price observed in the most recent round of funding, stated strike price, warrant expiration date, risk-free interest rate based on duration-matched U.S. Treasury rate and option volatility. The option volatility assumption isCompany applies proxy volatilities based on public market indices that include members that operate in similar industries asthe industry sectors of the private companies that issued the warrants.companies. The model values are furtherthen adjusted for a general lack of liquidity due to the private nature of the underlying companies. Since both option volatility and liquidity discount assumptions are subject to management’s judgment, measurement uncertainty is inherent in the valuation of private companies’ warrants. Due to the unobservable nature of the option volatility and liquidity discount assumptions used in deriving the estimated fair value, warrants from private companies are classified as Level 3. There is a direct correlation between changesGiven that the Company holds long positions in theall warrants, an increase in volatility assumption and thewould generally result in an increase in fair value measurement of warrants from private companies, while there is an inverse correlation between changes in thevalue. A higher liquidity discount assumption and thewould result in a decrease in fair value measurement of warrants from private companies.value. On a quarterly basis, the changes in the fair value of warrants from private companies are reviewed for reasonableness, and a sensitivitymeasurement uncertainty analysis on the option volatility and liquidity discount assumptions is performed.


Foreign Currency ForwardCommodity Contracts DuringThe Company enters into energy commodity contracts in the three monthsform of swaps and options with its commercial loan customers to allow them to hedge against the risk of fluctuation in energy commodity prices. The fair value of the commodity option contracts is determined using the Black-Scholes model and assumptions that include expectations of future commodity price and volatility. The future commodity contract price is derived from observable inputs such as the market price of the commodity. Commodity swaps are structured as an exchange of fixed cash flows for floating cash flows. The fixed cash flows are predetermined based on the known volumes and fixed price as specified in the swap agreement. The floating cash flows are correlated with the change of forward commodity prices, which is derived from market corroborated futures settlement prices. The fair value of the commodity 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) based on the market prices of the commodity. As a result, the Company classifies these derivative instruments as Level 2 due to the observable nature of the significant inputs utilized.

114


The following tables present financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:
($ in thousands)Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
as of December 31, 2020
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
Fair Value
AFS debt securities:
U.S. Treasury securities$50,761 $$$50,761 
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities— 814,319 814,319 
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities:
Commercial mortgage-backed securities1,153,770 1,153,770 
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,660,894 1,660,894 
Municipal securities396,073 396,073 
Non-agency mortgage-backed securities:
Commercial mortgage-backed securities239,842 239,842 
Residential mortgage-backed securities289,775 289,775 
Corporate debt securities405,968 405,968 
Foreign government bonds182,531 182,531 
Asset-backed securities63,231 63,231 
Collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”)287,494 287,494 
Total AFS debt securities$50,761 $5,493,897 $0 $5,544,658 
Investments in tax credit and other investments:
Equity securities (1)
$22,548 $8,724 $$31,272 
Total investments in tax credit and other investments$22,548 $8,724 $0 $31,272 
Derivative assets:
Interest rate contracts$$489,132 $$489,132 
Foreign exchange contracts30,300 30,300 
Credit contracts13 13 
Equity contracts585 273 858 
Commodity contracts82,451 82,451 
Gross derivative assets$0 $602,481 $273 $602,754 
Netting adjustments (2)
$$(101,512)$$(101,512)
Net derivative assets$0 $500,969 $273 $501,242 
Derivative liabilities:
Interest rate contracts$$317,698 $$317,698 
Foreign exchange contracts22,759 22,759 
Credit contracts206 206 
Commodity contracts84,165 84,165 
Gross derivative liabilities$0 $424,828 $0 $424,828 
Netting adjustments (2)
$$(184,697)$$(184,697)
Net derivative liabilities$0 $240,131 $0 $240,131 
(1)Equity securities consist of mutual funds with readily determinable fair values.
(2)Represents balance sheet netting of derivative assets and liabilities and related cash collateral under master netting agreements or similar agreements. See Note 5 Derivatives to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K for additional information.
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($ in thousands)Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
as of December 31, 2019
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
Fair Value
AFS debt securities:
U.S. Treasury securities$176,422 $$$176,422 
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities581,245 581,245 
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities:
Commercial mortgage-backed securities603,471 603,471 
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,003,897 1,003,897 
Municipal securities102,302 102,302 
Non-agency mortgage-backed securities:
Commercial mortgage-backed securities88,550 88,550 
Residential mortgage-backed securities46,548 46,548 
Corporate debt securities11,149 11,149 
Foreign government bonds354,172 354,172 
Asset-backed securities64,752 64,752 
CLOs284,706 284,706 
Total AFS debt securities$176,422 $3,140,792 $0 $3,317,214 
Investments in tax credit and other investments:
Equity securities (1)
$21,746 $9,927 $$31,673 
Total investments in tax credit and other investments$21,746 $9,927 $0 $31,673 
Derivative assets:
Interest rate contracts$$192,883 $$192,883 
Foreign exchange contracts54,637 54,637 
Credit contracts
Equity contracts993 421 1,414 
Commodity contracts81,380 81,380 
Gross derivative assets$0 $329,895 $421 $330,316 
Netting adjustments (2)
$$(125,319)$$(125,319)
Net derivative assets$0 $204,576 $421 $204,997 
Derivative liabilities:
Interest rate contracts$$127,317 $$127,317 
Foreign exchange contracts48,610 48,610 
Credit contracts84 84 
Commodity contracts80,517 80,517 
Gross derivative liabilities$0 $256,528 $0 $256,528 
Netting adjustments (2)
$$(159,799)$$(159,799)
Net derivative liabilities$0 $96,729 $0 $96,729 
(1)Equity securities consist of mutual funds with readily determinable fair values.
(2)Represents balance sheet netting of derivative assets and liabilities and related cash collateral under master netting agreements or similar agreements. See Note 5Derivatives to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K for additional information.

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For the years ended December 31, 2015,2020, 2019 and 2018, Level 3 fair value measurements that were measured on a recurring basis consist of warrants issued by private companies. The following table provides a reconciliation of the Company began entering into foreign currency forwardbeginning and ending balances of these equity warrants for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:
($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Equity Contracts
Beginning balance$421 $673 $679 
Total gains included in earnings (1)
8,225 563 162 
Issuances114 65 
Settlements(929)(233)
Transfers out of Level 3 (2)
(8,373)
Ending balance$273 $421 $673 
(1)Includes unrealized gains (losses) of $8.2 million, $(292) thousand and $225 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The realized/unrealized gains (losses) of equity contracts to hedge its net investmentare included in its China subsidiary, East West Bank (China) Limited. Previously, Lending fees on the foreign currency forward contracts were eligible for hedge accounting. Consolidated Statement of Income.
(2)During the year ended December 31, 2017,2020, the foreign currency forwardCompany transferred $8.4 million of equity contracts were dedesignated whenmeasured on a recurring basis out of Level 3 into Level 2 after the hedge relationship ceased to be highly effective. The Company continues to economically hedge its foreign currency exposure resulting from East West Bank (China) Limited and the foreign currency forward contracts are included as partcorresponding issuer of the Foreign Exchange Contracts captionequity warrant, which was previously a private company, completed its initial public offering and became a public company.

The following table presents quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation of Level 3 fair value measurements as of December 31, 2017.2020 and 2019, respectively. The significant unobservable inputs presented in the table below are those that the Company considers significant to the fair value of the Level 3 assets. The Company considers unobservable inputs to be significant if, by their exclusion, the fair value of the Level 3 assets would be impacted by a predetermined percentage change.
($ in thousands)Fair Value
Measurements
(Level 3)
Valuation
Technique
Unobservable
Inputs
Range of
Inputs
Weighted-
 Average (1)
December 31, 2020
Derivative assets:
Equity contracts$273 Black-Scholes option pricing modelEquity volatility46% — 61%53%
Liquidity discount47%47%
December 31, 2019
Derivative assets:
Equity contracts$421 Black-Scholes option pricing modelEquity volatility39% — 44%42%
Liquidity discount47%47%
(1)Weighted-average is calculated based on fair value of equity warrants as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include certain individually evaluated loans held-for-investment, investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, tax credit and other investments, OREO, loans held-for-sale, and other nonperforming assets. Nonrecurring fair value adjustments result from impairment on certain individually evaluated loans held-for-investment and investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, tax credit and other investments, write-downs of OREO, or from the application of lower of cost or fair value on loans held-for-sale.

Individually Evaluated Loans Held-For-Investment — Individually evaluated loans held-for-investment are classified as Level 3 assets. The following two methods are used to derive the fair value of individually evaluated loans held-for-investment:
Discounted cash flow valuation techniques that consist of developing an expected stream of cash flows over the life of the loans, and then calculating the present value of the loans by discounting the expected cash flows at a designated discount rate.
117


When an individually evaluated loan is collateral-dependent, the fair value of the loan is determined based on the fair value of the underlying collateral, which may take the form of real estate, inventory, equipment, contracts or guarantees. The fair value of foreign currency forward contractsthe underlying collateral is valuedgenerally based on third-party appraisals or an internal valuation, if a third-party appraisal is not required by comparingregulations, which utilize one or more valuation techniques such as income, market and/or cost approaches.

Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Partnerships, Tax Credit and Other Investments, Net — As part of its monitoring process, the contracted foreign exchange rateCompany conducts ongoing due diligence on its investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, tax credit and other investments after the initial investment date and prior to the current market foreign exchange rate. Inputs include spot rates, forward ratesplaced-in-service date. After these investments are either acquired or placed into service, periodic monitoring is performed, which includes the quarterly review of the financial statements of the investment entity, the annual review of the financial statements of the guarantor (if any), the review of the annual tax returns of the investment entity, and the interest rate curvescomparison of the domesticactual cash distributions received against the financial projections prepared at the time when the investment was made. The Company assesses its tax credit and foreign currency. Interest rate forward curvesother investments for possible OTTI on an annual basis or when events or circumstances suggest that the carrying amount of the investments may not be realizable. These circumstances can include, but are used to determine which forward rate pertains to a specific maturity. Duenot limited to the observable naturefollowing factors:
The expected future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the inputs usedinvestment;
Changes in deriving the economic, market or technological environment that could adversely affect the investee’s operations; and
Other factors that raise doubt about the investee’s ability to continue as a going concern, such as negative cash flows from operations and the continuing prospects of the underlying operations of the investment.

All available evidence is considered in assessing whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary. Generally, none of the aforementioned factors are individually conclusive and the relative importance placed on individual facts may vary depending on the situation. In accordance with ASC 323-10-35-32, an impairment charge would only be recognized in earnings for a decline in value that is determined to be other-than-temporary.

Other Real Estate Owned — The Company’s OREO represents properties acquired through foreclosure, or through full or partial satisfaction of loans held-for-investment. These OREO properties are recorded at estimated fair value these instrumentsless the costs to sell at the time of foreclosure, or at the lower of cost or estimated fair value less the costs to sell subsequent to acquisition. On a monthly basis, the current fair market value of each OREO property is reviewed to ensure that the current carrying value is appropriate. OREO properties are classified as Level 2.3.



Other Nonperforming AssetsOther nonperforming assets are recorded at fair value upon transfers from loans to foreclosed assets. Subsequently, foreclosed assets are recorded at the lower of carrying value or fair value. Fair value is based on independent market prices, appraised values of the collateral or management’s estimates of the foreclosed asset. The Company records an impairment when the foreclosed asset’s fair value declines below its carrying value. Other nonperforming assets are classified as Level 3.

118


The following tables present the carrying amounts of assets that were still held and had fair value changes measured on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:
($ in thousands)Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
as of December 31, 2020
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Fair Value Measurements
Loans held-for-investment:
Commercial:
C&I$$$143,331 $143,331 
CRE:
CRE42,894 42,894 
Total commercial0 0 186,225 186,225 
Consumer:
Residential mortgage:
HELOCs1,146 1,146 
Other consumer2,491 2,491 
Total consumer0 0 3,637 3,637 
Total loans held-for-investment$0 $0 $189,862 $189,862 
Investments in tax credit and other investments, net$0 $0 $3,140 $3,140 
OREO (1)
$0 $0 $15,824 $15,824 
($ in thousands)Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
as of December 31, 2019
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Fair Value Measurements
Loans held-for-investment:
Commercial:
C&I$$$47,554 $47,554 
CRE:
CRE753 753 
Total commercial0 0 48,307 48,307 
Consumer:
Residential mortgage:
HELOCs1,372 1,372 
Total consumer0 0 1,372 1,372 
Total loans held-for-investment$0 $0 $49,679 $49,679 
Investments in tax credit and other investments, net$0 $0 $3,076 $3,076 
OREO (1)
$0 $0 $125 $125 
Other nonperforming assets$0 $0 $1,167 $1,167 
(1)Amounts are included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and represent the carrying value of OREO properties that were written down subsequent to their initial classification as OREO.
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The following table presents the increase (decrease) in fair value of assets for which a nonrecurring fair value adjustment has been recognized for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:
($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Loans held-for-investment:
Commercial:
C&I$(48,154)$(35,365)$(9,341)
CRE:
CRE(11,289)270 
Total commercial(59,443)(35,356)(9,071)
Consumer:
Residential mortgage:
Single-family residential15 
HELOCs(175)(2)
Other consumer2,491 
Total consumer$2,316 $(2)$15 
Total loans held-for-investment$(57,127)$(35,358)$(9,056)
Investments in tax credit and other investments, net$(3,868)$(13,023)$0 
OREO$(3,680)$(8)$0 
Other nonperforming assets$0 $(3,000)$0 

The following table presents the quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation of Level 3 fair value measurements that are measured on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:
($ in thousands)Fair Value
Measurements
(Level 3)
Valuation
Techniques
Unobservable
Inputs
Range of
Inputs
Weighted-
Average
(1)
December 31, 2020
Loans held-for-investment$104,783 Discounted cash flowsDiscount3% — 15%11%
$22,207 Fair value of collateralDiscount10% — 26%15%
$15,879 Fair value of collateralContract valueNMNM
$46,993 Fair value of propertySelling cost7% — 26%10%
Investments in tax credit and other investments, net$3,140 Individual analysis of each investmentExpected future tax
benefits and distributions
NMNM
OREO$15,824 Fair value of propertySelling cost8%8%
December 31, 2019
Loans held-for-investment$27,841 Discounted cash flowsDiscount4% — 15%14%
$1,014 Fair value of collateralDiscount8% — 20%19%
$20,824 Fair value of collateralContract valueNMNM
Investments in tax credit and other investments, net$3,076 Individual analysis of each investmentExpected future tax
benefits and distributions
NMNM
OREO$125 Fair value of propertySelling cost8%8%
Other nonperforming assets$1,167 Fair value of collateralContract valueNMNM
NM —Not meaningful.
(1)Weighted-average of inputs is based on the relative fair value of the respective assets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.

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Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following tables present the fair value estimates presented herein are based on pertinent information available to managementfor financial instruments as of each reporting date. Although the Company is not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the estimatedDecember 31, 2020 and 2019, excluding financial instruments recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as they are included in the tables presented elsewhere in this Note. The carrying amounts such amounts have not been comprehensively revaluedin the following tables are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet under the indicated captions, except for purposesaccrued interest receivable and mortgage servicing rights that are included in Other assets, and accrued interest payable that is included in Accrued expenses and other liabilities. These financial assets and liabilities are measured at amortized cost basis on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet.
($ in thousands)December 31, 2020
Carrying
Amount
Level 1Level 2Level 3Estimated
Fair Value
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$4,017,971 $4,017,971 $$$4,017,971 
Interest-bearing deposits with banks$809,728 $$809,728 $$809,728 
Resale agreements (1)
$1,460,000 $$1,464,635 $$1,464,635 
Restricted equity securities, at cost$83,046 $$83,046 $$83,046 
Loans held-for-sale$1,788 $$1,788 $$1,788 
Loans held-for-investment, net$37,770,972 $$$37,803,940 $37,803,940 
Mortgage servicing rights$5,522 $$$8,435 $8,435 
Accrued interest receivable$150,140 $$150,140 $$150,140 
Financial liabilities:
Demand, checking, savings and money market deposits$35,862,403 $$35,862,403 $$35,862,403 
Time deposits$9,000,349 $$9,016,884 $$9,016,884 
Short-term borrowings$21,009 $$21,009 $$21,009 
FHLB advances$652,612 $$659,631 $$659,631 
Repurchase agreements (1)
$300,000 $$317,850 $$317,850 
Long-term debt$147,376 $$150,131 $$150,131 
Accrued interest payable$11,956 $$11,956 $$11,956 
($ in thousands)December 31, 2019
Carrying
Amount
Level 1Level 2Level 3Estimated
Fair Value
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$3,261,149 $3,261,149 $$$3,261,149 
Interest-bearing deposits with banks$196,161 $$196,161 $$196,161 
Resale agreements (1)
$860,000 $$856,025 $$856,025 
Restricted equity securities, at cost$78,580 $$78,580 $$78,580 
Loans held-for-sale$434 $$434 $$434 
Loans held-for-investment, net$34,420,252 $$$35,021,300 $35,021,300 
Mortgage servicing rights$6,068 $$$8,199 $8,199 
Accrued interest receivable$144,599 $$144,599 $$144,599 
Financial liabilities:
Demand, checking, savings and money market deposits$27,109,951 $$27,109,951 $$27,109,951 
Time deposits$10,214,308 $$10,208,895 $$10,208,895 
Short-term borrowings$28,669 $$28,669 $$28,669 
FHLB advances$745,915 $$755,371 $$755,371 
Repurchase agreements (1)
$200,000 $$232,597 $$232,597 
Long-term debt$147,101 $$152,641 $$152,641 
Accrued interest payable$27,246 $$27,246 $$27,246 
(1)Resale and repurchase agreements are reported net pursuant to ASC 210-20-45-11, Balance Sheet Offsetting: Repurchase and Reverse Repurchase Agreements. As of these Consolidated Financial Statements since that date, and therefore, current estimatesDecember 31, 2020, NaN of fair value may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein.$300.0 million of gross repurchase agreements were eligible for netting against gross resale agreements. Out of $450.0 million of gross repurchase agreements, $250.0 million were eligible for netting against gross resale agreements as of December 31, 2019.


121


Note 43SecuritiesAssets Purchased under Resale Agreements and Sold under Repurchase Agreements


Assets Purchased under Resale Agreements


ResaleIn resale agreements, are recorded at the balances at whichCompany is exposed to credit risk for both counterparties and the securities were acquired.underlying collateral. The market valuescompany manages credit exposure from certain transactions by entering into master netting agreements and collateral arrangements with counterparties. The relevant agreements allow for the efficient closeout of the underlying securities collateralizingtransaction, liquidation and set-off of collateral against the related receivablenet amount owed by the counterparty following a default. It is also the Company’s policy to take possession, where possible, of the assets underlying resale agreements. As a result of the Company’s credit risk mitigation practices with respect to resale agreements including accrued interest, are monitored. Additional collateral may be requested byas described above, the Company from the counterparty when deemed appropriate. Grossdid not hold any reserves for credit impairment with respect to these agreements as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Securities Purchased under Resale Agreements — Total securities purchased under resale agreements were $1.45$1.16 billion and $2.10$1.11 billion as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, respectively. The weighted-average yields were 1.94%, 2.66% and 2.63% for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Loans purchased under Resale Agreements — During the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company participated in $300.0 million in resale agreements collateralized with loans with multiple counterparties. The weighted-average yield was 2.27% for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Assets Sold under Repurchase Agreements — As of December 31, 2020, the collateral for the repurchase agreements were comprised of U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities, and U.S. Treasury securities. Gross repurchase agreements were $300.0 million and $450.0 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The weighted-average interest rates were 2.43%3.25%, 4.74% and 1.84% as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, total gross resale agreements that are maturing in the next five years are as follows: 2018 — $450.0 million; 2019 — $0.0 million; 2020 — $100.0 million; 2021 — $0.0 million; 2022 — $250.0 million; and thereafter — $650.0 million.

Repurchase Agreements

Long-term repurchase agreements are accounted for as collateralized financing transactions and recorded at the balances at which the securities are sold. The collateral for the repurchase agreements is primarily comprised of U.S Treasury securities, U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities, and U.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 as of both December 31, 2017 and 2016. The weighted-average interest rates were 3.65% and 3.15% as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company had no charges related to the extinguishment of repurchase agreements4.46% for the years ended December 31, 20172020, 2019 and 2016. In comparison,2018, respectively. During the second quarter of 2020, the Company recorded $21.8$8.7 million of charges related to the extinguishment of $545.0$150.0 million of repurchase agreements for the year ended December 31, 2015.agreements. In comparison, there were 0 extinguishment charges recorded in 2019 and 2018. As of December 31, 2017, total gross2020, all repurchase agreements that are maturing in the next five years are as follows: 2018 through 2022 — $150.0 million; and thereafter — $300.0 million.will mature 2023.


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, provide the Company the right to liquidate securitiesassets 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 Sheet when it has a legally enforceable master netting agreement and the transactions are eligible for netting under ASC 210-20-45-11.210-20-45-11, Balance Sheet Offsetting: Repurchase and Reverse Repurchase Agreements. Collateral acceptedreceived includes securitiesassets that are not recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Collateral pledged consists of securitiesassets that are not netted on the Consolidated Balance Sheet against the related collateralized liability. Collateral acceptedreceived or pledged in resale and repurchase agreements with other financial institutions may also be sold or re-pledged by the secured party, butand is usually delivered to and held by the third partythird-party trustees. The collateral amounts received/postedpledged 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 the resale and repurchase agreements included on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016:2019:
($ in thousands)December 31, 2020
AssetsGross Amounts
of Recognized
Assets
Gross Amounts
Offset on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
Net Amounts of
Assets Presented
on the Consolidated
Balance Sheet
Gross Amounts Not Offset on the
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Net
Amount
Collateral Received
Resale agreements$1,460,000 $$1,460,000 $(1,458,700)(1)$1,300 
LiabilitiesGross Amounts
of Recognized
Liabilities
Gross Amounts
Offset on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
Net Amounts of
Liabilities
Presented on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
Gross Amounts Not Offset on the
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Net
Amount
Collateral Pledged
Repurchase agreements$300,000 $$300,000 $(300,000)(2)$
122


($ in thousands)
As of December 31, 2017($ in thousands)December 31, 2019
Assets
Gross Amounts
of Recognized
Assets

Gross Amounts
Offset on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet

Net Amounts of
Assets Presented
on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet

Gross Amounts Not Offset on the
Consolidated Balance Sheet

Net
Amount
AssetsGross Amounts
of Recognized
Assets
Gross Amounts
Offset on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
Net Amounts of
Assets Presented
on the Consolidated
Balance Sheet
Gross Amounts Not Offset on the
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Net
Amount

Financial
Instruments

Collateral
Received

Collateral Received
Resale agreements
$1,450,000

$(400,000)
$1,050,000

$

$(1,045,696)
(2) 
$4,304
Resale agreements$1,110,000 $(250,000)$860,000 $(856,058)(1)$3,942 













Liabilities
Gross Amounts
of Recognized
Liabilities

Gross Amounts
Offset on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet

Net Amounts of
Liabilities
Presented on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet

Gross Amounts Not Offset on the
Consolidated Balance Sheet

Net
Amount
LiabilitiesGross Amounts
of Recognized
Liabilities
Gross Amounts
Offset on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
Net Amounts of
Liabilities
Presented on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
Gross Amounts Not Offset on the
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Net
Amount

Financial
Instruments

Collateral 
Pledged

Collateral  Pledged
Repurchase agreements
$450,000

$(400,000)
$50,000

$

$(50,000)
(3) 
$
Repurchase agreements$450,000 $(250,000)$200,000 $(200,000)(2)$
(1)Represents the fair value of assets the Company has received under resale agreements, limited for table presentation purposes to the amount of the recognized asset due from each counterparty. The application of collateral cannot reduce the net position below zero. Therefore, excess collateral, if any, is not reflected above.
 
($ In thousands) As of December 31, 2016
Assets Gross Amounts
of Recognized
Assets
 Gross Amounts
Offset on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
 Net Amounts of
Assets Presented
on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
 Gross Amounts Not Offset on the
Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
Net
Amount
    Financial
Instruments
 Collateral
Received
 
Resale agreements $2,100,000
 $(100,000) $2,000,000
 $(150,000)
(1) 
$(1,839,120)
(2) 
$10,880
             
Liabilities Gross Amounts
of Recognized
Liabilities
 Gross Amounts
Offset on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
 Net Amounts of
Liabilities
Presented on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
 Gross Amounts Not Offset on the
Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
Net
Amount
    Financial
Instruments
 Collateral 
Pledged
 
Repurchase agreements $450,000
 $(100,000) $350,000
 $(150,000)
(1) 
$(200,000)
(3) 
$
 
(1)Represents financial instruments subject to enforceable master netting arrangements that are not eligible to be offset under ASC 210-20-45-11 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.
(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.

(2)Represents the fair value of assets the Company has pledged under repurchase agreements, limited for table presentation purposes to the amount of the recognized liability due to each counterparty. The application of collateral cannot reduce the net position below zero. Therefore, excess collateral, if any, is not reflected above.

In addition to the amounts included in the tables above, the Company also has balance sheet netting related to derivatives, referderivatives. Refer to Note 6 5 Derivatives to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K for additional information.




Note 54 — Securities


The following tables present the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value by major categories of available-for-sale investmentAFS debt securities which are carried at fair value, and the held-to-maturity investment security, which is carried at amortized cost, as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016:2019:
($ in thousands)December 31, 2020
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
AFS debt securities:
U.S. Treasury securities$50,310 $451 $$50,761 
U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise debt securities806,814 8,765 (1,260)814,319 
U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities:
Commercial mortgage-backed securities1,125,174 34,306 (5,710)1,153,770 
Residential mortgage-backed securities1,634,553 27,952 (1,611)1,660,894 
Municipal securities382,573 13,588 (88)396,073 
Non-agency mortgage-backed securities:
Commercial mortgage-backed securities234,965 6,107 (1,230)239,842 
Residential mortgage-backed securities288,520 1,761 (506)289,775 
Corporate debt securities406,323 3,493 (3,848)405,968 
Foreign government bonds183,828 163 (1,460)182,531 
Asset-backed securities63,463 10 (242)63,231 
CLOs294,000 (6,506)287,494 
Total AFS debt securities$5,470,523 $96,596 $(22,461)$5,544,658 
123


 
($ in thousands) As of December 31, 2017
 Amortized
Cost
 Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
Available-for-sale investment securities:        
U.S. Treasury securities $651,395
 $
 $(11,115) $640,280
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities 206,815
 62
 (3,485) 203,392
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities:        
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 328,348
 141
 (9,532) 318,957
Residential mortgage-backed securities 1,199,869
 3,964
 (13,562) 1,190,271
Municipal securities 99,636
 655
 (309) 99,982
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities:        
Investment grade (1)
 9,136
 3
 (22) 9,117
Corporate debt securities:        
Investment grade (1)
 37,585
 164
 (746) 37,003
Foreign bonds:        
Investment grade (1) (2)
 505,396
 24
 (19,012) 486,408
Other securities 31,887
 
 (545) 31,342
Total available-for-sale investment securities 3,070,067
 5,013
 (58,328) 3,016,752
Held-to-maturity investment security:        
Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed security 
 
 
 
Total investment securities $3,070,067
 $5,013
 $(58,328) $3,016,752
         
($ in thousands)December 31, 2019
Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
AFS debt securities:
U.S. Treasury securities$177,215 $$(793)$176,422 
U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise debt securities584,275 1,377 (4,407)581,245 
U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities:
Commercial mortgage-backed securities599,814 8,551 (4,894)603,471 
Residential mortgage-backed securities998,447 6,927 (1,477)1,003,897 
Municipal securities101,621 790 (109)102,302 
Non-agency mortgage-backed securities:
Commercial mortgage-backed securities86,609 1,947 (6)88,550 
Residential mortgage-backed securities46,830 (285)46,548 
Corporate debt securities11,250 12 (113)11,149 
Foreign government bonds354,481 198 (507)354,172 
Asset-backed securities66,106 (1,354)64,752 
CLOs294,000 (9,294)284,706 
Total AFS debt securities$3,320,648 $19,805 $(23,239)$3,317,214 

 
($ in thousands) As of December 31, 2016
 Amortized
Cost
 Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair
Value
Available-for-sale investment securities:        
U.S. Treasury securities $730,287
 $21
 $(9,829) $720,479
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities 277,891
 224
 (3,249) 274,866
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities:        
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 272,672
 345
 (6,218) 266,799
Residential mortgage-backed securities 1,266,372
 3,924
 (11,549) 1,258,747
Municipal securities 148,302
 1,252
 (1,900) 147,654
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities:        
Investment grade (1)
 11,592
 
 (115) 11,477
Corporate debt securities:        
Investment grade (1)
 222,190
 562
 (375) 222,377
Non-investment grade (1)
 10,191
 
 (1,018) 9,173
Foreign bonds:        
Investment grade (1) (2)
 405,443
 30
 (21,579) 383,894
Other securities 40,501
 337
 (509) 40,329
Total available-for-sale investment securities 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
 
(1)Available-for-sale investment securities rated BBB- or higher by Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) or Baa3 or higher by Moody’s 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 value of foreign bonds include $456.1 million and $353.6 million of multilateral development bank bonds as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the amortized cost of AFS debt securities excluded accrued interest receivables of $22.3 million and $11.1 million, respectively, which are included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. For the Company’s accounting policy related to AFS debt securities’ accrued interest receivable, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Allowance for Credit Losses on Available-for-Sale Debt Securities to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.



Unrealized Losses


The following tables present the fair value and the associated gross unrealized losses and related fair value of the Company’s investment portfolio,AFS debt securities, aggregated by investment category and the length of time that individual security hasthe securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016:2019:
($ in thousands)December 31, 2020
Less Than 12 Months12 Months or MoreTotal
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
AFS debt securities:
U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise debt securities$352,521 $(1,260)$$$352,521 $(1,260)
U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities:
Commercial mortgage-backed securities292,596 (5,656)3,543 (54)296,139 (5,710)
Residential mortgage-backed securities342,561 (1,611)342,561 (1,611)
Municipal securities24,529 (88)24,529 (88)
Non-agency mortgage-backed securities:
Commercial mortgage-backed securities58,738 (1,230)7,920 66,658 (1,230)
Residential mortgage-backed securities90,156 (506)90,156 (506)
Corporate debt securities251,674 (3,645)9,798 (203)261,472 (3,848)
Foreign government bonds106,828 (1,460)106,828 (1,460)
Asset-backed securities34,104 (242)34,104 (242)
CLOs287,494 (6,506)287,494 (6,506)
Total AFS debt securities$1,519,603 $(15,456)$342,859 $(7,005)$1,862,462 $(22,461)
 
($ in thousands) As of December 31, 2017
 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 $168,061
 $(1,005) $472,219
 $(10,110) $640,280
 $(11,115)
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities 99,935
 (623) 85,281
 (2,862) 185,216
 (3,485)
U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities:            
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 113,775
 (2,071) 191,827
 (7,461) 305,602
 (9,532)
Residential mortgage-backed securities 413,621
 (4,205) 361,809
 (9,357) 775,430
 (13,562)
Municipal securities 8,490
 (123) 8,588
 (186) 17,078
 (309)
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities:            
Investment grade 4,599
 (22) 
 
 4,599
 (22)
Corporate debt securities:            
Investment grade 
 
 11,905
 (746) 11,905
 (746)
Foreign bonds:         

 

Investment grade 103,149
 (1,325) 352,239
 (17,687) 455,388
 (19,012)
Other securities 31,215
 (545) 
 
 31,215
 (545)
Total available-for-sale investment securities 942,845
 (9,919) 1,483,868
 (48,409) 2,426,713
 (58,328)
Held-to-maturity investment security:            
Non-agency commercial mortgage-backed security 
 
 
 
 
 
Total investment securities $942,845
 $(9,919) $1,483,868
 $(48,409) $2,426,713
 $(58,328)
 
124

 
($ 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)December 31, 2019
Less Than 12 Months12 Months or MoreTotal
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
AFS debt securities:
U.S. Treasury securities$$$176,422 $(793)$176,422 $(793)
U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise debt securities310,349 (4,407)310,349 (4,407)
U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities:
Commercial mortgage-backed securities204,675 (2,346)108,314 (2,548)312,989 (4,894)
Residential mortgage-backed securities325,354 (1,234)34,337 (243)359,691 (1,477)
Municipal securities31,130 (109)31,130 (109)
Non-agency mortgage-backed securities:
Commercial mortgage-backed securities7,914 (6)7,914 (6)
Residential mortgage-backed securities42,894 (285)42,894 (285)
Corporate debt securities9,888 (113)9,888 (113)
Foreign government bonds129,074 (407)9,900 (100)138,974 (507)
Asset-backed securities52,565 (902)12,187 (452)64,752 (1,354)
CLOs284,706 (9,294)284,706 (9,294)
Total AFS debt securities$1,388,661 $(18,990)$351,048 $(4,249)$1,739,709 $(23,239)



As of December 31, 2020, the Company had 104 AFS debt securities in a gross unrealized loss position with 0 credit impairment. The AFS debt securities that made up the gross unrealized loss as of December 31, 2020 were comprised primarily of 46 U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities, 3 CLOs, and 17 corporate debt securities. In comparison, as of December 31, 2019, the Company had 101 AFS debt securities in a gross unrealized loss position with 0 credit impairment. The AFS debt securities that made up the gross unrealized loss as of December 31, 2019 were comprised primarily of 3 CLOs, 57 U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities, and 14 U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise debt securities.
For each
Allowance for Credit Losses

Each reporting period, the Company examines all individual securitiesassesses each AFS debt security that areis in an unrealized loss position for OTTI.to determine whether the decline in fair value below the amortized cost basis resulted from a credit loss or other factors. For a discussion of the factors and criteria the Company uses in analyzing securities for OTTI,impairment related to credit losses, seeNote 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Significant Accounting Policies — Allowance for Credit Losses on Available-for-Sale Debt Securities to the Consolidated Financial Statements.Statements in this Form 10-K. Prior to January 1, 2020, the Company assessed individual securities that were in an unrealized loss position for OTTI.


The gross unrealized losses presented in the above tables were primarily attributable to the yield curve movements and widened spreads. Securities that were in unrealized loss positions as of December 31, 2020 were mainly comprised of the following:
U.S. government agency and U.S. government-sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities — The market value decline as of December 31, 2020 was primarily due to interest rate movement. Since these securities are guaranteed or sponsored by agencies of the U.S. government, and the credit profiles are strong (rated Aaa, AA+ and AAA by Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”), Standard & Poor's (“S&P”) and Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”), respectively), the Company expects to receive all contractual interest payments on time, and believes the risk of credit losses on these securities is remote.
CLOs — The market value decline as of December 31, 2020 was largely due to the widening in spreads. The credit profiles of the securities are strong (rated A or higher by S&P) and the contractual payments from these bonds are expected to be received on time. Accordingly, the Company believes that the risk of credit losses on these securities is remote.
125


Corporate debt securities — The market value decline as of December 31, 2020 was primarily due to interest rate movement and the widening in additionspreads. Since credit profiles of the securities are strong (rated BBB- or higher by Moody’s, S&P, Kroll Bond Rating Agency and Fitch, respectively), and the contractual payments from these bonds are expected to widened liquiditybe received on time, the Company believes that the risk of credit losses on these securities is remote.

Overall, the Company believes that the credit support levels of the AFS debt securities are strong and, based on current assessments and macroeconomic forecasts, expects that full contractual cash flows will be received even if near-term credit spreads.performance could possibly be under the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of December 31, 2020, the Company had the intent to hold the AFS debt securities with unrealized losses through the anticipated recovery period and it was more-likely-than-not that the Company will not have to sell these securities before recovery of their amortized cost. 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 are temporary and not due to reasons of credit quality. As a result, the Company expects to recover the entire amortized cost basis of these securities. Accordingly, no impairment lossthere was recorded on0 allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2020 against these securities, and there was 0 provision for credit losses recognized for the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income for each ofyear ended December 31, 2020. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162019 and 2015. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had 165 available-for-sale investment securities in a gross unrealized loss position with no credit impairment, primarily comprised of 98 U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities, 25 U.S. Treasury securities and 16 investment grade foreign bonds. In comparison, as of December 31, 2016, the Company had 170 available-for-sale investment securities in a gross unrealized loss position with no credit impairment, primarily comprised of 82 U.S. government agency and U.S. government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities, 26 U.S. Treasury securities and 13 investment grade foreign bonds.

During the first quarter of 2016, the Company obtained a non-agency commercial mortgage-backed security, through the securitization of multifamily real estate loans, which2018, there was classified as held-to-maturity and recorded at amortized cost. During the third quarter of 2017, the Company transferred this non-agency commercial mortgage-backed security with a net carrying amount of $115.6 million from held-to-maturity to available-for-sale. The transfer reflects the Company’s intent to sell the security as part of its active liquidity management. This security was sold during the fourth quarter of 2017.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment

The following table presents a rollforward of the amounts related to the0 OTTI credit losses recognized in earnings for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:loss recognized.
 
  Year Ended December 31,
($ in thousands) 2017 2016 2015
Beginning balance $
 $
 $112,338
Reduction for securities sold 
 
 (112,338)
Ending balance $
 $
 $
 

No OTTI credit losses were recognized for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. 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.


Realized Gains and Losses


The following table presents the proceeds, gross realized gains and losses, and tax expense related to the sales of available-for-sale investmentAFS debt securities for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015:2018:
($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Gross realized gains$12,299 $3,930 $2,535 
Related tax expense$3,636 $1,162 $749 
 
  Year Ended December 31,
($ in thousands) 2017 2016 2015
Proceeds from sales $832,844
 $1,275,645
 $1,669,334
Gross realized gains $8,037
 $10,487
 $40,367
Gross realized losses $
 $125
 $
Related tax expense $3,380
 $4,357
 $16,974
 




ScheduledContractual Maturities of InvestmentAvailable-for-Sale Debt Securities


The following table presents the scheduledcontractual maturities of available-for-sale investmentAFS debt securities as of December 31, 2017:
 
($ in thousands) 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
Due within one year $602,560
 $583,126
Due after one year through five years 772,349
 759,970
Due after five years through ten years 220,298
 216,390
Due after ten years 1,474,860
 1,457,266
Total available-for-sale investment securities $3,070,067
 $3,016,752
 

Actual2020. Expected maturities of mortgage-backed securities canwill differ from contractual maturities becauseon certain securities as the issuers and borrowers of the underlying collateral may have the right to call or prepay obligations. In addition, factors such as prepaymentsobligations with or without prepayment penalties.
($ in thousands)Amortized CostFair Value
Due within one year$893,162 $892,648 
Due after one year through five years639,543 646,245 
Due after five years through ten years483,606 499,880 
Due after ten years3,454,212 3,505,885 
Total AFS debt securities$5,470,523 $5,544,658 

As of December 31, 2020 and interest rates may affect the yields on the carrying values of mortgage-backed securities.

Available-for-sale investment2019, AFS debt securities with fair value of $534.3$588.5 million and $767.4$479.4 million, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, 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.


Restricted Equity Securities


Restricted equity securities include stock of the Federal Reserve Bank and of the FHLB. Restricted equity securities are carried at cost as these securities do not have a readily determinable fair value. The following table presents the restricted equity securities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016:2019:
($ in thousands)December 31,
20202019
FRBSF stock$59,249 $58,330 
FHLB stock23,797 20,250 
Total restricted equity securities$83,046 $78,580 

126
     
  December 31,
($ in thousands) 2017 2016
Federal Reserve Bank stock $56,271
 $55,525
FHLB stock 17,250
 17,250
Total $73,521
 $72,775
     





Note 65 — Derivatives

The Company uses derivatives to manage exposure to market risk, primarily interest rate risk andor foreign currency risk, andas well as 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 aredo not significant tosignificantly affect earnings or capital. The Company also uses foreign exchange contracts to manage the foreign exchange rate risk associated with certain foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities, as well as the Company’sBank’s investment in its China subsidiary, East West Bank (China) Limited. The Company recognizes all derivatives on the Consolidated Balance Sheet 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 additional information on the Company’s derivatives and hedging activities, see Note 1Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Significant Accounting Policies — Derivatives to the Consolidated Financial Statements.Statements in this Form 10-K.


The following table presents the total notional amounts and gross fair valuevalues of the Company’s derivatives, as well as the balance sheet netting adjustments on an aggregate basis as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016:2019. The derivative assets and liabilities are presented on a gross basis prior to the application of bilateral collateral and master netting agreements, but after the variation margin payments with central clearing organizations have been applied as settlement, as applicable. Total derivative assets and liabilities are adjusted to take into consideration the effects of legally enforceable master netting agreements and cash collateral received or paid as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. The resulting net derivative asset and liability fair values are included in Other assets and Accrued expenses and other liabilities, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
($ in thousands)December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Notional
Amount
Fair ValueNotional
Amount
Fair Value
Derivative
Assets
Derivative
Liabilities
Derivative
Assets
Derivative
Liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Fair value hedges:
Interest rate contracts$$$$31,026 $$3,198 
Cash flow hedges:
Interest rate contracts275,000 1,864 
Net investment hedges:
Foreign exchange contracts84,269 235 86,167 1,586 
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments$359,269 $0 $2,099 $117,193 $0 $4,784 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate contracts$18,155,678 $489,132 $315,834 $15,489,692 $192,883 $124,119 
Foreign exchange contracts3,108,488 30,300 22,524 4,839,661 54,637 47,024 
Credit contracts76,992 13 206 210,678 84 
Equity contracts0 (1)858 0 0 (1)1,414 0 
Commodity contracts0 (2)82,451 84,165 0 (2)81,380 80,517 
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments$21,341,158 $602,754 $422,729 $20,540,031 $330,316 $251,744 
Gross derivative assets/liabilities$602,754 $424,828 $330,316 $256,528 
Less: Master netting agreements(93,063)(93,063)(121,561)(121,561)
Less: Cash collateral received/paid(8,449)(91,634)(3,758)(38,238)
Net derivative assets/liabilities$501,242 $240,131 $204,997 $96,729 
(1)The Company held equity contracts in 2 public companies and 17 private companies as of December 31, 2020. In comparison, the Company held equity contracts in 3 public companies and 18 private companies as of December 31, 2019.
(2)The notional amount of the Company’s commodity contracts entered with its customers totaled 6,321 thousand barrels of crude oil and 109,635 thousand units of natural gas, measured in million British thermal units (“MMBTUs”) as of December 31, 2020. In comparison, the notional amount of the Company’s commodity contracts entered with its customers totaled 7,811 thousand barrels of crude oil and 63,773 thousand MMBTUs of natural gas as of December 31, 2019. The Company simultaneously entered into the offsetting commodity contracts with mirrored terms with third-party financial institutions.

127

             
($ in thousands) December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
 
Notional
Amount
 Fair Value 
Notional
Amount
 Fair Value
  
Derivative
Assets (1)
 
Derivative
Liabilities (1)
  
Derivative
Assets (1)
 
Derivative
Liabilities (1)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:            
Interest rate swaps on certificates of deposit $35,811
 $
 $6,799
 $48,365
 $
 $5,976
Foreign currency forward contracts 
 
 
 83,026
 4,325
 
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments $35,811
 $
 $6,799
 $131,391
 $4,325
 $5,976
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:            
Interest rate swaps and options $9,333,860
 $58,633
 $57,958
 $7,668,482
 $67,578
 $65,131
Foreign exchange contracts 770,215
 5,840
 10,170
 767,764
 11,874
 11,213
RPAs 49,033
 1
 8
 71,414
 3
 3
Warrants 
(2) 
1,672
 
 
 
 
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments $10,153,108
 $66,146
 $68,136
 $8,507,660
 $79,455
 $76,347
 

(1)
Derivative assets and derivative liabilities are included in Other assets and Accrued expenses and other liabilities, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
(2)The Company held four warrants in public companies and 23 warrants in private companies as of December 31, 2017.

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments


Interest Rate Swaps on Certificates of Deposit Fair Value Hedges The Company is exposedentered into interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges to hedge changes in the fair value of certain fixed rate certificates of deposit due to changes in the benchmark interest rate, London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). Interestrate. The interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges involveinvolved the receiptexchange of fixed rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making variable ratevariable-rate payments over the life of the agreements without the exchange ofexchanging the underlying notional amount.

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016,amounts. During 2020, both the total notional amounts of thehedging interest rate swaps onand hedged certificates of deposit were $35.8 million and $48.4 million, respectively. The fair value liabilities of the interest rate swaps were $6.8 million and $6.0 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.called.


The following table presents the net gains (losses) gains recognized on the Consolidated Statement of Income related to the derivatives designated as fair value hedges for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015:2018:
($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Gains (losses) recorded in interest expense:
Recognized on interest rate swaps$3,146 $2,655 $(93)
Recognized on certificates of deposit$(1,605)$(2,536)$278 
 
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
(Losses) gains recorded in interest expense:      
Recognized on interest rate swaps $(2,734) $(794) $3,452
Recognized on certificates of deposit $2,271
 $157
 $(3,190)
 


As of December 31, 2020, there was no fair value hedge or hedged certificates of deposit outstanding. The carrying amount and associated cumulative basis adjustment related to the application of fair value hedge accounting that is included in the carrying amount of the hedged certificates of deposit as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:

($ in thousands)
Carrying Value (1)
Cumulative Fair Value Adjustment (2)
December 31,December 31,
2020201920202019
Certificates of deposit$$(29,080)$$1,604 

(1)Represents the full carrying amount of the hedged certificates of deposit.
(2)For liabilities, (increase) decrease to carrying value.

Cash Flow Hedges The Company entered into interest rate swaps that were designated and qualified as cash flow hedges in the second quarter of 2020 to hedge the variability in interest payments on certain floating-rate borrowings. For cash flow hedges, the entire change in the fair value of the hedging instruments is recognized in AOCI and reclassified to earnings in the same period when the hedged cash flows impact earnings. Reclassified gains and losses on interest rate swaps are recorded in the same line item as the interest payments of the hedged long-term borrowings within Interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. As of December 31, 2020, the notional amount of the interest rate swaps that were designated as cash flow hedges was $275.0 million. Considering the interest rates, yield curve and notional amounts as of December 31, 2020, the Company expects to reclassify an estimated $599 thousand of after-tax net losses on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges from AOCI into earnings during the next 12 months.

The following table presents the pre-tax changes in AOCI from cash flow hedges for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016,2020, 2019 and 2015,2018. The after-tax impact of cash flow hedges on AOCI is shown in Note 14Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to the Company also recognized net reductions to interest expense of $1.0 million, $3.0 million, and $3.6 million, respectively, primarily related to net settlements ofConsolidated Financial Statements in the derivatives.Form-10-K.

($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Losses recognized in AOCI$(1,604)$$
Gains reclassified from AOCI to Interest expense$113 $$

Net Investment Hedges ASC 830-20, Foreign Currency Matters — Foreign Currency Transactions and ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, allow hedging of the foreign currency risk of a net investment in a foreign operation. During the fourth quarter of 2015, theThe Company began enteringenters into foreign currency forward contracts to hedge itsa portion of the Bank’s investment in East West Bank (China) Limited, a non-USD functional currency subsidiary in China. The hedging instruments designated as net investment hedges involve hedging the risk of changes in the USD equivalent value of a designated monetary amount of the Company’sBank’s net investment in China,East West Bank (China) Limited, against the risk of adverse changes in the foreign currency exchange rate.rate of the RMB. The Company recorded the changes in the carrying amount of its China subsidiary in the Foreign currency translation adjustment account within AOCI. Simultaneously, the effective portion of the hedge of this exposure was also recorded in the Foreign currency translation adjustment account and the ineffective portion, if any, was recorded in current earnings. During the first quarter of 2017, the Company discontinued hedge accounting prospectively. The cumulative effective portion ofmay de-designate the net investment hedges recorded throughwhen the pointCompany expects the hedge will cease to be highly effective. The notional and fair value amounts of dedesignation remained in theForeign currency translation adjustment account within AOCI, and will be reclassified into earnings only upon the sale or liquidation of the China subsidiary. The Company continues to economically hedge its foreign currency exposure in its China subsidiary through foreign exchange forward contracts which were included as part of the Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Foreign Exchange Contracts caption$84.3 million and $235 thousand liability, respectively, as of December 31, 2017.

As2020. In comparison, the notional and fair value amounts of the foreign exchange forward contracts were $86.2 million and $1.6 million liability, respectively, as of December 31, 2017, there were no derivative contracts designated as net investment hedges. As of December 31, 2016, the total notional amount and fair value of the foreign currency forward contracts designated as net investment hedges were $83.0 million and a $4.3 million asset, respectively. 2019.
128


The following table presents the after-tax (losses) gains recordedrecognized in the Foreign currency translation adjustment account within AOCI related to the effective portion of theon net investment hedges and the ineffective portion recorded on the Consolidated Statement of Income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015:2018:
($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
(Losses) gains recognized in AOCI$(4,801)$(471)$6,072 
 
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
(Losses) gains recognized in AOCI on net investment hedges (effective portion) $(648) $2,908
 $1,485
(Losses) gains recognized in foreign exchange income (ineffective portion) $(1,953) $1,124
 $880
 


Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments


Interest Rate Swaps and Options Contracts The Company enters into interest rate derivatives includingcontracts, which include interest rate swaps and options with its customers to allow themcustomers 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 offsetting interest rate contracts with institutional counterparties. Asthird-party financial institutions, including central clearing organizations.

The following tables present the notional amounts and the gross fair values of interest rate derivative contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2017,2020 and 2019:
($ in thousands)December 31, 2020
Customer Counterparty($ in thousands)Financial Counterparty
Notional
Amount
Fair ValueNotional
Amount
Fair Value
AssetsLiabilitiesAssetsLiabilities
Written options$957,393 $$115 Purchased options$957,393 $101 $15 
Sold collars and corridors518,477 7,673 Collars and corridors518,477 7,717 
Swaps7,586,414 479,634 1,364 Swaps7,617,524 1,724 306,623 
Total$9,062,284 $487,307 $1,479 Total$9,093,394 $1,825 $314,355 
($ in thousands)December 31, 2019
Customer Counterparty($ in thousands)Financial Counterparty
Notional
Amount
Fair ValueNotional
Amount
Fair Value
AssetsLiabilitiesAssetsLiabilities
Written options$1,003,558 $$66 Purchased options$1,003,558 $67 $
Sold collars and corridors490,852 1,971 16 Collars and corridors490,852 17 1,996 
Swaps6,247,667 187,294 6,237 Swaps6,253,205 3,534 115,804 
Total$7,742,077 $189,265 $6,319 Total$7,747,615 $3,618 $117,800 

In January 2018, the London Clearing House (“LCH”) amended its rulebook to legally characterize variation margin payments made to and received from LCH as settlements of derivatives, and not as collateral against derivatives. Included in the total notional amountsamount of $9.09 billion of interest rate contracts entered into with financial counterparties as of December 31, 2020, was a notional amount of $2.98 billion of interest rate swaps and options, including mirroredthat cleared through LCH. Applying variation margin payments as settlement to LCH cleared derivative transactions with institutional counterparties and the Company’s customers, totaled $4.69 billion for derivatives that were in an asset valuation position and $4.65 billion for derivatives that wereresulted in a reduction in derivative asset fair values of $1.3 million and liability valuation position. Asfair values of $187.4 million, as of December 31, 2016,2020. In comparison, included in the total notional amountsamount of $7.75 billion of interest rate contracts entered into with financial counterparties as of December 31, 2019, was a notional amount of $2.53 billion of interest rate swaps and options, including mirroredthat cleared through LCH. Applying variation margin payments as settlement to LCH cleared derivative 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 wereresulted in a reduction in derivative asset fair values of $2.9 million and liability valuation position. The fair valuevalues of interest rate swap and option contracts with institutional counterparties and the Company’s customers amounted to a $58.6$75.1 million, asset and a $58.0 million liability as of December 31, 2017. The fair value of interest rate swap and option contracts with institutional counterparties and the Company’s customers amounted to a $67.6 million asset and a $65.1 million liability as of December 31, 2016.2019.


Foreign Exchange Contracts The Company enters into foreign exchange contracts with its customers, primarily comprisedconsisting of forward,forwards, spot, swap and spotoption contracts to enableaccommodate the business needs of its customers to hedge their transactions in foreign currencies against fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, and also to allow the Company to economically hedge against foreign currency fluctuations in certain foreign currency denominated deposits that it offers to its customers, as well as the Company’s investment in its China subsidiary, East West Bank (China) Limited. For a majority of the foreign exchange transactions entered with its customers, thecustomers. The Company enters into offsetting foreign exchange contracts with institutionalthird-party financial institutions to manage its foreign exchange exposure with its customers, or entered into bilateral collateral and master netting agreements with certain customer counterparties to manager its credit exposure. The Company also utilizes foreign exchange contracts, which are not designated as hedging instruments to mitigate the economic effect of currency fluctuations on certain foreign exchange risk.currency-denominated on-balance sheet assets and liabilities, primarily for foreign currency-denominated deposits offered to its customers. A majority of thesethe foreign exchange contracts havehad original maturities of one year or less. Asless as of both December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019.

129


The following tables present the total notional amounts and the gross fair values of the foreign exchange derivative contracts were $770.2 million and $767.8 million, respectively.  The fair value of the foreign exchange contracts recorded was a $5.8 million asset and a $10.2 million liabilityoutstanding as of December 31, 2017. The fair value of the foreign exchange contracts recorded was an $11.9 million asset2020 and an $11.2 million liability as of December 31, 2016.2019:

($ in thousands)December 31, 2020
Customer CounterpartyFinancial Counterparty
Notional
Amount
Fair ValueNotional
Amount
Fair Value
AssetsLiabilities($ in thousands)AssetsLiabilities
Forwards and spot$1,522,888 $17,575 $17,928 Forwards and spot$145,197 $1,230 $273 
Swaps13,590 872 91 Swaps1,191,355 10,049 3,658 
Written options117,729 574 Purchased options117,729 574 
Total$1,654,207 $18,447 $18,593 Total$1,454,281 $11,853 $3,931 

($ in thousands)December 31, 2019
Customer CounterpartyFinancial Counterparty
Notional
Amount
Fair ValueNotional
Amount
Fair Value
AssetsLiabilities($ in thousands)AssetsLiabilities
Forwards and spot$3,581,036 $45,911 $40,591 Forwards and spot$207,492 $1,400 $507 
Swaps6,889 16 84 Swaps702,391 6,156 4,712 
Written options87,036 127 Purchased options87,036 127 
Collars2,244 14 Collars165,537 1,027 989 
Total$3,677,205 $46,054 $40,689 Total$1,162,456 $8,583 $6,335 


Credit Risk Participation Agreements Contracts The Company has enteredmay periodically enter into RPAs under which the Company assumed its pro-rata share ofRPA contracts with institutional counterparties to manage the credit exposure on interest rate contracts associated with the borrower’s performance related to interest rate derivative contracts.syndicated loans. The Company may enter into protection sold or may not be a party toprotection purchased RPAs. Under the interest rate derivative contract and enters into such RPAs, in instances where the Company iswill receive or make a party to the related loan participation agreement with the borrower. The Company will make or receive payments under the RPAspayment if thea borrower defaults on its obligation to perform under the related interest rate derivative contract. The Company manages its creditCredit risk on the RPAs is managed by monitoring the credit worthiness of the borrowers and institutional counterparties, which is based on the normal credit review process. The referenced entities of the RPAs were investment grade as of both December 31, 2020 and 2019. The notional amount of the RPAs reflects the Company’s pro-rata share of the derivative instrument. AsThe following table presents the notional amounts and the gross fair values of RPAs sold and purchased outstanding as of December 31, 2017, the notional amount2020 and fair value of the RPAs purchased were $35.2 million and an $8 thousand liability, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, the notional amount and fair value of the RPAs sold were $13.8 million and a $1 thousand asset, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, the notional amount and fair value of the RPAs purchased were $48.3 million and a $3 thousand liability, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, the notional amount and fair value of the RPAs sold were $23.1 million and a $3 thousand asset, respectively. 2019:
($ in thousands)December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Notional AmountFair ValueNotional AmountFair Value
AssetsLiabilitiesAssetsLiabilities
RPAs - protection sold$66,278 $$206 $199,964 $$84 
RPAs - protection purchased10,714 13 10,714 
Total RPAs$76,992 $13 $206 $210,678 $2 $84 

Assuming all underlying borrowers referenced in the interest rate derivative contracts defaulted as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, the exposuresexposure from the RPAs purchasedwith protections sold would be $419$662 thousand and $179$125 thousand for 2020 and 2019, respectively. As of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, the weighted-average remaining maturities of the outstanding RPAs were 6.03.7 years and 3.72.2 years, respectively.


Warrants Equity Contracts The From time to time, as part of the Company’s loan origination process, the Company has obtainedobtains warrants to purchase preferred andand/or common stock of technology and life sciences companies as partto which it provides loans to. Warrants grant the Company the right to buy a certain class of the loan origination process. Asunderlying company’s equity at a certain price before expiration. The Company held warrants in 2 public companies and 17 private companies as of December 31, 2017, the Company2020, and held four warrants in 3 public companies and 23 warrants in18 private companies.companies as of December 31, 2019. The total fair value of the warrants forheld in both public and private companies was a $993$858 thousand asset and a $679 thousand asset, respectively, totaling $1.7$1.4 million as of December 31, 2017.2020 and 2019, respectively.


Foreign Exchange Options Commodity Contracts During 2010, The Company enters into energy commodity contracts in the Company entered into foreign exchange option contractsform of swaps and options with major brokerage firmsits commercial loan customers to allow them to hedge against the risk of energy commodity price fluctuation. To economically hedge against foreign exchange fluctuationsthe risk of commodity price fluctuation in certain certificates of deposit availablethe products offered to its customers. These certificates of deposit had a term of five yearscustomers, the Company enters into offsetting commodity contracts with third-party financial institutions to manage the exposure.

130


The following tables present the notional amounts and paid interest based on the performancefair values of the RMB relativecommodity derivative positions outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.
($ and units in thousands)December 31, 2020
Customer Counterparty($ and units in thousands)Financial Counterparty
Notional
Unit
Fair ValueNotional
Unit
Fair Value
AssetsLiabilitiesAssetsLiabilities
Crude oil:Crude oil:
Collars2,022 Barrels$2,344 $2,193 Collars2,022 Barrels$2,217 $2,402 
Swaps4,299 Barrels9,282 14,283 Swaps4,299 Barrels8,220 7,135 
Total6,321 $11,626 $16,476 Total6,321 $10,437 $9,537 
Natural gas:Natural gas:
Written options597 MMBTUs$$59 Purchased options597 MMBTUs$59 $
Collars12,733 MMBTUs1,063 205 Collars16,293 MMBTUs205 813 
Swaps96,305 MMBTUs32,073 27,238 Swaps103,973 MMBTUs26,988 29,837 
Total109,635 $33,136 $27,502 Total120,863 $27,252 $30,650 
Total$44,762 $43,978 Total$37,689 $40,187 
($ and units in thousands)December 31, 2019
Customer Counterparty($ and units in thousands)Financial Counterparty
Notional
Unit
Fair ValueNotional
Unit
Fair Value
AssetsLiabilitiesAssetsLiabilities
Crude oil:Crude oil:
Written options36 Barrels$$30 Purchased options36 Barrels$29 $
Collars3,174 Barrels2,673 538 Collars3,630 Barrels677 2,815 
Swaps4,601 Barrels6,949 5,531 Swaps4,721 Barrels4,516 5,215 
Total7,811 $9,622 $6,099 Total8,387 $5,222 $8,030 
Natural gas:Natural gas:
Written options540 MMBTUs$$22 Purchased options530 MMBTUs$21 $
Collars14,277 MMBTUs186 522 Collars14,517 MMBTUs471 150 
Swaps48,956 MMBTUs30,257 35,497 Swaps48,779 MMBTUs35,601 30,197 
Total63,773 $30,443 $36,041 Total63,826 $36,093 $30,347 
Total$40,065 $42,140 Total$41,315 $38,377 

Beginning in January 2017, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (“CME”) amended its rulebook to legally characterize variation margin payments made to and received from CME as settlements of derivatives and not as collateral against derivatives. As of December 31, 2020, the notional quantities that cleared through CME totaled 1,275 thousand barrels of crude oil and 29,733 thousand MMBTUs of natural gas. Applying the variation margin payments as settlement to CME-cleared derivative transactions resulted in reductions to the USD. Under ASC 815,gross derivative asset fair value of $7.9 million and to the liability fair value of $3.7 million as of December 31, 2020, to a certificatenet fair value of deposit0. In comparison, the notional quantities that pays interest based on changescleared through CME totaled 1,752 thousand barrels of crude oil and 6,075 thousand MMBTUs of natural gas as of December 31, 2019. Applying the variation margin payments as settlement to CME-cleared derivative transactions resulted in foreign exchange rates is a hybrid instrument with an embeddedreduction to the gross derivative that must be accounted for separately fromasset fair value of $2.9 million and to the host contract (i.e., certificatesliability fair value of deposit). In accordance with ASC 815, both the embedded derivative instruments and the freestanding foreign exchange option contracts are recorded at$1.5 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2019, to a net asset fair value. These instruments expired in the second quartervalue of 2015.$986 thousand.


131


The following table presents the net gains (losses) recognized on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income related to derivatives not designated as hedging instruments for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015:2018:
($ in thousands)Classification on
Consolidated
Statement of Income
Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate contractsInterest rate contracts and other derivative income$(8,637)$(2,126)$280 
Foreign exchange contractsForeign exchange income23,215 22,264 16,784 
Credit contractsInterest rate contracts and other derivative income(5)59 (156)
Equity contractsLending fees11,025 678 512 
Commodity contractsInterest rate contracts and other derivative income(35)(67)(11)
Net gains$25,563 $20,808 $17,409 
 
($ in thousands) 
Location in
Consolidated
Statement of Income
 Year Ended December 31,
  2017 2016 2015
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:        
Interest rate swaps and options Derivative fees and other income $(1,772) $2,557
 $65
Foreign exchange contracts Foreign exchange income 22,076
 12,632
 4,235
Foreign exchange options Foreign exchange income 
 
 236
RPAs Derivative fees and other income (7) 
 
Warrants Ancillary loan fees and other income 1,672
 
 
Embedded derivative liabilities Other operating expense 
 
 (136)
Total net gains   $21,969
 $15,189
 $4,400
 


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 a downgrade in the credit rating of East West Bank to below investment grade. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016,2020, the aggregate fair value amounts of all derivative instruments with such credit-risk-relatedcredit risk-related contingent features that arewere in a net liability position totaled $107.4 million, in which $106.8 million of collateral was $6.3posted to cover these positions. As of December 31, 2019, the aggregate fair value amounts of all derivative instruments with credit risk-related contingent features that were in a net liability position totaled $56.4 million, and $7.1in which $56.4 million respectively, withof collateral was posted of $6.2 million and $9.1 million, respectively.to cover these positions. In the event that the credit rating of East West Bank’s credit rating isBank had been downgraded to below investment grade, minimal additional collateral would have been required to be posted as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016.2019.




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 the gross derivativesderivative fair values, the balance sheet netting adjustments and the resulting net fair values recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheetconsolidated balance sheet, as well as the cash and noncash collateral associated with master netting arrangements. The gross amounts of derivative assets and liabilities are presented after the respective collateral received or pledged in the formapplication of other financial instruments, which are generally marketable securities and/or cash.variation margin payments as settlements with central counterparties, where applicable. The collateral amounts in thesethe following tables are limited to the outstanding balances of the related asset or liability, (after netting is applied); thusafter the application of netting; therefore instances of overcollateralization are not shown:
($ in thousands)As of December 31, 2020
Gross
Amounts
Recognized
(1)
Gross Amounts Offset
on the
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Net Amounts
Presented
on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
Gross Amounts Not Offset
on the
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Net
Amount
Master Netting Arrangements
Cash Collateral Received (3)
Security Collateral
Received (5)
Derivative assets$602,754 $(93,063)$(8,449)

$501,242 $(35)

$501,207 
Gross
Amounts
Recognized
(2)
Gross Amounts Offset
on the
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Net Amounts
Presented
on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
Gross Amounts Not Offset
on the
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Net
Amount
Master Netting Arrangements
Cash Collateral Pledged (4)
Security Collateral
Pledged (5)
Derivative liabilities$424,828 $(93,063)$(91,634)

$240,131 $(221,150)

$18,981 
132


($ in thousands) As of December 31, 2017($ in thousands)As of December 31, 2019
 Total 
Contracts Not
Subject to
Master
Netting
Arrangements
 Contracts Subject to Master Netting Arrangements

Gross
Amounts
Recognized
 
Gross
Amounts
Recognized
  Gross
Amounts Recognized

Gross Amounts
Offset on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet

Net Amounts
Presented
on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet

Gross Amounts Not Offset on
the Consolidated Balance Sheet

Net
Amount
Gross
Amounts
Recognized
(1)
Gross Amounts Offset
on the
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Net Amounts
Presented
on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
Gross Amounts Not Offset
on the
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Net
Amount

 
Derivative
Amounts

Collateral
Received

Master Netting Arrangements
Cash Collateral Received (3)
Security Collateral
Received
(5)
Derivative assets
$66,146
 $36,941
 $29,205

$

$29,205

$(18,955)
(1) 
$(9,839)
(2) 
$411
Derivative assets$330,316 $(121,561)$(3,758)$204,997 $$204,997 


    












Gross
Amounts
Recognized
 
Gross
Amounts
Recognized
  Gross
Amounts
Recognized

Gross Amounts
Offset on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet

Net Amounts
Presented
on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet

Gross Amounts Not Offset on
the Consolidated Balance Sheet

Net
Amount
Gross
Amounts
Recognized
(2)
Gross Amounts Offset
on the
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Net Amounts
Presented
on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
Gross Amounts Not Offset
on the
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Net
Amount

 
Derivative
Amounts

Collateral 
Posted

Master Netting Arrangements
Cash Collateral Pledged (4)
Security Collateral
Pledged (5)
Derivative liabilities
$74,935
 $26,732
 $48,203

$

$48,203

$(18,955)
(1) 
$(28,796)
(3) 
$452
Derivative liabilities$256,528 $(121,561)$(38,238)$96,729 $(79,619)$17,110 
(1)Included $1.1 million and $1.6 million of gross fair value assets with counterparties that were not subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or similar agreements as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
 
($ in thousands)
As of December 31, 2016
  Total 
Contracts Not
Subject to
Master
Netting
Arrangements
 Contracts Subject to Master Netting Arrangements

Gross
Amounts
Recognized
 
Gross
Amounts
Recognized
  Gross
Amounts
Recognized

Gross Amounts
Offset on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet

Net Amounts
Presented
on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet

Gross Amounts Not Offset on
the Consolidated Balance Sheet

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
Recognized
 
Gross
Amounts
Recognized
  Gross
Amounts
Recognized

Gross Amounts
Offset on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet

Net Amounts
Presented
on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet

Gross Amounts Not Offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheet
Net
Amount

 ��


Derivative
Amounts

Collateral
Received

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

$

$58,226

$(20,991)
(1) 
$(36,349)
(3) 
$886
                 
(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 cash and securities received against derivative assets with the same counterparty that are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements, including $8.6 million and $8.1 million of cash collateral received as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
(3)Represents cash and securities pledged against derivative liabilities with the same counterparty that are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements, including $10.7 million and $170 thousand of cash collateral posted as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

(2)Included $220 thousand and $20 thousand of gross fair value liabilities with counterparties that were not subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or similar agreements as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
(3)Gross cash collateral received under master netting arrangements or similar agreements were $15.8 million and $3.8 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. Of the gross cash collateral received, $8.4 million and $3.8 million were used to offset against derivative assets, respectively, as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.
(4)Gross cash collateral pledged under master netting arrangements or similar agreements were $91.6 million and $43.0 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. Of the gross cash collateral pledged, $91.6 million and $38.2 million were used to offset against derivative liabilities, respectively, as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.
(5)Represents the fair value of security collateral received and pledged limited to derivative assets and liabilities that are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or similar agreements. GAAP does not permit the netting of noncash collateral on the consolidated balance sheet but requires disclosure of such amounts.

In addition to the amounts included in the tables above, the Company also has balance sheet netting related to the resale and repurchase agreements. Refer to Note 43SecuritiesAssets Purchased under Resale Agreements and Sold under Repurchase Agreements to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. Refer to Note 32 — Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K for fair value measurement disclosures on derivatives.




133


Note 76 — Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses


The Company’s held-for-investment loan portfolio includes originated and purchased loans. Originated and purchased loans with 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 under ASC Subtopic 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality. The Company has elected to account for PCI loans on a pool level basis under ASC 310-30 at the time of acquisition.

The following table presents the composition of the Company’s non-PCI and PCI loans held-for-investment as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016:2019:
($ in thousands)December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Amortized Cost (1)
Non-PCI Loans (1)
PCI Loans
Total (1)
Commercial:
C&I (2)
$13,631,726 $12,149,121 $1,810 $12,150,931 
CRE:
CRE11,174,611 10,165,247 113,201 10,278,448 
Multifamily residential3,033,998 2,834,212 22,162 2,856,374 
Construction and land599,692 628,459 40 628,499 
Total CRE14,808,301 13,627,918 135,403 13,763,321 
Total commercial28,440,027 25,777,039 137,213 25,914,252 
Consumer:
Residential mortgage:
Single-family residential8,185,953 7,028,979 79,611 7,108,590 
HELOCs1,601,716 1,466,736 6,047 1,472,783 
Total residential mortgage9,787,669 8,495,715 85,658 8,581,373 
Other consumer163,259 282,914 282,914 
Total consumer9,950,928 8,778,629 85,658 8,864,287 
Total loans held-for-investment$38,390,955 $34,555,668 $222,871 $34,778,539 
Allowance for loan losses(619,983)(358,287)0 (358,287)
Loans held-for-investment, net$37,770,972 $34,197,381 $222,871 $34,420,252 
 
($ in thousands) December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
 
Non-PCI
Loans
(1)
 
PCI
    Loans (2)
 
Total (1)(2)
 
Non-PCI
Loans (1)
 
PCI
Loans
(2)
 
Total (1)(2)
Commercial lending:            
C&I $10,685,436
 $11,795
 $10,697,231
 $9,602,176
 $38,387
 $9,640,563
CRE 8,659,209
 277,688
 8,936,897
 7,667,661
 348,448
 8,016,109
Multifamily residential 1,855,128
 61,048
 1,916,176
 1,490,285
 95,654
 1,585,939
Construction and land 659,326
 371
 659,697
 672,836
 1,918
 674,754
Total commercial lending 21,859,099
 350,902
 22,210,001
 19,432,958
 484,407
 19,917,365
Consumer lending:            
Single-family residential 4,528,911
 117,378
 4,646,289
 3,370,669
 139,110
 3,509,779
HELOCs 1,768,917
 14,007
 1,782,924
 1,741,852
 18,924
 1,760,776
Other consumer 336,504
 
 336,504
 315,215
 4
 315,219
Total consumer lending 6,634,332
 131,385
 6,765,717
 5,427,736
 158,038
 5,585,774
Total loans held-for-investment $28,493,431
 $482,287
 $28,975,718
 $24,860,694
 $642,445
 $25,503,139
Allowance for loan losses (287,070) (58) (287,128) (260,402) (118) (260,520)
Loans held-for-investment, net $28,206,361
 $482,229
 $28,688,590
 $24,600,292
 $642,327
 $25,242,619
 
(1)
(1)Includes net deferred loan fees, unearned fees, unamortized premiums and unaccreted discounts of $(34.0) million and $1.2 millionas of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
(2)Includes ASC 310-30 discount of $35.3 million and $49.4 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Commercial lending portfolio includes C&I, CRE, multifamily residential, and constructionunaccreted discounts of $(58.8) million and land loans. Consumer lending portfolio includes single-family residential, HELOC and other consumer loans.

C&I loan sector, which is comprised of commercial business and trade finance loans, provides financing to businesses in a wide spectrum of industries. CRE loan sector represents income producing real estate loans where the interest rates may be fixed, variable or hybrid. Included in the CRE loan sector are owner occupied and non-owner occupied loans (where 50% or more of the debt service for the loan is provided by rental income). Construction loans in the construction and land sector mainly provide financing for the construction of hotels, multifamily and residential condominiums, $(43.2) millionas well as mixed use (residential and retail) structures.

Residential loans are comprised of multifamily residential loans in the commercial lending portfolio and single-family residential loans in the consumer lending portfolio. The Company offers a variety of first lien mortgage loan programs, including fixed rate conforming loans as well as adjustable rate mortgage loans with interest rates that adjust annually after the initial fixed periods of one to seven years. The first lien mortgage loans are secured by one-to-four unit residential properties located in its primary lending areas.

The HELOC loan portfolio is secured by one-to-four unit residential properties located in its primary lending areas. It 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 at origination. 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. Other consumer loans are mainly comprised of insurance premium financing and credit card loans.



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 associated with these products. The Company conducts a variety of quality control procedures and periodic audits, including the review of lending and legal requirements, to ensure that it is in compliance with these requirements.

As of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, respectively.
(2)Includes PPP loans of $18.88$1.57 billion as of December 31, 2020.

Loans held-for-investments’ accrued interest receivable was $107.5 million and $121.8 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Reversal of interest income related to nonaccrual loans was approximately $2.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2020. Interest income recognized on nonaccrual loans was approximately $44 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020. For the accounting policy on accrued interest receivable related to loans held-for-investment, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Loans Held-for-Investment to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.

Loans totaling $23.26 billion and $16.44$22.43 billion as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, were pledged to secure borrowings and to provide additional borrowing capacity from the Federal Reserve BankFRBSF and the FHLB.


Credit Quality Indicators


All loans are subject to the Company’s internal and external credit review and monitoring. LoansFor the commercial portfolio, 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/performance or delinquency, currentrepayment sources, financial and liquidity statusfactors, including industry and all other relevant information.geographic considerations. For single-family residential loans,the majority of the consumer portfolio, payment performance/performance or delinquency is the driving indicator for the risk ratings.  Risk

For the Company’s internal credit risk ratings, are the overall credit quality indicator for the Company and the credit quality indicator utilized for estimating the appropriate allowance foreach individual loan losses. The Company utilizesis given a risk rating system, which classifiesof 1 through 10. Loans risk rated 1 through 5 are assigned an internal risk rating of “Pass,” with loans within the following categories:risk rated 1 being fully secured by cash or U.S. government and its agencies. Pass Watch, Special Mention, Substandard, Doubtful and Loss. The risk ratings reflect the relative strength of the repayment sources.

Pass and Watch loans are loans that have sufficient sources of repayment in order to repay the loan in full, in accordance with all terms and conditions. Special Mention loans are loans thatLoans assigned a risk rating of 6 have potential weaknesses that warrant closer attention by management. Special Mention ismanagement; these are assigned an internal risk rating of “Special Mention.” Loans assigned a transitory grade. If potential weaknesses are resolved, the loan is upgraded to a Passrisk rating of 7 or Watch grade. If negative trends in the borrower’s financial status or other information indicate that the repayment sources may become inadequate, the loan is downgraded to a Substandard grade. Substandard loans are loans that8 have well-defined weaknesses that may jeopardize the full and timely repayment of the loan. Substandard loans haveloan; these are assigned an internal risk rating of “Substandard.” Loans assigned a distinct possibilityrisk rating 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 loans9 have insufficient sources of repayment and a high probability of loss. Loss loansloss; these are loans thatassigned an internal risk rating of “Doubtful.” Loans assigned a risk rating of 10 are uncollectibleuncollectable and of such little value that they are no longer considered bankable assets. Theseassets; these are assigned an internal risk rating of “Loss.” Exposures categorized as criticized consist of special mention, substandard, doubtful and loss categories. The Company reviews the internal risk ratings are reviewed routinelyof its loan portfolio on a regular and adjustedongoing basis, and adjusts the ratings based on changes in the borrowers’ financial status and the loans’ collectability.collectability of the loans.

134



The following table summarizes the Company’s loans held-for-investment as of December 31, 2020, presented by loan portfolio segments, internal risk ratings and vintage year. The vintage year is the year of origination, renewal or major modification.

($ in thousands)December 31, 2020
Term LoansRevolving Loans
Amortized Cost Basis
Revolving Loans Converted to Term Loans Amortized Cost BasisTotal
Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
20202019201820172016Prior
Commercial:
C&I:
Pass$3,912,147 $1,477,740 $483,725 $245,594 $69,482 $245,615 $6,431,003 $29,487 $12,894,793 
Criticized (accrual)120,183 74,601 56,785 19,426 1,487 5,872 324,640 602,994 
Criticized (nonaccrual)2,125 25,267 22,240 18,787 4,964 1,592 58,964 133,939 
Total C&I4,034,455 1,577,608 562,750 283,807 75,933 253,079 6,814,607 29,487 13,631,726 
CRE:
Pass2,296,649 2,402,136 2,310,748 1,328,251 732,694 1,529,681 173,267 19,064 10,792,490 
Criticized (accrual)47,459 63,654 43,447 98,259 2,094 80,662 335,575 
Criticized (nonaccrual)42,067 1,115 3,364 46,546 
Total CRE2,344,108 2,465,790 2,396,262 1,427,625 734,788 1,613,707 173,267 19,064 11,174,611 
Multifamily residential:
Pass783,671 783,589 479,959 411,945 181,213 348,751 5,895 2,995,023 
Criticized (accrual)735 22,330 6,101 264 5,877 35,307 
Criticized (nonaccrual)1,475 2,193 3,668 
Total multifamily residential783,671 784,324 503,764 418,046 181,477 356,821 5,895 3,033,998 
Construction and land:
Pass224,924 172,707 156,712 20,897 1,028 576,268 
Criticized (accrual)3,524 19,900 23,424 
Criticized (nonaccrual)
Total construction and land228,448 172,707 156,712 20,897 20,928 599,692 
Total CRE3,356,227 3,422,821 3,056,738 1,845,671 937,162 1,991,456 179,162 19,064 14,808,301 
Total commercial7,390,682 5,000,429 3,619,488 2,129,478 1,013,095 2,244,535 6,993,769 48,551 28,440,027 
Consumer:
Single-family residential:
Pass (1)
2,385,853 1,813,200 1,501,660 1,021,707 523,170 921,714 8,167,304 
Criticized (accrual)1,429 119 1,034 2,582 
Criticized (Nonaccrual) (1)
226 812 1,789 1,994 11,246 16,067 
Total single-family residential mortgage2,385,853 1,814,855 1,502,472 1,023,496 525,283 933,994 8,185,953 
HELOCs:
Pass1,131 880 2,879 5,363 8,433 13,475 1,328,919 225,810 1,586,890 
Criticized (accrual)200 996 1,328 606 3,130 
Criticized (nonaccrual)151 285 4,617 164 1,962 4,517 11,696 
Total HELOCs1,131 1,031 3,364 9,980 9,593 15,437 1,330,247 230,933 1,601,716 
Total residential mortgage2,386,984 1,815,886 1,505,836 1,033,476 534,876 949,431 1,330,247 230,933 9,787,669 
Other consumer:
Pass9,531 1,830 83,255 66,136 160,752 
Criticized (accrual)16 16 
Criticized (nonaccrual)2,491 2,491 
Total other consumer9,547 4,321 83,255 66,136 163,259 
Total consumer2,396,531 1,815,886 1,505,836 1,037,797 534,876 1,032,686 1,396,383 230,933 9,950,928 
Total$9,787,213 $6,816,315 $5,125,324 $3,167,275 $1,547,971 $3,277,221 $8,390,152 $279,484 $38,390,955 
(1)As of December 31, 2020, $747 thousand of nonaccrual loans whose payments are guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration were classified with a pass rating.

Revolving loans that are converted to term loans presented in the table above are excluded from the term loans by vintage year columns. During the year ended December 31, 2020, HELOCs totaling $145.0 million were converted to term loans. NaN C&I revolving loans of $23.9 million were converted to a term loan during the year ended December 31, 2020.

135


The following tables present the credit risk ratings for non-PCI and PCI loans by portfolio segmentsegments as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:2019:
($ in thousands)December 31, 2019
PassCriticizedTotal
Non-PCI Loans
AccrualNonaccrual
Commercial:
C&I$11,423,094 $651,192 $74,835 $12,149,121 
CRE:
CRE10,003,749 145,057 16,441 10,165,247 
Multifamily residential2,806,475 26,918 819 2,834,212 
Construction and land603,447 25,012 628,459 
Total CRE13,413,671 196,987 17,260 13,627,918 
Total commercial24,836,765 848,179 92,095 25,777,039 
Consumer:
Residential mortgage:
Single-family residential (1)
7,012,522 2,278 14,179 7,028,979 
HELOCs1,453,207 2,787 10,742 1,466,736 
Total residential mortgage8,465,729 5,065 24,921 8,495,715 
Other consumer280,392 2,517 282,914 
Total consumer8,746,121 5,070 27,438 8,778,629 
Total$33,582,886 $853,249 $119,533 $34,555,668 
($ in thousands) December 31, 2017($ in thousands)December 31, 2019
Pass/Watch 
Special
Mention
 Substandard Doubtful Loss 
Total Non-
PCI Loans
PassCriticizedTotal
PCI Loans
Commercial lending:            
($ in thousands)($ in thousands)PassAccrualNonaccrualTotal
PCI Loans
 $10,369,516
 $114,769
 $180,269
 $20,882
 $
 $10,685,436
$1,810 $$$1,810 
CRE:CRE:
CRE 8,484,635
 65,616
 108,958
 
 
 8,659,209
CRE102,257 10,939 113,201 
Multifamily residential 1,839,958
 
 15,170
 
 
 1,855,128
Multifamily residential22,162 22,162 
Construction and land 614,441
 4,590
 40,295
 
 
 659,326
Construction and land40 40 
Total commercial lending 21,308,550
 184,975
 344,692
 20,882
 
 21,859,099
Consumer lending:            
Total CRETotal CRE124,459 10,939 135,403 
Total commercialTotal commercial126,269 10,939 5 137,213 
Consumer:Consumer:
Residential mortgage:Residential mortgage:
Single-family residential 4,490,672
 16,504
 21,735
 
 
 4,528,911
Single-family residential79,517 94 79,611 
HELOCs 1,744,903
 11,900
 12,114
 
 
 1,768,917
HELOCs5,849 198 6,047 
Other consumer 333,895
 111
 2,498
 
 
 336,504
Total consumer lending 6,569,470
 28,515
 36,347
 
 
 6,634,332
Total $27,878,020
 $213,490
 $381,039
 $20,882
 $
 $28,493,431
Total residential mortgageTotal residential mortgage85,366 292 85,658 
Total consumerTotal consumer85,366 0 292 85,658 
Total (2)
Total (2)
$211,635 $10,939 $297 $222,871 
 
($ in thousands) December 31, 2016
 Pass/Watch 
Special
Mention
 Substandard Doubtful Loss Total Non-
PCI Loans
Commercial lending:            
C&I $9,194,701
 $164,711
 $237,599
 $5,157
 $8
 $9,602,176
CRE 7,476,804
 29,005
 161,852
 
 
 7,667,661
Multifamily residential 1,462,522
 2,268
 25,495
 
 
 1,490,285
Construction and land 659,536
 
 13,290
 10
 
 672,836
Total commercial lending 18,793,563
 195,984
 438,236
 5,167
 8
 19,432,958
Consumer lending:            
Single-family residential 3,341,015
 10,179
 19,475
 
 
 3,370,669
HELOCs 1,728,254
 6,717
 6,881
 
 
 1,741,852
Other consumer 315,151
 47
 17
 
 
 315,215
Total consumer lending 5,384,420
 16,943
 26,373
 
 
 5,427,736
Total $24,177,983
 $212,927
 $464,609
 $5,167
 $8
 $24,860,694
 



The following tables present the credit risk ratings for PCI loans by portfolio segment as(1)As of December 31, 2017 and 2016:2019, $686 thousand of nonaccrual loans whose payments are guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration were classified with a pass rating.
(2)Loans net of ASC 310-30 discount.

136
 
($ in thousands) December 31, 2017
 Pass/Watch 
Special
Mention
 Substandard Doubtful Loss 
Total PCI
Loans
Commercial lending:            
C&I $10,712
 $57
 $1,026
 $
 $
 $11,795
CRE 238,605
 531
 38,552
 
 
 277,688
Multifamily residential 56,720
 
 4,328
 
 
 61,048
Construction and land 44
 
 327
 
 
 371
Total commercial lending 306,081
 588
 44,233
 
 
 350,902
Consumer lending:            
Single-family residential 113,905
 1,543
 1,930
 
 
 117,378
HELOCs 12,642
 
 1,365
 
 
 14,007
Other consumer 
 
 
 
 
 
Total consumer lending 126,547
 1,543
 3,295
 
 
 131,385
Total (1)
 $432,628
 $2,131
 $47,528
 $
 $
 $482,287
 


 
($ in thousands) December 31, 2016
 Pass/Watch 
Special
Mention
 Substandard Doubtful Loss Total PCI
Loans
Commercial lending:            
C&I $33,885
 $772
 $3,730
 $
 $
 $38,387
CRE 293,529
 3,239
 51,680
 
 
 348,448
Multifamily residential 86,190
 
 9,464
 
 
 95,654
Construction and land 1,562
 
 356
 
 
 1,918
Total commercial lending 415,166
 4,011
 65,230
 
 
 484,407
Consumer lending:            
Single-family residential 136,245
 1,239
 1,626
 
 
 139,110
HELOCs 17,429
 316
 1,179
 
 
 18,924
Other consumer 4
 
 
 
 
 4
Total consumer lending 153,678
 1,555
 2,805
 
 
 158,038
Total (1)
 $568,844
 $5,566
 $68,035
 $
 $
 $642,445
 
(1)Loans net of ASC 310-30 discount.



Nonaccrual and Past Due Loans


Non-PCI loansLoans that are 90 or more days past due are generally placed on nonaccrual status. Additionally, non-PCI loansstatus, unless the loan is well-collateralized and in the process of collection. Loans that are less than 90 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 presenttable presents the aging analysis of total loans held-for-investment as of December 31, 2020:
($ in thousands)December 31, 2020
Current
Accruing
Loans
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
Total
Loans
Commercial:
C&I$13,488,070 $8,993 $724 $9,717 $100,602 $33,337 $133,939 $13,631,726 
CRE:
CRE11,127,690 375 375 448 46,098 46,546 11,174,611 
Multifamily residential3,028,512 1,818 1,818 2,375 1,293 3,668 3,033,998 
Construction and land579,792 19,900 19,900 599,692 
Total CRE14,735,994 22,093 22,093 2,823 47,391 50,214 14,808,301 
Total commercial28,224,064 31,086 724 31,810 103,425 80,728 184,153 28,440,027 
Consumer:
Residential mortgage:
Single-family residential8,156,645 9,911 2,583 12,494 2,385 14,429 16,814 8,185,953 
HELOCs1,583,968 2,922 3,130 6,052 577 11,119 11,696 1,601,716 
Total residential mortgage9,740,613 12,833 5,713 18,546 2,962 25,548 28,510 9,787,669 
Other consumer160,534 217 17 234 2,491 2,491 163,259 
Total consumer9,901,147 13,050 5,730 18,780 2,962 28,039 31,001 9,950,928 
Total$38,125,211 $44,136 $6,454 $50,590 $106,387 $108,767 $215,154 $38,390,955 

The following table presents amortized cost of loans on nonaccrual status for which there was no related allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2020:
($ in thousands)December 31, 2020
Commercial:
C&I$62,040 
CRE:
CRE45,537 
Multifamily residential2,519 
Total CRE48,056 
Total commercial110,096
Consumer:
Residential mortgage:
Single-family residential6,013 
HELOCs8,076 
Total residential mortgage14,089 
Other consumer2,491 
Total consumer16,580
Total nonaccrual loans with no related allowance for loan losses$126,676

137


The following table presents the aging analysis of non-PCI loans as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:2019:
($ in thousands)December 31, 2019
Current
Accruing
Loans
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
Total
Non-PCI
Loans
Commercial:
C&I$12,026,131 $31,121 $17,034 $48,155 $31,084 $43,751 $74,835 $12,149,121 
CRE:
CRE10,123,999 22,830 1,977 24,807 540 15,901 16,441 10,165,247 
Multifamily residential2,832,664 198 531 729 534 285 819 2,834,212 
Construction and land628,459 — 628,459 
Total CRE13,585,122 23,028 2,508 25,536 1,074 16,186 17,260 13,627,918 
Total commercial25,611,253 54,149 19,542 73,691 32,158 59,937 92,095 25,777,039 
Consumer:
Residential mortgage:
Single-family residential6,993,597 15,443 5,074 20,517 1,964 12,901 14,865 7,028,979 
HELOCs1,448,930 4,273 2,791 7,064 1,448 9,294 10,742 1,466,736 
Total residential mortgage8,442,527 19,716 7,865 27,581 3,412 22,195 25,607 8,495,715 
Other consumer280,386 11 2,517 2,517 282,914 
Total consumer8,722,913 19,722 7,870 27,592 3,412 24,712 28,124 8,778,629 
Total$34,334,166 $73,871 $27,412 $101,283 $35,570 $84,649 $120,219 $34,555,668 
 
($ in thousands) December 31, 2017
 
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
Commercial lending:                
C&I $30,964
 $82
 $31,046
 $27,408
 $41,805
 $69,213
 $10,585,177
 $10,685,436
CRE 3,414
 466
 3,880
 5,430
 21,556
 26,986
 8,628,343
 8,659,209
Multifamily residential 4,846
 14
 4,860
 1,418
 299
 1,717
 1,848,551
 1,855,128
Construction and land 758
 
 758
 
 3,973
 3,973
 654,595
 659,326
Total commercial lending 39,982
 562
 40,544
 34,256
 67,633
 101,889
 21,716,666
 21,859,099
Consumer lending:                
Single-family residential 13,269
 5,355
 18,624
 6
 5,917
 5,923
 4,504,364
 4,528,911
HELOCs 4,286
 4,186
 8,472
 89
 3,917
 4,006
 1,756,439
 1,768,917
Other consumer 14
 23
 37
 
 2,491
 2,491
 333,976
 336,504
Total consumer lending 17,569
 9,564
 27,133
 95
 12,325
 12,420
 6,594,779
 6,634,332
Total $57,551
 $10,126
 $67,677
 $34,351

$79,958
 $114,309
 $28,311,445
 $28,493,431
 
 
($ in thousands) December 31, 2016
 
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
Commercial lending:                
C&I $45,052
 $2,279
 $47,331
 $60,519
 $20,737
 $81,256
 $9,473,589
 $9,602,176
CRE 6,233
 14,080
 20,313
 14,872
 12,035
 26,907
 7,620,441
 7,667,661
Multifamily residential 3,951
 374
 4,325
 2,790
 194
 2,984
 1,482,976
 1,490,285
Construction and land 4,994
 
 4,994
 433
 4,893
 5,326
 662,516
 672,836
Total commercial lending 60,230
 16,733
 76,963
 78,614
 37,859
 116,473
 19,239,522
 19,432,958
Consumer lending:                
Single-family residential 9,595
 8,076
 17,671
 
 4,214
 4,214
 3,348,784
 3,370,669
HELOCs 2,845
 2,606
 5,451
 165
 1,965
 2,130
 1,734,271
 1,741,852
Other consumer 482
 622
 1,104
 
 
 
 314,111
 315,215
Total consumer lending 12,922
 11,304
 24,226
 165
 6,179
 6,344
 5,397,166
 5,427,736
Total $73,152
 $28,037
 $101,189
 $78,779
 $44,038
 $122,817
 $24,636,688
 $24,860,694
                 

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 arewere excluded from the above aging analysis tablestable as of December 31, 2019, as the Company has elected to account for these loans on a pool level basis under ASC 310-30 at the time of acquisition. Refer to the discussion on PCI loans within this note for additional details on interest income recognition. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016,2019, PCI loans on nonaccrual status totaled $5.3 million$297 thousand.

Foreclosed Assets

Foreclosed assets, consisting of OREO and $11.7 million, respectively.



Loans in Process of Foreclosure

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, residential and consumer mortgage loans of $6.6 million and $3.1 million, respectively, were secured by residential real estate properties, for which formal foreclosure proceedings were in process according to local requirements of the applicable jurisdictions, which were notother nonperforming assets, are included in OREO. AOther assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company had $19.7 million in foreclosed residential real estate property with a carrying amount of $188 thousand was included in total net OREO of $830 thousand assets as of December 31, 2017. In comparison, foreclosed residential real estate properties2020, compared with a carrying amount of $401 thousand were included in total net OREO of $6.7$1.3 million as of December 31, 2016.2019. The Company commences the foreclosure process on consumer mortgage loans when a borrower becomes 120 days delinquent in accordance with the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau guidelines. The carrying values of consumer real estate loans that were in the process of active or suspended foreclosure were $4.1 million and $7.2 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Company has suspended certain mortgage foreclosure activities in connection with our actions to support our customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.


Troubled Debt Restructurings


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. 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 that it would not have otherwise considered. Beginning in March 2020, the Company has implemented various commercial and consumer loan modification programs to provide its borrowers relief from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These COVID-related modifications are generally not classified as TDRs due to the relief under the CARES Act, as amended by the CAA, and the Interagency Statement, and therefore are not included in the discussion below. Assistance provided in response to the COVID-19 pandemic could delay the recognition of delinquencies, nonaccrual status, and net charge-offs for those borrowers who would have otherwise moved into past due or nonaccrual status. See Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Troubled Debt Restructurings to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K for additional information related to TDR.


138


The following tables present the additions to non-PCI TDRs for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015:
 
($ in thousands) Loans Modified as TDRs During the Year Ended December 31, 2017
 Number
of
Loans
 Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
(1)
 
Financial
Impact 
(2)
Commercial lending:        
C&I 16
 $43,884
 $37,900
 $11,520
CRE 4
 $2,675
 $2,627
 $157
Multifamily residential 1
 $3,655
 $2,969
 $
Consumer lending:        
HELOCs 1
 $152
 $155
 $
 
2018:
 
($ in thousands) 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)
Commercial lending:        
C&I 18
 $65,991
 $40,405
 $20,574
CRE 6
 $19,275
 $18,824
 $701
Construction and land 1
 $5,522
 $4,883
 $
Consumer lending:        
Single-family residential 3
 $1,291
 $1,268
 $
HELOCs 3
 $491
 $382
 $1
         
($ in thousands)Loans Modified as TDRs During the Year Ended December 31, 2020
Number
of
Loans
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
(1)
Financial
Impact 
(2)
Commercial:
C&I14 $152,249 $134,467 $19,555 
CRE:
CRE21,429 21,221 18 
Multifamily residential1,220 1,226 
Total CRE22,649 22,447 18 
Total commercial17 174,898 156,914 19,573 
Consumer:
Total consumer0 0 0 0 
Total17 $174,898 $156,914 $19,573 
($ in thousands) Loans Modified as TDRs During the Year Ended December 31, 2015($ in thousands)Loans Modified as TDRs During the Year Ended December 31, 2019
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)
Commercial lending:        
Commercial:Commercial:
C&I 18
 $42,816
 $34,165
 $6,726
C&I$95,742 $71,332 $8,004 
CRE 3
 $1,802
 $1,727
 $
CRE:CRE:
Construction and land 2
 $2,227
 $83
 $102
Construction and land19,696 19,691 
Consumer lending:        
Total CRETotal CRE19,696 19,691 
Total commercialTotal commercial9 115,438 91,023 8,004 
Consumer:Consumer:
Residential mortgage:Residential mortgage:
Single-family residential 1
 $281
 $279
 $2
Single-family residential1,123 1,098 
HELOCsHELOCs539 528 
Total residential mortgageTotal residential mortgage1,662 1,626 
Total consumerTotal consumer4 1,662 1,626 2 
TotalTotal13 $117,100 $92,649 $8,006 
139
(1)Includes subsequent payments after modification and reflects the balance as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.
(2)The financial impact includes charge-offs and specific reserves recorded at the modification date.




($ in thousands)Loans Modified as TDRs During the Year Ended December 31, 2018
Number
of
Loans
Pre-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
(1)
Financial
Impact 
(2)
Commercial:
C&I$11,366 $9,520 $699 
CRE:
CRE750 752 
Total CRE750 752 
Total commercial9 12,116 10,272 699 
Consumer:
Residential mortgage:
Single-family residential405 391 (28)
HELOCs1,546 1,418 
Total residential mortgage1,951 1,809 (28)
Total consumer4 1,951 1,809 (28)
Total13 $14,067 $12,081 $671 

(1)Includes subsequent payments after modification and reflects the balance as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
(2)Includes charge-offs and specific reserves recorded since the modification date.

The following tables present the non-PCI TDR modificationspost-modifications outstanding balances for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 20152018 by modification type:
($ in thousands)Modification Type During the Year Ended December 31, 2020
Principal (1)
Principal
and
Interest (2)
Interest
Rate
Reduction
Interest
Deferments
Other (3)
Total
Commercial:
C&I$59,134 $10,863 $31,913 $32,557 $$134,467 
CRE:
CRE21,221 21,221 
Multifamily residential1,226 1,226 
Total CRE22,447 22,447 
Total commercial81,581 10,863 31,913 32,557 0 156,914 
Consumer:
Total consumer0 0 0 0 0 0 
Total$81,581 $10,863 $31,913 $32,557 $0 $156,914 
140


 
($ in thousands) Modification Type During the Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
Principal (1)
 
Principal
and
  Interest (2)
 
Interest
Rate
Reduction
 Interest
Deferments
 Other Total
Commercial lending:            
C&I $13,568
 $7,848
 $
 $
 $16,484
 $37,900
CRE 2,627
 
 
 
 
 2,627
Multifamily residential 2,969
 
 
 
 
 2,969
Total commercial lending 19,164
 7,848
 
 
 16,484
 43,496
Consumer lending:            
HELOCs 
 155
 
 
 
 155
Total consumer lending 
 155
 
 
 
 155
Total $19,164
 $8,003
 $
 $
 $16,484
 $43,651
 
($ in thousands)Modification Type During the Year Ended December 31, 2019
Principal (1)
Principal
and
Interest (2)
Interest
Rate
Reduction
Interest
Deferments
Other (3)
Total
Commercial:
C&I$31,611 $$$$39,721 $71,332 
CRE:
Construction and land19,691 19,691 
Total CRE19,691 19,691 
Total commercial31,611 0 19,691 0 39,721 91,023 
Consumer:
Residential mortgage:
Single-family residential1,098 1,098 
HELOCs397 131 528 
Total residential mortgage1,495 131 1,626 
Total consumer0 1,495 0 0 131 1,626 
Total$31,611 $1,495 $19,691 $0 $39,852��$92,649 
($ in thousands)Modification Type During the Year Ended December 31, 2018
Principal (1)
Principal
and
Interest
(2)
Interest
Rate
Reduction
Interest
Deferments
Other (3)
Total
Commercial:
C&I$5,472 $$$$4,048 $9,520 
CRE:
CRE752 752 
Total CRE752 752 
Total commercial5,472 0 752 0 4,048 10,272 
Consumer:
Residential mortgage:
Single-family residential66 325 391 
HELOCs1,353 65 1,418 
Total residential mortgage1,419 390 1,809 
Total consumer1,419 0 0 0 390 1,809 
Total$6,891 $0 $752 $0 $4,438 $12,081 
(1)Includes forbearance payments, term extensions and principal deferments that modify the terms of the loan from principal and interest payments to interest payments only.
(2)Includes principal and interest deferments or reductions.
(3)Includes primarily funding to secure additional collateral and provides liquidity to collateral-dependent C&I loans.

141


 
($ in thousands) Modification Type During the Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
Principal (1)
 
Principal
and
Interest (2)
 
Interest
Rate
Reduction
 
Interest
Deferments
 Other Total
Commercial lending:            
C&I $34,499
 $
 $5,876
 $30
 $
 $40,405
CRE 17,750
 
 
 
 1,074
 18,824
Construction and land 4,883
 
 
 
 
 4,883
Total commercial lending 57,132
 
 5,876
 30
 1,074
 64,112
Consumer lending:            
Single-family residential 264
 
 797
 207
 
 1,268
HELOCs 333
 
 49
 
 
 382
Total consumer lending 597
 
 846
 207
 
 1,650
Total $57,729
 $
 $6,722
 $237
 $1,074
 $65,762
             
 
($ in thousands) Modification Type During the Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
Principal (1)
 
Principal
and
Interest
(2)
 Interest
Rate
Reduction
 Interest
Deferments
 Other Total
Commercial lending:            
C&I $16,364
 $17,801
 $
 $
 $
 $34,165
CRE 548
 787
 
 
 392
 1,727
Construction and land 
 
 
 
 83
 83
Total commercial lending 16,912
 18,588
 
 
 475
 35,975
Consumer lending:            
Single-family residential 279
 
 
 
 
 279
Total consumer lending 279
 
 
 
 
 279
Total $17,191
 $18,588
 $
 $
 $475
 $36,254
 
(1)Includes forbearance payments, term extensions and principal deferments that modify the terms of the loan from principal and interest payments to interest payments only.
(2)Includes principal and interest deferments or reductions.


SubsequentAfter a loan is modified as TDR, the Company continues to restructuring, amonitor its performance under its most recent restructured terms. A TDR that becomesmay become delinquent generally beyondand result in payment default (generally 90 days is consideredpast due) subsequent 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.restructuring. The following table presents information on loans modified as TDRs within the previous 12 months that have subsequently defaultedfor which a subsequent payment default occurred during the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, respectively, which had been modified as TDR within the previous 12 months of its default, and were still in default atas of the respective periodperiods end:
($ in thousands)Loans Modified as TDRs that Subsequently Defaulted
During the Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Number of
Loans
Recorded
Investment
Number of
Loans
Recorded
Investment
Number of
Loans
Recorded
Investment
Commercial:
C&I$15,852 $13,112 $1,890 
CRE:
CRE186 
Total CRE186 
Total commercial15,852 13,112 2,076 
Consumer:
Residential mortgage:
HELOCs150 
Total residential mortgage150 
Total consumer150 
Total$15,852 $13,112 $2,226 
 
($ in thousands) Loans Modified as TDRs that Subsequently Defaulted
During the Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
 Number of
Loans
 Recorded
Investment
 Number of
Loans
 Recorded
Investment
 Number of
Loans
 Recorded
Investment
Commercial lending:            
C&I 3
 $8,659
 
 $
 
 $
CRE 
 $
 2
 $3,150
 
 $
Construction and land 
 $
 1
 $4,883
 
 $
Consumer lending:            
Single-family residential 
 $
 
 $
 1
 $279
             


The amountAs of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the remaining commitments to lend additional funds committed to lend to borrowers whose terms have been modified was $5.1as TDRs were $3.0 million and $9.9$2.2 million, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.




Impaired Loans


The following tables presentIn connection with the adoption of ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, the Company no longer provides information on impaired loans. Information on non-PCI impaired loans as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:2019 is presented as follows:
($ in thousands)December 31, 2019
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
Recorded
Investment
With No
Allowance
Recorded
Investment
With
Allowance
Total
Recorded
Investment
Related
Allowance
Commercial:
C&I$174,656 $73,956 $40,086 $114,042 $2,881 
CRE:
CRE27,601 20,098 1,520 21,618 97 
Multifamily residential4,965 1,371 3,093 4,464 55 
Construction and land19,696 19,691 19,691 
Total CRE52,262 41,160 4,613 45,773 152 
Total commercial226,918 115,116 44,699 159,815 3,033 
Consumer:
Residential mortgage:
Single-family residential23,626 8,507 13,704 22,211 35 
HELOCs13,711 6,125 7,449 13,574 
Total residential mortgage37,337 14,632 21,153 35,785 43 
Other consumer2,517 2,517 2,517 2,517 
Total consumer39,854 14,632 23,670 38,302 2,560 
Total non-PCI impaired loans$266,772 $129,748 $68,369 $198,117 $5,593 

 
($ in thousands) December 31, 2017
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Recorded
Investment
With No
Allowance
 
Recorded
Investment
With
Allowance
 
Total
Recorded
Investment
 
Related
Allowance
Commercial lending:          
C&I $98,889
 $36,086
 $62,599
 $98,685
 $16,094
CRE 35,550
 28,699
 6,857
 35,556
 684
Multifamily residential 10,625
 8,019
 2,617
 10,636
 88
Construction and land 3,973
 3,973
 
 3,973
 
Total commercial lending 149,037
 76,777
 72,073
 148,850
 16,866
Consumer lending:          
Single-family residential 14,287
 
 14,338
 14,338
 534
HELOCs 5,201
 2,287
 2,921
 5,208
 4
Other consumer 2,491
 
 2,491
 2,491
 2,491
Total consumer lending 21,979
 2,287
 19,750
 22,037
 3,029
Total non-PCI impaired loans $171,016
 $79,064
 $91,823
 $170,887
 $19,895
 
 
($ in thousands) December 31, 2016
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Recorded
Investment
With No
Allowance
 
Recorded
Investment
With
Allowance
 
Total
Recorded
Investment
 
Related
Allowance
Commercial lending:          
C&I $167,466
 $78,316
 $47,303
 $125,619
 $10,477
CRE 50,718
 32,507
 14,001
 46,508
 1,263
Multifamily residential 11,181
 5,684
 4,357
 10,041
 180
Construction and land 6,457
 5,427
 443
 5,870
 63
Total commercial lending 235,822
 121,934
 66,104
 188,038
 11,983
Consumer lending:          
Single-family residential 15,435
 
 14,335
 14,335
 687
HELOCs 4,016
 
 3,682
 3,682
 31
Total consumer lending 19,451
 
 18,017
 18,017
 718
Total non-PCI impaired loans $255,273
 $121,934
 $84,121
 $206,055
 $12,701
 
142





The following table presents the average recorded investment and interest income recognized on non-PCI impaired loans for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162019 and 2015:2018:
($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31,
20192018
Average
Recorded
Investment
Recognized
Interest
Income 
(1)
Average
Recorded
Investment
Recognized
Interest
   Income (1)
Commercial:
C&I$248,619 $2,932 $143,430 $1,046 
CRE:
CRE33,046 464 35,049 491 
Multifamily residential6,116 228 11,742 249 
Construction and land19,691 68 3,973 
Total CRE58,853 760 50,764 740 
Total commercial307,472 3,692 194,194 1,786 
Consumer:
Residential mortgage:
Single-family residential37,315 496 22,350 474 
HELOCs22,851 130 14,134 70 
Total residential mortgage60,166 626 36,484 544 
Other consumer2,552 2,502 
Total consumer62,718 626 38,986 544 
Total non-PCI impaired loans$370,190 $4,318 $233,180 $2,330 
     
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Recognized
Interest
   Income (1)
 Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Recognized
Interest
Income 
(1)
 Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Recognized
Interest
   Income (1)
Commercial lending:            
C&I $110,662
 $1,517
 $148,986
 $2,612
 $85,290
 $538
CRE 36,003
 578
 47,064
 1,253
 43,598
 536
Multifamily residential 11,455
 422
 15,763
 302
 24,024
 312
Construction and land 4,382
 
 6,388
 34
 2,740
 39
Total commercial lending 162,502
 2,517
 218,201
 4,201
 155,652
 1,425
Consumer lending:            
Single-family residential 14,994
 417
 14,323
 447
 15,365
 242
HELOCs 5,494
 55
 3,703
 63
 1,252
 47
Other consumer 2,142
 
 
 
 
 
Total consumer lending 22,630
 472
 18,026
 510
 16,617
 289
Total non-PCI impaired loans $185,132
 $2,989
 $236,227
 $4,711
 $172,269
 $1,714
     
(1)Includes interest recognized on accruing non-PCI TDRs. Interest payments received on nonaccrual non-PCI loans are reflected as a reduction to principal, not as interest income.

(1)Includes interest income recognized on accruing non-PCI TDRs. Interest payments received on nonaccrual non-PCI loans are reflected as a reduction to principal, not as interest income.


Allowance for Credit Losses


On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13 that establishes a single allowance framework for all financial assets measured at amortized cost and certain off-balance sheet credit exposures. It requires the measurement of the allowance for credit losses to be based on management’s best estimate of lifetime expected credit losses inherent in the Company’s relevant financial assets. Balance sheet information and results of operations for reporting periods beginning with January 1, 2020 are presented under ASC 326, while prior period comparisons continue to be presented under legacy GAAP.

The allowance for credit losses is deducted from the amortized cost basis of a financial asset or a group of financial assets so that the balance sheet reflects the net amount the Company expects to collect. Amortized cost is the principal balance outstanding, net of purchase premiums and discounts, and deferred fees and costs. Subsequent changes in expected credit losses are recognized in net income as a provision for credit loss expense or a reversal of credit loss expense.

The process of the allowance for credit losses involves procedures to consider the unique risk characteristics of the portfolio segments. The majority of the Company’s credit exposures share risk characteristics with other similar exposures, and as a result are collectively evaluated. The collectively evaluated loans cover performing risk-rated loans and unfunded credit commitments. If an exposure does not share risk characteristics with other exposures, the Company generally estimates expected credit losses on an individual basis. The individually assessed loans cover loans modified or reasonably expected to be modified in a TDR, collateral-dependent loans, as well as, risk-rated loans that have been placed on nonaccrual status.

Allowance for Collectively Evaluated Loans

The allowance for collectively evaluated loans consists of a quantitative component that assesses many different risk factors which are considered in our models and a qualitative component that considers risk factors external to the models. Each of these components are described below.

143


Quantitative ComponentThe allowance for loan losses is estimated using quantitative methods that consider a variety of factors such as historical loss experience, the current credit quality of the portfolio, as well as an economic outlook over the life of the loan. The Company incorporates forward-looking information using macroeconomic scenarios applied over the forecasted life of the loans. The forward-looking information is limited to the reasonable and supportable period. These macroeconomic scenarios include variables that are considered key drivers of increases and decreases in credit losses. The Company utilizes a probability-weighted multiple scenario forecast approach. These scenarios may consist of a base forecast representing management's view of the most likely outcome, combined with downside and upside scenarios reflecting possible worsening or improving economic conditions. A probability-weighted average of these macroeconomic scenarios over a reasonable and supportable forecast period is incorporated into the quantitative models. If the loans’ life extends beyond the reasonable and supportable forecast period, then historical experience, or long-run macroeconomic trends is considered over the remaining life of the loans in estimation of the allowance for loan losses.

Qualitative Component The Company also considers the following qualitative factors in the determination of the collectively evaluated allowance, if these factors have not already been captured by the quantitative model. Such qualitative factors may include, but not limited to:
Loan growth trends;
The volume and severity of past due financial assets, and the volume and severity of adversely classified or rated financial assets;
The Company’s lending policies and procedures, including changes in lending strategies, underwriting standards, collection, write-off and recovery practices,
Knowledge of the borrower’s operations;
The quality of the Company’s credit review system;
The experience, ability and depth of the Company’s management, lending staff and other relevant staff;
The effect of other external factors such as the regulatory, legal and technological environments; and
Actual and expected changes in international, national, regional, and local economic and business conditions in which the Company operates, including the actual and expected conditions of various market segments.

The magnitude of the impact of these factors on the Company’s qualitative assessment of the allowance for credit losses changes from period to period according to changes made by management in its assessment of these factors. The extent to which these factors change may be dependent on whether they are already reflected in quantitative loss estimates during the current period and the extent changes in these factors diverge from period to period. For the year ended December 31, 2020, there were no changes to the reasonable and supportable forecast period, and reversion to historical loss experience method.

The following table presentsprovides key credit risk characteristics and macroeconomic variables that the Company uses to estimate the expected credit losses by portfolio segment:
Portfolio SegmentRisk CharacteristicsMacroeconomic Variables
C&IInternal risk rating; size and credit spread at origination, and time to maturityUnemployment rate, and two and ten year treasury spread
CRE, Multifamily residential, and Construction and landDelinquency status; maturity date; collateral value; property type, and geographic locationUnemployment rate; GDP, and U.S. Treasury rates
Single-family residential and HELOCsFICO; delinquency status; maturity date; collateral value, and geographic locationUnemployment rate; GDP, and home price index
Other consumerHistorical loss experience
Immaterial (1)
(1)Macroeconomic variables are included in the qualitative estimate.

Allowance for Loan Losses for the Commercial Loan PortfolioThe Company’s C&I loan lifetime loss rate model estimates credit losses by estimating a summaryloss rate expected over the life of activitiesa loan. This loss rate is applied to the amortized cost basis, excluding accrued interest receivable, to determine expected credit losses. The lifetime loss rate model’s reasonable and supportable period spans eight quarters, thereafter immediately reverting to the historical average loss rate, expressed through the loan-level lifetime loss rate.

For CRE loans, projected probability of defaults (“PDs”) and loss given defaults (“LGDs”) are applied to the estimated exposure at default, considering the term and payment structure of the loan, to generate estimates of expected loss at the loan level. Within the reasonable and supportable period, the forecast of future economic conditions returns to long-run historical economic trends.
144


In order to estimate the life of a loan under both models, the contractual term of the loan is adjusted for estimated prepayments, which are based on historical prepayment experience.

Allowance for Loan Losses for the Consumer Loan Portfolio — For single-family residential and HELOC loans, projected PDs and LGDs are applied to the estimated exposure at default, considering the term and payment structure of the loan, to generate estimates of expected loss at the loan level. Within the reasonable and supportable period, the forecast of future economic conditions returns to long-run historical economic trends.

For other consumer loans, the Company uses a loss rate approach. In order to estimate the life of a loan, the contractual term of the loan is adjusted for estimated prepayments, which are based on historical prepayment experience.

Qualitative Allowance for Collectively Evaluated Loans — While the Company’s allowance methodologies strive to reflect all relevant credit risk factors, there continues to be uncertainty associated with, but not limited to, potential imprecision in the estimation process due to the inherent time lag of obtaining information and normal variations between expected and actual outcomes. The Company may hold additional qualitative reserves that are designed to provide coverage for losses attributable to such risk. The allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2020 also included qualitative adjustments for certain industry sectors, such as oil & gas, included as part of the C&I loan portfolio.

Allowance for Individually Evaluated Loans

When a loan no longer shares similar risk characteristics with other loans, such as in the case for certain nonaccrual or TDR loans, the Company estimates the allowance for loan losses on an individual loan basis. The allowance for loan losses for individually evaluated loans is measured as the difference between the recorded value of the loans and their fair value. For loans evaluated individually, the Company uses one of three different asset valuation measurement methods: (1) the fair value of collateral less costs to sell; (2) the present value of expected future cash flows; and (3) the loan's observable market price. If an individually evaluated loan is determined to be collateral dependent, the Company applies the fair value of the collateral less costs to sell method. If an individually evaluated loan is determined not to be collateral dependent, the Company uses the present value of future cash flows or the observable market value of the loan.

Collateral-Dependent Loans — When a loan is collateral dependent, the allowance is measured on an individual loan basis and is limited to the difference between the recorded value and fair value of the collateral less cost of disposal or sale. As of December 31, 2020, collateral-dependent commercial and consumer loans totaled $97.2 million and $17.3 million, respectively. The Company's commercial collateral-dependent loans were secured by real estates or other collateral. The Company's consumer collateral-dependent loans were all residential mortgage loans, secured by their underlying real estates. As of December 31, 2020, the collateral value of the properties securing each of these collateral dependent loans, net of selling costs, exceeded the recorded value of the individual loans.

The following tables summarize the activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segmentsegments for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015:2018:
($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31, 2020
CommercialConsumerTotal
C&ICREResidential MortgageOther
Consumer
CREMultifamily
Residential
Construction
and Land
Single-
Family
Residential
HELOCs
Allowance for loan losses, beginning of period$238,376 $40,509 $22,826 $19,404 $28,527 $5,265 $3,380 $358,287 
Impact of ASU 2016-13 adoption74,237 72,169 (8,112)(9,889)(3,670)(1,798)2,221 125,158 
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses on loans(a)145,212 55,864 10,879 644 (9,922)(605)(3,381)198,691 
Gross charge-offs(66,225)(15,206)(221)(185)(81,837)
Gross recoveries5,428 10,455 1,980 80 585 49 95 18,672 
Total net (charge-offs) recoveries(60,797)(4,751)1,980 80 585 (172)(90)(63,165)
Foreign currency translation adjustment1,012 1,012 
Allowance for loan losses, end of period$398,040 $163,791 $27,573 $10,239 $15,520 $2,690 $2,130 $619,983 
145


 
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Non-PCI Loans      
Allowance for non-PCI loans, beginning of period $260,402
 $264,600
 $260,965
Provision for loan losses on non-PCI loans 49,129
 31,959
 6,924
Gross charge-offs:      
Commercial lending:      
C&I (38,118) (47,739) (20,423)
CRE 
 (464) (1,052)
Multifamily residential (635) (29) (1,650)
Construction and land (149) (117) (493)
Consumer lending:      
Single-family residential (1) (137) (36)
HELOCs (55) (9) (98)
Other consumer (17) (13) (502)
Total gross charge-offs (38,975) (48,508) (24,254)
Gross recoveries:      
Commercial lending:      
C&I 12,065
 8,453
 8,782
CRE 2,111
 1,488
 2,488
Multifamily residential 1,357
 1,476
 4,298
Construction and land 259
 203
 4,647
Consumer lending:      
Single-family residential 546
 401
 323
HELOCs 24
 7
 54
Other consumer 152
 323
 373
Total gross recoveries 16,514
 12,351
 20,965
Net charge-offs (22,461) (36,157) (3,289)
Allowance for non-PCI loans, end of period 287,070
 260,402
 264,600
       
PCI Loans      
Allowance for PCI loans, beginning of period 118
 359
 714
Reversal of loan losses on PCI loans (60) (241) (355)
Allowance for PCI loans, end of period 58
 118
 359
Allowance for loan losses $287,128
 $260,520
 $264,959
       
($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31, 2019
CommercialConsumerTotal
C&ICREResidential MortgageOther
Consumer
CREMultifamily
Residential
Construction
and Land
Single-
Family
Residential
HELOCs
Allowance for loan losses, beginning of period$189,117 $40,666 $19,885 $20,290 $31,340 $5,774 $4,250 $311,322 
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses on loans(a)109,068 (4,345)1,085 (1,422)(2,938)(516)(839)100,093 
Gross charge-offs(73,985)(1,021)(11)(50)(75,067)
Gross recoveries14,501 5,209 1,856 536 136 19 22,264 
Total net (charge-offs) recoveries(59,484)4,188 1,856 536 125 (31)(52,803)
Foreign currency translation adjustment(325)(325)
Allowance for loan losses, end of period$238,376 $40,509 $22,826 $19,404 $28,527 $5,265 $3,380 $358,287 

($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31, 2018
CommercialConsumerTotal
C&ICREResidential MortgageOther
Consumer
CREMultifamily
Residential
Construction
and Land
Single-
Family
Residential
HELOCs
Allowance for loan losses, beginning of period$163,058 $40,809 $19,537 $26,881 $26,362 $7,354 $3,127 $287,128 
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses on loans(a)75,629 (5,337)(1,409)(7,331)3,765 (1,618)1,308 65,007 
Gross charge-offs(59,244)(1)(188)(59,433)
Gross recoveries10,417 5,194 1,757 740 1,214 38 19,363 
Total net (charge-offs) recoveries(48,827)5,194 1,757 740 1,213 38 (185)(40,070)
Foreign currency translation adjustment(743)(743)
Allowance for loan losses, end of period$189,117 $40,666 $19,885 $20,290 $31,340 $5,774 $4,250 $311,322 
For further information on accounting policies and the methodologies used to estimate the allowance for credit losses and loan charge-offs, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


The following table presents a summary ofsummarizes the activities in the allowance for unfunded credit reservescommitments for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015:2018:
($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Unfunded credit facilities
Allowance for unfunded credit commitments, beginning of period$11,158 $12,566 $13,318 
Impact of ASU 2016-13 adoption10,457 
Provision for (reversal of ) credit losses on unfunded credit commitments(b)11,962 (1,408)(752)
Allowance for unfunded credit commitments, end of period33,577 11,158 12,566 
Provision for credit losses(a) + (b)$210,653 $98,685 $64,255 

The allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2020 was $620.0 million, an increase of $261.7 million compared with $358.3 million as of December 31, 2019. The adoption of ASU 2016-13 increased the allowance for loan losses by $125.2 million on January 1, 2020. In addition, the overall increases in allowance for loan losses and the provision for credit losses of $210.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 were primarily driven by the deteriorating macroeconomic conditions and outlook as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the macroeconomic environment declined in the first half of the year, and then improved slightly for the second half of 2020. The Company uses a multi-scenario approach in calculating the allowance for loan losses and applies management judgment to add qualitative factors for the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on industry and CRE sectors that are affected by the pandemic.

146


 
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Allowance for unfunded credit reserves, beginning of period $16,121
 $20,360
 $12,712
(Reversal of) provision for unfunded credit reserves (2,803) (4,239) 7,648
Allowance for unfunded credit reserves, end of period $13,318
 $16,121
 $20,360
       



The allowance for unfunded credit reservescommitments is maintained at a level that management believes to be sufficient to absorb estimated probableexpected credit losses related to unfunded credit facilities. The allowance for unfunded credit reserves is included in Accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. See Note 1312 — Commitments, Contingencies and Related Party Transactions to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K for additional information related to unfunded credit reserves.


The following tables presenttable presents the Company’s allowance for loan losses and recorded investments by portfolio segmentsegments and impairment methodology as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:2019. This table is no longer presented after December 31, 2019, given the adoption of ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, which has a single impairment methodology.
($ in thousands)December 31, 2019
CommercialConsumerTotal
CREResidential Mortgage
C&ICREMultifamily
Residential
Construction
and Land
Single-Family
Residential
HELOCsOther
Consumer
Allowance for loan losses
Individually evaluated for impairment$2,881 $97 $55 $$35 $$2,517 $5,593 
Collectively evaluated for impairment235,495 40,412 22,771 19,404 28,492 5,257 863 352,694 
Total$238,376 $40,509 $22,826 $19,404 $28,527 $5,265 $3,380 $358,287 
Recorded investment in loans
Individually evaluated for impairment$114,042 $21,618 $4,464 $19,691 $22,211 $13,574 $2,517 $198,117 
Collectively evaluated for impairment12,035,079 10,143,629 2,829,748 608,768 7,006,768 1,453,162 280,397 34,357,551 
Acquired with deteriorated credit quality (1)
1,810 113,201 22,162 40 79,611 6,047 222,871 
Total (1)
$12,150,931 $10,278,448 $2,856,374 $628,499 $7,108,590 $1,472,783 $282,914 $34,778,539 
 
($ in thousands) December 31, 2017
 Commercial Lending Consumer Lending  
 C&I CRE Multifamily
Residential
 Construction
and Land
 Single-Family
Residential
 HELOCs Other
Consumer
 Total
Allowance for loan losses                
Individually evaluated for impairment $16,094
 $684
 $88
 $
 $534
 $4
 $2,491
 $19,895
Collectively evaluated for impairment 146,964
 40,495
 19,021
 26,881
 25,828
 7,350
 636
 267,175
Acquired with deteriorated credit quality 
 58
 
 
 
 
 
 58
Total $163,058
 $41,237
 $19,109
 $26,881
 $26,362
 $7,354
 $3,127
 $287,128
                 
Recorded investment in loans                
Individually evaluated for impairment $98,685
 $35,556
 $10,636
 $3,973
 $14,338
 $5,208
 $2,491
 $170,887
Collectively evaluated for impairment 10,586,751
 8,623,653
 1,844,492
 655,353
 4,514,573
 1,763,709
 334,013
 28,322,544
Acquired with deteriorated credit quality (1)
 11,795
 277,688
 61,048
 371
 117,378
 14,007
 
 482,287
Total (1)
 $10,697,231
 $8,936,897
 $1,916,176
 $659,697
 $4,646,289
 $1,782,924
 $336,504
 $28,975,718
 
(1)Loans net of ASC 310-30 discount.
 
($ in thousands) December 31, 2016
 Commercial Lending Consumer Lending  
 C&I CRE Multifamily
Residential
 Construction
and Land
 Single-Family
Residential
 HELOCs Other
Consumer
 Total
Allowance for loan losses                
Individually evaluated for impairment $10,477
 $1,263
 $180
 $63
 $687
 $31
 $
 $12,701
Collectively evaluated for impairment 131,689
 46,552
 17,363
 24,926
 19,103
 7,475
 593
 247,701
Acquired with deteriorated credit quality 1
 112
 
 
 5
 
 
 118
Total $142,167
 $47,927
 $17,543
 $24,989
 $19,795
 $7,506
 $593
 $260,520
                 
Recorded investment in loans                
Individually evaluated for impairment $125,619
 $46,508
 $10,041
 $5,870
 $14,335
 $3,682
 $
 $206,055
Collectively evaluated for impairment 9,476,557
 7,621,153
 1,480,244
 666,966
 3,356,334
 1,738,170
 315,215
 24,654,639
Acquired with deteriorated credit quality (1)
 38,387
 348,448
 95,654
 1,918
 139,110
 18,924
 4
 642,445
Total (1)
 $9,640,563
 $8,016,109
 $1,585,939
 $674,754
 $3,509,779
 $1,760,776
 $315,219
 $25,503,139
 
(1)Loans net of ASC 310-30 discount.



Purchased Credit ImpairedCredit-Impaired Loans


AtOn January 1, 2020, the dateamortized cost basis of acquisition, PCIPCD loans are pooled and accountedwas adjusted to reflect the $1.2 million of allowance for at fair value, which representsloan losses. For the discounted valueyear ended December 31, 2020, the Company did not acquire any PCD loans. For information on PCD loans, see Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to 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 flows expectation. The cash flows expected over the life of the pools are estimated by an internal cash flows 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 investmentConsolidated Financial Statements in the loan represents 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.”this Form 10-K.


The following table presents the changes in the accretable yield foron PCI loans for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162019 and 2015:2018:
($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31,
20192018
Accretable yield for PCI loans, beginning of period$74,870 $101,977 
Accretion(24,220)(34,662)
Changes in expected cash flows(140)7,555 
Accretable yield for PCI loans, end of period$50,510 $74,870 
 
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Accretable yield for PCI loans, beginning of period $136,247
 $214,907
 $311,688
Accretion (42,487) (68,708) (107,442)
Changes in expected cash flows 8,217
 (9,952) 10,661
Accretable yield for PCI loans, end of period $101,977
 $136,247
 $214,907
 


Loans Held-for-Sale


As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, loans held-for-sale of $1.8 million and $434 thousand, respectively, consisted of single-family residential loans. Refer to Note 1— Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Significant Accounting Policies — Loans held-for-sale are carried atHeld-for-Sale to the lower of cost or fair value. When a determination is made at the time of commitmentConsolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K for additional details related 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 reviews under the Company’s management evaluation processes, including asset/liability managementheld-for-sale.

147


Loan Transfers, Sales and credit risk management. When the Company subsequently changes its intent to hold certain loans, the loans are transferred from held-for-investment to held-for-sale at the lower of cost or fair value. From time to time, thePurchases

The Company purchases and sells loans in the secondary market. Certain purchasedmarket in the ordinary course of business. Purchased loans aremay be transferred from held-for-investment to held-for-sale;held-for-sale, and write-downs to allowance for loan losses are recorded, when appropriate.

As of December 31, 2017, loans held-for-sale amounted to $78.2 million. This balance was comprised primarily of loans related to the pending sale of the DCB branches of $78.1 million, which is included in Branch assets held-for-sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. For additional information on this pending sale, see Note 2 — Dispositions and Held-for-Sale to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The remaining loans held-for-sale, which amounted to $85 thousand, were comprised of single-family residential loans. In comparison, as of December 31, 2016, loans held-for-sale, which amounted to $23.1 million, were primarily comprised of consumer loans.


The following tables presentprovide information about the sales, purchases and securitizationcarrying value of loans purchased for the held-for-investment portfolio, loans sold and reclassification of loans held-for-investment to/from loans held-for-saleloan transfers during the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015:2018:
($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31, 2020
CommercialConsumerTotal
CREResidential Mortgage
C&ICREMultifamily
Residential
Construction
and Land
Single-Family
Residential
HELOCsOther
Consumer
Loans transferred from held-for-investment to held-for-sale (1)
$300,677 $26,994 $1,398 $$$$$329,069 
Sales (2)(3)(4)
$303,520 $26,994 $1,398 $$80,309 $$$412,221 
Purchases (5)
$154,154 $$2,358 $$233,068 $$$389,580 
($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31, 2019
CommercialConsumerTotal
CREResidential Mortgage
C&ICREMultifamily
Residential
Construction
and Land
Single-Family
Residential
HELOCsOther
Consumer
Loans transferred from held-for-investment to held-for-sale (1)
$245,002 $39,062 $$1,573 $$$$285,637 
Sales (2)(3)(4)
$245,791 $39,062 $$1,573 $10,410 $$$296,836 
Purchases (5)
$397,615 $$8,988 $$117,227 $$$523,830 
($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31, 2018
CommercialConsumerTotal
CREResidential Mortgage
C&ICREMultifamily
Residential
Construction
and Land
Single-Family
Residential
HELOCsOther
Consumer
Loans transferred from held-for-investment to held-for-sale (1)
$404,321 $62,291 $$$14,981 $$$481,593 
Loans transferred from held-for-sale to held-for-investment$2,306 $$$$$$$2,306 
Sales (2)(3)(4)
$413,844 $62,291 $$$34,966 $$$511,101 
Purchases (5)
$525,767 $$7,389 $$63,781 $$$596,937 
(1)The Company recorded write-downs of $2.8 million, $789 thousand and $14.6 million to the allowance for loan losses related to loans transferred from held-for-investment to held-for-sale for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
(2)Includes originated loans sold of $400.4 million, $230.3 million and $309.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Originated loans sold consist primarily of C&I for all periods.
(3)Includes purchased loans of $11.8 million, $66.5 million and $201.4 million sold in the secondary market for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
(4)Net gains on sales of loans were $4.5 million, $4.0 million and $6.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
(5)C&I loan purchases comprised primarily of syndicated C&I term loans.
148
  
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2017
 Commercial Lending Consumer Lending   
 C&I CRE 
Multifamily
Residential
 
Construction
and Land
 Single-Family
Residential
 HELOCs 
Other
Consumer
 Total
Loans transferred from held-for-investment to held-for-sale $476,644
 $52,217
 $531
 $1,609
 $249
 $
 $3,706
 $534,956
(1) 
Loans of DCB branches transferred from held-for-investment to held-for-sale (included in Branch assets held-for-sale)
 $17,590
 $36,783
 $12,448
 $241
 $6,416
 $4,309
 $345
 $78,132
(1) 
Sales $476,644
 $52,217
 $531
 $1,609
 $21,058
 $
 $25,905
 $577,964
(2)(3)(4) 
Purchases $503,359
 $
 $2,311
 $
 $29,060
 $
 $
 $534,730
(6) 
  


  
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2016
 Commercial Lending Consumer Lending   
 C&I CRE Multifamily
Residential
 Construction
and Land
 Single-Family
Residential
 HELOCs Other
Consumer
 Total
Loans transferred from held-for-investment to held-for-sale $434,137
 $110,927
 $269,791
 $4,245
 $
 $
 $
 $819,100
(1) 
Loans transferred from held-for-sale to held-for-investment $
 $
 $(4,943) $
 $
 $
 $
 $(4,943) 
Sales $434,137
 $110,927
 $61,268
 $4,245
 $18,092
 $
 $
 $628,669
(2)(3)(4) 
Securitization of loans held-for-investment $
 $
 $201,675
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $201,675
(5) 
Purchases $646,793
 $
 $5,658
 $
 $488,577
 $
 $
 $1,141,028
(6)(7) 
  
  
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31, 2015
 Commercial Lending Consumer Lending   
 C&I CRE Multifamily
Residential
 Construction
and Land
 Single-Family
Residential
 HELOCs Other
Consumer
 Total
Loans transferred from held-for-investment to held-for-sale $779,854
 $227
 $
 $4,754
 $962,538
 $248
 $
 $1,747,621
(1) 
Loans transferred from held-for-sale to held-for-investment $
 $
 $
 $
 $(53,376) $
 $
 $(53,376) 
Sales $779,682
 $227
 $
 $4,754
 $907,373
 $248
 $9,913
 $1,702,197
(2)(3)(4) 
Purchases $233,090
 $
 $11,046
 $
 $38,271
 $
 $
 $282,407
(6) 
  
(1)The Company recorded $473 thousand, $1.9 million and $5.1 million in write-downs to the allowance for loan losses related to loans transferred from held-for-investment to held-for-sale for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
(2)Includes originated loans sold of $178.2 million, $369.6 million and $1.04 billion for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Originated loans sold were primarily comprised of C&I, CRE and single-family residential loans for the year ended December 31, 2017, C&I, CRE and multifamily residential loans for the year ended December 31, 2016, and single-family residential and C&I loans for the year ended December 31, 2015.
(3)Includes purchased loans sold in the secondary market of $399.8 million, $259.1 million and $661.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
(4)
Net gains on sales of loans, excluding the lower of cost or fair value adjustments, were $8.9 million, $10.6 million and $27.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The lower of cost or fair value adjustments of $61 thousand, $5.6 million and $3.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, were recorded in Net gains on sales of loans on the Consolidated Statement of Income.
(5)Represents multifamily residential loans securitized during the first quarter of 2016 that resulted in net gains of $1.1 million, $641 thousand in mortgage servicing rights and $160.1 million of held-to-maturity investment security.
(6)C&I loan purchases for each of the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 mainly represent C&I syndicated loans.
(7)The higher loan purchases for the year ended December 31, 2016 was mainly due to $488.3 million of single-family residential loans purchased for Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) purposes.



Note 8 7 Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Partnerships, Tax Credit and Other Investments, Net and Variable Interest Entities


The CRACommunity Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) encourages banks to meet the credit needs of their communities, for housingparticularly including low- and other purposes, particularly in neighborhoods with low or moderate income.moderate-income individuals and neighborhoods. The Company invests in certain affordable housing projects in the form of ownership interests in limited partnerships or limited liability companies that qualify for CRA and tax credits. Such limited partnershipsThese entities are formed to develop and operate apartment complexes designed as high-quality affordable housing for lower income tenants throughout the U.S. EachTo fully utilize the available tax credits, each of the partnershipsthese entities must meet the regulatory requirements for affordable housing requirements for a minimum 15-year compliance period to fully utilize the tax credits.period. In addition to affordable housing limited partnerships,projects, the Company also invests in new market tax creditNew Market Tax Credit projects that qualify for CRA credits, andas well as 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, whileand 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


The Company records its 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 in Income tax expense on the Consolidated Statement of Income.


The following table presents the balances of the Company’s investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, net, and related unfunded commitments as of the periods indicated:December 31, 2020 and 2019:
($ in thousands)December 31,
20202019
Investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, net$213,555 $207,037 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities — Unfunded commitments$77,444 $80,294 
 
($ in thousands) December 31,
 2017 2016
Investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, net $162,824
 $183,917
Accrued expenses and other liabilities — Unfunded commitments $55,815
 $57,243
 


The following table presents additional information related to the Company’s investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, net, for the periods indicated:years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:
($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Tax credits and other tax benefits recognized$45,971 $46,034 $39,262 
Amortization expense included in income tax expense$37,132 $36,561 $28,046 
 
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Tax credits and other tax benefits recognized $46,698
 $37,252
 $38,271
Amortization expense included in income tax expense $38,464
 $28,206
 $26,814
 


Investments in Tax Credit and Other Investments, Net


Investments in tax credit and other investments, net, were $224.6 million and $173.3 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, 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,investments in tax credit and other investments, net, the Company applies either the equity or cost method of accounting.accounting, or the measurement alternative as elected under ASU 2016-01 for equity investments without readily determinable fair value.


TotalThe following table presents the Company’s investments in tax credit and other investments, net, and related unfunded commitments for these investments were $113.4 million and $117.0 million as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016, respectively, and are included in Accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. 2019:
($ in thousands)December 31,
20202019
Investments in tax credit and other investments, net$266,525 $254,140 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities — Unfunded commitments$105,282 $113,515 

Amortization of tax credit and other investments was $88.0$70.1 million, $83.4$98.4 million, and $36.1$96.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, respectively.



149



The Company held equity securities with readily determinable fair values of $31.3 million and $31.7 million, as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. These equity securities were CRA investments measured at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in net income. The Company recorded unrealized gains on these equity securities of $732 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020, and unrealized gains of $789 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019. Equity securities with readily determinable fair value were included in Investments in tax credit and other investments, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The Company held equity securities without readily determinable fair values totaling $23.7 million and $19.1 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, which were measured using the measurement alternative at cost less impairment and adjusted for observable price changes. The increase during 2020 was primarily due to a $5.0 million purchase of 1 new security in the fourth quarter of 2020. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded $360 thousand in OTTI charges related to these securities. NaN adjustments were made to these securities for the year ended December 31, 2019. Equity securities without readily determinable fair values were included in Investments in tax credit and other investments, net and Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

As of December 31, 2017,2020, the Company’s unfunded commitments related to investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, tax credit and other investments are estimated to be funded as follows:
($ in thousands)Amount
2021$125,142 
202237,175 
202314,499 
20242,034 
2025462 
Thereafter3,414 
Total$182,726 

Tax credit investments are evaluated for possible OTTI on an annual basis or when events or changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying amount of the tax credit investments may not be realizable. OTTI charges are recorded within Amortization of tax credit and other investments, net on the Consolidated Statement of Income. Refer to Note 2 — Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K for a discussion on the Company’s impairment evaluation and monitoring process of tax credit investments. There were $4.8 million OTTI charges, offset by OTTI recoveries of $1.5 million recorded on the Company’s investments in tax credits and other investments, net, during the year ended December 31, 2020. Comparatively, there were $14.6 million in OTTI charges, offset by OTTI recoveries of $1.6 million recorded during the year ended December 31, 2019. The higher OTTI charges recorded during the year ended December 31, 2019 were primarily due to $5.4 million in net OTTI charges related to the Company’s investment in DC Solar and affiliates (“DC Solar”) discussed below.

The Company invested in 4 solar energy tax credit funds in the years 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2018 as a limited member. These tax credit funds engaged in the acquisition and leasing of mobile solar generators through DC Solar entities. These investments were recorded in Investments in tax credit and other investments, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and were accounted for under the equity method of accounting. DC Solar had its assets frozen in December 2018 and filed for bankruptcy protection in February 2019. In February 2019, an affidavit from a Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) special agent stated that DC Solar was operating a fraudulent “Ponzi-like scheme” and that the majority of the mobile solar generators sold to investors and managed by DC Solar, as well as the majority of the related lease revenues claimed to had been received by DC Solar might not have existed.

During 2019, the Company recorded $7.0 million OTTI charge on its remaining tax credit investment related to DC Solar, and subsequently recovered $1.6 million. During 2020, the Company further recorded $10.7 million in recoveries, of which $1.1 million was recorded as an impairment recovery. There were 0 balances in Accrued expenses and other liabilities — Unfunded commitments related to DC Solar as of both December 31, 2020 and 2019. Refer to Note 11 — Income Taxes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K for a further discussion related to the impacts on the Company’s income tax expense related to the DC solar tax credit investments.

150


   
($ in thousands) Amount
2018 $98,000
2019 34,790
2020 16,744
2021 7,734
2022 11,078
Thereafter 841
Total $169,187
   
Variable Interest Entities




The Company invests in unconsolidated limited partnerships and similar entities that construct, own and operate affordable housing, historic rehabilitation, wind and solar projects, of which the majority of such investments are VIEs. As a limited partner in these partnerships, these investments are designed to generate a return primarily through the realization of federal tax credits and tax benefits. An unrelated third party is typically the general partner or managing member who has control over the significant activities of such investments. While the Company’s interest in some of the investments may exceed 50% of the outstanding equity interests, the Company does not consolidate these structures due to the general partner or managing member’s ability to manage the entity, which is indicative of power over them. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss in connection with these partnerships consist of the unamortized investment balance and any tax credits claimed that may become subject to recapture.

Special purpose entities formed in connection with securitization transactions are generally considered VIEs. A CLO is a VIE that purchases a pool of assets consisting primarily of non-investment grade corporate loans, and issues multiple tranches of notes to investors to fund the asset purchases and pay upfront expenses associated with forming the CLO. The Company served as the collateral manager of a CLO that closed in 2019 and subsequently reassigned its portfolio manager responsibilities in 2020. The Company had retained the top 3 investment grade-rated tranches issued by the CLO, which the carrying amounts were $287.5 million and $284.7 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Note 98 — Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets


Goodwill


TotalThe Company’s annual goodwill of $469.4 million remained unchangedimpairment testing was performed as of December 31 2017 compared to December 31, 2016. Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis as of December 31st,each year, or more frequently as events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than notmore-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of a reporting unitunits below its carrying amount. The Company’s three operating segments, Retail Banking, Commercial Bankingvalue. Additional information pertaining to our accounting policy for goodwill is summarized in Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Goodwill and Other are equivalentIntangible Assets. Due to the Company’s reporting units. For complete discussionuncertain market conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company had performed an interim goodwill impairment test as of March 31, 2020 and disclosure, see Note 19 Business Segments to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Impairment Analysis

The Company performed itsconcluded that there was 0 impairment. We completed our annual goodwill impairment analysistesting as of December 31, 2017 to determine whether and to what extent, if any, recorded goodwill was impaired. The Company used a combined income and market approach to determine2020. Based on the fair valueresults of the reporting units. Under the income approach, the Company prepared 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 value of comparable peer banks of similar size 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 approach, the fair value from each approach was weighted based on management’s judgment to determine the fair value. As a result of this analysis,annual goodwill impairment test, the Company determined that there was no0 goodwill impairment asimpairment.

The following table presents changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reporting units during the year ended December 31, 2017 as2019:
($ in thousands)Consumer
and
Business Banking
Commercial
Banking
Total
Beginning balance, January 1, 2019$353,321 $112,226 $465,547 
Acquisition of East West Markets, LLC150 150 
Ending balance, December 31, 2019$353,321 $112,376 $465,697 

There were 0 changes in the fair valuecarrying amount of all reporting units exceeded their respective carrying value. No assurance can be given that goodwill will not be written down in future periods.during the year ended December 31, 2020.


Core Deposit Intangibles


CoreThe following table presents the gross carrying amount of core deposit intangibles represent the intangible valueand accumulated amortization as of depositor relationships resulting fromDecember 31, 2020 and 2019:
($ in thousands)December 31,
20202019
Gross balance (1)
$86,099 $86,099 
Accumulated amortization (1)
(79,722)(76,088)
Net carrying balance (1)
$6,377 $10,011 
(1) Excludes fully amortized core deposit liabilities assumed in various acquisitions and are included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. These intangibles are tested for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently as events occur, or as current circumstances and conditions warrant. intangible assets.

There were no0 impairment write-downs on core deposit intangibles for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015.

The following table presents the gross carrying value of core deposit intangible assets and accumulated amortization as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:2018.
151

 
($ in thousands) December 31,
 2017 2016
Gross balance $108,814
 $108,814
Accumulated amortization (87,760) (80,825)
Net carrying balance $21,054
 $27,989
 


Amortization Expense


The Company amortizes the core deposit intangibles based on the projected useful lives of the related deposits. The amortization expense related to the core deposit intangible assets was $6.9$3.6 million, $8.1$4.5 million and $9.2$5.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, respectively.



The following table presents the estimated future amortization expense of core deposit intangibles for the five years succeedingas of December 31, 2017 and thereafter:2020:
($ in thousands)Amount
2021$2,749 
20221,865 
20231,199 
2024553 
202511 
Thereafter
Total$6,377 

 
($ in thousands) Amount
2018 $5,883
2019 4,864
2020 3,846
2021 2,833
2022 1,865
Thereafter 1,763
Total $21,054
 

Note 109 — Deposits


The following table presents the balances forcomposition of the Company’s deposits as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016:2019:
($ in thousands)December 31,
20202019
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing demand$16,298,301 $11,080,036 
Interest-bearing checking6,142,193 5,200,755 
Money market10,740,667 8,711,964 
Savings2,681,242 2,117,196 
Time deposits:
Less than $100,000999,664 1,993,950 
$100,000 or greater8,000,685 8,220,358 
Total deposits$44,862,752 $37,324,259 
 
  December 31,
($ in thousands) 2017 2016
Core deposits:    
Noninterest-bearing demand $10,887,306
 $10,183,946
Interest-bearing checking 4,419,089
 3,674,417
Money market 8,359,425
 8,174,854
Savings 2,308,494
 2,242,497
Total core deposits 25,974,314
 24,275,714
Time deposits:    
Less than $100,000 1,176,973
 1,300,091
$100,000 or greater 4,463,776
 4,315,178
Total time deposits 5,640,749
 5,615,269
Total deposits $31,615,063
 $29,890,983
 

Time deposits in the $100 thousand or greater category included $322.0 million and $219.7 million of deposits held by the Company’s branch in Hong Kong; and $507.1 million and $329.9 million of deposits held by the Company’s subsidiary bank in China as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.


The aggregate amount of domestic time deposits that meet or exceed the current FDICFederal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance limit of $250,000 was $2.37$5.78 billion and $2.35$5.44 billion as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, respectively. TheAs of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the aggregate amount of foreign office time deposits, including both Hong Kong and China that meet or exceed the current FDIC insurance limit of $250,000 was $814.6$823.2 million and $538.0$1.19 billion, respectively.

As of December 31, 2020, $696.1 million of interest-bearing demand deposits and $840.7 million of time deposits were held by the Company’s branch in Hong Kong and subsidiary bank in China. In comparison, $493.4 million of interest-bearing demand deposits and $1.21 billion of time deposits were held by the Company’s branch in Hong Kong and subsidiary bank in China as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.2019.


The following table presents the scheduled maturities of time deposits for the five years succeeding December 31, 20172020 and thereafter:
($ in thousands)Amount
2021$8,608,547 
2022332,809 
202341,178 
202411,085 
20256,715 
Thereafter15 
Total$9,000,349 
152
 
($ in thousands) Amount
2018 $4,930,794
2019 394,274
2020 102,768
2021 86,308
2022 94,602
Thereafter 32,003
Total $5,640,749
 





Note 1110 — Federal Home Loan Bank Advances and Long-Term Debt


FHLB Advances

The following table presents the balance of the Company’s junior subordinated debt and FHLB advances totaled $323.9 million and $321.6 million as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, and the related contractual rates and maturity dates as of December 31, 2020:
($ in thousands)
Interest Rate
 Maturity DatesDecember 31,
20202019
AmountAmount
Parent Company
Junior subordinated debt (1 ) — floating
1.57% — 2.12%2034 — 2037$147,376 $147,101 
Bank
FHLB advances (2):
Fixed0.00% — 2.34%2021405,000 400,000 
Floating (3)
0.60% — 0.63%2022247,612 345,915 
Total FHLB advances$652,612 $745,915 
(1)The weighted-average contractual interest rates for junior subordinated debt were 2.26% and 3.98% as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
(2)The weighted-average contractual interest rates for FHLB advances have floatingwere 1.77% and 2.19% as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
(3)Floating interest rates that reset monthly or quarterly based on LIBOR. The weighted-average interest rate was 1.85% and 1.13% as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The interest rates ranged from 0.67% to 1.95% and 0.41% to 1.27% for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of December 31, 2017,

FHLB advances that will mature in the next five years include $81.3 million in 2019 and $242.6 million in 2022.Advances


The Company’sBank’s available borrowing capacity from FHLB advances totaled $6.83$6.33 billion and $5.65$6.83 billion as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, respectively. The Company’sBank’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, 20172020 and 2016,2019, 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, 2017 and 2016:
     
($ in thousands) December 31,
 2017 2016
Junior subordinated debt $146,577
 $146,327
Term loan 25,000
 40,000
Total long-term debt $171,577
 $186,327
     

Junior Subordinated Debt

As of December 31, 2017, the Company2020, East West has six6 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’sEast West’s various pooled trust preferred securities offerings. 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 CompanyEast West is the owner of all the beneficial interests represented by the common securities of the Trusts. The junior subordinated debt is recorded as a component of long-term debt and includes the value of the common stock issued by six6 of the Company’s wholly-ownedEast West’s wholly owned subsidiaries in conjunction with these transactions. The common stock is recorded in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet for the amount issued in connection with these junior subordinated debt issuances. The proceeds from these issuances represent liabilities of East West to the Trusts and are reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as a component of Long-term debt. Interest payments on these securities are made quarterly and are deductible for tax purposes.


153


The following table presents the outstanding junior subordinated debt issued by each trust as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016:2019:
Issuer
Stated
Maturity 
(1)
Stated
Interest Rate
Current RateDecember 31, 2020December 31, 2019
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 VNovember 20343-month LIBOR + 1.80%2.01%$464 $15,000 $464 $15,000 
East West Capital Trust VISeptember 20353-month LIBOR + 1.50%1.72%619 20,000 619 20,000 
East West Capital Trust VIIJune 20363-month LIBOR + 1.35%1.57%928 30,000 928 30,000 
East West Capital Trust VIIIJune 20373-month LIBOR + 1.40%1.63%619 18,000 619 18,000 
East West Capital Trust IXSeptember 20373-month LIBOR + 1.90%2.12%928 30,000 928 30,000 
MCBI Statutory Trust IDecember 20353-month LIBOR + 1.55%1.77%1,083 35,000 1,083 35,000 
Total$4,641 $148,000 $4,641 $148,000 
   
Issuer 
Stated
Maturity 
(1)
 Stated
Interest Rate
 Current Rate December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
    
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% 3.25% $464
 $15,000
 $464
 $15,000
East West Capital Trust VI September 2035 3-month LIBOR + 1.50% 3.09% 619
 20,000
 619
 20,000
East West Capital Trust VII June 2036 3-month LIBOR + 1.35% 2.94% 928
 30,000
 928
 30,000
East West Capital Trust VIII June 2037 3-month LIBOR + 1.40% 2.91% 619
 18,000
 619
 18,000
East West Capital Trust IX September 2037 3-month LIBOR + 1.90% 3.49% 928
 30,000
 928
 30,000
MCBI Statutory Trust I December 2035 3-month LIBOR + 1.55% 3.14% 1,083
 35,000
 1,083
 35,000
Total       $4,641
 $148,000
 $4,641
 $148,000
 
(1)(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 Trustsabove debt instruments mature more than five years after December 31, 2020 and are reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as a component of Long-term debt. Interest payments on these securities are made quarterly and are deductible for tax purposes.subject to call options where early redemption requires appropriate notice.


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 was 2.70% and 2.24% for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The outstanding balance of the term loan was $25.0 million and $40.0 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. 

Note 1211 — Income Taxes

The following table presents the components of income tax expense for the years indicated:
 
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Current income tax expense (benefit):      
Federal $120,968
 $63,642
 $(62,829)
State 72,837
 48,558
 (4,750)
Foreign 1,815
 1,345
 409
Total current income tax expense (benefit) 195,620
 113,545
 (67,170)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit):      
Federal 40,057
 25,296
 199,858
State (6,201) 1,883
 60,437
Foreign 
 (213) 919
Total deferred income tax expense 33,856
 26,966
 261,214
Income tax expense $229,476
 $140,511
 $194,044
 

Upon exercise or vesting of a share-based award, if the tax deduction exceeds the compensation cost that was previously recorded for financial statement purposes, this will result in an excess tax benefit. Effective January 1, 2017, the Company adopted ASU 2016-09, Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. As a result of the adoption of this new guidance, all excess tax benefits on share-based payment awards, which amounted to $4.8 million, were recognized within Income tax expense on the Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2017. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-09, any excess tax benefits were recognized in Additional paid-in capital on the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity to offset current-period and subsequent-period tax deficiencies. Hence, the preceding table does not include these excess tax benefits recorded directly to the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity of $1.1 million and $3.3 millionexpense/benefit for the years ended December 31, 20162020, 2019 and 2015, respectively. 2018:

($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Current income tax expense (benefit):
Federal$84,560 $107,393 $63,035 
State74,252 86,578 64,917 
Foreign671 (2,485)3,513 
Total current income tax expense159,483 191,486 131,465 
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense:
Federal(28,093)(8,801)(11,870)
State(11,671)(16,390)(4,600)
Foreign(1,751)3,587 
Total deferred income tax benefit(41,515)(21,604)(16,470)
Income tax expense$117,968 $169,882 $114,995 

The following table presents the reconciliation of the federal statutory rate to the Company’s effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015:2018:
Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Statutory U.S. federal tax rate21.0 %21.0 %21.0 %
U.S. state income taxes, net of U.S. federal income tax effect7.2 7.1 5.8 
Tax credits and benefits, net of related expenses(12.4)(6.8)(12.7)
Other, net1.4 (1.2)(0.1)
Effective tax rate17.2 %20.1 %14.0 %

154


 
  Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Federal income tax provision at statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 %
State franchise taxes, net of federal tax effect 5.9
 6.1
 6.3
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”) 4.5
 
 
Tax credits, net of amortization (15.1) (18.3) (8.7)
Other, net 0.9
 1.8
 0.9
Effective tax rate 31.2 % 24.6 % 33.5 %
 



On December 22, 2017,Income tax expense was $118.0 million, and the Tax Act was signed into law, resulting in significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code. Changes include, but are not limited to, reducing the U.S. federal corporate incomeeffective tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, expensing 100% ofwas 17.2% for the cost of acquired qualified property after September 27, 2017, transitioning from a worldwide tax system to a territorial system and imposing a one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of cumulative foreign earnings as ofyear ended December 31, 2017, as well as eliminating any carrybacks of tax credits and net operating losses (“NOLs”) incurred after December 31, 2017. In addition, NOLs incurred after December 31, 2017 are now limited to 80% of taxable income for any given year and may be carried forward indefinitely. ASC 740, Income Taxes, requires companies to recognize the effect of the Tax Act in the period of enactment. Hence, such effects must be recognized in the Company’s 2017 Consolidated Financial Statements, even though the effective date of the law for most provisions is January 1, 2018.

The Company recorded $41.7 million of2020, compared with income tax expense of $169.9 million, and an effective tax rate of 20.1% for the year ended December 31, 2019. Income tax expense was $115.0 million and the effective tax rate was 14.0% for the year ended December 31, 2018. For the year ended December 31, 2020, income tax expense included $5.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2017uncertain tax position related to the impactCompany’s investment in DC Solar. The higher effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2019 was primarily due to $30.1 million of the Tax Act, the period in which the legislation was enacted. This amount was primarilyadditional income tax expense recorded to reverse certain previously claimed tax credits related to the remeasurements of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities of $33.1 million, as well as tax credits and other tax benefits related to qualified affordable housing partnerships of $7.9 million.Company’s investment in DC Solar.


The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to a significant portion of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 20172020 and 20162019 are presented below:
($ in thousands)December 31,
20202019
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for loan losses$192,534 $109,903 
Investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, tax credit and other investments, net11,174 11,190 
Deferred compensation23,604 23,816 
Interest income on nonaccrual loans5,909 9,527 
State taxes273 5,848 
Premises and equipment2,096 1,578 
Lease liability30,554 35,948 
Other1,441 965 
Total gross deferred tax assets267,585 198,775 
Valuation allowance(21)
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance$267,585 $198,754 
Deferred tax liabilities:
Equipment lease financing$29,990 $30,669 
Investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, tax credit and other investments, net14,912 12,301 
Core deposit intangibles1,934 3,032 
FHLB stock dividends1,855 1,854 
Mortgage servicing assets1,675 1,839 
Acquired debt1,597 1,679 
Prepaid expenses1,194 1,100 
Premises and equipment99 1,890 
Unrealized gains/losses on securities21,593 890 
Operating lease right-of-use assets28,468 34,313 
Other453 2,700 
Total gross deferred tax liabilities$103,770 $92,267 
Net deferred tax assets$163,815 $106,487 
 
($ in thousands) December 31,
 2017 2016
 Federal State Foreign Total Federal State Foreign Total
Deferred tax assets:                
Allowance for loan losses and OREO reserves $62,942
 $28,857
 $1,365
 $93,164
 $97,921
 $27,792
 $1,365
 $127,078
Deferred compensation 11,483
 5,220
 
 16,703
 20,093
 5,731
 
 25,824
Mortgage servicing assets 2,727
 1,206
 
 3,933
 
 
 
 
Unrealized losses on securities 10,730
 5,354
 
 16,084
 16,253
 5,315
 
 21,568
State taxes 5,217
 
 
 5,217
 1,333
 
 
 1,333
Interest income on nonaccrual loans 5,396
 2,451
 
 7,847
 4,461
 1,258
 
 5,719
Other, net 744
 5,481
 97
 6,322
 2,053
 5,269
 97
 7,419
Total gross deferred tax assets 99,239
 48,569
 1,462
 149,270
 142,114
 45,365
 1,462
 188,941
Valuation allowance 
 (256) 
 (256) 
 (283) 
 (283)
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance $99,239
 $48,313
 $1,462
 $149,014
 $142,114
 $45,082
 $1,462
 $188,658
Deferred tax liabilities:                
Core deposit intangibles $(4,408) $(2,117) $
 $(6,525) $(9,768) $(2,874) $
 $(12,642)
Investments in partnerships, tax credit and other investments, net (10,838) 7,025
 
 (3,813) (7,012) 5,318
 
 (1,694)
Fixed assets (2,671) 914
 
 (1,757) (13,166) (3,360) 
 (16,526)
Equipment financing (21,844) (3,760) 
 (25,604) (13,240) (1,866) 
 (15,106)
FHLB stock dividends (1,285) (583) 
 (1,868) (1,189) (335) 
 (1,524)
Acquired debt (1,273) (578) 
 (1,851) (2,210) (623) 
 (2,833)
Acquired loans and OREO (2,252) (754) (406) (3,412) (5,407) (1,242) (406) (7,055)
Prepaid expenses (4,142) (1,517) 
 (5,659) (1,088) (251) 
 (1,339)
Other, net (510) (609) 
 (1,119) (121) (120) 
 (241)
Total gross deferred tax liabilities $(49,223) $(1,979) $(406) $(51,608) $(53,201) $(5,353) $(406) $(58,960)
Net deferred tax assets $50,016
 $46,334
 $1,056
 $97,406
 $88,913
 $39,729
 $1,056
 $129,698
 


Deferred taxes of $1.5 million, $16.4 million and $7.5 million related to net unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale investment securities are recorded as Other comprehensive income on the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.



The tax benefits of deductible temporary differences and tax carryforwards are recorded as an asset to the extent that management assesses the utilization of such temporary differences and carryforwards to be more likely than not.more-likely-than-not. A valuation allowance is used, as needed, to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than notmore-likely-than-not to be realized. Evidence the Company consideredconsiders includes the Company’s ability to generate future taxable income, implement tax-planning strategies (as defined in ASC 740, Income Taxes), 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 its deferred tax assets. Apart from this factor, theThe Company also performed an overall assessment by weighing all positive evidence against all negative evidence and concluded that it is more likely than notmore-likely-than-not that all of the benefits of the deferred tax assets will be realized, with the exception of the deferred tax assets related to certain state NOLnet operating losses (“NOL”) carryforwards. For states other than California, Georgia, Massachusetts and New York, becauseAs of December 31, 2020, management believes thatreleased $21 thousand of valuation allowance provided as of December 31, 2019, which related to the state NOL carryforwards may not be fully utilized, acarryforwards. NaN additional valuation allowance was recorded as of December 31, 2020.
155


The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits for such carryforwards. the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:
($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Beginning balance$$4,378 $10,419 
Additions for tax positions related to prior years5,045 30,103 
Deductions for tax positions related to prior years(34,481)(3,969)
Settlements with taxing authorities(2,072)
Ending balance$5,045 $$4,378 

The Company believes that adequate provisions have been maderecorded for all income tax uncertainties consistent with the standards of ASC 740-10. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded net deferred tax assets of $97.4 million and $129.7 million, respectively,The increase inOther assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The following table summarizes the activities related to the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits as offor the periods indicated:
 
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016
Beginning Balance $10,419
 $7,125
Additions for tax positions related to prior years 
 5,819
Settlements with taxing authorities 
 (2,525)
Ending Balance $10,419
 $10,419
 

As ofyear ended December 31, 2017 and 2016,2020 was mainly attributable to the balance of the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective tax rate in the future was $8.2 million and $6.8 million, respectively.additional income expenses recorded related to DC Solar investments, as well as a minor state adjustment. The Company recognizes interest and penalties, ifas applicable, related to the underpayment of income taxes as a component ofIncome tax expense on the Consolidated Statement of Income. The Company recorded a charge (reversal) of $450 thousand, $6.2 million and ($460)$564 thousand of interest for the year ended December 31, 2020. In comparison, a reversal of $6.3 million and $2.0 million of interest and penalties was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162019 and 2015,2018, respectively. Total accrued interest and penalties included in Accrued expenses and other liabilitieson the Consolidated Balance Sheet were $8.4 million and $7.9 millionwas $564 thousand as of December 31, 20172020. There was 0 liability for accrued interest and 2016, respectively.penalties as of December 31, 2019.


Beginning with its 2012 tax year, the Company has executed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) to voluntarily participate in the IRS Compliance Assurance Process (“CAP”). Under the CAP, the IRS audits the tax position of the Company to identify and identifies and resolvesresolve 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 2017, the 2016 tax return received a full acceptance of all tax matters from the IRS. The Company has executed a MOU with the IRS for the 2017 to 20182019 tax years.year. For federal tax purposes, the IRS had completed the 2017 and earlier tax years from 2013 and beyond remain open. For California franchise tax purposes, tax years from 2009 and beyond remain open. The City of New York initiated an audit of the Company’syears’ corporate income tax return forexamination. For the 2012 to 20142020 tax years in September 2016.year, the Company was accepted by IRS as a CAP Bridge Year. The Company is also currently being audited by the state of Missouri and California and the City of New York. 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 recorded for all income tax uncertainties.uncertainties consistent with ASC 740, Income Taxes as of December 31, 2020.

Impact of Investment in DC Solar Tax Credit Funds

Investors in DC Solar funds, including the Company, received tax credits for making renewable energy investments. The Company’s investments in the DC Solar tax credit funds qualified for federal energy tax credit under Section 48 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Company does not anticipatealso received a “should” level legal opinion from an external law firm supporting the legal structure of the investments for tax credit purposes. Between fiscal year 2014 and 2018, the Company had invested in 4 DC Solar energy tax credit funds and claimed tax credits of approximately $53.9 million, partially reduced by a deferred tax liability of $5.7 million related to the 50% tax basis reduction, for a net impact of $48.2 million to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

ASC 740-10-25-6 states in part, that an entity shall initially recognize the financial statement effects of a tax position when it is more-likely-than-not, based on the technical merits, that the total amountposition will be sustained upon examination. The term “more-likely-than-not” means a likelihood of unrecognizedmore than 50 percent; the terms “examined” and “upon examination” include resolution of the related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The level of evidence that is necessary and appropriate to support the technical merits of a tax benefits will significantlyposition is subject to judgment and depends on available information as of the balance sheet date. A subsequent measurement of a tax position is based on management’s best judgment given the facts, circumstances and information available at the latest quarterly reporting date. A change in judgment that results in a subsequent derecognition or change in measurement of a tax position is recognized as a discrete item in the next twelve months.period in which the change occurs.


156


In February 2019, an affidavit from a FBI special agent stated that DC Solar was operating a fraudulent “Ponzi-like scheme” and that the majority of the mobile solar generators sold to investors and managed by DC Solar, as well as the majority of the related lease revenues claimed to have been received by DC Solar might not have existed. The Company, in coordination with other fund investors, engaged an unaffiliated third-party inventory firm to investigate the actual number of mobile solar generators in existence. Based on the inventory report, NaN of the mobile service generators that had been purchased by the Company’s 2017 and 2018 tax credit funds were found. On the other hand, a vast majority of the mobile solar generators purchased by the Company’s 2014 and 2015 tax credit funds were found. Based on the inventory information, as well as management’s best judgments regarding the future settlement of the related tax positions with the IRS, the Company concluded that a portion of the previously claimed tax credits would be recaptured. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company reversed $33.6 million out of the $53.9 million previously claimed tax credits, and $3.5 million out of the $5.7 million deferred tax liability, resulting in $30.1 million of additional income tax expense. In December 2020, the Company recorded an additional $5.1 million income tax expense regarding DC Solar investments.

The Company continues to conduct an ongoing investigation related to this matter. For further discussion related to the Company’s investment in DC Solar and the Company’s impairment evaluation and monitoring process in tax credit investments, refer to Note 137 — Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Partnerships, Tax Credit and Other Investments, Net and Variable Interest Entities and Note 2 — Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.

Note 12 — Commitments, Contingencies and Related Party Transactions

Commitments to Extend Credit Extensions — In the normalordinary course of business, the Company has variousprovides customers loan commitments on predetermined terms. These outstanding commitments to extend credit that are not reflected in 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 credit commitments, and outstanding commercial and standby letters of credit (“SBLCs”).SBLCs.




The following table presents the Company’s credit-related commitments as of the periods indicated:December 31, 2020 and 2019:
($ in thousands) December 31,($ in thousands)December 31,
2017 201620202019
($ in thousands)Expire in One Year or LessExpire After One Year Through Three YearsExpire After Three Years Through
Five Years
Expire After Five YearsTotalTotal
 $5,075,480
 $5,077,869
Loan commitments$3,126,551 $1,836,523 $589,114 $138,729 $5,690,917 $5,330,211 
 $1,655,897
 $1,525,613
Commercial letters of credit and SBLCs1,159,357 420,222 137,394 523,840 2,240,813 1,860,414 
TotalTotal$4,285,908 $2,256,745 $726,508 $662,569 $7,931,730 $7,190,625 


Loan commitments are agreements to lend to a customercustomers provided that there are no violations of any conditions established in the agreement. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require maintenance of compensatory balances. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future funding requirements.


Commercial letters of credit are issued to facilitate domestic and foreign trade transactions, while SBLCs are generally 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 a part of its risk management activities, the Company monitors the creditworthiness of customers in conjunction with its SBLC exposure. Customers are obligated to reimburse the Company for any payment made on the customers’ behalf. If the customers fail to pay, the Company would, as applicable, liquidate the collateral and/or offset accounts. As of December 31, 2017,2020, total letters of credit which amounted to $1.66of $2.24 billion were comprisedconsisted of SBLCs of $1.60$2.12 billion and commercial letters of credit of $55.7$124.9 million. In comparison, total letters of credit of $1.86 billion consisted of SBLCs of $1.81 billion and commercial letters of credit of $48.5 million as of December 31, 2019.


157


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


Estimated exposure to loss from these commitments is included in the allowance for unfunded credit reserves,commitments, and amounted to $12.7$33.5 million and $11.1 million as of December 31, 20172020 and $15.7 million as of December 31, 2016. These amounts are included in Accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.2019.


Guarantees — The Company has soldsells or securitizedsecuritizes single-family and multifamily residential loans with recourse in the ordinary course of business. The recourse component inof the loans sold or securitized with recourse is considered a guarantee. As the guarantor, the Company is obligated to repurchase up to the recourse component of the loans whenif the loans default. AsThe following table presents the types of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the unpaid principal balance of total single-family and multifamily residential loans sold or securitized with recourse amounted to $113.7 million and $150.5 million, respectively. The maximum potential future payments up to the recourse component thatguarantees the Company is obligated to repurchase amounted to $38.7 million and $46.4 millionhad outstanding as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016, respectively. 2019:
($ in thousands)Maximum Potential Future PaymentsCarrying Value
December 31,December 31,
2020201920202019
Expire in One Year or LessExpire After One Year Through Three YearsExpire After Three Years Through
Five Years
Expire After Five YearsTotalTotalTotalTotal
Single-family residential loans sold or securitized with recourse$$344 $484 $9,698 $10,526 $12,578 $10,526 $12,578 
Multi-family residential loans sold or securitized with recourse370 481 14,894 15,745 15,892 26,619 40,708 
Total$370 $825 $484 $24,592 $26,271 $28,470 $37,145 $53,286 

The Company’s recourse reserve related to these guarantees is included in the allowance for unfunded credit reserves,commitments and totaled $214$88 thousand and $373$76 thousand as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, respectively. The allowance for unfunded credit reservescommitments is included in Accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company continues to experience minimal losses from the single-family and multifamily residential loan portfolios sold or securitized with recourse during 2017.recourse.




Lease Commitments — The Company conducts a portion of its operations utilizing leased premises and equipment under operating leases. Rental expense amounted to $29.7 million, $24.1 million and $24.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Future minimum rental payments under non-cancellable operating leases are estimated as follows:
 
Years Ending December 31, 
Amount
($ in thousands)
2018 $31,845
2019 27,005
2020 22,242
2021 18,635
2022 13,944
Thereafter 27,988
Total $141,659
 
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, 2017 and 2016.

Litigation — The Company is a party to various legal actions arising in the course of its business. In accordance with ASC 450, Contingencies, the Company accrues reserves for outstanding lawsuits, claims and proceedings when a loss contingency is probable and can be reasonably estimated. The Company estimates the amount of loss contingencies using current available information from legal proceedings, advice from legal counsel and available insurance coverage. Due to the inherent subjectivity of the assessments and unpredictability of the outcomes of the legal proceedings, any amounts accrued or included in this aggregate amount may not represent the ultimate loss to the Company from the legal proceedings in question. Thus, the Company’s exposure and ultimate losses may be higher, and possibly significantly more than the amounts accrued.


Other Commitments — The Company has commitments to invest in qualified affordable housing partnerships, tax credit and other investments as discussed in Note 8 7 Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Partnerships, Tax Credit and Other Investments, Net and Variable Interest Entitiesto the Consolidated Financial Statements. These commitments are payable on demand.Statements in this Form 10-K. As of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, these commitments were $169.2totaled $182.7 million and $174.3$193.8 million, respectively. These commitments are included in Accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.


Related Party Transactions — In the ordinary course of business, the Company may extend credit to related parties, including executive officers, directors and principal shareholders. These related party loans were not material for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Note 1413 — Stock Compensation Plans

Pursuant to the Company’s 2016 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, the Company may issue stocks, stock options, RSAs,restricted stock, RSUs, stock purchase warrants, stock appreciation rights, stock purchase warrants, phantom stock and dividend equivalents to certaineligible employees, and non-employee directors, consultants, and other service providers of the Company and its subsidiaries. There were 0 outstanding stock awards other than RSUs as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. An aggregate of 14.0 million shares of common stock were authorized under the 2016 Stock Incentive Plan, and the total number of shares available for grant was approximately 4.72.8 million as of December 31, 2017.2020.

158


The following table presents a summary of the total share-based compensation expense and the related net tax benefit(deficiencies) benefits associated with the Company’s various employee share-based compensation plans for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015:2018:
($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Stock compensation costs$29,237 $30,761 $30,937 
Related net tax (deficiencies) benefits for stock compensation plans$(1,839)$4,792 $5,089 
 
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Stock compensation costs $24,657
 $22,102
 $16,502
Related net tax benefits for stock compensation plans $4,775
 $1,055
 $3,291
 




RSAs and RSUs Restricted Stock Units RSAs and RSUs are granted under the Company’s 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 overafter three years or cliff vest after three or five years of continued employment from the date of the grant. RSAsgrant, and RSUs entitleare authorized to settle predominantly in shares of the recipient to receive cash dividends equivalent to any dividends paid on the underlyingCompany’s common stock during the period the RSAs andstock. Certain RSUs are outstanding. The RSAs have nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents and, as such, are considered participating securities as discussedsettled in Note 1Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements. During 2015, all RSAs have vested and there were no outstanding RSAs as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. RSU dividendscash. Dividends are accrued during the vesting period and are paid at the time of vesting. While a portion of RSUs are time-vesting awards, others vest subject to the attainment of specified performance goals and considerations of market conditionsthese RSUs are referred to as “Performance-based“performance-based RSUs.” All RSUs are subject to forfeiture until vested.


Performance-based RSUs are granted at the target amount of awards. Based on the Company’s attainment of specified performance goals and consideration of market conditions, the number of shares that vest can be adjusted torange between a minimum of zero and0% to a maximum of 200% of the target. The amount of performance-based RSUs that are eligible to vest is determined at the end of each performance period and is then added together to determineas the total number of performance shares that are eligible to vest. Performance-based RSUs cliff vest three years from the date of each grant.


Compensation costs for the time-based awards that will be settled in shares of the Company’s common stock are based on the quoted market price of the Company’s common stock at the grant date. Compensation costs for certain time-based awards that will be settled in cash are adjusted to fair value based on changes in the share price of the Company’s common stock up to the settlement date. Compensation costs associated with performance-based RSUs are based on grant date fair value which considers both market and performance conditions, and is subject to subsequent adjustments based on the changes in the Company’s stock price and the projected outcome of the performance criteria. Compensation costs of both time-based and performance-based awards are estimated based on awards ultimately expected to vest and recognized on a straight-line basis from the grant date until the vesting date of each grant.

Effective January 1, 2017, the Company adopted ASU 2016-09, Compensation Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. As a result of the adoption of this new guidance, all excess tax benefits and deficiencies on share-based payment awards were recognized within Income tax expense on the Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2017. For the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, these tax benefits were recorded as increases to Additional paid-in capital on the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity. The Company continues to estimate the total number of awards expected to be forfeited in recognizing compensation expense.


The following table presents a summary of the activityactivities for the Company’s time-based and performance-based RSUs that will be settled in shares for the year ended December 31, 2017 based on2020. The number of outstanding performance-based RSUs provided below assumes that performance will be met at the target amountlevel.
Time-Based RSUsPerformance-Based RSUs
SharesWeighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
SharesWeighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Outstanding, January 1, 20201,139,868 $57.78 386,483 $60.13 
Granted680,172 40.61 165,084 39.79 
Vested(290,147)55.23 (131,597)56.59 
Forfeited(184,258)53.61 (21,913)45.64 
Outstanding, December 31, 20201,345,635 $50.22 398,057 $53.66 

The following table presents a summary of awards:the activities for the Company’s time-based RSUs that will be settled in cash for the year ended December 31, 2020:
Shares
Outstanding, January 1, 202011,638 
Granted11,215 
Vested
Forfeited(1,051)
Outstanding, December 31, 202021,802

159

 
  2017
 Time-Based RSUs Performance-Based RSUs
 Shares 
Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 Shares Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Outstanding at beginning of year 1,218,714
 $35.92
 410,746
 $35.27
Granted 411,290
 55.28
 131,597
 56.59
Vested (312,226) 36.55
 (118,044) 36.85
Forfeited (151,198) 40.38
 
 
Outstanding at end of year 1,166,580
 $42.00
 424,299
 $41.44
 


The weighted-average grant date fair value of the time-based awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 20152018 was $55.28, $31.86$40.61, $52.46 and $40.36,$66.86, respectively. The weighted-average grant date fair value of the performance-based awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 20152018 was $56.59, $29.18$39.79, $54.64 and $41.15,$70.13, respectively. The total fair value of time-based awards that vested during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016,2020, 2019 and 20152018 was $17.2$11.5 million, $4.2$20.7 million and $9.1$23.1 million, respectively. The total fair value of performance-based awards that vested during the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 20152018 was $13.0$8.9 million, $4.4$14.5 million and $5.8$16.2 million, respectively.


As of December 31, 2017, total2020, there was $22.8 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested time-based and performance-based RSUs amounted to $25.3 million and $14.1 million, respectively. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.021.72 years, and 1.85 years, respectively.



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$13.0 million of grant. No options have been granted since 2011. The 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, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

The following table presents informationunrecognized compensation costs related to stock options for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:unvested performance-based RSUs expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.72 years.

 
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Cash proceeds from options exercised $
 $
 $874
Net tax benefit recognized from options exercised $
 $
 $320
Total intrinsic value of options exercised $
 $
 $760
 

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, 2017,2020, the Purchase Plan qualifies as a non-compensatory plan under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code and, accordingly, no0 compensation expense has been recognized. 2,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock have been made available-for-saleAFS under the Purchase Plan. During the years ended December 31, 20172020 and 2016, 45,3432019, 89,425 shares totaling $2.3 million and 67,19881,221 shares totaling $2.1$3.4 million, respectively, have been sold to employees under the Purchase Plan. As of December 31, 2017,2020, there were 526,687304,500 shares available under the Purchase Plan.




Note 1514 — Employee Benefit Plans

The Company sponsors a defined contribution plan, the East West Bank Employees 401(k) Savings Plan (the “Plan”“401(k) Plan”), designed to provide retirement benefits financed by participants’ tax deferred contributions for the benefits of its employees.ARoth 401(k) investment option is also available to the participants, with contributions to be made on an after-tax basis. Under the terms401(k) Plan, after three months of the Plan,service, eligible employees may elect to defer up to 80% of their compensation before taxes, up to the dollar limit imposed by the IRS for tax purposes. Participants can also designate a part or all of their contributions as Roth 401(k) contributions. Effective as of April 1, 2014,2020, 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 in accordance with the Plan requirements.requirements and are invested based on employee investment elections. Plan participants become vested in matching contributions received from the Plan sponsorCompany at the rate of 20% per year for each full year of service, such that the Plan participants become 100% vested after five years of credited service. For the Plan years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015,2018, the Company expensed $8.9$12.6 million, $8.4$14.0 million and $7.5$9.9 million, respectively.


During 2002, the Company adopted a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) pursuant to which the Company will pay supplemental pension benefits to certain executive officers designated by the Board of Directors upon retirement based upon the officers’ years of service and compensation. The SERP meets the definition of a pension plan per ASC 715-30, Compensation — Retirement Benefits — Defined Benefit Plans — Pension. 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, 2017,2020, there were no0 additional benefits to be accrued for under the SERP. As of each of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, there was one1 former executive officer remaining under the SERP. ForBenefits expensed and accrued for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015, $3312018 were $333 thousand, $624$333 thousand and $619$332 thousand, respectively, of benefits were expensed and accrued for.respectively. The benefit obligation was $4.2 million and $4.1 million as of both December 31, 20172020 and 2016, respectively.2019. The following table presents a summary of expected SERP payments to be paid for the next five years and thereafter as of December 31, 2017:2020:
Years Ending December 31,Amount
($ in thousands)
2021$349 
2022359 
2023370 
2024381 
2025393 
Thereafter6,710 
Total$8,562 

160
   
Years Ending December 31, 
Amount
($ in thousands)
2018 $319
2019 329
2020 339
2021 349
2022 359
Thereafter 7,855
Total $9,550
   



Note 1615 — Stockholders’ Equity and Earnings Per Share


Stock Repurchase ProgramThe following table presents the basic and diluted EPS calculations for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. For more information on the calculation of EPS, see Note 1On July 17, 2013,Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Significant Accounting Policies — Earnings Per Share to 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 has not repurchased any shares underConsolidated Financial Statements in this program thereafter, including during 2017 and 2016. 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.Form 10-K.

($ and shares in thousands, except per share data)Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Basic:
Net income$567,797 $674,035 $703,701 
Basic weighted-average number of shares outstanding142,336 145,497 144,862 
Basic EPS$3.99 $4.63 $4.86 
Diluted:
Net income$567,797 $674,035 $703,701 
Basic weighted-average number of shares outstanding (1)
142,336 145,497 144,862 
Diluted potential common shares (1)(2)
655 682 1,307 
Diluted weighted-average number of shares outstanding (1)(2)
142,991 146,179 146,169 
Diluted EPS$3.97 $4.61 $4.81 
Warrant(1)The Company acquired MetroCorp Bancshares, Inc., (“MetroCorp”) on January 17, 2014. Prior to the acquisition, MetroCorp had an outstanding warrantwarrants to purchase 771,429 shares of its common stock. Upon the acquisition, the rights of the warrant holderholders were converted into the rightrights to acquire 230,282 shares of East West’s common stock until January 16, 2019. The warrant has not beenAll warrants were exercised as of December 31, 2017.on January 7, 2019.

Quarterly Dividends — The Company declared quarterly cash dividends on its common stock of $0.20 per share for each quarter of 2017, which is consistent with the quarterly cash dividends declared on its common stock for each quarter of 2016 and 2015. Total cash dividends amounting to $117.0 million, $116.6 million and $116.2 million were declared to the Company’s common stockholders during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.



Earnings Per Share— The following table presents the EPS calculations(2)Includes dilutive shares from RSUs for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020 and 2015. The Company applied the two-class method in the computation of basic2019, and diluted EPS in the periods when the RSAs were outstanding. The RSAs were fully vested as of December 31, 2015. For additional information regarding the Company’s EPS calculation, see Note 1Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements. With the adoption of ASU 2016-09 during the first quarter of 2017, the impact of excess tax benefitsfrom RSUs and deficiencies is no longer included in the calculation of diluted EPS. As a result of applying ASU 2016-09 in 2017, the Company recorded income tax benefits of $4.8 million or $0.03 per common sharewarrants for the year ended December 31, 2017 related to the vesting of the RSUs. See Note 1Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.2018.
 
($ and shares in thousands, except per share data) Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Basic      
Net income $505,624
 $431,677
 $384,677
Less: earnings allocated to participating securities 
 
 (3)
Net income allocated to common stockholders $505,624
 $431,677
 $384,674
       
Basic weighted-average number of shares outstanding 144,444
 144,087
 143,818
Basic EPS $3.50
 $3.00
 $2.67
       
Diluted      
Net income allocated to common stockholders $505,624
 $431,677
 $384,680
       
Basic weighted-average number of shares outstanding 144,444
 144,087
 143,818
Diluted potential common shares (1)
 1,469
 1,085
 694
Diluted weighted-average number of shares outstanding 145,913
 145,172
 144,512
Diluted EPS $3.47
 $2.97
 $2.66
 
(1)Includes dilutive shares from RSUs and warrants for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.


For the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015, 142018, 134 thousand, 815 thousand and 1610 thousand weighted-average anti-dilutive shares fromof anti-dilutive RSUs, respectively, were excluded from the diluted EPS computation.


Stock Repurchase Program — On March 3, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program to buy back up to $500.0 million of the Company’s common stock. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company repurchased 4,471,682 shares at an average price of $32.64 per share and a total cost of $146.0 million. The Company did not repurchase any shares during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

161


Note 1716 — Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)


The following table presents the changes in the components of AOCI balances for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:
($ in thousands)AFS
Debt
Securities
Cash
Flow
Hedges
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
(1)
Total
Balance, December 31, 2017$(30,898)$0 $(6,621)$(37,519)
Cumulative-effect of change in accounting principle related to marketable equity securities (2)
385 385 
Reclassification of tax effects in AOCI resulting from the new federal corporate income tax rate (3)
(6,656)(6,656)
Balance, January 1, 2018, adjusted(37,169)0 (6,621)(43,790)
Net unrealized losses arising during the period(6,866)(5,732)(12,598)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI(1,786)(1,786)
Changes, net of tax(8,652)(5,732)(14,384)
Balance, December 31, 2018$(45,821)$0 $(12,353)$(58,174)
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period46,170 (3,636)42,534 
Amounts reclassified from AOCI(2,768)(2,768)
Changes, net of tax43,402 (3,636)39,766 
Balance, December 31, 2019$(2,419)$0 $(15,989)$(18,408)
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period63,329 (1,149)9,297 71,477 
Amounts reclassified from AOCI(8,663)(81)(8,744)
Changes, net of tax54,666 (1,230)9,297 62,733 
Balance, December 31, 2020$52,247 $(1,230)$(6,692)$44,325 
(1)Represents foreign currency translation adjustments related to the Company’s net investment in non-U.S. operations, including related hedges. The functional currency and reporting currency of the Company’s foreign subsidiary was RMB and USD, respectively.
(2)Represents the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments — Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities on January 1, 2018.
(3)Represents the amounts reclassified from AOCI to retained earnings due to the early adoption of ASU 2018-02, Income Statement — Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on January 1, 2018. ASU 2018-02 permits companies to reclassify the stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 2016from AOCI to retained earnings on a retrospective basis. The adoption of the guidance resulted in a cumulative-effect adjustment as of January 1, 2018 that increased retained earnings by $6.7 million and 2015:reduced AOCI by the same amount.

162

 
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
 
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
 
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments (1)
 Total
Beginning balance $(28,772) $(19,374) $(48,146) $(6,144) $(8,797) $(14,941) $4,237
 $
 $4,237
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period 2,531
 12,753
 15,284
 (16,623) (10,577) (27,200) 13,012
 (8,797) 4,215
Amounts reclassified from AOCI (4,657) 
 (4,657) (6,005) 
 (6,005) (23,393) 
 (23,393)
Changes, net of taxes (2,126) 12,753
 10,627
 (22,628) (10,577) (33,205) (10,381)
(8,797) (19,178)
Ending balance $(30,898) $(6,621) $(37,519) $(28,772) $(19,374) $(48,146) $(6,144)
$(8,797) $(14,941)
 

(1)Represents foreign currency translation adjustments related to the Company’s net investment in non-U.S. operations, including related hedges. The functional currency and reporting currency of the Company’s foreign subsidiary was RMB and USD, respectively.



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, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015:2018:
($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Before -
Tax
Tax
Effect
Net-of-
Tax
Before -
Tax
Tax
Effect
Net-of-
Tax
Before -
Tax
Tax
Effect
Net-of-
Tax
AFS debt securities:
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period$89,868 $(26,539)$63,329 $65,549 $(19,379)$46,170 $(9,748)$2,882 $(6,866)
Net realized (gains) reclassified into net income (1)
(12,299)3,636 (8,663)(3,930)1,162 (2,768)(2,535)749 (1,786)
Net change77,569 (22,903)54,666 61,619 (18,217)43,402 (12,283)3,631 (8,652)
Cash flow hedges
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period(1,604)455 (1,149)
Net realized (gains) reclassified into net income (2)
(113)32 (81)
Net change(1,717)487 (1,230)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of hedges:
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period (3)
7,398 1,899 9,297 290 (3,926)(3,636)(5,732)(5,732)
Net change7,398 1,899 9,297 290 (3,926)(3,636)(5,732)(5,732)
Other comprehensive income (loss)$83,250 $(20,517)$62,733 $61,909 $(22,143)$39,766 $(18,015)$3,631 $(14,384)
                   
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
 
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 $4,368
 $(1,837) $2,531
 $(28,681) $12,058
 $(16,623) $22,454
 $(9,442) $13,012
Net realized gains reclassified into net income (1)
 (8,037) 3,380
 (4,657) (10,362) 4,357
 (6,005) (40,367) 16,974
 (23,393)
Net change (3,669) 1,543
 (2,126) (39,043) 16,415
 (22,628) (17,913) 7,532
 (10,381)
Foreign currency translation adjustments:                  
Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during period 12,753
 
 12,753
 (10,577) 
 (10,577) (8,797) 
 (8,797)
Net change 12,753
 
 12,753
 (10,577) 
 (10,577) (8,797) 
 (8,797)
Other comprehensive income (loss) $9,084
 $1,543
 $10,627
 $(49,620) $16,415
 $(33,205) $(26,710) $7,532
 $(19,178)
 
(1)
For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, pre-tax amounts were reported in Net gains on sales of available-for-sale investment securities on the Consolidated Statement of Income.

(1)For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, pre-tax amounts were reported in Gains on sales of AFS debt securities on the Consolidated Statement of Income.
(2)For the year ended December 31, 2020, pre-tax amounts were reported in Interest expense on the Consolidated Statement of Income.
(3)The tax effects on foreign currency translation adjustments, net of hedges represent the cumulative net deferred tax liabilities on net investment hedges since its inception.

Note 1817 — Regulatory Requirements and Matters


Capital Adequacy — The Company and the Bank are subject to regulatory capital adequacy requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. The Bank is a member bank of the Federal Reserve System and is primarily regulated by the Federal Reserve Bank isand the Bank’s primary regulator. Effective January 1, 2015, theCalifornia Department of Financial Protection and Innovation. The Company and the Bank are required to comply with the Basel III Capital Rules adopted by the Federal Reserve Bank. The capital requirementsfederal banking agencies. Both the Company and the Bank are standardized approaches institutions under the Basel III framework, among other things, prescribed a new standardized approach for determining risk-weighted assets used in calculating capital ratios, increased minimum required capital ratios, and introduced a minimum Common Equity Tier 1 (“CET1”) capital ratio to ensure that banking organizations hold sufficient high quality regulatory capital that is available to absorb losses on a going-concern basis.Capital Rules. The Basel III Capital Rule requires that banking organizations maintain a minimum CET1Common Equity Tier 1 (“CET1”) capital ratio of at least 4.5%, a Tier 1 capital ratio of at least 6.0%, and a total capital ratio of at least 8.0%, and a Tier 1 leverage ratio of a least 4.0% to be considered adequately capitalized. Failure to meet the minimum capital requirements can result in certain mandatory actions and possibly additional discretionary actions by the regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The Basel III Capital Rules also requires the Company and the Bank to maintain a capital conservation buffer of 2.5% above the minimum risk-based capital ratios in order to absorb losses during periods of economic stress, effective January 1, 2019. 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 Federal Deposit Insurance CorporationFDIC Improvement Act of 1991 requires that the federal regulatory agencies adopt regulations defining capital categories for banks: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized. Consistent with the Basel III Capital Rules, the capital categories were augmented by including the CET1 capital measure, and revised risk-based capital measures to reflect the rule changes to the minimum risk-based capital ratios.



163


As of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, the Company and the Bank were 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, 2017,2020, which would result in changes that would cause the Company or the Bank to fall below the well capitalized level. The following table presents the regulatory capital information of the Company and the Bank as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016:2019:
($ in thousands)Basel III
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019Minimum
Capital
Ratios
Fully
Phased-in
Minimum
Capital
   Ratios (3)
Well-
Capitalized
Requirement
ActualActual
AmountRatioAmountRatioRatioRatioRatio
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
Company$5,510,640 14.3 %$5,064,037 14.4 %8.0 %10.5 %10.0 %
East West Bank$5,143,246 13.4 %$4,886,237 13.9 %8.0 %10.5 %10.0 %
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)
Company$4,882,555 12.7 %$4,546,592 12.9 %6.0 %8.5 %8.0 %
East West Bank$4,662,426 12.1 %$4,516,792 12.9 %6.0 %8.5 %8.0 %
CET1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)
Company$4,882,555 12.7 %$4,546,592 12.9 %4.5 %7.0 %6.5 %
East West Bank$4,662,426 12.1 %$4,516,792 12.9 %4.5 %7.0 %6.5 %
Tier 1 leverage capital (to adjusted average assets)
Company (1)
$4,882,555 9.4 %$4,546,592 10.3 %4.0 %4.0 %N/A
East West Bank$4,662,426 9.0 %$4,516,792 10.3 %4.0 %4.0 %5.0 %
Risk-weighted assets
Company$38,406,071 N/A$35,136,427 N/AN/AN/AN/A
East West Bank$38,481,275 N/A$35,127,920 N/AN/AN/AN/A
Adjusted quarterly average total assets (2)
Company$52,540,964 N/A$44,449,802 N/AN/AN/AN/A
East West Bank$52,594,313 N/A$44,419,308 N/AN/AN/AN/A
 
  Basel III
  December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
($ in thousands) Actual Minimum Requirement Well Capitalized Requirement Actual Minimum Requirement Well Capitalized Requirement
 Amount Ratio Ratio Ratio Amount Ratio Ratio Ratio
                 
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)                
Company $3,838,516
 12.9% 8.0% 10.0% $3,400,642
 12.4% 8.0% 10.0%
East West Bank $3,679,261
 12.4% 8.0% 10.0% $3,371,885
 12.3% 8.0% 10.0%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)                
Company $3,390,070
 11.4% 6.0% 8.0% $2,976,002
 10.9% 6.0% 8.0%
East West Bank $3,378,815
 11.4% 6.0% 8.0% $3,095,245
 11.3% 6.0% 8.0%
CET1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)
                
  Company $3,390,070
 11.4% 4.5% 6.5% $2,976,002
 10.9% 4.5% 6.5%
  East West Bank $3,378,815
 11.4% 4.5% 6.5% $3,095,245
 11.3% 4.5% 6.5%
Tier 1 leverage capital (to adjusted average assets)                
Company $3,390,070
 9.2% 4.0% 5.0% $2,976,002
 8.7% 4.0% 5.0%
East West Bank $3,378,815
 9.2% 4.0% 5.0% $3,095,245
 9.1% 4.0% 5.0%
Risk-weighted assets                
Company $29,669,251
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 $27,357,753
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
East West Bank $29,643,711
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 $27,310,540
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
Adjusted quarterly average total assets (1)
                
Company $37,307,975
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 $34,209,827
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
East West Bank $37,283,273
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 $34,163,667
 N/A
 N/A
 N/A
 
(1)The Tier 1 leverage capital well-capitalized requirement applies only to the Bank since there is no Tier 1 leverage ratio component in the definition of a well-capitalized bank holding company.
(1)Reflects adjusted average total assets for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.
(2)Reflects adjusted quarterly average total assets for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
(3)As of January 1, 2019, the 2.5% capital conservation buffer above the minimum risk-based capital ratios was required in order to avoid limitations on distributions, including dividend payments and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers.
N/A Not applicable.


Reserve Requirement The Bank is required to maintain a percentage of its deposits as reserves at the Federal Reserve. In an effort to provide monetary stimulus to counteract the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (the “FRB”).reduced reserve requirement ratio to zero percent. The daily average reserve requirement was approximately $699.4 millionrequirements were 0 as of December 31, 2020 and $503.8$829.0 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.2019.


Regulatory Matters
Note 18 The Bank entered into a Written Agreement, dated November 9, 2015, with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (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 in 2015. The Written Agreement, among other things, requires the Bank to enhance the compliance programs related to the BSA and AML and Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) laws, rules and regulations and retain an independent firm to conduct a review of the account and transaction activity covering a six-month period to determine whether any suspicious activity was properly identified and reported in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.Segments


The Company believes that it is making progress in executing the compliance plansorganizes its operations into 3 reportable operating segments: (1) Consumer 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. To date, the Company has added significant resources to comply with the Written Agreement and MOU, and to address any additional findings or recommendations by the regulators.


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 in the BSA and AML program and the auditing and oversight of the program that led to the Written Agreement and MOU could also lead to an increased risk of being subject to additional actions by the FRB and DBO, an increased risk of future examinations that may downgrade the regulatory ratings of the Bank, and an increased risk investigations by other government agencies may result in fines, penalties, increased expenses or restrictions on operations.

Note 19 — 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 segments 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 revieweddefined by the Company’s chief operating decision maker to render decisions about resources to be allocated totype of customers served, and the related products and services provided. The segments and assess its performance; and discretereflect how financial information is available.currently evaluated by management. Operating segment results are based on the Company’s internal management reporting process, which reflects assignments and allocations of certain balance sheet and income statement items. The information presented is not indicative of how the segments would perform if they operated as independent entities due to the interrelationships among the segments.


The RetailConsumer and Business Banking segment focuses primarily on deposit operationsprovides financial products and services to consumer and commercial customers through the Bank’sCompany’s domestic branch network. This segment offers consumer and commercial deposits, mortgage and home equity loans, and other products and services. It also originates commercial loans for small and medium-sized enterprises through the Company’s branch network. Other products and services provided by this segment include wealth management, treasury management and foreign exchange services.

164


The Commercial Banking segment primarily generates commercial loans and deposits through domesticdeposits. Commercial loan products include commercial lending offices in the U.S.business loans and foreign commercial lending offices in China and Hong Kong. Furthermore, the Commercial Banking segment offers a wide varietylines of international finance,credit, trade finance loans and cashletters of credit, CRE loans, construction and land loans, affordable housing loans and letters of credit, asset-based lending, and equipment financing. Commercial deposit products and other financial services include treasury management, foreign exchange services, and products. interest rate and commodity risk hedging.

The remaining centralized functions, including the corporate treasury activities of the Company and eliminations of inter-segment amounts, have been aggregated and included in the Other segment, which provides broad administrative support to the two2 core segments, namely the Consumer and Business Banking and the Commercial Banking segments.


OperatingThe Company utilizes an internal reporting process to measure the performance of the 3 operating segments within the Company. The internal reporting process derives operating segment results are based on the Company’s internal management reporting process, which reflects assignmentsby utilizing allocation methodologies for revenues and allocations of certain operating and administrative costs and the provision for credit losses.expenses. Net interest income is allocated basedof each segment represents the difference between actual interest earned on assets and interest incurred on liabilities of the segment, adjusted for funding charges or credits through 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.(“FTP”) process. Noninterest income and noninterest expense directly attributable to a business segment isare assigned to the related businessthat segment. Indirect costs, including technology relatedtechnology-related costs and corporate overhead, are allocated based on thata segment’s estimated usage using factors including but not limited to, full-time equivalent employees, net interest margin,income, and loan and deposit volume. TheCharge-offs are booked to the segment directly associated with the loans charged off, and the provision for credit losses is booked to segments based on charge-offsrelated loans for the period as well as an allocation of the remaining consolidated provision expense based on the average loan balances for each segment during the period.

which allowances are evaluated. The Company’s internal funds transfer pricingreporting process utilizes a full-allocation methodology. Under this methodology, corporate and indirect expenses incurred by the Other segment are allocated to the Consumer and Business Banking and the Commercial Banking segments, except certain corporate treasury-related expenses and insignificant unallocated expenses.

The corporate treasury function within the Other segment is responsible for liquidity and interest rate management of the Company. The Company’s internal FTP process is also managed by the corporate treasury function within the Other segment. The process is formulated with the goal of encouraging loan and deposit growth that is consistent with the Company’s overall profitability objectives, as well as to provideproviding a reasonable and consistent basis for the measurement of its business segments and productsegments’ net interest margins. margins and profitability. The FTP process charges a cost to fund loans (“FTP charges for loans”) and allocates credits for funds provided from deposits (“FTP credits for deposits”) using internal FTP rates. FTP charges for loans are determined based on a matched cost of funds, which is tied to the pricing and term characteristics of the loans. FTP credits for deposits are based on matched funding credit rates, which are tied to the implied or stated maturity of the deposits. FTP credits for deposits reflect the long-term value generated by the deposits. The net spread between the total internal FTP charges and credits is recorded as part of net interest income in the Other segment. The FTP process transfers the corporate interest rate risk exposure to the treasury function within the Other segment, where such exposures are centrally managed.

The Company’s internal funds transfer pricingFTP assumptions and methodologies are reviewed at least annually to ensure that the process is reflective of current market conditions. ChangesEffective January 1, 2020, in connection with the Company’s management structure and allocation or reporting methodologies may result in changes inadoption of ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326), the measurementprovision for credit losses is booked by segment based on segment loans against which an allowance is recorded instead of operating segment results. Results for prior year periods are generally reclassified for comparability for changes in management structure and allocation or reporting methodologies unless it is deemed not practicable to do so.

The Company’s internal reporting process utilizes a full-allocation methodology. Under this methodology, corporate expenses and expenses of the Other segment, except certain Treasury-related transactions and an insignificant amount of other residual unallocated expenses, arebeing allocated to the Retail Banking and Commercial Banking segments. In previously reporting segment income after taxes, the Company applied the consolidated effective tax rate to all of its business segments and allocated the amortization of tax credit and other investments from the Other segment to the Retail Banking and Commercial Banking segments. The Company has recently changed its methodology to measure the after-tax income of the Retail Banking and Commercial Banking segments using the applicable statutory tax rates, with the Other segment receiving the residual tax expense or benefit to arrive at the consolidated effective tax rate. With this change, the amortization of tax credit and other investments which had previously been allocated to each segment is now allocated to the Other segment only, along with the tax benefit. The Company has also allocated indirect costs to noninterest expense by segment for management reporting. In addition, operating segment profitability, which had previously been presentedbased on an income before income tax basis only, has now been revised to be presented both on income before and income after tax basis.loan volume.








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, 2017, 20162020, 2019 and 2015:2018:
($ in thousands)Consumer and
Business
Banking
Commercial
Banking
OtherTotal
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Net interest income before provision for credit losses$530,829 $706,286 $140,078 $1,377,193 
Provision for credit losses3,885 206,768 210,653 
Noninterest income67,115 139,365 29,067 235,547 
Noninterest expense331,750 266,923 117,649 716,322 
Segment income before income taxes262,309 371,960 51,496 685,765 
Segment net income$187,931 $266,342 $113,524 $567,797 
As of December 31, 2020
Segment assets$13,351,060 $26,958,766 $11,847,087 $52,156,913 
165


 
($ in thousands) Retail
Banking
 Commercial
Banking
 Other Total
Year ended December 31, 2017:        
Interest income $364,906
 $844,303
 $115,910
 $1,325,119
Charge for funds used (142,619) (326,902) (64,256) (533,777)
Interest spread on funds used 222,287
 517,401
 51,654
 791,342
Interest expense (76,770) (24,603) (38,677) (140,050)
Credit on funds provided 445,304
 61,019
 27,454
 533,777
Interest spread on funds provided 368,534
 36,416
 (11,223) 393,727
Net interest income before provision for credit losses $590,821
 $553,817
 $40,431
 $1,185,069
Provision for credit losses $1,812
 $44,454
 $
 $46,266
Noninterest income $55,093
 $110,104
 $93,209
 $258,406
Noninterest expense $320,287
 $193,176
 $148,646
 $662,109
Segment income (loss) before income taxes $323,815
 $426,291
 $(15,006) $735,100
Segment income after income taxes $190,404
 $251,834
 $63,386
 $505,624
As of December 31, 2017:        
Segment assets $9,316,587
 $21,431,472
 $6,402,190
 $37,150,249
 
($ in thousands)Consumer and
Business
Banking
Commercial
Banking
OtherTotal
Year Ended December 31, 2019
Net interest income before provision for credit losses$696,551 $651,413 $119,849 $1,467,813 
Provision for credit losses14,178 84,507 98,685 
Noninterest income57,920 134,622 29,703 222,245 
Noninterest expense343,001 263,064 141,391 747,456 
Segment income before income taxes397,292 438,464 8,161 843,917 
Segment net income$284,161 $313,833 $76,041 $674,035 
As of December 31, 2019
Segment assets$11,520,586 $25,501,534 $7,173,976 $44,196,096 
($ in thousands)Consumer and
Business
Banking
Commercial
Banking
OtherTotal
Year Ended December 31, 2018
Net interest income before provision for credit losses$727,215 $605,650 $53,643 $1,386,508 
Provision for credit losses9,364 54,891 64,255 
Noninterest income85,607 110,287 21,539 217,433 
Noninterest expense341,396 237,520 142,074 720,990 
Segment income (loss) before income taxes462,062 423,526 (66,892)818,696 
Segment net income$330,683 $303,553 $69,465 $703,701 
As of December 31, 2018
Segment assets$10,587,621 $23,761,469 $6,693,266 $41,042,356 

 
($ in thousands) Retail
Banking
 Commercial
Banking
 Other Total
Year ended December 31, 2016:        
Interest income $315,146
 $726,013
 $96,322
 $1,137,481
Charge for funds used (95,970) (216,849) (47,646) (360,465)
Interest spread on funds used 219,176
 509,164
 48,676
 777,016
Interest expense (60,180) (16,892) (27,771) (104,843)
Credit on funds provided 300,446
 38,636
 21,383
 360,465
Interest spread on funds provided 240,266
 21,744
 (6,388) 255,622
Net interest income before (reversal of) provision for credit losses $459,442
 $530,908
 $42,288
 $1,032,638
(Reversal of) provision for credit losses $(4,356) $31,835
 $
 $27,479
Noninterest income $51,435
 $96,010
 $35,473
 $182,918
Noninterest expense $306,570
 $172,259
 $137,060
 $615,889
Segment income (loss) before income taxes $208,663
 $422,824
 $(59,299) $572,188
Segment income after income taxes $122,256
 $248,474
 $60,947
 $431,677
As of December 31, 2016:        
Segment assets $7,821,610
 $19,128,510
 $7,838,720
 $34,788,840
 



 
($ in thousands) Retail
Banking
 Commercial
Banking
 Other Total
Year ended December 31, 2015:        
Interest income $331,755
 $654,966
 $67,094
 $1,053,815
Charge for funds used (86,769) (163,601) (66,773) (317,143)
Interest spread on funds used 244,986
 491,365
 321
 736,672
Interest expense (53,088) (18,025) (32,263) (103,376)
Credit on funds provided 261,117
 36,251
 19,775
 317,143
Interest spread on funds provided 208,029
 18,226
 (12,488) 213,767
Net interest income (loss) before (reversal of) provision for credit losses $453,015
 $509,591
 $(12,167) $950,439
(Reversal of) provision for credit losses $(5,835) $20,052
 $
 $14,217
Noninterest income $46,265
 $71,867
 $65,251
 $183,383
Noninterest expense $276,144
 $159,987
 $104,753
 $540,884
Segment income (loss) before income taxes $228,971
 $401,419
 $(51,669) $578,721
Segment income after income taxes $134,383
 $236,459
 $13,835
 $384,677
As of December 31, 2015:        
Segment assets $7,095,737
 $17,923,319
 $7,331,866
 $32,350,922
 



Note 2019 — 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 $255.0$511.0 million, $190.0 million and $100.0$160.0 million of dividends to East West during the years ended December 31, 20172020, 2019 and 2016,2018, respectively. The Bank did not declare any dividends to East West during the year ended December 31, 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.


166


The following tables present the Parent Company-only condensed financial statements:


CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
($ in thousands, except shares)December 31,
20202019
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents due from subsidiary bank$439,065 $166,131 
Investments in subsidiaries:
Bank5,048,896 4,987,666 
Nonbank6,738 5,630 
Investments in tax credit investments, net6,586 11,637 
Other assets3,072 4,091 
TOTAL$5,504,357 $5,175,155 
LIABILITIES  
Long-term debt$147,376 $147,101 
Accrued income tax payable81,741 4,534 
Other liabilities6,065 5,903 
Total liabilities235,182 157,538 
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 167,240,600 and 166,621,959 shares issued in 2020 and 2019, respectively167 167 
Additional paid-in capital1,858,352 1,826,345 
Retained earnings4,000,414 3,689,377 
Treasury stock, at cost 25,675,371 shares in 2020 and 20,996,574 shares in 2019(634,083)(479,864)
AOCI, net of tax44,325 (18,408)
Total stockholders’ equity5,269,175 5,017,617 
TOTAL$5,504,357 $5,175,155 
 
($ in thousands, except shares) December 31,
 2017 2016
ASSETS    
Cash placed with subsidiary bank $159,566
 $39,264
Available-for-sale investment securities, at fair value 
 9,338
Investments in subsidiaries:    
Bank 3,830,696
 3,546,984
Nonbank 3,664
 5,675
Investments in tax credit investments, net 25,511
 32,245
Other assets 7,062
 4,812
TOTAL $4,026,499
 $3,638,318
LIABILITIES  
  
Long-term debt $171,577
 $186,327
Other liabilities 12,971
 24,250
Total liabilities 184,548
 210,577
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY    
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 165,214,770 and 164,604,072 shares issued in 2017 and 2016, respectively 165
 164
Additional paid-in capital 1,755,330
 1,727,434
Retained earnings 2,576,302
 2,187,676
Treasury stock, at cost — 20,671,710 shares in 2017 and 20,436,621 shares in 2016 (452,327) (439,387)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (37,519) (48,146)
Total stockholders’ equity 3,841,951
 3,427,741
TOTAL $4,026,499
 $3,638,318
 




CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME
($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Dividends from subsidiaries:
Bank$511,000 $190,000 $160,000 
Nonbank109 189 175 
Other income425 
Total income511,112 190,614 160,177 
Interest expense on long-term debt3,877 6,482 6,488 
Compensation and employee benefits6,210 5,479 5,559 
Amortization of tax credit and other investments1,248 8,437 413 
Other expense1,184 1,487 1,490 
Total expense12,519 21,885 13,950 
Income before income tax benefit and equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries498,593 168,729 146,227 
Income tax benefit4,158 6,737 3,404 
Undistributed earnings of subsidiaries, primarily bank65,046 498,569 554,070 
Net income$567,797 $674,035 $703,701 

167

 
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Dividends from subsidiaries:      
Bank $255,000
 $100,000
 $
Nonbank 4,118
 107
 88
Other income 721
 610
 625
Total income 259,839
 100,717
 713
Interest expense 5,429
 5,017
 4,636
Compensation and employee benefits 5,065
 5,001
 5,350
Amortization of tax credit and other investments 5,908
 13,851
 22,466
Other expense 1,257
 1,218
 2,399
Total expense 17,659
 25,087
 34,851
Income (loss) before income tax benefit and equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries 242,180
 75,630
 (34,138)
Income tax benefit 18,182
 26,041
 30,849
Undistributed earnings of subsidiaries, primarily bank 245,262
 330,006
 387,966
Net income $505,624
 $431,677
 $384,677
 


CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
($ in thousands)Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income$567,797 $674,035 $703,701 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Undistributed earnings of subsidiaries, principally bank(65,046)(498,569)(554,070)
Amortization expenses1,523 8,703 671 
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)491 (10,132)3,517 
Net change in other assets40 10,246 (595)
Net change in other liabilities77,052 (18)(45)
Net cash provided by operating activities581,857 184,265 153,179 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Net increase in investments in tax credit investments(172)(292)(1,049)
Distributions received from equity method investees4,096 2,577 1,491 
Net increase in investments in and advances to nonbank subsidiaries(2,732)(3,314)
Other investing activities(157)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities1,192 (1,186)442 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Repayment of long-term debt(25,000)
Common stock:
Proceeds from issuance pursuant to various stock compensation plans and agreements2,326 3,383 2,846 
Stock tendered for payment of withholding taxes(8,253)(14,635)(15,634)
Repurchased of common stock pursuant to the Stock Repurchase Program(145,966)
Cash dividends paid(158,222)(155,107)(125,988)
Net cash used in financing activities(310,115)(166,359)(163,776)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents272,934 16,720 (10,155)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year166,131 149,411 159,566 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year$439,065 $166,131 $149,411 

 
($ in thousands) Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES      
Net income $505,624
 $431,677
 $384,677
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Undistributed earnings of subsidiaries, principally bank (245,262) (330,006) (387,966)
Amortization expenses 6,158
 14,094
 22,870
Deferred income tax expense 940
 6,349
 17,555
Gains on sales of available-for-sale investment securities (326) 
 (20)
Net change in other assets (3,341) 39,929
 (42,292)
Net change in other liabilities (560) 794
 (15,887)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 263,233
 162,837
 (21,063)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES      
Net increase in investments in tax credit and other investments, net (9,777) (6,554) (35,633)
Purchases of available-for-sale investment securities (9,000) 
 
Proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale investment securities 18,326
 
 20
Net cash used in investing activities (451) (6,554) (35,613)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES      
Proceeds from issuance of common stock pursuant to various stock compensation plans and agreements 2,280
 2,081
 2,835
Payments for:      
Repayment of long-term debt (15,000) (20,000) (20,000)
Repurchase of vested shares due to employee tax liability (12,940) (3,225) (5,964)
Cash dividends on common stock (116,820) (115,828) (115,641)
Other net financing activities 
 1,055
 3,291
Net cash used in financing activities (142,480) (135,917) (135,479)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 120,302
 20,366
 (192,155)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 39,264
 18,898
 211,053
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $159,566
 $39,264
 $18,898
 



Note 21 — Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
 
 
Quarters Ended
($ and shares in thousands, except per share data)
December 31,
September 30,
June 30,
March 31,
2017











Interest and dividend income
$359,765

$339,910

$322,775

$302,669
Interest expense
40,064

36,755

32,684

30,547
Net interest income before provision for credit losses
319,701

303,155

290,091

272,122
Provision for credit losses
15,517

12,996

10,685

7,068
Net interest income after provision for credit losses
304,184

290,159

279,406

265,054
Noninterest income
45,359

49,624

47,400

116,023
Noninterest expense
175,416

164,499

169,121

153,073
Income before income taxes
174,127

175,284

157,685

228,004
Income tax expense
89,229

42,624

39,355

58,268
Net income
$84,898

$132,660

$118,330

$169,736
         
EPS        
- Basic
$0.59

$0.92

$0.82

$1.18
- Diluted
$0.58

$0.91

$0.81

$1.16
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding        
- Basic 144,542
 144,498
 144,485
 144,249
- Diluted 146,030
 145,882
 145,740
 145,732
Cash dividends declared per common share $0.20
 $0.20
 $0.20
 $0.20
 
 
  Quarters Ended
($ and shares in thousands, except per share data) December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
2016        
Interest and dividend income $302,127
 $280,317
 $278,865
 $276,172
Interest expense 29,425
 26,169
 25,281
 23,968
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 48,800
 49,341
 44,264
 40,513
Noninterest expense 149,904
 170,500
 148,879
 146,606
Income before income taxes 161,137
 123,464
 142,916
 144,671
Income tax expense 50,403
 13,321
 39,632
 37,155
Net income $110,734
 $110,143
 $103,284
 $107,516
         
EPS        
- Basic $0.77
 $0.76
 $0.72
 $0.75
- Diluted $0.76
 $0.76
 $0.71
 $0.74
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding        
- Basic 144,166
 144,122
 144,101
 143,958
- Diluted 145,428
 145,238
 145,078
 144,803
Cash dividends declared per common share $0.20
 $0.20
 $0.20
 $0.20
 


Note 2220 — Subsequent Events

On January 25, 2018,28, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors declared first quarter 20182021 cash dividends for the Company’s common stock. The common stock cash dividend of $0.20$0.33 per share was paid on February 15, 201823, 2021 to stockholders of record as of February 5, 2018.9, 2021.




168


Supplementary Data

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
($ and shares in thousands, except per share data)2020 Quarters
FourthThirdSecondFirst
Interest and dividend income$381,348 $365,728 $398,776 $449,190 
Interest expense34,767 41,598 55,001 86,483 
Net interest income before provision for credit losses346,581 324,130 343,775 362,707 
Provision for credit losses24,340 10,000 102,443 73,870 
Net interest income after provision for credit losses322,241 314,130 241,332 288,837 
Noninterest income69,832 54,503 55,707 55,505 
Noninterest expense178,651 172,573 184,766 180,332 
Income before income taxes213,422 196,060 112,273 164,010 
Income tax expense49,338 36,523 12,921 19,186 
Net income$164,084 $159,537 $99,352 $144,824 
EPS
- Basic$1.16 $1.13 $0.70 $1.00 
- Diluted$1.15 $1.12 $0.70 $1.00 
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding
- Basic141,564141,498141,486144,814
- Diluted142,529142,043141,827145,285
($ and shares in thousands, except per share data)2019 Quarters
FourthThirdSecondFirst
Interest and dividend income$467,233 $476,912 $474,844 $463,311 
Interest expense99,014 107,105 107,518 100,850 
Net interest income before provision for credit losses368,219 369,807 367,326 362,461 
Provision for credit losses18,577 38,284 19,245 22,579 
Net interest income after provision for credit losses349,642 331,523 348,081 339,882 
Noninterest income65,797 55,349 56,519 44,580 
Noninterest expense196,157 180,505 181,423 189,371 
Income before income taxes219,282 206,367 223,177 195,091 
Income tax expense31,067 34,951 72,797 31,067 
Net income$188,215 $171,416 $150,380 $164,024 
EPS
- Basic$1.29 $1.18 $1.03 $1.13 
- Diluted$1.29 $1.17 $1.03 $1.12 
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding
- Basic145,624145,559145,546145,256
- Diluted146,318146,120146,052145,921

169


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, 2017,2020, pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (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 Company’s 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, 2017.2020.


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 rules and forms of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). 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 adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 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.S. GAAP.


Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. In addition, 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.


Management evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20172020 using the criteria set forth in Internal Control Integrated Framework2013 issued by the Committee of Sponsoring OrganizationsOrganization of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”).Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017.2020.


Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting


There have beenwere no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the yearquarter ended December 31, 2017,2020, that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


Report of Independent 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, 2017.2020. The audit report is presented on the following page.

170




REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
East West Bancorp, Inc.:

Opinion on Internal Control overOver Financial Reporting
We have audited East West Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017,2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee
of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017,2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, 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, 2017,2020, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report dated February 27, 201826, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

Basis for Opinion
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 over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. 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 of internal control over financial reporting 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.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control overOver Financial Reporting
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.



/s/KPMG LLP

Los Angeles, California
February 27, 201826, 2021

171





ITEM 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION


None.


PART III


ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE


Information about our Executive Officers of the Registrant


The following table presents the Company’s executive officers’ names, ages, positions and offices, and business experience during the last five years as of February 27, 2018.26, 2021. There is no family relationship between any of the Company’s executive officers or directors. Each officer is appointed by the Board of Directors of the Company or the Bank and serves at their pleasure.
Name
Age (1)
Positions and Offices, and Business Experience
Dominic Ng5962Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank since 1992.
Gregory L. Guyett54President
Douglas P. Krause64Vice Chairman and Chief OperatingCorporate Officer of the Company and the Bank since October 2016; 2015 - 2016:2020, prior to which he had been Executive Vice President of Corporate Development at Johnson Controls; 2014 - 2015: Co-Head of Banking and Head of Investment Banking, Asia Pacific, J.P. Morgan; 2013 - 2014: Chief Executive Officer for Greater China, J.P. Morgan.
Douglas P. Krause61Executive Vice President, Chief Risk Officer, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company and the Bank since 1996.
Irene H. Oh4043Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company and the Bank since 2010.
Andy Yen6063Executive Vice President and Head of International and Commercial Banking since 2013; 2005 - 2013: Executive2013.
Gary Teo48Senior Vice President and DirectorHead of Human Resources of the Business Banking Division ofCompany and the Bank.Bank since 2015.
(1)As of February 27, 2018.

(1)As of February 26, 2021.

Code of EthicsConduct


The Company has adopted a code of ethicsconduct that applies to its principal executive officer, principal financial and accounting officer, controller, and persons performing similar functions. The code of ethicsconduct is posted on the Company’s website at www.eastwestbank.com/govdocs.govdocs. Any amendments to, or waivers from, the Company’s Code of Conduct will be disclosed on the Company’s website at http://investor.eastwestbank.com.


Audit Committee Financial ExpertsAdditional Information

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


The other information required by this item will be set forth in the following sections of the Company’s definitive proxy statement for its 20182021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “2018“2021 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, 20172020 and this information is incorporated herein by reference:

Summary Information Aboutabout Director Nominees
Board of Directors and Nominees
Director Nominee Qualifications and Experience
Director Independence, Financial Experts and Risk Management Experience
Board Leadership Structure and
Board Meetings and Committees under the heading “Proposal 1: Election of Directors
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION


Information regarding the Company’s executive compensation is included in the 2018 Proxy Statementwill be set forth in the following sections “Director Compensation” underof the heading “Proposal 1 : Election of Directors2021 Proxy Statement and this information is incorporated herein by reference:
Director Compensation
Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and “Report by Compensation Committee” under the heading “ Compensation of Executive Officers.” The information is incorporated into this item by reference.




172


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 towill be set forth in the 20182021 Proxy Statement under the heading “Stock Ownership of Principal Stockholders, Directors and Management.Management and this information is incorporated herein by reference.


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, 2017:2020:
Plan CategoryNumber of Securities to be Issued upon Exercise of Outstanding OptionsWeighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding OptionsNumber of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders— $— 2,767,391 (1)
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders— — — 
Total $ 2,767,391 
Plan CategoryNumber of Securities to be Issued upon Exercise of Outstanding OptionsWeighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding OptionsNumber of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
$
4,719,444
(1)
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders


Total
$
4,719,444
(1)Represents future shares available under the shareholder-approved 2016 Stock Incentive Plan effective May 24, 2016.
(1)Represents future shares available under the shareholder-approved 2016 Stock Incentive Plan effective May 24, 2016.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE


Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions is includedwill be set forth in the 2018following sections of the 2021 Proxy Statement under the section and this information is incorporated herein by reference:
Director Independence, Financial Experts and Risk Management Experience” with the heading “Proposal 1: Election of Directors.” The information is incorporated into this item by reference.Experience

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES


Information regarding principal accountant fees and services is includedwill be set forth in the 20182021 Proxy Statement inunder the following section heading Proposal 3: Ratification of Auditors.” TheAuditors” and this information is incorporated into this itemherein by reference.




173


PART IV

ITEM 15.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(1)Financial Statements


(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:


(2)Financial Statement Schedules

(2)Financial Statement Schedules

All financial statement schedules for East West Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiaries have been included onin this Form 10-K in the Consolidated Financial Statements or the related footnotes, or they are either inapplicable or not required.


(3)Exhibits

(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

Not applicable.



Glossary of Acronyms
below.
ALCOAsset/Liability CommitteeIRSInternal Revenue Service
AMLAnti-Money LaunderingKBWKeefe, Bruyette and Woods
AOCIAccumulated other comprehensive income (loss)KRXKeefe, Bruyette and Woods NASDAQ Regional
ASCAccounting Standards CodificationBanking Index
ASUAccounting Standards UpdateLIBORLondon Interbank Offered Rate
BHCABank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amendedMD&AManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
BSABank Secrecy ActCondition and Results of Operations
C&ICommercial and industrialMOUMemorandum of Understanding
CAMELSCapital adequacy, asset quality, management, earnings,NASDAQNASDAQ Global Select Market
liquidity and sensitivityNOLsNet operating losses
CAPCompliance Assurance ProcessNon-PCINon-purchased credit impaired
CET1Common Equity Tier 1OFACOffice of Foreign Assets Control
CFPBConsumer Financial Protection BureauOREOOther real estate owned
COSOCommittee of Sponsoring Organizations of theOTTIOther-than-temporary impairment
Treadway CommissionPCAPrompt Corrective Action
CRACommunity Reinvestment ActPCIPurchased credit impaired
CRECommercial real estateRMBChinese Renminbi
DBOCalifornia Department of Business OversightRPAsCredit risk participation agreements
DCBDesert Community BankRSAsRestricted stock awards
DIFDeposit Insurance FundRSUsRestricted stock units
DRRDesignated Reserve RatioS&PStandard & Poor’s
EPSEarnings per shareSBLCsStandby letters of credit
EVEEconomic value of equitySECU.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
EWISEast West Insurance Services, Inc.SERPSupplemental Executive Retirement Plan
FASBFinancial Accounting Standards BoardTDRTroubled debt restructuring
FDIAFederal Deposit Insurance Act, as amendedUCBUnited Commercial Bank
FDICFederal Deposit Insurance CorporationU.S.United States
FHLBFederal Home Loan BankU.S. GAAPUnited States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
FinCENFinancial Crimes Enforcement NetworkUSDU.S. Dollar
FRBFederal Reserve Bank of San FranciscoWFIBWashington First International Bank
HELOCsHome equity lines of credit


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:Exhibit No.February 27, 2018Exhibit Description
EAST WEST BANCORP INC.
(Registrant)
By/s/ DOMINIC NG
Dominic Ng
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

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.

3.1
SignatureTitleDate
/s/ DOMINIC NG
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
February 27, 2018
Dominic Ng
/s/ IRENE H. OH
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
February 27, 2018
Irene H. Oh
/s/ MOLLY CAMPBELLDirectorFebruary 27, 2018
Molly Campbell
/s/ IRIS CHANDirectorFebruary 27, 2018
Iris Chan
/s/ RUDOLPH I. ESTRADALead DirectorFebruary 27, 2018
Rudolph I. Estrada
/s/ PAUL H. IRVINGDirectorFebruary 27, 2018
Paul H. Irving
/s/ HERMAN Y. LIDirectorFebruary 27, 2018
Herman Y. Li
/s/ JACK C. LIUDirectorFebruary 27, 2018
Jack C. Liu
/s/ KEITH W. RENKENDirectorFebruary 27, 2018
Keith W. Renken
/s/ LESTER M. SUSSMANDirectorFebruary 27, 2018
Lester M. Sussman




EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.Exhibit Description
3.1
3.1.1
3.1.2
3.1.3
3.2
3.3
4.1
4.2
4.3
10.1.1
10.1.1
10.1.2
174


10.2.110.1.3
10.1.4
10.1.5
10.2.1
10.2.2
10.310.2.3
10.2.4
10.2.5
10.3
10.4
10.4.1
10.5
10.4.2
10.6.1
10.4.3
10.5.1
10.5.2
10.5.3
10.6.1
10.6.2
10.6.3


175


10.7.3
10.7.4
10.7.5
10.7.6
10.7.7
10.8
10.9
10.10
12.121.1
21.1
23.1
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
101.INSXBRL Instance Document. Filed herewith.
101.SCH101.INSThe instance document does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document.
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. Filed herewith.
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. Filed herewith.
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. Filed herewith.
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. Filed herewith.
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. Filed herewith.
104Cover Page Interactive Data (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101 filed herewith). Filed herewith.
* Denotes management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.


*Denotes management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

ITEM 16.  FORM 10-K SUMMARY

Not applicable.

150
176


GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS

AFSAvailable-for-saleHELOCHome equity line of credit
ALCOAsset/Liability CommitteeIBAICE Benchmark Administration
AMLAnti-money launderingIRSInternal Revenue Service
AOCIAccumulated other comprehensive income (loss)ISDAInternational Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc.
ARRCAlternative Reference Rates CommitteeKRXKeefe, Bruyette and Woods Nasdaq Regional Banking Index
ASCAccounting Standards CodificationLCHLondon Clearing House
ASUAccounting Standards UpdateLGDLoss given default
BHC ActBank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amendedLIBORLondon Interbank Offered Rate
BSABank Secrecy ActLTVLoan-to-value
C&ICommercial and industrialMD&AManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
CAAConsolidated Appropriations Act, 2021MMBTUMillion British thermal unit
CAPCompliance Assurance ProcessMMLFMoney Market Mutual Fund Liquidity Facility
CARES ActCoronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security ActMoody'sMoody’s Investors Service
CCPACalifornia Consumer Privacy ActMOUMemorandum of Understanding
CECLCurrent expected credit lossesMSLPMain Street Lending Program
CET1Common Equity Tier 1NAVNet asset value
CFPBConsumer Financial Protection BureauNOLNet operating losses
CLOCollateralized loan obligationOFACOffice of Foreign Assets Control
CMEChicago Mercantile ExchangeOREOOther real estate owned
COVID-19Coronavirus Disease 2019OTTIOther-than-temporary impairment
CRACommunity Reinvestment ActPCAPrompt Corrective Action
CRECommercial real estatePCDPurchased credit deteriorated
DCBDesert Community BankPCIPurchased credit impaired
DFPICalifornia Department of Financial Protection and InnovationPDProbability of default
DIFDeposit Insurance FundPPPPaycheck Protection Program
E&PExploration and productionPPPLFPaycheck Protection Program Liquidity Facility
EGRRCPAEconomic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection ActRMBChinese Renminbi
EPSEarnings per shareROAReturn on average assets
ERMEnterprise risk managementROEReturn on average equity
EVEEconomic value of equityRPACredit risk participation agreement
FASBFinancial Accounting Standards BoardRSURestricted stock unit
FBIFederal Bureau of InvestigationS&PStandard & Poor's
FCAFinancial Conduct AuthoritySBASmall Business Administration
FDIAFederal Deposit Insurance ActSBLCStandby letter of credit
FDICFederal Deposit Insurance CorporationSECU.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
FFIECFederal Financial Institutions Examination CouncilSERPSupplemental Executive Retirement Plan
FHLBFederal Home Loan BankSOFRSecured Overnight Financing Rate
FOMCFederal Open Market CommitteeTDRTroubled debt restructuring
FRBSFFederal Reserve Bank of San FranciscoU.K.United Kingdom
FTPFunds transfer pricingU.S.United States
GAAPUnited States Generally Accepted Accounting PrinciplesUSDU.S. Dollar
GLBAGramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999VIEVariable interest entity
177


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, 2021
EAST WEST BANCORP, INC.
(Registrant)
By/s/ DOMINIC NG
Dominic Ng
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

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 and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
/s/ DOMINIC NGChairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
February 26, 2021
Dominic Ng
/s/ IRENE H. OHExecutive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
February 26, 2021
Irene H. Oh
/s/ MOLLY CAMPBELLDirectorFebruary 26, 2021
Molly Campbell
/s/ IRIS S. CHANDirectorFebruary 26, 2021
Iris S. Chan
/s/ ARCHANA DESKUSDirectorFebruary 26, 2021
Archana Deskus
/s/ RUDOLPH I. ESTRADALead DirectorFebruary 26, 2021
Rudolph I. Estrada
/s/ PAUL H. IRVINGDirectorFebruary 26, 2021
Paul H. Irving
/s/ JACK C. LIUDirectorFebruary 26, 2021
Jack C. Liu
/s/ LESTER M. SUSSMANDirectorFebruary 26, 2021
Lester M. Sussman

178