UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

(Rule 14a-101)

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No.     )

 

Filed by the Registrantx Filed by a Party other than the Registrant¨

Check the appropriate box:

þ  Filed by the Registrant                 ¨  Filed by a Party other than the Registrant

 

Check the appropriate box:
¨ Preliminary Proxy Statement

¨ Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

xþ Definitive Proxy Statement

¨ Definitive Additional Materials

¨ Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12

REGIONS FINANCIAL CORPORATION

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Itsin its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

 

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

x
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REGIONS FINANCIAL CORPORATION

LOGO

 

(3)Filing Party:

(4)Date Filed:

PROXY STATEMENT AND NOTICE OF

2016 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

 


LOGOLOGO

 


LOGO

REGIONS FINANCIAL CORPORATION

1900 Fifth Avenue North

Birmingham, Alabama 35203

Dear Fellow Stockholders:

To our Stockholders:

YouOn behalf of your Board of Directors, we are cordially invitedpleased to invite you to attend the annual meeting2016 Annual Meeting of the stockholdersStockholders of Regions Financial Corporation, to be held at 9:00 A.M., local time, on May 16, 2013, atApril 21, 2016, in the Upper Lobby Auditorium of Regions Bank, 1901 Sixth Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203.

Whether or not you are able to attend the meeting in person, we invite you to read this year’s proxy statement, which highlights key activities and accomplishments of 2015 and presents the matters for which we are seeking your vote at the 2016 meeting. Late last year, we held an Investor Day conference in New York where we reviewed our strategy to strengthen financial performance and build sustainable franchise value. Our business model is based on a solid foundation, which focuses on the strength of our team, our markets, our culture and our ability to execute. Additionally, we have identified steps Regions will take over the next three years to grow and diversify revenue, manage expenses and effectively deploy capital. As part of that effort, we have developed detailed plans to restructure our expense base to operate more efficiently while continuing to invest in revenue-producing businesses. We believe that these actions will accelerate our performance and drive growth and improved profitability in a challenging economy.

Overall, our 2015 performance reflected continued momentum in an environment that has presented some challenges for our industry. And while we entered 2016 with a rigorous focus on expense controls and improving operating efficiency, we also continue to focus on the fundamentals of our business, which — at its core — includes understanding and meeting our customers’ needs.

Throughout 2015, we continued our use of Regions360SM — our go-to-market strategy that allows us to effectively deliver Regions’ value proposition to customers. Regions360 begins with obtaining a fully detailed understanding of our customers’ financial needs. We connect their needs with the best products and services across all of our businesses to help customers achieve their financial goals. The end result is stronger customer relationships, a sustainable business, and communities that thrive. In addition, we also made investments in technology and other innovations during 2015 that are intended to enhance the level of service for our customers and drive revenue.

A letter from our Lead Independent Director follows this letter, as well as the formal notice of the annual meeting follows onsetting forth the next page.business that is expected to come before the meeting. Our materials also include our proxy statement and form of proxy. If you have elected to receive your proxy statement by mail, then accompanying the proxy statement isit will be accompanied by our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.2015, and the Chairman’s Letter. If you have elected to receive your proxy statement electronically, then our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 is availableyou will be able to access all of these documents on the internet with the proxy statement.Internet.

We are continuing to use the Securities and Exchange Commission rule that allows us to furnish our proxy materials to stockholders over the internet. This means most of our stockholders will receive only a notice containing instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the internet and vote online. We believe this offers a convenient way for stockholders to review the materials and also substantially reduces our printing and mailing expenses. If you receive this notice but would still like to receive paper copies of the proxy materials, please follow the instructions on the notice or on the website referred to on the notice. We ask you to consider signing up to receive these materials electronically in the future by following the instructions after you vote your shares over the internet. By delivering proxy materials electronically to our stockholders, we reduce the costs of printing and mailing our proxy materials. To enroll for electronic delivery, please visithttp://enroll.icsdelivery.com/rf.

We hope you will plan to attend the stockholders’ meeting. Your vote is important, and in order that we may be assured of a quorum, we urge you to vote as soon as possible, even if you plan to attend the meeting. The notice and the proxy statement contain instructions on how you can vote your shares over the internet,Internet, by mobile device, by telephone or by mail if you have received a printed copy of the materials and proxy card.

If your shares are held for you by your broker, it is important that you instruct your broker on how you want to vote. Under New York Stock Exchange rules, your broker will not be able to use its discretion to vote your shares for the election of Directors or matters related to executive compensation or the stockholder proposal.compensation. Please instruct your broker on how you want to vote by following the instructions on the form sent by your broker.

ThankOn behalf of the Board of Directors and the over 23,000 associates of Regions, I want to thank you for your continued interestinvestment in and support of Regions Financial Corporation.

Sincerely,March 8, 2016

 

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Earnest W. Deavenport, Jr.

Chairman

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O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

President and Chief Executive Officer

March 26, 2013

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Sincerely,

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O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer


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REGIONS FINANCIAL CORPORATION

1900 Fifth Avenue North

Birmingham, Alabama 35203

Dear Fellow Stockholders:

As the Lead Independent Director of your Board of Directors, I am honored to have the opportunity to write to you, our stockholders, as part of this year’s proxy statement. The proxy statement affords us the opportunity to reach out to all of Regions’ stockholders to review, among many other things, where the Company has been and where we are going.

Over the past few years, we have enhanced our proxy statement to make it clearer, simpler, and more straightforward with a focus on what matters most to stockholders. This includes providing a better understanding of Regions’ strategy, corporate governance, and executive compensation. We hope the following pages will help you better understand the Company and how our governance and compensation practices are linked to performance and accountability in a manner that drives long-term stockholder value. As overseers of the Company, it is the Board’s responsibility to remain highly engaged in the Company’s strategic approach to creating stockholder value, and therefore, we must ensure that communication with our stockholders is a dialogue rather than a monologue. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to meaningful engagement on issues that are important to all of us.

In 2015, Regions enhanced its stockholder outreach program. As part of this effort, during the summer of 2015, your Directors formalized a Director-Stockholder Engagement Framework to better define the roles of management and the Board, as well as stockholders, when engaging with one another. This Framework is designed to guide us all through the engagement process to ensure it is successful and beneficial for everyone involved.

Throughout the year, the Company conducted governance reviews and proactively reached out to stockholders on an individual basis to solicit their feedback on topics of importance to them. To reach a broad audience, Regions also hosted its 2015 Investor Day conference in New York, which was simultaneously webcast. This event was well-attended by investors and analysts and gave us the opportunity to set forth our long-term strategy, which involves, among other things, three areas of focus: (1) grow and diversify revenue, (2) practice disciplined expense management, and (3) effectively deploy capital. The Board remains very focused on the Company’s strategic initiatives to strengthen financial performance, which in turn, will foster long-term sustainable growth for our stockholders.

Let me also extend my heartfelt thanks to George W. Bryan who will not be standing for re-election this year as he reached our mandatory retirement age. He currently chairs the Risk Committee and has also served as a member of both the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee. Throughout his tenure, he has shared his valuable time and insight, which proved crucial to the growth of Regions during a period of significant change in the financial services industry.

On behalf of the Board, I would like to express our sincere appreciation for the trust you have placed in us, and we look forward to serving you throughout the upcoming year.

March 8, 2016

 

 

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Sincerely,

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Charles D. McCrary

Lead Independent Director


  TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NOTICE OF 2016 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS1
PROXY STATEMENT2
PROXY SUMMARY4
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING17
OWNERSHIP OF REGIONS COMMON STOCK23

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

23

Security Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers

23

Stock Ownership and Holding Period Requirements

24

Anti-Hedging and Pledging

25

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

25
PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS26

What am I voting on?

26

What vote is required to approve this proposal?

26

What does the Board recommend?

26

What is the makeup of the Board, and how often are the members elected?

26

What if a nominee is unable or unwilling to serve?

26

What if a nominee does not receive a majority of votes cast?

27

What criteria were considered by the NCG Committee in selecting the nominees?

27

What is the average tenure of the Directors?

29

Who are this year’s nominees?

29

How much stock are Directors expected to own?

36

How are Directors compensated?

36
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE38

Stockholder Engagement

38

Our Board Leadership Structure

39

Board, Committee and Individual Director Evaluation Program

41

Continuing Education

41

Director Independence

41

Family Relationships

43

Transactions with Directors

43

Other Business Relationships and Transactions

44

Policies Relating to Transactions with Related Persons and Code of Conduct

45

Director Attendance

47

Director Attendance at the Annual Meeting

47

Meetings of Independent Directors

47

Communications between Stockholders and Other Interested Parties and the Board of Directors

47

Board’s Role in the Risk Management Process

48

Cybersecurity

49

Relationship of Compensation Policies and Practices to Risk Management

50

Compensation Consultant Disclosure

51

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

51

Committees of the Board of Directors

51

Board and Committee Meetings in 2015

51

Committee Composition

52

Audit Committee

53

Compensation Committee

54

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

55

Risk Committee

56


TABLE OF CONTENTS  

PROPOSAL 2 — RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM57

What am I voting on?

57

What vote is required to approve this proposal?

57

What does the Board recommend?

57

What services are provided by Ernst & Young LLP?

57

How much was Ernst & Young LLP paid for 2015 and 2014?

57

Will a representative of Ernst & Young LLP be present at the meeting?

58

How long has Ernst & Young LLP been Regions’ independent auditor?

58
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT59

PROPOSAL 3 — NONBINDING STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

(“SAY-ON-PAY”)

60

What am I voting on?

60

What vote is required to approve this proposal?

60

What does the Board recommend?

60

What is the effect of this resolution?

60
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS61

How Pay is Tied to Company Performance

61

Summary of our Pay for Performance Decisions for 2015

62

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

63

Compensation-Setting Process and Time-Line

64

2015 Compensation Decisions — What We Paid and Why

66

Other Benefits and Perquisites

71

Compensation Framework, Policies, Processes and Risk Considerations

72

Other Policies and Practices Impacting Compensation Decisions

74

Change-in-Control, Post-Termination and Other Employment Arrangements

76
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT78
COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS79

Summary Compensation Table

79

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

81

Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2015

83

Option Exercises and Stock Vested

84

Pension Benefits

84

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

86

Potential Payments by Regions Upon Termination or Change-in-Control

87
OTHER MATTERS91

Important Notice Regarding Delivery of Security Holder Documents

91

Cost of Proxy Solicitation

91

Submission of Stockholder Proposals or Nominations for 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

91

Other Business

92
APPENDIX A: GAAP TO NON-GAAP AND OTHER RECONCILIATIONSA-1


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REGIONS FINANCIAL CORPORATION

1900 Fifth Avenue North

Birmingham, Alabama 35203

NOTICE OF 2016 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

To be held May 16, 2013Thursday, April 21, 2016

TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF REGIONS FINANCIAL CORPORATION:

The 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Regions Financial Corporation (“Regions”), a Delaware corporation, will hold its annual meeting of stockholders at the be held:

Date:Thursday, April 21, 2016

Time:9:00 A.M., local time

Place:Upper Lobby Auditorium of Regions Bank, 1901 Sixth Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203 at 9:00 A.M., local time, on May 16, 2013, to consider and vote upon

Record Date:February 22, 2016

The annual meeting is being held for the following matters:purposes:

 

1.1.Election to our Board of Directors of the 1411 nominees for Director named in the attached proxy statement as Directors of Regions, to serve as Directors until the next annual meeting of stockholders or in each case until their successors are duly elected and qualified;

 

2.2.Nonbinding stockholder approval of executive compensation;

3.ApprovalRatification of the Regions Financial Corporation Executive Incentive Plan;

4.Ratificationappointment of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as Regions’ independent registered public accounting firm for the year 2013;

5.A stockholder proposal, which the Board of Directors opposes, regarding posting a report, updated semi-annually, of political contributions;2016; and

 

3.6.Such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.Nonbinding stockholderapproval ofexecutive compensation.

We also will act on any other business that may properly come before the meeting, although we have not received notice of any other matters that may be properly presented.

The Regions Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 18, 2013,February 22, 2016, as the record date for the annual meeting. This means that only Regions common stockholders of record at such timedate are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the annual meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the annual meeting. A complete list of Regions stockholders of record entitled to vote at the annual meeting will be made available for inspection by any Regions stockholder for ten10 days prior to the annual meeting at the principal executive offices of Regions and at the time and place of the annual meeting.

The annual meeting will begin promptly at 9:00 A.M., local time, and check-in will begin at 8:00 A.M., local time. Please allow ample time for the check-in process.

To be admitted to our annual meeting, you must present proof of your stock ownership as of the record date and a valid, government-issued photo identification. See page 18 for further details regarding proof of stock ownership.Your vote is important. Whether or not you plan to attend the annual meeting, pleaseyou are encouraged to submit your proxy with voting instructions. To vote your shares, please follow the instructions in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or the proxy card you received in the mail. If you vote by telephone or via the Internet, you need not return a proxy card. You may revoke your proxy at any time before the vote overis taken by notifying the internet, by phoneCorporate Secretary of Regions in writing or by mail ifvalidly submitting another proxy by telephone, Internet or mail. If you received a printed proxy card or voter instruction form.This will not preventare present at the meeting, you from votingmay vote your shares in person, but itwhich will helpsupersede your proxy. If you hold shares through a broker or other custodian, check the voting instructions provided to secure a quorum and avoid added solicitation costs.you by that broker or custodian.

 

March 8, 2016 

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  

 

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By Order of the Board of Directors

March 26, 2013
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  Fournier J. Gale, III
Corporate Secretary


TABLE OF CONTENTS

INFORMATION ABOUT REGIONS

 2

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING

 2

What is the purpose of the meeting?

 2

What is a proxy statement?

 2

What is a proxy?

2

What is the difference between being a shareholder of record and a “street name” holder or “beneficial owner”?

2

Who is entitled to vote at the meeting?

2

What are my voting rights?

2

How do I vote my shares?

3

Can I change my vote after submitting my proxy?

3

How does the Board recommend that I vote?

3

What if I do not specify how I want my shares voted?

4

What does it mean if I receive more than one notice or more than one set of paper proxy materials?

4

What if I hold my shares in street name and do not provide voting instructions?

4

What is a broker non-vote?

4

Who pays for the cost of proxy preparation and solicitation?

5

How many shares must be present to hold the meeting?

5

Who will count the votes?

5

What vote is required and what is the effect of abstentions?

5

Can I vote my shares in person at the meeting?

6

Can I attend the meeting?

6

How do I vote if my shares are held in the Regions 401(k) Plan or other plans?

7

What is Notice and Access?

7

How can I receive my proxy materials electronically in the future?

7

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING DELIVERY OF SECURITY HOLDER DOCUMENTS

8

VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS THEREOF

8

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

8

Security Ownership of Directors and Management

9

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

11

PROPOSAL 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

12

Information about Regions Directors and Nominees

12

The Board of Directors

20

Director Nomination Process, Board Membership Criteria and Board Diversity

24

Director Election by Majority Vote

24

Director Attendance

25

Director Attendance at the Annual Meeting

25

Meetings of Independent Directors

25

Director Independence

25

Relationship of Compensation Policies and Practices to Risk Management

27

Compensation Consultant Disclosure

28

Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons

28

Communications between Stockholders and Other Interested Parties and the Board

29

Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers

30

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

30

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

30

Other Transactions

30Corporate Secretary


AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

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32

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

33

Executive Summary of Company Performance

33

Compensation Philosophy and Decision Highlights

36

Impact of TARP on 2012 Compensation

39

2012 Compensation Decisions

40

Other Benefits and Perquisites

48

Compensation Framework, Policies, Processes and Risk Considerations

50

Other Policies and Practices Impacting Compensation Decisions

52

Change-in-Control, Post-Termination and Other Employment Arrangements

56

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

57

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

57

TARP Risk Disclosure and Certification

57

2012 COMPENSATION

60

Summary Compensation Table

60

Total 2012 Grants

62

Year-End Holdings

64

Option Exercises and Stock Vested During 2012

66

Pension Benefits

68

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

70

Potential Payments by Regions Upon Termination or Change-in-Control

73

Director Compensation

77

PROPOSAL 2—NONBINDING STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

79

Board of Directors Recommendation

79

PROPOSAL 3—APPROVAL OF THE REGIONS FINANCIAL CORPORATION EXECUTIVE INCENTIVE PLAN

80

Purpose of the Incentive Plan

80

Summary of the Incentive Plan

80

Administration

80

Eligibility and Maximum Award

81

Bonus Awards and Performance Criteria

81

Amendment to Plan

82

Required Vote

82

New Plan Benefits Table

82

Equity Compensation Plan Information

83

Board of Directors Recommendation

83

PROPOSAL 4—RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

84

General

84

Fees

84

Board of Directors Recommendation

84

PROPOSAL 5—STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL REGARDING POSTING A REPORT, UPDATED SEMI-ANNUALLY, OF POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS

85

Board of Directors Recommendation and Statement

86

PROPOSALS OF STOCKHOLDERS

87

OTHER BUSINESS

87

Appendix A: Regions Financial Corporation Executive Incentive Plan

A-1

Appendix B: GAAP to Non-GAAP and Other Reconciliations

B-1


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REGIONS FINANCIAL CORPORATION

1900 Fifth Avenue North

Birmingham, Alabama 35203

March 8, 2016

PROXY STATEMENT

FOR 2013 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Regions Financial Corporation (“Regions”, “Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) is furnishing you with this proxy statement to solicit proxies on its stockholders in connection with the 2013 annual meeting of stockholdersbehalf to be voted at the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Regions. The 2016 Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2013 at 9:00 A.M., local time, atin the Upper Lobby Auditorium of Regions Bank, 1901 Sixth Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203 andon Thursday, April 21, 2016, at 9:00 A.M., local time. The proxies also may be voted at any adjournmentadjournments or postponement thereof. In this proxy statement, we refer to the Board of Directors as the “Board” and to Regions Financial Corporation as “we”, “us”, “Regions” or the “Company”. The matters to be considered and acted upon are (1) election of 14 nominees as Directors of Regions; (2) nonbinding stockholder approval of executive compensation; (3) approvalpostponements of the Regions Financial Corporation Executive Incentive Plan; (4) ratificationannual meeting.

The mailing address of our principal executive offices is 1900 Fifth Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203. We are first furnishing the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as Regions’ independent registered public accounting firm for the year 2013; (5) consideration of a stockholder proposal, which the Board opposes, regarding posting a report, updated semi-annually, of political contributions;proxy materials to stockholders on March 8, 2016.

All properly executed written proxies and (6) such other business as mayall properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the meeting.

Your proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board. You may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted at the annual meeting. You may submit your proxy by votingcompleted proxies submitted by telephone or on the internet by following the instructions provided. If you received a paper proxy card or voting instruction form, you may also vote by signing, dating, and returning the proxy card or voting instruction form in the envelope provided. All properly submitted proxiesInternet that are delivered pursuant to this solicitation will be voted at the meeting and2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders in accordance with instructions, if any.the directions given in the proxy, unless the proxy is revoked prior to completion of voting at the meeting.

Only owners of record of shares of Regions common stock as of the close of business on February 22, 2016, the record date, are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting or at any adjournments or postponements of the meeting. Each owner of record on the record date is entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held. On February 22, 2016, there were 1,277,092,719 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.

As permitted by rules adopted byWe are continuing to use the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), Regions has electedrule that allows us to providefurnish our proxy materials to stockholders withover the Internet. This means most of our stockholders will receive only a notice containing instructions on how to access to ourthe proxy materials over the internet rather than providing them inInternet and vote online. This offers a convenient way for stockholders to review the materials while substantially reducing our printing and mailing expenses. If you receive the notice but would still like to receive paper form. Accordingly, beginning on or about March 29, 2013, Regions will send a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials with instructions for accessing the proxy materials via the internet, rather than a printed copycopies of the proxy materials, please follow the instructions on the notice or on the website referred to most stockholders. Stockholders may also obtain a copy ofon the notice.

We ask you to consider signing up to receive these materials electronically in printed formthe future by following the procedures set forth ininstructions after you vote your shares over the NoticeInternet. By delivering proxy materials electronically to our stockholders, we reduce the environmental impact of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials.our meeting. To enroll for electronic delivery, visithttp://enroll.icsdelivery.com/rf.

 

The date on which this proxy statement and form of proxy are first provided to security holders is March 26, 2013. The date of this proxy statement is March 26, 2013.IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS

Important Notice Regarding Availability of Proxy Materials for the

Stockholder Meeting to be Held on May 16, 2013:FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON APRIL 21, 2016:

The Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement, and

Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015

and Chairman’s Letter

are available atwww.regions.com orwww.proxyvote.com

2LOGO   ï   2016 Proxy Statement


ADMISSION TO THE ANNUAL MEETING

Admission to our 2016 Annual Meeting is limited to our registered and beneficial stockholders as of the record date and persons holding valid proxies from stockholders of record. To be admitted to our annual meeting, you must bring a valid, government-issued photo identification and proof of your stock ownership as of the record date, such as:

If you are a stockholder of record, bring the Admission Ticket appearing on the top of your proxy card or bring the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials you received in the mail.

If your shares are held at a bank or broker, bring the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials you received in the mail or a brokerage statement evidencing ownership of Regions common stock as of the record date.

If you received our meeting materials electronically, bring a copy of the email notification.

Stockholders who do not present the Admission Ticket or other proof of stock ownership will be admitted only upon verification of ownership at the registration desk.

For security reasons, no large bags, backpacks, briefcases or packages will be permitted in the annual meeting, and security measures will be in effect to provide for the safety of attendees. The use of any electronic devices such as cameras (including mobile phones with photographic capabilities), recording devices, smartphones, tablets, laptops and other similar devices is strictly prohibited.

Individuals with a disability requesting assistance please contact Regions’ Americans with Disabilities Act Manager Kathy Lovell by email at kathy.lovell@regions.com, by phone at 205-264-7495 or toll-free 1-800-734-4667, or using Regions’ Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TTY/TDD) toll free at 1-800-374-5791.

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  PROXY SUMMARY  

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INFORMATION ABOUT REGIONSPROXY SUMMARY

This summary highlights certain information about Regions. This summary does not contain all of the information provided elsewhere in the proxy statement; therefore, you should read the entire proxy statement carefully before voting. For more

complete information regarding the Company’s 2015 performance, review the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

•    Date:

Thursday, April 21, 2016

•    Time:

9:00 A.M., local time

•    Place:

Regions Bank, Upper Lobby Auditorium

1901 Sixth Avenue North

Birmingham, Alabama 35203

•    Record Date:

February 22, 2016

•    Voting:

Common stockholders as of the record date are entitled to vote. Stockholders of record can vote by proxy several ways:

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To vote with your mobile device (tablet or smartphone), scan theQuick Response Code that appears on your proxy card or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (may require free software).

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To vote over the Internet, visitwww.proxyvote.com and enter your 16 digit control number that appears on your proxy card, email notification or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials.

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To vote by telephone, call1-800-690-6903 and follow the recorded instructions. If you vote by telephone, you also will need your 16 digit control number that appears on your proxy card.

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If you request printed copies of the proxy materials be sent to you by mail, vote by filling out the proxy card and send it back in the envelope provided to:Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717.

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Additionally, you may votein personat the annual meeting. We will collect the proxy cards prior to the vote being finalized.

If you hold your stock in street name or through the Regions Financial Corporation 401(k) Plan, seeQuestions and Answers about the Annual Meeting and Voting beginning on page 17 for more information about how to vote your shares.

LOGO Admission to our annual meeting is limited to our registered and beneficial stockholders as of the record date and persons holding valid proxies from stockholders of record. To be admitted to our annual meeting, you must bring proof of your stock ownership as of the record date or a valid proxy and a valid, government-issued photo identification. See page 18 for further details.



4    LOGOï  2016 Proxy Statement


PROXY SUMMARY  

Proposals That Require Your Vote

��

Board

Recommendation

More

Information

Votes Required

for Approval

PROPOSAL 1Election of DirectorsFOR each NomineePage 26

Affirmative “FOR” vote of a majority of the votes cast for or against each of these proposals.

Abstentions and broker non-votes have no effect on the vote results for these proposals.

PROPOSAL 2Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmFORPage 57
PROPOSAL 3Nonbinding Stockholder Approval of Executive CompensationFORPage 60

Information about Regions

 

Regions (NYSE:RF) is a financial holding company headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, whichthat operates in the South, Midwest and Texas. Regions, through its subsidiaries, provides traditional commercial, retail and mortgage banking services, as well as other financial services in the fields of investment banking, asset management, trust, mutual funds,wealth management, securities brokerage, insurance, trust services, merger and acquisition advisory services and specialty financing.

At December 31, 2012,2015, Regions had total consolidated assets of approximately $121.3$126.1 billion, total consolidated deposits of approximately $95.5$98.4 billion and total consolidated stockholders’ equity of approximately $15.5$16.8 billion.

Regions is a Delaware corporation. Regions’ principal executive offices are located at 1900 Fifth Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203. Regions is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is the 18th largest full-service bank holding company in the nation.

Regions conducts its banking operations through Regions Bank, an Alabama state-chartered commercial bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve System. At December 31, 2015, Regions Bank operated 1,962 ATMs and 1,627 banking offices in 16 states.

Our Strategy

Together, our values, mission and vision guide us in developing our business strategy. While our strategic priorities, appearing in the graphic to the right, guide our day-to-day operations, Regions developed a comprehensive three-year strategic plan in 2015 designed to further promote long-term stockholder value. As our 2016-2018 strategic financial plan was prepared and reviewed with our Board, our executive management team worked to ensure there was alignment of our corporate strategy with our Board-approved Risk Appetite Statement. The essence of our strategy demonstrates the strength of our culture, our markets, our team and our strong capital base, as well as our commitment to execute a plan that will deliver sustainable performance and stockholder returns over the next three years.

LOGO

2016-2018 Strategic Initiatives

Grow and diversify revenue streams

Disciplined expense management

Effectively deploy capital



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  PROXY SUMMARY

The Foundation of our Growth                            LOGO

Throughout 2015, we continued using Regions360SM, our go-to-market strategy that allows us to effectively deliver our value proposition to customers. Regions360 begins with obtaining a detailed understanding of our customers’ financial needs. We connect their needs with the best products and services across all of our businesses to help customers achieve their financial goals. The end result is stronger customer relationships, a sustainable business and communities that thrive.

In 2015, we continued to make steady progress growing customer accounts, deposits, loans and Regions360 relationships. The growth was broad-based across our footprint and across the many products and services we offer our customers.

Strength of Culture

Our basic values, beliefs and mission reflect our culture.

Regions’ mission is to achieve superior

economic value for our shareholders over time

by

making life better for our customers, our associates and our communities

and creating shared value as we help them

meet their financial goals and aspirations.

LOGO

Our Vision Statement

Regions aims to be the premier regional financial institution in America through being deeply embedded in its communities, operating as one team with the highest integrity, providing unique and extraordinary service to all of its customers and offering an unparalleled opportunity for professional growth for its associates.

Our vision statement is an aspiration, and it defines our future. It is meant to clarify what we do, where we do it and how we will execute. We aim to achieve our vision by providing expert financial advice, guidance and education to customers; by building well-developed business plans that we execute with discipline; by building on a foundation of integrity and trust throughout our business; by delivering excellent customer service and convenience; and by offering our associates the opportunity to grow professionally and work on an outstanding team.

We believe how we reach our potential is just as important as what we achieve. While a company can claim corporate ideals or adopt a tremendous vision statement, ultimately it is a company’s associates who embody those ideals.

Our Corporate Values

In Regions’ case, our corporate values are not simply the values of a legal entity; they are values that encompass the ethics and commitment of over 23,000 associates. Our values are the statement of how we will do business; they are a promise and a measuring stick against which to judge our behavior and results:

 

LOGO

Put People First:Have respect for every person. Listen. Care. Serve others before yourself. Build the best team. Be inclusive. Work as one team. Balance work in a full life. Lead humanely. Set the good example. And remember to say thank you.

Do What is Right:Always. Be honest. Do what you say. Use common sense. Stand for quality and integrity. Take the long view. Earn trust. Be responsible and accountable.

Focus on Your Customer:Serving the customer as one team, in an exceptional way, is our business, our only business. Know your customer. Serve your customer. Be committed. Understand needs. Meet needs. Make your customer’s life better by what you do. Create shared value.



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING6    LOGOï  2016 Proxy Statement


PROXY SUMMARY   

 

What isReach Higher:Grow. Our company must grow, and we must grow prudently. Raise the purpose ofbar. Be energetic. Be innovative. Achieve excellence. Improve continuously. Inspire and enable others. Succeed the meeting?

right way. Improve efficiency and effectiveness.

 

At our annual meeting, stockholders will act upon the matters outlined

Enjoy Life:Have fun. We are in the Noticebusiness of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and described in this proxy statement.

What is a proxy statement?

A proxy statement is a document thatbanking. But more importantly, we are required to give you, or provide you access to, when we are soliciting your vote in accordance with regulationsthe business of the SEC.

life. Enjoy it. Laugh. Be creative. Celebrate. Recognize success.

What is a proxy?2015 Year-End Business Highlights

A proxy is your designation of another person to vote stock that you own. That other person is called a proxy. If you designate someone as your proxy in a written document, that document also is called a proxy or a proxy card. When you designate a proxy, you may also direct the proxy how to vote your shares. We refer to this as your “proxy vote”. Fournier J. Gale, III, our Corporate Secretary, and Carl L. Gorday, an Assistant Corporate Secretary, have been designated as the proxies to cast the votes of our stockholders at our 2013 annual meeting of stockholders.

What is the difference between being a stockholder of record and a “street name” holder or “beneficial owner”?

If your shares are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, Computershare Investor Services, you are considered the stockholder of record with respect to those shares. If your shares are held in a brokerage account or by another nominee, you are considered the “beneficial owner” of shares held in “street name”.

Who is entitled to vote at the meeting?

The Board has set March 18, 2013, as the record date for the annual meeting. If you were a stockholder of record at the close of business on March 18, 2013, you are entitled to vote at the meeting. As of the record date, 1,413,429,806 shares of our common stock were issued and outstanding and, therefore, eligible to vote at the meeting.

What are my voting rights?

Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote per share. Therefore, a total of 1,413,429,806 votes are entitled to be cast at the meeting. There is no cumulative voting.

How do I vote my shares?

The Board is soliciting proxies so that you can vote before the annual meeting. Even if you currently plan to attend the meeting, we recommend that you vote by proxy before the meeting to ensure that your vote will be counted.

If you are the record holder of your shares, there are three ways you can vote by proxy:

 

By InternetLoans

$81.2B

LOGO 5% v. 2014  

  You may vote over the internet by going towww.proxyvote.com and entering your 12 digit control number that appears on your proxy card, e-mail notification or notice of internet availability of proxy materials.LOGO

By TelephoneDeposits

$98.4B

LOGO 4% v. 2014  

  You may vote by telephone by calling 1-800-690-6903 and following the recorded instructions. If you vote by telephone, you will also need your control number referred to above.

LOGO

By MailAssets

$126.1B

LOGO 5% v. 2014  

  If you request printed copies of the proxy materials be sent to you by mail, you may vote by proxy by filling out the proxy card and sending it back in the envelope provided.

 

If your shares are held in nominee or “street name”, you may vote your shares before the meeting by phone or over the internet by following the instructions on the notice of internet availability of proxy materials you received or, if you received a voting instruction form from your brokerage firm, by mail by completing, signing and returning the form you received. You should check your voting instruction form to see if internet or telephone voting is available to you. Although most brokers and nominees offer telephone and internet voting, availability and specific processes will depend on their voting arrangements.

If you have internet access, we encourage you to record your vote through the internet to reduce corporate expense. The deadline for voting by telephone or through the internet is 11:59 P.M., Eastern Time on May 15, 2013.

Can I change my vote after submitting my proxy?

If you voted over the internet or by telephone, you can change your vote by voting again over the internet or by telephone before 11:59 P.M., Eastern Time on May 15, 2013.

You can revoke your proxy at any time before the vote is taken at the annual meeting by submitting to our Corporate Secretary written notice of revocation or a properly executed proxy of a later date, or by attending the annual meeting and voting in person. Written notices of revocation and other communications about revoking Regions proxies should be addressed to:

Regions Financial Corporation

1900 Fifth Avenue North

Birmingham, Alabama 35203

Attention: Fournier J. Gale, III, Corporate Secretary

If your shares are held in street name, you should follow the instructions of your broker regarding the revocation of proxies.

How does the Board recommend that I vote?

For the reasons set forth in more detail later in this proxy statement, the Board recommends you vote:

FOR all the director nominees named in this proxy statement (Proposal 1);

FORthe nonbinding stockholder approval of executive compensation (Proposal 2);

FOR the approval of the Regions Financial Corporation Executive Incentive Plan (Proposal 3);

FOR the ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as Regions’ independent registered public accounting firm for the year 2013 (Proposal 4); and

AGAINSTthe stockholder proposal regarding posting a report, updated semi-annually, of political contributions (Proposal 5).

All shares represented by valid proxies that we receive through this solicitation, and that are not revoked, will be voted in accordance with the instructions received.

We are not aware of any other matters that will be voted on at the annual meeting. However, if other matters properly come before the annual meeting, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof, the persons named as proxies for shareholders will vote on those matters in a manner they consider appropriate.

What if I do not specify how I want my shares voted?

If you requested printed copies of the proxy materials and sign and return your proxy card without giving specific voting instructions, your proxy will be voted following the Board’s recommendations above.

Our telephone and internet voting procedures do not permit you to submit your proxy vote by telephone or internet without specifying how you want your shares voted.

What does it mean if I receive more than one notice or more than one set of paper proxy materials?

If you own shares of common stock in more than one account—for example, in a joint account with your spouse and in your individual brokerage account—you may have received more than one notice or more than one set of paper proxy materials. To vote all of your shares by proxy, please follow each of the separate proxy voting instructions that you received for your shares of common stock held in each of your different accounts.

What if I hold my shares in street name and do not provide voting instructions?

If your shares are held in a brokerage account or by another nominee, you are considered the “beneficial owner” of shares held in “street name” and you received either a paper copy of these proxy materials along with a voting instruction form or a notice of internet availability of these proxy materials from your broker or nominee (the “record holder”). As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your record holder how to vote your shares, and the record holder is required to vote your shares in accordance with your instructions.

The New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) has changed its rules to eliminate the ability of brokers that are NYSE member firms to vote on the election of directors, on matters related to executive compensation or on certain other matters without instruction from their clients. Prior to these changes, such brokers had discretionary authority to cast votes regarding these matters. Therefore, it is important for stockholders who hold their shares with brokers to instruct their broker on how to vote their shares, and we urge all stockholders to do so.

What is a broker non-vote?

A broker non-vote occurs when a nominee holding shares for a beneficial owner does not vote on a particular proposal because the nominee has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner and does not have discretionary voting power with respect to that item. As noted above, under NYSE rules, brokers or other nominees may not exercise discretionary voting power on certain matters. Brokers and other nominees who are NYSE members are expected to have discretionary voting power only for Proposal 4 (ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as independent registered public accounting firm). Brokers and other nominees will not be able to vote your shares regarding Proposal 1 (election of Directors), Proposal 2 (nonbinding stockholder approval of executive compensation), Proposal 3 (approval of the executive incentive plan), and

Proposal 5 (stockholder proposal regarding posting a report, updated semi-annually, of political contributions), unless you return your voting instruction form or submit your voting instructions by telephone or over the internet.

Who pays for the cost of proxy preparation and solicitation?

We will bear the entire cost of soliciting your proxy, including the cost of preparing, assembling, printing, mailing or otherwise distributing the notice and these proxy materials, as well as soliciting your vote. In addition to solicitation of proxies by mail, we will request that banks, brokers and other record holders send proxies and proxy materials or notice of internet availability of proxy materials to the beneficial owners of Regions common stock and secure their voting instructions. We will reimburse the record holders for their reasonable expenses in taking those actions. We have also made arrangements with Innisfree M&A Incorporated to assist us in soliciting proxies and have agreed to pay that company $15,000 plus reasonable and customary expenses for these services. If necessary, we may also use several of our regular employees, without additional compensation, to solicit proxies from Regions stockholders, either personally or by telephone, facsimile, e-mail or letter on Regions’ behalf.

This is the first distribution of proxy solicitation materials to stockholders.

If you have any questions or need assistance voting your shares, please contact our proxy solicitor:

Innisfree M&A Incorporated

501 Madison Avenue, 20thFloor

New York, NY 10022

Stockholders May Call Toll-Free: 1-888-750-5834

Banks and Brokers May Call Collect: 1-212-750-5833

How many shares must be present to hold the meeting?

The presence, in person or by properly executed or otherwise documented proxy, of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Regions common stock is necessary to constitute a quorum at the annual meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted solely for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present. We urge you to vote promptly by proxy even if you plan to attend the annual meeting so that we will know as soon as possible that enough shares will be present for us to hold the meeting. Holders of our Depositary Shares, each representing 1/40th interest in a share of our Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A (the “Depositary Shares”), are not entitled to vote at the annual meeting.

Who will count the votes?

Representatives of Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., our tabulation agent, will tabulate the votes and act as independent inspectors of election.

What vote is required and what is the effect of abstentions?

You may vote “FOR”, “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN” for each nominee for the Board of Directors and on the other proposals. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the election of Directors or on the remaining matters to be considered at the meeting.

Election of Directors (Proposal 1). Under Regions By-laws, each of the 14 nominees for Director will be elected if a majority of the votes cast at the annual meeting at which a quorum is present are voted in favor of the Director. This means that the number of shares voted “for” a nominee must exceed the number of shares voted “against” the nominee. Regions’ Certificate of Incorporation does not authorize cumulative voting in the election of Directors. Under the Regions Corporate Governance Principles, an incumbent Director nominee who fails to receive a majority of the votes cast with respect to the election of the incumbent Director nominee must submit his or her resignation. The Nominating and

Corporate Governance Committee will consider the resignation and any factors they deem relevant in deciding whether to accept the resignation and recommend to the Board the action to be taken. The Director whose resignation is under consideration will abstain from participating in any decision regarding his or her resignation. The Board will take action within 90 days following certification of the stockholder vote unless such action would cause Regions to fail to comply with requirements of the NYSE or of the securities laws in which event Regions will take action as promptly as practicable while continuing to meet such requirements. The Board will promptly disclose its decision and the reasons therefore in a Form 8-K filed with the SEC. If the resignation is not accepted, the Director will continue to serve until the next annual meeting and until the Director’s successor is duly elected and qualified.LOGO

 

We reported net income from continuing operations available to common stockholders totaling $1 billion and diluted earnings per common share of $0.76.

Nonbinding

We returned $927 million to our owners in the form of quarterly dividends and common share repurchases or 93 percent of net income available to common stockholders.
We realized a healthy 4 percent growth in adjusted non-interest income.*

We maintained a strong capital level with year-end Basel III Tier 1 Capital and Total capital ratios of 11.65 percent and 13.88 percent, respectively.

* See reconciliation in Regions’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 on page 46.



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  PROXY SUMMARY

Stock Performance Graph

This graph shows the cumulative total stockholder approval of executive compensation (Proposal 2). Under our By-Laws, the nonbinding stockholder approval of executive compensation will be approved if the affirmative vote of a majorityreturn for Regions common stock in each of the votes cast are voted “FOR” this proposal.five years from December 31, 2010, to December 31, 2015. The graph also compares the cumulative total returns for the same five-year period with the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Banks Index.

The comparison assumes $100 was invested on December 31, 2010, in Regions common stock, the S&P 500 Index, and the S&P 500 Banks Index and that all dividends were reinvested.

LOGO

   Cumulative Total Return 
    12/31/10   12/31/11   12/31/12   12/31/13   12/31/14   12/31/15 

Regions

  $100.00    $61.93    $103.31    $144.87    $157.37    $146.48  

S&P 500 Index

  $100.00    $102.11    $118.43    $156.77    $178.22    $180.67  

S&P 500 Banks Index

  $100.00    $89.28    $110.76    $150.33    $173.64    $175.12  

Economic Development and Community Outreach

We participated in several economic development initiatives during 2015. In August, Regions served as lead sponsor to an Inner City Capital Connections conference held in Birmingham, which serves to educate companies in or near city centers on how to access capital to expand their businesses.

In addition, our associates made a positive difference in the communities we served throughout 2015:

Provided more than 80,000 hours of volunteer work, up 3.2 percent from 2014, including 16,000 volunteer hours on financial education.

Trained over 150 facilitators to incorporate financial education into classrooms and parent workshops, and the Regions at Work® team presented over 59,000 financial education seminars during the year throughout our footprint.

Implemented financial education in 102 high schools and seven colleges.

 

Had more than 10,000 volunteer hours with Junior Achievement, earning us the President’s Silver Award.

Approval

Contributed $10.7 million in charitable giving — a 2 percent increase from 2014.

Regions also makes an indirect economic impact by taking an active role in economic development throughout our footprint. In 2013, Regions established the Alabama Economic Development Loan Pool, and at that time, earmarked $1 billion to provide economic development capital and support job growth in Alabama. Since 2013, the loan pool amount has been increased to $1.5 billion.

Regions is one of the nation’s leading direct investors in Low Income Housing Tax Credit projects. In 2015, Regions Financial Corporation Executive Incentive Plan (Proposal 3)invested more than $231 million in such tax-credit partnerships, supporting 46 developments that provided 3,670 units of affordable housing for low- and moderate-income individuals and families, all within our footprint.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Corporate social responsibility at Regions encompasses coordinating, tracking and reporting our progress around diversity and inclusion; our corporate response when disasters strike; our environmental impact; and our economic development, sustainability and associate volunteer efforts. Key initiatives and activities include:

Annual Social Responsibility Report

Annual Corporate Sustainability Report

Regions Diversity Advisory Council



8    LOGOï  2016 Proxy Statement


PROXY SUMMARY   

Corporate Diversity Network

Supplier Diversity Program

Minority Capital Markets Initiative

Partnerships with the United Negro College Fund and Historically Black Colleges and Universities, providing scholarships and financial education

“What A Difference A Day Makes” program, offering all associates an annual day of Company-paid time off to volunteer in his or her community

At Regions, we recognize diversity and inclusion are essential to achieving and maintaining a thriving company, and our commitment is reinforced through our ongoing efforts to reflect, anticipate and adapt to the changing demographics of the communities where we live and work. Our public commitment to these efforts is supported by our Directors, executive management, and associates. Our strategic approach to diversity and inclusion — inside and outside of Regions — is not only good business, it is the right thing to do for our customers, communities, associates and stockholders. We have a cross-functional network of Regions associates who work together to advance the Company’s comprehensive diversity and inclusion strategy. Additionally, the Regions Diversity Advisory Council, composed of academic, community, and business leaders, offers an objective perspective on matters of diversity and inclusion in our workplace and marketplace.

Regions also supports the communities in which we operate by striving to minimize our environmental impact. This requires us to be mindful of every decision we make and to continually seek areas in which we can improve. For example, in 2015:

Our confidential trash program collected approximately 13 million pounds of paper and other confidential material (1.6 percent more paper than in 2014). UnderAfter the paper was shredded, it was used by U.S. mills to manufacture new paper, which saved 109,000 trees, more than 2.4 million gallons of oil, 19,200 cubic yards of landfill space, more than 25.6 million kilowatts of energy and almost 45 million gallons of water.

Regions used 1.1 percent (2.5 million kWh) less electricity than in 2014 when comparing the same buildings. This is enough electricity to power over 236 average homes for a year (per U.S. Department of Energy Residential Energy Consumption Survey, 2014).

By the end of 2015, Regions reached a significant milestone in energy reduction. To measure progress, Regions’ energy consumption program has been monitoring the same buildings since 2008. For the 11.5 million square feet being tracked, electricity consumption has dropped by 20 percent since 2008. Even with rate increases, the cost of electricity for these buildings was $3.4 million less in 2015 than in 2008.

Regions continued our By-Lawscommitment to renewable energy by purchasing 5,000 kWh per month of renewable energy

through Duke Energy’s GoGreen Indiana Initiative. The energy for this particular program is generated from regional wind sources.

Policy on Political Contributions

Regions’ Policy on Political Contributions and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics both govern and promote the Treasury Regulations promulgatedhighest standards of behavior by our Company and our associates with regard to political activities. The policies also ensure compliance with all current applicable federal and state campaign finance laws. Like most public companies, Regions recognizes that decisions made by governmental agencies and lawmakers can have a significant impact on our operations, stockholders, customers and associates. Accordingly, we monitor and track issues that affect our business and express our views to lawmakers and regulators.

Regions may make corporate political contributions in states where permissible. These contributions may be directed to state party organizations and candidates for statewide offices, state legislatures and, in rare instances, local offices.

Also, where legally permitted, Regions may make independent expenditures or corporate contributions in connection with state and local ballot initiatives and referenda on important policy issues that are likely to impact our business and our stakeholders. Regions does not, however, make contributions to political entities organized under Section 162(m)527 of the Internal Revenue Code the executive incentive plan will be approved if the affirmative vote of a majorityor to special interest lobbying groups organized under Section 501(c)(4) of the votes cast are voted “FOR” this proposal.Internal Revenue Code to support political activities, even when legally permissible.

Ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as Regions’Regions discloses annually its independent registered public accounting firm for the year 2013 (Proposal 4). Under our By-Laws, the ratification of Ernst & Young LLP will be approved if the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast are voted “FOR” this proposal.

Stockholder proposal regarding posting a report, updated semi-annually, ofexpenditures and corporate political contributions (Proposal 5). Under our By-Laws, the stockholder proposal will be approved if the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast are voted “FOR” this proposal.

Can I vote my shares in person at the meeting?

We recommend that you submit your proxy as described above so that your vote will be counted if you later decide not to attend the meeting. You may vote in person at the annual meeting if you are a stockholder of record on the record date.

If your shares are held in street name, you will have to obtain a written proxy in your name from the broker, bank or other nominee who holds your shares and bring that written proxy with you to the meeting.

Can I attend the meeting?

If you are a stockholder of record and plan to attend the meeting, please so indicate on your returned proxy card or electronic vote. Only record or beneficial owners of Regions common stock or their proxies may attend the annual meeting in person. Admission to the annual meeting will be on a first-come, first-served basis. When you arrive at the annual meeting, you may be requested to present photo identification, such as a driver license. Beneficial owners must also provide evidence of stock holdings, such as a recent brokerage account statement. Registration will begin one hour prior to the beginning of the meeting. The use of cell phones (including camera phones), pagers, computers, PDAs, cameras, video or recording equipment, or any other electronic device is not permitted in the Auditorium. Additional rules of conduct will be provided at the meeting. Failure to follow these rules can result in your removal from the meeting.

If you are not able to attend the meeting, you will still be able to access a replay of the management presentation given after the business items have been concluded. You can find instructions on how to access the replay of the presentation materialsgiving on the Investor Relations section of our website atwww.regions.com. www.regions.com.

Recognition

Thanks to our talented, dedicated team of associates, Regions received industry recognition in a number of categories throughout the year, including:

Ranked Most Reputable Bank in the United States in the Reputation Institute/American Banker survey

Gallup Great Workplace Award, 2015

Recognized by the Women’s Forum of New York as being a Corporate Champion for having gender diversity on our Board

Corporate Secretary’s Corporate Governance Awards: Finalist for Best Proxy Statement, Large Cap

Ranked Best-in-Class among all 299 brands in Forrester Research Q3 Customer Experience Index Survey

Ranked number one in customer satisfaction among all measured banks based on the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) Retail Banking Study demonstrating our commitment to service



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  PROXY SUMMARY

How do I vote if my shares are held

Ranked third in Engagement Lab’s “Total Social” data rankings on the top U.S. banks for online and offline conversations

Scored in the Regions 401(k) Plan or other plans?top 10 percent of over 250 companies evaluated for customer experience by the Temkin Group
Received 12 Greenwich Excellence Awards

Cybersecurity

 

If you

As a financial institution, we are a participant intrusted with sensitive information, which we are expected to protect. Regions considers the Regions 401(k) Plan,safekeeping of our customer, associate, and Company data to be of paramount importance. As such, our risk management program, which is overseen by the electronic voting instructions constitutes the voting instruction form and covers all shares you may vote under the plan. Under the termsRisk Committee of the plan, the trustee votes all shares held by the plan, but each participant may direct the trustee howBoard, includes a robust cybersecurity program. We employ a team of information security

specialists who are tasked with keeping data safe, and we have implemented multiple layers of defense to vote the shares of Regions common stock allocated to his or her plan account. If you own shares through the Regions 401(k) Plan and do not submit voting instructions, the plan trustee will vote the shares in favor of Proposals 1, 2, 3 and 4,protect against Proposal 5. The deadlineintrusions.

See page 49 for returning your 401(k) voting instructions is 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time on May 13, 2013.a more in-depth look at Regions’ cybersecurity risk management program.

Stockholder Engagement

 

If youRegions values the viewpoints of our stockholders, and we are a participant incommitted to providing our stockholders with the Computershare Investment Plan forability to express their opinions. Therefore, Regions Financial Corporation, the proxy card or electronic voting instructions covers all shares allocated to your account under that plan. If you do not return your proxy card, or vote by telephone orhas taken steps over the internet, your shares in that plan will not be voted. If you return your proxy card without indicating your voting instructions, the shares will be voted in favor of Proposals 1, 2, 3 and 4, against Proposal 5. past year to strengthen our stockholder engagement efforts.

The deadline for returning your voting instructions for that plan is 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time on May 15, 2013.following chart describes Regions’ annual stockholder engagement cycle:

 

What is Notice and Access?

LOGO

Notice and Access is a SEC rule that allows us to furnish our proxy materials over the internet to our stockholders instead of mailing paper copies of those materials to each stockholder. As a result beginning on or about March 29, 2013, we will send to mostof engaging with our stockholders by mail or e-mail a notice containing instructions on how to access our proxy materials over the internet and vote online.past few years, we have taken the following actions:

 

This notice is not a proxy card

Made publicly available Regions’ political spending and cannot be used to vote your shares. If you received a notice this year, you will not receive paper copies of the proxy materials unless you request the materials by following the instructions on the notice or on the website referred to on the notice.

How can I receive my proxy materials electronically in the future?

Stockholders can elect to view future Regions proxy statements and annual reports through the internet instead of receiving paper copies in the mail and thus can save Regions the cost of producing and mailing these documents. If you already have internet access, there will be no additional charge for you to have electronic access through the internet to our proxy materials and annual report.

If you are a registered stockholder, you can choose to receive future annual reports and proxy statements electronically by following the prompt if you choose to vote through the internet. Stockholders who choose to view future proxy statements and annual reports through the internet will receive an e-mail with instructions containing the internet address of those materials, as well as voting instructions, approximately four weeks before future meetings.

If you enroll to view our future annual reports and proxy statements electronically and vote your proxy through the internet, your enrollment will remain in effect for all future stockholder meetings unless you cancel it. To cancel, registered stockholders should accesshttp://enroll.icsdelivery.com/rf and follow the instructions to cancel your enrollment. If you hold your Regions stock in nominee name, check the information provided by your nominee for instructions on how to cancel your enrollment.

If at any time you would like to receive a paper copy of the annual report or proxy statement, please write to Investor Relations, Regions Financial Corporation, 1900 Fifth Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203 or call us at 205-326-5807.

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING DELIVERY OF SECURITY HOLDER DOCUMENTS

The SEC has issued rules regarding the delivery of proxy statements and information statements to households. These rules spell out the conditions under which annual reports, information statements, proxy statements, prospectuses and other disclosure documents of a particular company that would otherwise be mailed in separate envelopes to more than one person at a shared address may be mailed as one copy in one envelope addressed to all holders at that address (i.e., “householding”). To conserve resources and reduce expenses, we consolidate materials under these rules when possible. Stockholders who participate in householding will receive separate proxy cards.

Because we are using the SEC’s notice and access rule, we will not household our proxy materials or notices to stockholders of record sharing an address. This means that stockholders of record who share an address will each be mailed a separate notice of the proxy materials. However, certain brokerage firms, banks, or similar entities holding our common stock for their customers may household proxy materials or notices. Stockholders sharing an address whose shares of our common stock are held in street name should contact their broker if they now receive (1) multiple copies of our proxy materials or notices and wish to receive only one copy of these materials per household in the future, or (2) a single copy of our proxy materials or notice and wish to receive separate copies of these materials in the future. If at any time you would like to receive a paper copy of the annual report or proxy statement, please write to Investor Relations, Regions Financial Corporation, 1900 Fifth Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203 or call us at 205-326-5807.

VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS THEREOF

As of March 18, 2013, Regions had issued 1,454,462,482 shares of common stock, of which 1,413,429,806 shares were outstanding and 41,032,676 shares were held as treasury stock. Treasury stock cannot be voted. Stockholders are entitled to one vote for each share on all matters to come before the meeting. Only common stockholders of record at the close of business on March 18, 2013 (the “Record Date”), will be entitled to vote at the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. Holders of the Depositary Shares are not entitled to vote at the annual meeting. As of March 18, 2013, 2,000,000 Depositary Shares were issued and outstanding.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of our common stock by any stockholder known to us, based on public filings made with the SEC, to own 5% or more of the outstanding shares of our common stock.

   Amount and Nature of Beneficial
Ownership
 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

  No. of
Common Shares
   % of Class 

BlackRock, Inc. (and subsidiaries) (1)

40 East 52nd Street

New York, NY 10022

   84,236,542     5.96

The Vanguard Group, Inc. (2)

Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Company

100 Vanguard Blvd.

Malvern, PA 19355

   84,154,756     5.95
lobbyist activities

 

(1) This information was derived from the Schedule 13G filed on January 30, 2013 by BlackRock, Inc. and subsidiaries, which states that BlackRock has sole voting and dispositive power over 84,236,542 shares.Included a summary of our strategy in ourProxy Summary

 

(2) This information was derived fromAdded more detail to our overall company performance in the Schedule 13G filed February 11, 2013 by The Vanguard Group, Inc. and subsidiaries, which states that The Vanguard Group, Inc. has sole dispositive power over 81,842,789 shares.Proxy Summary

Enhanced proxy disclosures with respect to our independent auditor

Security Ownership

Publicly disclosed a summary of Directors and Management

the Director-Stockholder Engagement Framework on our website

 

Enhanced disclosures around executive compensation practices

The following table presents information about beneficial ownership of Regions equity securitiesWe encourage all stockholders as of the Record Date byrecord date to attend this year’s annual meeting, as this provides you with an opportunity to engage in direct dialogue with the Directors and certain executive officers of Regions. Unless otherwise indicated, each person has sole voting and investment power over the indicated shares. A person is deemed to be a beneficial owner of any security of which that person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days from the Record Date. The footnotes to the table indicate how many shares each person has the right to acquire within 60 days of the Record Date. The shares of Regions common stock whichCompany. Our stockholder engagements efforts are issuable to a person listed below upon exercise of the vested portion of the outstanding options are assumed to be outstanding for the purpose of determining the percentage of shares beneficially owned by that person.further detailed on pages 38-39.

 

Most of the Directors of Regions have elected to defer receipt of some or all of the cash compensation they are due for services on the Board of Directors in the Directors’ Deferred Stock Investment Plan. Each Director’s deferred amounts are credited as notional shares of Regions common stock as of the time of deferral and will be settled in actual shares of common stock at the end of the deferral period. Therefore, the ultimate value of the amounts deferred will be tied to the performance of Regions stock. As of March 18, 2013, the Directors as a group were credited with 679,607 notional shares of common stock, which are not included in the table below. The footnotes to the table indicate how many shares are allocated to each Director in the Plan.



 

      Amount and Nature of Beneficial
Ownership as of March 18, 2013
 

Name of Beneficial Owner

  Class of Securities  No. of Shares  % of Class 

Current Directors including nominees for Director

     

Samuel W. Bartholomew, Jr.  

  Common Stock   95,447(1)   *  

George W. Bryan

  Common Stock   145,406(2)   *  

Carolyn H. Byrd

  Common Stock   30,760(3)   *  

David J. Cooper, Sr.  

  Common Stock   151,881(4)   *  

Earnest W. Deavenport, Jr.  

  Common Stock   153,833(5)   *  

Don DeFosset

  Common Stock   68,679(6)   *  

Eric C. Fast

  Common Stock   30,760(7)   *  
  Depositary Shares   16,000    *  

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.  

  Common Stock   1,664,335(8)   *  

John D. Johns

  Common Stock   24,249(9)   *  

Charles D. McCrary

  Common Stock   105,138(10)   *  

James R. Malone

  Common Stock   125,714(11)   *  

Ruth Ann Marshall

  Common Stock   25,718(12)   *  

Susan W. Matlock

  Common Stock   68,103(13)   *  

John E. Maupin, Jr.  

  Common Stock   61,003(14)   *  

John R. Roberts

  Common Stock   86,118(15)   *  

Lee J. Styslinger III

  Common Stock   76,028(16)   *  

Other named executive officers (See Summary Compensation Table)

     

David J. Turner, Jr.  

  Common Stock   342,687(17)   *  

David B. Edmonds

  Common Stock   814,118(18)   *  

Fournier J. Gale, III

  Common Stock   134,319(19)   *  
  Depositary Shares   8,000    *  

John B. Owen

  Common Stock   510,432(20)   *  

Directors and executive officers as a group (32 persons)

  Common Stock   9,555,261    *  
  Depositary Shares   25,000    *  

10    LOGOï  2016 Proxy Statement


*
Less than 1%.PROXY SUMMARY   

(1)Includes 717 shares held by affiliates of Mr. Bartholomew, 28,690 shares of restricted stock and 29,485 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after March 18, 2013. Excludes 18,191 notional shares allocated to Mr. Bartholomew under the Regions Directors’ Deferred Stock Investment Plan. Includes 8,333 shares pledged by a family partnership as collateral for a loan.

(2)Includes 18,580 shares held by Mr. Bryan’s spouse, 28,690 shares of restricted stock and 20,200 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after March 18, 2013. Excludes 4,083 notional shares allocated to Mr. Bryan under the Regions Directors’ Deferred Stock Investment Plan. Includes 62,216 shares pledged as collateral for a loan.

(3)Includes 20,391 shares of restricted stock. Excludes 13,732 notional shares allocated to Ms. Byrd under the Regions Directors’ Deferred Stock Investment Plan.

(4)Includes 28,690 shares of restricted stock and 21,177 shares issuable to Mr. Cooper upon the exercise of stock options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after March 18, 2013. Excludes 17,564 notional shares allocated to Mr. Cooper under the Regions Directors’ Deferred Stock Investment Plan.

(5)Includes 28,690 shares of restricted stock and 41,431 shares issuable to Mr. Deavenport upon the exercise of stock options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after March 18, 2013. Excludes 170,169 notional shares allocated to Mr. Deavenport under the Regions Directors’ Deferred Stock Investment Plan.

(6)Includes 28,690 shares of restricted stock and 21,177 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after March 18, 2013. Excludes 2,840 shares allocated to Mr. DeFosset under the Amended and Restated Regions Financial Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan for Former Directors of AmSouth Bancorporation and also excludes 11,262 notional shares allocated to Mr. DeFosset under the Regions Directors’ Deferred Stock Investment Plan.

(7)Includes 20,391 shares of restricted stock. Excludes 43,825 notional shares allocated to Mr. Fast under the Regions Directors’ Deferred Stock Investment Plan. The Depositary Shares are held by a trust as to which Mr. Fast shares voting and investment power.

(8)Includes 20,944 share equivalents held for Mr. Hall in the Regions 401(k) Plan, 398,314 shares of restricted stock, 80 shares held for a child and 1,000,692 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after March 18, 2013. Excludes 221,878 restricted stock units, 221,878 performance stock units, and also excludes 78,061 share equivalents held for Mr. Hall in the Regions Supplemental 401(k) Plan.

(9)Includes 12,719 shares of restricted stock, 384 shares held by Mr. Johns’ spouse and 1,661 shares held in an IRA. Excludes 17,260 notional shares allocated to Mr. Johns under the Regions Directors’ Deferred Stock Investment Plan.

(10)Includes 28,690 shares of restricted stock and 41,431 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after March 18, 2013. Excludes 14,753 shares allocated to Mr. McCrary under the Amended and Restated Regions Financial Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan for Former Directors of AmSouth Bancorporation and also excludes 84,511 notional shares allocated to Mr. McCrary under the Regions Directors’ Deferred Stock Investment Plan.

(11)Includes 5,382 shares held by Mr. Malone’s spouse, 28,690 shares of restricted stock and 41,431 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after March 18, 2013. Excludes 63,751 notional shares allocated to Mr. Malone under the Regions Directors’ Deferred Stock Investment Plan. Includes 27,537 shares pledged as collateral for a loan.

(12)Includes 12,719 shares of restricted stock. Excludes 25,053 notional shares allocated to Ms. Marshall under the Regions Directors’ Deferred Stock Investment Plan.

(13)Includes 3,459 shares jointly held with Ms. Matlock’s spouse, 28,690 shares of restricted stock and 14,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after March 18, 2013. Excludes 56,956 notional shares allocated to Ms. Matlock under the Regions Directors’ Deferred Stock Investment Plan.

(14)Includes 28,690 shares of restricted stock and 14,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after March 18, 2013. Excludes 40,377 notional shares allocated to Dr. Maupin under the Regions Directors’ Deferred Stock Investment Plan.

(15)Includes 28,690 shares of restricted stock and 20,200 shares issuable to Mr. Roberts upon the exercise of stock options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after March 18, 2013.

(16)Includes 2,469 shares held by Altec/Styslinger Foundation, 28,690 shares of restricted stock and 14,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after March 18, 2013. Excludes 95,280 notional shares allocated to Mr. Styslinger under the Regions Directors’ Deferred Stock Investment Plan.

(17)Includes 1,625 shares held by Mr. Turner’s spouse and 575 shares held for Mr. Turner’s children. Includes 15,331 share equivalents held for Mr. Turner in the Regions 401(k) Plan, 129,875 shares of restricted stock, and 141,222 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after March 18, 2013. Excludes 51,599 restricted stock units, 51,599 performance stock units, and also excludes 23,414 share equivalents held for Mr. Turner in the Regions Supplemental 401(k) Plan.

(18)Includes 24,683 share equivalents held for Mr. Edmonds in the Regions 401(k) Plan, 117,685 shares of restricted stock, and 504,398 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after March 18, 2013. Excludes 38,699 restricted stock units, 38,699 performance stock units, and also excludes 52,126 share equivalents held for Mr. Edmonds in the Regions Supplemental 401(k) Plan.

(19)Includes 2,855 share equivalents held for Mr. Gale in the Regions 401(k) Plan, 38,021 shares of restricted stock, 7,400 shares held in an IRA and 76,043 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after March 18, 2013. Excludes 38,699 restricted stock units, 38,699 performance stock units, and also excludes 2,907 share equivalents held for Mr. Gale in the Regions Supplemental 401(k) Plan.

(20)Includes 6,000 shares held by Mr. Owen’s spouse, 12,826 share equivalents held for Mr. Owen in the Regions 401(k) Plan, 107,876 shares of restricted stock, and 299,789 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after March 18, 2013. Excludes 51,599 restricted stock units, 51,599 performance stock units, and also excludes 22,281 share equivalents held for Mr. Owen in the Regions Supplemental 401(k) Plan.

No change in control of Regions has occurred since January 1, 2012, meaning that no person or group has acquired the abilityHow to direct or cause the direction of management and policies of Regions through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, or otherwise, and no arrangements are known to Regions which may at a later date result in such a change in control of Regions.

In February 2013, the Board of Directors amended the Regions General Policy on Insider Trading to prohibit hedging transactions and future pledging of Company equity securities by our Directors and Executive Officers. Additionally, under amendments to the Director Stock Ownership Guidelines (the “Guidelines”) also approved by the Board in February 2013, Directors who currently have pledged Regions equity securities as collateral for a loan must reduce their pledged equity securities over time so as to eliminate all pledged Regions equity securities by the 2016 annual meeting of stockholders. Equity securities that are pledged will not be counted in determining stock ownership under the Guidelines.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires Regions’ executive officers, Directors and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of Regions equity securities, if any, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership of Regions stock with the SEC. Executive officers, Directors and greater than 10% stockholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish Regions with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.

Based solely on a review of the forms filed during or with respect to fiscal year 2012 and written representations from the reporting persons, Regions believes that its officers and Directors filed all required reports on a timely basis, except for one Form 4 filed five days late on behalf of George W. Bryan reporting the purchase of 895 shares in a managed brokerage account.

PROPOSAL 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

All Directors are elected on an annual basis. The Board has determined that following the annual meeting of stockholders, the Board will consist of 14 members, to be elected for a term of one year expiring at the next annual meeting of stockholders.The Board unanimously recommends the election of George W. Bryan, Carolyn H. Byrd, David J. Cooper, Sr., Don DeFosset, Eric C. Fast, O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr., John D. Johns, Charles D. McCrary, James R. Malone, Ruth Ann Marshall, Susan W. Matlock, John E. Maupin, Jr., John R. Roberts and Lee J. Styslinger III as Directors, to hold office for a term of one year expiring with the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2014, or until their successors are duly elected and qualified.Proxies will be voted FOR the nominees, unless otherwise directed. If any nominee is not available for election, in its discretion the Board may designate a substitute nominee. In that event the proxies will be voted for such substitute nominee. All of the nominees have indicated to us that they will be available to serve as Directors and therefore we do not anticipate that any substitute nominee or nominees will be required. The proxies will not be voted for more than 14 nominees.

Samuel W. Bartholomew, Jr. and Earnest W. Deavenport, Jr. have indicated their desire to retire from the Board when their current terms expire. Therefore, this year’s meeting will mark the retirement of Mr. Bartholomew and Mr. Deavenport as Directors. Mr. Bartholomew has served Regions with distinction as a member of the Board of Directors since 2001 when he joined the board of Union Planters Corporation, which merged with Regions in 2004. Mr. Deavenport joined the board of directors of First American Corporation in 1990, which later merged with AmSouth Bancorporation. When AmSouth merged into Regions in 2006, Mr. Deavenport joined the Company’s Board and served as Chair of the Risk Committee for two years. He has been Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee since July 2008 and has served as Non-Executive Chairman since April 1, 2010, playing a critical role in successfully guiding Regions through a period of significant challenges and transformational events. Mr. Bartholomew and Mr. Deavenport have served with distinction and have earned the admiration and respect of the Company and their colleagues.

Important: Brokers holding shares beneficially owned by their clients will not have the ability to cast votes with respect to the election of Directors unless they have received instructions from the beneficial owner of the shares. Therefore, in order for your vote to be counted regarding the election of Directors if your shares are held by a broker, you must provide instructions to your broker. Please instruct your broker how you want to vote by following the instructions contained in the notice or voting instruction form provided by your broker.

Information about Regions Directors and Nominees

The following biographies show the age and principal occupations during at least the past five years of each of the Directors, the date the Director was first elected to the Board of Regions, or companies merged with Regions, and the directorships they now hold and have held within at least the last five years with corporations subject to the registration or reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Board believes that all the nominees named below are highly qualified and each Director’s specific experiences, qualifications, attributes or skills that led the Board to conclude that he or she should serve as a Director are also described. There are no family relationships among our Directors and executive officers.

DIRECTOR NOMINEEScontact us:

 

Investor Relations

Regions Financial Corporation

1900 Fifth Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203

205-581-7890

investors@regions.com

Board of Directors

Regions Financial Corporation

c/o Office of the Corporate Secretary

1900 Fifth Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203

Audit Committee of the Board of Directors

Regions Financial Corporation

Attention: Ms. Carolyn H. Byrd

Chair, Audit Committee

c/o Office of the Corporate Secretary

1900 Fifth Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203

Proposal 1 – Election of Directors (page 26)

The following chart sets forth information with respect to our 11 nominees standing for election:

 

AgeIndependentPrincipal OccupationOther Boards (1)Regions Board Committee(s)

LOGOCarolyn H. Byrd (2)

67Yes

Chairman and CEO,

GlobalTech Financial, LLC

 

George W. Bryan

Mr. Bryan, 68, has been a Director since 1986. He is retired from Sara Lee Corporation, Food Division, a food processing and packaging company, where he served as Senior Vice President from 1983 to 2000. Since 2001, Mr. Bryan has been the Chief Executive Officer of Old Waverly Properties, LLC, a real estate firm. He also serves as a director of Buckeye Technologies• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc.

• Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation

• Audit Committee (Chair)

Mr. Bryan began his business career in 1964 at Bryan Foods, a family-owned meat products manufacturing business. Sara Lee• Risk Committee

David J. Cooper, Sr.

70Yes

Vice Chairman, Cooper/

T. Smith Corporation acquired Bryan Foods in 1968. He became President of Bryan Foods in 1974 and Senior Vice President of Sara Lee in 1983. Mr. Bryan has developed residential and commercial real estate in Mississippi, Tennessee and Utah for over a decade. He earned a degree in business administration from Mississippi State University in 1966. At Buckeye Technologies Inc., Mr. Bryan serves as Chair of the

• Alabama Power Company*

• Compensation Committee

 Nominating and Corporate Governance (“NCG”) Committee and as a member of the Compensation Committee. As President of Bryan Foods, Senior Vice President of Sara Lee Corporation and Chief Executive Officer of Sara Lee Foods, Mr. Bryan was responsible for key managerial, strategic, financial and operational decisions, providing significant experience to draw upon in his capacity as a Director of Regions, and, together with his other experience, make him well qualified to be a member of Regions’ Board.

Don DeFosset

67Yes

Retired Chairman,

LOGOPresident and CEO,

Walter Industries, Inc.

 

Carolyn H. Byrd• Terex Corporation

• National Retail Properties

Ms. Byrd, 64, has been a Director since 2010. She is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GlobalTech Financial, in Atlanta, Georgia, which she founded in 2000. GlobalTech specializes in loan and lease servicing, as well as information technology professional services and consulting. Ms. Byrd serves as a director of AFC Enterprises, Inc. and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage• ITT Corporation (Freddie Mac). She previously served as a director for Circuit City Stores, Inc., RARE Hospitality International, Inc., RealiStar Financial Corp. and The St. Paul Travelers Companies.

Prior to forming GlobalTech in 2000, Ms. Byrd had a long career with The Coca-Cola Company, where she was ultimately elected Vice President of the company, Chief of Internal Audits and Director of the Corporate Auditing Department. In this position, she provided leadership for the worldwide audits of The Coca-Cola Company. Before joining The Coca-Cola Company, Ms. Byrd was employed with Citibank, N.A. in New York where she served as a Senior Account Officer. Ms. Byrd earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Fisk University and a Masters in Finance and Business Administration from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business. At AFC Enterprises, Inc., Ms. Byrd serves on the Audit Committee and People Services (Compensation) Committee. At Freddie Mac, she serves as Chair of the Audit Committee and serves as a member of the Nominating and Governance Committee and Coordinating Committee. She previously served on the Audit Committee at Circuit City Stores, Inc., RARE Hospitality International, Inc. and The St. Paul Travelers Companies. She serves on Regions’ Risk Committee and Audit Committee and has been determined to be an “audit committee financial expert.” Ms. Byrd has held many positions in which she was responsible for key managerial, strategic, financial and operational decisions, and such positions provide significant experience to draw upon in her capacity as a Director of Regions. Her service on the boards of directors of a variety of large public companies, including Freddie Mac, further augments her experience. All of this makes her well qualified to be a member of Regions’ Board.

LOGO

 

David J. Cooper, Sr.• Compensation Committee (Chair)

• Risk Committee

Eric C. Fast (2)

66YesRetired CEO, Crane Co.

• Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

Mr. Cooper, 67, has been a Director since 2005. Mr. Cooper is currently the Vice • Lord Abbett Family of Funds

• Audit Committee

• Risk Committee

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

58NoChairman, President and CEO, Regions Financial Corporation and Regions Bank

• Vulcan Materials Company

• Alabama Power Company*

John D. Johns (4)

64YesChairman and was previously theCEO, Protective Life Corporation

• Genuine Parts Company

• The Southern Company

• NCG Committee

• Risk Committee

Ruth Ann Marshall

61Yes

Retired President,

The Americas, MasterCard International, Inc.

• ConAgra Foods, Inc.

• Global Payments, Inc.

• Compensation Committee

• NCG Committee

Susan W. Matlock

69Yes

Retired President and

CEO, Innovation Depot, Inc.

• Compensation Committee

• Risk Committee

John E. Maupin, Jr. (2)

69YesRetired President, Morehouse School of Cooper/T. SmithMedicine

• LifePoint Health, Inc.

• VALIC Company I and II

• HealthSouth Corporation a privately held corporation that is one of the largest stevedoring

• Audit Committee

• NCG Committee

Charles D. McCrary (3)

64YesRetired President and maritime-related firms in the United States. He also serves as a director ofCEO, Alabama Power Company a wholly-owned subsidiary

• NCG Committee (Chair)

Lee J. Styslinger III (2)

55Yes

Chairman and CEO,

Altec, Inc.

• Vulcan Materials Company

• Audit Committee

• Compensation Committee

(1)Corporations subject to the registration or reporting requirements of The Southern Company. the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

(2)Audit Committee Financial Expert.

(3)Lead Independent Director.

(4)Risk Management Expert.

*Alabama Power Company has no publicly traded common stock.



LOGOï  2016 Proxy Statement11


  PROXY SUMMARY

Corporate Governance (page 38)

Regions has a long-standing commitment to providing effective governance of the Company’s business and affairs for the benefit of stockholders. The Board’s NCG Committee periodically reviews our Corporate Governance Principles to maintain effective and appropriate standards of corporate governance. A commitment to strong governance practices is a hallmark of the Board’s stewardship on behalf of stockholders and stakeholders. As such, we regularly review our practices to ensure effective collaboration between management and our Board.

Below are some of the governance best practices that we follow.

What We Do

 

Mr. Cooper graduated from the University of Alabama School of Commerce and Business Administration and joined his family’s stevedoring company, Cooper/ T. Smith Corporation. Under the direction of Mr. Cooper and his brother, the company has grown and diversified and now operates in 37 ports on the East, West and Gulf Coasts of the United States, and has operations in South America. The company has also diversified its business interests, including warehousing, terminal operations, tugboats, push boats, barging and restaurants. Mr. Cooper served on the board of directors of SouthTrust Bank prior to joining the board of AmSouth Bancorporation, which merged with Regions in 2006. Mr. Cooper is active in civic and educational organizations. Mr. Cooper’s service on the board of Alabama Power Company provides him with insight in dealing with another regulated industry. He also brings to our Board extensive knowledge of how to effectively run a large business as evidenced by the diversification and growth of Cooper/T. Smith Corporation under Mr. Cooper’s direction. His experience makes him well qualified to be a member of Regions’ Board.

LOGO

Don DeFosset

Mr. DeFosset, 64, has been a Director since 2005. He is the former Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Walter Industries, Inc. (now Walter Energy, Inc.) a diversified public company with businesses in water infrastructure products, metallurgical coal and natural gas, home building and mortgage financing. He served as Chairman from March 2002 to September 2005, and as President and Chief Executive Officer from November 2000 to September 2005. He also serves as a director of Terex Corporation, National Retail Properties and ITT Corporation. From January 2007 until August 2008 he served as Non-Executive Chairman and board member of the James Hardie NV Board of Directors. He previously served as a director of EnPro Industries, Inc. for several years and retired from that board in December 2011.

Over his career, Mr. DeFosset held significant leadership positions in major multinational corporations, including Dura Automotive Systems, Inc., Navistar International Corporation and AlliedSignal, Inc. Mr. DeFosset has an Industrial Engineering degree from Purdue University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard University. Mr. DeFosset is active in civic and charitable affairs. He serves on Regions’ Audit Committee and has been determined to be an “audit committee financial expert.” At Terex Corporation, Mr. DeFosset chairs the Audit Committee and serves on the Compensation Committee. At National Retail Properties, he serves on the Compensation Committee and chairs the Governance and Nominating Committee. At ITT Corporation, Mr. DeFosset serves on the Compensation and Personnel Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee. He also served on the Audit and Risk Management, Compensation and Human Resources, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees of EnPro Industries, Inc. Having served as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Walter Industries, Inc., Mr. DeFosset brings extensive management and business experience to our Board as well as a deep understanding of complex issues concerning public companies. Mr. DeFosset is also able to draw upon his knowledge of the mortgage industry acquired during his tenure at Walter Industries, Inc. His service on the boards of directors of a variety of large public companies further augments his experience. All of this makes him well qualified to be a member of Regions’ Board.

LOGOü

  Continuous Focus on Strategic PlanningThe Board and management regularly focus on strategy and planning.

Eric C. Fastü

Maintain an Overwhelmingly Independent BoardOf the Board’s current 12 Directors, 11 are independent, including the Lead Independent Director.

ü

Recruit the Best DirectorsOur Board reflects a range of talents, ages, skills, diversity and expertise.

Mr. Fast, 63,ü

Strive for Board DiversityCurrently, 25 percent of our Directors are female and 17 percent are ethnically diverse.

ü

Maintain a Declassified BoardDirectors are elected annually by a majority of votes cast in an uncontested election.

ü

Hold Frequent Board and Committee MeetingsThe Board held 9 meetings in 2015, and the Board’s Committees held 28 meetings in 2015. The Board meets in executive session at each regular Board meeting and most conference call Board meetings.

ü

Expect Director Attendance at MeetingsOur current Director attendance for Board and Committee meetings averaged over 96 percent in 2015, and each Director attended over 75 percent of Board and Committee meetings on which the Director served.

ü

Maintain Independent CommitteesThe Board has beenfour independent, standing Committees to assist it in carrying out its work: an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, an NCG Committee, and a Risk Committee. Each Committee operates under a written charter approved by the Board and annually reviewed by each Committee and the NCG Committee.

ü

Maintain Corporate Governance PrinciplesThe Board has adopted comprehensive Corporate Governance Principles to guide its oversight and independent governance leadership.

ü

Conduct Board Self-EvaluationsThe Board and Committees conduct annual self-evaluations.

ü

Facilitate a Director since 2010. HeEducation ProgramThe Board has serveda robust Director Education Program to keep abreast of products and services offered by the Company; significant risks and compliance issues; laws, regulations and requirements applicable to the Company and its affiliates; corporate governance best practices; and changes in the financial services industry.

ü

Conduct CEO EvaluationThe Board conducts an annual evaluation of the Chief Executive Officer.

ü

Administer Board OrientationNew Directors are provided with an orientation package and attend a Board orientation session, including Committee-specific orientation sessions, as appropriate.

ü

Maintain Stock Ownership RequirementsRobust stock ownership guidelines for Directors and executive officers are in place.

ü

Properly Align Executive CompensationWe have specific policies and practices to align executive compensation with long-term stockholder interests; these policies and practices are routinely reviewed by the Chief
Executive OfficerCompensation Committee in conjunction with an independent compensation consultant.

ü

Provide for Crane Co., a diversified manufacturer of engineered
industrial products, since 2001, and servedStrong Clawback Policy
We have adopted an enhanced clawback policy that applies to our executive officers, as President from 1999 through
January 28, 2013. Since 1999 he has servedwell as a membernumber of other senior management.

ü

Review Management and Succession PlanningThe Board reviews management talent and succession at least annually.

ü

Promote Cross-Committee MembershipThe Chairs of the boardAudit Committee and Risk Committee serve on both Committees. The Chair of directors
of Crane Co. Mr. Fastthe Compensation Committee also serves on the boardRisk Committee.

ü

Administer a Code of directorsConductThe Company adopted a comprehensive Code of Automatic Data
Processing, Inc.Business Conduct and the privately-held National Integrity Life Insurance
Company.

PriorEthics (“Code of Conduct”) applicable to joining Crane, Mr. Fast worked for Salomon Brothersall Directors, executive officers and later Salomon
Smith Barney, where he ultimately was co-headassociates. Vendors and consultants are expected to adhere to any applicable Code of Global Investment Banking
Conduct provisions.

ü

Maintain an Ethics CouncilOur internal Ethics Council ensures proper oversight and a memberapplication of the firm’s Management Committee. He previously served as
TreasurerCode of MacMillan Inc.Conduct.

ü

Actively Fight Cybersecurity ThreatsThe Company makes on-going investments in systems and began his career as a commercial lending
officer at Bank of New York. He earned a political science degree from the
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and received a Master of Business
Administration in Finance degree from the New York University Graduate
School of Business. He currently serves as Chair of the Audit Committee of
Automatic Data Processing, Inc. and a member of the Audit Committee at the
privately-held National Integrity Life Insurance Company. Mr. Fast brings
extensive management and business experience to our Boardtechnology, as well as a deep
understanding of complex issues concerning public companies. His service as
Presidenttraining and Chief Executive Officer of a large public company further
augments his experience. All of this makes him well qualifiededucation for all associates and Directors to be a member of
Regions’ Board.

combat cybersecurity threats.

LOGOü

  Keep Directors InformedOur Directors and Committees are routinely provided with articles and reports to stay well informed of trends and best practices with respect to corporate governance, risk management, compensation, audit, regulatory matters and other topics.

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.ü

Mr. Hall, 55, has been

Remain Socially ResponsibleWe have a Director since 2008 and President and Chief Executive
Officer of Regions and Regions Bank since April 1, 2010. From October 2009
through March 2010, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer of
Regions and Regions Bank. From December 2008long-standing commitment to October 2009, he served as
Vice Chairman and Head of the General Banking Group of Regions and Regions
Bank. He was previously the Senior Executive Vice President, General Banking
Group of Regions and Regions Bank. Mr. Hall also serves as a director of Zep,
Inc.

corporate social responsibility.

 

Mr. Hall’s banking career started in 1980 as a participant in the management
trainee program at AmSouth, which merged with Regions in 2006. He has served
in roles of increasing responsibility including head of the Operations and
Technology Group from 1993 to 2004 and manager of all lines of business from
2005 to 2006. Mr. Hall was named head of the General Banking Group in 2006
and in 2008 was elected Vice Chairman and a member of the Board of Regions.
The General Banking Group included all banking offices across Regions’ 16-
state footprint. His responsibilities also included oversight of several key
divisions of the Company. In October 2009 the Board named him President, and,
in December 2009, the Board named him Chief Executive Officer effective
April 1, 2010. In addition to a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from The
University of the South and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from
The University of Alabama, Mr. Hall is a graduate of the Stonier School of
Banking. Mr. Hall is active in several civic and leadership organizations. At Zep,
Inc., Mr. Hall serves on the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee. Mr. Hall’s knowledge of all areas of the
Company, together with his years of experience in banking, make him well
qualified to be a member of Regions’ Board.



12    LOGOï  2016 Proxy Statement


PROXY SUMMARY   

LOGOü

 Disclose Political ContributionsPursuant to our Policy on Political Contributions, we disclose annually our independent expenditures and corporate political giving.

John D. Johnsü

Mr. Johns, 61, has been a

Maintain Mandatory Director since October 2011. Since 2003, Mr. Johns
has served as the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Protective
Life Corporation, a holding company whose subsidiaries provide insurance and
other financial services. Mr. Johns also serves as a director of Genuine Parts
Company and Alabama Power Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The
Southern Company. Alabama Power Company has no publicly traded common
stock. Mr. Johns previously served as a director of Alabama National
Bancorporation and John Harland Corporation.

Mr. Johns graduated from the University of Alabama and received his Masters of
Business Administration degree and Juris Doctorate degree from Harvard
University. Prior to joining Protective in 1993, he was Executive Vice President
and General Counsel at Sonat, Inc. from 1988 to 1993 and a founding partner of
the Birmingham-based law firm of Maynard, Cooper & Gale from 1984 to 1988.
At Genuine Parts Company, Mr. Johns servesRetirement Policy

Directors retire on the Compensation, Nominating
and Governance Committee. Mr. Johns’ background and long experience as a
senior executivedate of a large insurance corporation, his extensive exposure to
complex financial issues at large public companies, his leadership in other
business, economic development, civic, educational, and not-for-profit
organizations, and his seasoned business judgment are valuablethe next annual meeting of stockholders after reaching age 72.

ü

Require Management AccountabilityManagement is accountable to the Company’s
Board and makes him well qualified to be a member of Regions’ Board.

the stockholders for their decisions.

ü

Keep Stockholder Voting Rights Consistent with OwnershipAll common stockholders are entitled to one vote per share of common stock. Holders of preferred stock are not entitled to vote at the meeting.

ü

Pay for PerformanceMajority of pay is not guaranteed. Executive compensation is tied to Company performance and aligned with the long-term interests of stockholders.

ü

Engage with our StockholdersThe NCG Committee has formalized a Director-Stockholder Engagement Framework to guide Directors and stockholders in the engagement process. Throughout the year, members of management meet with stockholders to solicit their opinions on various topics. If requested by major stockholders, our Lead Independent Director will ensure he is available for consultation and direct communication.

ü

Board Oversees Risk ManagementOur Board has oversight of risk management with a focus on the most significant enterprise risks facing the Company, including strategic, reputational, liquidity, market, operational, credit, legal, and compliance risks.

ü

Controls Over 10b5-1 PlansWe have guidelines governing the use of pre-established trading plans for transactions in our securities.

What We Don’t Do

LOGO

X 

Charles D. McCrary

Mr. McCrary, 61, has been a Director since 2001. He has served as the President
and Chief Executive OfficerNo Hedging of Alabama Power Company, a public utility
providing electricity to over one million customers, since 2001. He also serves as
a director of Protective Life Corporation and Alabama Power Company, a
wholly-owned subsidiary of The Southern Company. Alabama Power Company
has no publicly traded common stock.

Mr. McCrary holds an engineering degree from Auburn University and a law
degree. Since beginning his career with Alabama Power over 30 years ago, he
has held various positions of increasing responsibility within Southern Company,
the parent company of Alabama Power. Mr. McCrary is active in civic,
educational and charitable affairs and currently serves as Chairman of the
Economic Development Partnership of Alabama. Mr. McCrary serves on
Regions’ Audit Committee and has been determined to be an “audit committee
financial expert.” In February 2013, the Board named Mr. McCrary as the new
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chairperson, effective
May 16, 2013, and he will become Regions’ Lead Independent Director at that
time. Mr. McCrary serves on the Corporate Governance and Nominating
Committee and Finance and Investments Committee at Protective Life
Corporation. He also serves on the board of privately-held Mercedes-Benz U.S.
International, Inc. As President and Chief Executive Officer of Alabama Power
Company and a director of Protective Life Corporation, Mr. McCrary brings a
valuable understanding of issues that are unique to a company in a regulated
industry. Mr. McCrary’s depth of knowledge and experience running a regulated
company as well as his other experience make him well qualified to be a member
of Regions’ Board.

LOGO

Regions Securities
  

James R. Malone

Mr. Malone, 70, has beenLong-standing policies restricting all hedging of Regions equity securities by Directors, executive officers and associates.

XNo Pledging of Regions SecuritiesEnacted polices restricting pledging of Regions equity securities by Directors and executive officers.
XNo Selective Disclosure of InformationWe have a Director since 1994. He is the foundingFair Disclosure Policy applicable to all Directors, executive officers and Managing Partner of Qorval LLC, aassociates to ensure timely, transparent, consistent and accurate financial and business restructuring, consulting and advisory firm. As such, he has been CEO of five Fortune 500 companies in as many different industries. Mr. Maloneother information is also founder and partner in Boyne Capital Partners, LLC,provided to the investing community on a private equity investment firm. Mr. Malone also serves as a director of Ametek, Inc.

Mr. Malone earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University and attended Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and its Institute in International Management in Burgenstock, Switzerland. He previously served as Chairman of the board of directors for the nation’s third largest underwriter of property insurance, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, created by the Florida Legislature in 2002 as the state’s property insurer of last resort. Mr. Malone is also active in civic organizations. He now serves as Chairman of Regions’ Compensation Committee. He serves on the Audit, Compensation and Corporate Governance Committees at Ametek, Inc. Mr. Malone is an experienced leader whose numerous management positions have provided him with an abundance of skills in handling complex financial issues, all of which makes him well qualified to be a member of Regions’ Board.

non-selective basis.

LOGO

X
 

Ruth Ann Marshall

Ms. Marshall, 58, has been a Director since August 2011. Ms. Marshall is retired from MasterCard where she served as President of The Americas, MasterCard International, Inc. from 2004 to 2006 and as President, MasterCard North America from 2000 to 2004. She also serves as a director of ConAgra Foods, Inc., Global Payments, Inc. and the privately-held Pella Corporation and Trustwave Holdings Inc.

Ms. Marshall earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. At MasterCard, she was responsible for building all aspects of MasterCard’s issuance and acceptance business in the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. Prior to joining MasterCard International in 1999, Ms. Marshall served as Group Executive President of two electronic payment service companies, MAC Regional Network and Buypass Corporation. Upon acquisition of these companies by Concord EFS, she became Senior Executive Vice President of the combined companies, where she oversaw marketing, account management, customer service and product development. Ms. Marshall started her career at IBM, where, over 18 years, she served in managerial and executive positions. In 2004 and 2005, Ms. Marshall was selected by Forbes.com as one of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women. At ConAgra Foods, Inc., Ms. Marshall serves on the Human Resources Committee and the Nominating, Corporate Governance and Public Affairs Committee. At Global Payments, Inc., she serves on the Compensation Committee and the Governance, Nominating and Risk Oversight Committee. She chairs the Human Resources and Compensation Committee at the privately-held Pella Corporation. Ms. Marshall’s background and broad marketing, account management, customer service and product development experience as well as significant domestic and international experience in growing business at MasterCard and her service as a director for other publicly traded companies all make her well qualified to be a member of Regions’ Board.

LOGO

No “Poison Pill”
  

Susan W. Matlock

Ms. Matlock, 66, has been a Director since 2002. SheThere is President and Chief Executive Officer of Innovation Depot, Inc., an emerging business incubation center in Birmingham, Alabama. Innovation Depot is a business incubation program that assists in the development of emerging biotechnology/life sciences, information technology and service businesses.

Ms. Matlock served for nine years on the board of managers of Ascension Health Ventures, a fund that invests in healthcare innovative businesses, and currently serves on the board of directors of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama. Ms. Matlock serves on the board of, and is active in, various civic, educational and leadership organizations and was past Chairman of the National Business Incubation Association and founding Chairman of the Alabama Business Incubation Network.

Ms. Matlock began her career as a banker, lending to small businesses and consumers. She has been recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration as the Financial Services Advocate of the Year for the State of Alabama. Ms. Matlock earned a Masters in Public Administration degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and completed an Executive in Residence Program at Harvard Business School. She was named as one of the “Top 25 Most Influential People in the Southeast Technology Community” by TechJournal South in late 2007. Ms. Matlock’s expertise in technology and healthcare entrepreneurship and innovation, combined with her other experience, makes her well qualified to be a member of Regions’ Board.

no stockholder rights plan or “poison pill.”

LOGO

X
 

John E. Maupin, Jr.

Dr. Maupin, 66, has been a Director since 2007. He has served as the President of Morehouse School of Medicine since 2006. Dr. Maupin also serves as a director for LifePoint Hospitals, Inc., VALIC Company INo Family Relationships among Directors and II, a group retirement mutual fund complex, and HealthSouth Corporation.

Dr. Maupin attended San Jose State College and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Meharry Medical College in the School of Dentistry, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Loyola College. Dr. Maupin retired from the U.S. Army Reserves Dental Corps in 1997 with over 28 years of service with the rank of lieutenant colonel. Dr. Maupin has more than 30 years of experience in health-care administration, public health and academic medicine. Prior to becoming the President of Morehouse School of Medicine in 2006, he was the President of Meharry Medical College. His career includes over 15 years serving as a chief executive officer and five years as a chief operating officer. Dr. Maupin is a former director of Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc., a bank holding company, and Monarch Dental Corporation, a dental care management company. He is past president of the National Dental Association and has participated as a member of numerous state and national healthcare task forces, scientific panels and advisory councils. Dr. Maupin is actively engaged in community service and has received numerous honors and awards. At HealthSouth Corporation, Dr. Maupin serves as Chair of the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee and as a member of the Corporate Compliance and Quality of Care Committee. At Life Point Hospitals, Inc., he serves on the Audit and Compliance Committee, Compensation Committee, Quality Committee and as Chair of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. At Valic Company I and II, Dr. Maupin serves on the Audit Committee and Governance Committee. Dr. Maupin’s extensive managerial responsibilities and insight gained from his broad range of experience make him well qualified to be a member of Regions’ Board.

LOGO

Executive Officers
  

John R. Roberts

Mr. Roberts, 71, has been a Director since 2001. He is the retired Managing Partner, Mid-South Region,No immediate family relationships exist between any of Arthur Andersen LLP, a certified public accounting firm, a position he held from 1993 through 1998. Mr. Roberts is currently a directorour Directors or executive officers and any of Energizer Holdings, Inc. and serves on Energizer’s Audit Committee and Nominating and Executive Compensation Committee. He is also currently a director of Centene Corporation where he serves on the Audit Committee.

Mr. Roberts received his Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the University of Alabama and completed theour other Directors or executive education program of Washington University. He was a member of the Board of Directors of Union Planters Corporation which merged with Regions in 2004. His 35-year career at Arthur Andersen included management responsibilities and service as engagement partner on a number of large public companies, including, among others, ITT Financial Corporation, General Dynamics Corporation and Federal Express Corporation. Mr. Roberts is currently active in several civic and leadership groups. He serves as Chairman of Regions’ Audit Committee and has been determined to be an “audit committee financial expert.” Mr. Roberts’ experience in management and public accounting during his 35 years at Arthur Andersen, as well as his service as a director and Chairman of the Audit Committee on the Boards of Energizer Holdings, Inc. and Centene Corporation, provide him with an abundance of experience in dealing with financial and accounting matters, and make him well qualified to be a member of Regions’ Board.

LOGO

Lee J. Styslinger III

Mr. Styslinger, 52, has been a Director since 2003 and serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Altec, Inc., a leading equipment and service provider for the electric utility, telecommunications and contractor markets. Altec provides products and services in over 100 countries. He also serves on the board of Vulcan Materials Company.

Mr. Styslinger received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern University and earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard University. He actively serves on the boards of many educational, civic and leadership organizations, including Harvard Business School, National Association of Manufacturers and Northwestern University College of Arts and Sciences. He was appointed to the President’s Export Council advising the President of the United States on international trade policy from 2006-2008. Mr. Styslinger serves on Regions’ Audit Committee and has been determined to be an “audit committee financial expert.” As Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Altec, Inc., Mr. Styslinger brings a wealth of management and business experience running a large company in today’s global market. All of this makes him well qualified to be a member of Regions’ Board.

officers.

The Board of Directors

Board Structure and Committee Composition

The full Board met 14 times during 2012. As of the date of this proxy statement, our Board has 16 Directors and the following standing committees to assist it in carrying out its work: Audit, Compensation, Nominating and Corporate Governance, and Risk. Each of these committees has its own charter. Regions’ Corporate Governance Principles, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers and the charters for each of our standing Board committees are available on Regions website atwww.regions.com in the Corporate Governance section of Investor Relations.

Board Leadership Structure

In accordance with NYSE listing standardsOur Board leadership structure currently consists of a Chairman, who also serves as our President and the Corporate Governance Principles,Chief Executive Officer, a majority of our directors are required to beLead Independent Director, and independent from management.Committee chairs and members. The Board is presently composed of 1612 Directors, 1411 of whom are independent. All Board committees are chaired by independent Directors. Additionally, all of the members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Audit Committee are independent. Our Executive Officers benefit from the extensive leadership experience of the Board. In addition to extensive leadership experience managing large organizations, both public and private, many of our Directors have experience in areas such as corporate governance, strategic planning, information technology, business risk assessment and financial modeling.Director Bryan, who has reached Regions’ mandatory retirement age, is not standing for re-election.

In December 2009, the Board elected then President and Chief Operating Officer, O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr. as President and Chief Executive Officer and Earnest W. Deavenport, Jr., then Lead Independent Director of Regions, as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board, both to be effective April 1, 2010 to coincide with the retirement of the prior Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The Board believed this was the appropriate leadership structure for Regions given the transition in executive management and the continuing challenges faced by financial services companies. Mr. Deavenport has served as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board since April 1, 2010. The Board determined that Mr. Deavenport should be asked to stand for re-election at each of the 2010, 2011 and 2012 annual meetings notwithstanding provisions regarding retirement at age 72 in the Corporate Governance Principles.

The Board periodically considers its leadership structure in conjunction with its Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Mr. Deavenport has indicated his desire to retire from the Board on the eve of the 2013 annual meeting. The Board believes that Regions will be well-served byis currently best served in combining the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Chairman positions, complemented by an independent, strong and effective Lead Independent Director. The Board believes that Regions will benefit from having a single person setting the toneDirector with robust responsibilities and direction for Regions, and having primary responsibility for managing its operations, while allowing the Board to carry out its oversight responsibilities with the full involvement of each independent Director. In February 2013, the Board elected Mr. Hall, our current President and Chief Executive Officer, to also be the Chairman of the Board, effective at the 2013 Annual Meeting.duties.

Lead Independent Director

The Board believes that combining the Chairman and CEO positions is the appropriate leadership structure for the Company at this time. This combination will effectively utilize Mr. Hall’s extensive experience and knowledge regarding the Company and provides for efficient leadership of our Board and Company. Mr. Hall has more than 30 years experience with the Company and has been CEO for almost three years, completing the transition in executive management. The Company is now profitable and has met a number of challenges over the last several years. Regions is a large financial institution and Mr. Hall, with over 32 years of banking experience, including service on the Board of Directors since 2008, and service as President since October 2009, has the knowledge, expertise and experience to understand and clearly articulate to the Board the opportunities and challenges facing Regions, as well as the leadership and management skills to promote and execute Regions’ values and strategies. Mr. Hall’s service as Chairman will provide clarity of leadership and will effectively allow the Company to present its vision and strategy in a unified voice.

Also in February 2013, the Board, in connection with Mr. Deavenport’s planned retirement from the Board at the eve of the 2013 Annual Meeting, named Director Charles D. McCrary serves as the new Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chairperson effective May 16, 2013. Mr. McCrary will also become theRegions’ Lead Independent Director. Mr. McCrary has been a member ofBoth the Board of Directors since 2001 and has served as a member of Regions Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee since 2006. Under the Corporate Governance Principles, unless there is an Independent Non-Executive Chairman of the Board, the Chairperson of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, who must be “independent” under the rules of the NYSE and elected by and from themanagement believe that strong, independent Board members, serves as the Lead Independent Director for the Board. Theleadership is a critical aspect of effective corporate governance.

Our Lead Independent Director’s responsibilities and duties include:are listed on page 40 and include, but are not limited to:

 

Presides at Board meetings when the Chairman is not present;

EstablishesEstablishing the agenda and presidespresiding at executive sessions of the non-management and independent Directors;

 

Acts as a liaison and facilitates communication between the Chairman of the Board and the non-management and independent Directors (provided, however, that each Director will also be afforded direct and complete access to the Chairman of the Board at any time as such Director deems necessary or appropriate);

Approves information sent to the Board;

Approves meeting agendas for the Board;

Approves meeting schedules to assure that there is sufficient time for discussion of all agenda items;

CoordinatesCoordinating the activities of the non-management and independent Directors, including the authority to call meetings of non-management and independent Directors;

 

If requested by major stockholders, ensuresensuring that he or she is available for consultation and direct communication;

and

 

Communicates, as appropriate, with our regulators;

Regularly communicatescommunicating with our Chairman on a variety of issues including business strategy and succession planning;planning.



LOGOï  2016 Proxy Statement13


  PROXY SUMMARY

Current Board Composition

The composition of our current 12-member Board represent a diverse set of experience, expertise and attributes and consist of:

LOGO

Below are some of our current Directors’ skills, qualifications and areas of expertise:

üAcademia
üEthics and integrity
üBusiness operations
üCorporate governance
üEnvironmental/sustainability/corporate responsibility
üCapital allocation
üFinancial expertise/literacy
üFinancial services industry
üInsurance industry
üInternational operations
üInvestments
üReal estate
üRisk management
üTechnology
üOutside board experience
üCEO or senior executive officer experience
üRegulatory, compliance and legal
üInnovator/growth creator
üStrategic planning
üExecutive compensation and benefits
üCybersecurity

 

Maintains close contact with the Chairperson of each standing committee of the Board, i.e., Compensation, Audit and Risk, and serves as an ex-officio member of each committee where he/she is not a member;

Assists the Committee Chairpersons in the establishment of committee agendas and schedules;

As Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, provides input, as needed, into the assessment of the Board committees effectiveness, structure, organization and charters, and the evaluation of the need for changes; and

With the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, coordinates the performance of the annual Board and Committees self-evaluation and the evaluation of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer by the Compensation Committee.

Board’s Role in the Risk Management Process

The Board oversees the management of risk through the Risk Committee, with guidance from the Audit Committee on major financial risks, while the Compensation Committee oversees risk as it relates to compensation matters. The Board formally establishes the Risk Appetite Statement.

The Risk Committee oversees Regions’ general risk management with a focus on Regions’ major risks, including emerging risks. The Risk Committee consists of a minimum of three outside members of the Board. Members of the Risk Committee are appointed by the Board on the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and serve at the Board’s discretion. The categories of risk overseen by the

Risk Committee include legal risk, reputation risk, liquidity risk, credit risk, market risk, regulatory risk, compliance risk and operational risk, including emerging risks. In addition, the Risk Committee has primary responsibility for overseeing enterprise risk management. The Risk Committee is required to meet at least quarterly or more frequently if it deems necessary. The Risk Committee receives information from Regions Risk Management Group and others and recommends the actions or steps to be taken as it deems appropriate. The Risk Committee reports to the Board with respect to any notable risk management issues and coordinates with other Board and management level committees as necessary. In addition, the Risk Committee, along with the Chief Risk Officer, oversees the Risk Management Group’s responsibilities, budget and staffing. In carrying out its duties, the Risk Committee is authorized to select, retain, terminate and approve fees and other retention terms of independent legal, accounting or other advisors as it deems appropriate, without seeking approval of management or the Board.

The Audit Committee also reviews the guidelines and policies by which risk management and risk assessment are undertaken with respect to Regions major financial exposures. The Audit Committee discusses these major financial exposures, as well as steps taken to monitor and control such exposures, with Regions management.

With respect to risk related to compensation matters, the Compensation Committee considers, in establishing and reviewing the Company’s employee and executive compensation programs, whether these programs encourage unnecessary or excessive risk taking that could threaten the value of or have a material adverse effect on Regions and has concluded that they do not. Like the Risk Committee, the Compensation Committee also receives information from Regions’ Risk Management Group and, in particular, Regions’ senior risk officers.

Board Committees

Regions hasThe four standing Board committees that meet regularly and additionally as needed. Information about each committee follows.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (the “NCG Committee”), which held five meetings during 2012, currently consists of Earnest W. Deavenport, Jr., Chair, David J. Cooper, Sr., Ruth Ann Marshall, John E. Maupin, Jr. and Charles D. McCrary. As of the annual meeting, Mr. McCrary will become chairperson of the NCG Committee.

The role of the NCG Committee is to identify qualified individuals to become Directors and propose nominees forCommittees established by the Board including the current nominees for election at the annual meeting. The NCG Committee also is responsible for overseeing, reviewing, revisingmeet on a regular basis and maintaining the corporate governance policies and procedures of Regions, making recommendations to the Board regarding the size, structure and composition ofoperate under written charters approved by the Board and for coordinatingreviewed annually by each Committee and overseeing the NCG Committee. Each Committee performs an annual self-evaluation process ofto determine whether the Board and each standing committee. The members of the NCG Committee are independent in accordance with the applicable director independence requirements of the NYSE listing standards.

Risk Committee

The Risk Committee, which held six meetings during 2012, currently consists of George W. Bryan, Chair, Samuel W. Bartholomew, Jr., Carolyn H. Byrd, Eric C. Fast, John D. Johns, Susan W. Matlock and John E. Maupin, Jr.

The role of the Risk Committee is to assist the Board in overseeing,functioning effectively and receiving information regarding, our policies, procedures and practices relating to the various types of risks to which Regions is exposed. For more information, see “Board’s Role in the Risk Management Process” above.

Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee, which held eight meetings during 2012, currently consists of James R. Malone, Chair, David J. Cooper, Sr., Don DeFosset, Eric C. Fast, Susan W. Matlock and Lee J. Styslinger III. The members of the Compensation Committee are independent in accordance with the applicable director independence requirements of the NYSE listing standards.

For a description of the organization and operation of the Compensation Committee, see the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section of this proxy statement.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee, which held eight meetings in 2012, currently consists of John R. Roberts, Chair, Carolyn H. Byrd, Don DeFosset, Ruth Ann Marshall, Charles D. McCrary and Lee J. Styslinger III. Committee members satisfy the applicable independence requirements of the NYSE listing standards, rules of the SEC and Regions Audit Committee Charter.

The principalfulfilling its duties of the Audit Committee include engaging and monitoring the performance of Regions’ independent registered public accounting firm, reviewing with Regions’ independent public accounting firm the planning and results of the auditing engagement, reviewing the activities and recommendations of Regions’ internal auditors, reviewing the adequacy of internal accounting and financial reporting controls, reviewing Regions’ audited and unaudited financial reports and related public disclosures, and monitoring Regions’ compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Members of the Audit Committee are not professionally engaged in the practice of auditing or accounting.

Audit Committee Financial Experts

The Board believes that all of theas prescribed by its charter. All members of the Audit Committee have accounting or relatedbeen determined to be an Audit Committee Financial Expert as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) Regulation S-K Item 407. The Risk Committee includes at least one Director who has experience in identifying, assessing and managing risk exposures of large, complex financial management expertise under the rulesfirms, as defined by Regulation YY of the NYSE and that the following members qualify as audit committee financial experts within the meaningBoard of Governors of the rulesFederal Reserve System.

All members of the SEC: Ms. ByrdAudit Committee, the Compensation Committee, the NCG Committee and Messrs. DeFosset, McCrary, Robertsthe Risk Committee are independent. Cross-Committee membership is considered

when the NCG Committee recommends Committee member assignments to the Board. For example, the Chairs of the Audit Committee and Styslinger.the Risk Committee each serve on both Committees. In addition, allthe Chair of the Compensation Committee serves on the Risk Committee and attends the majority of the Audit Committee membersmeetings. The Chair of the NCG Committee, who also serves as the Lead Independent Director, attends a majority of all other Committee meetings as well. Currently, all independent Directors other than the Lead Independent Director serve on at least two Committees, providing further opportunities for cross-Committee membership.

Leadership and outside board experience are financially literate,two of the many qualities considered by the NCG Committee when selecting nominees and determining Committee member assignments each year. Of the eight nominees standing for reelection who currently serve on outside public company boards, seven of these individuals chair committees on their outside boards.

Proposal 2 — Ratification of Auditors (page 57)

We are asking our stockholders to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year 2015. Below is summary information with respect to fees paid by us for the audit, tax and regulatory compliance advisory services provided by Ernst & Young LLP during 2015 and 2014.

    2015   2014 

Audit fees

  $6,303,384    $6,181,738  

Audit related fees

   318,769     485,650  

Tax fees

   71,958     218,062  

All other fees

   133,196     1,738,909  

Total fees

  $6,827,307    $8,624,359  



14    LOGOï  2016 Proxy Statement


PROXY SUMMARY   

Proposal 3 — 2015 Executive Compensation (page 60)

2016 Executive Officers

Our current executive officers are listed below.

NameAgePosition

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

58Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

David J. Turner, Jr.

52Chief Financial Officer

Fournier J. Gale, III

71General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

C. Matthew Lusco

58Chief Risk Officer

John B. Owen

55Head of Regional Banking Group

John M. Turner, Jr.

54Head of Corporate Banking Group

Brett D. Couch

52Regional President, East Region

Barb Godin

62Chief Credit Officer

C. Keith Herron

52Head of Strategic Planning and Execution

William E. Horton

64Regional President, South Region

Ellen S. Jones

57Head of Strategic Performance and Alignment

David R. Keenan

48Head of Human Resources

Scott M. Peters

54Consumer Services Group Head

William D. Ritter

45Wealth Management Group Head

Ronald G. Smith

55Regional President, Mid-America Region

Executive Compensation

In 2015, the majority of compensation awarded to our Named Executive Officers (“NEOs”) was performance-based:

The 2015 target annual cash incentive for our CEO was 150 percent of base pay, and represented 20 percent of total target compensation. Due to our performance, however, the annual incentive paid below target and, therefore, made up a slightly lower percentage of total compensation for the CEO, as well as the rest of our NEOs.

Long-term incentives issued under our 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan represent the largest portion of direct compensation for our NEOs, which includes:

¡Performance Stock Units and Performance Cash Unit grants that do not vest for three years and for which the ultimate value and amount is based on the future performance of the Company.

¡Restricted Stock Unit grants that do not vest for three years and are subject to maintaining certain safety and soundness criteria.

The chart below shows the 2015 compensation for Regions’ Chairman, President and CEO, O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr. and other NEOs, as a group, in each case expressed as a percentage of total direct compensation.

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  PROXY SUMMARY

For 2015, after reviewing our NEO pay levels compared to market medians, the Compensation Committee determined that current target levels of compensation for all of our NEOs with the exception of the Chief Risk Officer (“CRO”) were appropriately positioned to market. As a result, the Committee approved an increase in the total compensation target for our CRO. Because Regions’ executive compensation is designed

to balance compensation with an emphasis on performance-based pay that is both deferred and subject to future performance, the increase in target compensation for the CRO was to the long-term incentive compensation portion. The decisions made and the results of performance on pay for 2015 is more fully described in theCompensation Discussion and Analysis(“CD&A”) on page 61.

The following table shows actual NEO compensation attributable to the 2015 performance year. Refer to the discussion of each compensation element described in the section2015 Compensation Decisions – What We Paid and Why beginning at page 66.

2015 Compensation Overview Table

        Long-Term Awards($)       
Name  Principal Position 

Salary

($)

  

Stock Awards

($)

  

Non
Equity
Incentives

(Cash)

($)

  

Annual
Incentive

($)

  

Total

($)

 

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

  Chief Executive Officer  1,007,692    3,284,720    1,666,667    1,381,546    7,340,625  

David J. Turner, Jr.

  Chief Financial Officer  636,862    788,340    400,000    633,295    2,458,497  

John B. Owen

  Head of Regional Banking Group  651,977    788,340    400,000    655,498    2,495,815  

C Matthew Lusco

  Chief Risk Officer  559,269    788,340    400,000    499,987    2,247,596  

Fournier J. Gale, III

  General Counsel  564,308    591,250    300,000    504,491    1,960,049  

The table above illustrates how the Compensation Committee viewed NEO compensation for 2015. It differs from the Summary Compensation Table required by NYSE listing standards,the SEC and included in the sectionCompensation of Executive Officers beginning on page 79 of this proxy statement. The principal differences can be summarized as follows:

The table above provides the entire value of the long-term incentive grants made to NEOs in 2015 in the “Long-Term Award” column. The annual grant consisted of three equal parts, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Stock Units and a Performance Cash Award. Both the stock and non-equity (cash) portion of the 2015 grant is reflected in this table and considered 2015 compensation by the Compensation Committee.

Under rules established by the SEC, the Summary Compensation Table reports only the portion delivered in the form of stock equivalents in the year granted. Cash

awards from the 2015 grant will not be reflected in the Summary Compensation Table until the year they are earned, which for 2015 grants will be in 2018. Similarly, the Summary Compensation Table reports the value of the cash performance portion of the 2013 long-term incentive grant in the Non-Equity Incentive Compensation column in this year’s table because the performance period for that award ended as of December 31, 2015. As described in the CD&A on page 70, the 2013 performance grant was earned at 75 percent of target. The value of this award is not included in this alternative table as it is considered by the Committee to be compensation awarded for a previous year and subject to future performance criteria.

The Summary Compensation Table reports the change in pension value and nonqualified deferred compensation earnings, as well as all members meetother compensation.

For more detail, refer to the additional criteriaCD&A beginning on page 61 of this proxy statement.

Submission of Stockholder Proposals or Nominations for independence2017 Annual Meeting of audit committee members as set forthStockholders (page 91)

Stockholder proposals submitted for inclusion in our 2017 Proxy Statement pursuant to Rule 10A-3(b)(1) under14a-8 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.amended (the “Exchange Act”), must be received by us by November 8, 2016.

Regions’ By-Laws include provisions requiring advance notice of a stockholder’s nomination of persons for election to the Board or the proposal of other business to be considered by

the stockholders, even if not to be included in the 2017 Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. To be timely outside of Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act, such notice must be delivered no earlier than November 8, 2016, and no later than December 8, 2016, for our 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.



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  QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING  

 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING

AccountingWhat is the purpose of the annual meeting?

At our 2016 Annual Meeting, stockholders will act upon the matters outlined in theNotice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on page 1 and described in this proxy statement.

What matters or Audit-Related Complaintsproposals are scheduled to be presented, and what vote is required to approve each proposal?

 

The Audit Committee has established proceduresmatters to be acted upon at the meeting are:

Board

Recommendation

More

Information

Votes Required for
Approval
PROPOSAL 1Election of DirectorsFOR each NomineePage 26

Affirmative “FOR” vote of a majority of the votes cast for or against each of these proposals.

Abstentions and broker non-votes have no effect on the vote results for these proposals.

PROPOSAL 2Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmFORPage 57
PROPOSAL 3Nonbinding Stockholder Approval of Executive CompensationFORPage 60

Could other matters be decided at the annual meeting?

We are not aware of any other matters that will be voted on at the meeting. If, however, other matters properly come before the meeting, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof, the persons named as proxies for stockholders will vote on those matters in a manner they consider appropriate.

What were the voting results of last year’s annual meeting?

At Regions’ annual meeting held in 2015, the stockholders re-elected Regions’ 12 nominees, ratified the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for the receipt, retention2015 fiscal year, approved executive compensation (“Say-on-Pay”) and evaluationapproved the Company’s 2015 Long Term Incentive Plan (“2015 LTIP”). The following is a summary of complaintsthe voting on each matter presented to our stockholders last year:

Eligible Votes

   1,342,806,171       

Total Voted

   1,131,464,057     (84.26%

Broker Non-Votes

   189,128,270          (14.08%

ProposalVotes “For”

George W. Bryan

97.83%

Carolyn H. Byrd

98.90%

David J. Cooper, Sr.

97.23%

Don DeFosset

98.37%

Eric C. Fast

99.48%

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

95.79%

John D. Johns

97.38%

Ruth Ann Marshall

97.80%
ProposalVotes “For”

Susan W. Matlock

97.94%

John E. Maupin, Jr.

97.29%

Charles D. McCrary

81.92%

Lee J. Styslinger III

98.09%

Ratification of Selection of Auditors

98.69%

Say-on-Pay

96.06%

2015 Long Term Incentive Plan

94.98%

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  QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING

What is a proxy statement, and submissions concerning accounting and audit-related matters,what is a proxy?

In accordance with the features of which include insulation from management, safeguards for protecting anonymity and confidentiality of associate submissions, alternative methods for submissions, dedication of resources for investigationsfederal securities laws and the regulations of the SEC, a proxy statement is a document we give to you, or provide you access to, when we are soliciting your vote.

A proxy is your designation of another person to vote stock that you own. That other person is called a proxy. If you designate someone as your proxy in a written document, that document is also called a proxy or a proxy card. When you designate a proxy, you also may direct the proxy how to vote your shares. We refer to this as your “proxy vote.”

Fournier J. Gale, III, our General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, and Hope D. Mehlman, our Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Corporate Secretary, have been designated as the proxies to cast the votes of our stockholders at our 2016 Annual Meeting.

What is Notice and Access?

Notice and Access is an SEC rule that allows us to furnish our proxy materials over the Internet to our stockholders instead of mailing paper copies of those materials to each stockholder. As a result, beginning on or about March 9, 2016, we will send to most stockholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials by mail or email containing instructions on how to access our proxy materials over the Internet and vote online.

The Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials is not a proxy card and cannot be used to vote your shares. If you received a notice this year, you will not receive paper copies of the proxy materials unless you request the materials by following the instructions on the notice or on the website referred to in the notice.

Who is entitled to vote at the meeting, and what are my voting rights?

The Board set February 22, 2016, as the record date for the annual meeting. If you were a stockholder of record at the close of business on February 22, 2016, you are entitled to vote at the meeting. As of the record date, 1,277,092,719 shares of our common stock were issued and outstanding and, therefore, eligible to be voted at the meeting. Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote per share. Therefore, a total of 1,277,092,719 votes are entitled to be cast at the meeting. There is no cumulative voting.

Holders of our Depositary Shares, each representing 1/40th interest in a share of our Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A (the “Class A Depositary Shares”) or representing 1/40th interest in a share of our Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B (the “Class B Depositary Shares”), are not entitled to vote at the meeting.

How many shares must be present to hold the meeting?

A majority of the outstanding shares of Regions common stock must be present, in person or by properly executed or otherwise documented proxy, to constitute a quorum at the annual meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present.

We urge you to vote promptly by proxy, even if you plan to attend the meeting, so that we will know as soon as possible that enough shares will be present for us to hold the meeting.

Who can attend the annual meeting?

Only common stockholders of Regions at the close of business on February 22, 2016, the record date, may attend the annual meeting.

Admission to the annual meeting will be on a first-come, first-served basis.You will need a valid government-issued identification to gain admission. Admission to our annual meeting is limited to our registered and beneficial stockholders as of the record date and persons holding valid proxies from stockholders of record.

To be admitted to our annual meeting, you also must bring proof of your stock ownership as of the record date, such as the Admission Ticket appearing on your proxy card or the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials if you are a stockholder of record. If your shares are held at a bank or broker, you should bring the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials you received in the mail or a brokerage statement evidencing ownership of Regions common stock as of the record date. Stockholders who do not present the Admission Ticket or other proof of ownership will be admitted only upon verification of ownership at the registration desk.

For security reasons, no large bags, backpacks, briefcases or packages will be permitted in the annual meeting, and security measures will be in effect to provide for the safety of attendees. The use of any electronic devices such as cameras (including mobile phones with photographic capabilities), recording devices, smartphones, tablets, laptops and preservationother similar devices is strictly prohibited.

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING   

What is the difference between being a stockholder of findings.record and a “street name” holder or “beneficial owner”?

If your shares are registered directly in your name with Computershare, our transfer agent, you are considered the stockholder of record with respect to those shares.

If your shares are held in a brokerage account or by another nominee or custodian, you are considered the “beneficial owner” of shares held in “street name.” If you hold your shares in street name, you will have the opportunity to instruct your broker, bank, trustee or other nominee as to how to vote your shares. Street name stockholders may only vote in person if they have a legal proxy as subsequently discussed in detail.

How do I vote my shares as a stockholder of record?

If you are the record holder of your shares, there are several ways you can vote by proxy:

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To vote with your mobile device (tablet or smartphone), scan theQuick Response Code that appears on your proxy card or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (may require free software).

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To vote over the Internet, visitwww.proxyvote.com and enter your 16 digit control number that appears on your proxy card, email notification or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials.

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To vote by telephone, call1-800-690-6903 and follow the recorded instructions. If you vote by telephone, you also will need your 16 digit control number that appears on your proxy card.

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If you request printed copies of the proxy materials be sent to you by mail, vote by proxy by filling out the proxy card and return it in the envelope provided to:Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717.

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Additionally, you may votein person at the annual meeting. We will collect the proxy cards prior to the vote being finalized.

If you have Internet access, we encourage you to record your vote through the Internet to reduce corporate expenses. The proceduresdeadline for voting by telephone or through the Internet is 11:59 P.M., Eastern Time on April 20, 2016. If you vote by mail, your proxy card must be received by April 20, 2016.

How do I vote my shares held in street name?

If your shares are administeredheld in nominee or street name, you may vote your shares before the meeting by phone or over the Internet by following the instructions on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials you received or, if you received a Voting Instruction Form from your brokerage firm, by mail by completing, signing and returning the form you received. You should check your Voting Instruction Form to see if Internet or telephone voting is available to you. Although most brokers and nominees offer telephone and Internet voting, availability and specific processes will depend on their voting arrangements. See the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or Voter Instruction Form for available options.

If you have Internet access, we encourage you to record your vote through the Internet to reduce corporate expenses. The deadline for voting by telephone or through the Internet for most street name holders is 11:59 P.M., Eastern Time on April 20, 2016. If you vote by mail, we must receive your Voter Instruction Form by April 20, 2016.

If you hold your shares through a broker, bank or other nominee and you wish to vote in person at the meeting, you will need to bring a legal proxy to the meeting, which you must request through your broker, bank, or other nominee. Note that if you request a legal proxy, any proxy with respect to your shares of our common stock previously executed by your broker, bank or other nominee will be revoked and your vote will not be counted unless you appear at the meeting and vote in person or legally appoint another proxy to vote on your behalf.

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  QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING

How do I vote if I hold my stock through the Regions 401(k) Plan?

If you are a participant in the Regions 401(k) Plan, the electronic voting instructions constitute the voting instruction form and cover all shares you may vote under the Regions 401(k) Plan. Under the terms of the Regions 401(k) Plan, the Regions 401(k) Plan trustee votes all shares held by the Audit Committee and a limited number of individuals in Regions’ corporate security, risk, legal and internal audit areas. Regions has effectively notified its associates that401(k) Plan, but each participant may direct the procedures are in place andtrustee how to direct a complaintvote the shares of Regions common stock allocated to his or submission. Any interested party may communicate concerns regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters directly toher Regions 401(k) Plan account. If you own shares through the attentionRegions 401(k) Plan and do not submit voting instructions, the Regions 401(k) Plan trustee will vote the shares in favor of Proposals 1, 2 and 3. To vote your stock held in the Plan, you must do one of the Audit Committee as follows:following by 11:59 P.M., Eastern Time on April 18, 2016:

 

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To vote with your mobile device (tablet or smartphone), scan theQuick Response Code that appears on your proxy card or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (may require free software).

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To vote over the Internet, visitwww.proxyvote.com and enter your 16 digit control number that appears on your proxy card, email notification or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials.

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To vote by telephone, call1-800-690-6903 and follow the recorded instructions. If you vote by telephone, you will also need your 16 digit control number that appears on your proxy card.

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If you request printed copies of the proxy materials be sent to you by mail, vote by proxy by filling out the proxy card and return it in the envelope provided to:Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717.

How do I vote if I hold my stock through the dividend reinvestment plan?

If you are a participant in the Computershare Investment Plan for Regions Financial Corporation (the dividend reinvestment plan), the proxy card or electronic voting instructions cover all shares allocated to your account under the plan. If you do not return your proxy card, or vote by telephone or over the Internet, your shares in the dividend reinvestment plan will not be voted. To vote your stock held in the dividend reinvestment plan, follow the above instructions.

Can I change my vote after submitting my proxy?

If you voted over the Internet or by telephone, you can change your vote by voting again over the Internet or by telephone before 11:59 P.M., Eastern Time on April 20, 2016.

You can revoke your proxy at any time before the vote is taken at the annual meeting by submitting to our Corporate Secretary written notice of revocation or a properly executed proxy of a later date, or by attending the annual meeting and voting in person. Written notices of revocation and other communications about revoking Regions proxies should be addressed to:

Regions Financial Corporation

Attention: Audit Committee Chairman

c/o Office of the Corporate Secretary

1900 Fifth Avenue North

Birmingham, Alabama 35203

Attention: Fournier J. Gale, III, Corporate Secretary

If your shares are held in street name, you should follow the instructions of your broker regarding the revocation of proxies.

What if I do not specify how I want my shares voted?

If you requested printed copies of the proxy materials and sign and return your proxy card without giving specific voting instructions, your proxy will be voted in accordance with the Board’s recommendations.

Our telephone and Internet voting procedures do not permit you to submit your proxy vote by telephone or Internet without specifying how you want your shares voted.

Will my shares be voted if I don’t provide my proxy and don’t attend the annual meeting?

If you do not provide a proxy or vote your shares held in your name, your shares will not be voted.

As previously described, if you hold your shares through the Regions 401(k) Plan and do not vote your shares, your shares (along with all other shares in the Plan for which votes are not cast) will be voted by the Plan trustee and in favor of Proposals 1, 2 and 3.

If you are a participant in the Computershare Investment Plan for Regions and do not return your proxy card, or vote by telephone or over the Internet, your shares in that plan will not be voted.

If you hold your shares in street name and do not give your broker instructions on how to vote your shares, see the next question.

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING   

What if I am a beneficial owner and do not give voting instructions to my broker?

As a beneficial owner, in order to ensure your shares are voted in the way you would like, you must provide voting instructions to your broker by the deadline provided in the materials you receive from your broker. If you do not provide voting instructions to your broker, whether your shares can be voted depends on the item being considered for vote. Brokers may not vote shares held in street name on non-routine matters unless they have received voting instructions from the beneficial owners on how to vote those shares. If you hold your shares in street name and do not give your broker instructions on how to vote your shares, the broker will return the proxy card without voting on proposals not considered “routine.” This is known as a broker non-vote.

Therefore, without instructions from you, the broker may not vote on any proposal other than Proposal 2 (the ratification of appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2016).

Brokers and other nominees will not be able to vote your shares regarding Proposal 1 (election of Directors) or Proposal 3 (nonbinding stockholder approval of executive compensation) unless you return your voting instruction form or submit your voting instructions by telephone or over the Internet.

Has Regions hired a proxy solicitor?

We have made arrangements with Innisfree M&A Incorporated to assist us in soliciting proxies. We also may use several of our associates, without additional compensation, to solicit proxies from Regions stockholders, either personally or by telephone, facsimile, email or letter on Regions’ behalf.

If you have any questions or need assistance voting your shares, please contact Innisfree M&A Incorporated:

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Innisfree M&A Incorporated, 501 Madison Avenue, 20th Floor, New York, NY 10022.

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Stockholders may call Innisfree toll-free: 1-888-750-5834.

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Banks and brokers may call Innisfree collect: 1-212-750-5833.

How does the Board recommend that I vote?

For the reasons set forth in more detail later in this proxy statement, the Board recommends you vote:

FOR all the nominees named in this proxy statement (Proposal 1)

FOR the ratification of appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as Regions’ independent registered public accounting firm for the year 2016 (Proposal 2)

FORthe nonbinding stockholder approval of executive compensation (Proposal 3)

All shares represented by valid proxies that we receive through this solicitation, and that are not revoked, will be voted in accordance with the instructions received.

Who counts the votes?

We have hired Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. to count the votes represented by proxies and cast in person by ballot and to act as Inspector of Election. A representative from Broadridge will be present at the annual meeting.

When will the Company announce the voting results?

We will announce the preliminary voting results at the annual meeting. The Company will report the final voting results in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC within four business days of the annual meeting.

How can I access Regions’ proxy materials and annual report electronically?

This proxy statement, the Company’s 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and the Chairman’s Letter are available to Regions stockholders on the Internet in the Investor Relations section ofwww.regions.com and atwww.proxyvote.com through the notice and access process.

Most stockholders can elect to view future proxy statements and annual reports over the Internet instead of receiving paper copies in the mail. If you already have Internet access, there will be no additional charge for you to have electronic access through the Internet to our proxy materials and annual report.

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  QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING

If you are a registered stockholder, you can choose to receive future proxy statements and annual reports electronically by following the prompt if you choose to vote through the Internet. Stockholders who choose to view future proxy statements and annual reports through the Internet will receive an email with instructions containing the Internet address of those materials, as well as voting instructions, approximately four weeks before future meetings.

If you elect to view our future proxy statements and annual reports electronically and vote your proxy through the Internet, your enrollment will remain in effect for all future stockholder meetings until you cancel it. To cancel, registered stockholders should accesshttp://enroll.icsdelivery.com/rf and follow the instructions to cancel your enrollment. If you hold your Regions stock in nominee name, check the information provided by your broker or nominee for instructions on how to cancel your enrollment.

If at any time you would like to receive a paper copy of the proxy statement or annual report, please email investors@regions.com, call 205-581-7890, or write to Investor Relations, Regions Financial Corporation, 1900 Fifth Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203.

We also encourage you to visit the Investor Relations section of www.regions.com which, among other things, will enable you to learn more about Regions and elect to view future proxy statements and annual reports over the Internet instead of receiving paper copies in the mail.

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OWNERSHIP OF REGIONS COMMON STOCK  

OWNERSHIP OF REGIONS COMMON STOCK

As of February 22, 2016 (the “Record Date”), Regions had issued 1,318,125,395 shares of common stock, of which 1,277,092,719 shares were outstanding and 41,032,676 shares were held as treasury stock. Treasury stock cannot be voted.

Stockholders are entitled to one vote for each share on all matters to come before the meeting. Only common stockholders of record at the close of business on the Record Date, will be

entitled to vote at the annual meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

Holders of our Preferred Stock are not entitled to vote at the annual meeting. As of the Record Date, 20,000,000 Class A Depositary Shares and 20,000,000 Class B Depositary Shares were issued and outstanding.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of our common stock by any stockholder known to us to own more than 5 percent of the outstanding shares of our common stock as of the Record Date. The number of shares and percentage of our outstanding common stock indicated in the table are as reported by the respective stockholder in its most recent Schedule 13G filed with the SEC:

   

Amount and Nature of

Beneficial Ownership

 
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner  No. of
Common Shares
   % of Class 

BlackRock, Inc. (and subsidiaries) (1)

55 East 52nd Street

New York, New York 10055

   92,412,362     7.1%  

FMR LLC (and subsidiaries) (2)

245 Summer Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02210

   116,895,209     8.95%  

State Street Corporation (and subsidiaries) (3)

One Lincoln Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02111

   74,029,397     5.7%  

The Vanguard Group, Inc. (and subsidiaries) (4)

100 Vanguard Blvd.

Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355

   110,259,940     8.44%  
(1)This information was derived from the Schedule 13G filed on January 27, 2016, by BlackRock, Inc. and subsidiaries, which states that BlackRock has sole voting power over 80,478,255 shares and sole dispositive power over 92,412,362 shares as of December 31, 2015, which constitutes 7.2% of our outstanding common stock as of the Record Date.
(2)This information was derived from the Schedule 13G filed on February 12, 2016, by FMR LLC and subsidiaries, which states that FMR LLC has sole voting power over 15,960,471 shares and sole dispositive power over 116,895,209 shares as of December 31, 2015, which constitutes 9.2% of our outstanding common stock as of the Record Date.
(3)This information was derived from the Schedule 13G filed on February 12, 2016, by State Street Corporation and subsidiaries, which states that State Street Corporation has shared voting and shared dispositive power over 74,029,397 shares as of December 31, 2015, which constitutes 5.8% of our outstanding common stock as of the Record Date.
(4)This information was derived from the Schedule 13G filed on February 10, 2016, by The Vanguard Group, Inc. and subsidiaries, which states that The Vanguard Group, Inc. has sole voting power over 2,458,748 shares, sole dispositive power over 107,684,656 shares, and shared dispositive power over 2,575,284 shares as of December 31, 2015, which constitutes 8.6% of our outstanding common stock as of the Record Date.

Security Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers

The following table presents information about beneficial ownership of Regions equity securities as of the Record Date by the Directors and executive officers of Regions. Unless otherwise indicated, each person has sole voting and investment power over the indicated shares. A person is deemed to be a beneficial owner of any security of which that person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days from the Record Date. The shares of Regions common stock that are issuable to a person upon exercise of the vested portion of the outstanding options are assumed to be outstanding for the purpose of determining the percentage of shares beneficially owned by that person.

Most of the Directors of Regions have elected to defer receipt of some or all of the cash compensation they are due for services on the Board under the Directors’ Deferred Stock Investment

Plan (“DDSIP”). Each Director’s deferred amounts are credited as notional shares of Regions common stock as of the time of deferral and will be settled in actual shares of common stock at the end of the deferral period. Therefore, the ultimate value of the amounts deferred are tied to the performance of Regions common stock.

As of the Record Date, the Directors and executive officers as a group were credited with 4,150,349 notional shares of common stock, which are included in the table as additional information in the “Additional Underlying Units” column. These may include notional shares allocated under the DDSIP, share equivalents held in the Regions Supplemental 401(k) Plan, Restricted Stock Units or Performance Stock Units.

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  OWNERSHIP OF REGIONS COMMON STOCK

Name of Beneficial Owner  Shares of
Common Stock (1)
   Number of
Shares Subject
to Exercisable
Options
   Total Number
of Shares
Beneficially
Owned
   Percent
of Class
   Additional
Underlying
Units (2)
   

Total Shares
Beneficially
Owned Plus
Additional

Underlying
Units

 

Current Directors including
Nominees for Director

                              

George W. Bryan (3)

   133,031     14,000     147,031     *     4,300     151,331  

Carolyn H. Byrd

   50,558     0     50,558     *     35,705     86,263  

David J. Cooper, Sr.

   172,853     21,177     194,030     *     18,497     212,527  

Don DeFosset

   76,120     21,177     97,297     *     14,852     112,149  

Eric C. Fast (4)

   83,063     0     83,063     *     77,823     160,886  

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

   398,567     451,700     850,267     *     1,115,823     1,966,090  

John D. Johns (5)

   20,941     0     20,941     *     49,112     70,053  

Ruth Ann Marshall

   57,764     0     57,764     *     47,305     105,069  

Susan W. Matlock

   48,003     14,000     62,003     *     91,190     153,193  

John E. Maupin, Jr.

   53,543     14,000     67,543     *     59,089     126,632  

Charles D. McCrary

   92,329     21,177     113,506     *     159,555     273,061  

Lee J. Styslinger III

   78,498     14,000     92,498     *     132,356     224,854  

Other Named Executive Officers
(See Summary Compensation Table)

                              

John B. Owen (6)

   189,528     128,191     317,719     *     268,981     586,700  

David J. Turner, Jr. (7)

   182,998     113,632     296,630     *     270,021     566,651  

C. Matthew Lusco (8)

   73,092     0     73,092     *     208,303     281,395  

Fournier J. Gale, III (9)

   95,304     114,065     209,369     *     187,549     396,918  

Directors and executive officers as a group (26 persons)

   2,882,636     4,241,333     7,123,969     *     4,150,349     11,274,318  
 *Less than 1 percent
(1)Includes share equivalents held in the Regions 401(k) Plan.
(2)Additional underlying units may include notional shares allocated under the DDSIP, share equivalents held in the Regions Supplemental 401(k) Plan, restricted stock units or performance stock units.
(3)Includes 18,580 shares held by Director Bryan’s spouse.
(4)Includes 20,000 shares held in a grantor retained annuity trust.
(5)Includes 384 shares held by Director Johns’ spouse, as to which he disclaims beneficial ownership, and 1,661 shares held in an IRA.
(6)Includes 174,857 shares held jointly with spouse.
(7)Includes 98,363 shares held jointly with spouse, 1,726 shares held by Mr. Turner’s spouse, 575 shares held for Mr. Turner’s children, and 65,000 held in family trusts.
(8)Includes 8,000 shares held in an IRA
(9)Includes 7,400 shares held in an IRA.

No change-in-control of Regions occurred during 2015, meaning that no person or group has acquired the ability to direct or cause the direction of management and policies of Regions through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, or otherwise, and no arrangements are known to Regions that may at a later date result in such a change-in-control of Regions.

Regions’ General Policy on Insider Trading prohibits (a) all hedging transactions by Directors, executive officers and all

associates, and (b) future pledging of Company equity securities by our Directors and executive officers. In June 2014, a newly appointed executive officer who is not an NEO, had 13,505 shares of Regions common stock pledged as collateral for a line of credit and had until the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to eliminate that pledge. Due to an administrative oversight, those pledged shares were not disclosed in our 2015 Beneficial Ownership Table. During 2015, the line of credit was paid in full and the shares are no longer pledged.

Stock Ownership and Holding Period Requirements

The Board believes that Directors should have a financial stake in Regions so their interests are aligned with those of the stockholders. Currently, non-management Directors are expected to own shares of Regions common stock with a value equal to or greater than five times the value of the cash portion of the annual retainer paid to Directors.

Directors are required to retain 50 percent of the after-tax net value of any compensatory grant upon vesting until such time as the ownership guidelines are met. Each Director Nomination Process,currently meets the robust Director Stock Ownership Guidelines.

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OWNERSHIP OF REGIONS COMMON STOCK  

Anti-Hedging and Pledging

Regions believes it is inappropriate for any Director, executive officer or associate to enter into speculative transactions in Regions equity securities and, therefore, prohibits all hedging transactions. Regions’ General Policy on Insider Trading

prohibits all hedging transactions and pledging of Regions equity securities by our Directors and executive officers. “Executive officers” are those officers who perform a policy-making function. No nominee for Director has pledged Regions equity securities.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires Regions’ Directors, executive officers, Controller and stockholders who own more than 10 percent of a registered class of Regions equity securities, if any, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership of Regions stock with the SEC. Regions’ Directors, executive officers, Controller and stockholders owning greater than 10 percent are required to furnish Regions with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.

Based solely on a review of the forms filed during or with respect to fiscal year 2015 and written representations from the reporting persons, Regions believes that its Directors, executive officers and Controller filed all required reports on a timely basis.

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  PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

What am I voting on?

You are voting on a proposal to elect 11 nominees for a one-year term as Directors of the Company.

What vote is required to approve this proposal?

Each nominee requires the affirmative “FOR” vote of a majority of the votes cast for or against the nominee. Abstentions and broker non-votes have no effect on the vote results.

What does the Board Membership Criteriarecommend?

The Board unanimously recommends that you vote“FOR” each nominee standing for election as Director.

The nominees are:

Carolyn H. ByrdRuth Ann Marshall
David J. Cooper, Sr.Susan W. Matlock
Don DeFossetJohn E. Maupin, Jr.
Eric C. FastCharles D. McCrary
O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.Lee J. Styslinger III
John D. Johns

What is the makeup of the Board, and how often are the members elected?

All Directors are elected annually. Our Board currently has 12 members.

Board Composition

Independent Directors

92%

Fewer than 10 Years of Board Tenure

50%

Diversity

•    Women

•    Ethnicity


25%

17%


Banking or Financial Industry Experience

58%

CEO Experience

67%

Other Public Company Board Experience

83%

Under the Company’s Corporate Governance Principles, each Director is required to retire immediately prior to the call to order of the annual stockholders’ meeting of the Company following his or her 72nd birthday. Director George W. Bryan, having reached the mandatory retirement age, will not stand for re-election at our 2016 Annual Meeting. Our Board extends its sincere gratitude to Mr. Bryan for his outstanding leadership and dedicated service. Mr. Bryan is the outgoing Chair of our Risk Committee and a member of our Audit Committee. He also previously served on our Compensation Committee. We are immensely grateful for his many contributions to the Company over his years of service and wish him all the best in his retirement.

As permitted by the By-Laws, the Board has determined that, effective at the annual meeting, the Board will consist of 11 members, to be elected for a term of one year expiring at the 2017 Annual Meeting. Any Director vacancies created between annual meetings (such as by a current Director’s death, resignation, removal or an increase in the number of Directors) may be filled by a majority vote of the remaining Directors then in office. Any Director appointed in this manner would hold office until the next election.

What if a nominee is unable or unwilling to serve?

This is not expected to occur, as all nominees have previously consented to serve for the upcoming one-year term. If, however, a nominee is unable or unwilling to serve and the Board does not elect to reduce the size of the Board, shares represented by proxies will be voted for a substitute candidate nominated by the Board.

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PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS  

What if a nominee does not receive a majority of votes cast?

Under our By-Laws, each of the 11 nominees will be elected if a majority of the votes cast at the annual meeting at which a quorum is present are voted in favor of the Director. This means that the number of shares voted “for” a nominee must exceed the number of shares voted “against” the nominee. Shares voting “abstain” and broker non-votes will have no effect on the election.

Under the Corporate Governance Principles, an incumbent nominee who fails to receive a majority of the votes cast with respect to the election must submit his or her resignation. The NCG Committee will consider the resignation and any factors it deems relevant in deciding whether to accept the resignation and recommend to the Board the action to be taken. The Director whose resignation is under consideration will abstain from participating in any decision regarding his or her resignation.

The Board will take action within 90 days following certification of the stockholder vote unless such action would cause Regions to fail to comply with requirements of the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) or the securities laws, in which event Regions will take action as promptly as practicable while continuing to meet such requirements.

The Board will promptly disclose its decision and the reasons for the decision in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC. If the resignation is not accepted, the Director will continue to serve until the next annual meeting and until the Director’s successor is duly elected and qualified.

What criteria were considered by the NCG Committee in selecting the nominees?

 

The NCG Committee is charged with identifying and reviewingevaluating individuals to be recommended to the Board and are believed to be qualified to become board members for recommendation to the Board.Directors. The NCG Committee will consider and assess candidates consistent with criteria established by the Board and set forth in the Corporate Governance Principles. The NCG CommitteePrinciples and will consider allsuch pertinent issues and factors bearing on the qualifications of candidates in light of such criteria. The NCG Committee may, from time to time, use its authority under its charter to retain a professional search firm to help identify candidates. TheDuring 2015, the NCG Committee did not engageengaged a professional search firm to assist in compiling information concerning potential Director nominees during 2012.

nominees.

The Corporate Governance Principles affirm that the Board seekswill seek members from diverse professional backgrounds, who combine a broad spectrum of experience and expertise with a reputation for integrity, suchto ensure that the Board will maintainmaintains an appropriate mix of skills and characteristics to meet the needs of the Company. Directors should have experience in positions with a high degree of responsibility, be leaders in the companies or institutions with which they are affiliated and be selected based upon contributions they can make to the Board and management, regardlessmanagement. Although the Company does not have a formal policy with respect to Board diversity, the NCG Committee actively considers diversity in its recruitment and nomination of gender or race. Thereindividuals for directorship, and diversity is one component of the Board’s annual self-evaluation. To ensure full flexibility in choosing candidates for nomination, there is no formal process for implementing thisthe nomination policy. However, the Board performs an annual self-evaluation and board diversity is part of the evaluation about which each Director is asked to make an assessment.

In addition to the items specified in the Corporate Governance Principles, the NCG Committee also considers the technical and professional skills that these leaders possessed while achievingnominees have gained through their leadership roles. Such skills may include, but are not limited to, corporate governance, strategic planning, financial, information technology, cybersecurity, business risk assessment, financial modeling, marketing, real estate, insurance, strategic planning, regulatory, international, human resourcesexecutive compensation and legal.

Regions’ By-Laws provide that a stockholder may nominate a candidate for Director and establish the procedures and requirements for such a nomination. In general, a stockholder to nominate candidates for Director. For Regions’ 2017 Annual Meeting, such notice must submitbe submitted to the Corporate Secretary a notice of the nomination not lessand be delivered no earlier than 120 days prior to the anniversary of the date of the previous year’s proxy statement.November 8, 2016, and no later than December 8, 2016. The notice must be accompanied by all required information relating to each nominee that is requiredas described in Regions’ By-Laws, including information to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of Directors in an election contest, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act, and various statements, consents and agreements provided by the nominee. The Company’s By-Laws include additional information that is required to be submitted with the notice about the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made.

See the sectionSubmission of 1934, includingStockholder Proposals or Nominations for 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on page 91 for further instructions on how to submit such person’s written consent to being named innominations and what must be included with the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a Director if elected.

submission. It is the current policy and practice of the NCG Committee to evaluate any qualified candidate for Director under the applicable criteria without regard to the source of the recommendation of the candidate. A stockholder who desires to recommend a candidate for Director should follow the procedure set forth in our By-LawsBy-Laws.

The NCG Committee considers a wide breadth of factors and characteristics when evaluating nominees. In selecting the 2016 nominees, the NCG Committee believes it selected candidates who possess the highest personal and professional ethics, integrity and values. Candidates are also committed to representing the long-term interests of Regions stockholders. In addition to reviewing a candidate’s background and accomplishments, the NCG Committee reviewed candidates for directorship in the context of the current composition of the Board and Regions’ evolving needs. The NCG Committee also considered the number of boards on which the candidates already serve. It is the Board’s policy that at all times at least a substantial majority of its members meet the standards of independence promulgated by the SEC and the NYSE, and as described above.set forth in the Company’s Corporate Governance Principles. The NCG Committee also sought to ensure that the Board reflects a range of talents, ages, skills, diversity, and expertise, particularly in the areas of accounting and finance, management, strategic planning, leadership, and financial related industries, sufficient to provide sound and prudent guidance with respect to Regions’ operations and interests.

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  PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

The Board seeks to maintain a diverse membership. The Board also requires that its members be able to dedicate the time and resources necessary to ensure the diligent performance of their duties on the Company’s behalf, including attending Board and Committee meetings.

The following are some key qualifications and skills the NCG Committee considered in evaluating the nominees.

Experience or

Acumen

Description

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CEO or senior executive officer experienceWe believe that Directors with CEO or senior executive officer experience provide Regions with valuable insights. These individuals have a demonstrated record of leadership qualities and a practical understanding of organizations, processes, strategy, risk and risk management and the ability to drive change and growth. Through their service as top leaders at other organizations, they also bring valuable perspective on common corporate issues affecting both their company and Regions.

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Banking and/or financial services industry experienceWe seek to have Directors with leadership experience as executives or directors or experience in other capacities in the financial services industry. The financial services industry has issues, risks and opportunities that do not exist or are different from other types of businesses. Directors with financial services industry experience have valuable perspective on issues specific to Regions’ business.

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Financial and/or accounting acumenWe believe that an understanding of finance and financial reporting processes is important for our Directors. Regions measures its operating and strategic performance by reference to financial targets. In addition, accurate financial reporting and robust auditing are critical to Regions’ success. We seek to have a number of Directors who qualify as audit committee financial experts, and we expect all of our Directors to be financially knowledgeable.

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Outside Board experienceDirectors that sit on other public company boards are able to provide valuable comparisons to Regions’ corporate practices. They often gain significant experience and skills from service on other public boards that prove to be valuable to Regions.

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Innovator/

growth creator

Regions’ future success depends, in part, on its success in growing our businesses. Directors with a track record of innovation and growth creation experience provide a valued perspective on our opportunities to grow.

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Operations acumenDirectors who have significant expertise in operations will often have a better dialog with management on operational issues. They can probe more deeply into potential problems and opportunities with respect to business operations.

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Corporate governance and/or regulatory acumenThe financial services industry is heavily regulated. A Director who has significant corporate governance acumen or experience with regulatory authorities is better situated to oversee and advise management on governance and regulatory issues.

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Risk, compliance and/or legal acumenRisk management, compliance and the management of legal risk are critical elements of our business. Directors with significant knowledge in these areas are better situated to oversee and advise management with respect to these complex issues.

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Executive compensation

and/or benefits acumen

Directors with a significant understanding of executive compensation understand its various forms, the purpose of each type and how these can be used to motivate executives and drive performance while not encouraging imprudent risk.

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Strategic planning or strategy development experienceDirectors who understand how to plan for the future of the Company in a strategic fashion are better able to interact, oversee and advise management effectively with respect to the formulation and execution of the Company’s strategic planning.

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Environmental

and/or sustain-ability acumen

Directors who have a significant understanding of environmental issues or issues involving sustainability are better situated to oversee and advise management with respect to these important issues. For Regions, sustainability is not just an environmental issue; it is also an issue regarding making our business and profits sustainable.

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PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS  

The following are some of the personal attributes, which each nominee possesses.

AttributeDescription
Ethics and Integrity

A commitment to:

•    understanding and fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of a director and maintaining knowledge in this regard through professional development;

•    putting Regions’ interests before any personal interests;

•    being transparent; and

•    maintaining Board confidentiality.

Critical and Innovative ThinkerThe ability to critically analyze complex and detailed information, readily distill key issues and develop innovative approaches and solutions to problems.
Leader

Leadership skills include the ability to:

•    appropriately represent Regions;

•    set appropriate Board and organizational culture; and

•    make and take responsibility for decisions and actions.

Financially LiterateThe ability to read and understand fundamental financial statements and make appropriate decisions.
UnbiasedThe ability to represent all stockholders and not a particular interest group.
Effective Listener and Communicator

The ability to:

•    listen to, and constructively and appropriately debate, other people’s viewpoints;

•    develop and deliver compelling arguments; and

•    communicate effectively with a broad range of stakeholders.

Constructive QuestionerThe preparedness to ask questions and challenge management and peer Directors in a constructive and appropriate way.
Contributor and Team PlayerThe ability to work as part of a team, and demonstrate the passion and time to make a genuine and active contribution to the Board.
Influencer and NegotiatorThe ability to negotiate outcomes and influence others to agree with those outcomes, including an ability to gain stakeholder support for the Board’s decisions.
CommitmentThe ability to commit the time necessary to function as an effective Director by attending on-site meetings in person.

The individual Director biographies that follow provide additional information about each nominee’s specific experiences, qualifications and skills.

What is the average tenure of the Directors?

Our Directors have a variety of lengths of tenure, with the average tenure being 11 years; however, of the 11 nominees, 6 have served on our Board for 9 years or less, and 5 have served between 11 and 15 years. Following Director Bryan’s retirement, the average tenure will be 9.4 years among the remaining nominees. The NCG Committee, which is responsible for nominating individuals to the Board, considers tenure, among many other factors, when making its determination with respect to Director nominations.

By nominating Directors for continued service on our Board, the NCG Committee believes that a Director is able to become intimately acquainted with all aspects of our business and best direct our course over time. Our long-serving Directors have vital expertise and institutional knowledge that provides the Board with a better understanding of our business. The NCG Committee believes that this knowledge and perspective continues to generate long-term value for all of our stakeholders. Notwithstanding a Director’s tenure, each Director is evaluated annually by the NCG Committee to ensure he or she continues to possess valuable skills, talents and expertise that Regions believes are necessary for the long-term success of our Company.

Who are this year’s nominees?

 

All of the 2016 nominees for Directors being voted upon at the annual meeting are Directors standing for re-election.

Director Election by Majority Vote

Under our By-Laws,The following biographies show the age and principal occupations during at least the past five years for each ofnominee, the 14 nominees for Director will beyear the nominee was first elected if a majority of the votes cast at the annual meeting at which a quorum is present are voted in favor of the Director. This means that the number of shares voted “for” a nominee must exceed the number of shares voted “against” the nominee. Shares voting “Abstain” and broker non-votes will have no effect on the election. Under the Corporate Governance Principles, an incumbent Director nominee who fails to receive a majority of the votes cast with respect to the election of the incumbent Director nominee must submit his or her resignation. The NCG Committee will consider the resignation and any factors they deem relevant in deciding whether to accept the resignation, and recommend to the Board of Regions, and the actiondirectorships he or she now holds and have held within at least the last five years with corporations subject to be taken. The Director whose resignation is under consideration will abstain from participating in any decision regarding histhe registration or her resignation. The Board will take action within 90 days following certification of the stockholder vote unless such action would cause Regions to fail to comply withreporting requirements of the NYSEExchange Act or registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Board believes that all the nominees are highly qualified. Each nominee’s key experiences, qualifications, attributes or skills that led the Board to conclude that he or she should serve as a Director of Regions are subsequently described. There are no family relationships among our Directors and executive officers.

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  PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

On July 1, 2004, Regions became the successor by merger to Union Planters Corporation and the former Regions Financial Corporation. Several of our Directors were previously members of the securities laws in which eventboards of directors of either of those companies. On November 4, 2006, AmSouth Bancorporation was merged with and into Regions. Several of the members of the board of directors of AmSouth Bancorporation joined the Board of Regions will take actionat that time.

The Directors of Regions also serve as promptly as

the Board members of Regions Bank, an Alabama state-chartered commercial bank and wholly-owned subsidiary of Regions.

practicable while continuing to meet such requirements. The Board will promptly disclose its decision and the reasons therefore in a Form 8-K filed with the SEC. If the resignation is not accepted, the Director will continue to serve until the next annual meeting and until the Director’s successor is duly elected and qualified.

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Carolyn H. Byrd

Independent

Director Since:  2010

Age:  67

Regions Committees:

•    Audit Committee (Chair) (Audit Committee Financial Expert)

•    Risk Committee

Public Directorships:

•    Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc.

•    Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”)

Ms. Byrd is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GlobalTech Financial, LLC (“GlobalTech”), in Atlanta, Georgia, which she founded in 2000. GlobalTech specializes in business process outsourcing and financial consulting.

Skills and Qualifications:

Prior to forming GlobalTech in 2000, Ms. Byrd had a long career with The Coca-Cola Company, where she was ultimately appointed Vice President, Chief of Internal Audits and Director of the Corporate Auditing Department. In this position, she provided leadership for the worldwide audits of The Coca-Cola Company. Ms. Byrd served as Senior Account Officer with Citibank, N.A. in New York before joining The Coca-Cola Company.

At Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc., Ms. Byrd serves on the Audit Committee and Executive Committee and is Chair of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. At Freddie Mac, she serves as Chair of the Audit Committee and serves as a member of the Nominating and Governance Committee and Executive Committee. She previously served on the Audit Committee of Circuit City Stores, Inc., RARE Hospitality International, Inc. and The St. Paul Travelers Companies. Ms. Byrd earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Fisk University and a Masters in Finance and Business Administration from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business. Ms. Byrd has held many positions in which she was responsible for key managerial, strategic, financial and operational decisions, and such positions provide significant experience to draw upon in her capacity as a Director of Regions. Her service on the boards of directors of a variety of large public companies, including Freddie Mac, further augments her experience. All of these qualifications make her well qualified to be a member of Regions’ Board.

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David J. Cooper, Sr.

Independent

Director Since:  2006

Age:  70

Regions Committees:

•    Compensation Committee

•    Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

Mr. Cooper served on the board of directors of AmSouth Bancorporation from 2005 to 2006. He is currently the Vice Chairman and was previously the President of Cooper/T. Smith Corporation, a privately held corporation that is one of the largest stevedoring and maritime-related firms in the United States. He also serves as a director of Alabama Power Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Southern Company. Alabama Power Company has no publicly traded common stock.

Skills and Qualifications:

After graduating from the University of Alabama School of Commerce and Business Administration, Mr. Cooper joined his family’s stevedoring company, Cooper/T. Smith Corporation. Under the direction of Mr. Cooper and his brother, the company expanded its activities to over 37 ports on the East, West and Gulf Coasts of the United States, with additional operations in South America. The company has diversified its business interests, including warehousing, terminal operations, tugboats, push boats, barging and restaurants. Mr. Cooper is also active in civic and educational organizations.

Mr. Cooper served on the board of directors of SouthTrust Corporation and SouthTrust Bank prior to joining the board of AmSouth Bancorporation, which merged with Regions in 2006. Mr. Cooper’s service on the board of Alabama Power Company provides him with insight in an industry that, similar to banking, is highly regulated. He also brings to our Board extensive knowledge of how to effectively run a large business with international operations as evidenced by the diversification and growth of Cooper/T. Smith Corporation under his direction. Mr. Cooper’s experience makes him well qualified to be a member of Regions’ Board.

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Don DeFosset

Independent

Director Since:  2006

Age:  67

Regions Committees:

•    Compensation Committee (Chair)

•    Risk Committee

Public Directorships:

•    Terex Corporation

•    National Retail Properties

•    ITT Corporation

Former Public Directorships within the Past Five Years:

•    EnPro Industries, Inc.

Mr. DeFosset served on the board of directors of AmSouth Bancorporation from 2005 to 2006. He is the former Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Walter Industries, Inc. (now Walter Energy, Inc.) (“Walter”). During the time of his service, Walter was a diversified public company with businesses in water infrastructure products, metallurgical coal and natural gas, home building and mortgage financing.

Skills and Qualifications:

Throughout his career, Mr. DeFosset held significant leadership positions in major multinational corporations, including Dura Automotive Systems, Inc., Navistar International Corporation and AlliedSignal, Inc. Mr. DeFosset is also active in civic and charitable organizations. He formerly served on Regions’ Audit Committee and was, during his tenure, determined to be an Audit Committee Financial Expert.

At Terex Corporation, Mr. DeFosset chairs the Governance and Nominating Committee and serves on the Audit Committee. At National Retail Properties, he serves on the Compensation Committee and chairs the Governance and Nominating Committee. At ITT Corporation, Mr. DeFosset serves on the Compensation and Personnel Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee. In addition, he also served on the Audit and Risk Management, Compensation and Human Resources, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees of EnPro Industries, Inc. Mr. DeFosset has an Industrial Engineering degree from Purdue University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard University. Having served as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Walter, Mr. DeFosset brings extensive management and business experience to Regions’ Board as well as a deep understanding of complex issues concerning public companies. Mr. DeFosset is also able to draw upon his knowledge of the mortgage industry acquired during his tenure at Walter. His service on the boards of directors of a variety of large public companies further augments his experience. All of these credentials make Mr. DeFosset well qualified to be a member of Regions’ Board.

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  PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

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Eric C. Fast

Independent

Director Since:  2010

Age:  66

Regions Committees:

•    Audit Committee (Audit Committee Financial Expert)

•    Risk Committee

Public Directorships:

•    Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

•    Lord Abbett Family of Funds

Former Public Directorships Held During the Past Five Years:

•    Crane Co.

From 2001 through January 2014, Mr. Fast served as the Chief Executive Officer for Crane Co., a diversified manufacturer of engineered industrial products. He also served as President of Crane Co. from 1999 through January 2013. Mr. Fast serves on the board of directors of the privately held National Integrity Life Insurance Company. Additionally, he serves as a director/trustee of the twelve investment companies in the Lord Abbett Family of Funds.

Skills and Qualifications:

Prior to joining Crane Co., Mr. Fast worked for Salomon Brothers and later Salomon Smith Barney, where he ultimately was co-head of Global Investment Banking and a member of the firm’s Management Committee. He previously served as Treasurer of MacMillan Inc. and began his career as a commercial lending officer at The Bank of New York.

Mr. Fast earned a political science degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and received a Master of Business Administration in Finance degree from New York University Graduate School of Business. He currently serves as Chair of the Audit Committee and serves on the Compensation Committee of Automatic Data Processing, Inc., is a member of the Audit Committee at the privately held National Integrity Life Insurance Company, and is a member of the Proxy Committee, Nominating and Governance Committee and Contract Committee at The Lord Abbett Family of Funds.

Mr. Fast brings extensive management and business experience to our Board as well as a deep understanding of complex issues concerning public companies. His service as President and Chief Executive Officer of a large public company further augments his experience. All of these qualifications make him well qualified to be a member of Regions’ Board.

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O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

Management

Director Since:  2008

Age:  58

Public Directorships:

•    Vulcan Materials Company

Former Public Directorships Held During the Past Five Years:

•    Zep Inc.

Mr. Hall has been the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Regions and Regions Bank since May 2013. He served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Regions and Regions Bank from April 2010 to May 2013. He also serves as a director of Alabama Power Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Southern Company. Alabama Power Company has no publicly traded common stock.

Skills and Qualifications:

Mr. Hall’s banking career started in 1980 as a participant in the management trainee program at AmSouth, which merged with Regions in 2006. He has served in roles of increased responsibility, including head of the Operations and Technology Group from 1993 to 2004 and manager of all lines of business from 2005 to 2006. Mr. Hall was named Head of the General Banking Group in 2006 and, in 2008, was elected Vice Chairman and a member of the Board of Regions. The General Banking Group included all banking offices across Regions’ footprint. His responsibilities also included oversight of several key divisions of Regions. In October 2009, the Board named him President. From October 2009 through March 2010 he served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Regions and Regions Bank. Thereafter, the Board named Mr. Hall Chief Executive Officer effective April 1, 2010. Mr. Hall assumed the additional role of Chairman of the Board in May 2013. Mr. Hall is also active in several civic and leadership organizations.

Mr. Hall serves as a representative on the Federal Advisory Council of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. At Vulcan Materials Company, Mr. Hall serves on the Executive Committee, Finance Committee and is Chair of the Governance Committee. While a director at Zep Inc., he served on the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. In addition to a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from The University of the South and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Alabama, Mr. Hall is a graduate of the Stonier School of Banking. Mr. Hall’s knowledge of all areas of the Company, together with his years of experience in banking, make him well qualified to be a member of Regions’ Board.

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PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS  

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John D. Johns

Independent

Director Since:  2011

Age:  64

Regions Committees:

•    Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

•    Risk Committee (Risk Management Expert)

Public Directorships:

•    The Southern Company

•    Genuine Parts Company

Former Public Directorships Held During the Past Five Years:

•    Protective Life Corporation

Since 2003, Mr. Johns has served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Protective Life Corporation (“Protective”). On February 1, 2015, Protective became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company, Limited, a kabushiki kaisha organized under the laws of Japan, a holding company with subsidiaries that provide insurance and other financial services. Mr. Johns continues to serve on the board at Protective, which is no longer a publicly traded company.

Skills and Qualifications:

Prior to joining Protective in 1993, Mr. Johns was Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Sonat, Inc. and was a founding partner of the Birmingham-based law firm of Maynard, Cooper & Gale, P.C.

Mr. Johns serves on the Audit Committee at The Southern Company. At Genuine Parts Company, he serves as Chair of the Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee and is a member of the Executive Committee. Mr. Johns graduated from the University of Alabama and received his Masters of Business Administration and Juris Doctorate degrees from Harvard University. Mr. Johns’ background and considerable experience as a senior executive of a large insurance corporation, his extensive exposure to complex financial issues at large public companies, leadership in other business, economic development, civic, educational, and not-for-profit organizations, and seasoned business judgment are valuable and make him well qualified to be a member of Regions’ Board.

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Ruth Ann Marshall

Independent

Director Since:  2011

Age:  61

Regions Committees:

•    Compensation Committee

•    Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

Public Directorships:

•    ConAgra Foods, Inc.

•    Global Payments, Inc.

Ms. Marshall is retired from MasterCard where she served in various management roles beginning in 1999 and served as President of The Americas, MasterCard International, Inc. from 2004 to 2007.

Skills and Qualifications:

At MasterCard, Ms. Marshall was responsible for building all aspects of MasterCard’s issuance and acceptance business in the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. Prior to joining MasterCard International, Inc. in 1999, Ms. Marshall served as Group Executive President of two electronic payment service companies, MAC Regional Network and Buypass Corporation. Upon acquisition of these companies by Concord EFS, Ms. Marshall became Senior Executive Vice President of the combined companies, where she oversaw marketing, account management, customer service and product development. Ms. Marshall started her career at IBM, where, for more than 18 years, she served in managerial and executive positions. In 2004 and 2005, Ms. Marshall was selected by Forbes.com as one of the “World’s 100 Most Powerful Women.”

At ConAgra Foods, Inc., Ms. Marshall serves as Chair of the Human Resources Committee and serves on the Nominating, Governance and Public Affairs Committee and Executive Committee. At Global Payments, Inc., she serves as Chair of the Governance and Risk Oversight Committee and serves on the Governance and Nominating Committee. Additionally, she is a former director of American Standard Inc. and privately held companies, Pella Corporation, a building materials manufacturer, and Trustwave Holdings, Inc., an information security company. Ms. Marshall earned her bachelor and master degrees from Southern Methodist University. Ms. Marshall’s background and broad marketing, account management, customer service and product development experience, as well as significant domestic and international experience in growing business at MasterCard and her service as a director for other publicly traded companies all make Ms. Marshall well qualified to be a member of Regions’ Board.

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  PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

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Susan W. Matlock

Independent

Director Since:  2004

Age:  69

Regions Committees:

•    Compensation Committee

•    Risk Committee

Ms. Matlock served on the board of directors of the former Regions Financial Corporation from 2002 to 2004. She retired in March 2014 as President and Chief Executive Officer of Innovation Depot, Inc., an emerging business incubation center in Birmingham, Alabama.

Skills and Qualifications:

Ms. Matlock served for nine years on the board of managers of Ascension Health Ventures, a fund that invests in innovative healthcare businesses. She currently serves on the board of directors of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama where she is a member of the Executive Committee and Chair of the Compensation Committee. In addition, Ms. Matlock serves on the boards of, and is active in, various civic, educational and leadership organizations. She is also past Chair of the National Business Incubation Association and founding Chair of the Alabama Business Incubation Network.

Ms. Matlock began her career as a banker, lending to small businesses and consumers. She has been recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration as the Financial Services Advocate of the Year for the State of Alabama. She was named as one of the “Top 25 Most Influential People in the Southeast Technology Community” by TechJournal South in 2007. Ms. Matlock earned a Masters in Public Administration degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and completed an Executive in Residence Program at Harvard Business School. Ms. Matlock’s expertise in technology and healthcare entrepreneurship and innovation, combined with her other experience, make her well qualified to be a member of Regions’ Board.

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John E. Maupin, Jr.

Independent

Director Since:  2007

Age:  69

Regions Committees:

•    Audit Committee (Audit Committee Financial Expert)

•    Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

Public Directorships:

•    LifePoint Health, Inc. (formerly LifePoint Hospitals, Inc.)

•    VALIC Company I and II

•    HealthSouth Corporation

Dr. Maupin served as the President of Morehouse School of Medicine from 2006 through June 2014. He also serves as Chair of Regions Community Development Corporation, the Company’s non-profit corporation dedicated to providing technical assistance for affordable housing, small business, and community development initiatives.

Skills and Qualifications:

Dr. Maupin has more than 30 years of experience in healthcare administration, public health and academic medicine. Prior to becoming the President of Morehouse School of Medicine in 2006, he was the President of Meharry Medical College. His career includes over 22 years serving as a Chief Executive Officer and five years as a Chief Operating Officer. He also served in the United States Army Reserves Dental Corp. retiring in 1997 with over 28 years of service at the rank of lieutenant colonel. Dr. Maupin is a former director of Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc., a bank holding company, and Monarch Dental Corporation, a dental care management company. He is past president of the National Dental Association and has participated as a member of numerous state and national healthcare task forces, scientific panels and advisory councils. Dr. Maupin is actively engaged in community service and has received numerous honors and awards.

At HealthSouth Corporation, Dr. Maupin serves as Chair of the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee and as a member of the Corporate Compliance and Quality of Care Committee. At LifePoint Health, Inc., he serves as Chair of the Compensation Committee and serves on the Audit and Compliance Committee, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, and the Quality Committee. At VALIC Company I and II, Dr. Maupin serves on the Audit Committee and Governance Committee. Dr. Maupin attended San Jose State College and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the School of Dentistry, Meharry Medical College, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Loyola College. Dr. Maupin’s extensive managerial responsibilities and insight gained from his broad range of experience make him well qualified to be a member of Regions’ Board.

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PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS  

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Charles D. McCrary

Independent

Director Since:  2006

Age:  64

Lead Independent Director

Regions Committees:

•    Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (Chair)

Former Public Directorships Held During the Past Five Years:

•    Protective Life Corporation

Mr. McCrary served on the board of directors of AmSouth Bancorporation from 2001 to 2006. From 2001 through February 2014, Mr. McCrary served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Alabama Power Company, a public utility company, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Southern Company, and served as Chairman of Alabama Power Company until May 2014.

Skills and Qualifications:

Mr. McCrary’s career at Alabama Power spanned over 30 years, where he held various positions of increased responsibility within The Southern Company, the parent company of Alabama Power. Mr. McCrary is active in civic, educational and charitable organizations and formerly served as Chairman of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama.

Mr. McCrary previously served on Regions’ Audit Committee and, during such service, was determined to be an Audit Committee Financial Expert. Since May 2013, Mr. McCrary has served as Regions’ Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chair and Lead Independent Director. Mr. McCrary served on the Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee and the Risk, Finance and Investments Committee at Protective Life Corporation prior to its acquisition by Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company, Limited in February 2015. Mr. McCrary previously served on the board of the privately held Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc.

Mr. McCrary holds an engineering degree from Auburn University and a law degree from Birmingham School of Law. As the former President and Chief Executive Officer of Alabama Power Company and with his service as a director of Protective Life Corporation, Mr. McCrary brings a valuable understanding of issues that are unique to a company in a regulated industry. Mr. McCrary’s depth of knowledge and experience running regulated companies as well as his other experience make him well qualified to be a member of Regions’ Board.

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Lee J. Styslinger III

Independent

Director Since: 2004

Age: 55

Regions Committees:

•    Audit Committee (Audit Committee Financial Expert)

•    Compensation Committee

Public Directorships:

•    Vulcan Materials Company

Mr. Styslinger served on the board of directors of the former Regions Financial Corporation from 2003 to 2004. He currently serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the privately held Altec, Inc., a leading equipment and service provider for the electric utility, telecommunications and contractor markets. Altec provides products and services in over 100 countries.

Skills and Qualifications:

Mr. Styslinger actively serves on the boards of many educational, civic and leadership organizations, including Harvard Business School, National Association of Manufacturers, and Northwestern University College of Arts and Sciences. He was appointed to the President’s Export Council advising the President of the United States on international trade policy from 2006-2008.

At Vulcan Materials Company, he serves on the Compensation Committee and the Safety, Health & Environmental Affairs Committee. Mr. Styslinger received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern University and earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard University. As Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Altec, Inc., Mr. Styslinger brings a wealth of management and business experience running a large company in today’s global market. All of these qualifications make him well qualified to be a member of Regions’ Board.

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  PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

Director Attendance

In 2012, all incumbentHow much stock are Directors attended at least 75% of the aggregate of the meetings held by the Board and by Committees of which they were members. In addition, in 2012, Mr. Deavenport attended a majority of the meetings of the Board Committees of which he was not a member.

Director Attendance at the Annual Meeting

It is our policy that Directors attend the annual meeting of stockholders. Thirteen Directors attended the Regions 2012 annual meeting in person and the remaining three Directors participated telephonically.

Meetings of Independent Directors

All Directors and then the independent Directors meet in executive sessions at each regular meeting of the Board, and are offered the opportunityexpected to meet in executive sessions at regularly scheduled update conference call meetings held by the Board. These executive sessions provide the opportunity for discussion of compensation, succession planning and other sensitive topics. Typically, the Board will meet in full executive session, followed by an executive session of independent Directors. Regions’ independent Directors met five times in 2012 in executive session without any management Directors present. The non-management Directors met in executive session 12 times in 2012. As the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board, Mr. Deavenport presided over these executive sessions.

Director Independenceown?

 

The Board hasbelieves that Directors should have a financial stake in Regions so that their interests are aligned with those of stockholders. Under Regions’ Director Stock Ownership Guidelines, non-management Directors are expected to own shares of Regions common stock with a value equal to or greater than five times the value of the cash portion of the annual retainer paid to Directors.

Until such time as the minimum level of stock ownership is achieved, a Director is required to retain 50 percent of the after-tax net shares acquired as a part of any compensatory arrangement, unless granted an exception by the NCG Committee upon showing a hardship or other special circumstances. The following are taken into consideration in determining share ownership:

Shares purchased on the open market.

Shares obtained through option exercises.

Share equivalents held under any Director’s deferred stock plan.

Restricted shares awarded.

Shares obtained through any other sources.

Each Director currently meets the Director Stock Ownership Guidelines.

How are Directors compensated?

The Compensation Committee, along with the NCG Committee, periodically review the compensation of the non-management Directors and recommend changes to the Board. The following table describes the components of the Director Compensation Program for 2015:

Compensation ElementDirector Compensation Program
Annual Cash Retainer$60,000, which may be deferred, at the Director’s option
Annual Equity Retainer$105,000 in restricted stock granted three business days following the annual stockholder meeting that vests at the next annual stockholder meeting
Board and Committee Meeting Fees$1,500 per meeting
Additional Annual Fee for Lead Independent Director$50,000
Additional Annual Fee for Committee Chairs

$20,000 — Audit Committee

$20,000 — Compensation Committee

$15,000 — NCG Committee

$20,000 — Risk Committee

$10,000 — Special Committees, as applicable

Additional Annual Fee for Special Committee Members, as applicable$10,000

Under the Directors’ Deferred Stock Investment Plan, a Director may elect to defer receipt of some or all cash compensation. Deferred amounts are credited to a bookkeeping account for the Director, which is designated in notional shares of Regions common stock. Dividend equivalents, if any, are converted to additional notional shares of common stock in the Director’s account. At the end of the deferral period, the Director’s account

is settled in actual shares of common stock, plus cash for any fractional share. Receipt and taxability of benefits are deferred until the time of payment in accordance with the payment election made by the Director at the time of the deferral. Most of the Directors have elected to defer receipt of a portion of their cash compensation.

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PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS  

The following table contains information about the compensation paid to the non-employee Directors who served during 2015:

Name  Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
($)
   Stock
Awards
($) (1)
   All Other
Compensation
($) (2)
   

Total

($)

 

George W. Bryan

   128,000     105,000     5,000     238,000  

Carolyn H. Byrd

   128,000     105,000          233,000  

David J. Cooper, Sr.

   93,000     105,000          198,000  

Don DeFosset

   120,500     105,000          225,500  

Eric C. Fast

   88,500     105,000     5,000     198,500  

John D. Johns

   91,500     105,000          196,500  

James R. Malone

   39,000               39,000  

Ruth Ann Marshall

   91,500     105,000     5,000     201,500  

Susan W. Matlock

   94,500     105,000     5,000     204,500  

John E. Maupin, Jr.

   99,000     105,000     1,500     205,500  

Charles D. McCrary

   173,000     105,000          278,000  

Lee J. Styslinger III

   99,000     105,000     5,000     209,000  

(1)The amounts presented in this column represent the grant date fair values of the 2015 restricted stock award made to all non-employee Directors in service on April 28, 2015. The grant date fair value of the restricted stock granted April 28, 2015, was $9.64 per share, for a total grant date fair value of $105,000. The shares awarded on April 28, 2015, are scheduled to vest in one lump sum on the date of the 2016 Annual Meeting.

(2)The amounts presented in this column reflect matching charitable gifts made through the Regions Matching Gifts Program.

The following table sets forth those non-employee Directors who served during 2015 and who had stock options or restricted stock outstanding as of December 31, 2015, and the number outstanding as of that date:

Name  Outstanding
Stock Options
(#)
   Outstanding
Restricted Stock
(#)
 

George W. Bryan

   14,000     10,892  

Carolyn H. Byrd

        10,892  

David J. Cooper, Sr.

   21,177     10,892  

Don DeFosset

   21,177     10,892  

Eric C. Fast

        10,892  

John D. Johns

        10,892  

James R. Malone

   21,177       

Ruth Ann Marshall

        10,892  

Susan W. Matlock

   14,000     10,892  

John E. Maupin, Jr.

   14,000     10,892  

Charles D. McCrary

   21,177     10,892  

Lee J. Styslinger III

   14,000     10,892  

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  CORPORATE GOVERNANCE  

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The following corporate governance documents are available on the Investor Relations section of our website at www.regions.com:

Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

Corporate Governance Principles

Audit Committee Charter

Compensation Committee Charter

Nominating and Corporate Governance (“NCG”) Committee Charter

Risk Committee Charter

Director-Stockholder Engagement Framework Summary

Government Affairs Annual Report

Fair Disclosure Policy Summary

Also available on our website are this proxy statement; 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K; Chairman’s Letter; information regarding our executive officers, Board members and Board committee composition; and instructions for how to contact the Board.

Regions’ Board and executive management work together to ensure we are in compliance with laws and regulations, as well as to provide guidance for sound decision-making and accountability. Regions strives to conduct business according to the highest moral standards, as evidenced by our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. Our associates and Directors take this Code of Conduct seriously and are mindful of our value to “Do What Is Right.” We maintain an environment of openness and take every opportunity to protect our culture by promoting Regions’ values. And we do this because it is the right thing to do, and our customers, stockholders, communities and associates expect it if they are to continue to give us their trust and confidence.

The Company believes that transparency with respect to any engagement with lawmakers is important to our stockholders. Since 2014, we have voluntarily published on our website the Company’s Policy on Political Contributions, as well as our activities. There, the Company sets out a description of our oversight process for political contributions and a summary of contributions. The Company also discloses in this report the trade associations the Company joined where $25,000 or more of the dues are allocated for lobbying purposes by the trade association. The Company believes that these disclosures on our

website offer transparency with respect to the Company’s public policy advocacy on behalf of stockholders, the Company, our associates, and our customers.

The NCG Committee periodically reviews the Corporate Governance Principles to maintain effective and appropriate standards of corporate governance. The Board adopted the principles to further its longstanding goal of providing effective governance of Regions’ business and affairs for the long-term benefit of stockholders. Regions’ Corporate Governance Principles address important governance matters, including:

Structure of the Board and its leadership, including the responsibilities and duties of the Lead Independent Director.

Director qualification standards, including, but not limited to:

¡A description of ordinary course relationships that will not be deemed to impair a Director’s independence;

¡A limit on the number of other public company boards and other audit committees on which Directors may serve; and

¡Our mandatory retirement age of 72.

Nomination and selection of new Directors.

Director responsibilities, including, but not limited to:

¡Attending Board and stockholder meetings;

¡Meeting in executive session; and

¡Complying with our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, General Policy on Insider Trading and confidentiality of Board information and materials.

Board Committees, including, but not limited to, number and types of committees.

Board operations, including, but not limited to, scheduling meetings and selecting agenda items for meetings.

Director access to management and independent advisors.

Director compensation.

Director orientation and continuing education.

Management succession planning.

Annual performance evaluation of the Board, Committees and individual Directors.

Board interaction with stockholders, investment managers and the press.

Communications with the Board.

Stockholder Engagement

Our commitment to our stockholders is front and center in our Company’s mission: to achieve superior economic value for our stockholders over time by making life better for our customers, our associates and our communities, and creating shared value as we help them meet their financial goals and aspirations. We

take a long-term view of how we create value, and we are committed to constructive and meaningful communications with our stockholders.

Regions believes that engaging with our stockholders and soliciting their points of view is critical to providing long-term

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  CORPORATE GOVERNANCE  

value to all of the Company’s stakeholders. For that reason, Regions took steps during 2015 to strengthen our stockholder engagement efforts. Following the 2015 Annual Meeting, a cross-functional team worked together to formalize a Director-Stockholder Engagement Framework (the “Framework”), a summary of which is available on the Investor Relations section of our website at www.regions.com. The primary purpose of the Framework, which is overseen and maintained by the NCG Committee, is to assist stockholders with the engagement process. In addition, the Framework also provides guidance to Regions’ management and Directors by defining who is responsible for engaging with stockholders and receiving their feedback, thus ensuring accountability.

While the Board principally provides oversight, members of management are primarily responsible for engaging with stockholders under the Framework. There are certain topics, however, that may be better addressed by the Board, including financial results, strategic direction, executive compensation, corporate governance, and general Board oversight. Generally, in those instances when it would be more appropriate for Board members to respond to questions about the Board’s oversight responsibilities, the Lead Independent Director will assume this responsibility; however, other members of the Board are available when appropriate. Our Corporate Governance Principles specifically state that the Lead Independent Director is to be available for consultation and direct communication if requested by our major stockholders.

During 2015, we reached out to our 100 largest stockholders, which represented approximately 65 percent of Regions outstanding stock held by institutional investors, to solicit their feedback on Regions and, if so desired, to set up a time to discuss their perspectives. Further, members from Regions’ investor relations, executive compensation, and legal groups met with some of our largest stockholders during 2015. These conversations yielded constructive feedback and discussions, which covered topics such as corporate governance, executive compensation, and Company strategy. Where appropriate, stockholders’ opinions expressed during these engagement sessions were communicated to other individuals within the Company, including members of the Board.

Regions, directly or through our Board, also had the opportunity to engage with various stakeholders and other corporate governance professionals through corporate governance events throughout the year, such as the Council of Institutional Investors’ 2015 Fall Conference, the 21st Annual Stanford Directors’ College, the American Bar Association’s 2015 Business Law Section Spring Meeting, and theCorporate Secretary’s Corporate Governance Awards 2015. These events afforded Regions the ability to not only connect with various stakeholders on an individual basis, but also provided us with the opportunity to discuss those corporate governance and stockholder engagement best practices currently being used by other leaders within their respective sectors.

In addition to meeting with stockholders on a one-on-one basis throughout the year, Regions hosted its Investor Day in November 2015. Members of management reviewed the relationships between DirectorsCompany’s strategy, as well as short- and Regions in lightlong-term targets. The event, which was simultaneously webcast, was well attended by both investors and analysts and gave members of management the opportunity to speak directly to and receive immediate feedback from a large group of investors.

As a result of engaging with our stockholders over the past few years, we have taken actions, which include:

Made publicly available Regions’ political spending and lobbyist activities

Included a summary of our strategy in our Proxy Summary

Added more detail to our overall Company performance in the Proxy Summary

Enhanced proxy disclosures with respect to our independent auditor

Publicly disclosed a summary of our Director-Stockholder Engagement Framework on our website

Enhanced our executive compensation disclosures

We encourage all stockholders as of the applicable independencerecord date to attend this year’s annual meeting, as this provides you with an opportunity to engage in direct dialogue with the Company.

Our Board Leadership Structure

Governance plays a critical role at Regions, and the Company understands that Governance is only as strong as its Board. The Board assumes an active role in providing oversight of and guidance to Regions’ executive management team in order to maintain a strong system of checks and balances.

Furthermore, Regions’ Corporate Governance Principles are comprehensive. They address: Board leadership structure; Lead Independent Director’s responsibilities; Director qualification standards and responsibilities; management succession planning; assessment of Board, Committees, and individual Director performance; Director compensation; Director orientation and continuing education; direct access of the Board to management and independent advisors; and more.

In addition, based on the requirements of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) listing standards, Regions’ Corporate Governance Principles and an assessment of current needs, the Board believes that an appropriate leadership structure includes

a substantial majority of independent Directors, extremely capable Committee Chairs, and a strong Lead Independent Director with specific duties. The Board’s current leadership structure meets these attributes.

The Board is presently composed of 12 Directors, 11 of whom are independent. Directors are required to stand for election each year, allowing our stockholders the opportunity to express their views on each Director’s individual performance on an annual basis. All Committee Chairs and members are independent. Our executive officers benefit from the highly experienced, well-informed, and fully engaged Board members who have experience managing various organizations, both public and private. In addition, many of our Directors have experience in areas such as corporate governance, strategic planning, risk management, information technology, and financial modeling. We have not adopted a policy mandating the separation of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer positions. The Board believes that the leadership structure

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  CORPORATE GOVERNANCE  

should be flexible to accommodate different approaches based on an evaluation of relevant facts and circumstances as it deems in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders.

The Board considers its structure and leadership each year in conjunction with the NCG Committee.

At the present time, the Board believes that the Company is best served in having a combined Chief Executive Officer and Chairman position, complemented by an independent, strong and effective Lead Independent Director. The Board has determined that the Company benefits from having a single leader with the primary responsibility of managing our operations and representing us to our stockholders, customers, associates, regulators, and the public. This structure also allows the Board to carry out its oversight responsibilities with the full involvement of each independent Director. Additionally, this structure utilizes Mr. Hall’s extensive experience and knowledge regarding the Company and provides for effective leadership of our Board and Company, while simultaneously providing for robust communication between the Board and management. Moreover, this combination also provides clear accountability to the stockholders, customers and associates concerning the performance of the Company.

Mr. Hall has more than 35 years of experience with the Company and has been our Chief Executive Officer since 2010. Under his leadership, the Company has successfully met a number of challenges. Regions is a large financial institution and Mr. Hall, with over three decades of banking experience, including service on our Board of Directors since 2008, and service as President since October 2009, has extensive knowledge, expertise and experience in all aspects of our current business operations. In the Board’s opinion, Mr. Hall is the best person to understand and clearly articulate to the Board the opportunities and challenges facing the Company, and also has the leadership and management skills to promote the Company’s values and execute its strategies. Mr. Hall’s service as Chairman provides clarity of leadership and allows the Company to present its vision and strategy effectively and in a unified voice.

Under the Corporate Governance Principles, unless there is an independent, non-executive Chairman, the Chair of the NCG Committee, who must be “independent” under the rules of the NYSE, and who is elected by and from the descriptionindependent Board members, serves as the Lead Independent Director for the Board. Charles D. McCrary has served as the Lead Independent Director since 2013.

Lead Independent Director Duties:

üPresides at Board meetings when the Chairman is not present;

üEstablishes the agenda and presides at executive sessions of the non-management and independent Directors;

üReceives topic suggestions from other Directors to be discussed at upcoming executive sessions and facilitates discussion on key issues outside of meetings;

üActs as a liaison and facilitates communication between the Chairman of the Board and the non-management and independent Directors (provided, however, that each Director will also be afforded direct and complete access to the Chairman of the Board at any time as such Director deems necessary or appropriate);

üFacilitates teamwork and communication among the independent Directors;

üApproves information sent to the Board;

üApproves meeting agendas for the Board;

üApproves meeting schedules to assure that there is sufficient time for discussion of all agenda items;

üCoordinates the activities of the non-management and independent Directors including the authority to call meetings of non-management and independent Directors;

üIf requested by major stockholders, ensures that he or she is available for consultation and direct communication;

üCommunicates, as appropriate, with our regulators;

üRegularly communicates with our Chairman on a variety of issues including business strategy and succession planning;

üMaintains close contact with the Chair of each standing committee of the Board, i.e., Compensation, Audit and Risk, and serves as an ex-officio member of each committee where he/she is not a member;

üAssists the Committee Chairs in the establishment of committee agendas and schedules;

üAs Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, provides input, as needed, into the assessment of the Board committees’ effectiveness, structure, organization and charters, and the evaluation of the need for changes; and

üWith the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, coordinates the performance of the annual Board and Committees’ self-evaluation and the evaluation of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer by the Compensation Committee.

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Board, Committee and Individual Director Evaluation Program

Each year the NCG Committee oversees the self-evaluation process for our Board, its Committees, and individual Directors. This self-evaluation is a necessary process in ensuring the Board and its Committees are best equipped to create superior economic value for the Company’s stockholders over time by creating shared value for our customers and communities.

More specifically, the self-evaluation program assesses the Board’s and Committees’ performance in areas such as:

Board and Committee structure and composition;

Efficiency of Board and Committee meetings;

Directors’ ability to carry out key Board responsibilities;

Exchanges between the Board and management;
Interactions with key stakeholders;

Assessing Board member performance; and

Committee-level assessment.

Using these topics as a springboard for discussion, the Chair of the NCG Committee facilitates the self-evaluation discussions, during which Directors bring their individual expertise and experience to bear on the topics raised. The self-evaluation pays particular attention to the Board’s oversight of Regions’ risk management framework and the management’s risk-taking activities, as well as the Board’s ability to take actions and make decisions independently from Regions’ management.

Each Committee also conducts its own self-evaluation on topics that are applicable only to the Committee.

Continuing Education

The Corporate Governance Principles provide that Directors should receive continuing education in areas that will assist them in discharging their duties. The Board’s Director Education Program includes regular reviews of compliance and corporate governance developments, business-specific learning opportunities through site visits and Board meetings, and briefing sessions on topics that present special risks and opportunities to

the Company. Directors are provided training on products and services offered by Regions; significant risks and compliance issues; laws, regulations and supervisory requirements applicable to the Company and its affiliates; corporate governance best practices; changes in the financial services industry; and other topics identified by the Directors.

Director Independence

To be independent under NYSE rules, our Board must make an affirmative determination that a Director does not have a “material relationship” with Regions (either directly or as a partner, stockholder or officer of an organization that has a material relationship with Regions). Under our Corporate Governance Principles, the Board has determined that a substantial majority of its members must be independent.

The NYSE bright-line independence tests. The NYSE has bright-line tests that disqualify a Director from being determined to be independent. The following relationships will preclude a Director from being considered independent for a period of three years:

The Director is employed by Regions;

The Director has an immediate family member who is an executive officer of Regions;

The Director or an immediate family member has received in a year more than $120,000 in direct compensation from Regions (not including certain permitted payments such as Director and Committee fees);

The Director has certain relationships with Regions’ external or internal auditors;

The Director or an immediate family member is employed as an executive officer of another company and a Regions executive officer serves on that other company’s compensation committee; or
The Director is a current employee, or an immediate family member is a current executive officer, of a company that made payments to, or received payments from, Regions in an amount that exceeds the greater of $1,000,000 or 2 percent of the applicable company’s consolidated gross revenues.

Corporate Governance Principles guidance regarding independence. Despite that none of the NYSE’s bright-line tests are applicable to our current non-management Directors, this does not make a Director independent. The Board must still consider all circumstances surrounding any existing relationship between Regions and a Director to determine whether a material relationship exists outside of the bright-line tests.

To aid in conducting this evaluation, our Corporate Governance Principles describe relationships and transactions containedthat, in the Corporate Governance Principles thatabsence of unusual facts and circumstances, would not be considered to impair a Directors’Director’s exercise of independent judgment or compromise the oversight role that an independent Director of Regions is expected to perform, and therefore, presumptively are not material. material:

The purpose of the review was to determine whether any Director either directly or indirectly,an immediate family member has a materialcustomer relationship with Regions that would precludeis established and administered by Regions in the ordinary course of business, on terms and conditions not more favorable than those afforded by Regions to other similarly situated customers.

If the Director from being independent. Asor immediate family member has a resultloan or extension of credit, and that loan was made or credit was extended on substantially the review, the Board has affirmatively determined that each Director is an independent Director, other than O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr., Presidentsame terms, including interest rates and Chief Executive Officer, and Samuel W. Bartholomew, Jr., who is Of Counselcollateral, as those prevailing at the law firm of Adams and Reese LLP, which Regions engagestime for the performance of legal services and proposes to engage in the future. Mr. Bartholomew retires at the eve of the 2013 Annual Meeting and is not standing for re-election.

 

The following-named current Directors have been determined by the Board to be independent:LOGOï  2016 Proxy Statement41


George W. Bryan  CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

Charles D. McCrary

Carolyn H. Byrd

James R. Malone

David J. Cooper, Sr.

Ruth Ann Marshall

Earnest W. Deavenport, Jr.

Susan W. Matlock

Don DeFosset

John E. Maupin, Jr.

Eric C. Fast

John R. Roberts

John D. Johns

Lee J. Styslinger IIIcomparable transactions with other persons, and involved no more than the normal risk of collectability and presented no other unfavorable features.

 

Mr. Deavenport is retiring at the eve

If Regions employs an adult family member of the 2013 Annual MeetingDirector in the ordinary course of business in a capacity other than as an executive officer.

The Director’s or immediate family member’s interest in a transaction results solely from service as a director (or comparable position) of another company that is a party to the transaction or from the beneficial ownership of less than 10 percent of the other entity’s equity.

The transaction is one where the rates or charges involved in the transaction are determined by competitive bids, or the transaction involves the rendering of services as a common or contract carrier, or public utility, at rates or charges fixed in conformity with law or governmental authority.

In applying this guidance, an “immediate family member” includes a person’s spouse, parents, children, siblings, mothers- and fathers-in-law, sons- and daughters-in-law, brothers- and sisters-in-law, and anyone (other than domestic employees) who shares such person’s home.

If a Director has a relationship that would be deemed non-material under our guidelines for independence, but meets one of the NYSE’s bright-line tests, the NYSE test governs and the Director will not be treated as independent.

Board independence considerations. The Board has made an affirmative determination as to all 12 current Directors’ independence. The NCG Committee presented to the Board its evaluations and made a recommendation as to each Director’s independence.

Director Hall is employed by Regions. Therefore, under the NYSE bright-line relationship test, he was determined not standing for re-election.

to be independent.

InWith respect to the process and at the time of evaluating the independence ofremaining Directors, the Boardfollowing specific relationships were also considered all relevant transactions, relationships and arrangements. Specifically, the Board considered transactions and relationships of the following categories or types:while making a determination:

 

All of the Directors, except Ms. Byrd, Mr.Directors DeFosset and Mr. Fast, either individually or through an affiliated entity, having ahave customer relationshiprelationships with Regions,Regions’ subsidiaries, such as a deposit, brokerage, trust or other financial services relationshipsrelationship in the ordinary course of RegionsRegions’ banking and/or brokerage business, on terms and conditions not more favorable than those afforded by Regions or its subsidiaries to other similarly situated customers.

 

All of the Directors, Bryan, Cooper, Deavenport, Johns, McCrary, Malone, Matlock, Robertsexcept Directors DeFosset and Styslinger,Fast, either individually or through an affiliated entity, havinghave bank loans from Regions or itsRegions’ subsidiaries on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable loans by Regions or itsRegions’ subsidiaries to unrelated persons, and involving no more than the normal risk of collectibilitycollectability and no other unfavorable features.

 

Directors Bryan, Byrd, Cooper, Deavenport, DeFosset, Johns, Maupin, McCrary Malone, Matlock, Maupin and Styslinger servingserve solely as a member of the Boardboard of Directorsdirectors of a charitable organization to which Regions or its subsidiaries made charitable contributions of less than the greater of $1,000,000 or 2%2 percent of such organization’s consolidated gross revenues in any of 2010, 20112013, 2014, or 2012.

2015.

Ms.

Director Byrd servingserves as an outside Directordirector of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac.Mac”). The revenue Regions or itsRegions’ subsidiaries receives from servicing loans for Freddie Mac is not a material portion of RegionsRegions’ total revenues. Additionally, Regions or itsRegions’ subsidiaries are not dependent solely on Freddie Mac as a purchaser of loans.

 

DuringDirector Johns currently serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Protective Life Corporation (“Protective”), which was a portionpublicly traded life insurance company headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama until February 1, 2015, when it became a wholly-owned subsidiary of 2012, Mr. Cooper’s son-in-law beingDai-ichi Life Insurance Company, Limited. The NCG Committee and the Board have determined that the relationships between Regions and Protective do not impair Director Johns’ independence given that the transactions are:

¡Not material to Protective in light of its annual income or gross revenues because the payments to or received from Protective were well below 2 percent of Protective’s consolidated gross revenues and were approximately 0.13 percent in 2015, 0.07 percent in 2014, and 0.03 percent in 2013;

¡Not material to Regions in light of its annual income or gross revenues;

¡Conducted at arm’s-length in the ordinary course of business of each party to the transactions;

¡Not material to Director Johns as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Protective;

¡Not involving a personal stake of Director Johns in the transactions;

¡Not involving Director Johns in the negotiations or discussions leading to the transactions; and

¡Typical of transactions that Protective conducts with other financial institutions.

Director Johns does not have a non-executive employeedirect or indirect material interest in the transactions arising out of Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc. On April 2, 2012,the business relationships between Regions finalized the saleand Protective, and Director Johns has no material relationships with Regions that would impair his exercise of Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc. and related affiliates, to Raymond James International, Inc.

independent judgment as a Director.

 

Mr. Deavenport’s son being a non-executive employee of Regions Bank in the capacity of community banker.

Dr.Director Maupin servingserves as ChairmanChair of the Board of Directors of Regions Community Development Corporation, a non-profit corporation sponsored by Regions, dedicated to providing technical assistance for affordable housing, small business and community development initiatives.

 

Mr. Johns serving as Chairman, PresidentDirectors Cooper and Chief Executive Officer of Protective Life Corporation, a publicly traded life insurance company located in Birmingham, Alabama. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Board of Directors have determined that the relationships between Regions and Protective Life Corporation would not impair Mr. Johns’ independence given that the transactions are deemed not material to Protective in light of its annual income or gross revenues, being less than 0.05% in 2012, and well below 2% of Protective’s consolidated gross revenues, the transactions are deemed not material to Regions in light of its annual income or gross revenues, the transactions were conducted at arms’ length in the ordinary course of business of each party to the transactions, the relationship is deemed not material to Mr. Johns as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Protective, Mr. Johns is deemed not to have a personal stake in the transactions, Mr. Johns was not involved in the negotiations or discussions leading to the transactions, and the transactions are typical of transactions that Protective conducts with other financial institutions.

Mr. Cooper, Mr. Johns and Mr. McCrary alsoHall serve on the board of directors of Alabama Power Company (a subsidiary of The Southern Company), where Mr.Director McCrary is thepreviously served as President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr.Alabama Power’s common stock is not publicly traded. Director Johns and Mr. McCrary also serveserves on the board of directors of Protective Life Corporation, where Mr. Johns isThe Southern Company, the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr.parent company of Alabama Power. C. Dowd Ritter, the father of Regions Executive Officer, William D. Ritter, serves on the board of directors of Alabama Power Company andCompany.

Prior to the February 2015 acquisition of Protective Life Corporation.Corporation, Directors Johns and McCrary served on its board of directors, where Director Johns continues to serve as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. C. Dowd Ritter, the

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father of Regions Executive Officer, William D. Ritter, served on the board of directors of Protective Life Corporation prior to its merger.

Directors Hall and Styslinger also serve on the board of directors of Vulcan Materials Company.

In each case, the Board concluded, in light of the applicable independence standards of the NYSE and the description of relationships and transactions contained in the Corporate Governance Principles, that such relationship would not be considered to impair a Directors’Director’s exercise of independent judgment or compromise the oversight role that an independent Director of Regions is expected to perform, and therefore, presumptively are not material.

Board independence determinations. The Board has affirmatively determined that each Director is an independent Director, other than O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. The following current Directors have been determined by the Board to be independent:

George W. BryanRuth Ann Marshall
Carolyn H. ByrdSusan W. Matlock
David J. Cooper, Sr.John E. Maupin, Jr.
Don DeFossetCharles D. McCrary
Eric C. FastLee J. Styslinger III
John D. Johns

Director Bryan, who has reached Regions’ retirement age, is not standing for re-election this year.

During a portion of 2015, one former Director, James R. Malone, served on the Board. In early 2015, the Board made the determination that Mr. Malone was independent based upon the applicable independence standards of the NYSE; the description of relationships and transactions contained in the Corporate Governance Principles; and the consideration by the Board of all relevant transactions, relationships and arrangements with respect to Mr. Malone.

Additional determinations made by the Board.The Board has also affirmatively determined that all members of the Audit Committee are “independent” and “financially literate.” Additionally, all members of the Audit Committee have banking or related financial management expertise as defined by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991. Finally, each of Directors Bryan, Byrd, Fast, Maupin and Styslinger has accounting or related financial management expertise as described in Section 303A.07 of the NYSE Governance Rules and is an Audit Committee Financial Expert as defined in Item 407(d) of Regulation S-K of the Securities Act. Further, all members of the Audit Committee are independent within the meaning of the independence standards for audit committee members under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2001.

The Board also determined that Director Johns, a member of the Risk Committee, is a Risk Management Expert as defined by Regulation YY that implements certain of the enhanced prudential standards mandated by Section 165 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

Almost 92 percent of Regions’ Directors, as well as all members of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, the NCG Committee, and the Risk Committee, are independent directors within the meaning of the listing standards of the NYSE.

Family Relationships

No immediate family relationship exists between any of our Directors or executive officers and any other Directors or executive officers.

Transactions with Directors

The following chart reflects transactions, as applicable, between Regions and:

(i)our non-management Directors or their immediate family members;

(ii)a company or charitable organization of which the non-management Director or the Director’s immediate family member is, or was during 2015, a partner, officer, employee; or

(iii)a company in which the non-management Director or the Director’s immediate family member holds a significant ownership position.

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All of these transactions were considered by our Board in making the determination with respect to independence.

“Ordinary

Course” Customer
Relationships (1)

Loans or

Extensions
of Credit (2)

Charitable
Contributions (3)

Nonmaterial

Relationships (4)

Family

Relationships (5)

George W. Bryan

NoneNone

Carolyn H. Byrd

NoneNone

David J. Cooper, Sr.

None

Don DeFosset

NoneNoneNoneNone

Eric C. Fast

NoneNoneNoneNoneNone

John D. Johns

None

Ruth Ann Marshall

NoneNoneNone

Susan W. Matlock

NoneNoneNone

John E. Maupin, Jr.

None

Charles D. McCrary

None

Lee J. Styslinger III

NoneNone
(1)“Ordinary Course” customer relationships are transactions or relationships that Regions would enter into on the same terms and conditions with any similarly situated customer.

(2)Includes a loan or extension of credit that was made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with unaffiliated persons, and involve no more than the normal risk of collectability and present no other unfavorable features.

(3)Directors serve solely as a member of the board of directors of a charitable organization to which Regions or its subsidiaries made charitable contributions of less than the greater of $1,000,000 or 2 percent of such organization’s consolidated gross revenues.

(4)Nonmaterial relationships include Director Byrd’s service as a director of Freddie Mac, arm’s-length business relationships with Protective Life Corporation, Director Maupin’s service as Chairman of Regions’ non-profit corporation, Regions Community Development Corporation, and outside Directors’ service on a board of directors (i) where a Regions Director serves or recently served as President and/or Chief Executive Officer and/or (ii) where C. Dowd Ritter, the father of Regions Executive Officer, William D. Ritter, serves on the board of directors, or common service on a board.

(5)No immediate family relationship exists between any of our Directors or executive officers and any other Directors or executive officers.

Other Business Relationships and Transactions

Certain Directors and executive officers and their affiliates, other related persons and their affiliates, and beneficial owners of more than 5 percent of Regions common stock and their affiliates were customers of, and had transactions with, Regions and our subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business during 2015, and additional transactions may be expected to take place in the ordinary course of business. As previously noted, included in such transactions are outstanding loans and commitments from Regions Bank, all of which were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with persons not related to Regions, and did not involve more than the normal risk of collectibility or present other unfavorable features.

Other business relationships. We have entered into other business relationships with entities known to or reasonably believed by us to own more than 5 percent of our common stock. These relationships are in the ordinary course of business and are described below:

BlackRock, Inc. and subsidiaries are the beneficial owners of more than 5 percent of our common stock. On October 14, 2011, Regions entered into an amended and restated agreement (the “BlackRock Agreement”) with BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. (“BlackRock Financial”), a subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”) for BlackRock Financial to provide risk management and advisory services for Regions’ mortgage servicing rights portfolio and their proprietary trading, portfolio management and risk reporting system for Regions’ investment

portfolio. The initial term of the BlackRock Agreement is for five years and upon the expiration of the initial term, the BlackRock Agreement can be renewed for successive 24-month terms unless otherwise terminated. The BlackRock Agreement provides that Regions will pay BlackRock Financial a fee of $2,250,000 per year plus an additional fee depending on the size of the portfolio. The Regions Financial Corporation Retirement Plan had invested approximately $322 million in BlackRock funds as of December 31, 2015 and paid investment management fees of approximately $272,000 in 2015. Trust accounts held at Regions Bank have invested approximately $320.2 million in BlackRock-sponsored marketable securities as of year-end 2015. Regions does not receive any revenue share, fees or commissions for client accounts invested in these securities. Additionally, in 2015, affiliates of BlackRock paid Regions fees and interest on credit facilities of approximately $125,000. These relationships began before BlackRock became the beneficial owner of more than 5 percent of Regions common stock and are expected to continue.

The Vanguard Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (“Vanguard”) are the beneficial owners of more than 5 percent of our common stock. At year-end 2015, trust accounts held at Regions Bank have invested approximately $2 billion in marketable securities issued by Vanguard Group, Inc. (“Vanguard”) entities. Regions does not receive any revenue share, fees or commissions for client accounts invested in these funds. This relationship began before Vanguard became the beneficial owner of more than 5 percent of Regions common stock and is expected to continue.

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State Street Global Advisors and affiliates (“State Street”) are the beneficial owners of more than 5 percent of our common stock. State Street Global Advisors (“State Street”) entities administer rabbi trusts for certain retirement and deferred compensation plans maintained by Regions. Regions pays State Street a nominal monthly administration fee for these services. At year-end 2015, trust accounts held at Regions Bank had approximately $25.8 million invested in marketable securities issued by State Street. Regions does not receive any revenue share, fees or commissions for client accounts invested in these funds. These relationships began before State Street became the beneficial owner of more than 5 percent of Regions common stock and are expected to continue.

FMR LLC and affiliates (“Fidelity”) are the owners of more than 5 percent of Regions common stock. At year-end 2015, trust accounts held at Regions Bank have invested approximately $312.9 million in marketable securities offered by Fidelity

Management & Research Company entities. National Financial Services (“NFS”), a subsidiary of Fidelity, serves as a sub-custodian for marketable mutual fund positions held by trust clients at Regions Bank pursuant to an agreement entered into on June 29, 2007. The duties of the sub-custodian include execution, settlement of mutual fund securities trades, distribution of earned income to clients and transfer of in-kind mutual fund positions to non-Regions entities. In 2015, NFS received net compensation of $615,657 from Regions to provide sub-custodian services. Regions received $1,369,733 from NFS in 2015 from revenue produced from Regions client-held mutual fund positions. Additionally, NFS processes, clears and holds securities transactions for Regions’ broker-dealer subsidiary, at a cost of approximately $125,000 annually pursuant to an agreement entered into on February 6, 2013. These relationships began before Fidelity became the beneficial owner of more than 5 percent of Regions common stock and are expected to continue.

Policies Relating to Transactions with Related Persons and Code of Conduct

Related Person Transactions Policy. The Board has adopted a written policy entitled the “Related Person Transactions Policy.” This policy provides a mechanism for the identification, evaluation and approval or disapproval of significant transactions involving Regions and persons related to Regions.

For purposes of this policy, a “related person transaction” is a transaction, arrangement or relationship (or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships) in which Regions was, is or will be a participant and the amount involved exceeds $120,000 in any fiscal year, and in which any “related person” had, has or will have a direct or indirect material interest. The category of related persons consists generally of Regions’ Directors, nominees and executive officers, any person or entity who is known to be the beneficial owner of more than 5 percent of any class of Regions voting securities, and immediate family members of any of the foregoing persons, and “associated entities” of the foregoing persons.

An “associated entity” of a related person means a firm, corporation, or other organization in which the related person is an executive officer or other executive managerial position. Associated entity also includes a firm, corporation or other organization in which the related person owns a 10 percent or greater equity interest or the related person engages in a transaction or series of transactions with Regions and the related person receives a measurable financial benefit resulting from the transaction(s).

Certain types of transactions are excluded from the category of related person’s transactions and are not subject to this policy even if the amount exceeds $120,000. For example, a related person transaction does not include any transaction that involves services of a public utility at rates or charges fixed in conformity with law or governmental authority.

Each Director and executive officer is required to provide the General Counsel, and periodically update, a list of his or her immediate family members, the affiliated entities of his or her immediate family members, and additional information elicited for administration of this policy. The General Counsel maintains a

master list of related persons and affiliated entities, and distributes it to the heads of or key associates in functional areas of responsibility that include accounts payable, properties, procurement and certain other business groups, which will use the information to identify potential related person transactions in order to effectuate this policy.

Any related person transaction is subject to either advance notification procedures (if identified in advance) or ratification procedures. In either case, the related person must provide to the General Counsel notice of the facts and circumstances of the transaction, including:

the related person’s relationship to Regions and the person’s interest in the transaction;

the significant facts of the potential transaction, including the proposed aggregate value of the transaction without regard to the amount of any profit or loss;

the purpose of, and the benefits to Regions of the potential transaction;

if applicable, the availability of other sources of comparable products or services;

an assessment of whether the potential transaction is on terms that are no less favorable to Regions or are comparable to the terms available to an unrelated third party or to associates generally; and

an assessment of whether the potential related person transaction is consistent with Regions’ Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code of Conduct”).

The General Counsel will assess whether the transaction is subject to this policy. If it is determined that the transaction or relationship does not riseis a related person transaction, it will be submitted to the levelNCG Committee for consideration at the next NCG Committee meeting. If it is not practicable to wait until the next NCG Committee meeting, the transaction is submitted to the NCG Committee’s Chair for prompt consideration.

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The NCG Committee, or its Chair, will consider the relevant facts and circumstances of the related party transaction, including but not limited to:

the benefits to Regions;

the impact on a Director’s independence in the event the related person is a Director, an immediate family member of a Director or an entity in which a Director is a partner, significant stockholder or executive officer;

the availability of other sources for comparable products or services;

the terms of the transaction;

the terms available to unrelated third parties or to associates generally; and

whether the potential related person transaction is consistent with the Code of Conduct.

Any Director or executive officer who is or whose family members or affiliated entities are the subject of the related person transaction is not permitted to participate in the review, consideration or approval of the related person transaction.

The NCG Committee (or its Chair) is authorized to approve or ratify those related person transactions that are in, or are not inconsistent with, the best interests of Regions and its stockholders, and that are consistent with the Code of Conduct, as the NCG Committee or its Chair determines in good faith. Other related person transactions should be disapproved by the NCG Committee (or its Chair) and should not be entered into or continued by Regions. The NCG Committee (or its Chair) will report the decision to the General Counsel, who will report the decision to the appropriate Regions personnel.

This policy also grants the NCG Committee the authority to address situations in which an unauthorized related person transaction subject to this policy is initiated and is subsequently disapproved.

The NCG Committee will annually review and consider any previously approved or ratified related person transaction that remains ongoing.

Regulation O Policies and Procedures. We maintain additional policies and procedures to help ensure our compliance with Regulation O. This regulation imposes various conditions on a bank’s extension of credit to Directors and executive officers. Any extensions of credit must comply with our Regulation O policies and procedures.

As previously discussed, a Director can meet our guidance for independence if the Director or immediate family member has a loan or extension of credit, and that loan was made or credit was extended on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons, and involved no more than the normal risk of collectability and presented no other unfavorable features.

Our Regulation O policies and procedures require that:

Extensions of credit (including interest rates and collateral) to covered individuals or entities must be made on

substantially the same terms as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with those who are not covered.

The covered extension of credit must be made following credit underwriting procedures no less stringent than those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with non-covered individuals or entities. The extension of credit may not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features.

The amount of covered extensions of credit do not exceed individual and aggregate lending limits, depending on the identity of the borrower and the nature of the loan.

Our subsidiary bank, Regions Bank, designates a Regulation O Credit Officer to review extensions of credit to determine our compliance with our policies and procedures. If an extension of credit would result in an aggregate credit extension of more than $500,000 to a covered individual or entity, the board of Regions Bank must approve it. Reports of all extensions of credit made to executive officers under Regulation O are provided to the Regions Bank board.

All loans to Directors and executive officers:

Comply with our Regulation O policies and procedures;

Are made in the ordinary course of business;

Are made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable loans with persons not related to Regions; and

Do not involve more than the normal risk of collectibility or present other unfavorable features.

Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct contains several provisions that also serve to regulate transactions with our associates and Directors and to guide them in avoiding situations that could be viewed as actual or perceived conflicts of interest. For example, the Code of Conduct prohibits activities that could be construed as self-dealing, such as:

Personally extending credit to a non-relative who applied for and was denied credit by Regions;

Representing Regions in a relationship or transaction in which the associate or Director has a family, financial or other material interest;

Representing an entity other than Regions in any transaction with Regions;

Co-signing, acting as power of attorney or otherwise representing a customer (other than an immediate family member) with respect to a Regions account;

Purchasing any property that it could reasonablythe associate or Director understands Regions intends to purchase;

Using Regions’ property or corporate time for personal gain not related to job performance;

Processing of bank transactions by an associate for that associate’s own personal account, for the account of an immediate family member or for an account on which the associate is a signatory; and

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Borrowing from customers, suppliers or other persons or companies that do business with Regions except those that engage in lending in the ordinary course of their business on terms offered others in the normal course of business.

Additionally, under the Code of Conduct, associates or Directors who learn of a business opportunity in the course of their service for Regions cannot appropriate that opportunity for themselves or for others. Instead, the Code of Conduct requires that they allow Regions to take advantage of the opportunity.

Among other things, the Code of Conduct is designed to provide guidance and resources to help ensure, among other matters, that:

Regions and its associates remain in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Regions is a safe and nondiscriminatory place to work and do business.

Confidential and proprietary information is protected.
Inappropriate gifts or favors are not accepted.

Conflicts of interest are avoided.

Any material departure from a provision of the Code of Conduct on behalf of a member of an executive officer, a Director or a Senior Financial Officer (as defined in the paragraph below) may only be deemedwaived by the Board, and any such waiver will be promptly disclosed as required by applicable law, rule or regulation.

Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers. The Senior Financial Officers are bound by the provisions set forth in the Code of Conduct relating to, impairamong other topics, ethical conduct, conflicts of interest and compliance with law. The Board has, however, adopted a separate Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers that supplements the Director’s exerciseCode of Conduct and applies to Regions’ CEO, CFO, and the Principal Accounting Officer and Controller. This Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers may be found on the Investor Relations section of our website at www.regions.com. Regions will disclose any amendments or waivers with respect to its Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers on its website.

Director Attendance

Pursuant to Regions’ Corporate Governance Principles, Directors are expected to attend and participate in all Board meetings and meetings of Committees on which they serve. Directors are expected to be available for consultation with management as requested from time to time.

In 2015, all incumbent Directors attended at least 75 percent of the aggregate number of meetings held by the Board and by Committees of which they were members.

Our current Director attendance for Board and Committee meetings averaged over 96 percent in 2015. In his role as Lead Independent Director, Mr. McCrary attended a majority of the meetings of the Committees of which he is not a member.

Director Attendance at the Annual Meeting

As stated in Regions’ Corporate Governance Principles, Directors are expected to attend all meetings of stockholders. At

the 2015 Annual Meeting, all 12 incumbent Directors attended the meeting in person.

Meetings of Independent Directors

All Directors, and then the independent judgmentDirectors, meet in executive sessions at each regular meeting of the Board, and autonomyhave the opportunity to meet in carrying outexecutive sessions at regularly scheduled conference call meetings held by the Board.

These executive sessions provide the opportunity for discussion of the CEO’s performance, compensation, succession planning,

critical strategic matters and other topics that should, in certain instances, be discussed without management being present.

The independent Directors met in executive session seven times in 2015 with no other attendees present. Mr. McCrary, as the Lead Independent Director, presided over these executive sessions of the independent Directors.

Communications between Stockholders and Other Interested Parties and the Board of Directors

The Corporate Governance Principles adopted by the Board include a mechanism for stockholders and other interested parties to communicate with Directors. The Board believes questions or concerns related to matters such as financial results, strategic direction, executive compensation, corporate governance and general Board oversight, including accounting, internal accounting controls, auditing and other related matters

are appropriately addressed to the Board. Matters that deal with the Company’s general business operations are more appropriately addressed by management.

The Corporate Secretary circulates communications to the appropriate Director or Directors, with the exception of those communications that are of a personal nature or not related to the duties and responsibilities of the Board, including without

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limitation, routine customer service complaints. The Corporate Secretary maintains a Director.log of any such communications not shared with the Board and such log is provided to the Board on a quarterly basis. In addition, Directors may review any communication upon request. Items such as commercial solicitations, opinion survey polls, new product or service suggestions, resumes, job inquiries and mass mailings are not shared with the Board nor maintained in a log.

Stockholders and other interested parties may send communications directed to the Board, a Committee, the

Chairman, the Lead Independent Director, the independent Directors as a group or an individual member of the Board by sending a letter with clear notation as “Board Communication” or “Director Communication” to:

Regions Financial Corporation

c/o Office of the Corporate Secretary

1900 Fifth Avenue North

Birmingham, Alabama 35203

Board’s Role in the Risk Management Process

 

The Board oversees the management of risk primarily through its Risk Committee, with guidance from the Audit Committee on major financial risks, while the Compensation Committee oversees risk as it relates to compensation matters. The Board establishes the foundation for the Company’s risk culture by adopting the Board’s Risk Appetite Statement, which documents the Company’s tolerance for risk. The Risk Appetite Statement is reviewed and approved annually by the Risk Committee. The Risk Committee monitors the Company’s performance to ensure alignment with the tolerance levels articulated in the Risk Appetite Statement. The Risk Committee is responsible for the risk management policies of Regions’ enterprise operations and oversight of the enterprise risk management framework. This includes the policies, procedures, strategies and systems established by management to identify, measure, mitigate, monitor and report major risks, including emerging risks and other enterprise risks, as well as capital planning, management and assessment processes.

In accordance with Regulation YY, the Risk Committee is required to consist of a minimum of three outside members of the Board. Members of the Risk Committee are appointed by the Board based on the recommendation of the NCG Committee and serve at the Board’s discretion. Currently, the Risk Committee consists of six independent Directors, with a least one Director who has experience in identifying, assessing, and managing risk exposures of large, complex financial firms. The Chair of the Risk Committee, as designated by the Board, is required to be a Director who (i) is not an officer or employee of the Company; (ii) has not been an officer or employee of the Company during the previous three years; (iii) is not a member of the immediate family of a person who is, or has been within the last three years, a Regulation O executive officer of the Company; and (iv) is an independent director under Item 407 of SEC Regulation S-K.

The categories of enterprise risks (including emerging risks) overseen by the Risk Committee currently include legal risk, reputational risk, liquidity risk, credit risk, market risk, strategic risk, compliance risk and operational risk. In addition, the Risk Committee approves, at least annually, the contingency funding plan that sets out the Company’s strategies for addressing liquidity needs during liquidity stress events, as well as certain other plans from time to time. The Risk Committee is required to meet at least quarterly or more frequently if it deems necessary and fully document and maintain records of its proceedings, including risk management decisions. The Risk Committee meets, receives and reviews information and regular reports from the Chief Risk Officer (“CRO”) and risk management on at least a quarterly basis, as well as from others from time to time, and

recommends actions and other steps to be taken, as it deems appropriate. In addition, the Risk Committee receives written reports from an independent review function regarding material liquidity risk management, as applicable and permitted by law. In the course of these reviews, the Risk Committee interacts on a regular basis with the CRO, the Chief Credit Officer, the Credit Review Director, and the Internal Audit Director. The Risk Committee is also responsible for ensuring that the compensation of the CRO is consistent with providing an objective assessment of the risks taken by the Company.

The Risk Committee reports to the Board with respect to any notable risk management issues and coordinates with other Board and management level committees as appropriate regarding risk-related issues. In addition, the Risk Committee, along with the CRO, oversees risk management’s responsibilities, budget and staffing. In carrying out its duties, the Risk Committee is authorized to select, retain, terminate and approve fees and other retention terms of independent legal, accounting or other advisors as it deems appropriate, without seeking approval of management or the Board.

The Audit Committee also plays a role in risk management oversight. The Audit Committee reviews the guidelines and policies by which risk management and risk assessments are undertaken with respect to Regions’ major financial exposures. The Audit Committee discusses these major financial exposures with Regions’ management, as well as steps taken to monitor and control such exposures. In addition, the Audit Committee assists and advises the Board in monitoring the integrity of the Company’s financial reporting processes, including matters relating to internal controls over financial reporting. The Audit Committee also has oversight responsibilities for compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, as well as the internal audit function and independent auditor. Furthermore, the Audit Committee reviews any significant report and management response to such report, including any significant instance where business units or risk management personnel have not adhered to the Company’s risk governance framework.

The Compensation Committee also participates in risk management oversight particularly as it relates to compensation risk. The Compensation Committee considers, in establishing and reviewing the Company’s associate and executive compensation programs, whether these programs encourage unnecessary or excessive risk taking that could threaten the value of or have a material adverse effect on Regions and has concluded that they do not. Moreover, in consultation with senior risk officers, the Compensation Committee establishes and

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maintains appropriate processes and procedures and sufficient personnel to manage compensation-related risks. The Compensation Committee, in consultation with management, also oversees regulatory compliance with respect to compensation matters, including any required certification or

reporting requirements under applicable law. Like the Risk Committee, the Compensation Committee also receives information from Regions’ risk management and, in particular, the CRO.

Cybersecurity

At a time when protecting financial institutions from cyber threats is a top priority, Regions continues to fortify its risk management program around cybersecurity.

The Risk Committee of the Board oversees operational risk, which includes information technology activities and related risks, through multiple management oversight committees that specifically focus on information security.

On a regular basis, the Audit Committee of the Board reviews our cyber security risk management, primarily by receiving reports on the Company’s cyber security management program prepared by the Chief Information Security Officer, risk management and internal audit.

Key positions at Regions include:

¡Enterprise Chief Information Officer

¡Chief Information Security Officer

¡Cyber Security and Threat Intelligence Officer

¡Intrusion Detection Officer

¡Vulnerability Management Officer

¡Cyber Risk Management Officer

¡Director of IT Audit

¡International and Cyber Investigation Manager

We have a dedicated Security Operations Center for monitoring and responding to cyber events to protect the information of our customers, associates and the Company.

Regions Information Security Program includes:

¡Multiple layers of security controls as part of our in-depth defense strategy; and

¡Security measures to reliably authenticate customers accessing the Company’s Internet-based services, including multi-factor authentication for high risk systems.

We continuously develop and enhance controls, processes and systems to protect our networks, computers, systems, and data from attacks or unauthorized access. This includes comprehensive due diligence and ongoing oversight of third-party relationships, involving vendors.

We retain a computer forensics firm and an industry-leading consulting firm in case of a breach event.

Regions continuously makes investments in our technology infrastructure.

Regions’ insurance policies have been custom tailored to cover potential financial losses due to cyber breaches.

Regions is a member of the Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center (FS-ISAC), a nonprofit organization funded entirely by its member firms and sponsors. The overall objective of FS-ISAC is to protect the financial services sector against cyber and physical threats and risk. It acts as a trusted third party that provides anonymity to allow members to submit threat, vulnerability and incident information in a non-attributable and trusted manner so information that would normally not be shared is instead provided for the good of the membership.

Regions is also a member of BITS, the technology arm of the Financial Services Roundtable. BITS serves the financial community and its members by providing industry best practices on a variety of security and fraud topics.

Regions leverages a robust management framework to address cyber risk: information security owns the controls, risk management assesses and oversees the risk, and internal audit tests control effectiveness.

The Board consults with outside experts with an expertise in cybersecurity from time to time.

Cybersecurity education and training is regularly provided to our Directors and associates.

Regions’ Information Security group performs ongoing social engineering assessments and engages independent third parties to perform annual network penetration tests.

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Relationship of Compensation Policies and Practices to Risk Management

 

Regions has long adhered to compensation policies and practices that are designed to support a strong risk management culture.

Accordingly, we employ strong and effective corporate governance that includes active oversight and monitoring by the Compensation Committee over our incentive compensation practices.

While we cannot avoid all risk, the successful execution of our strategy requires effective management of the risks we decide todo take. Our risks may be generated from external or internal sources, and may or may not be within our control. We do not attempt to eliminate all risk, but rather identify, understand, assess, monitor and manage the risk. We want our decisions to reflect a defined risk appetite and a moderate risk profile. It is our responsibility to establish an enterprise risk management framework that facilitates risk management for the benefit of our stockholders.

As we describe in our theCompensation Discussion and Analysis (“CD&A”) section, which begins on page 61, we attempt to align how we manage risk with how we compensate associates. The process of limiting risk starts with the Board in setting the risk appetite for the Company and establishing policies and implementing appropriate limits. Strategic business plans are developed for each line of business group and divisionunit of the Company, and these plans recognize and account for the risk tolerances supported by the Board. Compensation policies and plans are then designed and periodically reviewed and revised to ensure that they continue to support the strategic direction for the Company.

Consistent with effective risk management principles, base salaries of associates are competitive and represent a significant portion of the compensation of all associates and, therefore, do not encourage excessive risk taking in order to increase compensation levels. Variable compensation payments are made to many, if not most, associates within the Company, and provide an important tool to motivate associates to excel at executing our business plans. However, variable incentive policies and plans are, by design, are aimed at aligning long-term associate and stockholder interests and, overall, represent a small percentage of total revenue. Compensation decisions also rely on the Compensation Committee’s and management’s discretion to consider other

factors, such as effective risk management, compliance with controls and ethical duties,conduct, competition for top talent, market-based pay levels, and the need to attract, develop, grow, and retain the leadership team.

As further discussed in our Compensation Discussion and Analysis,CD&A, our Compensation Committee continues to monitor the effect changes in the economic environment have on our existing risk management practices. Certain practices and during 2012 made changes to our policies and programs that further support effective risk management. In addition to other controls,established by the Compensation Committee has recently introduced changes that:Company include:

 

StrengthenStrong clawback provisions,

policy;

 

Policy providing guidance to business leadership as to the appropriate use of discretion in compensation decisions;

Prohibit

Policy covering adverse risk events and how we consider those events in making compensation decisions;

Robust compliance, internal control, disclosure review and reporting programs;

Long-term compensation awards that are subject to substantial future performance requirements;

Robust internal governance process covering the administration of our incentive compensation programs; and

Policy that prohibits hedging strategies related to the ownership stakes our key associates have in Regions,

Regions.

Ensure that long-term compensation awards are subject to substantial future performance requirements, and

Strengthen our governance process surrounding the administration of our incentive compensation programs.

As more fully described immediately followingin the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, Regions’CD&A, the Compensation Committee oversees our compensation practices, and meets at least on a periodic and regularan annual basis with Regions’ senior risk officersthe CRO to review incentive compensation arrangements for employeeassociate compensation plans in

order to identify any features that might encourage unnecessary and excessive risk-taking or manipulation of earnings. Based on our approach to enterprise risk management, including the comprehensive risk review and assessment of our incentive compensation plans, our risk assessments for significant businesses and staff functions, and the continued emphasis on incorporating risk mitigating practices and performance requirements within our compensation programs, we believe that the risks arising from our compensation plans, policies, and practices are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

 

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Compensation Consultant Disclosure

 

During

Since 2012, the Compensation Committee of the Boardhas retained Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc. (“Cook & Co.”) to provide independent advice and information regarding the design and implementation of our executive compensation programs. Cook & Co. is a nationally recognized compensation consulting firm that works exclusively for the Compensation Committee. The duties and services provided by Cook & Co. are more fully described in the Compensation Discussion and AnalysisCD&A section of this proxy statement.

It is the Compensation Committee’s view that its compensation consultant and any other advisors should be able to render candid and direct advice independent of management’s influence, and numerous steps have been taken to satisfy this objective. In

Annually, and most recently in December 2012,2015, the Compensation Committee considered the independence of Cook & Co. in light of newcurrent SEC rules and NYSE listing standards. The Compensation Committee requested and received a letter from Cook & Co. addressing the consulting firm’sits independence, including the following factors: (1) 

other services provided to us by the consultant; (2) Cook & Co.;

fees paid by us as a percentage of the consulting firm’sCook & Co.’s total revenue; (3) 

policies or procedures maintained by the consulting firmCook & Co. that are designed to prevent a conflict of interest; (4) 

any business or personal relationships between the individual consultants involved in the engagement and a member of the Compensation Committee; (5) 

any company stockRegions equity securities owned by the individual consultants involved in the engagement; and (6) 

any business or personal relationships between ourRegions’ executive officers and the consulting firmCook & Co. or the individual consultants involved in the engagement.

The Compensation Committee discussed these considerations and concluded that the work of the consultantCook & Co. did not raise any conflict of interest.

 

Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons

The Board has adopted a written policy called the “Related Person Transactions Policy”. This policy provides a mechanism for the identification, evaluation, and approval or disapproval of significant transactions involving Regions and persons related to Regions as described below.

For purposes of the policy, a related person transaction is a transaction, arrangement or relationship (or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships) in which Regions was, is or will be a participant and the amount involved exceeds $120,000 in any fiscal year, and in which any related person had, has or will have a direct or indirect material interest. The category of related persons consists generally of Regions’ Directors, Director nominees and executive officers, any person or entity who is known to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of any class of Regions voting securities, and immediate family members of any of the foregoing persons, and “associated entities” of the foregoing persons. For the purpose of evaluating under the policy whether a related person has an indirect material interest in a transaction, an “associated entity” of a related person means a firm, corporation, or other organization in which the related person holds an executive officer or other executive managerial position, in which the related person owns a 10% or greater equity interest or that engages in a transaction or series of transactions with Regions and the related person receives a measurable financial benefit resulting from the transaction(s). Certain types of transactions are excluded from the category of related persons transactions and are not subject to the policy even if the amount exceeds $120,000. For example, a related person transaction does not include any transaction that involves services of a public utility at rates or charges fixed in conformity with law or governmental authority.

Each Director and executive officer is required to provide the General Counsel, and periodically update, the identification of his or her immediate family members, the affiliated entities of his or her immediate family members, and additional information elicited for administration of the policy. The General Counsel maintains a master list of related persons and affiliated entities, and distributes it to the heads of various units within Regions and to the areas of accounts payable and accounts receivable, who will use the information to identify potential related person transactions and to effectuate the policy.

Any related person transaction is subject to either advance notification procedures (if identified in advance) or ratification procedures. In either case, the related person must provide to the General Counsel notice of the facts and circumstances of the transaction, including: (1) the related person’s relationship to Regions and the person’s interest in the transaction; (2) the significant facts of the potential transaction, including the proposed aggregate value of the transaction without regard to the amount of any profit or loss; (3) the purpose of, and the benefits to Regions of the potential transaction; (4) if applicable, the availability of other sources of comparable products or services; (5) an assessment of whether the potential transaction is on terms that are no less favorable to Regions or are comparable to the terms available to an unrelated third party or to associates generally; and (6) an assessment of whether the potential related person transaction is consistent with the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. The General Counsel will assess whether the transaction is subject to the policy. If it is determined that the transaction is a related person transaction, it will be submitted to the NCG Committee for consideration at the next NCG Committee meeting or, if it is not practicable to wait until the next NCG Committee meeting, to the NCG Committee’s Chairman for prompt consideration.

The NCG Committee, or the Chairman, will consider the relevant facts and circumstances of the related party transaction, including but not limited to: (1) the benefits to Regions; (2) the impact on a Director’s independence in the event the related person is a Director, an immediate family member of a Director or an entity in which a Director is a partner, stockholder or executive officer; (3) the availability of other sources for comparable products or services; (4) the terms of the transaction; (5) the terms available to unrelated third parties or to associates generally; and (6) whether the potential related person transaction is consistent with the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. Any Director or executive officer who is or whose family members or affiliated entities are the subject of the related person transaction is not permitted to participate in the review, consideration or approval of the related person transaction.

The NCG Committee, or its Chairman, is authorized to approve or ratify those related person transactions that are in, or are not inconsistent with, the best interests of Regions and its stockholders, and that are consistent with the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, as the NCG Committee or its Chairman determines in good faith. Other related person transactions should be disapproved by the NCG Committee, or its Chairman, and should not be entered into or continued by Regions. The NCG Committee or its Chairman will report the decision to the General Counsel, who will report the decision to the appropriate Regions personnel.

The policy also grants the NCG Committee the authority to address situations in which a related person transaction subject to the policy is initiated and is disapproved.

The NCG Committee will annually review and consider any previously approved or ratified related person transaction that remains ongoing.

Communications between Stockholders and Other Interested Parties and the Board

The Board has adopted Corporate Governance Principles that address key governance matters of importance, such as Director qualifications and responsibilities, Board committees, Board operations and Director compensation. The Corporate Governance Principles include a mechanism for stockholders and other interested parties to communicate with the Directors. In particular, any interested party who desires to communicate with nonmanagement Directors of Regions may do so by following the instructions provided on the Regions website (www.regions.com) in the Corporate Governance Section of Investor Relations.

Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers

The Board has adopted a Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers that applies to Regions’ chief executive officer, chief financial officer, principal accounting officer and controller. It may be found on the Regions website (www.regions.com) in the Corporate Governance section of Investor Relations. Regions intends to disclose any amendments or waivers with respect to its Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers on its website.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

The Board has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of the Company’s Directors and associates, including our chief executive officer, chief financial officer, principal accounting officer and controller. It may be found on the Regions website (www.regions.com) in the Corporate Governance section of Investor Relations.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 

Directors who served on RegionsRegions’ Compensation Committee at any time during 2012 were:

James R. Malone, Chairman

David J. Cooper, Sr.

Don DeFosset

Eric C. Fast

John D. Johns

Susan W. Matlock

Lee J. Styslinger III

2015 are listed to the right. During 2012,2015, there were no relationships that would create a Compensation Committee interlock as defined under applicable SEC regulations.

Compensation Committee Members During 2015
David J. Cooper, Sr.
Don DeFosset
Ruth Ann Marshall
Susan W. Matlock
Lee J. Styslinger III

Committees of the Board of Directors

Our Board has established four standing committees: an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, an NCG Committee and a Risk Committee. Each of these Committees meet on a regular basis and operate under a written charter approved by the Board. In addition, each standing Committee reviews and reassesses its charter on an annual basis. Moreover, each Committee performs an annual self-evaluation to determine whether such Committee is functioning effectively and fulfilling its duties as prescribed by its charter. Each Committee may form and delegate authority to subcommittees or one or more committee members.

We describe the main responsibilities of the Board’s standing Committees on the following pages. The descriptions of the Committee functions in this proxy statement are qualified by reference to the charters and our relevant By-Law provisions. The charters for these Committees discussed in this section are all available on the Investor Relations section of our website at www.regions.com.

In addition, our By-Laws authorize the Board to create other committees as needed.

Board and Committee Meetings in 2015

The table to the right shows the number of Board and Committee meetings held in 2015. Under our Corporate Governance Principles, Board members are expected to attend and participate in all Board meetings and meetings of Committees on which they serve and to attend all meetings of stockholders.

Each Director attended at least 75 percent of the combined total number of meetings of the Board and all Committees on which the Director served (the threshold for disclosure under SEC rules).

Attendance for current Directors for Board and Committee meetings averaged over 96 percent in 2015.

Number of

Meetings Held

Board of Directors

9

Audit Committee

9

Compensation Committee

7

NCG Committee

5

Risk Committee

7

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Committee Composition

The table below indicates the current members and Chairs of each standing Committee. Each Director serving on one of Regions’ standing four Board Committees has been determined to be independent. Also identified are the Directors who have been determined by our Board to be an Audit Committee Financial Expert, as defined under SEC regulations, and the Risk Committee Risk Management Expert, as defined under Regulation YY.

Cross-Committee membership is a consideration when the NCG Committee recommends Committee member assignments to the

Board. For example, the Chairs of the Audit Committee and the Risk Committee each serve on both Committees. In addition, the Chair of the Compensation Committee serves on the Risk Committee. The Chair of the NCG Committee, who also serves as the Lead Independent Director, attends the majority of all other Committee meetings as well. All independent Directors other than the Lead Independent Director serve on at least two Committees, providing further opportunities for cross-Committee membership.

Audit
Committee
Compensation
Committee
NCG
Committee
Risk
Committee

George W. BryanLOGO

MemberChair

Carolyn H. ByrdLOGO

ChairMember

David J. Cooper, Sr.

MemberMember

Don DeFosset

ChairMember

Eric C. FastLOGO

MemberMember

John D. Johns

MemberMember

Ruth Ann Marshall

MemberMember

Susan W. Matlock

MemberMember

John E. Maupin, Jr.LOGO

MemberMember

Charles D. McCrary *

Chair

Lee J. Styslinger IIILOGO

MemberMember
LOGOAudit Committee Financial Expert

Risk Committee Risk Management Expert

*Lead Independent Director

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Chair

LOGO

Carolyn H. Byrd

Members

LOGO

George W. Bryan

LOGO

Eric C. Fast

LOGO

John E. Maupin, Jr.

LOGO

Lee J. Styslinger III

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee currently consists of Carolyn H. Byrd (Chair), George W. Bryan, Eric C. Fast, John E. Maupin, Jr., and Lee J. Styslinger III. All of these Directors are independent and were selected for membership on the Audit Committee based on the recommendation of the NCG Committee.

The Audit Committee has a written charter that is posted on the Investor Relations section of our website at www.regions.com and is reviewed and approved on an annual basis.

The purpose of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board in monitoring:

(a)Integrity of the Company’s financial statements and the financial reporting process, including matters relating to internal accounting and financial controls;

(b)Independent auditor’s qualifications and independence;

(c)Performance of the Company’s internal audit function and independent auditor; and

(d)Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

The Audit Committee has direct access to and open communication with management and may obtain advice and assistance from internal legal, accounting or other advisors. The Audit Committee is authorized to select, retain, terminate, and approve the fees of independent legal, accounting, or other advisors as it deems appropriate.

Each member of the Audit Committee must be independent and financially literate as defined by the SEC and NYSE regulations. Additionally, at least one member of the Audit Committee must be an Audit Committee Financial Expert as that term is defined by the SEC. Pursuant to the Audit Committee’s written charter, members of the Audit Committee may only serve on two other public company audit committees.

The Audit Committee meets at least quarterly, and more often if deemed necessary or advisable. In 2015, the Audit Committee met seven times, as well as two times jointly with the Risk Committee.

Additionally, pursuant to its charter, the Audit Committee will:

Appoint or replace the independent auditor;

Pre-approve all auditing services, internal control-related services and, subject to certain de minimis exceptions, permitted non-audit services to be performed by the independent auditor;

Discuss with management (i) the Company’s major financial risk exposures and (ii) the steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures;

Review and discuss financial statements and disclosure matters that will be filed with the SEC;

Review and discuss with management non-GAAP information;
Oversee, review and evaluate the Company’s relationship with the independent auditor and the independent auditor’s performance and independence; and

Oversee the Company’s internal audit function.

The Audit Committee serves as a Board-level oversight role. Management is responsible for preparing the Company’s consolidated financial statements, for maintaining internal controls, and for complying with laws and regulations. The independent auditors are responsible for auditing the Company’s consolidated financial statements and internal controls.

The Audit Committee regularly meets with Regions’ internal auditors and Ernst & Young LLP, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their examinations, their evaluations of Regions’ internal accounting and financial reporting controls, and the overall quality of Regions’ financial reporting.

The Audit Committee also must prepare the report required to be included in this proxy statement. The Audit Committee has approved such report, which is on page 59.

Audit Committee Financial Experts

The Board believes that all of the members of the Audit Committee have accounting or related financial management expertise under the rules of the NYSE. Additionally, all members qualify as Audit Committee Financial Experts within the meaning of the rules of the SEC.

In addition, all Audit Committee members are financially literate, as required by NYSE listing standards, and all members meet the additional criteria for independence of audit committee members as set forth in Rule 10A-3(b)(1) under the Exchange Act.

Accounting or Audit-Related Matters

The Audit Committee has established procedures for the receipt, retention and evaluation of complaints and submissions concerning accounting and audit-related matters, the features of which include insulation from management, safeguards for protecting anonymity and confidentiality of associate submissions, alternative methods for submissions, dedication of resources for investigations and the recording and preservation of findings.

The procedures are administered by the Audit Committee and a limited number of individuals in Regions’ corporate security, risk, legal and internal audit areas. Regions has notified its associates that the procedures are in place and how to direct a complaint or submission.

In addition, any interested party may communicate concerns regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters directly to the attention of the Audit Committee as follows:

Regions Financial Corporation

Attention: Audit Committee Chair

c/o Office of the Corporate Secretary

1900 Fifth Avenue North

Birmingham, Alabama 35203

 

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Other TransactionsCompensation Committee

The Compensation Committee currently consists of Don DeFosset (Chair), David J. Cooper, Sr., Ruth Ann Marshall, Susan W. Matlock and Lee J. Styslinger III.

Each member of the Compensation Committee must be independent as defined by the NYSE. Accordingly, all of our Directors who serve on the Compensation Committee are independent, qualify as a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, and satisfy the requirement as an “outside director” for the purposes of IRC Section 162(m).

These Directors were selected for membership on the Compensation Committee based on the recommendation of the NCG Committee. The Compensation Committee has a written charter, which is posted on the Investor Relations section of our website at www.regions.com and is reviewed and approved on an annual basis.

The purpose of the Compensation Committee is to assist the Board in:

(a)Fulfilling its responsibilities relating to the compensation of the executive officers; and

(b)Ensuring that all executive compensation is fair, appropriate, reasonable, and in compliance with all applicable regulations.

The Compensation Committee may retain and obtain the advice of any compensation consultant, outside legal counsel, or any such other advisors as it deems necessary or desirable to assist with the execution of its duties and responsibilities.

The Compensation Committee meets as frequently as deemed necessary, but not less than three times per year. The Compensation Committee met six times, as well as one time jointly with the Risk Committee in 2015.

The Compensation Committee regularly invites certain members of management to its meetings, as it deems appropriate, consistent with the maintenance of the confidentiality of compensation discussions. The CEO does not attend any portion of a meeting where his performance is evaluated or his compensation discussed.

The Compensation Committee has the additional authority and responsibilities relating to compensation matters to:

Approve the Company’s compensation philosophy;

Supervise and monitor the Company’s compensation plans and programs to determine whether they are properly aligned with the Company’s strategic and financial objectives and ensure that such employee compensation plans and programs are supportive of the Company’s Risk Appetite Statement as established by the Board and maintain the appropriate processes and procedures and sufficient personnel to manage compensation-related risks;

Review and approve all Company goals and objectives relevant to the CEO’s compensation and evaluate the CEO’s performance in light of those goals and objectives;
Determine the CEO’s compensation (including base salary, incentive compensation, long-term compensation, executive benefits, and perquisites);

Approve the compensation of the executive officers and such senior officers as the Compensation Committee determines appropriate;

Review and approve any employment agreement, new hire award or new hire payment proposed to be made with any proposed or current executive officer;

Ensure that the compensation and other incentives granted to the CRO are consistent with providing an objective assessment of the risks taken by the Company, in consultation with the Risk Committee;

Review and approve any severance, change-in-control or similar termination agreement, award or payment proposed to be made with any current or former executive officer;

Approve the creation, termination and amendment of executive compensation plans;

Approve any new equity compensation plan or any material change to an existing plan where stockholder approval is not required; and

Review and make recommendations as to the form and amount of Director compensation in connection with the NCG Committee.

The Compensation Committee meets with the CRO at least annually to review incentive compensation arrangements for employee compensation plans in order to identify any features that might encourage unnecessary and excessive risk-taking or manipulation of earnings.

The Compensation Committee also must prepare the report required to be included in this proxy statement. The Compensation Committee has approved such report, which appears on page 78.

Compensation Philosophy

In determining the long-term incentive award component of compensation for the executive officers, the Compensation Committee considers the Company’s performance for the year. The Compensation Committee may also take into consideration such items as relative stockholder return, the award practices of competitive financial institutions, the awards granted in past years, the Compensation Committee’s assessment of the current and expected contribution of the executive officer to the Company’s success, and such other factors as the Compensation Committee considers appropriate.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

During 2015, there were no relationships that would create a Compensation Committee interlock as defined under applicable SEC regulations.

Chair

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Don DeFosset

Members

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David J. Cooper, Sr.

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Ruth Ann Marshall

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Susan W. Matlock

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Lee J. Styslinger III

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  CORPORATE GOVERNANCE  

Chair

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Charles D. McCrary

Members

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David J. Cooper, Sr.

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John D. Johns

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Ruth Ann Marshall

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John E. Maupin, Jr.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

The NCG Committee currently consists of Charles D. McCrary (Chair), David J. Cooper, Sr., John D. Johns, Ruth Ann Marshall, and John E. Maupin, Jr. All of these Directors are independent. The NCG Committee has a written charter, which is posted on the Investor Relations section of our website at www.regions.com and is reviewed and approved on an annual basis.

The primary purpose of the NCG Committee is to assist the Board by:

(a)Identifying individuals qualified to become Board members; and

(b)Establishing and maintaining effective corporate governance policies and practices.

The NCG Committee has direct access to and open communication with management and may obtain advice and assistance from internal legal, accounting or other advisors. The NCG Committee is authorized to select, retain, terminate, and approve the fees of independent legal, accounting, or other advisors as it deems appropriate.

Each member of the NCG Committee must be independent as defined by the SEC and NYSE. In the absence of a non-executive Chairman of the Board, the NCG Committee Chair serves as the Lead Independent Director.

The NCG Committee meets as frequently as deemed necessary, but not less than three times per year. In 2015, the NCG Committee met five times.

The NCG Committee recommends to the Board the Director nominees for each annual meeting, and may recommend the appointment of qualified individuals as Directors between annual meetings.

The NCG Committee oversees and facilitates the annual evaluation of the performance of the Board, all committees and individual Directors.

The NCG Committee annually reviews and recommends any changes to its charter and the charters of the other standing Committees.

Further, the NCG Committee assesses the Board’s leadership structure, recommends the appropriate size of the Board, and makes an annual evaluation of the independence of each Director.

In addition, the NCG Committee will:

Monitor Directors’ service on other boards to ensure that each Director has adequate time to appropriately serve on Regions’ Board;

Make recommendations as to the appropriate stock ownership and compensation of non-employee Directors, in consultation with the Compensation Committee;

Review and assess the Company’s Corporate Governance Principles, Code of Conduct, and Director-Stockholder Engagement Framework;

Oversee the Company’s management succession plan; and

Oversee any amendment to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws. The NCG Committee recommends to the Board the number, identity and responsibilities of Board

committees, including the Chair of each Committee and the membership of each Committee.

The NCG Committee assesses the skills, qualifications and experience of our Directors and each year recommends a slate of nominees to the Board. From time to time, the NCG Committee also evaluates changes to the composition of our Board. In evaluating existing Directors or new candidates, the NCG Committee assesses the needs of the Board and the qualifications of the individual. See the discussion on pages 29 through 35 for more information on each of our current nominees.

In consultation with the Chairman, President and CEO, the NCG Committee evaluates potential new candidates for Board membership, including candidates recommended by stockholders in compliance with procedures set forth in the By-Laws of the Company. Stockholders who wish to nominate Directors at an annual meeting in accordance with the procedures in our By-Laws should follow the instructions in the sectionSubmission of Stockholder Proposals or Nominations for 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on page 91.

The NCG Committee will seek Board members from diverse professional backgrounds who combine a broad spectrum of experience and expertise with a reputation for integrity, such that the Board will maintain an appropriate mix of skills and characteristics to meet the needs of the Company. The NCG Committee and the Board assess the qualifications of nominees based on criteria such as general business knowledge, an understanding of the financial services industry, experience in positions with a high degree of responsibility, leadership positions in the companies or institutions with which they are affiliated, and the contributions they can make to the Board and management.

Nominees are evaluated based on their individual merits, taking into account the Company’s needs and the composition of the Board. Although the Company does not have a formal policy with respect to Board diversity, the NCG Committee actively considers diversity in its recruitment and nomination of individuals for directorship and Board diversity is one component of the Board’s annual self-evaluation. The NCG Committee evaluates diversity in a broad sense, recognizing the benefits of demographic diversity, but also considering the breadth of diverse backgrounds, skills, and experiences that Directors may bring to our Board.

To assist in its identification of qualified Directors, the NCG Committee reviews key qualifications and skills that are described on pages 27 through 29 of this proxy statement.

The NCG Committee may identify potential Directors in a number of ways, including recommendations made by current or former Directors or members of management and through contacts in the business, civic, academic, legal and non-profit communities. When appropriate, the NCG Committee may retain a search firm to identify candidates.

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  CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Risk Committee

The Risk Committee currently consists of George W. Bryan (Chair), Carolyn H. Byrd, Don DeFosset, Eric C. Fast, John D. Johns and Susan W. Matlock. All of these Directors are independent and were selected for membership on the Risk Committee based on the recommendation of the NCG Committee.

The Chair of the Risk Committee, as designated by the Board, is required to be a Director who (i) is not an officer or employee of the Company; (ii) has not been an officer or associate of the Company during the previous three years; (iii) is not a member of the immediate family of a person who is, or has been within the last three years, a Regulation O executive officer of the Company; and (iv) is an independent director under Item 407 of SEC Regulation S-K. The Risk Committee must include at least one Director who has experience in identifying, assessing, and managing risk exposures of large, complex financial firms. Mr. Johns has been determined as the Risk Committee’s Risk Management Expert.

The Risk Committee has a written charter, which is posted on the Investor Relations section of our website at www.regions.com and is reviewed and approved on an annual basis.

The Risk Committee is responsible for: (a) the risk management policies of the Company’s enterprise operations; (b) oversight of the Company’s risk management framework; and (c) the Board’s risk appetite parameters to be used by management to operate the Company.

Generally, Regions’ enterprise risks (including emerging risks) can be categorized as follows: legal risk, reputational risk, liquidity risk, credit risk, market risk, strategic risk, compliance risk and operational risk. The Risk Committee considers risk in relation to the potential for growth and increase in stockholder value.

The Risk Committee met four times, as well as two times jointly with the Audit Committee and one time jointly with the Compensation Committee in 2015. The Risk Committee has direct access to management, with open lines of communication. The Risk Committee meets separately with each of the CRO, Chief Credit Officer, the Credit Review Director, and Internal Audit Director at least quarterly, or more frequently if the Risk Committee deems advisable.

The Risk Committee oversees Regions’ enterprise risk management framework, including policies, procedures, strategies and systems established by management to identify, measure, mitigate, monitor and report major risks, including emerging risks and other enterprise risks.

The Risk Committee reviews and approves the level and nature of risks that Regions is willing to assume and communicates such approval in the form of a measurable Risk Appetite Statement.

The Risk Committee monitors the Company’s performance to ensure alignment with the tolerance levels articulated in the Risk Appetite Statement.

The Risk Committee ensures that the compensation of the CRO is consistent with providing an objective assessment of the risks taken by the Company.

In addition, the Risk Committee approves, at least annually, the contingency funding plan that sets out the Company’s strategies for addressing liquidity needs during liquidity stress events. The Committee will also receive written reports from an independent review function regarding material liquidity risk management.

The Risk Committee also has oversight of the Company’s fiduciary activities, including oversight of trust powers exercised by Regions Bank.

The Risk Committee receives information from the risk management team and other management groups, and advises management on the following items:

Asset and liability management and trading activities;

Compliance with asset/liability policies, limits, activities, and procedures;

Operational risk, including information technology activities;

Risks associated with the Company’s technology infrastructure;

Business continuity planning;

Non-credit losses and credit risk, including the level and adequacy of the allowance for loan and lease losses;

Credit risk rating system;

Significant third-party information technology, vendor and outsourcing arrangements and adherence to policies governing outsourcing arrangements;

Compliance risk, reputational risk, legal risk and strategic risk; and

Market risk, including the oversight of funding activities and liquidity risk.

The Risk Committee has oversight of the Company’s Credit Review function, including approving the appointment of the Credit Review Director and reviewing his or her performance and compensation on an annual basis.

In addition, the Risk Committee has direct access to and open communication with management. The Risk Committee has complete authority to obtain advice and assistance from internal legal, accounting or other internal advisors. In the course of performing its duties and responsibilities, the Risk Committee is also authorized to select, retain, and terminate independent legal, accounting or other advisors as it deems appropriate, without seeking approval of management or the Board.

The Risk Committee coordinates with other Board Committees, as appropriate, concerning risk management matters within the other Committees’ respective areas of responsibility. The Risk Committee makes regular reports to the Board, communicates with the Company’s regulators when appropriate, and performs such other activities that it deems necessary or advisable to fulfill its purpose.

Chair

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George W. Bryan

Members

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Carolyn H. Byrd

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Don DeFosset

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Eric C. Fast

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John D. Johns

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Susan W. Matlock

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PROPOSAL 2 — RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM  

PROPOSAL 2 — RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

What am I voting on?

 

DirectorsYou are voting on a proposal to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year 2016.

The Audit Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and officersoversight of the independent auditor retained by Regions to audit the Company’s financial statements. The Audit Committee has appointed Ernst & Young LLP as Regions’ independent registered public accounting firm (that is, the independent auditor) for the 2016 fiscal year.

Although we are not required to seek stockholder ratification of Ernst & Young LLP’s appointment, the Board believes it is sound corporate governance to do so, and the Board recommends that the stockholders ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP. In the event the appointment is not ratified by our stockholders, it is anticipated that no change in auditors would be made for the current year because of the difficulty and expense of making any change during the current year. The vote results would, however, be considered in connection with the engagement of independent auditors for 2017.

What vote is required to approve this proposal?

Approval of this proposal requires the affirmative “FOR” vote of a majority of the votes cast for or against the proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes have no effect on the vote results.

What does the Board recommend?

The Board unanimously recommends that you vote“FOR” this proposal.

What services are provided by Ernst & Young LLP?

Ernst & Young LLP has been engaged to provide audit, tax and regulatory compliance advisory services. The Audit Committee considered and determined that the engagement by Regions of Ernst & Young LLP for tax and regulatory compliance advisory services does not impair Ernst & Young LLP’s independence.

How much was Ernst & Young LLP paid for 2015 and 2014?

The aggregate fees paid to Ernst & Young LLP by Regions for 2015 and 2014 are set forth in the following table:

    2015   2014 

Audit fees (1)

  $6,303,384    $6,181,738  

Audit related fees (2)

   318,769     485,650  

Tax fees (3)

   71,958     218,062  

All other fees (4)

   133,196     1,738,909  

Total fees

  $6,827,307    $8,624,359  
(1)Audit fees include fees associated with the annual audit of Regions’ consolidated financial statements and internal control over financial reporting, reviews of Regions’ quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, SEC regulatory filings, statutory audits, and audits of subsidiaries.

(2)Audit related fees include fees associated with audits of employee benefit plans and certain non-registered funds, as well as service organizations controls reports.

(3)Tax fees include fees associated with tax compliance services, including the preparation, review and filing of tax returns, tax advice, and tax planning.

(4)All other fees principally include fees associated with advisory services related to regulatory compliance reporting.

The Audit Committee is responsible for the audit fee negotiations associated with the Company’s retention of Ernst & Young LLP, In accordance with the Audit Committee Charter, the Audit Committee must pre-approve any engagement of Ernst & Young LLP for audit

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  PROPOSAL 2 — RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

or, subject to certain de minimis exceptions, non-audit services on a case by case basis. The Audit Committee has delegated to its Chair the authority to pre-approve permissible non-audit services. Any such approval of non-audit services pursuant to this delegation of the full Audit Committee’s authority must be presented to the Audit Committee at its next regular meeting for ratification.

Will a representative of Ernst & Young LLP be present at the meeting?

Ernst & Young LLP served as Regions’ independent auditors for the year ended December 31, 2015, and a representative of the firm will be present at the annual meeting to make a statement if he or she so desires and to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders.

How long has Ernst & Young LLP been Regions’ independent auditor?

Ernst & Young LLP (or its predecessors) has served as Regions’ independent auditors continuously since 1971.

A new lead audit partner is designated at least every five years to provide a fresh perspective. Consistent with this practice, a new lead audit partner was designated for 2013. The Audit Committee and its Chair will be directly involved in the selection of a new lead audit partner upon rotation.

In order to assure continuing auditor independence, the Audit Committee periodically considers whether there should be a rotation of the independent external audit firm. In determining whether to reappoint the independent auditor, the Audit Committee considers the independent auditor’s qualifications, its independence and the length of time the firm has been engaged, in addition to considering the quality of the work performed by the independent auditor and an assessment of the past performance of both the lead audit partner and Ernst & Young LLP.

The Audit Committee and the Board believe that the continued retention of Ernst & Young LLP to serve as Regions’ independent auditors is in the best interest of Regions and beneficial owners of more than 5% of Regions common stock and their associates were customers of, and had transactions with, Regions and our subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business during 2012 and additional transactions may be expected to take place in the ordinary course of business. Included in such transactions are outstanding loans and commitments from Regions Bank, all of which were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with persons not related to the lender, and did not involve more than the normal risk of collectibility or present other unfavorable features.its stockholders.

 

Director James R. Malone is and has been a principal of financial and business restructuring and consulting firms. Through his association with these firms, Mr. Malone has occasionally served as an executive officer of companies that retain the firm to assist in their financial restructuring, and as part of the restructuring strategy some of these companies file for bankruptcy. Regions does not believe that Mr. Malone’s service as an executive officer with such companies, which arises solely because of his affiliation with the consulting firms, is material to an evaluation of the ability or integrity of Mr. Malone to serve as a Director of Regions.58LOGO   ï   2016 Proxy Statement


AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT  

 

C. Dowd Ritter is the fatherAUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

The consolidated balance sheets of Regions executive officer, William D. Ritter. At the request of Regions on February 22, 2010, C. Dowd Ritter agreed to provide consulting services to Regions for up to five years following his March 31, 2010 retirement as Chief Executive Officer and as a member of Regions’ Board of Directors. In addition to providing the consulting services, Mr. Ritter agreed not to compete with Regions or to solicit any employees of Regions for the duration of the consulting term. Under the consulting agreement, Regions agreed to pay Mr. Ritter fees in the amount of $475,000 for the first year of the consulting term, with fees being reduced annually over the consulting term to $100,000 for the final year of the term.

BlackRock, Inc. and subsidiaries (“BlackRock”) are the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our common stock. In October 2011, Regions entered into an amended and restated agreement (the “BlackRock Agreement”) with BlackRock Financial Management, Inc., a subsidiary of BlackRock, for BlackRock to provide risk management and advisory services for Regions mortgage servicing rights portfolio and their proprietary trading, portfolio management and risk reporting system for Regions investment portfolio. The BlackRock Agreement provides that Regions will pay BlackRock Financial a fee of $2,250,000 per year plus an additional fee depending on the size of the portfolio. Regions paid BlackRock Financial $2,433,476 in 2012. The Regions Financial Corporation Retirement Plan had invested $208 million in BlackRock Fundsand its subsidiaries as of December 31, 20122015 and paid investment management fees2014, and the related consolidated statements of $192,601operations, other comprehensive income (loss), changes in 2012. Trust accounts held at Regions Bank have invested approximately $288.6 million in BlackRock sponsored securities. Additionally, in 2012, affiliates of BlackRock paid Regions feesstockholders’ equity, and interest on credit facilities of approximately $683,770. These relationships began before BlackRock became the beneficial owner of more than 5% of Regions’ common stock and are expected to continue.

The Vanguard Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (“Vanguard”) are the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our common stock. Trust accounts held at Regions Bank have invested approximately $608 million in mutual funds offered by Vanguard Group entities. Regions does not receive any revenue share, fees or commissions for client accounts invested in these funds. This relationship began before Vanguard became the beneficial owner of more than 5% of Regions’ common stock and is expected to continue.

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

Regions’ audited financial statements as of andcash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012,2015, are included in RegionsRegions’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 20122015 fiscal year. Regions, acting through its management and Board of Directors, has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process, including the systems of internal accounting controls. Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors engaged by Regions, are responsible for planning and conducting the annual audit, for expressing an opinion on the conformity of Regions’ audited financial statements with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and for annually auditing the effectiveness of Regions’ internal controls over financial reporting.

The Audit Committee oversees Regions’ financial reporting process on behalf of the Board of Directors. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with RegionsRegions’ management, including a discussion of the quality, not just the acceptability, of the accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments, the clarity of disclosures in the financial statements, the analysis of financial condition and results of operations, and the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting.

The Audit Committee has reviewed with Ernst & Young LLP their judgments as to the quality, not just the acceptability, of RegionsRegions’ accounting principles and such other matters as are required to

be discussed with the Audit Committee under auditing standards generally accepted in the United States, including the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended (AICPA,Professional Standards, Vol. 1 AU Section 380), as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3200T.

Board’s Auditing Standard No. 16,Communications with Audit Committees.

The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from Ernst & Young LLP required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding Ernst & Young’sYoung LLP’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and has discussed with Ernst & Young LLP their independence in relation to Regions.

The Audit Committee has discussed with Regions’ internal auditors and Ernst & Young LLP the overall scope and plans for their respective audits. The Audit Committee regularly meets with Regions’ internal auditors and Ernst & Young LLP, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their examinations, their evaluations of Regions’ internal accounting and financial reporting controls, and the overall quality of Regions’ financial reporting.

In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, and subject to the limitations on the role and responsibilities of the Audit Committee referred to above and in the Audit Committee Charter, the Audit Committee approvedrecommended that the Board approve including the audited financial statements in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012,2015, for filing with the SEC.

 

Submitted by the Audit Committee:

John R. Roberts, Chairman

Carolyn H. Byrd, Chair

Don DeFossetGeorge W. Bryan

Ruth Ann MarshallEric C. Fast

Charles D. McCraryJohn E. Maupin, Jr.

Lee J. Styslinger III

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  PROPOSAL 3 — NONBINDING STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION (“SAY-ON-PAY”)

PROPOSAL 3 — NONBINDING STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION (“SAY-ON-PAY”)

What am I voting on?

The Board is providing stockholders with the opportunity at the 2016 Annual Meeting to cast an advisory vote on the Company’s executive compensation paid to named executive officers (“NEOs”) described in theCompensation Discussion and Analysis(“CD&A”), the compensation tables, and related disclosures, as required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank Act”) and Section 14A of the Exchange Act. This proposal is known as a “Say-on-Pay” proposal.

At the 2012 Annual Meeting, the Company asked stockholders to recommend how often they should be given the opportunity to cast this “Say-on-Pay” advisory vote on executive compensation. The stockholders overwhelmingly voted in favor of an annual advisory vote, and the Board affirmed the recommendation and has currently elected to hold future “Say-on-Pay” advisory votes on an annual basis. The stockholders will again be asked to vote on how frequently we should hold the “Say-on-Pay” vote at our 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

This proposal gives you, as a stockholder, the opportunity to vote for or against the following resolution:

“RESOLVED, that the stockholders of Regions Financial Corporation (the ‘Company’) approve the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables and the narrative discussion described in the Company’s 2016 Proxy Statement.”

Because your vote is advisory, it will not be binding upon the Company, the Board or the Compensation Committee and may not be construed as overruling any decision by the Board or the Compensation Committee. The Board and the Compensation Committee, however, value our stockholders’ views on executive compensation matters and will take the outcome of the vote into account when considering future executive compensation arrangements for NEOs.

Prior to submitting your vote, we encourage you to carefully review the CD&A and theCompensation of Executive Officers sections of this proxy statement for a detailed discussion of the Company’s executive compensation program, including information about the 2015 compensation of our NEOs.

Our overall executive compensation policies and procedures are described in the CD&A and the tabular disclosure regarding NEO compensation (together with the accompanying narrative disclosure) of this proxy statement. Our compensation policies and procedures are centered on a “pay-for-performance” culture. We emphasize compensation opportunities that reward results. Our stock ownership requirements and use of stock-based incentives foster the creation of long-term value. In doing so, our executive compensation program supports our strategic objectives and mission and is strongly aligned with the short- and long-term interests of our stockholders, as described in the CD&A.

The Compensation Committee, which is comprised entirely of independent Directors, in consultation with Cook & Co., its independent compensation consultant, oversees the Company’s executive compensation program and continuously monitors the Company’s policies to ensure they emphasize programs that reward executives for results that are consistent with stockholder interests and with the safety and soundness of the Company.

The Board and the Compensation Committee believe that Regions’ commitment to these reasonable and responsible compensation practices warrants a vote by stockholders “FOR” the resolution approving the compensation of our NEOs as disclosed in this 2016 Proxy Statement.

What vote is required to approve this proposal?

Approval of this proposal requires the affirmative “FOR” vote of a majority of the votes cast for or against the proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes have no effect on the vote results.

What does the Board recommend?

The Board unanimously recommends that you vote“FOR” the advisory approval of the compensation of the Company’s NEOs.

What is the effect of this resolution?

Because your vote is advisory, it will not be binding upon the Company, the Compensation Committee or the Board. The Board and the Compensation Committee, however, value our stockholders’ views on executive compensation matters and will take the outcome of the vote into account when considering future executive compensation arrangements for NEOs.

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Executive Summary ofHow Pay is Tied to Company Performance

 

2012 was a year of transformation for Regions as we achieved a number of milestones through the successful execution of our capital and business plans. Most importantly we returned to sustainable profitability along with several other key initiatives. We completed the divesture of Morgan Keegan, raised $900 million in new equity capital and $500 million in preferred stock, redeemed the preferred stock issued to the U.S. Treasury and repurchased the related warrants. These actions further strengthened our capital position and allowed us to continue to focus on the fundamentals of the business and the earning power of the franchise. As a result, we continued to carry out our three year strategic plan, simplifying and streamlining the Company, focusing on rebuilding long-term sustainable profitability, and executing our customer-driven strategy.

Recognizing that maintaining a strong franchise capable of sustained profitability and continued growth requires a focused and committed team of associates, we also added a new important element to our priorities. We want to build the best team in the industry and are committed to ensuring that we recruit and retain talented and engaged associates across our footprint. Incorporating a new strategic priority to “Build the Best Team” is a way to formalize what we have always considered a top priority and is an integrated approach to our organizational development.

Achievements with respect to our strategic initiatives in 2012 both reaffirm our positive momentum and provide a solid foundation for future growth:

 

Strengthen Financial Performance

Net income from continuing operations available to common stockholders increased to $1.05 billion for 2012 as compared to $211 million (excluding goodwill impairment and regulatory charge-related income tax benefit) in 2011.1

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1Non-GAAP measure for 2011; See Regions’ Annual Report on Form 10-K forThroughout the year ended December 31, 2012 at page 55 (Table 2) for GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliation.

Earnings per common share (EPS) increased by 347% to $0.76 in 2012 from $0.17 in 2011.2

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Our stock price increased from $4.30 per share as of December 31, 2011 to $7.13 per share as of December 31, 2012, an increase of 66%.

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An upgrade to investment grade was received from Standard & Poor’s for the Company and from Moody’s for Regions Bank.

We repaid our TARP investment on April 4, 2012.

Adjusted Non-interest expense (non-GAAP) decreased $61 million or 2% over the prior period.3

Focus on the Customer

Retail customer service performance as measured by Gallup was reported in the 88th percentile while our brand loyalty was reported in the top decile of all companies included.

Regions placed in the top five among large peer banks in the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Retail Satisfaction study.

The J.D. Power and Associates U.S. Mortgage Primary Mortgage Servicer Satisfaction study ranked Regions as second among all mortgage service providers in 2012.

2Non-GAAP measure for 2011; See attached Appendix B to this proxy statement for a GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliation.
3Non-GAAP measure; See Regions’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 at page 55 (Table 2) for GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliation.

Enhance Risk Management

Criticized loans4 declined 26% in 2012 from $7.5 billion to $5.5 billion.

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Non-performing assets (“NPAs”) declined by $1.1 billion or 36% in 2012.

Regions’ allowance to loans ratio was 2.59% at year-end and was the strongest in our peer group.

Build the Best Team

Made strategic hires enabling the Company to execute on our strategy to re-enter several key product areas including credit card, indirect lending and brokerage services.

All associates were asked to tell us how they feel about working at Regions. Associates responded and every manager received training on how to measure, understand, and drive associate engagement with their teams.

Leadership development programs were refined to create a tighter alignment with annual talent reviews and development plans. We now have an integrated approach to leadership development that enables us to provide development experience for leaders at all levels—from emerging leaders to our most senior leaders in the bank.

Compensation programs were redesigned to better align rewards with superior performance in keeping with our strategy of attracting, retaining, and motivating a highly qualified and performance-driven workforce.

In summary, we believe Regions is a much stronger franchise at the end of 2012 as a result of strong leadership and a clear path to building sustainable performance. Although recovery and rebuilding do take time, our strategies and business plans are working as demonstrated by the progress we have made in sustaining profitability moving forward.

4See attached Appendix B to this proxy statement for detail.

Compensation Philosophy and Decision Highlights

As noted in the “Executive Summary of Company Performance”, substantial improvements were seen in 2012, and the compensation of our executive team reflects those improvements. One of the key messages of the decisions made in 2012 is a return to a more performance-based compensation program for the Named Executive Officers (“NEOs”). The following pages, provide a detailed description ofwe describe our executive compensation philosophy and programs, the compensation decisions we made under those programs, and the factors considered in making those decisions. This 2015. In thisCompensation Discussion and Analysis focuses (“CD&A”), we focus on the compensation of our NEOsNamed Executive Officers (“NEOs”) for 2012 who were:2015:

 

Name

  

Principal Position

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

  Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”)

David J. Turner, Jr.

  Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”)

John B. Owen

  Head of Lines of BusinessRegional Banking Group

David B. EdmondsC. Matthew Lusco

  Chief AdministrativeRisk Officer (“CRO”)

Fournier J. Gale, III

  General Counsel

One of the central principles of our executive compensation program is tying pay to Company performance. The proxy summary on page 4 more fully describes our performance and the progress we made in executing on our strategic plan. Although we saw a number of quantitative financial improvements as well as qualitative strategic successes for the year, our overall performance fell short of our high expectations and our pay programs reflect those results. Total compensation paid to our CEO fell by 25 percent from $14.4 million for 2014 to $10.8 million for 2015. Average total compensation for our other NEOs also fell by 25 percent.

 

The following table summarizes the key components of compensation paid and awards granted in 2015 and the impact of Company performance on compensation to our NEOs:

Compensation ComponentImpact of Performance
2015 Base SalariesAt the onset of 2015, recognizing the challenging operating environment, the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Committee”) elected not to grant any base salary increases to our NEOs.
Target 2015 Incentive Compensation AwardsNo increases in target compensation under our short- or long-term incentive plans were approved except in one instance where competitive market analysis demonstrated a target pay level substantially below that of our peers. Our CRO was granted an increase in the long-term incentive portion of pay, making receipt of that pay subject to deferral, at risk, and variable based on future performance of the Company.
Actual Payout of 2015 Short-Term IncentivesPerformance expectations under our short-term (annual) incentive plan were raised over the previous year and as a result of our financial performance against increased targets, payouts of 2015 annual incentives were below target as well as below payout levels for 2014.
Payout of 2013 Long Term IncentivesThe long-term incentive grants made in 2013 for the performance period ending December 31, 2015 paid out at 75 percent of target based on our performance over the 3-year period.

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  COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Summary of our Pay for Performance Decisions for 2015

Below is a graphic presentation of our 2015 pay elements and decisions discussed throughout the CD&A. Detailed discussions of each of these elements can be found in the Section entitled “2015 Compensation Decisions — What We Paid and Why” beginning on page 66.

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Overall, while our 2015 performance did not meet our high expectations, we demonstrated continued progress in core operating measures despite a challenging operating environment. With a rigorous focus on the fundamentals of expense management, prudent loan growth, business development, and selective investments in people, processes and technology, we believe we are well positioned to deliver long-term growth and continue to build stockholder value in 2016 and beyond.

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

Our compensation and benefit programs operate under the guidance and oversight of the Committee. The Committee (the “Committee”) believesis responsible to the Board for approving Regions’ executive compensation objectives and ensuring that the primary purposecompensation programs and policies of the Company support the business goals and strategic plans approved by the Board including a well-designedcommitment to a strong risk management culture. We operate in a highly competitive and highly regulated environment. As a result, our ability to successfully compete and grow our business critically depends on the skill, acumen, and motivation of our executives. Our executive team must develop and execute a dynamic strategic plan. To that end, our executive compensation program is toprograms must be driven by a pay philosophy designed to: (1) attract motivate and retain talented executives who can leadthe key talent necessary to compete; (2) incentivize that talent with a strong pay for performance culture to achieve desired results; and (3) ensure that the long-term health of the Company in achieving strategic objectives that increase stockholder value as well as protect the safetyis not sacrificed due to imprudent short-term decisions or excessive risk taking. This section discusses how we look at compensation and soundnessmake our decisions.

Our philosophy and decisions are founded on a set of the Company. The compensation philosophies adopted by the Committee and how our pay decisions relate to these philosophies are reflected in the following highlights:five core guiding principles:

 

 1.

Compensation targets should be set at competitive levels—In order to attract, motivate and retain highly capable individuals at Regions, we strive to design our compensation programs so that they are competitive with other financial institutions in both their design and in the total compensation opportunity they offer. We have generally targeted compensation levels to approximately the 50th percentile level of regional bank peers and other nationwide financial institution comparisons, with variations to those targets being determined based on Regions unique need for talent from time to time as well as individual and institutional performance, experience and other individual factors. Although our philosophy is to target the 50th percentile, during the period of our TARP participation, the Committee purposely set the pay levels for our NEOs below the 50th percentile. After our repayment of TARP, the Committee evaluated the targets and adjustments were made. After adjustments, the resulting target levels of total compensation are again within a competitive range of the 50th percentile level as reported by peers and other industry competitors.

levels.

 

 2.Actual compensation levels should be related to performance, with incentive, or “at risk”at-risk compensation, playing a greater role in the total compensation for more senior and/or more highly compensated associates—Regions is committed to providing superior compensation in return for superior performance and will provide below market compensation for below market or unjustifiably risky performance. While our programs were still subject to the restraints of TARP, our ability to base our compensation decisions on performance were limited. After our repayment of TARP, the Committee took the following actions to return to a more robust and “at risk” compensation program:officers.

We eliminated the TARP-related form of fixed compensation referred to as salary stock which reduced the level of compensation that is fixed, fully vested and not subject to operational performance;

We re-established a short-term cash incentive program providing robust performance requirements for the portion of the year not covered by the TARP limitations on compensation; and

We reintroduced performance-based grants under our long-term incentive plan, including robust targets on both an absolute and relative basis.

The changes to our programs in 2012 result in over 64% of the total compensation target for our CEO being variable based on performance and over 63% deferred and vested in the future subject to the long-term performance of the Company as reflected in the following chart:

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 3.Compensation should be aligned with the long-term interests of stockholders and consistent with the safety and soundness of the Company—Recognizing that the ultimate success of Regions is measured by the long-term value created for our stockholders, compensation programs are intended to be aligned with these interests and consistent with the safety and soundness of the Company. Goals and performance metrics are set so that no compensation plan inappropriately encourages short-term results at the expense of the long-term success of the Company, and improvements in our plans, policies and processes continue to be made. In accordance with these goals, we have recently:

Made long-term grants to each of our executive officers which make up a substantial portion of target compensation. These grants consist of an equal mix of Restricted Stock Units, Performance Stock Units and Performance Units payable in cash;

Amended the stock ownership guidelines to provide mandatory retention requirements for stock received as a part of compensation plans until such time the required minimum stock ownership levels are met; and

Strengthened our policies with respect to trading practices barring executives from employing investment hedging strategies with respect to Regions stock that they own, and also prohibiting future pledging of Regions stock as collateral for any loan.

 

 4.

Compensation programs and levels should not encourage associates to take unreasonable risks that may damage the long-term value of the Company—Providing for the safety and soundness of the Company is a key principle of Regions’ compensation philosophy. Incentive compensation arrangements should discourage associates from taking imprudent risks that are inconsistent with safety

Company.

and soundness. Compensation plan design should appropriately balance financial results and risks, taking into account the full range of risks including credit, market, liquidity, operational, legal, reputational, regulatory and compliance risks as well as the likelihood and timeliness of earnings or profits. In furtherance of this principle, the Committee took several steps to enhance our emphasis on strong risk management principles including:

The introduction of risk modifiers in our short-term incentive plan;

The adoption of strengthened clawback policies relating to the recoupment of incentive compensation in the event of materially inaccurate financial results and/or misconduct;

The incorporation in our plans of performance metrics that allow for sound business judgment and discretion on behalf of the Committee when evaluating performance; and

The inclusion in both our short-term and long-term incentive plans of an appropriate mix of both absolute and relative performance measures.

 

 5.Compensation programs should align with our corporate valuesvalues.

In addition to these broad principles, the Committee has also adopted a number of key practices that we believe are consistent with our philosophy and our commitment to excellence in corporate governance. Likewise, the Committee has made the decision to refrain from certain compensation and employment practices as they are not consistent with our philosophy and goals. The following details some of these decisions:

What We Do

ü

Pay for Performance (pages 66-71)The designmajority of executive pay is not guaranteed. For example, more than 86 percent of our CEO’s compensation is performance-based with 78 percent of that pay subject to deferral and administrationfuture performance conditions.

ü

Evaluate Performance Using a Combination of Regions’Balanced Performance Metrics (pages 66-71)We evaluate corporate performance in our annual incentive plans using a number of diverse performance metrics. Using a variety of metrics helps ensure that no single measure can inappropriately impact the level of compensation we pay. We evaluate our performance compared to internal expectations, budgets and plans, but we also balance that evaluation with the results of our performance on a relative basis as compared to other similar financial institutions. Plans also include a degree of discretion allowing for the exercise of sound business judgment by the Committee when assessing performance and corresponding pay decisions.

ü

Require Strong Stock Ownership and Retention of Equity (pages 75-76)Our stock ownership guidelines are robust, and each of our NEOs either meets the ownership requirement or has a strong ownership stake in the Company and is in compliance with the required retention provisions of our guidelines.

ü

Provide for a Strong Clawback Policy (pages 74-75)In the event previously paid compensation is determined to be based on materially inaccurate performance metrics, or it is determined an executive has engaged in excessively risky or other detrimental conduct, the Committee has wide latitude to cancel or otherwise reduce any current or future compensation as well as potentially recapture compensation that has already been paid if determined to be in the best interests of the Company and our stockholders.

ü

Require Double Trigger Change-in-Control Provisions (pages 76-77)Our change-in-control agreements as well as our long-term incentive awards require both a change-in-control and termination of employment to trigger vesting and/or payment.

ü

Use an Independent Compensation Consultant (page 73)Our compensation consultant has been determined to be independent under the SEC and NYSE guidelines.

ü

��Listen to and Engage with Our Stockholders (pages 65 and 74)We conduct an annual advisory Say-on-Pay vote, as recommended by our stockholders, and actively review the results of these votes as we make program decisions. In addition, as a part of our stockholder engagement program, we solicit feedback regarding our compensation programs from our largest investors and consider any stockholder feedback we receive. In 2015, stockholders voiced substantial support for our executive compensation plans and programs, willwith more than 96 percent of votes cast approving such plans and programs.

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  COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

What We Don’t Do

X

No Incentive Plans that Encourage Excessive Risk Taking

Protecting against undue risk is a central pillar of our compensation philosophy and is demonstrated in numerous ways, including our balanced program design, the use of multiple and competing performance measures, the adoption of a clawback and other enterprise wide risk-related policies, as well as robust governance and oversight processes to identify, monitor, mitigate, and manage risk. We do not believe that any of our compensation programs create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse impact on the Company, as validated through our comprehensive risk assessment of incentive-based compensation plans.
X

No Employment Agreements for Executive Officers

Our executive officers are at-will employees with no employment contracts.
XNo Tax Gross-Ups on PerquisitesWe do not provide tax gross-ups to our NEOs for any taxable perquisites provided to them. In addition since 2011, we have not entered into any new agreements that permit excise tax gross-ups on change-in-control payments.
X

No Repricing of Underwater Options

We do not reprice stock options that are out-of-the-money.
X

No Hedging, Pledging or Short Sales

We do not permit our associates or Directors to hedge or short-sell Regions securities. Additionally, our Directors and executive officers are prohibited from pledging Regions securities.
X

No Dividends or Dividend Equivalents on Unearned Grants

We do not pay dividends or dividend equivalents on shares or units that are not earned. We issue dividend and dividend equivalent payments at the end of a performance period only on shares and units that ultimately vest.
XNo Excessive PerksThe Committee has eliminated most perks, and those we continue to provide are monitored to ensure they continue to be guidedbased on sound business rationale.

Compensation-Setting Process and Time-Line

The Committee has designed a balanced compensation program that provides competitive fixed base compensation, as well as incentive compensation opportunities for performance over the short- and long-term. The incentive program rewards achievement against measurable goals and qualitative objectives as compared to expectations for our own performance and also on a relative basis as measured against the performance of other similar financial institutions. In making our decisions each year, the Committee must be thoughtful about program design. An objective evaluation of performance based on business results is critical, and the Committee focuses on the results achieved by the executive team. Equally important, however, is the ability of the Committee to apply discretion, flexibility and judgment in the decision making process in order to ensure executive

compensation is balanced between near-term performance and progress toward our longer-term objectives.

The Committee considers market competitive pay and practices in establishing our target pay levels, and we make use of formulaic determinations, as well as discretionary decisions in determining the actual compensation paid for the year.

The following charts illustrate elements of our compensation program and processes the Committee follows in making decisions. The program uses a mix of fixed and variable compensation elements that provides alignment to the core guiding principles noted above. The large majority of compensation is performance based measuring both corporate and individual performance.

1. Review Competitiveness and Business Objectives

Prior to the start of each calendar year, the Committee focuses on two areas related to upcoming compensation decisions:

Review of Market Competitiveness of Pay

Review of Potential Plan Changes, Business Plans,

Budgets and supportiveExpected Results

The Committee evaluates the market competitiveness of compensation for each of our executive officers in order to guide target compensation decisions for the coming year. With the assistance of its independent compensation consultant, the Committee reviews the compensation of our executive officers against that of the Company’s valuescompensation peer group, as well as the financial services industry in general.

The Committee begins its discussions about plan design for the coming year. Potential plan changes are discussed based on previous effectiveness evaluations. In addition, members of the executive management team advise the Board with respect to business plans, business risks, expected financial results and commitmentstockholder return expectations of the Company. The Committee uses these discussions to integrityfacilitate the goal setting process for both our short- and accountability. We strive for clarity and transparency in our structure, and we share the concerns of those who believe that today’slong-term performance based compensation programs are complex and can be difficult to understand.plans.

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  

 

We also try to understand the compensation concerns of all of our constituents including proxy advisory firms, as many of our stockholders consider their recommendations when evaluating the decision to invest in Regions. Additionally, as a bank holding company, we also comply with various regulatory requirements. In support of these principles, we note the following:

 

Stockholders voiced substantial support for our executive2. Set Pay Levels and Targets

During the first quarter of the year, the Committee generally takes action on current compensation by targeting pay levels, as well as the performance requirements, executives must achieve in 2012, with more than 96% of votes cast votingorder to approve the advisory “Say on Pay” vote;receive performance-based pay elements:

Set Competitive Target Pay Levels

Establish Incentive Plan Metrics, Targets and

Other Requirements

Based on the competitive data previously reviewed and the recommendations of the independent compensation consultant (and the CEO, when appropriate for executive officers other than himself), the Committee establishes the target pay levels for each executive officer. In establishing these targets, the Committee generally sets expected pay levels at or near the 50th percentile of a competitive set of peer organizations.

From time to time, the Committee may set one or more components of compensation for an executive at a level above or below the 50th percentile if it is determined to be appropriate due to either the experience or performance of an individual executive or the needs or specific circumstances of the Company.

Based on previous discussions and presentations to the Committee and the full Board, the Committee reviews previously approved business plans and sets performance targets for both short- and long-term performance plans.

The Committee generally requires budgeted performance levels be achieved for target payout levels to be paid. Corporate performance is modeled based on adverse and extraordinarily positive performance scenarios. Meaningful threshold and maximum performance levels are also set so that executive officers are appropriately incented to achieve results while not being incented to take excessive risk in order to achieve compensation payments.

 

The Board3. Assess Risks and Stakeholder Feedback

During the second and third quarters of Directors electedthe year, the Committee focuses on internal performance assessments, risk assessments of compensation, audits of pay practices, pay for performance evaluations, as well as stockholder and other stakeholder feedback related to include this advisory “Say on Pay” vote on an annual basis as recommended by stockholders;compensation practices:

Internal Assessments

External Feedback Reviews

The Committee holds a joint meeting with the Risk Committee of the Board. During this Committee meeting, both Committees review a comprehensive risk analysis of incentive compensation plans presented by the CRO. The risk assessment is based on a thorough and comprehensive multi-disciplinary initiative to review incentive compensation plans to ensure they do not encourage executive officers or other associates of the Company to take excessive risks in order to achieve compensation levels.

The Committee reviews a current assessment of corporate performance against the compensation goals set at the beginning of the year for both the short-term performance plans as well as any long-term performance grants currently outstanding.

With the assistance of its independent compensation consultant, the Committee also evaluates the effectiveness of the prior year compensation programs in achieving established goals and adhering to program principles.

In addition to the internal compensation risk assessments, with the assistance of its independent compensation consultant, the Committee also considers feedback from external stakeholders including feedback from stockholders related to the annual Say-on-Pay vote each year. The Committee also reviews compensation assessments from Institutional Shareholder Services and other stockholder advisory firms as well as feedback from individual stockholders that is received by the Company through its stockholder engagement program.

In addition to stockholder and investor community feedback, the Committee evaluates any regulatory reviews and concerns and with the assistance of its independent consultant, evaluates compensation best practices and governance improvements as a part of its continuing improvement process.

The Committee also reviews the peer groups utilized for compensation benchmarking and performance evaluations and determines the appropriateness of these peer groups.

 

Communication materials4. Evaluate and Certify Company Performance and NEO Compensation

During the fourth quarter of the current year and the first quarter of the following year, the Committee considers items related to associates participating in our management incentive plans have been enhanced with participants receiving multiple forms of communications,current year compensation, as well as looks forward to compensation decisions for the following year. Decisions related to NEO compensation and our policiescurrent year performance can be summarized as follows:

Evaluate Company Performance

Certify Company Performance and Calculate Compensation

The Committee previews Company forecasts with regard to performance under the short- and long-term plans to prepare for payment discussions in the first quarter. Forecasts of performance include financial results based on Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the Unites States (“GAAP”), as well as a thorough review of adjustments to earnings, and any unanticipated or extraordinary events that may have occurred during the year. The Committee begins to evaluate qualitative performance factors and participate in a detailed performance review of the CEO.

After performance results are known and calculated, the Committee reviews final performance results and determines the need to apply discretion, flexibility and judgment in order to balance the objective evaluations of performance with near-term performance and progress toward our longer-term objectives. After decisions are made, the Committee certifies the performance results that executive officers have earned for the period just ended.

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  COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

2015 Compensation Decisions — What We Paid and procedures with respect to incentive plan management have been strengthened; andWhy

 

We have continuedEstablishment of Compensation Targets. At the beginning of 2015, after reviewing the compensation of our NEOs against competitive peer information, the Committee determined that target compensation levels for NEOs (other than Mr. Lusco) were generally competitive and at appropriate levels to participateensure we could attract and retain the talent we need to execute on our strategic plan. No base salary increases were granted to our NEOs, and the Committee elected to change the total target compensation level for only one of our NEOs. A review of competitive data and discussion with its independent compensation consultant confirmed that the CRO position is becoming an increasingly important position for all financial institutions. The competition to attract and retain experienced and talented leadership in this field has increased compensation for the position at our peer competitors and within the financial

services industry overall. After review, the Committee approved an increase in total target compensation of approximately 15 percent for Mr. Lusco, our CRO.

Based on our core compensation principles that compensation be: (i) performance-based, (ii) aligned with the Federal Reserve as they have conducted a horizontal reviewlong-term interests of the incentive compensation practices of all Large Banking Organizations under their authority. The Committee will continue to seekstockholders, and consider the guidance offered by the Federal Reserve as compensation plans are designed so that our programs continue to appropriately balance risk, do not jeopardize(iii) consistent with the safety and soundness of Regions,the Company, and reflect best practices forin keeping with the primary responsibilities of the risk management function, the Committee granted the increase to Mr. Lusco in the long-term incentive opportunity portion of his pay. Long-term incentive compensation management.

The following chart illustratesopportunity is the post-TARP structure ofmost compatible with our compensation programprinciples, as it is at-risk and provides an at-a-glance picture of many of the principles outlined above:

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Impact of TARP on 2012 Compensation

As previously noted, because of Regions’ continued participation in TARP through April 4, 2012, our NEOs were still subject to the executive compensation limitationsdeferral and sustained performance requirements over a multi-year period. Mr. Lusco received an increase of TARP for a portion of the year. Decisions made in late 2011 and early 2012 with respect$300,000 (from $900,000 to 2012 pay elements reflect this fact and are summarized below.

Base Salary—Throughout the time the Company was subject to TARP limitations, the Committee has limited the cash base salary increases it has awarded to NEOs. Decisions made$1,200,000) in the beginning of 2012 were no different, as the Company elected to keep base salaries at their 2011 levels for each of our NEOs until our repayment of TARP.

Salary Stock—During the portion of the year we continued to participate in TARP, Salary Stock was utilized as a form of compensation suggested by the Treasury Department through the TARP Compensation Standards. Salary stock grants provide for periodic awards of compensation at a fixed amount much like salary. Although fixed in value and fully vested, these awards were suggested by Treasury as a type of compensation that linked to stockholder interests because payment is deferred and the ultimatetarget value of the award when paid is tied to the stock price of the Company at the time of payment.long term incentive grant.

 

The Committee decided at the beginning of 2012 to continue its practice of awarding salary stock as a part of ourresulting 2015 base salaries, annual incentive targets and long-term compensation program for a number of reasons. First and foremost, the TARP Compensation Standards prohibit the payment of annual cash incentive compensation. In addition, any equity compensation issued during TARP participation is limited to a restricted stock grant that cannot exceed one-third of total compensation. Due to these limitations, we could not reach competitive compensation goals for our NEOs before repaying our TARP obligation without the issuance of salary stock or significant increases in cash base salaries.

Annual Salary Stock levels for each of our NEOs were determined at the beginning of 2012 by the Committee together with its independent consultant andtargets are summarized below:

 

Name

 

Principal Position

 

2012 Decision

 2011 Salary
Stock
Award
(annualized)
 2012 Salary
Stock
Award
(annualized)
   

Annualized Base

Salary

   

Annualized Incentive Target

as a Percentage of Base Pay

   

Long-Term

Incentive Target

   

Total Target

Compensation

 

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

 Chief Executive Officer No Change $2,450,000   $2,450,000    $1,000,000    150% of Base Pay – $1,500,000    $5,000,000    $7,500,000  

David J. Turner, Jr.

 Chief Financial Officer Increased $500,000   $650,000    $632,000    110% of Base Pay – $695,200    $1,200,000    $2,527,200  

John B. Owen

 Head of Lines of Business No Change $630,000   $630,000    $647,000    110% of Base Pay – $711,700    $1,200,000    $2,558,700  

David B. Edmonds

 Chief Administrative Officer Eliminated—Not subject to TARP in 2012 $550,000    No Grant  

C. Matthew Lusco

  $555,000    100% of Base Pay – $555,000    $1,200,000    $2,310,000  

Fournier J. Gale, III

 General Counsel First subject to TARP in 2012  No Grant   $500,000    $560,000    100% of Base Pay – $560,000    $900,000    $2,020,000  

 

Annual Cash Incentive Payments.

Plan Requirements. In designing compensation programs for 2015, the Committee determined that corporate performance must first meet a basic earnings requirement before any incentive would be paid. For 2015, the Committee established a minimum threshold of $500 million in Net Income Available to Common Shareholders from Continuing Operations (“Net Income”) in order to fund the incentive pool for our NEOs at the maximum incentive level for each NEO for deductibility purposes under Section 162(m) of the IRC.

The Committee established holding periods forfurther determined that after the salary stock granted in 2012 providing for distribution in January 2013, one year from162(m) pool was funded, that the datelevel and amount of grant. When released, salary stock units are valuedactual incentive would be based on the closing price of Regions stocka performance program that considered corporate performance, as well as individual performance. For NEOs, 80 percent of the release datebonus was based on corporate performance using (1) profitability, (2) credit management, and paid in(3) customer service goals. The remaining 20 percent was based on a qualitative evaluation of the individual’s performance with respect to four of our five main strategic priorities: Strengthen Financial Performance, Enhance Risk Management, Focus on Your Customer and Build the Best Team. An individual NEO’s annual cash incentive award can be earned between 0 percent to 200 percent of target depending on achievement of corporate and individual performance.

For the immediately following payroll date. As a result, thiscorporate performance portion of NEO pay is linked to the value of our stock price until the salary stock unit is settled.

Although Salary Stock was awardedplan, targets were established at the beginning of the year afterbased on our repayment of TARP, all of our Salary Stock arrangements were terminated by the Committee. Early terminationfinancial plans, budgets and expectations in each of the grants caused each NEO to receive only 29% (7 out of 24 pay periods) of the annualized award as it was originally made. Asthree major categories noted above and were weighted: (1) profitability received a result, following the early termination, we were able to reinstitute a more robust pay-for-performance strategy for the remainder of the year.

TARP-Compliant Restricted Stock—Under the TARP Compensation Standards, the only type of performance-based incentive compensation that the Committee could award was restricted stock with a value of up to one-third of the total value of annual compensation. Although eligible, the Committee did not issue any TARP-Compliant Restricted Stock to any NEO for the portion of 2012 that the Company participated in TARP.

From the standpoint of understanding the compensation reported in the Summary Compensation Table on pages 60 and 61 as well as the Grants of Plan-Based Awards tables on pages 62 and 63, it is important to note that although no TARP-Compliant Restricted Stock awards were issued for 2012 performance, the Summary Compensation Table and the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table reflect awards that were made in early 2012 for 2011 performance. Both of these tables reflect compensation decisions as required by SEC regulations and many readers will understandably focus on them. However, in reviewing the tables, it is important to note that the TARP-compliant grants made in early 2012 and highlighted in the footnotes to the table are considered 2011 compensation by both the Committee and under the TARP Compensation Standards. As such, the rationale and conditions surrounding these grants were discussed in the 2011 Compensation Discussion and Analysis contained in the proxy statement for last year’s annual meeting.

2012 Compensation Decisions

Following our repayment of TARP, with the assistance of its independent compensation consultant, the Committee undertook a complete review of our compensation programs and levels of pay. In the second quarter of 2012, the Committee re-established a pay-for-performance structure more consistent with our principles and long-term strategy which we applied for the portion of 2012 after TARP repayment.

In mid year 2012, the Committee met and individual base compensation levels and incentive compensation targets were set for each NEO as outlined below. Base compensation changes were effective June 1, 2012 and incentive compensation participation was prorated to begin as of the payroll period following TARP repayment for any NEO subject to TARP:

Name

  

Principal Position

 Base
Salary
  Annual
Incentive
Target

(full year
annualized
basis)
  Long-Term
Incentive
Target
  Total Target
Compensation
 

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

  Chief Executive Officer $975,000   $1,462,500   $4,300,000   $6,737,500  

David J. Turner, Jr.

  Chief Financial Officer $590,000   $649,000   $1,000,000   $2,239,000  

John B. Owen*

  Head of Lines of Business $600,000   $660,000   $1,000,000   $2,260,000  

David B. Edmonds*

  Chief Administrative Officer $580,000   $580,000   $750,000   $1,910,000  

Fournier J. Gale, III

  General Counsel $515,000   $515,000   $750,000   $1,780,000  

*Mr. Owen and Mr. Edmonds were not subject to TARP in 2012 and were, therefore, eligible for a full-year bonus.

Establishment of Compensation Targets—With the assistance of its independent compensation consultant, the Committee regularly reviews the compensation of Regions’ executives against that of the Company’s compensation peer group as well as the financial services industry in general. In making its determinations, the Committee begins by evaluating the total direct compensation of executives as well as each component of pay. Since compensation structures had changed during TARP, we also reviewed the pay structures and ranges that were in place prior to our participation in TARP as a part of the analysis. Results of the analysis indicated that the pay levels for the CEO and the CFO were well below the 50th percentile of our peers, and appropriate adjustments were made to increase the target levels for each.

Cash Base Salary—Base salaries are paid primarily to attract the level of talent we need and should be paid at a competitive level sufficient to meet the ongoing financial needs of the executive. After reviewing the total compensation targets for our NEOs against industry and specific peer values, the Committee first establishes a base salary for each individual, reviewing a number of criteria including the position, responsibilities, experience and contribution of the individual executive, as well as market competitiveness and internal equity. As adjusted in 2012, the base salaries for our NEOs were determined to be within a competitive range to market midpoints.

The establishment of cash base salaries is important for other reasons as well, as salaries have traditionally impacted other elements of our compensation program including annual cash incentives and many employee benefits. Annual cash bonus target opportunities are expressed as a percentage of base salary for our NEOs as well as many other management associates. In addition, the value of many employee benefits including pension benefits as well as life and disability insurance protection are based on individual base pay.

Annual Cash Incentive Payments—As we have previously noted, most of the executives included in this year’s proxy statement were covered by the compensation limitations of TARP through early April 2012, and therefore were not eligible for any cash bonus for that time period. However, all of our NEOs again became eligible to be considered for annual cash bonuses after TARP repayment. Throughout the time period we have been covered by TARP, the Company has maintained an annual cash bonus plan for management associates who were not subject to the TARP restrictions, and has set goals to govern the payment of bonuses in the first quarter of the following year.

During early 2012, the Committee undertook a significant redesign of the Management Incentive Plan to strengthen the connection of rewards to overall company performance, safety and soundness. The new plan shifts

emphasis from individual goals towards a more balanced approach including total company performance, business unit performance and individual goal achievement. Upon the repayment of TARP, the Committee elected to include all of our TARP-impacted NEOs in the bonus plan for the year on a prorated basis as noted in the previous table.

Corporate performance under the plan is evaluated by the Committee based on the achievement of goals in the areas of profitability, percent weighting; (2) credit management received a 25 percent weighting; and (3) customer service.service received a 25 percent weighting. Performance is evaluated based on bothevaluations were designed so

that performance against our internal targets which were set based on the plan and budget approved by the Boardaccounted for 75 percent of Directors as well as the relative performance of Regions compared to the performance of individual banks within the S&P Banks Index. Although a portion of the evaluation is based onresults while relative performance against a peer group accounted for 25 percent of results.

In addition to the banks withinspecific corporate and individual performance requirements, as in the index, the large majority is based on our performance against goals set bypast, the Committee that are specificdecided to Regions’ 2012 financialsubject potential bonus calculations to two important safety and strategic initiatives. Additionally, while internal targets have been set, it is important to note that the evaluation of performance is not strictly formulaic. The Committee believes that the successful application of these principles requires a thoughtful program design, blending the clarity provided by predetermined financial goals with the thoughtful application of discretion. Discretion, flexibility and judgment are critical to the Committee’s ability to deliver incentive compensation that reflects near-term performance results and progress towards longer-term objectives and risk management that enhance our ability to continue to create value for our stockholders. The plan provides the Committee latitude in assessing performance based on informed judgment, allowing for consideration of unanticipated matters that may impact operating performance. We believe that this latitude is an important risk mitigant as it lessens the risk that our executives will be encouraged to take actions with respect to unanticipated items based on the effect the actions might have on their incentive compensation, rather than based on the merits and impact that the actions may have on achieving our long-term goals and objectives.

soundness hurdles. Compensation guidance issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”) to all banking institutions instructs companies that compensation plans should consider the “full range of current and potential risks including the cost and amount of capital and liquidity needed to support risks”.risks.” To address this principle, the Committee included two negative modifiers into the plan design that candesigned to reduce bonus payments in the event important safety and soundness measures are not achieved for the year. In the event Regions does not maintain capital and liquidity and capital at the levels determined to be importantvital to the safety and soundness of the organization, deductions (20%Company. The deduction for not meeting each measurement) will be applied tohurdle is 20 percent of the measured achievement of goals in the corporate factor performance component of the plan. achievement.

In other words, even if overall corporate performance meets the financial, credit management and customer service goals set by the Board, of Directors, if that performance comes at the expense of capital and/or liquidity requirements, the portion of incentive compensation based on corporate performance may be reduced by up to 40%40 percent (20 percent for each hurdle).

For our NEOs, 80% of the annual bonus is based on corporateAlthough specific performance results. The remaining 20% is based on a qualitative evaluation of the individual’s performance with respect to our four main strategic pillars: Strengthen Financial Performance, Focus on the Customer, Enhance Risk Management, and Build the Best Team.

Following the end of 2012, the Committee met with members of executive management and its independent consultant to review corporate and individual performance results for the year. The following table outlines performance metrics and goals thatrequirements were set at the beginning of 2012 as well as the results achieved:year, the Committee reserved some discretion to consider performance either on a GAAP or a non-GAAP adjusted basis. The Committee believes that blending the clarity provided by predetermined targets and expectations, together with the thoughtful application of discretion to consider items that should be excluded from performance calculations, provides the flexibility and judgment critical to the Committee’s ability to deliver incentive

66    LOGOï  2016 Proxy Statement


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  

 

Performance Metrics and Weightings

 

Absolute Performance Scores

  Relative Performance
Scores
 

Performance Metric

 Metric
Weight
 Weighting for
Absolute 
Performance
 Weight for
Performance
vs. Peers
 2012 Target  2012 Performance Achieved  2012 Performance
Achieved
 

  

     Attainment  % of Goal     S&P  500
Banks

Index Rank
  %  of
Goal
 
           

Profitability Metrics (1)

 50% 75% 25%        

Return on Average Assets

      0.41%    0.86%    210    11/15    

Return on Average Tangible Common Equity (2)

      5.62%    11.33%    202    8/15    

Adjusted PPI/Risk Weighted Assets (2)

      2.07%    2.01%    97%}   163  8/15}   90

Net Income ($millions)

      $509    $1,050    206     

Efficiency Ratio (3)

      64.8%    64.4%    99    9/15    

Credit Metrics

 25% 75% 25%        

Criticized Loans/Loans (2)

      8.69%    7.48%    116    13/15    

Net Charge Offs/Average Loans

      2.05%    1.37%    150%}   119  15/15}   43

NPA’s/Loans + OREO + NPLs Held For Sale

      2.35%    2.59%    91    10/15    

Customer Service Metrics

 25% 100% 0%        

Gallup KDS Score (50% Score)

      75th Percentile    88th Percentile        }   156  N/A    

Gallup Loyalty Score (50% Weight)

      75th Percentile    90th Percentile       N/A    
                               
           

Modifiers

 Goal   Result     

 

    No negative modifier

indicated

  

  

  

Primary Liquidity Risk Factor

 

Low Risk

     Low Risk       

Capital Action Status

 Monitoring or Better     Monitoring         
                             

compensation that reflects both near-term performance results and progress toward longer-term objectives. This combination of fixed formulas, combined with latitude in assessing performance based on the Committee’s informed judgment, allows for consideration of unanticipated market conditions and events that may impact operating performance. We believe that this latitude is important in mitigating risk as it reduces the potential that our executive officers may be encouraged to take actions with respect to unanticipated items based on the impact the actions may have on their incentive compensation, rather than based on the merits and impact that the actions may have on achieving our long-term goals and objectives.

Plan Results. Net Income for 2015 was $1.01 billion, and therefore, the potential incentive opportunity for our NEOs was funded at the maximum amount, giving the Committee the

latitude to determine actual incentive amounts based on the other quantitative and qualitative performance objectives established at the beginning of the year.

In early 2016, corporate performance under the criteria set at the beginning of 2015 was certified below target at 91 percent of goal with no adjustments necessary based on the liquidity and capital modifiers. Although performance was less than 10 percent below expectations, in keeping with past practices and considerations, the Committee exercised its discretion and excluded certain positive and negative “Adjusted” items, as reported to our stockholders in earnings releases and related annual reports and filings. The Committee believes these adjusted results most accurately reflect the performance of the Company as it relates to stockholder value.

 

The exclusion of these items impacted the Return on Average Tangible Common Equity and the Net Income Available to Common Shareholders sub-metrics within the profitability category and resulted in an adjusted performance score of 83 percent of target as shown in the following table:

    Absolute Performance Against Internal Targets - 75%   

Relative Performance
Against

Peers - 25% Weighting

        Weighting (Customer Service - 100%)   
    

Sub-metric

Weighting

   2015 Goal Achievements   2015 Achievements
   Performance Metric   Target   Attainment   % of Goal       Peer Rank  %��of Goal

50%

 Profitability Metrics (1)             
 

Return on Average Tangible Common Equity (2)

  40%     10.13%     8.70%     29.40%    }     11/14   }    
 

Net Income Available to Common Shareholders ($millions) (2)

  30%     $  1,084.90     $  969.80     57.10%        44.50%           75%
 

Adjusted Efficiency Ratio (3)

  30%     63.40%     64.90%     51.80%       9/14   

25%

 Credit Metrics             
 

Criticized Loans/Loans

  50%     3.76%     5.02%     0%    } 33.20%     10/14   }    68.80%
 

NPAs/Loans + OREO + NPLs Held For Sale (5)

  50%     0.99%     1.13%     66.40%       11/14   

25%

 Customer Service Metrics             
 

Gallup KDS Score

  50%     75th Percentile     89th Percentile     180.10%    }185.20%     N/A   
 

Gallup Loyalty Score

  50%     75th Percentile     91st Percentile     190.30%       N/A   

      Metric  Overall Metric
    Weighting    
 Results
    (Percent of Goal)    
 

Weighting
    (Internal Goals    
vs. Against

Peers)

 

Performance

    Results    

   Profitability Against Internal Targets  50% 44.50% 75% 16.70%
   Credit Against Internal Targets  25% 33.20% 75% 6.20%
   Customer Service Against Internal Targets  25% 185.20% 100% 46.30%
   Profitability Performance Against Peers  50% 75.00% 25% 9.40%
   Credit Performance Against Peers  25% 68.80% 25% 4.30%
   Sum of Results     82.90%
   Potential Negative Modifiers   Goal    Result   Negative Modifier Indicated?
 

Primary Liquidity Risk Factor

  Low Risk or Better   Low Risk            NO                      
  

Capital Action Status

   Monitoring or Deploy    Deploy             NO                      
(1)From continuing operations.operations on an adjusted basis. For non-GAAP measures see the reconciliation inAppendix A unless otherwise indicated.

 

(2)Non-GAAP measure—measure — see reconciliation inAppendix B to this proxy statement for a GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliation.A.

 

(3)Non-GAAP measure—measure — see reconciliation in Regions’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 at2015 on page 55 (Table 2) for a GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliation.46.

 

Based on the results of Company performance compared to the targets set at the beginning of the year, the plan provides that the Committee assess performance against the following scale:

(4)See reconciliation inAppendix A.

 

(5)

•     Unacceptable

-            0% of bonus opportunity

•     Threshold

-          50% of bonus opportunity

•     Making Progress

-          75% of bonus opportunity

•     Target

-        100% of bonus opportunity

•     Outperforming

-        150% of bonus opportunity

•     Superior

-        200% of bonus opportunitySee Regions’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 on page 72 for detail.

 

In making its assessment, the Committee considered the formulaic calculations in the table above, but applied its discretion in viewing both the importance (or weight) and the measure of performance for many of the metrics. The Committee ultimately decided that the Company achieved a level of performance equal to 140% of target for the 2012 year.

As previously noted, our NEO annual bonuses areincentives were based 80%80 percent on corporate performance and 20%20 percent on a more qualitative assessment of individual performance. With respect to our CEO, the independent Board members used a formal process for assessment of his performance. Each Board member provided an evaluation in the areas of leadership, strategic planning, financial performance management, customer relations, management of personnel, communications and Board relations. In its performance deliberations, the Committee had

access to the input from the full Board and independently assessed the CEO’s performance for 2012 and determined that his individual performance achievement was at 150%125 percent of target. In making thisits determination, the Committee made particular noteparticularly noted the Company’s financial performance in light of the full Board’s assessmentslowness of Mr. Hall’s performance on a number of metrics including leadership, strategic planning, customer relations, regulatory compliance, board relationsthe economic recovery and associate management skills.the extended and extraordinarily low interest rate environment. The Board also cited the CEO’s leadership in increasing regulatory and Committee particularly noted Mr. Hall’s leadership skills in managing Regions’ transition out of the financial crisis. Using the evaluation scale noted above, the Committee concluded that an “outperforming” score was appropriate as Mr. Hall demonstrated extraordinary leadership skills, setting and communicating a compelling vision and direction that is well understood, widely supported, and consistently applied as well as effectively implemented.investor confidence.

LOGOï  2016 Proxy Statement67


  COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

With respect to other NEOs, the Committee conferredconsulted with the CEO regarding his assessment of performance and determined that the individual level of achievement for each was as follows:follows

 

Name Individual
Performance
Rating
 Comments

David J. Turner, Jr.

 140%120% 

In assessing Mr. Turner’s performance, Mr. Hall•    Positioned the balance sheet to maximize net interest income and other financing income, making the Committee noted thatCompany’s financial performanceposition more resilient, regardless of future interest rate environment conditions.

•    Together with the Risk Management group, successfully developed our Liquidity Coverage Ratio (“LCR”) framework, and achieved compliance with the LCR rule without major balance sheet changes or negative effects on profitability.

•    Led the Company improved significantly during the year. Mr. Turner’s leadership in connection with the following accomplishments was noted:successfully executing $623 million in share repurchases.

•    Negotiation and leadershipLed an effective stockholder engagement program, executing outreach efforts to the Company’s largest institutional stockholders, as well as a successful Investor Day (the first such event in connection with the sale of Morgan Keegan.

•   Leadership in connection with the repayment of the Treasury’s TARP investment.

•   Execution on both a common stock and preferred stock offering.

•   Leadership demonstrated as Regions received upgrades of credit ratings from Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s.5 years).

John B. Owen

 135%125% 

Mr. Hall•    Led the business group teams in the growth of loan balances in the Regional Banking Group by $1.4 billion, and the Committee noted that during the year, Mr. Owen was given responsibility for running alldelivered deposit growth of the Company’s lines of business. Notable accomplishments in connection with his leadership include:$2.5 billion.

•    Growth in low-cost deposits along with reductions in time deposits that reduced overall deposit costs for the Company by 19 basis points.Launched several new initiatives including GreenSky®, and new branch, video teller and drive-through delivery channels.

•    Overall year-over-year new loan production increaseExecuted a number of approximately 15%.business lift-outs and acquisitions within Regions Insurance Group, and increased the number of financial consultants within the Wealth Management division.

•    LeadershipDrove growth in navigating the Company through the impact of new regulations under the Durbin amendment to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street ReformRegions360SM relationships and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, minimizing the adverse impact of the amendment on revenue.

•   Demonstrated leadership as the Company reorganized its lines of business including the reintroduction of services including indirect auto,customer bases in every division, Wealth Management by 29 percent, checking account customers by 2.4 percent, Now Banking® customers by 12.4 percent, credit card customers by 11.3 percent; and brokerage services and the expansion of lending within specialized segments of commercial and industrial lending.debit card customers by 3.3 percent.

NameC. Matthew Lusco Individual
Performance Rating
115%  Comments

David B. Edmonds

135% 

•    Given the responsibility assignificant investments in the Chief Administrative Officer ofrisk organization over prior years, reduced non-interest expenses within the Company, Mr. Hall and the Committee noted that Mr. Edmonds contributions to Regions’ success in 2012 included:division by over $1.14 million.

•    Leadership inCompleted expanded scope Resolution Plan and Volcker Rule compliance implementation with minimal reliance on consultants/third parties.

•    Oversaw effective use of credit portfolio and enterprise risk analytics:

-    Proactively serviced the creationenergy portfolio through an adverse environment, and

-    Managed concentration and portfolio shaping strategies.

•    Led the implementation of a new strategic planning functioneffective risk appetite statements for each business unit within the organization including emphasis on a new and deliberate initiative and plan to maximize cross company needs- based customer interaction.

•     Successful completion and execution of strategic initiatives within the information technology division improving cost structures and enhancing risk management initiatives.

•     Successful implementation of an associate engagement initiative with the Gallup organization towards sustaining the Build the Best Team strategic initiative.

•     Execution of other successful expense initiatives across the footprint.Company.

Fournier J. Gale, III

 150%115% 

In assessing Mr. Gale’s performance•    Continued to reduce outside legal fee expenses, resulting in non-Morgan Keegan expenses for 2015 being 31 percent below 2014 levels.

•    Continued to expand leadership responsibilities beyond General Counsel and Corporate Secretary duties. This included taking on responsibility for the year, Mr. HallProcurement division in addition to previously assuming responsibilities for both the External Affairs and the Committee noted that Mr. Gale had:Corporate Security divisions.

•    Played a pivotalIncreased focus on two key initiatives in 2015: reputation and integral role inpublic policy. Successes include being ranked as having the dismissal or settlement of atop reputation among U.S. banks, as measured by the Reputation Institute/American Banker survey.

•    Contributed to reducing the Company’s risk profile by decreasing the number of open legal actions arising from the industry financial crisis.

•     Participated with the Board of Directorscases, including a 30 percent reduction in ensuring Regions has a best-in-class corporate governance structure.

•     Significantly reduced Regions’ legal expenses by employing a number of best practices which include but are not limited to: (1) the successful utilization of internal and/or less expensive external legal resources; (2) more effective management of external relationships through proactive review of resource utilization and the implementation of a preferred provider program; and (3) leveraging technology to reduce the cost of document production.our highest risk cases.

In determining the amount of cash bonus payable for the 2012 year, Mr. Hall, Mr. Turner and Mr. Gale were impacted by the compensation limitations of TARP. As required by TARP, bonuses for these individuals were prorated and were calculated by applying the plan formulas only to the compensation earned after the Company’s emergence from TARP. Mr. Edmonds was not covered by the TARP compensation limitations in 2012, and therefore received a bonus representing full year participation. Mr. Owen was not covered by the limitations of TARP, but like the NEOs subject to TARP, he continued to receive salary stock for the first 3 1/2 months of the year. In determining his bonus, the Committee elected to calculate the gross amount based on his full annual earnings but then determined to reduce the amount actually paid by the amount of salary stock he received in order to ensure that he was not inappropriately rewarded by receiving both a bonus for the full year and a partial year’s salary stock award. In connection with allresult of the decisions discussed above, the following annual cash bonusesincentive payments for our CEO and each of our other NEOs were certified by the Committee and paid in early 2013:2016:

 

Name

  

Principal Position

  2012 Target Bonus  (as
prorated for TARP, if
applicable)
   Total Cash Bonus actually
Received
   2015 Target Incentive   Total Incentive Received 

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

  Chief Executive Officer  $1,012,500    $1,437,750    $1,511,538    $1,381,546  

David J. Turner, Jr.

  Chief Financial Officer  $457,646    $640,705    $700,548    $633,295  

John B. Owen

  Head of Lines of Business  $639,375    $666,586    $717,175    $655,498  

David B. Edmonds

  Chief Administrative Officer  $567,500    $788,825  

C. Matthew Lusco

  $559,269    $499,987  

Fournier J. Gale, III

  General Counsel  $362,917    $515,342    $564,308    $504,491  

 

68LOGO   ï   2016 Proxy Statement


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  

Long Term Incentive Plan Grants(“LTIP”) Grants.—After our repayment As we previously noted, with the exception of TARP, in June of 2012 the Committee determined to again include our NEOsone NEO, target long-term grant values remained unchanged from 2014. Our CRO received a $300,000 increase in the grouptarget amount of employees eligible for participation in our annualhis long-term incentive plan grants. to make his total compensation target more in line with that of the chief risk officers at our peer competitors and within the financial services industry at large.

The Committee understands that subjectingdeferring a large part of compensation to deferral plays an important role in making associatelinking incentives sensitive to aspects of risk outcomes or aspects of performance that become more clearapparent only with the passage of time. The responsibilities of our NEOs are largely strategic in nature and riskwhile we understand our risks, the actual outcomes arewill not knownbe certain for extended periods. Therefore, when making the decision to grantperiods of time. For this reason, long-term incentive compensation tocomprises the largest portion of our NEOs, the Committee also elected to subject these awards to future performance-based and time-based vesting requirements.

compensation plan for NEOs.

The changed approachplan construction is simple and balanced in orderdesigned to drive long-term performance, enhance retention, create alignmentaligned interest with stockholders and address longer-term risk concerns. A key difference from prior years (pre-TARP) is the exclusion ofGrants to NEOs in 2015 included three components: (1) performance-based stock options. In previous years, our long-term award design had a significant emphasis on stock options. While the Committee has not ruled out the possibility that stock options may have a place in future compensation design, the use of stock options was excluded from the 2012 design for a number of reasons, including the Committee’s view that there was an insufficient specific, direct correlation to operating results of the Company which would include risk outcomes from decisions made in previous years.

The revised approach includesunit awards (“PSUs”), (2) restricted stock units that vestunit awards (“RSUs”) subject to vesting hurdles based on service conditions (“time-vested RSUs”) as well as performance-based restricted stock units (“PSUs”),adherence to important safety and soundness measures, and (3) performance-based cash awards, which collectively we refer to as “performance-based awards”. The time-vested restricted stock awards grantedawards.

RSUs represent one-third of the entire award and include a three-year time-based vesting requirement, which means that the awards will generally not vest unless the executiveNEO remains employed until April 2018, the third year anniversary of the grant, in Junegrant. In addition, up to 40 percent of 2015.

the award may be forfeited if Regions does not continually meet standards for liquidity and capital deployment designed to protect the safety and soundness of the Company.

The remaining two-thirds of the award is represented by performance-based awards which also include a three-year time-basedservice-based vesting requirement and are additionallyalso subject to specific performance criteria to determine the ultimate value. The performance-based awards are split equally between PSU’sPSUs and a performance-based cash award. The Committee chose to make the majority of the long-term incentive grant to executives performance-based, believing that firm-wide performance measures are helpful in balancing the risk-taking incentives of senior executive managers of the Company whose actions and responsibilities are primarily focused on the Company as a whole.

As previously noted, only the CRO received an increase in the target value of his long-term grant compared to 2014. In addition, just like in 2014, the Committee determinedelected to issue the grants in 2015 that are split equally betweenamong RSUs, PSUs and Performance Based Cash.performance-based cash awards. The following table presents the total economic value of the grant (at target) and the division of the grant between each long-term vehicle. These values differ from the values listed in the Summary Compensation Table on pages 60 and 61 and the Grantscomponent:

Name  Total Target LTIP
Economic Value
   Value of
PSUs
   Value of
Performance-Based
Cash
   Value of
Time-vested
RSUs
 

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

  $5,000,000    $1,666,666    $1,666,667    $1,666,666  

David J. Turner, Jr.

  $1,200,000    $400,000    $400,000    $400,000  

John B. Owen

  $1,200,000    $400,000    $400,000    $400,000  

C. Matthew Lusco

  $1,200,000    $400,000    $400,000    $400,000  

Fournier J. Gale, III

  $900,000    $300,000    $300,000    $300,000  

Vesting of Plan-Based Awards on pages 62 and 63 due to the way we determine the number of shares each executive will receive. To determine the number ofboth PSUs and the number of time-vested RSUs, we take the target value and divide it by the 30-day average closing price of Regions stock for the 30 calendar days preceding the grant date. This value for 2012 was $6.46. The Summary Compensation Table and the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table requires us to report the grant date value of shares, whichperformance-based cash is the closing price of Regions stockbased on the date of the grant. For 2012, the grant date value of shares was $5.88 per share, resulting in a lower value being reported in the tables than as considered by the Committee.

Name

  Total LTIP Economic
Value
   Value of Performance-
Based Stock Units
   Value of Performance-
Based Cash
   Value of Time-vested
Restricted Stock Units
 

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

  $4,300,000    $1,433,334    $1,433,333    $1,433,333  

David J. Turner, Jr.

  $1,000,000    $333,334    $333,333    $333,333  

John B. Owen

  $1,000,000    $333,334    $333,333    $333,333  

David B. Edmonds

  $750,000    $250,000    $250,000    $250,000  

Fournier J. Gale, III

  $750,000    $250,000    $250,000    $250,000  

In evaluating performance, awards utilize two measures: cumulative compounded growth in Diluted Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations (“EPS”Diluted EPS Growth”) growth; and Average Return on Average Tangible Common Equity (“ROATCE”). Each measure will carrycarries a 50%50 percent weight in determining the final value of the performance award. These operating measures were chosen for a number of reasons: (i) they are critical to the long-term success of the Company;Company, (ii) they are transparent to stockholders and participants;the NEOs, and (iii) when used together, they create healthy tension between profitability and the quality of earnings, which is important in protecting the safety and soundness of the organization.

Company.

Each metric is weighted equally and is measured based upon both absolute performance against Company goals over the next three years, as well as evaluatingan evaluation of our performance relative to our peers. We do this through the use of the matrix where the “X” axis represents our performance against the absolute goals we set for ourselves over the next three years, and the “Y” axis represents our performance against banks within the S&P 500 Banks Indexselected as our performance peer group on these same measures. The rationale for this approach is to have a balanced look at performance. An individual NEO’s PSUs and performance-based cash award can be earned between 0 percent and 150 percent of target depending on achievement of performance.

Absolute Diluted EPS Growth and ROATCE goals provide participantsNEOs with a goal to strive for, but given ongoing marketplace volatility and a changing regulatory environment, establishing absolute goals and targets for a multi-year time period provedis challenging. We setestablish the goals for the absolutethis portion of the matrix measurement by measuringconsidering financial and operational expectations set through our strategic planning process over the performance period of January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2017. In the opinion of the Committee, these goals and expectations over the performance period. These ranges were established based on our goals and expectations for the time period from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2015 and represent challenging yet achievable levels of performance.performance that both create stockholder value and protect the safety and soundness of the Company.

In addition to absolute performance, we also wantchose to consider our Diluted EPS Growth and ROATCE performance relative performance to other banking competitors. Relative measurement mitigates the problems inherent with setting long-term goals in a volatile and uncertain environment, but if used as the single measurement, could allow for the outcome of being the “best of the worst”.worst.” By establishing absolute goals within a range of outcomes, coupled with performance against banks within the S&P Banks Index,in our performance peer group, a matrix mitigates some of the challenges associated with setting precise goals that could incent imprudent risk taking on behalf of executivesexecutive officers and avoids the “best of the worst” outcome that is possible with the exclusive use of relative measurement.

LOGO   ï   2016 Proxy Statement69


  COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The following chart sets forth the matrices used for measuring performance and the ultimate payout level of these awards:the PSUs and performance-based cash awards granted in 2015:

 

Earnings Per Share Growth Metric—50% Weight

  

    Return on Average Tangible Common Equity Metric—50% Weight     
     Payout Opportunity for EPS Goal           Payout Opportunity for ROATCE Goal 

Relative EPS Growth (percentile)  

  Above 75th    75%    100%    150%    200%       Relative ROATCE Growth
(percentile)
  Above 75th    75%    100%    150%    200%  
  50th - 75th    50%    75%    100%    150%         50th - 75th    50%    75%    100%    150%  
  25th - 50th    25%    50%    75%    100%         25th - 50th    25%    50%    75%    100%  
  Below 25th    0%    25%    50%    75%         Below 25th    0%    25%    50%    75%  
      
 
 
Below 93%
of Target
Range
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
93% of
Target
Range to
Target
  
  
  
  
  

 
 

Regions’

Target
Range

  

  
  

  
 
 
Above
Target
Range
  
  
  
           
 
 
Below 88%
of Target
Range
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
88% of
Target
Range to
Target
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Regions’
Target
Range
  
  
  
  
 
 
Above
Target
Range
  
  
  
   
 
 
RF’s Absolute EPS Growth (3 year
cumulative compounded growth rate
[CAGR])
  
  
  
       RF’s Absolute ROATCE (3 year average)  

Diluted EPS Growth Metric — 50% Weight

 

   

  ROATCE Metric — 50% Weight

 

  

 

   
    Payout Opportunity for EPS Goal        Payout Opportunity for ROATCE Goal       

 

Relative Diluted EPS Growth

(percentile)

 

 Top 3rd of

Peer Group

  75%    100%    125%    150%     

 

Relative ROATCE

(percentile)

 

 Top 3rd of

Peer Group

  75%    100%    125%    150%     
 Middle 3rd of

PeerGroup

  50%    75%    100%    125%      Middle 3rd of

Peer Group

  50%    75%    100%    125%     
 Bottom 3rd of

PeerGroup

  0 - 25%*    50%    75%    100%      Bottom 3rd of

Peer Group

  0 - 25%*    50%    75%    100%     
    
 
Below
Threshold
  
  
  
 
 
 
Between
Threshold
and
Target
  
  
  
  
  

 

 

Regions’

Target

Range

  

  

  

  

 

 

Above

Target

Range

  

  

  

       

 

Below

Threshold

  

  

  
 
 
 
Between
Threshold
and
Target
  
  
  
  
  

 

 

Regions’

Target

Range

  

  

  

  

 

 

Above

Target

Range

  

  

  

   
   

 

 

Regions’ Absolute Diluted EPS Growth

(3-year cumulative compounded

growth rate)

  

  

  

     

 

Regions’ Absolute ROATCE

(3-year average)

  

  

   

 

*Award will be zero in the event a minimum level of net income is not earned over the performance period.

We do not disclose the internal targets set for the three-year performance period in the above matrixmatrices as such disclosure could be construed as forward-looking earnings guidance. As previously noted, we believe the target levels set represent challenging yet achievable levels of performance. Additionally, however, becausefor awards granted in 2015, we subject them to a minimum cumulative net income threshold before any payment is made. While we do not disclose the matrix combines both absolute and relative measuresactual threshold level, the requirement is approximately one-half of the cumulative amount we projected for our performance-based payouts, achievementthe three-year period ending December 31, 2017, as a part of our internal targets will produce a payout that ranges from 50%strategic planning process.

Differences in How the Committee Views Compensation and SEC Reporting Requirements. In order to understand the decisions made by the Committee for 2015 and the value of targetthe compensation granted to 100%executive officers, it is important to understand the difference between what the Committee considers as current-year compensation and what SEC rules and regulations require us to report. The values of target depending upon our ranking2015 long-term awards as considered by the Committee and shown in the S&P Banks Index.table above differ from the values listed in the Summary Compensation Table on pages 80 through 81 and the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table on page 82 in two important ways.

The first difference is in how cash-based performance awards and equity awards are treated under SEC rules. As such, explicit disclosurepreviously noted, the Committee elected to divide the total long-term award granted to our NEOs for 2015 into three equal portions including two equity denominated grants (RSUs and PSUs) and one cash-based grant (cash performance award). The value of equity denominated awards are required to be reported by the SEC in the “Stock Awards” column of the internal targetSummary Compensation Table in the year they are granted, which is the same way the Committee considers these awards.

The final one-third of the award granted for 2015, the cash performance award, was awarded to be paid in cash following the end of the performance period in 2017. In accordance with SEC rules, while the grant of these cash-based awards is reported in the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table in the year of

grant (page 82), it is not materialreported in the Summary Compensation Table until the end of the applicable performance period. At that time, the value of the cash award earned will be reported in the column headed “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation.”

Due to understandingthis difference, the Summary Compensation Table on pages 80 through 81 does not include the value of the cash performance award grant made by the Committee in 2015 to our NEOs but does include the final value of the cash performance award grant made to NEOs in 2013. When considering current year compensation, our Committee views long-term cash performance awards as compensation in the year that they are granted just as both the Committee and the SEC consider grants of long-term awards that are equity based.

In 2013, similar to 2015, the Committee awarded our NEOs a long-term incentive grant divided into three portions, one of which was a cash denominated award subject to a three-year performance period that ended at December 31, 2015. The following table sets forth the original value of the 2013 award, the performance metrics achieved for the performance period and the ultimate value of the award earned by NEOs as of the end of 2015:

LOGO

In addition to the resulting below-target cash performance grant received by NEOs in 2015, it is equally important to note that the PSU portion of the three-year 2013 grant also performed below target and executives only received 75 percent of the target number of shares granted in 2013.

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The second difference in how the Committee views compensation and how it is required to be reported relates to the two-thirds of our long-term incentive compensation grants that are made in the form of equity. As noted above, SEC rules require that companies report the value of equity-denominated awards in the equity compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table in the year they are granted. This is the same way the Committee considered these awards. However, there is a difference in the values noted in the previous table and the values noted in the Summary Compensation Table on pages 80 through 81 due to the way we determine the number of shares each NEO will receive after the Committee has established the economic value of an award.

To determine the number of PSUs and RSUs, we divide the award value granted by the 30-day average closing price of Regions common stock to determine the number of units to be

granted. We use this method of averaging stock price over a period of time because it minimizes the potential impact of day-to-day stock price changes on the ultimate number of shares granted. This 30 day average for 2015 was $9.60. The Summary Compensation Table and the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table require us to report the grant date fair value of shares, which is the closing price of Regions common stock on the date of the grant. For 2015, the grant date value of shares was $9.46 per share. Because the closing price of shares on the date of the grant was lower than the 30-day average share price used to calculate the number of shares granted, the tables accompanying this CD&A reflect a smaller value than considered by the Committee.

For further information, page 16 of this proxy statement includes an alternative compensation table that details the way the Committee views the compensation decisions made with respect to our NEOs.for 2015.

 

Other Benefits and Perquisites

 

In addition to the compensation elements described above, we also provide our executives with retirement benefitsNEOs participate in other benefit and certain perquisites.perquisite programs, many of which are available to all associates.

Regions Retirement Plans. Regions sponsors both a defined benefit and a defined contribution (401(k)) retirement program. In addition to the descriptions below, the operation of these benefit plans and the value of the benefits that executivesNEOs accrue under these plans are morealso fully described in the descriptions of the plansdiscussion that accompanyaccompanies the Pension Benefits and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation tables on pages 6885 through 7286 of this proxy statement as well as in the Summary Compensation Table on pages 60 and 61.80 through 81.

(1)Regions Financial Corporation Retirement Plan and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP). These plans are traditional defined benefit plans. The Regions Financial Corporation Retirement Plan (the “Retirement Plan”) represents the mergerand Regions Financial Corporation Post 2006 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”). These plans are defined benefit plans. The Retirement Plan is a tax-qualified plan under Section 401(a) of the tax-qualified retirement plans previously operated by predecessor employers.Internal Revenue Code, and our NEOs participate in this plan on the same basis as all associates. The Regions SERP is a nonqualified plan that provides for benefits using the same general formula for benefit determination as is used in the qualified planRetirement Plan with three main differences. Thedifferences: (i) the SERP definition of eligible compensation countsincludes compensation that exceeds qualified plan limits but is also different from the qualified plan in that it includesand annual cash bonus payments that are not included in the qualified plan. Theplan’s definition of compensation, (ii) the SERP also averages compensation over a consecutive three-year period rather than the consecutive five-year

period utilizedused in the qualified plan. Finally,plan, and (iii) the SERP counts service up to 35 years while the qualified plan counts service only up to only 30 years.

While participation requirements were impacted over time due to these mergers, these plans were ultimately closed to new participants after the Company’s last merger with AmSouth in November of 2006. Several of our executives participated in these plans prior to being closed to new participants, and therefore, continue to accrue benefits under the plans.

In addition to participation inseveral corporate transactions, the Retirement Plan and the SERP generally were closed to new participants as of 2007. Several of our executive officers participate in and continue to accrue benefits in these plans.

In addition, a limited number of officersexecutives are eligible for an alternative target retirement formula in the SERP as a result of a previously grandfathered arrangement. The alternative target benefit includes a more generous formula for determining retirement benefits, but was designed to be highly retentive sinceas it includes significant vesting requirements. An executiveA participant must

work for the Company for a minimum of 10 years and must also reach age 60 before the alternative target benefits vest. Any termination of employment (except in the case of death, disability or a change in control)change-in-control) prior to reaching age 60 with a minimum of 10 years of service will result in a forfeiture of amounts attributable to the entire alternative target benefit in excess of the regular benefit.

As noted in the Pension Benefits table on pages 68 and 69,page 85, all of our NEOs with the exception of Mr. Gale are eligible for a pension benefit. Mr. Hall Mr. Edmonds, and Mr. Owen are entitled to receive the alternative target formulabenefit under the SERP,SERP; however, none areneither is currently vested in the benefit. Mr. Hall and Mr. Edmonds havehas accrued the minimum years of service required to vest in the benefit, but arehas not yet reached age 60. Mr. Owen has neither accrued the minimum number of years of service nor reached the minimum vesting age at this time. AlthoughSEC rules require us to report the value of the benefit although it may not yet be vested; therefore, the numbers included in the Pension Benefits table (page 85) and in the column of the Summary Compensation Table relating to increases in pension benefits (page 80) include amounts not yet earned for Mr. Hall and Mr. Edmonds areOwen. Although Mr. Hall is not vested in the alternative target formula, they havebenefit, he has accrued vested benefits in the qualified planRetirement Plan and the SERP utilizingusing the regular formula. Mr. Owen is only entitled to the alternative target benefit and receiveswill receive no pension type benefits from the Company unless he meets the vesting requirements for the alternative target benefit.

benefit in the future. Mr. Turner participates in both the qualified planRetirement Plan and the SERP but is not eligible for the alternative target formulabenefit, and his benefits are determined using the qualified planregular SERP calculations previously discussed. Mr. Lusco does not participate in the Retirement Plan but is a participant in the SERP. His benefit formula appliedis calculated using the regular SERP calculations previously discussed. In addition, Mr. Lusco’s participation in the SERP is subject to his average monthly earnings (which includes both base salary and cash bonus as averaged over three years).significant vesting requirements. Mr. Gale was hired after the plans were closed to new associates and after he had already reached full retirement age; therefore, does not receive any pension type benefits from the Company as he does not participate in either plan and will not receive any pension benefits from the qualified plan or the SERP.

Company.

The Pension Benefits description and table on pages 6884 and 6985 include a more detailed description of retirement benefits and a calculation of the value of pension benefits for each NEO. In

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  COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

addition, the Summary Compensation Table on pages 60 and 61 provide80 through 81 provides a figure that represents the change in the lump sum value of pension benefits from 20112014 to 2012.2015. Several factors influence the calculation of this change. First, as a result of the limitations of TARPthe Troubled Asset Relief Program on base and bonus opportunity, average pay as utilizedused in theeach plan’s benefit formula hashad been low over thelower than normal in past three to four years.averaging periods. After returning to profitability and returning to more normalized pay practices, average pay as calculated for plan benefit purposes increased in 2012. In addition,2013, 2014 and 2015, therefore, increasing the resulting benefits. Further, additional years of service towards the benefit,earned, the passage of time, and lower discount rates used to value lump sumslower than historical averages have all played a rolecontributed to the pension benefit increases reported in producing a higher than normal change in pension benefit.the Summary Compensation Table on page 80.

(2)Regions Financial Corporation 401(k) Plan (the “401(k) Plan”) and Supplemental 401(k) Plan. These plans are defined contribution plans and generally allow eligible associates to contribute on a pre-tax or Roth basis a portion of their total base and annual incentive compensation into investment accounts that are held and invested on a tax-deferred basis until termination of employment or retirement age. The Regions 401(k) Plan is a tax-qualified 401(k) savings plan under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code in which all eligible associates can participate, while the Regions Supplemental 401(k) Plan is a nonqualified plan for certain associates whose participation in the 401(k) Plan is generally limited due to tax-qualified planthe qualified plan’s wage and contribution limits.

The Company makes a contribution to the plans equal to the deferral rate elected by the participant up to a maximum of 4%4 percent of pay. In addition to the Company matching contribution, the Company also provides a non-contributory 2 percent allocation to the plan for any associate who does not participate in the Retirement PlansPlan described above. In 2012,2015, all of our NEOs participated in these plans and received the

Company matching contribution of 4%4 percent of pay. In addition, asbecause Mr. Gale is not a participant in the Retirement PlansPlan or SERP previously described, above, he was also eligible for and received the additional non-contributory 2%2 percent allocation.

Perquisites.Perquisites. Our NEOs are eligible to participate in employee benefit programs generally available to all associates. While we generally do not offer a broad range of perquisites (“perks”) to our executive officers, we have provided certain personal benefits that are not generally available to the rest of our

associates. The Committee periodically reviews the perks available to executive officers to determine whether these programs continue to serve the purpose of providing benefit to the Company. The Committee has historically discontinued any program that it determines no longer serves a valid purpose.is not based on sound business rationale.

In General. In 2012,2015, NEOs continued to be eligible for financial planning services, Company-provided security coverage for private residences, certain relocation benefits and enhanced coverage for annual physicals. These items are provided to NEOs because we believe that they serve a necessary and reasonable business purpose. Each NEO is responsible for all taxes on any imputed income resulting from any of these benefits and the total cost to the Company represents a nonmaterial portion of total compensation. Any special benefits our NEOs received are included in the Summary Compensation Table on pages 60 and 6180 through 81 of this proxy statement. However, no associate of the Company, including the NEOs or any one of the next 20 most highly compensated associates, as determined under the TARP Compensation Standards, received perks during the portion of the year we were covered by TARP that were valued in excess of $25,000 in the aggregate.

Use of Corporate Aircraft. The Company adopteduse of corporate aircraft is subject to a luxury expenditureformal policy as requiredapproved by the TARP Compensation Standards. BecauseCommittee and the normal policiesNCG Committee that sets forth the criteria and procedures we operated under priorapplicable to TARP covered the majority of what was covered by the TARP-required luxury policy, in 2012 following our repayment of TARP, the luxury policy was retired and we resumed covering each of these items under our pre-TARP policies. In connection with retiring the luxury policy, however, we found it necessary to adopt a new policy governing theany use of the corporate aircraft.

It has alwayslong been our policy to require that our CEO use Company-ownedcorporate-owned or other non-commercial aircraft for all business travel; however, in 2012, we changed thetravel when possible. In addition, it is our policy for personal use so that theto allow our CEO may nowto travel on Company-owned aircraft for personal reasons up to a maximum value of $100,000 per year. In the event the value of personal use (as measured based on the incremental cost of operating the aircraft) exceeds $100,000 in any year, theour policy requires the CEO to reimburse the Company the full incremental cost of operating the corporate aircraft.

Mr. Hall is subject to an Aircraft Time Sharing Agreement with the Company that governs the terms and conditions of personal use of the aircraft related to this policy.corporate aircraft. Although the policy and the agreement allow for personal use without cost up to $100,000 per year, Mr. Hall’s personal use in 20122015 was limited and represented incremental cost to the Companya value of less than $2,000.approximately $20,000. The Board also has also authorized the CEO to make corporate-owned aircraft available for the personal travel of other Company associates on a limited basis such as in the event of emergency or when personal use may be in the best interest of the Company due to efficiency and/or safety concerns.

 

Compensation Framework, Policies, Processes and Risk Considerations

 

Our compensation and benefit programs operate under the guidance and oversight of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The Committee is responsible to the Board for approving Regions’ executive compensation objectives and ensuring that the compensation programs and policies of the Company support the business goals and strategic plans approved by the Board. The Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board. A copy of the charter is available atwww.regions.com under Investor Relations/ Corporate Governance.

At the start of each year, the Board members meet with members of executive management to discuss the business plans and goals for the Company for the coming year. Members of the executive management team advise the Board regarding business plans, business risks, expected financial results and stockholder return expectations. Subsequently, there are a series of Committee meetings, including an executive session, to review and approve all of the compensation plans and performance measures to be used to evaluate the CEO’s and other members of executive management’s performance for the coming year. The Committee consults with executive

management on business plans and budgets in establishing performance targets and objectives. The Committee also consults with its independent compensation consultant (described below) and then sets the base pay amount and incentive opportunities for the CEO. For executive officers, the CEO reviews the performance of each officer and makes recommendations on base pay and annual and long-term incentive opportunities considering job performance, scope of responsibilities, and influence as well as internal equity considerations and the competitive market information provided by the consultant. The Committee discusses the CEO’s recommendations, usually in executive session, and approves the agreed upon results. Beginning in December 2008, as required in conjunction with the Company’s participation in the U. S. Treasury Department’s Capital Purchase Program, which is part of TARP, the Committee also began meeting with the Senior Risk Officer (“SRO”) of the Company to review the Company’s incentive compensation programs in order to ensure that these programs do not encourage our Senior Executive Officers as defined under the TARP rules (“SEOs”) to take unnecessary and excessive risks that may threaten the value of Regions and to ensure that the employee compensation plans do not pose unnecessary risks to Regions. Since that time, the risk assessments performed by the SRO and his team have expanded to meet risk assessment guidance provided by the Federal Reserve.

Composition.Committee. The Committee is composed of independent Directors who are not eligible to participate in any of the management compensation programs or other employee benefit or compensation plans of the Company, except for grants of equity compensation under the 2010Company’s Long Term Incentive Plan. BoardThroughout 2015, the members who served as members ofserving on the Committee for all of 2012 include: James R. Malone—Chairman, were:

Don DeFosset, Chair

David J. Cooper, Sr., Don DeFosset, Eric C. Fast, John D. Johns,

Ruth Ann Marshall

Susan W. Matlock and

Lee J. Styslinger III. III

Each of these membersCommittee member has been determined to be independent as defined by NYSE rules and applicable SEC rules and regulations. Although Mr. Johns wasThe Committee operates under a memberwritten charter adopted by the Board. A copy of the Committee for allcharter is available on the Investor Relations section of 2012, he resigned from service as a member of the Committee in early 2013.our website www.regions.com.

Committee Meetings. The Committee holds meetings are held as often as it deems necessary to allow the Committee to perform its duties and responsibilities.responsibilities, but not fewer than three times a year. Although many compensation decisions are made in the first quarter of the year, as outlined on pages 64 through 65, the decision-making process is continuous and neither ends nor begins with any one meeting. During 2012, due to exceptional circumstances including the repayment of TARP and the adoption of a new compensation structure,2015, the Committee met eightsix times to review, discuss and approve compensation decisions for the Company.Company, and held one joint meeting with the Risk Committee.

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The Committee asks its independent compensation consultant to attend all regularly scheduled meetings, as well as some of the Committee’s special meetings. Other outside advisors, including legal counsel, may also attend meetings when the members feel additional guidance on specializedspecific topics is needed. Meetings are typically attended by the Chairman of the Board, the Chairman/CEO, the Chief Administrative OfficerHead of Human Resources, and representativesthe Head of Compensation and Benefits for the human resources function.Company. The Chief Financial Officer attendsCFO and CRO attend meetings at whichduring times when Company budget and performance information is presented and when incentive plan design is presented. As previously noted, at least one joint meeting of the Committee and the Risk Committee is held each year. During this joint meeting, representatives from the risk management function, including the Company’s SRO, attend meetings onCRO, review a regular basis and at least once a year to reviewcomprehensive risk assessmentsassessment of the Company’s incentive plans.plans including both plans that cover executive officers, as well as plans that cover other associates of the Company.

Throughout the year, the Committee will hear from the heads of business groups with respect to details about the operation and effectiveness of incentive compensation programs in place within the business groups. From time to time, the Committee may also ask to hear presentations from other executive officers about various partsmembers of management regarding topics of interest to the Company’s business lines or to provide in depth discussion of one of more of the various incentive plans in effect throughout our lines of business.Committee. Every Compensation Committee meeting, however, is concluded withincludes an executive session without the participation of any member of the executive management team. The independent compensation consultant typically participates in a portion of these executive sessions.

Independent Compensation Consultants.Consultant. During 2012,2015, the Committee engaged the firm of Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc. (“Cook & Co.”) to serve as the independent compensation consultant to the Committee forand to provide advice relating to Regions’ executive compensation programs and practices.

As one of the largestleading independent compensation consulting firms in the country serving as a consultant to a large number of Fortune 500 companies, the Committee believes that the consultants at Cook & Co. can adviseadvises the Committee abouton best practices for compensation governance, including practices outside of the financial

services industry. The Committee has reviewed

assessed the independence of Cook & Co., as required under the listing standards recently adopted by the NYSE as required by thepursuant to SEC under Dodd-Frank. The Compensation Committee discussed these considerationsrequirements, and concluded that the work of the consultant did not raise anyno conflict of interest.

interest exists.

While the independent compensation consultantCook & Co. reports directly to the Committee, the Committee has instructed the consultant tothey also work together with Regions’Regions management to obtain information and further the goals of the Committee. Cook & Co. performs no work for executive management and provides no other services to Regions.

The scope of services provided by the independent consultantCook & Co. for the Committee during 20122015 included:

 

AttendingAttended all Committee meetings;

 

ProvidingProvided the Committee with competitive market data to assist in establishing appropriatetarget levels offor compensation components, such as base salary levels, salary stock awards, and annual incentives and long-term performance incentive awards, as well as benefit levels for executive management;

 

AssistingAssisted the Committee with the reviewevaluation and establishment of a new annual incentivethe design and construct of the short- and long-term incentive program;

programs for 2015 including values, opportunity levels, performance metrics and targets (including thresholds and maximums), performance curves, relative peer group comparisons and risk mitigants to be included in the plan;

 

AdvisingAdvised the Committee in connection with compensation decisions as the Company emerged from TARP as well as with year-end compensation decisions;

determinations based on performance evaluations and other input;

 

AdvisingAdvised the Committee with respect toregarding regulatory and compliance issues and on the development of new best practices and market competitive information with respect to compensation guidelines established by the SEC, the Federal Reserve and other banking regulatory bodies; and

 

ProvidingProvided current trend information on industry and executive compensation issues.

 

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  COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Other Policies and Practices Impacting Compensation Decisions

 

The useUse of peer groupsPeer Groups for benchmarking purposesBenchmarking Purposes.In determining market competitiveness forof compensation, the Committee, with the assistance of its independent compensation consultant, regularly reviews the compensation of Regions’ executivesour executive officers against that of the Company’s compensation peer group, as well as the financial services industry in general. The compensation peer group we use for reviewing pay levelsused by the Committee to evaluate compensation is not the same as the group of companies that make upcomprise the S&P 500 Banks Index, which is the index we use for measuring performance and is also the peer group included in the stock performance chart presented in Regions’ Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Committee believes that the S&P Banks Index is an appropriate peer group10-K for the measurement of our performance. However, because it represents a larger sample of financial institutions including some significantly smaller and larger than Regions, the Committee believes that a smaller customized peer group is more appropriate for benchmarking levels of pay.year ending December 31, 2015. Our compensation peer group represents a smaller group of financial institutions tailored primarily by asset size and core business services. The Committee believes that the companies listed below have executive positions that are most similar in breadth and scope to Regions and represent the financial institutions that primarily compete with usRegions for our top executive talent. Included in our compensation peer group are the following financial institutions:

 

•    BB&T Corporation

•    Capital One Financial Corporation

•    Comerica Incorporated

•    Fifth Third Bancorp

•    Huntington Bancshares Incorporated

  Huntington Bancshares

•    KeyCorp

•    M&T Bank Corporation

•    The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

•    SunTrust Banks, Inc.

Capital One Financial Corp.

KeyCorp

•    U.S. Bancorp

Comerica Inc.

M&T Bank Corp

Fifth Third Bancorp

PNC Financial Services
Group Incorporated

In addition to annually reviewing specific information with respect to the selected peer group, ourthe Committee’s independent compensation consultant also periodically reviews the Company’s total compensation program against broader financial services industry survey data compiled by other sources (including compensation

surveys prepared for the financial services industry by McLagan, a leading performance/reward consulting and benchmarking firm focused specifically on the human resource consulting firmsfinancial services industry).

In addition to our compensation peer group, both our short-term annual incentive plan and our long-term plan use a peer group against which we measure our performance. While we believe it is appropriate to measure our compensation against a peer group of McLagan, Towers Watson, Mercerfinancial institutions closer in size and Hewitt).scope to Regions, the Committee believes that performance is most appropriately measured against a broader group of financial institutions that the market would consider in competition with Regions for their next investment dollar. Previously, the Committee used the banks within the S&P 500 Banks Index as our performance peer group. However, prior to setting our performance requirements for the 2015 year, the S&P 500 Banks Index was reconstituted with large, money center banks added to the index while smaller, regional banks were excluded. With this change in the index, the Committee decided to keep the same performance peer group in 2015 that had been used in the 2014 plans and asked its independent compensation consultant to study and offer suggestions for a custom peer group against which to measure performance in future years.

Therefore, included in our 2015 performance peer group are the following financial institutions:

 

•    BB&T Corporation

•    Comerica Incorporated

•    First Horizon National Corporation

•    Fifth Third Bancorp

•    Huntington Bancshares Incorporated

•    Hudson City Bancorp, Inc.*

•    KeyCorp

•    M&T Bank Corporation

•    People’s United Financial, Inc.

•    The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

•    SunTrust Banks, Inc.

•    U.S. Bancorp

•    Wells Fargo & Company

•    Zions Bancorporation

*Hudson City ceased to be part of the peer group as a result of its acquisition by M&T Bank Corporation in late 2015.

Say on Pay.Say-on-Pay. Regions understands that investors, regulators and other interested partiesstakeholders have a strong interest in executive compensation and attempts to balance the interests of these constituencies. In accordance with the vote of our stockholders, in 2012, we provide an annual “say on pay”Say-on-Pay advisory vote regarding executive compensation. This year’s proposal is included as Proposal 23 on page 7960 of this proxy statement.

In last year’s “say on pay”Say-on-Pay vote, we received majorityoverwhelming approval of our executive compensation programs, with more than 96%96 percent of the votes cast being in favor of our pay programs. WhileFollowing our annual meeting, we made a numberalso initiated an enhanced stockholder engagement program. Executives from our investor relations, corporate governance and executive compensation functions held meetings with key stockholders and discussed any issues of changesconcern or questions. We will continue to our pay programs in 2012 as a result of our emergence from TARP, none of the changes were as a result of stockholder concerns. However, as described elsewhere in this CD&A, we have further enhanced our compensation policies and programs to strengthen the link to stockholder interests and to strengthen our corporate governance. Although none of the changes were as a direct result of this vote or any particular issues raised by stockholder groups, we believe these enhancements promote our continued goal of raising the bar with respect to ensuring that we have a robust pay-for-performance culture. The Committee will monitor the results of future advisory votes on compensation and feedback from our stockholder outreach program and will take themresults of both into consideration when consideringassessing compensation matters in the future.

Clawbacks.It has alwayslong been the Committee’s practice to review past rewardsawards in light of any material restatement of our financial results, and we continue to review and strengthen our policies with respect to the recoupment of prior awards and/or adjustment of future rewardsawards in these events. The Committee recently adopted an enhancedA formal clawback policy that applies to each of our NEOs, as well as a number of other senior officers of the Company (“each(each a Covered“Covered Officer”). The policy provides that in the event the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement due to the material noncompliance of the Company with any financial reporting requirement under either generally accepted accounting principlesGAAP or federal securities law, or subsequently finds that the financial information or performance metrics used to determine the amount of incentive compensation for a prior period is materially inaccurate, the Company may seek repayment of compensation or require the forfeiture or reduction of outstanding or future compensation as may be determined by the Committee.

In addition to allowing for clawback in the case of financial restatement or materially inaccurate performance metrics, the policy also allows the Company to impose a clawback ofrecoup compensation in the case of misconduct of a Covered Officer, whether or not there is an accompanying financial restatement. For purposes of the policy, misconduct is defined asas: (i) a knowing violation of Federal federal, state

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or state local law, rule or regulation; (ii) thea material breach of any written Company policy or covenant between Regions and the Covered Officer; (iii) the disclosure of the Company’s confidential information or trade secrets; or (iv) the commission of an act of fraud, dishonesty or recklessness in the performance of the Covered Officer’s duties, which is not in good faith and which subjects the Company to excessive risk or financial loss or materially disrupts, damages, impairs or interferes with the business of the CompanyCompany.

Regulatory Oversight and its affiliates.

OtherRisk Governance. As a bank holding company, we must comply with various regulatory actions.On June 21, 2010, therequirements. The Federal Reserve adopted final guidelines on incentive compensation for financial institutions that include the following three main principles:

 

Incentive compensation arrangements should balance risk and financial results in a manner that does not provide employees with incentives to take excessive risks on behalf of the Company.

banking organization.

 

A banking organization’s risk-management processes and internal controls should reinforce and support the development and maintenance of balanced incentive compensation arrangements.

 

Banking organizations should have strong and effective corporate governance to help ensure sound compensation practices.

practices including effective oversight by the Board.

In response to these guidelines, we have madeestablished a numbercomprehensive governance and oversight process for the design, operation and monitoring of improvements to our incentive plans, and incentive compensation oversight which improvewe believe improves our ability to evaluate and reduce risk or to risk-adjust payouts under the plans. We havecreated an internal cross-functional oversight committee with representation from risk management, finance, human resources, legal and our strategic alignment function to review, consider and approve, as appropriate, certain higher risk plans. This cross-functional oversight committee also madeworks with business group leadership to monitor the performance and effectiveness of all of our incentive plans to ensure that they include features and metrics designed to discourage inappropriate risk-taking.

As a numberpart of improvementsour oversight process, the internal oversight committee meets on a regular basis and provides a quarterly report to the Committee with respect to the activities around incentive compensation management. In addition, at least once each year, the Committee meets with the Risk Committee, the CRO and other members of the risk management team and receives a thorough risk assessment of each of our controlsmaterial incentive plans.

In presenting the risk assessment, the CRO noted the process of limiting risk starts with the Board in setting the risk appetite of the Company, establishing policies and governance processes. We

discuss these generallyimplementing appropriate limits and continues with management in developing the “Compensation Committee Report” which follows this CD&Apolicies and also elsewherepractices to ensure the Company operates within our risk appetite and avoids unnecessary or excessive risk. As described in this proxy statement under the heading “RelationshipRelationship of Compensation Policies and Practices to Risk Management”.Management on page 50, we believe that the risks arising from our compensation plans, policies and practices are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. In making this determination, we consider the impact of: (i) the Board’s role in the determination of the overall risk profile and appetite; (ii) entity level controls in place; and (iii) the incentive policies, procedures and governance activities we follow.

Management and the Committee acknowledge that compensation practices are important components of our approach to risk management. Therefore, we are committed to working with the Federal Reserve, as well as other regulatory bodies to achieve our objectives. We strive for clarity and transparency in our compensation structure. As we continue the ongoing evaluation of our compensation policies and programs, we will take any steps deemed advisable to further strengthen our compensation risk management framework.

Equity Grant Policies and Practices. A grant of equity compensation to eligible key employeesassociates generally is generally made on an annual basis. Although the Company does not currently issue stock option grants under the 20102015 Long Term Incentive Plan, in the event this practice resumes, the plan requires that the exercise price for options be based on the closing price of ourRegions common stock on the date of the grant. The Committee has adopted a schedule and process of reviewing the program provisions and grant levels in the first quarter of the year to coincide with the annual performance management compensation review process established by the Company for all of its associates. As a part of that process each year, the Committee will pre-establish an actuala grant date for grants to eligible associates subject to the needs and business considerations of the Company. Except for TARP-compliant grants issued in connection with 2011 performance, theThe equity grants to all other eligible employees for 2012 occurredkey associates in June.

2015 were made in April.

The Committee specifically approves all grants of equity compensation to executive officers, of Regions, as well as other officers covered by Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including the determination of the grant date for those awards.Act. The Committee has delegated authority to the CEO however, to determine and approve annual grants to other key employeesassociates within the limits and budgets established each year as part of the Committee’s consideration of the annual grant program guidelines.

From time to time, the Company may find it necessary to issue special grants to non-Section 16(a)other new hires or key officersassociates outside of the normal grant process. The Committee also has also delegated authority to the CEO to determine the need for and value of these grants. For these grants, the Committee’s policy provides that grants will be made on the first business day of the calendar quarter following the hire date or the determination for the need to grant an award for retention purposes. This timing was chosen to prevent even an appearance that either management or the recipientassociate could manipulate the pricing date and also to reduce the administrative and accounting burden for Regions’ personnel that would be created by multiple grant dates. Any grants made by the CEO are reported to the Committee on a quarterlyregular basis following the grant date.each year.

Policy on Cash versus Non-cashNon-Cash and Current versus Future Compensation. The Committee does not maintain a stated policy whichthat dictates cash versus non-cash compensation or current versus future compensation. However, the allocation of cash and non-cash compensation for each of the NEOs is reviewed by the Committee annually and reflects the Committee’s best efforts to balance the shortshort- and long-term objectives of the Company.

Stock Ownership Guidelines and Stock Retention Requirements. Regions has adopted stock ownership guidelines for itsrequiring executive officers and members of the Board to ensure that they have a meaningful economic stake in Regions. These guidelines are designed to maintain stock ownership levels high enough to ensure our Executive Officers’ and Directors’ commitment to creating stockholder value creation.value.

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  COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

The equity stake of our NEOs and Directors is reflected in the beneficial ownership information contained in this proxy statement on pages 9 through 11.23 and 24. The table below summarizes the stock ownership guidelines for our CEO and each of the NEOs (including their compliance with the policy)guidelines):

 

Name

  

Ownership
Requirement

  Approximate Stock Value
Required to be held
   In Compliance with
Guideline?
   Ownership
Requirement
   Approximate Stock Value
Required to be Held
   Holds
Required
Amount
   

Percent of Required
Amount

Owned

 

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

  5 X Base Pay  $4,875,000     Yes     5 X Base Pay    $5,000,000     Yes     159%  

David J. Turner, Jr.

  3 X Base Pay  $1,770,000     Yes     3 X Base Pay    $1,896,000     Yes     139%  

John B. Owen

  3 X Base Pay  $1,800,000     Yes     3 X Base Pay    $1,941,000     Yes     138%  

David B. Edmonds

  3 X Base Pay  $1,740,000     Yes  

C. Matthew Lusco

   3 X Base Pay    $1,680,000     No     86%  

Fournier J. Gale, III

  3 X Base Pay  $1,545,000     No   3 X Base Pay    $1,665,000     No     91%  

 

*As a new hire in 2011, Mr. Gale currently does not meet the requirement in full but still maintains a significant equity stake in the Company and is adhering to the strict retention requirements in place with respect to equity received under compensatory plans of the Company.

Each non-employee Director is required to hold shares of Regions common stock with a value of $200,000. All Directors who have been directors for five or more years are in compliance with the guidelines.

For purposes of meeting the guidelines, the following types of stock ownership are counted: shares directly owned by the executive officer or Director without restriction, restricted stock, restricted stock units (except for those that may be subject to future performance requirements), stock equivalents allocated through any deferred stock investment plan, as well as an executive officer’s shares held in an Executive Officer’sa 401(k) Plan account and deferred vested stock.notionally held in a Supplemental 401(k) Plan account. Any member of the Executive Council or Directorexecutive officer who does not meet the ownership guidelines must retain at least 50%50 percent of the after-tax value of any compensatory equity grant upon vesting until such time as the ownership guidelines are met.

Other policies relatedPolicies Related to stock ownership; prohibitionsStock Ownership (prohibitions against insider trading, hedging and pledging of Regions stock.securities).The Company has long maintained a general policylong-standing General Policy on insider tradingInsider Trading to guard against improper securities trading by our associates using material nonpublic information and to help avoid the severe consequences associated with violations of the insider trading laws.trading. Under the policy, no Director, officer or other associate of Regions who is aware of material nonpublic information relating to the Company may, directly or through family members or other persons or entities, buy or sell securities of the Company (other than pursuant to a pre-approved trading plan that complies with SEC Rule 10b5-1), or engage in any other action to take personal advantage of thatthe material nonpublic information.

In addition, consistent with our compensation philosophy of rewarding the NEOs based on the long-term success of the Company, our insider trading policy prohibits all associates from speculative trading in our equity securities including prohibitions on short-selling stock,securities, buying call options and selling put options or from entering into hedging strategies that protect against downside risk of Regions stock ownership. Our policies also prohibit

Additionally, Regions recently adoptedDirectors and Section 16 Officers from purchasing Company securities on margin or holding them in a policy prohibiting the futuremargin account, and prohibit borrowing against any account in which any Company equity securities are held, or pledging of sharesCompany equity securities as collateral for anya loan. The new policy provides that any Executive Officer or Director with pledged shares has until the stockholders’ meeting in 2016 to eliminate any pledging situations. Until that time, pledged shares do not count towards meeting the stock ownership requirements.

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. Regions accounts and reports for stock-based compensation under itsour long-term incentive plans in accordance with the requirements of Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 718, Compensation—Compensation — Stock Compensation. For further disclosure of Regions’ accounting for stock-based compensation, refer to Note 1617 “Share-Based Payments” to the consolidated financial statements included in Regions’ Annual Report on Form 10-K.10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m)(“ (“IRC 162(m)”). As part of its role, the Committee has historically reviewed and considered the deductibility of executive compensation under IRC 162(m), which provides that public companies generally may not deduct compensation of more than $1,000,000 of non-“performance-based”non-performance-based compensation paid to certain NEOs. The $1,000,000 limit is reduced to $500,000While the Committee believes that compensation awarded in 2015 under the TARP Compensation Standards (with no exception for “performance-based” compensation). Due in part toterms of our short-term incentive plan, as well as the applicationPSUs and performance-based cash awards under our long-term incentive plans meet the requirements of the reduced IRC 162(m) limit as a result of Regions’ participation in TARP and the elimination of the performance-based pay exclusion under TARP, compensation paid or accrued to senior executive officers in 2012 may not be fully deductible in all cases. The Committee, it has reserved the right to pay executives compensation that is not deductible under IRC 162(m).

Change-in-Control, Post-Termination and Other Employment Arrangements

 

Due to continuing consolidation in the financial services industry and for

For competitive and fairness reasons, we believe it is important to protect key associates (including the NEOs) in the event of certain terminations of employment during a transition period following a change-in-control of Regions. We believe that stockholders will be best served if the interests of our senior managementkey associates are aligned with them. The occurrence or potential occurrence of a change-in-control wouldcould create uncertainty regarding the continued employment of our NEOs and providing employment protection should eliminate, or at least significantly reduce, any potential reluctance of our executives to pursue potential transactions that may be in the best interests of our stockholders. As a result, we have entered into agreements with all NEOs that govern some of the terms of their employment and compensation in the event of a qualifying termination after a change-in-control of Regions.

Change-in-Control Agreements.Agreements. The change-in-control agreements entered into with Executive OfficersNEOs generally provide that during the two-year period following a change-in-control of Regions, if an executive’sthe NEO’s employment is terminated other than for “cause”,“cause,” or if the executiveNEO resigns for “good reason”,reason,” he or she would be paid accrued compensation and benefits, plus an amount equal to a specified multiple of base salary and average annual bonus during the three years preceding the year in which the change-in-control occurs.

Mr. Hall, Mr. Edmonds, Mr. Owen and Mr. Gale all are all entitled to a three times multiple of pay, while Mr. Turner isand Mr. Lusco are entitled to a two times multiple of pay upon termination following a change-in-control. If employment is terminated for cause,“cause” or by reason ofdue to death, disability or resignation other than for good“good reason, payments would be limited to accrued compensation and benefits. New

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  

agreements issued after February 2011 do not include any income tax gross up payments under the excise tax provisions of section 4999 of the Code.IRC Section 4999. Mr. Hall, Mr. Edmonds, Mr. Owen and Mr. Turner have change-in-control agreements issued in 2007 that provide in the event any payment or benefit would cause the executiveNEO to become subject to the excise tax imposed under IRC Section 4999, of the IRC, then additional payments may become due to the extent necessary to avoid a negative tax consequence to the executive. Mr. Gale’s agreement was issuedGale and Mr. Lusco entered into agreements after February 2011, and therefore, does are

not include any gross upentitled to receive a payment to compensate for excise taxes. None of the NEOs’ agreements provided to NEOs provide any type of severance benefits in connection with termination of employment at any other time. For additional information, including definitions of “cause,” “good reason” and “change-in-control,” see the section entitledPotential Payments by Regions Upon Termination or Change-in-Controlon pages 87 through 90 of this 2016 Proxy Statement.

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  COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

Regions has the primary responsibility for the Compensation Discussion and Analysis (“CD&A”) which is included in this proxy statement.

2016 Proxy Statement.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, the Compensation Committee oversees the development and administration of Regions’ compensation program for officers and key associates of senior management. As part of this responsibility, the

Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with Regions’ management the contents of the CD&A. Based on its review and discussion, and subject to the limitations on the role and responsibility of the Compensation Committee, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the CD&A be included in this proxy statement and incorporated into Regions’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

TARP Risk Disclosure and Certification

In June 2009, the U. S. Department of the Treasury issued TARP Compensation Standards, which required, among other things, that the Committee periodically review the risks associated with senior executive officer compensation plans and take corrective action when necessary in order to ensure that the plans and programs do not encourage unnecessary or excessive risks to the Company. In compliance with these Standards, the Committee met with the Senior Risk Officer (“SRO”) in February and August of 2012 to review the risks associated with our senior executive officer and employee compensation plans.

In conducting its preliminary and comprehensive reviews of our compensation plans, the Committee and the SRO considered a number of factors to assess the relative risks of the plans, including the Company’s risk management structure. The SRO noted for the Committee that the process of limiting risk starts with the Board of Directors in setting the risk appetite of the Company, establishing policies, and implementing appropriate limits. The SRO shared with the Committee management’s role in developing the policies and practices to ensure that the Company operates within its risk appetite and to avoid unnecessary or excessive risk, and reviewed the following entity-level controls:

The risk function is independent of business management.2015.

Compensation for risk management associates is not based on achieving business unit goals.

All incentive plans must be approved by the appropriate level of management and routinely reviewed.

There is an independent verification of valuations used in incentive plan calculations.

Plan administrators do not participate in their own incentive plans.

Management discretion is allowed in the final determination of all incentive payments for associates other than our NEOs and our Compensation Committee has discretion to make adjustments to incentive payments for the NEOs.

Deferred compensation is used as a part of the compensation program for highly compensated individuals, where appropriate.

The SRO then covered the specific compensation plan risk assessment process that was used to evaluate the risk profile for compensation plans. Through the assessment process, each incentive compensation plan was evaluated on a series of risk assessment factors:

Covered Associate Risk—as defined by recent federal guidance, this factor evaluates the inclusion of those associates who have the ability to expose Regions to material amounts of risk based on the inherent risks arising from, or generated by, the employee’s activities even if the organization uses risk management processes or controls to limit risks.

Industry Volatility—considers the nature of the industry or business segment for which activities are being incented and recognizes that certain industry segments with greater volatility or that are highly complex carry greater risks than industry segments that have low levels of volatility or are less complex.

Plan Features—considers plan design and risk mitigants, recognizing that a plan that already incorporates risk adjustment features such as thresholds, caps, clawbacks, deferral mechanisms, and discretion to reduce payouts carries less risk than plans without these features.

Total Payout—considers the expense amount or pool size for the plan, recognizing that plans with higher total payouts may pose a bigger risk for Regions than plans with low total payouts.

Payout Per Person—considers the average payout per participant in the plan, recognizing that risk can be higher for plans that provide individual payout levels that are significant when compared to total compensation.

Residual Risk—considers the full spectrum and total life cycle of risk, recognizing there is a higher risk profile if incentive payments are for production where the future income or revenue stream to the Company is uncertain or there is substantial residual risk from the product or activity for which we are compensating.

Data Collection Controls—considers the controls and processes in place to facilitate recordkeeping, calculation and maintenance of plans recognizing that simple plan design and tracking mechanisms have a lower risk than plans with complex formulas and manual or difficult to validate processes and therefore require more complex systems and controls.

Strategic Priority Alignment—considers the stated purpose of the plan recognizing that plans that are clearly aligned with Regions’ strategic priorities are more certain to also be in alignment with the Board of Directors’ Risk Appetite Statement and the level and nature of risk that Regions is willing to take to pursue its mission subject to the constraints imposed by shareholders, regulators, and other stakeholders.

Based on the analysis of these risk categories, each compensation plan was classified as having a potential for high, moderate or low impact to the Company, with the main focus of the Committee’s review being on those plans with a potential for a high impact. Those plans identified by the compensation review team were then further analyzed in concept and in practice in order to ensure that none of the plans pose unnecessary risks to Regions or have the potential to encourage the manipulation of reported earnings.

Senior Executive Officer Compensation Plans. As described in the CD&A, because of the prohibition on paying bonuses while under the limitations of the TARP Compensation Standards, our CEO, CFO and the other NEOs from the prior year did not receive cash bonuses or equity compensation other than TARP-compliant grants of restricted stock for the portion of the year that was covered by TARP.

As we anticipated our emergence from TARP and the Committee considered the design of our Management Incentive Plan and Long-Term Incentive Plan grants for 2012, our risk management team worked alongside the Committee and its independent consultant to ensure the resulting incentive programs we adopted do not encourage associates to take excessive risks. As previously discussed within this analysis, a number of criteria were added to our incentive plans to ensure that risk and reward are appropriately balanced.

More information with respect to how we manage risk at Regions including how we manage risk as it relates to our compensation structure can be found on pages 21-22 and 27-28.

In making its determinations with respect to compensation risk, the Committee considered the impact of: (i) the Board’s role in the determination of the overall risk profile and appetite; (ii) the policies procedures and governance activities we follow; and (iii) the changes implemented in our programs during 2012. After reviewing these factors and after taking into account the analysis conducted by the SRO and compensation review team, the Committee and the SRO concluded that none of the compensation plans of the organization either: (i) pose

excessive and unnecessary risks that threaten the value of the Company; (ii) encourage short-term results rather than long-term value creation; or (iii) encourage the manipulation of reported earnings to enhance the compensation of any associate.

In addition, management and the Committee acknowledged that compensation practices are important components of our approach to risk management. Therefore, we have also taken steps to further strengthen our compensation risk management framework. Additional safeguards that have been established include: (i) further formalizing the approval process for any compensation plan including documenting the methodology and process used to assure identification and transparency of any risks; (ii) requiring and standardizing a quarterly review process across all lines of business in order to assist in monitoring and controlling any identification of risks; (iii) strengthening plan documentation requirements including the addition of stronger clawback provisions; and (iv) modifying the payment approval process to add additional back end review of risk assessment and appropriate payment modification, if necessary.

Certification. As required under ARRA, the Committee certifies that:

(1) it has reviewed with the Senior Risk Officer of Regions the senior executive officer compensation arrangements and has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that these plans do not encourage senior executive officers to take unnecessary and excessive risks that threaten the value of the Company;

(2) it has reviewed with the Senior Risk Officer of Regions the employee compensation plans and has made all reasonable efforts to limit any unnecessary risks these plans pose to the Company; and

(3) it has reviewed the employee compensation plans to eliminate any features of these plans that would encourage the manipulation of reported earnings of the Company to enhance the compensation of any employee.

 

THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

James R. Malone—ChairmanDon DeFosset, Chair

David J. Cooper, Sr.

Don DeFosset

Eric C. FastRuth Ann Marshall

Susan W. Matlock

Lee J. Styslinger III

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COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS  

2012 COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following tables, narratives and footnotes contain compensation information about theour Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”); our Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”); and theour three other most highly paid executive officers atfor the end of 2012.year ended December 31, 2015, our Named Executive Officers (“NEOs”).

Summary Compensation Table

 

The Summary Compensation Table that follows contains information with respect to our NEOs. Based on the amounts for 2015 in the following table, salary accounted for approximately 13 percent of total compensation (excluding the change in pension value and nonqualified deferred compensation amounts) for our CEO and 26 percent on average among all other NEOs, reflecting our performance-based pay philosophy. Following is a brief summary of the components of Regions pay programs included in each column of the Summary Compensation Table:

Salary – The “Salary” column includes the actual year-to-date base salary amounts for each NEO for the fiscal years indicated. New base salary amounts are generally effective on April 1 of each year. Therefore, although we did not grant salary increases in 2015 for our NEOs, the table does reflect an increase from 2014 to 2015 due to the fact that the 2014 year salaries increased in April of that year.

Bonus – Regions does not generally issue nonperformance-based or discretionary bonuses and this column reflects the absence of any such payments.

Stock Awards – Equity awards granted in 2015 were composed of Performance Stock Units (“PSUs”) and Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) and are reported in the Stock Awards column at the grant date fair value. The grant date fair value does not correspond with the amounts that may be eventually realized relative to these awards. Any benefit from these awards depends on the future value of Regions stock and upon the attainment of performance requirements in the case of PSUs. For more detail regarding the stock awards for NEOs, see pages 69 and 70 of the CD&A and the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table on page 82 of this Proxy Statement.

Option Awards – Although our long term incentive plan allows for it, we have not awarded stock options to NEOs for a number of years.

Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation – The amounts in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column represent annual incentives earned for 2015 performance under our annual incentive plan as described beginning on page 66. Also included in this amount is the value of the 2013 Performance Cash Grant for the performance period ended December 31, 2015. While the value of these awards has been determined, they remain subject to service based vesting until April 1, 2016. The value of the Performance Cash awards will be payable as of April 1, 2016.

Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings – This column includes the change in pension value for each NEO which is the difference in the total present value of accrued benefit on December 31, 2015, minus the total present value of accrued benefit on December 31, 2014. For additional information about pension benefits, refer to pages 71 and 72 in the CD&A and to thePension Benefits section and table on pages 84 and 85. As for nonqualified deferred compensation earnings, none of the NEOs receive above-market or preferential earnings on their nonqualified deferred compensation accounts. More information regarding the provisions of the nonqualified deferred compensation plans in which the NEOs participate can be found on page 86.

All Other Compensation – Amounts in the “All Other Compensation” column represent the aggregate dollar amount for each NEO for perks and other personal benefits. Items may include the value of: excess group liability insurance coverage, group term life insurance coverage, financial planning services, any personal use of corporate aircraft, an enhanced executive physical, home security, as well as matching charitable gift contributions. It also includes the value of Company contributions to our 401(k) and Supplemental 401(k) plans.

Total – This column represents the sum of all columns for each of the NEOs, and includes all amounts earned by the NEO including any amounts that may have been deferred for tax purposes.

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  COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Name

 

Principal Position

 Year  Salary ($)  Bonus ($)  Stock
Awards
Value ($)
(1)
  Option
Awards
Value
($)
  Non Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($) (2)
  Change in
Pension
Value &
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings ($)
(3)
  All Other
Compensation
($) (4)
  Total ($) 

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

 

President and Chief

  2012    922,917    —      4,726,367    —      1,437,750    4,714,352    95,698    11,897,084  
 

    Executive Officer

  2011    850,000    —      3,605,000    —      —      1,758,611    167,864    6,381,475  
   2010    837,500    —      2,287,500    —      —      1,808,868    181,928    5,115,796  

David J. Turner, Jr.

 

Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

  2012    583,750    —      1,253,688    —      640,705    522,080    53,620    3,053,843  
   2011    575,000    —      876,600    —      —      199,605    69,336    1,720,541  
   2010    542,667    —      416,666    —      —      134,925    80,175    1,174,433  

John B. Owen

 

Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Lines of Business

  2012    581,250    —      1,090,553    —      666,586    787,391    58,888    3,184,668  
   2011(5)   555,000    —      1,044,400    —      —      480,884    69,597    2,149,881  
   2010    555,000    —      630,000    —      —      288,594    78,284    1,551,878  

David B. Edmonds

 

Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer

  2012    567,500    —      835,099    —      788,825    1,355,999    52,978    3,600,401  
   2011(5)   550,000    —      935,000    —      —      424,157    70,093    1,979,250  
   2010    537,500    —      545,000    —      —      400,827    76,936    1,560,263  

Fournier J. Gale, III

 

Senior Executive Vice President, General
Counsel and Corporate Secretary

  2012    508,750    —      600,933    —      515,342    N/A    67,826    1,692,851  
   2011    416,667    500,000    282,496    468,807    —      N/A    29,693    1,697,663  
          
          

Name & Principal Position (1) Year  

Salary

($)

  Bonus
($)
  Stock
Awards
($) (2)
  Option
Awards
($)
  Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($) (3)
  Change in
Pension
Value and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($) (4)
  All Other
Compensation
($) (5)
  

Total

($)

 

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

  2015    1,007,692        3,284,720        2,506,546    3,764,852    220,857    10,784,667  

Chief Executive Officer

  2014    993,750        3,443,535        3,708,902    6,056,343    218,717    14,421,247  
   2013    975,000        2,930,572        1,918,800    4,328,165    161,888    10,314,425  

David J. Turner, Jr.

  2015    636,862        788,340        883,295    314,975    98,948    2,722,420  

Chief Financial Officer

  2014    627,250        826,448        1,249,044    1,079,650    106,704    3,889,096  
   2013    607,250        651,240        863,024    261,825    85,515    2,468,854  

John B. Owen

  2015    651,977        788,340        905,498    1,096,867    100,552    3,543,234  

Head of Regional Banking Group

  2014    641,500        826,448        1,281,121    1,847,754    95,254    4,692,077  
   2013    618,750        651,240        879,368    1,142,999    87,144    3,379,501  

C. Matthew Lusco

  2015    559,269        788,340        687,487    304,689    83,165    2,422,950  

Chief Risk Officer

  2014    550,000        619,830        985,050    1,102,519    98,570    3,355,969  
   2013 (1)                                 

Fournier J. Gale, III

  2015    564,308        591,250        691,991    N/A    106,889    1,954,438  

General Counsel & Corporate

  2014    555,000        619,830        990,880    N/A    117,695    2,283,405  

Secretary

  2013    533,750        488,434        700,280    N/A    92,866    1,815,330  
(1)Mr. Lusco was not an NEO in 2013.

 

(1)(2)The amountsAs reflected in the following table, amounts in this column include multiple grants for NEOs as follows:

Name

 Total Stock
Awards Value
          ($)           
  GRANTED IN 2012  FOR
2011
  GRANTED IN 2012  Total Stock
Awards  Value
(excluding
TARP-Compliant
Restricted Stock
for 2011 granted
in 2012) ($)
 
  TARP-Compliant Restricted
Stock Granted in 2012  for
2011
(a)
  Salary Stock Realized for 2012
  (b)  
  2012 Annual Equity Grant  
    PSUs($/Units)
(c)
     RSUs ($ / Units)
(d)
  
      $      units      before tax ($)      net of tax
  (units)  
  Performance
Stock ($)
  Performance
Stock
(units)
  Restricted
Stock ($)
  Restricted
Stock
(units)
  

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

  4,726,367    1,402,498    241,810    714,583    121,868    1,304,643    221,878    1,304,643    221,878    3,323,869  

David J. Turner, Jr.

  1,253,688    457,301    78,845    189,583    31,990    303,402    51,599    303,402    51,599    796,387  

John B. Owen

  1,090,553    299,999    51,724    183,750    30,983    303,402    51,599    303,402    51,599    790,554  

David B. Edmonds

  835,099    379,999    65,517    —      —      227,550    38,699    227,550    38,699    455,100  

Fournier J. Gale, III

  600,933    —      —      145,833    24,279    227,550    38,699    227,550    38,699    455,100  

(a)The amount reflected in column (a) for Mr. Hall, Mr. Turner, Mr. Owen and Mr. Edmonds includesare the grant date fair value of a stock award grant made to them on February 22, 2012. As describedawards computed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis on pages 46 through 48, this grant was for service and performance during 2011 under the TARP-compensation standards, but under SEC rules, must be reported for calendar year 2012.accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.

   2015 Annual Equity Grant (PSUs & RSUs)   Total Stock
Awards Value
($)
 
   PSUs ($/units) (a)   RSUs ($/units) (b)   
Name  

Performance
Stock

($)

   

Performance
Stock

(#)

   

Restricted
Stock

($)

   

Restricted
Stock

(#)

   

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

   1,642,360     173,611     1,642,360     173,611     3,284,720  

David J. Turner, Jr.

   394,170     41,667     394,170     41,667     788,340  

John B. Owen

   394,170     41,667     394,170     41,667     788,340  

C. Matthew Lusco

   394,170     41,667     394,170     41,667     788,340  

Fournier J. Gale, III

   295,625     31,250     295,625     31,250     591,250  
 (b)(a)For Mr. Hall, Mr. Turner, Mr. Owen and Mr. Gale the amount in column (b) reflects the annual grant of salary stock units. Salary stock units are a form of compensation allowable under TARP. Salary stock units were awarded in equal installments each pay period from January 1, 2012 through April 13, 2012 at which time awards of salary stock were discontinued to allow for restructuring of compensation due to the repayment of TARP. The 2012 salary stock awarded was fully vested at grant and payable in January 2013 at the stock price at that time.
(c)For all of the NEOs, the amounts in this column (c) reflect the number of units granted and the grant date fair value of the 2012 annual grant Performance Stock Units (PSUs). The PSU value is at target andPSUs. Actual awards can range from 0% to 200%150% of target based on performance metrics of absolute and relative Earnings Per ShareDiluted EPS growth and Return on Average Tangible Common EquityROATCE established at grant. The maximum award value for the PSUs (determined as described on pages 69 and 70) is $2,463,545 for Mr. Hall, $591,259 for each of Messrs. Turner, Owen and Lusco and $443,438 for Mr. Gale.

 (d)(b)For all of the NEOs, theThe amounts in this column (d) reflectrepresent the number of units granted and the grant date fair value of time-vested restricted stock awardsRSUs that are cliff vested over avest at the end of the three-year vesting period ending in June 2015.April 2018.

For more detail regarding the stock awards for NEOs, please see pages 46 through 48 of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and the 2012 Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table on pages 62 and 63 of the proxy statement.

(2)(3)This amount represents annual bonusescash incentives for 20122015 performance prorated relativeplus the value of the 2013 Performance Cash Grant that vested at December 31, 2015 and will be released effective April 1, 2016 as detailed in the following table:

   Nonequity Incentive Plan Compensation 
Name  2015 Annual
Cash Incentive
($)
   Value of 2013
Performance
Cash Grant
at 12/31/15
($) (a)
   

Total

($)

 

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

   1,381,546     1,125,000     2,506,546  

David J. Turner, Jr.

   633,295     250,000     883,295  

John B. Owen

   655,498     250,000     905,498  

C. Matthew Lusco

   499,987     187,500     687,487  

Fournier J. Gale, III

   504,491     187,500     691,991  
(a)This column reflects 75% of target earned at December 31, 2015. Grants to time periods each NEO was covered by TARPMr. Turner, Mr. Owen and as approved byMr. Lusco remain subject to service vesting requirements until April 1, 2016 (the 3rd anniversary of the Compensation Committee underdate of grant) and may be forfeited should they separate from the Regions Management Incentive Plan.
(3)Company prior to that date. 

The change in pension value for each participant is the difference in the total present value of accrued benefit on December 31, 2012 minus the total present value of accrued benefit on December 31, 2011. (4)This amount includes benefits under a grandfathered targeted alternative benefit for Mr. Hall, Mr. EdmondsOwen and Mr. Owen. Benefits under the alternative formulaLusco described on pages 71, 72 and 84 through 86, which are subject to significant vesting requirements (completion of a minimum 10 years of service and attainment of age 60), and therefore,not yet met. Therefore, while accrued, neither part of the change in benefit isfor Mr. Hall nor all of the change in benefit for Mr. Owen and Mr. Lusco has been earned and would not yet vested. For more information about these benefits, refer to pages 48 and 49 inbe payable at the CD&A and topresent time if they left the Pension Benefits Description and Table on pages 68 and 69.Company.

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(4)
COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS  

(5)All other compensation consists of the following:

Name Life Insurance,
Perquisites and Other
Personal Benefits
(a) ($)
  

Matching Contributions
Under Qualified
Savings Plans

(b) ($)

  

Matching Contributions
Under Nonqualified
Savings Plans

(b) ($)

  

Non-Elective
Contributions

(b) ($)

  

Total All Other
Compensation

($)

 

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

  64,309    10,600    145,948        220,857  

David J. Turner, Jr.

  26,612    10,600    61,736        98,948  

John B. Owen

  26,268    10,600    58,384    5,300    100,552  

C. Matthew Lusco

  29,843    10,600    37,423    5,300    83,165  

Fournier J. Gale, III

  34,203    10,600    37,858    24,229    106,889  
 (a)The 20122015 amount includes the value of:of items such as group term life insurance premiums, excess group liability insurance coverage, financial planning services, personal flight time,use of the corporate aircraft, an enhanced executive physical, home security, as well as matching charitable gift contributions, and Healthmiles Reward. The total value for allpersonal use of our NEOs. It also includesthe corporate aircraft by Mr. Hall in 2015 was $20,250.

(b)These amounts include the value of Company contributions to the Regions Financial Corporation 401(k) Plan and the Regions Financial Corporation Supplemental 401(k) Plan as follows: Mr. Hall—$51,208 plus an amount equal to $2,600 from a grandfathered AmSouth Profit Sharing contribution,Hall — $156,548; Mr. Turner— $27,142,Turner — $72,336; Mr. Owen—$31,925,Owen — $74,284; Mr. Edmonds—$22,700,Lusco — $53,323; and Mr. Gale—$27,400.
(5)Gale — $72,687. Mr. Owen and Mr. Edmonds were not NEOs in 2011; however, compensation information is provided for 2011 in accordance with SEC rules.

TOTAL 2012 GRANTSGrants of Plan-Based Awards

 

The following table details all equity-based

Plan-based awards made in 2015 to the NEOs included annual cash incentives, performance-based cash, PSUs and non-equity plan-based awards granted to eachRSUs.

Annual cash incentives were based on an assessment of both corporate performance, as well as individual performance in 2015. Corporate performance measures, including profitability, credit management and customer service, accounted for 80 percent of the Named Executive Officersincentive, while individual performance in relation to certain strategic priorities accounted for the Summary Compensation Table in 2012.remaining 20 percent of the incentive.

Equity2015 equity grants issued during 2012 were issued under the Regions Financial Corporation 2010 Long Term Incentive Plan (“Regions 2010 LTIP”). The Regions 2010 LTIP, which was approved by stockholders at the 2010 annual meeting, and permits grants of awards in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance-based awards, dividend equivalents orand other stock-based awards orand any other right or interest relating to stock or cash. Under the Regions 2010 LTIP, 100 million shares and share equivalents of our common stock were authorized for issuance. Awards under the Regions 2010 LTIP may vest over time or upon the

achievement of pre-established performance goals. In addition, awardsAwards generally vest on termination of an award holder’s employment within 24 months after a change-in-controlchange-in-control.

The performance-based cash and PSUs will be issued based on the Company’s absolute and relative Diluted EPS and ROATCE over the three-year period from January 1, 2015, through December 31, 2017. The ultimate value of Regions (as definedthese performance awards can vary from 0 to 150 percent of target, depending on performance measured against goals as more fully described on pages 69 and 70 of the CD&A. The RSUs generally cliff vest three years from the date of grant; however, up to 40 percent of a grant may be forfeited if certain capital and liquidity performance thresholds are not met. Dividends and dividend equivalents accrued on both the PSUs and RSUs will be paid in cash at vesting based on the Regions 2010 LTIP to exclude certain merger-of-equals transactions).number of units actually earned.

For more information regarding the grants of plan-based awards for NEOs, see pages 66 through 71 of the CD&A.

 

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  COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

Name

 Principal Position Grant
Date
  Estimated Future Payouts
Under Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Awards (1)
  Estimated Future Payouts
Under Equity Incentive Plan
Awards (2)
  All Other
Stock Awards:
Number of
Shares of
Stock or Units
(#) (3)
  All Other
Option Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options (#)
  Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards
($/sh)
  Grant Date
Fair Value
of Stock
and Option
Awards ($)
 
   Threshold
($)
  Target
($)
  Maximum
($)
  Threshold
(#)
  Target
(#)
  Maximum
(#)
     

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

 President and Chief  01/15/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      20,394.74    —      —      102,083  
     Executive Officer  01/31/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      19,272.63    —      —      102,083  
   02/15/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      17,381.40    —      —      102,083  
   02/22/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      241,810.00    —      —      1,402,498  
   02/29/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      17,465.82    —      —      102,083  
   03/15/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      15,621.60    —      —      102,083  
   03/30/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      15,266.03    —      —      102,083  
   04/13/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      16,465.32    —      —      102,083  
   06/01/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      221,878.00    —      —      1,304,643  
   06/01/12    —      —      —      0    221,878    443,756    —      —      —      1,304,643  
   06/01/12    0    1,433,333    2,866,666    —      —      —      —      —      —      —    

David J. Turner, Jr.

 Senior Executive Vice  01/15/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      5,334.68    —      —      27,083  
     President and Chief  01/31/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      4,895.23    —      —      27,083  
     Financial Officer  02/15/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      4,563.04    —      —      27,083  
   02/22/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      78,845.00    —      —      457,301  
   02/29/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      4,633.79    —      —      27,083  
   03/15/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      4,144.51    —      —      27,083  
   03/30/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      4,050.17    —      —      27,083  
   04/13/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      4,368.35    —      —      27,083  
   06/01/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      51,599.00    —      —      303,402  
   06/01/12    —      —      —      0    51,599    103,198    —      —      —      303,402  
   06/01/12    0    333,333    666,666    —      —      —      —      —      —      —    

The following table sets forth details regarding non-equity and equity plan-based awards granted to each of the NEOs in 2015:

Name

 Principal Position Grant
Date
  Estimated Future Payouts
Under Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Awards (1)
 Estimated Future Payouts
Under Equity Incentive Plan
Awards (2)
 All Other
Stock Awards:
Number of
Shares of
Stock or Units
(#) (3)
  All Other
Option Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options (#)
  Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards
($/sh)
  Grant Date
Fair Value
of Stock
and Option
Awards ($)
  Grant
Date
  

Estimated Future
Payouts

Under Non-Equity
Incentive

Plan Awards

   

Estimated Future Payouts

Under Equity Incentive

Plan Awards

  All
Other
Stock
Awards:
Number
of
Shares
of Stock
or Units
(#) (3)
  All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
(#)
  Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards
($/sh)
  

Grant
Date Fair
Value of
Stock and
Option
Awards

($)

 
 Threshold
($)
 Target
($)
 Maximum
($)
 Threshold
(#)
 Target
(#)
 Maximum
(#)
   Threshold
($)
 

Target

($)

 Maximum
($)
 Threshold
(#)
 Target
(#)
 Maximum
(#)
 

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

      (1)      1,511,538   3,023,076                  
 04/01/15 (2)      1,666,667   2,500,001         173,611   260,417   173,611           3,284,720  

David J. Turner, Jr.

   (1)      700,548   1,401,096     
 04/01/15 (2)      400,000   600,000         41,667   62,501   41,667           788,340  

John B. Owen

 Senior Executive Vice  01/15/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      5,170.54    —      —      26,250     (1)      717,175   1,434,349          
     President and Head of  01/31/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      4,744.61    —      —      26,250   04/01/15 (2)      400,000   600,000         41,667   62,501   41,667           788,340  
     Lines of Business  02/15/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      4,400.29    —      —      26,250  
   02/22/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      51,724.00    —      —      299,999  
   02/29/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      4,491.21    —      —      26,250  
   03/15/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      4,016.98    —      —      26,250  
   03/30/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      3,925.55    —      —      26,250  
   04/13/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      4,233.94    —      —      26,250  
   06/01/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      51,599.00    —      —      303,402  
   06/01/12    —      —      —      0    51,599    103,198    —      —      —      303,402  
   06/01/12    0    333,333    666,666    —      —      —      —      —      —      —    

David B. Edmonds

 Senior Executive Vice  02/22/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      65,517.00    —      —      379,999  
     President and Chief  06/01/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      38,699.00    —      —      227,550  
     Administrative Officer  06/01/12    —      —      —      0    38,699    77,398    —      —      —      227,550  
   06/01/12    0    250,000    500,000    —      —      —      —      —      —      —    

C. Matthew Lusco

   (1)      559,269   1,118,538          
 04/01/15 (2)      400,000   600,000         41,667   62,501   41,667           788,340  

Fournier J. Gale, III

 Senior Executive Vice  01/31/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      7,531.13    —      —      41,667     (1)      564,308   1,128,616          
     President, General  02/15/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      3,519.42    —      —      20,833   04/01/15 (2)      300,000   450,000         31,250   46,875   31,250           591,250  
     Counsel and  02/29/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      3,564.45    —      —      20,833  
     Corporate Secretary  03/15/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      3,188.08    —      —      20,833  
   03/30/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      3,115.52    —      —      20,833  
   04/13/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      3,360.27    —      —      20,833  
   06/01/12    —      —      —      —      —      —      38,699.00    —      —      227,550  
   06/01/12    —      —      —      0    38,699    77,398    —      —      —      227,550  
   06/01/12    0    250,000    500,000    —      —      —      —      —      —      —    
(1)Amounts included in the Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards column reflect the range of possible annual cash incentive payouts for 2015 performance. Actual amounts earned, as determined by the Committee in the first quarter of 2016, are reflected in the 2015 Summary Compensation Table under the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column.

 

(1)(2)The performanceperformance-based cash awards included in this sectionthe Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards column and PSUs included in the Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards column have equally weighted performance requirements based on absolute and relative Earnings Per ShareDiluted EPS growth and ReturnROATCE. In addition, in the event the achievement of the performance criteria for Diluted EPS growth is less than 2% on Average Tangible Common Equity.an absolute basis and in the bottom one-third of the peer group on a relative basis, or the achievement of the performance criteria for ROATCE is less than 9% on an absolute basis and in the bottom one-third of the peer group on a relative basis, the payout will be zero if cumulative net income from continuing operations is less than one-half of the projection for the three-year performance period. The performance period for these awards is January 1, 20122015, through December 31, 2014 with a2017, and will fully vest date of Juneon April 1, 2015.2018.

 

(2)The performance stock unit awards included in this section haveNotwithstanding the achievement of the performance requirements, based on absolute and relative Earnings Per Share growth and Return on Average Tangible Common Equity. The performance period forin order to be eligible to receive any cash payout or shares of stock under these awards, employment must continue through the third anniversary of the grant date, which is JanuaryApril 1, 2012 through December 31, 2014 with a vest date2018, except in the case of June 1, 2015.death, disability or retirement.

 

(3)Grants of salary stock units areIn addition to service vesting requirements, the RSUs included in this column. Salary stock unitscolumn are subject to performance-vesting requirements based on the Company’s achievement of certain capital and liquidity performance thresholds during each of the periods from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2015; January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2016; and January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017. To the extent that the capital performance threshold and/or the liquidity performance threshold has not been satisfied for each performance period, 20% for each requirement (up to a formmaximum of compensation allowable under TARP. Salary stock units were40% total) of the RSUs awarded in equal installments each pay period (netwill be forfeited. For purposes of Social Security and Medicare tax) for 2012 and were fully vested at grant, but not payable until a later date. Salary stock units were only awarded forthis award, the first seven pay periods of 2012 and then discontinued to allow for restructuring of compensation dueCompany’s performance will be measured relative to the repaymentfollowing capital and liquidity performance thresholds as certified by the Committee:

(i)“Capital Performance Threshold”: Capital Action Decision Tree Status as defined in the Capital Policy must remain in either “Monitor Capital” or “Capital Deployment” status; and

(ii)“Liquidity Performance Threshold”: Risk for Primary Liquidity Level must remain at “Moderate” or better as established in the Market & Liquidity Risk Framework document.

Notwithstanding the achievement of TARP. The 2012 grantsthe capital and liquidity performance thresholds, in order to be eligible to receive any shares of salary stock were payableunder this award, employment must continue through the third anniversary of the grant date, which is April 1, 2018, except in one installment asthe case of January 1, 2013 at the stock price on that date. Restricted stock granted under the Regions 2010 LTIP on February 22, 2012 represents TARP-compliant restricted stock grants for 2011 service and performance under the TARP compensation standards, but under SEC rules, are reported for calendar year 2012.death, disability or retirement.

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COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS  

YEAR-END HOLDINGSOutstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2015

Awards in this table include:

Grants of stock options made over time that are exercisable and unexercisable.

Grants of restricted stock and RSUs.

Grants of PSUs made in 2013, 2014 and 2015 that may pay if Regions achieves specific performance criteria.

RSU grants made in 2013, 2014 and 2015 will pay in full only if Regions meets certain capital and liquidity thresholds.

 

The following table sets forth outstanding equity-based awards held by each of the Named Executive Officers in the Summary Compensation TableNEOs as of December 31, 2012.2015:

 

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT DECEMBER 31, 2012

Name

 Principal Position Grant
Date
  Option Awards (1)  Stock Awards (2) 
   Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Exercisable
(#)
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Unexercisable
(#)
  Equity
Incentive  Plan
Awards: #
of Securities
Underlying
Unearned
Options (#)
  Option
Exercise
Price
($)
  Option
Expiration
Date
  Number of Shares
or Units of Stock
That Have Not
Vested (#) (3)
  Market
Value of
Shares
or Units
of Stock
That
Have
Not
Vested
($) (3)
  Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards: #
of Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That
Have Not
Vested
(#) (4)
  Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That
Have Not
Vested
($) (4)
 

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

 President and Chief
Executive Officer
  02/10/03    80,378    —      —      25.70    02/10/13    —      —      —      —    
   02/04/04    70,649    —      —      30.55    02/04/14    —      —      —      —    
   02/08/05    115,065    —      —      32.02    02/08/15    —      —      —      —    
   04/03/06    83,966    —      —      34.46    04/03/16    —      —      —      —    
   04/24/07    85,715    —      —      35.07    04/23/17    —      —      —      —    
   02/28/08    282,019    —      —      21.94    02/27/18    —      —      —      —    
   02/24/09    363,278    —      —      3.29    02/23/19    —      —      —      —    
   02/23/11    —      —      —      —      —      156,504    1,115,874    —      —    
   02/22/12    —      —      —      —      —      241,810    1,724,105    —      —    
   06/01/12    —      —      —      —      —      221,878    1,581,990    221,878    1,581,990  

David J. Turner, Jr.

 Senior Executive Vice
President and Chief
Financial Officer
  05/02/05    27,590    —      —      33.21    05/02/15    —      —      —      —    
   04/03/06    33,810    —      —      34.46    04/03/16    —      —      —      —    
   04/24/07    20,000    —      —      35.07    04/23/17    —      —      —      —    
   02/28/08    59,822    —      —      21.94    02/27/18    —      —      —      —    
   02/23/11    —      —      —      —      —      51,030    363,844    —      —    
   02/22/12    —      —      —      —      —      78,845    562,165    —      —    
   06/01/12    —      —      —      —      —      51,599    367,901    51,599    367,901  

Name

 Principal Position Grant
Date
  Option Awards (1)  Stock Awards (2) 
   Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Exercisable
(#)
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Unexercisable
(#)
  Equity
Incentive  Plan
Awards: #
of Securities
Underlying
Unearned
Options (#)
  Option
Exercise
Price
($)
  Option
Expiration
Date
  Number of Shares
or Units of Stock
That Have Not
Vested (#) (3)
  Market
Value of
Shares
or Units
of Stock
That
Have
Not
Vested
($) (3)
  Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards: #
of Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That
Have Not
Vested
(#) (4)
  Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That
Have Not
Vested
($) (4)
 

John B. Owen

 Senior Executive Vice
President and Head of
Lines of Business
  02/28/08    128,191    —      —      21.94    02/27/18    —      —      —      —    
   02/24/09    171,598    —      —      3.29    02/23/19    —      —      —      —    
   02/23/11    —      —      —      —      —      56,152    400,364    —      —    
   02/22/12    —      —      —      —      —      51,724    368,792    —      —    
   06/01/12    —      —      —      —      —      51,599    367,901    51,599    367,901  

David B. Edmonds

 Senior Executive Vice
President and Chief
Administrative Officer
  02/10/03    56,393    —      —      25.70    02/10/13    —      —      —      —    
   02/04/04    60,602    —      —      30.55    02/04/14    —      —      —      —    
   02/08/05    55,180    —      —      32.02    02/08/15    —      —      —      —    
   04/03/06    47,844    —      —      34.46    04/03/16    —      —      —      —    
   04/24/07    42,858    —      —      35.07    04/23/17    —      —      —      —    
   02/28/08    141,010    —      —      21.94    02/27/18    —      —      —      —    
   02/24/09    156,904     —      3.29    02/23/19    —      —      —      —    
   02/23/11    —      —      —      —      —      52,168    371,958    —      —    
   02/22/12    —      —      —      —      —      65,517    467,136    —      —    
   06/01/12    —      —      —      —      —      38,699    275,924    38,699    275,924  

Fournier J. Gale, III

 Senior Executive Vice
President, General
Counsel and
Corporate
Secretary
  03/01/11    38,022    76,043    —      7.43    02/28/21    38,021    271,090    —      —    
   06/01/12    —      —      —      —      —      38,699    275,924    38,699    275,924  

Name    

Option Awards

(1)

    

Stock Awards

(2)

 
 Grant
Date
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Exercisable
(#)
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
Unexercisable
(#)
  

Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:

# of
Securities
Underlying
Unearned
Options
(#)

  

Option
Exercise
Price

($)

  Option
Expiration
Date
     

Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested

(a) (#)

  Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
That
Have Not
Vested
(a) ($)
  

Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:

# of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested

(b) (#)

  

Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested

(b) ($)

 

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

  04/03/06    83,966            34.46    04/03/16                   
  04/24/07    85,715            35.07    04/23/17                   
  02/28/08    282,019            21.94    02/27/18                   
  04/01/13                         182,704    1,753,958    137,028    1,315,469  
  04/01/14                         153,046    1,469,242    153,046    1,469,242  
   04/01/15                          173,611    1,666,666    173,611    1,666,666  

David J. Turner, Jr.

  04/03/06    33,810            34.46    04/03/16                   
  04/24/07    20,000            35.07    04/23/17                   
  02/28/08    59,822            21.94    02/27/18                   
  04/01/13                         40,601    389,770    30,451    292,327  
  04/01/14                         36,731    352,618    36,731    352,618  
   04/01/15                          41,667    400,003    41,667    400,003  

John B. Owen

  02/28/08    128,191            21.94    02/27/18                   
  04/01/13                         40,601    389,770    30,451    292,327  
  04/01/14                         36,731    352,618    36,731    352,618  
   04/01/15                          41,667    400,003    41,667    400,003  

C. Matthew Lusco

  04/01/13                         30,451    292,330    22,838    219,247  
  04/01/14                         27,548    264,461    27,548    264,461  
   04/01/15                          41,667    400,003    41,667    400,003  

Fournier J. Gale, III

  03/01/11    114,065            7.43    02/28/21                   
  04/01/13                         30,451    292,330    22,838    219,247  
  04/01/14                         27,548    264,461    27,548    264,461  
   04/01/15                          31,250    300,000    31,250    300,000  
(1)StockAll outstanding stock options are granted to vest in equal annual installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant.grant and, as of December 31, 2015, are all fully vested.

 

(2)The restrictions onvesting of unvested restricted stock awards/units are scheduled to lapse in one lump sum on the thirdand RSUs is as follows:

Grant DateVesting ScheduleRestrictions

April 1, 2013

3rd anniversary of the date of grant. The restrictions on performance stock units granted June 1, 2012 are scheduled to lapse on the third anniversary of the grant date

(a)   Time vested RSUs, vesting of which is also subject to meeting capital and liquidity thresholds.

April 1, 2014

April 1, 2015

(b)   PSUs may be earned between 0% and 200%150% subject to achieving required performance levels of equally weighted absolute and relative Earnings Per ShareDiluted EPS growth and Return on Average Tangible Common EquityROATCE for the period January 1, 20122013, through December 31, 2014.2015, for the grant made April 1, 2013, the period January 1, 2014, through December 31, 2016 for the grant made April 1, 2014 and the period January 1, 2015, through December 31, 2017, for the grant made April 1, 2015.

 

LOGO   ï   2016 Proxy Statement83


(3)The number and market value of outstanding awards dated June 1, 2012 represents time vested restricted stock units.

(4)The number and market value of outstanding awards dated June 1, 2012 represents performance-based restricted stock units.  COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED DURING 2012Option Exercises and Stock Vested

 

The following table sets forth the amounts realized by each of the Named Executive Officers named in the Summary Compensation Table in 2012NEOs as a result of the exercise of options and vesting of stock awards in 2012.2015:

   Option Awards   Stock Awards 
Name  Number of Shares
Acquired on Exercise
(#)
   

Value Realized
on Exercise

($)

   

Number of Shares
Acquired on
Vesting

(#)

   Value
Realized
on
Vesting
($)
 

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

             768,770     7,594,945  

David J. Turner, Jr.

             201,393     1,984,672  

John B. Owen

             174,272     1,722,683  

C. Matthew Lusco

             91,910     917,262  

Fournier J. Gale, III

             91,910     917,262  

Pension Benefits

 

2012 OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED

Name

  

Principal Position

  Option Awards   Stock Awards 
    Number of
Shares
Acquired on
Exercise
(#)
   Value
Realized on
Exercise
($)
   Number of
Shares
Acquired on
Vesting
(#)
   Value
Realized  on
Vesting
($) (1)
 

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

  

President and Chief Executive Officer

   —       —       320,877     2,094,412  

David J. Turner, Jr.

  

Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

   —       —       44,189     276,562  

John B. Owen

  

Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Lines of Business

   —       —       123,765     785,460  

David B. Edmonds

  

Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer

   —       —       138,719     943,759  

Fournier J. Gale, III

  

Senior Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

   —       —       24,279     145,833  

(1)These amounts include salary stock units awarded January 1, 2012 through April 13, 2012 and shares vested in May of 2012 and October of 2012 in association with the release of restricted stock and are detailed in the following schedule:

 

Name

 Vested Salary Stock Units
(net of Social Security  and
Medicare Tax)(#) (a)
  Salary Stock Realized for 2012
(before Social Security and
Medicare Tax)($) (a)
  Vested Shares of
Restricted
Stock Released
in May, 2012(#) (b)
  Value of Shares of
Restricted
Stock Released
in May, 2012($) (b)
  Vested Shares  of
Restricted
Stock Released

in October, 2012(#)
  Value of Shares
of Restricted
Stock Released
in October, 2012($)
 

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

  121,868    714,583    48,882    309,423    150,127    1,070,406  

David J. Turner, Jr.

  31,990    189,583    —      —      12,199    86,979  

John B. Owen

  30,983    183,750    74,782    473,370    18,000    128,340  

David B. Edmonds

  —      —      56,634    358,493    82,085    585,266  

Fournier J. Gale, III

  24,279    145,833    —      —      —      —    

(a)Salary stock units are vested at award and are subject to Social Security and Medicare tax withholding. Salary stock units are subject to transfer restrictions until the time of payout as of January 1, 2013, at the stock price on that date. The amounts reflected in this table for salary stock awarded in 2012 are also reflected in the Stock Awards column of the Summary Compensation Table.

(b)The release of restricted stock that occurred in May, 2012 was granted in February, 2009 and was pursuant to (1) sustained stock price performance and (2) the provisions of TARP whereby the executive could not receive the entire amount/value associated with the original award. The performance criteria were met and the entire grant vested. However, only a fraction of the original grant was released. The numerator in the fraction was the amount of time the executive had been subject to TARP and the denominator was the restriction period of 3 years and 90 days. Mr. Hall, Mr. Owen and Mr. Edmonds each forfeited restricted stock at the time of release as follows:

Name

  Amount Outstanding (#)   Percent Forfeited  Amount Forfeited (#) 

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

   288,184     83.04  239,302  

John B. Owen

   108,069     30.08  33,287  

David B. Edmonds

   108,069     47.59  51,435  

Stock options granted in February, 2009 were also pursuant to (1) sustained stock price performance and (2) the provisions of TARP whereby the executive could not receive the entire amount/value associated with the original award. The performance criteria were met and the entire grant vested, but only a fraction of the original grant became exercisable. The numerator in the fraction was the amount of time the executive had been subject to TARP and the denominator was the expected life of 6.75 years, per tranche. As a result, Mr. Hall, Mr. Owen and Mr. Edmonds each also forfeited stock options in May, 2012 as follows:

Name

    Original Grant Amount (#)   Percent Forfeited  Amount Forfeited (#) 

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

   485,159     25.12  121,881  

John B. Owen

   181,935     5.68  10,337  

David B. Edmonds

   181,935     13.76  25,031  

PENSION BENEFITS

The Regions Financial Corporation Retirement Plan (the “Regions Retirement Plan”) is a non-contributory qualified defined benefit plan providing for a lifetime monthly annuity following retirement. All benefitsBenefits earned by our NEOs under the planRetirement Plan are generally based on the following formula:

 

1.3% of

Average

Monthly Earnings

Earnings” up to

Covered

Compensation

 Plus+

1.8% of

Average

Monthly Earnings

Earnings” in

excess of

Covered

Compensation

 Multiplied byX

Years of

Service up to a

maximum of 30

total years

Average Monthly EarningsEarnings” is defined as the average of the highest five consecutive years of base compensation within the last 10 years of service, and Covered Compensation“Covered Compensation” is defined as the estimated average maximum amount of a participant’s earnings on which Social Security benefits will be based assuming that in each year of the participant’s working career, the participant’s wages equaled the Social Security Taxable Wage BaseBase.

Any accrued benefit under the Plan is 100 percent vested at all times as there is no minimum service requirement for vesting. While the Plan does not define a normal retirement date, there is no reduction in benefits due to age after a participant has reached age 62. Upon separation of service, benefits are payable as early as age 55, although between age 55 and is automatically adjusted each year62, benefits are subject to reflect changesa reduction for early payment.

Only Mr. Hall and Mr. Turner participate in the Taxable Wage Base.

Retirement Plan.

The Regions Financial Corporation Post 2006 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “Regions (“SERP”) was created to supplement benefits provided through the Retirement Plan. First,

the SERP provides benefits that would otherwise be denied participants under the qualified Regions Retirement Plan because of tax code limitations on qualified plan benefits. In addition to these restorative benefits, as well asthe SERP also provides additional benefits that serve to attract and retain high quality senior executive talent for the organization.Company. There are two types of retirement benefits in the Regions SERP: a regular benefit and a targeted benefit.

The regular Regions SERP benefit is available to all eligible SERP participants and bases benefits onis calculated using the same formula as the Retirement Plan defined above with the following differences: (1) instead of averaging payearnings over five years of service, it is averaged over the highest three consecutive years of service out of the last 10 years of service; (2) in addition to base pay, it includes annual cash incentives, as well as 50%50 percent of any Salary Stocksalary stock and restricted stock granted during the period of TARP participation; and (3) the maximum years of service used in the calculation of the pensionregular benefit is 35 years of service instead of 30.

Mr. Hall and Mr. Turner participate in the regular benefit. Mr. Lusco does not participate in the Retirement Plan as he was employed by the Company subsequent to its closure, but he does participate in the SERP under the provisions related to the regular benefit, subject to significant vesting requirements. In order to vest in the SERP benefit, Mr. Lusco will be entitled to the benefit following termination of employment after reaching age 62 or upon reaching age 55 with a minimum of 10 years of service except in the case of death, disability or change-in-control. Termination of employment for any other reason prior to the service requirements previously outlined, will result in the forfeiture of his entire SERP benefit, and vested benefits paid prior to age 62 are subject to reductions for early payment.

84LOGO   ï   2016 Proxy Statement


COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS  

The targeted Regions SERP retirement benefit is available only to a select group of senior officers.officers as a result of a previously grandfathered arrangement. This targeted Regions SERP benefitbenefits provides a benefit using the following formula:

 

4% of Average “Average

Monthly Earnings

Earnings” for the first

10 yearsYears of service,Service

+ 

Plus

1% of Average “Average

Monthly Earnings

Earnings” for every year in

excess of 10 yearsYears of service

Service up to a maximum of

an additional 25 years of

service (for a maximum

benefit of 65% of

Average

Monthly EarningsEarnings” with

35 yearsYears of service).Service)

For purposes of this formula, Average“Average Monthly Earnings isEarnings”

has the same definition as the regular SERP benefit.

TheseRegions’ targeted Regions SERP benefits arebenefit is offset by both anythe benefit fromunder the Retirement Plan, as well as Social Security. The targeted benefit is subject to significant retentive vesting requirements. Participants will receive the benefit forfollowing termination of

employment after reaching age 60 and completing a minimum of 10 years of service, except in the case of death, disability or change-in-control. Termination of employment for any other reason prior to age 60 and completion of 10 years of service will result in forfeiture of the alternative target formula.targeted benefit. If a participant who participates inis eligible for both the regular SERP benefit and the alternative target formulatargeted benefit retires prior to meeting thesethe targeted benefits’ vesting requirements, he or she will receive a regular SERP benefit.

Due to his long tenure, Mr. Hall participates in the Retirement Plan, as well as the regular and grandfathered targeted benefit under the SERP. Because he has not attained age 60, he is not vested in the entire accrued benefit reported below. In the event of his retirement prior to meeting the targeted benefits’ vesting requirements, Mr. Hall will receive the only the amount attributable to the regular benefit and amounts attributable to the targeted formula will be forfeited. Mr. Owen participates only in the targeted benefit under the SERP. Since he has neither attained age 60 nor completed the required 10 years of service at this time, he is not vested in any of the benefits accrued to him in the table below, and upon termination of service prior to meeting the vesting requirements would forfeit the entire amount reported below.

The following 2012 Pension Benefits table reflects the actuarial present value benefit from the Regions Retirement Plan and Regions SERP.

2012 PENSION BENEFITSthe SERP:

 

Name

  

Principal Position

  

Plan Name

  Number of
Years
Credited
Service
(#) (1)
  Pension Benefits 
        Present
Value of
Accumulated
Benefit

($) (2)
   Payments
During Last
Fiscal Year
($)
 

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

  President & Chief Executive Officer  Regions Financial Corporation Retirement Plan  30   1,232,803     —    
    Regions Financial Corporation Post 2006 SERP  31   14,446,356     —    

David J. Turner, Jr.

  Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer  Regions Financial Corporation Retirement Plan  7   212,664     —    
    Regions Financial Corporation Post 2006 SERP  7   847,743     —    

John B. Owen

  Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Lines of Business  Regions Financial Corporation Retirement Plan  NA   NA     NA  
    Regions Financial Corporation Post 2006 SERP  5   1,835,480     —    

David B. Edmonds

  Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer  Regions Financial Corporation Retirement Plan  17   807,783     —    
    Regions Financial Corporation Post 2006 SERP  17   5,068,395     —    

Fournier J. Gale, III

  Senior Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary  NA  NA   NA     NA  
    NA  NA   NA     NA  

          Pension Benefits 
Name  Plan Name  

Number of
Years Credited
Service

(#) (1)

   

Present Value
of Accumulated
Benefit

($) (2)

   Payments During
Last Fiscal Year
($)
 

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

  Regions Financial Corporation Retirement Plan   30     1,504,044       
   

Regions Financial Corporation Post 2006 SERP

   34     28,324,475       

David J. Turner, Jr.

  Regions Financial Corporation Retirement Plan   10     366,529       
   

Regions Financial Corporation Post 2006 SERP

   10     2,350,328       

John B. Owen

  NA   NA     NA     NA  
   

Regions Financial Corporation Post 2006 SERP

   8     5,923,100       

C. Matthew Lusco

  NA   NA     NA     NA  
   

Regions Financial Corporation Post 2006 SERP

   5     1,407,208       

Fournier J. Gale, III

  NA   NA     NA     NA  
   

NA

   NA     NA     NA  
(1)The Regions Retirement Plan (a tax-qualifiedqualified pension plan) caps the number of years of participantcredited service for purposes of benefit accrual under the plan at 30 years. The Regions SERP (a nonqualified plan) caps participantthe number of years of credited service at 35 years. Mr. Owen doesand Mr. Lusco do not participate in the qualified pension planRetirement Plan, and Mr. Gale does not participate in the qualifiedRetirement Plan or non-qualified pension plans of the company.SERP.

In 2009, future benefit accruals under the pension plan and SERP were suspended for all participants. Even during the suspension, participants continued to earn service toward vesting and eligibility for early retirement benefits. Effective January 1, 2010, these benefit accruals were reinstated for pension plan and SERP participants.

 

(2)In 2009, future benefit accruals under the Retirement Plan and SERP were suspended for all participants. Even during the suspension, participants continued to earn service toward vesting and eligibility for early retirement benefits. Effective January 1, 2010, benefit accruals were resumed for Retirement Plan and SERP participants.

    The present value of the accumulated qualified planRetirement Plan benefits reflects the present valueis calculated as of December 31, 2012,2015, and was determined using a 4.25%4.6% discount rate for the qualified plan and the separate static annuitant/nonannuitantMRP-2007 employee and retiree mortality tables for males and females, issued by the IRS for 2013 funding purposes.no collar with generational projection based on scale MSS-2007. The present value of the accumulated SERP benefits reflects the present valueis calculated as of December 31, 2012,2015, and was determined using a 3.65%4.21% discount rate, (4% to calculate expected lump sum distribution) and the 2013 PPA2016 Pension Protection Act lump sum mortality table. For purposes of the present value calculation, no pre-retirement mortality was assumed, and the payment date was assumed to be the earliest unreduced retirement date under the plan.both plans. The payment age of 62 (life only) was assumed for the Regions Retirement Plan and the payment age was assumed to be age 60 for the Regions SERP.SERP for Mr. Hall and Mr. Owen and age 62 for Mr. Turner and Mr. Lusco.

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  COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATIONNonqualified Deferred Compensation

 

Regions maintains the following nonqualified deferred compensation plans in which our Named Executive Officers participate.

Regions Financial Corporation Supplemental 401(k) Plan. Regions sponsors (“Supplemental 401(k) Plan”), which is a non-qualified deferred compensation plan. The Supplemental 401(k) Plan is an excess contribution plan for executivesprimarily open to NEOs and other 401(k) plan participantshighly compensated individuals whose compensation exceeds the annual tax code limit on compensation that can be taken into account for purposes of contributions to the 401(k) plan.Plan. Under this plan,the Supplemental 401(k) Plan, participants may continuemake contributions of up to make contributions80 percent of base and cash incentive pay on a nonqualified basis. In 2012, Regions made contributionsRegions’ contribution under the plan is limited to this plan up to 4%4 percent of base and incentive compensation, provided the executive hadNEO has elected a deferral rate on hisbase or her baseannual incentive compensation of at least 4%4 percent for the year. All of the NEOs participated in the Regions Supplemental 401(k) Plan during 2012.2015.

Like the 401(k) Plan, the Supplemental 401(k) Plan provides for a non-contributory Company contribution equal to 2 percent of base and cash incentive compensation for participants who do not participate in the Retirement Plan. As Mr. Gale is also eligible fornot a non-qualified 2%

participant in the Retirement Plan, he receives the 2 percent non-elective Company contribution.contribution to the Supplemental 401(k) Plan.

Benefits under this plan are held in notional accounts on the Company’s balance sheet. Earnings and losses are credited to accounts based on notional investment elections made by participants. Notional investments available to participants are generally the same investments available under the 401(k) Plan with the exception of Regions Financial Corporation Salary Stock Unit Award Program. Salary stock is a formand certain mutual funds, not available to the Company for investment. None of compensation allowable under TARP. Regions was still a TARP participant atthese notional investments provide for above market or preferential earnings which require us to report earnings in the beginning of 2012“Change in Pension Value and therefore, Salary Stock Unit Award Agreements were entered into with fourNonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings” column of the five NEOs. Mr. Edmonds did not enter into a Salary Stock Unit Award Agreement in 2012. BecauseSummary Compensation Table on page 80.

Benefits under the salary stock unit award is vested at grant, but not payable until a later date, this program is a form of deferred compensation. NEOs who participate in this program do not make any elections with regard to degree of participation nor time or manner of distribution. Salary stock unitsplans are fully vested at grantall times and are not subjectpayable only upon separation from service according to forfeiture and the payment date may not be accelerated. Salary stock units awarded through April 13, 2012 were payable409A compliant distribution election made by the NEO upon participation in a single installment payable as of January 1, 2013, at the stock price on that date.plan.

Regions Financial Corporation Restricted Cash Program.This restricted cash program is limited to associates eligible for Long Term Incentive Plan participation. This restricted cash vests three years from the date of the award as long as the associate is actively employed at the time of vesting. Mr. Turner is the only NEO who was a participant in this plan.

 

The following table sets forth the executiveNEOs’ contributions, RegionsRegions’ contributions and the aggregate earnings, withdrawals and balances during 20122015 under the nonqualified deferred compensation plans maintained by Regions.

NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION FOR 2012Regions:

 

Name

 

Principal Position

   Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation 
    Executive
Contributions in
2012

($) (1 a & b)
  Company
Contributions in
2012

($) (2 a & b)
  Aggregate
Earnings in
2012

($) (3 a & b)
  Aggregate
Withdrawals /
Distributions

($) (4 a & b)
  Aggregate
Balance at
December 31,
2012

($) (5 a & b)
 

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

 President and Chief Executive Officer Supplemental 401(k) (a)  54,313    41,208    186,917    —      1,626,438  
  Salary Stock (b)  —      868,916    181,628    982,869    2,512,971  
       

 

 

 
       Total:   4,139,409  

David J. Turner, Jr.

 

Senior Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

 Supplemental 401(k) (a)  10,142    17,142    70,874    —      286,067  
  Regions Restricted Cash (6)  —      —      1,966    123,837    0  
  Salary Stock (b)  —      228,087    46,952    200,465    563,691  
       

 

 

 
       Total:   849,758  

John B. Owen

 

Senior Executive Vice President and

Head of Lines of Business

 Supplemental 401(k) (a)  17,888    16,925    61,869    —      323,084  
  Salary Stock (b)  —      220,910    46,020    252,595    643,415  
       

 

 

 
       Total:   966,499  

David B. Edmonds

 

Senior Executive Vice President and

Chief Administrative Officer

 Supplemental 401(k) (a)  4,700    12,700    153,461    —      548,878  
  Salary Stock (b) (7)  —      —      2,056    220,497    367,737  
       

 

 

 
       Total:   916,615  

Fournier J. Gale, III

 

Senior Executive Vice President,

General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

 Supplemental 401(k) (a)  7,500    12,400    490    —      7,990  
  Salary Stock (b)  —      173,108    32,269    —      174,076  
       

 

 

 
       Total:   182,066  

      Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation 
Name      Executive
Contributions
in 2015
($) (1)
   Company
Contributions
in 2015
($) (2)
   Aggregate
Earnings
in 2015
($) (3)
  Aggregate
Withdrawals /
Distributions
($)
   

Aggregate
Balance at
December 31,
2015

($) (4)

 

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

  Supplemental 401(k)   104,908     145,948     (175,764       2,522,710  

David J. Turner, Jr.

  Supplemental 401(k)   69,806     61,736     (45,994       743,312  

John B. Owen

  Supplemental 401(k)   139,514     58,384     (27,835       961,475  

C. Matthew Lusco

  Supplemental 401(k)   45,291     37,423     (9,391       299,590  

Fournier J. Gale, III

  Supplemental 401(k)   45,701     56,786     (35,772       295,212  
(1)(a) Amounts in thisThis column representrepresents amounts deferred from the applicable NEO’s base salary and annual bonus (if applicable) and thatincentive, if applicable. Although deferred, these amounts are reportedincluded in the “Salary” and “Bonus” (if applicable)“Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation,” if applicable, columns of the Summary Compensation Table.

 

(b)Executives do not make salary stock or restricted cash contributions.

(2)(a) Amounts in thisThis column includeincludes Company contributions under the Regions Financial Corporation Supplemental 401(k) Plan.Plan plus the 2% non-elective contribution for Mr. Gale. These amounts are also reflectedincluded in the “All Other Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table.

(b)Amounts in this column represent the salary stock units awarded from January 1, 2012 through April 13, 2012, (after Social Security & Medicare tax) as follows:

Name

  Value of Salary Stock Deferred
(after Social Security &
Medicare tax)
 

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

  $868,916  

David J. Turner, Jr.

  $228,087  

John B. Owen.

  $220,910  

David B. Edmonds

   —    

Fournier J. Gale, III

  $173,108  

 

(3)Theseamounts are also reflected inThis column includes earnings/losses from the “Stock Awards” column of the Summary Compensation Table on a before Social Security & Medicare tax basis.Supplemental 401(k) Plan.

 

(3)(a) Amounts in this column include earnings/losses from the Regions Financial Corporation Supplemental 401(k) Plan, and

(b) represent the change in value of Regions Financial Corporation Salary Stock Unit Awards from the awards granted in 2012, and includes dividend earnings.

(4)(a) There were no distributions from the Regions Financial Corporation Supplemental 401(k) Plan to any of the NEOs during 2012.

(b) Amounts in this column represent the final installment distribution of the balance as of December 31, 2012 of the 2011 salary stock grant that became payable as of January 1, 2012.

(5)(a) The December 31, 20122015 balances do not include true-up Company contributions that were made in early 20132016 based on executive2015 deferral elections from 2012 pay.elections. These contributions are included, however, in the column “Company Contributions at December 31, 2012”.in 2015.” The aggregate balance at December 31, 20122015, includes the balance in the Regions Financial Corporation Supplemental 401(k) Plan, andPlan.

 

(b) the value of 100% of the salary stock units granted in 2012.86LOGO   ï   2016 Proxy Statement


(6)Mr. Turner had an unvested award from a restricted cash grant made in 2009 (prior to being named an Executive Officer) that vested in 2012. Pursuant to the provisions of TARP, he did not receive the entire amount associated with this award. A fraction of more than two-thirds was forfeited. The numerator in the fraction was the amount of time he had been subject to TARP and the denominator was the restriction period of 3 years.

(7)Mr. Edmonds has salary stock earnings and distributions from salary stock awards prior to 2012, but he did not enter into a Salary Stock Unit Award Agreement in 2012.COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS  

POTENTIAL PAYMENTS BY REGIONS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE-IN-CONTROLPotential Payments by Regions Upon Termination or Change-in-Control

 

Regions maintains a variety of agreements,certain arrangements, plans and programs under which our NEOs would be eligible to receive severance payments and other benefits upon termination of employment or a change-in-control of Regions.

Employment and/or Change-in-Control AgreementsAgreements. AllRegions does not generally enter into employment agreements with any of our executive officers. As a result, no NEO has post-employment benefits that differ from any other associate.

While we haven’t entered into any employment agreements, all of our NEOs hold a change-in-control agreement. Under the change-in-control agreements, certain severance benefits are due if, during the two-year period following a change-in-control, Regions terminates employment without “cause” or the agreement holderNEO terminates employment with “good reason”.

reason.”

For Mr. Hall, Mr. Owen Mr. Edmonds and Mr. Gale, if Regions terminates their employment other than for “cause”,“cause,” or if there is a resignationthey resign for “good reason”, during the two-year period, they are entitled to receive accrued compensation and benefits, plusenhanced severance in an amount equal to three times base salary and average annual bonus during the three years prior to the year in which the change-in-control occurred. In addition to severance benefits, benefit continuation under our welfare benefits plans is also available for the three-year period following termination. Mr. Turner’s amount of base salaryTurner and average annual bonusMr. Lusco are covered by a similar change-in-control agreement, but their severance multiple is equal to two times.times pay and the benefit continuation period is two years following termination. If a NEO’s employment is terminated by Regions for “cause”,“cause,” or by reason of death, disability or resignation other than for “good reason”, during the two-year period, Regions’ liability is limited to accrued but unpaid compensation and benefits.

If any payment underThree of our NEOs are subject to grandfathered agreements that provide for extra benefits in the agreement causes Mr. Hall, Mr. Turner, Mr. Owen or Mr. Edmonds toevent that change-in-control payments become subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the IRC, thenIRC. Mr. Hall, Mr. Turner and Mr. Owen have an agreement that requires Regions would alsoto make an additional payment covering the excise tax under IRC Section 4999, as well as any income tax on the excise tax payment and any penalty and interest.interest that might be due (sometimes referred to as “Section 280(g) gross up payments”). However, if the payments and benefits provided following a change-in-control do not exceed 110%110 percent of the greatest amount that could be paid without triggering the excise tax (the “Safe Harbor Amount”), then those payments and benefits will be reduced to that amount.

Mr. Gale’s agreement stipulatesand Mr. Lusco’s agreements do not provide for Section 280(g) gross up payments. Their agreements stipulate that in the event he would beseverance benefits are subject to Excise Tax or a reduction in the terms of Section 4999 of the IRC that amounts payable to them (under their change-in-control agreements or otherwise) would be reduced to the Excise Limit resultingSafe Harbor Amount if that reduction would result in them receiving a greater after tax amount if not for a reduction, then the amounts payable would be reduced by an amount sufficient to reduce the value of the payments to the Excise Limit.amount.

Equity-Based Award Plans. Under the terms of the Regions Financial Corporation 2010our Long Term Incentive Plan,Plans, equity-based awards generally vest fully or in part at retirement, death, disability, and change-in-control whereif employment is terminated without Cause“cause” or if following a change-in-control termination of employment occurs without “cause” or for Good Reason“good reason” within

the 24 month24-month period following the change-in-control.change-in-control (so called double trigger vesting following a change-in-control).

Death – Under the terms of performance basedperformance-based equity grant award agreements, the performance period lapses at death and release/payment is equal to the target performance value.

Retirement and Disability – At retirement and disability, the award continuesperformance awards continue to vest on scheduleas scheduled and isare released/paid subject to performance at the end of the performance period.

Termination without “cause” – For involuntary termination without Cause, the“cause,” award continues to vest on schedule and isas scheduled. At the vesting date, grants are released/paid subject to performance achievement at the end of the performance period and isare further prorated forbased on the portion of the performance periodservice between the grant date and the date employment was terminated.

Change-in-control – Upon the occurrence of a change-in-control, the award is locked infixed at the target value and releases/pays at the end of the originalbut service vesting period assumingrequirements continue. In the event termination of employment continues. If upon the occurrence of a change-in-control employment is terminatedwithout “cause” or for “good reason” occurs within a 24 month24-month period following the change-in-control, service vesting and release/payment is immediate.requirements are accelerated to the termination of employment.

Pension and Deferred Compensation PlansBenefits. As described previously in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” andBenefits under the “Pension Benefits” and “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation” sections, Regions maintains a number of tax-qualified and nonqualified retirement and deferred compensation plans under which certain employees, including certain of the NEOs, may receive benefitsRetirement Plan are fully vested; therefore, upon retirement or other terminations of employment. Upon termination of employment for any reason, each NEO would be entitled to receive the amounts set forth underdesignated as Retirement Plan benefits represented in the “Present Value of Accumulated Benefit” column of the Pension Benefits table on page 85. Mr. Turner is vested in the SERP benefit as well. Mr. Hall is not yet vested in the targeted benefit afforded him, therefore if he leaves the Company prior to his 60th birthday, he would forfeit an amount equal to the difference between the targeted SERP benefit and the regular SERP benefit except in the case of death or disability.

Mr. Owen and Mr. Lusco are not currently vested in any of the amounts presented in the Pension Benefits table except in the case of death or disability.

Upon a change-in-control, vesting of pension benefits is accelerated, and therefore, upon termination of employment following a change-in-control, each NEO will fully vest in these pension benefits and be entitled to the benefits included in the following table as additional change-in-control termination benefits.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan Benefits.Each NEO is currently fully vested in the amounts reported in the “Aggregate Balance at December 31, 2012”2015” column of the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation for 2012 table on page 7186, and therefore these amounts would be payable to NEOs upon termination of this proxy statement.employment for any reason.

Welfare and Other Insurance Benefits. Regions sponsors a number of broad-based health, life and disability benefit programs for its associates, in which NEOs also participate, such as short-short and long-term disability coverage and group term life insurance coverage.

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  COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following table quantifies certain amounts that would be payable to NEOs upon various types of separation circumstances and that are described above. The table also quantifies certain additional payments and benefits not described above that are payable on certain terminations of employment.situations. The amounts reflected in the table assume a December 31, 20122015 termination of employment.employment:

 

Name  Voluntary
($)
   

Involuntary
Without
Cause

($)

   Early
Retirement
($)
   For
Cause
($)
  Involuntary
Without
Cause or
for Good
Reason
Following
a CIC
($) (8)
   

Death

($) (9)

   Disability
($)
 

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr. (1)

              

Compensation:

              

Cash Severance

                    8,094,619            

Long Term Incentive

              

Restricted Stock/Units (2)

   2,933,919     2,933,919     2,933,919       4,889,866     4,889,866     2,933,919  

Performance Stock Units (2)

                    4,889,866     4,889,866       

Performance Cash

                    4,833,334     4,833,334       

Perquisites:

              

Financial Planning (3)

   30,100     30,100     30,100       30,100     30,100     30,100  

Outplacement (4)

                    60,000            

280G Tax Gross-up (5)

                    12,382,940            

Benefits:

              

Value of continued welfare benefits (6)

                    24,413            

Value of additional retirement benefits (7)

                    6,615,268            
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total:

   2,964,019     2,964,019     2,964,019       41,820,406     14,643,166     2,964,019  

David J. Turner, Jr.

              

Compensation:

              

Cash Severance

                    2,793,627            

Long Term Incentive

              

Restricted Stock/Units (2)

        397,790            1,142,390     1,142,390     685,434  

Performance Stock Units (2)

                    1,142,390     1,142,390       

Performance Cash

                    1,133,333     1,133,333       

Perquisites:

              

Financial Planning (3)

        30,100     NA       30,100     30,100     30,100  

Outplacement (4)

                    60,000            

280G Tax Gross-up (5)

                    3,269,765            

Benefits:

              

Value of continued welfare benefits (6)

                    18,161            

Value of additional retirement benefits (7)

                    1,063,164            
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total:

        427,890     NA       10,652,930     3,448,213     715,534  

John B. Owen

              

Compensation:

              

Cash Severance

                    4,309,742            

Long Term Incentive

              

Restricted Stock/Units (2)

        397,790            1,142,390     1,142,390     685,434  

Performance Stock Units (2)

                    1,142,390     1,142,390       

Performance Cash

                    1,133,333     1,133,333       

Perquisites:

              

Financial Planning (3)

        30,100     NA       30,100     30,100     30,100  

Outplacement (4)

                    60,000            

280G Tax Gross-up (5)

                    8,939,836            

Benefits:

              

Value of continued welfare benefits (6)

                    25,594            

Value of additional retirement benefits (7)

                    9,375,116            
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total:

        427,890     NA       26,158,501     3,448,213     715,534  

POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE-IN-CONTROL88LOGO   ï   2016 Proxy Statement


COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS  

 

Name

  

Principal Position

  Voluntary
($)
   Involuntary
Without
Cause ($)
   Early
Retirement
($)
   For
Cause
($)
   Involuntary
for Good
Reason
Following a
CIC (8) ($)
   Death ($)   Disability
($)
 

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr. (1)

  President and Chief Executive Officer              

Compensation:

  Cash Severance   —       —       —       —       7,312,500     —       —    
  LTI              
  

Restricted Stock/Units (2)

   1,581,990     1,581,990     1,581,990     —       4,421,969     4,421,969     4,421,969  
  

Performance Stock Units (2)

   —       —       —       —       1,581,990     1,581,990     —    
  

Performance Cash

   —       —       —       —       1,433,333     1,433,333     —    

Perquisites:

  Financial Planning (3)   28,050     28,050     28,050     —       28,050     28,050     28,050  
  Outplacement (4)   —       —       —       —       60,000     —       —    
  280G Tax Gross-up (5)   —       —       —       —       10,363,076     —       —    

Benefits:

  Value of continued welfare benefits (6)   —       —       —       —       25,651     —       —    
  Value of additional retirement benefits (7)   —       —       —       —       6,097,854     —       —    
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL:

     1,610,040     1,610,040     1,610,040     —       31,324,423     7,465,342     4,450,019  

David J. Turner, Jr.

  

Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

              

Compensation:

  Cash Severance   —       —       —       —       2,478,000     —       —    
  LTI              
  

Restricted Stock/Units (2)

   —       —       —       —       1,293,910     1,293,910     1,293,910  
  

Performance Stock Units (2)

   —       —       —       —       367,901     367,901     —    
  

Performance Cash

   —       —       —       —       333,333     333,333     —    

Perquisites:

  Financial Planning (3)   —       —       NA     —       28,050     28,050     28,050  
  Outplacement (4)   —       —       —       —       60,000     —       —    
  280G Tax Gross-up (5)   —       —       —       —       2,286,025     —       —    

Benefits:

  Value of continued welfare benefits (6)   —       —       —       —       16,990     —       —    
  Value of additional retirement benefits (7)   —       —       —       —       367,127     —       —    
            

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL:

     —       —       NA     —       7,231,336     2,023,194     1,321,960  

John B. Owen

  

Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Lines of Business

              

Compensation:

  Cash Severance   —       —       —       —       3,780,000     —       —    
  LTI              
  

Restricted Stock/Units (2)

   —       —       —       —       1,137,057     1,137,057     1,137,057  
  

Performance Stock Units (2)

   —       —       —       —       367,901     367,901     —    
  

Performance Cash

   —       —       —       —       333,333     333,333     —    

Perquisites:

  Financial Planning (3)   —       —       NA     —       28,080     28,050     28,050  
  Outplacement (4)   —       —       —       —       60,000     —       —    
  280G Tax Gross-up (5)   —       —       —       —       4,971,830     —       —    

Benefits:

  Value of continued welfare benefits (6)   —       —       —       —       25,651     —       —    
  Value of additional retirement benefits (7)   —       —       —       —       3,683,193     —       —    
            

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL:

     —       —       NA     —       14,387,045     1,866,341     1,165,107  

Name

  

Principal Position

  Voluntary
($)
   Involuntary
Without
Cause ($)
   Early
Retirement
($)
   For
Cause
($)
   Involuntary
for Good
Reason
Following a
CIC (8) ($)
   Death ($)   Disability
($)
 

David B. Edmonds (1)

  

Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer

              

Compensation:

  Cash Severance   —       —       —       —       3,480,000     —       —    
  LTI              
  

Restricted Stock/Units (2)

   275,924     275,924     275,924     —       1,115,018     1,115,018     1,115,018  
  

Performance Stock Units (2)

   —       —       —       —       275,924     275,924     —    
  

Performance Cash

   —       —       —       —       250,000     250,000     —    

Perquisites:

  Financial Planning (3)   28,050     28,050     28,050     —       28,050     28,050     28,050  
  Outplacement (4)   —       —       —       —       60,000     —       —    
  280G Tax Gross-up (5)   —       —       —       —       4,344,983     —       —    

Benefits:

  Value of continued welfare benefits (6)   —       —       —       —       19,036     —       —    
  Value of additional retirement benefits (7)   —       —       —       —       3,172,729     —       —    
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL:

     303,974     303,974     303,974     —       12,745,740     1,668,992     1,143,068  

Fournier J. Gale, III (1)

  

Senior Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

              

Compensation:

  Cash Severance (4)   —       —       —       —       3,090,000     —       —    
  LTI              
  

Restricted Stock/Units (2)

   275,924     275,924     547,014     —       547,014     547,014     547,014  
  

Performance Stock Units (2)

   —       —       —       —       275,924     275,924     —    
  

Performance Cash

   —       —       —       —       250,000     250,000     —    
  

Stock Options (2)

   —       —       —       —       0     0     0  

Perquisites:

  Financial Planning (3)   28,050     28,050     28,050     —       28,050     28,050     28,050  
  Outplacement (4)   —       —       —       —       60,000     —       —    
  280G Tax Gross-up (5)   —       —       —       —       —       —       —    

Benefits:

  Value of continued welfare benefits (6)   —       —       —       —       19,036     —       —    
  Value of additional retirement benefits (7)   —       —       —       —       —       —       —    
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL:

     303,974     303,974     575,064     —       4,270,024     1,100,988     575,064  

Name  Voluntary
($)
   

Involuntary
Without
Cause

($)

   Early
Retirement
($)
   For
Cause
($)
  Involuntary
Without
Cause or
for Good
Reason
Following
a CIC
($) (8)
   

Death

($) (9)

   Disability
($)
 

C. Matthew Lusco

              

Compensation:

              

Cash Severance

                    2,336,296            

Long Term Incentive

              

Restricted Stock/Units (2)

        313,343            956,794     956,794     574,076  

Performance Stock Units (2)

                    956,794     956,794       

Performance Cash

                    950,000     950,000       

Perquisites:

              

Financial Planning (3)

        30,100     NA       30,100     30,100     30,100  

Outplacement (4)

           60,000      

Benefits:

                    

Value of continued welfare benefits (6)

                    13,704         

Value of additional retirement benefits (7)

                    2,418,972            
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total:

        343,443            7,722,660     2,893,688     604,176  

Fournier J. Gale, III (1)

              

Compensation:

              

Cash Severance

                    3,542,752            

Long Term Incentive

              

Restricted Stock/Units (2)

   514,074     514,074     514,074       856,790     856,790     514,074  

Performance Stock Units (2)

                    856,790     856,790       

Performance Cash

                    850,000     850,000       

Perquisites:

              

Financial Planning (3)

   30,100     30,100     30,100       30,100     30,100     30,100  

Outplacement (4)

                    60,000            

Benefits:

              

Value of continued welfare benefits (6)

                    24,481            

Value of additional retirement benefits (7)

                                
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total:

   544,174     544,174     544,174       6,220,913     2,593,680     544,174  
(1)Mr. Hall and Mr. Edmonds areis eligible for early retirement, and Mr. Gale is eligible for normal retirement. For purposes of the various termination columns above,in the table, with the exception of the “For Cause” column, because they are eligible for early/normal retirement on December 31, 2012, they were assumed to have taken early/normal retirement and therefore are entitled to receive the benefits shown above.shown.

(2)Based on a fair market value of Regions common stock of $7.13$9.60 per share on December 31, 2012.2015.

 

(3)The service agreement with Regions’ financial planning provider allows for continuation of service for two years following termination due to retirement, death, disability, change-in-control and change-in-control.involuntary termination without cause.

 

(4)The change-in-control agreement provides for reasonable outplacement services for up to two years based on a termination date of December 31, 2012.2015.

 

(5)280G Tax Gross-uptax gross-up represents the amount of the excise tax and related gross-up for excise taxes levied under Section 4999 of the IRC on payment and benefits following a change-in-control (otherwise referred to as “excess parachute payments” under Section 280G of the IRC).

 

(6)The change-in-control agreement provides for continuation of medical and dental coverage equal to what is provided in accordance withunder Regions’ employee benefitmedical and dental plans for a period of three years for Mr. Hall, Mr. Owen Mr. Edmonds and Mr. Gale and for a period of two years for Mr. Turner.Turner and Mr. Lusco.

 

(7)Mr. Hall, Mr. Turner, Mr. Owen and Mr. EdmondsLusco participate in the Regions Retirement Plan and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan.and/or the SERP. The change-in-control agreement provides for additional yearsyears’ credit for age and service under the Regions Financial Corporation Retirement Plan and the Regions Financial Corporation Post 2006 SERP that the executiveNEO would have accrued had theyhe remained employed through the second anniversary of the change-in-control. In addition, Mr. Hall Mr. Owen and Mr. EdmondsOwen are each eligible for the alternative target benefit under the SERP, which would normally require the executiveNEO to reach age 60 and have a minimum of 10 years of service. Mr. Lusco is eligible for the regular SERP, which, in his case, would require service to age 62. Under the SERP, in the event of an involuntary termination of employment without cause (or termination for good reason) within 24 months24-months following a change-in-control, unvested benefits attributable to the alternative target benefit become fully vested. Because these benefits are already accrued, they are already reflected in the Pension Benefits Tabletable on page 6985 and do not represent additional expense to the Company. The following chart details the value of the benefit attributable to the additional years of age and service, as well as the amounts already accrued that will vest upon involuntary termination of employment without cause (or termination with good reason) within 24 months24-months of a change-in-control.change-in-control:

 

  

Value for Targeted/Regular

Years of Age and Service Credit

   Value for Vesting in
Targeted/Regular
Benefit
   Total Additional Value 

Name

  Value for Enhanced Years of Age and
Service Credit ($)
   Value for Vesting in
Enhanced Benefit ($)
   Total Additional
Value ($)
   ($)   ($)   ($) 

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

   1,889,315     4,208,539     6,097,854     1,578,247     5,037,021     6,615,268  

David J. Turner, Jr.

   367,127     NA     367,127     1,063,164     NA     1,063,164  

John B. Owen

   1,296,172     2,387,021     3,683,193     2,409,407     6,965,709     9,375,116  

David B. Edmonds

   236,702     2,936,027     3,172,729  

C. Matthew Lusco

   808,053     1,610,919     2,418,972  

Fournier J. Gale, III

   NA     NA     NA     NA     NA     NA  

LOGO   ï   2016 Proxy Statement89


  COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

(8)The following chart summarizes the meaning of “cause”,“cause,” “good reason/without cause” and “change-in-control” under the Change in Controlchange-in-control agreements of the NEOs:

 

Name of

Agreement

“cause”

“good reason” “without cause”

“change-in-control”

Change-in-

Control Agreement

  (i) willful and continued failure to substantially perform reasonably assigned duties,duties; (ii) breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit or commission of a felony or a crime involving fraud or moral turpitude, material breach of the agreement,agreement; (iii) engaging in illegal conduct or gross misconduct that materially injures Regions,Regions; (iv) failure to materially cooperate with an investigation authorized by the Board, a regulatory body, or a governmental department or agency,agency; or (v) disqualification or bar by any governmental or regulatory authority from carrying out duties and responsibilities, or loss of any required licenses.

“good reason” and

“without cause”

  (i) an adverse change in responsibilities as in effect immediately before the change-in-control,change-in-control; (ii) a material diminution in the budget over which the executive has control,control; (iii) a material breach of the compensation provisions of the agreement or (iv) requiring the executive to move his principal place of work by more than 50 miles.
“change-in-control”  (i) an acquisition of 20% or more of the combined voting power of Regions voting securities,securities; (ii) a change in a majority of the members of the Board,Board; (iii) the consummation of a merger (unless voting securities of Regions outstanding immediately prior to the merger continued to represent at least fifty-five percent (55%)55% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the surviving company outstanding immediately after such merger),; or (iv) stockholder approval of a complete liquidation or dissolution of Regions.

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

Fees. Directors who are employees of Regions or its subsidiaries do not receive a fee for their service as Directors. Directors who are not employees of Regions or its subsidiaries receive fees in accordance with the following schedule:

 

(9)
Component of PayAll DirectorsAdditional fees for
Committee
Chairpersons
Additional fees  for
Non-Executive
ChairmanDeath would result in vesting in the enhanced portion of the
Board

Annual Retainer

Paid benefit for Mr. Hall, Mr. Owen and Mr. Lusco as follows:

a) $50,000 cash (paid quarterly)

b) $80,000is displayed in lieu of cash, paidthe chart in restricted stock (annual grant three business days following annual stockholder meeting)

$130,000—  —  

Meeting Fee (paid for

each Committee or Board meeting attended by Director)

$1,500 per
meeting
—  —  
Annual Retainer for Committee Chairpersons (paid quarterly)—  

$20,000 - Audit and Compensation Committees

$15,000 - Risk Committee

$10,000 - NCG Committee

—  
Annual Retainer for Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors (paid quarterly)—  —  $200,000footnote (7) above.

 

90Directors’ Deferred Stock Investment PlanLOGO   ï   2016 Proxy Statement


OTHER MATTERS   

OTHER MATTERS

Important Notice Regarding Delivery of Security Holder Documents

The SEC has adopted rules that allow us to send, in a single envelope, our proxy statement and other required annual meeting materials to two or more stockholders sharing the same address. These rules spell out the conditions under which annual reports, information statements, proxy statements, prospectuses and other disclosure documents of a company that would otherwise be mailed in separate envelopes to more than one stockholder at a shared address may be mailed as one copy in one envelope addressed to all stockholders at that address (i.e., “householding”). Non-employee Directors of Regions mayStockholders who participate in Regions Directors’ Deferred Stock Investment Plan, under whichhouseholding will, however, receive separate proxy cards.

We are using the SEC’s Notice and Access rule again this year as discussed on page 18; however, we are not householding our proxy materials. This means that stockholders of record who share an address will each be mailed a Directorseparate Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials.

It should be noted, however, that certain brokerage firms, banks or similar entities holding our common stock for their customers may electhousehold proxy materials or notices.

Stockholders sharing an address whose shares of our common stock are held in street name should contact their broker if they now receive (1) multiple copies of our proxy materials or notices and wish to defer receiptreceive only one copy of somethese materials per household in the future, or all(2) a single copy of our proxy materials or notices and wish to receive separate copies of these materials in the future.

If at any time you would like to receive a paper copy of the participant’s cash compensation. Deferred amounts are creditedannual report or proxy statement, please email investors@regions.com, or write to a bookkeeping account for the Director, which is designated in notional shares of Regions common stock. Dividend equivalents, if any, are converted to additional notional shares of common stock in the participant’s account. At the end of the deferral period, the participant’s account is settled in actual shares of common stock, plus cash for any fractional share. Receipt and taxability of benefits are deferred until the time of payment in accordance with the payment election made by the Director at the time of the deferral. Most of the Directors of Regions elected to defer receipt of some or all of the retainer and meeting fees they were paid for service on the Board.

The following table contains information about the fees and other compensation paid to the non-employee members of the Regions Board in 2012.

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

Name

  Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
($)
   Stock
Awards
($) (1)
   All Other
Compensation
($) (2)
   Total ($) 

Samuel W. Bartholomew, Jr.

   78,500     80,000     5,250     163,750  

George W. Bryan

   93,750     80,000     —       173,750  

Carolyn Byrd

   102,000     80,000     —       182,000  

David J. Cooper, Sr.

   98,000     80,000     —       178,000  

Earnest W. Deavenport, Jr.

   333,000     80,000     —       413,000  

Don DeFosset

   99,500     80,000     —       179,500  

Eric C. Fast

   92,000     80,000     —       172,000  

John D. Johns

   87,500     80,000     —       167,500  

James R. Malone

   121,000     80,000     12,750     213,750  

Ruth Ann Marshall

   95,000     80,000     —       175,000  

Susan W. Matlock

   93,500     80,000     —       173,500  

John E. Maupin, Jr.

   95,000     80,000     —       175,000  

Charles D. McCrary

   95,000     80,000     —       175,000  

John R. Roberts

   106,000     80,000     —       186,000  

Lee J. Styslinger III

   95,000     80,000     —       175,000  

(1)The amounts presented in this column represent the grant date fair values of the 2012 restricted stock award made to all non-employee Directors in service on May 22, 2012. The grant date fair value of the restricted stock granted May 22, 2012 was $6.29 per share, for a total grant date fair value of $80,000. The shares awarded on May 22, 2012 are scheduled to vest in one lump sum on the date of the 2013 annual stockholder meeting.

(2)The amount in this column represents personal flight time. Samuel Bartholomew, Jr. had 2.1 hours of personal flight time at $41.67 a minute for a total cost of $5,250. James Malone had 5.1 hours of personal flight time at $41.67 a minute for a total cost of $12,750. This value is based on the incremental cost of operating the corporate aircraft. Income was imputed to each Director for these hours at the rate applicable for federal income tax purposes which is lower than the incremental cost to the Company. The Director was responsible for any taxes on the imputed value.

The following table sets forth those non-employee Directors who served during 2012 and who had stock options or restricted stock outstanding as of December 31, 2012, and the number outstanding as of that date:

Name

  Outstanding
Stock
Options (#)
   Outstanding
Restricted
Stock (#)
 

Samuel W. Bartholomew, Jr.

   38,085     32,839  

George W. Bryan

   20,200     32,839  

Carolyn Byrd

   —       20,391  

David J. Cooper, Sr.

   21,177     32,839  

Earnest W. Deavenport, Jr.

   41,431     32,839  

Don DeFosset

   21,177     32,839  

Eric C. Fast

   —       20,391  

John D. Johns

   —       12,719  

James R. Malone

   41,431     32,839  

Ruth Ann Marshall

   —       12,719  

Susan W. Matlock

   14,000     32,839  

John E. Maupin, Jr.

   14,000     32,839  

Charles D. McCrary

   41,431     32,839  

John R. Roberts

   20,200     32,839  

Lee J. Styslinger III

   14,000     32,839  

PROPOSAL 2—NONBINDING STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Regions’ Board of Directors is providing stockholders with the opportunity to cast an advisory vote on its executive compensation at the 2013 Annual Meeting as required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. At the 2012 annual meeting, stockholders were asked to recommend how often they should be given the opportunity to cast this advisory vote. The stockholders overwhelmingly voted for an annual advisory vote on executive compensation and the Board affirmed its recommendation and has currently elected to hold future say on pay advisory votes on an annual basis.

This proposal gives you as a stockholder the opportunity to vote for or against the following resolution:

“RESOLVED, that the stockholders ofInvestor Relations, Regions Financial Corporation, (the “Company”) approve1900 Fifth Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203, or call 205-581-7890.

Cost of Proxy Solicitation

We bear the compensationentire cost of soliciting your proxy, including the Company’s named executive officers,cost of preparing, assembling, printing, mailing or otherwise distributing the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials and these proxy materials, as disclosed pursuantwell as soliciting your vote. In addition to solicitation of proxies by mail, we request that banks, brokers and other record holders send proxies and proxy materials or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials to the compensation disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables and narrative discussion contained in this Proxy Statement.”

Because your vote is advisory, it will not be binding upon the Board and may not be construed as overruling any decision by the Board. However, the Compensation Committee will consider the outcome of the vote when considering future executive compensation arrangements.

Stockholders are encouraged to carefully review the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and “2012 Compensation” sections of this proxy statement for a detailed discussion of the Company’s executive compensation program.

Our overall executive compensation policies and procedures are described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and the tabular disclosure regarding named executive officer compensation (together with the accompanying narrative disclosure) in this proxy statement. Our compensation policies and procedures are centered on a pay-for-performance culture and are strongly aligned with the long-term interests of our stockholders, as described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis. The Compensation Committee, which is comprised entirely of independent Directors, in consultation with Frederick W. Cook & Co., Inc., oversees our executive compensation program and continually monitors our policies to ensure they continue to emphasize programs that reward executives for results that are consistent with stockholder interests.

Our Board and our Compensation Committee believe that our commitment to these responsible compensation practices justifies a vote by stockholders FOR the resolution approving the compensation of our executives as disclosed in this proxy statement.

Board of Directors Recommendation

The Board unanimously recommends you vote “FOR” this Proposal 2.

PROPOSAL 3—APPROVAL OF THE

REGIONS FINANCIAL CORPORATION EXECUTIVE INCENTIVE PLAN

Purpose of the Incentive Plan

The Regions Financial Corporation Executive Incentive Plan (the “Incentive Plan”) is an annual incentive compensation plan pursuant to which Regions executive officers and other key personnel may be paid annual incentive compensation, based on achievement of predetermined performance goals. Incentive awards to certain key individuals under the Incentive Plan are intended to be considered “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”).

The Incentive Plan is designed to provide incentive compensation for designated officers and/or key executives of the Company which is directly related to the performance of the Company and of such employees. Section 162(m) of the Code generally does not allow publicly held companies to obtain tax deductions for compensation of more than $1 million paid in any year to their chief executive officer or any of their three other highest compensated officers (other than the chief financial officer), unless such payments are “performance-based” in accordance with the conditions specified under Section 162(m) of the Code and the related Treasury Regulations. One of those conditions requires the Company to obtain stockholder approval of the material terms of the performance goals under which compensation will be paid under the plan. In addition, if such committee has the authority to change the targets under a performance goal after stockholder approval of the goal, the material terms of the performance goals must be disclosed and reapproved by stockholders no later than five years after such shareholder approval was first obtained. Under the terms of the Incentive Plan, the Compensation Committee has the authority to establish performance goals each year based on certain objective performance criteria set forth in the Incentive Plan. For this reason, the Board of Directors is recommending that the stockholders approve the material terms of the Incentive Plan as described below. Subject to such approval, and if the applicable performance goals are satisfied, this proposal would enable the Company to pay “performance-based” compensation to covered executive officers of the Company that is intended to permit federal income tax deductions for such payments, without regard to the limitations of Section 162(m) of the Code. However, the Compensation Committee may in its discretion approve compensation in appropriate circumstances that will not meet these requirements in order to ensure competitive levels of total compensation for the officer or executive or for other reasons.

Summary of the Incentive Plan

The following description of the Incentive Plan is only a summary of certain provisions thereof and is qualified in its entirety by reference to its full text, a copy of which is attached as Appendix A to this proxy statement.

Administration

The Incentive Plan is administered by a committee (the “Committee”) that is selected by the Board and is composed of two or more members of the Board, each of whom is required to be an “outside director” (within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code). The Board has designated the Compensation Committee of the Board to act as the Committee. The Committee has all the authority that may be necessary or appropriate to enable it to discharge its responsibilities with respect to the Incentive Plan, including authority to determine the eligibility for participation, establish the maximum award that may be earned by each participant (which may be expressed in terms of dollar amount, percentage of salary or any other measurement), establish goals for each participant, calculate and determine each participant’s award based upon such level of attainment. Except as otherwise specifically limited in the Incentive Plan, the Committee has full power and authority to interpret and administer the Incentive Plan.

Eligibility and Maximum Award

The Incentive Plan provides that the Committee shall designate for each “Performance Period” (which is the period during which the performance is measured to determine the level of an award) those officers and key executives of the Company and its subsidiaries who will be eligible for awards. The Performance Period is the fiscal year of the Company, which is currently the calendar year.

The Incentive Plan provides that the maximum bonus award payable under the Incentive Plan for any fiscal year to an eligible participant is $5 million.

Bonus Awards and Performance Criteria

The Committee will establish for each Performance Period a maximum award (and, if the Committee so determines, a target and/or threshold award) and the Performance Criteria with respect to that award. The “Performance Criteria” means the objective performance criteria which are measured in terms of one or more of the following objectives, described as those objectives relate to Company-wide objectives or of the subsidiary, division, department or function with the Company or subsidiary in which a participant is employed or may be measured against a pre-established list of peer companies or specific index. Performance Criteria will be established within the time frame permitted under Section 162(m) of the Code (the first 90 days of the Company’s fiscal year) and will be communicated to each participant. Participants will earn bonus awards based only upon the attainment of the applicable Performance Criteria during the Performance Period.

The Performance Criteria for named executive officers will be based on attainment of specific levels of performance with reference to one or more of the following criteria:

(i)earnings (as measured by return on equity, return on assets, net interest margin, net income before or after taxes, earnings or loss per share as reported or as all adjusted to exclude unusual items as disclosed in Regions’ earnings press releases);

(ii)revenue (defined as net interest income plus non-interest income);

(iii) pre-tax preprovision income (defined as net interest income plus non-interest income less non-interest expense as reported or as adjusted to exclude unusual items as disclosed in Regions’ earnings press releases);

(iv)capital (as measured by ratio of equity to assets, tangible equity to assets, risk based capital ratios, tangible common equity, book value and/or book value per share, tangible book value and or tangible book value per share);

(v)asset quality (as measured by net charge-off ratio, ratio of non-performing assets to assets, ratio of reserves to non-performing assets, and/or ratio of reserves to loans);

(vi)liquidity (as measured by ratio of loans to deposits);

(vii)other performance measures (as measured by ratio of non-interest income to assets, ratio of transaction account deposits to total deposits, regulatory achievements, maintenance or increase in market share and/or ratio of non-interest income to total revenues as defined above).

As soon as practicable following the end of the applicable Performance Period, the Committee will certify the attainment of the Performance Goals and will calculate the bonus award, if any, payable to each participant. Bonus awards will be paid in a lump sum cash payment, deferred cash-based awards and/or equity-based awards under the Company’s 2010 Long Term Incentive Plan (or any successor plan thereto) as soon as practicable following the determination of the amount thereof by the Committee. The Committee retains the right to reduce any bonus award, in its discretion. Bonus awards are subject to clawback if the Committee determines that a bonus or a portion of a bonus was not earned because it was based upon materially inaccurate financial statements or any other materially inaccurate performance metric criteria.

If the Committee determines that a change in the business, operations, corporate structure or capital structure of the Company, or the manner in which it conducts its business, or other events or circumstances, render the performance criteria to be unsuitable, the Committee may modify such performance criteria or the related minimum acceptable level of achievement as the Committee deems appropriate or equitable.

Amendment to Plan

The Company may amend, suspend or terminate the Incentive Plan, at any time, provided that no amendment may be made without the approval of the Company’s stockholders if the effect of such amendment would be to cause outstanding or pending bonus awards that are intended to qualify for the performance-based compensation exception to Section 162(m) of the Code to cease to qualify for such exception.

Required Vote

The Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 162(m) of the Code require the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast to approve the Incentive Plan.

New Plan Benefits Table

The table below shows the estimated benefits or amounts which could have been received by or allocated to each of the following for the last completed fiscal year if the plan had been in effect.

Name

 

Principal Position

 Estimated Dollar
Value of 2012
Incentive under
Executive
Incentive Plan (1)
 

O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

 Chief Executive Officer $2,114,913  

David J. Turner

 Chief Financial Officer $898,975  

John B. Owen

 Head of Lines of Business $888,731  

David B. Edmonds

 Chief Administrative Officer $788,825  

Fournier J. Gale, III

 General Counsel $722,425  

Executive Group

 Members of the Executive Council $6,126,119(2) 

Non-Executive Director Group

 N/A  N/A  

Non-Executive Officer Employee Group

 N/A  N/A  

(1)This column represents the estimated dollar value of 2012 incentives that would have been received or allocated to the executives set forth above if the proposed Executive Incentive Plan had been in effect. The above estimates are based on the executives’ annualized 2012 targets calculated as if the performance of the Company and executive were similar to the performance of the Company and executive in 2012 and as if the Company had not been participating in TARP during any portion of 2012.

(2)Includes estimated dollar value of 2012 incentive for all members of Regions’ Executive Council, including the NEOs.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table gives information about the common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options, warrants and rights under all of Regions’ existing equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2012.

Plan Category

  Number of
Securities to be
Issued Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding
Options,
Warrants,
and Rights (a)
  Weighted
Average Exercise
Price of
Outstanding
Options,
Warrants,  and
Rights
  Number of
Securities
Remaining
Available Under
Equity
Compensation
Plans (Excluding
Securities in First
Column)
 

Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Stockholders

   13,039,100   $15.04    65,986,869(b) 

Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Stockholders

   25,219,104(c)  $27.26    —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   38,258,204   $23.09    65,986,869  

(a)Does not include outstanding restricted stock awards.

(b)Consists of shares available for future issuance under the Regions Financial Corporation 2010 Long Term Incentive Plan. In 2010, all prior long-term incentive plans were closed to new grants.

(c)Consists of outstanding stock options issued under certain plans assumed by Regions in connection with business combinations, including 25,216,504 options issued under plans assumed in connection with the Regions-AmSouth merger, which were issued under plans previously approved by AmSouth stockholders but not pre-merger Regions stockholders. In each instance, the number of shares subject to option and the exercise price of outstanding options have been adjusted to reflect the applicable exchange ratio. See Note 16 “Share-Based Payments” to the consolidated financial statements included in Regions Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. Does not include 133,506 shares issuable pursuant to outstanding rights under AmSouth deferred compensation plans assumed by Regions.

Board of Directors Recommendation

The Board unanimously recommends you vote “FOR” this Proposal 3.

PROPOSAL 4—RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

General

The Audit Committee has selected Ernst & Young LLP as Regions’ independent registered public accounting firm for the 2013 fiscal year. The Board recommends that the stockholders ratify the selection of Ernst & Young LLP. Ernst & Young LLP (or its predecessors) has served as Regions’ independent auditors since 1971. In the event the selection is not ratified by the required vote, it is anticipated that no change in auditors would be made for the current year because of the difficulty and expense of making any change during the current year, but the vote would be considered in connection with the engagement of independent auditors for 2014.

Ernst & Young LLP has been engaged to provide auditing services and also to provide tax services and general accounting advice. In making this selection, the Audit Committee considered whether the engagement by Regions of Ernst & Young LLP for services other than audit services is compatible with Ernst & Young LLP’s independence.

Ernst & Young LLP served as Regions’ independent auditors for the year ended December 31, 2012, and a representative of the firm will be present at the annual meeting to make a statement if he or she so desires and to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders.

Fees

The aggregate fees paid to Ernst & Young LLP by Regions for 2012 and 2011 are set forth in the following table:

   2012   2011 

Audit fees(1)

  $6,105,752    $5,690,775

Audit related fees(2)

   1,237,409     1,653,250  

Tax fees(3)

   597,968     803,500  

All other fees(4)

   476,569     2,555,000  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fees

  $8,417,698    $10,702,525

(1)Audit fees include fees associated with the annual audit of Regions consolidated financial statements and internal control over financial reporting, reviews of Regions’ quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, SEC regulatory filings, statutory audits, and financial audits of subsidiaries.

(2)Audit related fees include fees associated with audits of employee benefit plans and certain non-registered funds, accounting consultations regarding the application of generally accepted accounting principles, and service organizations controls reports.

(3)Tax fees include fees associated with tax compliance services, tax advice, and tax planning.

(4)All other fees include fees associated with advisory services for regulatory reporting purposes and advisory services related to the disposition of Morgan Keegan. No financial information systems implementation and design services were rendered by Ernst & Young during 2012 or 2011.

*2011 aggregate fees paid were adjusted to include $168,900 in 2011 audit fees billed subsequent to the filing of the 2012 proxy statement.

In accordance with the Audit Committee Charter, the Audit Committee must pre-approve any engagement of Ernst & Young LLP for audit or non-audit services. The Audit Committee has delegated to its chairperson the authority to pre-approve permissible non-audit services. Any such approval of non-audit services pursuant to this delegation of the full Audit Committee’s authority must be presented to the Audit Committee at its next regular meeting.

Board of Directors Recommendation

The Board unanimously recommends you vote “FOR” this Proposal 4.

PROPOSAL 5—STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL

The Office of the Comptroller of New York City, One Centre Street, New York, New York 10007, as custodian and trustee of the New York City Employees’ Retirement System, the New York City Fire Department Pension Fund, the New York City Teachers’ Retirement System, and the New York City Police Pension Fund, and custodian of the New York City Board of Education Retirement System, which as of November 14, 2012, the date of its proposal, was the holder of 3,796,117 sharesbeneficial owners of Regions common stock has informed Regions that it intendsand secure their voting instructions. We will reimburse the record holders for their reasonable expenses in taking those actions.

We also have made arrangements with Innisfree M&A Incorporated to presentassist us in soliciting proxies and have agreed to pay $15,000 plus reasonable and customary expenses for these services. If necessary, we may also use several of our associates, without additional compensation, to solicit proxies on Regions’ behalf from our stockholders, either personally or by telephone, facsimile, email or letter.

This is the following proposal and supporting statement at the 2013 annual meetingfirst distribution of stockholders. In accordance with applicable proxy regulations, the proposal and supporting statement, which are presented as received by Regions, are set forth below. To ensure that readers can easily distinguish between material provided by the proponent and material provided by Regions, we have put a box around material provided by the proponent.solicitation materials to stockholders.

Submission of Stockholder Proposals or Nominations for 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

 

Resolved, that the shareholders

The 2017 Annual Meeting of Regions Financial Corporation (“Regions Financial” or “Company”) hereby request that the Company provide a report, updated semiannually, disclosing the Company’s:

1. Policies and proceduresStockholders is expected to be held on April 20, 2017. To be eligible for making, with corporate funds or assets, contributions and expenditures (direct or indirect) to (a) participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office, or (b) influence the general public, or any segment thereof, with respect to an election or referendum.

2. Monetary and non-monetary contributions and expenditures (direct and indirect) usedinclusion in the manner described in section 1 above, including:

a. The identityproxy materials for the 2017 Annual Meeting, a stockholder proposal submitted pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the recipient as well as the amount paid to each; and

b. The title(s) of the person(s) in the Company responsible for decision-making.

The report shall be presented to the board of directors or relevant board committee and posted on the Company’s website.

Stockholder Supporting Statement

Long-term shareholders of Regions Financial support transparency and accountability in corporate spending on political activities. These include any activities considered intervention in any political campaign under the Internal Revenue Code, such as direct and indirect contributions to political candidates, parties, or organizations; independent expenditures; or electioneering communications on behalf of federal, state or local candidates.

Disclosure is in the best interest of the company and its shareholders, and critical for compliance with federal ethics laws. The Supreme Court’sCitizens United decision recognized the importance of political spending disclosure for shareholders when it said “[D]isclosure permits citizens and shareholders to react to the speech of corporate entities in a proper way. This transparency enables the electorate to make informed decisions and give proper weight to different speakers and messages.” Gaps in transparency and accountability may expose the company to reputational and business risks that could threaten long-term shareholder value.

Regions Financial says in its code of conduct that it prohibits the use of corporate funds for contributions to candidates or ballot initiatives. However, National Institute on Money in State Politics (http://www.followthemoney.org) shows that the Company has given up to $913,313 to such entities since 2003. In addition, our Company makes no mention of any indirect spending through trade associations and other tax exempt groups.

Relying on publicly available data does not provide a complete picture of the Company’s political spending. Information on a company’s political involvement through some third-party organizations, such as trade associations, cannot be obtained unless the company discloses it. This proposal asks the Company to disclose all of its political spending, direct and indirect. This would clarify any confusion surrounding the Company’s practices and bring our Company in line with a growing number of leading companies, including JPMorgan Chase & Co., U.S. Bancorp and Wells Fargo that support political disclosure and accountability and present this information on their websites.

The Company’s Board and its shareholders need comprehensive disclosure to be able to fully evaluate the political use of corporate assets. We urge your support for this critical governance reform.

Board of Directors Recommendation and Statement

YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE AGAINST THIS PROPOSAL.

Why the Board of Directors Unanimously Recommends that Stockholders Vote Against the Proposal

The Board of Directors believes that the adoption and implementation of this proposal would cause Regions to expend unnecessary resources and would not provide any additional benefit to stockholders. The Regions Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Policy”) explicitly prohibits the contribution of corporate funds to support candidates, political parties, or ballot initiatives. This Policy is available for public review atwww.regions.com. In addition, Regions does not make corporate contributions to groups organized under section 527 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Regions provides an opportunity for its employees to participate in the political process by joining Regions voluntary employee political action committee (“PAC”), which allows employees to pool their financial resources to support federal and state candidates who support effective legislation important to Regions and its stockholders. The political contributions made by the PAC are funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of our employees. Any Regions employee who contributes to the PAC may request a PAC contribution for a candidate or a committee. Information about employees’ contributions through the PAC to political candidates, political parties or committees and other political organizations is publicly available, with certain information disclosed online with the Federal Election Commission. In addition, Regions is required to comply with numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations governing the permissibility and reporting of political contributions, including laws regarding the disclosure of certain lobbying activities which disclosures are also available for public review.

The Board of Directors believes this proposal is duplicative and unnecessary given Regions prohibition on the contribution of corporate funds and that a comprehensive system of reporting and accountability for political contributions already exists, providing ample public information to alleviate concerns cited in proponent’s proposal. Accordingly, we believe that the adoption of this proposal would only result in increased costs and divert resources from our day-to-day operations without providing any discernible benefit to Regions stockholders. Finally, a nearly identical proposal was submitted by the same proponent at the last four annual meetings and was defeated by the stockholders.

The Board unanimously recommends that you vote “AGAINST” this Proposal 5.

PROPOSALS OF STOCKHOLDERS

Proposals by stockholders intended to be presented at Regions 2014 annual meeting of stockholdersExchange Act must be received by us by November 8, 2016, and must comply in all respects with applicable rules of the SEC. Proposals should be addressed to the Corporate Secretary as follows: Regions not later than November 26, 2013 for consideration for possible inclusion in the proxy statement relating to that meeting.Financial Corporation, 1900 Fifth Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203, Attention: Fournier J. Gale, III, Corporate Secretary.

TheRegions’ By-Laws of Regions include provisions requiring advance notice of a stockholder’s nomination of memberspersons for election to the Board of Directors or the proposal of other business to be considered by the stockholders, even if not to be included in our 2017 Proxy Statement. To be timely outside of Rule 14a-8 of the Board. To be timelyExchange Act, such notice must be receiveddelivered no earlier than November 8, 2016, and no later than December 8, 2016, for our 2017 Annual Meeting. However, in the event that: (a) the number of Directors to be elected to the Board at the 2017 Annual Meeting is increased by virtue of an increase in the Corporate Secretary of Regions not less than 120 days before the datesize of the previous year’s proxy statement, or November 26, 2013, inBoard, and (b) the caseCompany has not publicly disclosed by January 11, 2017, either (i) all of the 2014 annual meeting of stockholders. If no annual meeting was heldnominees for Director at the previous year and in any year in which2017 Annual

Meeting or (ii) the datesize of the annual meeting is moved by more than 30 days from the date of the previous year’s annual meeting, theincreased Board, then such notice will also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if received not lessit has been delivered no later than 120 days before the dateclose of the annual meeting or bybusiness on the 10th day following the day on which public disclosurefirst date all of such nominees or the size of the annual meeting date was made. Theincreased Board of Directors of Regionshas been publicly announced or disclosed.

Pursuant to our By-Laws, a stockholder’s notice regarding nomination for election as a Director shall set forth the following information as to each proposed nominee:

All information relating to such person that is not required to nominatebe disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of Directors in an election contest, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the annualExchange Act.

A statement signed by the candidate confirming that the candidate:

¡will serve if nominated by the Board and elected by the stockholders;

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  OTHER MATTERS

¡consents to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee;

¡will comply with the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, General Policy on Insider Trading, Corporate Governance Principles and any other rule, regulation, policy or standard of conduct applicable to the Directors; and

¡will provide any information required or requested by the Company or its subsidiaries, or banking or other regulators, including, without limitation, all information requested by the form of Directors questionnaire used by the Company.

Whether each nominee is eligible for consideration as an independent director under the relevant standards contemplated by Item 407(a) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (or the corresponding provisions of any successor regulation) and the relevant listing standards of any exchange where the Company’s equity securities are listed.

Any notice regarding nominations for Director or other proposal of business must include the following information:

(a)As to the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made:

The name and address of such stockholder, as they appear on the Company’s books, and of such beneficial owner.

A representation that the stockholder is a holder of the Company’s voting stock (including the number and class or series of shares held).

With respect to nominations, a disclosure of any hedging or other arrangement with respect to any share of the Company’s stock (including any short position on or any borrowing or lending of shares of stock) made

by or on behalf of the stockholder (i) to mitigate loss to or manage risk of stock price changes for the stockholder or (ii) to increase or decrease the voting power of the stockholder.

With respect to nominations, a description of all arrangements or understandings among the stockholder and the candidate and any other person or persons (naming such person or persons and including any person so proposed.that may be deemed to be acting in concert with such stockholder under applicable federal or state securities or banking laws) pursuant to which the proposal is made by the stockholder.

(b)The names and addresses of any other stockholders or beneficial owners known to be supporting such nomination or proposal of business by the proposing stockholder on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made.

As to the proposal of business that the stockholder proposes to bring forth before the meeting (other than nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors), such stockholder’s notice must include:

 

The proceduretext of the proposal to be presented, including the text of any resolutions to be proposed for submitting aconsideration by stockholders.

A brief written statement of the reasons why such stockholder favors the proposal.

Any material interest in such business of such stockholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is generally the samemade.

Proposals should be addressed to our Corporate Secretary as for submitting stockholder nominations.follows:

Regions Financial Corporation

1900 Fifth Avenue North

Birmingham, Alabama 35203

Attention: Fournier J. Gale, III, Corporate Secretary.

 

OTHER BUSINESSOther Business

 

Regions does not know of any business to be presented for action at the annual meeting other than those items listed in the noticeNotice of the meeting2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on page 1 and referred to herein. If any other matters properly come before the annual meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, it is intended that the proxies will be voted in respect thereof by and at the discretion of the persons named as proxies on the electronic proxy or proxy card.

March 8, 2016

By Order of the Board of Directors

LOGO

Fournier J. Gale, III

Corporate Secretary

92LOGO   ï   2016 Proxy Statement


By Order of the Board of Directors

APPENDIX A  

 

LOGO

Fournier J. Gale, III

Corporate Secretary

Dated March 26, 2013

APPENDIX A

REGIONS FINANCIAL CORPORATION

EXECUTIVE INCENTIVE PLAN

I.Purpose

The purpose of the Plan is to establish a program of incentive compensation for designated officers and/or key executive employees of the Company and its subsidiaries and divisions that is directly related to the performance results of the Company and such employees. The Plan provides annual incentives, contingent upon continued employment and meeting certain corporate goals, to certain key executives who make substantial contributions to the Company.

II.Definitions

“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company or the Executive Committee thereof.

“Bonus Award” means an award to a Participant, which is intended to qualify for the performance-based compensation exception to Section 162(m) of the Code, as further described herein, and based on that Participant’s level of attainment of his or her goals established in accordance herewith, subject to the exercise of any downward adjustment as determined by the Committee.

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

“Committee” means a committee selected by the Board to administer the Plan and composed of not less than two directors, each of whom is an “outside director” (within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code). If at any time such a Committee has not been so designated, the Compensation Committee of the Board shall constitute the Committee. The Committee may delegate its duties and powers in whole or in part (i) to any subcommittee thereof consisting solely of at least two outside directors or (ii) to the extent consistent with Section 162(m) of the Code, to any other individual or individuals

“Company” means Regions Financial Corporation and each of its subsidiaries.

“Designated Beneficiary” means the beneficiary or beneficiaries designated in accordance with Article XI hereof to receive the amount, if any, payable under the Plan upon the Participant’s death.

“Participant” means any officer or key executive designated by the Committee to participate in the Plan.

“Performance Criteria” means objective performance criteria established by the Committee with respect to Bonus Awards. Performance Criteria shall be measured in terms of one or more of the following objectives, described as such objectives relate to Company-wide objectives or of the subsidiary, division, department or function with the Company or subsidiary in which the Participant is employed or may be measured against a pre-established list of peer companies or specific index, in each case, as the Committee deems appropriate:

(i)earnings (as measured by return on equity, return on assets, net interest margin, net income before or after taxes, earnings or loss per share as reported or as all adjusted to exclude unusual items as disclosed in Regions’ earnings press releases);

(ii)revenue (defined as net interest income plus non-interest income);

(iii)pre-tax preprovision income (defined as net interest income plus non-interest income less non-interest expense as reported or as adjusted to exclude unusual items as disclosed in Regions’ earnings press releases);

(iv)capital (as measured by ratio of equity to assets, tangible equity to assets, risk based capital ratios, tangible common equity, book value and/or book value per share, tangible book value and or tangible book value per share);

(v)asset quality (as measured by net charge-off ratio, ratio of non-performing assets to assets, ratio of reserves to non-performing assets, and/or ratio of reserves to loans);

(vi)liquidity (as measured by ratio of loans to deposits);

(vii)other performance measures (as measured by ratio of non-interest income to assets, ratio of transaction account deposits to total deposits, regulatory achievements, maintenance or increase in market share and/or ratio of non-interest income to total revenues as defined above).

If the Committee determines that a change in the business, operations, corporate structure or capital structure of the Company, or the manner in which it conducts its business, or the performance criteria would produce excessive or unnecessary risk to the institution, or other events or circumstances render the Performance Criteria to be unsuitable, the Committee may modify such Performance Criteria or the related minimum acceptable level of achievement, in whole or in part, as the Committee deems appropriate and equitable; provided, however, that no such modification shall be made if the effect would be to cause a Bonus Award to fail to qualify for the performance-based compensation exception to Section 162(m) of the Code.

“Performance Period” means the period during which performance is measured to determine the level of attainment of a Bonus Award, which shall be the fiscal year of the Company.

“Plan” means the Regions Financial Corporation Executive Incentive Plan.

III.Eligibility

Participants in the Plan shall be selected by the Committee for each Performance Period from those officers and key executives of the Company and its subsidiaries whose efforts contribute materially to the success of the Company. No employee shall be a Participant unless he or she is selected by the Committee, in its sole discretion. No employee shall at any time have the right to be selected as a Participant nor, having been selected as a Participant for one Performance Period, to be selected as a Participant in any other Performance Period.

IV.Administration

The Committee, in its sole discretion, will determine eligibility for participation, determine the size and terms of the Bonus Award made to each individual selected (subject to the limitation imposed below), to modify the terms of any Bonus Award that has been granted (except with respect to any modification which would increase the amount of compensation payable to a “covered employee,” as such term is defined in Section 162(m) of the Code), to determine the time when Bonus Awards will be awarded, to establish performance objectives in respect of Bonus Awards and to certify that such performance objectives were attained. Except as otherwise provided herein, the Committee is authorized to interpret the Plan, to establish, amend and rescind any rules and regulations relating to the Plan, and to make any other determinations that it deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the Plan. The Committee may correct any defect or supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan in the manner and to the extent the Committee deems necessary or desirable to carry it into effect. Any decision of the Committee in the interpretation and administration of the Plan, as described herein, shall lie within its sole and absolute discretion and shall be final, conclusive and binding on all parties concerned.

V.Bonus Awards

Subject to the terms of this Plan and in accordance with Section 162(m) of the Code, the Committee will establish for each Performance Period a maximum award (and, if the Committee deems appropriate, a threshold and target award) and goals, based on one or more of the Performance Criteria, relating to Company, subsidiary, divisional, departmental and/or functional performance for each Participant and communicate such award levels and goals to each Participant while the outcome of such goals is substantially uncertain and no more than 90 days

after the commencement of the Performance Period to which the performance goal relates or, if less, the number of days that is equal to 25 percent of the relevant Performance Period. Bonus Awards will be earned by each Participant based upon the level of attainment of his or her goals during the applicable Performance Period; provided that the Committee may reduce, but may not increase, the amount of any Bonus Award in its sole and absolute discretion, which discretion may be exercised based on Company and/or personal performance, a formula or otherwise. As soon as practicable after the end of the applicable Performance Period, the Committee shall determine the level of attainment of the goals for each Participant and the Bonus Award to be made to each Participant.

Each Bonus Award awarded hereunder is intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code and will be subject to the following requirements, notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary:

1. No Bonus Award may be paid unless and until the shareholders of the Company have approved the Plan in a manner which complies with the shareholder approval requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code.

2. The performance goal or goals to which a Bonus Award is subject must be based on one or more Performance Criteria. Such performance goal or goals, and the maximum, target and/or threshold (as applicable) Bonus Amount payable upon attainment thereof, must be established by the Committee within the time limits required in order for the Bonus Award to qualify for the performance-based compensation exception to Section 162(m) of the Code.

3. No Bonus Award may be paid until the Committee has certified, in writing, the level of attainment of the applicable Performance Criteria.

4. The maximum amount of a Bonus Award is $5 million to a single Participant.

VI.Payment of Bonus Awards

Bonus Awards earned during any Performance Period shall be paid as soon as practicable following the end of such Performance Period and the determination of the amount thereof shall be made by the Committee, provided that Bonus Awards shall be paid by March 15 of the calendar year following the year in which the Performance Period closes (or such later date as permitted by applicable tax rules). Payment of Bonus Awards shall be made in the form of cash, deferred cash-based awards and/or equity-based awards under the Company’s 2010 Long Term Incentive Plan (or any successor plan thereto).

For the purpose of paying or providing for a Participant’s Bonus Award, (i) the accrued or awarded cash value at the end of the Performance Period will be used to value any deferred cash or equity-based awards, (ii) the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the trading day immediately preceding the grant date will be used as the value of each Company equity-based award which is based upon the full value of a share of common stock, and (iii) the fair value (based on the methodology used by the Company with respect to the Performance Period in its financial statements and on closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant) will be used as the value of each Company stock option or stock appreciation right (to the extent any such award would be awarded pursuant to this Article VI).

VII. Reorganizationor Discontinuance

The obligations of the Company under the Plan shall be binding upon any successor corporation or organization resulting from merger, consolidation or other reorganization of the Company, or upon any successor corporation or organization succeeding to substantially all of the assets and business of the Company. The Company will make appropriate provision for the preservation of Participants’ rights under the Plan in any agreement or plan which it may enter into or adopt to effect any such merger, consolidation, reorganization or transfer of assets.

If the business conducted by the Company shall be discontinued, any previously earned and unpaid Bonus Awards under the Plan shall become immediately payable to the Participants then entitled thereto.

VIII.Non-Alienation of Benefits

A Participant may not assign, sell, encumber, transfer or otherwise dispose of any rights or interests under the Plan except by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Any attempted disposition in contravention of the preceding sentence shall be null and void.

IX.No Claim or Right to Plan Participation

No employee or other person shall have any claim or right to be selected as a Participant under the Plan. Neither the Plan nor any action taken pursuant to the Plan shall be construed as giving any employee any right to be retained in the employ of the Company.

X.Taxes

The Company shall deduct from all amounts paid under the Plan all federal, state, local and other taxes required by law to be withheld with respect to such payments.

XI.Designation and Change of Beneficiary

Each Participant may indicate upon notice to him or her by the Committee of his or her right to receive a Bonus Award a designation of one or more persons as the Designated Beneficiary who shall be entitled to receive the amount, if any, payable under the Plan upon the death of the Participant. Such designation shall be in writing to the Committee. A Participant may, from time to time, revoke or change his or her Designated Beneficiary without the consent of any prior Designated Beneficiary by filing a written designation with the Committee. The last such designation received by the Committee shall be controlling; provided, however, that no designation, or change or revocation thereof, shall be effective unless received by the Committee prior to the Participant’s death, and in no event shall it be effective as of a date prior to such receipt.

XII. Payments to Persons Other Than the Participant

If the Committee shall find that any person to whom any amount is payable under the Plan is unable to care for his or her affairs because of incapacity, illness or accident, or is a minor, or has died, then any payment due to such person or his or her estate (unless a prior claim therefore has been made by a duly appointed legal representative) may, if the Committee so directs, be paid to his or her spouse, a child, a relative, an institution maintaining or having custody of such person, or any other person deemed by the Committee, in its sole discretion, to be a proper recipient on behalf of such person otherwise entitled to payment. Any such payment shall be a complete discharge of the liability of the Company therefore.

XIII.No Liability of Committee Members

No member of the Committee shall be personally liable by reason of any contract or other instrument related to the Plan executed by such member or on his or her behalf in his or her capacity as a member of the Committee, nor for any mistake of judgment made in good faith, and the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each employee, officer, or director of the Company to whom any duty or power relating to the administration or interpretation of the Plan may be allocated or delegated, against any cost or expense (including legal fees, disbursements and other related charges) or liability (including any sum paid in settlement of a claim with the approval of the Board) arising out of any act or omission to act in connection with the Plan unless arising out of such person’s own fraud or bad faith.

XIV.Termination or Amendment of the Plan

The Committee may amend, suspend or terminate the Plan at any time; provided that no amendment may be made without the approval of the Company’s shareholders if the effect of such amendment would be to cause outstanding or pending Bonus Awards to cease to qualify for the performance-based compensation exception to Section 162(m) of the Code.

XV.Unfunded Plan

Participants shall have no right, title, or interest whatsoever in or to any investments which the Company may make to aid it in meeting its obligations under the Plan. Nothing contained in the Plan, and no action taken pursuant to its provisions, shall create or be construed to create a trust of any kind, or a fiduciary relationship between the Company and any Participant, Beneficiary, legal representative or any other person. To the extent that any person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company under the Plan, such right shall be no greater than the right of an unsecured general creditor of the Company. All payments to be made hereunder shall be paid from the general funds of the Company and no special or separate fund shall be established and no segregation of assets shall be made to assure payment of such amounts except as expressly set forth in the Plan.

The Plan is not intended to be subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

XVI.Governing Law

The terms of the Plan and all rights thereunder shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Alabama, without reference to principles of conflict of laws.

XVII.Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code

It is the Company’s intent that the Plan complies with or be exempt from the requirements of Section 409A and that the Plan be administered and interpreted accordingly. If and to the extent that any payment or benefit under the Plan is determined by the Company to constitute “non-qualified deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A and is payable to a Participant by reason of the Participant’s termination of employment, then (a) such payment or benefit shall be made or provided to the Participant only upon a “separation from service” as defined for purposes of Section 409A under applicable regulations and (b) if the Participant is a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A and as determined by the Company), such payment or benefit shall be made or provided on the date that is six months and one day after the date of the Participant’s separation from service (or earlier death). Each payment made under the Plan shall be deemed to be a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A.

XVIII.Compliance with Laws

The Plan is intended to comply with, and shall be interpreted and administered consistent with, any applicable law, including, but not limited to, any banking rules and regulations relating to compensation.

XIX.Clawback

If, following the payment of any bonus, the Committee determines that such payment is subject to Clawback pursuant to the Clawback policy adopted by the Company, the Company shall be entitled to receive, and the Participant shall be obligated to pay to the Company immediately upon demand therefor, the portion of the bonus that the Committee determines was not earned.

XX.Effective Date

The Plan shall be effective as of January 1, 2013 (the “Effective Date”), subject to the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of all shares of Common Stock of the Company present in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting of the Company to be held on May 16, 2013.

APPENDIX B

GAAP TO NON-GAAP AND OTHER RECONCILIATIONS

Adjusted Earnings PerReturn on Average Tangible Common ShareStockholders’ Equity (Non-GAAP)

 

The table below presents a reconciliation of net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per sharefrom continuing operations available to common shareholders from continuing operations (GAAP) to adjusted income (loss) and adjusted earnings (loss) per sharefrom continuing operations available to common shareholders from continuing operationsfor incentive purposes (non-GAAP). Adjusted income (loss) and adjusted earnings (loss) per sharefrom continuing operations available to common shareholders from continuing operationsfor incentive purposes excludes the items listed in the table below. These selected items are included in financial results presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Regions believes that their exclusion from income (loss) and earnings (loss) per sharefrom continuing operations available to common shareholders from continuing operations provides a meaningful base for period-to-period comparisons, which management believes will assist investorsstakeholders in analyzing the operating results of the Company and predicting future performance. These non-GAAP financial measures are also used by management to assess the performance of Regions’ business becausebusiness. It is possible that the activities related to the adjustments may recur; however, management does not consider these selected itemsthe activities related to the adjustments to be relevant toindications of ongoing operating results.operations. Management and the Board of DirectorsCompensation Committee utilize these non-GAAP financial measures for the following purposes: preparationevaluation of Regions’ operating budgets; monthly financial performance reporting; monthly close-out reporting of consolidated results (management only); and presentations to investors of Company performance. Regions believes that presenting these non-GAAP financial measures will permit investorsstakeholders to assess the performance of the Company on the same basis as that applied by management and the Board of Directors. Non-GAAP financial measures have inherent limitations, are not required to be uniformly applied and are not audited. Although these non-GAAP financial measures are frequently used by stakeholders in the evaluation of a company, they have limitations as analytical tools, and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for analyses of results as reported under GAAP. In particular, a measure of earnings that excludes these selected items does not represent the amount that effectively accrues directly to stockholders (i.e. goodwill impairment chargestockholders.

LOGO   ï   2016 Proxy StatementA-1


  APPENDIX A

The following table also provides a calculation of “return on average tangible common stockholders’ equity” and regulatory chargea reconciliation of average stockholders’ equity (GAAP) to average tangible common stockholders’ equity (non-GAAP). Tangible common stockholders’ equity has become a focus of some investors and related tax benefit resultbanking regulators, and management believes it may assist investors in reductions in earningsanalyzing the capital position of the Company absent the effects of intangible assets and stockholders’ equity).

preferred stock. Since analysts and banking regulators may assess Regions based on these measures, management believes that it is useful to provide investors the ability to assess Regions on these same bases.

($ amounts in millions, except per share data)

      Year Ended
December 31
    
       2012  2011  % Change 

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders (GAAP)

   A    $991   $(429 

Goodwill impairment, net of tax

     —      731   

Regulatory charge and related tax benefit(1)

     —      (44 
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

Adjusted income available to common shareholders (non-GAAP)

   B    $991   $258   
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders (GAAP)

   A    $991   $(429 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (GAAP)

     (59  (404 
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

Income (loss) from continuing operations available to common shareholders (GAAP)

   C     1,050    (25 

Goodwill impairment from continuing operations (non-deductible)

     —      253   

Regulatory charge and related tax benefit from continuing operations

     —      (17 
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

Adjusted income from continuing operations available to common shareholders (non-GAAP)

   D    $1,050   $211   
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

Weighted-average diluted shares

   E     1,387    1,258   

Earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations—diluted (GAAP)

   C/E    $0.76   $(0.02  NM  

Earnings (loss) per common share—diluted (GAAP)

   A/E    $0.71   $(0.34  NM  

Adjusted earnings per common share from continuing operations—diluted (non-GAAP)

   D/E    $0.76   $0.17    351

Adjusted earnings per common share—diluted (non-GAAP)

   B/E    $0.71   $0.21    248

(Unaudited)

($ amounts in millions)

     Year Ended
December 31, 2015
 

Net income from continuing operations available to common shareholders (GAAP)

   $1,011  

Adjustments:

   

Salaries and employee benefits – severance charges, net of tax

    4  

Branch consolidation and property and equipment charges, net of tax(1)

    26  

Professional, legal and regulatory expenses, net of tax(2)

    28  

Securities gains, net of tax

    (18

Loss on early extinguishment of long-term debt, net of tax(3)

    (4

Insurance proceeds, net of tax (4)

    (56

Leverage lease termination gains, net of tax (5)

    (6

Tax related adjustments (6)

    (15

Adjusted income from continuing operations available to common shareholders for incentive purposes (non-GAAP)

 A  $970  

Average stockholders’ equity from continuing operations (GAAP)

   $16,916  

Adjustments:

   

Average intangible assets (GAAP)

    (5,099

Average deferred tax liability related to intangibles (GAAP)

    170  

Average preferred equity (GAAP)

    (848

Average tangible common stockholders’ equity from continuing operations (non-GAAP)

 B  $11,139  

Adjusted return on average tangible common stockholders’ equity from continuing operations (non-GAAP)

 A/B   8.70%  

 

(1)Certain branch consolidation and property and equipment charges were included in the 2015 target. This adjustment reflects the portion of the charges recorded in actual, but not included in the target.

(2)In the second quarter of 2010, Regions recorded a $200 million charge to account for a probable, reasonably estimable loss related to a pending settlement of regulatory matters. At that time, Regions assumed that the entire charge would be non-deductible for income tax purposes. $75$50 million of thecontingent legal and regulatory charge relates to continuing operations. The settlement was finalizedaccruals during the second quarter of 2011. At the time of settlement, Regions had better information2015, related to tax implications. Approximately $125 million of the settlement charge will be deductible for federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, duringpreviously disclosed matters. Certain prior accruals were settled in the second quarter of 2011, Regions adjusted federal income taxes2015 for $2 million less than originally estimated and a corresponding recovery was recognized.

(3)A greater loss on early extinguishment of long-term debt was included in the 2015 target than recorded in actual. This adjustment reflects the excess portion included in the target.

(4)Insurance proceeds recognized in 2015 are related to account for the impactsettlement of the deduction. Thepreviously disclosed 2010 class-action lawsuit.

(5)Certain leverage lease termination gains were included in the 2015 target. This adjustment reduced Regions’ provision forreflects the portion of the gains recorded in actual, but not included in the target.

(6)Certain income taxes by approximately $44 million fortax benefits were recognized in actual during 2015 that were not included in the second quarter of 2011, of which approximately $17 million relates to continuing operations.2015 target. This adjustment removes those benefits.

Criticized and Classified Loans

 

   Year Ended December 31    

($ amounts in millions)

        2012              2011          % Change   

Total commercial (1)

  $2,592   $3,025   

Total investor real estate (1)

   1,900    3,345   

Total consumer (2)

   1,045    1,094   
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Total criticized loans

  $5,537   $7,464    (26)% 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Total loans

   73,995    77,594   

Criticized loans/loans

   7.48%   9.62 

($ amounts in millions)


Year Ended
December 31, 2015

Total commercial(1)

$    3,008

Total investor real estate (1)

363

Total consumer(2)

703

Total criticized and classified loans

A$    4,074

Total loans, net of unearned income

B$  81,162

Criticized loans/loans

A/B5.02%

 

(1)Amount can be obtained from page 155127 of the Regions Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20122015 as the sum of the applicable subtotals of the special mention, substandard accrual and non-accrual columns.

 

(2)Amount is from internal management reports.

 

Return on Average Tangible Common EquityA-2LOGO   ï   2016 Proxy Statement


 

The following table provides a calculation of “return on average tangible common equity” and a reconciliation of average stockholders’ equity (GAAP) to average tangible common stockholders’ equity (non-GAAP). Tangible common stockholders’ equity ratios have become a focus of some investors and management believes they may assist investors in analyzing the capital position of the Company absent the effects of intangible assets and preferred stock. Because tangible common stockholders’ common equity and the related ratio are not formally defined by GAAP, these measures are considered to be non- GAAP financial measures and other entities may calculate them differently than Regions’ disclosed calculations. Since analysts and banking regulators may assess Regions’ capital adequacy using tangible common stockholders’ equity, management believes that it is useful to provide investors the ability to assess Regions’ capital adequacy on these same bases.

 

($ amounts in millions)

  Year Ended
12/31/12
 

Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders (GAAP)

  $1,050  

Average stockholders’ equity (GAAP)

   15,246  

Less: Average intangible assets (GAAP)

   5,210  

  Average deferred tax liability related to intangibles (GAAP)

   (195

  Average preferred equity (GAAP)

   960  
  

 

 

 

Average tangible common stockholders’ equity (non-GAAP)

   9,271  
  

 

 

 

Return on average tangible common equity

   11.33

Adjusted Pre-Tax Pre-Provision Income From Continuing Operations to Risk-Weighted Assets (Non-GAAP)

The Adjusted Pre-Tax Pre-Provision Income from Continuing Operations to Risk-Weighted Assets table below presents computations of pre-tax pre-provision income (PPI) from continuing operations excluding certain adjustments (non-GAAP). Regions believes that the presentation of PPI and the exclusion of certain items from PPI provides a meaningful base for period-to-period comparisons, which management believes will assist investors and the Compensation Committee in analyzing the operating results of the Company and predicting future performance. These non-GAAP financial measures are also used by management to assess the performance of Regions’ business. It is possible that the activities related to the adjustments may recur; however, management does not consider the activities related to the adjustments to be indications of ongoing operations. Regions believes that presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures will permit investors and the Compensation Committee to assess the performance of the Company on the same basis as that applied by management. Non-GAAP financial measures have inherent limitations, are not required to be uniformly applied and are not audited. Although these non-GAAP financial measures are frequently used by stakeholders in the evaluation of a company, they have limitations as analytical tools, and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for analyses of results as reported under GAAP. In particular, a measure of income that excludes certain adjustments does not represent the amount that effectively accrues directly to stockholders.

Under the risk-based capital framework, a company’s balance sheet assets and credit equivalent amounts of off-balance sheet items are assigned to one of four broad risk categories. The aggregated dollar amount in each category is then multiplied by the risk-weighted category. The resulting weighted values from each of the four categories are added together and this sum is the risk-weighted assets total that, as adjusted, comprises the denominator of certain risk-based capital ratios. The amounts disclosed as risk-weighted assets are calculated consistent with banking regulatory requirements.

($ amounts in millions)

  Year Ended
12/31/12
 

Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders (GAAP)

  $1,050  

Preferred dividends (GAAP)

   129  

Income tax expense (GAAP)

   482  
  

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes (GAAP)

   1,661  

Provision for loan losses (GAAP)

   213  
  

 

 

 

Pre-tax pre-provision income from continuing operations (non-GAAP)

   1,874  

Adjustments:

  

Securities (gains) losses, net

   (48

Leveraged lease termination (gains) losses, net

   (14

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

   11  

Securities impairment, net

   2  

REIT investment early termination costs

   42  
  

 

 

 

Total adjustments

   (7
  

 

 

 

Adjusted pre-tax pre-provision income from continuing operations (non-GAAP)

  $1,867  
  

 

 

 

Risk-weighted assets

  $92,811  
  

 

 

 

Adjusted PPI/Risk-Weighted Assets

   2.01
  

 

 

 

 

LOGO


LOGOLOGO

 

REGIONS FINANCIAL CORPORATION

1900 FIFTH AVENUE NORTHATTN: INVESTOR RELATIONS

ATTN: INVESTOR RELATIONS1900 5TH AVENUE NORTH

BIRMINGHAM, AL 35203

 

LOGO

VOTE BY INTERNET-www.proxyvote.com or scan the QR Barcode above

Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and followFollow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.

 

ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE PROXY MATERIALS

If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by our company in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receiving all future proxy statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically via e-mail or the Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access proxy materials electronically in future years.

 

VOTE BY PHONE- 1-800-690-6903

Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.

 

VOTE BY MAIL

Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.

TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:

   M53685-P35260E00117-P73131  KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS
  DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY

 REGIONS FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. 

 

  

 

The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposals:

          
  

 

Election of Directors

 

 

For

 

 

Against

  

 

Abstain

         
  Proposal 1. Nominees:             
  

 

1a.

 

1b.

 

1c.

 

1d.

 

1e.

 

1f.

 

1g.

 

1h.

 

1i.

 

1j.

 

1k.

 

1l.

1m.

1n.

  

 

George W. Bryan

Carolyn H. Byrd

 

David J. Cooper, Sr.

 

Don DeFosset

 

Eric C. Fast

 

O.B. O. B. Grayson Hall, Jr.

 

John D. Johns

 

Charles D. McCrary

James R. Malone

Ruth Ann Marshall

 

Susan W. Matlock

 

John E. Maupin, Jr.

 

John R. Roberts Charles D. McCrary

 

Lee J. Styslinger III

 

 

 

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¨

 

¨

 

¨

 

¨

 

¨

 

¨

 

¨

 

¨

 

¨

 

¨

¨

¨

¨

 

 

 

¨

 

¨

 

¨

 

¨

 

¨

 

¨

 

¨

 

¨

 

¨

 

¨

 

¨

 

¨

¨

¨

  

 

¨

 

¨

 

¨

 

¨

 

¨

 

¨

 

¨

 

¨

 

¨

 

¨

 

¨

 

¨

¨

¨

        
          

 

The Board of Directors recommends you vote

FOR the following proposal:

 

 

For

 

 

Against

 

 

Abstain

  
          

 

Proposal 2.    Nonbinding Stockholder ApprovalRatification of Appointment of Ernst &

                       of Executive Compensation.Young LLP as the Independent

                       Registered Public Accounting Firm for

                       2016.

 

 

¨

 

 

¨

 

 

¨

  
          

 

The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposal:

      
          

 

Proposal 3.    Nonbinding Stockholder Approval of the Regions Financial

                       Corporation Executive Incentive Plan.Compensation.

 

 

¨

 

 

¨

 

 

¨

  
          

The Board of Directors recommends you vote

FOR the following proposal:

     
          

Proposal 4.    Ratification of Selection of Independent

                       Registered Public Accounting Firm.

¨

¨

¨

The Board of Directors recommends you vote

AGAINST the following proposal:

     
          

Proposal 5.    Stockholder proposal regarding

                       posting a report, updated semi-annually,

                       of political contributions.

 

¨

 

¨

 

¨

  
          

For address changes and/or comments, please check this box and write them on the back where indicated.

  

¨

      
 

 

Please indicate if you plan to attend this meeting.

 

 

¨

 

 

¨

        
   

 

Yes

 

 

No

   
  Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer.     
                
                       
                       
  

Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX]

 

Date

Signature (Joint Owners)Date

      

Signature (Joint Owners)

 

Date

      


REGIONS FINANCIAL CORPORATION

Annual Meeting of Stockholders

May 16, 2013April 21, 2016

9:00 A.M. Central Time

Upper Lobby Auditorium of Regions Bank

1901 Sixth Avenue North

Birmingham, AlabamaAL 35203

Admission Ticket

to the

Regions Financial Corporation 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

PLEASE BRING THIS ADMISSION TICKET AND A VALID GOVERNMENT-ISSUED PHOTO IDENTIFICATION FOR ADMISSION TO THE MEETING.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting:

The Notice and Proxy Statement, and Annual Report on Form 10-K and Chairman’s Letter are available at www.proxyvote.com.

For security reasons, no large bags, backpacks, briefcases or packages will be permitted in the annual meeting, and security measures will be in effect to provide for the safety of attendees. The use of any electronic devices such as cameras (including mobile phones with photographic capabilities), recording devices, smartphones, tablets, laptops and other similar devices is strictly prohibited.

 

M53686-P35260

E00118-P73131        

 

     

 

PROXY CARD

 

REGIONS FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors

 

The undersigned hereby appoints Fournier J. Gale, III and Carl L. Gorday,Hope D. Mehlman, and each of them, proxies with full power of substitution, to vote all of the shares of common stock of Regions Financial Corporation held of record by the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on Thursday, May 16, 2013April 21, 2016, and at any adjournments thereof. This card also provides voting instructions for shares held in the Regions Financial Corporation 401(k) Plan or the Computershare Investment Plan for Regions Financial Corporation and held of record by the trustees or agents of such plans.IfThis proxy, whenproperlyexecuted,willbevotedinthemannerdirectedbyyou.Ifyousignandreturnthisproxybutdo notgiveanydirections are given, ,the proxies will vote FOR Proposal ntheproxieswillvoteFORProposal1 Election of all Director ,ElectionofallNominees FOR Proposal ,FORProposal2, Nonbinding Stockholder Approval of Executive RatificationofAppointmentofErnst&YoungLLPastheIndependentRegisteredPublicAccountingFirmfor2016,andFORProposal3,NonbindingStockholderApprovalofExecutiveCompensation FOR Proposal 3, Approval of the Regions Financial Corporation Executive Incentive Plan, FOR Proposal 4, Ratification of Selection of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and AGAINST Proposal 5, Stockholder proposal regarding posting a report, updated semi-annually, of political contributions..The proxies, in their discretion, are further authorized to vote (i) for the election of a person to the Board of Directors, if any nominee named herein becomes unable or unwilling to serve and (ii) on any other matter that may properly come before the meeting.

 

      
     
    Address Changes/Comments:  

 

     
    
    

 

     
    
             
     

 

(If you noted any Address Changes/Comments above, please mark corresponding box on the reverse side.)

 

(Continued and to be signed on reverse side)