Basis of Presentation (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Loans comprise the majority of the assets acquired in nearly all of these FDIC-assisted transactions since 2010, most of which are subject to loss sharing agreements with the FDIC whereby the FDIC has agreed to reimburse the Company for 80% of losses incurred on the purchased loans, other real estate owned (“OREO”), and certain other assets. Additionally, the loss share agreements with the FDIC require the Company to reimburse the FDIC in the event that actual losses on covered assets are lower than the original loss estimates agreed upon with the FDIC with respect of such assets in the loss share agreements. The Company refers to the loans subject to these loss-sharing agreements as “covered loans” and uses the term “covered assets” to refer to covered loans, covered OREO and certain other covered assets. The agreements with the FDIC require that the Company follow certain servicing procedures or risk losing the FDIC reimbursement of covered asset losses.

On their respective acquisition dates in 2012, the Company announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary banks, Old Plank Trail Community Bank, N.A. ("Old Plank Trail Bank"), Hinsdale Bank and Trust Company ("Hinsdale Bank") and Barrington Bank and Trust Company, N.A. ("Barrington Bank"), acquired certain assets and liabilities and the banking operations of First United Bank of Crete, Illinois ("First United Bank"), Second Federal Savings and Loan Association of Chicago ("Second Federal") and Charter National Bank and Trust (“Charter National”), respectively, in FDIC-assisted transactions. The loans covered by the loss sharing agreements are classified and presented as covered loans and the estimated reimbursable losses are recorded as an FDIC indemnification asset in the Consolidated Statements of Condition. The Company recorded the acquired assets and liabilities at their estimated fair values at the acquisition date. The fair value for loans reflected expected credit losses at the acquisition date. Therefore, the Company will only recognize a provision for credit losses and charge-offs on the acquired loans for any further credit deterioration subsequent to the acquisition date. See Note 7 — Allowance for Loan Losses, Allowance for Losses on Lending-Related Commitments and Impaired Loans for further discussion of the allowance on covered loans.

The loss share agreements with the FDIC cover realized losses on loans, foreclosed real estate and certain other assets. These loss share assets are measured separately from the loan portfolios because they are not contractually embedded in the loans and are not transferable with the loans should the Company choose to dispose of them. Fair values at the acquisition dates were estimated based on projected cash flows available for loss-share based on the credit adjustments estimated for each loan pool and the loss share percentages. The loss share assets are also separately measured from the related loans and foreclosed real estate and recorded as FDIC indemnification assets on the Consolidated Statements of Condition. Subsequent to the acquisition date, reimbursements received from the FDIC for actual incurred losses will reduce the FDIC indemnification assets. Reductions to expected losses, to the extent such reductions to expected losses are the result of an improvement to the actual or expected cash flows from the covered assets, will also reduce the FDIC indemnification assets. Although these assets are contractual receivables from the FDIC, there are no contractual interest rates. Additions to expected losses will require an increase to the allowance for loan losses and a corresponding increase to the FDIC indemnification assets. The corresponding accretion is recorded as a component of non-interest income on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Acquired Loans with Evidence of Credit Quality Deterioration

Purchased loans acquired in a business combination are recorded at estimated fair value on their purchase date. Expected future cash flows at the purchase date in excess of the fair value of loans are recorded as interest income over the life of the loans if the timing and amount of the future cash flows is reasonably estimable (“accretable yield”). The difference between contractually required payments and the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition is referred to as the non-accretable difference and represents probable losses in the portfolio.

In determining the acquisition date fair value of purchased impaired loans, and in subsequent accounting, the Company aggregates these purchased loans into pools of loans by common risk characteristics, such as credit risk rating and loan type. Subsequent to the purchase date, increases in cash flows over those expected at the purchase date are recognized as interest income prospectively. Subsequent decreases to the expected cash flows will generally result in a provision for loan losses.

The Company purchased a portfolio of life insurance premium finance receivables in 2009. These purchased life insurance premium finance receivables are valued on an individual basis with the accretable component being recognized into interest income using the effective yield method over the estimated remaining life of the loans. The non-accretable portion is evaluated each quarter and if the loans’ credit related conditions improve, a portion is transferred to the accretable component and accreted over future periods. In the event a specific loan prepays in whole, any remaining accretable and non-accretable discount is recognized in income immediately. If credit related conditions deteriorate, an allowance related to these loans will be established as part of the provision for credit losses.

See Note 6—Loans, for more information on loans acquired with evidence of credit quality deterioration since origination.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, the Company considers cash and cash equivalents to include cash on hand, cash items in the process of collection, non-interest bearing amounts due from correspondent banks, federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements with original maturities of three months or less.

Loans

Certain life insurance premium finance receivables attributable to the life insurance premium finance loan acquisition in 2009 as well as the covered loans acquired in the FDIC-assisted acquisitions are recorded net of credit discounts.

Allowance for Loan Losses, Non-performing Loans

Our ability to manage credit risk depends in large part on our ability to properly identify and manage problem loans. To do so, we operate a credit risk rating system under which our credit management personnel assign a credit risk rating (1 to 10 rating) to each loan at the time of origination and review loans on a regular basis.

Each loan officer is responsible for monitoring his or her loan portfolio, recommending a credit risk rating for each loan in his or her portfolio and ensuring the credit risk ratings are appropriate. These credit risk ratings are then ratified by the bank’s chief credit officer and/or concurrence credit officer. Credit risk ratings are determined by evaluating a number of factors including: a borrower’s financial strength, cash flow coverage, collateral protection and guarantees.

The Company’s Problem Loan Reporting system automatically includes all loans with credit risk ratings of 6 through 9. This system is designed to provide an on-going detailed tracking mechanism for each problem loan. Once management determines that a loan has deteriorated to a point where it has a credit risk rating of 6 or worse, the Company’s Managed Asset Division performs an overall credit and collateral review. As part of this review, all underlying collateral is identified and the valuation methodology is analyzed and tracked. As a result of this initial review by the Company’s Managed Asset Division, the credit risk rating is reviewed and a portion of the outstanding loan balance may be deemed uncollectible or an impairment reserve may be established. The Company’s impairment analysis utilizes an independent re-appraisal of the collateral (unless such a third-party evaluation is not possible due to the unique nature of the collateral, such as a closely-held business or thinly traded securities). In the case of commercial real-estate collateral, an independent third party appraisal is ordered by the Company’s Real Estate Services Group to determine if there has been any change in the underlying collateral value. These independent appraisals are reviewed by the Real Estate Services Group and sometimes by independent third party valuation experts and may be adjusted depending upon market conditions.

Through the credit risk rating process, loans are reviewed to determine if they are performing in accordance with the original contractual terms. If the borrower has failed to comply with the original contractual terms, further action may be required by the Company, including a downgrade in the credit risk rating, movement to non-accrual status, a charge-off or the establishment of a specific impairment reserve. If we determine that a loan amount, or portion thereof, is uncollectible, the loan’s credit risk rating is immediately downgraded to an 8 or 9 and the uncollectible amount is charged-off. Any loan that has a partial charge-off continues to be assigned a credit risk rating of an 8 or 9 for the duration of time that a balance remains outstanding. The Company undertakes a thorough and ongoing analysis to determine if additional impairment and/or charge-offs are appropriate and to begin a workout plan for the credit to minimize actual losses.

If, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due to it according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement, a specific impairment reserve is established. In determining the appropriate charge-off for collateral-dependent loans, the Company considers the results of appraisals for the associated collateral.

Non-performing loans include all non-accrual loans (8 and 9 risk ratings) as well as loans 90 days past due and still accruing interest, excluding loans acquired with evidence of credit quality deterioration since origination. The remainder of the portfolio is considered performing under the contractual terms of the loan agreement.

Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance for Loan Losses Policy [Policy Text Block]

In conjunction with FDIC-assisted transactions, the Company entered into loss share agreements with the FDIC. Additional expected losses, to the extent such expected losses result in the recognition of an allowance for loan losses, will increase the FDIC indemnification asset. The allowance for loan losses for loans acquired in FDIC-assisted transactions is determined without giving consideration to the amounts recoverable through loss share agreements (since the loss share agreements are separately accounted for and thus presented “gross” on the balance sheet). On the Consolidated Statements of Income, the provision for credit losses related to covered loans is reported net of changes in the amount recoverable under the loss share agreements. Reductions to expected losses, to the extent such reductions to expected losses are the result of an improvement to the actual or expected cash flows from the covered assets, will reduce the FDIC indemnification asset. Additions to expected losses will require an increase to the allowance for loan losses, and a corresponding increase to the FDIC indemnification asset. See “FDIC-Assisted Transactions” within Note 3 – Business Combinations for more detail.

Allowance for Loan Losses, Troubled Debt Restructurings

The Company’s approach to restructuring loans, excluding those acquired with evidence of credit quality deterioration since origination, is built on its credit risk rating system which requires credit management personnel to assign a credit risk rating to each loan. In each case, the loan officer is responsible for recommending a credit risk rating for each loan and ensuring the credit risk ratings are appropriate. These credit risk ratings are then reviewed and approved by the bank’s chief credit officer and/or concurrence credit officer. Credit risk ratings are determined by evaluating a number of factors including a borrower’s financial strength, cash flow coverage, collateral protection and guarantees. The Company’s credit risk rating scale is one through ten with higher scores indicating higher risk. In the case of loans rated six or worse following modification, the Company’s Managed Assets Division evaluates the loan and the credit risk rating and determines that the loan has been restructured to be reasonably assured of repayment and of performance according to the modified terms and is supported by a current, well-documented credit assessment of the borrower’s financial condition and prospects for repayment under the revised terms.

A modification of a loan, excluding those acquired with evidence of credit quality deterioration since origination, with an existing credit risk rating of six or worse or a modification of any other credit which will result in a restructured credit risk rating of six or worse, must be reviewed for possible TDR classification. In that event, our Managed Assets Division conducts an overall credit and collateral review. A modification of these loans is considered to be a TDR if both (1) the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and (2) for economic or legal reasons, the bank grants a concession to a borrower that it would not otherwise consider. The modification of a loan, excluding those acquired with evidence of credit quality deterioration since origination, where the credit risk rating is five or better both before and after such modification is not considered to be a TDR. Based on the Company’s credit risk rating system, it considers that borrowers whose credit risk rating is five or better are not experiencing financial difficulties and therefore, are not considered TDRs.

TDRs are reviewed at the time of modification and on a quarterly basis to determine if a specific reserve is needed. The carrying amount of the loan is compared to the expected payments to be received, discounted at the loan’s original rate, or for collateral dependent loans, to the fair value of the collateral. Any shortfall is recorded as a specific reserve.

All credits determined to be a TDR will continue to be classified as a TDR in all subsequent periods, unless the borrower has been in compliance with the loan’s modified terms for a period of six months (including over a calendar year-end) and the modified interest rate represented a market rate at the time of a restructuring. The Managed Assets Division, in consultation with the respective loan officer, determines whether the modified interest rate represented a current market rate at the time of restructuring. Using knowledge of current market conditions and rates, competitive pricing on recent loan originations, and an assessment of various characteristics of the modified loan (including collateral position and payment history), an appropriate market rate for a new borrower with similar risk is determined. If the modified interest rate meets or exceeds this market rate for a new borrower with similar risk, the modified interest rate represents a market rate at the time of restructuring. Additionally, before removing a loan from TDR classification, a review of the current or previously measured impairment on the loan and any concerns related to future performance by the borrower is conducted. If concerns exist about the future ability of the borrower to meet its obligations under the loans based on a credit review by the Managed Assets Division, the TDR classification is not removed from the loan. Loans classified as TDRs that are re-modified subsequent to the initial determination will continue to be classified as TDRs following the re-modification, unless the requirements for removal from TDR classification discussed above are satisfied at the time of the re-modification.

TDRs are reviewed at the time of the modification and on a quarterly basis to determine if a specific reserve is necessary. The carrying amount of the loan is compared to the expected payments to be received, discounted at the loan's original rate, or for collateral dependent loans, to the fair value of the collateral. Any shortfall is recorded as a specific reserve. The Company, in accordance with ASC 310-10, continues to individually measure impairment of these loans after the TDR classification is removed.

Each TDR was reviewed for impairment at September 30, 2013 and approximately $4.4 million of impairment was present and appropriately reserved for through the Company’s normal reserving methodology in the Company’s allowance for loan losses. For TDRs in which impairment is calculated by the present value of future cash flows, the Company records interest income representing the decrease in impairment resulting from the passage of time during the respective period, which differs from interest income from contractually required interest on these specific loans. During the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded $205,000 and $534,000, respectively, in interest income representing this decrease in impairment. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded $727,000 and $1.0 million, respectively, in interest income representing this decrease in impairment.

Consolidation of Securitization Entity

This securitization transaction was accounted for as a secured borrowing and the securitization entity was treated as a consolidated subsidiary of the Company under ASC 810, “Consolidation”. The securitization entity’s receivables underlying third-party investors’ interests were recorded in loans, net of unearned income, excluding covered loans, an allowance for loan losses was established and the related debt issued was reported in secured borrowings—owed to securitization investors. Additionally, the Company’s retained interests in the transaction, principally consisting of subordinated securities, cash collateral, and overcollateralization of loans, constituted intercompany positions, which were eliminated in the preparation of the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Condition.

Goodwill Impairment Test

At June 30, 2013, the Company utilized a qualitative approach for its annual goodwill impairment test of the community banking segment and determined that it is not more likely than not that an impairment existed at that time. No significant events occurred during the third quarter of 2013 that would require the Company to re-evaluate that determination. The annual goodwill impairment tests of the specialty finance and wealth management segments will be conducted at December 31, 2013.

Intangibles Amortizations

The customer list intangibles recognized in connection with this and prior acquisitions within the wealth management segment are being amortized over a ten-year period on a straight-line basis.

The core deposit intangibles recognized in connection with these acquisitions are amortized over a ten-year period on an accelerated basis.

The customer list intangibles recognized in connection with the purchase of life insurance premium finance assets in 2009 are being amortized over an 18-year period on an accelerated basis.

Notes Payable, Federal Home Loan Bank Advances, Other Borrowings, Secured Borrowings and Subordinated Notes

FHLB advances are stated at par value of the debt adjusted for unamortized fair value adjustments recorded in connection with advances acquired through acquisitions.

The junior subordinated notes were recorded at their initial principal balance of $44.7 million, net of issuance costs. These notes have a stated interest rate of 9.5% and require quarterly principal and interest payments of $4.3 million, with an initial payment of $4.6 million that was paid on March 15, 2011. The issuance costs are being amortized to interest expense using the effective-interest method.

These prepayment fees are classified in other assets on the Consolidated Statements of Condition and are amortized as an adjustment to interest expense using the effective interest method.

Offsetting Assets and Liabilities

At September 30, 2013 and 2012, securities sold under repurchase agreements are comprised of $43.2 million and $70.8 million, respectively, of customer balances in sweep accounts in connection with master repurchase agreements at the banks and $180.0 million and $266.6 million, respectively, of short-term borrowings from brokers. The Company records securities sold under repurchase agreements at their gross value and does not offset positions on the Consolidated Statements of Condition.

Repurchase Agreements, Collateral

Securities pledged for customer balances in sweep accounts and short-term borrowings from brokers are maintained under the Company’s control and consist of U.S. Government agency, mortgage-backed and corporate securities. These securities are included in the available-for-sale securities portfolio as reflected on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Condition.

Junior Subordinated Debentures

The Trusts are reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as unconsolidated subsidiaries. Accordingly, in the Consolidated Statements of Condition, the junior subordinated debentures issued by the Company to the Trusts are reported as liabilities and the common securities of the Trusts, all of which are owned by the Company, are included in available-for-sale securities.

Derivatives

As required by ASC 815, the Company recognizes derivative financial instruments in the consolidated financial statements at fair value regardless of the purpose or intent for holding the instrument. Derivative financial instruments are included in other assets or other liabilities, as appropriate, on the Consolidated Statements of Condition. Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments are either recognized in income or in shareholders’ equity as a component of other comprehensive income depending on whether the derivative financial instrument qualifies for hedge accounting and, if so, whether it qualifies as a fair value hedge or cash flow hedge. Generally, changes in fair values of derivatives accounted for as fair value hedges are recorded in income in the same period and in the same income statement line as changes in the fair values of the hedged items that relate to the hedged risk(s). Changes in fair values of derivative financial instruments accounted for as cash flow hedges, to the extent they are effective hedges, are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income, net of deferred taxes, and reclassified to earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings. Changes in fair values of derivative financial instruments not designated in a hedging relationship pursuant to ASC 815, including changes in fair value related to the ineffective portion of cash flow hedges, are reported in non-interest income during the period of the change. Derivative financial instruments are valued by a third party and are corroborated by comparison with valuations provided by the respective counterparties. Fair values of certain mortgage banking derivatives (interest rate lock commitments and forward commitments to sell mortgage loans on a best efforts basis) are estimated based on changes in mortgage interest rates from the date of the loan commitment. The fair value of foreign currency derivatives is computed based on changes in foreign currency rates stated in the contract compared to those prevailing at the measurement date.

Offsetting of Derivative Instruments

The Company records interest rate derivatives subject to master netting agreements at their gross value and does not offset derivative assets and liabilities on the Consolidated Statements of Condition

Fair Value Hierarchy Transfers In/Out of Levels

Transfers out of Level 3 are recognized at the end of the reporting period

Fair Value Measurement

The Company measures, monitors and discloses certain of its assets and liabilities on a fair value basis. These financial assets and financial liabilities are measured at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the observability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. These levels are:


•	Level 1—unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

•

Level 2—inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

•

Level 3—significant unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s own assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.

A financial instrument’s categorization within the above valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the assets or liabilities.

Tangible Equity Unit

Upon settlement, an amount equal to $1.00 per common share issued will be reclassified from additional paid-in capital to common stock.

The prepaid stock purchase contracts have been recorded as surplus (a component of shareholders’ equity), net of issuance costs, and the junior subordinated amortizing notes have been recorded as debt within other borrowings. Issuance costs associated with the debt component are recorded as a discount within other borrowings and will be amortized over the term of the instrument to December 15, 2013. The Company allocated the proceeds from the issuance of the TEU to equity and debt based on the relative fair values of the respective components of each unit.

The aggregate fair values assigned to each component of the TEU offering at the issuance date were as follows:



(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)	Equity Component		Debt Component		TEU Total
Units issued ⁽¹⁾	4,600		4,600		4,600
Unit price	$	40.271818	$	9.728182	$	50.00
Gross proceeds	185,250		44,750		230,000
Issuance costs, including discount	5,934		1,419		7,353
Net proceeds	$	179,316	$	43,331	$	222,647
Balance sheet impact
Other borrowings	—		43,331		43,331
Surplus	179,316		—		179,316


(1)	TEUs consist of two components: one unit of the equity component and one unit of the debt component.

The fair value of the debt component was determined using a discounted cash flow model using the following assumptions: (1) quarterly cash payments of 7.5%; (2) a maturity date of December 15, 2013; and (3) an assumed discount rate of 9.5%. The discount rate used for estimating the fair value was determined by obtaining yields for comparably-rated issuers trading in the market. The debt component was recorded at fair value, and the discount is being amortized using the level yield method over the term of the instrument to the settlement date of December 15, 2013.

The fair value of the equity component was determined using Black-Scholes valuation models applied to the range of stock prices contemplated by the terms of the TEU and using the following assumptions: (1) risk-free interest rate of 0.95%; (2) expected stock price volatility in the range of 35%-45%; (c) dividend yield plus stock borrow cost of 0.85%; and (4) term of 3.02 years.

Each junior subordinated amortizing note, which had an initial principal amount of $9.728182, is bearing interest at 9.50% per annum, and has a scheduled final installment payment date of December 15, 2013. On each March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15, the Company will pay equal quarterly installments of $0.9375 on each amortizing note. Each payment will constitute a payment of interest and a partial repayment of principal. The Company may defer installment payments at any time and from time to time, under certain circumstances and subject to certain conditions, by extending the installment period so long as such period of time does not extend beyond December 15, 2015.

Earnings Per Share

Potentially dilutive common shares can result from stock options, restricted stock unit awards, stock warrants, the Company’s convertible preferred stock, tangible equity unit shares and shares to be issued under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan and the Directors Deferred Fee and Stock Plan, being treated as if they had been either exercised or issued, computed by application of the treasury stock method. While potentially dilutive common shares are typically included in the computation of diluted earnings per share, potentially dilutive common shares are excluded from this computation in periods in which the effect would reduce the loss per share or increase the income per share. For diluted earnings per share, net income applicable to common shares can be affected by the conversion of the Company’s convertible preferred stock. Where the effect of this conversion would reduce the loss per share or increase the income per share, net income applicable to common shares is not adjusted by the associated preferred dividends.

Stock-based compensation is measured as the fair value of an award on the date of grant, and the measured cost is recognized over the period which the recipient is required to provide service in exchange for the award. The fair values of restricted shares and performance-based stock awards are determined based on the average of the high and low trading prices on the grant date, and the fair value of stock options is estimated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model that utilizes the assumptions outlined in the following table. Option-pricing models require the input of highly subjective assumptions and are sensitive to changes in the option's expected life and the price volatility of the underlying stock, which can materially affect the fair value estimate. Expected life has been based on historical exercise and termination behavior as well as the term of the option, but the expected life of the options granted pursuant to the LTIP awards was based on the safe harbor rule of the SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 “Share-Based Payment” as the Company believes historical exercise data may not provide a reasonable basis to estimate the expected term of these options. Expected stock price volatility is based on historical volatility of the Company's common stock, which correlates with the expected life of the options, and the risk-free interest rate is based on comparable U.S. Treasury rates. Management reviews and adjusts the assumptions used to calculate the fair value of an option on a periodic basis to better reflect expected trends.