Basis of Presentation (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

East West Bancorp, Inc. (referred to herein on an unconsolidated basis as “East West” and on a consolidated basis as the “Company”) is a registered bank holding company that offers a full range of banking services to individuals and businesses through its subsidiary bank, East West Bank and its subsidiaries (“East West Bank” or the “Bank”). The unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q include the accounts of East West, East West Bank and East West’s subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. As of March 31, 2019, East West also has six wholly-owned subsidiaries that are statutory business trusts (the “Trusts”). In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810, Consolidation, the Trusts are not included on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Basis of Presentation

The unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), applicable guidelines prescribed by regulatory authorities, and general practices in the banking industry. They reflect all adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary for fair statement of the interim period Consolidated Financial Statements. Certain items on the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes for the prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted and Recent Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted



Standard	Required Date of Adoption	Description	Effects on Financial Statements
Standards Adopted in 2019
ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) and subsequent related ASUs	January 1, 2019 for leases standards other than ASU 2019-01. January 1, 2020 for ASU 2019-01 Early adoption is permitted.	ASC Topic 842, Leases, supersedes ASC Topic 840, Leases. This ASU requires lessees to recognize right-of-use assets and related lease liabilities for all leases with lease terms of more than 12 months on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, and provide quantitative and qualitative disclosures regarding key information about the leasing arrangements. For short-term leases with a term of 12 months or less, lessees can make a policy election not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. Lessor accounting is largely unchanged. The ASU also expands the qualitative and quantitative lease disclosures. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842) Targeted Improvements, which provides companies the option to continue to apply the legacy guidance in ASC 840, Leases, including its disclosure requirements, in the comparative periods presented in the year they adopt ASU 2016-02. Companies that elect this transition option recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption rather than in the earliest period presented. In December 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-20, Leases (Topic 842) Narrow-Scope Improvements for Lessors, which include amendments related to 1) sales taxes and other similar taxes collected from lessees; 2) lessor costs paid directly by a lessee; and 3) the recognition of variable payments for contracts with lease and nonlease components. In March 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-01, Leases (Topic 842) Codification Improvements, which addresses issues related to 1) determining the fair value of the underlying asset by lessors that are not manufacturers or dealers; 2) presentation on the statement of cash flows — sales-type and direct financing leases; and 3) transition disclosures related to Topic 250, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections.	The Company adopted all the new lease standards on January 1, 2019 using the alternative transition method, which allows the adoption of the accounting standard prospectively without revising comparable prior periods’ financial information. On January 1, 2019, the Company recognized $109.1 million and $117.7 million increase in right-of-use assets and associated lease liabilities, respectively, based on the present value of the expected remaining operating lease payments. In addition, the Company also recognized a cumulative-effect adjustment of $14.7 million to increase beginning balance of retained earnings as of January 1, 2019 related to the deferred gains on our prior sale and leaseback transactions that occurred prior to the date of adoption. The impact to the Company’s Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio was a reduction of approximately 4 bps. The adoption of the new leases standards did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income.
ASU 2018-09, Codification Improvements	Amendments that do not require transition guidance: effective immediately upon issuance in July, 2018. Amendments that require transition guidance: January 1, 2019.	This ASU makes improvements to various Codification Topics. Some of the improvements include: 1) clarifying that the excess tax benefits for share-based compensation awards should be recognized in the period in which the amount of the deduction is determined; 2) one of the criteria “the intent to set off” under ASC 210-20-45-1 is not required to offset derivative assets and liabilities for certain amounts arising from derivative instruments recognized at fair value and executed with the same counterparty under a master netting agreement; and 3) clarifying the measurement of certain financial instruments.	The Company adopted the amendments that are effective on January 1, 2019. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
ASU 2018-16, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Inclusion of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) Overnight Index Swap (“OIS”) Rate as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes	January 1, 2019 Early adoption (including adoption in an interim period) is permitted for entities that already adopted ASU 2017-12.	This ASU amends ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, by adding the OIS rate based on SOFR to the list of United States (“U.S.”) benchmark interest rates that are eligible to be hedged to facilitate the London Interbank Offered Rate to SOFR transition. The guidance should be applied prospectively for qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after the date of adoption.	The Company adopted ASU 2018-16 prospectively on January 1, 2019. The adoption of this guidance did not impact existing hedges but may impact new hedge relationships that are benchmarked against the SOFR OIS rate.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements



Standard	Required Date of Adoption	Description	Effects on Financial Statements
Standards Not Yet Adopted
ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments	January 1, 2020 Early adoption is permitted on January 1, 2019.	The ASU introduces a new current expected credit loss (“CECL”) impairment model that applies to most financial assets measured at amortized cost and certain other instruments, including trade and other receivables, loan receivables, available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities, net investments in leases and off-balance sheet credit exposures. The CECL model utilizes a lifetime “expected credit loss” measurement objective for the recognition of credit losses at the time the financial asset is originated or acquired. The expected credit losses are adjusted in each period for changes in expected lifetime credit losses. This ASU also expands the disclosure requirements regarding an entity’s assumptions, models and methods for estimating the allowance for loan and lease losses, and requires disclosure of the amortized cost balance for each class of financial asset by credit quality indicator, disaggregated by the year of origination (i.e., by vintage year). The guidance should be applied using a modified retrospective approach through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the reporting period of adoption.	While the Company is still evaluating the impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company expects that this ASU may result in an increase in the allowance for credit losses due to the following factors: 1) the allowance for credit losses provides for expected credit losses over the remaining expected life of the loan portfolio, and will consider expected future changes in macroeconomic conditions; 2) the nonaccretable difference on the purchased credit-impaired (“PCI”) loans will be recognized as an allowance, offset by an increase in the carrying value of the PCI loans; and 3) an allowance may be established for estimated credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities. The Company’s implementation efforts include, but are not limited to, identifying key interpretive issues, assessing its processes, identifying the system requirements against the new guidance to determine what modifications may be required. The Company is completing model development and implementation and is in the process of evaluating qualitative factors. The Company will continue to address any gaps in interpretations, methodology, data and operational processes from review, model validation, and parallel runs during the remainder of 2019. The Company expects to adopt this ASU on January 1, 2020.
ASU 2017-04, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment	January 1, 2020 Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests with measurement dates after January 1, 2017.	The ASU simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment. Under this guidance, an entity will no longer perform a hypothetical purchase price allocation to measure goodwill impairment. Instead, an impairment loss will be recognized when the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. The guidance also eliminates the requirement to perform a qualitative assessment for any reporting units with a zero or negative carrying amount. This guidance should be applied prospectively.	The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company expects to adopt this ASU on January 1, 2020.
ASU 2018-15, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other — Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40) Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract	January 1, 2020 Early adoption is permitted.	The ASU amends ASC Topic 350-40 to align the accounting for costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement with the guidance on developing internal use software. Specifically, if a cloud computing arrangement is deemed to be a service contract, certain implementation costs are eligible for capitalization. The new guidance prescribes the balance sheet and income statement presentation and cash flow classification for the capitalized costs and related amortization expense. The amendments in this ASU should be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption.	The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company expects to adopt this ASU on January 1, 2020.

Fair Value Determination

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or the price that would be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining the fair value of financial instruments, the Company uses various methods including market and income approaches. Based on these approaches, the Company utilizes certain assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or a liability. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated or generally unobservable. The Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy noted below is based on the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair value. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices available in active markets and the lowest priority to data lacking transparency. The fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities is classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:



•	Level 1	—	Valuation is based on quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.
•	Level 2	—	Valuation is based on quoted prices for similar instruments traded in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments traded in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable and can be corroborated by market data.
•	Level 3	—	Valuation is based on significant unobservable inputs for determining the fair value of assets or liabilities. These significant unobservable inputs reflect assumptions that market participants may use in pricing the assets or liabilities.

The classification of assets and liabilities within the hierarchy is based on whether inputs to the valuation methodology used are observable or unobservable, and the significance of those inputs in the fair value measurement. The Company’s assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to their fair value measurements.

Credit Quality Indicators

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

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

Loans held-for-sale

At the time of commitment to originate or purchase a loan, the loan is determined to be held for investment if it is the Company’s intent to hold the loan to maturity or for the “foreseeable future,” subject to periodic reviews under the Company’s evaluation processes, including asset/liability and credit risk management. When the Company subsequently changes its intent to hold certain loans, the loans are transferred from held-for-investment to held-for-sale at the lower of cost or fair value.

Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Partnerships, Net

The Company records its investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, net, using the proportional amortization method. Under the proportional amortization method, the Company amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received, and recognizes the amortization in Income tax expense on the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Variable Interest Entities

The Company invests in unconsolidated limited partnerships and similar entities that construct, own and operate affordable housing, historic rehabilitation projects, wind and solar projects, of which the majority of such investments are variable interest entities (“VIEs”). As a limited partner in these partnerships, these investments are designed to generate a return primarily through the realization of federal tax credits and tax benefits. An unrelated third party is typically the general partner or managing member who has control over the significant activities of such investments. While the Company’s interest in some of the investments may exceed 50% of the outstanding equity interests, the Company does not consolidate these structures due to the general partner or managing partner’s ability to manage the entity, which is indicative of power in them. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss in connection with these partnerships consist of the unamortized investment balance and any tax credits claimed subject to recapture.

Special purpose entities formed in connection with securitization transactions are generally considered VIEs. The Company is the servicer of the multifamily residential loans it has securitized in the first quarter of 2016. The Company does not consolidate the multifamily securitization entity because it does not have power and does not have a variable interest that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

Goodwill and Core Deposit Intangibles

Core deposit intangibles represent the intangible value of depositor relationships resulting from deposit liabilities assumed in various acquisitions and are included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. These intangibles are tested for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently as events occur or current circumstances and conditions warrant.

The Company assesses goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level (at the same level as the Company’s business segment) on an annual basis as of December 31^stof each year, or more frequently if events or circumstances, such as adverse changes in the economic or business environment, indicate there may be impairment. The Company organizes its operation into three reporting segments: (1) Consumer and Business Banking; (2) Commercial Banking; and (3) Other.

Amortization Expense of Core Deposit Intangibles

The Company amortizes the core deposit intangibles based on the projected useful lives of the related deposits.

Litigation

Litigation — The Company is a party to various legal actions arising in the course of its business. In accordance with ASC 450, Contingencies, the Company accrues reserves for outstanding lawsuits, claims and proceedings when a loss contingency is probable and can be reasonably estimated. The Company estimates the amount of loss contingencies using current available information from legal proceedings, advice from legal counsel and available insurance coverage. Due to the inherent subjectivity of the assessments and unpredictability of the outcomes of the legal proceedings, any amounts accrued or included in this aggregate amount may not represent the ultimate loss to the Company from the legal proceedings in question. Thus, the Company’s exposure and ultimate losses may be higher, and possibly significantly more than the amounts accrued.

Revenue Recognition

Generally, the Company recognizes revenue from contracts with customers when it satisfies its performance obligations. The Company’s performance obligations are typically satisfied as services are rendered. The Company generally records contract liabilities, or deferred revenue, when payments from customers are received or due in advance of providing services. The Company records contract assets when services are provided to customers before payment is received or before payment is due.

Share-based Compensation

The amount of performance-based RSUs that are eligible to vest is determined at the end of each performance period and is then added together to determine the total number of performance shares that are eligible to vest. Performance-based RSUs cliff vest three years from the date of each grant.

Compensation costs for the time-based awards that will be settled in shares of the Company’s common stock are based on the quoted market price of the Company’s common stock at the grant date. Compensation costs for certain time-based awards that will be settled in cash are adjusted to fair value based on changes in the share price of the Company’s common stock up to the settlement date. Compensation costs associated with performance-based RSUs are based on grant date fair value which considers both market and performance conditions, and is subject to subsequent adjustments based on the changes in the Company’s projected outcome of the performance criteria. Compensation costs of both time-based awards and performance-based awards are recognized on a straight-line basis from the grant date until the vesting date of each grant.

Earnings Per Share

Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each period, plus any incremental dilutive common share equivalents calculated for warrants and RSUs outstanding using the treasury stock method.