Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation — The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform with the U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”), applicable guidelines prescribed by regulatory authorities and general practices in the banking industry. The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements, income and expenses during the reporting period, and the related disclosures. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Certain items on the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes for the prior years have been reclassified to conform to the 2019 presentation.

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation — The Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K include the accounts of East West and its subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. 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.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, cash items in transit, cash due from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (“FRB”) and other financial institutions, and federal funds sold with original maturities up to three months.

Interest-bearing Deposits with Banks

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

Resale Agreements and Repurchase Agreements

Resale Agreements and Repurchase Agreements — Resale agreements are recorded as receivables based on the values at which the securities are acquired. The market values of the underlying securities collateralizing the resale agreements, including accrued interest, are monitored. Additional collateral may be requested from the counterparties or excess collateral may be returned to the counterparties by the Company under the contractual terms of the arrangements, when deemed appropriate. Repurchase agreements are accounted for as collateralized financing transactions and recorded as liabilities based on the values at which the securities are sold. The Company may have to provide additional collateral to the counterparties, or the counterparties may return excess collateral to the Company, for the repurchase agreements when deemed appropriate. The Company has elected to offset resale and repurchase transactions with the same counterparty on the Consolidated Balance Sheet when it has a legally enforceable master netting agreement and when the transactions are eligible for netting under ASC 210-20-45-11, Balance Sheet Offsetting: Repurchase and Reverse Repurchase Agreements.

Securities

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

Debt securities are purchased for liquidity and investment purpose, as part of asset-liability management and other strategic activities. Debt securities for which the Company does not have the positive intention and ability to hold to maturity are classified as AFS and reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses net of applicable income taxes, included in AOCI. We recognize realized gains and losses on the sale of AFS debt securities using the specific identification method. For each reporting period, debt securities classified as either AFS or held-to-maturity investment securities that are in an unrealized loss position are analyzed as part of the Company’s ongoing other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) assessment. The initial indicator of OTTI is a decline in fair value below the amortized cost of the debt security. In determining whether OTTI has occurred, the Company considers the severity and duration of the decline in fair value, the length of time expected for recovery, the financial condition of the issuer, changes in the debt securities’ ratings and other qualitative factors, as well as whether the Company either plans to sell the debt security or it is more-likely-than-not that it will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of the amortized cost. When the Company does not intend to sell the impaired debt security and it is more-likely-than-not that the Company will not be required to sell the impaired debt security prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis, the credit component of an OTTI of the impaired debt security is recognized as OTTI loss on the Consolidated Statement of Income and the non-credit component is recognized in other comprehensive income. This applies for both AFS and held-to-maturity investment securities. If the Company intends to sell the impaired debt security or it is more-likely-than-not that the Company will be required to sell the impaired debt security prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis, the full amount of the impairment loss (equal to the difference between the debt security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date) is recognized as OTTI loss on the Consolidated Statement of Income. Following the recognition of OTTI, the debt security’s new amortized cost basis is the previous basis minus the OTTI amount recognized in earnings.

Marketable equity securities that have readily determinable fair values are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, due to changes in fair value, reflected in earnings. Marketable equity securities include mutual fund investments are included in Investments in tax credit and other investments, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Nonmarketable equity securities that do not have readily determinable fair values, exclude investments for which we hold a controlling interest in the investee. Nonmarketable equity securities include tax credit investments that are included in Investments in tax credit and other investments, net, and Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. These securities are accounted for under one of the following accounting methods:

• Equity Method — When we have the ability to exert significant influence over the investee.

• Cost Method — The cost method is applied to investments such as FRB and FHLB stock. These investments are held at their cost minus impairment. If impaired, the carrying value is written down to the fair value of the security.

• Measurement Alternative — This method is applied to all remaining nonmarketable equity securities. These securities are carried at cost less impairment, and adjusted for changes in fair value upon the occurrence of orderly observable transactions of the same or similar security of the same issuer.

Our review for impairment for equity method, cost method and measurement alternative securities typically includes an analysis of the facts and circumstances of each security, the intent or requirement to sell the security, the expectations of cash flows, capital needs and the viability of its business model. For equity method and cost method investments, we reduce the asset’s carrying value when we consider declines in value to be OTTI. For securities accounted for under the measurement alternative, we reduce the asset value when the fair value is less than the carrying value, without the consideration of recovery. For additional information on the Company’s OTTI evaluation, see Note 3 — Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Restricted Equity Securities

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

Loans Held-for-Sale

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

The Company purchases and sells loans in the secondary market in the ordinary course of business. From time to time, purchased loans may be transferred from held-for-investment to held-for-sale, and write-downs to allowance for loan losses are recorded, when appropriate.

Loans Held-for-Investment

Loans Held-for-Investment — 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”. Loans held-for-investment are stated at their outstanding principal, reduced by an allowance for loan losses and net of deferred loan fees or costs, or unearned fees on originated loans, net of unamortized premiums or unaccreted discounts on purchased loans. Nonrefundable fees and direct costs associated with the origination or purchase of loans are deferred and netted against outstanding loan balances. The deferred net loan fees and costs are recognized in interest income as an adjustment to yield over the loan term using the effective interest method or straight-line method. Discounts/premiums on purchased loans are accreted/amortized to interest income using the effective interest method or straight-line method over the remaining period to contractual maturity. Interest on loans is calculated using the simple-interest method on daily balances of the principal amounts outstanding. Generally, loans are placed on nonaccrual status when they become 90 days past due or more. Loans are considered past due when contractually required principal or interest payments have not been made on the due dates. Loans are also placed on nonaccrual status when management believes, after considering economic and business conditions and collection efforts, that the borrower’s financial condition is such that full collection of principal or interest becomes uncertain, regardless of the length of past due status. Once a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, interest accrual is discontinued and all unpaid accrued interest is reversed against interest income. Interest payments received on nonaccrual loans are reflected as a reduction of principal and not as interest income. A loan is returned to accrual status when the borrower has demonstrated a satisfactory payment trend subject to management’s assessment of the borrower’s ability to repay the loan.

Troubled Debt Restructurings

Troubled Debt Restructurings — A loan is classified as a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) when the Company, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the borrower that the Company would not otherwise consider. The concessions may be granted in various forms, including a below-market change in the stated interest rate, a reduction in the loan balance or accrued interest, an extension of the maturity date with a stated interest rate lower than the current market rate or note splits referred to as A/B note restructurings. Loans with contractual terms that have been modified as a TDR and are current at the time of restructuring may remain on accrual status if there is demonstrated performance prior to the restructuring and payment in full under the restructured terms is expected. Otherwise, these loans are placed on nonaccrual status and are reported as nonperforming, until the borrower demonstrates a sustained period of performance, generally six months, and the ability to repay the loan according to the contractual terms. If accruing TDRs cease to perform in accordance with their modified contractual terms, they are placed on nonaccrual status and reported as nonperforming TDRs. TDRs are included in the impaired loan quarterly valuation allowance process. Refer to Impaired Loans below for a complete discussion.

Impaired Loans

Impaired Loans — Impaired loans are identified and evaluated for impairment on an individual basis. The Company’s impaired loans include predominantly loans held-for-investment on nonaccrual status or modified as a TDR designated either as performing or nonperforming, excluding purchased credit-impaired (“PCI”) loans. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will not be able to collect all scheduled payments of principal or interest due in accordance with the original contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining and measuring loan impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of and the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.

Impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at a designated discount rate or, as appropriate, at the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent, less cost to sell. When the value of an impaired loan is less than the recorded investment and the loan is classified as nonperforming and uncollectible, the deficiency is charged off against the allowance for loan losses. If the loan is a performing TDR, the deficiency is included in the specific reserves of the allowance for loan losses, as appropriate. Payments received on impaired loans classified as nonperforming are not recognized in interest income, but are applied as a reduction to the principal outstanding.

Allowance for Credit Losses

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

The allowance for loan losses on non-PCI loans consists of specific and general reserves. The Company’s non-PCI loans fall into heterogeneous and homogeneous categories. Impaired loans are subject to specific reserves. Non-impaired loans are evaluated as part of the general reserve. General reserves are calculated by utilizing both quantitative and qualitative factors. There are different qualitative risks for the loans in each portfolio segment. Predominant risk characteristics of the commercial real estate (“CRE”), multifamily, single-family residential loans and home equity lines of credit (“HELOC”) loans consider the collateral and geographic locations of the properties collateralizing the loans. Predominant risk characteristics of the commercial and industrial (“C&I”) loans include cash flows, debt service and collateral of the borrowers and guarantors, as well as the economic and market conditions.

The Company also maintains an allowance for loan losses on PCI loans when there is deterioration in credit quality subsequent to acquisition. Based on the Company’s estimates of cash flows expected to be collected, the Company establishes an allowance for the PCI loans, with a charge to Provision for credit losses on the Consolidated Statement of Income.

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

The allowance for unfunded credit commitments is maintained at a level believed by management to be sufficient to absorb estimated probable losses related to unfunded credit facilities. The determination of the adequacy of the allowance is based on periodic evaluations of the unfunded credit facilities, including an assessment of the probability of commitment usage, credit risk factors for loans outstanding, and the terms and expiration dates of the unfunded credit facilities.

The allowance for loan losses is reported separately on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, whereas the allowance for unfunded credit commitments is included in Accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Provision for credit losses is reported on the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Purchased Credit-Impaired Loans

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

The excess of cash flows expected to be collected over the initial investment in the loan represents the “accretable yield,” which is recognized as interest income on a level yield basis over the life of the loan. The excess of total contractual cash flows over the cash flows expected to be received at origination is deemed the “nonaccretable difference.” In estimating the nonaccretable difference, the Company (a) calculates the contractual amount and timing of undiscounted principal and interest payments (the “undiscounted contractual cash flows”) and (b) estimates the amount and timing of undiscounted expected principal and interest payments (the “undiscounted expected cash flows”). The cash flows expected over the life of the pools are estimated by an internal cash flows model that projects cash flows and calculates the carrying values of the pools, book yields, effective interest income and impairment, if any, based on pool level events. Assumptions such as cumulative loss rates, loss curves and prepayment speeds are utilized to calculate the expected cash flows. Subsequent to the acquisition date, based on the quarterly evaluations of remaining cash flows from principal and interest payments expected to be collected, any increases in expected cash flows over the expected cash flows at purchase date in excess of fair value that are significant and probable are adjusted through the accretable yield on a prospective basis. Any subsequent decreases in expected cash flows over the expected cash flows at purchase date that are probable are recognized by a charge to the provision for loan losses. Any disposals of loans, including sales of loans, payments in full or foreclosures, result in the removal of the loan from the ASC 310-30 portfolio at the carrying amount.

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

Variable Interest and Voting Interest Entities

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

Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Partnerships, Net, Tax Credit and Other Investments, Net

Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Partnerships, Net, Tax Credit and Other Investments, Net — The Company records the investments in qualified affordable housing partnerships, net, using the proportional amortization method. Under the proportional amortization method, the Company amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received, and recognizes the amortization in Income tax expense on the Consolidated Statement of Income.

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

Depending on the ownership percentage and the influence the Company has on the investments in tax credit and other investments, net, the Company applies the equity or cost method of accounting, or the measurement alternative as elected under ASU 2016-01 for equity investments without readily determinable fair value.

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.

Premises and Equipment, Net

Premises and Equipment, Net — The Company’s premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are computed based on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the various classes of assets. The ranges of estimated useful lives for the principal classes of assets are as follows:

Premises and Equipment	Useful Lives
Buildings	25 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment, building improvements	3 to 7 years
Leasehold improvements	Term of lease or useful life, whichever is shorter

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

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets — Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in an acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently as events occur or circumstances change that would more-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. Other intangible assets are primarily comprised of core deposit intangibles. Core deposit intangibles, which represent the intangible value of depositor relationships resulting from deposit liabilities assumed in various acquisitions, are amortized over the projected useful lives of the deposits, which is typically 8 to 15 years. Core deposit intangibles are tested for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently as events occur or current circumstances and conditions warrant. Impairment on goodwill and core deposit intangibles is recognized by writing down the asset as a charge to noninterest expense to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value.

The Company conducts a two-step goodwill impairment test at the reporting unit level on an annual basis, or more frequently as events occur or circumstances that change the economic or business environment that may reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below carrying amount. For the two-step goodwill impairment test, the first step is to identify potential impairment by determining the fair value of each reporting unit and comparing such fair value to its corresponding carrying amount. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any, by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined as if the reporting unit were being acquired in a business combination. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The loss recognized cannot exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.

The Company completed the quantitative step one analysis of goodwill impairment test as of December 31, 2019 using a combined income and market approach to determine the fair value of the reporting units. Under the income approach, the Company projected future cash flows based on appropriate growth expectation and used appropriate discount rate assumption to calculate the discounted cash flows and the present value of the reporting units. Under the market approach, the fair value was calculated using price multiples of relevant peer banks with a control premium adjustment, which represents the cost savings that a purchaser of the reporting units could be achieved by eliminating duplicative costs. Under the combined income and market approach, the Company applied weighted average to determine the fair value of each reporting unit.Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in an acquisition. The Company assesses goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level (at the same level as the Company’s business segments) on an annual basis as of December 31 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.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.

Derivatives

Derivatives — As part of its asset and liability management strategy, the Company uses derivative financial instruments to mitigate exposure to interest rate and foreign currency risks, and to assist customers with their risk management objectives.  Derivatives utilized by the Company include primarily swaps, forwards and option contracts.  Derivative instruments are included in Other assets or Accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at fair value. The related cash flows are recognized on the Cash flows from operating activities section on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The Company uses its accounting hedges based on the exposure being hedged as either fair value hedges or hedges of the net investments in certain foreign operations. For fair value hedges of interest rate risk, changes in fair value of derivatives are reported in Interest expense on the Consolidated Statement of Income. Changes in fair value of derivatives designated as hedges of the net investments in foreign operations are recorded as a component of AOCI.

All derivatives designated as fair value hedges and hedges of the net investments in certain foreign operations are linked to specific hedged items or to groups of specific assets and liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. To qualify as an accounting hedge under the hedge accounting rules (versus an economic hedge where hedge accounting is not sought), a derivative must be highly effective in offsetting the risk designated as being hedged. The Company formally documents its hedging relationships at inception, including the identification of the hedging instruments and the hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transaction at the time the derivative contract is executed. Subsequent to inception, on a quarterly basis, the Company assesses whether the derivatives used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value of the hedged items. Retrospective effectiveness is also assessed, as well as the continued expectation that the hedge will remain effective prospectively.

The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when (i) a derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in fair value; (ii) a derivative expires, or is sold, terminated or exercised, or (iii) the Company determines that designation of a derivative as a hedge is no longer appropriate.  If a fair value hedge is discontinued, the derivative will continue to be recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at fair value with changes in fair value recognized on the Consolidated Statement of Income. When the hedged net investment is either sold or substantially liquidated, changes in the fair value of the derivatives are reclassified out of AOCI into Foreign exchange income on the Consolidated Statement of Income.

The Company also offers various interest rate, foreign currency, and energy commodity derivative products to customers. These transactions are not linked to specific assets or liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet or to forecasted transactions in a hedging relationship and, therefore, do not qualify for hedge accounting. These contracts are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded on the Consolidated Statement of Income.

As part of the Company’s loan origination process, from time to time, the Company obtains equity warrants to purchase preferred and/or common stock of public or private companies it provides loans to. These equity warrants are accounted for as derivatives and recorded at fair value included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet with changes in fair value recorded on the Consolidated Statement of Income.

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

Fair Value

Fair Value — Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or the price that would be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and, in many cases, requires management to make a number of significant judgments. Fair value measurements are based on the exit price notion and are determined by maximizing the use of observable inputs. However, for certain instruments, we must utilize unobservable inputs in determining fair value due to the lack of observable inputs in the market, which requires greater judgment in the measurement of fair value. Based on the inputs used in the valuation techniques, the Company classifies its assets and liabilities measured and disclosed at fair value in accordance with a three-level hierarchy (i.e., Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3) established under ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements. The Company records certain financial instruments, such as AFS investment securities, and derivative assets and liabilities, at fair value on a recurring basis. Certain financial instruments, such as impaired loans and loans held-for-sale, are not carried at fair value each period but may require nonrecurring fair value adjustments due to lower-of-cost-or-market accounting or write-downs of individual assets. For additional information on fair value, see Note 3 — Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.

Stock-Based Compensation

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

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

For time-based RSUs, the grant-date fair value is measured at the fair value of the Company’s common stock as if the RSUs are vested and issued on the date of grant. For performance-based RSUs, the grant-date fair value considers both performance and market conditions. As stock-based compensation expense is estimated based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it is reduced by the expense related to awards expected to be forfeited. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and are updated quarterly. If the estimated forfeitures are revised, a cumulative effect of changes in estimated forfeitures for the current and prior periods is recognized in compensation expense in the period of change. For performance-based RSUs, the compensation expense fluctuates based on the estimated outcome of meeting the performance conditions. The Company evaluates the probable outcome of the performance conditions quarterly and makes cumulative adjustments for current and prior periods in compensation expense in the period of change. Market conditions subsequent to the grant date have no impact on the amount of compensation expense the Company will recognize over the life of the award.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 as the total number of performance shares 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 and performance-based awards are estimated based on awards ultimately expected to vest and recognized on a straight-line basis from the grant date until the vesting date of each grant.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes — The Company files consolidated federal income tax returns, foreign tax returns, and various combined and separate company state tax returns. The calculation of the Company's income tax provision and related tax accruals requires the use of estimates and judgments. Accrued income tax liabilities (assets) represent the estimated amounts due to (received from) the various taxing jurisdictions where the Company has established a business presence. Under the balance sheet method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of existing temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax reporting basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax laws and rates and tax carryforwards. To the extent a deferred tax asset is no longer expected more-likely-than-not to be realized, a valuation allowance is established. See Note 14 — Income Taxes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of management’s assessment of evidence considered by the Company in establishing a valuation allowance.

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

Earnings Per Share

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.

Foreign Currency Translation

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

New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted and Recent Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2019

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 where 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. The recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee primarily will depend on its classification as a finance or operating lease. Lessee accounting for finance leases, as well as lessor accounting is largely unchanged. The standard may be adopted using a modified retrospective approach through a cumulative-effect adjustment. In addition, 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 can recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption rather than in the earliest period presented.	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, net of tax of $10.5 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 adoption of the new leases standards did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income. Disclosures related to leases are included in Note 10 — Leases to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
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 U.S. benchmark interest rates that are eligible to be hedged to facilitate the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) 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 Adopted in 2020
ASU 2016-13,  Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments and subsequent related ASUs	January 1, 2020 Early adoption is permitted on January 1, 2019.	The ASU introduces a new 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, AFS and held-to-maturity debt securities, net investments in leases and off-balance sheet credit exposures. The CECL model utilizes a lifetime “expected credit loss” measurement objective for the recognition of credit losses at the time the financial asset is originated or acquired. The expected credit losses are adjusted in each period for changes in expected lifetime credit losses. 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. The new guidance also allows optional relief for certain instruments measured at amortized cost with an option to irrevocably elect the fair value option under ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments.	The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 using a modified retrospective approach on January 1, 2020 without electing the fair value option on eligible financial instruments under ASU 2019-05. The Company has completed its implementation of the new processes and controls over the new credit and loss aggregation models, completed two parallel runs, analyzed model results, revised the qualitative framework and updated policies and disclosures. Upon adoption of the ASU, the Company‘s ACL, which includes the reserve for unfunded credit commitments, increased approximately 34% from $369.4 million as of December 31, 2019. This impact was recorded as a cumulative-effect adjustment that reduced retained earnings on January 1, 2020.  This increase in ACL was mainly driven by the Company’s C&I and CRE loan portfolios due to the capture of lifetime expected credit losses under the new guidance. There was no ACL recorded on the AFS securities portfolio upon the adoption of this guidance. The regulatory rules provide the banks with the option to elect a three-year phase-in of the “day one” impact of CECL. The Company has elected not to apply the three-year phased-in approach in its first quarter 2020’s regulatory capital calculations. Upon adoption of CECL, the Company and the Bank are well-capitalized.
ASU2017-04,  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 adopted this guidance on January 1, 2020. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
ASU 2018-15, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other — Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40) Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract	January 1, 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 adopted this guidance on a prospective basis on January 1, 2020. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

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

Credit Quality Indicators

All loans are subject to the Company’s credit review and monitoring. For the commercial portfolio, loans are risk rated based on an analysis of the current state of the borrower’s payment performance or delinquency, repayment sources, financial and liquidity factors that include industry and geographic considerations. For the majority of the consumer portfolio, payment performance or delinquency is the driving indicator for the risk ratings.

For the Company’s internal credit risk ratings, each individual loan is given a risk rating of 1 through 10. Loans risk-rated 1 through 5 are assigned an internal risk rating of “Pass”, with loans risk-rated 1 being fully secured by cash or U.S. government securities. Pass loans have sufficient sources of repayment in order to repay the loan in full in accordance with all terms and conditions. Loans risk-rated 6 are loans that have potential weaknesses that warrant closer attention by management and are assigned an internal risk rating of “Special Mention”. Loans risk-rated 7 and 8 are loans that have well-defined weaknesses that may jeopardize the full and timely repayment of the loan and are assigned an internal risk rating of “Substandard”. Loans risk-rated 9 are loans that have insufficient sources of repayment and a high probability of loss and are assigned an internal risk rating of “Doubtful”. Loans risk-rated 10 are loans that are uncollectable and of such little value that they are no longer considered bankable assets and are assigned an internal risk rating of “Loss”. These internal risk ratings are reviewed routinely and adjusted based on changes in the borrowers’ financial status and the loans’ collectability.

Variable Interest Entity (VIEs)

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 VIEs. As a limited partner in these partnerships, these investments are designed to generate a return primarily through the realization of federal tax credits and tax benefits. An unrelated third party is typically the general partner or managing member who has control over the significant activities of such investments. While the Company’s interest in some of the investments may exceed 50% of the outstanding equity interests, the Company does not consolidate these structures due to the general partner or managing member’s ability to manage the entity, which is indicative of power over them. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss in connection with these partnerships consist of the unamortized investment balance and any tax credits claimed that may become subject to recapture.

Special purpose entities formed in connection with securitization transactions are generally considered VIEs. The Company is the servicer of the multifamily residential loans it has securitized in 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. A CLO is a VIE that purchases a pool of assets consisting primarily of non-investment grade corporate loans and issues multiple tranches of notes to investors to fund the asset purchases and pay upfront expenses associated with forming the CLO. The Company serves as the collateral manager of a CLO that closed in the fourth quarter of 2019 and retained a portion of the senior securities issued by the CLO. The Company does not consolidate the CLO as it does not hold interests that could potentially be significant to the CLO.

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.

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.