Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Organization

East West Bancorp, Inc. (referred to herein on an unconsolidated basis as “East West” and on a consolidated basis as the “Company”) is a registered bank holding company that offers a full range of banking services to individuals and businesses through its subsidiary bank, East West Bank and its subsidiaries (“East West Bank” or the “Bank”). The Bank is the Company’s principal asset. As of December 31, 2020, the Company operates in more than 120 locations in the United States (“U.S.”) and Greater China. In the U.S., the Bank’s corporate headquarters and main administrative offices are located in California, and its branches are located in California, Texas, New York, Washington, Georgia, Massachusetts and Nevada. In Greater China, East West’s presence includes full service branches in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shantou and Shenzhen, and representative offices in Beijing, Chongqing, Guangzhou and Xiamen. The Bank has four wholly owned subsidiaries, one of which includes a banking subsidiary based in China — East West Bank (China) Limited.

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

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

Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation — The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform with 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 2020 presentation.

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

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

Assets Purchased under Resale Agreements and Assets Sold under Repurchase Agreements — Resale agreements are recorded as receivables based on the values at which the securities or loans are acquired. 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 monitors the values of the underlying assets collateralizing the resale and repurchase agreements, including accrued interests, and obtains or posts additional collaterals in order to maintain the appropriate collateral requirements for the transactions. In addition, the Company has elected to offset resale and repurchase transactions with the same counterparty on the Consolidated Balance Sheet when it has a legally enforceable master netting agreement and when the transactions are eligible for netting under ASC 210-20-45-11, Balance Sheet Offsetting: Repurchase and Reverse Repurchase Agreements.

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 debt 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. AFS debt securities are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of applicable income taxes, included in AOCI, and net of the allowance for credit losses. We recognize realized gains and losses on the sale of AFS debt securities in earnings, using the specific identification method.

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, which are included in Investments in tax credit and other investments, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Non-marketable equity securities that do not have readily determinable fair values 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 FRBSF and FHLB stock. These investments are held at their cost minus impairment. If impaired, the carrying value is written down to the fair value of the security.

•Measurement Alternative — This method is applied to all remaining non-marketable equity securities. These securities are carried at cost adjusted for impairment, if any, plus or minus observable price changes in orderly transactions of an identical or similar security of the same issuer.

Non-marketable 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.

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 other-than-temporary impairment (“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.

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

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

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 the contractual maturity. Interest on loans is calculated using the simple-interest method on daily balances of the principal amounts outstanding. Generally, loans are placed on nonaccrual status when they become 90 days past due or more. Loans are considered past due when contractually required principal or interest payments have not been made on the due dates. Loans are also placed on nonaccrual status when management believes, after considering economic and business conditions and collection efforts, that the borrower’s financial condition is such that full collection of principal or interest becomes uncertain, regardless of the length of past due status. Once a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, interest accrual is discontinued and all unpaid accrued interest is reversed against interest income. Interest payments received on nonaccrual loans are reflected as a reduction of principal and not as interest income. A loan is returned to accrual status when the borrower has demonstrated a satisfactory payment trend subject to management’s assessment of the borrower’s ability to repay the loan.

Troubled Debt Restructurings — A loan is generally classified as a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) when the Company, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the borrower that the Company would not otherwise consider. The concessions may be granted in various forms, including a below-market change in the stated interest rate, a reduction in the loan balance or accrued interest, an extension of the maturity date with a stated interest rate lower than the current market rate or note splits referred to as A/B note restructurings. Loans with contractual terms that have been modified as a TDR and are current at the time of restructuring may remain on accrual status if there is demonstrated performance prior to the restructuring and payment in full under the restructured terms is expected. Otherwise, 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 quarterly allowance for credit losses valuation process. Refer to Allowance for Loan Losses below for a complete discussion.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Impaired Loans Prior to the Adoption of the CECL Guidance, Applicable for the Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 — Impaired loans were identified and evaluated for impairment on an individual basis. A loan was considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it was probable that the Company would not be able to collect all scheduled payments of principal or interest due in accordance with the original contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining and measuring loan impairment included payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Impaired loans were 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 was collateral dependent, less cost to sell.

Purchased Credit-Impaired Loans Prior to the Adoption of the CECL Guidance, Applicable for the Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 — Acquired loans were recorded at fair value as of acquisition date in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations. A purchased loan was deemed to be credit impaired when there was evidence of credit deterioration since its origination and it was probable at the acquisition date that the Company would be unable to collect all contractually required payments and was accounted for under ASC 310-30, Receivables — Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality. Under ASC 310-30, loans were 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 was not carried over or recorded as of the acquisition date.

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 — 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.

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

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

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, cash flow 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 within 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. For cash flow hedges of floating-rate interest payments, the change in the fair value of hedges is recognized in AOCI and reclassified to earnings in the same period when the hedged cash flows impact earnings. Reclassified gains and losses of cash flow hedges are recorded in the same line item as the hedged interest payment within Interest expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

All derivatives designated as fair value hedges and hedges of the net investments in certain foreign operations are linked to specific hedged items or to groups of specific assets and liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Cash flow hedges are linked to the forecasted transactions related to a recognized asset or liability. To qualify as an accounting hedge under the hedge accounting rules (versus an economic hedge where hedge accounting is not sought), a derivative must be highly effective in offsetting the risk designated as being hedged. The Company formally documents its 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 or the cash flows of attributable hedged risks. Retrospective effectiveness is also assessed, as well as the continued expectation that the hedge will remain effective prospectively.

The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when (i) a derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in 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. If a cash flow hedge is discontinued, the derivative net gain or loss will remain in AOCI and reclassified in to earnings in the periods in which the hedged forecasted cash flow affects earnings.

The Company also offers various interest rate, 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 nonperformance risk. The Company uses master netting arrangements to mitigate counterparty credit risk in derivative transactions. To the extent the derivatives are subject to master netting arrangements, the Company takes into account the impact of master netting arrangements that allow the Company to settle all derivative contracts executed with the same counterparty on a net basis, and to offset the net derivative position with the related cash collateral and securities. The Company elected to offset derivative transactions with the same counterparty on the Consolidated Balance Sheet when a derivative transaction has a legally enforceable master netting arrangement and when it is eligible for netting under ASC 210-20-45-1, Balance Sheet Offsetting: Netting Derivative Positions on Balance Sheet. Derivative balances and related cash collateral are presented net on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. In addition, the Company applied the Settlement to Market treatment for the cash collateralizing our interest rate and commodity contracts with certain centrally cleared counterparties. As a result, derivative balances with these counterparties are considered settled by the collateral.

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 debt securities, and derivative assets and liabilities, at fair value on a recurring basis. Certain financial instruments, such as impaired loans and loans held-for-sale, are not carried at fair value each period but may require nonrecurring fair value adjustments due to lower-of-cost-or-market accounting or write-downs of individual assets. For additional information on fair value, see Note 2 — Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value of Financial Instruments to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.

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 may vest ratably over three years or cliff vest after three or five years of continued employment from the date of the grant. RSUs are authorized to settle predominantly in shares of the Company’s common stock. Compensation 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. Excess tax benefits and deficiencies on share-based payment awards are recognized within Income tax expense on the Consolidated Statement of Income.

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. Refer to Note 13 — Stock Compensation Plans to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K for additional information.

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

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

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

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

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. Income tax expense comprises of two components: current and deferred. Current tax expense represents taxes to be paid or refunded for the current period and includes income tax expense related to our uncertain tax positions. Income tax liabilities (receivables) represent the estimated amounts due to (received from) the various taxing jurisdictions where the Company has established a tax presence. Deferred tax expense results from changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities between period, and is determined using the balance sheet method. Under the balance sheet method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is based on the tax effects of the differences between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are also recognized for tax attributes such as net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards. To the extent a deferred tax asset is no longer expected more-likely-than-not to be realized, a valuation allowance is established. Deferred tax assets net of deferred tax liabilities are included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. See Note 11 — Income Taxes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K for a discussion of management’s assessment of evidence considered by the Company in establishing a valuation allowance.

The Company 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 — 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 — 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 reported in Foreign exchange income on the Consolidated Statement of Income.

New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2020

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 CECL model that applies to most financial assets measured at amortized cost and certain instruments, including trade and other receivables, loan receivables, AFS and held-to-maturity debt securities, net investments in leases and off-balance sheet credit exposures. The CECL model utilizes a lifetime “expected credit loss” measurement objective for the recognition of credit losses at the time the financial asset is originated or acquired. The expected credit losses are adjusted in each period for changes in expected lifetime credit losses. ASU 2016-13 also eliminates the guidance for PCI loans, but requires an allowance for loan losses for purchased financial assets with more than an insignificant deterioration of credit since origination. The ASU also modifies the OTTI model for AFS debt securities to require an allowance for credit losses instead of a direct write-down. A reversal of the allowance for credit losses is allowed in future periods based on improvements in credit performance expectations. This ASU expands the disclosure requirements regarding an entity’s assumptions, models and methods for estimating the allowance for loan and lease losses, and requires disclosure of the amortized cost balance for each class of financial asset by credit quality indicator, disaggregated by the year of origination (i.e., by vintage year). The guidance should be applied using a modified retrospective approach through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the reporting period of adoption. The new guidance also allows optional relief for certain instruments measured at amortized cost with an option to irrevocably elect the fair value option under ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments.	The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 using a modified retrospective approach on January 1, 2020 without electing the fair value option on eligible financial instruments under ASU 2019-05. The adoption of this ASU increased the allowance for loan losses by $125.2 million, and allowance for unfunded credit commitments by $10.5 million and an after-tax decrease to opening retained earnings of $98.0 million on January 1, 2020. The increase to allowance for loan losses was primarily related to the C&I and CRE loan portfolios. The Company did not record an allowance for credit losses related to the Company’s AFS debt securities as a result of this adoption. Disclosures for periods after January 1, 2020 are presented in accordance with ASC 326 while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with the incurred-loss methodology before CECL adoption. The Company has elected the CECL phase-in option provided by regulatory capital rules, which delays the impact of CECL on regulatory capital for two years, followed by a three-year transition period. As a result, the effects of CECL on the Company’s and the Bank’s regulatory capital will be delayed through the year 2021, after which the effects will be phased-in over a three-year period from January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024.
ASU 2017-04, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment	January 1, 2020 Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests with measurement dates after January 1, 2017.	The ASU simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment. Under this guidance, an entity will no longer perform a hypothetical purchase price allocation to measure goodwill impairment. Instead, an impairment loss will be recognized when the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value and the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The guidance also eliminates the requirement to perform a qualitative assessment for any reporting units with a zero or negative carrying amount. This guidance should be applied prospectively.	The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2020. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
ASU 2018-15, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other — Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40) Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract	January 1, 2020	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.

Recent Accounting Pronouncement

Standard	Required Date of Adoption	Description	Effect on Financial Statements
Standard Not Yet Adopted
ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting	Effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022.	In March 2020, the FASB issued an accounting standard related to contracts or hedging relationships that reference London interbank offered rate or other reference rates that are expected to be discontinued due to reference rate reform. This ASU provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions regarding the accounting requirements related to the modification of certain contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that are affected by the reference rate reform. The guidance permits the Company to make a one-time election to sell and/or transfer qualifying held-to-maturity securities, and not to apply modification accounting or remeasure lease payments in lease contracts if the changes to the contract are related to the discontinuation of the reference rate. If certain criteria are met, the amendments also allow exceptions to the de-designation criteria of the hedging relationship and the assessment of hedge effectiveness during the transition period. This one time election may be made at any time after March 12, 2020, but no later than December 31, 2022.	The Company adopted this guidance on a prospective basis in January 2021. At the time of adoption, the guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company will continue to track the exposure as of each reporting period and to assess the impact as the reference rate transition occurs through the cessation of LIBOR.
ASU 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope	Effective immediately as of January 7, 2021 through December 31, 2022 for all entities.	In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01, which expanded the scope of Topic 848 to include all affected derivatives and give market participants the ability to apply certain aspects of the contract modification and hedge accounting expedients to derivative contracts affected by the discounting transition. The amendments of this guidance may be elected retrospectively as of any date from the beginning of the interim period that includes March 12, 2020, or prospectively to new modifications made on or after any date that includes January 7, 2021.	The Company adopted this guidance on a prospective basis in January 2021. At the time of adoption, the guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.