Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Use of Estimates, Policy

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make subjective assumptions and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported amounts of income and expenses. The most significant of these estimates include but are not limited to, accounting for derivatives and hedging activities, estimation of fair values, and amortization of premiums and discounts associated with prepayable mortgage-backed securities. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Fair Value Measurement, Policy

We determine the fair-value amounts recorded on the statement of condition and in the note disclosures for the periods presented by using available market and other pertinent information, and reflect our best judgment of appropriate valuation methods. Although we use our best judgment in estimating the fair value of these financial instruments, there are inherent

limitations in any valuation technique. Therefore, these fair values may not be indicative of the amounts that would have been realized in market transactions at the reporting dates.

Derivatives, Offsetting Fair Value Amounts, Policy

We present certain financial instruments on a net basis when they are subject to a legal right of offset and all other requirements for netting are met (collectively referred to as the netting requirements). For these financial instruments, we have elected to offset our asset and liability positions, as well as cash collateral received or pledged, when we have met the netting requirements.

The net exposure for these financial instruments can change on a daily basis; therefore, there may be a delay between the time this exposure change is identified and additional collateral is requested, and the time when this collateral is received or pledged. Likewise, there may be a delay for excess collateral to be returned. For derivative instruments that meet the requirements for netting, any excess cash collateral received or pledged is recognized as a derivative liability or derivative asset. See Note 12 — Derivatives and Hedging Activities for additional information regarding these agreements.

Investment, Policy

Securities classified as trading are held for liquidity purposes and carried at fair value. We record changes in the fair value of these investments through other income as net unrealized gains (losses) on trading securities. FHFA regulations prohibit trading in or the speculative use of these instruments and limit the credit risks we have from these instruments.We amortize premiums and accrete discounts on mortgage-backed securities (MBS) using the level-yield method over the estimated lives of the securities. This method requires a retrospective adjustment of the effective yield each time we change the estimated life, based on actual prepayments received and changes in expected prepayments, as if the new estimate had been known since the original acquisition date of the securities. We estimate prepayment speeds on each individual security using the most recent three months of historical constant prepayment rates, as available, or may subscribe to third-party data services that provide estimates of future cash flows, from which we determine expected asset lives. We amortize premiums and accrete discounts on other investments using the level-yield method to the contractual maturity of the securities.

We classify investments as trading, available-for-sale, or held-to-maturity at the date of acquisition. Purchases and sales of securities are recorded on a trade date basis.

Interest-bearing deposits, securities purchased under agreements to resell, and federal funds sold provide short-term liquidity and are carried at cost. Federal funds sold consist of short-term, unsecured loans transacted with counterparties that we consider to be of investment quality. Securities purchased under agreements to resell are treated as short-term collateralized loans that are classified as assets in the statement of condition. If the fair value of the underlying securities decreases below the fair value required as collateral, the counterparty has the option to provide additional securities in safekeeping in our name in an amount equal to the decrease or remit cash in such amount. If the counterparty defaults on this obligation, we will decrease the dollar value of the resale agreement accordingly.

We evaluate our individual available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities in an unrealized loss position for other-than-temporary impairment each quarter. An investment is considered impaired when its fair value is less than its amortized cost. We consider other-than-temporary impairment to have occurred if we:

• have an intent to sell the investment;

• believe it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the investment before the recovery of its amortized cost based on available evidence; or

• do not expect to recover the entire amortized cost of the debt security.

Recognition of Other-than-Temporary Impairment. If either of the first two conditions above is met, we recognize an other-than-temporary impairment charge in earnings equal to the entire difference between the security's amortized cost and its fair value as of the statement of condition date.

For securities in an unrealized loss position that meet neither of the first two conditions (excluding agency MBS) and for each of our private-label MBS, we perform an analysis to determine if we will recover the entire amortized cost of each of these securities. The present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is compared with the amortized cost of the debt security to determine whether a credit loss exists. If the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost of the debt security, the security is deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired and the carrying value of the debt security is adjusted to its fair value. However, rather than recognizing the entire difference between the amortized cost and fair value in earnings, only the amount of the impairment representing the credit loss (that is, the credit component) is recognized in earnings, while the amount related to all other factors (that is, the noncredit component) is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). For a security that is determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired, in the event that the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is less than the fair value of the security, the credit loss on the security is limited to the amount of that security's unrealized losses.

In performing a detailed cash-flow analysis, we estimate the cash flows expected to be collected. If this estimate results in a present value of expected cash flows (discounted at the security's effective yield) that is less than the amortized cost basis of a security (that is, a credit loss exists), other-than-temporary impairment is considered to have occurred. For determining the present value of variable-rate and hybrid private-label residential MBS, we use the effective interest rate derived from a variable-rate index, such as one-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), plus the contractual spread, plus or minus a fixed-spread adjustment when there is an existing discount or premium on the security. Because the implied forward yield curve of a selected variable-rate index changes over time, the effective interest rates derived from that index will also change over time and would therefore impact the present value of the subject security.

Interest Income Recognition. Upon subsequent evaluation of a debt security when there is no additional other-than-temporary impairment, we adjust the accretable yield on a prospective basis if there is a significant increase in the security's expected future cash flows. This adjusted yield is used to calculate the amount to be recognized into income over the remaining life of the security so as to match the amount and timing of future cash flows expected to be collected. Subsequent changes in estimated cash flows that are deemed significant will change the accretable yield on a prospective basis. For debt securities classified as held-to-maturity, the other-than-temporary impairment recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) is accreted to the carrying value of each security on a prospective basis, based on the amount and timing of future estimated cash flows. The estimated cash flows and accretable yield are re-evaluated each quarter.

We classify certain investments that are not classified as held-to-maturity or trading as available-for-sale and carry them at fair value. Changes in fair value of available-for-sale securities not being hedged by derivatives, or in an economic hedging relationship, are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) as net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities. For available-for-sale securities that have been hedged under fair-value hedge designations, we record the portion of the change in the fair value of the investment related to the risk being hedged in available-for-sale interest income together with the related change in the fair value of the derivative. Prior to January 1, 2019, this amount was recorded in other income as net gains (losses) on derivatives and hedging activities. The remainder of the change in the fair value of the investment is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) as net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities.Certain investments for which we have both the ability and intent to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and are carried at cost, adjusted for periodic principal repayments, amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts using the level-yield method, other-than-temporary impairment, and accretion of the noncredit portion of other-than-temporary impairment recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).

We evaluate our individual available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities for other-than-temporary impairment each quarter.

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances , Policy

We report advances at amortized cost. Advances carried at amortized cost are reported net of premiums/discounts and any hedging adjustments, as discussed in Note 9 — Advances. We generally record our advances at par. However, we may record premiums or discounts on advances in the following cases:

• Advances may be acquired from another FHLBank when one of our members acquires a member of another FHLBank. In these cases, we may purchase the advances from the other FHLBank at a price that results in a fair market yield for the acquired advance.

• When the prepayment of an advance is followed by disbursement of a new advance and the transactions effectively represent a modification of the previous advance, the prepayment fee received is deferred, recorded as a discount to the modified advance, and accreted over the life of the new advance.

• When an advance is modified under our advance restructuring program and our analysis of the restructuring concludes that the transaction is an extinguishment of the prior advance rather than a modification, the deferred prepayment fee is recognized into income immediately, recorded as premium on the new advance, and amortized over the life of the new advance.

• When we make an AHP advance, the present value of the variation in the cash flow caused by the difference in the interest rate between the AHP advance rate and our related cost of funds for comparable maturity funding is charged against the AHP liability and recorded as a discount on the AHP advance.

• Advances issued under our Jobs for New England (JNE) and Helping to House New England (HHNE) programs have an interest rate at a significant discount to market rates. Due to the below market interest rate, we record a discount on the advance and an interest rate subsidy expense at the time that we transact the advance. The subsidy expense is recorded in other expense in the statement of operations.

We amortize the premiums and accrete the discounts on advances to interest income using the level-yield method. We record interest on advances to interest income as earned.

Prepayment Fees. We charge borrowers a prepayment fee when they prepay certain advances before the original maturity. We record prepayment fees net of hedging fair-value adjustments included in the carrying value of the advance as advances interest income on the statement of operations.

Advance Modifications. In cases in which we fund a new advance concurrently with or within a short period of time of the prepayment of an existing advance by the same member, we evaluate whether the new advance meets the accounting criteria to qualify as a modification of the existing advance or whether it constitutes a new advance. We compare the present value of cash flows on the new advance with the present value of cash flows remaining on the existing advance. If there is at least a 10 percent difference in the present value of cash flows or if we conclude the difference between the advances is more than minor based on a qualitative assessment of the modifications made to the advance's original contractual terms, the advance is accounted for as a new advance. In all other instances, the new advance is accounted for as a modification.

If a new advance qualifies as a modification of the existing advance, the net prepayment fee on the prepaid advance is deferred, recorded in the basis of the modified advance, and amortized to interest income over the life of the modified advance using the level-yield method. This amortization is recorded in advance-interest income. If the modified advance is hedged, changes in fair value are recorded after the amortization of the basis adjustment in advance interest income. Prior to January 1, 2019, this amortization resulted in offsetting amounts being recorded in net interest income and net gains (losses) on derivatives and hedging activities in other income.

For prepaid advances that were hedged and meet the hedge-accounting requirements, we terminate the hedging relationship upon prepayment and record the prepayment fee net of the hedging fair-value adjustment in the basis of the advance as advance-interest income. If we fund a new advance to a member concurrent with or within a short period of time after the prepayment of a previous advance to that member, we evaluate whether the new advance qualifies as a modification of the original hedged advance. If the new advance qualifies as a modification of the original hedged advance, the hedging fair-value adjustment and the prepayment fee are included in the carrying amount of the modified advance and are amortized in interest income over the life of the modified advance using the level-yield method. If the modified advance is also hedged and the hedge meets the hedging criteria, the modified advance is marked to fair value after the modification, and subsequent fair-value changes are recorded in advance interest income. Prior to January 1, 2019, subsequent fair value changes were recorded in other income as net gains (losses) on derivatives and hedging activities.

If a new advance does not qualify as a modification of an existing advance, prepayment of the existing advance is treated as an advance termination and any prepayment fee, net of hedging adjustments, is recorded to advance-interest income in the statement of operations.

Commitment Fees, Policy

We record commitment fees for standby letters of credit to members as deferred fee income when received, and amortize these fees on a straight-line basis to service-fees income in other income over the term of the standby letter of credit. Based upon past experience, we believe the likelihood of standby letters of credit being drawn upon is remote.

Loans and Leases Receivable, Held-for-investment, Policy

Accordingly, these investments are reported at their principal amount outstanding net of unamortized premiums, discounts, unrealized gains and losses from investments initially classified as mortgage loan commitments, direct write-downs, and the allowance for credit losses on mortgage loans.We classify our investments in mortgage loans for which we have the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff as held for portfolio.

Loans and Leases Receivable, Origination Fees, Discounts or Premiums, and Direct Costs to Acquire Loans, Policy

We record other nonorigination fees in connection with our MPF program activities in other income. Such fees include delivery-commitment-extension fees, pair-off fees, price-adjustment fees, and counterparty fees in connection with MPF products under which we facilitate third party investment in loans (non-investment MPF products) such as withthe MPF Xtra^® product. Delivery-commitment-extension fees are charged when a participating financial institution requests to extend the period of the delivery commitment beyond the original stated expiration. Pair-off fees represent a make-whole provision; they are received when the amount funded under a delivery commitment is less than a certain threshold (under-delivery) of the delivery-commitment amount. Price-adjustment fees are received when the amount funded is greater than a certain threshold (over-delivery) of the delivery-commitment amount. To the extent that pair-off fees relate to under-deliveries of loans, they are recorded in service fee income. Fees related to over-deliveries represent purchase-price adjustments to the related loans acquired and are recorded as part of the carrying value of the loan.We compute the amortization of mortgage-loan-origination fees (premiums and discounts) as interest income using the level-yield method over the contractual term to maturity of each individual loan, which results in income recognition in a manner that is effectively proportionate to the actual repayment behavior of the underlying assets and reflects the contractual terms of the assets without regard to changes in estimated prepayments based on assumptions about future borrower behavior.Credit-enhancement fees are recorded as an offset to mortgage-loan-interest income.

Loans and Leases Receivable, Nonaccrual Loan and Lease Status, Policy

We place conventional mortgage loans on nonaccrual status when the collection of the contractual principal or interest is 90 days or more past due. When a conventional mortgage loan is placed on nonaccrual status, accrued but uncollected interest is reversed against interest income in the current period. We generally record cash payments received on nonaccrual loans first as interest income and then as a reduction of principal as specified in the contractual agreement, unless we consider the collection of the remaining principal amount due to be doubtful. If we consider the collection of the remaining principal amount to be doubtful, cash payments received are applied first solely to principal until the remaining principal amount due is expected to be collected and then as a recovery of any charge-off, if applicable, followed by recording interest income. A loan on nonaccrual status may be restored to accrual status when the collection of the contractual principal and interest is less than 90 days past due. We do not place government mortgage loans on nonaccrual status when the collection of the contractual principal or interest is 90 days or more past due because of the U.S. government guarantee of the loan and the contractual obligations of each related servicer,

Impaired Financing Receivable, Policy

A charge-off is recorded if it is estimated that the recorded investment in a loan will not be recovered. We evaluate whether to record a charge-off on a conventional mortgage loan upon the occurrence of a confirming event. Confirming events include, but are not limited to, the occurrence of foreclosure or notification of a claim against any of the credit-enhancements. We charge off the portion of outstanding conventional mortgage loan balances in excess of fair value of the underlying property, less cost to sell and adjusted for any available credit-enhancements for loans that are 180 or more days past due, when the borrower has filed for bankruptcy protection and the loan is at least 30 days past due, or when there is evidence of fraud.An impaired loan is considered collateral-dependent if repayment is expected to be provided solely by the sale of the underlying property; that is, there is no other available and reliable source of repayment. A loan that is considered collateral-dependent is measured for impairment based on the fair value of the underlying property less estimated selling costs, with any shortfall recognized as an allowance for loan loss or charged-off. Interest income on impaired loans is recognized in the same manner as non-accrual loans.

Loans and Leases Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring, Policy

We consider a troubled debt restructuring of a financing receivable to have occurred when we grant a concession to a borrower that we would not otherwise consider for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower's financial difficulties. We place conventional mortgage loans that are deemed to be troubled debt restructurings as a result of our modification program on nonaccrual when payments are 60 days or more past due.

We consider a troubled debt restructuring of a financing receivable to have occurred when we grant a concession to a borrower that we would not otherwise consider for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower's financial difficulties. We have granted a concession when we do not expect to collect all amounts due to us under the original contract as a result of the restructuring.

Loans and Leases Receivable, Real Estate Acquired Through Foreclosure, Policy

REO is recorded as other assets in the statement of condition and is carried at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated selling costs. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, we had $1.3 million and $818 thousand, respectively, in assets classified as REO. Fair value is derived from third-party valuations of the property. If the fair value of the REO less estimated selling costs is less than the recorded investment in the MPF loan at the date of transfer, we recognize a charge-off to the allowance for credit losses. Subsequent realized gains and realized or unrealized losses are included in other income (loss) in the statement of operations.

Derivatives, Policy

All derivatives are recognized on the statement of condition at fair value and are reported as either derivative assets or derivative liabilities, net of cash collateral and accrued interest received from or pledged to clearing members and/or counterparties. We offset fair-value amounts recognized for derivatives and fair-value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable) arising from derivatives recognized at fair value executed with the same clearing member and/or counterparty when the netting requirements have been met. If these netted amounts are positive, they are classified as an asset and, if negative, they are classified as a liability. Derivative assets and derivative liabilities reported on the statement of condition also include net accrued interest. Cash flows associated with derivatives are reflected as cash flows from operating activities in the statement of cash flows unless the derivative meets the criteria to be a financing derivative.

Each derivative is designated as one of the following:

• a qualifying hedge of the change in fair value of a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment (a fair value hedge);

• a qualifying hedge of a forecasted transaction (a cash-flow hedge); or

• a nonqualifying hedge of an asset or liability (an economic hedge) for asset-liability-management purposes.

We utilize two derivatives clearing organizations (DCOs), for all cleared derivative transactions, Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Inc. (CME Inc.) and LCH Limited (LCH Ltd.). At both DCOs, variation margin is characterized as daily settlement payments and initial margin is considered collateral.

Accounting for Fair-Value and Cash-Flow Hedges. If hedging relationships meet certain criteria, including, but not limited to, formal documentation of the hedging relationship and an expectation to be highly effective, they qualify for fair-value or cash-flow hedge accounting. For cash-flow hedges, we measure effectiveness using the hypothetical derivative method, which compares the cumulative change in fair value of the actual derivative designated as the hedging instrument to the cumulative change in fair value of a hypothetical derivative having terms that identically match the critical terms of the hedged forecasted transaction.

Derivatives that are used in fair-value hedges are typically executed at the same time as the hedged items, and we designate the hedged item in a qualifying hedge relationship as of the trade date. We then record the changes in fair value of the derivative and the hedged item beginning on the trade date. Beginning January 1, 2019, we adopted new hedge accounting guidance which, among other things, impacts the presentation of gains (losses) on derivatives and hedging activities for qualifying hedges as follows:

• Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated and qualifies as a fair-value hedge, along with changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk, are recorded in net interest income in the same line as the earnings effect of the hedged item.

• Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated and qualifies as a cash-flow hedge are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss), a component of capital, until the hedged transaction affects earnings.

Prior to January 1, 2019, for both fair-value and cash-flow hedges, any hedge ineffectiveness (which represented the amount by which the change in the fair value of the derivative differed from the change in the fair value of the hedged item or the variability in the cash flows of the forecasted transaction attributable to the hedged risk) was recorded in non-interest income as net gains (losses) on derivatives and hedging activities.

Accounting for Economic Hedges. An economic hedge is defined as a derivative hedging specific or nonspecific assets, liabilities, or firm commitments that does not qualify or was not designated for fair-value or cash-flow hedge accounting, but is an acceptable hedging strategy under our risk-management policy. These economic hedging strategies also comply with FHFA regulatory requirements prohibiting speculative derivative transactions. An economic hedge introduces the potential for earnings variability caused by the changes in fair value of the derivatives that are recorded in income but not offset by corresponding changes in the fair value of the economically hedged assets, liabilities, or firm commitments. As a result, we recognize only the net interest and the change in fair value of these derivatives in other income (loss) as net gains (losses) on derivatives and hedging activities with no offsetting fair-value adjustments for the economically hedged assets, liabilities, or firm commitments.

Accrued Interest Receivable and Payable. The differential between accrual of interest receivable and payable on derivatives designated as a fair-value hedge or as a cash-flow hedge is recognized through adjustments to the interest income or interest expense of the designated hedged investment securities, advances, COs, or other financial instruments. The differential between accrual of interest receivable and payable on economic hedges is recognized in other income (loss), along with changes in fair value of these derivatives, as net gains (losses) on derivatives and hedging activities.

Managing Credit Risk on Derivatives. We are subject to credit risk on our hedging activities due to the risk of nonperformance by nonmember counterparties (including DCOs and their clearing members acting as agent to the DCOs as well as uncleared counterparties) to the derivative agreements. We manage credit risk through credit analysis, collateral requirements and adherence to the requirements set forth in our policies, U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the CFTC) regulations, and FHFA regulations.

Uncleared Derivatives. All counterparties must execute master-netting agreements prior to entering into any uncleared derivative with us. Our master-netting agreements for uncleared derivatives contain bilateral-collateral exchange agreements that require that credit exposure beyond a defined threshold amount (which may be zero) be secured by readily marketable, U.S. Treasury, U.S. Government-guaranteed, or GSE securities, or cash. The level of these collateral threshold amounts (when applicable) varies according to the counterparty's Standard & Poor's Rating Service (S&P) or Moody's Investors Services (Moody's) long-term credit ratings. Credit exposures are then measured daily and adjustments to collateral positions are made in accordance with the terms of the master-netting agreements. These master-netting agreements also contain bilateral ratings-tied termination events permitting us to terminate all outstanding derivatives transactions with a counterparty in the event of a

specified rating downgrade by Moody's or S&P. Based on credit analyses and collateral requirements, we do not anticipate any credit losses on our derivative agreements.

Derivatives, Hedge Discontinuances, Policy

We may discontinue hedge accounting prospectively when:

• we determine that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of a hedged item attributable to the hedged risk (including hedged items such as firm commitments or forecasted transactions);

• the derivative and/or the hedged item expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised;

• it is no longer probable that the forecasted transaction in a cash-flow hedge will occur in the originally expected period or within the following two months;

• a hedged firm commitment in a fair-value hedge no longer meets the definition of a firm commitment; or

• we determine that designating the derivative as a hedging instrument is no longer appropriate.

If hedge accounting is discontinued because we determine that the derivative no longer qualifies as an effective fair-value hedge of an existing hedged item, we either terminate the derivative or continue to carry the derivative on the statement of condition at its fair value and cease to adjust the hedged asset or liability for changes in fair value. We will then begin to amortize the cumulative basis adjustment on the hedged item into earnings over the remaining life of the hedged item using the level-yield method.

If hedge accounting is discontinued because we determine that the derivative no longer qualifies as an effective cash-flow hedge of an existing hedged item, we will continue to carry the derivative on the statement of condition at its fair value and amortize the cumulative other comprehensive loss adjustment to earnings when earnings are affected by the existing hedged item.

If it is no longer probable that a forecasted transaction will occur by the end of the originally expected period or within two months thereafter, we immediately recognize in earnings the gain or loss that was in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

If hedge accounting is discontinued because the hedged item no longer meets the definition of a firm commitment, we will continue to carry the derivative on the statement of condition at its fair value, removing from the statement of condition any asset or liability that was recorded to recognize the firm commitment and recording it as a gain or loss in current period earnings.

Derivatives, Embedded Derivatives, Policy

We may issue debt, make advances, or purchase financial instruments in which a derivative is embedded. Upon execution of these transactions, we assess whether the economic characteristics of the embedded derivative are clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the remaining component of the advance, debt, or other financial instrument (the host contract) and whether a separate, nonembedded instrument with the same terms as the embedded instrument would meet the definition of a derivative. When we determine that (1) the embedded derivative has economic characteristics that are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract and (2) a separate, stand-alone instrument with the same terms would qualify as a derivative instrument, the embedded derivative is separated from the host contract, carried at fair value, and designated as a stand-alone derivative instrument. If the entire contract (the host contract and the embedded derivative) is to be measured at fair value, with changes in fair value reported in current earnings (for example, an investment security classified as trading, as well as hybrid financial instruments) or if we cannot reliably identify and measure the embedded derivative for purposes of separating that derivative from its host contract, the entire contract is carried on the statement of condition at fair value and no portion of the contract is designated as a hedging instrument.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

We record premises, software, and equipment at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization and compute depreciation on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives ranging from three years to 10 years. We amortize leasehold improvements on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the improvement or the remaining term of the lease. We capitalize improvements and major renewals but expense ordinary maintenance and repairs when incurred. We include gains and losses on disposal of premises, software, and equipment in other income (loss) on the statement of operations.

Internal Use Software, Policy [Policy Text Block]

The cost of purchased software and certain costs incurred in developing computer software for internal use are capitalized and amortized over future periods.

Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block]

We lease office space and office equipment to run our business operations. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, we have made an accounting policy election to not recognize lease right-of-use assets and lease liabilities.

Debt, Policy

We record COs at amortized cost.

Discounts and Premiums. We accrete discounts and amortize premiums on COs to interest expense using the level-yield method over the contractual term to maturity of the CO.

Concessions on COs. We pay concessions to dealers in connection with the issuance of certain COs. The Office of Finance prorates the amounts paid to dealers based upon the percentage of debt issued that we assumed. We record concessions paid on COs as a direct reduction from their carrying amounts, consistent with the presentation of discounts on COs. These dealer concessions are amortized using the level-yield method over the contractual term to maturity of the COs. The amortization of those concessions is included in CO interest expense on the statement of operations.

Shares Subject to Mandatory Redemption, Changes in Redemption Value, Policy

We reclassify stock subject to redemption from equity to a liability after a member exercises a written redemption request, gives notice of intent to withdraw from membership, or attains nonmember status by merger or acquisition, charter termination, or other involuntary termination from membership, since the shares meet the definition of a mandatorily redeemable financial instrument upon such instances. Member shares meeting this definition are reclassified to a liability at fair value. Dividends declared on mandatorily redeemable capital stock are accrued at the expected dividend rate for Class B stock and reflected as interest expense on the statement of operations. The repayment of these mandatorily redeemable financial instruments is reflected as cash outflows in the financing activities section of the statement of cash flows once settled.

We do not take into consideration our members' right to cancel a redemption request in determining when shares of capital stock should be classified as a liability because such cancellation would be subject to a cancellation fee equal to two percent of the par amount of the shares of Class B stock that is the subject of the redemption notice. If a member cancels its written notice of redemption or notice of withdrawal, we will reclassify mandatorily redeemable capital stock from a liability to equity. After the reclassification, dividends on the capital stock will no longer be classified as interest expense.

Restricted Retained Earnings [Policy Text Block]

The joint capital enhancement agreement, as amended (the Joint Capital Agreement) requires each FHLBank to contribute 20 percent of its quarterly net income to a separate restricted retained earnings account at that FHLBank until that account balance equals at least 1 percent of that FHLBank's average balance of outstanding COs (excluding fair-value adjustments) for the previous quarter. Restricted retained earnings are not available to pay dividends, and we present them separate from other retained earnings on the statement of condition.

Gains On Litigation Settlements, Policy

Litigation settlement gains, net of related legal expenses, are recorded in other income (loss). A litigation settlement gain is considered realized and recorded when we receive cash or assets that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash or claims to cash. In addition, a litigation settlement gain is considered realizable and recorded when we enter into a signed agreement that is not subject to appeal, where the counterparty has the ability to pay, and the amount to be received can be reasonably estimated. Prior to being realized or realizable, we consider potential litigation settlement gains to be gain contingencies, and therefore they are not recorded in the statement of operations. The related legal expenses are contingent-based fees and are only incurred and recorded upon a litigation settlement gain.

Regulator Expenses Cost Assessed On Federal Home Loan Bank [Policy Text Block]

We fund a portion of the costs of operating the FHFA. The portion of the FHFA's expenses and working capital fund paid by the FHLBanks is allocated among the FHLBanks based on the ratio of each FHLBank's minimum required regulatory capital to the aggregate minimum required regulatory capital of every FHLBank. We must pay an amount equal to one-half of our annual assessment twice each year.

Office Of Finance Cost Assessed on Federal Home Loan Bank [Policy Text Block]

Each FHLBank's proportionate share of Office of Finance operating and capital expenditures has been calculated using a formula based upon the following components: (1) two-thirds based upon each FHLBank's share of total COs outstanding and (2) one-third divided equally among the FHLBanks.

Federal Home Loan Bank Assessments, Policy

The FHLBank Act requires us to establish and fund an AHP based on positive annual net earnings, providing grants to members to assist in the purchase, construction, or rehabilitation of housing for very low- to moderate-income households. We charge the required funding for the AHP to earnings and establish a liability, except when annual net earnings are zero or negative, in which case there is no requirement to fund an AHP. We also issue AHP advances at interest rates below the customary interest rate for nonsubsidized advances. A discount on the AHP advance and charge against the AHP liability is recorded for the present value of the variation in the cash flow caused by the difference in the interest rate between the AHP advance rate and our related cost of funds for comparable maturity funding. The discount on AHP advances is accreted to interest income on advances using the level-yield method over the life of the advance.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy

In the statement of cash flows, we consider noninterest bearing cash and due from banks as cash and cash equivalents. Federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits are not treated as cash equivalents for purposes of the statement of cash flows, but are instead treated as short-term investments and are reflected in the investing activities section of the statement of cash flows.

Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]

We report on an enterprise-wide basis. The enterprise-wide method of evaluating our financial information reflects the manner in which the chief operating decision-maker manages the business.

Reclassification, Policy

Certain amounts in the 2018 and 2017 financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the financial statement presentation for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances, Prepayment Fees, Policy [Policy Text Block]

We record prepayment fees received from borrowers on certain prepaid advances net of any associated basis adjustments related to hedging activities on those advances and net of deferred prepayment fees on advance prepayments considered to be loan modifications. Additionally, for certain advances products, the prepayment-fee provisions of the advance agreement could result in either a payment from the borrower or to the borrower when such an advance is prepaid, based upon market conditions at the time of prepayment (referred to as a symmetrical prepayment fee). Advances with a symmetrical prepayment fee provision are hedged with derivatives containing offsetting terms, so that we are financially indifferent to the borrower's decision to prepay such advances. The net amount of prepayment fees is reflected as interest income in the statement of operations.

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

Conventional Mortgage Loans Held for Portfolio

Our methodology for determining our loan loss reserve consists of estimating loan loss severity using a third-party model incorporating delinquency to default transition performance of the loans, relevant market conditions affecting the performance of the loans, and portfolio level credit protection, particularly credit-enhancements, as discussed below under — Credit-Enhancements. Our inputs to the third-party model consist of loan-related characteristics, such as credit scores, occupancy statuses, loan-to-value ratios, property types, and locations. We update our view of the loan transition performance and market conditions quarterly and periodically adjust our methodology to reflect the changes in the loans’ performances and the market.

We have established an allowance methodology for each of our portfolio segments. A portfolio segment is defined as the level at which an entity develops and documents a systematic method for determining its allowance for credit losses. We have developed and documented a systematic methodology for determining an allowance for credit losses for our:

• secured member credit products, such as our advances and letters of credit;

• investments in government mortgage loans held for portfolio;

• investments in conventional mortgage loans held for portfolio;

• investments via term securities purchased under agreements to resell; and

•

investments via term federal funds sold.

Finance, Loan and Lease Receivables, Held-for-investment, Allowance and Nonperforming Loans, Nonperforming Loans Policy [Policy Text Block]

Individually Evaluated Mortgage Loans. Certain conventional mortgage loans, primarily impaired mortgage loans that are considered collateral-dependent, may be specifically identified for purposes of calculating the allowance for credit losses. A mortgage loan is considered collateral-dependent if repayment is expected to be provided by the sale of the underlying property, that is, if it is considered likely that the borrower will default. The estimated credit losses on impaired collateral-dependent loans may be separately determined because sufficient information exists to make a reasonable estimate of the inherent loss on these loans on an individual loan basis. Loans that are considered collateral-dependent are measured for impairment based on the fair value of the underlying property less estimated selling costs. The incurred loss of an individually evaluated mortgage loan is equal to the difference between the carrying value of the loan and the estimated fair value of the collateral, less estimated selling costs, and may include expected proceeds from primary mortgage insurance and other applicable credit-enhancements. Additionally, for our investments in loans modified under our temporary loan modification plan, on the effective date of a loan modification we measure the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate and reduce the carrying value of the loan accordingly.

Collectively Evaluated Mortgage Loans. We evaluate the credit risk of our investments in conventional mortgage loans for impairment on a collective basis that considers loan-pool-specific attribute data at the master commitment pool level (including historical delinquency migration), applies estimated loss severities, and incorporates available credit-enhancements to establish our best estimate of probable incurred losses at the reporting date. Migration analysis is a methodology for estimating the rate of default experienced on pools of similar loans based on our historical experience. We apply migration analysis to conventional loans that are currently not past due, loans that are 30 to 59 days past due, 60 to 89 days past due, and 90 to 179 days past due. We then estimate the dollar amount of loans in these categories that we believe are likely to migrate to a realized loss position and apply a loss severity factor to estimate losses that would be incurred at the statement of condition date. The losses are then reduced by the probable cash flows resulting from available credit-enhancement. Credit-enhancement cash flows that are projected and assessed as not probable of receipt are not considered in reducing estimated losses.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Summary of Valuation Methodologies and Primary Inputs

The valuation methodologies and primary inputs used to develop the measurement of fair value for assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis in the Statement of Condition are listed below. The fair values and level within the fair value hierarchy of these assets and liabilities are reported in Table 19.2.

Investment Securities. We determine the fair values of our investment securities, other than HFA floating-rate securities, based on prices obtained for each of these securities that we request from multiple designated third-party pricing vendors. The fair value of each such security is the average of such vendor prices that are within a cluster pricing tolerance range. A cluster is defined as a group of available vendor prices for a given security that is within a defined price tolerance range of the median vendor price depending on the security type. An outlier is any vendor price that is outside of the defined cluster and is evaluated for reasonableness.

All prices that are within a specified tolerance threshold of the median price are included in the cluster of prices that are averaged to compute a default price. Vendor prices that are outside of a defined cluster are identified as outliers and are subject to additional review including, but not limited to, comparison to prices provided by an additional third-party valuation vendor, prices for similar securities, and/or nonbinding dealer estimates, or the use of internal model prices, which we believe reflect the facts and circumstances that a market participant would consider. We also perform this analysis in those limited instances

where no third-party vendor price or only one third-party vendor price is available to determine fair value. If the analysis indicates that an outlier is not representative of fair value and that the average of the vendor prices within the tolerance threshold of the median price is the best estimate, then we use the average of the vendor prices within the tolerance threshold of the median price as the final price. If, on the other hand, we determine that an outlier (or some other price identified in the analysis) is a better estimate of fair value, then the outlier (or the other price as appropriate) is used as the final price. In all cases, the final price is used to determine the fair value of the security.

As of December 31, 2019, multiple vendor prices were received for substantially all of our investment securities and the final prices for substantially all of those securities were computed by averaging the prices received. The relative proximity of the prices received supports our conclusion that the final computed prices are reasonable estimates of fair value. Based on the current low level of market activity for private-label residential MBS, the nonrecurring fair-value measurements for such securities as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, fell within Level 3 of the fair-value hierarchy. Our fixed-rate HFA securities fall within Level 3 of the fair-value hierarchy due to the current lack of market activities for these bonds.

Investment Securities – HFA Floating Rate Securities. The fair value is determined by calculating the present value of the expected future cash flows. The discount rates used in these calculations are the rates for securities with similar terms. Our floating rate HFA securities fall within Level 3 of the fair-value hierarchy due to the current lack of market activity for these bonds.

Mortgage Loans. The fair value of impaired conventional mortgage loans is based on the lower of the carrying value of the loans or fair value of the collateral less estimated costs to sell. The fair value of impaired government mortgage loans is equal to the unpaid principal balance.

REO. Fair value is derived from third-party valuations of the property, which fall within Level 3 of the fair-value hierarchy.

Derivative Assets/Liabilities - Interest-Rate-Exchange Agreements. We base the fair values of interest-rate-exchange agreements on available market prices of derivatives having similar terms, including accrued interest receivable and payable. The fair-value methodology uses standard valuation techniques for derivatives such as discounted cash-flow analysis and comparisons with similar instruments.

The fair values of all interest-rate-exchange agreements are netted by clearing member and/or by counterparty, including cash collateral received from or delivered to the counterparty. If these netted amounts are positive, they are classified as an asset, and if negative, they are classified as a liability. We generally use a midmarket pricing convention based on the bid-ask spread as a practical expedient for fair-value measurements. Because these estimates are made at a specific point in time, they are susceptible to material near-term changes. We have evaluated the potential for the fair value of the instruments to be affected by counterparty risk and our own credit risk and have determined that no adjustments were significant to the overall fair-value measurements.

The discounted cash-flow model uses market-observable inputs (inputs that are actively quoted and can be validated to external sources), including the following:

• Discount rate assumption. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, we used either the OIS rate based on the federal funds effective rate curve or the LIBOR swap curve depending on the terms of the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) agreement we have with each derivative counterparty.

• Forward interest-rate assumption. LIBOR swap curve or OIS based on the federal funds effective rate.

• Volatility assumption. Market-based expectations of future interest-rate volatility implied from current market prices for similar options.

Derivative Assets/Liabilities – Commitments to Invest in Mortgage Loans. Commitments to invest in mortgage loans are recorded as derivatives in the statement of condition. The fair values of such commitments are based on the end-of-day delivery commitment prices provided by the FHLBank of Chicago and a spread, derived from MBS TBA delivery commitment prices with adjustment for the contractual features of the MPF program, such as servicing and credit-enhancement features.

Joint and Several Liability Policy [Policy Text Block]

We evaluate the financial condition of the other FHLBanks primarily based on known regulatory actions, publicly available financial information, and individual long-term credit-rating action as of each period-end presented.