DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Customers uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to disclose the fair value of its financial instruments. FASB ASC 825, Financial Instruments, requires disclosure of the estimated fair value of an entity’s assets and liabilities considered to be financial instruments. For Customers, as for most financial institutions, the majority of its assets and liabilities are considered to be financial instruments. However, many of these instruments lack an available trading market as characterized by a willing buyer and willing seller engaging in an exchange transaction. For fair value disclosure purposes, Customers utilized certain fair value measurement criteria under the FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, as explained below.

In accordance with ASC 820, the fair value of a financial instrument is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value is best determined based upon quoted market prices. However, in many instances, there are no quoted market prices for Customers’ various financial instruments. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument.

The fair value guidance provides a consistent definition of fair value, focusing on an exit price in an orderly transaction (that is, not a forced liquidation or distressed sale) between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. If there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability, a change in valuation technique or the use of multiple valuation techniques may be appropriate. In such instances, determining the price at which willing market participants would transact at the measurement date under current market conditions depends on the facts and circumstances and requires the use of significant judgment. The fair value is a reasonable point within the range that is most representative of fair value under current market conditions.

The fair value guidance also establishes a fair value hierarchy and describes the following three levels used to classify fair value measurements:



Level 1:	Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.

Level 2:	Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3:	Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported with little or no market activity).

A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values of Customers’ financial instruments as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:

Cash and cash equivalents:

The carrying amounts reported on the balance sheet for cash and cash equivalents approximate those assets’ fair values. These assets are included as Level 1 fair values, based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements.

Investment securities:

The fair values of investment securities available for sale are determined by obtaining quoted market prices on nationally recognized and foreign securities exchanges (Level 1), matrix pricing (Level 2), which is a mathematical technique used widely in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted market prices for the specific securities, but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted prices, or externally developed models that use unobservable inputs due to limited or no market activity of the instrument (Level 3). These assets are included as Level 1, 2, or 3 fair values, based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements.

The carrying amount of FHLB, Federal Reserve Bank, and other restricted stock approximates fair value, and considers the limited marketability of such securities. These assets are included in Level 2 fair values, based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements.

Loans held for sale - Residential mortgage loans:

The Bank generally estimates the fair values of residential mortgage loans held for sale based on commitments on hand from investors within the secondary market for loans with similar characteristics. These assets are included as Level 2 fair values, based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements.

Loans held for sale - Mortgage warehouse loans:

The fair value of mortgage warehouse loans is the amount of cash initially advanced to fund the mortgage, plus accrued interest and fees, as specified in the respective agreements. The loan is used by mortgage companies as short-term bridge financing between the funding of mortgage loans and the finalization of the sale of the loans to an investor. Changes in fair value are not expected to be recognized since at inception of the transaction the underlying loans have already been sold to an approved investor. Additionally, the interest rate is variable, and the transaction is short-term, with an average life of 19 days from purchase to sale. These assets are included as Level 2 fair values, based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements.

Loans held for sale - Multi-family loans:

The fair values of multi-family loans held for sale are estimated using pricing indications from letters of intent with third party investors, recent sale transactions within the secondary markets for loans with similar characteristics, or non-binding indicative bids from brokers. These assets are included as Level 3 fair values, based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements.

Loans receivable, net of allowance for loan losses:

The fair values of loans held for investment are estimated using discounted cash flows, using market rates at the balance sheet date that reflect the credit and interest rate-risk inherent in the loans. Projected future cash flows are calculated based upon contractual maturity or call dates, projected repayments and prepayments of principal. Generally, for variable rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values. These assets are included as Level 3 fair values, based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements.

Impaired loans:

Impaired loans are those that are accounted for under ASC 450, Contingencies, in which the Bank has measured impairment generally based on the fair value of the loan’s collateral. Fair value is generally determined based upon independent third-party appraisals of the properties that collateralize the loans, or discounted cash flows based upon the expected proceeds. These assets are included as Level 3 fair values, based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements.

Other real estate owned:

The fair value of OREO is determined using appraisals, which may be discounted based on management’s review and changes in market conditions. All appraisals must be performed in accordance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. Appraisals are certified to the Bank and performed by appraisers on the Bank’s approved list of appraisers. Evaluations are completed by a person independent of management. The content of the appraisal depends on the complexity of the property. Appraisals are completed on a “retail value” and an “as is value”. These assets are included as Level 3 fair values, based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements.

Deposit liabilities:

The fair values disclosed for interest and non-interest checking, passbook savings and money market deposit accounts are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amounts). These liabilities are included as Level 1 fair values, based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements.

Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered in the market on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits. These liabilities are included as Level 2 fair values, based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements.

Federal funds purchased:

For these short-term instruments, the carrying amount is considered a reasonable estimate of fair value. These liabilities are included as Level 1 fair values, based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements.

Borrowings:

Borrowings consist of long-term and short-term FHLB advances, 5-year senior unsecured notes, and subordinated debt. For the short-term borrowings, the carrying amount is considered a reasonable estimate of fair value and is included as Level 1.

Fair values of long-term FHLB advances are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, based on quoted prices for new FHLB advances with similar credit risk characteristics, terms and remaining maturity. The prices obtained from this active market represent a market value that is deemed to represent the transfer price if the liability were assumed by a third party. Fair values of privately placed subordinated and senior unsecured debt are estimated by a third-party financial adviser using discounted cash flow analysis, based on market rates currently offered on such debt with similar credit-risk characteristics, terms and remaining maturity. These liabilities are included as Level 2 fair values, based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements. The $63 million senior unsecured notes issued during third quarter 2013 are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, and their price can be obtained daily. This fair value measurement is classified as Level 1.

Derivatives (Assets and Liabilities):

The fair values of interest rate swaps and credit derivatives are determined using models that incorporate readily observable market data into a market standard methodology. This methodology nets the discounted future fixed cash receipts and the discounted expected variable cash payments. The discounted variable cash payments are based on expectations of future interest rates derived from observable market interest rate curves. In addition, fair value is adjusted for the effect of nonperformance risk by incorporating credit valuation adjustments for the Bank and its counterparties. These assets and liabilities are included as Level 2 fair values, based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements.

The fair values of the residential mortgage loan commitments are derived from the estimated fair values that can be generated when the underlying mortgage loan is sold in the secondary market. The Bank uses commitments on hand from third party investors to estimate an exit price, and adjusts for the probability of the commitment being exercised based on the Bank’s internal experience (i.e., pull-through rate). These assets and liabilities are included as Level 3 fair values, based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements.

Off-balance-sheet financial instruments:

Fair values of unused commitments to lend and standby letters of credit are considered to be the same as their contractual amounts.

The following information should not be interpreted as an estimate of Customers' fair value in its entirety because fair value measurements are only provided for a limited portion of Customers’ assets and liabilities. Due to a wide range of valuation techniques and the degree of subjectivity used in making these estimates, comparisons between Customers’ disclosures and those of other companies may not be meaningful.

The estimated fair values of Customers’ financial instruments were as follows at December 31, 2015 and 2014.



	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value		Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2015
	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
(amounts in thousands)
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	264,593	$	264,593	$	264,593	$	—	$	—
Investment securities, available for sale	560,253		560,253		19,212		541,041		—
Loans held for sale	1,797,064		1,797,458		—		1,757,807		39,651
Loans receivable, net of allowance for loan losses	5,417,832		5,353,903		—		—		5,353,903
FHLB, Federal Reserve Bank and other restricted stock	90,841		90,841		—		90,841		—
Derivatives	9,295		9,295		—		9,250		45
Liabilities:
Deposits	$	5,909,501	$	5,911,754	$	3,561,905	$	2,349,849	$	—
Federal funds purchased	70,000		70,000		70,000		—		—
FHLB advances	1,625,300		1,625,468		1,365,300		260,168		—
Other borrowings	88,250		93,804		68,867		24,937		—
Subordinated debt	110,000		110,825		—		110,825		—
Derivatives	13,932		13,932		—		13,932		—



	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value		Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014
	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
(amounts in thousands)
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	371,023	$	371,023	$	371,023	$	—	$	—
Investment securities, available for sale	416,685		416,685		24,270		392,415		—
Loans held for sale	1,435,459		1,436,460		—		1,335,668		100,792
Loans receivable, net of allowance for loan losses	4,281,241		4,285,537		—		—		4,285,537
FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank, and other restricted stock	82,002		82,002		—		82,002		—
Derivatives	7,552		7,552		—		7,509		43
Liabilities:
Deposits	$	4,532,538	$	4,540,507	$	2,820,875	$	1,719,632	$	—
FHLB advances	1,618,000		1,619,858		1,298,000		321,858		—
Other borrowings	88,250		92,069		66,944		25,125		—
Subordinated debt	110,000		111,925		—		111,925		—
Derivatives	9,716		9,716		—		9,716		—

For financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis, the fair value measurements by level within the fair value hierarchy used at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:



	December 31, 2015
	Fair Value Measurements at the End of the Reporting Period Using
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
(amounts in thousands)
Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis:
Assets
Available-for-sale securities:
Mortgage-backed securities	$	—	$	500,974	$	—	$	500,974
Corporate notes	—		40,067		—		40,067
Equity securities	19,212		—		—		19,212
Derivatives (1)	—		9,250		45		9,295
Loans held for sale – fair value option	—		1,757,807		—		1,757,807
Total assets - recurring fair value measurements	$	19,212	$	2,308,098	$	45	$	2,327,355
Liabilities
Derivatives (2)	$	—	$	13,932	$	—	$	13,932
Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis:
Assets
Impaired loans, net of specific reserves of $2,273	$	—	$	—	$	4,346	$	4,346
Other real estate owned	—		—		358		358
Total assets - nonrecurring fair value measurements	$	—	$	—	$	4,704	$	4,704



	December 31, 2014
	Fair Value Measurements at the End of the Reporting Period Using
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
(amounts in thousands)
Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis:
Assets
Available-for-sale securities:
Mortgage-backed securities	$	—	$	377,311	$	—	$	377,311
Corporate notes	—		15,104		—		15,104
Equity securities	24,270		—		—		24,270
Derivatives (1)	—		7,509		43		7,552
Loans held for sale – fair value option	—		1,335,668		—		1,335,668
Total assets - recurring fair value measurements	$	24,270	$	1,735,592	$	43	$	1,759,905
Liabilities
Derivatives (2)	$	—	$	9,716	$	—	$	9,716
Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis:
Assets
Impaired loans, net of specific reserves of $1,342	$	—	$	—	$	2,380	$	2,380
Other real estate owned	—		—		9,149		9,149
Total assets - nonrecurring fair value measurements	$	—	$	—	$	11,529	$	11,529


(1)	Included in Other Assets


(2)	Included in Other Liabilities

The changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:



	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2015			2014
	Residential Mortgage Loan Commitments
(amounts in thousands)
Balance at January 1,	$	43		$	240
Issuances	273			235
Settlements	(271		)	(432		)
Balance at December 31,	$	45		$	43

Customers' policy is to recognize transfers between fair value levels when events or circumstances warrant transfers. There were no transfers between levels during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

The following table summarizes financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 for which Customers utilized Level 3 inputs to measure fair value:



	Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
December 31, 2015	Fair Value Estimate		Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average) (3)
(dollars in thousands)
Impaired loans	$	4,346	Collateral appraisal (1)	Liquidation expenses (2)	(8	)%
Other real estate owned	358		Collateral appraisal (1)	Liquidation expenses (2)	(8	)%
Residential mortgage loan commitments	45		Adjusted market bid	Pull-through rate	94	%



	Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
December 31, 2014	Fair Value Estimate		Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average) (3)
(dollars in thousands)
Impaired loans	$	2,380	Collateral appraisal (1)	Liquidation expenses (2)	(8	)%
Other real estate owned	9,149		Collateral appraisal (1)	Liquidation expenses (2)	(8	)%
Residential mortgage loan commitments	43		Adjusted market bid	Pull-through rate	80	%


(1)	Obtained from approved independent appraisers. Appraisals are current and in compliance with credit policy. The Bank does not generally discount appraisals.


(2)	Fair value is adjusted for estimated costs to sell.


(3)	Presented as a percentage of the value determined by appraisal for impaired loans and other real estate owned.