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Fair Value of Financial Instruments
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair Value Measurements
Our available-for-sale securities, derivative instruments and certain non-marketable and other securities are financial instruments recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. We make estimates regarding valuation of assets and liabilities measured at fair value in preparing our interim consolidated financial statements.
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. There is a three-level hierarchy for disclosure of assets and liabilities recorded at fair value. The classification of assets and liabilities within the hierarchy is based on whether the inputs to the valuation methodology used for measurement are observable or unobservable and the significance of those inputs in the fair value measurement. Observable inputs reflect market-derived or market-based information obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our estimates about market data and views of market participants. The three levels for measuring fair value are based on the reliability of inputs and are as follows:
Level 1
Fair value measurements based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these instruments does not entail a significant degree of judgment. Assets utilizing Level 1 inputs include U.S. Treasury securities, exchange-traded equity securities and certain marketable securities accounted for under fair value accounting.
Level 2
Fair value measurements based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, directly or indirectly. Valuations for the available-for-sale securities are provided by third party external pricing service providers. We review the methodologies used to determine the fair value, including understanding the nature and observability of the inputs used to determine the price. Additional corroboration, such as obtaining a non-binding price from a broker, may be obtained depending on the frequency of trades of the security and the level of liquidity or depth of the market. The valuation methodology that is generally used for the Level 2 assets is the income approach. Below is a summary of the significant inputs used for each class of Level 2 assets and liabilities:
U.S. agency debentures: Fair value measurements of U.S. agency debentures are based on the characteristics specific to bonds held, such as issuer name, coupon rate, maturity date and any applicable issuer call option features. Valuations are based on market spreads relative to similar term benchmark market interest rates, generally U.S. Treasury securities.
Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities: Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities are pools of individual conventional mortgage loans underwritten to U.S. agency standards with similar coupon rates, tenor, and other attributes such as geographic location, loan size and origination vintage. Fair value measurements of these securities are based on observable price adjustments relative to benchmark market interest rates taking into consideration estimated loan prepayment speeds.
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations: Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations are structured into classes or tranches with defined cash flow characteristics and are collateralized by U.S. agency-issued mortgage pass-through securities. Fair value measurements of these securities incorporate similar characteristics of mortgage pass-through securities such as coupon rate, tenor, geographic location, loan size and origination vintage, in addition to incorporating the effect of estimated prepayment speeds on the cash flow structure of the class or tranche. These measurements incorporate observable market spreads over an estimated average life after considering the inputs listed above.
Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities: Fair value measurements of these securities are based on spreads to benchmark market interest rates (usually U.S. Treasury rates or rates observable in the swaps market), prepayment speeds, loan default rate assumptions and loan loss severity assumptions on underlying loans.
Municipal bonds and notes: Bonds issued by municipal governments generally have stated coupon rates, final maturity dates and are subject to being called ahead of the final maturity date at the option of the issuer. Fair value measurements of these securities are priced based on spreads to other municipal benchmark bonds with similar characteristics; or, relative to market rates on U.S. Treasury bonds of similar maturity.
Interest rate derivative assets and liabilities: Fair value measurements of interest rate derivatives are priced considering the coupon rate of the fixed leg of the contract and the variable coupon on the floating leg of the contract. Valuation is based on both spot and forward rates on the swap yield curve and the credit worthiness of the contract counterparty.
Foreign exchange forward and option contract assets and liabilities: Fair value measurements of these assets and liabilities are priced based on spot and forward foreign currency rates and option volatility assumptions.
Equity warrant assets (public portfolio): Fair value measurements of equity warrant assets of publicly-traded portfolio companies are valued based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The model uses the price of publicly-traded companies (underlying stock price), stated strike prices, warrant expiration dates, the risk-free interest rate and market-observable option volatility assumptions.
Level 3
The fair value measurement is derived from valuation techniques that use significant assumptions not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect our own estimates of assumptions we believe market participants would use in pricing the asset. Below is a summary of the valuation techniques used for each class of Level 3 assets:
Venture capital and private equity fund investments: Fair value measurements are based on the net asset value per share as obtained from the investee funds' management, as the funds do not have a readily determinable fair value and the funds prepare their financial statements using guidance consistent with fair value accounting. We account for differences between our measurement date and the date of the fund investment’s net asset value by using the most recent available financial information from the investee general partner, adjusted for any contributions paid, distributions received from the investment, and significant fund transactions or market events during the reporting period.
Other venture capital investments: Fair value measurements are based on consideration of a range of factors including, but not limited to, the price at which the investment was acquired, the term and nature of the investment, local market conditions, values for comparable securities, and as it relates to the private company, the current and projected operating performance, exit strategies and financing transactions subsequent to the acquisition of the investment. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement include the information about each portfolio company, including actual and forecasted results, cash position, recent or planned transactions and market comparable companies. Significant changes to any one of these inputs in isolation could result in a significant change in the fair value measurement, however, we generally consider all factors available through ongoing communication with the portfolio companies and venture capital fund managers to determine whether there are changes to the portfolio company or the environment that indicate a change in the fair value measurement.
Other securities: Fair value measurements of equity securities of public companies are priced based on quoted market prices less a discount if the securities are subject to certain sales restrictions. Marketability discounts generally range from 10% to 20% depending on the duration of the sale restrictions which typically range from 3 to 6 months.
Equity warrant assets (public portfolio): Fair value measurements of equity warrant assets of publicly-traded portfolio companies are valued based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The model uses the price of publicly-traded companies (underlying stock price), stated strike prices, warrant expiration dates, the risk-free interest rate and market-observable option volatility assumptions. Modeled asset values are further adjusted by applying a discount of up to 20% for certain warrants that have lockup restrictions or other features that indicate a discount to fair value is warranted. As a lock-up term nears, and other sale restrictions are lifted, discounts are adjusted downward to 0 percent once all restrictions expire or are removed.
Equity warrant assets (private portfolio): Fair value measurements of equity warrant assets of private portfolio companies are priced based on a modified Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the asset value by using stated strike prices, option expiration dates, risk-free interest rates and option volatility assumptions. Option volatility assumptions used in the modified Black-Scholes model are based on public market indices whose members operate in similar industries as companies in our private company portfolio. Option expiration dates are modified to account for estimates to actual life relative to stated expiration. Overall model asset values are further adjusted for a general lack of liquidity due to the private nature of the associated underlying company. There is a direct correlation between changes in the volatility and remaining life assumptions in isolation and the fair value measurement while there is an inverse correlation between changes in the liquidity discount assumption and the fair value measurement.
It is our policy to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when developing fair value measurements. When available, we use quoted market prices to measure fair value. If market prices are not available, fair value measurement is based upon valuation techniques that use primarily market-based or independently-sourced market parameters, including interest rate yield curves, prepayment speeds, option volatilities and currency rates. Substantially all of our financial instruments use the foregoing methodologies, and are categorized as a Level 1 or Level 2 measurement in the fair value hierarchy. However, in certain cases, when market observable inputs for our valuation techniques may not be readily available, we are required to make judgments about assumptions we believe market participants would use in estimating the fair value of the financial instrument, and based on the significance of those judgments, the measurement may be determined to be a Level 3 fair value measurement.
The degree of management judgment involved in determining the fair value of a financial instrument is dependent upon the availability of quoted market prices or observable market parameters. For financial instruments that trade actively and have quoted market prices or observable market parameters, there is minimal subjectivity involved in measuring fair value. When observable market prices and parameters are not fully available, management judgment is necessary to estimate fair value. For inactive markets, there is little information, if any, to evaluate if individual transactions are orderly. Accordingly, we are required to estimate, based upon all available facts and circumstances, the degree to which orderly transactions are occurring and provide more weighting to price quotes that are based upon orderly transactions. In addition, changes in the market conditions may reduce the availability of quoted prices or observable data. For example, reduced liquidity in the capital markets or changes in secondary market activities could result in observable market inputs becoming unavailable. Therefore, when market data is not available, we use valuation techniques requiring more management judgment to estimate the appropriate fair value measurement. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by management in determining fair value is greater for financial assets and liabilities categorized as Level 3.
The following fair value hierarchy table presents information about our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2015:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Balance at March 31, 2015
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury securities
 
$
7,914,125

 
$

 
$

 
$
7,914,125

U.S. agency debentures
 

 
3,313,664

 

 
3,313,664

Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - fixed rate
 

 
1,778,155

 

 
1,778,155

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - variable rate
 

 
739,203

 

 
739,203

Equity securities
 
1,382

 
394

 

 
1,776

Total available-for-sale securities
 
7,915,507

 
5,831,416

 

 
13,746,923

Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-marketable securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments
 

 

 
1,195,303

 
1,195,303

Other venture capital investments
 

 

 
78,850

 
78,850

Other securities
 
11,936

 

 

 
11,936

Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting)
 
11,936

 

 
1,274,153

 
1,286,089

Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 

 
4,340

 

 
4,340

Foreign exchange forward and option contracts
 

 
54,495

 

 
54,495

Equity warrant assets
 

 
2,195

 
122,261

 
124,456

Client interest rate derivatives
 

 
2,907

 

 
2,907

Total assets (1)
 
$
7,927,443

 
$
5,895,353

 
$
1,396,414

 
$
15,219,210

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts
 
$

 
$
45,727

 
$

 
$
45,727

Client interest rate derivatives
 

 
3,166

 

 
3,166

Total liabilities
 
$

 
$
48,893

 
$

 
$
48,893

 
 
(1)
Included in Level 1 and Level 3 assets are $9 million and $1.2 billion, respectively, attributable to noncontrolling interests calculated based on the ownership percentages of the noncontrolling interests.
The following fair value hierarchy table presents information about our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Balance at December 31, 2014
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury securities
 
$
7,302,273

 
$

 
$

 
$
7,302,273

U.S. agency debentures
 

 
3,561,556

 

 
3,561,556

Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - fixed rate
 

 
1,884,843

 

 
1,884,843

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - variable rate
 

 
784,475

 

 
784,475

Equity securities
 
4,290

 
3,218

 

 
7,508

Total available-for-sale securities
 
7,306,563

 
6,234,092

 

 
13,540,655

Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-marketable securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments
 

 

 
1,130,882

 
1,130,882

Other venture capital investments
 

 

 
71,204

 
71,204

Other securities
 
108,251

 

 

 
108,251

Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting)
 
108,251

 

 
1,202,086

 
1,310,337

Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 

 
4,609

 

 
4,609

Foreign exchange forward and option contracts
 

 
34,231

 

 
34,231

Equity warrant assets
 

 
1,906

 
114,698

 
116,604

Client interest rate derivatives
 

 
2,546

 

 
2,546

Total assets (1)
 
$
7,414,814

 
$
6,277,384

 
$
1,316,784

 
$
15,008,982

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts
 
$

 
$
28,363

 
$

 
$
28,363

Client interest rate derivatives
 

 
2,748

 

 
2,748

Total liabilities
 
$

 
$
31,111

 
$

 
$
31,111

 
 
(1)
Included in Level 1 and Level 3 assets are $100 million and $1.1 billion, respectively, attributable to noncontrolling interests calculated based on the ownership percentages of the noncontrolling interests.
The following table presents additional information about Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Beginning
Balance
 
Total Realized and Unrealized Gains Included in Income
 
Purchases  
 
Sales
 
Issuances  
 
Distributions and Other Settlements
 
Transfers Out of Level 3
 
Ending
Balance
Three months ended March 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments
 
$
1,130,882

 
$
46,854

 
$
58,670

 
$

 
$

 
$
(41,103
)
 
$

 
$
1,195,303

Other venture capital investments
 
71,204

 
6,450

 
1,370

 
(39
)
 

 
(135
)
 

 
78,850

Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting)(1)
 
1,202,086

 
53,304

 
60,040

 
(39
)
 

 
(41,238
)
 

 
1,274,153

Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity warrant assets (2)
 
114,698

 
20,084

 

 
(14,765
)
 
2,083

 
404

 
(243
)
 
122,261

Total assets
 
$
1,316,784

 
$
73,388

 
$
60,040

 
$
(14,804
)
 
$
2,083

 
$
(40,834
)
 
$
(243
)
 
$
1,396,414

Three months ended March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments
 
$
862,972

 
$
111,335

 
$
44,455

 
$

 
$

 
$
(41,840
)
 
$

 
$
976,922

Other venture capital investments
 
32,839

 
1,838

 
670

 
(3,514
)
 

 
(3,527
)
 

 
28,306

Other securities (fair value accounting)
 
319,249

 
102,694

 

 
(46,840
)
 

 
3,417

 
(16,033
)
 
362,487

Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting) (1)
 
1,215,060

 
215,867

 
45,125

 
(50,354
)
 

 
(41,950
)
 
(16,033
)
 
1,367,715

Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity warrant assets (2)
 
99,891

 
24,378

 

 
(39,993
)
 
3,417

 
626

 
(677
)
 
87,642

Total assets
 
$
1,314,951

 
$
240,245

 
$
45,125

 
$
(90,347
)
 
$
3,417

 
$
(41,324
)
 
$
(16,710
)
 
$
1,455,357

 
 
(1)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) are recorded in the line items “gains on investment securities, net”, and “other noninterest income”, components of noninterest income.
(2)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) are recorded in the line item “gains on derivative instruments, net”, a component of noninterest income.
The following table presents the amount of unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings (which is inclusive of noncontrolling interest) attributable to Level 3 assets still held at March 31, 2015 and 2014:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments
 
$
45,935

 
$
111,856

Other venture capital investments
 
6,379

 
(15
)
Other securities (fair value accounting)
 

 
78,968

Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting) (1)
 
52,314

 
190,809

Other assets:
 
 
 
 
Equity warrant assets (2)
 
16,261

 
3,782

Total unrealized gains, net
 
$
68,575

 
$
194,591

Unrealized gains attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
$
49,617

 
$
176,085


 
 
(1)
Unrealized gains (losses) are recorded in the line items “gains on investment securities, net”, and “other noninterest income”, components of noninterest income.
(2)
Unrealized gains (losses) are recorded in the line item “gains on derivative instruments, net”, a component of noninterest income.
The following table presents quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used for certain of our Level 3 fair value measurements at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. We have not included in this table our venture capital and private equity fund investments (fair value accounting) as we use net asset value per share (as obtained from the general partners of the investments) as a practical expedient to determine fair value.
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Fair value
 
Valuation Technique
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
 
Weighted 
Average
March 31, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other venture capital investments (fair value accounting)
 
$
78,850

 
Private company equity pricing
 
(1)
 
(1
)
Equity warrant assets (public portfolio)
 
1,472

 
Modified Black-Scholes option pricing model
 
Volatility
 
46.6
%
 
 
 
 
Risk-Free interest rate
 
1.8
%
 
 
 
 
Sales restrictions discount (2)
 
15.2
%
Equity warrant assets (private portfolio)
 
120,789

 
Modified Black-Scholes option pricing model
 
Volatility
 
38.1
%
 
 
 
 
 
Risk-Free interest rate
 
0.7
%
 
 
 
 
 
Marketability discount (3)
 
18.1
%
 
 
 
 
 
Remaining life assumption (4)
 
45.0
%
December 31, 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other venture capital investments (fair value accounting)
 
$
71,204

 
Private company equity pricing
 
(1)
 
(1
)
Equity warrant assets (public portfolio)
 
1,681

 
Modified Black-Scholes option pricing model
 
Volatility
 
42.6
%
 
 
 
 
Risk-Free interest rate
 
1.7
%
 
 
 
 
Sales restrictions discount (2)
 
17.8
%
Equity warrant assets (private portfolio)
 
113,017

 
Modified Black-Scholes option pricing model
 
Volatility
 
38.3
%
 
 
 
 
Risk-Free interest rate
 
0.9
%
 
 
 
 
Marketability discount (3)
 
20.0
%
 
 
 
 
Remaining life assumption (4)
 
45.0
%
 
 
 
(1)
In determining the fair value of our other venture capital investment portfolio, we evaluate a variety of factors related to each underlying private portfolio company including, but not limited to, actual and forecasted results, cash position, recent or planned transactions and market comparable companies. Additionally, we have ongoing communication with the portfolio companies and venture capital fund managers, to determine whether there is a material change in fair value. These factors are specific to each portfolio company and a weighted average or range of values of the unobservable inputs is not meaningful.
(2)
We adjust quoted market prices of public companies, which are subject to certain sales restrictions. Sales restriction discounts generally range from 10 percent to 20 percent depending on the duration of the sales restrictions, which typically range from 3 to 6 months.
(3)
Our marketability discount is applied to all private company warrants to account for a general lack of liquidity due to the private nature of the associated underlying company. The quantitative measure used is based upon various option-pricing models. On a quarterly basis, a sensitivity analysis is performed on our marketability discount.
(4)
We adjust the contractual remaining term of private company warrants based on our estimate of the actual remaining life, which we determine by utilizing historical data on cancellations and exercises. At March 31, 2015, the weighted average contractual remaining term was 2.61 years, compared to our estimated remaining life of 5.80 years. On a quarterly basis, a sensitivity analysis is performed on our remaining life assumption.
For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, we did not have any material transfers between Level 2 and Level 1. Transfers from Level 3 to Level 1 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 included $16.0 million as a result of the expiration of lockup and other restrictions on certain of our other securities. We did not have any transfers from Level 3 to Level 1 for the three months ended March 31, 2015.
All other transfers from Level 3 to Level 2 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were due to the transfer of equity warrant assets from our private portfolio to our public portfolio (see our Level 3 reconciliation above). All amounts reported as transfers represent the fair value as of the date of the change in circumstances that caused the transfer.
Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
Net long-lived assets held-for-sale
The fair value of assets held-for-sale is estimated by their net realizable value, which represents the potential sales price less costs to sell. Valuation techniques utilized are significant assumptions not observable in the market, accordingly, we classify these assets as Level 3. The carrying value of $48.2 million of our net long-lived assets held-for-sale at March 31, 2015 approximates fair value. At December 31, 2014, the carrying value and fair value of our net long-lived assets held-for-sale was $44.3 million and $45.4 million, respectively.
Financial Instruments not Carried at Fair Value
FASB guidance over financial instruments requires that we disclose estimated fair values for our financial instruments not carried at fair value. Fair value estimates, methods and assumptions, set forth below for our financial instruments, are made solely to comply with these requirements.
Fair values are based on estimates or calculations at the transaction level using present value techniques in instances where quoted market prices are not available. Because broadly traded markets do not exist for many of our financial instruments, the fair value calculations attempt to incorporate the effect of current market conditions at a specific time. The aggregation of the fair value calculations presented herein does not represent, and should not be construed to represent, the underlying value of the Company.
The following describes the methods and assumptions used in estimating the fair values of financial instruments for which carrying value approximates fair value and estimated fair values of financial instruments not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis and excludes financial instruments and assets and liabilities already recorded at fair value as described above.
Financial Instruments for which Carrying Value Approximates Fair Value
Certain financial instruments that are not carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are carried at amounts that approximate fair value, due to their short-term nature and generally negligible credit risk. These instruments include cash and cash equivalents; FHLB and FRB stock; accrued interest receivable; short-term borrowings; short-term time deposits; and accrued interest payable. In addition, U.S. GAAP requires that the fair value of deposit liabilities with no stated maturity (i.e., demand, savings and certain money market deposits) be equal to their carrying value; recognition of the inherent funding value of these instruments is not permitted.

Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments Not Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Held-to-Maturity Securities
Held-to-maturity securities include similar investments held in our available-for-sale securities portfolio and are valued using the same methodologies. All securities included in our held-to-maturity securities portfolio are valued using Level 2 inputs. Refer to Level 2 fair value measurements above for significant inputs used in the valuation of our held-to-maturity investment securities.
Non-Marketable Securities (Cost and Equity Method Accounting)
Non-marketable securities includes other investments (equity method accounting), venture capital and private equity fund investments (cost method accounting), and other venture capital investments (cost method accounting). Other investments (equity method accounting) includes our investment in SPD-SVB, our joint venture bank in China. At this time, the carrying value of our investment in SPD-SVB is a reasonable estimate of fair value. The fair value of the remaining other investments (equity method accounting) and the fair value of venture capital and private equity fund investments (cost method accounting) and other venture capital investments (cost method accounting) is based on financial information obtained from the investee or obtained from the fund investments’ or debt fund investments’ respective general partners. For private company investments, estimated fair value is based on consideration of a range of factors including, but not limited to, the price at which the investment was acquired, the term and nature of the investment, local market conditions, values for comparable securities, current and projected operating performance, exit strategies, and financing transactions subsequent to the acquisition of the investment. For our fund investments, we utilize the net asset value per share as obtained from the general partners of the investments. We adjust the net asset value per share for differences between our measurement date and the date of the fund investment’s net asset value by using the most recently available financial information from the investee general partner, for example December 31st, for our March 31st consolidated financial statements, adjusted for any contributions paid, distributions received from the investment, and significant fund transactions or market events during the reporting period.
Loans
The fair value of fixed and variable rate loans is estimated by discounting contractual cash flows using rates that reflect current pricing for similar loans and the projected forward yield curve. This method is not based on the exit price concept of fair value required under ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.
Long-Term Deposits
The fair value of long-term time deposits is estimated by discounting the cash flows using our cost of borrowings and the projected forward yield curve over their remaining contractual term.
Long-Term Debt
The fair value of long-term debt is generally based on quoted market prices, when available, or is estimated based on calculations utilizing third-party pricing services and current market spread, price indications from reputable dealers or observable market prices of the underlying instrument(s), whichever is deemed more reliable. Also included in the estimated fair value of our 6.05% Subordinated Notes are amounts related to hedge accounting associated with the notes.
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments
The fair value of net available commitments to extend credit is estimated based on the average amount we would receive or pay to execute a new agreement with identical terms and pricing, while taking into account the counterparties’ credit standing.
Letters of credit are carried at their fair value, which was equivalent to the residual premium or fee at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Commitments to extend credit and letters of credit typically result in loans with a market interest rate if funded.
The following fair value hierarchy table presents the estimated fair values of our financial instruments that are not carried at fair value at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
 
 
 
 
Estimated Fair Value
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Carrying Amount
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
March 31, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
1,308,003

 
$
1,308,003

 
$

 
$

Held-to-maturity securities
 
7,816,797

 

 
7,869,653

 

Non-marketable securities (cost and equity method accounting)
 
295,427

 

 

 
402,301

Net commercial loans
 
12,900,215

 

 

 
13,034,516

Net consumer loans
 
1,371,484

 

 

 
1,347,284

FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock
 
53,496

 

 

 
53,496

Accrued interest receivable
 
91,415

 

 
91,415

 

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term FHLB advances
 
60,000

 
60,000

 

 

Other short-term borrowings
 
17,766

 
17,766

 

 

Non-maturity deposits (1)
 
33,752,797

 
33,752,797

 

 

Time deposits
 
98,778

 

 
98,740

 

3.50% Senior Notes
 
349,710

 

 
348,639

 

5.375% Senior Notes
 
348,495

 

 
396,799

 

6.05% Subordinated Notes (2)
 
49,910

 

 
52,963

 

7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures
 
54,802

 

 
53,109

 

Accrued interest payable
 
5,038

 

 
5,038

 

Off-balance sheet financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commitments to extend credit
 

 

 

 
30,135

December 31, 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
1,796,062

 
$
1,796,062

 
$

 
$

Held-to-maturity securities
 
7,421,042

 

 
7,415,656

 

Non-marketable securities (cost and equity method accounting)
 
296,648

 

 

 
390,570

Net commercial loans
 
12,947,869

 

 

 
13,082,487

Net consumer loans
 
1,271,048

 

 

 
1,247,336

FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock
 
53,496

 

 

 
53,496

Accrued interest receivable
 
94,180

 

 
94,180

 

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other short-term borrowings
 
7,781

 
7,781

 

 

Non-maturity deposits (1)
 
34,215,372

 
34,215,372

 

 

Time deposits
 
128,127

 

 
128,107

 

5.375% Senior Notes
 
348,436

 

 
392,616

 

6.05% Subordinated Notes (2)
 
50,162

 

 
53,537

 

7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures
 
54,845

 

 
52,990

 

Accrued interest payable
 
6,998

 

 
6,998

 

Off-balance sheet financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commitments to extend credit
 

 

 

 
29,097

 
 
(1)
Includes noninterest-bearing demand deposits, interest-bearing checking accounts, money market accounts and interest-bearing sweep deposits.
(2)
At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, included in the carrying value and estimated fair value of our 6.05% Subordinated Notes was an interest rate swap valued at $4.3 million and $4.6 million, respectively, related to hedge accounting associated with the notes.
Investments in Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share
FASB guidance over certain fund investments requires that we disclose the fair value of funds, significant investment strategies of the investees, redemption features of the investees, restrictions on the ability to sell investments, estimate of the period of time over which the underlying assets are expected to be liquidated by the investee, and unfunded commitments related to the investments.
Our investments in debt funds and venture capital and private equity fund investments generally cannot be redeemed. Alternatively, we expect distributions, if any, to be received primarily through IPOs and M&A activity of the underlying assets of the fund. Subject to applicable requirements under the Volcker Rule, we do not have any plans to sell any of these fund investments. If we decide to sell these investments in the future, the investee fund’s management must approve of the buyer before the sale of the investments can be completed. The fair values of the fund investments have been estimated using the net asset value per share of the investments, adjusted for any differences between our measurement date and the date of the fund investment’s net asset value by using the most recently available financial information from the investee general partner, for example December 31st, for our March 31st consolidated financial statements, adjusted for any contributions paid, distributions received from the investment, and significant fund transactions or market events during the reporting period.
The following table is a summary of the estimated fair values of these investments and remaining unfunded commitments for each major category of these investments as of March 31, 2015:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Carrying Amount      
 
Fair Value        
 
Unfunded
Commitments      
Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments (1)
 
$
1,195,303

 
$
1,195,303

 
$
557,992

Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other investments (2)
 
50,132

 
51,323

 
5,836

Non-marketable securities (cost method accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments (3)
 
134,575

 
238,293

 
15,985

Total
 
$
1,380,010

 
$
1,484,919

 
$
579,813

 
 
(1)
Venture capital and private equity fund investments within non-marketable securities (fair value accounting) include investments made by our managed funds of funds and one of our direct venture funds. These investments represent investments in venture capital and private equity funds that invest primarily in U.S. and global technology and life science & healthcare companies. Included in the fair value and unfunded commitments of fund investments under fair value accounting are $1.1 billion and $555 million, respectively, attributable to noncontrolling interests. It is estimated that we will receive distributions from the fund investments over the next 10 to 13 years, depending on the age of the funds and any potential extensions of terms of the funds.
(2)
Other investments within non-marketable securities (equity method accounting) include investments in debt funds and venture capital and private equity fund investments that invest in or lend money to primarily U.S. and global technology and life science & healthcare companies. It is estimated that we will receive distributions from the fund investments over the next 10 to 13 years, depending on the age of the funds.
(3)
Venture capital and private equity fund investments within non-marketable securities (cost method accounting) include investments in venture capital and private equity fund investments that invest primarily in U.S. and global technology and life science & healthcare companies. It is estimated that we will receive distributions from the fund investments over the next 10 to 13 years, depending on the age of the funds and any potential extensions of the terms of the funds.