Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

The Company conducts substantially all of its business through its three reportable segments. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation, and the portion of income allocated to owners other than the Company is included in “Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests” in the consolidated statements of operations. Redeemable noncontrolling interests in the consolidated balance sheets reflect the maximum redemption value of agreements with other owners.

The financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S.”) (“GAAP”). Reclassifications of amounts in prior years’ consolidated financial statements are made whenever necessary to conform to the current year’s presentation.

Use of Estimates

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and revenues and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to change, in the near term, relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, evaluation of potential impairment of goodwill, and income tax estimates.

Significant Group Concentrations of Credit Risk

Most of the Company’s activities are with clients within the New England, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Southern California regions of the country. The Company does not believe it has any significant concentrations in any one industry, geographic location, or with any one client. Part II. Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 4: Investment Securities,” highlights the types of securities in which the Company invests, and Part II. Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 5: Loan Portfolio and Credit Quality,” describes the concentration of the Private Banking loan data based on the location of the lender.

Statement of Cash Flows

For purposes of reporting cash flows, the Company considers cash and due from banks which have original maturities with 90 days or less to be cash equivalents.

Cash and Due from Banks

The Bank is required to maintain average reserve balances in an account with the Federal Reserve based upon a percentage of certain deposits. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the daily amounts required to be held in the aggregate for the Bank were $4.3 million and $3.6 million, respectively.

Investment Securities

Available-for-sale investment securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses credited or charged, net of the estimated tax effect, to accumulated other comprehensive income/ (loss). Held-to-maturity investment securities are those which the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity and are reported at amortized cost. Equity securities are primarily money market mutual fund securities and are reported at fair value.

Premiums and discounts on the investment securities are amortized or accreted into net interest income by the level-yield method. Gains and losses on the sale of the available-for-sale investments are recognized at the trade date on a specific identification basis. Dividend and interest income is recognized when earned and is recorded on the accrual basis.

The Company conducts a quarterly review and evaluation of its investment securities to determine if the decline in fair value of a security below its amortized cost is deemed to be other-than-temporary. Other-than-temporary impairment losses are recognized on securities when: (i) the holder has an intention to sell the security; (ii) it is more likely than not that the security will be required to be sold prior to recovery; or (iii) the holder does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. Other-than-temporary losses are reflected in earnings as a charge against gain on sale of investments, net, to the extent the impairment is related to credit losses. The amount of the impairment related to other factors is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income/ (loss). The Company has no intention to sell any securities in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2018 nor is it more likely than not that the Company would be required to sell such securities prior to the recovery of the unrealized losses. As of December 31, 2018, the Company believes that all impairments of investment securities are temporary in nature. No other-than-temporary impairment losses were recognized in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016.

Loans Held for Sale

Loans originated and held for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value in the aggregate. Fair value is based on commitments on hand from investors or prevailing market prices. Unrealized losses, if any, are recognized through a valuation allowance by charges to income. Loans transferred to the held for sale category from the loan portfolio are transferred at the lower of cost or fair value, usually as determined at the individual loan level. If fair value is less than cost, then a charge for the difference will be made to the allowance for loan losses if the decline in value is due to credit issues. Gains or losses on the sale of loans are recognized at the time of sale on a specific identification basis. Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis when earned.

Loans

Loans are carried at the principal amount outstanding, net of participations, deferred loan origination fees and costs, charge-offs, and interest payments applied to principal on nonaccrual loans. Loan origination fees, net of related direct incremental loan origination costs, are deferred and recognized into income over the contractual lives of the related loans as an adjustment to the loan yield, using the level-yield method. If a loan is paid off prior to maturity, the unamortized portion of net fees/cost is recognized into interest income. If a loan is sold, the unamortized portion of net fees/cost is recognized at the time of sale as a component of the gain or loss on sale of loans.

When the Company analyzes its loan portfolio to determine the adequacy of its allowance for loan losses, it categorizes the loans by portfolio segment and class of financing receivable based on the similarities in risk characteristics for the loans. The Company has determined that its portfolio segments and classes of financing receivables are one and the same, with the exception of the commercial and industrial portfolio segment, which consists of other commercial and industrial loans and commercial tax-exempt loans. The level at which the Company develops and documents its allowance for loan loss methodology is consistent with the grouping of financing receivables based upon initial measurement attributes, risk characteristics, and the Company’s method for monitoring and assessing credit risks. These portfolio segments and classes of financing receivables are:


•	Commercial and industrial (portfolio segment)


◦	Other commercial and industrial loans (class of financing receivable) - Commercial and industrial loans include working capital and revolving lines of credit, term loans for equipment and fixed assets, and Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans.


◦	Commercial tax-exempt loans (class of financing receivable) - Commercial tax-exempt loans include loans to not-for-profit private schools, colleges, public charter schools and other non-for-profit organizations.

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Commercial real estate (segment and class) - Commercial real estate loans are generally acquisition financing for commercial properties such as office buildings, retail properties, apartment buildings, and industrial/warehouse space. In addition, tax-exempt commercial real estate loans are provided for affordable housing development and rehabilitation. These loans are often supplemented with federal, state, and/or local subsidies.


•	Construction and land (segment and class) - Construction and land loans include loans for financing of new developments as well as financing for improvements to existing buildings. In addition, tax-exempt construction and land loans are provided for the construction phase of the commercial tax-exempt and commercial real estate tax-exempt loans described above.

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Residential mortgage (segment and class) - Residential mortgage loans consist of loans secured by single-family and one- to four-unit properties in excess of the amount eligible for purchase by the Federal National Mortgage Association, which was $453 thousand at December 31, 2018 for the “General” limit and $680 thousand for single-family properties for the “High-Cost” limit, depending on which specific geographic region of the Bank’s primary market areas the loan was originated. While the Bank has no minimum size for mortgage loans, it concentrates its origination activities in the “Jumbo” segment of the market.


•	Home equity (segment and class) - Home equity loans consist of balances outstanding on second mortgages and home equity lines of credit extended to individual clients. Personal lines of credit are typically for high net worth clients whose assets may not be liquid due to investments or closely held stock. The amount of home equity loans typically depends on client demand.

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Consumer and other (segment and class) - Consumer and other loans consist of balances outstanding on consumer loans including personal lines of credit, and loans arising from overdraft protection extended to individual and business clients. Personal lines of credit are typically for high net worth clients whose assets may not be liquid due to investments or closely held stock. The amount of consumer and other loans typically depends on client demand.

The past due status of a loan is determined in accordance with its contractual repayment terms. All portfolio segments are reported past due when one scheduled payment is due and unpaid for 30 days or more.

The Bank’s policy is to discontinue the accrual of interest on a loan when the collectability of principal or interest is in doubt. When management determines that it is probable that the Bank will not collect all principal and interest on a loan in accordance with the original loan terms, the loan is designated as impaired. Impaired loans are usually commercial loans or construction and land loans, for which it is probable that the Company will not collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement, and all loans restructured in a troubled debt restructuring. Accrual of interest income is discontinued and all interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current period interest income when a loan is initially classified as nonaccrual. Generally, interest received on nonaccrual loans is applied against principal or, on a limited basis, reported as interest income on a cash basis, when according to management’s judgment, the collectability of principal is reasonably assured. The Bank’s general policy for returning a loan to accrual status requires the loan to be brought current, for the client to show a history of making timely payments (generally six consecutive months), and when the financial position of the borrower and other relevant factors indicate there is no longer doubt as to the collectability of the loan.

The Bank’s loan commitments are generally short-term in nature with terms that are primarily variable. Given the limited interest rate exposure posed by the commitments, the Bank estimates the fair value of these commitments to be immaterial.

Credit Quality Indicators

The Bank uses a risk rating system to monitor the credit quality of its loan portfolio. Loan classifications are assessments made by the Bank of the status of the loans based on the facts and circumstances known to the Bank, including management’s judgment, at the time of assessment. Some or all of these classifications may change in the future if there are unexpected changes in the financial condition of the borrower, including but not limited to, changes resulting from continuing deterioration in general economic conditions on a national basis or in the local markets in which the Bank operates adversely affecting, among other things, real estate values. Such conditions, as well as other factors which adversely affect borrowers’ ability to service or repay loans, typically result in changes in loan default and charge-off rates, and increased provisions for loan losses, which would adversely affect the Company’s financial performance and financial condition. These circumstances are not entirely foreseeable and, as a result, it may not be possible to accurately reflect them in the Company’s analysis of credit risk. Generally, only commercial loans, including commercial real estate, other commercial and industrial loans, commercial tax-exempt loans, and construction and land loans, are given a numerical grade.

A summary of the rating system used by the Bank follows:

Pass - All loans graded as pass are considered acceptable credit quality by the Bank and are grouped for purposes of calculating the allowance for loan losses. For residential, home equity, and consumer loans, the Bank classifies loans as pass unless there is known information such as delinquency or client requests for modifications which, due to financial difficulty, would then generally result in a risk rating such as special mention or more severe depending on the factors.

Special Mention - Loans rated in this category are defined as having potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may, at some future date, result in the deterioration of the repayment prospects for the credit or the Bank’s credit position. These loans are currently protected but have the potential to deteriorate to a substandard rating. For commercial loans, the borrower’s financial performance may be inconsistent or below forecast, creating the possibility of liquidity problems and shrinking debt service coverage. In loans having this rating, the primary source of repayment is still good, but there is increasing reliance on collateral or guarantor support. Collectability of the loan is not yet in jeopardy. In particular, loans in this category are considered more variable than other categories, since they will typically migrate through categories more quickly.

Substandard - Loans rated in this category are inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. A substandard credit has a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Bank will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Substandard loans may be either still accruing or nonaccruing depending upon the severity of the risk and other factors such as the value of the collateral, if any, and past due status.

Doubtful - Loans rated in this category indicate that collection or liquidation in full on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, is highly questionable and improbable. Loans in this category are usually on nonaccrual and classified as impaired.

Restructured Loans

When the Bank, for economic or legal reasons related to a borrower’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to a troubled borrower that it would not otherwise consider, the loan is classified as a restructured loan pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 470, Debt. The concession either stems from an agreement between the creditor and the Bank or is imposed by law or a court. The concessions may include:


•	Deferral of principal and/or interest payments


•	Lower interest rate as compared to a new loan with comparable risk and terms


•	Extension of the maturity date


•	Reduction in the principal balance owed

All loans whose terms have been modified in a troubled debt restructuring, including commercial, residential, and consumer, are evaluated for impairment under ASC 310, Receivables.

Generally, a nonaccrual loan that is restructured remains on nonaccrual status for a period of at least six months to demonstrate that the borrower can meet the restructured terms. However, performance prior to the restructuring, or significant events that coincide with the restructuring, are considered when assessing whether the borrower can meet the new terms and may result in the loan being returned to accrual status at the time of the restructuring or after a shorter performance period. If the borrower’s ability to meet the revised payment schedule is uncertain, the loan remains classified as a nonaccrual loan.

A loan may be removed from a restructured classification after the next fiscal year end, if the restructured terms include a market interest rate and the borrower has demonstrated performance with the restructured terms.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses (“allowance”) is an estimate of the inherent risk of loss in the loan portfolio as of the consolidated balance sheet dates. Management estimates the level of the allowance based on all relevant information available. Changes to the required level in the allowance result in either a provision for loan loss expense, if an increase is required, or a credit to the provision, if a decrease is required. Loan losses are charged to the allowance when available information confirms that specific loans or portions thereof, are uncollectible. Recoveries on loans previously charged-off are credited to the allowance when received in cash or when the Bank takes possession of other assets.

The Company’s allowance is accounted for in accordance with guidance issued by various regulatory agencies, including: the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council Policy Statement on the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses (December 2006); Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 102, Selected Loan Loss Methodology and Documentation Issues; ASC 310, Receivables; and ASC 450, Contingencies.

The allowance consists of three primary components: general reserves on pass graded loans, allocated reserves on non-impaired special mention and substandard loans, and the specific reserves on impaired loans. The calculation of the allowance involves a high degree of management judgment and estimates designed to reflect the inherent risk of loss in the loan portfolio at the measurement date.

General reserves are calculated for each loan pool consisting of pass graded loans segregated by portfolio segment, by applying estimated net loss percentages based upon the Bank’s actual historical net charge-offs and, adjusted as appropriate, on a consistent manner based upon consideration of qualitative factors to arrive at a total loss factor for each portfolio segment. The rationale for qualitative adjustments is to more accurately reflect the current inherent risk of loss in the respective portfolio segments than would be determined through the sole consideration of the Bank’s actual historical net charge-off rates. The numerical factors assigned to each qualitative factor are based upon observable data, if applicable, as well as management’s analysis and judgment. The qualitative factors considered by the Company include:


•	Volume and severity of past due, nonaccrual, and adversely graded loans,


•	Volume and terms of loans,


•	Concentrations of credit,


•	Management’s experience, as well as loan underwriting and loan review policy and procedures,


•	Economic and business conditions impacting the Bank’s loan portfolio, as well as consideration of collateral values, and


•	External factors, including consideration of loss factor trends, competition, and legal and regulatory requirements.

The Bank makes a determination of the applicable loss rate for these factors based on relevant local market conditions, credit quality, and portfolio mix. Each quarter, management reviews the loss factors to determine if there have been any changes in its loan portfolio, market conditions, or other risk indicators which would result in a change to the current loss factor.

Allocated reserves on non-impaired special mention and substandard loans reflect management’s assessment of increased risk of losses associated with these types of adversely graded loans. An allocated reserve is assigned to these pools of loans based upon management’s consideration of the credit attributes of individual loans within each pool of loans, including consideration of loan to value ratios, past due status, strength and willingness of the guarantors, and other relevant attributes, as well as the qualitative factors considered for the general reserve as discussed above. These considerations are determined separately for each type of portfolio segment. The allocated reserves are a multiple of the general reserve for each respective portfolio segments, with a greater multiple for loans with increased risk (i.e., special mention loans versus substandard loans).

A loan is considered impaired in accordance with ASC 310 when, based upon current information and events, it is probable that a creditor will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impairment is measured based on the fair value of the loan, expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or as a practical expedient, impairment may be determined based upon the observable market price of the loan, or the fair value of the collateral, less estimated costs to sell, if the loan is “collateral dependent.” A loan is collateral dependent if repayment of the loan is expected to be provided solely by the underlying collateral or sale of the underlying collateral. For collateral dependent loans, appraisals are generally used to determine the fair value. When a collateral dependent loan becomes impaired, an updated appraisal of the collateral is obtained, if appropriate. Appraised values are generally discounted for factors such as the Bank’s intention to liquidate the property quickly in a foreclosure sale or the date when the appraisal was performed if the Bank believes that collateral values have declined since the date the appraisal was done. The Bank may use a broker opinion of value in addition to an appraisal to validate the appraised value. In certain instances, the Bank may consider broker opinions of value as well as other qualitative factors while an appraisal is being prepared.

If the loan is deemed to be collateral dependent, generally the difference between the book balance (client balance less any prior charge-offs or client interest payments applied to principal) and the fair value of the collateral is taken as a partial charge-off through the allowance for loan losses in the current period. If the loan is not determined to be collateral dependent, then a specific allocation to the general reserve is established for the difference between the book balance of the loan and the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. Charge-offs for loans not considered to be collateral dependent are made when it is determined a loss has been incurred. Impaired loans are removed from the general loan pools. There may be instances where the loan is considered impaired although based on the fair value of underlying collateral or the discounted expected future cash flows there is no impairment to be recognized. In addition, all loans which are classified as troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) are considered impaired.

In addition to the three primary components of the allowance for loan losses discussed above (general reserve, allocated reserves on non-impaired special mention and substandard loans, and the specific reserves on impaired loans), the Bank may also maintain an insignificant amount of additional allowance for loan losses (the unallocated allowance for loan losses). The unallocated reserve reflects the fact that the allowance for loan losses is an estimate and contains a certain amount of imprecision risk. It represents risks identified by Management that are not already captured in the qualitative factors discussed above. The unallocated allowance for loan losses is not considered significant by the Company and will remain at zero unless additional risk is identified.

While this evaluation process utilizes historical and other objective information, the classification of loans and the establishment of the allowance for loan losses rely to a great extent on the judgment and experience of management. While management evaluates currently available information in establishing the allowance for loan losses, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if economic conditions differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the evaluations. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review a financial institution’s allowance for loan losses as well as loan grades/classifications. Such agencies may require the financial institution to recognize additions to the allowance for loan losses or increases to adversely graded loans based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

Reserve for Unfunded Loan Commitments

The Company maintains a reserve for unfunded loan commitments for such items as unused portion of lines of credit and unadvanced construction loans. The reserve is maintained at a level that reflects the risk in these various commitments. Management determines the reserve percentages on a quarterly basis based on a percentage of the current historical loss rates for these portfolios. Once a loan commitment is funded, the reserve for unfunded loan commitment is reversed and a corresponding allowance for loan loss reserve is established. This unfunded loan commitment reserve is included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. Net adjustments to the reserve for unfunded commitments are included in other operating expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

Other Real Estate Owned (OREO)

Other Real Estate Owned (“OREO”)

OREO is comprised of property acquired through foreclosure proceedings or acceptance of a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure in partial or total satisfaction of certain loans. Properties are recorded at the lower of the recorded investment in the loan at the time of acquisition or the fair value, as established by a current appraisal, comparable sales, and other estimates of value obtained principally from independent sources, less estimated costs to sell. Any decline in fair value compared to the carrying value of a property at the time of acquisition is charged against the allowance for loan losses. Any subsequent valuation adjustments to reflect declines in current fair value, as well as gains or losses on disposition are reported in gain/(loss) on OREO, net in the consolidated statements of operations. Expenses incurred for holding or maintaining OREO properties such as real estate taxes, utilities, and insurance are charged as incurred to other operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Rental income earned, although generally minimal, is offset against other operating expenses.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment consists of leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures, office equipment, computer equipment, software and buildings. Premises and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Also included in premises and equipment is technology initiatives in process. Depreciation is computed by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, or the remaining terms of the leases, if shorter, for leasehold improvements. The estimated useful lives for leasehold improvements and buildings are 10 years and 40 years, respectively. The estimated useful life for furniture and fixtures is 6 years, 5 years for office equipment and is 3 years for computer equipment and software. The costs of improvements that extend the life of an asset are capitalized, while the cost of repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.

Valuation of Goodwill/Intangible Assets and Analysis for Impairment

The Company allocates the cost of an acquired entity to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. Other intangible assets identified in acquisitions generally consist of advisory contracts, trade names, and non-compete agreements. The value attributed to advisory contracts is based on the time period over which they are expected to generate economic benefits. The advisory contracts are generally amortized over 8-15 years, depending on the contract. Trade names are not amortized.

Long-lived intangible assets are subject to the impairment provisions of ASC 360-10, Property, Plant, and Equipment (“ASC 360”). Long-lived intangible assets are tested for recoverability by comparing the net carrying value of the asset or asset group to the undiscounted net cash flows to be generated from the use and eventual disposition of that asset (asset group) when events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its net undiscounted cash flows, then an impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds its fair value, determined based upon the discounted value of the expected cash flows generated by the asset. The intangible impairment test is performed at the reporting unit level, and each affiliate with goodwill and/or intangible assets is considered a reporting unit for goodwill and intangible impairment testing purposes.

The excess of the purchase price for acquisitions over the fair value of the net assets acquired, including other intangible assets, is recorded as goodwill. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level, defined as the affiliate level, at least annually in the fourth quarter or more frequently when events or circumstances occur that indicate that it is more likely than not that an impairment has occurred, based on the guidance in ASC 350, Intangibles -Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”), as updated by ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (“ASU 2017-04”). Goodwill impairment exists when a reporting unit’s carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. In accordance with ASC 350, intangible assets with an indefinite useful economic life are not amortized, but are subject to impairment testing at the reporting unit on an annual basis, or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts are impaired.

An entity may assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not (that is, a likelihood of more than 50%) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill (“Step 0”). In evaluating whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, an entity assesses relevant events and circumstances, such as the following:


•	Macroeconomic conditions, such as deterioration in general economic conditions, limitations on accessing capital, or other developments in equity and credit markets.


•	Industry and market considerations, such as a deterioration in the environment in which an entity operates, an increased competitive environment, a decline in market-dependent multiples or metrics (considered in both absolute terms and relative to peers), a change in the market for an entity’s products or services, or a regulatory or political development.


•	Overall financial performance, such as negative or declining cash flows or a decline in actual or planned revenue or earnings compared with actual and projected results of relevant prior periods.


•	Other relevant entity-specific events, such as changes in management, key personnel, strategy, or customers; contemplation of bankruptcy; or litigation.

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Events affecting a reporting unit, such as a change in the composition or carrying amount of its net assets; a more-likely-than-not expectation of selling or disposing all, or a portion, of a reporting unit; the testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within a reporting unit; or recognition of a goodwill impairment loss in the financial statements of a subsidiary that is a component of a reporting unit.

If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances such as those described in the preceding paragraph, an entity determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the quantitative goodwill impairment test, as described below, is unnecessary.

Goodwill is tested for impairment by estimating the fair value of a reporting unit. Significant judgment is applied when goodwill is assessed for impairment. This judgment includes developing cash flow projections, selecting appropriate discount rates, identifying relevant market comparables, incorporating general economic and market conditions, and selecting an appropriate control premium. Both the income and market approaches to determine fair value of the reporting units are typically incorporated. The income approach is primarily based on discounted cash flows derived from assumptions of income statement activity. For the market approach, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) and revenue multiples of comparable companies are selected and applied to the financial services reporting unit’s applicable metrics.. Generally a valuation consultant will be engaged to assist with the valuation.

Quantitative impairment testing requires a comparison of each reporting unit’s fair value to carrying value to identify potential impairment. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, an impairment loss is recognized. In adopting ASU 2017-04, the Company measures that loss as an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Additionally, the Company considers the income tax effect from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit, if applicable, when measuring the goodwill impairment loss.

The fair value of the reporting unit is determined using generally accepted approaches to valuation commonly referred to as the income approach, market approach, and cost approach. Within each category, a variety of methodologies exist to assist in the estimation of fair value.

BPFH has two reportable segments that have goodwill: Wealth Management and Trust and Affiliate Partners. Boston Private Wealth is the only reporting unit within the Wealth Management and Trust segment. DGHM and KLS are the reporting units within the Affiliate Partners segment. DGHM does not have any remaining goodwill. Segment management regularly reviews the operating results of KLS.

The aggregate fair values of the reporting units are compared to market capitalization as an assessment of the appropriateness of the fair value measurements. A control premium analysis is performed to determine whether the implied control premium was within range of overall control premiums observed in the market place.

If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill is greater than the fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill, an impairment loss must be recognized for the excess (i.e., recorded goodwill must be written down to the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill). After a goodwill impairment loss for a reporting unit is measured and recognized, the adjusted carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill becomes the new accounting basis for that goodwill.

Income Tax Estimates

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”). The deferred tax assets and/or liabilities are determined by multiplying the differences between the financial reporting and tax reporting basis for assets and liabilities by the enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when such differences are recovered or settled. The effect on deferred taxes for a change in tax rates is recognized in income tax expense/ (benefit) attributable to continuing operations in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances on deferred tax assets are estimated based on our assessment of the realizability of such amounts. Significant management judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes and, in particular, any valuation allowance recorded against our deferred tax assets.

In accordance with ASC 740, deferred tax assets are to be reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The realization of the tax benefit depends upon the existence of sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character within the carry-forward periods.

Management considered the following items in evaluating the need for a valuation allowance:


▪	The Company had cumulative pre-tax income, as adjusted for permanent book-to-tax differences, during the period 2016 through 2018.


▪	Deferred tax assets are expected to reverse in periods when there will be taxable income.


▪	The Company projects sufficient future taxable income to be generated by operations during the available carry-forward period.


▪	Certain tax planning strategies are available, such as reducing investments in tax-exempt securities.


▪	The Company has not had any operating loss or tax credit carryovers expiring unused in recent years.

The Company believes that it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax asset as of December 31, 2018, will be realized based primarily upon the ability to generate future taxable income. The Company does not have any capital losses in excess of capital gains as of December 31, 2018.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company records derivatives on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. Derivatives used to hedge exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivatives used to hedge exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges.

For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is initially reported in other comprehensive income/ (loss) (a component of shareholders’ equity), net of tax, and subsequently reclassified to earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings, and the ineffective portion, if any, of changes in the fair value of the derivative is recognized directly in earnings. The Company assesses the effectiveness of each hedging relationship by comparing the changes in cash flows of the derivative hedging instrument with the changes in cash flows of the designated hedged transactions. On January 1, 2018, the Company early adopted ASU No. 2017-12, Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities, under the modified retrospective transition. Under the new ASU, the concept of ineffectiveness is no longer used. In accordance with the guidance, the Company will recognize all reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income/ (loss) (other than those related to a hedge transaction probable of not occurring) in earnings.

For derivatives designated as fair value hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recognized in earnings together with the changes in the fair value of the related hedged item. Therefore, the net amount, if any, representing hedge ineffectiveness, is reflected in earnings.

Investment Management, Wealth Advisory, and Wealth Management and Trust Fees

Investment management, Wealth advisory, and Wealth Management and Trust Fees

The Company generates fee income from providing wealth management, investment management and wealth advisory services and from providing trust services to its clients at the Bank. Investment management fees are generally based upon the value of assets under management and are billed monthly, quarterly, or annually. Asset-based advisory fees are recognized as services are rendered and are based upon a percentage of the fair value of client assets managed. Certain wealth advisory fees are not asset-based and are negotiated individually with clients. Any fees collected in advance are deferred and recognized as income over the period earned. Performance-based advisory fees are generally assessed as a percentage of the investment performance realized on a client’s account, generally over an annual period, and are not recognized until any contingencies in the contract that could require the performance fee to be reduced have been eliminated.

Assets under management (“AUM”) at the Company’s consolidated affiliates are not included in the consolidated financial statements since they are held in a fiduciary or agency capacity and are not assets of the Company.

Stock-Based Incentive Plans

The fair value of restricted stock and restricted units, both time based and performance based, is generally equal to the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of issuance. The fair value of time based, performance based, or market based stock options is calculated using a pricing model such as Black-Scholes. At December 31, 2018, the Company has three stock-based incentive compensation plans. These plans encourage and enable the officers, employees, and non-employee directors of the Company to acquire an interest in the Company. The Company accounts for share-based awards in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation. Costs resulting from the issuance of such share-based payment awards are required to be recognized in the financial statements based on the grant date fair value of the award. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period. The vesting period for time based and performance based stock, units, and options is generally cliff vesting with terms from 1 to 5 years. Market based option vesting is based on the specific terms of the vesting criteria and the expectation of when the performance criteria could be attained as of the time of issuance.

Earnings Per Share (EPS)

Earnings Per Share (“EPS”)

Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income/ (loss) attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock (such as stock warrants, non-participating performance-based restricted stock, certain time-based restricted stock, and stock options, among others) were exercised or converted into additional common shares that would then share in the earnings of the entity. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the year, plus an incremental number of common-equivalent shares computed using the treasury stock method. Dilutive potential common shares could consist of: stock options, performance-based restricted stock, time-based restricted stock not participating in common stock dividends, warrants or other dilutive securities, and conversion of the convertible trust preferred securities. Additionally, when dilutive, interest expense (net of tax) related to the convertible trust preferred securities is added back to net income attributable to common shareholders. The calculation of diluted EPS excludes the potential dilution of common shares and the inclusion of any related expenses if the effect is antidilutive.

For the calculation of the Company’s EPS, see Part II. Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 16: Earnings Per Share.”

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 replaces existing revenue recognition standards and expands the disclosure requirements for revenue agreements with customers. ASU 2014-09 has been subsequently amended by additional ASUs, including ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) and ASU 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients, collectively, “ASU 2014-09 et al.” Under the new standard, a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration which the company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 et al. does not apply to revenue associated with financial instruments such as loans and securities. ASU 2014-09 et al. was adopted using the modified retrospective transition method as of January 1, 2018, however no cumulative effect adjustment was required. This new guidance was applied to all revenue contracts in place at the date of adoption. See Part II. Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 26: Revenue Recognition” for further details.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU 2016-01”). This ASU requires equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value, net of tax, recognized in net income. As a result of implementing this standard, the Company reclassified $339 thousand in unrealized gains on available-for-sale equity investments, net of tax, from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. Additionally, this amendment requires that entities use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes. As a result of implementing this standard, the Company’s updated process includes identifying a fair value for loans using the exit price notion. See Part II. Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 21: Fair Value Measurements” for further details.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”). This update and the related amendments to Topic 842 require lessees to recognize leases on-balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. Topic 842 was subsequently amended by ASU No. 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases (“ASU 2018-10”) and ASU No. 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842), Targeted Improvements (“ASU 2018-11”). The new standard establishes a right-of-use model ("ROU") that requires a lessee to recognize a ROU asset and lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with a term longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern and classification of expense recognition in the income statement. The new standard is effective on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted these provisions on January 1, 2019, and has elected to use the cumulative effect adjustment transition method, as prescribed by ASU 2018-11. The Company expects that this standard will have a material effect on the financial statements. The most significant effects relate to the recognition of new ROU assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for real estate operating leases; and providing significant new disclosures about leasing activities.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. This update is intended to simplify several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based plans such as income tax consequences, classification of awards as either liabilities or equity on the balance sheet, and classification on the statement of cash flows. This ASU was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those years. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2017. The adoption of this ASU has resulted in, and will continue to result in, fluctuations in the Company’s earnings due to changes in the Company’s stock price between issuance date and settlement date of employee share-based transactions. In addition, the Company anticipates that certain stock options will expire unexercised, due to being out of the money, and this ASU requires the previous tax benefits to be reversed. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the impact on the Company’s income tax expense related to the adoption of this ASU was a decrease of $0.7 million and a decrease of $0.3 million, respectively.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments (Topic 326) (“ASU 2016-13”). This update is intended to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. To achieve this objective, the amendments in this update replace the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a current expected credit losses (“CECL”) model methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. This ASU will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is available as of the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2018, but the Company does not plan on adopting early. The Company plans to adopt on January 1, 2020 utilizing a modified retrospective approach and is currently assessing the impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements and disclosures. Management assembled a project team that has developed an approach for implementation including selecting a third-party software service provider, assessing the key differences and gaps between its current allowance methodologies and models with those it is considering to use upon adoption and identifying the necessary data requirements. The Company has also begun developing accounting policies and considering the need for new internal controls relevant to the updated methodologies and models.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04. This update is the result of the first phase of a two phase project by the FASB to reduce the cost and complexity of the goodwill impairment test. The objective of Phase 1 of the project, which resulted in ASU 2017-04, is to simplify how an entity is required to test goodwill for impairment by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Step 2 measures a goodwill impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Instead, under the amendments in ASU 2017-04, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Additionally, an entity should consider income tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. Under the provisions of this update, an entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment, or Step 0 test, for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. This ASU will be effective for any annual or interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company elected to early adopt this ASU as of January 1, 2017, which did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost (“ASU 2017-07”). This amendment requires an employer to report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented. This ASU was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those years. As a result of the adoption of this ASU, $95 thousand has been reclassified from salaries and employee benefits expense to other expense within the Company’s consolidated statement of operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, $423 thousand is presented within other expense that would have been presented within salaries and employee benefits prior to adoption of ASU 2017-07.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, Receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20), Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities (“ASU 2017-08”). This update amends the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium. The amortization period for the premium on such securities is being shortened to the earliest call date. Under current GAAP, entities generally amortize the premium as an adjustment of yield over the contractual life of the instrument. ASU 2017-08 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted, including in an interim period. The guidance requires application using a modified retrospective transition method through a cumulative-effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings. The Company early adopted this ASU as of July 1, 2017, which had a minimal impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities (“ASU 2017-12”). The standard is intended to improve the transparency and understandability of information conveyed to financial statement users about an entity’s risk management activities by better aligning the entity’s financial reporting for hedging relationships with those risk management activities and to reduce the complexity of and simplify the application of hedge accounting by preparers. ASU No. 2017-12 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018; early adoption is permitted. The Company early adopted this ASU as of January 1, 2018 with a modified retrospective transition. As a result of implementing this standard, the Company reclassified $5 thousand in unrealized losses on derivatives from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. This ASU will provide more flexibility in the Company’s risk management activities and we believe it will enhance the Company’s ability to employ risk management strategies, while improving the transparency and understanding of those strategies for financial statement users.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. This update was issued to address a narrow-scope financial reporting issue that arose as a consequence of the change in the tax law. On December 22, 2017, the U.S. federal government enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) which, among other significant changes, lowers the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. This update requires a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the enactment of the Tax Act. ASC 740 requires that the tax effects of changes in tax rates be recognized in income tax expense/ (benefit) attributable to continuing operations in the period in which the law is enacted. As a result, the tax effect of accumulated other comprehensive income does not reflect the appropriate tax rate. The amendments in this ASU would eliminate the stranded tax effects associated with the change in the federal corporate income tax rate related to the Tax Act and would improve the usefulness of information reported to financial statement users. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted for public business entities for reporting periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued. The Company adopted this ASU on December 31, 2017 and made a one-time reclassification of $1.5 million from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings, which is reflected in the consolidated statement of changes in shareholders’ equity.

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases (“ASU 2018-10”), and ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements (“ASU 2018-11”). These updates clarify the guidance in ASU 2016-02 which introduced Topic 842, and add an additional transition method for leases. ASU 2018-11 allows entities to initially apply the new leases standard at the adoption date (January 1, 2019 for the Company) and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. This transition method is in addition to the initial modified retrospective transition method, which would require an entity to initially apply the new leases standard (subject to specific transition requirements and optional practical expedients) at the beginning of the earliest period presented in the financial statements (January 1, 2017 for the Company). This means that starting on January 1, 2017, lessees must recognize lease assets and liabilities for all leases even though those leases may have expired before the effective date. Lessees also must provide the new and enhanced disclosures for each period presented, including the comparative periods. ASU 2018-11 would not require the amended disclosures of Topic 842 for comparative periods. The Company adopted these provisions along with those of ASU 2016-02 as of January 1, 2019, and has elected to use the cumulative effect adjustment transition method, as prescribed by ASU 2018-11.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (“ASU 2018-13”). The amendments in ASU 2018-13 modify the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements in Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, based on the concepts in the Concepts Statement, including the consideration of costs and benefits. Among other changes, this update removes the requirements to disclose the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the policy for timing of transfers between levels, and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. This update adds to required disclosures for changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements held at the end of the reporting period and the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. For certain unobservable inputs, an entity may disclose other quantitative information (such as the median or arithmetic average) in lieu of the weighted average if the entity determines that other quantitative information would be a more reasonable and rational method to reflect the distribution of unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. The amendments in this Update are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is still assessing the potential disclosure impact for these amendments and whether to adopt the provisions prior to January 1, 2020.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans (“ASU 2018-14”). The amendments in ASU 2018-14 remove disclosures that no longer are considered cost beneficial, clarify the specific requirements of disclosures, and add disclosure requirements identified as relevant. This update is effective on a retrospective basis for the Company beginning January 1, 2021. The Company is still assessing the potential impact for this update and how it applies to the Company’s disclosures surrounding its two non-qualified supplemental executive retirement plans (“SERP”) and a long-term incentive plan (“LTIP”) at one of its affiliate companies.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) (“ASU 2018-15”). The amendments in ASU 2018-15 align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal use software license). The accounting for the service element of a hosting arrangement that is a service contract is not affected by the amendments in ASU 2018-15. This update is effective on a retrospective basis for the Company beginning January 1, 2021. The Company early adopted this update on January 1, 2019. The Company does not believe that this update will have a material impact on the financial statements based on anticipated expenditures.

In October 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-16, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Inclusion of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) Overnight Index Swap (“OIS”) Rate as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting (“ASU 2018-16”). ASU 2018-16 introduces OIS Rate based on the SOFR as an acceptable US benchmark interest for purposed of applying hedge accounting under Topic 815. This update is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 because the Company has already adopted ASU 2017-12. The Company adopted this update on January 1, 2019 and the update did not have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements.