XML 48 R36.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.22.0.1
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Accounting The accounting and reporting policies of Wintrust Financial Corporation (“Wintrust” or the “Company”) and its subsidiaries conform to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States and prevailing practices of the banking industry. In the preparation of the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts contained in the consolidated financial statements. Management believes that the estimates made are reasonable; however, changes in estimates may be required if economic or other conditions change beyond management’s expectations. Reclassifications of certain prior year amounts have been made to conform to the current year presentation. The following is a summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies.
Principles of Consolidation
Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements of Wintrust include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.
Earnings per Share
Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that would occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then share in the earnings of the Company. The weighted-average number of common shares outstanding is increased by the assumed conversion of any outstanding convertible preferred stock shares from the beginning of the year or date of issuance, if later, and the number of common shares that would be issued assuming the exercise of stock options, the issuance of restricted shares and stock warrants using the treasury stock method. The adjustments to the weighted-average common shares outstanding are only made when such adjustments will dilute earnings per common share. If relevant convertible preferred shares are outstanding during a period, net income applicable to common shares used in the diluted earnings per share calculation may be adjusted to consider potential conversion of such preferred shares. Where the effect of this conversion would reduce the loss per share or increase the income per share, net income applicable to common shares is not adjusted by the associated preferred dividends.
Business Combinations
Business Combinations

The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805, “Business Combinations” (“ASC 805”) when it obtains control of a business. When determining whether a business has been acquired, the Company first evaluates whether substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired are concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets. If concentrated in such a manner, the set of assets and activities is not a business. If not concentrated in such a manner, the Company assesses whether the set meets the definition of a business by containing inputs, outputs and at least one substantive process. If the set represents a business, the Company recognizes the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, immediately expenses transaction costs and accounts for restructuring plans separately from the business combination. The excess of the cost of the acquisition over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Alternatively, a gain is recorded equal to the amount by which the fair value of assets purchased exceeds the fair value of liabilities assumed and consideration paid.

If the set of assets and activities do not constitute a business, the transaction is accounted for as an asset acquisition. The cost of a group of assets acquired is allocated to the individual assets acquired or liabilities assumed based on the relative fair value and does not result in the recognition of goodwill. Generally, any excess of the cost of the transaction over the fair value of the individual assets acquired or liabilities assumed, or, in contrast, any excess of the fair value of the individual assets acquired or liabilities assumed over the cost of the transaction, should be allocated on a relative fair value basis. Certain "non-qualifying" assets are excluded from this allocation, and are recognized at the individual asset's fair value.
Results of operations of the acquired business are included in the income statement from the effective date of acquisition. Subsequent adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified in reporting periods within one year after the acquisition date in a business combination are recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined.
Cash Equivalents Cash EquivalentsFor purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, Wintrust considers cash on hand, cash items in the process of collection, non-interest bearing amounts due from correspondent banks, federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements with original maturities of three months or less, to be cash equivalents. At December 31, 2021, federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Condition included approximately $700.0 million of securities sold under agreements to repurchase with original maturities exceeding three months. As a result, such balance was not considered a cash equivalent for purposes of the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the respective period.
Investment Securities
Investment Securities

The Company classifies debt and equity securities upon purchase in one of five categories: trading, held-to-maturity debt securities, available-for-sale debt securities, equity securities with a readily determinable fair value or equity securities without a readily determinable fair value. Debt and equity securities held for resale are classified as trading securities. Debt securities for which the Company has the ability and positive intent to hold until maturity are classified as held-to-maturity. All other debt securities are classified as available-for-sale as they may be sold prior to maturity in response to changes in the Company’s interest rate risk profile, funding needs, demand for collateralized deposits by public entities or other reasons. Equity securities are classified based upon whether a readily determinable fair value exists on such security. The fair value of an equity security is readily determinable if it meets certain conditions, including whether sales prices or bid-ask quotes are currently available on certain securities exchanges; traded only in a foreign market that is of a breadth and scope comparable to one of the U.S. markets; or the security is an investment in a mutual fund or similar structure with a fair value per share or unit that is determined and published, and is the basis for current transactions.

Held-to-maturity debt securities are stated at amortized cost, which represents actual cost adjusted for premium amortization and discount accretion using methods that approximate the effective interest method. Available-for-sale debt securities are stated at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of related taxes, included in shareholders’ equity as a separate component of other comprehensive income. Trading account securities and equity securities with a readily determinable fair value are stated at fair value. Realized and unrealized gains and losses from sales and fair value adjustments are included in other non-interest income. Equity securities without a readily determinable fair value are stated at either a calculated net asset value per share, if available, or the cost of the security minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or similar instrument of the same issuer.

Subsequent to classification at the time of purchase, the Company may transfer debt securities between trading, held-to-maturity, or available-for-sale. For debt securities transferred to trading, the current unrealized gain or loss at the date of transfer, net of related taxes, is immediately recognized in earnings. Debt securities transferred from trading to either held-to-maturity or available-for-sale have already recognized any unrealized gain or loss into earnings and this amount is not reversed. Unrealized gains or losses, net related taxes, for available-for-sale debt securities transferred to held-to-maturity remain as a separate component of other comprehensive income and an offsetting discount is included in the amortized cost of the held-to-maturity debt security. These amounts are amortized over the remaining life of the debt security in equal and offsetting amounts. Unrealized gains or losses for held-to-maturity debt securities transferred to available-for-sale are recognized at the transfer date as a separate component of other comprehensive income, net of related taxes.

Declines in the fair value of held-to-maturity and available-for-sale debt investment securities (with certain exceptions for debt securities noted below) that are deemed to be credit losses are charged to the allowance for credit losses. In evaluating credit impairment, management considers the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value in the near term. Declines in the fair value of debt securities below amortized cost are deemed to be credit losses in circumstances where: (1) the Company has the intent to sell a security; (2) it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; or (3) the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the debt security. If the Company intends to sell a debt security or if it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security before recovery, a credit impairment write-down is recognized in the allowance for credit losses equal to the difference between the debt security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value. If an entity does not intend to sell the debt security or it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell the debt security before recovery, the credit impairment write-down is separated into an amount representing credit loss, which is recognized in the allowance for credit losses, and an amount related to all other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income.
Equity securities with readily determinable fair values are measured at fair value with changes recognized in net income. Equity securities without readily determinable fair values are measured at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer. Such investments are included within accrued interest receivable and other assets within the Company's Consolidated Statements of Condition.

Interest and dividends, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, are recognized as interest income when earned. Realized gains and losses on sales (using the specific identification method), unrealized gains and losses on equity securities and declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary are included in non-interest income.
FHLB and FRB Stock
FHLB and FRB Stock

Investments in FHLB and FRB stock are restricted as to redemption and are carried at cost.
Securities Purchased Under Resale Agreements and Securities Sold Under Repurchase Agreements
Securities Purchased Under Resale Agreements and Securities Sold Under Repurchase Agreements

Securities purchased under resale agreements and securities sold under repurchase agreements are generally treated as collateralized financing transactions and are recorded at the amount at which the securities were acquired or sold plus accrued interest. Securities, consisting of U.S. Treasury, U.S. Government agency and mortgage-backed securities, pledged as collateral under these financing arrangements cannot be sold by the secured party. The fair value of collateral either received from or provided to a third party is monitored and additional collateral is obtained or requested to be returned as deemed appropriate.
Brokerage Customer Receivables
Brokerage Customer Receivables

The Company, under an agreement with an out-sourced securities clearing firm, extends credit to its brokerage customers to finance their purchases of securities on margin. The Company receives income from interest charged on such extensions of credit. Brokerage customer receivables represent amounts due on margin balances. Securities owned by customers are held as collateral for these receivables.
Mortgage Loans Held-for-Sale
Mortgage Loans Held-for-Sale

Mortgage loans are classified as held-for-sale when originated or acquired with the intent to sell the loan into the secondary market. ASC 825, “Financial Instruments” provides entities with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value. Mortgage loans classified as held-for-sale are measured at fair value which is typically determined by reference to investor prices for loan products with similar characteristics. Changes in fair value are recognized in mortgage banking revenue.

Market conditions or other developments may change management’s intent with respect to the disposition of these loans and loans previously classified as mortgage loans held-for-sale may be reclassified to the loans held-for-investment portfolio, with the balance transferred continuing to be carried at fair value.
Loans and Leases
Loans and Leases

Loans are generally reported at the principal amount outstanding, net of unearned income. Interest income is recognized when earned. Loan origination fees and certain direct origination costs are deferred and amortized over the expected life of the loan as an adjustment to the yield using methods that approximate the effective interest method. Finance charges on premium finance receivables are earned over the term of the loan, using a method which approximates the effective yield method.

Leases classified as direct financing leases are included within lease loans for financial statement purposes. Direct financing leases are stated as the sum of remaining minimum lease payments from lessees plus estimated residual values less unearned lease income. Unearned lease income on direct financing leases is recognized over the term of the leases using the effective interest method.
Interest income is not accrued on loans where management has determined that the borrowers may be unable to meet contractual principal or interest obligations, or where interest or principal is 90 days or more past due, unless the loans are adequately secured and in the process of collection. Cash receipts on non-accrual loans are generally applied to the principal balance until the remaining balance is considered collectible, at which time interest income may be recognized when received.
Allowance for Credit Losses
Allowance for Credit Losses

In accordance with ASC 326, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses” (“ASC 326”), the Company measures the allowance for credit losses at the time of origination or purchase of a financial asset, representing an estimate of lifetime expected credit losses on the related asset. Financial assets include assets measured under the amortized cost basis, including loans, net investments in leases recognized by a lessor, held-to-maturity debt securities and purchased credit deteriorated (“PCD”) assets at the time of and subsequent to acquisition, and off-balance-sheet credit exposures considered not unconditionally cancellable. In addition to financial assets measured at amortized cost, credit losses related to available-for-sale debt securities are recorded through the allowance for credit losses and not as a direct adjustment to the amortized cost of the securities. The Company elects the collateral maintenance practical expedient under ASC 326 and applies this approach to securities sold under agreements to repurchase and brokerage customer receivables. In accordance with contractual terms, these assets require underlying collateral to be monitored continuously and replenished when collateral is less than required levels. The Company measures an allowance for credit losses if the carrying balance of such assets exceeds the amount of underlying collateral.

The allowance for credit losses on financial assets held at amortized cost is measured on a collective or pooled basis when similar risk characteristics exist. The Company utilizes modeling methodologies that estimate lifetime credit loss rates on each pool, including methodologies estimating the probability of default and loss given default on specific segments. Credit quality indicators, specifically the Company's internal risk rating systems, reflect how the Company monitors credit losses and represent factors used by the Company when measuring the allowance for credit losses. Historical credit loss history is adjusted for reasonable and supportable forecasts developed by the Company and incorporates third party economic forecasts on a quantitative or qualitative basis. Reasonable and supportable forecasts consider the macroeconomic factors that are most relevant to evaluating and predicting expected credit losses in the Company's financial assets. For periods beyond the ability to develop reasonable and supportable forecasts, the Company reverts to historical loss rates. Qualitative factors assessed by Management include the following:
Changes in the nature and volume of the institution’s financial assets;
Changes in the existence, growth, and effect of any concentrations of credit;
Changes in the volume and severity of past due financial assets, the volume of non-accrual assets, and the volume and severity of adversely classified or graded assets;
Changes in the value of the underlying collateral for loans that are not collateral-dependent;
Changes in the institution’s lending policies and procedures, including changes in underwriting standards and practices for collections, write-offs, and recoveries;
Changes in the quality of the institution’s credit review function;
Changes in the experience, ability, and depth of the institution’s lending, investment, collection, and other relevant management and staff;
The effect of changes in other external factors such as the regulatory, legal and technological environments; competition; and events such as natural disasters; and
Actual and expected changes in international, national, regional, and local economic and business conditions and developments in which the institution operates that affect the collectability of financial assets.

Expected credit losses are measured over the contractual term of the financial asset with consideration of expected prepayments. Expected extensions, renewals or modifications of the financial asset are considered when either 1) the expected extension, renewal or modification is contained within the existing agreement and is not unconditionally cancellable, or 2) the expected extension, renewal or modification is reasonably expected to result in a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”).

Financial assets that do not share similar risk characteristics with any pool are assessed for the allowance for credit losses on an individual basis. These typically include assets experiencing financial difficulties, including substandard non-accrual assets and assets currently classified or expected to be classified as TDRs. If an individual asset is removed from a pool, the allowance for credit losses for such pool will be measured without considering the removed asset. If foreclosure is probable or the asset is considered collateral-dependent, expected credit losses are measured based upon the fair value of the underlying collateral adjusted for selling costs, if appropriate. For certain accruing current and expected TDRs, expected credit losses are measured based upon the present value of future cash flows of the modified asset terms compared to the amortized cost of the asset.

For purchased financial assets that have experienced more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination (“PCD assets”), the Company recognizes the sum of the purchase price and estimate of the allowance for credit losses as of the date of acquisition as the initial amortized cost basis. If the estimated allowance for credit losses is recognized under a methodology that is not a discounted cash flow methodology, such allowance for credit losses will be estimated based upon the unpaid principal balance of the financial asset.

The Company does not measure an allowance for credit losses on accrued interest receivable balances if these balances are written off in a timely manner. Write-offs of accrued interest receivable balances are recorded as a reduction to interest income.
Recoveries of financial assets previously written off are recognized when received and recorded as a component of the allowance for credit losses. When measuring the allowance for credit losses, the Company incorporates an estimate of expected recoveries provided the estimate is reasonable and supportable. Write-offs of financial assets are charged-off or deducted from the allowance for credit losses and recorded in the period when the Company concludes that all or a portion of a financial asset is no longer collectible. A provision for credit losses is charged to income based on Management’s periodic evaluation of the factors previously described. Evaluations are conducted at least quarterly and more frequently if deemed necessary.
Mortgage Servicing Rights ("MSRs")
Mortgage Servicing Rights ("MSRs")

MSRs are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Condition at fair value in accordance with ASC 860, “Transfers and Servicing.” The Company originates mortgage loans for sale to the secondary market. Certain loans are originated and sold with servicing rights retained. MSRs associated with loans originated and sold, where servicing is retained, are capitalized at the time of sale at fair value based on the future net cash flows expected to be realized for performing the servicing activities, and included in other assets in the Consolidated Statements of Condition. The change in the fair value of MSRs is recorded as a component of mortgage banking revenue in non-interest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company measures the fair value of MSRs by stratifying the servicing rights into pools based on homogeneous characteristics, such as product type and interest rate. The fair value of each servicing rights pool is calculated based on the present value of estimated future cash flows using a discount rate commensurate with the risk associated with that pool, given current market conditions. Estimates of fair value include assumptions about prepayment speeds, interest rates and other factors which are subject to change over time. Changes in these underlying assumptions could cause the fair value of MSRs to change significantly in the future.
Lease Investments Lease Investments The Company’s investments in equipment and other assets held on operating leases are reported as lease investments, net. Rental income on operating leases is recognized as income over the lease term on a straight-line basis. Equipment and other assets held on operating leases is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation of the cost of the assets held on operating leases, less any residual value, is computed using the straight-line method over the term of the leases, which is generally seven years or less.
Premises and Equipment
Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment, including leasehold improvements, are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Useful lives generally range from two to 15 years for furniture, fixtures and equipment, two to seven years for software and computer-related equipment and seven to 39 years for buildings and improvements. Land improvements are amortized over a period of 15 years and leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the useful life of the improvement or the term of the respective lease including any lease renewals deemed to be reasonably assured. Land, antique furnishings and artwork are not subject to depreciation. Expenditures for major additions and improvements are capitalized, and maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Eligible costs related to the configuration, coding, testing and installation of internal use software and qualifying cloud computing arrangements are capitalized.

Long-lived depreciable assets are evaluated periodically for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Impairment exists when the expected undiscounted future cash flows of a long-lived asset are less than its carrying value. In that event, a loss is recognized for the difference between the carrying value and the estimated fair value of the asset based on a quoted market price, if applicable, or a discounted cash flow analysis. Impairment losses are recognized in other non-interest expense.
Other Real Estate Owned Other Real Estate OwnedOther real estate owned is comprised of real estate acquired in partial or full satisfaction of loans and is included in other assets in the Consolidated Statements of Condition. Other real estate owned is recorded at its estimated fair value less estimated selling costs at the date of transfer. Any excess of the related loan balance over the fair value less expected selling costs is charged to the allowance for credit losses. In contrast, any excess of the fair value less expected selling costs over the related loan balance is recorded as a recovery of prior charge-offs on the loan and, if any portion of the excess exceeds prior charge-offs, as an increase to earnings. Subsequent changes in value are reported as adjustments to the carrying amount and are recorded in other non-interest expense. Gains and losses upon sale, if any, are also charged to other non-interest expense.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Other Intangible AssetsGoodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of net assets acquired. Other intangible assets represent purchased assets that also lack physical substance but can be distinguished from goodwill because of contractual or other legal rights or because the asset is capable of being sold or exchanged either on its own or in combination with a related contract, asset or liability. In accordance with accounting standards, goodwill is not amortized, but rather is tested for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently when events warrant, using a qualitative or quantitative approach. Intangible assets which have finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives and also are subject to impairment testing. Intangible assets which have indefinite lives are evaluated each reporting date to determine whether events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life. If an indefinite useful life can no longer be supported for such asset, the intangible asset will be amortized prospectively over the remaining estimated useful life. If an indefinite useful life can be supported, the asset is not amortized, but rather is tested for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently when events warrant, using a qualitative or quantitative approach. The Company’s intangible assets having finite lives are amortized over varying periods not exceeding twenty years.
Bank-Owned Life Insurance (BOLI) Bank-Owned Life Insurance ("BOLI")The Company maintains BOLI on certain executives. BOLI balances are recorded at their cash surrender values and are included in other assets in the Consolidated Statements of Condition. Changes in the cash surrender values are included in non-interest income.
Derivative Instruments
Derivative Instruments

The Company enters into derivative transactions principally to protect against the risk of adverse price or interest rate movements on the future cash flows or the value of certain assets and liabilities. The Company is also required to recognize certain contracts and commitments, including certain commitments to fund mortgage loans held-for-sale, as derivatives when the characteristics of those contracts and commitments meet the definition of a derivative. The Company accounts for derivatives in accordance with ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging,” which requires that all derivative instruments be recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Condition at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and further, on the type of hedging relationship.

Derivative instruments designated in a hedge relationship to mitigate exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset or liability attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivative instruments designated in a hedge relationship to mitigate exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Formal documentation of the relationship between a derivative instrument and a hedged asset or liability, as well as the risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking each hedge transaction and an assessment of effectiveness, is required at inception to apply hedge accounting. In addition, formal documentation of ongoing effectiveness testing is required to maintain hedge accounting.

Fair value hedges are accounted for by recording the changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument and the changes in the fair value related to the risk being hedged of the hedged asset or liability on the statement of condition with corresponding offsets recorded in the income statement. The adjustment to the hedged asset or liability is included in the basis of the hedged item, while the fair value of the derivative is recorded as a freestanding asset or liability. Actual cash receipts or payments and related amounts accrued during the period on derivatives included in a fair value hedge relationship are recorded as adjustments to the interest income or expense recorded on the hedged asset or liability.

Cash flow hedges are accounted for by recording the changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument on the statement of condition as either a freestanding asset or liability, with a corresponding offset recorded in other comprehensive income within shareholders’ equity, net of deferred taxes. Amounts are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense in the period or periods the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings.

Under both the fair value and cash flow hedge scenarios, changes in the fair value of derivatives not considered to be highly effective in hedging the change in fair value or the expected cash flows of the hedged item are recognized in earnings as non-interest income during the period of the change.
Derivative instruments that are not designated as hedges according to accounting guidance are reported on the statement of condition at fair value and the changes in fair value are recognized in earnings as non-interest income during the period of the change.

Commitments to fund mortgage loans (i.e. interest rate locks) to be sold into the secondary market and forward commitments for the future delivery of these mortgage loans are accounted for as derivatives and are not designated in hedging relationships. Fair values of these mortgage derivatives are estimated primarily based on changes in mortgage rates from the date of the commitments. Changes in the fair values of these derivatives are included in mortgage banking revenue.

Forward currency contracts used to manage foreign exchange risk associated with certain assets are accounted for as derivatives and are not designated in hedging relationships. Foreign currency derivatives are recorded at fair value based on prevailing currency exchange rates at the measurement date. Changes in the fair values of these derivatives resulting from fluctuations in currency rates are recognized in earnings as non-interest income during the period of change.

Periodically, the Company sells options to an unrelated bank or dealer for the right to purchase certain securities held within its investment portfolios (“covered call options”). These option transactions are designed primarily as an economic hedge to compensate for net interest margin compression by increasing the total return associated with holding the related securities as earning assets by using fee income generated from these options. These transactions are not designated in hedging relationships pursuant to accounting guidance and, accordingly, changes in fair values of these contracts, are reported in other non-interest income.
The Company periodically purchases options for the right to purchase securities not currently held within its investment portfolios or enters into interest rate swaps in which the Company elects to not designate such derivatives as hedging instruments. These option and swap transactions are designed primarily to economically hedge a portion of the fair value adjustments related to the Company’s mortgage servicing rights portfolio. The gain or loss associated with these derivative contracts are included in mortgage banking revenue.
Trust Assets, Assets Under Management and Brokerage Assets
Trust Assets, Assets Under Management and Brokerage Assets

Assets held in fiduciary or agency capacity for customers are not included in the consolidated financial statements as they are not assets of Wintrust or its subsidiaries. Fee income is recognized on an accrual basis and is included as a component of non-interest income.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes

Wintrust and its subsidiaries file a consolidated Federal income tax return. Income tax expense is based upon income in the consolidated financial statements rather than amounts reported on the income tax return. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using currently enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized as an income tax benefit or income tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date.

Positions taken in the Company’s tax returns may be subject to challenge by the taxing authorities upon examination. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, uncertain tax positions are initially recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not the positions will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. Such tax positions are both initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement with the tax authority, assuming full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts. Interest and penalties on income tax uncertainties are classified within income tax expense in the income statement.
Stock-Based Compensation Plans
Stock-Based Compensation Plans

In accordance with ASC 718, “Compensation — Stock Compensation,” compensation cost is measured as the fair value of the awards on their date of grant. A Black-Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options and the market price of the Company’s stock at the date of grant is used to estimate the fair value of restricted stock awards. Compensation cost is recognized over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period. For awards with graded vesting, compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award.
Accounting guidance permits for the recognition of stock based compensation for the number of awards that are ultimately expected to vest. As a result, recognized compensation expense for stock options and restricted share awards is reduced for estimated forfeitures prior to vesting. Forfeitures rates are estimated for each type of award based on historical forfeiture experience. Estimated forfeitures will be reassessed in subsequent periods and may change based on new facts and circumstances. The Company issues new shares to satisfy option exercises and vesting of restricted shares.
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale debt securities, net of deferred taxes, changes in deferred gains and losses on investment securities transferred from available-for-sale debt securities to held-to-maturity debt securities, net of deferred taxes, adjustments related to cash flow hedges, net of deferred taxes, and foreign currency translation adjustments, net of deferred taxes. The Company has a policy for releasing the income tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income using an individual security approach.
Stock Repurchases
Stock Repurchases

The Company periodically repurchases shares of its outstanding common stock through open market purchases or other methods. Repurchased shares are recorded as treasury shares on the trade date using the treasury stock method, and the cash paid is recorded as treasury stock.
Foreign Currency Translation
Foreign Currency Translation

The Company revalues assets, liabilities, revenue and expense denominated in non-U.S. currencies into U.S. dollars at the end of each month using applicable exchange rates.
Gains and losses relating to translating functional currency financial statements for U.S. reporting are included in other comprehensive income. Gains and losses relating to the re-measurement of transactions to the functional currency are reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Accounting Pronouncements Newly Adopted and Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Pronouncements Newly Adopted

Income Taxes

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes," to simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles of ASC 740, "Income Taxes". The guidance also improved consistent application by clarifying and amending existing guidance from ASC 740. The Company adopted ASU No. 2019-12 as of January 1, 2021. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Investment Securities

In January 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-01, “Clarifying the Interactions Between Investments-Equity Securities (ASC Topic 321), Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (ASC Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (ASC Topic 815),” which amended ASC 323, Investments-Equity Method & Joint Ventures to clarify that an entity should consider observable transactions that require it to either apply or discontinue using the equity method of accounting for purposes of applying the measurement alternative in accordance with ASC 321, Investments-Equity Securities, immediately before applying or discontinuing the equity method under ASC 323.
The guidance also amended ASC 815, Derivatives & Hedging, to clarify that, when determining the accounting for certain nonderivative forward contracts and purchased options, an entity should not consider how to account for the resulting investments upon eventual settlement or exercise, and that an entity should evaluate the remaining characteristics in accordance with ASC 815 to determine the accounting for those forward contracts and purchased options.

The Company adopted ASU No. 2020-01 as of January 1, 2021 under a prospective approach. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Legislation and Regulations Issued as a Result of the COVID-19 Pandemic

On March 27, 2020, the former President of the United States signed the CARES Act, which provides entities with optional temporary relief from certain accounting and financial reporting requirements under U.S. GAAP.

Section 4013 of the CARES Act allowed financial institutions to suspend application of certain current TDR accounting guidance under ASC 310-40 for loan modifications related to the COVID-19 pandemic made between March 1, 2020 and the earlier of December 31, 2020 or 60 days after the end of the COVID-19 national emergency, provided certain criteria were met. This relief was able to be applied to loan modifications for borrowers that were not more than 30 days past due as of December 31, 2019 and to loan modifications that deferred or delayed the payment of principal or interest, or changed the interest rate on the loan. The Company chose to apply this relief to eligible loan modifications.

In April 2020, federal and state banking regulators issued the Interagency Statement on Loan Modifications and Reporting for Financial Institutions Working with Customers Affected by the Coronavirus to provide separate relief, specifically indicating that if a modification is either short-term (e.g., six months) or mandated by a federal or state government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the borrower is not considered to be experiencing financial difficulty and thus does not represent a TDR under ASC 310-40. Additionally, in August 2020, regulators issued the Joint Statement on Additional Loan Accommodations Related to the COVID-19 pandemic to provide prudent risk management and consumer protection principles for financial institutions to consider while working with borrowers as loans near the end of initial loan accommodation periods applicable during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company continues to prudently work with borrowers negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic while managing credit risks and recognizing appropriate allowance for credit losses on its loan portfolio.

The business tax provisions of the CARES Act include temporary changes to income and non-income based tax laws, including immediate recovery of qualified improvement property costs and acceleration of Alternative Minimum Tax ("AMT") credits. These provisions are not expected to have a material impact on the Company's deferred taxes.

On December 27, 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (the "CAA"), which combined stimulus relief for the COVID-19 pandemic with an omnibus spending bill for the 2021 fiscal year, was signed by the former President of the United States. The CAA included extension of TDR accounting relief provided under the CARES Act to January 1, 2022. The Company considered this extension in the identification of TDRs during the year ended December 31, 2021.

Reference Rate Reform

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848),” which provides temporary optional relief for contracts modified as a result of reference rate reform meeting certain modification criteria, generally allowing an entity to account for contract modifications occurring due to reference rate reform as an event that does not require contract remeasurement or reassessment of a previous accounting determination at the modification date. The guidance also includes temporary optional expedients intended to provide relief from various hedge effectiveness requirements for hedging relationships affected by reference rate reform, provided certain criteria are met, and allows a one-time election to sell or transfer to either available-for-sale or trading any held-to-maturity ("HTM") debt securities that refer to an interest rate affected by reference rate reform and were classified as HTM prior to January 1, 2020. Additionally, in January 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-01, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope,” which provided additional clarification that certain optional expedients and exceptions noted above apply to derivative instruments that use an interest rate for margining, discounting or contract price alignment that is modified as a result of reference rate reform. This guidance was effective upon issuance and can be applied prospectively, with certain exceptions, through December 31, 2022.

In November 2020, federal and state banking regulators issued the “Interagency Policy Statement on Reference Rates for Loans" to reiterate that a specific replacement rate for loans impacted by reference rate reform has not been endorsed and entities may utilize any replacement reference rate determined to be appropriate based on its funding model and customer needs. As discussed in the “Interagency Policy Statement on Reference Rates for Loans," fallback language should be included in lending contracts to provide for use of a robust fallback rate if the initial reference rate is discontinued. Additionally, federal banking regulators issued the "Interagency Statement on LIBOR Transition" acknowledging that the administrator of LIBOR has announced it will consult on its intention to cease the publication of the one week and two month USD LIBOR settings
immediately following the LIBOR publication on December 31, 2021, and the remaining USD LIBOR settings immediately following the LIBOR publication on June 30, 2023. As discussed in the "Interagency Statement on LIBOR Transition," regulators encouraged banks to cease entering into new contracts that use USD LIBOR as a reference rate as soon as practicable and in any event by December 31, 2021, in order to facilitate an orderly, safe and sound LIBOR transition. The Company continues to monitor efforts and evaluate the impact of reference rate reform on its consolidated financial statements, including developing processes for assessing accounting impact.

Codification Improvements

In October 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-08, “Codification Improvements to Subtopic 310-20, Receivables — Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs,” clarifying that, for each reporting period, an entity should reevaluate whether a callable debt security with multiple call dates is within the scope of ASC 310-20, which was amended to require amortization of any premium to the next call date. The next call date was defined as the first date when a call option at a specified price becomes exercisable. The Company adopted ASU No. 2020-08 as of January 1, 2021 under a prospective approach. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Additionally, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-10, “Codification Improvements,” in October 2020 to improve the consistency of the codification by adding or moving disclosure-specific guidance contained in the Other Presentation Matters section to the appropriate Disclosure Section for various Topics. The Company adopted ASU No. 2020-10 as of January 1, 2021 under a retrospective approach. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Debt

In October 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-09, “Debt (Topic 470): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Release No. 33-10762," which provides amendments to the SEC Materials and Disclosure sections within ASC Topics 270, Interim Reporting, 460, Guarantees, 470, Debt, and 505, Equity, impacted by the Financial Disclosures about Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities and Affiliates Whose Securities Collateralize a Registrant’s Securities SEC ruling. This guidance was effective on January 4, 2021, consistent with SEC Release No. 33-10762, and the Company applied the guidance prospectively. Adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Financial Disclosures about Acquired and Disposed Businesses

In May 2020, the SEC issued a final rule on “Amendments to Financial Disclosures about Acquired and Disposed Businesses,” which provides for specific disclosure changes, including revising the investment and income significance tests, conforming the significance threshold and tests for a disposed business to those used for an acquired business, permitting abbreviated financial statements for certain acquisitions of a component of an entity, and reducing the maximum number of years for which financial statements are required for acquired businesses from three years to two years, among other amendments. This guidance was effective on January 1, 2021. Adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In August 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-06, "Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 206), Financial Services - Depository and Lending (Topic 942), and Financial Services - Investment Companies (Topic 946)" which amends certain SEC paragraphs in the codification in response to SEC final rule over Financial Disclosures about Acquired and Disposed Businesses by amending ASC Topic 946 by providing additional guidance on financial statement requirements related to Regulation S-X Rule 6-11, Financial Statements of Funds Acquired or to be Acquired. This guidance was effective upon issuance on August 9, 2021. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Statistical Disclosures for Bank and Savings and Loan Registrants

In September 2020, the SEC issued a final rule on the “Update of Statistical Disclosures for Bank and Savings and Loan Registrants,” which adopts rules to update statistical disclosure requirements for banking registrants. The amendments update and expand the disclosures that registrants are required to provide, codify certain Industry Guide 3 disclosure items and eliminate other Guide 3 disclosures that overlap with SEC rules, GAAP or IFRS standards. In addition, Guide 3 is being rescinded and replaced with a new subpart of Regulation S-K. The SEC ruling is applicable to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021 and early compliance is permitted. The Company adopted this guidance in conjunction with the issuance of 2021 Form 10-K and adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In August 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-06, "Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 206), Financial Services - Depository and Lending (Topic 942), and Financial Services - Investment Companies (Topic 946)" which amends certain SEC paragraphs in the codification in response to the SEC final rule on the Update of Statistical Disclosures for Banks and Savings and Loan Registrants by removing the disclosure requirements for various categories of loans contained in ASC Topic 942. This guidance was effective upon issuance on August 9, 2021. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Debt

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, “Debt-Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging-Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity,” which includes provisions for reducing the number of accounting models used in accounting for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock, amending derivatives and earnings-per-share (EPS) guidance and expanding disclosures for convertible debt instruments and EPS. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods therein, and is to be applied under either a full or modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Equity Instruments

In May 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-04, “Earnings Per Share (Topic 260), Debt—Modifications and Extinguishments (Subtopic 470-50), Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718), and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Issuer’s Accounting for Certain Modifications or Exchanges of Freestanding Equity-Classified Written Call Options,” which requires an issuer to account for any modification or exchange of the terms or conditions of a freestanding equity-classified written call option that remains classified as equity to be treated as an exchange of the original instrument for a new instrument, and provides a framework for measuring and recognizing the effect of the exchange as an adjustment to either equity or expense. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods therein, and is to be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Leases

In July 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-05, "Leases (Topic 842): Lessors – Certain Leases with Variable Lease Payments" which amends lessor lease classification requirements to allow leases with variable lease payments that are not dependent on a reference index or rate to be classified and accounted for as an operating lease, provided the lease would have been classified as a sales-type or direct financing lease and the lessor would have otherwise recognized a day-one loss. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods therein, with early adoption permitted. As the Company has adopted ASC Topic 842, this guidance is to be applied retrospectively to leases that commenced or were modified after adoption or prospectively to leases that will commence or be modified after the application of these amendments. The Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Business Combinations

In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-08, “Business Combinations (Topic 805), Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Customers with Contracts,” which clarifies diversity in practice related to recognition and measurement of contract assets and liabilities related to revenue contracts with customers which are acquired in a business combination by aligning business combination accounting with the subsequent accounting for contract assets and liabilities by requiring entities to apply ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, in order to recognize and measure deferred revenue in a business combination. The guidance also creates an exception to the general recognition and measurement principle in ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations, under which such amounts are recognized by the acquirer at fair value on the acquisition date by providing two practical expedients for acquirers. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods therein, and is to be applied either prospectively or retrospectively depending on the date of initial application. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Disclosure of Government Assistance Received
In December 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-10, “Government Assistance (Topic 832), Disclosures by Business Entities about Government Assistance,” which improves transparency in financial reporting by requiring business entities to disclose information about certain types of government assistance received, specifically transactions with a government which are accounted for by analogizing to a grant or contribution model. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted, and is to be applied either prospectively to all previous and new transactions within the scope of the amendments at time of initial application or retrospectively. The Company does not expect this guidance to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.