UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

_______________________________ 

FORM 10-K

_______________________________________ 

☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020

OR

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ______ to ______

Commission File Number 000-50245

 ________________________________________

HOPE BANCORP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

_________________________________________

Delaware	95-4849715
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

3200 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1400

Los Angeles, California 90010

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(213) 639-1700

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share	HOPE	NASDAQ Global Select Market
(Title of class)	(Trading symbol)	(Name of exchange on which registered)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None 

_________________________________________________

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

 Yes  ☒ No  ☐

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    ☒ Yes    ☐  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer	☒	Accelerated filer	☐
Non-accelerated filer	☐	Smaller reporting company	☐
		Emerging growth company	☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.   ☐ 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant based upon the closing sale price of the common stock as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, June 30, 2020, as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, was approximately $1,088,002,311.

Number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of February 19, 2021: 123,268,585

Documents Incorporated by Reference: The information required in Part III, Items 10 through 14 is incorporated herein by reference to the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the 2021 annual meeting of stockholders which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the registrant’s fiscal year end.

Hope Bancorp, Inc.

Form 10-K

For the Year Ended December 31, 2020

Table of Contents

		Page
Forward-Looking Information		4
PART I
Item 1.	Business	4
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	16
Item 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments	25
Item 2.	Properties	25
Item 3.	Legal Proceedings	25
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	25
PART II
Item 5.	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	26
Item 6.	Selected Financial Data	27
Item 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	29
Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	63
Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	66
Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	66
Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures	67
Item 9B.	Other Information	69
PART III
Item 10.	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	70
Item 11.	Executive Compensation	70
Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters	70
Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	70
Item 14.	Principal Accountant Fees and Services	70
PART IV
Item 15.	Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules	71
Item 16.	Form 10-K Summary	73
SIGNATURES		74

2

Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, expectations regarding the business environment in which we operate, projections of future performance, perceived opportunities in the market, and statements regarding our business strategies, objectives and vision. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words “will,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “estimates” or similar expressions. With respect to any such forward-looking statements, the Company claims the protection provided for in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve known and unknown risks, trends, uncertainties, and factors that are beyond the Company’s control or ability to predict. The Company’s actual results, performance or achievements may differ significantly from the results, performance or achievements expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our financial position, results of operations, liquidity, and capitalization; liquidity risks; risk of significant non-earning assets, and net credit losses that could occur, particularly in times of weak economic conditions or times of rising interest rates; the failure of or changes to assumptions and estimates underlying the Company’s allowances for credit losses; and regulatory risks associated with current and future regulations. For additional information concerning these and other risk factors, see Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors herein. The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of events or circumstances after the date of such statements except as required by law.

PART I

Item 1.    BUSINESS

General

Hope Bancorp, Inc. (“Hope Bancorp” on a parent-only basis, and the “Company,” “we” or “our” on a consolidated basis with the Bank of Hope) is a bank holding company headquartered in Los Angeles, California. The Company was incorporated in Delaware in the year 2000. We offer commercial and retail banking loan and deposit products through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Bank of Hope, a California state-chartered bank (the “Bank” or “Bank of Hope”). The Bank primarily focuses its business in ethnic communities in California, New Jersey and New York City, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Seattle and Washington, D.C. metropolitan areas. Our headquarters are located at 3200 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1400, Los Angeles, California 90010, and our telephone number at that address is (213) 639-1700.

Hope Bancorp exists primarily for the purpose of holding the stock of the Bank and other subsidiaries it may acquire or establish. Bank of Hope’s deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”), up to applicable limits.

We file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which include annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K, as well as proxy and information statements in connection with our stockholders’ meetings. The SEC maintains a website that contains the reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The address of the website is www.sec.gov. Our website address is www.bankofhope.com. Electronic copies of our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and other information and reports we file with the SEC and amendments to those reports, are available free of charge by visiting the Investor Relations section of our website. These reports are generally posted as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with the SEC. None of the information on or hyperlinked from the Company’s website is incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

3

Business Overview

Our principal business activities are conducted through the Bank and primarily consist of earning interest on loans and investment securities that are primarily funded by customer deposits and other borrowings. Operating revenues consist of the difference between interest received and interest paid, gains and losses on the sale of financial assets, and fees earned for financial services provided to our customers. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond our control, such as general economic conditions, new legislation and the policies of various governmental and regulatory authorities. Although our business may vary with local and national economic conditions, such variations are not generally seasonal in nature.

Through our current network of 58 branches and 11 loan production offices, we offer core business banking products for small and medium-sized businesses and individuals. We accept deposits and originate a variety of loans, including commercial business loans, real estate loans, trade finance loans, Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans, auto loans, single-family mortgages, warehouse lines of credit, personal loans, and credit cards. We offer cash management services to our business customers, which include remote deposit capture, lock box, and ACH origination services. We offer comprehensive investment and wealth management services to high-net-worth clients. We also offer a mobile banking application for smart devices that extends access to banking services, such as mobile deposits and bill payment for our customers at all times. In an effort to better meet our customers’ needs, our mini-market branches generally offer hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Most of our branches offer 24-hour automated teller machines (“ATMs”). We also offer debit card services to all customers. In addition, most of our branches offer foreign exchanges services, safe deposit boxes, and other customary bank services. Our website at www.bankofhope.com offers internet banking services and applications in both English and Korean.

Lending Activities

Commercial Business Loans

We provide commercial loans to businesses for various purposes such as for working capital, purchasing inventory, debt refinancing, business acquisitions, and other business related financing needs. Commercial loans are typically classified as (1) short-term loans (or lines of credit) or (2) long-term loans (or term loans to businesses). Short-term loans are often used to finance current assets such as inventory and accounts receivable and typically have terms of one year with interest paid monthly on the outstanding balance with the principal balance due at maturity. Long-term loans typically have terms of five to seven years with principal and interest paid monthly. The credit worthiness of our borrowers is determined before a loan is originated and is periodically reviewed to ascertain whether credit quality changes have occurred. Commercial business loans are typically collateralized by the borrower’s business assets and/or real estate. We seek to establish deposit relationships with all of our commercial business loan customers.

Our commercial business loan portfolio includes trade finance loans from our Corporate Banking Center, which generally serves businesses involved in international trade activities. These loans are typically collateralized by business assets and are used to meet the short-term working capital needs (accounts receivable and inventory financing) of our borrowers. Our International Operations Department issues and advises on letters of credit for export and import businesses. Our underwriting procedure for this type of credit is the same as for commercial business loans. Our trade finance services include the issuance and negotiation of letters of credit, as well as the handling of documentary collections. On the export side, we provide advice and negotiation of commercial letters of credit and we transfer and issue back-to-back letters of credit. We also provide importers with trade finance lines of credit, which allows for the issuance of commercial letters of credit and the financing of documents received under such letters of credit, as well as documents received under documentary collections. Exporters are assisted through export lines of credit as well as through immediate financing of clean documents presented under export letters of credit.

We also provide warehouse lines of credit to mortgage loan originators. The lines of credit are used by these originators to fund mortgages which are then pledged to the Bank as collateral until the mortgage loans are sold and the lines of credit are paid down. The typical duration of these lines of credit from the time of funding to pay-down ranges from 10-30 days. Although collateralized by mortgage loans, the structure of warehouse lending agreements results in the commercial business loan treatment for these types of loans.

We provide commercial equipment lease financing through a relationship with a third-party leasing company. Equipment leasing loans are generally capital leases with maturities up to five years. In addition, we have a portfolio of syndicated loans in which we are one in a group of lenders that collectively provide credit to worthy borrowers.

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Real Estate Loans

Real estate loans are extended for the purchase and refinance of real estate and are generally secured by first deeds of trust. The maturities on the majority of such loans are generally five to seven years with a 25-year principal amortization schedule and a balloon payment due at maturity. We offer both fixed and floating rate real estate loans. It is our general policy to restrict real estate loan amounts to 75% of the appraised value of the property at the date of origination.

We originate loans to finance construction projects including one-to-four family residences, multifamily residences, senior housing, and commercial projects. Residential construction loans are due upon the sale of the completed project and are generally collateralized by first liens on the real estate and have floating interest rates. Construction loans are considered to have higher risks than other loans due to the ultimate repayment being sensitive to interest rate changes, governmental regulation of real property, and the availability of long-term financing. Economic conditions may also impact our ability to recover our investment in construction loans. Adverse economic conditions may negatively impact the real estate market, which could affect the borrowers’ ability to complete and sell the project. Additionally, the fair value of the underlying collateral may fluctuate as market conditions change. As construction loans make up only a small percentage of the total loan portfolio, these loans are not further broken down into classes.

Small Business Administration Loans

We extend loans partially guaranteed by the SBA. We primarily extend SBA loans known as SBA 7(a) loans and SBA 504 loans. SBA 7(a) loans are typically extended for working capital needs, purchase of inventory, purchase of machinery and equipment, debt refinance, business acquisitions, start-up financing, or to purchase or construct owner-occupied commercial property. SBA 7(a) loans are typically term loans with maturities up to 10 years for loans not secured by real estate and up to 25 years for real estate secured loans. SBA loans are fully amortizing with monthly payments of principal and interest. SBA 7(a) loans are typically floating rate loans that are secured by business assets and/or real estate. Depending on the loan amount, each loan is typically guaranteed 75% to 85% by the SBA, with a maximum gross loan amount to any one small business borrower of $5.0 million and a maximum SBA guaranteed amount of $3.8 million.

We are generally able to sell the guaranteed portion of the SBA 7(a) loans in the secondary market at a premium, while earning servicing fee income on the sold portion over the remaining life of the loan. In addition to the interest yield earned on the unguaranteed portion of the SBA 7(a) loans that are not sold, we can recognize income from gains on sales and from loan servicing on the SBA 7(a) loans that are sold. Although we have historically sold the guaranteed portion of SBA 7(a) loans that we originated, during the fourth quarter of 2018 we made the decision to retain these loans due to the decline in premiums offered in the secondary market. Therefore, we have been retaining these loans and earn interest income on the guaranteed portion of SBA loans as well the unguaranteed portions.

SBA 504 loans are typically extended for the purpose of purchasing owner-occupied commercial real estate or long-term capital equipment. SBA 504 loans are typically extended for up to 20 years or the life of the asset being financed. SBA 504 loans are financed as a participation loan between the Bank and the SBA through a Certified Development Company (“CDC”). Generally, the loans are structured to give the Bank a 50% first deed of trust (“TD”), the CDC a 40% second TD, and the remaining 10% is funded by the borrower. Interest rates for first TD Bank loans are subject to normal bank commercial rates and terms, and the second TD CDC loans are fixed for the life of the loans based on certain indices.

In 2020, the government established the SBA Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act to assist companies to continue paying workers and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently we have begun originating a second round of PPP loans starting the first quarter of 2021.

All of our SBA loans are originated through our SBA Loan Departments and certain loan production offices. The SBA Loan Departments are staffed by loan officers who provide assistance to qualified businesses. The Bank has been designated as an SBA Preferred Lender, which is the highest designation awarded by the SBA. This designation generally facilitates a more efficient marketing and approval process for SBA loans. We have attained SBA Preferred Lender status nationwide.

Consumer Loans

Our consumer loans consist of single-family mortgages, home equity, auto loans, credit card loans, and personal loans, with a majority of our consumer loan portfolio currently consisting of single-family mortgages secured by a first deed of trust on single family residences under a variety of loan products including fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages with either 30-year or 15-year terms. Adjustable rate mortgage loans are also offered with flexible initial and periodic adjustments ranging from five to seven years.

5

Investing Activities

The main objective of our investment strategy is to provide a source of on-balance sheet liquidity while providing a means to manage our interest rate risk, and to generate an adequate level of interest income without taking undue risks. Subject to various restrictions, our investment policy permits investment in various types of securities, certificates of deposit (“CDs”), and federal funds sold. Our investments include equity investments and an available for sale investment portfolio which consists of government sponsored agency bonds, mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), corporate securities, and municipal securities. For a detailed breakdown of our investments, see Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Financial Condition – Investment Security Portfolio.”

Our securities are classified for accounting purposes as equity investment or investment available for sale. We do not maintain held to maturity or trading investment portfolios. Securities purchased to meet investment-related objectives, such as liquidity management or interest rate risk and which may be sold as necessary to implement management strategies, are designated as available for sale at the time of purchase.

Deposit Activities

We attract both short-term and long-term deposits from the general public by offering a wide range of deposit products and services. Through our branch network, we provide our banking customers with personal and business checking accounts, money market accounts, savings accounts, time deposit accounts, individual retirement accounts, 24-hour ATMs, internet banking and bill-pay, remote deposit capture, lock boxes, and ACH origination services. In addition to our retail and business deposits, we obtain both secured and unsecured wholesale deposits including public deposits such as State of California Treasurer’s time deposits, brokered money market and time deposits, and deposits gathered from outside of the Bank’s normal market area through deposit listing services and our online banking platform.

FDIC-insured deposits are our primary source of funds. As part of our asset-liability management, we analyze our retail and wholesale deposit maturities and interest rates to monitor and manage our cost of funds, to the extent feasible in the context of changing market conditions, as well as to promote stability in our supply of funds. For additional information on deposits, see Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Financial Condition – Deposits.”

Borrowing Activities

When we have more funds than required for our reserve requirements or short-term liquidity needs, we may sell federal funds to other financial institutions. Conversely, when we have less funds than required, we may borrow funds from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (the “FHLB”), the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (“the Federal Reserve Bank”), or from our correspondent banking relationships. In addition, we may borrow from the FHLB on a longer term basis to provide funding for certain loan or investment securities strategies, as well as asset-liability management strategies.

The FHLB functions in a reserve credit capacity for qualifying financial institutions. As a member, we are required to own capital stock in the FHLB and may apply for advances from the FHLB on an unsecured basis or by utilizing qualifying loans and certain securities as collateral. The FHLB offers a full range of borrowing programs on its advances, with terms ranging from one day to thirty years, at competitive market rates. A prepayment penalty is usually imposed for early repayment of these advances. Information concerning FHLB advances and other borrowings is included in Note 9 of “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”

We may also borrow from the Federal Reserve Bank. The maximum amount that we may borrow from the Federal Reserve Bank’s discount window is up to 99% of the outstanding principal balance of the qualifying loans and the fair value of the securities that we pledge.

Long-Term Debt

At December 31, 2020, we had nine wholly-owned subsidiary grantor trusts (“Trusts”) that have issued $126.0 million of pooled trust preferred securities (“Trust Preferred Securities”). The Trust Preferred Securities accrue and pay distributions periodically at specified annual rates as provided in the related indentures for the securities. The Trusts used the net proceeds from the offering of the Trust Preferred Securities to purchase a like amount of subordinated debentures of Hope Bancorp (the “Debentures”). The Debentures are the sole assets of the trusts. Our obligations under the Debentures and related documents, taken together, constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by us of the obligations of the trusts. The Trust Preferred Securities are mandatorily redeemable upon the maturity of the Debentures (which have maturity dates ranging from 2033 to 2037), or upon earlier redemption as provided in the indentures. We have the right to redeem the Debentures in whole (but not in part) on a quarterly basis at a specified redemption price. We also have the right to defer interest on the Debentures for up to five years.

6

In 2018, we issued $217.5 million aggregate principal amount of 2.00% convertible senior notes maturing on May 15, 2038 in a private offering to investors. Holders of the convertible notes can convert to shares of our common stock at a specified conversion rate at any time on or after February 15, 2023. Prior to February 15, 2023, the convertible notes cannot be converted unless under certain specified scenarios. The convertible notes can be settled in entirely cash, stock, or a combination of stock and cash at our option. We have the right to call the convertible notes on or after May 20, 2023 and holder of the notes can put the note on certain dates on or after May 15, 2023. The convertible notes were issued as part of our plan to repurchase shares of our common stock.

Market Area and Competition

We currently have 58 banking offices in areas having high concentrations of Korean-Americans, of which 32 are located in the Los Angeles, Orange County, Oakland and Silicon Valley (Santa Clara County) areas of California, 10 are located in the New York City metropolitan area and New Jersey, five are in the Chicago metropolitan area, four are in the Seattle metropolitan area, four are in Texas, two are in Virginia, and one is in Alabama. We also have 11 loan production offices located in Dallas, Seattle, Atlanta, Denver, Portland, Fremont, and Southern California and a representative office in Seoul, South Korea. The banking and financial services industry generally, and in our market areas specifically, is highly competitive. The increasingly competitive environment is a result primarily of strong competition among the banks servicing the Korean-American community, changes in regulations, changes in technology and product delivery systems, and consolidation among financial services companies. In addition, federal legislation may have the effect of further increasing the pace of consolidation within the financial services industry. See “Supervision and Regulation.”

We compete for loans, deposits, and customers with other commercial banks, savings and loan associations, securities and brokerage companies, mortgage companies, insurance companies, marketplace finance platforms, money market funds, credit unions, and other non-bank financial service providers. Many of these competitors are much larger in total assets and capitalization, have greater access to capital markets, are more widely recognized, have broader geographic scope, and offer a broader range of financial services than we do.

Economic Conditions, Government Policies and Legislation

Our profitability, like that of most depository institutions, depends, among other things, on interest rate differentials. In general, the difference between the interest expense on interest bearing liabilities, such as deposits, borrowings, and debt, and the interest income on our interest earning assets, such as loans we extend to our customers and securities held in our investment portfolio, as well as the level of noninterest bearing deposits, has a significant impact on our profitability. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond our control, such as the economy, inflation, unemployment, consumer spending, and political changes and events. The impact that future changes in domestic and foreign economic and political conditions might have on our performance cannot be predicted.

Our business is also influenced by the monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government and the policies of regulatory agencies, particularly the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “FRB”). The FRB implements national monetary policies (with objectives such as curbing inflation or preventing recession) through its open-market operations in U.S. government securities, by adjusting the required level of reserves for depository institutions subject to its reserve requirements, and by varying the targeted federal funds and discount rates applicable to borrowings by depository institutions. The actions of the FRB in these areas influence the growth of bank loans, investments, and deposits and also affect interest rates earned on interest earning assets and paid on interest bearing liabilities. The nature and impact on Hope Bancorp, and the Bank, of future changes in monetary and fiscal policies cannot be predicted.

From time to time, legislation and regulations are enacted or adopted which have the effect of increasing the cost of doing business, limiting, or expanding permissible activities, or affecting the competitive balance between banks and other financial services providers. Proposals to change the laws and regulations governing the operations and taxation of banks, bank holding companies, financial holding companies, and other financial institutions and financial services providers are frequently made in the U.S. Congress, in state legislatures, and by various regulatory agencies. These proposals may result in changes in banking statutes and regulations and our operating environment in substantial and unpredictable ways. If enacted, such legislation could increase the cost of doing business, limit permissible activities, or affect the competitive balance among banks, savings associations, credit unions, and other financial institutions. We cannot predict whether any of this potential legislation will be enacted, and if enacted, the effect that it, or any implementing regulations, would have on our financial condition or results of operations. See “Supervision and Regulation.”

7

Supervision and Regulation

General

Hope Bancorp and the Bank are subject to extensive regulation and supervision under state and federal banking laws. This regulatory framework covers substantially all of the business activities of Hope Bancorp and the Bank. In the exercise of their regulatory and supervisory authority, the bank regulatory agencies have emphasized capital planning and stress testing, liquidity management, enterprise risk management, corporate governance, anti-money laundering compliance, information technology adequacy, cybersecurity preparedness, vendor management, and fair lending and other consumer compliance obligations. The federal and state regulatory systems are intended primarily for the protection of depositors, customers, the FDIC deposit insurance fund (the “DIF”) and the banking system as a whole, rather than for the protection of our stockholders or other investors.

The following summarizes certain laws and regulations that apply to Hope Bancorp and the Bank. These descriptions of statutes and regulations and their possible effects do not purport to be complete descriptions of all of the provisions of those statutes and regulations and their possible effects on us, nor do they purport to identify every statute and regulation that may apply to us.

Bank Holding Company Regulation

Hope Bancorp is a registered bank holding company. As a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act, Hope Bancorp is subject to regulation, supervision and regular examination by the FRB and is required to file periodic reports of its operations with the FRB and other such reports as the FRB may require.

Bank holding companies are required to maintain certain levels of capital (See “Capital Adequacy Requirements”) and must serve as a source of financial and managerial strength to subsidiary banks and commit resources as necessary to support each subsidiary bank. FRB regulations and polices limit the dividends a bank holding company may pay to its stockholders and the amount of its shares that it may repurchase. (See “Dividends and Stock Repurchases”.) FRB rules and policies also regulate provisions of certain bank holding company debt and the FRB may impose interest ceilings and reserve requirements on such debt and require prior approval to purchase or redeem debt securities in certain situations.

The FRB may require a bank holding company to terminate an activity or terminate control of or liquidate or divest certain subsidiaries, affiliates or investments if the FRB believes the activity or the control of the subsidiary or affiliate constitutes a significant risk to the financial safety, soundness or stability of any bank subsidiary. Under certain circumstances, the FRB could, for example, prohibit Hope Bancorp from paying dividends or repurchasing is common stock on the basis that doing would be an unsafe or unsound banking practice.

The activities in which a bank holding company may engage are limited to those activities determined by the FRB to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto. Bank holding companies that elect and retain “financial holding company” status pursuant to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (the “GLBA”) may also engage in broader securities, insurance, merchant banking and other activities that are determined to be “financial in nature” or are incidental or complementary to activities that are financial in nature. To elect and retain financial holding company status, a bank holding company and all depository institution subsidiaries of a bank holding company must be considered well capitalized and meet certain other requirements. Hope Bancorp has not elected financial holding company status and neither Hope Bancorp nor the Bank has engaged in any activities determined by the FRB to be financial in nature or incidental or complementary to activities that are financial in nature.

A bank holding company must seek approval from the FRB prior to acquiring all or substantially all of the assets of any bank or bank holding company or the ownership or control of voting shares of any bank or bank holding company if, after giving effect to such acquisition, it would own or control, directly or indirectly, more than 5 percent of a bank. Under the Bank Merger Act, the prior approval of the FDIC is required for the Bank to merge with another bank or purchase all or substantially all of the assets or assume any of the deposits of another FDIC-insured depository institution. Federal banking regulators review competition, management, financial, compliance and other factors when considering applications for these approvals. Similar California or other state banking agency approvals may also be required.

The Company is also a bank holding company within the meaning of Section 3700 of the California Financial Code. Therefore, the Company and its subsidiaries are subject to examination by, and may be required to file reports with, the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (the “DFPI”). DFPI approvals are also required for bank mergers and acquisitions.

8

Bank Regulation

The Bank is a California state-chartered bank whose deposit accounts are insured by the FDIC, up to applicable limits. As such, the Bank is subject to regulation, supervision and regular examination by the DFPI and the FDIC. In addition, while the Bank is not a member of the FRB, the Bank is subject to certain regulations of the FRB.

Federal and state laws and regulations applicable to banks regulate, among other things, the scope of their business, their investments, their reserves against deposits, lending activities, servicing and foreclosing on loans, borrowings, capital requirements, certain check-clearing activities, dividends, branching, and mergers and acquisitions. California banks are also subject to statutes and regulations including FRB Regulation O and Federal Reserve Act Sections 23A and 23B and Regulation W, which restrict or limit loans or extensions of credit to “insiders”, including officers, directors, and principal stockholders, and loans or extension of credit by banks to affiliates or purchases of assets from affiliates, including parent bank holding companies, except pursuant to certain exceptions and only on terms and conditions at least as favorable to those prevailing for comparable transactions with unaffiliated parties. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Action (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) expanded definitions and restrictions on transactions with affiliates and insiders under Sections 23A and 23B and also lending limits for derivative transactions, repurchase agreements, and securities lending and borrowing transactions.

Under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (“FDI Act”) and the California Financial Code, California state chartered commercial banks may generally engage in any activity permissible for national banks. Therefore, the Bank may form subsidiaries to engage in the many so-called “closely related to banking” or “nonbanking” activities commonly conducted by national banks in operating subsidiaries or by subsidiaries of bank holding companies. Further, California state chartered banks may conduct certain financial activities permitted under GLBA in a “financial subsidiary” to the same extent as a national bank, provided the bank is and remains well-capitalized, well-managed and in satisfactory compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act (the “CRA”). The Bank currently conducts no non-banking or financial activities through subsidiaries.

Capital Adequacy Requirements

Hope Bancorp and the Bank are subject to similar regulatory capital requirements administered by its primary federal supervisory banking agencies. Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), the federal banking agencies have adopted capital rules based on the Basel III Accord (the “Basel III Capital Rules”). The Basel III Capital Rules became effective on January 1, 2015. The Basel III Capital Rules are risk-based, meaning that the levels of capital required vary based on the perceived degree of risk associated with a banking organization’s balance sheet assets, such as loans and investment securities, and those recorded as off-balance sheet items, such as commitments, letters of credit, and recourse arrangements. The risk classifications and, therefore, the required capital amounts may be subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk-weighting, and other factors.

The Basel III Capital Rules (i) introduce a new capital measure called “common equity Tier 1 and a related regulatory capital ratio of common equity Tier 1 to risk‑weighted assets, (ii) specify that Tier 1 capital consists of common equity Tier 1 and “additional Tier 1 capital” instruments meeting certain requirements, (iii) mandate that most deductions and adjustments to regulatory capital measures be made to common equity Tier 1 and not to the other components of capital, and (iv) expand the scope of the deductions from and adjustments to capital compared to prior capital rules. The Basel III Capital Rules differ from earlier capital rules by excluding from Tier 1 capital trust preferred securities (subject to certain grandfathering exceptions for organizations like Hope Bancorp, which had less than $15 billion in assets as of December 31, 2009), mortgage servicing rights and certain deferred tax assets and to include unrealized gains and losses on available for sale debt and equity securities (unless the organization opts out of including such unrealized gains and losses).

Under the Basel III Capital Rules, the minimum capital ratios applicable to Hope Bancorp and the Bank are as follows:

•4.5% common equity Tier 1 to risk‑weighted assets;

•6.0% Tier 1 capital (that is, common equity Tier 1 plus additional Tier 1 capital) to risk‑weighted assets;

•8.0% total capital (that is, Tier 1 capital plus Tier 2 capital) to risk‑weighted assets; and

•4.0% Tier 1 capital to average consolidated assets as reported on regulatory financial statements (known as the “leverage ratio”). (To be considered well-capitalized under the Prompt Corrective Action framework, the Bank must maintain a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least 5%.)

The Basel III Capital Rules include an additional “capital conservation buffer” of 2.5% of risk-weighted assets above the regulatory minimum capital ratios. If Hope Bancorp and the Bank do not maintain capital sufficient to satisfy the capital conservation buffer, we would face restrictions in our ability to pay dividends, repurchase shares, and pay discretionary bonuses.

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Including the capital conservation buffer of 2.5%, the minimum ratios for a banking organization are as follows: (i) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 7.0%, (ii) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.5% and (iii) a total capital ratio of 10.5%. Management believes that as of December 31, 2020, Hope Bancorp and the Bank met all requirements under the Basel III Capital Rules applicable to them on a fully phased-in basis, including the capital conservation buffer. At December 31, 2020, the ratios of each of Hope Bancorp and the Bank exceeded the minimum percentage requirements to generally be deemed “well-capitalized” for bank regulatory purposes and satisfied the capital conservation buffer requirement. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

While the Basel III Capital Rules set higher regulatory capital standards for Hope Bancorp and the Bank, bank regulators may also continue their past policies of expecting banks to maintain additional capital beyond the new minimum requirements. The implementation of the Basel III Capital Rules or more stringent requirements to maintain higher levels of capital or to maintain higher levels of liquid assets could adversely impact the Company’s net income and return on equity, restrict the ability to pay dividends or executive bonuses and require the raising of additional capital.

The Bank is also subject to capital adequacy requirements under the California Financial Code.

See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Increased Supervision and Regulation for Bank Holding Companies with Consolidated Assets of More than $10 Billion

As a banking organization with consolidated assets exceeding $10 billion, the Company is subject to heightened supervision and regulation imposed by the Dodd-Frank Act, such as the following:

•We are subject to periodic examination by the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) with respect to compliance with federal consumer laws. Although we were previously subject to regulations issued by the CFPB, the Bank’s primary federal regulatory, the FDIC, previously had responsibility for our consumer compliance examinations. See “Consumer Finance Protection Bureau.”

•We are subject to the maximum permissible interchange fee for swipe transactions, equal to no more than 21 cents plus 5 basis points of the transaction value for many types of debit interchange transactions.

•We calculate our FDIC deposit assessment base using a performance score and a loss-severity score system described below in “Deposit Insurance.”

•We are subject to the “Volcker Rule,” which generally restricts us from engaging in activities that are considered proprietary trading and from sponsoring or investing in certain entities, including hedge or private equity funds that are considered covered funds. While Hope Bancorp and the Bank had no investment positions or relationships at December 31, 2020 that were subject to the Volcker Rule, we may be subject to the compliance and recording keeping provisions of this rule.

The Dodd-Frank Act requires banking organizations with consolidated assets exceeding $10 billion to establish board-level risk committees and to perform annual stress tests. The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act enacted in 2018 raises the asset thresholds for these requirements to $50 billion and $100 billion, respectively.

Many aspects of the Dodd-Frank Act continue to be subject to rule-making or proposed change, making it difficult to anticipate the overall financial impact on the Company, its customers or the financial industry in general. Provisions in the legislation that affect deposit insurance assessments, payment of interest on demand deposits and interchange fees could increase the costs associated with deposits as well as place limitations on certain revenues those deposits may generate.

Prompt Corrective Action

The FDI Act requires the federal bank regulatory agencies to take “prompt corrective action” with respect to a depository institution that does not meet certain capital adequacy standards, including requiring the prompt submission of an acceptable capital restoration plan. Depending on the bank’s capital ratios, the agencies’ regulations define five categories in which an insured depository institution will be placed: well-capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized. At each successive lower capital category, an insured bank is subject to more restrictions, including restrictions on the bank’s activities, operational practices or the ability to pay dividends or executive bonuses.

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The prompt corrective action standards conform with the Basel III Capital Rules. In order to be generally considered well-capitalized for bank regulatory purposes, the Bank is required maintain the following minimum capital ratios: a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 6.5%, a Tier 1 ratio of 8%, a total capital ratio of 10% and a leverage ratio of 5%. A bank meeting the minimum capital ratios required to be considered well-capitalized, adequately capitalized, or undercapitalized may, however, may be treated as though it were in the next lower capital category if the appropriate federal banking agency, after notice and opportunity for hearing, determines that an unsafe or unsound condition or practice warrants such treatment.

The federal banking agencies also may require banks and bank holding companies subject to enforcement actions to maintain capital ratios in excess of the minimum ratios otherwise generally required to be deemed well capitalized for bank regulatory purposes, in which case institutions may no longer be deemed to be well capitalized and may therefore be subject to certain restrictions such as on taking brokered deposits.

Consumer Compliance Laws

The Bank must comply with numerous federal and state consumer protection statutes and implementing regulations, including, but not limited to, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Truth in Lending Act, the Fair Housing Act, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the National Flood Insurance Act, the California Homeowner Bill of Rights and various federal and state privacy protection laws, including the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, and CAN-SPAM Act. The Bank and Hope Bancorp are also subject to federal and state laws prohibiting unfair or fraudulent business practices, untrue or misleading advertising and unfair competition.

These laws and regulations mandate certain disclosure and reporting requirements and regulate the manner in which financial institutions must deal with customers when taking deposits, making loans, servicing, collecting and foreclosure of loans, and providing other services. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations can subject the Bank to various penalties, including but not limited to enforcement actions, injunctions, fines or criminal penalties, punitive damages to consumers, and the loss of certain contractual rights.

Community Reinvestment Act

The Bank is subject to the Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”), which requires federal banking regulators to evaluate the record of a financial institution in meeting the credit needs of its local communities, including low and moderate income neighborhoods. The federal banking agencies consider a financial institution’s compliance with the CRA into account when considering regulatory applications for mergers and other expansionary activities. The Bank received a “Satisfactory” rating in the most recent public disclosure of CRA performance evaluation released by the FDIC in 2018, which states that the Bank’s CRA performance under the Lending, Investment, and Service Tests supports the overall rating.

USA PATRIOT Act and Anti-Money Laundering Laws

Under the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, financial institutions are subject to prohibitions against specified financial transactions and account relationships, as well as enhanced due diligence standards that are intended to prevent and detect the use of the United States financial system for money laundering and terrorist financing activities. The act requires financial institutions, including banks, to establish anti-money laundering programs, including employee training and independent audit requirements, meet minimum standards specified by the act, follow minimum standards for customer identification and maintenance of customer identification records, and regularly compare customer lists against lists of suspected terrorists, terrorist organizations and money launderers.

The Bank Secrecy Act (the “BSA”) establishes requirements for recordkeeping and reporting by banks and other financial institutions that are intended to help identify the source, volume and movement of currency and other monetary instruments into and out of the United States in order to help detect and prevent money laundering connected with drug trafficking, terrorism and other criminal activities. Under the BSA and related regulations, banking institutions must file suspicious activity reports and maintain programs designed to assure and monitor compliance with certain recordkeeping and reporting requirements regarding currency transactions. The programs must include systems and internal controls to assure ongoing compliance, provide for independent testing of such systems and compliance and provide appropriate personnel training.

The Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020 (“AMLA”), which amends the BSA, was enacted in January 2021. The AMLA is intended to be a comprehensive reform and modernization to U.S. bank secrecy and anti-money laundering laws. Among other things, it codifies a risk-based approach to anti-money laundering compliance for financial institutions; requires the development of standards for evaluating technology and internal processes for BSA compliance; expands enforcement- and investigation-related authority, including increasing available sanctions for certain BSA violations and instituting whistleblower incentives and protections.

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Loans to One Borrower  

Under California law, the Bank’s ability to make aggregate secured and unsecured loans to borrower is limited to 25% and 15%, respectively, of the Bank’s unimpaired capital and surplus. The Bank has established internal loan limits that are lower than the legal lending limits for a California bank.

Deposit Insurance

The FDIC is an independent federal agency that insures deposits, up to prescribed statutory limits, of federally insured banks and savings institutions, and safeguards the safety and soundness of the depository institutions. The FDIC insures our customer deposits through the DIF up to prescribed limits, currently $250 thousand per customer. The FDIC may terminate a depository institution’s deposit insurance upon a finding that the institution’s financial condition is unsafe or unsound, or that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices that pose a risk to the DIF or that may prejudice the interest of the bank’s depositors. The termination of the Bank’s deposit insurance would result in the revocation of the Bank’s charter by the DFPI.

We are generally unable to control the amount of assessments that we pay for FDIC insurance, which can be affected by the cost of bank failures to the FDIC, among other factors. The Dodd-Frank Act revised the FDIC’s DIF management authority by setting requirements for the Designated Reserve Ratio (the DIF balance divided by estimated insured deposits) and redefining the assessment base which is used to calculate banks’ quarterly assessments. The amount of FDIC assessments paid by each DIF member institution is based on its asset size and its relative risk of default as measured by regulatory capital ratios and other supervisory factors.

Any future changes in FDIC insurance assessments may have a material and adverse effect on our earnings and could have a material adverse effect on the value of, or market for, our common stock.

Safety and Soundness Standards; Regulatory Enforcement Authority

The federal and California bank regulatory agencies have extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies, including policies with respect to the classification of assets and the establishment of appropriate loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes. The federal bank regulatory agencies have adopted guidelines to assist in identifying and addressing potential safety and soundness concerns before an institution’s capital becomes impaired. The guidelines establish operational and managerial standards generally relating to: (1) internal controls, information systems, and internal audit systems; (2) loan documentation; (3) credit underwriting; (4) interest-rate exposure; (5) asset growth and asset quality; and (6) compensation, fees, and benefits. Further, the regulatory agencies have adopted safety and soundness guidelines for asset quality and for evaluating and monitoring earnings to ensure that earnings are sufficient for the maintenance of adequate capital and reserves.

If the FRB, the FDIC or the DFPI should determine that the financial condition, capital resources, asset quality, earnings prospects, management, liquidity, or other aspects of the Company’s or the Bank’s operations are unsatisfactory or that the Company or the Bank or management is violating or has violated any law or regulation, these agencies have the authority to:

•Require affirmative action to correct any conditions resulting from any violation or practice;

•Direct an increase in capital and the maintenance of higher specific minimum capital ratios, which could preclude the Hope Bancorp or the Bank from being deemed well capitalized which, in the case of the Bank, would restrict its ability to accept certain brokered deposits, for example;

•Restrict Hope Bancorp’s or the Bank’s growth geographically, by products and services, or by mergers and acquisitions;

•Enter into or issue informal or formal enforcement actions, including required board resolutions, memoranda of understanding, written agreements and consent or cease and desist orders or prompt corrective action orders to take corrective action and cease unsafe and unsound practices;

•Assess civil money penalties;

•Require prior approval of senior executive officer or director changes; remove officers and directors and assess civil monetary penalties; and

•Terminate FDIC insurance, revoke the charter and/or take possession of and close and liquidate the Bank or appoint the FDIC as receiver.

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Dividends and Stock Repurchases

Hope Bancorp’s ability to pay dividends or repurchase shares of its common stock is subject to restrictions set forth in the Delaware General Corporation Law. The Delaware General Corporation Law provides that a Delaware corporation may pay dividends or repurchase its shares either (i) out of the corporation’s surplus (as defined by Delaware law), or (ii) if there is no surplus, out of the corporation’s net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year. It is the FRB’s policy, however, that bank holding companies should generally pay dividends on common stock only out of income available over the past year, and only if prospective earnings retention is consistent with the organization’s expected future needs and financial condition. FRB policy requires that a banking holding company must notify the FRB if its repurchase or redemption of shares would cause a net reduction in the amount of such capital instrument outstanding at the beginning of the quarter in which the redemption or repurchase occurs. It is also the FRB’s policy that bank holding companies should not maintain dividend levels or repurchase shares in amounts that would undermine their ability to be a source of strength to its banking subsidiaries. The FRB also discourages dividend payment ratios that are at maximum allowable levels unless both asset quality and capital are very strong. In addition, if Hope Bancorp does not maintain an adequate capital conservation buffer under the Basel III Capital Rules, its ability to pay dividends to or repurchase shares from stockholders may be restricted.

The Bank is a legal entity that is separate and distinct from Hope Bancorp. Hope Bancorp depends the Bank’s payment of dividends as primary source of cash for use in Hope Bancorp’s operations, Hope Bancorp’s payment of dividends to stockholders and Hope Bancorp’s stock repurchases. The Bank’s ability to pay dividends to Hope Bancorp is subject to provisions of the California Financial Code that limit the amount available for cash dividends to the lesser of a bank’s retained earnings or net income for its last three fiscal years (less any distributions to stockholders made during such period). Where the above test is not met, cash dividends may still be paid, with the prior approval of the DFPI, in an amount not exceeding the greatest of (1) retained earnings of the bank; (2) the net income of the bank for its last fiscal year; or (3) the net income of the bank for its current fiscal year. The Bank’s ability to pay cash dividends to Hope Bancorp will also depend upon management’s assessment of future capital requirements, contractual restrictions, and other factors. If the Bank does not maintain an adequate capital conservation buffer under the Basel III Capital Rules, the Bank may face restrictions on its ability to pay dividends to Hope Bancorp.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

The Dodd-Frank Act created the CFPB as an independent entity within the FRB with broad rulemaking, supervisory and enforcement authority over consumer financial products and services, including deposit products, residential mortgages, home-equity loans and credit cards. The CFPB’s functions include investigating consumer complaints, conducting market research, rulemaking, supervising and examining bank consumer transactions, and enforcing rules related to consumer financial products and services. CFPB regulations and guidance apply to all financial institutions and banks with $10 billion or more in assets are subject to examination by the CFPB. Banks with less than $10 billion in assets continue to be examined for compliance by their primary federal banking agency. The Bank is subject to examination by the CFPB. The CFPB has the authority to bring formal and informal enforcement actions against the Bank similar to those that may be brought by the federal banking regulators discussed above.

In 2014, the CFPB adopted revisions to Regulation Z, which implements the Truth in Lending Act, pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, and apply to consumer mortgages. The revisions mandate specific underwriting criteria for home loans in order for creditors to make a reasonable, good faith determination of a consumer’s ability to repay and establish certain protections from liability under the requirements for “qualified mortgages” that meet certain specific standards. As required by the Dodd-Frank Act, the CFPB also promulgated TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure rules which became effective in 2015 and require new mortgage disclosures.

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Human Capital Resources

The Company’s goal is to attract, develop, retain and plan for succession of key talent and executives to achieve the Company’s strategic objectives.

The Company respects, values, and invites diversity in our team members, customers, suppliers, marketplace, and community. We seek to recognize the unique contribution each individual brings to our company, and we are fully committed to supporting a rich culture of diversity as a cornerstone to our success. We provide professional development opportunities to team members and seeks to improve retention, development, and job satisfaction of team members from diverse groups by providing career skills training, mentoring, and tuition fee reimburse to support job related higher education.1

We offer a comprehensive benefits program to our employees and design our compensation programs to attract, retain and motivate employees, as well as to align with Company performance.

As of December 31, 2020, we had 1,408 full-time equivalent employees compared to 1,441 full-time equivalent employees at December 31, 2019. None of our employees are represented by a union or covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Management believes that its relations with its employees are good.

We are committed and focused on the health and safety of our team members, customers, and communities. The COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges to maintain team member and customer safety while continuing to be open for business. Accordingly, as part of the Pandemic Response Plan, a Pandemic Response Team and a Business Continuity Program Team were formed which closely monitor the COVID-19 situation, identifying issues and developing responses to reduce risks related to COVID-19 to our customers, employees, and communities. The teams manage our pandemic response, including providing access to recent safety standards from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and other agencies as well as our workplace guidelines for non-customer and customer environments. In addition, current information is shared through regular emails and other digital communications with our team members and customers facing financial hardships due to COVID-19. Additional actions included adjusting our banking center hours, lobby usage, and encouraging team members to work remotely where possible during the pandemic. We continue to monitor our footprint for areas where there is a resurgence or regression of COVID-19 and adjust our banking center availability accordingly.

Our employees actively share their talents in their communities through volunteer activities in education, economic development, human and health services, and Community Reinvestment. Our employees are committed to be good neighbors that foster growth for our customers and communities. As a community based bank, we are committed to being model corporate citizens and through our communities through various forms of investments, contributions, and volunteer work.

Some of the highlights we have taken to be a socially responsible company are:

•One out of two of the Bank’s branches are located in low-to-moderate income areas;

•Our employees had nearly 450 hours of CRA-reportable volunteer hours in 2020;

•We funded approximately $3.08 billion of loan in 2020;

•We had approximately $500.0 million of CRA-reportable small business lending in 2020;

•We had approximately $10.0 million of donations and sponsorships over the last 10 years; and

•We contributed approximately $2.2 million to the Hope Scholarship Foundation since its establishment in 2001.

1 See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Pandemic Response Plan.”

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Item 1A.RISK FACTORS

In the course of conducting our business operations, we are exposed to a variety of risks, some of which are inherent in the financial services industry and others of which are more specific to our own business. The following discussion addresses the most significant risks that could affect our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, and capital position. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our business. If any of these known or unknown risks or uncertainties actually occurs, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely effected. In that event, the market price for our common stock would likely decline.

Risks Related to our Business

Economic conditions in the markets in which we operate may adversely affect our loan portfolio and reduce the demand for our services. We focus our business primarily in Korean-American communities in California, the greater New York City, Chicago, Houston and Dallas, and Seattle metropolitan areas, New Jersey, Virginia, and Alabama. Adverse economic conditions in our market areas could potentially have a material adverse impact on the quality of our business. A renewed economic slowdown in the markets in which we operate currently and in the future may have any or all of the following consequences, any of which may reduce our net income and adversely affect our financial condition:

•loan delinquencies may increase;

•problem assets and foreclosures may increase;

•the level and duration of deposits may decline;

•demand for our products and services may decline; and

•collateral for loans may decline in value below the principal amount owed by the borrower.

We are subject to increasing credit risk as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which could adversely impact our profitability. Our business depends on our ability to successfully measure and manage credit risk. As a lender, we are exposed to the risk that the principal of, or interest on, a loan will not be paid timely or at all or that the value of any collateral supporting a loan will be insufficient to cover our outstanding exposure. In addition, we are exposed to risks with respect to the risks resulting from changes in economic and industry conditions and risks inherent in dealing with individual loans and borrowers. As the overall economic climate in the U.S., generally, and in our market areas specifically, experiences material disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our borrowers may experience difficulties in repaying their loans and governmental actions may provide payment relief to borrowers affected by COVID-19 and preclude our ability to initiate foreclosure proceedings in certain circumstances and, as a result, the collateral we hold may decrease in value or become illiquid, and the level of our nonperforming loans, charge-offs, and delinquencies could rise and require significant additional provisions for credit losses.

Through the pandemic we have worked to support our borrowers to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on them and on our loan portfolio, including through loan modifications that defer payments for those who experienced a hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although government legislation and regulatory guidance provides that such loan modifications are exempt from the reporting of TDRs and loan delinquencies, we cannot predict whether such loan modifications may ultimately have an adverse impact on our profitability in future periods.

The demand for our products and services has been and likely will continue to be significantly adversely impacted due to COVID-19, which would continue to materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, the pandemic could result in the recognition of amplified credit losses in our loan portfolios and increases in our allowance for credit losses, particularly as more and more businesses are closed. Similarly, because of changing economic and market conditions, we may be required to recognize impairments on goodwill or impairment on other financial instruments we hold.

Inability to successfully manage the increased credit risk caused by the COVID-19 pandemic could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

We have a high level of loans secured by real estate collateral. A downturn in the real estate market may seriously impair our loan portfolio. As of December 31, 2020, approximately 65% of our loan portfolio consisted of loans secured by various types of commercial real estate (exclude 1-4 family residential loans). A slowdown in the economy is often accompanied by declines in the value of real estate. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in renewed deterioration in the real estate market generally and in commercial real estate values in particular. Such developments may result in additional loan charge-offs and provisions for credit losses, which may have a material and adverse effect on our net income and capital levels.

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Our commercial loan and commercial real estate loan portfolios expose us to risks that may be greater than the risks related to our other loans. Our loan portfolio includes commercial loans and commercial real estate loans, which are secured by hotels and motels, shopping/retail centers, service station and car wash, industrial and warehouse properties, and other types of commercial properties. Commercial and commercial real estate loans carry more risk as compared to other types of lending, because they typically involve larger loan balances often concentrated with a single borrower or groups of related borrowers.

Accordingly, charge-offs on commercial and commercial real estate loans may be larger on a per loan basis than those incurred with our residential or consumer loan portfolios. In addition, these loans expose a lender to greater credit risk than loans secured by residential real estate. The payment experience on commercial real estate loans that are secured by income producing properties are typically dependent on the successful operation of the related real estate project and thus, may subject us to adverse conditions in the real estate market or to the general economy. The collateral securing these loans typically cannot be liquidated as easily as residential real estate. If we foreclose on these loans, our holding period for the collateral typically is longer than residential properties because there are fewer potential purchasers of the collateral.

Unexpected deterioration in the credit quality of our commercial or commercial real estate loan portfolios would require us to increase our provision for credit losses, which would reduce our profitability and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many industries were hit hard with the hospitality sector being one of the hardest hit. Hotel/motel loans make up a large percentage of our loan portfolio at approximately 12% at December 31, 2020. As a result, our estimated allowance for credit losses experienced large increases in 2020 to reflect the current and projected impact of COVID-19 pandemic on our loan portfolio.

In addition, with respect to commercial real estate loans, federal and state banking regulators are examining commercial real estate lending activity with heightened scrutiny and may require banks with higher levels of commercial real estate loans to implement more stringent underwriting, internal controls, risk management policies and portfolio stress testing, as well as possibly higher levels of allowances for losses and capital levels as a result of commercial real estate lending growth and exposures. Because a significant portion of our loan portfolio is comprised of commercial real estate loans, the banking regulators may require us to maintain higher levels of capital than we would otherwise be expected to maintain, which could limit our ability to leverage our capital and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Our allowance for credit losses may not cover our actual loan losses. If our actual credit losses exceed the amount we have allocated for estimated current expected credit losses, our business will be adversely affected. We attempt to limit the risk that borrowers will fail to repay loans by carefully underwriting our loans, but losses nevertheless occur in the ordinary course of business operations. We create allowances for estimated credit losses through provisions that are recorded as reductions in income in our accounting records. We base these allowances on estimates of the following:

•historical experience with our loans;

•evaluation of current economic conditions and other factors;

•reviews of the quality, mix and size of the overall loan portfolio;

•reviews of delinquencies; and

•the quality of the collateral underlying our loans.

If our allowance estimates are inadequate, we may incur losses, our financial condition may be materially and adversely affected and we may be required to try and raise additional capital to enhance our capital position. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the adequacy of our allowance. These agencies may require us to establish additional allowances based on their judgment of the information available at the time of their examinations. No assurance can be given that we will not sustain loan losses in excess of present or future levels of the allowance for credit losses or that regulatory agencies will not require us to increase our allowance thereby impacting our profitability.

An increase in nonperforming assets would reduce our income and increase our expenses. If the level of nonperforming assets increases in the future, it may adversely affect our operating results and financial condition. Nonperforming assets are mainly loans on which the borrowers are not making their required payments. Nonperforming assets also include loans that have been restructured to permit the borrower to make payments and real estate that has been acquired through foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure of unpaid loans. To the extent that assets are nonperforming, we have less earning assets generating interest income and an increase in credit related expenses, including provisions for credit losses.

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Increases in the level of our problem assets, occurrence of operating losses or a failure to comply with requirements of the agencies which regulate us may result in regulatory actions against us which may materially and adversely affect our business and the market price of our common stock. The DFPI, the FDIC, and the FRB each have authority to take actions to require that we comply with applicable regulatory capital requirements, cease engaging in what they perceive to be unsafe or unsound practices or make other changes in our business. Among others, the corrective measures that such regulatory authorities may take include requiring us to enter into informal or formal agreements regarding our operations, the issuance of cease and desist orders to refrain from engaging in unsafe and unsound practices, removal of officers and directors and the assessment of civil monetary penalties. See “Item 1. Business – Supervision and Regulation” for a further description of such regulatory powers.

Our use of appraisals in deciding whether to make loans secured by real property does not ensure that the value of the real property collateral will be sufficient to repay our loans. In considering whether to make a loan secured by real property, we require an appraisal of the property. However, an appraisal is only an estimate of the value of the property at the time the appraisal is made and requires the exercise of a considerable degree of judgment. If the appraisal does not accurately reflect the amount that may be obtained upon sale or foreclosure of the property, whether due to a decline in property value after the date of the original appraisal or defective preparation of the appraisal, we may not realize an amount equal to the indebtedness secured by the property and as a result, we may suffer losses.

Changes in interest rates affect our profitability. The interest rate risk inherent in our lending, investing, and deposit taking activities is a significant market risk to us and our business. We derive our income mainly from the difference or “spread” between the interest earned on loans, securities and other interest earning assets, and interest paid on deposits, borrowings and other interest bearing liabilities. In general, the wider the spread, the more net interest income we earn. When market rates of interest change, the interest we receive on our assets and the interest we pay on our liabilities will fluctuate. This can cause decreases in our spread and can greatly affect our income. In addition, interest rate fluctuations can affect how much money we may be able to lend. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in minimizing the potentially adverse effects of changes in interest rates.

We face risks associated with the replacement of LIBOR. The London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR, is scheduled to be phased out at the end of 2021. LIBOR serves as the benchmark rate worldwide for many financial assets, such as loans, bonds and other securities. While a working group comprised of the Federal Reserve and other market participants have proposed an alternative, the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), there is no consensus on what rate or rates may become accepted alternatives to LIBOR. The market transition away from LIBOR to an alternative reference rate, such as SOFR, is complex and could have a range of adverse effects on our business, financial condition and results of operations. The transition could, for example:

•Adversely affect the interest rates we pay or receive on, the revenue and expenses associated with or the value of our LIBOR-based assets and liabilities, which include our subordinated debentures, certain variable rate loans and certain other securities and financial arrangements;

•Adversely affect the interest rates paid or received on, the revenue and expenses associated with or the value of other securities or financial arrangements, given LIBOR’s role in determining market interest rates globally;

•Prompt inquiries or other actions from banking regulators regarding our preparation and readiness for the replacement of LIBOR with an alternative reference rate; and

•Result in disputes, litigation or other actions with counterparties, including disputes regarding the interpretation and enforceability of fallback language in LIBOR-based contracts and securities.

The manner and impact of the transition from LIBOR to an alternative reference rate and the effect of these developments on our funding costs, loan and investment and trading securities portfolios, asset-liability management, and business, is uncertain. Accordingly, it is not currently possible for us to determine whether, or to what extent, any such changes would affect us. However, the discontinuation of existing benchmark rates could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, prospects and customers.

If we lose key employees, our business may suffer. There is intense competition for experienced and highly qualified personnel in the Korean-American banking industry and the banking industry more broadly. Our future success depends on the continued employment of existing senior management personnel. If we lose key employees temporarily or permanently, it may hurt our business. We may be particularly hurt if our key employees, including any of our executive officers, became employed by our competitors in the Korean-American banking industry.

17

We are exposed to the risks of natural disasters. A significant portion of our operations is concentrated in Southern California, which is an earthquake and fire prone region. A major earthquake or fire may result in material loss to us. A significant percentage of our loans are and will be secured by real estate. Many of our borrowers may suffer uninsured property damage, experience interruption of their businesses or lose their jobs after an earthquake or fire. Those borrowers might not be able to repay their loans, and the collateral for such loans may decline significantly in value. Unlike a bank with operations that are more geographically diversified, we are vulnerable to greater losses if an earthquake, fire, flood, mudslide or other natural catastrophe occurs in Southern California.

We may experience adverse effects from acquisitions. We have acquired other banking companies and bank offices in the past, and will consider additional acquisitions as opportunities arise. If we do not adequately address the financial and operational risks associated with acquisitions of other companies, we may incur material unexpected costs and disruption of our business. Future acquisitions may increase the degree of such risks.

Risks involved in acquisitions of other companies include:

•the risk of failure to adequately evaluate the asset quality of the acquired company;

•difficulty in assimilating the operations, technology and personnel of the acquired company;

•diversion of management’s attention from other important business activities;

•difficulty in maintaining good relations with the loan and deposit customers of the acquired company;

•inability to maintain uniform and effective operating standards, controls, procedures and policies;

•potentially dilutive issuances of equity securities or the incurrence of debt and contingent liabilities; and

•amortization of expenses related to acquired intangible assets that have finite lives.

Liquidity risks may impair our ability to fund operations and jeopardize our financial condition. Liquidity is essential to our business. An inability to raise funds through deposits, borrowings, the sale of loans, and other sources may have a material adverse effect on our liquidity. Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance our activities may be impaired by factors that affect us specifically or the financial services industry in general. Factors that may detrimentally impact our access to liquidity sources include a decrease in the level of our business activity due to a market downturn or adverse regulatory action against us. Our ability to acquire deposits or borrow may also be impaired by factors that are not specific to us, such as a disruption of the financial markets or negative views and expectations about the prospects for the banking industry or the general financial services industry as a whole.

The occurrence of fraudulent activity, breaches or failures of our information security controls or cybersecurity-related incidents could have a material adverse effect on our business. As a financial institution, we are susceptible to fraudulent activity, information security breaches and cybersecurity-related incidents that may be committed against us or our clients, which may result in financial losses or increased costs to us or our clients, disclosure or misuse of our information or our client information, misappropriation of assets, privacy breaches against our clients, litigation, or damage to our reputation. Such fraudulent activity may take many forms, including check fraud, electronic fraud, wire fraud, phishing, social engineering, and other dishonest acts. Information security breaches and cybersecurity-related incidents may include fraudulent or unauthorized access to systems used by us or our clients, denial or degradation of service attacks, and malware, or other cyber-attacks. In recent periods, there continues to be a rise in electronic fraudulent activity, security breaches, and cyber-attacks within the financial services industry, especially in the commercial banking sector due to cyber criminals targeting commercial bank accounts. Consistent with industry trends, we have also experienced an increase in attempted electronic fraudulent activity, security breaches and cybersecurity-related incidents in recent periods. Moreover, in recent periods, several large corporations, including financial institutions and retail companies, have suffered major data breaches, in some cases exposing not only confidential and proprietary corporate information, but also sensitive financial and other personal information of their customers and employees and subjecting them to potential fraudulent activity. Some of our clients may have been affected by these breaches, which increase their risks of identity theft, credit card fraud and other fraudulent activity that could involve their accounts with us.

18

Information pertaining to us and our clients is maintained, and transactions are executed, on the networks and systems of us, our clients and certain of our third party partners, such as our online banking or reporting systems. The secure maintenance and transmission of confidential information, as well as execution of transactions over these systems, are essential to protect us and our clients against fraud and security breaches and to maintain our clients’ confidence. Breaches of information security also may occur, and in infrequent cases have occurred, through intentional or unintentional acts by those having access to our systems or our clients’ or counterparties’ confidential information, including employees. In addition, increases in criminal activity, levels and sophistication, advances in computer capabilities, new discoveries, vulnerabilities in third-party technologies (including browsers and operating systems) or other developments could result in a compromise or breach of the technology, processes and controls that we use to prevent fraudulent transactions and to protect data about us, our clients and underlying transactions, as well as the technology used by our clients to access our systems. Although we have developed, and continue to invest in, systems and processes that are designed to detect and prevent security breaches and cyber-attacks and periodically test our security, our inability to anticipate, or failure to adequately mitigate, breaches of security could result in: losses to us or our clients; our loss of business and/or clients; damage to our reputation; the incurrence of additional expenses; disruption to our business; our inability to grow our online services or other businesses; additional regulatory scrutiny or penalties; or our exposure to civil litigation and possible financial liability - any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

More generally, publicized information concerning security and cyber-related problems could inhibit the use or growth of electronic or web-based applications or solutions as a means of conducting commercial transactions. Such publicity may also cause damage to our reputation as a financial institution. As a result, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

We are subject to operational risks relating to our technology and information systems. The continued efficacy of our technology and information systems, related operational infrastructure and relationships with third party vendors in our ongoing operations is integral to our performance. Failure of any of these resources, including but not limited to operational or systems failures, interruptions of client service operations and ineffectiveness of or interruption in third party data processing or other vendor support, may cause material disruptions in our business, impairment of customer relations and exposure to liability for our customers, as well as action by bank regulatory authorities.

Our business reputation is important and any damage to it may have a material adverse effect on our business. Our reputation is very important for our business, as we rely on our relationships with our current, former, and potential clients and stockholders in the communities we serve. Any damage to our reputation, whether arising from regulatory, supervisory or enforcement actions, matters affecting our financial reporting or compliance with SEC and exchange listing requirements, negative publicity, our conduct of our business or otherwise may have a material adverse effect on our business.

As we expand outside our California markets, we may encounter additional risks that may adversely affect us. Currently, the majority of our offices are located in California, but we also have offices in the New York City, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, and Seattle metropolitan areas, New Jersey, Virginia, and Alabama. Over time, we may seek to establish offices to serve Korean-American and other ethnic communities in other parts of the United States as well. In the course of these expansion activities, we may encounter significant risks, including unfamiliarity with the characteristics and business dynamics of new markets, increased marketing and administrative expenses and operational difficulties arising from our efforts to attract business in new markets, manage operations in noncontiguous geographic markets, comply with local laws and regulations and effectively and consistently manage our non-California personnel and business. If we are unable to manage these risks, our operations may be materially and adversely affected.

Adverse conditions in South Korea or globally may adversely affect our business. A substantial number of our customers have economic and cultural ties to South Korea and, as a result, we are likely to feel the effects of adverse economic and political conditions there. If economic or political conditions in South Korea deteriorate, we may, among other things, be exposed to economic and transfer risk, and may experience an outflow of deposits by our customers with connections to South Korea. Transfer risk may result when an entity is unable to obtain the foreign exchange needed to meet its obligations or to provide liquidity. This may materially and adversely impact the recoverability of investments in or loans made to such entities. Adverse economic conditions in South Korea may also negatively impact asset values and the profitability and liquidity of our customers who operate in this region. In addition, a general overall decline in global economic conditions may materially and adversely affect our profitability and overall results of operations.

19

Legal and Regulatory Risks

Governmental regulation and regulatory actions against us may further impair our operations or restrict our growth. We are subject to significant governmental supervision and regulation. These regulations affect our lending practices, capital structure, investment practices, dividend policy and growth, among other things. Congress and federal regulatory agencies continually review banking laws, regulations and policies for possible changes. Statutes and regulations affecting our business may be changed at any time and the interpretation of these statutes and regulations by examining authorities may also change. In addition, regulations may be adopted which increase our deposit insurance premiums and enact special assessments which could increase expenses associated with running our business and adversely affect our earnings.

There can be no assurance that such statutes and regulations, any changes thereto or to their interpretation will not adversely affect our business. In particular, these statutes and regulations, and any changes thereto, could subject us to additional costs (including legal and compliance costs), limit the types of financial services and products we may offer and/or increase the ability of non-banks to offer competing financial services and products, among other things. In addition to governmental supervision and regulation, we are subject to changes in other federal and state laws, including changes in tax laws, which could materially affect us and the banking industry generally. We are subject to the rules, regulations of, and examination by the FRB, the FDIC and the DFPI, and the CFPB. In addition, we are subject to the rules and regulation of the Nasdaq Stock Market and the SEC and are subject to enforcement actions and other punitive actions by these agencies. If we fail to comply with federal and state regulations, the regulators may limit our activities or growth, impose fines on us or in the case of our bank regulators, ultimately require our bank to cease its operations. Bank regulations can hinder our ability to compete with financial services companies that are not regulated in the same manner or are less regulated. Federal and state bank regulatory agencies regulate many aspects of our operations. These areas include:

•the capital that must be maintained;

•the kinds of activities that can be engaged in;

•the kinds and amounts of investments that can be made;

•the locations of offices;

•insurance of deposits and the premiums that we must pay for this insurance;

•procedures and policies we must adopt;

•conditions and restrictions on our executive compensation; and

•how much cash we must set aside as reserves for deposits.

In addition, bank regulatory authorities have the authority to bring enforcement actions against banks and bank holding companies, including the Bank and Hope Bancorp, for unsafe or unsound practices in the conduct of their businesses or for violations of any law, rule or regulation, any condition imposed in writing by the appropriate bank regulatory agency or any written agreement with the authority. Enforcement actions against us could include a federal conservatorship or receivership for the bank, the issuance of additional orders that could be judicially enforced, the imposition of civil monetary penalties, the issuance of directives to enter into a strategic transaction, whether by merger or otherwise, with a third party, the termination of insurance of deposits, the issuance of removal and prohibition orders against institution-affiliated parties, and the enforcement of such actions through injunctions or restraining orders. In addition, as we have grown beyond $10 billion in assets, we are subject to enhanced CFPB examination as well as required to perform more comprehensive stress-testing on our business and operations.

We face a risk of noncompliance and enforcement action with the Bank Secrecy Act and other anti-money laundering statutes and regulations. The BSA, the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, and other laws and regulations require financial institutions, among other duties, to institute and maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and file suspicious activity and currency transaction reports as appropriate. The federal Financial Crimes Enforcement Network is authorized to impose significant civil money penalties for violations of those requirements and has recently engaged in coordinated enforcement efforts with the individual federal banking regulators, as well as the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Internal Revenue Service. We are also subject to increased scrutiny of compliance with the rules enforced by the Office of Foreign Assets Control and compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. If our policies, procedures and systems are deemed deficient, we would be subject to liability, including fines and regulatory actions, which may include restrictions on our ability to pay dividends and the necessity to obtain regulatory approvals to proceed with certain aspects of our business plan. Failure to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing could also have serious reputational consequences for us. Any of these results could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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SBA lending is an important part of our business. Our SBA lending program is dependent upon the federal government, and we face specific risks associated with originating SBA loans. Our SBA lending program is dependent upon the federal government. As an SBA Preferred Lender, we enable our clients to obtain SBA loans without being subject to the potentially lengthy SBA approval process required for lenders that are not SBA Preferred Lenders. The SBA periodically reviews the lending operations of participating lenders to assess, among other things, whether the lender exhibits prudent risk management. When weaknesses are identified, the SBA may request corrective actions or impose enforcement actions, including revocation of the lender’s Preferred Lender status. If we lose our status as a Preferred Lender, we may lose some or all of our customers to lenders who are SBA Preferred Lenders, and as a result we could experience a material adverse effect to our financial results. Any changes to the SBA program, including changes to the level of guarantee provided by the federal government on SBA loans, may also have a material adverse effect on our business.

We historically sold the guaranteed portion of our SBA 7(a) loans in the secondary market, but during the end of 2018, we made the decision to retain most of the SBA 7(a) loans that we originate due to the low premiums being offered in the secondary market. These sales of SBA 7(a) loans have historically resulted in both premium income for us at the time of sale, and created a stream of future servicing income. We may not be able to continue originating these loans or return to selling them in the secondary market. Furthermore, even if we are able to continue originating and return to selling SBA 7(a) loans in the secondary market, we might not continue to realize premiums upon the sale of the guaranteed portion of these loans. When we sell the guaranteed portion of our SBA 7(a) loans, we incur credit risk on the non-guaranteed portion of the loans, and if a customer defaults on the non-guaranteed portion of a loan, we share any loss and recovery related to the loan pro-rata with the SBA. If the SBA establishes that a loss on an SBA guaranteed loan is attributable to significant technical deficiencies in the manner in which the loan was originated, funded or serviced by us, the SBA may seek recovery of the principal loss related to the deficiency from us, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

The laws, regulations and standard operating procedures that are applicable to SBA loan products may change in the future. We cannot predict the effects of these changes on our business and profitability. Because government regulation greatly affects the business and financial results of all commercial banks and bank holding companies and especially our organization, changes in the laws, regulations and procedures applicable to SBA loans could adversely affect our ability to operate profitably.

Environmental laws may force us to pay for environmental problems. The cost of cleaning up or paying damages and penalties associated with environmental problems may increase our operating expenses. When a borrower defaults on a loan secured by real property, we often purchase the property in foreclosure or accept a deed to the property surrendered by the borrower. We may also take over the management of commercial properties whose owners have defaulted on loans. We also lease premises where our branches and other facilities are located, all where environmental problems may exist. Although we have lending, foreclosure and facilities guidelines that are intended to exclude properties with an unreasonable risk of contamination, hazardous substances may exist on some of the properties that we own, lease, manage or occupy. We may face the risk that environmental laws may force us to clean up the properties at our expense. The cost of cleaning up a property may exceed the value of the property. We may also be liable for pollution generated by a borrower’s operations if we take a role in managing those operations after a default. We may find it difficult or impossible to sell contaminated properties.

Changes in accounting standards may affect how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations. Our accounting policies and methods are fundamental to how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations. From time to time, the Financial Accounting Standards Board and SEC change the financial accounting and reporting standards that govern the preparation of our financial statements. These changes and their impacts on us can be hard to predict and may result in unexpected and materially adverse impacts on our reported financial condition and results of operations.

Financial and Market Risks

We may reduce or discontinue the payment of dividends on common stock. Our stockholders are only entitled to receive such dividends as our Board may declare out of funds legally available for such payments. Although we have historically declared cash dividends on our common stock, we are not required to do so and may reduce or eliminate our common stock dividend in the future. Our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders is subject to the restrictions set forth in Delaware law, by the FRB, and by certain covenants contained in our subordinated debentures. Notification to the FRB is also required prior to our declaring and paying a cash dividend to our stockholders during any period in which our quarterly and/or cumulative twelve-month net earnings are insufficient to fund the dividend amount, among other requirements. We may not pay a dividend if the FRB objects or until such time as we receive approval from the FRB or we no longer need to provide notice under applicable regulations. In addition, we may be restricted by applicable law or regulation or actions taken by our regulators, now or in the future, from paying dividends to our stockholders. We cannot provide assurance that we will continue paying dividends on our common stock at current levels or at all. A reduction or discontinuance of dividends on our common stock could have a material adverse effect on our business, including the market price of our common stock.

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The conditional conversion features of the convertible notes issued by the Company, if met, may adversely affect our financial condition and operating results. In the event the conditional conversion features of the convertible notes issued by the Company are met, holders of convertible notes will be entitled to convert the notes at any time during specified periods at their option. If one or more holders elect to convert their notes, unless we elect to satisfy our conversion obligation by delivering solely shares of our common stock (other than paying cash in lieu of delivering any fractional share), we would be required to settle a portion or all of our conversion obligation through the payment of cash, which could adversely affect our liquidity.

We may not have the capital resources necessary to settle conversions of the convertible notes in cash or to repurchase the convertible notes if holders of the convertible note exercise their repurchase rights or upon a fundamental change, and our future debt may contain limitations on our ability to pay cash upon conversion or repurchase of the convertible notes. Holders of the convertible notes will have the right to require us to repurchase all or a portion of their convertible notes on certain specified dates or upon the occurrence of a fundamental change at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the convertible notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid special interest, if any. We may not have enough available cash or be able to obtain financing at the time we are required to repurchase convertible notes surrendered or pay cash with respect to the convertible notes being converted if we elect not to issue shares, which could harm our reputation and affect the trading price of our common stock.

The value of our securities in our investment portfolio may decline in the future. The fair value of our investment securities may be adversely affected by market conditions, including changes in interest rates, implied credit spreads, and the occurrence of any events adversely affecting the issuer of particular securities in our investments portfolio or any given market segment or industry in which we are invested. We analyze our securities available for sale on a quarterly basis to determine if there is a requirement to recognize current expected credit losses. The process for determining current expected credit losses usually requires complex, subjective judgments about the future financial performance of the issuer in order to assess the probability of receiving all contractual principal and interest payments sufficient to recover our amortized cost of the security. Because of changing economic and market conditions affecting issuers, we may be required to recognize credit losses in future periods, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud. Effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports, effectively prevent fraud and to operate successfully as a public company. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, our reputation and business would be harmed. In addition, failure in our internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures could cause us to fail to meet the continued listing requirements of the Nasdaq Global Select Market and, as a result, adversely impact the liquidity and trading price of our securities.

Anti-takeover provisions in our charter documents and applicable federal and state law may limit the ability of another party to acquire us, which could cause our stock price to decline. Various provisions of our charter documents could delay or prevent a third-party from acquiring us, even if doing so might be beneficial to our stockholders. These include, among other things, advance notice requirements to submit stockholder proposals at stockholder meetings and the authorization to issue “blank check” preferred stock by action of the Board of Directors acting alone, thus without obtaining stockholder approval. In addition, applicable provisions of federal and state banking law require regulatory approval in connection with certain acquisitions of our common stock and supermajority voting provisions in connection with certain transactions. In particular, both federal and state law limit the acquisition of ownership of, generally, 10% or more of our common stock without providing prior notice to the regulatory agencies and obtaining prior regulatory approval or non-objection or being able to rely on an exemption from such requirement. Collectively, these provisions of our charter documents and applicable federal and state law may prevent a merger or acquisition that would be attractive to stockholders and could limit the price investors would be willing to pay in the future for our common stock.

Our common stock is not insured and you could lose the value of your entire investment. An investment in our common stock is not a deposit and is not insured against loss by any government agency.

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General Risk Factors

Our common stock is equity and therefore is subordinate to indebtedness and preferred stock. Our common stock constitutes equity interests and does not constitute indebtedness. As such, common stock will rank junior to all current and future indebtedness and other non-equity claims on us with respect to assets available to satisfy claims against us, including in the event of our liquidation. We may, and the Bank and our other subsidiaries may also, incur additional indebtedness from time to time and may increase our aggregate level of outstanding indebtedness. Additionally, holders of common stock are subject to the prior dividend and liquidation rights of any holders of our preferred stock that may be outstanding from time to time. The Board of Directors is authorized to cause us to issue additional classes or series of preferred stock without any action on the part of our stockholders. If we issue preferred shares in the future that have a preference over our common stock with respect to the payment of dividends or upon liquidation, or if we issue preferred shares with voting rights that dilute the voting power of the common stock, then the rights of holders of our common stock or the market price of our common stock could be materially adversely affected.

Our stock price may be volatile, which may result in substantial losses for our stockholders. The market price of our common stock may be subject to fluctuations in response to a number of factors, including:

•issuing new equity securities;

•the amount of our common stock outstanding and the trading volume of our stock;

•actual or anticipated changes in our future financial performance;

•changes in financial performance estimates by us or by securities analysts;

•competitive developments, including announcements by us or our competitors of new products or services or acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments;

•the operating and stock performance of our competitors;

•changes in interest rates;

•changes in key personnel;

•changes in economic conditions that affect the Bank’s performance; and

•changes in legislation or regulations that affect the Bank.

We may raise additional capital, which could have a dilutive effect on the existing holders of our common stock and adversely affect the market price of our common stock. We periodically evaluate opportunities to access capital markets, taking into account our financial condition, regulatory capital ratios, business strategies, anticipated asset growth and other relevant considerations. It is possible that future acquisitions, organic growth or changes in regulatory capital requirements could require us to increase the amount or change the composition of our current capital, including our common equity. For all of these reasons and others, and always subject to market conditions, we may issue additional shares of common stock or other capital securities in public or private transactions.

The issuance of additional common stock, debt, or securities convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock or that represent the right to receive common stock, or the exercise of such securities, could be substantially dilutive to holders of our common stock. Holders of our common stock have no preemptive or other rights that would entitle them to purchase their pro rata share of any offering of shares of any class or series and, therefore, such sales or offerings could result in dilution of the ownership interests of our stockholders.

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Item 1B.    UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

Item 2.PROPERTIES

Our principal executive offices are located at 3200 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1400, Los Angeles, California 90010. As of December 31, 2020, we operated full-service branches at 51 leased and seven owned facilities, and we operated loan production offices at 11 leased facilities. Expiration dates of our leases range from 2021 to 2030. We believe our present facilities are suitable and adequate for our current operating needs.

Item 3.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In the normal course of business, we are involved in various legal claims. We have reviewed all legal claims against us with counsel and have taken into consideration the views of such counsel as to the potential outcome of the claims. Loss contingencies for all legal claims totaled approximately $1.3 million at December 31, 2020. It is reasonably possible we may incur losses in addition to the amounts we have accrued. However, at this time, we are unable to estimate the range of additional losses that are reasonably possible because of a number of factors, including the fact that certain of these litigation matters are still in their early stages and involve claims for which, at this point, we believe have little to no merit. Management has considered these and other possible loss contingencies and does not expect the amounts to be material to any of the consolidated financial statements.

Item 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

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Part II

Item 5.MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “HOPE.”

The closing price for our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on February 19, 2021 was $12.45 per share. As of February 19, 2021, there were 1,151 stockholders of record of our common stock.

Stock Performance Graph

The following graph compares the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total shareholder return (stock price appreciation plus reinvested dividends) on our common stock with (i) the cumulative total return of the NASDAQ Composite Index, (ii) the cumulative total return of the S&P Small Cap 600 Index, (iii) a published index comprised of banks and thrifts selected by SNL Financial LLC, and (iv) the cumulative total return of the S&P 500 Index. The graph assumes an initial investment of $100 and reinvestment of dividends. Points on the graph represent the performance as of the last business day of each of the years indicated. The graph is not indicative of future price performance. The graph does not constitute soliciting material and shall not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any filing by Hope Bancorp under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that we may specifically incorporate this graph by reference.

ASSUMES $100 INVESTED ON DECEMBER 31, 2015

ASSUMES DIVIDENDS REINVESTED

FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2020

	Period Ending
Stock/Index	12/31/2015	12/31/2016	12/31/2017	12/31/2018	12/31/2019	12/31/2020
Hope Bancorp, Inc.	$100.00	$130.87	$112.02	$75.22	$98.05	$76.36
NASDAQ Composite	$100.00	$108.87	$141.13	$137.12	$187.44	$271.64
S&P 600 Index	$100.00	$126.56	$143.30	$131.15	$161.03	$179.20
SNL Bank and Thrift	$100.00	$126.25	$148.45	$123.32	$166.67	$144.61
S&P 500 Index	$100.00	$111.96	$136.40	$130.42	$171.49	$203.04

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Item 6.SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table presents selected financial and other data for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2020. The information below should be read in conjunction with, the more detailed information included elsewhere herein, including our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto.

	As of or For The Year Ended December 31,
	2020		2019		2018		2017		2016
	(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
Income Statement Data:
Interest income	$	598,878	$	684,786	$	650,172	$	572,104	$	421,934
Interest expense	131,380		218,191		162,245		90,724		58,579
Net interest income	467,498		466,595		487,927		481,380		363,355
Provision for credit losses	95,000		7,300		14,900		17,360		9,000
Net interest income after provision for credit losses	372,498		459,295		473,027		464,020		354,355
Noninterest income	53,432		49,683		60,180		66,415		51,819
Noninterest expense	283,639		282,628		277,726		266,601		214,975
Income before income tax provision	142,291		226,350		255,481		263,834		191,199
Income tax provision	30,776		55,310		65,892		124,389		77,452
Net income	$	111,515	$	171,040	$	189,589	$	139,445	$	113,747
Per Common Share Data:
Earnings - basic	$	0.90	$	1.35	$	1.44	$	1.03	$	1.10
Earnings - diluted	$	0.90	$	1.35	$	1.44	$	1.03	$	1.10
Book value (period end)	$	16.66	$	16.19	$	15.03	$	14.23	$	13.72
Cash dividends declared per common share	$	0.56	$	0.56	$	0.54	$	0.50	$	0.45
Number of common shares outstanding (period end)	123,264,864		125,756,543		126,639,912		135,511,891		135,240,079
Balance Sheet Data—At Period End:
Assets	$	17,106,664	$	15,667,440	$	15,305,952	$	14,206,717	$	13,441,422
Securities available for sale	$	2,285,611	$	1,715,987	$	1,846,265	$	1,720,257	$	1,556,740
Loans receivable, net of unearned loan fees and discounts (excludes loans held for sale)	$	13,563,213	$	12,276,007	$	12,098,115	$	11,102,575	$	10,543,332
Deposits	$	14,333,912	$	12,527,364	$	12,155,656	$	10,846,609	$	10,642,035
FHLB advances and federal funds purchased	$	250,000	$	625,000	$	821,280	$	1,227,593	$	754,290
Subordinated debentures	$	104,178	$	103,035	$	101,929	$	100,853	$	99,808
Convertible notes, net	$	204,565	$	199,458	$	194,543	$	—	$	—
Stockholders’ equity	$	2,053,745	$	2,036,011	$	1,903,211	$	1,928,255	$	1,855,473
Average Balance Sheet Data:
Assets	$	16,515,102	$	15,214,412	$	14,749,166	$	13,648,963	$	10,342,063
Securities available for sale	$	1,899,948	$	1,796,412	$	1,772,080	$	1,679,468	$	1,276,068
Gross loans, including loans held for sale	$	12,698,523	$	11,998,675	$	11,547,022	$	10,642,349	$	8,121,897
Deposits	$	13,560,531	$	12,066,719	$	11,628,177	$	10,751,886	$	8,232,984
Stockholders’ equity	$	2,032,570	$	1,981,811	$	1,910,224	$	1,907,746	$	1,342,954

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	As of or For The Year Ended December 31,
	2020			2019			2018			2017			2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
Selected Performance Ratios:
Return on average assets(1)	0.68		%	1.12		%	1.29		%	1.02		%	1.10		%
Return on average stockholders’ equity(2)	5.49		%	8.63		%	9.92		%	7.31		%	8.47		%
Average stockholders’ equity to average assets	12.31		%	13.03		%	12.95		%	13.98		%	12.99		%
Dividend payout ratio (dividends per share/earnings per share)	62.22		%	41.54		%	37.58		%	48.54		%	40.86		%
Net interest spread(3)	2.58		%	2.65		%	3.04		%	3.46		%	3.49		%
Net interest margin(4)	3.00		%	3.27		%	3.53		%	3.80		%	3.75		%
Yield on interest earning assets(5)	3.84		%	4.81		%	4.71		%	4.51		%	4.36		%
Cost of interest bearing liabilities(6)	1.26		%	2.16		%	1.67		%	1.05		%	0.87		%
Efficiency ratio(7)	54.45		%	54.74		%	50.67		%	48.67		%	51.78		%
Regulatory Capital Ratios:
Hope Bancorp:
Common Equity Tier 1	10.94		%	11.76		%	11.44		%	12.30		%	12.10		%
Tier 1 Leverage	10.22		%	11.22		%	10.55		%	11.54		%	11.49		%
Tier 1 risk-based	11.64		%	12.51		%	12.21		%	13.11		%	12.92		%
Total risk-based	12.87		%	13.23		%	12.94		%	13.82		%	13.64		%
Bank of Hope:
Common Equity Tier 1	12.90		%	13.72		%	13.63		%	12.95		%	12.75		%
Tier 1 Leverage	11.33		%	12.29		%	11.76		%	11.40		%	11.33		%
Tier I risk-based	12.90		%	13.72		%	13.63		%	12.95		%	12.75		%
Total risk-based	14.14		%	14.44		%	14.36		%	13.66		%	13.46		%
Asset Quality Data:
Nonaccrual loans	$	85,238		$	54,785		$	53,286		$	46,775		$	40,074
Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing (8)	614			7,547			1,529			407			305
Accruing restructured loans	37,354			35,709			50,410			67,250			48,874
Total nonperforming loans	123,206			98,041			105,225			114,432			89,253
Other real estate owned	20,121			24,091			7,754			10,787			21,990
Total nonperforming assets	$	143,327		$	122,132		$	112,979		$	125,219		$	111,243
Asset Quality Ratios:
Nonaccrual loans to loans receivable	0.63		%	0.45		%	0.44		%	0.42		%	0.38		%
Nonperforming loans to loans receivable	0.91		%	0.80		%	0.87		%	1.03		%	0.85		%
Nonperforming assets to total assets	0.84		%	0.78		%	0.74		%	0.83		%	0.83		%
Nonperforming assets to loans receivable and other real estate owned	1.06		%	0.99		%	0.93		%	1.13		%	1.05		%
Allowance for credit losses to loans receivable	1.52		%	0.77		%	0.77		%	0.76		%	0.75		%
Allowance for credit losses to nonaccrual loans	242.55		%	171.84		%	173.70		%	180.74		%	197.99		%
Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans	167.80		%	96.03		%	87.96		%	73.88		%	88.90		%
Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming assets	144.24		%	77.08		%	81.92		%	67.51		%	71.32		%
Net charge-offs to average loans receivable	0.07		%	0.04		%	0.06		%	0.11		%	0.07		%

(1)Net income divided by average assets.

(2)Net income divided by average stockholders’ equity.

(3)Difference between the average yield earned on interest earning assets and the average rate paid on interest bearing liabilities.

(4)Net interest income expressed as a percentage of average interest earning assets.

(5)Interest income divided by average interest earning assets.

(6)Interest expense divided by average interest bearing liabilities.

(7)Noninterest expense divided by the sum of net interest income plus noninterest income.

(8)Excludes acquired credit impaired loans totaling $13.2 million, $14.1 million, $18.1 million, and $19.6 million as of December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.

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Item 7.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes presented elsewhere in this Report. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including those set forth under Item 1A “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Report. Please see the “Forward Looking Information” immediately preceding Part I of this Report.

Overview

We offer a full range of commercial and retail banking loan and deposit products through Bank of Hope. We have 58 banking offices in California, New York/New Jersey, Illinois, Washington, Texas, Virginia, and Alabama. We have 11 loan production offices located in Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Portland, Seattle, Fremont, and in Southern California. We offer our banking services through our network of banking offices and loan production offices to our customers who typically are small to medium-sized businesses in our market areas. We accept deposits and originate a variety of loans including commercial business loans, real estate loans, trade finance loans, SBA loans, and consumer loans.

Our principal business involves earning interest on loans and investment securities that are funded primarily by customer deposits, wholesale deposits, and other borrowings. Our operating income and net income are derived primarily from the difference between interest income received from interest earning assets and interest expense paid on interest bearing liabilities and, to a lesser extent, from fees received in connection with servicing loan and deposit accounts and income from the sale of loans. Historically, we sold most of the guaranteed portion of SBA loans we originated on the secondary market, but due to the reduced premiums received from the secondary market for SBA guaranteed sales, we made the decision to retain the loans on our balance sheet. Our major expenses are the interest we pay on deposits and borrowings, provisions for credit losses and general operating expenses, which primarily consist of salaries and employee benefits, occupancy costs, and other operating expenses. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond our control, such as changes in the national economy and in the related monetary policies of the FRB, inflation, unemployment, consumer spending and political changes and events. We cannot predict the impact that these factors and future changes in domestic and foreign economic and political conditions might have on our performance.

Our results are affected by economic conditions in our markets and to a lesser degree in South Korea. A decline in economic and business conditions in our market areas or in South Korea may have a material adverse impact on the quality of our loan portfolio or the demand for our products and services, which in turn may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

COVID-19 Pandemic

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) a global pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a material and adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations and any further impact will depend on future developments that cannot be predicted, including the scope and duration of the pandemic, the economic implications of the same, effectiveness of vaccines being distributed, and the continued actions taken by governmental authorities in response to the pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has substantially and negatively impacted the United States economy, disrupted global supply chains, considerably lowered equity market valuations, created significant volatility and disruption in financial markets, and materially increased unemployment levels. In addition, the pandemic has resulted in permanent and temporary closures of countless businesses and the institution of social distancing and sheltering in place requirements in most states and communities. Although some states and business have reopened, the last wave of COVID-19 cases resulted in further shutdowns and closures. Although COVID-19 vaccines are currently being distributed, it is unknown how long it will take for the vaccines to have a significant positive impact in reducing COVID-19 cases and how effective the vaccine will be for new emerging strains of the COVID-19 virus. The demand for our products and services has been and likely will continue to be significantly adversely impacted, which would continue to materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, the pandemic could result in the recognition of amplified credit losses in our loan portfolios and increases in our allowance for credit losses, particularly as more and more businesses are closed. Similarly, because of changing economic and market conditions, we may be required to recognize impairments on goodwill or impairment on other financial instruments we hold.

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The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our business, results of operations, and financial condition, as well as our regulatory capital and liquidity ratios, will depend on future developments, that cannot be predicted, including the effectiveness of vaccines, the scope and duration of the pandemic, the economic implications of the same, and actions taken by governmental authorities and other third parties in response to the pandemic.

On March 27, 2020, President Donald Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act in response to the global pandemic. The CARES Act provided approximately $2.2 trillion in emergency economic relief funds, expanded SBA lending and provides temporary relief of certain modifications from TDR classification. In December 2020, the President signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 which included another $900 billion in stimulus relief for the COVID-19 pandemic to provide emergency economic relief funds, further expanded SBA lending with additional funds for SBA PPP, and provides an extension for the relief of certain modifications from TDR classification. In 2020, we assisted many of our customers in availing themselves of certain provisions of the CARES Act by providing loan modifications to borrowers consisting of mostly payment deferrals. We also funded $480.1 million in SBA PPP loans in 2020 (see “COVID-19 Related Loan Modifications” in the Financial Conditions section of the MD&A for more information) and with the approval of a second round of PPP funds, we started originating additional PPP loans in the first quarter of 2021.

At December 31, 2020, all of our regulatory capital ratios for Hope Bancorp and the Bank were in excess of the minimum requirements set by our regulators. While we currently believe that we have sufficient excess capital and liquidity to withstand the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, further economic deterioration or an extended recession could adversely impact our capital and liquidity positions.

Pandemic Response Plan

With the onset of the COVID-19 virus, we activated a Pandemic Response Plan in January 2020, in advance of the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the Pandemic Response Plan, a Pandemic Response Team and a Business Continuity Program Team were formed which closely monitor the COVID-19 situation, identifying issues and developing responses to reduce risks related to COVID-19 to our customers, employees, and communities. As part of our overall efforts to help contain the spread of the virus, we made a number of adjustments in our branch operations:

•Nationwide, we reduced the operating hours;

•For some of our branches with drive-thru service facilities, we limited in-branch services by appointment only;

•We have also temporarily closed a number of branches that are in close proximity to another branch location;

•We implemented social distancing procedures limiting the number of customers in a branch at a given time; requiring the use of face masks and hand sanitizers by all customers entering a branch, and added aisle lines to help guide customers in maintaining a minimum of 6 feet of separation;

•We limited operations to every other teller station as warranted to maintain the minimum 6-feet distance;

•We installed sneeze guards at all teller stations and customer service areas;

•We have provided our branch staff with facial masks, as well as face shields; and

•We implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols at all of our branches.

We have also implemented a number of changes to our back-office operations including:

•Enabling the majority of our employees with remote work capabilities and implementing a remote rotation strategy with the general goal of having approximately 50% of the department staff working onsite and the remainder working remotely;

•In-person meetings have been prohibited to the extent possible;

•In line with social distancing guidelines, certain employee workstations have been temporarily modified to allow for a minimum separation of approximately six feet between each employee;

•Common break areas have been closed; and

•We have implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols for our non-branch locations.

The goal of the Pandemic Response Plan is to protect the health of our customers, employees, and communities while continuing to meet the needs of our customers. The Pandemic Response Team and Business Continuity Program Team will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and take additional actions in an effort to ensure the safe continued operations of the Bank.

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Critical Accounting Policies

Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and generally accepted practices within the banking industry. The financial information contained within these statements is, to a significant extent, financial information that is based on approximate measures of the financial effects of transactions and events that have already occurred. All of our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 of our Consolidated Financial Statements presented elsewhere in this Report and are essential to understanding Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements. Actual results may materially and adversely differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

The following is a summary of the more subjective and complex accounting estimates and judgements affecting the financial condition and results reported in our financial statements. In each area, we have identified the variables we believe to be the most important in the estimation process. We use the best information available to us to make the estimations necessary to value the related assets and liabilities in each of these areas. Management has reviewed these critical accounting estimates and related disclosures with our Audit Committee.

Business Combinations

Description - Mergers and acquisitions are accounted for in accordance with ASC 805 “Business Combinations” using the acquisition method of accounting. Assets and liabilities acquired and assumed are generally recorded at their fair values as of the date of the transaction. The excess of purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. Critical accounting policies related to acquired loans is discussed in more detail below under “Purchase Credit Deteriorated Loans” (“PCD”).

Subjective Estimates and Judgments - Determining the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired often involves estimates based on internal estimate or third-party valuations using a discounted cash flow analysis or other valuation technique that may include the use of estimates. In addition, the determination of the useful lives over which intangible assets will be amortized is subjective in nature.

Impact if Actual Results Differ From Estimates and Judgments - Changes to estimates and judgments used in business combinations could result in a significant difference in the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired which would impact total goodwill recorded. A change in the useful life of intangible assets could impact amortization amounts which could have an impact on our earnings.

Investment Securities

Description - We evaluate securities in unrealized loss position for impairment related to credit losses on at least a quarterly basis. Based on our evaluation, we do not believe that we had any investment securities available for sale with unrealized losses with credit loss impairment as of December 31, 2020. Investment securities are discussed in more detail under “Financial Condition - Investment Security Portfolio”.

Subjective Estimates and Judgments - Significant judgment is involved in determining when a decline in fair value is credit impaired. Securities in unrealized loss positions are first assessed as to whether we intend to sell, or if it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If one of the criteria is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through current earnings. For securities that do not meet these criteria, we evaluate whether the decline in fair value resulted from credit losses or other factors. In evaluating whether a credit loss exists, we set up an initial filter for impairment triggers. Once the quantitative filters have been triggered, the securities are placed on a watch list and an additional assessment is performed to identify whether a credit impairment exists. In making this assessment, management considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency, and adverse conditions specifically related to the security and the issuer, among other factors.

Impact if Actual Results Differ From Estimates and Judgments - Changes in management’s assessment of the factors used to determine that an investment security was not credit impaired could lead to additional impairment charges. Additionally, a security that had no apparent risk could be affected by a sudden or acute market condition and necessitate an impairment charge.

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Allowance for Credit Losses

Description - The allowance for credit losses is maintained at a level believed adequate by management to absorb expected lifetime losses in the consolidated loan portfolio. The adequacy of the allowance for credit losses is determined by management based upon an evaluation and review of the credit quality of the loan portfolio, consideration of current and projected economic conditions and variables, and historical loss experience, relevant internal and external factors that affect the collection of a loan, and other pertinent factors. The allowance for credit losses is discussed in more detail under “Financial Condition - Allowance for Credit Losses”.

Subjective Estimates and Judgments - We determine the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses by analyzing and estimating lifetime expected losses in the loan portfolio. The allowance for credit losses requires estimates that are not limited to current and projected economic conditions, the adequacy of and value of underlying collateral on real estate loans, the financial strength of the borrower, qualitative assessments, and other relevant factors. Specifically, the provision for credit losses represents the amount charged against current period earnings to achieve an allowance for credit losses that, in our judgment, is adequate to absorb lifetime expected losses in the loan portfolio.

Impact if Actual Results Differ From Estimates and Judgments - Adverse changes in management’s assessment of the assumptions and factors used to determine the allowance for credit losses could lead to additional provision for credit losses. Actual credit losses could differ materially from management’s estimates if actual losses and conditions differ significantly from the assumptions used. These factors and conditions include general economic conditions within our market, industry trends and concentrations, real estate and other collateral values, interest rates, and the financial conditions of our borrowers. While management believes that it has established adequate allowances for lifetime losses on loans, actual results may prove different and the differences could be significant.

Goodwill

Description - Goodwill is generally determined as the excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized but tested for impairment at least annually. Goodwill may also be tested for impairment on an interim basis if circumstances change or an event occurs between annual tests that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying amount. An impairment loss must be recognized for any excess of carrying value over fair value of the goodwill.

Subjective Estimates and Judgments - Before applying the goodwill impairment test, in accordance with ASC 350 “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other”, we perform a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. If we conclude that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we do not perform Step 1 of the impairment analysis. We assess certain qualitative factors to determine whether impairment is likely including: our market capitalization, capital adequacy, continued performance compared to peers, and continued improvement in asset quality trends, among others. This qualitative assessment can be subjective in nature and includes a certain amount of management judgment in determining whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount.

In the event we perform an impairment test, the determination of fair value is based on valuations using management assumptions and estimates including developing cash flow projections, selecting appropriate discount rates, calculation of a terminal growth rate, minimum target capitalization levels, identifying relevant market comparables, incorporating current and projected economic conditions, and selecting an appropriate control premium.

Impact if Actual Results Differ From Estimates and Judgments - Changes in qualitative factors assessed, changes to assumptions used in the impairment test, selection and weighting of the various fair value techniques, and downturns in economic or business conditions, could have a significant adverse impact on the carrying value of goodwill and could result in impairment losses which could have a material impact our financial condition and earnings.

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Income Taxes

Description - We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes in which deferred tax assets and liabilities are established for the temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of our asset and liabilities. The realization of the net deferred tax asset generally depends upon future levels of taxable income and the existence of prior years’ taxable income, to which “carry back” refund claims could be made. A valuation allowance is maintained, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets that management estimates are more likely than not to be unrealizable based on available evidence at the time the estimate is made. Furthermore, tax positions that could be deemed uncertain are required to be disclosed and reserved for if it is more likely than not that the position would not be sustained upon audit examination. Taxes are discussed in more detail in Note 11 to our Consolidated Financial Statements presented elsewhere in this Report.

Subjective Estimates and Judgments - Significant management judgment is required in determining income tax expense and deferred tax assets and liabilities. Some judgments are subjective and involve estimates and assumptions about matters that are inherently uncertain. In determining the valuation allowance, we use historical and forecasted future operating results. In determining the level of reserve needed for uncertain tax positions, we consider relevant current legislation and court rulings, among other authoritative items, to determine the level of exposure inherent in our tax positions. Management believes that the accounting estimate related to the valuation allowance and uncertain tax positions are a critical accounting estimate because the underlying assumptions can change from period to period.

Impact if Actual Results Differ From Estimates and Judgments - Although management believes that the judgments and estimates used are reasonable, should actual factors and conditions differ materially from those considered by management, the actual realization of the net deferred tax asset and tax positions taken could differ materially from the amounts recorded in the financial statements. If we are not able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax asset in the future or if a tax position is overturned by a taxing authority, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance would be charged to income tax expense in the period such determination was made which could have a material impact on our earnings.

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Results of Operations

Operations Summary

Our most significant source of income is net interest income, which is the difference between our interest income and our interest expense. Generally, interest income is generated from the loans we extend to our customers and from investments, and interest expense is generated from interest bearing deposits our customers have with us and from borrowings or debt that we may have, such as FHLB advances, federal funds purchased, convertible notes, and subordinated debentures. Our ability to generate profitable levels of net interest income is largely dependent on our ability to manage the levels of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities, and the rates received or paid on them, as well as our ability to maintain sound asset quality and appropriate levels of capital and liquidity. As mentioned above, interest income and interest expense may fluctuate based on factors beyond our control, such as economic or political conditions and policies.

We attempt to minimize the effect of interest rate fluctuations on net interest margin by monitoring our interest sensitive assets and our interest sensitive liabilities. Net interest income can be affected by a change in the composition of assets and liabilities, such as replacing higher yielding loans with a like amount of lower yielding investment securities. Changes in the level of nonaccrual loans and changes in volume and interest rates can also affect net interest income. Volume changes are caused by differences in the level of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities. Interest rate changes result from differences in yields earned on assets and rates paid on liabilities.

The other source of our income is noninterest income, including service charges and fees on deposit accounts, loan servicing fees, fees from trade finance activities, net gains on sale of loans that were held for sale and investment securities available for sale, and other income and fees. Our noninterest income can be reduced by charges from the credit impairment of our investment securities.

In addition to interest expense, our income is also impacted by provisions for loan losses and noninterest expense, primarily salaries and benefits and occupancy expense. The following table presents our condensed consolidated statements of income and the changes year over year.

	Year Ended December 31, 2020		Increase (Decrease)				Year Ended December 31, 2019		Increase (Decrease)				Year Ended December 31, 2018
			Amount		%				Amount		%
	(Dollars in thousands)
Interest income	$	598,878	$	(85,908)	(13)	%	$	684,786	$	34,614	5	%	$	650,172
Interest expense	131,380		(86,811)		(40)	%	218,191		55,946		34	%	162,245
Net interest income	467,498		903		—	%	466,595		(21,332)		(4)	%	487,927
Provision for credit losses	95,000		87,700		1,201	%	7,300		(7,600)		(51)	%	14,900
Noninterest income	53,432		3,749		8	%	49,683		(10,497)		(17)	%	60,180
Noninterest expense	283,639		1,011		—	%	282,628		4,902		2	%	277,726
Income before income tax provision	142,291		(84,059)		(37)	%	226,350		(29,131)		(11)	%	255,481
Income tax provision	30,776		(24,534)		(44)	%	55,310		(10,582)		(16)	%	65,892
Net income	$	111,515	$	(59,525)	(35)	%	$	171,040	$	(18,549)	(10)	%	$	189,589

Net Income

Our net income was $111.5 million for 2020 compared to $171.0 million for 2019 and $189.6 million for 2018. Our diluted earnings per common share totaled $0.90, $1.35, and $1.44 for the years 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. The return on average assets was 0.68%, 1.12%, and 1.29% and the return on average stockholders’ equity was 5.49%, 8.63%, and 9.92% for the years 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. The decrease in net income for 2020 compared to 2019 was due to an increase in provision for credit losses and a decrease in interest income offset partially by a decline in interest expense. 2020 marked an unprecedented year with the COVID-19 pandemic which had a significantly adverse effect on the economy. The potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our loan portfolio combined with the adoption of CECL resulted in a large increase in allowance for credit losses for 2020 compared to 2019.

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Impact of Acquisitions

Income before income tax provision for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 were impacted by the accretion of discounts and the amortization of premiums relating to past acquisitions. The following table summarizes the accretion and amortization adjustments that were included in net income for the years indicated below:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2020		2019		2018
	(Dollars in thousands)
Accretion of discounts on purchased performing loans	$	2,916	$	7,956	$	11,715
Accretion of discounts on purchased credit deteriorated loans	20,143		23,874		21,837
Amortization of premiums on purchased investments in affordable housing partnerships	(283)		(303)		(338)
Amortization of premiums on assumed FHLB advances	—		1,280		1,413
Accretion of discounts on assumed subordinated debt	(1,143)		(1,107)		(1,076)
Amortization of premiums on assumed time deposits and savings	—		—		1
Amortization of core deposit intangibles	(2,125)		(2,228)		(2,461)
Total acquisition accounting adjustments	$	19,508	$	29,472	$	31,091

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Net Interest Margin and Net Interest Rate Spread

We analyze our earnings performance using, among other measures, net interest spread and net interest margin. The net interest spread represents the difference between the weighted average yield earned on interest earning assets and the weighted average rate paid on interest bearing liabilities. Net interest income, when expressed as a percentage of average total interest earning assets, is referred to as the net interest margin. Our net interest margin is affected by changes in the yields earned on assets and rates paid on liabilities, as well as the ratio of the amounts of interest earning assets to interest bearing liabilities.

Interest rates charged on our loans are affected principally by the demand for such loans, the supply of money available for lending purposes, the interest rate environment, and other competitive factors. These factors are in turn affected by general economic conditions and other factors beyond our control, such as federal economic policies, the general supply of money in the economy, legislative tax policies, governmental budgetary matters, and the actions of the FRB.

The following table presents our net interest margin, net interest rate spread, and our condensed consolidated average balance sheet information, together with interest rates earned and paid on the various sources and uses of funds, for the years indicated:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2020						2019						2018
	Average Balance		Interest Income/ Expense		Average Yield/ Rate		Average Balance		Interest Income/ Expense		Average Yield/ Rate		Average Balance		Interest Income/ Expense		Average Yield/ Rate
	(Dollars in thousands)
INTEREST EARNING ASSETS:
Loans (1) (2)	$	12,698,523	$	554,967	4.37	%	$	11,998,675	$	627,673	5.23	%	$	11,547,022	$	594,103	5.15	%
Securities available for sale (3)	1,899,948		39,362		2.07	%	1,796,412		46,295		2.58	%	1,772,080		45,342		2.56	%
FHLB stock and other investments	982,419		4,549		0.46	%	453,452		10,818		2.39	%	487,922		10,727		2.20	%
Total interest earning assets	15,580,890		598,878		3.84	%	14,248,539		684,786		4.81	%	13,807,024		650,172		4.71	%
Total noninterest earning assets	934,212						965,873						942,142
Total assets	$	16,515,102					$	15,214,412					$	14,749,166
INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES:
Deposits:
Demand, interest bearing	$	4,729,438	$	34,529	0.73	%	$	3,319,556	$	57,731	1.74	%	$	3,276,815	$	43,252	1.32	%
Savings	291,655		3,475		1.19	%	241,968		2,596		1.07	%	229,608		1,889		0.82	%
Time deposits	4,698,503		72,365		1.54	%	5,556,983		129,831		2.34	%	5,107,698		89,817		1.76	%
Total interest bearing deposits	9,719,596		110,369		1.14	%	9,118,507		190,158		2.09	%	8,614,121		134,958		1.57	%
FHLB advances	435,836		6,865		1.58	%	688,652		12,031		1.75	%	870,124		15,127		1.74	%
Convertible notes, net	201,859		9,457		4.61	%	196,835		9,264		4.64	%	123,040		5,797		4.65	%
Other borrowings, net	99,682		4,689		4.63	%	98,551		6,738		6.74	%	97,455		6,363		6.44	%
Total interest bearing liabilities	10,456,973		131,380		1.26	%	10,102,545		218,191		2.16	%	9,704,740		162,245		1.67	%
Noninterest bearing liabilities and equity:
Noninterest bearing demand deposits	3,840,935						2,948,212						3,014,056
Other liabilities	184,624						181,844						120,146
Stockholders’ equity	2,032,570						1,981,811						1,910,224
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	16,515,102					$	15,214,412					$	14,749,166
Net interest income			$	467,498					$	466,595					$	487,927
Net interest margin					3.00	%					3.27	%					3.53	%
Net interest spread (4)					2.58	%					2.65	%					3.04	%
Cost of funds (5)					0.92	%					1.67	%					1.28	%
Cost of deposits					0.81	%					1.58	%					1.16	%

(1) Interest income on loans includes accretion of net deferred loan origination fees and costs, prepayment fees received on loan pay-offs and accretion of discounts on acquired loans. See the table below for detail.

(2) Average balances of loans are net of deferred loan origination fees and costs and include nonaccrual loans and loans held for sale.

(3) Interest income and yields are not presented on a tax-equivalent basis.

(4) Yield on interest earning assets minus cost of interest bearing liabilities.

(5) Cost on interest bearing liabilities and noninterest bearing deposits.

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The following table presents net loan origination fees, loan prepayments fee income, interest reversed for nonaccrual loans, and discount accretion income included as part of loan interest income for the years indicated:

Year ended December 31,	Net Loan Origination Fees (Costs)		Loan Prepayment Fee Income		Interest Reversed for Nonaccrual Loans, Net of Income Recognized		Accretion of Discounts on Acquired Loans
	(Dollars in thousands)
2020	$	4,810	$	3,740	$	(1,128)	$	23,059
2019	$	(945)	$	2,998	$	(1,374)	$	31,830
2018	$	1,492	$	2,603	$	(590)	$	33,552

Net Interest Income

Net interest income was $467.5 million for 2020, compared to $466.6 million for 2019 and $487.9 million for 2018. Changes in net interest income are a function of changes in interest rates and volumes of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities. The table below sets forth information regarding the changes in interest income and interest expense for the periods indicated. The total change for each category of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities is segmented into the change attributable to variations in volume (changes in volume multiplied by the old rate) and the change attributable to variations in interest rates (changes in rates multiplied by the old volume). Nonaccrual loans are included in average loans used to compute this table.

	For the years ended December 31,
	2020 Compared to 2019						2019 Compared to 2018
	Net Increase (Decrease)		Change due to				Net Increase (Decrease)		Change due to
			Rate		Volume				Rate		Volume
	(Dollars in thousands)
INTEREST INCOME:
Loans, including fees	$	(72,706)	$	(107,740)	$	35,034	$	33,570	$	10,060	$	23,510
Securities available for sale	(6,933)		(9,482)		2,549		953		327		626
FHLB stock and other investments	(6,269)		(12,874)		6,605		91		878		(787)
TOTAL INTEREST INCOME	$	(85,908)	$	(130,096)	$	44,188	$	34,614	$	11,265	$	23,349
INTEREST EXPENSE:
Demand, interest bearing	$	(23,202)	$	(41,709)	$	18,507	$	14,479	$	13,908	$	571
Savings	879		308		571		707		601		106
Time deposits	(57,466)		(39,541)		(17,925)		40,014		31,565		8,449
FHLB advances and federal funds purchased	(5,166)		(1,092)		(4,074)		(3,096)		74		(3,170)
Convertible notes, net	193		(61)		254		3,467		(6)		3,473
Other borrowings, net	(2,049)		(2,124)		75		375		303		72
TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE	$	(86,811)	$	(84,219)	$	(2,592)	$	55,946	$	46,445	$	9,501
NET INTEREST INCOME	$	903	$	(45,877)	$	46,780	$	(21,332)	$	(35,180)	$	13,848

Net interest income before provision for credit losses increased by $903 thousand, or less than 1%, for 2020 compared to 2019. The increase was primarily due to a decrease in cost of interest bearing deposits which decreased by 95 basis points for 2020 compared to 2019. This decrease in cost of interest bearing deposits resulted in a decrease to interest expense of $86.8 million. The decrease in interest expense was partially offset by a decrease in interest income of $85.9 million due to decrease in interest rates in 2020 compared to the previous year.

Net interest income before provision for credit losses decreased by $21.3 million, or 4%, for 2019 compared to 2018. The decrease was primarily due to an increase in cost of interest bearing deposits which increased by 52 basis points for 2019 compared to 2018. This increase resulted in an increase to interest expense of $46.4 million due to the change in rates. The decrease in net interest income was partially offset by an increase in interest income of $34.6 million due to increase in average interest earning assets of 4% during 2019 compared to the previous year which resulted in an increase in interest income of $23.3 million due to the change in volume.

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Interest Income

Interest income was $598.9 million for 2020, compared to $684.8 million for 2019 and $650.2 million for 2018. The yield on average interest earning assets was 3.84% for 2020, compared to 4.81% for 2019 and 4.71% for 2018.

Comparison of 2020 with 2019

The decrease in interest income of $85.9 million, or 13%, for 2020 compared to 2019 was primarily a result of the decline in interest rate in 2020. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact to the U.S. economy, the FOMC lowered the target federal funds rate by a total of 1.50% in March 2020 to 0.00%-0.25%. The reduction in interest rates in March 2020, had a large impact on our loan yields and interest income as our variable rate loans repriced to lower interest rates and new loans were originated at lower rates. Average total loans increased by $699.8 million for 2020 compared to 2019. Discount accretion income on acquired loans decreased to $23.1 million for 2020 compared to $31.8 million for 2019

Comparison of 2019 with 2018

The increase in interest income of $34.6 million, or 5%, for 2019 compared to 2018 was primarily a result of the growth in total loans. In addition, the interest rates for 2019 were slightly higher on average compared to 2018 which resulted in an increase in yield on earnings assets. Average total loans increased by $451.7 million in 2019 compared to 2018. Discount accretion income on acquired loans decreased to $31.8 million for 2019 compared to $33.6 million for 2018.

Interest Expense

Deposits

Interest expense on deposits was $110.4 million for 2020 compared to $190.2 million for 2019 and $135.0 million for 2018. The average cost of deposits was 0.81% for 2020, compared to 1.58% for 2019 and 1.16% for 2018. The average cost of interest bearing deposits was 1.14% for 2020, compared to 2.09% for 2019 and 1.57% for 2018.

Comparison of 2020 with 2019

The decrease in interest expense on total deposits of $79.8 million, or 42%, for 2020 compared to 2019 was due to a reduction in rates paid on interest bearing deposits in 2020 compared to 2019. We reduced the rates paid on our various deposits multiple times in 2020. The reduction in deposit rates was both a result of the interest rate cuts in March 2020 and due to a significant increase in liquidity throughout 2020. The increase in liquidity in 2020 resulted in a reduction in loan funding needs which had an impact on the overall rates paid on deposits as we were less eager to compete for additional sources of funds. The average balance of noninterest bearing deposits accounted for 32% of total average deposits at December 31, 2020 compared to 24% at December 31, 2019.

Comparison of 2019 with 2018

The increase in interest expense on total deposits of $55.2 million, or 41%, for 2019 compared to 2018 was due to an increase in interest bearing deposit accounts, particularly an increase in average time deposits accounts, in addition to an overall increase in deposit rates offered in 2019. Although our cost of deposits started experiencing a decline in the second half of 2019, the overall average rate on deposits for 2019 was higher compared to 2018. The average balance of noninterest bearing deposits accounted for 24% of total average deposits at December 31, 2019 compared to 26% at December 31, 2018.

FHLB Advances and Federal Funds Purchased

FHLB advances and federal funds purchased include borrowings from the FHLB and federal funds purchased. As part of our asset-liability management, we utilize FHLB advances to supplement our deposit source of funds. Therefore, there may be fluctuations in these balances depending on the short-term liquidity and longer-term financing needs of the Bank.

Average FHLB advances were $435.8 million for 2020, compared to $688.7 million in 2019 and $870.1 million in 2018. Interest expense on FHLB advances was $6.9 million for 2020 compared to $12.0 million for 2019 and $15.1 million for 2018. The average cost of FHLB advances was 1.58% for 2020, compared to 1.75% for 2019 and 1.74% for 2018. The average cost of FHLB advances included the amortization of premiums recorded on advances acquired from prior acquisitions. Total amortization of FHLB premiums for 2020 was $0, compared to $1.3 million in 2019 and $1.4 million in 2018. During 2020, we repaid $1.74 billion in FHLB advances with an average rate of 0.69% and borrowed $1.36 billion in advances with an average rate of 0.22%. $300.0 million in FHLB advances prepaid in 2020 were prepaid early before maturity and we paid a prepayment penalty of $3.6 million.

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Convertible Notes

In 2018, we issued $217.5 million in senior convertible notes. The carrying balance of our convertible notes are net of discount to be amortized and issuance costs to be capitalized. The cost of our convertible notes for 2020 was 4.61% compared to 4.64% for 2019. The cost of our convertible notes consists of the 2.00% coupon rate, the non-cash conversion option rate, and the issuance cost capitalization rate. We adopted ASU 2020-06 on January 1, 2021, and as a result our convertible notes are accounted for a single debt instrument. As a result, the cost of convertible notes beginning in 2021 will be closer to the coupon rate.

Other Borrowings

Other borrowings consist of subordinated debentures which bear interest at the 3-month LIBOR rate plus a designated spread. There were no changes in our balance of subordinated debentures during 2019 or 2020 aside from the increases related to the discount accretion on subordinated debentures acquired from previous acquisitions. The average rate on other borrowing decreased to 4.63% for 2020 compared to 6.74% for 2019 and 6.44% for 2018. The change in cost of other borrowings for 2020 and 2019 compared to prior years was due to changes in the 3-month LIBOR rate.

Provision for Credit Losses

The provision for credit losses reflects our judgment of the current period cost associated with credit risk inherent in our loan portfolio. The provision for credit losses for each period is dependent upon many factors, including loan growth, net charge offs, changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, delinquencies, assessments by management, third parties’ and regulators’ examination of the loan portfolio, the value of the underlying collateral on problem loans, the general economic conditions in our market areas, and future projections of the economy. Specifically, the provision for credit losses represents the amount charged against current period earnings to achieve an allowance for credit losses that, in our judgment, is adequate to absorb probable lifetime losses inherent in our loan portfolio. Periodic fluctuations in the provision for credit losses result from management’s assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses; however, actual credit losses could potentially vary materially from current estimates. If the allowance for credit losses is inadequate, we may be required to record additional provision for credit losses, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

With the adoption of ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (“CECL”) in 2020, our provision for credit losses is more volatile due to changes in the calculation of the allowance for credit losses and especially due to the volatility that arose from the COVID-19 pandemic. CECL requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets carried at amortized cost based on historical experience, current macroeconomic conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. For additional information regarding the adoption of CECL, refer to “Accounting Pronouncements Adopted” section in Footnote 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Comparison of 2020 with 2019

The provision for credit losses was $95.0 million for 2020, an increase of $87.7 million, or 1,201%, from $7.3 million for 2019. The increase in provision for credit losses for 2020 compared to 2019 was due to both the adoption of CECL and due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected many industries with the hospitality sector being one of the hardest hit. Hotel/motel loans make up a large percentage of our loan portfolio at approximately 12% at December 31, 2020. As a result, our estimated allowance for credit losses experienced large increases in 2020 to reflect the current and projected impact of COVID-19 pandemic on our loan portfolio. The allowance for credit losses coverage ratio was 1.52% of total loans at December 31, 2020 compared to 0.77% at December 31, 2019.

Comparison of 2019 with 2018

The provision for loan losses was $7.3 million for 2019, a decrease of $7.6 million, or 51%, from $14.9 million for 2018. The decrease in provision for loan losses for 2019 compared to 2018 was due the reduction in net charge-offs for 2019 compared to 2018 and an improvement in credit quality. The allowance for loan losses requirement remained unchanged at 0.77% of total loans at December 31, 2019 compared to December 31, 2018. The reduction in net charge-offs for 2019 resulted in a reduction in provision for loans losses required to replenish the allowance for loan losses for the year. Net charge offs totaled $4.4 million for 2019 compared to $6.9 million for 2018.

See Note 1 “Significant Accounting Policies” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of our allowance for credit losses methodology for 2020 and for a discussion of our former incurred loss allowance for loan losses methodology, please refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.

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Noninterest Income

Noninterest income is primarily comprised of service charges on deposit accounts, net gains on sales of other loans and sale of available for sale securities, and other fees and income. Noninterest income was $53.4 million for 2020 compared to $49.7 million for 2019, and $60.2 million for 2018.

A breakdown of noninterest income by category is shown below:

	Year Ended December 31, 2020		Increase (Decrease)				Year Ended December 31, 2019		Increase (Decrease)				Year Ended December 31, 2018
			Amount		%				Amount		%
	(Dollars in thousands)
Service fees on deposit accounts	$	12,443	$	(5,490)	(31)	%	$	17,933	$	(618)	(3)	%	$	18,551
International service fees	3,139		(787)		(20)	%	3,926		(445)		(10)	%	4,371
Loan servicing fees, net	2,809		493		21	%	2,316		(2,380)		(51)	%	4,696
Wire transfer fees	3,577		(981)		(22)	%	4,558		(376)		(8)	%	4,934
Swap fee income	4,066		702		21	%	3,364		2,780		476	%	584
Net gains on sales of SBA loans	—		—		—	%	—		(9,708)		(100)	%	9,708
Net gains on sales of other loans	8,004		3,517		78	%	4,487		2,002		81	%	2,485
Net gains on sales or called securities available for sale	7,531		7,249		2,571	%	282		282		100	%	—
Other income and fees	11,863		(954)		(7)	%	12,817		(2,034)		(14)	%	14,851
Total noninterest income	$	53,432	$	3,749	8	%	$	49,683	$	(10,497)	(17)	%	$	60,180

Comparison of 2020 with 2019

The decrease in service fees on deposit accounts for 2020 compared to 2019 was due to a decrease in non-sufficient funds fees collected on deposit accounts and a decline in analysis fees income. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the stay at home orders issued by many states for many months in 2020, deposit activity for 2020 was greatly reduced compared to 2019. As a result, demand deposit account transactions and non-sufficient funds had significant declines in 2020. Analysis fee income declined for 2020 compared to 2019 due to the closing of higher risk deposit accounts during the year. The analysis fees collected on these accounts were on the higher end and the closing of these accounts contributed to the decline in service fee on deposits accounts for 2020 compared to 2019.

International service fees declined for 2020 compared to 2019 due to a decline in fees generated from trade finance loans. International service fees are earned from trade finance loans and as the balance of these loans have declined, the associated fee income earned has also declined. The balance of trade finance loans declined to $102.8 million at December 31, 2020 from $160.9 million at December 31, 2019.

Loan servicing fees, net represents income earned from servicing SBA and residential mortgage loans that were previously sold. We retain servicing on most of the loans that we choose to sell. The increase in loan servicing fees, net for 2020 compared to 2019 was due to a reduction in payoffs of serviced loans. Payoffs of serviced loans were higher during 2019, which resulted in the full amortization of the remaining servicing asset, which is recorded as a reduction to loan servicing fee income.

Wire transfer fees declined for 2020 compared to 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in a significant decline in deposit related transactions, including wire transfers.

Swap fee income represents fees earned from back to back swap transactions for our loan customers. Due to the volatility in interest rates we have experienced in the past twelve months, the number of swap transactions increased in 2020 which resulted in an increase in swap fee income for 2020 compared to 2019.

Net gain on sale of other loans increased in 2020 compared to 2019 due to an increase in loans sold and an increase in premiums received. Net gains on sales of other loans represents net gains primarily from the sale of residential mortgage loans. We sold $298.4 million in residential mortgage loans compared to $209.4 million residential mortgage loans sold in 2019. The average weighted premium on residential mortgage loans sold was 2.68% for 2020 compared to 2.06% for 2019.

During 2020, we sold investment securities with a total book value of $160.5 million for a net gain of $7.5 million. This compares to investment securities with a total book value of $115.3 million sold during 2019.

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Comparison of 2019 with 2018

The decrease in noninterest income for 2019 over 2018 primarily reflected decreases in loan servicing fees and net gain on sales of SBA loans, partially offset by an increase to net gain on sales of other loans.

Loan servicing fees decreased by $2.4 million, or 51%, to $2.3 million in 2019 compared to $4.7 million in 2018. The decrease in loan servicing fees in 2019 was primarily a result of an increase in payoffs of loans we service. When loans that we service are paid off, the remaining unamortized servicing asset originally recorded is charged against servicing fees reducing our overall fee income.

Net gains on sales of SBA loans decreased by $9.7 million, or 100%, in 2019 compared to 2018. During the fourth quarter of 2018, we made the decision discontinue the practice of regularly selling the guaranteed portion of SBA loans on the secondary market and to retain these loans on our balance sheet due to the decline in premiums offered in the secondary market for the guaranteed portions SBA loans. As a result, there were no SBA loans sold in 2019 compared to $159.8 million of SBA loans sold in 2018.

Net gain on sale of other loans increased by $2.0 million, or 81%, to $4.5 million in 2019 from $2.5 million in 2018. Net gains on sales of other loans represents net gains primarily from the sale of residential mortgage loans. The increase in net gains on sales of other loans was due to the increase in residential mortgage loans sold in 2019 compared to 2018. In 2019, we sold $209.4 million in residential mortgage loans compared to $115.9 million residential mortgage loans sold in 2018.

Noninterest Expense

Noninterest expense is primarily comprised of salaries and employee benefit expense, occupancy expense, furniture and equipment expense, advertising and marketing expenses, data processing and communications expenses, professional fees, investment in affordable housing partnership expenses, and other expenses. Noninterest expense was $283.6 million for 2020, compared to $282.6 million for 2019 and $277.7 million for 2018. The increases in noninterest expenses were $1.0 million, or less than 1%, for 2020 compared to 2019, and $4.9 million, or 2%, for 2019 compared to 2018. Noninterest expense as a percentage of average assets for 2020 was 1.72% compared to 1.86% for 2019 and 1.88% for 2018.

A breakdown of noninterest expense by category is provided below:

	Year Ended December 31, 2020		Increase (Decrease)				Year Ended December 31, 2019		Increase (Decrease)				Year Ended December 31, 2018
(Dollars in thousands)			Amount		%				Amount		%
Salaries and employee benefits	$	162,922	$	1,748	1	%	$	161,174	$	7,651	5	%	$	153,523
Occupancy	28,917		(1,818)		(6)	%	30,735		364		1	%	30,371
Furniture and equipment	17,548		1,965		13	%	15,583		681		5	%	14,902
Advertising and marketing	6,284		(2,862)		(31)	%	9,146		(268)		(3)	%	9,414
Data processing and communications	9,344		(1,436)		(13)	%	10,780		(3,452)		(24)	%	14,232
Professional fees	8,170		(14,358)		(64)	%	22,528		6,242		38	%	16,286
Investment in affordable housing partnerships expenses	13,146		3,854		41	%	9,292		(2,774)		(23)	%	12,066
FDIC assessments	5,544		1,662		43	%	3,882		(2,690)		(41)	%	6,572
Credit related expenses	6,817		1,842		37	%	4,975		2,112		74	%	2,863
OREO expense (income), net	3,865		4,799		N/A		(934)		(1,121)		N/A		187
FHLB prepayment fee	3,584		3,584		100	%	—		—		—	%	—
Branch restructuring costs	2,367		2,367		100	%	—		(1,674)		(100)	%	1,674
Other	15,131		(336)		(2)	%	15,467		(169)		(1)	%	15,636
Total noninterest expense	$	283,639	$	1,011	—	%	$	282,628	$	4,902	2	%	$	277,726

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Comparison of 2020 with 2019

The increase in noninterest expense for 2020 over 2019 was due mostly to increases in OREO expenses, investment in affordable housing partnership expenses, FHLB prepayment fee, and branch restructuring expenses, partially offset by significant declines in professional fees, advertising and marketing, occupancy, and data processing expenses.

Salaries and employee benefits expense increased $1.7 million for 2020 compared to 2019. The increase in salaries and employee benefits was due to an increase in salaries paid in 2020 and an increase in stock compensation expenses compared to 2019. These increases were partially offset by declines in payroll related loan origination costs, temporary personnel, bonus provision, and group insurance expenses. Salaries and employee benefits for 2020 included deferred originations costs which were recorded from the origination of $480.1 million in SBA PPP loans during the 2020. SBA PPP loan origination costs of $5.3 million was recorded during the second quarter of 2020 which initially reduced salaries and benefits and going forward is amortized through the life of the loans as a reduction to interest income. The number of full-time equivalent employees decreased from 1,441 at December 31, 2019 to 1,408 at December 31, 2020. During the third quarter of 2020, we implemented a 4% reduction in staff in light of the impact that COVID-19 is having on our operations. The staff reduction is expected to result in approximately $6.4 million in annual savings to salaries and employee benefits.

Occupancy expense declined for 2020 compared to 2019 due to the decline in rent expenses and other occupancy related expenditures. In December 2020, we implemented our previously planned branch consolidation plan in which we closed five branch offices. As a result, we recorded $2.4 million in restructuring costs related to the write-down of related ROU assets, severance payments, and other costs. The branch consolidation is estimated to result in approximately $2.6 million in annual cost savings starting in 2021.

Furniture and equipment expense increased for 2020 compared to 2019 due to additional expenditures made for software subscriptions, licenses, and IT related equipment and services.

Advertising and marketing expense decreased for 2020 compared to 2019 due to the decline in public sponsorship fees. In 2020, we did not sponsor the Ladies Professional Golf Association (“LPGA”) Founders Cup for which sponsorship fees were $1.5 million in 2019. However, we are currently in talks with the LPGA to once again become a sponsor for one of their events starting in 2021.

Data process and communications expense decreased for 2020 compared to 2019 due to an overall decline in core data processing fees as the number of loan and deposit transactions have declined.

Professional fees experienced a large decrease of $14.4 million in 2020 compared to 2019. The decrease in professional fees for 2020 was due to decreases in fees related to the implementation of CECL, IT related professional fees, and internal audit service fees. With the expansion of our internal audit department, we were able to significantly reduce internal audit service fees in 2020 as much more of the work is now performed internally.

Investment in affordable housing partnership expenses increased in 2020 compared to 2019. We make investments in affordable housing partnerships and receive Community Reinvestment Act credits and tax credits, which reduces our overall tax provision rate. Investments in affordable housing partnership expenses are recorded based on benefit schedules of individual investment projects under the equity method of accounting. The benefit schedules show tax loss/deductions investors can take each year. We amortize the initial cost of investments in affordable housing partnership by tax loss/deductions. This amortization expense is more than offset by both tax credits received, which reduces our tax provision expense dollar for dollar and the tax benefits related to any tax losses generated through the affordable housing project’s expenditures. Total tax credits related to our investment in affordable housing partnership investment was approximately $10.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The balance of investments in affordable housing partnerships decreased from $82.6 million at December 31, 2019 to $69.5 million at December 31, 2020.

The FDIC assessment premium utilizes an initial base assessment rate, which is calculated as a percentage of our average consolidated total assets less average tangible equity. In addition to the initial assessment base, adjustments are added based upon our regulatory rating and selected financial measures. The increase in FDIC assessment fees for 2020 compared to the 2019 was largely due to a $1.5 million small bank assessment credit that was received during the third quarter of 2019 which reduced FDIC assessment fees for 2019. There were no recorded credits for 2020 which resulted in an increase in these fees.

Credit related expenses increased in 2020 compared to 2019 due to an increase in credit related provision expenses. In 2020 we set aside $1.0 million in provisions for accrued interest for loans currently on payment deferrals related to COVID-19. We had no such provision in 2019. In addition, provision for unfunded loan commitments which is included in credit related expenses increased by $760 thousand in 2020 compared to 2019.

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The increase in OREO expense for 2020 compared to 2019 was due to an increase in valuation expenses for OREO in 2020. The overall value OREO experienced significant declines in 2020 compared to 2019 which resulted in much higher OREO related expense in 2020.

During third quarter of 2020, we utilized a portion of our excess liquidity to payoff $300.0 million in FHLB advances. These advances were paid off before maturity and resulted in a prepayment fee of $3.6 million. There was no FHLB advance prepayment penalty incurred in 2019. The FHLB advances repaid had an average weighted rate of 1.68% and had remaining maturities ranging from 4 months to 2.4 years. The prepayment of these advance resulted in over $1.0 million in interest expense savings for the fourth quarter of 2020.

In December 2020, we recorded branch restructuring costs of $2.4 million related to our branch consolidation plan. The $2.4 million in restructuring costs consisted of $349 thousand in severance payments, $2.0 million in occupancy expense most of which was related to the write-down of ROU assets, and $55 thousand in other various expenditures. There was no branch restructuring cost incurred in 2019.

Comparison of 2019 with 2018

The increase in noninterest expense for 2019 over 2018 was due mostly to increases in salaries and employee benefits, professional fees, and credit related expenses, partially offset by a decline in data processing expenses, investment in affordable housing partnership expenses, FDIC assessment expenses, OREO expenses, and branch restructuring expenses.

Salaries and employee benefits totaled $161.2 million for 2019, an increase of $7.7 million, or 5%, compared to $153.5 million for 2018. The increase in salaries and benefits was mostly due to an increase in salaries, bonus provisions, stock compensation expenses, and insurance related expenses partially offset by a decline in loan commission paid during the year. During the third quarter of 2018, we restructured our incentive compensation plans, which resulted in a reversal of previously accrued bonus provisions. As a result, total bonus provision expense was higher in 2019 compared to the same period of 2018. The restructured incentive plan also resulted in an increase in stock compensation costs in 2019 compared to 2018 as a larger portion of the incentive plan is now paid in stock awards. In 2019, we had a large increase in insurance related costs due to an increase in self-insured insurance claims. This resulted in an increase in insurance related costs in 2019 compared to 2018. We experienced a decline in commissions paid on loans to employees in 2019 compared to 2018 due to the reduction in residential mortgage originations and associated commissions. The number of full-time equivalent employees decreased from 1,494 at December 31, 2018 to 1,441 at December 31, 2019.

Data processing and communications expenses decreased $3.5 million, or 24%, to $10.8 million for 2019 compared to $14.2 million for 2018. Data processing and communication fees for 2019 included credits received for current year data processing fees from our core processing vendor as part of our negotiated contract renewal which begins in 2020. These credits resulted in an overall decline in data processing and communications fees for 2019 compared to 2018.

Professional fees increased $6.2 million, or 38%, to $22.5 million for 2019 compared to $16.3 million for 2018. The increase in professional fees was due to increases in internal audit service fees, third parties consulting fees for assistance with the implementation of the new accounting standard for current expected credit losses (“CECL”), and various other consulting fees. Professional fees related to the implementation of CECL is expected to decline in 2020 following the adoption of the new standard.

Investments in affordable housing partnership expenses decreased $2.8 million, or 23%, to $9.3 million for 2019 compared to $12.1 million for 2018. We make investments in affordable housing partnerships and receive CRA credit and tax credits which reduces our overall tax provision expense. Investments in affordable housing partnership expenses that are not impairment related are based on the performance of the underlying investment. We receive updated financial information for our affordable housing partnerships investments and record losses based on the performance of the investment. These losses will eventually be offset by tax credits which reduce our tax provision expense. Investments in affordable housing partnerships decreased from $92.0 million at December 31, 2018 to $82.6 million at December 31, 2019.

FDIC assessment expenses decreased $2.7 million, or 41%, to $3.9 million for 2019 compared to $6.6 million for 2018. The FDIC assessment premium utilizes an initial base assessment rate which is calculated as a percentage of our average consolidated total assets less average tangible equity. In addition to the initial assessment base, adjustments are added based on our regulatory rating and certain financial measures. The decrease in FDIC assessments for 2019 compared to 2018 was due to a $1.5 million small bank assessment credit received from the FDIC during the third quarter of 2019.

Credit related expenses increased $2.1 million, or 74%, to $5.0 million for 2019 compared to $2.9 million for 2018. Credit related expenses increased in 2019 compared to 2018 largely due to increases to expenses related to loan collections, forced insurance expenses, and other miscellaneous credit related expenses.

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OREO (income) expense, net experienced a decline in 2019 compared to 2018 due to a fair value adjustment recorded for a loan that was transferred to OREO during the third quarter of 2019. The fair value of the underlying collateral of the loan (less cost to sell) being transferred to OREO exceeded the carrying balance of the loan and a fair value adjustment was recorded to reflect the difference in value. The fair value adjustment of $1.7 million was partially offset by an increase in OREO related expenses.

In December 2018, we incurred a restructuring charge of $1.7 million, related to our branch rationalization plan which was announced in December 2018 and completed in the second quarter of 2019. The $1.7 million in restructuring costs consisted of $229 thousand in salaries and benefit expenses, $957 thousand in occupancy expense, and $488 thousand in other various expenditures. There were no branch restructuring costs for 2019.

Income Tax Provision

The provision for income taxes for 2020 was $30.8 million, compared to $55.3 million in 2019 and $65.9 million in 2018. The effective income tax rate was 21.63% for 2020 compared to 24.44% for 2019 and 25.79% for 2018. The reduction in effective tax rate for 2020 compared to 2019 was primarily due to CRA investment tax credits which had a larger impact on tax rate for 2020 compared to 2019 due to a decline in pretax income.

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Financial Condition

Our total assets were $17.11 billion at December 31, 2020 compared to $15.67 billion at December 31, 2019, an increase of $1.44 billion, or 9.2% year over year. The increase in assets for 2020 compared to 2019 was principally due to the increase in securities available-for-sale and loans receivable. These increases for 2020 were partially offset by a decline in cash and cash equivalents.

Investment Security Portfolio

The main objectives of our investment strategy are to provide sources of liquidity while managing our interest rate risk and to generate an adequate level of interest income without taking undue risks. Our investment policy permits investments in various types of securities, certificates of deposits, and federal funds sold in compliance with various restrictions in the policy. All of our investment securities are classified as available for sale. The securities for which we have the ability and intent to hold to maturity may be classified as held to maturity securities. However, we do not currently maintain a held-for-maturity or trading portfolio.

Our available for sale securities totaled $2.29 billion at December 31, 2020, compared to $1.72 billion at December 31, 2019. We had no securities that were categorized as held to maturity at December 31, 2020 or 2019. We had securities that were called, matured, or paid down totaling $565.4 million, purchased $1.27 billion, and sold $168.1 million in securities during the year. At December 31, 2020, $376.1 million in securities were pledged to secure public deposits, or for other purposes required or permitted by law, $368.2 million in securities were pledged in the State of California time deposit program, $1.9 million was pledged at the United States Department of Justice, and $1.4 million were pledged for other public deposits.

Our investment portfolio consists of government sponsored enterprise (“GSE”) bonds, mortgage backed securities (“MBS”), collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), corporate securities, and municipal securities.

Our available for sale securities portfolio is primarily invested in residential CMOs and residential and commercial MBS, which combined to represent 96% of our total available for sale portfolio as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, all of our CMOs and MBS were issued by the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”), Fannie Mae (“FNMA”), or Freddie Mac (“FHLMC”), which guarantee the contractual cash flows of these investments. All of our corporate and municipal securities at December 31, 2020 were rated as investment grade.

The following table presents the amortized cost, estimated fair value, and net unrealized gain and losses on our investment securities as of the dates indicated:

	December 31,
	2020						2019
	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value		Net Unrealized Gain (Loss)		Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value		Net Unrealized Gain (Loss)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Debt securities:
U.S. Government agency and U.S. Government sponsored enterprises:
CMOs	$	990,679	$	1,001,317	$	10,638	$	735,094	$	736,655	$	1,561
MBS:
Residential	672,667		681,013		8,346		353,073		352,897		(176)
Commercial	482,874		507,879		25,005		541,043		552,124		11,081
Corporate securities	7,000		6,134		(866)		5,000		4,200		(800)
Municipal securities	86,213		89,268		3,055		69,631		70,111		480
Total investment securities available for sale	$	2,239,433	$	2,285,611	$	46,178	$	1,703,841	$	1,715,987	$	12,146

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The following table summarizes the maturity of securities based on carrying value and their related weighted average yield (non-tax equivalent) at December 31, 2020:

	Within One Year				After One But Within Five Years				After Five But Within Ten Years				After Ten Years				Total
	Amount		Yield		Amount		Yield		Amount		Yield		Amount		Yield		Amount		Yield
	(Dollars in thousands)
CMOs*	$	—	—	%	$	685	1.46	%	$	4,349	1.54	%	$	996,283	1.53	%	$	1,001,317	1.53	%
MBS:
Residential*	—		—	%	—		—	%	3,867		2.02	%	677,146		1.40	%	681,013		1.40	%
Commercial*	—		—	%	5,215		1.86	%	286,338		3.03	%	216,326		2.32	%	507,879		2.72	%
Corporate Securities	—		—	%	—		—	%	2,015		—	%	4,119		1.21	%	6,134		1.73	%
Municipal Securities	351		4.56	%	—		—	%	13,640		1.58	%	75,277		3.36	%	89,268		3.09	%
Total	$	351	4.56	%	$	5,900	1.83	%	$	310,209	2.93	%	$	1,969,151	1.64	%	$	2,285,611	1.82	%

* Investments in U.S. Government agency and U.S. Government sponsored enterprises

The following table shows our investments with gross unrealized losses and their estimated fair values, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at December 31, 2020:

	Less than 12 months					12 months or longer					Total
Description of Securities	Number of Securities	Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Number of Securities	Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Number of Securities	Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
	(Dollars in thousands)
CMOs*	22	$	312,757	$	(844)	—	$	—	$	—	22	$	312,757	$	(844)
MBS:
Residential*	8	46,094		(114)		—	—		—		8	46,094		(114)
Commercial*	1	10,275		(21)		—	—		—		1	10,275		(21)
Corporate securities	—	—		—		1	4,119		(881)		1	4,119		(881)
Municipal securities	1	997		(3)		—	—		—		1	997		(3)
Total	32	$	370,123	$	(982)	1	$	4,119	$	(881)	33	$	374,242	$	(1,863)

* Investments in U.S. Government agency and U.S. Government sponsored enterprises

We adopted ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020 and implemented the CECL methodology for our investment securities available for sale. At the time of adoption, we did not record a day 1 CECL adjustment on our investment securities available for sale as we determined that a credit impairment did not exist. Subsequently, we performed an analysis on our investment portfolio as of December 31, 2020 and concluded that an allowance for credit losses was not required. The majority of our investment portfolio consists of securities issued by U.S. Government agencies or U.S. Government sponsored enterprises which we determined have zero loss expectation. At December 31, 2020, we also had corporate security not issued by U.S. Government agencies or U.S. Government sponsored enterprises that was in an unrealized loss position. Based on our analysis of this investment, we concluded a credit loss did not exist due to the issuer’s financial strength, high bond ratings, and because we still expect full payment of principal and interest.

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Equity Investments

As of December 31, 2020, equity investments totaled $59.7 million compared to $49.1 million at December 31, 2019. In 2020, we purchased $10.0 million in equity investments which were comprised of $5.0 in of mutual funds and $5.0 million in CRA investments. For the year ended December 31, 2020, we recorded an increase in equity investments due to change fair value of $488 thousand. Equity investments as of December 31, 2020 included $27.6 million in equity investments with readily determinable fair values and $32.1 million in equity investments without readily determinable fair values.

Equity investments with readily determinable fair values at December 31, 2020 consisted of mutual funds totaling $27.6 million. Changes to the fair value of equity investments with readily determinable fair values is recorded in other noninterest income. Equity investments without readily determinable fair values at December 31, 2020 included $30.7 million in Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) investments, $1.0 million in Community Development Financial Institutions investments, and $370 thousand in correspondent bank stock. Equity investments without readily determinable fair values are carried at cost, less impairment, and adjustments are made to the carrying balance based on observable price changes. There were no impairments or observable price changes for these investments during the year ended December 31, 2020.

Loan Portfolio

We offer a variety of products designed to meet the credit needs of our borrowers. Our lending activities primarily consist of real estate loans, commercial business loans, residential mortgage, and consumer loans. Gross loans receivable rose by $1.29 billion to $13.56 billion at December 31, 2020 from $12.28 billion at December 31, 2019.

We experienced an increase in real estate residential, real estate commercial and commercial business loans in 2020 compared to the previous year. All other loan types experienced declines in 2020. The rates of interest charged on variable rate loans are set at specified spreads based on the prime lending rate and LIBOR rates and vary as the prime lending rate and LIBOR rates varies. Approximately 42% of our total loans were variable rate loans at December 31, 2020 compared to 39% at December 31, 2019. Commercial real estate loans as a percentage to total loans was 65% at December 31, 2020 compared to 71% at December 31, 2019.

With certain exceptions, we are permitted under applicable law to make unsecured loans to single borrowers (including certain related persons and entities) in aggregate amounts of up to 15% of the sum of our total capital and our allowance for credit losses (as defined for regulatory purposes) at the Bank level and certain capital notes and debentures issued by us, if any. As of December 31, 2020, our lending limit was approximately $381.3 million per borrower for unsecured loans. For lending limit purposes, a secured loan is defined as a loan secured by collateral having a current fair value of at least 100% of the amount of the loan or extension of credit at all times and satisfying certain other requirements. In addition to unsecured loans, we are permitted to make such collateral-secured loans in an additional amount up to 10% (for a total of 25%) of our total capital and the allowance for credit losses for a total limit of approximately $635.5 million to one borrower as of December 31, 2020. The largest aggregate amount of loans that the Bank had outstanding to any one borrower and related entities was $198.6 million, of which the entire amount was performing and in good standing at December 31, 2020.

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The following table shows the composition of our loan portfolio by type of loan on the dates indicated:

	December 31,
	2020				2019				2018				2017				2016
	Amount		%		Amount		%		Amount		%		Amount		%		Amount		%
	(Dollars in thousands)
Loan portfolio composition:
Real estate loans:
Residential	$	54,795	—	%	$	52,558	—	%	$	51,197	—	%	$	49,774	—	%	$	57,884	1	%
Commercial	8,425,959		63	%	8,316,470		69	%	8,393,551		70	%	8,138,612		73	%	7,839,555		74	%
Construction	291,380		2	%	295,523		2	%	275,076		2	%	316,412		3	%	254,113		2	%
Total real estate loans	8,772,134		65	%	8,664,551		71	%	8,719,824		72	%	8,504,798		76	%	8,151,552		77	%
Commercial business	4,157,787		31	%	2,721,183		22	%	2,325,544		20	%	1,948,056		18	%	1,987,660		19	%
Residential mortgage	582,232		4	%	835,188		7	%	1,002,113		8	%	593,256		5	%	340,866		3	%
Consumer and other	51,060		0	%	55,085		0	%	50,634		0	%	56,465		1	%	63,254		1	%
Total loans outstanding	13,563,213		100	%	12,276,007		100	%	12,098,115		100	%	11,102,575		100	%	10,543,332		100	%
Less: allowance for credit losses	(206,741)				(94,144)				(92,557)				(84,541)				(79,343)
Loans receivable, net	$	13,356,472			$	12,181,863			$	12,005,558			$	11,018,034			$	10,463,989

Real Estate Loans

Our real estate loans consist primarily of loans secured by deeds of trust on commercial real estate, including SBA loans secured by commercial real estate. It is our general policy to restrict commercial real estate loan amounts to 75% of the appraised value of the property at the time of loan funding. We offer both fixed and floating interest rate loans. The maturities on such loans are generally up to seven years (with payments determined on the basis of principal amortization schedules of up to 25 years and a balloon payment due at maturity). Real estate loans secured by non-consumer residential real estate comprise less than 1% of the total loan portfolio (consumer residential mortgage loans are classified separately and included in consumer loans). Construction loans are also a small portion of the total real estate portfolio, comprising approximately 2% of total loans outstanding. Total real estate loans, consisting primarily of commercial real estate loans, decreased $107.6 million or, 1%, to $8.77 billion at December 31, 2020 from $8.66 billion at December 31, 2019. Real estate loans declined slightly in 2020 from 2019 due to a decline in originations and an increase in real estate loan payoffs during the year.

Other Loans

Commercial business loans include term loans to businesses, lines of credit, trade finance facilities, commercial SBA loans, equipment leasing loans, warehouse lines of credit and SBA Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans. Business term loans are generally provided to finance business acquisitions, working capital, and/or equipment purchases. Lines of credit are generally provided to finance short-term working capital needs. Trade finance facilities are generally provided to finance import and export activities. SBA loans are provided to small businesses under the U.S. SBA guarantee program. Short-term credit facilities (payable within one year) typically provide for periodic interest payments, with principal payable at maturity. Term loans (usually 5 to 7 years) normally provide for monthly payments of both principal and interest. SBA commercial loans usually have a longer maturity (7 to 10 years). These credits are reviewed on a periodic basis, and most loans are secured by business assets and/or real estate. Warehouse lines of credit are utilized by mortgage originators to fund mortgages which are then pledged to the Bank as collateral until the mortgage loans are sold and the lines of credit are paid down. The typical duration of these lines of credit from the time of funding to pay-down ranges from 10-30 days. Although collateralized by mortgage loans, the structure of warehouse lending agreements results in the commercial business classification for warehouse lines of credit. During 2020, commercial business loans increased $1.44 billion, or 53%, to $4.16 billion at December 31, 2020 from $2.72 billion at December 31, 2019. The increase in commercial business loans was due to an increase in commercial term loans, warehouse lines of credit, and PPP loans funded in 2020.

Residential mortgage loan represented approximately 4% of total loan portfolio. Residential mortgage portfolio declined from $835.2 million in 2019, or 30% to $582.2 million in 2020. Consumer loans comprise approximately less than 1% of the total loan portfolio. Most of our consumer loan portfolio include automobile loans, home equity lines and loans, signature term loans and lines of credit, and credit card loans. Consumer loans decreased $4.0 million, or 7%, to $51.1 million at December 31, 2020 from $55.1 million at December 31, 2019. The decreases in residential mortgage and consumer loans were due primarily to the decrease in loan originations in 2020 as well as an increase in residential mortgage loans sold during the year.

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Loan Commitments

We provide lines of credit to business customers usually on an annual renewal basis. We normally do not make loan commitments in material amounts for periods in excess of one year.

The following table shows our loan commitments and letters of credit outstanding at the dates indicated:

	December 31,
	2020		2019		2018		2017		2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
Commitments to extend credit	$	2,137,178	$	1,864,947	$	1,712,032	$	1,526,981	$	1,592,221
Standby letters of credit	108,834		113,720		69,763		74,748		63,753
Other commercial letters of credit	40,508		37,627		65,822		74,147		52,125
Total	$	2,286,520	$	2,016,294	$	1,847,617	$	1,675,876	$	1,708,099

Nonperforming Assets

Nonperforming assets consist of nonaccrual loans, accruing loans that are 90 days or more past due, accruing restructured loans, and OREO.

Loans are placed on nonaccrual status when they become 90 days or more past due, unless the loan is both well-secured and in the process of collection. Loans may be placed on nonaccrual status earlier if the full and timely collection of principal or interest becomes uncertain. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, unpaid accrued interest is charged against interest income. Loans are charged off when collection of the loan is determined to be unlikely. Loans are restructured when, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties, the Bank grants a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. OREO consists of real estate acquired by the Bank through foreclosure or similar means, including by deed from the owner in lieu of foreclosure, and is held for future sale.

Nonperforming assets were $143.3 million at December 31, 2020 compared to $122.1 million at December 31, 2019. Nonperforming assets at December 31, 2020 increased from December 31, 2019 due to the increases in nonaccrual loans and accruing restructured loans, partially offset by decreases in loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing and OREO. The following table illustrates the composition of nonperforming assets and nonperforming loans as of the dates indicated:

	December 31,
	2020		2019		2018		2017		2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
Nonaccrual loans (1)	$	85,238	$	54,785	$	53,286	$	46,775	$	40,074
Loans 90 days or more days past due, still accruing (2)	614		7,547		1,529		407		305
Accruing restructured loans	37,354		35,709		50,410		67,250		48,874
Total nonperforming loans	123,206		98,041		105,225		114,432		89,253
OREO	20,121		24,091		7,754		10,787		21,990
Total nonperforming assets	$	143,327	$	122,132	$	112,979	$	125,219	$	111,243

_________________________

(1) Nonaccrual loans exclude the guaranteed portion of delinquent SBA loans that are in liquidation and excludes PCI loans for periods prior to 2020

(2) Excludes PCI loans at reporting years 2016 to 2019

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COVID-19 Related Loan Modifications

In 2020, we received a large number of modification requests from borrowers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Subsequently many of those requests for modifications were granted during the second quarter of 2020. Many of these modifications had deferral periods that expired during the third quarter of 2020 and some of these loans were granted a second modification. As of June 30, 2020, loans that were modified due to hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic totaled $3.12 billion, which represented approximately 24.2% of our total loan portfolio. As of September 30, 2020, COVID-19 related modifications totaled $1.15 billion or approximately 8.8% of our total loan portfolio and COVID-19 related modifications at December 31, 2020 totaled $1.38 billion or approximately 10.2% of our total loan portfolio. The number of modification we are providing has declined significantly as of December 31, 2020 compared to modification at June 30, 2020.

COVID-19 modifications at January 31, 2021 declined to $1.26 billion or 9.3% of the loan portfolio. Based on the expiration schedule of modifications as of December 31, 2020, we expect total modifications to decline to 2-3% of total loans by June 30, 2021, assuming we do not provide any new modifications.

Loans that have been modified under the CARES Act were not categorized as past due, TDR, or nonaccrual as of December 31, 2020 unless the loans were categorized as past due, TDR, or nonaccrual prior to the modification. All COVID-19 modifications are being monitored by management for potential downgrades to classified and nonaccrual status as the CARES Act provides temporary relief of certain modifications from TDR classification, but not from classified or nonaccrual status.

To assist our customers during this difficult time, we provided various types of modifications to fit the needs of each borrower. Of the COVID-19 related modifications as of December 31, 2020, $414.8 million or 30% consisted of full payment deferrals, $430.3 million or 31% consisted of a hybrid of full payment deferral for a period followed by interest only payments, $407.6 million or 30% consisted of interest only payments, and the remaining modifications consisted of maturity extensions. The length of time for the modified loans ranged from 2 to 18 months, but most of the modifications had terms of either 6 or 9 months (modification terms are not stated on a cumulative basis).

The following table presents total COVID-19 related modifications by loan type as of December 31, 2020:

	COVID-19 Modifications
	December 31, 2020
	Modified Loans		Loans Receivable		Percentage of Loans Modified		Accrued Interest Receivable on Modified Loans
	(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate – residential	$	1,099	$	54,795	2.0	%	$	42
Real estate – commercial
Retail	288,154		2,280,297		12.6	%	5,046
Hotel & motel	720,420		1,615,019		44.6	%	14,200
Gas station & car wash	11,282		889,165		1.3	%	262
Mixed use	77,436		694,227		11.2	%	1,811
Industrial & warehouse	29,842		1,084,840		2.8	%	560
Other	115,428		1,862,411		6.2	%	1,636
Real estate – construction	62,068		291,380		21.3	%	1,146
Commercial business	37,925		4,157,787		0.9	%	154
Residential mortgage	35,744		582,232		6.1	%	466
Consumer and other	763		51,060		1.5	%	41
Total	$	1,380,161	$	13,563,213	10.2	%	$	25,364

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At December 31, 2020 approximately 73% of all of the COVID-19 related modifications were loans secured by hotel/motel and retail properties (includes some construction loans secured by hotel/motel and retail properties) as these industries were hard hit by the pandemic. Our hotel/motel loan portfolio consists mostly of limited services facilities, which were less impacted by the pandemic compared to destination hotel properties. Although occupancy trends have stabilized for many of our hotel/motel operators, approximately half of the hotel/motel borrowers that had a modification at June 30, 2020 required a second round of modifications. The majority of our hotel/motel loans are secured with personal guarantees.

Modified loans secured by retail properties consist mostly of strip mall type properties anchored by grocery markets with tenants of these properties made up of largely service oriented businesses. Commercial real estate loans secured by retail properties represented approximately 21% of all COVID-19 modifications as of December 31, 2020. Many of these businesses are now operating again, although at a limited level due to a social distancing requirement as a result of the pandemic. As a result, only 36% of retail commercial real estate loans modified as of June 30, 2020 were modified at December 31, 2020.

In accordance with the CARES Act and interagency guidance, qualifying modifications provide banks the option to temporarily suspend certain requirements under U.S. GAAP related to TDRs for a limited period of time to account for the effects of COVID-19. This timeframe was extended in December 2020 to the earlier of January 1, 2022 or 60 days after the end of the coronavirus emergency declaration. As of December 31, 2020, loans modified under Section 4013 of the CARES Act and interagency guidance were not included as TDRs.

Maturity of Loans

The following table illustrates the maturity distribution intervals of loans outstanding as of December 31, 2020.

	December 31, 2020
	Loans Maturing
	Within One Year		After One to Five Years		After Five Years		Total Loans Outstanding
	(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate loans:
Residential	$	10,261	$	27,565	$	16,969	$	54,795
Commercial	973,352		4,271,699		3,180,908		8,425,959
Construction	275,580		15,801		—		291,381
Total real estate loans	1,259,193		4,315,065		3,197,877		8,772,135
Commercial business loans	1,945,602		1,723,036		489,149		4,157,787
Residential mortgage	—		—		582,231		582,231
Consumer loans	33,163		16,544		1,353		51,060
Total loans outstanding	$	3,237,958	$	6,054,645	$	4,270,610	$	13,563,213
Fixed interest rate (1)	$	740,644	$	4,099,663	$	3,002,874	$	7,843,181
Variable interest rate	2,497,314		1,954,982		1,267,736		5,720,032
Total loans outstanding	$	3,237,958	$	6,054,645	$	4,270,610	$	13,563,213

_________________________

(1) Includes hybrid loans (loans with fixed interest rates for a specified period and then convert to variable interest rates) in fixed interest rate periods as of December 31, 2020.

Concentrations

Our lending activities are predominately in California, New Jersey and the New York City, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, and Seattle metropolitan areas. At December 31, 2020, loans from California represented 60% of the total loans outstanding and loans from New York and New Jersey represented 16%. The remaining 24% of total loans outstanding represented loans from other states. Although we have a diversified loan portfolio, a substantial portion of the loan portfolio and credit performance depends on the economic stability of Southern California. Within the California market, most of our business activity is with customers located within Southern California (54%). Therefore, our exposure to credit risk is significantly affected by changes in the economy in the Southern California area. Within our commercial real estate loan portfolio, the largest industry concentrations are retail building (19%), hotel/motel (19%), industrial & warehouse (10%), and gas station & car wash (12%). Within our commercial and business loan portfolio, the largest industry concentrations are finance and insurance (34%), wholesalers (14%), retail trade (12%), manufacturing (11%), and services (10%).

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Allowance for Credit Losses

The Bank has implemented a multi-faceted process to identify, manage, and mitigate the credit risks that are inherent in the loan portfolio. For new loans, each loan application package is fully analyzed by experienced reviewers and approvers. In accordance with current lending approval authority guidelines, a majority of loans are approved by the Management Loan Committee (“MLC”) and Directors Loan Committee (“DLC”). For existing loans, the Bank maintains a systematic loan review program, which includes internally conducted reviews and periodic reviews by external loan review consultants. Based on these reviews, loans are graded as to their overall credit quality, which is measured based on: payment capacity and collateral documentation; proper lien perfection; proper approval by loan committee(s); adherence to any loan agreement covenants; compliance with internal policies and procedures, and with laws and regulations; adequacy and strength of repayment sources including borrower or collateral generated cash flow; payment performance; and liquidation value of the collateral. We closely monitor loans that management has determined require further supervision because of the loan size, loan structure, and/or specific circumstances of the borrower.

When principal or interest on a loan is 90 days or more past due, a loan is generally placed on nonaccrual status unless it is considered to be both well-secured and in the process of collection. Further, a loan is considered a loss in whole or in part when (1) it appears that loss exposure on the loan exceeds the collateral value for the loan, (2) servicing of the unsecured portion has been discontinued, or (3) collection is not anticipated due to the borrower’s financial condition and general economic conditions in the borrower’s industry. Any loan or portion of a loan judged by management to be uncollectible is charged against the allowance for credit losses, while any recoveries are credited to the allowance.

Allowance for Credit Loss

On January 1, 2020 the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”, or CECL, which significantly changed the credit losses estimation model for loan and investments. On March 27, 2020, President Donald Trump signed into law the CARES Act in response to the global pandemic. The CARES Act includes a provision that temporarily delays the required implementation date of ASU 2016-13. However, we chose not to elect to delay the adoption of ASU 2016-13 and implemented the CECL methodology as of January 1, 2020. On January 1, 2020, we recorded a $26.2 million day 1 CECL adjustment as a result of adopting the new standard.

The allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) was $206.7 million at December 31, 2020 compared to allowance for credit losses of $94.1 million at December 31, 2019. We recorded provisions for credit losses of $95.0 million in 2020 compared to $7.3 million in 2019, and $14.9 million in 2018. During 2020, we charged off $16.0 million in loans outstanding and recovered $7.4 million in loans previously charged off. Charge offs for the 2020 included the charge offs of $4.7 million in specific reserves held against purchased credit-impaired loans that were reclassified under the new CECL methodology. Total criticized loans, or loan rated special mention, substandard, doubtful, or loss at December 31, 2020 totaled $551.5 million compared to $400.7 million at December 31, 2019. The ACL was 1.52% of loans receivable at December 31, 2020 and 0.77% of loans receivable at December 31, 2019. The ACL to loans receivable ratio does not include non-credit related discount on acquired loans. Total discount on acquired loans at December 31, 2020 and 2019 totaled $23.3 million and $45.9 million, respectively. ACL on individually evaluated loans increased to $7.3 million at December 31, 2020 from $3.4 million at December 31, 2019. In addition to allowance for credit losses, we had $1.3 million in allowances for unfunded loan commitments as of December 31, 2020, compared to $636 thousand as of December 31, 2019.

The following table presents total nonaccrual and delinquent loans (loans past due 30+ days) as of the dates indicated:

	December 31,
	2020		2019		2018		2017		2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate - residential	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	679
Real estate - commercial	64,894		40,460		38,260		33,838		37,649
Real estate - construction	18,723		14,015		—		1,300		2,813
Commercial business	17,304		12,681		23,884		25,546		15,632
Residential mortgage	11,690		13,220		17,431		9,998		378
Consumer and other	1,414		1,100		804		453		1,265
Total nonaccrual and delinquent loans	$	114,025	$	81,476	$	80,379	$	71,135	$	58,416
Nonaccrual loans included above	$	85,238	$	54,785	$	53,286	$	46,775	$	40,074

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We categorize loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt including but not limited to current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends. We analyze loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk. This analysis includes all non-homogeneous loans. Homogeneous loans are not risk rated and credit risk is analyzed largely by the number of days past due.

This analysis is performed on at least a quarterly basis. We use the following definitions for risk ratings:

•Pass: Loans that meet a preponderance or more of our underwriting criteria and evidence an acceptable level of risk.

•Special Mention: Loans that have potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or of the institution’s credit position at some future date.

•Substandard: Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the borrower or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the repayment of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

•Doubtful/Loss: Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or repayment in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.

Loans assigned a risk rating of Special Mention, Substandard, Doubtful, or Loss are referred to as Criticized Loans and loans assigned a risk rating of Substandard, Doubtful, or Loss are separately referred to as Classified Loans. The following table provides the detail of Criticized Loans by risk rating as of the dates indicated:

	December 31,
	2020		2019		2018		2017		2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
Special Mention	$	184,941	$	141,452	$	163,089	$	214,891	$	243,656
Substandard	366,556		259,278		317,915		353,222		311,106
Doubtful/Loss	1		13		412		362		1,949
Total Criticized Loans	$	551,498	$	400,743	$	481,416	$	568,475	$	556,711

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The following table shows the provision for credit losses, the amount of loans charged off, and recoveries on loans previously charged off together with the balance in the allowance for credit losses at the beginning and end of each year, the amount of average and total loans outstanding as well as other pertinent ratios as of the dates and for the years indicated:

	At or For The Year Ended December 31,
	2020			2019			2018			2017			2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
LOANS:
Average loans receivable, including loans held for sale	$	12,698,523		$	11,998,675		$	11,547,022		$	10,642,349		$	8,121,897
Total loans receivables, excluding loans held for sale	13,563,213			12,276,007			12,098,115			11,102,575			10,543,332
ALLOWANCE:
Balance - beginning of year	94,144			92,557			84,541			79,343			76,408
Loans charged off:
Real estate	(8,658)			(1,803)			(6,726)			(3,142)			(910)
Commercial business	(6,157)			(5,086)			(2,891)			(13,300)			(7,293)
Residential mortgage	—			—			—			—			—
Consumer and other	(1,211)			(1,220)			(1,258)			(968)			(757)
Total loans charged off	(16,026)			(8,109)			(10,875)			(17,410)			(8,960)
Less recoveries:
Real estate	1,851			2,104			1,028			212			1,187
Commercial business	5,526			1,596			2,892			4,996			1,614
Residential mortgage	—			—			—			28			—
Consumer and other loans	46			36			71			12			94
Total loan recoveries	7,423			3,736			3,991			5,248			2,895
Net loans (charged off) recovered	(8,603)			(4,373)			(6,884)			(12,162)			(6,065)
CECL day 1 adoption impact	26,200			—			—			—			—
Provision for credit losses	95,000			7,300			14,900			17,360			9,000
PCI allowance adjustment	—			(1,340)			—			—			—
Balance - end of year	$	206,741		$	94,144		$	92,557		$	84,541		$	79,343
RATIOS:
Net loan charge offs to average loans	0.07		%	0.04		%	0.06		%	0.11		%	0.07		%
Allowance for credit losses to total loans receivable	1.52		%	0.77		%	0.77		%	0.76		%	0.75		%
Net loan charge offs to allowance for credit losses	4.16		%	4.65		%	7.44		%	14.39		%	7.64		%
Net loan charge offs to provision for credit losses	9.06		%	59.90		%	46.20		%	70.06		%	67.39		%
Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans	167.80		%	96.03		%	87.96		%	73.88		%	88.90		%

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The following table reflects our allocation of the allowance for credit losses by loan category and the ratio of each loan category to total loans as of the dates indicated:

	December 31,
	2020				2019				2018				2017				2016
	Amount of allowance for credit losses		ACL Coverage Ratio		Amount of allowance for loan losses		ALLL Coverage Ratio		Amount of allowance for loan losses		ALLL Coverage Ratio		Amount of allowance for loan losses		ALLL Coverage Ratio		Amount of allowance for loan losses		ALLL Coverage Ratio
	(Dollars in thousands)
Loan Type
Real estate—residential	$	391	0.71	%	$	204	0.39	%	$	112	0.22	%	$	88	0.18	%	$	209	0.36	%
Real estate—commercial	159,527		1.89	%	51,712		0.62	%	55,890		0.67	%	57,664		0.71	%	49,917		0.64	%
Real estate—construction	2,278		0.78	%	1,677		0.57	%	765		0.28	%	930		0.29	%	1,621		0.64	%
Commercial business	39,155		0.94	%	33,032		1.21	%	28,484		1.22	%	22,471		1.15	%	25,444		1.28	%
Residential mortgage	4,227		0.73	%	5,925		0.71	%	5,207		0.52	%	2,442		0.41	%	1,159		0.34	%
Consumer and other	1,163		2.28	%	1,594		2.89	%	2,099		4.15	%	946		1.68	%	993		1.57	%
Total	$	206,741	1.52	%	$	94,144	0.77	%	$	92,557	0.77	%	$	84,541	0.76	%	$	79,343	0.75	%

The adequacy of the allowance for credit losses is determined upon an evaluation and review of the credit quality of the loan portfolio, taking into consideration economic forecasts, historical loan loss experience, relevant internal and external factors that affect the collection of a loan, and other pertinent factors. We use a combination of a modeled and non-modeled approach that incorporates current and future economic conditions to estimate lifetime expected losses on a collective basis. We incorporate in our modeled approach, Probability of Default (“PD”), Loss Given Default (“LGD”), and Exposure at Default (“EAD”) methodologies. For non-modeled loans, the allowance for credit losses is largely based on historical loss experience. Both approaches are combined with other quantitative factors and qualitative considerations in calculation of the allowance for credit losses for collectively assessed loans with similar risk characteristics.

For loans which do not share similar risk characteristics such as nonaccrual and TDR loans above $500 thousand, we evaluate these loans on an individual basis in accordance with ASC 326. These nonaccrual and TDR loans are considered to have different risk profiles than performing loans and therefore are evaluated separately. We ultimately decided to collectively assess TDRs and nonaccrual loans with balances below $500 thousand along with the performing and accrual loans in order to reduce the operational burden of individually assessing small TDR and nonaccrual loans with immaterial balances. For individually assessed loans, the ACL is measured using either 1) the present value of future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate; 2) the loan’s observable market price; or 3) the fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent. For the collateral dependent loans, we obtain new appraisals to determine the fair value of collateral. The appraisals are based on an “as-is” valuation. To ensure that appraised values remain current, we either obtains updated appraisals every twelve months from a qualified independent appraiser or an internal evaluation of the collateral is performed by qualified personnel. If the third party market data indicates that the value of the collateral property has declined since the most recent valuation date, management adjusts the value of the property downward to reflect current market conditions. If the fair value of the collateral is less than the amortized balance of the loan, we recognizes an ACL with a corresponding charge to the provision for credit losses.

Individually evaluated loans at December 31, 2020 were $123.2 million, a net increase of $32.6 million from $90.7 million at December 31, 2019. The net increase in individually evaluated loans was due primarily to increase in nonaccrual loans in 2020.

We also maintain a separate ACL for our off-balance sheet unfunded loan commitments. We utilize a funding rate to allocate the allowance to undrawn exposures. This funding rate is used as a credit conversion factor to capture how much undrawn can potentially become drawn at any point. The funding rate is determined based on a lookback period of 8 quarters. Credit loss is not estimated for off-balance sheet credit exposures that are unconditionally cancellable by us at the time of measurement.

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OREO

OREO consists of real estate properties acquired through foreclosure or similar means. OREO is recorded at fair value, less estimated selling costs. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, OREO totaled $20.1 million and $24.1 million, respectively. The number of OREO properties held at December 31, 2020 and 2019 was 14 and 18, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2020, three properties were transferred to OREO totaling of $2.9 million and we sold seven OREO properties totaling $2.6 million. For the year ended December 31, 2019, nine properties were transferred to OREO totaling $19.4 million and we sold nine OREO properties totaling $3.2 million.

The changes in OREO for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:

	Year ended December 31,
	2020		2019
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period	$	24,091	$	7,754
Additions to OREO	2,928		19,381
OREO sales	(2,566)		(3,211)
Valuation adjustments, net	(4,332)		167
Balance at end of period	$	20,121	$	24,091

Deposits

Deposits are our primary source of funds for loans and investments. We offer a wide variety of deposit account products to commercial and consumer customers. Total deposits increased to $14.33 billion at December 31, 2020 from $12.53 billion at December 31, 2019.

The increase in deposits during 2020 was primarily due to an increase in money market deposits, demand deposits, and savings deposits partially offset by a decline in time deposits. At December 31, 2020, we had $1.14 billion in brokered deposits and $300.0 million in California State Treasurer deposits compared to $1.48 billion in brokered deposits and $300.0 million in California State Treasurer deposits at December 31, 2019. The brokered deposits represented approximately 7.92% of our total deposits as of December 31, 2020 compared to 11.80% as of December 31, 2019. The California State Treasurer deposits have three to six months maturities with a weighted average interest rate of 0.15% and 1.65% at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Although our deposits may vary with local and national economic conditions, we do not believe that our deposits are seasonal in nature. The following table sets forth the balances of our deposits by category for the periods indicated:

	December 31,
	2020				2019				2018
	Amount		Percent		Amount		Percent		Amount		Percent
	(Dollars in thousands)
Demand, noninterest bearing	$	4,814,254	34	%	$	3,108,687	25	%	$	3,022,633	25	%
Demand, interest bearing	5,232,413		37	%	3,985,556		32	%	3,036,653		25	%
Savings	300,770		2	%	274,151		2	%	225,746		2	%
Time deposit of more than $250,000	1,854,414		13	%	1,856,715		15	%	1,773,430		14	%
Other time deposits	2,132,061		15	%	3,302,255		26	%	4,097,194		34	%
Total Deposits	$	14,333,912	100	%	$	12,527,364	100	%	$	12,155,656	100	%

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The following table presents the maturity schedules of our time deposits, as of dates indicated:

	December 31,
	2020				2019				2018
	Amount		Percentage		Amount		Percentage		Amount		Percentage
	(Dollars in thousands)
Three months or less	$	1,612,171	40	%	$	1,897,616	37	%	$	1,626,890	28	%
Over three months through six months	1,095,373		27	%	1,019,735		20	%	1,165,674		20	%
Over six months through twelve months	1,177,552		30	%	2,132,672		41	%	2,390,715		41	%
Over twelve months	101,379		3	%	108,947		2	%	687,345		11	%
Total time deposits	$	3,986,475	100	%	$	5,158,970	100	%	$	5,870,624	100	%

The following table indicates the maturity schedules of our time deposits in amounts of more than $250,000 as of December 31, 2020:

	Amount		Percentage
	(Dollars in thousands)
Three months or less	$	986,633	53	%
Over three months through six months	355,113		19	%
Over six months through twelve months	482,250		26	%
Over twelve months	30,418		2	%
Total	$	1,854,414	100	%

There is no assurance that we will be able to continue to replace maturing time deposits at competitive rates. However, if we are unable to replace these maturing time deposits with new deposits, we believe that we have adequate liquidity resources to fund these obligations through secured credit lines with the FHLB and FRB, as well as with liquid assets.

FHLB Advances and Federal Funds Purchased

We utilize a combination of short-term and long-term borrowings from the FHLB and other sources to help manage our liquidity position. However, borrowings are used as a secondary source of funds and deposits are our main source of funding and liquidity.

Federal Funds Purchased

Federal funds purchased generally mature within one to three business days from the transaction date. We did not have any federal funds purchased at December 31, 2020 and 2019.

FHLB Advances

We may borrow from the FHLB on a short term or long term basis to provide funding for certain loans or investment securities strategies, as well as for asset liability management strategies. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, FHLB advances totaled $250.0 million and $625.0 million, respectively with average remaining maturities of 0.8 years and 1.2 years, respectively. The weighted average rate for FHLB advances was 1.07% at December 31, 2020 compared to 1.84% at December 31, 2019. In third quarter of 2020, we utilized a portion of our excess liquidity to payoff $300.0 million in FHLB advances. These advances were paid off before maturity and resulted in a prepayment fee of $3.6 million. As of December 31, 2020, our remaining available FHLB borrowing capacity was $3.92 billion

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Convertible Notes

During the second quarter of 2018, we issued $217.5 million aggregate principal amount of 2.00% convertible senior notes maturing on May 15, 2038 in a private offering to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. The convertible notes were issued as part of our plan to repurchase common stock. The convertible notes pay interest on a semi-annual basis to holders of the notes. The convertible notes can be called by us, in whole or in part, at any time after five years for the original issued amount in cash. Holders of the notes can put the notes for cash on the fifth, tenth, and fifteenth year of the notes. The net carrying balance of convertible notes at December 31, 2020 was $204.6 million, net of a $12.9 million in discounts, which represents the conversion option discount and capitalized issuance costs. At December 31, 2019, the net carrying balance of convertible notes was $199.5 million, net of $18.0 million in discounts and issuance costs. (See footnote 10 “Subordinated Debentures and Convertible Notes” for additional information regarding convertible notes issued)

Subordinated Debentures

At December 31, 2020, our nine wholly-owned subsidiary grantor trusts (“Trusts”) had issued $126.0 million of pooled trust preferred securities (“Trust Preferred Securities”). The Trust Preferred Securities accrue and pay distributions periodically at specified annual rates as provided in the related indentures for the securities. The Trusts used the net proceeds from the offering of the Trust Preferred Securities to purchase a like amount of Hope Bancorp’s subordinated debentures (the “Debentures”). The Debentures are the sole assets of the trusts. Our obligations under the Debentures and related documents, taken together, constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by us of the obligations of the trusts. The Trust Preferred Securities are mandatorily redeemable upon the maturity of the Debentures, or upon earlier redemption as provided in the indentures. We have the right to redeem the Debentures in whole (but not in part) on or after specific dates, at a redemption price specified in the indentures plus any accrued but unpaid interest to the redemption date. Debentures totaled $104.2 million at December 31, 2020 and $103.0 million at December 31, 2019.

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Trusts are not reported on a consolidated basis pursuant to ASC 810, Consolidation. Therefore, the capital securities of $126.0 million are not presented on the consolidated statements of financial condition. Instead, the long-term subordinated debentures of $104.2 million, net of $25.7 million in discounts, as of December 31, 2020, issued by us to the Trusts and the investment in Trusts’ common stock of $3.9 million (included in other assets) are separately reported.

The following table summarizes our outstanding Debentures related to the Trust Preferred Securities at December 31, 2020:

Trust Name	Issuance Date	Amount		Carry Value of Subordinated Debentures		Maturity Date	Coupon Rate	Current Rate	Interest Distribution and Callable Date
(Dollars in thousands)
Nara Capital Trust III	06/05/2003	$	5,000	$	5,155	06/15/2033	3M LIBOR + 3.15%	3.400%	Every 15th of Mar, Jun, Sep, and Dec
Nara Statutory Trust IV	12/22/2003	5,000		5,155		01/07/2034	3M LIBOR + 2.85%	3.125%	Every 7th of Jan, Apr, Jul and Oct
Nara Statutory Trust V	12/17/2003	10,000		10,310		12/17/2033	3M LIBOR + 2.95%	3.196%	Every 17th of Mar, Jun, Sep and Dec
Nara Statutory Trust VI	03/22/2007	8,000		8,248		06/15/2037	3M LIBOR + 1.65%	1.900%	Every 15th of Mar, Jun, Sep and Dec
Center Capital Trust I	12/30/2003	18,000		14,457		01/07/2034	3M LIBOR + 2.85%	3.125%	Every 7th of Mar, Jun, Sep, and Dec
Wilshire Statutory Trust II	03/17/2005	20,000		15,968		03/17/2035	3M LIBOR + 1.79%	2.036%	Every 17th of Mar, Jun, Sep, and Dec
Wilshire Statutory Trust III	09/15/2005	15,000		11,325		09/15/2035	3M LIBOR + 1.40%	1.650%	Every 15th of Mar, Jun, Sep, and Dec
Wilshire Statutory Trust IV	07/10/2007	25,000		18,332		09/15/2037	3M LIBOR + 1.38%	1.630%	Every 15th of Mar, Jun, Sep, and Dec
Saehan Capital Trust I	03/30/2007	20,000		15,228		06/30/2037	3M LIBOR + 1.62%	1.840%	Every 30th of Mar, Jun, Sep, and Dec
Total Trust		$	126,000	$	104,178

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Capital Resources

Historically, our primary source of capital has been the retention of earnings, net of dividend payments to stockholders and share repurchases. We seek to maintain capital at a level sufficient to assure our stockholders, customers, and regulators that Hope Bancorp and the Bank are financially sound. For this purpose, we perform ongoing assessments of capital related risks, components of capital, as well as projected sources and uses of capital in conjunction with projected increases in assets and levels of risk.

Our total stockholders’ equity increased $17.7 million, or 0.87%, to $2.05 billion at December 31, 2020 from $2.04 billion at December 31, 2019. The increase in our stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2020 compared to December 31, 2019 was largely due to net income earned in 2020 totaling $111.5 million and $23.6 million from the increase in other comprehensive income, and $6.9 million due to stock compensation adjustments. These increases were offset by $36.2 million in share repurchases, $69.2 million in cash dividends paid, and a decrease of $18.9 million due to the Day 1 impact from the adoption of CECL, net of taxes. We elected to defer the $18.9 million Day 1 CECL impact to regulatory capital for two years in accordance with the revised regulatory CECL transition guidance.

At December 31, 2020, our ratio of common equity to total assets was 12.01% compared to 13.00% at December 31, 2019, and our tangible common equity represented 9.50% of tangible assets at December 31, 2020, compared with 10.27% of tangible assets at December 31, 2019. Tangible common equity per share was $12.81 at December 31, 2020, compared with $12.40 at December 31, 2019. Tangible common equity to tangible assets and tangible common equity per share are non-GAAP financial measures that we believe provides investors with information that is useful in understanding our financial performance and position.

We provide certain non‑GAAP financial measures that we believe provide investors with meaningful supplemental information that is useful in understanding our financial performance and position. The methodologies for determining non-GAAP measures may differ among companies. The following tables reconciles non-GAAP financial measures used to the most comparable GAAP performance measures:

	At December 31,
	2020			2019
	(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
Total stockholders’ equity	$	2,053,745		$	2,036,011
Less: Goodwill and core deposit intangible assets, net	(474,158)			(476,283)
Tangible common equity	$	1,579,587		$	1,559,728
Total assets	$	17,106,664		$	15,667,440
Less: Goodwill and core deposit intangible assets, net	(474,158)			(476,283)
Tangible assets	$	16,632,506		$	15,191,157
Common shares outstanding	123,264,864			125,756,543
Tangible common equity ratio (Tangible common equity / tangible assets)	9.50		%	10.27		%
Common tangible equity per share (Tangible common equity / common shares outstanding)	$	12.81		$	12.40

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The following tables compare Hope Bancorp’s and the Bank’s capital ratios at December 31, 2020 to those required by our regulatory agencies to generally be deemed “adequately capitalized” for capital adequacy classification purposes:

	December 31, 2020
	Actual				Required				Excess
	Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio
	(Dollars in thousands)
Hope Bancorp
Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets):	$	1,568,508	10.94	%	$	645,366	4.50	%	$	923,142	6.44	%
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)	$	1,846,229	12.87	%	$	1,147,317	8.00	%	$	698,912	4.87	%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)	$	1,668,786	11.64	%	$	860,487	6.00	%	$	808,299	5.64	%
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)	$	1,668,786	10.22	%	$	653,163	4.00	%	$	1,015,623	6.22	%

	December 31, 2020
	Actual				Required				Excess
	Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio
	(Dollars in thousands)
Bank of Hope
Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets):	$	1,850,091	12.90	%	$	645,277	4.50	%	$	1,204,814	8.40	%
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)	$	2,027,534	14.14	%	$	1,147,159	8.00	%	$	880,375	6.14	%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)	$	1,850,091	12.90	%	$	860,369	6.00	%	$	989,722	6.90	%
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)	$	1,850,091	11.33	%	$	653,241	4.00	%	$	1,196,850	7.33	%

New capital rules require a capital conservation buffer of 2.50% above the three minimum risked-weighted capital ratios. Our capital ratios at December 31, 2020 and 2019 exceeded all of the regulatory minimums including the fully-phased in capital conservation buffer.

Liquidity Management

Liquidity risk is the risk of reduction in our earnings or capital that could result if we were not able to meet our obligations when they come due without incurring unacceptable losses. Liquidity risk includes the risk of unplanned decreases or changes in funding sources and changes in market conditions that affect our ability to liquidate assets quickly and with minimum loss of value. Factors considered in liquidity risk management are the stability of the deposit base; the marketability, maturity, and pledging of our investments; the availability of alternative sources of funds; and our demand for credit.

The objective of our liquidity management is to have funds available to meet cash flow requirements arising from fluctuations in deposit levels and the demands of daily operations, which include funding of securities purchases, providing for customers’ credit needs, and ongoing repayment of borrowings.

We manage our liquidity actively on a daily basis and it is reviewed periodically by our management-level Asset/Liability Management Committee (“ALM”) and the Board Asset Liability Committee (“ALCO”). This process is intended to ensure the maintenance of sufficient funds to meet our liquidity needs, including adequate cash flow for off-balance-sheet commitments. In general, our liquidity is managed daily by controlling the level of federal funds and the funds provided by cash flow from operations. To meet unexpected demands, lines of credit are maintained with the FHLB, the Federal Reserve Bank, and other correspondent banks. The sale of investment securities and loans held for sale also serves as a source of funds.

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Our primary sources of liquidity are derived from financing activities, which include customer and broker deposits, federal funds facilities, and borrowings from the FHLB and the FRB Discount Window. These funding sources are augmented by payments of principal and interest on loans, proceeds from sale of loans, pay down of investment securities, and the liquidation or sale of securities from our available for sale portfolio. Primary uses of funds include withdrawal of and interest payments on deposits, originations of loans, purchases of investment securities, payment of operating expenses, share repurchases, and payment of dividends.

Net cash inflows from operating activities totaled $165.9 million, $183.9 million, and $220.0 million during 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Net cash inflows from operating activities for 2020 were primarily attributable to proceeds from sales of loans held for sale and net income partially offset by originations of held for sale loans.

Net cash outflows from investing activities totaled $1.83 billion, $36.8 million, and $1.15 billion during 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Net cash outflows from investing activities during 2020 were primarily from purchases of securities available for sale, net increase in loans receivable, and purchase of loans receivable. These outflows were offset by proceeds received for securities available for sale that were paid down during the year, proceeds from sales of available for sale securities, and proceeds from sales of other loans.

Net cash inflows from financing activities totaled $1.32 billion, $91.9 million, and $895.1 million during 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Net cash inflows from financing activities for 2020 was primarily attributable to an increase in deposits and proceeds from FHLB borrowings offset by the repayment of FHLB advances, treasury stock repurchases, and dividends paid on common stock.

When we have more funds than required for our reserve requirements or short-term liquidity needs, we sell federal funds to other financial institutions. Conversely, when we have less funds than required, we may purchase federal funds, borrow funds from the FHLB or the FRB’s Discount Window. As of December 31, 2020, the maximum amount that we were able to borrow on an overnight basis from the FHLB and the FRB was an aggregate of $4.88 billion, and we had $250.0 million in borrowings from the FHLB and no borrowings outstanding from the FRB. The FHLB System functions as a line of credit facility for qualifying financial institutions. As a member, we are required to own capital stock in the FHLB and may apply for advances from the FHLB by pledging qualifying loans and certain securities as collateral for these advances.

At times we maintain a portion of our liquid assets in interest bearing cash deposits with other banks, overnight federal funds sold to other banks, and in investment securities available for sale that are not pledged. Our liquid assets consist of cash and cash equivalents, interest bearing cash deposits with other banks, liquid investment securities available for sale, and loan repayments within 30 days. Liquid assets totaled $2.23 billion and $1.95 billion at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $350.6 million at December 31, 2020 compared to $698.6 million at December 31, 2019.

Because our primary sources and uses of funds are deposits and loans, the relationship between gross loans and total deposits provides one measure of our liquidity. Typically, the closer the ratio of loans to deposits is to, or the more it exceeds 100%, the more we rely on borrowings and other sources to provide liquidity. Alternative sources of funds such as FHLB advances, brokered deposits, and other collateralized borrowings that provide liquidity as needed from diverse liability sources are an important part of our asset/liability management strategy. For 2020, our average gross loans to average deposits ratio was 93% and 99% for both 2019 and 2018.

We believe our liquidity sources to be stable and adequate to meet our day-to-day cash flow requirements. At December 31, 2020, management was not aware of any demands, commitments, trends, events, or uncertainties that will or are reasonably likely to have a material or adverse effect on our liquidity position. As of December 31, 2020, we are not aware of any material commitments for capital expenditures in the foreseeable future.

Off-Balance- Sheet Activities and Contractual Obligations

The Bank routinely engages in activities that involve, to varying degrees, elements of risk that are not reflected, in whole or in part, in the Consolidated Financial Statements. These activities are part of our normal course of business and include traditional off-balance-sheet credit-related financial instruments, interest rate swap contracts, operating leases, and interest commitments on our liabilities.

Traditional off-balance-sheet credit-related financial instruments are primarily commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. These activities may require us to make cash payments to third parties in the event specified future events occur. The contractual amounts represent the extent of our exposure in these off-balance-sheet activities. However, since certain off-balance-sheet commitments, particularly standby letters of credit, are expected to expire or be only partially used, the total amount of commitments does not necessarily represent future cash requirements. These activities are necessary to meet the financing needs of our customers.

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We do not anticipate that our current off-balance-sheet activities will have a material impact on our future results of operations or financial condition. Further information regarding risks from our off-balance-sheet financial instruments can be found in Note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and in Item 7A. - “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.”

We also commit to fund certain affordable housing partnership investments in the future. Funded commitments are presented as investments in affordable housing partnerships in the Consolidated Financial Statements while unfunded commitments are presented as commitments to fund investment in affordable housing partnerships.

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations and commitments to make future payments as of December 31, 2020. Payments shown for time deposits, FHLB advances, convertible notes, and subordinated debenture include interest obligation to their respective repricing dates:

	Payments Due By Period
	Less than 1 year		1-3 years		3-5 years		Over 5 years		Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
Time deposits	$	3,896,058	$	101,320	$	719	$	403	$	3,998,500
FHLB advances	152,400		102,285		—		—		254,685
Convertible notes	4,350		223,518		—		—		227,868
Subordinated debentures (1)	551		—		—		104,178		104,729
Commitments to fund investments in affordable housing partnerships	10,678		1,038		670		2,762		15,148
Unused credit extensions	1,661,042		314,054		140,230		21,852		2,137,178
Standby letters of credit	98,421		10,289		124		—		108,834
Other commercial letters of credit	40,357		151		—		—		40,508
Total	$	5,863,857	$	752,655	$	141,743	$	129,195	$	6,887,450

 ___________________

(1)     Interest for variable rate subordinated debentures were calculated using interest rates at December 31, 2020.

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Item 7A.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The objective of our asset and liability management activities is to maximize our earnings while maintaining adequate liquidity and an exposure to interest rate risk deemed by management to be acceptable by adjusting the type and mix of assets and liabilities to seek to effectively address changing conditions and risks. Through overall management of our balance sheet and by seeking to manage various risks, we seek to optimize our financial returns within safe and sound parameters. Our operating strategies for attaining this objective include managing net interest margin through appropriate risk/return pricing of assets and liabilities and emphasizing growth in retail deposits, as a percentage of interest bearing liabilities, to reduce our cost of funds. We also seek to improve earnings by controlling noninterest expense and enhancing noninterest income. We also use various methods to protect against our exposure to interest rate fluctuations with the objective of reducing the effects fluctuations might have on associated cash flows or values. Finally, we perform internal analysis to measure, evaluate, and monitor risk.

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate risk is the most significant market risk impacting us. Interest rate risk occurs when interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities do not reprice simultaneously and in equal volumes. A key objective of asset and liability management is to manage interest rate risk associated with changing asset and liability cash flows, values of our assets and liabilities, and market interest rate movements. The management of interest rate risk is governed by policies reviewed and approved annually by the Board of Directors. The Board delegates responsibility for interest rate risk management to the ALCO and to ALM, which is composed of the Bank’s senior executives and other designated officers.

The fundamental objective of our ALM is to manage our exposure to interest rate fluctuations while maintaining adequate levels of liquidity and capital. The ALM meets regularly to monitor interest rate risk, the sensitivity of our assets and liabilities to interest rate changes, the book and market values of our assets and liabilities, and our investment activities. It also directs changes in the composition of our assets and liabilities. Our strategy has been to reduce the sensitivity of our earnings to interest rate fluctuations by more closely matching the effective maturities or repricing characteristics of our assets and liabilities. Certain assets and liabilities, however, may react in different degrees to changes in market interest rates. Furthermore, interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate prior to changes in market interest rates, while interest rates on other types of assets and liabilities may lag behind changes in market interest rates. We consider the anticipated effects of these factors when implementing our interest rate risk management objectives.

Derivative Activity

As part of our asset and liability management strategy, we may enter into derivative financial instruments, such as interest rate swaps, risk participation agreements, caps, floors, interest rate lock commitments, and forward sales commitments, with the overall goal of minimizing the impact of interest rate fluctuations on our net interest margin. Interest rate swaps and caps involve the exchange of fixed-rate and variable-rate interest payment obligations without the exchange of the underlying notional amounts.

Our monitoring activities related to managing interest rate risk include both interest rate sensitivity “gap” analysis and the use of a simulation model. While traditional gap analysis provides a simple picture of the interest rate risk embedded in the statement of financial condition, it provides only a static view of interest rate sensitivity at a specific point in time and does not measure the potential volatility in forecasted results relating to changes in market interest rates over time. Accordingly, we combine the use of gap analysis with the use of a simulation model, which provides a dynamic assessment of interest rate sensitivity.

The interest rate sensitivity gap is defined as the difference between the amount of interest earning assets anticipated to reprice within a specific time period and the amount of interest bearing liabilities anticipated to reprice within that same time period. A gap is considered positive when the amount of interest rate sensitive assets repricing within a specific time period exceeds the amount of interest bearing liabilities repricing within that same time period. A positive cumulative gap suggests that earnings will increase when interest rates rise and decrease when interest rates fall. A negative cumulative gap suggests that earnings will increase when interest rates fall and decrease when interest rates rise.

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The following table illustrates our combined asset and liability contractual repricing as of December 31, 2020:

	0 - 3 Months		Over 3 Months to 1 Year		Over 1 Year to 5 Years		Over 5 Years		Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Rate Sensitive Assets:
Interest-bearing cash at FRB	$	94,014	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	94,014
Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions	4,658		23,984		—		—		28,642
Securities available for sale	4,119		351		2,015		2,279,126		2,285,611
Equity investments	59,699		—		—		—		59,699
Loans outstanding(1)	4,741,721		1,595,584		6,013,224		1,230,427		13,580,956
Total rate sensitive assets	$	4,921,461	$	1,619,919	$	6,015,239	$	3,509,553	$	16,066,172
Rate Sensitive Liabilities:
Money market and NOW	5,232,413		—		—		—		5,232,413
Savings deposits	174,593		28,195		97,963		19		300,770
Time deposits	1,612,171		2,272,925		100,979		400		3,986,475
FHLB advances	150,000		—		100,000		—		250,000
Convertible notes	—		—		204,565		—		204,565
Subordinated debentures	104,178		—		—		—		104,178
Total rate sensitive liabilities	$	7,273,355	$	2,301,120	$	503,507	$	419	$	10,078,401
Net Gap Position	$	(2,351,894)	$	(681,201)	$	5,511,732	$	3,509,134
Cumulative Gap Position	$	(2,351,894)	$	(3,033,095)	$	2,478,637	$	5,987,771

 ___________________

(1)Includes nonaccrual loans of loans of $85.2 million and held for sale of $17.7 million.

The simulation model discussed above provides our ALM with the ability to simulate our net interest income. In order to measure, at December 31, 2020, the sensitivity of our forecasted net interest income to changing interest rates, both rising and falling interest rate scenarios were projected and compared to base market interest rate forecasts. One application of our simulation model measures the impact of market interest rate changes on the net present value of estimated cash flows from our assets and liabilities, defined as our market value of equity. This analysis assesses the changes in market values of interest rate sensitive financial instruments that would occur in response to an instantaneous and sustained increase in market interest rates.

Our net interest income and market value of equity exposure related to these hypothetical changes in market interest rates are illustrated in the following table:

	December 31, 2020				December 31, 2019
Simulated Rate Changes	Estimated Net Interest Income Sensitivity		Market Value of Equity Volatility		Estimated Net Interest Income Sensitivity		Market Value of Equity Volatility
+ 200 basis points	4.81	%	5.11	%	1.57	%	(1.84)	%
+ 100 basis points	2.35	%	3.29	%	0.88	%	(0.42)	%
- 100 basis points	(1.31)	%	(7.63)	%	(1.10)	%	(1.12)	%
- 200 basis points	(1.41)	%	10.80	%	(2.68)	%	(4.43)	%

The estimated sensitivity does not necessarily represent our forecast of future results and the estimated results may not be indicative of actual changes to our net interest income. These estimates are based upon a number of assumptions including: the nature and timing of interest rate levels including yield curve shape, prepayment on loans and securities, pricing strategies on loans and deposits, and replacement of asset and liability cash flows. While the assumptions used are based on current economic and local market conditions, there is no assurance as to the predictive nature of these conditions including how customer preferences or competitor influences may change. The ALCO, which oversees our interest rate risk management, has established the exposure limits for acceptable changes in net interest income and market value of equity related to these hypothetical changes in market interest rates. Given the limitations of the analysis, management believes that these hypothetical changes are considered tolerable and manageable as of December 31, 2020.

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LIBOR Transition

On July 27, 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) announced that it intends to stop persuading or compelling banks to submit LIBOR rates after December 31, 2021. As a result, it is expected that after 2021, LIBOR rates will no longer be available or will no longer be viewed as an acceptable benchmark rate. We have issued and we hold financial instruments that are indexed to LIBOR including investment securities available for sale, loans, derivatives, subordinated debentures, and other financial contracts that mature after December 31, 2021. At this time, we cannot predict the overall effect of the modification or discontinuation of LIBOR but in the coming quarters we will assess the impact and associated risks from this transition and will explore potential alternatives that can be used for its financial instruments that are indexed to LIBOR.

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Item 8.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The following Consolidated Financial Statements of Hope Bancorp, together with the report of Crowe LLP begin on page F-1 of this Report and are incorporated herein by reference:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2020 and 2019

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the Years Ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

See “Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules” for exhibits filed as a part of this Report.

The supplementary data required by this Item (selected quarterly financial data) is provided in Note 23 “Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Item 9.CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

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Item 9A.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

a.Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

In designing and evaluating disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

We conducted an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2020. Based upon that evaluation, our Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer determined that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2020.

b.     Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. This system, which our management has chosen to base on the framework set forth in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework, published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”), is supervised by our Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and is effected by the Company’s board of directors, management and other personnel, is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors of the Company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, a system of internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Further, because of changes in conditions, effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting may vary over time.

With the participation of our Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, and under the direction of our audit committee, our management has conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 using the criteria set forth by COSO. Based on this assessment, our management believes that the Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2020.

Our independent registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting which is included below in this section.

c.     Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management has determined that there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended December 31, 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Our independent registered public accounting firm has issued an audit report on our internal control over financial reporting which is included on page F-1 of this report.

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Item 9B.OTHER INFORMATION

None.

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PART III

Item 10.DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information required by this Item with respect to the Company’s directors and executive officers, Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports, the Company’s Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, director nomination procedures, the Audit Committee and the audit committee financial expert will be filed in Hope Bancorp’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2021 Proxy Statement”), which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 2020. 

Item 11.EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this Item with respect to director and executive compensation, “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Compensation Committee Report” will be filed in Hope Bancorp’s 2021 Proxy Statement which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 2020.

Item 12.SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

The information required by this Item with respect to security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management will be filed in Hope Bancorp’s 2021 Proxy Statement which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 2020. 

The following table summarizes our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2020:

 Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

Plan Category	Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a)	Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b)		Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans excluding securities reflected in Column (a) (c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders	851,580	$	15.25	921,709
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders	—	—		—
Total	851,580	$	15.25	921,709

Item 13.CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required by this Item with respect to certain relationships and related transactions and director independence will be filed in Hope Bancorp’s 2021 Proxy Statement which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 2020. 

Item 14.PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this Item with respect to principal accountant fees and services will be filed in Hope Bancorp’s 2021 Proxy Statement which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days after December 31, 2020. 

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PART IV

Item 15.EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)(1) Financial Statements: The financial statements listed under Part II-Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules: All financial statement schedules have been omitted since the required information is either not applicable or not required, or has been included in the Financial Statements and related notes.

(a)(3) List of Exhibits

Number	Description
3.1	Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on June 5, 2000 (incorporated herein by reference to Appendix III to the prospectus included in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC on November 16, 2000)
3.2	Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on May 31, 2002 (incorporated herein by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-8, Exhibit 3.3, filed with the SEC on February 5, 2003)
3.3	Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on June 1, 2004 (incorporated herein by reference to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Exhibit 3.1, filed with the SEC on August 9, 2004)
3.4	Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on November 2, 2005 (incorporated herein by reference to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Appendix B, filed with the SEC on November 9, 2005)
3.5	Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on July 20, 2007 (incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, Appendix C, filed with the SEC on April 19, 2007)
3.6	Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on October 17, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Exhibit 3.1, filed with the SEC on May 7, 2018)
3.7	Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on November 30, 2011 (incorporated herein by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K, Exhibit 3.6, filed with the SEC on March 1, 2013)
3.8	Amended and Restated Bylaws of BBCN Bancorp, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K, Exhibit 3.1, filed with the SEC on May 11, 2015)
3.9	Certificate of Amendment of Bylaws of Hope Bancorp, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K, Exhibit 3.2, filed with the SEC on August 1, 2016)
4.1	Junior Subordinated Indenture, dated June 5, 2003, by and between the Nara Bancorp, Inc. as Issuer and The Bank of New York as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K/A, Exhibit 99.2, filed with the SEC on May 2, 2008)
4.2	Indenture, dated December 17, 2003, by and between Nara Bancorp, Inc. as Issuer and U.S. Bank National Association as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K/A, Exhibit 99.5, filed with the SEC on May 2, 2008)
4.3	Indenture, dated December 22, 2003, between Nara Bancorp, Inc. as Issuer and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K/A, Exhibit 99.8, filed with the SEC on May 2, 2008)

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Number	Description
4.4	Indenture, dated March 22, 2007, by and between Nara Bancorp, Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company (incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.2, filed with the SEC on March 29, 2007)
4.5	Indenture, dated as of December 30, 2003, between Center Financial Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (incorporated herein by reference to Center Financial’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Exhibit 10.4, for the year ended December 31, 2003, filed with the SEC on March 30, 2004)
4.6	Indenture, dated as of March 17, 2005, between Wilshire Bancorp, Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company (incorporated herein by reference to Wilshire Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Exhibit 4.6, for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed with the SEC on March 16, 2007)
4.7	Indenture, dated as of September 15, 2005, between Wilshire Bancorp, Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company (incorporated herein by reference to Wilshire Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Exhibit 4.9, for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed with the SEC on March 16, 2007)
4.8	Indenture, dated as of July 10, 2007, between Wilshire Bancorp, Inc. and LaSalle Bank National Association (incorporated herein by reference to Wilshire Bancorp’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Exhibit 4.12, for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, filed with the SEC on November 9, 2007)
4.9	Indenture, dated as of March 30, 2007 between Saehan Bancorp, Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company (incorporated herein by reference to Wilshire Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Exhibit 4.11, for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on March 14, 2014)
4.10	Indenture dated May 11, 2018, by and between Hope Bancorp, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association (incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.1, filed with the SEC on May 11, 2018)
4.11	Description of Securities Registered Under Section 12 of the Exchange Act (incorporated herein by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K, Exhibit 4.11, for the year ended December 31, 2019 filed with the SEC on February 26, 2020)
10.1	Second Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated April 1, 2017, by and between Hope Bancorp, Inc. and Kevin S. Kim (incorporated herein by reference to the 8-K filed with the SEC on May 3, 2017)*
10.2	Bank of Hope 2017 Employee Stock Purchase Program (incorporated herein by reference to the 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 8, 2017)*
10.3	Hope Bancorp, Inc. 2019 Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated herein by reference to the Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, Annex A, filed with the SEC on April 30, 2019)*
10.4	Affiliate Agreement between Hope Bancorp, Inc. and Bank of Hope (incorporated by reference to the 10-K filed with the SEC on February 26, 2020)*
10.5	Tax Sharing Agreement among Hope Bancorp, Inc and Bank of Hope (incorporated by reference to the 10-K filed with the SEC on February 26, 2020)*
14.1	Director Code of Ethics and Business Conduct (incorporated herein by reference to the 10-K filed with the SEC on March 1, 2018)
14.2	Code of Ethics and Business Conduct (incorporated herein by reference to the 10-K filed with the SEC on March 1, 2018)
21.1	Subsidiaries of the Registrant+
23.1	Consent of Crowe LLP+
31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley of 2002+

71

Number	Description
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley of 2002+
32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002++
32.2	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002++
101.INS	Inline XBRL Instance Document - The instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document+
101.SCH	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document+
101.CAL	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document+
101.DEF	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document+
101.LAB	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document+
101.PRE	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document+
104	Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

_______________________

*     Management contract, compensatory plan, or arrangement

+     Filed herewith

++    Furnished herewith

Item 16.    FORM 10-K SUMMARY

None

72

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

		HOPE BANCORP, INC.
Date:	March 1, 2021	/s/ Kevin S. Kim
		Kevin S. Kim
		Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer

73

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

	Signature/Name	Title	Date
By:	/s/  KEVIN S. KIM	Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer	March 1, 2021
	Kevin S. Kim	(Principal Executive Officer)
By:	/s/  ALEX KO	Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer	March 1, 2021
	Alex Ko	(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
By:	/s/  SCOTT YOON-SUK WHANG	Director	March 1, 2021
	Scott Yoon-Suk Whang
By:	/s/  STEVEN S. KOH	Director	March 1, 2021
	Steven S. Koh
By:	/s/  DONALD D. BYUN	Director	March 1, 2021
	Donald D. Byun
By:	/s/  JINHO DOO	Director	March 1, 2021
	Jinho Doo
By:	/s/  DAISY HA	Director	March 1, 2021
	Daisy Ha
By:	/s/  JIN CHUL JHUNG	Director	March 1, 2021
	Jin Chul Jhung
By:	/s/  CHUNG HYUN LEE	Director	March 1, 2021
	Chung Hyun Lee
By:	/s/  WILLIAM J. LEWIS	Director	March 1, 2021
	William J. Lewis
By:	/s/  DAVID P. MALONE	Director	March 1, 2021
	David P. Malone
By:	/s/  JOHN R. TAYLOR	Director	March 1, 2021
	John R. Taylor
By:	/s/  DALE S. ZUEHLS	Director	March 1, 2021
	Dale S. Zuehls
By:	/s/  JOON KYUNG KIM	Director	March 1, 2021
	Joon Kyung Kim

74

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Hope Bancorp, Inc.

Los Angeles, California

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of Hope Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company") as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by COSO.

Change in Accounting Principle

As discussed in Notes 1 and 4 to the financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for credit losses effective January 1, 2020 due to the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codifications No. 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (ASC 326). The Company adopted the new credit loss standard using the modified retrospective method such that prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable generally accepted accounting principles. The adoption of the new credit loss standard and its subsequent application is also communicated as a critical audit matter below.

Basis for Opinions

The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matters do not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Allowance and Provision for Credit Losses – Loans Carried at Amortized Cost

Refer to Notes 1 and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements

On January 1, 2020 (“adoption date”), the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326) under a modified retrospective approach, which required the Company to estimate expected credit losses for its financial assets carried at amortized cost utilizing the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) methodology. As of the adoption date, the Company reported a $120.3 million allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) under the CECL methodology on its $12.3 billion of loans carried at amortized cost. Upon adoption of the new standard, the Company recorded a $26.2 million increase to the ACL. After adjusting for the net tax impact, an $18.8 million decrease was recorded in retained earnings through a cumulative-effect adjustment. See change in accounting principle explanatory paragraph above.

The ACL under the CECL methodology was a significant estimate recorded within the Company’s financial statements with a reported balance of $120.3 million and $206.7 million as of the adoption date and December 31, 2020, respectively. As of the same dates, of the total ACL balance, $109.3 million and $199.4 million, or approximately 91% and 96%, of the ACL was estimated on a collective basis utilizing reasonable and supportable forecasts, current conditions and historical loss experience. As of both dates, the Company utilized models to estimate probability of default (“PD”) and loss given default (“LGD”) rates to estimate the estimated loss of its two largest loan portfolio segments – commercial real estate (“CRE”) and commercial business (“CB”) loans. The modeled ACL represented a significant component of this portion of the Company’s ACL estimate.

The principal consideration for our determination that auditing the modeled component of the allowance for credit losses estimate is a critical audit matter is due to the level of audit effort required for certain aspects of the modeling process. The Company’s CECL modeling process is multifaceted and involves a significant amount of effort and management judgment, which in turn involved our especially complex and subjective judgment. We identified the following two facets within the Company’s modeling process that required a significant amount of audit effort and involved especially subjective or complex auditor judgment: (1) evaluating the conceptual soundness of the models used to assist in estimating the ACL on the Company’s CRE and CB loan portfolio segments in accordance with the new standard and (2) evaluating the reasonableness of management judgments and assumptions used in the CRE and CB modeling process.

(1) PD and LGD models – conceptual soundness

The Company utilized models to assist in calculating the PD and LGD rates for its CRE and CB loans. A significant amount of judgment was required when assessing the conceptual design and statistical methodology of the employed models and whether the models were relevant to the Company’s loan portfolio and suitable for use in the Company’s CECL estimation process, which in turn involved our especially complex and subjective judgment.

To address this matter, we tested the design and effectiveness of the Company’s controls over the model validation process of assessing the conceptual soundness of the PD and LGD models. We also utilized Crowe LLP-employed valuation specialists (“Crowe VS”) to evaluate the conceptual soundness of each model’s methodology, conceptual design and applicability to the Company, as well as the Company’s internal backtesting. Crowe VS also performed procedures to assess the relationships between the Company’s PD and LGD rates and model risk factors.

(2) Management judgments and assumptions

Throughout the Company’s ACL estimation process for CRE and CB loans evaluated on a collective basis, a number of management judgements and assumptions are required during the modeling processes or subsequent to the modeling processes. Management judgments and assumptions are made as part of the modeling process, such as the selection of economic forecast scenarios to adjust PD and LGD rates. Management’s identification and analysis of these judgments and assumptions requires significant judgment, which in turn involved our especially complex and subjective judgment.

To address these matters, we tested the design and effectiveness of the Company’s controls related to management judgments and assumptions within the modeling and ACL estimation processes including, but not limited to:

•Management’s model validation, conducted by the Company’s Model Risk Management Department, which includes an evaluation the reasonableness and sensitivity of significant management judgments and assumptions

•Management’s review of the reasonableness and sensitivity of significant judgments and assumptions

•Management’s review of the directional consistency of judgments and assumptions with modeled or estimate results

Our principal substantive audit procedures related to the management judgments and assumptions included, but were not limited to:

•Evaluation of the sensitivity of significant judgments and assumptions

•Evaluation of the reasonableness of management’s judgments and assumptions within the Company’s ACL methodology and framework

•Evaluation of the directional consistency of judgments and assumptions with modeled or estimate results

Goodwill Impairment Evaluation

Refer to Notes 1 and 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements

The Company’s consolidated goodwill balance was $464.5 million at December 31, 2020, which is allocated to the Company’s single reporting unit. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level at least annually, or more frequently whenever events or circumstances occur that indicate that it is more-likely-than-not that an impairment loss has occurred. The quantitative assessment of goodwill for the Company’s single reporting unit was performed utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis (“income approach”). The calculation of the goodwill impairment involves significant estimates and subjective assumptions which require a high degree of management judgment. This judgment includes, but is not limited to, the selection of appropriate discount rates and the development of cash flow projections.

We identified the goodwill impairment assessment of the Company as a critical audit matter. The principal considerations for this determination was the degree of auditor judgment in performing procedures over the significant assumptions, which include discount rate, terminal growth rate and capital requirements, and prospective financial information.

To address this matter, we tested the design and effectiveness of the Company’s controls including, but not limited to:

•Management’s review of the reasonableness and accuracy of the Company’s prospective financial information used in the discounted cash flow methodology

•Management’s evaluation of significant assumptions used by a third-party valuation specialist, including discount rate, terminal growth rate and capital requirements used to determine fair value

•Management’s evaluation of the sensitivity of fair value under techniques other than the income approach, including an estimate based on selected market information (“market approach”)

Our principal substantive audit procedures related to this matter included, but were not limited to:

•Evaluation of financial data for accuracy, including comparison of prospective financial information to the Company’s forecasts

•Evaluation of the reasonableness of management’s forecasted cash flows

•Utilization of Crowe VS to assist in evaluating the appropriateness of valuation methodologies, certain assumptions and overall reasonableness of the fair value

•Utilization of Crowe VS to assist in evaluating the sensitivity of the fair value when considering the market approach fair value technique

/s/ Crowe LLP

     Crowe LLP

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2017.

Los Angeles, California

March 1, 2021

F-1

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

	December 31,
	2020		2019
	(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and due from banks	$	256,565	$	283,130
Interest-bearing cash in other banks	94,014		415,437
Total cash and cash equivalents	350,579		698,567
Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions	28,642		29,162
Securities available for sale, at fair value	2,285,611		1,715,987
Equity investments	59,699		49,090
Loans held for sale, at the lower of cost or fair value	17,743		54,271
Loans receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $206,741 at December 31, 2020 and allowance for loan losses of $94,144 at December 31, 2019, respectively	13,356,472		12,181,863
Other real estate owned (“OREO”), net	20,121		24,091
Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock, at cost	17,250		19,407
Premises and equipment, net	48,409		52,012
Accrued interest receivable	59,430		30,772
Deferred tax assets, net	47,693		31,663
Customers’ liabilities on acceptances	1,184		1,117
Bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”)	76,765		76,339
Investments in affordable housing partnerships	69,454		82,600
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net	47,653		58,593
Goodwill	464,450		464,450
Core deposit intangible assets, net	9,708		11,833
Servicing assets, net	12,692		16,417
Other assets	133,109		69,206
Total assets	$	17,106,664	$	15,667,440

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-2

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION (continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

	December 31,
	2020		2019
	(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
LIABILITIES:
Deposits:
Noninterest bearing	$	4,814,254	$	3,108,687
Interest bearing:
Money market and NOW accounts	5,232,413		3,985,556
Savings deposits	300,770		274,151
Time deposits	3,986,475		5,158,970
Total deposits	14,333,912		12,527,364
FHLB advances	250,000		625,000
Convertible notes, net	204,565		199,458
Subordinated debentures, net	104,178		103,035
Accrued interest payable	14,706		33,810
Acceptances outstanding	1,184		1,117
Operating lease liabilities	52,030		60,506
Commitments to fund investments in affordable housing partnerships	15,148		28,481
Other liabilities	77,196		52,658
Total liabilities	15,052,919		13,631,429
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Common stock, $0.001 par value; authorized 150,000,000 shares at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019; issued and outstanding 135,926,445 and 123,264,864 shares, respectively at December 31, 2020, and issued and outstanding 135,702,090 and 125,756,543 shares at December 31, 2019	136		136
Additional paid-in capital	1,434,916		1,428,066
Retained earnings	785,940		762,480
Treasury stock, at cost; 12,661,581 and 9,945,547 shares at December 31, 2020    and December 31, 2019, respectively	(200,000)		(163,820)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net	32,753		9,149
Total stockholders’ equity	2,053,745		2,036,011
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	17,106,664	$	15,667,440

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-3

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2019, AND 2018

	Year Ended December 31,
	2020		2019		2018
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
INTEREST INCOME:
Interest and fees on loans	$	554,967	$	627,673	$	594,103
Interest on securities	39,362		46,295		45,342
Interest on other investments	4,549		10,818		10,727
Total interest income	598,878		684,786		650,172
INTEREST EXPENSE:
Interest on deposits	110,369		190,158		134,958
Interest on FHLB advances	6,865		12,031		15,127
Interest on other borrowings and convertible notes	14,146		16,002		12,160
Total interest expense	131,380		218,191		162,245
NET INTEREST INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES	467,498		466,595		487,927
PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES	95,000		7,300		14,900
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES	372,498		459,295		473,027
NONINTEREST INCOME:
Service fees on deposit accounts	12,443		17,933		18,551
International service fees	3,139		3,926		4,371
Loan servicing fees, net	2,809		2,316		4,696
Wire transfer fees	3,577		4,558		4,934
Swap fee income	4,066		3,364		584
Net gains on sales of SBA loans	—		—		9,708
Net gains on sales of other loans	8,004		4,487		2,485
Net gains on sales or called securities available for sale	7,531		282		—
Other income and fees	11,863		12,817		14,851
Total noninterest income	53,432		49,683		60,180
NONINTEREST EXPENSE:
Salaries and employee benefits	162,922		161,174		153,523
Occupancy	28,917		30,735		30,371
Furniture and equipment	17,548		15,583		14,902
Advertising and marketing	6,284		9,146		9,414
Data processing and communication	9,344		10,780		14,232
Professional fees	8,170		22,528		16,286
Investments in affordable housing partnerships expenses	13,146		9,292		12,066
FDIC assessments	5,544		3,882		6,572
Credit related expenses	6,817		4,975		2,863
OREO expense (income), net	3,865		(934)		187
FHLB advance prepayment fee	3,584		—		—
Branch restructuring costs	2,367		—		1,674
Other	15,131		15,467		15,636
Total noninterest expense	283,639		282,628		277,726
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX PROVISION	142,291		226,350		255,481
INCOME TAX PROVISION	30,776		55,310		65,892
NET INCOME	$	111,515	$	171,040	$	189,589
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
Basic	$	0.90	$	1.35	$	1.44
Diluted	$	0.90	$	1.35	$	1.44

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-4

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2019, AND 2018

	For Year Ended December 31,
	2020		2019		2018
	(Dollars in thousands)
Net income	$	111,515	$	171,040	$	189,589
Other comprehensive income (loss) income:
Change in unrealized net holding gains (losses) on securities available for sale	41,562		59,851		(16,201)
Change in unrealized net holding losses on interest rate swaps used in cash flow hedges	(602)		—		—
Reclassification adjustments for net gains realized in net income	(7,583)		(282)		—
Tax effect	(9,773)		(17,715)		4,996
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	23,604		41,854		(11,205)
Total comprehensive income	$	135,119	$	212,894	$	178,384

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-5

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2019, AND 2018

	Common stock			Additional paid-in capital		Retained earnings		Treasury stock		Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net		Total stockholders’ equity
	Shares	Amount
	(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 2018	135,511,891	$	136	$	1,405,014	$	544,886	$	—	$	(21,781)	$	1,928,255
Reclassification of unrealized losses on equity investments to retained earnings - ASU 2016-01						(469)				281		(188)
Issuance of shares pursuant to various stock plans, net of forfeitures and tax withholding cancellations	130,474			469								469
Stock-based compensation				2,877								2,877
Cash dividends declared on common stock ($0.54 per share)						(71,631)						(71,631)
Comprehensive income:
Net income						189,589						189,589
Other comprehensive loss										(11,205)		(11,205)
Repurchase of treasury stock	(9,002,453)							(150,000)				(150,000)
Equity component of convertible notes, net of taxes				15,045								15,045
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2018	126,639,912	$	136	$	1,423,405	$	662,375	$	(150,000)	$	(32,705)	$	1,903,211
Issuance of shares pursuant to various stock plans, net of forfeitures and tax withholding cancellations	59,725			12								12
Stock-based compensation				4,649								4,649
Cash dividends declared on common stock ($0.56 per share)						(70,935)						(70,935)
Comprehensive income:
Net income						171,040						171,040
Other comprehensive income										41,854		41,854
Repurchase of treasury stock	(943,094)							(13,820)				(13,820)
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2019	125,756,543	$	136	$	1,428,066	$	762,480	$	(163,820)	$	9,149	$	2,036,011
CECL day 1 impact						(26,729)						(26,729)
CECL day 1 impact tax adjustment						7,856						7,856
Issuance of shares pursuant to various stock plans, net of forfeitures and tax withholding cancellations	224,355			—								—
Stock-based compensation				6,850								6,850
Cash dividends declared on common stock ($0.56 per share)						(69,182)						(69,182)
Comprehensive income:
Net income						111,515						111,515
Other comprehensive income										23,604		23,604
Repurchase of treasury stock	(2,716,034)							(36,180)				(36,180)
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2020	123,264,864	$	136	$	1,434,916	$	785,940	$	(200,000)	$	32,753	$	2,053,745

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-6

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2019, AND 2018
	Year ended December 31,
	2020		2019		2018
	(Dollars in thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$	111,515	$	171,040	$	189,589
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
Discount accretion, net amortization and depreciation	12,244		2,751		(2,128)
Stock-based compensation expense	8,127		5,282		3,659
Provision for credit losses	95,000		7,300		14,900
Provision for accrued interest receivables on loans	1,000		—		—
Write-down of right-of-use assets	1,751		—		—
Provision (credit) for unfunded loan commitments	660		(100)		(100)
Valuation adjustment of OREO	3,284		(1,231)		415
Net gains on sales of SBA and other loans	(8,004)		(4,487)		(12,193)
Earnings on BOLI	(426)		(1,120)		(304)
Net change in fair value of derivatives	(138)		(71)		21
Net losses on sale and disposal of premises and equipment	413		75		50
Net losses (gains) on sales of OREO	108		14		(408)
Net gains on sales or called securities available for sale	(7,531)		(282)		—
Net change in fair value of equity investments with readily determinable fair value	(488)		(1,288)		(1,449)
Losses on investments in affordable housing partnership	12,863		9,137		11,728
Payment of FHLB advance prepayment fee	3,584		—		—
Net change in deferred income taxes	(17,998)		1,535		2,742
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale	305,060		116,590		266,115
Originations of loans held for sale	(268,283)		(103,819)		(255,545)
Origination of servicing assets	(2,864)		(1,790)		(6,157)
Change in accrued interest receivable	(28,658)		1,453		(2,246)
Change in other assets	(59,077)		(23,157)		(6,093)
Change in accrued interest payable	(19,104)		2,436		15,413
Change in other liabilities	22,878		3,587		1,983
Net cash provided by operating activities	165,916		183,855		219,992
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of interest bearing deposits in other financial institutions	(20,597)		(19,853)		(10,533)
Redemption of interest bearing deposits in other financial institutions	21,117		20,100		16,495
Purchase of securities available for sale	(1,273,369)		(229,283)		(393,584)
Proceeds from matured, called, or paid-down securities available for sale	565,362		296,154		221,595
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale	168,069		115,628		—
Proceeds from sale of equity investments	201		2,570		—
Purchase of equity investments	(10,000)		—		(1,434)
Proceeds from sales of other loans	1,294		123,322		21,716
Purchase of loans receivable	—		(126,345)		—
Net change in loans receivable	(1,273,988)		(205,624)		(983,720)
Proceeds from sales of OREO	2,458		3,197		6,667
Purchase of FHLB stock	(1,346)		(2,417)		—
Redemption of FHLB stock	3,503		8,471		4,315
Purchase of premises and equipment	(4,973)		(6,619)		(6,846)
Proceeds from BOLI death benefits	970		1,834		—
Investments in affordable housing partnerships	(13,333)		(17,958)		(22,181)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,834,632)		(36,823)		(1,147,510)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net change in deposits	1,806,548		371,708		1,309,048
Proceeds from FHLB advances	1,360,000		1,155,000		130,000
Repayment of FHLB advances	(1,738,584)		(1,350,000)		(465,000)
Repayment of federal funds purchased	—		—		(69,900)
Proceeds from convertible notes, net of issuance fees	—		—		212,920
Purchase of treasury stock	(36,777)		(13,223)		(150,000)
Cash dividends paid on common stock	(69,182)		(70,935)		(71,631)
Issuance of additional stock pursuant to various stock plans	—		12		469
Taxes paid in net settlement of restricted stock	(1,277)		(633)		(782)
Net cash provided by financing activities	1,320,728		91,929		895,124
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(347,988)		238,961		(32,394)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD	698,567		459,606		492,000
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	$	350,579	$	698,567	$	459,606
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Interest paid	$	144,234	$	211,014	$	144,128
Income taxes paid	$	49,220	$	57,115	$	57,862
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NON-CASH ACTIVITIES
Transfer of investments available for sale and other investments to equity investments	$	—	$	—	$	46,952
Transfer from loans receivable to OREO	$	2,928	$	19,381	$	3,340
Loans transferred to held for sale from loans receivable	$	1,243	$	165,994	$	21,581
Loans transferred to loans receivable from held for sale	$	2,933	$	5,181	$	10,073
New commitments to fund affordable housing partnership investments	$	—	$	—	$	30,097
Lease liabilities arising from obtaining right-of-use assets	$	—	$	62,833	$	—
Equity component of convertible notes, net of tax	$	—	$	—	$	15,045

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-7

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020, 2019, AND 2018

1.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Operations— Hope Bancorp, Inc. (“Hope Bancorp” on a parent-only basis and the “Company” on a consolidated basis), headquartered in Los Angeles, California, is the holding company for Bank of Hope (the “Bank”). The Bank has branches in California, New York, Illinois, Washington, Texas, New Jersey, Virginia, and Alabama, as well as loan production offices in Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Portland, Seattle, Southern California, and Northern California. Hope Bancorp is a corporation organized under the laws of the state of Delaware and a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. The Bank is a California-chartered bank and its deposits are insured by the FDIC to the extent provided by law. The Company specializes in core business banking products for small and medium-sized businesses, with an emphasis in commercial real estate and business lending, SBA lending, and international trade financing.

Principles of Consolidation—The accounting and reporting policies of the Company are in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and conform to practices within the banking industry. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, principally the Bank. Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents—Cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks, interest-earning deposits, and federal funds sold, which have original maturities less than 90 days. The Company may be required to maintain reserve and clearing balances with the Federal Reserve Bank under the Federal Reserve Act. The reserve and clearing requirement balance was $0 at December 31, 2020 and 2019. Net cash flows are reported for customer loan and deposit transactions, investment transactions, federal funds purchased, deferred income taxes, and other assets and liabilities.

Interest-Bearing Deposits in Other Financial Institutions—Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions are comprised of the Company’s investments in certificates of deposits that have original maturities greater than 90 days.

Securities—Securities are classified and accounted for as follows:

(i)Securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as “held to maturity” and reported at amortized cost. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company did not own securities in this category;

(ii)Securities are classified as “available for sale” when they might be sold before maturity and are reported at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses are reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes.

Accreted discounts and amortized premiums on securities are included in interest income using the interest method, and realized gains or losses related to sales of securities recorded on trade date and are calculated using the specific identification method, without anticipating prepayments, except for mortgage-backed securities where prepayments are expected.

On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13 and implemented the CECL methodology for allowance for credit losses on its investment securities available for sale. The new CECL methodology replaces the other-than-temporary impairment model that previously existed. The Company did not have a day 1 allowance impact attributable to its investment securities portfolio and did not have an allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2020. The Company has elected to exclude accrued interest from the amortized cost of its investment securities available for sale.

The Company evaluates securities in unrealized loss position for impairment related to credit losses on at least a quarterly basis. Securities in unrealized loss positions are first assessed as to whether the Company intend to sell, or if it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If one of the criteria is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through current earnings. For securities that do not meet these criteria, the Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value resulted from credit losses or other factors. In evaluating whether a credit loss exists, the Company has set up an initial filter for impairment triggers. Once the quantitative filters have been triggered, the securities are placed on a watch list and an additional assessment is performed to identify whether a credit impairment exists. In making this assessment, management considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency, and adverse conditions specifically related to the security and the issuer, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the Company compares the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security with the amortized cost basis. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis for the security, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses is recorded, limited to the amount that the fair value of the security is less than its amortized cost basis. Unrealized losses that have not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes. No allowance for credit losses for available for sale securities was recorded at December 31, 2020.

F-8

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Equity Investments—On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2016-01 and reclassified its mutual funds, equity stock, correspondent bank stock, Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (“CDFI”) investments, and Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) investments as equity investments. The Company’s mutual funds are considered equity investments with readily determinable fair values and changes to fair value are recorded in other noninterest income. The Company sold all of its investment in equity stock in 2019. The Company’s investment in correspondent bank stock, CDFI investments, and CRA investments are equity investments without readily determinable fair values. Equity investments without readily determinable fair values are measured at cost, less impairment, and are adjusted for observable price changes which is recorded in noninterest income.

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Transactions—As part of the Company’s asset and liability management strategy, the Company uses derivative financial instruments, such as interest rate swaps, risk participation agreements, and caps and floors, with the overall goal of minimizing the impact of interest rate fluctuations on net interest margin. The Company’s interest rate swaps and caps involve the exchange of fixed rate and variable rate interest payment obligations without the exchange of the underlying notional amounts and are therefore accounted for as stand-alone derivatives. Derivative instruments are included in other assets or accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at fair value. At the inception of the derivative contract, the Company designates the derivative as (1) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“cash flow hedge”), or (2) an instrument with no hedging designation (“stand-alone derivative”). For a cash flow hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported currently in earnings, in noninterest income. Net cash settlements on derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported in noninterest income. The related cash flows are recognized on the cash flows from operating activities section on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Residential mortgage loans funded with interest rate lock commitments and forward commitments for the future delivery of mortgage loans to third party investors, are both considered derivatives. The Company accounts for loan commitments related to the origination of mortgage loans that will be held-for-sale as derivatives at fair value on the balance sheet, with changes in fair value recorded in earnings in the period in which the changes occur. As part of the Company’s overall risk management, the Company’s Asset Liability Committee, which meets monthly, monitors and measures interest rate risk and the sensitivity of assets and liabilities to interest rate changes, including the impact of derivative transactions.

The Company formally documents all relationships between derivatives and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This documentation includes linking cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivative instruments that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged items. The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when it is determined that (1) the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged item (2) the derivative expires, is sold, or terminated (3) the derivative instrument is de-designated as a hedge because the forecasted transaction is no longer probable of occurring (4) a hedged firm commitment no longer meets the definition of a firm commitment (5) or management otherwise determines that designation of the derivative as a hedging instrument is no longer appropriate. When hedge accounting is discontinued, subsequent changes in fair value of the derivative are recorded as noninterest income. When a fair value hedge is discontinued, the hedged asset or liability is no longer adjusted for changes in fair value and the existing basis adjustment is amortized or accreted over the remaining life of the asset or liability. When a cash flow hedge is discontinued but the hedged cash flows or forecasted transaction is still expected to occur, changes in value that were accumulated in other comprehensive income are amortized or accreted into earnings over the same periods which the hedged transactions will affect earnings.

Company enters into risk participation agreements with outside counterparties for interest rate swaps related to loans in which it is a participant. The risk participation agreements provide credit protection to the financial institution should the borrower fail to perform on its interest rate derivative contract. Risk participation agreements are credit derivatives not designated as hedges. Credit derivatives are not speculative and are not used to manage interest rate risk in assets or liabilities. Changes in the fair value in credit derivatives are recognized directly in earnings. The fee received, less the estimate of the loss for credit exposure, was recognized in earnings at the time of the transaction.

F-9

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Loans Held for Sale—Residential mortgage loans that the Company has the intent to sell prior to maturity have been designated as held for sale at origination and are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value, on an aggregate basis. Certain loans which were originated with the intent to hold to maturity are subsequently transferred to held for sale once there is an intent to sell the loan. A valuation allowance is established if the aggregate fair value of such loans is lower than their cost and charged to earnings. Gains or losses recognized upon the sale of loans are determined on a specific identification basis. Loan transfers are accounted for as sales when control over the loan has been surrendered. Control over such loans is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets and (3) the Company does not maintain control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

Loans—Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at the amount of unpaid principal, adjusted for net deferred fees and costs, premiums and discounts, purchase accounting fair value adjustments, and allowance for credit losses. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Nonrefundable loan origination fees and certain direct origination costs are deferred and recognized in interest income using the level-yield method over the life of the loan. Interest on loans is credited to income as earned and is accrued only if deemed collectible.

The loan portfolio consists of four segments: real estate, commercial business, residential mortgage, and consumer and other loans. Real estate loans are extended for the purchase and refinance of commercial real estate and are generally secured by

first deeds of trust and are collateralized by residential or commercial properties. Commercial business loans are loans provided

to businesses for various purposes such as for working capital, purchasing inventory, debt refinancing, business acquisitions, international trade finance activities, and other business related financing needs and also include warehouse lines of credit, syndicated loans, and SBA Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans. Residential mortgage loans are extended for personal, family, or household use and are secured by a mortgage or deed of trust. Consumer and other loans consist of home equity, credit card, and other personal loans.

On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, or CECL, using the modified retrospective method for all of its loans measured at amortized cost. With the adoption of CECL, the Company reassessed its loan portfolio segments and classes of loans receivable and made changes based on the new allowance for credit losses methodology. As a result, the Company now

discloses residential mortgage loans as a separate segment and class of receivable. Trade finance loans, which were previously disclosed as a distinct segment and class of receivable, are now combined with commercial business loans. Prior period balances have been reclassified to conform with the current presentation.

Generally, loans are placed on nonaccrual status and the accrual of interest is discontinued if principal or interest payments become 90 days past due and/or management deems the collectability of the principal and/or interest to be in question. Loans to a customer whose financial condition has deteriorated are considered for nonaccrual status whether or not the loan is 90 days or more past due. Generally, payments received on nonaccrual loans are recorded as principal reductions. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

Other loan fees and charges, representing service costs for the prepayment of loans, for delinquent payments, or for miscellaneous loan services, are recorded as income when collected.

The Company categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt, including, but not limited to, current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends. Homogeneous loans (i.e., home mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit, overdraft loans, express business loans, and automobile loans) are not risk rated and credit risk is analyzed largely by the number of days past due. This analysis is performed at least on a quarterly basis:

•Pass: Loans that meet a preponderance or more of the Company’s underwriting criteria and that evidence an acceptable level of risk.

•Special Mention: Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness that deserves management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or of the institution’s credit position at some future date.

•Substandard: Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the borrower or by the collateral pledged, if any. Loans in this classification have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the repayment of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

F-10

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

•Doubtful/Loss: Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or repayment in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.

Allowance for Credit Losses (“ACL”)—The Company calculates its ACL by estimating expected credit losses on a collective basis for loans that share similar risk characteristics. Loans that do not share similar risk characteristics with other loans are evaluated for credit losses on an individual basis. The Company uses a combination of a modeled and non-modeled approach that incorporates current and future economic conditions to estimate lifetime expected losses on a collective basis. The Company uses Probability of Default (“PD”), Loss Given Default (“LGD”), and Exposure at Default (“EAD”) methodologies with quantitative factors and qualitative considerations in calculation of the allowance for credit losses for collectively assessed loans. The Company uses a reasonable and supportable period of 2 years at which point loss assumptions revert back to historical loss information by means of 1 year reversion period. For a discussion of the Company’s former incurred loss allowance for loan losses methodology, please refer to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.

The ACL for the Company’s construction, credit card, and certain consumer loans is calculated based on a non-modeled approach utilizing historical loss rates to estimate losses. A non-modeled approach was chosen for these loans as fewer data points exist which could result in high levels of estimated loss volatility under a modeled approach. Materiality was another factor in using a non-modeled approach for these loans as in aggregate, non-modeled loans represented approximately than 2% of the Company’s total loan portfolio as of December 31, 2020.

With the adoption of CECL, the Company formed an Economic Forecast Committee (“EFC”) to review economic forecast scenarios that are incorporated in the Company’s ACL. The EFC reviews multiple scenarios put together by an independent third party and chooses a single scenario that best aligns with management’s expectation of future economic conditions. The forecast scenarios contain certain macroeconomic variables that are incorporated into the Company’s modeling process, including GDP, unemployment rates, interest rates, and commercial real estate prices. As of December 31, 2020, the Company chose a forecast scenario that incorporates the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic into estimates of future economic conditions. The allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2020 utilizes the Moody’s Baseline scenario, as well as more specific information, including updated CRE market data which reflects deterioration primarily in the hospitality industry.

Additionally, in order to systematically quantify the credit risk impact of other trends and changes within the loan portfolio that may not be capture by the modeled and non-modeled approach, the Company utilizes qualitative adjustments to estimate total expected losses. The parameters for making adjustments are established under a Credit Risk Matrix that provides different possible scenarios for each of the factors below. The Credit Risk Matrix and the possible scenarios enable the Bank to qualitatively adjust the allowance for credit losses by as much as 25 basis points for each loan type pool. This matrix considers the following seven factors, which are patterned after the guidelines provided under the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (“FFIEC”) Interagency Policy Statement on the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, updated to reflect the application of the CECL methodology:

•Changes in lending policies and procedures, including underwriting standards and collection, charge-off, and recovery practices;

•Changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio;

•Changes in the experience, ability and depth of lending management and staff;

•Changes in the trends of the volume and severity of past due loans, Classified Loans, nonaccrual loans, troubled debt restructurings and other loan modifications;

•Changes in the quality of the loan review system and the degree of oversight by the Directors;

•The existence and effect of any concentrations of credit and changes in the level of such concentrations; and

•The effect of other external factors, such as competition, legal and regulatory requirements, and others that have an impact on the level of estimated losses in the Company’s loan portfolio.

F-11

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For loans which do not share similar risk characteristics such as nonaccrual and TDR loans above $500 thousand, the Company evaluates these loans on an individual basis in accordance with ASC 326. These nonaccrual and TDR loans are considered to have different risk profiles than performing loans and therefore are evaluated separately. The Company collectively assesses TDRs and nonaccrual loans with balances below $500 thousand along with the performing and accrual loans in order to reduce the operational burden of individually assessing small TDR and nonaccrual loans with immaterial balances. For individually assessed loans, the ACL is measured using either 1) the present value of future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate; 2) the loan’s observable market price; or 3) the fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent. For the collateral dependent loans, the Company obtains a new appraisal to determine the fair value of underlying loan collateral. The appraisals are based on an “as-is” valuation. To ensure that appraised values remain current, the Company either obtains updated appraisals every twelve months from a qualified independent appraiser or an internal evaluation of the collateral is performed by qualified personnel. If the third party market data indicates that the value of the collateral property has declined since the most recent valuation date, management adjusts the value of the property downward to reflect current market conditions. If the fair value of the collateral is less than the amortized balance of the loan, the Company recognizes an ACL with a corresponding charge to the provision for credit losses.

As of December 31, 2020, the Company recorded $1.0 million in ACL on its loan accrued interest receivable balances attributable to COVID-19 payment deferral modifications. The ACL was estimated by using the same loss ratios calculated for the underlying loans under the CECL allowance methodology and applying the ratios to the accrued interest portion of modified loans. Total accrued interest on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition is presented net of any ACL and changes to the accrued interest ACL is recorded in credit related expenses.

TDR loans are individually evaluated in accordance with ASC 310 and ASC 326. The concessions may be granted in various forms, including reduction in the stated interest rate, reduction in the amount of principal amortization, forgiveness of a portion of a loan balance or accrued interest, or extension of the maturity date. In order to determine whether a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, an evaluation is performed on the probability that the borrower will be in payment default on their debt in the foreseeable future without the modification. This evaluation is performed under the Bank’s internal underwriting policy.

TDR loans on accrual status are comprised of loans that were accruing at the time of restructuring and for which the Company anticipates full repayment of both principal and interest under the restructured terms. TDR loans that are on nonaccrual status can be returned to accrual status after a period of sustained performance, generally determined to be six months of timely payments as modified. Sustained performance includes the periods prior to the modification and if the prior performance met or exceeded the modified terms.

The CARES Act provides banks the option to temporarily suspend certain requirements under U.S. GAAP related to TDR accounting for a limited period of time to account for the effects of COVID-19 if (i) the loan modification is made between March 1, 2020 and the earlier of January 1, 2022 or 60 days after the end of the coronavirus emergency declaration and (ii) the applicable loan was not more than 30 days past due as of December 31, 2019. As such, all modified loans that met the criteria outlined within Section 4013 of the CARES Act were not classified as TDR loans as of December 31, 2020, unless the loans were TDR prior to the COVID-19 modification.

F-12

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Purchase Credit Deteriorated (“PCD”) — PCD is a classification of purchased financial assets for which there has been a more-than insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination. The Company adds the allowance for credit losses at the date of acquisition to the purchase price to determine the initial amortized cost basis for purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. Any noncredit discount or premium resulting from acquiring loans with credit deterioration shall be allocated to each individual asset. At the acquisition date, the initial allowance for credit losses is determined on a collective basis and is allocated to individual assets to appropriately allocate any noncredit discount or premium. The Company accounts for purchased financial assets that do not have a more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination in a manner consistent with originated financial assets. After initial recognition, the Company shall treat PCD assets like all other loans and apply one of the impairment models under CECL for instruments measured at amortized cost. The noncredit discount shall be amortized into interest income over the life of the loan. Subsequent changes to the allowance for credit losses are recorded through provision for credit losses.

OREO—OREO, which represents real estate acquired through foreclosure in satisfaction of commercial and real estate loans, is stated at fair value less estimated selling costs of the real estate. Loan balances in excess of the fair value of the real estate acquired at the date of acquisition are charged to the allowance for credit losses. Any subsequent operating expenses or income, reduction in estimated fair values, and gains or losses on disposition of such properties are charged or credited to current operations. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company foreclosed on properties with an aggregate carrying value of $2.9 million. The Company recorded $4.3 million in net valuation losses subsequent to the foreclosures during the year ended December 31, 2020, and the Company sold OREO properties for total proceeds of $2.5 million during the year.

FHLB Stock—The Bank is a member of the FHLB system. Members are required to own a certain amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors, and may invest in additional amounts. FHLB stock is carried at cost, classified as a restricted security, and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income.

Premises and Equipment—Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment are computed on the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

•Buildings - 15 to 39 years

•Furniture, fixture, and equipment - 3 to 10 years

•Computer equipment - 1 to 5 years

•Computer software - 1 to 5 years

•Leasehold improvement - life of lease or improvements, whichever is shorter

F-13

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

BOLI—The Company has purchased life insurance policies on certain key executives and directors. BOLI is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement.

Investments in Affordable Housing Partnerships—The Company owns limited partnership interests in projects of affordable housing for lower income tenants.  Under the equity method of accounting, the annual amortization is based on the estimated tax deduction amounts the bank would receive in the year. The carrying value of such investments and commitments to fund investment in affordable housing is recorded as “Investments in affordable housing partnerships” in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition. Commitments to fund investments in affordable housing is also included in this line items but is also grossed up and recorded as a liability.

Leases—operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets represent the Company’s right to use the underlying asset during the lease term and operating lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized at lease commencement based on the present value of the future lease payments using the Company’s incremental borrowing rate. The Company calculates its incremental borrowing rate by adding a spread to the FHLB borrowing interest rate at a given period. The Company does not capitalize short-term leases, which are leases with terms of twelve months or less. ROU assets and related operating lease liabilities are remeasured when lease terms are amended, extended, or when management intends to exercise available extension options.

Operating lease expense, which is comprised of amortization of the ROU asset and the implicit interest accreted on the operating lease liability, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is recorded in occupancy expense in the consolidated statements of income. The Company’s occupancy expense also includes variable lease costs which is comprised of the Company's share of actual costs for utilities, common area maintenance, property taxes, and insurance that are not included in lease liabilities and are expensed as incurred. Variable lease costs also include rent escalations based on changes to indices, such as the Consumer Price Index.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets—Goodwill is generally determined as the excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred, plus the fair value of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree, over the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized but tested for impairment at least annually.

In accordance with ASC 350 “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other”, the Company makes a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount before applying the two-step goodwill impairment test. If management concludes that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the step 1 impairment test is bypassed. Management assessed the qualitative factors related to goodwill as of December 31, 2020 and determined a Step 1 fair value assessment was required. Based on this assessment, management determined that goodwill was not impaired at December 31, 2020. Goodwill is also tested for impairment on an interim basis if circumstances change or an event occurs between annual tests that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying amount. Due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Company performed an interim goodwill impairment assessment for each quarter of 2020. Significant judgment is applied when goodwill is assessed for impairment. This judgment includes developing cash flow projections, selecting appropriate discount rates, calculation of a terminal growth rate, minimum target capitalization levels, identifying relevant market comparables, incorporating general economic and market conditions, and selecting an appropriate control premium. The selection and weighting of the various fair value techniques may result in a higher or lower fair value. Judgment is applied in determining the weighting that is most representative of fair value.

Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. Core deposit intangibles are amortized over a seven to ten year period.

Loan Servicing Assets—The Company previously sold the guaranteed portion of SBA loans and retained the unguaranteed portion (“retained interest”). However, starting December 2018, the Company has chosen to retain the guaranteed portion of SBA loans. A portion of the premium on sale of SBA loans is recognized as gain on sale of loans at the time of the sale by allocating the carrying amount between the asset sold and the retained interest, including these servicing assets, based on their relative fair values. The remaining portion of the premium is recorded as a discount on the retained interest and is amortized over the remaining life of the loan as an adjustment to yield. The retained interest, net of any discount, are included in loans receivable—net of allowance for credit losses in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition.

Servicing assets are recognized when SBA and residential mortgage loans are sold with servicing retained with the income statement effect recorded in gains on sales of loans. Servicing assets are initially recorded at fair value based on the present

F-14

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

value of the contractually specified servicing fee, net of servicing costs, over the estimated life of the loan, using a discount rate. The Company’s servicing costs approximates the industry average servicing costs of 40 basis points. All classes of servicing assets are subsequently measured using the amortization method which requires servicing rights to be amortized into noninterest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying loans.

Management periodically evaluates servicing assets for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to carrying amount. Impairment is determined by stratifying rights into groupings based on predominant risk characteristics, such as interest rate, loan type and investor type. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for an individual grouping, to the extent that fair value is less than the carrying amount. If the Company later determines that all or a portion of the impairment no longer exists for a particular grouping, a reduction of the allowance may be recorded as an increase to income. No impairment charges were required in 2020, 2019, or 2018.

Stock-Based Compensation—Compensation cost is recognized for stock options and restricted stock awards issued to employees and directors, based on the fair value of these awards at the date of grant. A Black-Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options, while the market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant is used for 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.

Income Taxes—Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities represent the tax effects, based on current tax law, of future deductible or taxable amounts attributable to events that have been recognized in the financial statements. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, the projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. The Company recognizes interest and / or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.

Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code imposes a limitation (“382 Limitation”) on a corporation’s ability to use any net unrealized built in losses and other tax attributes, such as net operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards, when it undergoes a 50% ownership change over a designated testing period not to exceed three years (“382 Ownership Change”). As a result of the acquisition on July 29, 2016, Wilshire Bancorp underwent a 382 Ownership Change resulting in a 382 Limitation to its net operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Wilshire Bancorp did not have a net unrealized built in loss as of the 382 Ownership Change date. Given the applicable 382 Limitation, the Company is expected to fully utilize Wilshire Bancorp’s net operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards before expiration. However, future transactions, such as issuances of common stock or sales of shares of the Company’s stock by certain holders of the Company’s shares, including persons who have held, currently hold or may accumulate in the future 5% or more of the Company’s outstanding common stock for their own account, could trigger a future Section 382 Ownership Change of the Company which could limit the Company’s use of these tax attributes.

Earnings per Common Share—Basic Earnings per Common Share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted Earnings per Common Share reflects the potential dilution of common shares that could share in the earnings of the Company.

Equity—The Company accrues for common stock dividends as declared. Common stock dividends of $69.2 million and $70.9 million, were paid in 2020 and 2019, respectively. There were no common stock dividends declared but unpaid at December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Dividend Restrictions—Banking regulations require maintaining certain capital levels and may limit the dividends paid by the Bank to the Company, or dividends paid by the Company to stockholders.

Comprehensive Income—Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) includes the change in unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale and interest rate swaps used in cash flow hedges which is also recognized as separate components of stockholders’ equity, net of tax.

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Operating Segments—The Company is managed as a single business segment. The financial performance of the Company is reviewed by the chief operating decision maker on an aggregate basis and financial and strategic decisions are made based on the Company as a whole. “Banking Operations” is considered to be the Company’s single combined operating segment, which raises funds from deposits and borrowings for loans and investments, and provides lending products, including construction, real estate, commercial, and consumer loans to its customers.    

Loss Contingencies—Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company believes there are no such matters that would have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2020 or 2019. Accrued loss contingencies for all legal claims totaled approximately $1.3 million at December 31, 2020 and $440 thousand at December 31, 2019.

Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments—Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit, issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded. See Note 14 Commitments and Contingencies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

Allowance for Unfunded Commitments—The allowance for unfunded commitments is maintained at a level believed by management to be sufficient to absorb estimated probable losses related to these unfunded credit facilities. The determination of the adequacy of the allowance is based on periodic evaluations of the unfunded credit facilities including an assessment of the probability of commitment usage, credit risk factors for loans outstanding to these same customers, and the terms and expiration dates of the unfunded credit facilities. The allowance for unfunded commitments is included in other liabilities on the consolidated statement of financial condition, with changes to the balance charged against noninterest expense.

Fair Values of Financial Instruments—Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in a separate note. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect the estimates.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets—The Company evaluates long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. If the estimated future cash flows (undiscounted) over the remaining useful life of the asset are less than the carrying value, an impairment loss would be recorded to reduce the related asset to its estimated fair value.

Transfer of Financial Assets—Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been relinquished. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from the Company, the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements—The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications - Some items in the prior year financial statements were reclassified to conform to the current presentation. The reclassifications had no effect on the prior year net income or stockholders’ equity.

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Accounting Pronouncements Adopted

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”, also referred to as “CECL”. The FASB subsequently issued ASU 2018-19, ASU 2019-04, ASU 2019-05, ASU 2019-10, ASU 2019-11 and ASU 2020-02 to provide additional clarification, implementation, codification improvements, transition guidance, and adoption guidance related to ASU 2016-13. ASU 2016-13 requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets carried at amortized cost held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted CECL using the modified retrospective approach. The adoption of the standard resulted in changes to the Company’s loan and allowance policies. Refer to Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K regarding additional significant accounting policies, including accounting policies in effect prior to the adoption of CECL.

Upon adoption of CECL accounting standard on January 1, 2020, the Company recognized a day 1 increase of its Allowance for Credit Losses (“ACL”) of $26.7 million. The Company adopted CECL without electing the fair value option on eligible financial instruments. Internal controls related to the CECL ACL calculation were finalized prior to adoption. The increase in the ACL was largely driven by longer duration CRE loans due to the capture of lifetime expected credit losses under CECL. On January 1, 2020, the Company also recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment, net of taxes, totaling $18.9 million to decrease retained earnings. In accordance with the revised regulatory CECL transition guidance, the Company has elected to defer the regulatory capital impact of the adoption of CECL for two years, at which time the impact will be phased-in over a three year period. The Company did not record an ACL on its available for sale securities upon adoption of CECL or as of December 31, 2020.

The Company adopted CECL using the prospective transition approach for purchased credit deteriorated (“PCD”) assets which were previously classified as purchased credit impaired (“PCI”) and accounted for under ASC 310-30. In accordance with the CECL standard, the Company did not reassess whether PCI assets met the definition of PCD assets as of the date of the adoption of CECL. On January 1, 2020, the amortized cost basis of the PCD assets of $95.0 million were adjusted to reflect the ACL for loans. The remaining noncredit discount of $23.3 million at December 31, 2020, based on the adjusted amortized cost basis will be accreted into interest income at the effective interest rate over the life of the PCD loans.

Under the CECL ACL methodology, losses are estimated for life of loans split out into three different periods. The initial period uses a forecast of two years for its portfolio segments using economic scenarios from an independent third party to estimate losses. Subsequent to the forecast period, a one year reversion period is used which connects the forecast period to last period of historical loss estimates.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles: Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” ASU 2017-04 will amend and simplify current goodwill impairment testing to eliminate Step 2 from the current provisions. Under the new guidance, an entity should perform the goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value and recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. An entity still has the option to perform the quantitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if a quantitative impairment test is necessary. The adoption of ASU 2017-04 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

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 modifies the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements by removing, modifying, or adding certain disclosures. ASU 2018-13 removes the disclosure requirement detailing the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. In addition, ASU 2018-13 modifies the disclosure requirements for investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value. Lastly, ASU 2018-13 adds a disclosure requirement 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 measurements. The adoption of ASU 2018-13 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Pending Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform: Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The amendments provide temporary, optional guidance to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform. The amendments provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments primarily include relief related to contract modifications and hedging relationships, as well as providing a one-time election for the sale or transfer of debt securities classified as held-to-maturity. This guidance is effective immediately and the amendments may be applied prospectively through December 31, 2022. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating ASU 2020-04 and determining the impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 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)”. ASU 2020-06 eliminates the beneficial conversion and cash conversion accounting models for convertible instruments. It also amends the accounting for certain contracts in an entity’s own equity that are currently accounted for as derivatives because of specific settlement provisions. The new guidance also modifies how particular convertible instruments and certain contracts that may be settled in cash or shares impact the diluted EPS computation. ASU 2020-06 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those annual periods. ASU 2020-06 allows companies to adopt the guidance through either a modified retrospective method of transition or a fully retrospective method of transition. On January 1, 2021, the Company early adopted ASU 2020-06 using the modified retrospective method of transition and had a cumulative effect adjustment to its retained earnings totaling $10.7 million. The Company’s convertible notes are currently recorded as separate debt and equity components. After the Company adopted ASU 2020-06, its convertible notes are accounted for as a single debt instrument. As a result, the Company will have a decline in reported interest expense with the elimination of the existing debt discount.

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

2.    EQUITY INVESTMENTS

Equity investments with readily determinable fair values at December 31, 2020 consisted of mutual funds in the amount of $27.6 million and is included in “Equity investments” on the consolidated statements of financial condition. There was no change in fair value recorded on the equity investments sold. At December 31, 2019, equity investments with readily determinable fair values consisted of mutual funds and correspondent bank stock in other institutions in the amount of $22.1 million and was included in “Equity investments” on the consolidated statements of financial condition. In 2019, the Company sold its equity stock in other institutions for $2.6 million.

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company purchased $5.0 million in mutual funds classified as equity investment with readily determinable fair values which contributed the increase in total equity investment compared to December 31, 2019. There were no purchases of equity investments with readily determinable fair values during the year ended December 31, 2019.

The change in fair values for equity investments with readily determinable fair values for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were recorded as other noninterest income as summarized in the table below:

	Year ended December 31,
	2020		2019
	(Dollars in thousands)
Net change in fair value recorded during the period on equity investments with readily determinable fair value	$	488	$	1,288
Net change in fair value recorded on equity investments sold during the period	—		—
Net change in fair value on equity investments with readily determinable fair values	$	488	$	1,288

At December 31, 2020 and 2019 the Company also had equity investments without readily determinable fair value which are carried at cost less any determined impairment. The balance of these investments is adjusted for changes in subsequent observable prices. At December 31, 2020, the total balance of equity investments without readily determinable fair values included in “Equity investments” on the consolidated statements of financial condition was $32.1 million, consisting of $370 thousand in correspondent bank stock, $1.0 million in CDFI investments, and $30.7 million in CRA investments. The Company purchased $5.0 million in CRA investments during the year ended December 31, 2020. At December 31, 2019, the total balance of equity investments without readily determinable fair values included in “Equity investments” on the consolidated statements of financial condition was $27.0 million, consisting of $370 thousand in correspondent bank stock, $1.0 million in CDFI investments, and $25.6 million in CRA investments. There were no purchases of equity investment without readily determinable fair values during the year ended December 31, 2019. The Company had no impairments or subsequent observable price changes for investments without readily determinable fair values for twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

3.    SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE

The following is a summary of securities available for sale at December 31, 2020 and 2019:

	December 31, 2020
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Allowance For Investment Credit Losses		Estimated Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
Debt securities:
U.S. Government agency and U.S. Government sponsored enterprises:
Collateralized mortgage obligations	$	990,679	$	11,482	$	(844)	$	—	$	1,001,317
Mortgage-backed securities:
Residential	672,667		8,460		(114)		—		681,013
Commercial	482,874		25,026		(21)		—		507,879
Corporate securities	7,000		15		(881)		—		6,134
Municipal securities	86,213		3,058		(3)		—		89,268
Total investment securities available for sale	$	2,239,433	$	48,041	$	(1,863)	$	—	$	2,285,611
	December 31, 2019
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Allowance For Investment Credit Losses		Estimated Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
Debt securities:
U.S. Government agency and U.S. Government sponsored enterprises:
Collateralized mortgage obligations	$	735,094	$	4,220	$	(2,659)	N/A		$	736,655
Mortgage-backed securities:
Residential	353,073		1,422		(1,598)		N/A		352,897
Commercial	541,043		13,441		(2,360)		N/A		552,124
Corporate securities	5,000		—		(800)		N/A		4,200
Municipal securities	69,631		831		(351)		N/A		70,111
Total investment securities available for sale	$	1,703,841	$	19,914	$	(7,768)	N/A		$	1,715,987

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, there were no holdings of securities of any one issuer, other than the U.S. Government and its agencies, in an amount greater than 10% of stockholders’ equity.

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, $33.2 million and $9.1 million respectively, in unrealized gains on securities available for sale net of taxes were included in accumulated other comprehensive income. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, and 2019, the Company recognized net gains on sales and calls of securities available for sale in the amount of $7.5 million and $282 thousand, respectively.

F-20

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The proceeds from sales of securities and total gains and losses are listed below:

	Year ended December 31,
	2020		2019		2018
	(Dollars in thousands)
Proceeds from investments sold	$	168,069	$	115,628	$	—
Gains from sales of securities	7,531		750		—
Losses from sales of securities	—		(469)		—
Gains from called securities	—		1		—
Net gain on sales or called securities	$	7,531	$	282	$	—

Tax provision recorded on the net gains on sales and calls of securities available for sale was approximately $1.6 million, $69 thousand, and $0 thousand, for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities at December 31, 2020, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalties. Collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage-backed securities are not due at a single maturity date are shown separately.

	December 31, 2020
	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
Available for sale:
Due within one year	$	350	$	351
Due after one year through five years	—		—
Due after five years through ten years	15,477		15,655
Due after ten years	77,386		79,396
U.S. Government agency and U.S. Government sponsored enterprises:
Collateralized mortgage obligations	990,679		1,001,317
Mortgage-backed securities:
Residential	672,667		681,013
Commercial	482,874		507,879
Total	$	2,239,433	$	2,285,611

Securities with fair values of approximately $376.1 million and $340.9 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits, for various borrowings, and for other purposes as required or permitted by law.

F-21

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The following tables show the Company’s investments’ gross unrealized losses and estimated fair values, aggregated by investment category and the length of time that the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of the dates indicated. The length of time that the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position is no longer a factor in determining credit impairment with the adoption of CECL.

	December 31, 2020
	Less than 12 months					12 months or longer					Total
Description of Securities	Number  of Securities	Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Number of Securities	Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Number  of Securities	Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
	(Dollars in thousands)
Collateralized mortgage obligations*	22	$	312,757	$	(844)	—	$	—	$	—	22	$	312,757	$	(844)
Mortgage-backed securities:
Residential*	8	46,094		(114)		—	—		—		8	46,094		(114)
Commercial*	1	10,275		(21)		—	—		—		1	10,275		(21)
Corporate securities	—	—		—		1	4,119		(881)		1	4,119		(881)
Municipal securities	1	997		(3)		—	—		—		1	997		(3)
Total	32	$	370,123	$	(982)	1	$	4,119	$	(881)	33	$	374,242	$	(1,863)

	December 31, 2019
	Less than 12 months					12 months or longer					Total
Description of Securities	Number of Securities	Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Number of Securities	Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Number of Securities	Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
	(Dollars in thousands)
Collateralized mortgage obligations*	20	$	108,236	$	(721)	32	$	183,050	$	(1,938)	52	$	291,286	$	(2,659)
Mortgage-backed securities:
Residential*	6	84,107		(267)		16	129,457		(1,331)		22	213,564		(1,598)
Commercial*	7	68,452		(1,037)		5	73,697		(1,323)		12	142,149		(2,360)
Corporate securities	—	—		—		1	4,200		(800)		1	4,200		(800)
Municipal securities	2	$	8,942	(39)		3	15,437		(312)		5	24,379		(351)
Total	35	$	269,737	$	(2,064)	57	$	405,841	$	(5,704)	92	$	675,578	$	(7,768)

_________________________________    

* Investments in U.S. Government agency and U.S. Government sponsored enterprises

The Company did not have a day 1 allowance impact attributable to its investment securities portfolio and did not have an allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2020. The Company has elected to exclude accrued interest from the amortized cost of its investment securities available for sale. Accrued interest receivable for investment securities available for sale at December 31, 2020 and 2019, totaled $4.7 million and $4.3 million, respectively.

The Company only had one corporate security that was in a continuous loss position for twelve months or longer at December 31, 2020 with total unrealized losses of $881 thousand. The interest on this security that was in an unrealized loss position has been paid as agreed, and the Company believes this will continue in the future and that the securities will be paid in full as scheduled. The market value declines for this security were primarily due to movements in interest rates and are not reflective of management’s expectations of the Company’s ability to fully recover the investments, which may be at maturity.

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

4.    LOANS RECEIVABLE AND THE ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES

The following is a summary of loans by major category at December 31, 2020 and 2019:

	December 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
Loan portfolio composition	(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate loans:
Residential	$	54,795	$	52,558
Commercial	8,425,959		8,316,470
Construction	291,380		295,523
Total real estate loans	8,772,134		8,664,551
Commercial business	4,157,787		2,721,183
Residential mortgage	582,232		835,188
Consumer and other	51,060		55,085
Total loans outstanding	13,563,213		12,276,007
Allowance for credit losses	(206,741)		(94,144)
Loans receivable, net of allowance for credit losses	$	13,356,472	$	12,181,863

The Company segments its loan portfolio in four major categories including real estate loans, commercial business loans, residential mortgage loans, and consumer and other loans. Real estate loans are extended for the purchase and refinance of commercial real estate and are generally secured by first deeds of trust and are collateralized by residential or commercial properties. Commercial business loans are loans provided to businesses for various purposes such as for working capital, purchasing inventory, debt refinancing, business acquisitions, international trade finance activities, and other business related financing needs and also include warehouse lines of credit, syndicated loans, and SBA Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans. Residential mortgage loans are extended for personal, family, or household use and are secured by a mortgage or deed of trust. Consumer and other loans consist of home equity, credit card, and other personal loans.

The Company originated $480.2 million in SBA PPP loans with the majority of loans originated during the second quarter of 2020. As of December 31, 2020, the balance of SBA PPP loans was $452.7 million. The Company does not set aside an ACL on its SBA PPP loans as the loans are fully guaranteed by the SBA as permitted by Section 1102 of the CARES Act.

On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, or CECL, using the modified retrospective method for all of its loans measured at amortized cost. With the adoption of CECL, the Company reassessed its loan portfolio segments and classes of loans receivable and made changes based on the new allowance for credit losses methodology. As a result, the Company now discloses residential mortgage loans as a separate segment and class of receivable. Trade finance loans, which were previously disclosed as a distinct segment and class of receivable, are now combined with commercial business loans. Prior period balances have been reclassified to conform with the current presentation. The Company elected to exclude accrued interest from the amortized cost basis of loans. Accrued interest receivable on loans at December 31, 2020 and 2019 totaled $54.6 million and $26.2 million, respectively. The increase in accrued interest receivables was due to COVID-19 payment deferral modifications provided to customers in the second half of 2020.

F-23

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The tables below details the activity in the allowance for credit losses by portfolio segment for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

	Real Estate		Commercial Business		Residential Mortgage		Consumer and Other		Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2020
Balance, beginning of period	$	53,593	$	33,032	$	5,925	$	1,594	$	94,144
CECL day 1 adoption	27,791		(1,022)		(543)		(26)		26,200
Provision (credit) for credit losses	87,619		7,776		(1,155)		760		95,000
Loans charged off	(8,658)		(6,157)		—		(1,211)		(16,026)
Recoveries of charge offs	1,851		5,526		—		46		7,423
Balance, end of period	$	162,196	$	39,155	$	4,227	$	1,163	$	206,741
December 31, 2019
Balance, beginning of period	$	56,767	$	28,484	$	5,207	$	2,099	$	92,557
Provision (credit) for credit losses	(3,475)		8,916		794		1,065		7,300
Loans charged off	(1,803)		(5,086)		(76)		(1,144)		(8,109)
Recoveries of charge offs	2,104		1,596		—		36		3,736
PCI allowance adjustment	—		(878)		—		(462)		(1,340)
Balance, end of period	$	53,593	$	33,032	$	5,925	$	1,594	$	94,144
December 31, 2018
Balance, beginning of period	$	58,682	$	22,471	$	2,442	$	946	$	84,541
Provision (credit) for credit losses	3,783		6,012		2,765		2,340		14,900
Loans charged off	(6,726)		(2,891)		—		(1,258)		(10,875)
Recoveries of charge offs	1,028		2,892		—		71		3,991
Balance, end of period	$	56,767	$	28,484	$	5,207	$	2,099	$	92,557

The following tables break out the allowance for credit losses and loan balance by measurement methodology at December 31, 2020 and 2019:

	December 31, 2020
	Real Estate		Commercial Business		Residential Mortgage		Consumer and Other		Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Allowance for credit losses:
Individually evaluated	$	3,683	$	3,575	$	25	$	42	$	7,325
Collectively evaluated	158,513		35,580		4,202		1,121		199,416
Total	$	162,196	$	39,155	$	4,227	$	1,163	$	206,741
Loans outstanding:
Individually evaluated	$	93,476	$	25,706	$	3,416	$	605	$	123,203
Collectively evaluated	8,678,658		4,132,081		578,816		50,455		13,440,010
Total	$	8,772,134	$	4,157,787	$	582,232	$	51,060	$	13,563,213

F-24

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

	December 31, 2019
	Real Estate		Commercial Business		Residential Mortgage		Consumer and Other		Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Allowance for loan losses:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	312	$	3,073	$	10	$	7	$	3,402
Collectively evaluated for impairment	48,616		26,914		5,913		1,220		82,663
PCI loans	4,665		3,045		2		367		8,079
Total	$	53,593	$	33,032	$	5,925	$	1,594	$	94,144
Loans outstanding:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	64,684	$	22,905	$	2,762	$	301	$	90,652
Collectively evaluated for impairment	8,502,103		2,691,378		832,268		54,037		12,079,786
PCI loans	97,764		6,900		158		747		105,569
Total	$	8,664,551	$	2,721,183	$	835,188	$	55,085	$	12,276,007

 On January 1, 2020 the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”, or CECL which significantly changed the credit losses estimation model for loans and investments. The ACL represents management’s best estimate of future lifetime expected losses on its held for investment loan portfolio. The Company calculates its ACL by estimating expected credit losses on a collective basis for loans that share similar risk characteristics. Loans that do not share similar risk characteristics with other loans are evaluated for credit losses on an individual basis. The Company uses a combination of a modeled and non-modeled approach that incorporates current and future economic conditions to estimate lifetime expected losses on a collective basis.

The Company uses Probability of Default (“PD”), Loss Given Default (“LGD”), and Exposure at Default (“EAD”) methodologies with quantitative factors and qualitative considerations in calculation of the allowance for credit losses for collectively assessed loans. The Company uses a reasonable and supportable period of 2 years at which point loss assumptions revert back to historical loss information by means of 1 year reversion period. Due to the volatility that arose from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company assessed whether it would appropriate to shorten the reasonable and supportable period. However, the Company chose to keep the reasonable and supportable period at 2 years as a shorter period was estimated to result in large reductions in ACL which would not be reflective of the economic deterioration and future uncertainty caused by pandemic. The Company utilizes a baseline forecast scenario published by a third party that incorporates macroeconomic variables including GDP, unemployment rates, interest rates, and commercial real estate prices to project an economic outlook. The forecast scenario is utilized to estimate losses during the reasonable and supportable period. Changes in these assumptions and forecasts could significantly affect the Company’s estimate of future credit losses. See Note 1 “Significant Accounting Policies” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of the Company’s ACL methodology.

The increase in ACL for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to December 31, 2019 was due to the adoption of CECL and due to the COVID-19 pandemic which had significant impact on current and projected macroeconomic variables. The Baseline forecast scenario used in the December 31, 2020 ACL calculation includes elevated unemployment, which is forecasted to increase slightly in 2021 and remain above 5% until 2023. CRE pricing is projected to decline and result in negative growth up to the fourth quarter of 2022 while GDP growth is expected to increase modestly in 2021 and 2022 after which GDP is projected to trend downward.

The Company maintains a separate ACL for its off-balance sheet unfunded loan commitments. The Company uses a funding rate to allocate the allowance to undrawn exposures. This funding rate is used as a credit conversion factor to capture how much undrawn can potentially become drawn at any point. The funding rate is determined based on a lookback period of 8 quarters. Credit loss is not estimated for off-balance sheet credit exposures that are unconditionally cancellable by the Company.

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the reserves for unfunded commitments recorded in other liabilities was $1.3 million and $636 thousand, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company recorded additional reserves for unfunded commitments recorded in credit related expenses totaling $660 thousand and recorded a reduction in reserve for unfunded commitments totaling $100 thousand, respectively.

F-25

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Generally, loans are placed on nonaccrual status if principal and/or interest payments become 90 days or more past due and/or management deems the collectability of the principal and/or interest to be in question, as well as when required by regulatory requirements. Loans to customers whose financial conditions have deteriorated are considered for nonaccrual status whether or not the loan is 90 days or more past due. Generally, payments received on nonaccrual loans are recorded as principal reductions. Loans are returned to accrual status only when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. The Company does not recognize interest income while loans are on nonaccrual status.

Interest income reversals due to loans being placed on nonaccrual status was $1.1 million and $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 or 2019, respectively.

The tables below represent the recorded investment of nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 or more days and still on accrual status by class of loans and broken out by loans with a recorded ACL and those without a recorded ACL as of December 31, 2020 and total nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 or more days and still on accrual status by class of loans as of December 31, 2019.

	December 31, 2020
	Nonaccrual with No ACL		Nonaccrual with an ACL		Total Nonaccrual (1)		Accruing Loans Past Due 90 or More Days
	(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate – residential	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Real estate – commercial
Retail	3,262		8,530		11,792		478
Hotel & motel	15,311		2,195		17,506		—
Gas station & car wash	151		1,493		1,644		—
Mixed use	1,883		788		2,671		—
Industrial & warehouse	5,443		1,022		6,465		—
Other	7,230		1,419		8,649		—
Real estate – construction	—		18,723		18,723		—
Commercial business	5,319		8,592		13,911		—
Residential mortgage	1,440		1,976		3,416		—
Consumer and other	—		461		461		136
Total	$	40,039	$	45,199	$	85,238	$	614

	December 31, 2019
	Nonaccrual Loans(1)(2)		Accruing Loans Past Due 90 or More Days
	(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate – residential	$	—	$	—
Real estate – commercial
Retail	2,934		449
Hotel & motel	10,901		—
Gas station & car wash	271		—
Mixed use	665		634
Industrial & warehouse	10,544		—
Other	5,455		919
Real estate – construction	10,165		3,850
Commercial business	10,893		1,096
Residential mortgage	2,753		—
Consumer and other	204		599
Total	$	54,785	$	7,547

__________________________________

(1)    Total nonaccrual loans exclude the guaranteed portion of SBA loans that are in liquidation totaling $26.5 million and $28.1 million, at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

(2)    Nonaccrual loans exclude PCI loans of $18.3 million at December 31, 2019.

F-26

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The following table presents the recorded investment of past due loans, including nonaccrual loans past due 30 or more days, by the number of days past due as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:

	As of December 31, 2020								As of December 31, 2019
	30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days  Past Due		90 or More Days Past Due		Total Past Due		30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days  Past Due		90 or More Days Past Due		Total Past Due (1)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate – residential	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Real estate – commercial
Retail	852		8,141		10,276		19,269		1,083		1,424		3,037		5,544
Hotel & motel	62		1,401		14,744		16,207		1,346		936		6,409		8,691
Gas station & car wash	619		2,668		563		3,850		997		2,038		196		3,231
Mixed use	116		—		1,269		1,385		593		—		801		1,394
Industrial & warehouse	137		—		3,830		3,967		94		45		3,946		4,085
Other	2,738		545		3,000		6,283		811		785		3,704		5,300
Real estate – construction	8,122		—		—		8,122		—		—		14,015		14,015
Commercial business	816		3,683		4,700		9,199		401		352		5,717		6,470
Residential mortgage	4,841		—		2,263		7,104		9,676		792		2,038		12,506
Consumer and other	797		21		595		1,413		176		122		614		912
Total Past Due	$	19,100	$	16,459	$	41,240	$	76,799	$	15,177	$	6,494	$	40,477	$	62,148

__________________________________

(1)    Past due loans at December 31, 2019 exclude PCI loans totaling $15.0 million.

The following table presents the amortized cost basis of collateral-dependent loans as of December 31, 2020:

	December 31, 2020
	Real Estate Collateral		Other Collateral		Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate - residential	$	—	$	—	$	—
Real estate - commercial	55,945		—		55,945
Real estate - construction	8,122		—		8,122
Commercial business	7,818		6,312		14,130
Residential mortgage	1,440		—		1,440
Consumer and other	15		—		15
Total	$	73,340	$	6,312	$	79,652

The Company categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt, including, but not limited to, current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends. The Company analyzes loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk. This analysis includes all loans with the exception of homogeneous loans, or loans that are evaluated together in pools of similar loans (i.e., home mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit, overdraft loans, express business loans, and automobile loans). Homogeneous loans are not risk rated and credit risk is analyzed largely by the number of days past due. This analysis is performed at least on a quarterly basis.

F-27

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The following table presents the amortized cost basis of loans receivable by class, credit quality indicator, and year of origination as of December 31, 2020.

	As of December 31, 2020
	Term Loan by Origination Year												Revolving Loans		Total
	2020		2019		2018		2017		2016		Prior
	(Dollars in thousands)
Real Estate - Residential
Pass/Not Rated	$	15,158	$	13,924	$	7,587	$	4,316	$	6,800	$	3,460	$	3,104	$	54,349
Special mention	—		—		—		—		—		—		227		227
Substandard	—		—		139		—		—		80		—		219
Doubtful/Loss	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Subtotal	$	15,158	$	13,924	$	7,726	$	4,316	$	6,800	$	3,540	$	3,331	$	54,795
Real Estate - Commercial
Pass/Not Rated	$	1,548,595	$	1,554,980	$	1,533,802	$	1,240,973	$	767,318	$	1,262,125	$	130,595	$	8,038,388
Special mention	—		2,805		24,569		10,694		8,031		32,048		1,600		79,747
Substandard	126		14,233		28,938		37,174		50,371		173,788		3,194		307,824
Doubtful/Loss	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Subtotal	$	1,548,721	$	1,572,018	$	1,587,309	$	1,288,841	$	825,720	$	1,467,961	$	135,389	$	8,425,959
Real Estate - Construction
Pass/Not Rated	$	35,743	$	45,290	$	103,794	$	60,996	$	5,740	$	10,099	$	—	$	261,662
Special mention	—		—		—		—		5,771		5,224		—		10,995
Substandard	—		—		—		10,601		—		8,122		—		18,723
Doubtful/Loss	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Subtotal	$	35,743	$	45,290	$	103,794	$	71,597	$	11,511	$	23,445	$	—	$	291,380
Commercial Business
Pass/Not Rated	$	1,294,368	$	584,453	$	224,447	$	117,708	$	77,209	$	43,674	$	1,686,428	$	4,028,287
Special mention	5,996		27,693		30,852		14,629		6,388		3,139		5,172		93,869
Substandard	2,430		1,323		5,539		4,394		6,158		5,463		10,323		35,630
Doubtful/Loss	—		—		1		—		—		—		—		1
Subtotal	$	1,302,794	$	613,469	$	260,839	$	136,731	$	89,755	$	52,276	$	1,701,923	$	4,157,787
Residential Mortgage
Pass/Not Rated	$	5,733	$	90,958	$	217,343	$	168,827	$	55,246	$	40,554	$	—	$	578,661
Special mention	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Substandard	—		122		536		561		1,715		637		—		3,571
Doubtful/Loss	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Subtotal	$	5,733	$	91,080	$	217,879	$	169,388	$	56,961	$	41,191	$	—	$	582,232
Consumer and Other
Pass/Not Rated	$	8,309	$	2,463	$	1,818	$	2,321	$	4,756	$	2,811	$	27,890	$	50,368
Special mention	—		—		—		103		—		—		—		103
Substandard	—		—		—		—		55		532		2		589
Doubtful/Loss	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Subtotal	$	8,309	$	2,463	$	1,818	$	2,424	$	4,811	$	3,343	$	27,892	$	51,060
Total Loans
Pass/Not Rated	$	2,907,906	$	2,292,068	$	2,088,791	$	1,595,141	$	917,069	$	1,362,723	$	1,848,017	$	13,011,715
Special mention	5,996		30,498		55,421		25,426		20,190		40,411		6,999		184,941
Substandard	2,556		15,678		35,152		52,730		58,299		188,622		13,519		366,556
Doubtful/Loss	—		—		1		—		—		—		—		1
Total	$	2,916,458	$	2,338,244	$	2,179,365	$	1,673,297	$	995,558	$	1,591,756	$	1,868,535	$	13,563,213

F-28

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, there were no revolving loans converted to term loans.

The following table presents the recorded investment in the Company’s loans by loan class and credit risk rating as of December 31, 2019.

	As of December 31, 2019
	Pass/Not Rated		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate – residential	$	52,096	$	—	$	462	$	—	$	52,558
Real estate – commercial	8,039,751		78,519		198,200		—		8,316,470
Real estate – construction	253,173		24,620		17,730		—		295,523
Commercial business	2,643,814		38,185		39,171		13		2,721,183
Residential mortgage	832,149		—		3,039		—		835,188
Consumer and other	53,966		166		953		—		55,085
Total	$	11,874,949	$	141,490	$	259,555	$	13	$	12,276,007

The Company may reclassify loans held for investment to loans held for sale in the event that the Company plans to sell loans that were originated with the intent to hold to maturity. Loans transferred from held for investment to held for sale are transferred at the lower of cost or fair value. The breakdown of loans by type that were reclassified from held for investment to held for sale for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 are presented in the table below.

	Year ended December 31,
	2020		2019		2018
	(Dollars in thousands)
Transfer of loans held for investment to held for sale
Real estate - commercial	$	—	$	25,988	$	—
Consumer	1,243		140,006		21,581
Total	$	1,243	$	165,994	$	21,581

F-29

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The following tables present a breakdown of loans by recorded ACL, broken out by loans evaluated individually and collectively at December 31, 2020 and 2019:

	December 31, 2020
	Real Estate - Residential			Real Estate - Commercial			Real Estate - Construction			Commercial Business			Residential Mortgage			Consumer and Other			Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Individually evaluated loans	$	—		$	74,753		$	18,723		$	25,706		$	3,416		$	605		$	123,203
ACL on individually evaluated loans	$	—		$	2,862		$	821		$	3,575		$	25		$	42		$	7,325
Individually evaluated loans ACL coverage	N/A			3.83		%	4.38		%	13.91		%	0.73		%	6.94		%	5.95		%
Collectively evaluated loans	$	54,795		$	8,351,206		$	272,657		$	4,132,081		$	578,816		$	50,455		$	13,440,010
ACL on collectively evaluated loans	$	391		$	156,665		$	1,457		$	35,580		$	4,202		$	1,121		$	199,416
Collectively evaluated loans ACL coverage	0.71		%	1.88		%	0.53		%	0.86		%	0.73		%	2.22		%	1.48		%
Total loans	$	54,795		$	8,425,959		$	291,380		$	4,157,787		$	582,232		$	51,060		$	13,563,213
Total ACL	$	391		$	159,527		$	2,278		$	39,155		$	4,227		$	1,163		$	206,741
Total ACL to total loans	0.71		%	1.89		%	0.78		%	0.94		%	0.73		%	2.28		%	1.52		%

	December 31, 2019
	Real Estate - Residential			Real Estate - Commercial			Real Estate - Construction			Commercial Business			Residential Mortgage			Consumer and Other			Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Impaired loans (recorded investment)	$	—		$	54,519		$	10,165		$	22,905		$	2,762		$	301		$	90,652
Specific allowance	$	—		$	312		$	—		$	3,073		$	10		$	7		$	3,402
Specific allowance to impaired loans	N/A			0.57		%	—		%	13.42		%	0.36		%	2.33		%	3.75		%
Other loans	$	52,558		$	8,261,951		$	285,358		$	2,698,278		$	832,426		$	54,784		$	12,185,355
General allowance	$	204		$	51,400		$	1,677		$	29,959		$	5,915		$	1,587		$	90,742
General allowance to other loans	0.39		%	0.62		%	0.59		%	1.11		%	0.71		%	2.90		%	0.74		%
Total loans outstanding	$	52,558		$	8,316,470		$	295,523		$	2,721,183		$	835,188		$	55,085		$	12,276,007
Total allowance for credit losses	$	204		$	51,712		$	1,677		$	33,032		$	5,925		$	1,594		$	94,144
Total allowance to total loans	0.39		%	0.62		%	0.57		%	1.21		%	0.71		%	2.89		%	0.77		%

Under certain circumstances, the Company provides borrowers relief through loan modifications. These modifications are either temporary in nature (“temporary modifications”) or are more substantive. The temporary modifications generally consist of interest only payments for a three to six month period, whereby principal payments are deferred. At the end of the modification period, the remaining principal balance is re-amortized based on the original maturity date. Loans subject to temporary modifications are generally downgraded to Special Mention or Substandard. At the end of the modification period, the loan either 1) returns to the original contractual terms; 2) is further modified and accounted for as a troubled debt restructuring in accordance with ASC 310-10-35; or 3) is disposed of through foreclosure or liquidation.

F-30

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

TDR loans are individually evaluated in accordance with ASC 310 and ASC 326. The concessions may be granted in various forms, including reduction in the stated interest rate, reduction in the amount of principal amortization, forgiveness of a portion of a loan balance or accrued interest, or extension of the maturity date. In order to determine whether a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, an evaluation is performed on the probability that the borrower will be in payment default on their debt in the foreseeable future without the modification. This evaluation is performed under the Bank’s internal underwriting policy. At December 31, 2020, total TDR loans were $51.6 million compared to $46.7 million at December 31, 2019.

The balance of loans with modified terms due to COVID-19 as of December 31, 2020 totaled $1.38 billion. The majority of these loans were modified in accordance with Section 4013 of the CARES Act. The CARES Act provides banks the option to temporarily suspend certain requirements under U.S. GAAP related to TDR for a limited period of time to account for the effects of COVID-19 if (i) the loan modification is made between March 1, 2020 and the earlier of January 1, 2022 or 60 days after the end of the coronavirus emergency declaration and (ii) the applicable loan was not more than 30 days past due as of December 31, 2019. As such, all modified loans that met the criteria outlined within Section 4013 of the CARES Act were not classified as TDR loans as of December 31, 2020, unless the loans were TDR prior to the COVID-19 modification. As of December 31, 2020, real estate loans accounted for a little less than 95% of the loans modified due to hardship from the COVID-19 pandemic. The modifications consisted of full payment deferrals, interest only payments, and a hybrid of full payment deferrals for a period of time followed by interest only payments. The modifications were granted mostly for periods from 3 to 9 months. 

A summary of the recorded investment of TDR loans on accrual and nonaccrual status by type of concession as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 are presented below:

	As of December 31, 2020
	TDR Loans on Accrual Status								TDR Loans on Nonaccrual Status								Total TDRs
	Real Estate		Commercial Business		Residential Mortgage		Other		Real Estate		Commercial Business		Residential Mortgage		Other
	(Dollars in thousands)
Payment concession	$	8,328	$	814	$	—	$	58	$	7,074	$	471	$	—	$	—	$	16,745
Maturity / amortization concession	11,331		10,219		—		114		925		3,814		—		117		26,520
Rate concession	6,112		378		—		—		424		1,430		—		—		8,344
Total	$	25,771	$	11,411	$	—	$	172	$	8,423	$	5,715	$	—	$	117	$	51,609

	As of December 31, 2019
	TDR Loans on Accrual Status								TDR Loans on Nonaccrual Status								Total TDRs
	Real Estate		Commercial Business		Residential Mortgage		Other		Real Estate		Commercial Business		Residential Mortgage		Other
	(Dollars in thousands)
Payment concession	$	4,708	$	886	$	—	$	54	$	4,306	$	259	$	—	$	—	$	10,213
Maturity / amortization concession	14,537		10,778		—		43		—		5,931		—		122		31,411
Rate concession	4,419		181		—		103		334		65		—		—		5,102
Total	$	23,664	$	11,845	$	—	$	200	$	4,640	$	6,255	$	—	$	122	$	46,726

F-31

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

TDR loans on accrual status are comprised of loans that were accruing at the time of restructuring and for which the Company anticipates full repayment of both principal and interest under the restructured terms. TDR loans that are on nonaccrual status can be returned to accrual status after a period of sustained performance, generally determined to be six months of timely payments as modified. Sustained performance includes the periods prior to the modification if the prior performance met or exceeded the modified terms. TDR loans on accrual status at December 31, 2020 were comprised of 33 commercial real estate loans totaling $25.8 million, 25 commercial business loans totaling $11.4 million and 16 consumer and other loans totaling $172 thousand. TDRs on accrual status at December 31, 2019 were comprised of 15 commercial real estate loans totaling $23.7 million, 27 commercial business loans totaling $11.8 million, and 12 consumer and other loans totaling $200 thousand. The Company expects that TDR loans on accrual status as of December 31, 2020, which were all performing in accordance with their restructured terms, to continue to comply with the restructured terms because of the reduced principal or interest payments on these loans. TDR loans that were restructured at market interest rates and had sustained performance as agreed under the modified loan terms may be reclassified as non-TDR after each year end but are reserved for under ASC 310-10.

The Company recorded an allowance for credit losses of $4.8 million, $3.1 million, and $3.0 million on TDR loans as of December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had outstanding commitments to extend additional funds to these borrowers totaling $204 thousand and $742 thousand, respectively.

The following table presents loans by class modified as TDRs that occurred during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018:

	For The Years Ended December 31,
	2020			2019			2018
	Number of Loans	Balance		Number of Loans	Balance		Number of Loans	Balance
	(Dollars in thousands)
Real Estate - Residential	—	$	—	—	$	—	—	$	—
Real Estate - Commercial
Retail	3	1,589		5	1,465		2	53
Hotel & Motel	—	—		3	1,411		—	—
Gas Station & Car Wash	2	501		—	—		—	—
Mixed Use	2	1,215		—	—		1	73
Industrial & Warehouse	1	256		—	—		1	2,070
Other	2	2,722		5	2,894		2	3,903
Real Estate - Construction	—	—		—	—		1	230
Commercial Business	6	1,620		11	2,341		19	11,870
Residential Mortgage	—	—		—	—		—	—
Consumer and Other	9	113		10	54		9	1,827
Total	25	$	8,016	34	$	8,165	35	$	20,026

The allowance for credit losses/allowance for loan losses for the TDRs modified during the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 were $1.5 million, $110 thousand, and $262 thousand, respectively. Charge offs for TDR loans modified during the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 totaled $0, $33 thousand, and $0.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The following table presents loans by class for TDRs that have been modified during the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, and have subsequently had payment defaults within the first year after modification.

	For The Years Ended December 31,
	2020			2019			2018
	Number of Loans	Balance		Number of Loans	Balance		Number of Loans	Balance
	(Dollars in thousands)
Real Estate - Residential	—	$	—	—	$	—	—	$	—
Real Estate - Commercial
Retail	1	478		2	141		1	53
Hotel & Motel	—	—		2	761		1	734
Gas Station & Car Wash	1	464		—	—		—	—
Mixed Use	2	1,215		—	—		—	—
Industrial & Warehouse	—	—		1	229		2	2,300
Other	—	—		3	1,051		1	1,215
Real Estate - Construction	—	—		—	—		—	—
Commercial business	1	164		4	237		5	1,075
Residential mortgage	—	—		—	—		—	—
Consumer and Other	5	30		12	48		—	—
Total	10	$	2,351	24	$	2,467	10	$	5,377

A loan is considered to be in payment default once it is 30 days contractually past due under the modified terms. The ACL recorded for the TDRs described above as of December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 were $120 thousand, $105 thousand, and $131 thousand, respectively, and the charge offs for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 were $0, $107 thousand, and $180 thousand, respectively.

The ten TDR loans that subsequently defaulted in 2020 were comprised of four commercial real estate loans totaling $2.2 million, one commercial business totaling $164 thousand and five consumer loans totaling $30 thousand.

The twenty-four TDR loans that subsequently defaulted in 2019 were comprised of eight commercial real estate loans totaling $2.2 million, four commercial business loans totaling $237 thousand and twelve consumer loans totaling $48 thousand.

The ten TDR loans that subsequently defaulted in 2018 were comprised of five commercial real estate loans totaling $4.3 million and five commercial business loan totaling $1.1 million.

Related Party Loans

In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into loan transactions with certain of its directors or associates of such directors (“Related Parties”). All loans to Related Parties were made at substantially the same terms and conditions at the time of origination as other originated loans to borrowers that were not affiliated with the Company. All loans to Related Parties were current as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the outstanding principal balance as of both December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $32.2 million. Loans to related parties at December 31, 2020 consisted of $32.2 million in real estate loans. Loans to related parties at December 31, 2019 consisted of $31.8 million in real estate loans and $465 thousand in commercial loans. During 2020, the Company added one new related party real estate loan totaling $1.0 million and one commercial business loan for $465 thousand was paid off during the year ended December 31, 2020.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

5.    GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The carrying amount of the Company’s goodwill as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $464.5 million. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the sum of the estimated fair values of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired less the estimated fair value of the liabilities assumed. Goodwill has an indefinite useful life and is evaluated for impairment annually or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the asset’s fair value. Goodwill is not amortized for book purposes and is not tax deductible.

In 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2017-04 which simplifies the current goodwill impairment testing to eliminate Step 2 from the current provisions. Under the new guidance, an entity should perform the goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value and recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. An entity still has the option to perform the quantitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if a quantitative impairment test is necessary.

Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, future expected economic performance has deteriorated substantially. In addition, U.S. equity markets experienced a significant decline since the first quarter of 2020. In line with these trends, the Company’s stock price also experienced a large reduction during the year ended December 31, 2020 where it continued to trade below the Company’s tangible book value. These factors contributed to the Company performing a goodwill impairment analysis for each quarter in 2020. The Company determined that a Step 1 goodwill impairment analysis was warranted as of December 31, 2020. The Company performed a Step 1 fair value assessment and determined that goodwill was not impaired as of December 31, 2020 as the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded the book value. As the Company operates as a single reporting unit, the fair value of the Company as a whole was estimated. Therefore, there was no impairment of goodwill recorded during the year ended December 31, 2020.

Core deposit intangible assets are amortized over their estimated lives, which range from seven to ten years. The following table provides information regarding the core deposit intangibles as of the dates indicated:

				As of December 31, 2020				As of December 31, 2019
Core deposit intangibles related to:	Amortization Period	Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Carrying Amount
				(Dollars in thousands)
Center Financial	7 years	$	4,100	$	(4,100)	$	—	$	(4,100)	$	—
Pacific International Bank	7 years	604		(604)		—		(602)		2
Foster Bankshares	10 years	2,763		(2,322)		441		(2,120)		643
Wilshire Bancorp	10 years	18,138		(8,871)		9,267		(6,950)		11,188
Total		$	25,605	$	(15,897)	$	9,708	$	(13,772)	$	11,833

Total amortization expense on core deposit intangibles was $2.1 million and $2.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The estimated future amortization expense for core deposit intangibles is as follows: $2.0 million in 2021, $1.9 million in 2022, $1.8 million in 2023, $1.6 million in 2024, $1.5 million in 2025, and $829 thousand in 2026.

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

6.    PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

The following table provides information regarding the premises and equipment at December 31, 2020 and 2019:

	As of December 31, 2020		As of December 31, 2019
	(Dollars in thousands)
Land	$	11,244	$	11,244
Building and improvements	23,454		23,384
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment	26,398		26,037
Leasehold improvements	27,580		28,562
Vehicles	123		123
Software/License	14,080		10,926
	102,879		100,276
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(54,470)		(48,264)
Total premises and equipment, net	$	48,409	$	52,012

Depreciation and amortization expense totaled $8.2 million, $8.3 million, and $9.2 million for 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. There were no buildings or land sold during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

7.    LEASES

On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)”, using the modified retrospective approach under ASC 842. The Company’s operating leases are real estate leases which are comprised of bank branches, loan production offices, and office spaces with remaining lease terms ranging from 1 year to 10 years as of December 31, 2020.  Certain lease arrangements contain extension options which are typically around 5 years. As these extension options are not generally considered reasonably certain of exercise, they are not included in the lease term. As of December 31, 2020, the Company did not have any finance leases.

Operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets represent the Company’s right to use the underlying asset during the lease term and operating lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized at lease commencement based on the present value of the remaining lease payments using the Company’s incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement date. The Company’s occupancy expense also includes variable lease costs which is comprised of the Company's share of actual costs for utilities, common area maintenance, property taxes, and insurance that are not included in lease liabilities and are expensed as incurred. Variable lease costs also include rent escalations based on changes to indices, such as the Consumer Price Index.

The table below summarizes the Company’s net lease cost:

	Year Ended
	December 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
	(Dollars in thousands)
Operating lease cost	$	15,554	$	16,039
Variable lease cost	3,227		3,397
Short term lease cost	—		9
Sublease income	(786)		(664)
Net lease cost	$	17,995	$	18,781

Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $18.6 million and $18.7 million, respectively.

The Company uses its incremental borrowing rate to present value lease payments in order to recognize a ROU asset and the related lease liability. The Company calculates its incremental borrowing rate by adding a spread to the FHLB borrowing interest rate at a given period.

The following table summarizes supplemental balance sheet information related to operating leases:

	Year Ended
	December 31, 2020			December 31, 2019
	(Dollars in thousands)
Operating leases
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$	47,653		$	58,593
Current portion of long-term lease liabilities	13,689			12,807
Long-term lease liabilities	38,341			47,699
Weighted-average remaining lease term - operating leases	5.21 years			5.83 years
Weighted-average discount rate - operating leases	2.97		%	3.09		%

In December 2020, the Company wrote off $1.8 million in operating lease right-of-use assets resulting from branch consolidation of five locations. The lease liabilities for these locations continue to exist and will be amortized through the life of the lease.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The table below summarizes supplemental cash flow information related to operating leases:

	Year Ended
	December 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
	(Dollars in thousands)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash outflows for operating leases	$	14,841	$	14,705
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities, net	—		66,531

The table below summarizes the maturity of remaining lease liabilities:

	December 31, 2020
	(Dollars in thousands)
2021	$	14,495
2022	10,182
2023	8,218
2024	7,353
2025	5,930
2026 and thereafter	10,314
Total lease payments	56,492
Less: imputed interest	4,462
Total lease obligations	$	52,030

As of December 31, 2020, the Company did not have any additional operating lease commitments that have not yet commenced.

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

8.    DEPOSITS

The aggregate amount of time deposits in denominations of more than $250 thousand at December 31, 2020 and 2019, was $1.85 billion and $1.86 billion, respectively. Included in time deposits of more than $250 thousand were $300.0 million in California State Treasurer’s deposits at December 31, 2020 and 2019. The California State Treasurer’s deposits are subject to withdrawal based on the State’s periodic evaluations. The Company is required to pledge eligible collateral of at least 110% of outstanding deposits. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, securities with fair values of approximately $368.2 million and $333.2 million, respectively, were pledged as collateral for the California State Treasurer’s deposits.

The Company also utilizes brokered deposits as a secondary source of funds. Total brokered deposits at December 31, 2020 and 2019, totaled $1.14 billion and $1.48 billion, respectively. Brokered deposits at December 31, 2020 consisted of $735.0 million in money market and NOW accounts and $400.6 million in time deposits accounts. Brokered deposits at December 31, 2019 consisted of $538.2 million in money market and NOW accounts and $940.5 million in time deposits accounts.

At December 31, 2020, the scheduled maturities for time deposits were as follows:

	December 31, 2020
	(Dollars in thousands)
Scheduled maturities in:
2021	$	3,885,096
2022	72,260
2023	28,011
2024	328
2025	380
2026	400
Total	$	3,986,475

The following table presents the maturity schedules of time deposits in amounts of more than $250 thousand as of December 31, 2020:

	December 31, 2020
	(Dollars in thousands)
Three months or less	$	986,633
Over three months through six months	355,113
Over six months through twelve months	482,250
Over twelve months	30,418
Total	$	1,854,414

Interest expense on deposits for the periods indicated is summarized as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2020		2019		2018
	(Dollars in thousands)
Money market and NOW	$	34,529	$	57,731	$	43,252
Savings deposits	3,475		2,596		1,889
Time deposits	72,365		129,831		89,817
Total deposit interest expense	$	110,369	$	190,158	$	134,958

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

9.    BORROWINGS

The Company maintains a line of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of San Francisco as a secondary source of funds. The borrowing capacity with the FHLB is limited to the lower of 25% of the Bank’s total assets or the Bank’s collateral capacity, which was $4.18 billion and $3.85 billion at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The terms of this credit facility require the Company to pledge eligible collateral with the FHLB equal to at least 100% of outstanding advances. The Company also has an unsecured credit facility with the FHLB that totaled $81.2 million at December 31, 2020.

At December 31, 2020 and 2019 real estate secured loans with a carrying amount of approximately $6.95 billion and $6.76 billion, respectively, were pledged at the FHLB for outstanding advances and remaining borrowing capacity. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, other than FHLB stock, no securities were pledged as collateral at the FHLB. The purchase of FHLB stock is a prerequisite to become a member of the FHLB system, and the Company is required to own a certain amount of FHLB stock based on outstanding borrowings.

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, FHLB advances totaling $250.0 million and $625.0 million, and had a weighted average effective interest rate of 1.07% and 1.84%, respectively. At December 31, 2020 $200.0 million in advances had fixed interest rates until maturity and $50.0 million in advances were overnight borrowings with variable interest rates. FHLB advances at December 31, 2020 had various maturities through 2022. The interest rates on FHLB advances as of December 31, 2020 ranged between 0.17% and 2.39%. At December 31, 2020, the Company’s remaining borrowing capacity with the FHLB was $3.92 billion.

At December 31, 2020, the contractual maturities for outstanding FHLB advances were as follows:

	December 31, 2020
Scheduled maturities in:	(Dollars in thousands)
2021	$	150,000
2022	100,000
Total	$	250,000

As a member of the Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) system, the Bank may also borrow from the FRB of San Francisco. The maximum amount that the Bank may borrow from the FRB’s discount window is up to 99% of the fair market value of the qualifying loans and securities that are pledged. At December 31, 2020, the outstanding principal balance of the qualifying loans pledged at the FRB was $783.6 million and investment securities pledged was $4.4 million. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the total available borrowing capacity at the FRB discount window was $616.0 million and $740.6 million, respectively. There were no borrowings outstanding at the FRB discount window as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

10.    SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES AND CONVERTIBLE NOTES

Subordinated Debt

At December 31, 2020, the Company had nine wholly-owned subsidiary grantor trusts that had issued $126.0 million of pooled trust preferred securities. Trust preferred securities accrue and pay distributions periodically at specified annual rates as provided in the indentures. The trusts used the net proceeds from the offering to purchase a like amount of subordinated debentures of the Company (the “Debentures”). The Debentures are the sole assets of the trusts. The Company’s obligations under the Debentures and related documents, taken together, constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by the Company of the obligations of the trusts. The trust preferred securities are mandatorily redeemable upon the maturity of the Debentures, or upon earlier redemption as provided in the indentures. The Company has the right to redeem the Debentures in whole (but not in part) on a quarterly basis at a redemption price specified in the indentures plus any accrued but unpaid interest to the redemption date. The Company also has a right to defer consecutive payments of interest on the debentures for up to five years.

The following table is a summary of trust preferred securities and Debentures at December 31, 2020:

Issuance Trust	Issuance Date	Trust Preferred Security Amount		Carrying Value of Debentures		Rate Type	Current Rate	Maturity Date
		(Dollars in thousands)
Nara Capital Trust III	06/05/2003	$	5,000	$	5,155	Variable	3.400%	06/15/2033
Nara Statutory Trust IV	12/22/2003	5,000		5,155		Variable	3.125%	01/07/2034
Nara Statutory Trust V	12/17/2003	10,000		10,310		Variable	3.196%	12/17/2033
Nara Statutory Trust VI	03/22/2007	8,000		8,248		Variable	1.900%	06/15/2037
Center Capital Trust I	12/30/2003	18,000		14,457		Variable	3.125%	01/07/2034
Wilshire Statutory Trust II	03/17/2005	20,000		15,968		Variable	2.036%	03/17/2035
Wilshire Statutory Trust III	09/15/2005	15,000		11,325		Variable	1.650%	09/15/2035
Wilshire Statutory Trust IV	07/10/2007	25,000		18,332		Variable	1.630%	09/15/2037
Saehan Capital Trust I	03/30/2007	20,000		15,228		Variable	1.840%	06/30/2037
Total		$	126,000	$	104,178

The carrying value of Debentures at December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $104.2 million and $103.0 million, respectively. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, acquired Debentures had remaining discounts of $25.7 million and $26.9 million, respectively. The carrying balance of Debentures is net of remaining discounts and includes common trust securities.

The Company’s investment in the common trust securities of the issuer trusts was $3.9 million at both December 31, 2020 and 2019, and is included in other assets. Although the subordinated debt issued by the trusts are not included as a component of stockholders’ equity in the consolidated statements of financial condition, the debt is treated as capital for regulatory purposes. The Company’s trust preferred security debt issuances (less common trust securities) are includable in Tier 1 capital up to a maximum of 25% of capital on an aggregate basis as they were grandfathered in under BASEL III. Any amount that exceeds 25% qualifies as Tier 2 capital.

Convertible Notes

In 2018, the Company issued $217.5 million aggregate principal amount of 2.00% convertible senior notes maturing on May 15, 2038 in a private offering to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. The convertible notes can be converted into shares of the Company’s common stock at an initial rate of 45.0760 shares per $1,000 principal amount of the notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $22.18 per share of common stock which represents a premium of 22.50% to the closing stock price on the date of the pricing of the notes). Holders of the convertible notes have the option to convert all or a portion of the notes at any time on or after February 15, 2023. Prior to February 15, 2023, the convertible notes cannot be converted except under certain specified scenarios. The Company can call the convertible notes, in part or in whole, on or after May 20, 2023 for 100% of the principal amount in cash. Holders of the convertible notes also have the option to put the convertible notes back to the Company on May 15, 2023, May 15, 2028, or May 15, 2033 for 100% of the principal amount in cash. The convertible notes can be settled in cash, stock, or a combination of stock and cash at the option of the Company.

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

In accordance with accounting principles, the convertible notes issued by the Company were separated into a debt component and an equity component which represents the stock conversion option. The present value of the convertible notes was calculated based on a discount rate of 4.25%, which represented the current offering rate for similar types of debt without conversion options. The effective life of the convertible notes was estimated to be 5 years based on the first call and put date. The difference between the principal amount of the convertible notes and the present value was recorded as the convertible note discount and additional paid-in capital. The issuance costs related to the offering were also allocated into a debt component to be capitalized, and an equity component in the same percentage allocation of debt and equity of the convertible notes. The value of the convertible notes at issuance and carrying value as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 is presented in the tables below:

		As of December 31, 2020
	Amortization/ Capitalization Period	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization / Capitalization		Carrying Amount
		(Dollars in thousands)
Convertible notes principal balance		$	217,500	$	—	$	217,500
Discount	5 years	(21,880)		10,951		(10,929)
Issuance costs to be capitalized	5 years	(4,119)		2,113		(2,006)
Carrying balance of convertible notes		$	191,501	$	13,064	$	204,565

		As of December 31, 2019
	Amortization/ Capitalization Period	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization / Capitalization		Carrying Amount
		(Dollars in thousands)
Convertible notes principal balance		$	217,500	$	—	$	217,500
Discount	5 years	(21,880)		6,659		(15,221)
Issuance costs to be capitalized	5 years	(4,119)		1,298		(2,821)
Carrying balance of convertible notes		$	191,501	$	7,957	$	199,458

Interest expense on the convertible notes for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 totaled $9.5 million and $9.3 million, respectively. Interest expense for the convertible notes includes accrued interest on the convertible note coupon, non-cash interest expense representing the conversion option or note discount, and interest expense from capitalized issuance costs. Non-cash interest expense and issuance cost capitalization expense will only be recorded for the first five outstanding years of the convertible notes. On January 1, 2021, the Company adopted ASU 2020-06 and subsequently accounts for its convertible notes as a single debt instrument. Therefore starting in 2021, interest expense will decrease closer to the coupon rate of the convertible notes as it will consist of the coupon payment and issuance cost capitalization.

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

11.    INCOME TAXES

The following presents a summary of income tax provision follows for the years ended December 31:

	Current		Deferred		Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
2020
Federal	$	28,284	$	(11,079)	$	17,205
State	20,490		(6,919)		13,571
	$	48,774	$	(17,998)	$	30,776
2019
Federal	$	31,969	$	874	$	32,843
State	21,806		661		22,467
	$	53,775	$	1,535	$	55,310
2018
Federal	$	35,401	$	2,336	$	37,737
State	27,749		406		28,155
	$	63,150	$	2,742	$	65,892

A reconciliation of the difference between the federal statutory income tax rate and the effective tax rate is shown in the following table for the years indicated:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2020		2019		2018
Statutory tax rate	21.00	%	21.00	%	21.00	%
State taxes-net of federal tax effect	8.56	%	8.73	%	8.56	%
Rate change - federal and state	—	%	—	%	0.17	%
CRA investment tax credit	(7.34)	%	(4.93)	%	(3.96)	%
Bank owned life insurance	(0.05)	%	(0.06)	%	(0.20)	%
Tax exempt municipal bonds and loans	(0.38)	%	(0.22)	%	(0.21)	%
State tax rate change	(2.76)	%	—	%	—	%
Changes in uncertain tax positions	1.63	%	(0.79)	%	0.11	%
Other	0.97	%	0.71	%	0.32	%
Effective income tax rate	21.63	%	24.44	%	25.79	%

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2020 and 2019 were comprised of the following:

	At December 31,
	2020		2019
	(Dollars in thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
Purchase accounting fair value adjustment	$	—	$	10,441
Statutory bad debt deduction less than financial statement provision	67,388		23,588
Net operating loss carry-forward	1,690		1,834
Investment security provision	467		474
State tax deductions	3,713		3,810
Accrued compensation	123		151
Deferred compensation	93		94
Mark to market on loans held for sale	114		913
Depreciation	—		788
Nonaccrual loan interest	4,559		5,550
Other real estate owned	1,500		533
Non-qualified stock option and restricted share expense	3,143		2,348
Lease expense - ROU asset	16,452		19,400
Other	2,658		2,193
Total deferred tax assets	$	101,900	$	72,117
Deferred tax liabilities:
Purchase accounting fair value adjustment	$	(3,534)	$	—
Depreciation	(1,220)		—
FHLB stock dividends	(333)		(408)
Deferred loan costs	(9,555)		(7,441)
State taxes deferred and other	(4,565)		(2,516)
Prepaid expenses	(2,364)		(1,359)
Amortization of intangibles	(3,128)		(3,837)
ROU Asset	(15,068)		(18,786)
Unrealized gain on securities available for sale	(13,909)		(4,084)
Other	(531)		(2,023)
Total deferred tax liabilities	$	(54,207)	$	(40,454)
Net deferred tax assets	$	47,693	$	31,663

Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using 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 in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In assessing the realization of deferred tax assets, management evaluates both positive and negative evidence, including the existence of any cumulative losses in the current year and the prior two years, the amount of taxes paid in available carry-back years, the forecasts of future income, applicable tax planning strategies, and assessments of current and future economic and business conditions. This analysis is updated quarterly and adjusted as necessary.

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Based on the analysis, the Company has determined that a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets was not required as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.

A summary of the Company’s net operating loss carry-forwards is as follows:

	Federal					State
	Remaining Amount		Expires	Annual Limitation		Remaining Amount		Expires	Annual Limitation
	(Dollars in thousands)
2020
Saehan Bank (acquired by Wilshire)	$	2,261	2030	$	226	$	2,488	2033	$	—
Pacific International Bank	4,829		2032	420		—		N/A	—
Total	$	7,090		$	646	$	2,488		$	—
2019
Saehan Bank (acquired by Wilshire)	$	2,488	2030	$	226	$	2,488	2030	$	226
Pacific International Bank	5,249		2032	420		—		N/A	—
Total	$	7,737		$	646	$	2,488		$	226

On June 29, 2020, California Assembly Bill 85 (A.B. 85) was signed into law. A.B. 85 suspends the use of the net operating loss (“NOL”) for the 2020, 2021, and 2022 tax years. For NOL incurred in tax years before 2020 for which a deduction is denied, the carryover period is extended by three years.

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of the state of California and various other states. The statute of limitations for the assessment of taxes for the consolidated Federal income tax return is closed for all tax years up to and including 2016. The expiration of the statute of limitations for the assessment of taxes for the various state income and franchise tax returns for the Company and subsidiaries varies by state. During the year ended December 31, 2020, New York State Department of Taxation concluded the examinations for the 2016, 2017 and 2018 tax years and State of Ohio Department of Taxation concluded the examination for the 2015 through 2019 tax years with no material adjustments. The Company is currently under examination by the New York City Department of Finance for the 2016, 2017 and 2018 tax years. While the outcome of the examination is unknown, the Company expects no material adjustments.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 is as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2020		2019
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at January 1,	$	141	$	2,314
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years	2,716		—
Reduction based on tax positions related to prior years	(23)		—
Settlements with taxing authorities	(84)		(2,173)
Balance at December 31,	$	2,750	$	141

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $2.8 million at December 31, 2020 and $141 thousand at December 31, 2019. The total amount of tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably impact the effective tax rate by $2.4 million and $136 thousand at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Company expects the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits to decrease by $902 thousand within the next twelve months due to an anticipated settlement with a state tax authority.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. The Company had approximately $276 thousand and $34 thousand accrued for interest expense at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively and no amount accrued for penalties.

F-44

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

12.    STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

In 2019, the Company’s stockholders approved the 2019 stock-based incentive plan (the “2019 Plan”) which provides for grants of stock options, SARs, restricted stock, performance shares, and performance units to non-employee directors, employees, and potentially consultants of the Company. Stock options may be either incentive stock options (“ISOs”), as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or nonqualified stock options (“NQSOs”). The 2019 Plan replaced the 2016 Plan and stipulates that no further awards shall be made under prior plans. Therefore, awards are now only issued from the 2019 Plan.

The 2019 Plan provides the Company flexibility to (i) attract and retain qualified non-employee directors, executives, other key employees, and consultants with appropriate equity-based awards to; (ii) motivate high levels of performance; (iii) recognize employee contributions to the Company’s success; and (iv) align the interests of the participants with those of the Company’s stockholders. The 2019 Plan initially had 4,400,000 shares that were available for grant to participants. The exercise price for shares under an ISO may not be less than 100% of fair market value on the date the award is granted under the Code. Similarly, under the terms of the plans, the exercise price for SARs and NQSOs may not be less than 100% of fair market value on the date of grant. Performance units are awarded to participants at the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of award (after the lapse of the restriction period and the attainment of the performance criteria). All options not exercised generally expire 10 years after the date of grant.

Outstanding ISOs, SARs, and NQSOs have vesting periods of three to five years and have 10-year contractual terms. Restricted stock, performance shares, and performance units are granted with a restriction period of not less than one year from the grant date for performance-based awards and not more than three years from the grant date for time-based vesting of grants. Compensation expense for awards is recognized over the vesting period.

Under the 2019 Plan, 921,709 shares were available for future grants as of December 31, 2020.

With the exception of the shares underlying stock options and restricted stock awards, the Board of Directors may choose to settle the awards by paying the equivalent cash value or by delivering the appropriate number of shares.

The following is a summary of stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2020:

	Number of Shares	Weighted- Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (Dollars in thousands)
Outstanding - January 1, 2020	935,211	$	15.34
Granted	—	—
Exercised	—	—
Expired	(75,631)	16.16
Forfeited	(8,000)	17.18
Outstanding - December 31, 2020	851,580	$	15.25	4.43	$	619
Options exercisable - December 31, 2020	813,580	$	15.16	4.37	$	619

F-45

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The following is a summary of restricted and performance unit activity for the year ended December 31, 2020:

	Number of Shares	Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding - January 1, 2020	1,035,744	$	14.08
Granted	1,177,702	9.16
Vested	(346,260)	14.91
Forfeited	(148,464)	11.84
Outstanding - December 31, 2020	1,718,722	$	10.73

The total fair value of restricted and performance units vested for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 was $3.3 million, $1.6 million, and $2.7 million, respectively.

The amount charged against income related to stock based payment arrangements was $8.1 million, $5.3 million, and $3.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

At December 31, 2020, unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock option grants and restricted and performance units totaled $15.4 million and is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted average vesting period of 1.6 years.

The estimated annual stock-based compensation expense as of December 31, 2020 for each of the succeeding years is indicated in the table below:

	Stock Based Compensation Expense
	(Dollars in thousands)
For the year ended December 31:
2021	$	8,121
2022	5,087
2023	1,773
2024	348
2025	60
Total	$	15,389

The Company maintains the Hope Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) which allows eligible employees to purchase the Company’s common shares through payroll deductions made between the offering date and the purchase date. At the purchase date, the Company uses the accumulated funds to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock on behalf of the participating employees at a 10% discount to the closing price of the Company’s common shares. The closing price is the lower of either the closing price on the first day of the offering period or on the closing price on the purchase date. The dollar amount of common shares purchased under the ESPP must not exceed 20% of the participating employee’s base salary, subject to a cap of $25 thousand in stock value based on the grant date. The ESPP is considered compensatory under GAAP and compensation expense for the ESPP is recognized as part of the Company’s stock based compensation expense. The compensation expense for ESPP for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $250 thousand, $217 thousand, and $319 thousand, respectively.

F-46

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

13.    EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Deferred Compensation Plan - The Company established a deferred compensation plan that permits eligible officers, key executives, and directors to defer a portion of their compensation. The deferred compensation plan is still in effect and was amended in 2007 to be in compliance with the new IRC §409(A) regulations. The deferred compensation, together with accrued accumulated interest, is distributable in cash after retirement or termination of service. The deferred compensation liabilities at December 31, 2020 and 2019 amounted to $686 thousand and $765 thousand, respectively, and were included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Interest expense recognized under the deferred compensation plan totaled $9 thousand, $34 thousand, and $22 thousand for 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. 

The Company established and the Board approved a Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) that rewards certain executive officers with deferred compensation if the Company meets certain performance goals, the NEOs meet individual performance goals, and the NEOs remain employed for a pre-determined period (between five and ten years, depending on the officer). Only two NEOs are currently participating in the LTIP. The Company accrued $490 thousand, $513 thousand, and $510 thousand in 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.

401(k) Savings Plan - The Company established a 401(k) savings plan, which is open to all eligible employees who are 21 years old or over and have completed three months of service. The Company matches 75% of the first 8% of the employee’s compensation contributed. Employer matching is vested 25% after 2 years of service, 50% after 3 years of service, 75% after 4 years of service, and 100% after 5 or more years of service. Total employer contributions to the plan amounted to approximately $5.4 million, $4.2 million, and $5.2 million for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Post-Retirement Benefit Plans - The Company has purchased life insurance policies and entered into split dollar life insurance agreements with certain directors and officers. Under the terms of the split dollar life insurance agreements, a portion of the death benefits received by the Company will be paid to beneficiaries named by the directors and officers. Total death benefits received by the Company was $1.0 million, $1.8 million, and $0, for 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.

In 2016, the Company assumed Wilshire Bank’s Survivor Income Plans which was originally adopted in 2003 and 2005 for the benefit of the directors and officers in order to encourage their continued employment and service, and to reward them for their past contributions. Wilshire Bank had also entered into separate Survivor Income Agreements with officers and directors relating to the Survivor Income Plan. Under the terms of the Survivor Income Plan, each participant is entitled to a base amount of death proceeds as set forth in the participant’s election to participate, which base amount increases three percent per calendar year, but only until normal retirement age, which is 65. If the participant remains employed after age 65, the death benefit will be fixed at the amount determined at age 65. If a participant has attained age 65 prior to becoming a participant in the Survivor Income Plan, the death benefit shall be equal to the base amount set forth in their election to participate with no increases. The Company is obligated to pay any death benefit owed under the Survivor Income Plan in a lump sum within 90 days following the participant’s death.

In 2011, the Company assumed Center Bank’s Survivor Income Plan which was adopted in 2004 for the benefit of the directors and officers of the bank in order to encourage their continued employment and service, and to reward them for their past contributions. Under the terms of the Survivor Income Plan, each participant is entitled to a base amount of death proceeds as set forth in the participant’s election to participate. The Company is obligated to pay any death benefit owed under the Survivor Income Plan in a lump sum within 90 days following the participant’s death.

The participant’s rights under the Survivor Income Plans terminate upon termination of employment. Upon termination of employment (except for termination for cause), if the participant has achieved the vesting requirements outlined in the plan, the participant will have the option to convert the amount of death benefits calculated at such termination to a split dollar arrangement, provided such arrangement is available under bank regulations and/or tax laws. If available, the Company and the participant will enter into a split dollar agreement and a split dollar policy endorsement. Under such an arrangement, the Company would annually impute income to the officer or the director based on tax laws or rules in force upon conversion. The Company’s accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 was $9.0 million, $7.9 million, and $6.9 million, respectively.

F-47

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

14.    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Legal Contingencies

In the normal course of business, the Company is involved in various legal claims. The Company has reviewed all legal claims against the Company with counsel for the year ended December 31, 2020 and has taken into consideration the views of such counsel as to the potential outcome of the claims. Loss contingencies for all legal claims totaled $1.3 million and $440 thousand at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. It is reasonably possible the Company may incur losses in addition to the amounts the Company has accrued. However, at this time, the Company is unable to estimate the range of additional losses that are reasonably possible because of a number of factors, including the fact that certain of these litigation matters are still in their early stages and involve claims that the Company believes have little to no merit. The Company has considered these and other possible loss contingencies and does not expect the amounts to be material to the consolidated financial statements.

Unfunded Commitments and Letters of Credit

In the normal course of business, the Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk that are used to meet the financing needs of customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit, commercial letters of credit, and commitments to fund investments in affordable housing partnerships. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance on commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual notional amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as the Company does for extending loan facilities to customers. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary upon extension of credit, is based on the Company’s credit evaluation of the counterparty. The types of collateral that the Company may hold can vary and may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, and income-producing properties.

Commitments at December 31, 2020 and 2019 are summarized as follows:

	At December 31,
	2020		2019
	(Dollars in thousands)
Commitments to extend credit	$	2,137,178	$	1,864,947
Standby letters of credit	108,834		113,720
Other letters of credit	40,508		37,627
Commitments to fund investments in affordable housing partnerships	15,148		28,480

Commitments and letters of credit generally have variable rates that are tied to the prime rate. The amount of fixed rate commitments is not considered material to this presentation. From time to time, the Company enters into certain types of contracts that contingently require the Company to indemnify parties against third party claims and other obligations customarily indemnified in the ordinary course of the Company’s business. The terms of such obligations vary, and, generally, a maximum obligation is not explicitly stated. Therefore, the overall maximum amount of the obligations cannot be reasonably estimated. The most significant of these contracts relate to certain agreements with the Company’s officers and directors under which the Company may be required to indemnify such persons for liabilities arising out of their employment relationship. Historically, the Company has not been obligated to make significant payments for these obligations, and no liabilities have been recorded for these obligations in its consolidated statements of financial condition as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.

The Company maintains an ACL for its off-balance sheet loan commitments which is calculated by loan type using estimated line utilization rates based on historical usage. Loss rates for outstanding loans is applied to the estimated utilization rates to calculate the ACL for off-balance sheet loan commitments. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, ACL for off-balance sheet loan commitments totaled $1.3 million and $636 thousand, respectively.

F-48

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

15.    FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date reflecting assumptions that a market participant would use when pricing an asset or liability. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value. The fair value inputs of the instruments are classified and disclosed in one of the following categories pursuant to ASC 820:

Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date. The quoted price shall not be adjusted for any blockage factor (i.e., size of the position relative to trading volume).

Level 2 - Pricing inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Fair value is determined through the use of models or other valuation methodologies, including the use of pricing matrices. If the asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, a Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3 - Pricing inputs are unobservable for the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs are used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available, thereby allowing for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation.

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an asset’s or liability’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

The Company uses the following methods and assumptions in estimating fair value disclosures for financial instruments. Financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis are listed as follows:

Securities Available for Sale

The fair values of securities available for sale are determined by obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges (Level 1 inputs) or matrix pricing, which is a technique widely used in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities (Level 2 inputs).

The fair values of the Company’s Level 3 securities available for sale were measured using an income approach valuation technique. The primary inputs and assumptions used in the fair value measurement were derived from the securities’ underlying collateral which included discount rates, prepayment speeds, payment delays, and an assessment of the risk of default of the underlying collateral, among other factors. Significant increases or decreases in any of the inputs or assumptions could result in a significant increase or decrease in the fair value measurement.

Equity Investments With Readily Determinable Fair Value

The fair value of the Company’s equity investments with readily determinable fair value is comprised of mutual funds. The fair value for these investments is obtained from unadjusted quoted prices in active markets on the date of measurement and is therefore classified as Level 1.

Interest Rate Swaps

The Company offers interest rate swaps to certain loan customers to allow them to hedge the risk of rising interest rates on their variable rate loans. The Company originates a variable rate loan and enters into a variable-to-fixed interest rate swap with the customer. The Company also enters into an offsetting swap with a correspondent bank. These back-to-back agreements are intended to offset each other and allow the Company to originate a variable rate loan, while providing a contract for fixed interest payments for the customer. The net cash flow for the Company is equal to the interest income received from a variable rate loan originated with the customer. The fair value of these derivatives is based on a discounted cash flow approach. Due to the observable nature of the inputs used in deriving the fair value of these derivative contracts, the valuation of interest rate swaps is classified as Level 2.

F-49

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Mortgage Banking Derivatives

Mortgage banking derivative instruments consist of interest rate lock commitments and forward sale contracts that trade in liquid markets. The fair value is based on the prices available from third party investors. Due to the observable nature of the inputs used in deriving the fair value, the valuation of mortgage banking derivatives are classified as Level 2.

Other Derivatives

Other derivatives consist of interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges and risk participation agreements. The fair values of these other derivative financial instruments are based upon the estimated amount the Company would receive or pay to terminate the instruments, taking into account current interest rates and, when appropriate, the current credit worthiness of the counterparties. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges are classified within Level 2. Credit derivatives such as risk participation agreements are valued based on credit worthiness of the underlying borrower which is a significant unobservable input and therefore is classified as Level 3.

Collateral Dependent Loans

The fair values of collateral dependent loans are generally measured for ACL using the practical expedients permitted by ASC 326-20-35-5 including collateral dependent loans measured at an observable market price (if available), or at the fair value of the loan’s collateral (if the loan is collateral dependent). Fair value of the loan’s collateral, when the loan is dependent on collateral, is determined by appraisals or independent valuation, less costs to sell of 8.5%. Appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and income approach. Adjustment may be made in the appraisal process by the independent appraiser to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available for similar loans and the underlying collateral. For commercial and industrial and asset backed loans, independent valuations may include a 20-60% discount for eligible accounts receivable and a 50-70% discount for inventory. These result in a Level 3 classification.

OREO

OREO is fair valued at the time the loan is foreclosed upon and the asset is transferred to OREO. The value is based primarily on third party appraisals, less costs to sell of up to 8.5% and result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. OREO is reviewed and evaluated on at least a quarterly basis for additional impairment and adjusted to lower of cost or market accordingly, based on the same factors identified above.

Loans Held for Sale

Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value, as determined by outstanding commitments from investors, or based on recent comparable sales (Level 2 inputs), if available, and if not available, are based on discounted cash flows using current market rates applied to the estimated life and credit risk (Level 3 inputs) or may be assessed based upon the fair value of the collateral which is obtained from recent real estate appraisals (Level 3 inputs). These appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments are typically significant and result in Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value.

F-50

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:

			Fair Value Measurements Using
	December 31, 2020		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets:
Securities available for sale:
U.S. Government agency and U.S. Government sponsored enterprises:
Collateralized mortgage obligations	$	1,001,317	$	—	$	1,001,317	$	—
Mortgage-backed securities:
Residential	681,013		—		681,013		—
Commercial	507,879		—		507,879		—
Corporate securities	6,134		—		6,134		—
Municipal securities	89,268		—		88,246		1,022
Equity investments with readily determinable fair value	27,611		27,611		—		—
Interest rate swaps	34,606		—		34,606		—
Mortgage banking derivatives	724		—		724		—
Liabilities:
Interest rate swaps	34,606		—		34,606		—
Mortgage banking derivatives	110		—		110		—
Other derivatives	1,000		—		602		398

			Fair Value Measurements Using
	December 31, 2019		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets:
Securities available for sale:
U.S. Government agency and U.S. Government sponsored enterprises:
Collateralized mortgage obligations	$	736,655	$	—	$	736,655	$	—
Mortgage-backed securities:
Residential	352,897		—		352,897		—
Commercial	552,124		—		552,124		—
Corporate securities	4,200		—		4,200		—
Municipal securities	70,111		—		69,035		1,076
Equity investments with readily determinable fair value	22,123		22,123		—		—
Interest rate swaps	10,353		—		10,353		—
Mortgage banking derivatives	95		—		95		—
Liabilities:
Interest rate swaps	10,353		—		10,353		—
Mortgage banking derivatives	16		—		16		—

F-51

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

There were no transfers between Level 1, 2, and 3 during the period ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

The table below presents a reconciliation and income statement classification of gains (losses) for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:

	For the year ended December 31,
	2020		2019
	(Dollars in thousands)
Beginning Balance, January 1	$	1,076	$	1,059
Change in fair value included in other comprehensive income (loss)	(54)		17
Ending Balance, December 31	$	1,022	$	1,076

The Company measures certain assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis including collateral dependent loans (excludes PCI loans at December 31, 2019), loans held for sale, and OREO. These fair value adjustments result from individually evaluated ACL recognized during the period, application of the lower of cost or fair value on loans held for sale, and the application of fair value less cost to sell on OREO. Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 2020 and 2019 are summarized below:

			Fair Value Measurements Using
	December 31, 2020		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets:
Collateral dependent loans at fair value:
Real estate loans	$	21,688	$	—	$	—	$	21,688
Commercial business	7,694		—		—		7,694
OREO	19,260		—		—		19,260

			Fair Value Measurements Using
	December 31, 2019		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets:
Collateral dependent loans at fair value:
Real estate loans	$	9,519	$	—	$	—	$	9,519
Commercial business	8,942		—		—		8,942
OREO	19,086		—		—		19,086

F-52

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

For assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, the total net gains (losses) which include charge offs, recoveries, recorded ACL, valuations, and recognized gains and losses on sales in 2020 and 2019 are summarized below:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2020		2019
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets:
Collateral dependent loans at fair value:
Real estate loans	$	(4,463)	$	426
Commercial business	(4,937)		(2,212)
Consumer	—		(1,198)
Loans held for sale, net	—		165
OREO	3,650		1,218

F-53

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments, not previously presented, at December 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:

	December 31, 2020
	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value		Fair Value Measurement Using
	(Dollars in thousands)
Financial Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	350,579	$	350,579	Level 1
Interest bearing deposits in other financial institutions	28,642		28,669		Level 2
Equity investments without readily determinable fair values	32,088		32,088		Level 2
Loans held for sale	17,743		18,288		Level 2
Loans receivable, net	13,356,472		13,428,706		Level 3
Accrued interest receivable	59,430		59,430		Level 2/3
Servicing assets, net	12,692		15,785		Level 3
Customers’ liabilities on acceptances	1,184		1,184		Level 2
Financial Liabilities:
Noninterest bearing deposits	$	4,814,254	$	4,814,254	Level 2
Saving and other interest bearing demand deposits	5,533,183		5,533,183		Level 2
Time deposits	3,986,475		3,992,973		Level 2
FHLB advances	250,000		254,456		Level 2
Convertible notes, net	204,565		201,731		Level 1
Subordinated debentures, net	104,178		98,948		Level 2
Accrued interest payable	14,706		14,706		Level 2
Acceptances outstanding	1,184		1,184		Level 2
	December 31, 2019
	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value		Fair Value Measurement Using
	(Dollars in thousands)
Financial Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	698,567	$	698,567	Level 1
Interest bearing deposits in other financial institutions	29,162		29,235		Level 2
Equity investments without readily determinable fair values	26,967		26,967		Level 2
Loans held for sale	54,271		56,011		Level 2
Loans receivable, net	12,181,863		12,143,727		Level 3
Accrued interest receivable	30,772		30,772		Level 2/3
Servicing assets, net	16,417		18,966		Level 3
Customers’ liabilities on acceptances	1,117		1,117		Level 2
Financial Liabilities:
Noninterest bearing deposits	$	3,108,687	$	3,108,687	Level 2
Saving and other interest bearing demand deposits	4,259,707		4,259,707		Level 2
Time deposits	5,158,970		5,182,405		Level 2
FHLB advances	625,000		628,903		Level 2
Convertible notes, net	199,458		206,210		Level 1
Subordinated debentures, net	103,035		114,690		Level 2
Accrued interest payable	33,810		33,810		Level 2
Acceptances outstanding	1,117		1,117		Level 2

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The Company measures assets and liabilities for its fair value disclosures based on an exit price notion. Although the exit price notion represents the value that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability, the actual price received for a sale of assets or paid to transfer liabilities could be different from exit price disclosed. The methods and assumptions used to estimate fair value are described as follows:

The carrying amount is the estimated fair value for cash and cash equivalents, savings and other interest bearing demand deposits, equity investments without readily determinable fair values, customer’s and Bank’s liabilities on acceptances, noninterest bearing deposits, short-term debt, secured borrowings and variable rate loans or deposits that reprice frequently and fully. For loans the fair value is determined through a discounted cash flow analysis which incorporates probability of default and loss given default rates on an individual loan basis. The discount rate is based on the LIBOR Swap Rate for fixed rate loans, while variable loans start with the corresponding index rate and an adjustment was made on certain loans which considered factors such as servicing costs, capital charges, duration, asset type incremental costs, and use of projected cash flows. Residential real estate loans fair values included Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac prepayment speed assumptions or a third party index based on historical prepayment speeds. Fair value of time deposits is based discounted cash flow analysis using recent issuance rates over the prior three months and a market rate analysis of recent offering rates for retail products. Wholesale time deposits fair values incorporated brokered time deposit offering rates. The fair value of the Company’s subordinated debentures is based on current rates for similar financing. Fair value for the Company’s convertible notes is based on the actual last traded price of the notes. The fair value of commitments to fund loans represents fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements with similar remaining maturities and is not presented herein. The fair value of these financial instruments is not material to the consolidated financial statements.

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

16.     DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company offers a loan hedging program to certain loan customers. Through this program, the Company originates a variable rate loan with the customer. The Company and the customer will then enter into a fixed interest rate swap. Lastly, an identical offsetting swap is entered into by the Company with a correspondent bank. These “back-to-back” swap arrangements are intended to offset each other and allow the Company to book a variable rate loan, while providing the customer with a contract for fixed interest payments. In these arrangements, the Company’s net cash flow is equal to the interest income received from the variable rate loan originated with the customer. These customer swaps are not designated as hedging instruments and are recorded at fair value in other assets and other liabilities. The changes in fair value is recognized in the income statement in other income and fees. The Company is required to hold cash as collateral for the swaps, which is recorded in other assets on the consolidated statement of financial condition. Total cash held as collateral for back to back swaps was $9.1 million at December 31, 2020 and $8.9 million at December 31, 2019.

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, interest rate swaps related to the Company’s loan hedging program that were outstanding is presented in the following table:

	December 31, 2020			December 31, 2019
	(Dollars in thousands)
Interest rate swaps on loans with correspondent banks (included in other assets)
Notional amount	$	—		$	137,890
Weighted average remaining term (years)	0.0			7.2
Pay fixed rate (weighted average)	—		%	3.62		%
Received variable rate (weighted average)	—		%	3.83		%
Estimated fair value	$	—		$	739
Interest rate swaps on loans with correspondent banks (included in other liabilities)
Notional amount	$	503,929		$	282,326
Weighted average remaining term (years)	6.8			6.9
Pay fixed rate (weighted average)	3.86		%	4.48		%
Received variable rate (weighted average)	2.26		%	3.98		%
Estimated fair value	$	(34,606)		$	(9,614)
Back to back interest rate swaps with loan customers (included in other liabilities)
Notional amount	$	—		$	137,890
Weighted average remaining term (years)	0.0			7.2
Received fixed rate (weighted average)	—		%	3.62		%
Pay variable rate (weighted average)	—		%	3.83		%
Estimated fair value	$	—		$	(739)
Back to back interest rate swaps with loan customers (included in other assets)
Notional amount	$	503,929		$	282,326
Weighted average remaining term (years)	6.8			6.9
Received fixed rate (weighted average)	3.86		%	4.48		%
Pay variable rate (weighted average)	2.26		%	3.98		%
Estimated fair value	$	34,606		$	9,614

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

At December 31, 2020, the Company had risk participation agreements with an outside counterparty for an interest rate swap related to loans in which it is a participant. The risk participation agreements provide credit protection to the financial institution should the borrower fail to perform on their interest rate derivative contract. Risk participation agreements are credit derivatives not designated as hedges. Credit derivatives are not speculative and are not used to manage interest rate risk in assets or liabilities. Changes in the fair value in credit derivatives are recognized directly in earnings. The fee received, less the estimate of the loss for credit exposure, was recognized in earnings at the time of the transaction. At December 31, 2020, the notional amount of the risk participation agreements sold was $112.8 million with a credit valuation adjustment of $398 thousand.

As part of the overall liability management, the Company utilizes interest rate swap agreements to help manage interest rate risk positions. The notional amount of the interest rate swaps do not represent the amount exchanged by the parties. The exchange of cash flows is determined by reference to the notional amounts and the other terms of the interest rate swap agreements.

The Company had one existing interest rate swap agreement as of December 31, 2020 with a notional amount of $100.0 million designated as cash flow hedges of certain LIBOR-based debt. The swap was entered into during 2020 and was determined to be fully effective during the period presented. The aggregate fair value of the swap is recorded in derivative liabilities with changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income. The gain or loss on the derivative is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) and is subsequently reclassified into interest expense and interest income in the period during which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. Amounts reported in AOCI related to interest rate swap derivatives will be reclassified to interest income and interest expense as interest payments are received or paid on the Company’s derivatives. The Company expects the hedge to remain fully effective during the remaining term of the swap. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, the Company reclassified $52 thousand from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense. There were no reclassification from accumulated comprehensive income to interest expense during twelve months ended December 31, 2019 as there was no outstanding interest rate swap designated as cash flow hedges. Total cash held as collateral for interest rate swaps was $54.9 million at December 31, 2020 and $22.1 million at December 31, 2019.

	December 31, 2020			December 31, 2019
	(Dollars in thousands)
Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedge (included in other liabilities)
Notional amount	$	100,000		$	—
Weighted average remaining term (years)	4.3			0.0
Received variable rate (weighted average)	0.22		%	—		%
Pay fixed rate (weighted average)	0.49		%	—		%
Estimated fair value	$	(602)		$	—

The Company enters into various stand-alone mortgage-banking derivatives in order to hedge the risk associated with the fluctuation of interest rates. Changes in fair value are recorded as mortgage banking revenue. Residential mortgage loans funded with interest rate lock commitments and forward commitments for the future delivery of mortgage loans to third party investors are considered derivatives. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had approximately $43.8 million and $10.5 million, respectively, in interest rate lock commitments, all of which was entered into forward sales commitments for the future delivery of residential mortgage loans.

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The following table reflects the notional amount and fair value of mortgage banking derivatives as of the dates indicated:

	December 31, 2020				December 31, 2019
	Notional Amount		Fair Value		Notional Amount		Fair Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
Assets:
Interest rate lock commitments	$	37,507	$	679	$	10,540	$	84
Forward sale contracts related to mortgage banking	$	8,641	$	45	$	4,532	$	11
Liabilities:
Interest rate lock commitments	$	6,267	$	(31)	$	—	$	—
Forward sale contracts related to mortgage banking	$	35,133	$	(79)	$	6,008	$	(16)

F-58

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

17.    STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Total stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2020 was $2.05 billion, compared to $2.04 billion at December 31, 2019. The increase in stockholders’ equity was due to the increase from income earned during the year and an increase in accumulated other comprehensive income partially offset by an increase in treasury stock from shares repurchased during 2020.

In June 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors approved another share repurchase program that authorizes the Company to repurchase up to $50.0 million of its common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company repurchased 943,094 shares of common stock totaling $13.8 million. The repurchased shares were recorded as treasury stock and reduced the total number of common shares outstanding. In 2020, the Company completed the $50.0 million repurchase plan though the repurchase of 2,716,034 shares of common stock totaling $36.2 million. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had repurchased a total of 12,661,581 shares of its common stock totaling $200.0 million as part of all previous repurchase programs that were authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors.

Dividends

The Company’s Board of Directors approved and the Company paid quarterly dividends of $0.14 per common share in each quarter of 2020 and 2019. The Company paid aggregate dividends of $69.2 million and $70.9 million to common stockholders in 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table presents the changes to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018:

	December 31, 2020		December 31, 2019		December 31, 2018
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period	$	9,149	$	(32,705)	$	(21,781)
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale	41,562		59,851		(16,201)
Unrealized (losses) on interest rate swaps for cash flow hedge	(602)		—		—
Reclassification adjustments for net gains realized in income	(7,583)		(282)		—
Tax effect	(9,773)		(17,715)		4,996
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	23,604		41,854		(11,205)
Reclassification to retained earnings per ASU 2016-01	—		—		281
Balance at end of period	$	32,753	$	9,149	$	(32,705)

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, $7.6 million, was reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income to reflect the gain on sale of securities. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, $282 thousand and $0, respectively, was reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss to reflect the gain on sale and calls of securities.

In 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2016-01 “Financial Instruments-Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” As a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-01, the Company no longer accounts for mutual funds as securities available for sale and accounts for these investments as equity investments with changes to fair value recorded through earnings. In accordance with ASU 2016-01, the Company reclassified $281 thousand in net unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income, net of taxes to retained earnings on January 1, 2018.

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

18.    REGULATORY MATTERS

The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal and state banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a material and adverse effect on the Company’s and the Bank’s business, financial condition and results of operation, such as restrictions on growth or the payment of dividends or other capital distributions or management fees. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of their assets, liabilities and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk-weightings and other factors.

In July 2013, the federal bank regulatory agencies adopted final regulations, which revised their risk-based and leverage capital requirements for banking organizations to meet requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act and to implement the Basel III international agreements reached by the Basel Committee. The final rules began for the Company and the Bank on January 1, 2015 and were subject to a phase-in period through January 1, 2019. The final rules that had an impact on the Company and the Bank include:

•An increase in the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio from 4.00% to 6.00% of risk-weighted assets;

•A new category and a required 4.50% of risk-weighted assets ratio was established for “Common Equity Tier 1” as a subset of Tier 1 capital limited to common equity;

•A minimum non-risk-based leverage ratio was set at 4.00%, eliminating a 3.00% exception for higher rated banks;

•Changes in the permitted composition of Tier 1 capital to exclude trust preferred securities, mortgage servicing rights and certain deferred tax assets and include unrealized gains and losses on available for sale debt and equity securities;

•The risk-weights of certain assets for purposes of calculating the risk-based capital ratios are changed for high volatility commercial real estate acquisition, development and construction loans, certain past due non-residential mortgage loans and certain mortgage-backed and other securities exposures; and

•A new additional capital conservation buffer of 2.50% of risk-weighted assets over each of the required capital ratios was added and must be met to avoid limitations on the ability of the Bank to pay dividends, repurchase shares, or pay discretionary bonuses. The capital conservation buffer was initially 0.625% in 2016 and was fully phased-in at 2.50% as of January 1, 2019.

As of December 31, 2020, the ratios for the Company and the Bank were sufficient to meet the fully phased-in conservation buffer.

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the most recent regulatory notification categorized the Bank as “well-capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To generally be categorized as “well-capitalized”, the Bank must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, common equity Tier 1, and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the following table. There are no conditions or events since the most recent notification from regulators that management believes has changed the institution’s category.

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The Company’s and the Bank’s capital levels and regulatory capital ratios are presented in the tables below:

	Actual				Required For Capital Adequacy Purposes				Minimum Capital Adequacy With Capital Conservation Buffer				Required To Be Well Capitalized under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
	Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio
	(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2020
Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets):
Company	$	1,568,508	10.94	%	$	645,366	4.50	%	$	1,003,902	7.00	%	N/A		N/A
Bank	$	1,850,091	12.90	%	$	645,277	4.50	%	$	1,003,764	7.00	%	$	932,066	6.50	%
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets):
Company	$	1,846,229	12.87	%	$	1,147,317	8.00	%	$	1,505,853	10.50	%	N/A		N/A
Bank	$	2,027,534	14.14	%	$	1,147,159	8.00	%	$	1,505,646	10.50	%	$	1,433,948	10.00	%
Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets):
Company	$	1,668,786	11.64	%	$	860,487	6.00	%	$	1,219,024	8.50	%	N/A		N/A
Bank	$	1,850,091	12.90	%	$	860,369	6.00	%	$	1,218,856	8.50	%	$	1,147,159	8.00	%
Tier I capital (to average assets):
Company	$	1,668,786	10.22	%	$	653,163	4.00	%	N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A
Bank	$	1,850,091	11.33	%	$	653,241	4.00	%	N/A		N/A		$	816,551	5.00	%
	Actual				Required For Capital Adequacy Purposes				Minimum Capital Adequacy With Capital Conservation Buffer				Required To Be Well Capitalized under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
	Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio
	(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2019
Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets):
Company	$	1,553,697	11.76	%	$	594,373	4.50	%	$	924,581	7.00	%	N/A		N/A
Bank	$	1,811,862	13.72	%	$	594,320	4.50	%	$	924,498	7.00	%	$	858,462	6.50	%
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets):
Company	$	1,747,611	13.23	%	$	1,056,664	8.00	%	$	1,386,871	10.50	%	N/A		N/A
Bank	$	1,906,642	14.44	%	$	1,056,569	8.00	%	$	1,386,747	10.50	%	$	1,320,711	10.00	%
Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets):
Company	$	1,652,831	12.51	%	$	792,498	6.00	%	$	1,122,705	8.50	%	N/A		N/A
Bank	$	1,811,862	13.72	%	$	792,427	6.00	%	$	924,498	8.50	%	$	1,056,569	8.00	%
Tier I capital (to average assets):
Company	$	1,652,831	11.22	%	$	589,367	4.00	%	N/A		N/A		N/A		N/A
Bank	$	1,811,862	12.29	%	$	589,604	4.00	%	N/A		N/A		$	737,005	5.00	%

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

19.    REVENUE RECOGNITION

With the adoption of ASU 2014-09 (Topic 606), the Company recognizes revenue when obligations under the terms of a contract with customers are satisfied. Topic 606 does not apply to revenue associated with financial instruments, including revenue from loans and securities. In addition, certain noninterest income streams such as fees associated with mortgage servicing rights, financial guarantees, derivatives, and certain credit card fees are also out of scope of the new guidance. Topic 606 is applicable to noninterest revenue streams such as deposit related fees, wire transfer fees, and certain OREO related net gains or expenses. However, the recognition of these revenue streams for the Company did not change significantly upon adoption of Topic 606. Noninterest revenue streams within the scope of Topic 606 are discussed below.

Service Charges on Deposit Accounts and Wire Transfer Fees

Service charges on noninterest and interest bearing deposit accounts consist of monthly service charges, customer analysis charges, non-sufficient funds (“NSF”) charges, and other deposit account related charges. The Company’s performance obligation for account analysis charges and monthly service charges is generally satisfied, and the related revenue is recognized over the period in which the service is provided. NSF charges, other deposit account related charges, and wire transfer fees are transaction based, and therefore the Company’s performance obligation is satisfied at the point of the transaction, and related revenue recognized at that point in time. Payment for service charges on deposit accounts is primarily received immediately or in the following month through a direct charge to customers’ accounts.

Service charges on deposit accounts and wire transfers are summarized below:

	For the Year Ended December 31,
	2020		2019
	(Dollars in thousands)
Noninterest bearing deposit account income:
Monthly service charges	$	1,301	$	1,608
Customer analysis charges	6,765		7,801
NSF charges	3,687		7,654
Other service charges	598		799
Total noninterest bearing deposit account income	12,351		17,862
Interest bearing deposit account income:
Monthly service charges	92		71
Total service fees on deposit accounts	$	12,443	$	17,933
Wire transfer fee income:
Wire transfer fees	$	3,188	$	4,058
Foreign exchange fees	389		500
Total wire transfer fees	$	3,577	$	4,558

F-62

HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

OREO Income (Expense)

OREO are often sold in transactions that, under ASU 2014-09, may not be considered a contract with a customer because the sale of the asset may not be an output of the Company’s ordinary activities. However, sales of nonfinancial assets, including in-substance nonfinancial assets, should be accounted for in accordance with ASC 610-20, “Other Income - Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets”, which requires the Company to apply certain measurement and recognition concepts of ASC 606. Accordingly, the Company recognizes the sale of a real estate property, along with any associated gain or loss, when control of the property transfers to the buyer. For sales of existing real estate properties, this generally will occur at the point of sale. When the Company finances the sale of OREO to the buyer, the Company must assess whether the buyer is committed to perform their obligations under the contract and whether collectability of the transaction price is probable. Once these criteria are met, the OREO asset is derecognized and the gain or loss on sale is recorded upon the transfer of control of the property to the buyer. Application of the new revenue recognition standard does not materially change the amount and the timing of the gain/loss on sale of OREO and other nonfinancial assets. The Company recognized a net loss of $108 thousand and a net loss of $14 thousand on sale of OREO for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

20.    EARNINGS PER SHARE (“EPS”)

Basic EPS does not reflect the possibility of dilution that could result from the issuance of additional shares of common stock upon exercise or conversion of outstanding equity awards or convertible notes and is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if stock options, convertible notes, or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted to common stock that would then share in the Company’s earnings. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, stock options and restricted shares awards of approximately 827,405 and 894,226 shares of common stock, respectively, were excluded in computing diluted earnings per common share because they were anti-dilutive.

In 2018, the Company issued $217.5 million in convertible senior notes maturing on May 15, 2038. The convertible notes can be converted into the Company’s shares of common stock at an initial rate of 45.0760 shares per $1,000 principal amount of the notes (See footnote 10 “Subordinated Debentures and Convertible Notes” for additional information regarding convertible notes issued). For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, shares related to the convertible notes issued were not included in the Company’s diluted EPS calculation. In accordance with the terms of the convertible notes and settlement options available to the Company, no shares would have been delivered to investors of the convertible notes upon assumed conversion based on the Company’s common stock price during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

In 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program that authorized the Company to repurchase up to $50.0 million of its common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company repurchased 943,094 shares of common stock totaling $13.8 million. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company repurchased 2,716,034 shares of common stock totaling $36.2 million. The repurchased shares were recorded as treasury stock and reduced the total number of common shares outstanding. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company repurchased 5,565,696 shares of common stock totaling $100.0 million.

The following table shows the computation of basic and diluted EPS for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018:

	Net Income (Numerator)		Weighted Average Shares (Denominator)	Earnings Per Share
	(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
2020
Basic EPS - common stock	$	111,515	123,501,401	$	0.90
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options, restricted stock, performance awards, and ESPP shares			387,942
Diluted EPS - common stock	$	111,515	123,889,343	$	0.90
2019
Basic EPS - common stock	$	171,040	126,598,564	$	1.35
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options, restricted stock, performance awards, and ESPP shares			276,756
Diluted EPS - common stock	$	171,040	126,875,320	$	1.35
2018
Basic EPS - common stock	$	189,589	131,716,726	$	1.44
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options, restricted stock, and performance awards			237,466
Diluted EPS - common stock	$	189,589	131,954,192	$	1.44

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

21.    SERVICING ASSETS

Servicing assets are recognized when SBA and residential mortgage loans are sold with the servicing retained by the Company and the related income is recorded as a component of gains on sales of loans. Servicing assets are initially recorded at fair value based on the present value of the contractually specified servicing fee, net of servicing costs, over the estimated life of the loan, using a discount rate. The Company’s servicing costs approximate the industry average of 40 basis points. All classes of servicing assets are subsequently measured using the amortization method which requires servicing rights to be amortized into noninterest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying loans.

Management periodically evaluates servicing assets for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to the carrying amount. Impairment is determined by stratifying rights into groupings based on loan type. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for an individual grouping, to the extent that fair value is less than the carrying amount. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company did not have a valuation allowance on it servicing assets.

The changes in net servicing assets for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2020		2019
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period	$	16,417	$	23,132
Additions through originations of servicing assets	2,864		1,790
Amortization	(6,589)		(8,505)
Balance at end of period	$	12,692	$	16,417

Loans serviced for others are not reported as assets. The principal balances of loans serviced for other institutions were $1.23 billion and $1.35 billion as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Total servicing assets at December 31, 2020 totaled $12.7 million and were comprised of $8.4 million in SBA servicing assets and $4.3 million in mortgage related servicing assets. At December 31, 2019, servicing assets totaled $16.4 million, comprised of $12.1 million in SBA servicing assets and $4.3 million in mortgage related servicing assets.

The Company utilizes the discounted cash flow method to calculate the initial excess servicing assets. The inputs used in evaluating servicing assets for impairment at December 31, 2020 and 2019 are presented below.

	December 31, 2020	December 31, 2019
SBA Servicing Assets:
Weighted-average discount rate	9.93%	9.19%
Constant prepayment rate	14.40%	14.17%
Mortgage Servicing Assets:
Weighted-average discount rate	8.26%	9.25%
Constant prepayment rate	8.63%	9.57%

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

22.    CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF PARENT COMPANY

The following presents the unconsolidated condensed statements of financial condition for only the parent company, Hope Bancorp, as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:

STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

	December 31,
	2020		2019
	(Dollars in thousands)
ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	20,170	$	38,981
Other assets	7,897		6,703
Investment in bank subsidiary	2,335,336		2,294,175
Total assets	$	2,363,403	$	2,339,859
LIABILITIES:
Convertible notes, net	$	204,565	$	199,458
Subordinated debentures, net	104,178		103,035
Accounts payable and other liabilities	915		1,355
Total liabilities	309,658		303,848
Stockholders’ equity	2,053,745		2,036,011
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	2,363,403	$	2,339,859

The following presents the unconsolidated condensed statements of income for only the parent company, Hope Bancorp, for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018:

STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

	Years Ended December 31,
	2020		2019		2018
	(Dollars in thousands)
Interest income	$	—	$	—	$	—
Interest expense	(14,147)		(16,001)		(12,152)
Noninterest income	—		175		525
Noninterest expense	(5,316)		(4,386)		(4,855)
Dividend from subsidiary, net	96,000		120,000		10,000
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiary	29,781		65,713		191,161
Income before income tax benefit	106,318		165,501		184,679
Income tax benefit	5,197		5,539		4,910
Net income	111,515		171,040		189,589
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	23,604		41,854		(11,205)
Comprehensive income	$	135,119	$	212,894	$	178,384

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

The following presents the unconsolidated condensed statements of cash flows for only the parent company, Hope Bancorp, for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018:

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

	Years Ended December 31,
	2020		2019		2018
	(Dollars in thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$	111,515	$	171,040	$	189,589
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
Amortization	6,250		6,021		4,118
Stock-based compensation expense	201		—		300
Net change in fair value of equity investments with readily determinable fair value	—		(175)		(525)
Change in other assets	(1,194)		(999)		4,534
Change in accounts payable and other liabilities	(440)		257		653
Equity in undistributed earnings of bank subsidiary	(29,781)		(65,713)		(191,161)
Net cash from operating activities	86,551		110,431		7,508
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from sale of equity investments	—		700		—
Net cash from investing activities	—		700		—
CASH FLOWS USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Issuance of additional stock pursuant to various stock plans	—		12		469
Proceeds from convertible notes, net of issuance fees	—		—		212,920
Purchase of treasury stock	(36,180)		(13,820)		(150,000)
Payments of cash dividends	(69,182)		(70,935)		(71,631)
Net cash used in financing activities	(105,362)		(84,743)		(8,242)
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(18,811)		26,388		(734)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR	38,981		12,593		13,327
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR	$	20,170	$	38,981	$	12,593

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HOPE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

23.    QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)    

Summarized unaudited quarterly financial data follows for the three months ended:

	2020 Quarter Ended,
	March 31		June 30		September 30		December 31
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Interest income	$	166,868	$	145,061	$	145,220	$	141,729
Interest expense	47,577		35,247		27,583		20,973
Net interest income before provision for credit losses	119,291		109,814		117,637		120,756
Provision for credit losses	28,000		17,500		22,000		27,500
Net interest income after provision for credit losses	91,291		92,314		95,637		93,256
Noninterest income	13,264		11,240		17,513		11,415
Noninterest expense	72,140		67,030		73,406		71,063
Income before income tax provision	32,415		36,524		39,744		33,608
Income tax provision	6,462		9,771		9,254		5,289
Net income	$	25,953	$	26,753	$	30,490	$	28,319
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.21	$	0.22	$	0.25	$	0.23
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.21	$	0.22	$	0.25	$	0.23

	2019 Quarter Ended,
	March 31		June 30		September 30		December 31
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Interest income	$	173,130	$	173,466	$	172,417	$	165,773
Interest expense	53,522		56,245		56,159		52,265
Net interest income before provision for loan losses	119,608		117,221		116,258		113,508
Provision for loan losses	3,000		1,200		2,100		1,000
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	116,608		116,021		114,158		112,508
Noninterest income	11,422		12,287		12,995		12,979
Noninterest expense	70,833		71,371		69,995		70,429
Income before income tax provision	57,197		56,937		57,158		55,058
Income tax provision	14,439		14,256		14,566		12,049
Net income	$	42,758	$	42,681	$	42,592	$	43,009
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.34	$	0.34	$	0.34	$	0.34
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.34	$	0.34	$	0.34	$	0.34

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