Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation and Consolidation

Certain disclosures included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not required to be included on an interim basis in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. We have condensed or omitted these disclosures. Therefore, this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Consolidation

The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and consolidate the financial statements of the Company and our controlled subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions, balances, revenues and expenses are eliminated upon consolidation. In the opinion of management, the condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, which are necessary for a fair statement of our financial condition and results of operations for the periods presented.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Examples of estimates include, but are not limited to, estimates of the fair values of financial instruments, interest income on mortgage-backed and credit risk transfer securities, allowance for loan losses and other-than-temporary impairment charges. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted and Pending Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted and Pending Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance to improve certain aspects of classification and measurement of financial instruments, including significant revisions in accounting related to the classification and measurement of investments in equity securities and presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities when the fair value option is elected. The guidance also amends certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. We are required to adopt the new guidance in the first quarter of 2018. Early adoption is permitted. We have determined that this new accounting standard will not have an impact on our financial condition or results of operations but will simplify financial statement disclosures.

In June 2016, the FASB issued an amendment to the guidance on reporting credit losses for assets measured at amortized cost and available-for-sale securities. We are required to adopt the new guidance in the first quarter of 2020. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the potential impacts of the new guidance on our consolidated financial statements, as well as available transition methods.

In August 2016, the FASB issued new guidance that is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. Additionally, in November 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. We are required to adopt the new accounting standards in the first quarter of 2018 using a retrospective transition method for each period presented. Early adoption is permitted. We expect that this new guidance will impact the presentation of certain cash payments and receipts among the operating, investing and financing sections of our consolidated statements of cash flows primarily related to distributions from investments in unconsolidated ventures and basis recovered on certain investment securities.

In August 2017, the FASB issued guidance to improve accounting for hedging activities. The purpose of this updated guidance is to better align a company’s financial reporting for hedging activities with the economic objectives of those activities. We are required to adopt the new guidance in the first quarter of 2019. We have determined that this new guidance is not expected to have an impact on our consolidated financial statements because we have elected not to apply hedge accounting to all new derivative contracts entered into after January 1, 2014.