Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair Value Measurements

Our available-for-sale securities, derivative instruments and certain non-marketable and other securities are financial instruments recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. We make estimates regarding valuation of assets and liabilities measured at fair value in preparing our consolidated financial statements. We disclose our method and approach for fair value measurements of assets and liabilities in Note 2—“Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” under Part II, Item 8 of this report.

The following fair value hierarchy table presents information about our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2017:



(Dollars in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Balance at December 31, 2017
Assets
Available-for-sale securities:
U.S. Treasury securities	$	6,840,502	$	—	$	—	$	6,840,502
U.S. agency debentures	—		1,567,128		—		1,567,128
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - fixed rate	—		2,267,035		—		2,267,035
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - variable rate	—		373,730		—		373,730
Equity securities	158		72,111		—		72,269
Total available-for-sale securities	6,840,660		4,280,004		—		11,120,664
Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
Non-marketable securities:
Venture capital and private equity fund investments measured at net asset value	—		—		—		127,192
Other venture capital investments (1)	—		—		919		919
Other securities (1)	310		—		—		310
Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting)	310		—		919		128,421
Other assets:
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts	—		96,636		—		96,636
Equity warrant assets	—		2,432		121,331		123,763
Client interest rate derivatives	—		11,753		—		11,753
Total assets	$	6,840,970	$	4,390,825	$	122,250	$	11,481,237
Liabilities
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts	$	—	$	96,641	$	—	$	96,641
Client interest rate derivatives	—		11,940		—		11,940
Total liabilities	$	—	$	108,581	$	—	$	108,581


(1)	Included in Level 1 and Level 3 assets are $0.2 million and $0.8 million, respectively, attributable to noncontrolling interests calculated based on the ownership percentages of the noncontrolling interests.

The following fair value hierarchy table presents information about our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2016:



(Dollars in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Balance at December 31, 2016
Assets
Available-for-sale securities:
U.S. Treasury securities	$	8,909,491	$	—	$	—	$	8,909,491
U.S. agency debentures	—		2,078,375		—		2,078,375
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - fixed rate	—		1,152,665		—		1,152,665
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - variable rate	—		474,283		—		474,283
Equity securities	175		5,422		—		5,597
Total available-for-sale securities	8,909,666		3,710,745		—		12,620,411
Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
Non-marketable securities:
Venture capital and private equity fund investments measured at net asset value	—		—		—		141,649
Other venture capital investments (1)	—		—		2,040		2,040
Other securities (1)	753		—		—		753
Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting)	753		—		2,040		144,442
Other assets:
Interest rate swaps	—		810		—		810
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts	—		68,027		—		68,027
Equity warrant assets	—		2,310		128,813		131,123
Client interest rate derivatives	—		10,110		—		10,110
Total assets	$	8,910,419	$	3,792,002	$	130,853	$	12,974,923
Liabilities
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts	$	—	$	54,668	$	—	$	54,668
Client interest rate derivatives	—		9,770		—		9,770
Total liabilities	$	—	$	64,438	$	—	$	64,438


(1)	Included in Level 1 and Level 3 assets are $0.6 million and $1.8 million, respectively, attributable to noncontrolling interests calculated based on the ownership percentages of the noncontrolling interests.

The following table presents the amount of unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings (which is inclusive of noncontrolling interest) attributable to Level 3 assets still held at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively:



	Year ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2017			2016
Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
Other venture capital investments (1)	$	(444	)	$	1,739
Other assets:
Equity warrant assets (2)	11,174			14,502
Total unrealized gains, net	$	10,730		$	16,241
Unrealized (losses) gains attributable to noncontrolling interests	$	(397	)	$	1,553


(1)	Unrealized gains are recorded on the line item “gains on investment securities, net”, a component of noninterest income.


(2)	Unrealized gains are recorded on the line item “gains on equity warrant assets, net”, a component of noninterest income.

The extent to which any unrealized gains or losses will become realized is subject to a variety of factors, including, among other things, the expiration of current sales restrictions to which these securities are subject, the actual sales of securities and the timing of such actual sales.

The following table presents quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used for certain of our Level 3 fair value measurements at December 31, 2017 and 2016. We have not included in this table our venture capital and private equity fund investments (fair value accounting) as we use net asset value per share (as obtained from the general partners of the investments) as a practical expedient to determine fair value.



(Dollars in thousands)	Fair Value		Valuation Technique	Significant Unobservable Inputs	Weighted Average
December 31, 2017:
Other venture capital investments (fair value accounting)	$	919	Private company equity pricing	(1)	(1)
Equity warrant assets (public portfolio)	1,936		Black-Scholes option pricing model	Volatility	47.9	%
				Risk-Free interest rate	2.1
				Sales restrictions discount (2)	15.5
Equity warrant assets (private portfolio)	119,395		Black-Scholes option pricing model	Volatility	36.7
				Risk-Free interest rate	1.8
				Marketability discount (3)	16.4
				Remaining life assumption (4)	45.0
December 31, 2016:
Other venture capital investments (fair value accounting)	$	2,040	Private company equity pricing	(1)	(1)
Equity warrant assets (public portfolio)	764		Black-Scholes option pricing model	Volatility	46.6	%
				Risk-Free interest rate	2.1
				Sales restrictions discount (2)	17.7
Equity warrant assets (private portfolio)	128,049		Black-Scholes option pricing model	Volatility	36.9
				Risk-Free interest rate	1.3
				Marketability discount (3)	17.1
				Remaining life assumption (4)	45.0

(1)

In determining the fair value of our other venture capital investment portfolio, we evaluate a variety of factors related to each underlying private portfolio company including, but not limited to, actual and forecasted results, cash position, recent or planned transactions and market comparable companies. Additionally, we have ongoing communication with the portfolio companies and venture capital fund managers, to determine whether there is a material change in fair value. We use company provided valuation reports, if available, to support our valuation assumptions. These factors are specific to each portfolio company and a weighted average or range of values of the unobservable inputs is not meaningful.


(2)	We adjust quoted market prices of public companies which are subject to certain sales restrictions. Sales restriction discounts generally range from 10 percent to 20 percent depending on the duration of the sales restrictions which typically range from three to six months.

(3)

Our marketability discount is applied to all private company warrants to account for a general lack of liquidity due to the private nature of the associated underlying company. The quantitative measure used is based on long-run averages and is influenced over time by various factors, including market conditions. On a quarterly basis, a sensitivity analysis is performed on our marketability discount.

(4)

We adjust the contractual remaining term of private company warrants based on our best estimate of the actual remaining life, which we determine by utilizing historical data on cancellations and exercises. At December 31, 2017, the weighted average contractual remaining term was 6.0 years, compared to our estimated remaining life of 2.7 years. On a quarterly basis, a sensitivity analysis is performed on our remaining life assumption.

During 2017, 2016 and 2015 there were no transfers between Level 2 and Level 1. During 2017, 2016 and 2015, there were no transfers in our other venture capital investments from Level 3 to Level 2.

All other transfers from Level 3 to Level 2 during 2017, 2016 and 2015 were due to the transfer of equity warrant assets from our private portfolio to our public portfolio (see our Level 3 reconciliation above). All amounts reported as transfers represent the fair value as of the date of the change in circumstances that caused the transfer.

Financial Instruments not Carried at Fair Value

FASB guidance over financial instruments requires that we disclose estimated fair values for our financial instruments not carried at fair value. Fair value estimates, methods and assumptions, set forth below for our financial instruments, are made solely to comply with these requirements.

Fair values are based on estimates or calculations at the transaction level using present value techniques in instances where quoted market prices are not available. As broadly traded markets do not exist for many of our financial instruments, the fair value calculations attempt to incorporate the effect of current market conditions at a specific time. The aggregation of the fair value calculations presented herein does not represent, and should not be construed to represent, the underlying value of the Company.

The following describes the methods and assumptions used in estimating the fair values of financial instruments for which carrying value approximates fair value and assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and excludes financial instruments and assets and liabilities already recorded at fair value as described above.

Financial Instruments for which Carrying Value Approximates Fair Value

Certain financial instruments that are not carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are carried at amounts that approximate fair value, due to their short-term nature and generally negligible credit risk. These instruments include cash and cash equivalents; FHLB and FRB stock; accrued interest receivable; short-term borrowings; short-term time deposits; and accrued interest payable. In addition, U.S. GAAP requires that the fair value of deposit liabilities with no stated maturity (i.e., demand, savings and certain money market deposits) be equal to their carrying value; recognition of the inherent funding value of these instruments is not permitted.

Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments Not Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Held-to-Maturity Securities

Held-to-maturity securities include similar investments held in our AFS securities portfolio and are valued using the same methodologies. All securities included in our HTM securities portfolio are valued using Level 2 inputs. Refer to Level 2 fair value measurements in Note 2—“Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” under Part II, Item 8 of this report for significant inputs used in the valuation of our HTM securities.

Non-Marketable (Cost and Equity Method Accounting)

Non-marketable securities includes other investments (equity method accounting), venture capital and private equity fund investments (cost method accounting) and other venture capital investments (cost method accounting). Other investments (equity method accounting) includes our investment in SPD-SVB, our joint venture bank in China. At this time, the carrying value of our investment in SPD-SVB is a reasonable estimate of fair value. The fair value of the remaining other investments (equity method accounting) and the fair value of venture capital and private equity fund investments (cost method accounting) and other venture capital investments (cost method accounting) is based on financial information obtained from the fund investments’ or debt fund investments’ respective general partners. For private company investments, estimated fair value is based on consideration of a range of factors including, but not limited to, the price at which the investment was acquired, the term and nature of the investment, local market conditions, values for comparable securities, current and projected operating performance, exit strategies, and financing transactions subsequent to the acquisition of the investment. For our fund investments, we utilize the net asset value per share as obtained from the general partners of the investments. We adjust the net asset value per share for differences between our measurement date and the date of the fund investment’s net asset value by using the most recently available financial information from the investee general partner, for example September 30^th, for our December 31^st consolidated financial statements, adjusted for any contributions paid, distributions received from the investment, and significant fund transactions or market events during the reporting period.

Loans

The fair value of fixed and variable rate loans is estimated by discounting contractual cash flows using rates that reflect current pricing for similar loans and the projected forward yield curve. This method is not based on the exit price concept of fair value required under ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.

Long-Term Deposits

The fair value of long-term time deposits is estimated by discounting the cash flows using our cost of borrowings and the projected forward yield curve over their remaining contractual term.

Long-Term Debt

The fair value of long-term debt is generally based on quoted market prices, when available, or is estimated based on calculations utilizing third party pricing services and current market spread, price indications from reputable dealers or observable market prices of the underlying instrument(s), whichever is deemed more reliable.

Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments

The fair value of net available commitments to extend credit is estimated based on the average amount we would receive or pay to execute a new agreement with identical terms and pricing, while taking into account the counterparties’ credit standings.

Letters of credit are carried at their fair value, which is equivalent to the residual premium or fee at December 31, 2017 and 2016. Commitments to extend credit and letters of credit typically result in loans with a market interest rate if funded.

The following fair value hierarchy table presents the estimated fair values of our financial instruments that are not carried at fair value at December 31, 2017 and 2016:



			Estimated Fair Value
(Dollars in thousands)	Carrying Amount		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
December 31, 2017:
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,923,075	$	2,923,075	$	2,923,075	$	—	$	—
Held-to-maturity securities	12,663,455		12,548,280		—		12,548,280		—
Non-marketable securities (cost and equity method accounting) not measured at net asset value	120,019		126,345		—		—		126,345
Non-marketable securities (cost and equity method accounting) measured at net asset value (1)	228,399		331,496		—		—		—
Net commercial loans	20,238,247		20,520,623		—		—		20,520,623
Net consumer loans	2,613,045		2,593,538		—		—		2,593,538
FHLB and FRB stock	60,020		60,020		—		—		60,020
Accrued interest receivable	141,773		141,773		—		141,773		—
Financial liabilities:
Short-term FHLB advances	700,000		700,000		700,000		—		—
Federal funds purchased	330,000		330,000		330,000		—		—
Other short-term borrowings	3,730		3,730		3,730		—		—
Non-maturity deposits (2)	44,206,929		44,206,929		44,206,929		—		—
Time deposits	47,146		46,885		—		46,885		—
3.50% Senior Notes	347,303		352,058		—		352,058		—
5.375% Senior Notes	348,189		374,483		—		374,483		—
Accrued interest payable	11,192		11,192		—		11,192		—
Off-balance sheet financial assets:
Commitments to extend credit	—		22,208		—		—		22,208
December 31, 2016:
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,545,750	$	2,545,750	$	2,545,750	$	—	$	—
Held-to-maturity securities	8,426,998		8,376,138		—		8,376,138		—
Non-marketable securities (cost and equity method accounting) not measured at net asset value	120,037		127,343		—		—		127,343
Non-marketable securities (cost and equity method accounting) measured at net asset value (1)	245,626		353,870		—		—		—
Net commercial loans	17,518,430		17,811,356		—		—		17,811,356
Net consumer loans	2,156,148		2,199,501		—		—		2,199,501
FHLB and FRB stock	57,592		57,592		—		—		57,592
Accrued interest receivable	111,222		111,222		—		111,222		—
Financial liabilities:
Short-term FHLB advances	500,000		500,000		500,000		—		—
Other short-term borrowings	12,668		12,668		12,668		—		—
Non-maturity deposits (2)	38,923,750		38,923,750		38,923,750		—		—
Time deposits	56,118		55,949		—		55,949		—
3.50% Senior Notes	346,979		337,600		—		337,600		—
5.375% Senior Notes	347,586		378,777		—		378,777		—
6.05% Subordinated Notes (3)	46,646		47,489		—		47,489		—
7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures	54,493		53,140		—		53,140		—
Accrued interest payable	12,013		12,013		—		12,013		—
Off-balance sheet financial assets:
Commitments to extend credit	—		22,074		—		—		22,074


(1)	In accordance with the accounting standard (ASU 2015-07, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820)), certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.


(2)	Includes noninterest-bearing demand deposits, interest-bearing checking accounts, money market accounts and interest-bearing sweep deposits.


(3)	At December 31, 2016, included in the carrying value and estimated fair value of our 6.05% Subordinated Notes was $0.8 million related to hedge accounting associated with the notes.

Investments in Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share

FASB guidance over certain fund investments requires that we disclose the fair value of funds, significant investment strategies of the investees, redemption features of the investees, restrictions on the ability to sell investments, estimate of the period of time over which the underlying assets are expected to be liquidated by the investee, and unfunded commitments related to the investments.

Our investments in debt funds and venture capital and private equity fund investments generally cannot be redeemed. Alternatively, we expect distributions, if any, to be received primarily through IPOs and M&A activity of the underlying assets of the fund. Subject to applicable requirements under the Volcker Rule, we do not have any plans to sell any of these fund investments. If we decide to sell these investments in the future, the investee fund’s management must approve of the buyer before the sale of the investments can be completed. The fair values of the fund investments have been estimated using the net asset value per share of the investments, adjusted for any differences between our measurement date and the date of the fund investment’s net asset value by using the most recently available financial information from the investee general partner, for example September 30^th, for our December 31^st consolidated financial statements, adjusted for any contributions paid, distributions received from the investment, and significant fund transactions or market events during the reporting period.

The following table is a summary of the estimated fair values of these investments and remaining unfunded commitments for each major category of these investments as of December 31, 2017:



(Dollars in thousands)	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Unfunded Commitments
Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting):
Venture capital and private equity fund investments (1)	$	127,192	$	127,192	$	5,842
Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting):
Venture capital and private equity fund investments (2)	89,809		89,809		4,943
Debt funds (2)	21,183		21,183		—
Other investments (2)	18,859		18,859		886
Non-marketable securities (cost method accounting):
Venture capital and private equity fund investments (2)	98,548		201,645		8,015
Total	$	355,591	$	458,688	$	19,686

(1)

Venture capital and private equity fund investments within non-marketable securities (fair value accounting) include investments made by our managed funds of funds and one of our direct venture funds. These investments represent investments in venture capital and private equity funds that invest primarily in U.S. and global technology and life science/healthcare companies. Included in the fair value and unfunded commitments of fund investments under fair value accounting are $94.2 million and $4.4 million, respectively, attributable to noncontrolling interests. It is estimated that we will receive distributions from the fund investments over the next 10 to 13 years, depending on the age of the funds and any potential extensions of terms of the funds.

(2)

Venture capital and private equity fund investments, debt funds, and other fund investments within non-marketable securities (equity and cost method accounting) include funds that invest in or lend money to primarily U.S. and global technology and life science/healthcare companies. It is estimated that we will receive distributions from the funds over the next 10 to 13 years, depending on the age of the funds and any potential extensions of the terms of the funds.