NOTE 1 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

General

SunTrust, one of the nation's largest commercial banking organizations, is a financial services holding company with its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. Through its principal subsidiary, SunTrust Bank, the Company offers a full line of financial services for consumers, businesses, corporations, and institutions, both through its branches (located primarily within Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and the District of Columbia) and through other national delivery channels. In addition to deposit, credit, mortgage banking, and trust and investment services provided by the Bank, other subsidiaries of the Company provide asset and wealth management, securities brokerage, and capital market services. SunTrust provides clients with a selection of technology-based banking channels, including the internet, mobile, ATMs, and telebanking. SunTrust operated under the following business segments during 2016: Consumer Banking and Private Wealth Management, Wholesale Banking, and Mortgage Banking, with functional activities included in Corporate Other. For additional information on the Company’s business segments, see Note 20, “Business Segment Reporting.”

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries after elimination of significant intercompany accounts and transactions. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, which are necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations in these financial statements, have been made.

The Company holds VIs, which are contractual, ownership or other interests that change with changes in the fair value of a VIE's net assets. The Company consolidates a VIE if it is the primary beneficiary, which is the party that has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the financial performance of the VIE and the obligation to absorb losses or rights to receive benefits through its VIs that could potentially be significant to the VIE. To determine whether or not a VI held by the Company could potentially be significant to the VIE, both qualitative and quantitative factors regarding the nature, size, and form of the Company's involvement with the VIE are considered. The assessment of whether or not the Company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE is performed on an ongoing basis. The Company consolidates VOEs that are controlled through the Company's equity interests or by other means.

Investments in entities for which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over operating and financing decisions are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. These investments are included in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at cost, adjusted to reflect the Company's portion of income, loss, or dividends of the investee. Non marketable equity investments that do not meet the criteria to be accounted for under the equity method and that do not result in consolidation of the investee are accounted for under the cost method of accounting. Cost method investments are included in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and dividends received or receivable from these investments are included as a component of other noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Results of operations of acquired entities are included from the date of acquisition. Results of operations associated with entities or net assets sold are included through the date of disposition. The Company reports any noncontrolling interests in its subsidiaries in the equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets and separately presents the income or loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest of a consolidated subsidiary in its Consolidated Statements of Income.

Assets and liabilities of acquired entities are accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting, whereby the purchase price of an acquired entity is allocated to the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The excess of the purchase price over the amount allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes; actual results could vary from these estimates. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation.

The Company evaluated events that occurred between December 31, 2016 and the date the accompanying financial statements were issued, and there were no material events, other than those already discussed in this Form 10-K, that would require recognition in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements or disclosure in the accompanying Notes.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits at other banks, Fed funds sold, and securities borrowed and purchased under agreements to resell. Cash and cash equivalents have maturities of three months or less, and accordingly, the carrying amount of these instruments is deemed to be a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Trading Activities and Securities AFS

Debt securities and marketable equity securities are classified at trade date as trading or securities AFS. Trading assets and liabilities are measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized within noninterest income. Securities AFS are used as part of the overall asset and liability management process to optimize income and market performance over an entire interest rate cycle. Interest income and dividends on securities AFS are recognized in interest income on an accrual basis. Premiums and discounts on debt securities AFS are amortized or accreted as an adjustment to yield over the life of the security. The Company estimates principal prepayments on securities AFS for which prepayments are probable and the timing and amount of prepayments can be reasonably estimated. The estimates are informed by analyses of both historical prepayments and anticipated macroeconomic conditions, such as spot interest rates compared to implied forward interest rates. The estimate of prepayments for these debt securities impacts their lives and thereby the amortization or accretion of associated premiums and discounts. Securities AFS are measured at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of any tax effect, included in AOCI as a component of shareholders’ equity. Realized gains and losses, including OTTI, are determined using the specific identification method and are recognized as a component of noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Securities AFS are reviewed for OTTI on a quarterly basis. In determining whether OTTI exists for securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company assesses whether it has the intent to sell the security or, for debt securities, the Company assesses the likelihood of selling the security prior to the recovery of its amortized cost basis. If the Company intends to sell the debt security or it is more-likely-than-not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security prior to the recovery of its amortized cost basis, the debt security is written down to fair value, and the full amount of any impairment charge is recognized as a component of noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income. If the Company does not intend to sell the debt security and it is more-likely-than-not that the Company will not be required to sell the debt security prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis, only the credit component of any impairment of a debt security is recognized as a component of noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income, with the remaining impairment balance recorded in OCI.

The OTTI review for marketable equity securities includes an analysis of the facts and circumstances of each individual investment and focuses on the severity of loss, the length of time the fair value has been below cost, the expectation for that security's performance, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and management's intent and ability to hold the security to recovery. A decline in value of an equity security that is considered to be other-than-temporary is recognized as a component of noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Nonmarketable equity securities are accounted for under the cost or equity method and are included in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company reviews nonmarketable securities accounted for under the cost method on a quarterly basis, and reduces the asset value when declines in value are considered to be other-than-temporary. Equity method investments are recorded at cost, adjusted to reflect the Company’s portion of income, loss, or dividends of the investee. Realized income, realized losses, and estimated other-than-temporary losses on cost and equity method investments are recognized in noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

For additional information on the Company’s securities activities, see Note 4, “Trading Assets and Liabilities and Derivatives,” and Note 5, “Securities Available for Sale.”

Loans Held for Sale

The Company’s LHFS generally includes certain residential mortgage loans, commercial loans, consumer indirect loans, and student loans. Loans are initially classified as LHFS when they are individually identified as being available for immediate sale and a formal plan exists to sell them. LHFS are recorded at either fair value, if elected, or the lower of cost or fair value. Any origination fees and costs for LHFS recorded at LOCOM are capitalized in the basis of the loan and are included in the calculation of realized gains and losses upon sale. Origination fees and costs are recognized in earnings at the time of origination for LHFS that are elected to be measured at fair value. Fair value is derived from observable current market prices, when available, and includes loan servicing value. When observable market prices are not available, the Company uses judgment and estimates fair value using internal models, in which the Company uses its best estimates of assumptions it believes would be used by market participants in estimating fair value. Adjustments to reflect unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value and realized gains and losses upon ultimate sale of the loans are classified as noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The Company may transfer certain loans to LHFS measured at LOCOM. At the time of transfer, any credit losses subject to charge-off in accordance with the Company's policy are recorded as a reduction in the ALLL. Any subsequent losses, including those related to interest rate or liquidity related valuation adjustments, are recorded as a component of noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company may also transfer loans from LHFS to LHFI. If an LHFS for which fair value accounting was elected is transferred to held for investment, it will continue to be accounted for at fair value in the LHFI portfolio. For additional information on the Company’s LHFS activities, see Note 6, “Loans.”

Loans

Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are considered LHFI. The Company’s loan balance is comprised of loans held in portfolio, including commercial loans, consumer loans, and residential loans. Interest income on loans, except those classified as nonaccrual, is accrued based upon the outstanding principal amounts using the effective yield method.

Commercial loans (C&I, CRE, and commercial construction) are considered to be past due when payment is not received from the borrower by the contractually specified due date. The Company typically classifies commercial loans as nonaccrual when one of the following events occurs: (i) interest or principal has been past due 90 days or more, unless the loan is both well secured and in the process of collection; (ii) collection of contractual interest or principal is not anticipated; or (iii) income for the loan is recognized on a cash basis due to the deterioration in the financial condition of the debtor. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual, accrued interest is reversed against interest income. Interest income on commercial nonaccrual loans, if recognized, is recognized after the principal has been reduced to zero. If and when commercial borrowers demonstrate the ability to repay a loan classified as nonaccrual in accordance with its contractual terms, the loan may be returned to accrual status upon meeting all regulatory, accounting, and internal policy requirements.

Consumer loans (guaranteed and private student loans, other direct, indirect, and credit card) are considered to be past due when payment is not received from the borrower by the contractually specified due date. Guaranteed student loans continue to accrue interest regardless of delinquency status because collection of principal and interest is reasonably assured. Other direct and indirect loans are typically placed on nonaccrual when payments have been past due for 90 days or more except when the borrower has declared bankruptcy, in which case, they are moved to nonaccrual status once they become 60 days past due. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual, accrued interest is reversed against interest income. Interest income on nonaccrual loans, if recognized, is recognized on a cash basis. Nonaccrual consumer loans are typically returned to accrual status once they are no longer past due.

Residential loans (guaranteed and nonguaranteed residential mortgages, residential home equity products, and residential construction) are considered to be past due when a monthly payment is due and unpaid for one month. Guaranteed residential mortgages continue to accrue interest regardless of delinquency status because collection of principal and interest is reasonably assured by the government. Nonguaranteed residential mortgages and residential construction loans are generally placed on nonaccrual when three payments are past due. Residential home equity products are generally placed on nonaccrual when payments are 90 days past due. The exceptions for nonguaranteed residential mortgages, residential construction loans, and residential home equity products are: (i) when the borrower has declared bankruptcy, in which case, they are moved to nonaccrual status once they become 60 days past due, (ii) loans discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy that have not been reaffirmed by the borrower, in which case, they are reclassified as TDRs and moved to nonaccrual status, and (iii) second lien loans, which are classified as nonaccrual when the first lien loan is classified as nonaccrual, even if the second lien loan is performing. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual, accrued interest is reversed against interest income. Interest income on nonaccrual residential loans is recognized on a cash basis. Nonaccrual residential loans are typically returned to accrual status once they no longer meet the delinquency threshold that resulted in them initially being moved to nonaccrual status, with the exception of the aforementioned Chapter 7 bankruptcy loans, which remain on nonaccrual until there is six months of payment performance following discharge by the bankruptcy court.

TDRs are loans in which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty at the time of restructure and the borrower received an economic concession either from the Company or as the product of a bankruptcy court order. To date, the Company’s TDRs have been predominantly first and second lien residential mortgages and home equity lines of credit. Prior to granting a modification of a borrower’s loan terms, the Company performs an evaluation of the borrower’s financial condition and ability to service under the potential modified loan terms. The types of concessions generally granted are extensions of the loan maturity date and/or reductions in the original contractual interest rate. Typically, if a loan is accruing interest at the time of modification, the loan remains on accrual status and is subject to the Company’s charge-off and nonaccrual policies. See the “Allowance for Credit Losses” section below for further information regarding these policies. If a loan is on nonaccrual before it is determined to be a TDR then the loan remains on nonaccrual. Typically, TDRs may be returned to accrual status if there has been at least a six month sustained period of repayment performance by the borrower. Generally, once a loan becomes a TDR, the Company expects that the loan will continue to be reported as a TDR for its remaining life, even after returning to accruing status, unless the modified rates and terms at the time of modification were available to the borrower in the market or the loan is subsequently restructured with no concession to the borrower and the borrower is no longer in financial difficulty. Interest income recognition on impaired loans is dependent upon accrual status, TDR designation, and loan type as discussed above.

For loans accounted for at amortized cost, fees and incremental direct costs associated with the loan origination and pricing process, as well as premiums and discounts, are deferred and amortized as level yield adjustments over the respective loan terms. Fees received for providing loan commitments that result in funded loans are recognized over the term of the loan as an adjustment of the yield. If a loan is never funded, the commitment fee is recognized in noninterest income at the expiration of the commitment period. Any origination fees and costs are recognized in noninterest income and expense at the time of origination for newly-originated loans that are accounted for at fair value. For additional information on the Company's loans activities, see Note 6, “Loans.”

Allowance for Credit Losses

The allowance for credit losses is composed of the ALLL and the reserve for unfunded commitments. The Company’s ALLL reflects probable current inherent losses in the LHFI portfolio based on management’s evaluation of the size and current risk characteristics of the loan portfolio. The Company employs a variety of modeling and estimation techniques to measure credit risk and construct an appropriate and adequate ALLL. Quantitative and qualitative asset quality measures are considered in estimating the ALLL. Such evaluation considers a number of factors for each of the loan portfolio segments, including, but not limited to, net charge-off trends, internal risk ratings, changes in internal risk ratings, loss forecasts, collateral values, geographic location, delinquency rates, nonperforming and restructured loan status, origination channel, product mix, underwriting practices, industry conditions, and economic trends. Additionally, refreshed FICO scores are considered for consumer and residential loans and single name borrower concentration is considered for commercial loans. These credit quality factors are incorporated into various loss estimation models and analytical tools utilized in the ALLL process and/or are qualitatively considered in evaluating the overall reasonableness of the ALLL.

Large commercial (all loan classes) nonaccrual loans and certain consumer (other direct, indirect, and credit card), residential (nonguaranteed residential mortgages, residential home equity products, and residential construction), and certain commercial (all classes) loans whose terms have been modified in a TDR are reviewed to determine the amount of specific allowance required in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due, including principal and interest, according to the contractual terms of the agreement. If necessary, an allowance is established for these specifically evaluated impaired loans. The specific allowance established for these loans is based on a thorough analysis of the most probable source of repayment, including the present value of the loan’s expected future cash flows, the loan’s estimated market value, or the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral. Any change in the present value attributable to the passage of time is recognized through the provision for credit losses.

General allowances are established for loans and leases grouped into pools based on similar characteristics. In this process, general allowance factors are based on an analysis of historical charge-off experience, expected loss factors derived from the Company's internal risk rating process, portfolio trends, and regional and national economic conditions. Other adjustments may be made to the ALLL after an assessment of internal and external influences on credit quality that may not be fully reflected in the historical loss or risk rating data. These influences may include elements such as changes in credit underwriting, concentration risk, macroeconomic conditions, and/or recent observable asset quality trends.

The Company’s charge-off policy meets regulatory minimums. Commercial loans are charged off when they are considered uncollectible. Losses on unsecured consumer loans are generally recognized at 120 days past due, except for losses on credit cards, which are recognized when the loans are 180 days past due, and losses on guaranteed student loans, which are recognized when the loans are 270 days past due and payment from the guarantor is processed by the servicer. However, if the borrower is in bankruptcy, the loan is charged-off in the month the loan becomes 60 days past due. Losses, as appropriate, on secured consumer loans, including residential real estate, are typically recognized at 120 or 180 days past due, depending on the loan and collateral type, in compliance with the FFIEC guidelines. However, if the borrower is in bankruptcy, the secured asset is evaluated once the loan becomes 60 days past due. The loan value in excess of the secured asset value is written down or charged-off after the valuation occurs. Additionally, if a residential loan is discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy and not reaffirmed by the borrower, the Company's policy is to immediately charge-off the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the collateral.

The Company uses numerous sources of information when evaluating a property’s value. Estimated collateral valuations are based on appraisals, broker price opinions, recent sales of foreclosed properties, automated valuation models, other property-specific information, and relevant market information, supplemented by the Company’s internal property valuation analysis. The value estimate is based on an orderly disposition of the property, inclusive of marketing costs. In limited instances, the Company adjusts externally provided appraisals for justifiable and well-supported reasons, such as an appraiser not being aware of certain property-specific factors or recent sales information. Appraisals generally represent the “as is” value of the property but may be adjusted based on the intended disposition strategy of the property.

For commercial and CRE loans secured by property, an acceptable third party appraisal or other form of evaluation, as permitted by regulation, is obtained prior to the origination of the loan and upon a subsequent transaction involving a material change in terms. In addition, updated valuations may be obtained during the life of a loan, as appropriate, such as when a loan's performance materially deteriorates. In situations where an updated appraisal has not been received or a formal evaluation performed, the Company monitors factors that can positively or negatively impact property value, such as the date of the last valuation, the volatility of property values in specific markets, changes in the value of similar properties, and changes in the characteristics of individual properties. Changes in collateral value affect the ALLL through the risk rating or impaired loan evaluation process. Charge-offs are recognized when the amount of the loss is quantifiable and timing is known. The charge-off is measured based on the difference between the loan’s carrying value, including deferred fees, and the estimated realizable value of the property, net of estimated selling costs. When valuing a property for the purpose of determining a charge-off, a third party appraisal or an independently derived internal evaluation is generally employed.

For nonguaranteed mortgage loans secured by residential property where the Company is proceeding with a foreclosure action, a new valuation is obtained prior to the loan becoming 180 days past due and, if required, the loan is written down to its realizable value, net of estimated selling costs. In the event the Company decides not to proceed with a foreclosure action, the full balance of the loan is charged-off. If a loan remains in the foreclosure process for 12 months past the original charge-off, the Company obtains a new valuation annually. Any additional loss based on the new valuation is charged-off. At foreclosure, a new valuation is obtained and the loan is transferred to OREO at the new valuation less estimated selling costs; any loan balance in excess of the transfer value is charged-off. Estimated declines in value of the residential collateral between these formal evaluation events are captured in the ALLL based on changes in the house price index in the applicable metropolitan statistical area or other market information.

In addition to the ALLL, the Company also estimates probable losses related to unfunded lending commitments, such as letters of credit and binding unfunded loan commitments. Unfunded lending commitments are analyzed and segregated by risk based on the Company’s internal risk rating scale. These risk classifications, in combination with probability of commitment usage, existing economic conditions, and any other pertinent information, result in the estimation of the reserve for unfunded lending commitments. The reserve for unfunded lending commitments is reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in other liabilities and the provision associated with changes in the unfunded lending commitment reserve is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income in provision for credit losses. For additional information on the Company's allowance for credit loss activities, see Note 7, “Allowance for Credit Losses.”

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is calculated predominantly using the straight-line method over the assets’ estimated useful lives. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the improvements' estimated useful lives or the lease term. Construction and software in process includes costs related to in-process branch expansion, branch renovation, and software development projects. Upon completion, branch and office related projects are maintained in premises and equipment while completed software projects are reclassified to other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense, and improvements that extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining useful life. Premises and equipment are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. For additional information on the Company’s premises and equipment activities, see Note 8, “Premises and Equipment.”

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets of acquired companies. Goodwill is assigned to reporting units, which are operating segments or one level below an operating segment, as of the acquisition date; more specifically, it is assigned to units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the business combination.

Goodwill is tested at the reporting unit level for impairment, at least annually as of October 1, or as events and circumstances change that would more-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount.

If, after considering all relevant events and circumstances, the Company determines it is not more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing an impairment test is not necessary. If the Company elects to bypass the qualitative analysis, or concludes via qualitative analysis that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, a two-step goodwill impairment test is performed. In the first step, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared with its carrying value. If the fair value is greater than the carrying value, then the reporting unit's goodwill is deemed not to be impaired. If the fair value is less than the carrying value, then the second step is performed, which measures the amount of impairment by comparing the carrying amount of goodwill to its implied fair value. If the implied fair value of the goodwill exceeds the carrying amount, there is no impairment. If the carrying amount exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment charge is recorded for the excess.

The Company has identified intangible assets with finite and indefinite lives. Intangible assets that have finite lives are amortized over their useful lives and carried at amortized cost. Intangible assets that have indefinite lives are initially measured at fair value and are not amortized until the useful life is no longer considered indefinite. Indefinite-lived intangibles are tested for impairment at least annually; however, all intangible assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired. For additional information on the Company’s activities related to goodwill and other intangibles, see Note 9, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.”

Servicing Rights

The Company recognizes as assets the rights to service loans, either when the loans are sold and the associated servicing rights are retained or when servicing rights are purchased from a third party. All servicing rights are initially measured at fair value.

Fair value is determined by projecting net servicing cash flows, which are then discounted to estimate fair value. The fair value of servicing rights is impacted by a variety of factors, including prepayment assumptions, discount rates, delinquency rates, contractually specified servicing fees, servicing costs, and underlying portfolio characteristics. The underlying assumptions and estimated values are corroborated by values received from independent third parties and comparisons to market transactions.

The Company has elected to subsequently account for its residential MSRs under the fair value measurement method and actively hedges the change in fair value of its residential MSRs. The Company has elected to subsequently account for all other servicing rights, which include commercial mortgage and consumer loan servicing rights, under the amortization method. Commercial mortgage and consumer loan servicing rights are amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income. Servicing rights accounted for under the amortization method are periodically tested for impairment by comparing the carrying amount of the servicing rights to the estimated fair value.

Servicing rights are included in other intangible assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For residential MSRs, both servicing fees, which are recognized when they are received, and changes in the fair value of MSRs are reported in mortgage servicing related income in the Consolidated Statements of Income. For all other servicing rights, servicing fees, amortization, and any impairment, are recognized in other noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

For additional information on the Company’s servicing rights, see Note 9, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.”

Other Real Estate Owned

Assets acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure are held for sale and are initially recorded at the lower of the loan’s cost basis or the asset’s fair value at the date of foreclosure, less estimated selling costs. To the extent fair value, less cost to sell, is less than the loan’s cost basis, the difference is charged to the ALLL at the date of transfer into OREO. The Company estimates market values based primarily on appraisals and other market information. Any subsequent changes in value as well as gains or losses from the disposition on these assets are reported in noninterest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. For additional information on the Company's activities related to OREO, see Note 18, “Fair Value Election and Measurement.”

Loan Sales and Securitizations

The Company sells and at times may securitize loans and other financial assets. When the Company securitizes assets, it may hold a portion of the securities issued, including senior interests, subordinated and other residual interests, interest-only strips, and principal-only strips, all of which are considered retained interests in the transferred assets. Retained securitized interests are recognized and initially measured at fair value. The interests in securitized assets held by the Company are typically classified as either securities AFS or trading assets and measured at fair value, which is based on independent, third party market prices, market prices for similar assets, or discounted cash flow analyses. If market prices are not available, fair value is calculated using management’s best estimates of key assumptions, including credit losses, loan repayment speeds, and discount rates commensurate with the risks involved.

The Company transfers first lien residential mortgage loans in conjunction with GSE securitization transactions, whereby the loans are exchanged for cash or securities that are readily redeemable for cash and servicing rights are retained. Net gains on the sale of residential mortgage loans are recorded at inception of the associated IRLCs within mortgage production related income in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The net gains reflect the change in value of the loans resulting from changes in interest rates from the time the Company enters into IRLCs with borrowers and when the loan is closed, adjusted for pull through rates and excluding hedge transactions initiated to mitigate this market risk.

Effective with the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Pillar on December 15, 2016, the Company also sells commercial mortgage loans to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and issues and sells Ginnie Mae commercial MBS backed by FHA insured loans. The loans and securities are exchanged for cash and servicing rights are retained. Gains and losses from the sale of these commercial mortgage loans and securities are recorded within other noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income. For additional information on the Company’s securitization activities, see Note 10, “Certain Transfers of Financial Assets and Variable Interest Entities.”

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes is based on income and expense reported for financial statement purposes after adjustment for permanent differences such as interest income from lending to tax-exempt entities, tax credits from community reinvestment activities, and amortization expense related to qualified affordable housing investment costs. In computing the income tax provision, the Company evaluates the technical merits of its income tax positions based on current legislative, judicial, and regulatory guidance. Additionally, in 2016, the Company began recognizing all excess tax benefits and deficiencies on employee share-based payments as a component of the provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Income. These tax effects, generally determined upon the exercise of stock options or vesting of restricted stock, are treated as discrete items in the period in which they occur. The deferral method of accounting is used on investments that generate investment tax credits, such that the investment tax credits are recognized as a reduction to the related investment.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities result from differences between the timing of the recognition of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and for income tax purposes. These assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to apply in the periods in which the deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be realized. Subsequent changes in the tax laws require adjustment to these assets and liabilities with the cumulative effect included in the provision for income taxes for the period in which the change is enacted. A valuation allowance is recognized for a DTA if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the DTA will not be realized.

Interest and penalties related to the Company’s tax positions are recognized as a component of the provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Income. For additional information on the Company’s activities related to income taxes, see Note 14, “Income Taxes.”

Earnings Per Share

Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period, plus common share equivalents calculated for stock options, warrants, and restricted stock outstanding using the treasury stock method.

The Company has issued certain restricted stock awards, which are unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents. These restricted shares are considered participating securities. Accordingly, the Company calculated net income available to common shareholders pursuant to the two-class method, whereby net income is allocated between common shareholders and participating securities.

Net income available to common shareholders represents net income after preferred stock dividends, gains or losses from any repurchases of preferred stock, and dividends and allocation of undistributed earnings to the participating securities. For additional information on the Company’s EPS, see Note 12, “Net Income Per Common Share.”

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase and Securities Borrowed or Purchased Under Agreements to Resell

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase and securities borrowed or purchased under agreements to resell are accounted for as collateralized financing transactions and are recorded at the amounts at which the securities were sold or acquired, plus accrued interest. The fair value of collateral pledged or received is continually monitored and additional collateral is obtained or requested to be returned to the Company as deemed appropriate. For additional information on the collateral pledged to secure repurchase agreements, see Note 3, "Federal Funds Sold and Securities Financing Activities," Note 4, "Trading Assets and Liabilities and Derivatives," and Note 5, "Securities Available for Sale."

Guarantees

The Company recognizes a liability at the inception of a guarantee at an amount equal to the estimated fair value of the obligation. A guarantee is defined as a contract that contingently requires a company to make a payment to a guaranteed party based upon changes in an underlying asset, liability, or equity security of the guaranteed party, or upon failure of a third party to perform under a specified agreement. The Company considers the following arrangements to be guarantees: certain asset purchase/sale agreements with recourse, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees, certain indemnification agreements included within third party contractual arrangements, and certain derivative contracts. For additional information on the Company’s guarantor obligations, see Note 16, “Guarantees.”

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company records derivative contracts at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative is dependent upon whether or not it has been designated in a formal, qualifying hedging relationship.

Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated in a hedging relationship are recorded in noninterest income. This includes derivatives that the Company enters into in a dealer capacity to facilitate client transactions and as a risk management tool to economically hedge certain identified risks, along with certain IRLCs on residential mortgage and commercial loans that are a normal part of the Company’s operations. The Company also evaluates contracts, such as brokered deposits and debt, to determine whether any embedded derivatives are required to be bifurcated and separately accounted for as freestanding derivatives.

Certain derivatives used as risk management tools are also designated as accounting hedges of the Company’s exposure to changes in interest rates or other identified market risks. The Company prepares written hedge documentation for all derivatives which are designated as hedges of (1) changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability (fair value hedge) attributable to a specified risk or (2) a forecasted transaction, such as the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge). The written hedge documentation includes identification of, among other items, the risk management objective, hedging instrument, hedged item and methodologies for assessing and measuring hedge effectiveness and ineffectiveness, along with support for management’s assertion that the hedge will be highly effective. Methodologies related to hedge effectiveness and ineffectiveness are consistent between similar types of hedge transactions and include (i) statistical regression analysis of changes in the cash flows of the actual derivative and a perfectly effective hypothetical derivative, or (ii) statistical regression analysis of changes in the fair values of the actual derivative and the hedged item.

For designated hedging relationships, the Company performs retrospective and prospective effectiveness testing using quantitative methods and does not assume perfect effectiveness through the matching of critical terms. Assessments of hedge effectiveness and measurements of hedge ineffectiveness are performed at least quarterly. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is highly effective and that has been designated and qualifies as a fair value hedge are recorded in current period earnings, along with the changes in the fair value of the hedged item that are attributable to the hedged risk. The effective portion of the changes in the fair value of a derivative that is highly effective and that has been designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge is initially recorded in AOCI and reclassified to earnings in the same period that the hedged item impacts earnings; any ineffective portion is recorded in current period earnings.

Hedge accounting ceases on transactions that are no longer deemed effective, or for which the derivative has been terminated or de-designated. For discontinued fair value hedges where the hedged item remains outstanding, the hedged item would cease to be remeasured at fair value attributable to changes in the hedged risk and any existing basis adjustment would be recognized as an adjustment to earnings over the remaining life of the hedged item. For discontinued cash flow hedges, the unrealized gains and losses recorded in AOCI would be reclassified to earnings in the period when the previously designated hedged cash flows occur unless it was determined that transaction was probable to not occur, whereby any unrealized gains and losses in AOCI would be immediately reclassified to earnings.

It is the Company's policy to offset derivative transactions with a single counterparty as well as any cash collateral paid to and received from that counterparty for derivative contracts that are subject to ISDA or other legally enforceable netting arrangements and meet accounting guidance for offsetting treatment. For additional information on the Company’s derivative activities, see Note 17, “Derivative Financial Instruments,” and Note 18, “Fair Value Election and Measurement.”

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company sponsors various stock-based compensation plans under which RSUs, restricted stock, and phantom stock units may be granted to certain employees. The Company measures the grant date fair value of the RSUs and restricted stock, which is expensed over the award's vesting period. Additionally, the Company estimates the number of awards for which it is probable that service will be rendered and adjusts compensation cost accordingly. Estimated forfeitures are subsequently adjusted to reflect actual forfeitures.

The phantom stock units are subject to variable accounting and grant certain employees the contractual right to receive an amount in cash equal to the fair market value of a share of common stock on the vesting date. For additional information on the Company’s stock-based compensation plans, see Note 15, “Employee Benefit Plans.”

Employee Benefits

Employee benefits expense includes expenses related to (i) net periodic benefit costs or credits associated with the pension and other postretirement benefit plans, (ii) contributions under the defined contribution plans, (iii) the amortization of restricted stock, (iv) the issuance of phantom stock units, (v) historical stock option issuances, and (vi) other employee medical and benefits costs. For additional information on the Company's employee benefit plans, see Note 15, “Employee Benefit Plans.”

Foreign Currency Transactions

Foreign denominated assets and liabilities resulting from foreign currency transactions are valued using period end foreign exchange rates and the associated interest income or expense is determined using weighted average exchange rates for the period. The Company may enter into foreign currency derivatives to mitigate its exposure to changes in foreign exchange rates. The derivative contracts are accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis with any resulting gains and losses recorded in noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Related Party Transactions

The Company periodically enters into transactions with certain of its executive officers, directors, affiliates, trusts, and/or other related parties in its ordinary course of business. ASC 850 requires disclosure of material related party transactions, other than certain compensation and other arrangements entered into in the normal course of business. The Company has included information related to its relationships with VIEs and employee benefit plan arrangements in its Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.

Fair Value Measurement

Fair value is defined as the 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. Depending on the nature of the asset or liability, the Company uses various valuation techniques and assumptions when estimating fair value. The Company prioritizes inputs used in valuation techniques based on the following fair value hierarchy:


•	Level 1 – Assets or liabilities valued using unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company can access at the measurement date, such as publicly-traded instruments or futures contracts


•	Level 2 – Assets or liabilities valued based on observable market data for similar instruments traded in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets


•	Level 3 – Assets or liabilities for which significant valuation assumptions are not readily observable in the market; instruments valued based on the best available data, some of which may be internally developed, and considers risk premiums that a market participant would require

When measuring assets and liabilities at fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. Assets and liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis include trading securities, securities AFS, and derivative instruments. Assets and liabilities that the Company has elected to measure at fair value on a recurring basis include certain MSRs and LHFS, LHFI, trading loans, brokered time deposits, and issuances of fixed rate debt. Other assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, such as when assets are evaluated for impairment, the basis of accounting is LOCOM, or for disclosure purposes. Examples of these non-recurring fair value measurements include certain LHFS and LHFI, OREO, certain cost or equity method investments, and long-lived assets. For additional information on the Company’s valuation of its assets and liabilities held at fair value, see Note 18, “Fair Value Election and Measurement.”

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

The following table summarizes ASUs recently issued by the FASB that could have a material effect on the Company's financial statements:



Standard	Description	Required Date of Adoption	Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
Standards Adopted (or partially adopted) in 2016
ASU 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis	The ASU rescinds the indefinite deferral of previous amendments to ASC Topic 810, Consolidation, for certain entities and amends components of the consolidation analysis under ASC Topic 810, including evaluating limited partnerships and similar legal entities, evaluating fees paid to a decision maker or service provider as a variable interest, the effects of fee arrangements and/or related parties on the primary beneficiary determination and investment fund specific matters. The ASU may be adopted either retrospectively or on a modified retrospective basis.	January 1, 2016	The Company adopted this ASU on a modified retrospective basis beginning January 1, 2016. The adoption of this standard had no impact to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs	The ASU amends ASC Topic 835, Interest, to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs and to require that debt issuance costs, related to a recognized debt liability, be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the ASU. The new ASU should be applied on a retrospective basis.	January 1, 2016	The Company adopted the ASU beginning January 1, 2016 to present long-term debt net of debt issuance costs in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Debt issuance costs in the comparative prior year period were immaterial for reclassification and were recorded in other assets on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2015.
ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities	The ASU amends ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments-Overall, and addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. The main provisions require investments in equity securities to be measured at fair value through net income, unless they qualify for a practicability exception, and require fair value changes arising from changes in instrument-specific credit risk for financial liabilities that are measured under the fair value option to be recognized in other comprehensive income. With the exception of disclosure requirements that will be adopted prospectively, the ASU must be adopted on a modified retrospective basis.	January 1, 2018 Early adoption is permitted beginning January 1, 2016 or 2017 for the provision related to changes in instrument-specific credit risk for financial liabilities under the FVO.	The Company early adopted the provision related to changes in instrument-specific credit risk beginning January 1, 2016, which resulted in an immaterial, cumulative effect adjustment from retained earnings to AOCI. See Note 21, "Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss)/Income" for additional information. The Company is evaluating the impact of the remaining provisions of this ASU on the Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures; however, the impact is not expected to be material.



Standard	Description	Required Date of Adoption	Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting	The ASU amends ASC Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payments transactions for both public and nonpublic entities, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. Adoption methods are specific to the component of the ASU, ranging from a retrospective and modified retrospective basis to a prospective basis.	January 1, 2017 Early adoption is permitted.	The Company early adopted the ASU on April 1, 2016 with an effective date of January 1, 2016, which resulted in a reclassification of $4 million from APIC to provision for income taxes, representing excess tax benefits previously recognized in APIC during the first quarter of 2016. For the second, third, and fourth quarters of 2016, the Company recognized excess tax benefits totaling $11 million in the provision for income taxes. The early adoption favorably impacted basic and diluted EPS by $0.03 and $0.02 per share, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2016. The effect of the retrospective change in presentation in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows related to excess tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (comparative prior year periods) was a reclassification of $20 million and $6 million, respectively, of excess tax benefits from financing activities to operating activities and a reclassification of $36 million and $16 million, respectively, of taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards from operating activities to financing activities. The net impact on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows was immaterial. The Company had no previously unrecognized excess tax benefits; therefore, there was no impact to the Consolidated Financial Statements as it related to the elimination of the requirement that excess tax benefits be realized before recognition. The Company elected to retain its existing accounting policy election to estimate award forfeitures.
Standards Not Yet Adopted
ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ASU 2015-14, Deferral of the Effective Date ASU 2016-08, Principal versus Agent Considerations ASU 2016-10, Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing ASU 2016-12, Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients ASU 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers	These ASUs supersede the revenue recognition requirements in ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. The core principle of the ASUs is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASUs may be adopted either retrospectively or on a modified retrospective basis to new contracts and existing contracts, with remaining performance obligations as of the effective date.	January 1, 2018 Early adoption is permitted beginning January 1, 2017.	The Company is evaluating the anticipated effects of these ASUs on the Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures. The Company has conducted a comprehensive scoping exercise to determine the revenue streams that are in the scope of these updates. Preliminary results indicate that certain noninterest income financial statement line items, including service charges on deposit accounts, card fees, other charges and fees, investment banking income, trust and investment management income, retail investment services, and other noninterest income, contain revenue streams that are in scope of these updates. Preliminary findings indicate that there may be some changes in the presentation of certain revenues and expenses based on the principal versus agent guidance within these updates; the materiality of these changes is still being assessed. The Company plans to adopt the standards beginning January 1, 2018 and expects to use the modified retrospective method of adoption.



Standard	Description	Required Date of Adoption	Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
ASU 2016-02, Leases	The ASU creates ASC Topic 842, Leases, and supersedes Topic 840, Leases. Topic 842 requires lessees to recognize right-of-use assets and associated liabilities that arise from leases, with the exception of short-term leases. The ASU does not make significant changes to lessor accounting; however, there were certain improvements made to align lessor accounting with the lessee accounting model and Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. There are several new qualitative and quantitative disclosures required. Upon transition, lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach.	January 1, 2019 Early adoption is permitted.	The adoption of this ASU will result in an increase to the Consolidated Balance Sheets for right-of-use assets and associated lease liabilities for operating leases in which the Company is the lessee. The Company is evaluating the significance and other effects of adoption on the Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.
ASU 2016-07, Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting	The ASU amends ASC Topic 323, Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures, to eliminate the requirement that when an investment qualifies for use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence, an investor must adjust the investment, results of operations, and retained earnings retroactively on a step-by-step basis as if the equity method had been in effect during all previous periods that the investment had been held. The amendments require that the equity method investor add the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the investor’s previously held interest and adopt the equity method of accounting as of the date the investor obtains significant influence over the investee. In addition, if the investor previously held an AFS equity security, the ASU requires that the investor recognize through earnings the unrealized holding gain or loss in AOCI, as of the date it obtains significant influence. The ASU is to be applied on a prospective basis.	January 1, 2017 Early application is permitted.	This ASU will not impact the Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures until there is an applicable increase in investment or change in influence resulting in a transition to the equity method.
ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments	The ASU amends ASC Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, to replace the incurred loss impairment methodology with a current expected credit loss methodology for financial instruments measured at amortized cost and other commitments to extend credit. For this purpose, expected credit losses reflect losses over the remaining contractual life of an asset, considering the effect of voluntary prepayments and considering available information about the collectability of cash flows, including information about past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The resulting allowance for credit losses reflects the portion of the amortized cost basis that the entity does not expect to collect. Additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures are required upon adoption. The CECL model does not apply to AFS debt securities; however the ASU requires entities to record an allowance when recognizing credit losses for AFS securities, rather than recording a direct write-down of the carrying amount.	January 1, 2020 Early adoption is permitted beginning January 1, 2019.	The Company is evaluating the impact the ASU will have on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.