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Fair Value Election and Measurement
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value Election and Measurement NOTE 20 - FAIR VALUE ELECTION AND MEASUREMENT
The Company measures certain assets and liabilities at fair value, which are classified as level 1, 2, or 3 within the fair value hierarchy, as shown below, on the basis of whether the measurement employs observable or unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s own assumptions, taking into account information about market participant assumptions that is readily available.
Level 1: Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets
Level 2: Quoted prices for similar instruments 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: Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable
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. The Company’s recurring fair value measurements are based on either a requirement to measure such assets and liabilities at fair value or on the Company’s election to measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value. Assets and liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis include trading securities, derivative instruments, securities AFS, and certain other equity securities. Assets and liabilities that the Company has elected to measure at fair value on a recurring basis include trading loans, certain LHFS and LHFI, residential MSRs, brokered time deposits, and certain structured notes and fixed rate issuances included in long-term debt.
The Company elects to measure certain assets and liabilities at fair value to better align its financial performance with the economic value of actively traded or hedged assets or liabilities. The use of fair value also enables the Company to mitigate non-economic earnings volatility caused from financial assets and liabilities being measured using different bases of accounting, as well as to more accurately portray the active and dynamic management of the Company’s balance sheet.
The Company uses various valuation techniques and assumptions in estimating fair value. The assumptions used to
estimate the value of an instrument have varying degrees of impact to the overall fair value of an asset or liability. This process involves gathering multiple sources of information, including broker quotes, values provided by pricing services, trading activity in other identical or similar securities, market indices, and pricing matrices. When observable market prices for the asset or liability are not available, the Company employs various modeling techniques, such as discounted cash flow analyses, to estimate fair value. Models used to produce material financial reporting information are validated prior to use and following any material change in methodology. Their performance is monitored at least quarterly, and any material deterioration in model performance is escalated.
The Company has formal processes and controls in place to support the appropriateness of its fair value estimates. For fair values obtained from a third party, or those that include certain trader estimates of fair value, there is an independent price validation function that provides oversight for these estimates. For level 2 instruments and certain level 3 instruments, the validation generally involves evaluating pricing received from two or more third party pricing sources that are widely used by market participants. The Company evaluates this pricing information from both a qualitative and quantitative perspective and determines whether any pricing differences exceed acceptable thresholds. If thresholds are exceeded, the Company assesses differences in valuation approaches used, which may include contacting a pricing service to gain further insight into the valuation of a particular security or class of securities to resolve the pricing variance, which could include an adjustment to the price used for financial reporting purposes.
The Company classifies instruments within level 2 in the fair value hierarchy when it determines that external pricing sources estimated fair value using prices for similar instruments trading in active markets. A wide range of quoted values from pricing sources may imply a reduced level of market activity and indicate that significant adjustments to price indications have been made. In such cases, the Company evaluates whether the asset or liability should be classified as level 3.
Determining whether to classify an instrument as level 3 involves judgment and is based on a variety of subjective factors, including whether a market is inactive. A market is considered inactive if significant decreases in the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have been observed.

Recurring Fair Value Measurements
The following tables present certain information regarding assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the changes in fair value for those specific financial instruments for which fair value has been elected.
 
December 31, 2018
 
Fair Value Measurements
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in millions)
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Netting
 Adjustments 1
 
Assets/Liabilities
at Fair Value
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading assets and derivative instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities

$262

 

$—

 

$—

 

$—

 

$262

Federal agency securities

 
188

 

 

 
188

U.S. states and political subdivisions

 
54

 

 

 
54

MBS - agency

 
860

 

 

 
860

Corporate and other debt securities

 
700

 

 

 
700

CP

 
190

 

 

 
190

Equity securities
73

 

 

 

 
73

Derivative instruments
186

 
2,425

 
20

 
(1,992
)
 
639

Trading loans

 
2,540

 

 

 
2,540

Total trading assets and derivative instruments
521

 
6,957

 
20

 
(1,992
)
 
5,506

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities AFS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
4,211

 

 

 

 
4,211

Federal agency securities

 
221

 

 

 
221

U.S. states and political subdivisions

 
589

 

 

 
589

MBS - agency residential

 
22,864

 

 

 
22,864

MBS - agency commercial

 
2,627

 

 

 
2,627

MBS - non-agency commercial

 
916

 

 

 
916

Corporate and other debt securities

 
14

 

 

 
14

Total securities AFS 2
4,211

 
27,231

 

 

 
31,442


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LHFS

 
1,178

 

 

 
1,178

LHFI

 

 
163

 

 
163

Residential MSRs

 

 
1,983

 

 
1,983

Other assets 2
95

 

 

 

 
95

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading liabilities and derivative instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
801

 

 

 

 
801

MBS - agency

 
3

 

 

 
3

Corporate and other debt securities

 
385

 

 

 
385

Equity securities
5

 

 

 

 
5

Derivative instruments
119

 
2,590

 
7

 
(2,306
)
 
410

Total trading liabilities and derivative instruments
925

 
2,978

 
7

 
(2,306
)
 
1,604

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Brokered time deposits

 
403

 

 

 
403

Long-term debt

 
289

 

 

 
289


1 Amounts represent offsetting cash collateral received from, and paid to, the same derivative counterparties, and the impact of netting derivative assets and derivative liabilities when a legally enforceable master netting agreement or similar agreement exists. See Note 19, “Derivative Financial Instruments,” for additional information.
2 Beginning January 1, 2018, the Company reclassified equity securities previously presented in Securities AFS to Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Prior periods have been revised to conform to the current presentation for comparability. See Note 11, “Other Assets,” for additional information.




 
December 31, 2017
 
Fair Value Measurements
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in millions)
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Netting
 Adjustments 1
 
Assets/Liabilities
at Fair Value
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading assets and derivative instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities

$157

 

$—

 

$—

 

$—

 

$157

Federal agency securities

 
395

 

 

 
395

U.S. states and political subdivisions

 
61

 

 

 
61

MBS - agency

 
700

 

 

 
700

Corporate and other debt securities

 
655

 

 

 
655

CP

 
118

 

 

 
118

Equity securities
56

 

 

 

 
56

Derivative instruments
395

 
3,493

 
16

 
(3,102
)
 
802

Trading loans

 
2,149

 

 

 
2,149

Total trading assets and derivative instruments
608

 
7,571

 
16

 
(3,102
)
 
5,093

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities AFS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
4,331

 

 

 

 
4,331

Federal agency securities

 
259

 

 

 
259

U.S. states and political subdivisions

 
617

 

 

 
617

MBS - agency residential

 
22,704

 

 

 
22,704

MBS - agency commercial

 
2,086

 

 

 
2,086

MBS - non-agency residential

 

 
59

 

 
59

MBS - non-agency commercial

 
866

 

 

 
866

ABS

 

 
8

 

 
8

Corporate and other debt securities

 
12

 
5

 

 
17

Total securities AFS 2
4,331

 
26,544

 
72

 

 
30,947

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LHFS

 
1,577

 

 

 
1,577

LHFI

 

 
196

 

 
196

Residential MSRs

 

 
1,710

 

 
1,710

Other assets 2
56

 

 

 

 
56

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading liabilities and derivative instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
577

 

 

 

 
577

Corporate and other debt securities

 
289

 

 

 
289

Equity securities
9

 

 

 

 
9

Derivative instruments
183

 
4,243

 
16

 
(4,034
)
 
408

Total trading liabilities and derivative instruments
769

 
4,532

 
16

 
(4,034
)
 
1,283

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Brokered time deposits

 
236

 

 

 
236

Long-term debt

 
530

 

 

 
530


1 Amounts represent offsetting cash collateral received from, and paid to, the same derivative counterparties, and the impact of netting derivative assets and derivative liabilities when a legally enforceable master netting agreement or similar agreement exists. See Note 19, “Derivative Financial Instruments,” for additional information.
2 Beginning January 1, 2018, the Company reclassified equity securities previously presented in Securities AFS to Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Prior periods have been revised to conform to the current presentation for comparability. See Note 11, “Other Assets,” for additional information.

The following tables present the difference between fair value and the aggregate UPB for which the FVO has been elected for certain trading loans, LHFS, LHFI, brokered time deposits, and long-term debt instruments.
(Dollars in millions)
Fair Value at
December 31, 2018
 
Aggregate UPB at
December 31, 2018
 
Fair Value
Over/(Under)
Unpaid Principal
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Trading loans

$2,540

 

$2,526

 

$14

LHFS:
 
 
 
 
 
Accruing
1,178

 
1,128

 
50

LHFI:
 
 
 
 
 
Accruing
158

 
163

 
(5
)
Nonaccrual
5

 
6

 
(1
)

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Brokered time deposits
403

 
403

 

Long-term debt
289

 
286

 
3

 
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in millions)
Fair Value at
December 31, 2017
 
Aggregate UPB at
December 31, 2017
 

Fair Value
Over/(Under)
Unpaid Principal
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Trading loans

$2,149

 

$2,111

 

$38

LHFS:
 
 
 
 
 
Accruing
1,576

 
1,533

 
43

Past due 90 days or more
1

 
1

 

LHFI:
 
 
 
 
 
Accruing
192

 
198

 
(6
)
Nonaccrual
4

 
6

 
(2
)

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Brokered time deposits
236

 
233

 
3

Long-term debt
530

 
517

 
13


 

The following tables present the changes in fair value of financial instruments for which the FVO has been elected. The tables do not reflect the change in fair value attributable to related economic hedges that the Company uses to mitigate market-related risks associated with the financial instruments. Generally, changes in the fair value of economic hedges are recognized in
Trading income, Mortgage related income, Commercial real estate related income, or Other noninterest income as appropriate, and are designed to partially offset the change in fair value of the financial instruments referenced in the tables below. The Company’s economic hedging activities are deployed at both the instrument and portfolio level.

 
Fair Value Gain/(Loss) for the Year Ended
December 31, 2018 for Items Measured at Fair Value
Pursuant to Election of the FVO
(Dollars in millions)
Trading
Income
 
Mortgage
Related
Income
1
 
Other
Noninterest
Income
 
Total
Changes in
Fair Values
Included in
 Earnings 2
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading loans

$14

 

$—

 

$—

 

$14

LHFS

 
7

 

 
7

LHFI

 

 
1

 
1

Residential MSRs

 
(141
)
 

 
(141
)
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Brokered time deposits
13

 

 

 
13

Long-term debt
10

 

 

 
10

1 Income related to LHFS does not include income from IRLCs. For the year ended December 31, 2018, income related to residential MSRs includes income recognized upon the sale of loans reported at LOCOM.
2 Changes in fair value for the year ended December 31, 2018 exclude accrued interest for the period then ended. Interest income or interest expense on trading loans, LHFS, LHFI, brokered time deposits, and long-term debt that have been elected to be measured at fair value are recognized in Interest income or Interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

 
Fair Value Gain/(Loss) for the Year Ended
December 31, 2017 for Items Measured at Fair Value
Pursuant to Election of the FVO
(Dollars in millions)
Trading
Income
 
Mortgage
Related
Income
1
 
Other
Noninterest
Income
 
Total
Changes in
Fair Values
Included in
Earnings
2
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading loans

$21

 

$—

 

$—

 

$21

LHFS

 
61

 

 
61

Residential MSRs

 
(243
)
 

 
(243
)
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt
21

 

 

 
21

1 Income related to LHFS does not include income from IRLCs. For the year ended December 31, 2017, income related to residential MSRs includes income recognized upon the sale of loans reported at LOCOM.
2 Changes in fair value for the year ended December 31, 2017 exclude accrued interest for the period then ended. Interest income or interest expense on trading loans, LHFS, and long-term debt that have been elected to be measured at fair value are recognized in Interest income or Interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
 
Fair Value Gain/(Loss) for the Year Ended
December 31, 2016 for Items Measured at Fair Value
Pursuant to Election of the FVO
(Dollars in millions)
Trading
Income
 
Mortgage
Related
Income
1
 
Other
Noninterest
Income
 
Total
Changes in
Fair Values
Included in
Earnings
2
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading loans

$15

 

$—

 

$—

 

$15

LHFS

 
75

 

 
75

Residential MSRs

 
(242
)
 

 
(242
)
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Brokered time deposits
4

 

 

 
4

Long-term debt
27

 

 

 
27

1 Income related to LHFS does not include income from IRLCs. For the year ended December 31, 2016, income related to residential MSRs includes income recognized upon the sale of loans reported at LOCOM.
2 Changes in fair value for the year ended December 31, 2016 exclude accrued interest for the period then ended. Interest income or interest expense on trading loans, LHFS, brokered time deposits, and long-term debt that have been elected to be measured at fair value are recognized in Interest income or Interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.


The following is a discussion of the valuation techniques and inputs used in estimating fair value for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

Trading Assets and Derivative Instruments and Investment Securities
Securities accounted for at fair value include both the trading and AFS portfolios. Unless otherwise indicated, trading assets are priced by the trading desk and investment securities are valued by an independent third party pricing service. The third party pricing service gathers relevant market data and observable inputs, such as, but not limited to, benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, and issuer spreads. The Company reviews pricing methodologies provided by the pricing service, which may include detailed reviews of the assumptions and inputs for individual securities. The Company’s primary validation of values is through the Company’s price validation function.
Securities are classified within the fair value hierarchy after giving consideration to the activity level in the market for the security type and the observability of the inputs used to determine the fair value. For securities where a quoted market price may not be readily available, fair value is based upon quoted market prices for similar securities or using a fair value methodology that incorporates market observable assumptions.

U.S. Treasury Securities
The Company estimates the fair value of its U.S. Treasury securities based on quoted prices observed in active markets; as such, these investments are classified as level 1.

Federal Agency Securities
The Company includes in this classification securities issued by federal agencies and GSEs. Agency securities consist of debt obligations issued by HUD, FHLB, and other agencies, as well as securities collateralized by loans that are guaranteed by the SBA, and thus, are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. The Company estimates the fair value of federal agency securities based on pricing from observable trading activity for similar securities or from a third party pricing service; accordingly, these instruments are classified as level 2.
U.S. States and Political Subdivisions
The Company’s investments in U.S. states and political subdivisions (collectively “municipals”) include obligations of county and municipal authorities and agency bonds, which are general obligations of the municipality or are supported by a specified revenue source. Holdings are geographically dispersed, with no significant concentrations in any one state or municipality. Additionally, all AFS municipal obligations classified as level 2 are highly rated or are otherwise collateralized by securities backed by the full faith and credit of the federal government.
MBS – Agency
Agency MBS includes pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations issued by GSEs and U.S. government agencies, such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae. Each security contains a guarantee by the issuing GSE or agency. For agency MBS, the Company estimates fair value based on pricing from observable trading activity for similar securities or from a third party pricing service; accordingly, the Company classified these instruments as level 2.
MBS – Non-Agency
Non-agency residential MBS includes purchased interests in third party securitizations, as well as retained interests in Company-sponsored securitizations of 2006 and 2007 vintage residential mortgages (including both prime jumbo fixed rate collateral and floating rate collateral). At the time of purchase or origination, these securities had high investment grade ratings; however, they have experienced deterioration in credit quality leading to downgrades to non-investment grade levels. The Company obtains pricing for these securities from an independent pricing service. The Company evaluates third party pricing to determine the reasonableness of the information relative to changes in market data, such as any recent trades, information received from market participants and analysts, and/or changes in the underlying collateral performance. At
December 31, 2017, the Company classified non-agency residential MBS as level 3.
Non-agency commercial MBS consists of purchased interests in third party securitizations. These interests have high investment grade ratings, and the Company obtains pricing for these securities from an independent pricing service. The Company has classified these non-agency commercial MBS as level 2, as the third party pricing service relies on observable data for similar securities in active markets.
Asset-Backed Securities
ABS classified as securities AFS includes purchased interests in third party securitizations collateralized by home equity loans. At December 31, 2017, the Company classified ABS as level 3.
Corporate and Other Debt Securities
Corporate debt securities are comprised predominantly of senior and subordinate debt obligations of domestic corporations and are classified as level 2. Other debt securities classified as AFS include bonds that are redeemable with the issuer at par. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company classified other debt securities AFS as level 2 and level 3, respectively.
Commercial Paper
The Company acquires CP that is generally short-term in nature (maturity of less than 30 days) and highly rated. The Company estimates the fair value of this CP based on observable pricing from executed trades of similar instruments; as such, CP is classified as level 2.
Equity Securities
The Company estimates the fair value of its equity securities classified as trading assets based on quoted prices observed in active markets; accordingly, these investments are classified as level 1.

Derivative Instruments
The Company holds derivative instruments for both trading and risk management purposes. Level 1 derivative instruments generally include exchange-traded futures or option contracts for which pricing is readily available. The Company’s level 2 instruments are predominantly OTC swaps, options, and forwards, measured using observable market assumptions for interest rates, foreign exchange, equity, and credit. Because fair values for OTC contracts are not readily available, the Company estimates fair values using internal, but standard, valuation models. The selection of valuation models is driven by the type of contract: for option-based products, the Company uses an appropriate option pricing model such as Black-Scholes. For forward-based products, the Company’s valuation methodology is generally a discounted cash flow approach.
The Company’s derivative instruments classified as level 2 are primarily transacted in the institutional dealer market and priced with observable market assumptions at a mid-market valuation point, with appropriate valuation adjustments for liquidity and credit risk. See Note 19, “Derivative Financial Instruments,” for additional information on the Company's derivative instruments.
The Company’s derivative instruments classified as level 3 include IRLCs that satisfy the criteria to be treated as derivative financial instruments. The fair value of IRLCs on LHFS, while
based on interest rates observable in the market, is highly dependent on the ultimate closing of the loans. These “pull-through” rates are based on the Company’s historical data and reflect the Company’s best estimate of the likelihood that a commitment will result in a closed loan. As pull-through rates increase, the fair value of IRLCs also increases. Servicing value is included in the fair value of IRLCs, and the fair value of servicing is determined by projecting cash flows, which are then discounted to estimate an expected fair value. The fair value of servicing is impacted by a variety of factors, including prepayment assumptions, discount rates, delinquency rates, contractually-specified servicing fees, servicing costs, and underlying portfolio characteristics. Because these inputs are not transparent in market trades, IRLCs are considered to be level 3 assets. During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company transferred $63 million and $191 million, respectively, of net IRLC assets out of level 3 as the associated loans were closed.
    
Trading Loans
The Company engages in certain businesses whereby electing to measure loans at fair value for financial reporting aligns with the underlying business purpose. Specifically, loans included within this classification include trading loans that are (i) made or acquired in connection with the Company’s TRS business, (ii) part of the loan sales and trading business within the Company’s Wholesale segment, or (iii) backed by the SBA. See Note 12, “Certain Transfers of Financial Assets and Variable Interest Entities,” and Note 19, “Derivative Financial Instruments,” for further discussion of this business. All of these loans are classified as level 2 due to the nature of market data that the Company uses to estimate fair value.
The loans made in connection with the Company’s TRS business are short-term, senior demand loans supported by a pledge agreement granting first priority security interest to the Bank in all the assets held by the borrower, a VIE with assets comprised primarily of corporate loans. While these TRS-related loans do not trade in the market, the Company believes that the par amount of the loans approximates fair value and no unobservable assumptions are used by the Company to value these loans. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had $2.0 billion and $1.7 billion, respectively, of these short-term loans outstanding, measured at fair value.
The loans from the Company’s sales and trading business are commercial and corporate leveraged loans that are either traded in the market or for which similar loans trade. The Company elected to measure these loans at fair value since they are actively traded. For each of the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, the Company recognized an immaterial amount of gains/(losses) in the Consolidated Statements of Income due to changes in fair value attributable to instrument-specific credit risk. The Company is able to obtain fair value estimates for substantially all of these loans through a third party valuation service that is broadly used by market participants. While most of the loans are traded in the market, the Company does not believe that trading activity qualifies the loans as level 1 instruments, as the volume and level of trading activity is subject to variability and the loans are not exchange-traded. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, $137 million and $48 million,
respectively, of loans related to the Company’s trading business were held in inventory.
SBA loans are similar to SBA securities discussed herein under “Federal agency securities,” except for their legal form. In both cases, the Company trades instruments that are fully guaranteed by the U.S. government as to contractual principal and interest and there is sufficient observable trading activity upon which to base the estimate of fair value. As these SBA loans are fully guaranteed, the changes in fair value are attributable to factors other than instrument-specific credit risk. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company held $366 million and $368 million of SBA loans in inventory, respectively.
Loans Held for Sale and Loans Held for Investment
Residential Mortgage LHFS
The Company values certain newly-originated residential mortgage LHFS at fair value based upon defined product criteria. The Company chooses to fair value these residential mortgage LHFS to eliminate the complexities and inherent difficulties of achieving hedge accounting and to better align reported results with the underlying economic changes in value of the loans and related hedge instruments. Any origination fees are recognized within Mortgage related income in the Consolidated Statements of Income when earned at the time of closing. The servicing value is included in the fair value of the loan and is initially recognized at the time the Company enters into IRLCs with borrowers. The Company employs derivative instruments to economically hedge changes in interest rates and the related impact on servicing value in the fair value of the loan. The mark-to-market adjustments related to LHFS and the associated economic hedges are captured in Mortgage related income.
LHFS classified as level 2 are primarily agency loans which trade in active secondary markets and are priced using current market pricing for similar securities, adjusted for servicing, interest rate risk, and credit risk. Non-agency residential mortgage LHFS are also included in level 2.
For residential mortgages that the Company has elected to measure at fair value, the Company recognized an immaterial amount of gains/(losses) in the Consolidated Statements of Income due to changes in fair value attributable to borrower-specific credit risk for each of the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016. In addition to borrower-specific credit risk, there are other more significant variables that drive changes in the fair values of the loans, including interest rates and general market conditions.
Commercial Mortgage LHFS
The Company values certain commercial mortgage LHFS at fair value based upon observable current market prices for similar loans. These loans are generally transferred to agencies within 90 days of origination. The Company had commitments from agencies to purchase these loans at December 31, 2018 and 2017; therefore, they are classified as level 2. Origination fees are recognized within Commercial real estate related income in the Consolidated Statements of Income when earned at the time of closing. To mitigate the effect of interest rate risk inherent in entering into IRLCs with borrowers, the Company enters into forward contracts with investors at the same time that it enters into IRLCs with borrowers. The mark-to-market adjustments
related to commercial mortgage LHFS, IRLCs, and forward contracts are recognized in Commercial real estate related income. For commercial mortgages that the Company has elected to measure at fair value, the Company recognized no gains/(losses) in the Consolidated Statements of Income due to changes in fair value attributable to borrower-specific credit risk for each of the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016.
LHFI
LHFI classified as level 3 includes predominantly mortgage loans that are not marketable, largely due to the identification of loan defects. The Company chooses to measure these mortgage LHFI at fair value to better align reported results with the underlying economic changes in value of the loans and any related hedging instruments. The Company values these loans using a discounted cash flow approach based on assumptions that are generally not observable in current markets, such as prepayment speeds, default rates, loss severity rates, and discount rates. Level 3 LHFI also includes mortgage loans that are valued using collateral based pricing. Changes in the applicable housing price index since the time of the loan origination are considered and applied to the loan’s collateral value. An additional discount representing the return that a buyer would require is also considered in the overall fair value.
Residential Mortgage Servicing Rights
The Company records residential MSR assets at fair value using a discounted cash flow approach. The fair values of residential MSRs are 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 based on their review of the servicing portfolio, and comparisons to market transactions. Because these inputs are not transparent in market trades, residential MSRs are classified as level 3 assets. For additional information see Note 10, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.”
Other Assets
The Company estimates the fair value of its mutual fund investments and other equity securities with readily determinable fair values based on quoted prices observed in active markets; therefore, these investments are classified as level 1. During the second quarter of 2018, the Company reclassified $22 million of nonmarketable equity securities to marketable equity securities due to newly available, readily determinable fair value information observed in active markets.
Liabilities
Trading Liabilities and Derivative Instruments
Trading liabilities are comprised primarily of derivative contracts, including IRLCs that satisfy the criteria to be treated as derivative financial instruments, as well as various contracts (primarily U.S. Treasury securities, corporate and other debt securities) that the Company uses in certain of its trading businesses. The Company's valuation methodologies for these derivative contracts and securities are consistent with those discussed within the corresponding sections herein under
Trading Assets and Derivative Instruments and Investment Securities.”
During the second quarter of 2009, in connection with its sale of Visa Class B shares, the Company entered into a derivative contract whereby the ultimate cash payments received or paid, if any, under the contract are based on the ultimate resolution of the Litigation involving Visa. The fair value of the derivative is estimated based on the Company’s expectations regarding the ultimate resolution of that Litigation. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the derivative involve a high degree of judgment and subjectivity; accordingly, the derivative liability is classified as level 3. See Note 18, “Guarantees,” for a discussion of the valuation assumptions.
Brokered Time Deposits
The Company has elected to measure certain CDs that contain embedded derivatives at fair value. This fair value election better aligns the economics of the CDs with the Company’s risk management strategies. The Company evaluated, on an instrument by instrument basis, whether a new issuance would be measured at fair value.
The Company has classified CDs measured at fair value as level 2 instruments due to the Company's ability to reasonably measure all significant inputs based on observable market variables. The Company employs a discounted cash flow approach based on observable market interest rates for the term of the CD and an estimate of the Bank’s credit risk. For any embedded derivative features, the Company uses the same valuation methodologies as if the derivative were a standalone derivative, as discussed in the “Derivative Instruments” section above.
Long-Term Debt
The Company has elected to measure at fair value certain fixed rate issuances of public debt that are valued by obtaining price indications from a third party pricing service and utilizing broker quotes to corroborate the reasonableness of those marks. Additionally, information from market data of recent observable trades and indications from buy side investors, if available, are taken into consideration as additional support for the value. Due to the availability of this information, the Company classifies these debt issuances as level 2. The Company utilizes derivative instruments to convert interest rates on its fixed rate debt to floating rates. The Company elected to measure certain fixed rate debt issuances at fair value to align the accounting for the debt with the accounting for offsetting derivative positions, without having to apply complex hedge accounting.
The Company has elected to measure certain debt issuances that contain embedded derivatives at fair value. This fair value election better aligns the economics of the debt with the Company’s risk management strategies. The Company evaluated, on an instrument by instrument basis, whether a new issuance would be measured at fair value. The Company has classified these instruments measured at fair value as level 2 instruments due to the Company's ability to reasonably measure all significant inputs based on observable market variables. The Company employs a discounted cash flow approach based on observable market interest rates for the term of the debt and an estimate of the Parent Company's credit risk. For any embedded derivative features, the Company uses the same valuation methodologies that would be used if the derivative were a standalone derivative, as discussed in the “Derivative Instruments” section above.


The valuation technique and range, including weighted average, of the unobservable inputs associated with the Company's level 3 assets and liabilities are as follows:
 
 Level 3 Significant Unobservable Input Assumptions
(Dollars in millions)
Fair value
December 31, 2018
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range
 (Weighted Average) 1
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading assets and derivative instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative instruments, net 2

$13

 
Internal model
 
Pull through rate
 
41-100% (81%)
 
MSR value
 
11-165 bps (108 bps)
LHFI
158

 
Monte Carlo/Discounted cash flow
 
Option adjusted spread
 
0-250 bps (164 bps)
Conditional prepayment rate
7-22 CPR (12 CPR)
Conditional default rate
0-1 CDR (0.6 CDR)
5

Collateral based pricing
Appraised value
NM 3
Residential MSRs
1,983

 
Monte Carlo/Discounted cash flow
 
Conditional prepayment rate
 
6-30 CPR (13 CPR)
 
Option adjusted spread
 
0-116% (2%)

1 Unobservable inputs were weighted by the relative fair value of the financial instruments.
2 Amount represents the net of IRLC assets and liabilities and includes the derivative liability associated with the Company’s sale of Visa shares. Refer to the “Trading Liabilities and Derivative Instruments” section in this Note for a discussion of valuation assumptions related to the Visa derivative liability.
3 Not meaningful.
 
 Level 3 Significant Unobservable Input Assumptions
(Dollars in millions)
Fair value
December 31, 2017
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Input 1
 
Range
(Weighted Average) 2
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading assets and derivative instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative instruments, net 3

$—

 
Internal model
 
Pull through rate
 
41-100% (81%)
 
MSR value
 
41-190 bps (113 bps)
Securities AFS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MBS - non-agency residential
59

 
Third party pricing
 
N/A
 
 
ABS
8

 
Third party pricing
 
N/A
 
 
Corporate and other debt securities
5

 
Cost
 
N/A
 
 
LHFI
192

 
Monte Carlo/Discounted cash flow
 
Option adjusted spread
 
62-784 bps (215 bps)
 
Conditional prepayment rate
 
2-34 CPR (11 CPR)
 
Conditional default rate
 
0-5 CDR (0.7 CDR)
4

 
Collateral based pricing
 
Appraised value
 
NM 4
Residential MSRs
1,710

 
Monte Carlo/Discounted cash flow
 
Conditional prepayment rate
 
6-30 CPR (13 CPR)
 
Option adjusted spread
 
1-125% (4%)

1 For certain assets and liabilities where the Company utilizes third party pricing, the unobservable inputs and their ranges are not reasonably available, and therefore, have been noted as not applicable (“N/A”).
2 Unobservable inputs were weighted by the relative fair value of the financial instruments.
3 Amount represents the net of IRLC assets and liabilities and includes the derivative liability associated with the Company’s sale of Visa shares. Refer to the “Trading Liabilities and Derivative Instruments” section in this Note for a discussion of valuation assumptions related to the Visa derivative liability.
4 Not meaningful.

The following tables present a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (other than residential MSRs which are disclosed in Note 10, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”). Transfers into and out
of the fair value hierarchy levels are assumed to occur at the end of the period in which the transfer occurred. None of the transfers into or out of level 3 have been the result of using alternative valuation approaches to estimate fair values.

 
Fair Value Measurements
Using Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Dollars in millions)
Beginning
Balance
January 1,
2018
 
Included
in
Earnings
 
OCI
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Settlements
 
Transfers to/from Other Balance Sheet Line Items
 
Transfers
into
Level 3
 
Transfers
out of
Level 3
 
Fair Value
December 31,
2018
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative instruments, net

$—

 

$65

1 

$—

 

$—

 

$—

 

$11

 

($63
)
 

$—

 

$—

 

$13

Securities AFS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MBS - non-agency residential
59

 

 

 

 

 
(2
)
 

 

 
(57
)
 

ABS
8

 

 

 

 

 
(1
)
 

 

 
(7
)
 

Corporate and other debt securities
5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(5
)
 

Total securities AFS
72

 



 

 

 
(3
)
 

 

 
(69
)
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LHFI
196

 
1

2 

 

 

 
(36
)
 

 
2

 

 
163


1 Includes issuances, fair value changes, and expirations. Amount related to residential IRLCs is recognized in Mortgage related income, amount related to commercial IRLCs is recognized in Commercial real estate related income, and amount related to Visa derivative liability is recognized in Other noninterest expense. Included $18 million in earnings during the year ended December 31, 2018, related to changes in unrealized gains on net derivative instruments still held at December 31, 2018.
2 Amounts are generally included in Mortgage related income; however, the mark on certain fair value loans is included in Other noninterest income. Included less than $1 million in earnings during the year ended December 31, 2018, related to changes in unrealized losses on LHFI still held at December 31, 2018.


 
Fair Value Measurements
Using Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Dollars in millions)
Beginning
Balance
January 1,
2017
 
Included
in
Earnings
 
OCI
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Settlements
 
Transfers to/from Other Balance Sheet Line Items
 
Transfers
into
Level 3
 
Transfers
out of
Level 3
 
Fair Value
December 31,
2017
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative instruments, net

$6

 

$185

1 

$—

 

$—

 

$—

 

$—

 

($191
)
 

$—

 

$—

 

$—

Securities AFS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. states and political subdivisions
4

 

 

 

 

 
(4
)
 

 

 

 

MBS - non-agency residential
74

 
(1
)
2 
1

3 

 

 
(15
)
 

 

 

 
59

ABS
10

 

 
1

3 

 

 
(3
)
 

 

 

 
8

Corporate and other debt securities
5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
5

Total securities AFS
93

 
(1
)
2 
2

3 

 

 
(22
)
 

 

 

 
72

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential LHFS
12

 

 

 

 
(25
)
 
(1
)
 
(4
)
 
26

 
(8
)
 

LHFI
222

 

4 

 

 

 
(34
)
 
3

 
5

 

 
196


1 Includes issuances, fair value changes, and expirations. Amount related to residential IRLCs is recognized in Mortgage related income, amount related to commercial IRLCs is recognized in Commercial real estate related income, and amount related to Visa derivative liability is recognized in Other noninterest expense. Included $12 million in earnings during the year ended December 31, 2017, related to changes in unrealized gains on net derivative instruments still held at December 31, 2017.
2 Included $1 million in earnings during year ended December 31, 2017, related to changes in unrealized losses on securities AFS still held at December 31, 2017.
3 Amounts recognized in OCI are included in change in net unrealized gains on securities AFS, net of tax.
4 Amounts are generally included in Mortgage related income; however, the mark on certain fair value loans is included in Other noninterest income. Included $1 million in earnings during the year ended December 31, 2017, related to changes in unrealized losses on LHFI still held at December 31, 2017.


Non-recurring Fair Value Measurements
The following tables present gains and losses recognized on assets still held at period end, and measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, for the year ended December 31, 2018 and the year ended December 31, 2017. Adjustments to fair value generally result from the application of LOCOM, or the
measurement alternative, or through write-downs of individual assets. The tables do not reflect changes in fair value attributable to economic hedges the Company may have used to mitigate interest rate risk associated with LHFS.
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements
 
(Losses)/Gains for the
Year Ended
December 31, 2018
(Dollars in millions)
December 31, 2018
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
LHFS

$47

 

$—

 

$47

 

$—

 

($1
)
LHFI
63

 

 

 
63

 

OREO
19

 

 

 
19

 
(4
)
Other assets
67

 

 
47

 
20

 
24

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements
 
Losses for the
Year Ended
December 31, 2017
(Dollars in millions)
December 31, 2017
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
LHFS

$13

 

$—

 

$13

 

$—

 

$—

LHFI
49

 

 

 
49

 

OREO
24

 

 
1

 
23

 
(4
)
Other assets
53

 

 
4

 
49

 
(43
)


Discussed below are the valuation techniques and inputs used in estimating fair values for assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis and classified as level 2 and/or 3.
Loans Held for Sale
At December 31, 2018 and 2017, LHFS classified as level 2 consisted of commercial loans that were valued using market prices and measured at LOCOM. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recognized an immaterial amount of impairment charges attributable to changes in the fair value of these loans. There were no gains/(losses) recognized in earnings during the year ended December 31, 2017 as the charge-offs related to these loans are a component of the ALLL.

Loans Held for Investment
At December 31, 2018 and 2017, LHFI classified as level 3 consisted primarily of consumer loans discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy that had not been reaffirmed by the borrower, as well as nonperforming CRE loans for which specific reserves had been recognized. Cash proceeds from the sale of the underlying collateral is the expected source of repayment for a majority of these loans. Accordingly, the fair value of these loans is derived from the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, incorporating market data if available. Due to the lack of market data for similar assets, all of these loans are classified as level 3. There were no gains/(losses) recognized during the year ended December 31, 2018 or during the year ended December 31, 2017, as the charge-offs related to these loans are a component of the ALLL.

OREO
OREO is measured at the lower of cost or fair value less costs to sell. Level 2 OREO consists primarily of residential homes, commercial properties, and vacant lots and land for which binding purchase agreements exist. Level 3 OREO consists primarily of residential homes, commercial properties, and vacant lots and land for which initial valuations are based on property-specific appraisals, broker pricing opinions, or other
limited, highly subjective market information. Updated value estimates are received regularly for level 3 OREO.

Other Assets
Other assets consist of equity investments, other repossessed assets, assets under operating leases where the Company is the lessor, branch properties, land held for sale, and software.
Pursuant to the adoption of ASU 2016-01 on January 1, 2018, the Company elected the measurement alternative for measuring certain equity securities without readily determinable fair values, which are adjusted based on any observable price changes in orderly transactions. These equity securities are classified as level 2 based on the valuation methodology and associated inputs. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recognized remeasurement gains of $30 million on these equity securities.
Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-01, equity investments were evaluated for potential impairment based on the expected remaining cash flows to be received from these assets discounted at a market rate that is commensurate with the expected risk, considering relevant company-specific valuation multiples, where applicable. Based on the valuation methodology and associated unobservable inputs, these investments are classified as level 3. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recognized an immaterial amount of impairment charges on its equity investments.
Other repossessed assets include repossessed personal property that is measured at fair value less cost to sell. These assets are classified as level 3 as their fair value is determined based on a variety of subjective, unobservable factors. There were no losses recognized in earnings by the Company on other repossessed assets during the year ended December 31, 2018 or during the year ended December 31, 2017, as the impairment
charges on repossessed personal property were a component of the ALLL.
The Company monitors the fair value of assets under operating leases where the Company is the lessor and recognizes impairment on the leased asset to the extent the carrying value is not recoverable and is greater than its fair value. Fair value is determined using collateral specific pricing digests, external appraisals, broker opinions, recent sales data from industry equipment dealers, and the discounted cash flows derived from the underlying lease agreement. As market data for similar assets and lease arrangements is available and used in the valuation, these assets are considered level 2. During each of the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company recognized an immaterial amount of impairment charges attributable to changes in the fair value of various personal property under operating leases.
Branch properties are classified as level 3, as their fair value is based on property-specific appraisals and broker opinions. During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company recognized impairment charges of $5 million and $10 million on branch properties, respectively.
Land held for sale is recorded at the lesser of carrying value or fair value less cost to sell, and is considered level 3 as its fair value is determined based on property-specific appraisals and broker opinions. During each of the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company recognized an immaterial amount of impairment charges on land held for sale.
Software consisted primarily of external software licenses and internally developed software that were impaired and for which fair value was determined using a level 3 measurement.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts and fair values of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows:
 
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
Fair Value Measurements
(Dollars in millions)
Measurement
Category
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
Amortized cost
 

$7,495

 

$7,495

 

$7,495

 

$—

 

$—

Trading assets and derivative instruments
Fair value
 
5,506

 
5,506

 
521

 
4,965

 
20

Securities AFS
Fair value
 
31,442

 
31,442

 
4,211

 
27,231

 

LHFS
Amortized cost
 
290

 
291

 

 
261

 
30

Fair value
 
1,178

 
1,178

 

 
1,178

 

LHFI, net
Amortized cost
 
150,061

 
148,167

 

 

 
148,167

Fair value
 
163

 
163

 

 

 
163

Other 1
Amortized cost
 
630

 
630

 

 

 
630

Fair value
 
95

 
95

 
95

 

 

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer and other time deposits
Amortized cost
 
15,355

 
15,106

 

 
15,106

 

Brokered time deposits
Amortized cost
 
642

 
615

 

 
615

 

Fair value
 
403

 
403

 

 
403

 

Short-term borrowings
Amortized cost
 
8,772

 
8,772

 

 
8,772

 

Long-term debt
Amortized cost
 
14,783

 
14,729

 

 
13,024

 
1,705

Fair value
 
289

 
289

 

 
289

 

Trading liabilities and derivative instruments
Fair value
 
1,604

 
1,604

 
925

 
672

 
7

1 Other financial assets recorded at amortized cost consist of FHLB of Atlanta stock and Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta stock. Other financial assets recorded at fair value consist of mutual fund investments and other equity securities with readily determinable fair values.

 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
Fair Value Measurements
(Dollars in millions)
Measurement
Category
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
Amortized cost
 

$6,912

 

$6,912

 

$6,912

 

$—

 

$—

Trading assets and derivative instruments
Fair value
 
5,093

 
5,093

 
608

 
4,469

 
16

Securities AFS
Fair value
 
30,947

 
30,947

 
4,331

 
26,544

 
72

LHFS
Amortized cost
 
713

 
716

 

 
662

 
54

Fair value
 
1,577

 
1,577

 

 
1,577

 

LHFI, net
Amortized cost
 
141,250

 
141,379

 

 

 
141,379

Fair value
 
196

 
196

 

 

 
196

Other 1
Amortized cost
 
418

 
418

 

 

 
418

Fair value
 
56

 
56

 
56

 

 

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer and other time deposits
Amortized cost
 
12,076

 
11,906

 

 
11,906

 

Brokered time deposits
Amortized cost
 
749

 
725

 

 
725

 

Fair value
 
236

 
236

 

 
236

 

Short-term borrowings
Amortized cost
 
4,781

 
4,781

 

 
4,781

 

Long-term debt
Amortized cost
 
9,255

 
9,362

 

 
8,304

 
1,058

Fair value
 
530

 
530

 

 
530

 

Trading liabilities and derivative instruments
Fair value
 
1,283

 
1,283

 
769

 
498

 
16

1 Other financial assets recorded at amortized cost consist of FHLB of Atlanta stock and Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta stock. Other financial assets recorded at fair value consist of mutual fund investments and other equity securities with readily determinable fair values.

Unfunded loan commitments and letters of credit are not included in the table above. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had $72.0 billion and $66.4 billion, respectively, of unfunded commercial loan commitments and letters of credit. A reasonable estimate of the fair value of these instruments is the carrying value of deferred fees plus the related unfunded commitments reserve, which was a combined $72 million and
$84 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. No active trading market exists for these instruments, and the estimated fair value does not include value associated with the borrower relationship. The Company does not estimate the fair values of consumer unfunded lending commitments which can generally be canceled by providing notice to the borrower.