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Fair Value Of Financial Instruments
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]  
Fair Value Measurement

7

Note 6: Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair Value Measurement

Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, the Company's own assumptions are set to reflect those which it believes market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability at the measurement date. The fair value measurements of financial instruments held or issued by the Company are determined through the use of observable market data when available. Market data is obtained from a variety of third-party sources, including dealer quotes. If dealer quotes are not available for an instrument that is infrequently traded, the Company uses alternate valuation methods, including either dealer quotes for similar instruments or modeling using market data inputs. The use of alternate valuation methods generally requires considerable judgment in the application of estimates and assumptions and changes to such estimates and assumptions may produce materially different fair values.

The accounting guidance for fair value measurement establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available and reliable. Observable inputs are those the Company believes that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on available market data. Unobservable inputs are those that reflect the Company's beliefs about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on the best information available. The fair value hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the observability and reliability of inputs, as follows:

  • Level 1—Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company can access. Valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, with significant trading volumes.
  • Level 2—Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 assets include debt securities with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments, securities which are priced using observable inputs and derivative contracts whose values are determined using a pricing model with inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.
  • Level 3—Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the overall fair value measurement. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques where significant inputs are unobservable, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.

The availability of observable inputs can vary from product to product and period to period and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of product, whether the product is new and not yet established in the marketplace, and other characteristics particular to the product. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the Company assigns the level in the fair value hierarchy for which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls, based on the least observable input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Financial Assets (excluding derivative assets)

Financial assets, excluding derivative assets, held by the Company primarily consist of investments in debt securities. Substantially all of the Company's investments are priced by independent third parties, including pricing services and brokers. Typically, the Company receives one pricing service value or broker quote for each instrument, which represents a non-binding indication of value. The Company reviews the assumptions, inputs and methodologies used by pricing services and brokers to obtain reasonable assurance that the prices used in its valuations reflect fair value. When the Company believes a third-party quotation differs significantly from its internally developed expectation of fair value, whether higher or lower, the Company reviews its data or assumptions with the provider. This review includes comparing significant assumptions such as prepayment speeds, default ratios, forward yield curves, credit spreads and other significant quantitative inputs to internal assumptions, and working with the price provider to reconcile the differences. The price provider may subsequently provide an updated price. In the event that the price provider does not update its price, and the Company still does not agree with the price provided, the Company will obtain a price from another third-party provider, such as a broker, or use an internally developed price which it believes represents the fair value of the investment. The fair values of investments for which internal prices were used were not significant to the aggregate fair value of the Company's investment portfolio as of June 30, 2014 or December 31, 2013. All challenges to third-party prices are reviewed by staff of the Company with relevant expertise to ensure reasonableness of assumptions.

Financial Liabilities (excluding derivative liabilities)

Financial liabilities, excluding derivative liabilities, issued by the Company primarily consist of investment agreements and Medium-term notes (“MTNs”) within its wind-down operations, debt issued for general corporate purposes, debt in VIEs and warrants. Investment agreements, MTNs, and corporate debt are typically recorded at face value adjusted for premiums or discounts. The majority of the financial liabilities that the Company has elected to fair value or that require fair value reporting or disclosures are valued based on the estimated value of the underlying collateral, the Company's or a third-party's estimate of discounted cash flow model estimates, or quoted market values for similar products. These valuations include adjustments for expected nonperformance risk of the Company.

Derivative Liabilities

The Company's derivative liabilities are primarily insured credit derivatives that reference structured pools of cash securities and CDSs. The Company generally insured the most senior liabilities of such transactions, and at the inception of transactions its exposure generally had more subordination than needed to achieve triple-A ratings from credit rating agencies. The types of collateral underlying its insured derivatives consist of cash securities and CDSs referencing primarily corporate obligations, ABS, RMBS, CMBS, CRE loans, and CDOs.

The Company's insured credit derivative contracts are non-traded structured credit derivative transactions. Since insured derivatives are highly customized and there is generally no observable market for these derivatives, the Company estimates their fair values in a hypothetical market based on internal and third-party models simulating what a similar company would charge to assume the Company's position in the transaction at the measurement date. This pricing would be based on the expected loss of the exposure. The Company reviews its valuation model results on a quarterly basis to assess the appropriateness of the assumptions and results in light of current market activity and conditions. This review is performed by internal staff with relevant expertise. If live market spreads or securities prices are observable for similar transactions, those spreads are an integral part of the analysis. New insured transactions that resemble existing (previously insured) transactions, if any, would be considered, as well as negotiated settlements of existing transactions.

The Company may from time to time make changes in its valuation techniques if the change results in a measurement that it believes is equally or more representative of fair value under current circumstances.

Internal Review Process

All significant financial assets and liabilities, including derivative assets and liabilities, are reviewed by committees created by the Company to ensure compliance with the Company's policies and risk procedures in the development of fair values of financial assets and liabilities. These valuation committees review, among other things, key assumptions used for internally developed prices, significant changes in sources and uses of inputs, including changes in model approaches, and any adjustments from third-party inputs or prices to internally developed inputs or prices. The committees also review any significant impairment or improvements in fair values of the financial instruments from prior periods. From time to time, these committees will consult with the Company's valuation experts to better understand key methods and assumptions used for the determination of fair value, including understanding significant changes in fair values. These committees are comprised of senior finance team members with the relevant experience in the financial instruments their committee is responsible for. For each quarter, these committees document their agreement with the fair values developed by management of the Company as reported in the quarterly and annual financial statements.

Valuation Techniques

Valuation techniques for financial instruments measured at fair value or disclosed at fair value are described below.

Fixed-Maturity Securities (including short-term investments) Held as Available-For-Sale, Investments Carried at Fair Value, Investments Pledged as Collateral, Investments Held-to-Maturity, and Other Investments

These investments include investments in U.S. Treasury and government agencies, foreign governments, corporate obligations, mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) and ABS, state and municipal bonds and perpetual debt and equity securities (including money market mutual funds).

These investments are generally valued based on recently executed transaction prices or quoted market prices. When quoted market prices are not available, fair value is generally determined using quoted prices of similar investments or a valuation model based on observable and unobservable inputs. Inputs vary depending on the type of investment. Observable inputs include contractual cash flows, interest rate yield curves, CDS spreads, prepayment and volatility scores, diversity scores, cross-currency basis index spreads, and credit spreads for structures similar to the financial instrument in terms of issuer, maturity and seniority. Unobservable inputs include cash flow projections and the value of any credit enhancement.

The fair value of the held-to-maturity (“HTM”) investments is determined using discounted cash flow models. Key inputs include unobservable cash flows projected over the expected term of the investment discounted using observable interest rate yield curves of similar securities.

Investments based on quoted market prices of identical investments in active markets are classified as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Level 1 investments generally consist of U.S. Treasury and government agency, foreign government and money market investments. Quoted market prices of investments in less active markets, as well as investments which are valued based on other than quoted prices for which the inputs are observable, such as interest rate yield curves, are categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Investments that contain significant inputs that are not observable are categorized as Level 3.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Receivable for Investments Sold, Net Cash Collateral Pledged to Swap Counterparties, Payable for Investments Purchased and Accrued Investment Income

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, receivable for investments sold, net cash collateral pledged to swap counterparties, payable for investments purchased, and accrued investment income approximate fair values due to the short-term nature and credit worthiness of these instruments. These items are categorized in Level 1 or Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Loans Receivable at Fair Value

Loans receivable at fair value are comprised of loans held by consolidated VIEs consisting of residential mortgage loans. Fair values of residential mortgage loans are determined using quoted prices for MBS issued by the respective VIE and adjustments for the fair values of the financial guarantees provided by MBIA Corp. on the related MBS. Loans receivable at fair value are categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Loan Repurchase Commitments

Loan repurchase commitments are obligations owed by the sellers/servicers of mortgage loans to either MBIA as reimbursement of paid claims or to the RMBS trusts as defined in the transaction documents. Loan repurchase commitments are assets of the consolidated VIEs. This asset represents the rights of MBIA against the sellers/servicers for breaches of representations and warranties that the securitized residential mortgage loans sold to the trust to comply with stated underwriting guidelines and for the sellers/servicers to cure, replace, or repurchase mortgage loans. Fair value measurements of loan repurchase commitments represent the amounts owed by the sellers/servicers to MBIA as reimbursement of paid claims. Loan repurchase commitments are not securities and no quoted prices or comparable market transaction information are observable or available. Loan repurchase commitments at fair value are categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Fair values of loan repurchase commitments are determined using discounted cash flow techniques based on inputs including:

       breach rates representing the rate at which the sellers/servicers failed to comply with stated representations and warranties;

       recovery rates representing the estimates of future cash flows for the asset, including estimates about possible variations in the amount of cash flows expected to be collected;

       expectations about possible variations in the timing of collections of the cash flows; and

       time value of money, represented by the rate on risk-free monetary assets.

Investment Agreements

The fair values of investment agreements are determined using discounted cash flow techniques based on contractual cash flows and observable interest rates currently being offered for similar agreements with comparable maturity dates. Investment agreements contain collateralization and termination agreements that substantially mitigate the nonperformance risk of the Company. As the terms of the notes are private, and the timing and amount of contract cash flows are not observable, these investment agreements are categorized as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Medium-Term Notes

The fair values of certain MTNs are based on quoted market prices provided by third-party sources, where available. When quoted market prices are not available, the Company applies a matrix pricing grid based on the quoted market prices received and the MTNs' stated maturity and interest rate to determine fair value. Nonperformance risk is included in the quoted market prices and the matrix pricing grid. The Company has elected to record these MTNs at fair value as they contain embedded derivatives which cannot accurately be separated from the host debt instrument and fair valued separately, therefore, these MTNs are carried at fair value with changes in fair value reflected in earnings. The remaining MTNs, which are not carried at fair value, do not contain embedded derivatives. As these MTNs are illiquid and the prices reflect significant unobservable inputs, they are categorized as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Variable Interest Entity Notes

The fair values of VIE notes are determined based on recently executed transaction prices or quoted prices where observable. When position-specific quoted prices are not observable, fair values are based on quoted prices of similar securities. Fair values based on quoted prices of similar securities may be adjusted for factors unique to the securities, including any credit enhancement. When observable quoted prices are not available, fair value is determined based on discounted cash flow techniques of the underlying collateral using observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs include interest rate yield curves and bond spreads of similar securities. Unobservable inputs include the value of any credit enhancement. VIE notes are categorized in Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

Variable Interest Entity Derivatives

The VIEs have entered into derivative transactions consisting of cross currency swaps and interest rate caps. Fair values of over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives are determined using valuation models based on observable and/or unobservable inputs. These observable and market-based inputs include interest rates and volatilities. These derivatives are categorized in Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy based on the input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

Long-term Debt

Long-term debt consists of notes, debentures, surplus notes and accrued interest on this debt. The fair value of long-term notes, debentures and surplus notes are estimated based on quoted prices for the identical or similar securities. The fair value of the accrued interest expense on the surplus notes due 2033 is determined based on the scheduled interest payments discounted by the market's perception of the credit risk related to the repayment of the surplus notes. The credit risk related to the repayment of the surplus notes is based on recent trades of the surplus notes. The deferred interest payment will be due on the first business day on or after which the Company obtains approval to make such payment.

The carrying amounts of accrued interest expense on all other long-term debt approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. Long-term debt is categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Derivatives—Asset/Liability Products

The asset/liability products business has entered into derivative transactions primarily consisting of interest rate swaps. Fair values of OTC derivatives are determined using valuation models based on observable inputs, nonperformance risk of the Company's own credit and nonperformance risk of the counterparties. Observable and market-based inputs include interest rate yields, credit spreads and volatilities. These derivatives are categorized in Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

The Company has policies and procedures in place regarding counterparties, including review and approval of the counterparty and the Company's exposure limit, collateral posting requirements, collateral monitoring and margin calls on collateral. The Company manages counterparty credit risk on an individual counterparty basis through master netting arrangements covering derivative transactions in the asset/liability products segment as of June 30, 2014. These agreements allow the Company to contractually net amounts due from a counterparty with those amounts due to such counterparty when certain triggering events occur. The Company only executes swaps under master netting agreements, which typically contain mutual credit downgrade provisions that generally provide the ability to require assignment or termination in the event either the Company or the counterparty is downgraded below a specified credit rating. The netting agreements minimize the potential for losses related to credit exposure and thus serve to mitigate the Company's nonperformance risk under these derivatives.

In certain cases, the Company also manages credit risk through collateral agreements that give the Company the right to hold or the obligation to provide collateral when the current market value of derivative contracts exceeds an exposure threshold. Under these arrangements, the Company may provide U.S. Treasury and other highly rated securities or cash to secure the derivative. The delivery of high-quality collateral can minimize credit exposure and mitigate the potential for nonperformance risk impacting the fair values of the derivatives.

Derivatives—Insurance

The derivative contracts insured by the Company cannot be legally traded and generally do not have observable market prices. The Company determines the fair values of insured credit derivatives using valuation models. The valuation models are consistently applied from period to period, with refinements to the fair value estimation approach being applied as and when the information becomes available. Negotiated settlements are also considered when determining fair value to provide the best estimate of how another market participant would evaluate fair value.

Approximately 93% of the balance sheet fair value of insured credit derivatives as of June 30, 2014 was valued based on the Binomial Expansion Technique (“BET”) Model. Approximately 7% of the balance sheet fair value of insured credit derivatives as of June 30, 2014 was valued based on the internally developed Direct Price Model and the Dual Default model. The valuation of insured derivatives includes the impact of its credit standing. All of these derivatives are categorized as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as their fair value is derived using significant unobservable inputs.

The Company has also entered into a derivative contract as a result of a commutation. The fair value of the derivative is determined using a discounted cash flow model. Key inputs include unobservable cash flows projected over the expected term of the derivative, discounted using observable discount rates and CDS spreads.

Description of the BET Model

1. Valuation Model Overview

The BET Model estimates what a bond insurer would charge to guarantee a transaction at the measurement date, based on the market-implied default risk of the underlying collateral and the remaining structural protection in a deductible or subordination.

Inputs to the process of determining fair value for structured transactions using the BET Model include estimates of collateral loss, allocation of loss to separate tranches of the capital structure, and calculation of the change in value.

       Estimates of aggregated collateral losses are calculated by reference to the following (described in further detail under “BET Model Inputs” below):

       credit spreads of underlying collateral based on actual spreads or spreads on similar collateral with similar ratings, or in some cases, are benchmarked; for collateral pools where the spread distribution is characterized by extremes, each segment of the pool is modeled separately instead of using an overall pool average;

       diversity score of the collateral pool as an indication of correlation of collateral defaults; and

       recovery rate for all defaulted collateral.

       Allocation of losses to separate tranches of the capital structure according to priority of payments in a transaction.

       The inception-to-date unrealized gain or loss on a transaction is the difference between the original price of the risk (the original market-implied expected loss) and the current price of the risk based on the assumed market-implied expected losses derived from the model.

Additional structural assumptions of the BET Model are:

  • Default probabilities are determined by three factors: MBIA Corp.'s credit spread, MBIA Corp.'s recovery rate after default, and the time period under risk;
  • Frequencies of defaults are modeled evenly over time;
  • Collateral assets are generally considered on an average basis rather than being modeled on an individual basis; and
  • Collateral asset correlation is modeled using a diversity score which is calculated based on industry or sector concentrations. Recovery rates are based on historical averages and updated based on market evidence.

2. BET Model Inputs

a. Credit spreads

The average spread of collateral is a key input as the Company assumes credit spreads reflect the market's assessment of default probability for each piece of collateral. Spreads are obtained from market data sources published by third parties (e.g., dealer spread tables for assets most closely resembling collateral within the Company's transactions) as well as collateral-specific spreads on the underlying reference obligations provided by trustees or market sources. Also, when these sources are not available, the Company benchmarks spreads for collateral against market spreads or prices. This data is reviewed on an ongoing basis for reasonableness and applicability to the Company's derivative portfolio. The Company also calculates spreads based on quoted prices and on internal assumptions about expected life, when pricing information is available and spread information is not.

The Company uses the spread hierarchy listed below in determining which source of spread information to use, with the rule being to use CDS spreads where available and cash security spreads as the next alternative.

Spread Hierarchy:

  • Collateral-specific credit spreads when observable;
  • Sector-specific spread tables by asset class and rating;
  • Corporate spreads, including Bloomberg spread tables based on rating; and
  • Benchmark from most relevant market source when corporate spreads are not directly relevant.

There were some transactions where the Company incorporated multiple levels within the hierarchy, including using actual collateral-specific credit spreads in combination with a calculated spread based on an assumed relationship. In those cases, MBIA classified the transaction as being benchmarked from the most relevant spread source even though the majority of the average spread was from actual collateral-specific spreads. As of June 30, 2014, sector-specific spreads were used in 6% of the transactions valued using the BET Model. Corporate spreads were used in 50% of the transactions and spreads benchmarked from the most relevant spread source were used for 44% of the transactions. The spread source can also be identified by whether or not it is based on collateral weighted average rating factor (“WARF”). No collateral-specific spreads are based on WARF. Sector-specific spreads, corporate spreads and some benchmarked spreads are based on WARF. WARF-sourced and/or ratings-sourced credit spreads were used for 72% of the transactions.

Over time, the data inputs change as new sources become available, existing sources are discontinued or are no longer considered to be reliable or the most appropriate. It is always the Company's objective to use more observable spread inputs defined above. However, the Company may on occasion move to less observable spread inputs due to the discontinuation of data sources or due to the Company considering certain spread inputs no longer representative of market spreads.

b. Diversity Scores

Diversity scores are a means of estimating the diversification in a portfolio. The diversity score estimates the number of uncorrelated assets that are assumed to have the same loss distribution as the actual portfolio of correlated assets. While diversity score is a required input into the BET model, due to current high levels of default within the collateral of the structures, diversity score does not have a significant impact on valuation.

c. Recovery Rate

The recovery rate represents the percentage of par expected to be recovered after an asset defaults, indicating the severity of a potential loss. MBIA generally uses rating agency recovery assumptions which may be adjusted to account for differences between the characteristics and performance of the collateral used by the rating agencies and the actual collateral in MBIA-insured transactions. The Company may also adjust rating agency assumptions based on the performance of the collateral manager and on empirical market data.

d. Nonperformance Risk

The Company's valuation methodology for insured credit derivative liabilities incorporates MBIA Corp.'s own nonperformance risk. The Company calculates the fair value by discounting the market value loss estimated through the BET Model at discount rates which include MBIA Corp.'s CDS spreads as of June 30, 2014. The CDS spreads assigned to each deal are based on the weighted average life of the deal. The Company limits the nonperformance impact so that the derivative liability could not be lower than MBIA Corp.'s recovery derivative price multiplied by the unadjusted derivative liability.

Overall Model Results

As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company's net insured CDS derivative liability was $332 million and $1.2 billion, respectively, based on the results of the aforementioned models. A significant driver of changes in fair value is MBIA Corp.'s nonperformance risk. In aggregate, the nonperformance calculation resulted in a pre-tax net insured derivative liability that was $84 million and $394 million lower than the net liability that would have been estimated if MBIA Corp. excluded nonperformance risk in its valuation as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Nonperformance risk is a fair value concept and does not contradict MBIA Corp.'s internal view, based on fundamental credit analysis of MBIA Corp.'s economic condition, that MBIA Corp. will be able to pay all claims when due.

Warrants

Stock warrants issued by the Company are valued using the Black-Scholes model and are recorded at fair value. Inputs into the warrant valuation include the Company's stock price, a volatility parameter, interest rates, and dividend data. As all significant inputs are market-based and observable, warrants are categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Financial Guarantees

Gross Financial Guarantees —The fair value of gross financial guarantees is determined using discounted cash flow techniques based on inputs that include (i) assumptions of expected losses on financial guarantee policies where loss reserves have not been recognized, (ii) amount of losses expected on financial guarantee policies where loss reserves have been established, net of expected recoveries, (iii) the cost of capital reserves required to support the financial guarantee liability, (iv) operating expenses, and (v) discount rates. The MBIA Corp. CDS spread and recovery rate are used as the discount rate for MBIA Corp., while the CDS spread and recovery rate of a similar municipal bond insurance company are used as the discount rate for National, as National does not have a published CDS spread and recovery rate.

The carrying value of the Company's gross financial guarantees consists of unearned premium revenue and loss and LAE reserves, net of the insurance loss recoverable as reported on MBIA's consolidated balance sheets.

Ceded Financial GuaranteesThe fair value of ceded financial guarantees is determined by applying the percentage ceded to reinsurers to the related fair value of the gross financial guarantees. The carrying value of ceded financial guarantees consists of prepaid reinsurance premiums and reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses as reported within “Other assets” on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.

Significant Unobservable Inputs

The following tables provide quantitative information regarding the significant unobservable inputs used by the Company for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. These tables exclude inputs used to measure fair value that are not developed by the Company, such as broker prices and other third-party pricing service valuations.

   Fair Value      
   as of     Range
   June 30,     (Weighted
In millions 2014 Valuation Techniques Unobservable Input Average)
Assets of consolidated VIEs:         
 Loans receivable at fair value $1,539 Market prices adjusted for financial Impact of financial guarantee 0% - 9% (2%)
       guarantees provided to VIE obligations    
 Loan repurchase commitments  363 Discounted cash flow Recovery rates(1)  
        Breach rates(1)  
           
Liabilities of consolidated VIEs:         
 Variable interest entity notes  802 Market prices of VIE assets Impact of financial guarantee 0% - 32% (14%)
       adjusted for financial guarantees provided    
           
Credit derivative liabilities, net:         
 CMBS  277 BET Model Recovery rates 25% - 90% (74%)
        Nonperformance risk 4% - 19% (17%)
        Weighted average life (in years) 0.7 - 3.1 (2.7)
        CMBS spreads 0% - 35% (10%)
 Multi-sector CDO  12 Direct Price Model Nonperformance risk 54% - 54% (54%)
 Other  43 BET Model and Dual Default Recovery rates 42% - 45% (45%)
        Nonperformance risk 7% - 46% (22%)
        Weighted average life (in years) 0.7 - 8.3 (2.0)
Other derivative liabilities   33 Discounted cash flow Cash flows $0 - $83 ($42)(2)
           
____________     
(1) - Recovery rates and breach rates include estimates about potential variations in the outcome of litigation with a counterparty.
(2) - Midpoint of cash flows are used for the weighted average.

   Fair Value       
   as of     Range 
   December 31,     (Weighted 
In millions 2013 Valuation Techniques Unobservable Input Average) 
Assets of consolidated VIEs:          
 Loans receivable at fair value $1,612 Market prices adjusted for financial Impact of financial guarantee 0% - 17% (3%) 
       guarantees provided to VIE obligations     
 Loan repurchase commitments  359 Discounted cash flow Recovery rates(1)   
        Breach rates(1)   
            
Liabilities of consolidated VIEs:          
 Variable interest entity notes  940 Market prices of VIE assets Impact of financial guarantee 0% - 25% (12%) 
       adjusted for financial guarantees provided     
            
Credit derivative liabilities, net:          
 CMBS  1,050 BET Model Recovery rates 25% - 90% (60%) 
        Nonperformance risk 8% - 57% (25%) 
        Weighted average life (in years) 1.1-28.0 (3.3) 
        CMBS spreads 1% - 29% (13%) 
 Multi-sector CDO  12 Direct Price Model Nonperformance risk 57%-57% (57%) 
 Other  85 BET Model and Dual Default Recovery rates 42%-90% (45%) 
        Nonperformance risk 13% - 54% (25%) 
        Weighted average life (in years) 0.2 - 8.7 (2.3) 
 ____________     
 (1) - Recovery rates and breach rates include estimates about potential variations in the outcome of litigation with a counterparty.

Sensitivity of Significant Unobservable Inputs

The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of the Company's loans receivable at fair value of consolidated VIEs is the impact of the financial guarantee. The fair value of loans receivable is calculated by subtracting the value of the financial guarantee from the market value of VIE liabilities. The value of a financial guarantee is estimated by the Company as the present value of expected cash payments under the policy. As expected cash payments provided by the Company under the insurance policy increase, there is a lower expected cash flow on the underlying loans receivable of the VIE. This results in a lower fair value of the loans receivable in relation to the obligations of the VIE.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company's loan repurchase commitments of consolidated VIEs are the recovery rates and breach rates. Recovery rates reflect the estimates of future cash flows reduced for litigation delays and risks and/or potential financial distress of the sellers/servicers. The estimated recoveries of the loan repurchase commitments may differ from the actual recoveries that may be received in the future. Breach rates represent the rate at which mortgages fail to comply with stated representations and warranties of the sellers/servicers. Significant increases or decreases in the recovery rates and the breach rates would result in significantly higher or lower fair values of the loan repurchase commitments, respectively. Additionally, changes in the legal environment and the ability of the counterparties to pay would impact the recovery rate assumptions, which could significantly impact the fair value measurement. Any significant challenges by the counterparties to the Company's determination of breaches of representations and warranties could significantly adversely impact the fair value measurement. Recovery rates and breach rates are determined independently. Changes in one input will not necessarily have any impact on the other input.

The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of the Company's VIE notes of consolidated VIEs is the impact of the financial guarantee. The fair value of VIE notes is calculated by adding the value of the financial guarantee to the market value of VIE assets. The value of a financial guarantee is estimated by the Company as the present value of expected cash payments under the policy. As the value of the guarantee provided by the Company to the obligations issued by the VIE increases, the credit support adds value to the liabilities of the VIE. This results in an increase in the fair value of the liabilities of the VIE.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of MBIA Corp.'s CMBS credit derivatives, which are valued using the BET Model, are CMBS spreads, recovery rates, nonperformance risk and weighted average life. The CMBS spread is an indicator of credit risk of the collateral securities. The recovery rate represents the percentage of notional expected to be recovered after an asset defaults, indicating the severity of a potential loss. The nonperformance risk is an assumption of MBIA Corp.'s own ability to pay and whether MBIA Corp. will have the necessary resources to pay the obligations as they come due. Weighted average life is based on the Company's estimate of when the principal of the underlying collateral of the CMBS structure will be repaid. A significant increase or decrease in CMBS spreads would result in an increase or decrease in the fair value of the derivative liability, respectively. A significant increase in weighted average life can result in an increase or decrease in the fair value of the derivative liability, depending on the discount rate and the timing of significant losses. Any significant increase or decrease in recovery rates, or MBIA Corp.'s nonperformance risk would result in a decrease or increase in the fair value of the derivative liabilities, respectively. CMBS spreads, recovery rates, nonperformance risk and weighted average lives are determined independently. Changes in one input will not necessarily have any impact on the other inputs.

The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of MBIA Corp.'s multi-sector CDO credit derivatives, which are valued using the Direct Price Model, is nonperformance risk. The nonperformance risk is an assumption of MBIA Corp.'s own ability to pay and whether MBIA Corp. will have the necessary resources to pay the obligations as they come due. Any significant increase or decrease in MBIA Corp.'s nonperformance risk would result in a decrease or increase in the fair value of the derivative liabilities, respectively.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of MBIA Corp.'s other credit derivatives, which are valued using the BET Model and Dual Default, are recovery rates, nonperformance risk and weighted average life. The recovery rate represents the percentage of notional expected to be recovered after an asset defaults, indicating the severity of a potential loss. The nonperformance risk is an assumption of MBIA Corp.'s own ability to pay and whether MBIA Corp. will have the necessary resources to pay the obligations as they come due. Weighted average life is based on MBIA Corp.'s estimate of when the principal of the underlying collateral will be repaid. A significant increase in weighted average life can result in an increase or decrease in the fair value of the derivative liability, depending on the discount rate and the timing of significant losses. Any significant increase or decrease in recovery rates or MBIA Corp.'s nonperformance risk would result in a decrease or increase in the fair value of the derivative liabilities, respectively. Recovery rates, nonperformance risk and weighted average lives are determined independently. Changes in one input will not necessarily have any impact on the other inputs.

The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of MBIA Corp.'s other derivatives, which are valued using a discounted cash flow model, is the estimates of future cash flows discounted using market rates and CDS spreads. Any significant increase or decrease in future cash flows would result in an increase or decrease in the fair value of the derivative liability, respectively.

Fair Value Measurements

The following tables present the fair value of the Company's assets (including short-term investments) and liabilities measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

      Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using   
      Quoted Prices in Significant          
      Active Markets Other Significant  Counterparty   
      for Identical Observable Unobservable  and Cash Balance as of
      Assets Inputs Inputs  Collateral June 30,
In millions (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3)  Netting 2014
Assets:                
Fixed-maturity investments:                
 U.S. Treasury and government agency $486 $114 $0  $0 $600
 State and municipal bonds  0  1,682  57 (1)  0  1,739
 Foreign governments  225  83  5 (1)  0  313
 Corporate obligations  0  2,373  34 (1)  0  2,407
 Mortgage-backed securities:                
  Residential mortgage-backed agency  0  1,184  8 (1)  0  1,192
  Residential mortgage-backed non-agency  0  59  0   0  59
  Commercial mortgage-backed  0  30  1 (1)  0  31
 Asset-backed securities:                
  Collateralized debt obligations  0  11  95 (1)  0  106
  Other asset-backed  0  168  82 (1)  0  250
   Total fixed-maturity investments  711  5,704  282   0  6,697
Money market securities  392  0  0   0  392
Perpetual debt and equity securities  27  28  13 (1)  0  68
Cash and cash equivalents  534  0  0   0  534
Derivative assets:                
 Non-insured derivative assets:                
  Interest rate derivatives  0  66  0   (62)  4
   Total derivative assets  0  66  0   (62)  4
                     
      Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using   
      Quoted Prices in Significant          
      Active Markets Other Significant  Counterparty   
      for Identical Observable Unobservable  and Cash Balance as of
      Assets Inputs Inputs  Collateral June 30,
In millions (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3)  Netting 2014
Assets of consolidated VIEs:                
 Corporate obligations  0  24  62 (1)  0  86
 Mortgage-backed securities:                
  Residential mortgage-backed non-agency  0  205  4 (1)  0  209
  Commercial mortgage-backed  0  91  0   0  91
 Asset-backed securities:                
  Collateralized debt obligations  0  10  6 (1)  0  16
  Other asset-backed  0  46  26 (1)  0  72
 Cash  66  0  0   0  66
 Loans receivable  0  0  1,539   0  1,539
 Loan repurchase commitments  0  0  363   0  363
Total assets $1,730 $6,174 $2,295  $(62) $10,137
Liabilities:                
Medium-term notes $0 $0 $217 (1) $0 $217
Derivative liabilities:                
 Insured derivatives:                
  Credit derivatives  0  3  332   0  335
 Non-insured derivatives:                
  Interest rate derivatives  0  208  0   (127)  81
  Other   0  0  33   0  33
Other liabilities:                
 Warrants  0  42  0   0  42
Liabilities of consolidated VIEs:                
 Variable interest entity notes  0  1,348  802   0  2,150
 Derivative liabilities:                
  Currency derivatives  0  0  11 (1)  0  11
Total liabilities $0 $1,601 $1,395  $(127) $2,869
____________                
(1) - Unobservable inputs are either not developed by the Company or do not significantly impact the overall fair values of the aggregate financial assets and liabilities.
                     

      Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using   
      Quoted Prices in Significant          
      Active Markets Other Significant  Counterparty   
      for Identical Observable Unobservable  and Cash Balance as of
      Assets Inputs Inputs  Collateral December 31,
In millions (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3)  Netting 2013
Assets:                
Fixed-maturity investments:                
 U.S. Treasury and government agency $397 $156 $0  $0 $553
 State and municipal bonds  0  1,765  19 (1)  0  1,784
 Foreign governments  112  65  12 (1)  0  189
 Corporate obligations  0  1,776  48 (1)  0  1,824
 Mortgage-backed securities:                
  Residential mortgage-backed agency  0  1,173  0   0  1,173
  Residential mortgage-backed non-agency  0  86  6 (1)  0  92
  Commercial mortgage-backed  0  25  14 (1)  0  39
 Asset-backed securities:                
  Collateralized debt obligations  0  72  82 (1)  0  154
  Other asset-backed  0  130  58 (1)  0  188
   Total fixed-maturity investments  509  5,248  239   0  5,996
Money market securities  783  0  0   0  783
Perpetual debt and equity securities  27  13  11 (1)  0  51
Cash and cash equivalents  1,161  0  0   0  1,161
Derivative assets:                
 Non-insured derivative assets:                
  Interest rate derivatives  0  46  0   (42)  4
   Total derivative assets  0  46  0   (42)  4
                     
      Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using   
      Quoted Prices in Significant          
      Active Markets Other Significant  Counterparty   
      for Identical Observable Unobservable  and Cash Balance as of
      Assets Inputs Inputs  Collateral December 31,
In millions (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3)  Netting 2013
Assets of consolidated VIEs:                
 Corporate obligations  0  41  48 (1)  0  89
 Mortgage-backed securities:                
  Residential mortgage-backed non-agency  0  255  4 (1)  0  259
  Commercial mortgage-backed  0  102  3 (1)  0  105
 Asset-backed securities:                
  Collateralized debt obligations  0  14  22 (1)  0  36
  Other asset-backed  0  44  54 (1)  0  98
 Money market securities  136  0  0   0  136
 Cash  97  0  0   0  97
 Loans receivable  0  0  1,612   0  1,612
 Loan repurchase commitments  0  0  359   0  359
Total assets $2,713 $5,763 $2,352  $(42) $10,786
Liabilities:                
Medium-term notes $0 $0 $203 (1) $0 $203
Derivative liabilities:                
 Insured derivatives:                
  Credit derivatives  0  5  1,147   0  1,152
 Non-insured derivatives:                
  Interest rate derivatives  0  165  0   (165)  0
Other liabilities:                
 Warrants  0  59  0   0  59
Liabilities of consolidated VIEs:                
 Variable interest entity notes  0  1,416  940   0  2,356
 Derivative liabilities:                
  Currency derivatives  0  0  11 (1)  0  11
Total liabilities $0 $1,645 $2,301  $(165) $3,781
____________                
(1) - Unobservable inputs are either not developed by the Company or do not significantly impact the overall fair values of the aggregate financial assets and liabilities.
                     

Level 3 assets at fair value as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 represented approximately 23% and 22%, respectively, of total assets measured at fair value. Level 3 liabilities at fair value as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 represented approximately 49% and 61%, respectively, of total liabilities measured at fair value.

The following tables present the fair values and carrying values of the Company's assets and liabilities that are disclosed at fair value but not reported at fair value on the Company's consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

 

   Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using       
   Quoted Prices in Significant Significant  Fair Value Carry Value 
    Active Markets for Other Observable Unobservable Balance as of  Balance as of  
    Identical Assets Inputs Inputs June 30, June 30, 
In millions  (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3) 2014 2014 
Assets:                
 Other investments $0 $0 $4 $4 $4 
 Accrued investment income(1)  0  51  0  51  51 
 Receivable for investments sold(1)  0  75  0  75  75 
Assets of consolidated VIEs:                
 Investments held-to-maturity  0  0  2,780  2,780  2,787 
Total assets $0 $126 $2,784 $2,910 $2,917 
Liabilities:                
 Investment agreements $0 $0 $801 $801 $660 
 Medium-term notes  0  0  832  832  1,069 
 Long-term debt  0  1,516  0  1,516  1,755 
 Payable for investments purchased(2)  0  34  0  34  34 
Liabilities of consolidated VIEs:                
 Variable interest entity notes  0  0  2,780  2,780  2,787 
Total liabilities $0 $1,550 $4,413 $5,963 $6,305 
Financial Guarantees:                
 Gross $0 $0 $4,487 $4,487 $2,181 
 Ceded  0  0  116  116  72 
__________                
(1) - Reported within "Other assets" on MBIA's consolidated balance sheets.
(2) - Reported within "Other liabilities" on MBIA's consolidated balance sheets.

   Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using      
   Quoted Prices in Significant Significant  Fair Value Carry Value
    Active Markets for  Other Observable Unobservable Balance as of  Balance as of
    Identical Assets Inputs Inputs December 31, December 31,
In millions  (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3) 2013 2013
Assets:               
 Other investments $0 $0 $4 $4 $5
 Accrued investment income(1)  0  52  0  52  52
 Receivable for investments sold(1)  0  22  0  22  22
 Net cash collateral pledged(1)  24  0  0  24  24
Assets of consolidated VIEs:               
 Investments held-to-maturity  0  0  2,651  2,651  2,801
Total assets $24 $74 $2,655 $2,753 $2,904
Liabilities:               
 Investment agreements $0 $0 $814 $814 $700
 Medium-term notes  0  0  927  927  1,224
 Long-term debt  0  1,412  0  1,412  1,702
 Payable for investments purchased(2)  0  31  0  31  31
Liabilities of consolidated VIEs:               
 Variable interest entity notes  0  0  2,751  2,751  2,930
Total liabilities $0 $1,443 $4,492 $5,935 $6,587
Financial Guarantees:               
 Gross $0 $0 $2,843 $2,843 $2,388
 Ceded  0  0  71  71  76
__________               
(1) - Reported within "Other assets" on MBIA's consolidated balance sheets.
(2) - Reported within "Other liabilities" on MBIA's consolidated balance sheets.

The following tables present information about changes in Level 3 assets (including short-term investments) and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:

Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
                                      Change in
                                      Unrealized
                                      Gains
                                      (Losses) for
                                      the Period
                                      Included in
        Unrealized                            Earnings
        Gains / Unrealized Foreign                      for Assets
        (Losses) Gains / Exchange                      still held
  Balance, Realized Included (Losses) Recognized             Transfers Transfers    as of
  Beginning Gains / in Included in OCI or             into out of Ending June 30,
In millions of Period (Losses) Earnings in OCI Earnings Purchases Issuances Settlements Sales Level 3(1) Level 3(1) Balance 2014
Assets:                                       
Foreign governments $7 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $(4) $0 $2 $0 $5 $0
Corporate obligations  30  4  2  (3)  0  6  0  0  (4)  0  (1)  34  2
Residential mortgage-                                       
backed agency  29  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  8  (29)  8  0
Residential mortgage-                                       
Commercial                                       
mortgage-backed  14  0  0  0  0  0  0  (12)  0  0  (1)  1  0
Collateralized debt                                       
obligations  115  (2)  1  24  0  0  0  (3)  (41)  2  (1)  95  0
Other asset-backed  85  0  0  3  0  11  0  (2)  (1)  6  (20)  82  0
State and municipal                                       
bonds  62  0  0  1  0  0  0  0  (4)  0  (2)  57  0
Perpetual debt and equity securities  15  0  2  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  (4)  13  2
Assets of                                       
consolidated VIEs:                                       
Corporate obligations  64  0  0  0  0  0  0  (2)  0  0  0  62  0
Residential mortgage-                                       
backed non-agency  5  0  (1)  0  0  0  0  (1)  0  1  0  4  0
Commercial                                       
mortgage-backed  3  0  (3)  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0
Collateralized debt                                       
obligations  14  0  (7)  0  0  0  0  (2)  0  1  0  6  0
Other asset-backed  42  0  (4)  0  0  0  0  (2)  0  0  (10)  26  0
Loans receivable  1,557  0  37  0  0  0  0  (55)  0  0  0  1,539  37
Loan repurchase                                       
commitments  364  0  (1)  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  363  (1)
Total assets $2,406 $2 $26 $25 $0 $17 $0 $(83) $(50) $20 $(68) $2,295 $40

                                      Change in
                                      Unrealized
                                      (Gains)
                                      Losses for
                                      the Period
                                      Included in
        Unrealized                            Earnings for
        (Gains) / Unrealized Foreign                      Liabilities
        Losses (Gains) / Exchange                      still held
  Balance, Realized Included Losses Recognized             Transfers Transfers    as of
  Beginning (Gains) / in Included in OCI or             into out of Ending June 30,
In millions of Period Losses Earnings in OCI Earnings Purchases Issuances Settlements Sales Level 3(1) Level 3(1) Balance 2014
Liabilities:                                       
Medium-term notes $215 $0 $3 $0 $(1) $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $217 $2
Credit derivatives, net  309  23  23  0  0  0  0  (23)  0  0  0  332  24
Interest rate                                       
Currency                                       
Other                                       
derivatives  31  0  2  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  33  2
Liabilities of                                       
consolidated VIEs:                                       
VIE notes  812  0  18  0  0  0  3  (31)  0  0  0  802  18
Currency                                       
derivatives, net  5  0  6  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  11  6
Total liabilities $1,372 $23 $52 $0 $(1) $0 $3 $(54) $0 $0 $0 $1,395 $52
_______________                          
(1) - Transferred in and out at the end of the period.

Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
                                      Change in
                                      Unrealized
                                      Gains
                                      (Losses) for
                                      the Period
                                      Included in
        Unrealized                            Earnings for
        Gains / Unrealized Foreign                      Assets
        (Losses) Gains / Exchange                      still held
  Balance, Realized Included (Losses) Recognized             Transfers Transfers    as of
  Beginning Gains / in Included in OCI or             into out of Ending June 30,
In millions of Period (Losses) Earnings in OCI Earnings Purchases Issuances Settlements Sales Level 3(1) Level 3(1) Balance 2013
Assets:                                       
Foreign governments $8 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $(8) $0 $3 $0 $3 $0
Corporate obligations  57  0  1  3  0  2  0  0  0  0  0  63  1
Residential mortgage-                                       
backed agency  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  3  0  3  0
Residential mortgage-                                       
backed non-agency  1  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  1  0
Commercial                                       
mortgage-backed  13  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  13  0
Collateralized debt                                       
obligations  37  (1)  0  2  0  61  0  (8)  (5)  9  (10)  85  1
Other asset-backed  67  0  0  (1)  0  3  0  (3)  0  2  (4)  64  0
State and municipal                                       
bonds  23  0  0  0  0  0  0  (2)  0  42  0  63  0
Perpetual debt and equity securities  10  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  10  0
Assets of                                       
consolidated VIEs:                                       
Corporate obligations  79  (4)  (6)  6  0  0  0  (2)  (25)  0  0  48  (1)
Residential mortgage-                                       
backed non-agency  6  0  (1)  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  (3)  2  0
Commercial                                       
mortgage-backed  28  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  (24)  0  0  4  0
Collateralized debt                                       
obligations  117  0  0  5  0  0  0  (1)  (86)  0  0  35  3
Other asset-backed  47  0  14  0  0  0  0  (6)  (2)  10  0  63  11
Loans receivable  1,819  0  212  0  0  0  0  (68)  (173)  0  0  1,790  212
Loan repurchase                                       
commitments  1,176  0  49  0  0  0  0  (110)  0  0  0  1,115  49
Total assets $3,488 $(5) $269 $15 $0 $66 $0 $(208) $(315) $69 $(17) $3,362 $276

                                      Change in
                                      Unrealized
                                      (Gains)
                                      Losses for
                                      the Period
                                      Included in
        Unrealized                            Earnings for
        (Gains) / Unrealized Foreign                      Liabilities
        Losses (Gains) / Exchange                      still held
  Balance, Realized Included Losses Recognized             Transfers Transfers    as of
  Beginning (Gains) / in Included in OCI or             into out of Ending June 30,
In millions of Period Losses Earnings in OCI Earnings Purchases Issuances Settlements Sales Level 3(1) Level 3(1) Balance 2013
Liabilities:                                       
Medium-term notes $181 $0 $5 $0 $2 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $188 $7
Credit derivatives, net  2,994  1,532  (1,350)  0  0  0  0  (1,532)  0  4  0  1,648  162
Interest rate                                       
derivatives, net  (1)  0  1  0  1  0  0  0  0  0  (1)  0  (6)
Currency                                       
derivatives, net  1  0  (1)  0  1  0  0  0  0  0  (1)  0  0
Liabilities of                                        
consolidated VIEs:                                       
VIE notes  1,901  0  24  0  0  0  0  (26)  (1,075)  0  0  824  24
Currency derivatives,                                       
net  23  0  (4)  0  (3)  0  0  0  0  0  0  16  (7)
Total liabilities $5,099 $1,532 $(1,325) $0 $1 $0 $0 $(1,558) $(1,075) $4 $(2) $2,676 $180
_______________                                       
(1) - Transferred in and out at the end of the period.

Transfers into and out of Level 3 were $20 million and $68 million, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2014. Transfers into and out of Level 2 were $68 million and $20 million, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2014. Transfers into Level 3 were principally related to RMBS agency and other ABS, where inputs, which are significant to their valuation, became unobservable during the quarter. RMBS non-agency and other ABS, comprised the majority of the transferred instruments out of Level 3 where inputs, which are significant to their valuation, became observable during the quarter. These inputs included spreads, prepayment speeds, default speeds, default severities, yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, and market corroborated inputs. There were no transfers into or out of Level 1.

Transfers into and out of Level 3 were $73 million and $19 million, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2013. Transfers into and out of Level 2 were $19 million and $73 million, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2013. Transfers into Level 3 were principally related to state and municipal bonds, CDOs and other ABS where inputs, which are significant to their valuation, became unobservable during the quarter. CDOs, other ABS and RMBS non-agency comprised the majority of the transferred instruments out of Level 3 where inputs, which are significant to their valuation, became observable during the quarter. These inputs included spreads, prepayment speeds, default speeds, default severities, yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, and market corroborated inputs. There were no transfers into or out of Level 1.

All Level 1, 2 and 3 designations are made at the end of each accounting period.

The following tables present information about changes in Level 3 assets (including short-term investments) and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:

Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
                                      Change in
                                      Unrealized
                                      Gains
                                      (Losses) for
                                      the Period
                                      Included in
        Unrealized                            Earnings for
        Gains / Unrealized Foreign                      Assets
        (Losses) Gains / Exchange                      still held
  Balance, Realized Included (Losses) Recognized             Transfers Transfers    as of
  Beginning Gains / in Included in OCI or             into out of Ending June 30,
In millions of Year (Losses) Earnings in OCI Earnings Purchases Issuances Settlements Sales Level 3(1) Level 3(1) Balance 2014
Assets:                                       
Foreign governments $12 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $(9) $0 $2 $0 $5 $0
Corporate obligations  48  3  3  (4)  0  6  0  (2)  (22)  3  (1)  34  2
Residential mortgage-                                       
backed agency  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  37  (29)  8  0
Residential mortgage-                                       
backed non-agency  6  0  0  (1)  0  0  0  0  0  0  (5)  0  0
Commercial                                       
mortgage-backed  14  0  0  0  0  0  0  (13)  0  1  (1)  1  0
Collateralized debt                                       
obligations  82  (2)  1  27  0  5  0  (5)  (41)  35  (7)  95  0
Other asset-backed  58  0  0  8  0  11  0  (4)  (1)  30  (20)  82  0
State and municipal                                       
bonds  19  0  0  1  0  0  0  (2)  (3)  44  (2)  57  0
Perpetual debt and equity securities  11  0  2  0  0  0  0  0  0  4  (4)  13  2
Assets of                                       
consolidated VIEs:                                       
Corporate obligations  48  0  0  0  0  0  0  (3)  0  17  0  62  1
Residential mortgage-                                       
backed non-agency  4  0  (1)  0  0  0  0  (1)  0  2  0  4  0
Commercial                                       
mortgage-backed  3  0  (3)  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0
Collateralized debt                                       
obligations  22  0  (10)  0  0  0  0  (4)  0  1  (3)  6  1
Other asset-backed  54  0  (16)  0  0  0  0  (6)  0  4  (10)  26  0
Loans receivable  1,612  0  36  0  0  0  0  (109)  0  0  0  1,539  36
Loan repurchase                                       
commitments  359  0  4  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  363  4
Total assets $2,352 $1 $16 $31 $0 $22 $0 $(158) $(67) $180 $(82) $2,295 $46

                                      Change in
                                      Unrealized
                                      (Gains)
                                      Losses for
                                      the Period
                                      Included in
        Unrealized                            Earnings for
        (Gains) / Unrealized Foreign                      Liabilities
        Losses (Gains) / Exchange                      still held
  Balance, Realized Included Losses Recognized             Transfers Transfers    as of
  Beginning (Gains) / in Included in OCI or             into out of Ending June 30,
In millions of Year Losses Earnings in OCI Earnings Purchases Issuances Settlements Sales Level 3(1) Level 3(1) Balance 2014
Liabilities:                                       
Medium-term notes $203 $0 $15 $0 $(1) $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $217 $14
Credit derivatives, net  1,147  364  (815)  0  0  0  0  (364)  0  0  0  332  (6)
Interest rate                                       
Other                                       
derivatives, net  0  30  3  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  33  3
Currency                                       
Liabilities of                                        
consolidated VIEs:                                       
VIE notes  940  0  36  0  0  0  3  (136)  (41)  0  0  802  33
Currency derivatives,                                       
net  11  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  11  0
Total liabilities $2,301 $394 $(761) $0 $(1) $0 $3 $(500) $(41)(2) $0 $0 $1,395 $44
_______________                                       
(1) - Transferred in and out at the end of the period.
(2) - Primarily relates to the deconsolidation of VIEs.

Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
                                      Change in
                                      Unrealized
                                      Gains
                                      (Losses) for
                                      the Period
                                      Included in
        Unrealized                            Earnings for
        Gains / Unrealized Foreign                      Assets
        (Losses) Gains / Exchange                      still held
  Balance, Realized Included (Losses) Recognized             Transfers Transfers    as of
  Beginning Gains / in Included in OCI or             into out of Ending June 30,
In millions of Year (Losses) Earnings in OCI Earnings Purchases Issuances Settlements Sales Level 3(1) Level 3(1) Balance 2013
Assets:                                       
Foreign governments $3 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $(8) $0 $11 $(3) $3 $0
Corporate obligations  76  2  5  4  (1)  2  0  (1)  (24)  0  0  63  5
Residential mortgage-                                       
backed agency  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  3  0  3  0
Residential mortgage-                                       
backed non-agency  4  0  0  0  0  0  0  (3)  0  0  0  1  0
Commercial                                       
mortgage-backed  28  0  0  4  0  0  0  0  (19)  1  (1)  13  0
Collateralized debt                                       
obligations  31  (2)  0  4  0  61  0  (12)  (5)  19  (11)  85  1
Other asset-backed  26  0  0  (1)  0  4  0  (5)  0  44  (4)  64  0
State and municipal                                       
bonds  103  2  0  (1)  0  0  0  (3)  (12)  42  (68)  63  0
Perpetual debt and equity securities  14  0  0  0  (1)  0  0  0  0  0  (3)  10  0
Assets of                                       
consolidated VIEs:                                       
Corporate obligations  78  (4)  (8)  6  0  0  0  (3)  (24)  3  0  48  (1)
Residential mortgage-                                       
backed non-agency  6  0  6  0  0  0  0  (7)  0  1  (4)  2  0
Commercial                                       
mortgage-backed  7  0  1  0  0  0  0  0  (24)  20  0  4  1
Collateralized debt                                       
obligations  125  0  (9)  5  0  0  0  (1)  (85)  1  (1)  35  4
Other asset-backed  64  0  0  0  0  0  0  (9)  (2)  10  0  63  4
Loans receivable  1,881  0  221  0  0  0  0  (137)  (175)  0  0  1,790  207
Loan repurchase                                       
commitments  1,086  0  139  0  0  0  0  (110)  0  0  0  1,115  139
Total assets $3,532 $(2) $355 $21 $(2) $67 $0 $(299) $(370) $155 $(95) $3,362 $360

                                      Change in
                                      Unrealized
                                      (Gains)
                                      Losses for
                                      the Period
                                      Included in
        Unrealized                            Earnings for
        (Gains) / Unrealized Foreign                      Liabilities
        Losses (Gains) / Exchange                      still held
  Balance, Realized Included Losses Recognized             Transfers Transfers    as of
  Beginning (Gains) / in Included in OCI or             into out of Ending June 30,
In millions of Year Losses Earnings in OCI Earnings Purchases Issuances Settlements Sales Level 3(1) Level 3(1) Balance 2013
Liabilities:                                       
Medium-term notes $165 $0 $25 $0 $(2) $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $188 $23
Credit derivatives, net  2,921  1,521  (1,277)  0  0  0  0  (1,521)  0  4  0  1,648  218
Interest rate                                       
derivatives, net  (1)  0  2  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  (1)  0  (6)
Currency                                        
derivatives, net  1  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  (1)  0  0
Liabilities of                                        
consolidated VIEs:                                       
VIE notes  1,932  0  146  0  0  0  0  (178)  (1,076)  0  0  824  59
Currency derivatives,                                       
net  21  0  (5)  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  16  (5)
Total liabilities $5,039 $1,521 $(1,109) $0 $(2) $0 $0 $(1,699) $(1,076)(2) $4 $(2) $2,676 $289
_______________                                       
(1) - Transferred in and out at the end of the period.
(2) - Primarily relates to the deconsolidation of VIEs.

Transfers into and out of Level 3 were $180 million and $82 million, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2014. Transfers into and out of Level 2 were $82 million and $180 million, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2014. Transfers into Level 3 were principally related to state and municipal bonds, RMBS agency, CDOs, and other ABS where inputs, which are significant to their valuation, became unobservable during the period. RMBS agency and other ABS comprised the majority of the transferred instruments out of Level 3 where inputs, which are significant to their valuation, became observable during the period. These inputs included spreads, prepayment speeds, default speeds, default severities, yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, and market corroborated inputs. There were no transfers into or out of Level 1.

Transfers into and out of Level 3 were $159 million and $97 million, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2013. Transfers into and out of Level 2 were $97 million and $159 million, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2013. Transfers into Level 3 were principally related to other ABS, state and municipal bonds, CDOs, and CMBS where inputs, which are significant to their valuation, became unobservable during the period. State and municipal bonds and CDOs comprised the majority of the transferred instruments out of Level 3 where inputs, which are significant to their valuation, became observable during the period. These inputs included spreads, prepayment speeds, default speeds, default severities, yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, and market corroborated inputs. There were no transfers into or out of Level 1.

All Level 1, 2 and 3 designations are made at the end of each accounting period.

 

Gains and losses (realized and unrealized) included in earnings related to Level 3 assets and liabilities for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 are reported on the Company's consolidated statements of operations as follows:

              
   Three Months Ended June 30, 2014 Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
      Change in     Change in
      Unrealized    Unrealized
      Gains (Losses)    Gains (Losses)
      for the     for the
      Period Included    Period Included
      in Earnings     in Earnings
      for Assets    for Assets
     and     and
   Total Gains Liabilities still  Total Gains Liabilities still
   (Losses) held as of  (Losses) held as of
   Included June 30, Included June 30,
In millions in Earnings 2014 in Earnings 2013
Revenues:            
 Unrealized gains (losses) on            
  insured derivatives $(23) $(24) $1,350 $(162)
 Realized gains (losses) and other            
  settlements on insured derivatives  (23)  0  (1,532)  0
 Net gains (losses) on financial instruments            
  at fair value and foreign exchange  3  0  (8)  1
 Net investment losses related to             
 Revenues of consolidated VIEs:            
  Net gains (losses) on financial instruments             
  at fair value and foreign exchange  (3)  12  244  257
Total $(46) $(12) $54 $96

Gains and losses (realized and unrealized) included in earnings relating to Level 3 assets and liabilities for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 are reported on the Company's consolidated statements of operations as follows:

              
   Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
      Change in     Change in
      Unrealized    Unrealized
      Gains (Losses)    Gains (Losses)
      for the     for the
      Period Included    Period Included
      in Earnings     in Earnings
      for Assets    for Assets
     and     and
   Total Gains Liabilities still  Total Gains Liabilities still
   (Losses) held as of  (Losses) held as of
   Included June 30, Included June 30,
In millions in Earnings 2014 in Earnings 2013
Revenues:            
 Unrealized gains (losses) on            
  insured derivatives $815 $6 $1,277 $(218)
 Realized gains (losses) and other            
  settlements on insured derivatives  (394)  0  (1,521)  0
 Net gains (losses) on financial instruments            
  at fair value and foreign exchange  (10)  (13)  (18)  (11)
 Net investment losses related to             
 Revenues of consolidated VIEs:            
  Net gains (losses) on financial instruments             
  at fair value and foreign exchange  (26)  9  205  300
Total $385 $2 $(57) $71

Fair Value Option

The Company elected to record at fair value certain financial instruments that have been consolidated in connection with the adoption of the accounting guidance for consolidation of VIEs, among others.

The following table presents the changes in fair value included in the Company's consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 for financial instruments for which the fair value option was elected:

   Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 
In millions 2014 2013 2014 2013 
Investments carried at fair value(1) $ 1 $ 2 $2 $6 
Fixed-maturity securities held at fair value-VIE(2)   (30)   (16)  (68)  2 
Loans receivable at fair value:             
 Residential mortgage loans(2)   (17)   145  (73)  71 
 Other loans(2)   -   -  0  13 
Loan repurchase commitments(2)   -   50  5  139 
Medium-term notes(1)   (2)   (7)   (14)  (23) 
Variable interest entity notes (2)   48   (160)  169  (79) 
_____________
(1) - Reported within "Net gains (losses) of financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange" on MBIA's consolidated statements of operations. 
(2) - Reported within "Net gains (losses) of financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange-VIE" on MBIA's consolidated statements of operations. 
               

The following table reflects the difference between the aggregate fair value and the aggregate remaining contractual principal balance outstanding as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 for loans and notes for which the fair value option was elected:

 

   As of June 30, 2014  As of December 31, 2013
   Contractual       Contractual      
   Outstanding Fair    Outstanding Fair   
In millions Principal Value Difference Principal Value Difference
Loans receivable at fair value:                  
 Residential mortgage loans $1,729 $1,510 $219 $1,846 $1,562 $284
 Residential mortgage loans (90 days or more past due)  243  29  214  231  50  181
Total loans receivable at fair value $1,972 $1,539 $433 $2,077 $1,612 $465
                    
Variable interest entity notes $3,428 $2,150 $1,278 $3,787 $2,356 $1,431
                    
Medium-term notes $274 $217 $57 $276 $203 $73

Substantially all gains and losses included in earnings during the periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 on loans receivable and VIE notes reported in the preceding table are attributable to credit risk. This is primarily due to the high rate of defaults on loans and the collateral supporting the VIE notes, resulting in depressed pricing of the financial instruments.