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Fair Value Measurements
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements
 
Accounting principles related to fair value measurements provide a framework for measuring fair value that focuses on the exit price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal market (or in the absence of the principal market, the most advantageous market) accessible in an orderly transaction between willing market participants (the “Fair Value Framework”). Where required by the applicable accounting standards, assets and liabilities are measured at fair value using the “highest and best use” valuation premise. Amendments to the fair value measurement guidance, which became effective in 2012 clarifies that financial instruments do not have alternative uses and, as such, the fair value of financial instruments should be determined using an “in-exchange” valuation premise. However, the fair value measurement literature provides a valuation exception and permits an entity to measure the fair value of a group of financial assets and financial liabilities with offsetting credit risks and/or market risks based on the exit price it would receive or pay to transfer the net risk exposure of a group of assets or liabilities if certain conditions are met. We elected to apply the measurement exception to a group of derivative instruments with offsetting credit risks and market risks, which primarily relate to interest rate, foreign currency, debt and equity price risk, and commodity price risk as of the reporting date.
Fair Value Adjustments  The best evidence of fair value is quoted market price in an actively traded market, where available. In the event listed price or market quotes are not available, valuation techniques that incorporate relevant transaction data and market parameters reflecting the attributes of the asset or liability under consideration are applied. Where applicable, fair value adjustments are made to ensure the financial instruments are appropriately recorded at fair value. The fair value adjustments reflect the risks associated with the products, contractual terms of the transactions, and the liquidity of the markets in which the transactions occur. The fair value adjustments are broadly categorized by the following major types:
Credit risk adjustment - The credit risk adjustment is an adjustment to a group of financial assets and financial liabilities, predominantly derivative assets and derivative liabilities, to reflect the credit quality of the parties to the transaction in arriving at fair value. A credit valuation adjustment to a financial asset is required to reflect the default risk of the counterparty. A debit valuation adjustment to a financial liability is recorded to reflect the default risk of HUSI.
For derivative instruments, we calculate the credit risk adjustment by applying the probability of default of the counterparty to the expected exposure, and multiplying the result by the expected loss given default. We estimate the implied probability of default based on the counterparty's credit spread. Where credit default spreads of the counterparty are not available, we use the credit default spread of specific proxy (e.g. the credit default swap spread of the counterparty's parent). Where specific proxy credit default swaps are not available, we apply a blended approach based on a mixture of proxy credit default swap referencing to credit names of similar credit standing and the historical rating-based probability of default.
During 2012, we changed our estimate of credit valuation adjustments on derivative assets and debit valuation adjustments on derivative liabilities to be based on a market-implied probability of default calculation rather than a ratings-based historical counterparty probability of default calculation, consistent with recent changes in industry practice.
Liquidity risk adjustment - The liquidity risk adjustment (primarily in the form of bid-offer adjustment) reflects the cost that would be incurred to close out the market risks by hedging, disposing or unwinding the position. Valuation models generally produce mid market values. The bid-offer adjustment is made in such a way that results in a measure that reflects the exit price that most represents the fair value of the financial asset of financial liability under consideration or, where applicable, the fair value of the net market risk exposure of a group of financial assets or financial liabilities. These adjustments relate primarily to Level 2 assets.
Model valuation adjustment - Where fair value measurements are determined using an internal valuation model based on unobservable inputs, certain valuation inputs may be less readily determinable. There may be a range of possible valuation inputs that market participants may assume in determining the fair value measurement. The resultant fair value measurement has inherent measurement risk if one or more significant parameters are unobservable and must be estimated. An input valuation adjustment is necessary to reflect the likelihood that market participants may use different input parameters, and to mitigate the possibility of measurement error. In addition, the values derived from valuation techniques are affected by the choice of valuation model and model limitation. When different valuation techniques are available, the choice of valuation model can be subjective. Furthermore, the valuation model applied may have measurement limitations. In those cases, an additional valuation adjustment is also applied to mitigate the measurement risk. These adjustments relate primarily to Level 2 assets.
We apply stress scenarios in determining appropriate liquidity risk and model risk adjustments for Level 3 fair values by reviewing the historical data for unobservable inputs (e.g., correlation, volatility). Some stress scenarios involve a 95 percent confidence interval (i.e., two standard deviations). Other stress scenarios may be performed using highly stressed historical inputs such as credit spreads experienced during a credit crisis. We also utilize unobservable parameter adjustments when instruments are valued using internally developed models which reflects the uncertainty in the value estimates provided by the model.
Fair Value Hierarchy  The Fair Value Framework establishes a three-tiered fair value hierarchy as follows:
Level 1 quoted market price - Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 valuation technique using observable inputs - Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are inactive, and measurements determined using valuation models where all significant inputs are observable, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals.
Level 3 valuation technique with significant unobservable inputs - Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability and include situations where fair values are measured using valuation techniques based on one or more significant unobservable input.
Classification within the fair value hierarchy is based on whether the lowest hierarchical level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is observable. As such, the classification within the fair value hierarchy is dynamic and can be transferred to other hierarchy levels in each reporting period. Transfers between leveling categories are assessed, determined and recognized at the end of each reporting period.
Valuation Control Framework We have established a control framework which is designed to ensure that fair values are either determined or validated by a function independent of the risk-taker. To that end, the ultimate responsibility for the determination of fair values rests with Finance. Finance has established an independent price validation process to ensure that the assets and liabilities measured at fair value are properly stated.
A valuation committee, chaired by the Head of Business Finance of Global Banking and Markets, meets monthly to review, monitor and discuss significant valuation matters arising from credit and market risks. The committee is responsible for establishing valuation policies and procedures, approving the internal valuation techniques and models developed by the Quantitative Risk and
Valuation Group (“QRVG”), reviewing and approving valuation adjustments pertaining to, among other things, unobservable inputs, market liquidity, selection of valuation model and counterparty credit risk. Significant valuation risks identified in business activities are corroborated and addressed by the committee members and, where applicable, are escalated to the Chief Financial Officer of HUSI and the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
Where fair value measurements are determined based on information obtained from independent pricing services or brokers, Finance applies appropriate validation procedures to substantiate fair value. For price validation purposes, quotations from at least two independent pricing sources are obtained for each financial instrument, where possible.

The following factors are considered in determining fair values:

similarities between the asset or the liability under consideration and the asset or liability for which quotation is received;
collaboration of pricing by referencing to other independent market data such as market transactions and relevant benchmark indices;
consistency among different pricing sources;
the valuation approach and the methodologies used by the independent pricing sources in determining fair value;
the elapsed time between the date to which the market data relates and the measurement date;
the source of the fair value information; and
whether the security is traded in an active or inactive market.

Greater weight is given to quotations of instruments with recent market transactions, pricing quotes from dealers who stand ready to transact, quotations provided by market-makers who structured such instrument and market consensus pricing based on inputs from a large number of survey participants. Any significant discrepancies among the external quotations are reviewed and adjustments to fair values are recorded where appropriate. Where the transaction volume of a specific instrument has been reduced and the fair value measurement becomes less transparent, Finance will apply more detailed procedures to understand and challenge the appropriateness of the unobservable inputs and the valuation techniques used by the independent pricing service. Where applicable, Finance will develop a fair value estimate using its own pricing model inputs to test reasonableness. Where fair value measurements are determined using internal valuation models, Finance will validate the fair value measurement by either developing unobservable inputs based on the industry consensus pricing surveys in which we participate or back testing by observing the actual settlements occurring soon after the measurement date. Any significant valuation adjustments are reported to and discussed with the valuation committee.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments  The fair value estimates, methods and assumptions set forth below for our financial instruments, including those financial instruments carried at cost, are made solely to comply with disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States and should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in this quarterly report.
The following table summarizes the carrying value and estimated fair value of our financial instruments at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
September 30, 2013
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
(in millions)
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term financial assets
$
31,495

 
$
31,495

 
$
1,512

 
$
29,917

 
$
66

Securities purchased under resale agreements
2,216

 
2,216

 

 
2,216

 

Non-derivative trading assets
20,941

 
20,941

 
2,277

 
16,593

 
2,071

Derivatives
6,045

 
6,045

 
14

 
5,962

 
69

Securities
49,598

 
49,651

 
28,010

 
21,641

 

Commercial loans, net of allowance for credit losses
48,196

 
49,619

 

 

 
49,619

Commercial loans designated under fair value option and held for sale
1

 
1

 

 
1

 

Commercial loans held for sale
41

 
41

 

 
41

 

Consumer loans, net of allowance for credit losses
18,919

 
15,848

 

 

 
15,848

Consumer loans held for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgages
130

 
126

 

 

 
126

Other consumer
64

 
64

 

 

 
64

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term financial liabilities
$
19,584

 
$
19,584

 
$

 
$
19,518

 
$
66

Deposits:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Without fixed maturities
102,950

 
102,950

 

 
102,950

 

Fixed maturities
2,119

 
2,125

 

 
2,125

 

Deposits designated under fair value option
7,851

 
7,851

 

 
5,182

 
2,669

Non-derivative trading liabilities
4,470

 
4,470

 
457

 
4,013

 

Derivatives
7,377

 
7,377

 
15

 
7,304

 
58

Long-term debt
15,304

 
15,718

 

 
15,718

 

Long-term debt designated under fair value option
6,847

 
6,847

 

 
6,286

 
561


December 31, 2012
Carrying
Value
 
Fair
Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
(in millions)
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term financial assets
$
14,719

 
$
14,719

 
$
1,359

 
$
13,279

 
$
81

Securities purchased under resale agreements
3,149

 
3,149

 

 
3,149

 

Non-derivative trading assets
25,491

 
25,491

 
2,484

 
20,061

 
2,946

Derivatives
6,865

 
6,865

 
30

 
6,664

 
171

Securities
69,336

 
69,547

 
43,421

 
26,126

 

Commercial loans, net of allowance for credit losses
43,833

 
45,153

 

 

 
45,153

Commercial loans designated under fair value option and held for sale
465

 
465

 

 
465

 

Commercial loans held for sale
16

 
16

 

 
16

 

Consumer loans, net of allowance for credit losses
18,778

 
15,173

 

 

 
15,173

Consumer loans held for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgages
472

 
485

 

 

 
485

Other consumer
65

 
65

 

 

 
65

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term financial liabilities
$
15,033

 
$
15,033

 
$

 
$
14,952

 
$
81

Deposits:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Without fixed maturities
104,414

 
104,414

 

 
104,414

 

Fixed maturities
4,565

 
4,574

 

 
4,574

 

Deposits designated under fair value option
8,692

 
8,692

 

 
6,056

 
2,636

Non-derivative trading liabilities
5,974

 
5,974

 
207

 
5,767

 

Derivatives
10,081

 
10,081

 
21

 
9,933

 
127

Long-term debt
14,465

 
15,163

 

 
15,163

 

Long-term debt designated under fair value option
7,280

 
7,280

 

 
6,851

 
429


Loan values presented in the table above were determined using the Fair Value Framework for measuring fair value, which is based on our best estimate of the amount within a range of value we believe would be received in a sale as of the balance sheet date (i.e. exit price). The secondary market demand and estimated value for our residential mortgage loans has been heavily influenced by the challenging economic conditions during the past several years, including house price depreciation, elevated unemployment, changes in consumer behavior, changes in discount rates and the lack of financing options available to support the purchase of receivables. For certain consumer loans, investors incorporate numerous assumptions in predicting cash flows, such as future interest rates, higher charge-off levels, slower voluntary prepayment speeds, different default and loss curves and estimated collateral values than we, as the servicer of these loans, believe will ultimately be the case. The investor's valuation process reflects this difference in overall cost of capital assumptions as well as the potential volatility in the underlying cash flow assumptions, the combination of which may yield a significant pricing discount from our intrinsic value. The estimated fair values at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 reflect these market conditions.
Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis  The following table presents information about our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized to determine such fair value.

 
Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis
September 30, 2013
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Gross
Balance
 
Netting(1)
 
Net
Balance
 
(in millions)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading Securities, excluding derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury, U.S. Government agencies and sponsored enterprises
$
2,277

 
$
278

 
$

 
$
2,555

 
$

 
$
2,555

Obligations of U.S. States and political subdivisions

 
16

 

 
16

 

 
16

Collateralized debt obligations

 

 
245

 
245

 

 
245

Asset-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgages

 
163

 

 
163

 

 
163

Student Loans

 
74

 

 
74

 

 
74

Corporate and other domestic debt securities

 
3

 
1,513

 
1,516

 

 
1,516

Debt Securities issued by foreign entities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate

 
967

 
192

 
1,159

 

 
1,159

Government

 
4,481

 
121

 
4,602

 

 
4,602

Equity securities

 
24

 

 
24

 

 
24

Precious metals trading

 
10,587

 

 
10,587

 

 
10,587

Derivatives(2):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
73

 
55,684

 
2

 
55,759

 

 
55,759

Foreign exchange contracts
1

 
14,114

 
136

 
14,251

 

 
14,251

Equity contracts

 
1,688

 
137

 
1,825

 

 
1,825

Precious metals contracts
107

 
1,175

 
1

 
1,283

 

 
1,283

Credit contracts

 
4,606

 
621

 
5,227

 

 
5,227

Derivatives netting

 

 

 

 
(72,300
)
 
(72,300
)
Total derivatives
181

 
77,267

 
897

 
78,345

 
(72,300
)
 
6,045

Securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury, U.S. Government agencies and sponsored enterprises
27,969

 
13,804

 

 
41,773

 

 
41,773

Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions

 
858

 

 
858

 

 
858

Asset-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgages

 
2

 

 
2

 

 
2

Commercial mortgages

 
135

 

 
135

 

 
135

Home equity

 
230

 

 
230

 

 
230

Other

 
103

 

 
103

 

 
103

Corporate and other domestic debt securities

 

 

 

 

 

Debt Securities issued by foreign entities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate

 
887

 

 
887

 

 
887

Government-backed
41

 
3,860

 

 
3,901

 

 
3,901

Equity securities

 
164

 

 
164

 

 
164

Loans(3)

 
1

 

 
1

 

 
1

Mortgage servicing rights(4)

 

 
224

 
224

 

 
224

Total assets
$
30,468

 
$
113,904

 
$
3,192

 
$
147,564

 
$
(72,300
)
 
$
75,264

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits in domestic offices(5)
$

 
$
5,182

 
$
2,669

 
$
7,851

 
$

 
$
7,851

Trading liabilities, excluding derivatives
457

 
4,013

 

 
4,470

 

 
4,470

Derivatives(2):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
104

 
55,596

 
2

 
55,702

 

 
55,702

Foreign exchange contracts
3

 
13,800

 
31

 
13,834

 

 
13,834

Equity contracts

 
1,232

 
175

 
1,407

 

 
1,407

Precious metals contracts
45

 
1,016

 
2

 
1,063

 

 
1,063

Credit contracts

 
4,888

 
408

 
5,296

 

 
5,296

Derivatives netting

 

 

 

 
(69,925
)
 
(69,925
)
Total derivatives
152

 
76,532

 
618

 
77,302

 
(69,925
)
 
7,377

Long-term debt(6)

 
6,286

 
561

 
6,847

 

 
6,847

Total liabilities
$
609

 
$
92,013

 
$
3,848

 
$
96,470

 
$
(69,925
)
 
$
26,545

 
Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis
December 31, 2012
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Gross
Balance
 
Netting(1)
 
Net
Balance
 
(in millions)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading Securities, excluding derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury, U.S. Government agencies and sponsored enterprises
$
2,484

 
$
369

 
$

 
$
2,853

 
$

 
$
2,853

Collateralized debt obligations

 

 
466

 
466

 

 
466

Asset-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgages

 
221

 

 
221

 

 
221

Corporate and other domestic debt securities

 
1,035

 
1,861

 
2,896

 

 
2,896

Debt Securities issued by foreign entities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate

 
468

 
299

 
767

 

 
767

Government

 
5,609

 
311

 
5,920

 

 
5,920

Equity securities

 
27

 
9

 
36

 

 
36

Precious metals trading

 
12,332

 

 
12,332

 

 
12,332

Derivatives(2):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
98

 
66,602

 
8

 
66,708

 

 
66,708

Foreign exchange contracts
4

 
13,825

 
16

 
13,845

 

 
13,845

Equity contracts

 
1,593

 
166

 
1,759

 

 
1,759

Precious metals contracts
135

 
649

 
7

 
791

 

 
791

Credit contracts

 
5,961

 
1,168

 
7,129

 

 
7,129

Derivatives netting

 

 

 

 
(83,367
)
 
(83,367
)
Total derivatives
237

 
88,630

 
1,365

 
90,232

 
(83,367
)
 
6,865

Securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury, U.S. Government agencies and sponsored enterprises
43,379

 
17,316

 

 
60,695

 

 
60,695

Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions

 
912

 

 
912

 

 
912

Asset-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgages

 
1

 

 
1

 

 
1

Commercial mortgages

 
214

 

 
214

 

 
214

Home equity

 
258

 

 
258

 

 
258

Other

 
84

 

 
84

 

 
84

Corporate and other domestic debt securities

 
26

 

 
26

 

 
26

Debt Securities issued by foreign entities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate

 
831

 

 
831

 

 
831

Government-backed
42

 
4,480

 

 
4,522

 

 
4,522

Equity securities

 
173

 

 
173

 

 
173

Loans(3)

 
465

 

 
465

 

 
465

Mortgage servicing rights(4)

 

 
168

 
168

 

 
168

Total assets
$
46,142

 
$
133,451

 
$
4,479

 
$
184,072

 
$
(83,367
)
 
$
100,705

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits in domestic offices(5)
$

 
$
6,056

 
$
2,636

 
$
8,692

 
$

 
$
8,692

Trading liabilities, excluding derivatives
207

 
5,767

 

 
5,974

 

 
5,974

Derivatives(2):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
90

 
66,258

 
1

 
66,349

 

 
66,349

Foreign exchange contracts
25

 
13,770

 
11

 
13,806

 

 
13,806

Equity contracts

 
1,244

 
173

 
1,417

 

 
1,417

Precious metals contracts
19

 
712

 
7

 
738

 

 
738

Credit contracts

 
6,754

 
597

 
7,351

 

 
7,351

Derivatives netting

 

 

 

 
(79,580
)
 
(79,580
)
Total derivatives
134

 
88,738

 
789

 
89,661

 
(79,580
)
 
10,081

Long-term debt(6)

 
6,851

 
429

 
7,280

 

 
7,280

Total liabilities
$
341

 
$
107,412

 
$
3,854

 
$
111,607

 
$
(79,580
)
 
$
32,027

 
(1) 
Represents counterparty and cash collateral netting which allow the offsetting of amounts relating to certain contracts if certain conditions are met.
(2) 
Includes trading derivative assets of $4.6 billion and $5.4 billion and trading derivative liabilities of $6.6 billion and $8.7 billion as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, as well as derivatives held for hedging and commitments accounted for as derivatives.
(3) 
Includes leveraged acquisition finance and other commercial loans held for sale or risk-managed on a fair value basis for which we have elected to apply the fair value option. See Note 7, “Loans Held for Sale,” for further information.
(4) 
See Note 8, “Intangible Assets,” for additional information.
(5) 
Represents structured deposits risk-managed on a fair value basis for which we have elected to apply the fair value option.
(6) 
Includes structured notes and own debt issuances which we have elected to measure on a fair value basis.
Transfers between leveling categories are recognized at the end of each reporting period.
Transfers between Levels 1 and 2  There were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 during September 30, 2013 and 2012.
Information on Level 3 assets and liabilities  The following table summarizes additional information about changes in the fair value of Level 3 assets and liabilities during the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. As a risk management practice, we may risk manage the Level 3 assets and liabilities, in whole or in part, using securities and derivative positions that are classified as Level 1 or Level 2 measurements within the fair value hierarchy. Since those Level 1 and Level 2 risk management positions are not included in the table below, the information provided does not reflect the effect of such risk management activities related to the Level 3 assets and liabilities.
  
Jul.  1,
2013
 
Total Gains and  (Losses) Included in(1)
 
Purch-
ases
 
Issu-
ances
 
Settle-
ments
 
Transfers
Into
Level 3
 
Transfers
Out of
Level 3
 
Sep. 30,
2013
 
Current
Period
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses)
 
Trading
Revenue
(Loss)
 
Other
Revenue
 
 
(in millions)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading assets, excluding derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Collateralized debt obligations
$
227

 
$
21

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
(3
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
245

 
$
20

Corporate and other domestic debt securities
1,498

 

 

 
15

 

 

 

 

 
1,513

 

Corporate debt securities issued by foreign entities
285

 
6

 

 

 

 
(99
)
 

 

 
192

 
6

Government debt securities issued by foreign entities
135

 
(7
)
 

 

 

 
(7
)
 

 

 
121

 
(8
)
Equity securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives, net(2):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
(1
)
 

 
2

 

 

 

 

 

 
1

 
2

Foreign exchange contracts
104

 
6

 

 

 

 
(6
)
 
1

 

 
105

 

Equity contracts
(83
)
 
50

 

 

 

 
(5
)
 
4

 
(4
)
 
(38
)
 
47

Precious metals contracts

 
(1
)
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Credit contracts
225

 
(26
)
 

 

 

 
14

 

 

 
213

 
(18
)
Mortgage servicing rights(4)
225

 

 
(1
)
 

 

 

 

 

 
224

 
(1
)
Total assets
$
2,615

 
$
49

 
$
1

 
$
15

 
$

 
$
(106
)
 
$
5

 
$
(4
)
 
$
2,575

 
$
47

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits in domestic offices
$
(2,662
)
 
$
(26
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(73
)
 
$
123

 
$
(110
)
 
$
79

 
(2,669
)
 
$
(11
)
Long-term debt
(458
)
 
(17
)
 

 

 
(156
)
 
46

 

 
24

 
(561
)
 
(25
)
Total liabilities
$
(3,120
)
 
$
(43
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(229
)
 
$
169

 
$
(110
)
 
$
103

 
$
(3,230
)
 
$
(36
)

  
Jan. 1,
2013
 
Total Gains and  (Losses) Included in(1)
 
Purch-
ases
 
Issu-
ances
 
Settle-
ments
 
Transfers
Into
Level 3
 
Transfers
Out of
Level 3
 
Sep. 30,
2013
 
Current
Period
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses)
 
Trading
Revenue
(Loss)
 
Other
Revenue
 
 
(in millions)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading assets, excluding derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Collateralized debt obligations
$
466

 
$
139

 
$

 
$
236

 
$

 
$
(596
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
245

 
$
137

Corporate and other domestic debt securities
1,861

 
28

 

 
46

 

 
(422
)
 

 

 
1,513

 
28

Corporate debt securities issued by foreign entities
299

 
(8
)
 

 

 

 
(99
)
 

 

 
192

 
(8
)
Government debt securities issued by foreign entities
311

 
14

 

 

 

 
(204
)
 

 

 
121

 
2

Equity securities
9

 
(5
)
 

 

 

 
(4
)
 

 

 

 
(5
)
Derivatives, net(2):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
7

 

 
(6
)
 

 

 

 

 

 
1

 
(7
)
Foreign exchange contracts
5

 
2

 

 

 

 
110

 
(12
)
 

 
105

 
107

Equity contracts
(7
)
 
30

 

 

 

 
(52
)
 
16

 
(25
)
 
(38
)
 
(28
)
Precious metals contracts

 
(1
)
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Credit contracts
571

 
(186
)
 

 

 

 
(126
)
 
(46
)
 

 
213

 
(287
)
Mortgage servicing rights(4)
168

 

 
45

 

 
11

 

 

 

 
224

 
45

Total assets
$
3,690

 
$
13

 
$
39

 
$
282

 
$
11

 
$
(1,393
)
 
$
(42
)
 
$
(25
)
 
$
2,575

 
$
(17
)
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits in domestic offices
$
(2,636
)
 
$
98

 
$

 
$

 
$
(558
)
 
$
326

 
$
(265
)
 
$
366

 
(2,669
)
 
$
(79
)
Long-term debt
(429
)
 
(33
)
 

 

 
(425
)
 
165

 

 
161

 
(561
)
 
(16
)
Total liabilities
$
(3,065
)
 
$
65

 
$

 
$

 
$
(983
)
 
$
491

 
$
(265
)
 
$
527

 
$
(3,230
)
 
$
(95
)

  
Jul. 1,
2012
 
Total Gains and  (Losses) Included in(1)
 
Purch-
ases
 
Issu-
ances
 
Settle-
ments
 
Transfers
Into
Level 3
 
Transfers
Out of
Level 3
 
Sep. 30,
2012
 
Current
Period
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses)
 
Trading
Revenue
(Loss)
 
Other
Revenue
 
 
(in millions)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading assets, excluding derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Collateralized debt obligations
$
658

 
$
44

 
$

 
$
20

 
$

 
$
(84
)
 
$
40

 
$

 
$
678

 
$
30

Corporate and other domestic debt securities
1,599

 
24

 

 

 

 
(5
)
 

 

 
1,618

 
24

Corporate debt securities issued by foreign entities
688

 
41

 

 
(1
)
 

 
(4
)
 

 

 
724

 
35

Equity securities
12

 
1

 

 

 

 
(1
)
 

 

 
12

 
1

Derivatives, net(2):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
12

 

 
2

 

 

 

 

 

 
14

 
1

Foreign exchange contracts
(25
)
 
(12
)
 

 

 
(1
)
 
9

 

 
32

 
3

 
20

Equity contracts
(46
)
 
84

 

 

 

 
(6
)
 
1

 
(2
)
 
31

 
71

Precious metals contracts

 
1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
1

 
1

Credit contracts
921

 
(227
)
 

 

 

 
(7
)
 
(16
)
 
(370
)
 
301

 
(250
)
Mortgage servicing rights(4)
187

 

 
(20
)
 

 
6

 

 

 

 
173

 
(19
)
Total assets
$
4,006

 
$
(44
)
 
$
(18
)
 
$
19

 
$
5

 
$
(98
)
 
$
25

 
$
(340
)
 
$
3,555

 
$
(86
)
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits in domestic offices
$
(2,908
)
 
$
(81
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(119
)
 
$
94

 
$
2

 
$
132

 
(2,880
)
 
$
(79
)
Long-term debt
(287
)
 
(22
)
 

 

 
(59
)
 
2

 

 
45

 
(321
)
 
(20
)
Total liabilities
$
(3,195
)
 
$
(103
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(178
)
 
$
96

 
$
2

 
$
177

 
$
(3,201
)
 
$
(99
)

  
Jan. 1,
2012
 
Total Gains and  (Losses) Included in(1)
 
Purch-
ases
 
Issu-
ances
 
Settle-
ments
 
Transfers
Into
Level 3
 
Transfers
Out of
Level 3
 
Sep. 30,
2012
 
Current
Period
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses)
 
Trading
Revenue
(Loss)
 
Other
Revenue
 
 
(in millions)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading assets, excluding derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Collateralized debt obligations
$
703

 
$
101

 
$

 
$
45

 
$

 
$
(211
)
 
$
40

 
$

 
$
678

 
$
79

Corporate and other domestic debt securities
1,679

 
42

 

 
101

 

 
(204
)
 

 

 
1,618

 
32

Corporate debt securities issued by foreign entities
253

 
107

 

 
388

 

 
(24
)
 

 

 
724

 
101

Equity securities
13

 

 

 

 

 
(1
)
 

 

 
12

 

Derivatives, net(2):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate contracts
9

 

 
5

 

 

 

 

 

 
14

 
4

Foreign exchange contracts
(1
)
 
(31
)
 

 

 
(6
)
 
11

 
(3
)
 
33

 
3

 
1

Equity contracts
(83
)
 
147

 

 

 

 
(35
)
 

 
2

 
31

 
93

Precious metals contracts

 
1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
1

 
1

Credit contracts
1,353

 
(615
)
 

 

 

 
(51
)
 
(16
)
 
(370
)
 
301

 
(605
)
Loans(3)
11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(11
)
 

 
(12
)
Mortgage servicing rights(4)
220

 

 
(67
)
 

 
20

 

 

 

 
173

 
(66
)
Total assets
$
4,157

 
$
(248
)
 
$
(62
)
 
$
534

 
$
14

 
$
(515
)
 
$
21

 
$
(346
)
 
$
3,555

 
$
(372
)
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits in domestic offices
$
(2,867
)
 
$
(158
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(675
)
 
$
254

 
$
(41
)
 
$
607

 
(2,880
)
 
$
(129
)
Long-term debt
(86
)
 
(13
)
 

 

 
(280
)
 
7

 
(7
)
 
58

 
(321
)
 
(16
)
Total liabilities
$
(2,953
)
 
$
(171
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(955
)
 
$
261

 
$
(48
)
 
$
665

 
$
(3,201
)
 
$
(145
)
 
(1) 
Includes realized and unrealized gains and losses.
(2) 
Level 3 net derivatives included derivative assets of $897 million and derivative liabilities of $618 million as of September 30, 2013 and derivative assets of $1.8 billion and derivative liabilities of $1.4 billion as of September 30, 2012.
(3) 
Includes Level 3 corporate lending activities risk-managed on a fair value basis for which we have elected the fair value option.
(4) 
See Note 8, “Intangible Assets,” for additional information.
The following table presents quantitative information about the unobservable inputs used to determine the recurring fair value measurement of assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 fair value measurements as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
As of September 30, 2013
Financial Instrument Type
 
Fair Value (in millions)
 
Valuation Technique(s)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
 
Range of Inputs
Collateralized debt obligations
 
245

 
Broker quotes or consensus pricing and, where applicable, discounted cash flows
 
Prepayment rates
 
1% - 5%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Conditional default rates
 
6% - 7%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss severity rates
 
90% -95%
Corporate and other domestic debt securities
 
1,513

 
Discounted cash flows
 
Spread volatility on collateral assets
 
1% - 3%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Correlation between insurance claim shortfall and collateral value
 
80%
Corporate and government debt securities issued by foreign entities
 
313

 
Discounted cash flows
 
Correlations of default among a portfolio of credit names of embedded credit derivatives
 
36% - 37%
Interest rate derivative contracts
 
1

 
Market comparable adjusted for probability to fund
 
Probability to fund for rate lock commitments
 
10% - 99%
Foreign exchange derivative contracts(1)
 
105

 
Option pricing model
 
Implied volatility of currency pairs
 
10% - 14%
Equity derivative contracts(1)
 
(38
)
 
Option pricing model
 
Equity / Equity Index volatility
 
7% - 81%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity / Equity and Equity / Index correlation
 
51% - 60%
Credit derivative contracts
 
213

 
Option pricing model
 
Correlation of defaults of a portfolio of reference credit names
 
37% - 52%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issuer by issuer correlation of defaults
 
83% - 95%
Mortgage servicing rights
 
224

 
Option adjusted discounted cash flows
 
Constant prepayment rates
 
6% - 23%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Option adjusted spread
 
8% - 19%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Estimated annualized costs to service
 
$91 - $333 per account
Deposits in domestic offices (structured deposits) (1)(2)
 
(2,669
)
 
Option adjusted discounted cash flows
 
Implied volatility of currency pairs
 
10% - 14%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity / Equity Index volatility
 
7% - 81%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity / Equity and Equity / Index correlation
 
51% - 60%
Long-term debt (structured notes) (1)(2)
 
(561
)
 
Option adjusted discounted cash flows
 
Implied volatility of currency pairs
 
10% - 14%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity / Equity Index volatility
 
7% - 81%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity / Equity and Equity / Index correlation
 
51% - 60%

As of December 31, 2012
Financial Instrument Type
 
Fair Value (in millions)
 
Valuation Technique(s)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
 
Range of Inputs
Collateralized debt obligations
 
466

 
Broker quotes or consensus pricing and, where applicable, discounted cash flows
 
Prepayment rates
 
-% - 6%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Conditional default rates
 
4% - 14%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss severity rates
 
50% - 100%
Corporate and other domestic debt securities
 
1,861

 
Discounted cash flows
 
Spread volatility on collateral assets
 
2% - 4%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Correlation between insurance claim shortfall and collateral value
 
80%
Corporate and government debt securities issued by foreign entities
 
610

 
Discounted cash flows
 
Correlations of default among a portfolio of credit names of embedded credit derivatives
 
29%
Equity securities (investments in hedge funds)
 
9

 
Net asset value of hedge funds
 
Range of fair value adjustments to reflect restrictions on timing and amount of redemption and realization risks
 
30% - 100%
Interest rate derivative contracts
 
7

 
Market comparable adjusted for probability to fund
 
Probability to fund for rate lock commitments
 
8% - 100%
Foreign exchange derivative contracts(1)
 
5

 
Option pricing model
 
Implied volatility of currency pairs
 
2% - 21%
Equity derivative contracts(1)
 
(7
)
 
Option pricing model
 
Equity / Equity Index volatility
 
6% - 104%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity / Equity and Equity / Index correlation
 
56% - 64%
Credit derivative contracts
 
571

 
Option pricing model
 
Correlation of defaults of a portfolio of reference credit names
 
32% - 45%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Industry by industry correlation of defaults
 
44% - 67%
Mortgage servicing rights
 
168

 
Option adjusted discounted cash flows
 
Constant prepayment rates
 
9% - 45%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Option adjusted spread
 
8% - 19%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Estimated annualized costs to service
 
$98 - $263 per account
Deposits in domestic offices (structured deposits) (1)(2)
 
(2,636
)
 
Option adjusted discounted cash flows
 
Implied volatility of currency pairs
 
2% - 21%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity / Equity Index volatility
 
6% - 104%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity / Equity and Equity / Index correlation
 
56% - 64%
Long-term debt (structured notes) (1)(2)
 
(429
)
 
Option adjusted discounted cash flows
 
Implied volatility of currency pairs
 
2% - 21%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity / Equity Index volatility
 
6% - 104%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity / Equity and Equity / Index correlation
 
56% - 64%
 
(1) 
We are the client-facing entity and we enter into identical but opposite derivatives to transfer the resultant risks to our affiliates. With the exception of counterparty credit risks, we are market neutral. The corresponding intra-group derivatives are presented as equity derivatives and foreign currency derivatives in the table.
(2) 
Structured deposits and structured notes contain embedded derivative features whose fair value measurements contain significant Level 3 inputs.
Significant Unobservable Inputs for Recurring Fair Value Measurements
Collateralized Debt Obligations (CDOs)
Prepayment rate - The rate at which borrowers pay off the mortgage loans early. The prepayment rate is affected by a number of factors including the location of the mortgage collateral, the interest rate type of the mortgage loans, borrowers' credit and sensitivity to interest rate movement. The prepayment rate of our CDOs portfolio is tilted towards the low end of the range.
Default rate - Annualized percentage of default rate over a group of collateral such as residential or commercial mortgage loans. The default rate and loss severity rate are positively correlated. The default rate of our portfolio is close to the mid point of the range.
Loss Severity Rate - Included in our Level 3 CDOs portfolio are collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) and trust preferred securities which are about equally distributed. The loss severity rate for trust preferred securities as of September 30, 2013 is about 1.8 times of CLOs.
Derivatives
Correlation of Default - The default correlation of a group of credit exposures measures the likelihood that the credit references within a group will default together. The default correlation is a significant input to structured credit products such as nth-to-default swaps. In addition, the correlation between the currency and the default risk of the reference credits is a critical input to a foreign currency denominated credit default swap where the correlation is not observable.
Implied volatility - The implied volatility is a significant pricing input for freestanding or embedded options including equity, foreign currency and interest rate options. The level of volatility is a function of the nature of the underlying risk, the level of strike price and the years to maturity of the option. Depending on the underlying risk and tenure, we determine the implied volatility based on observable input where information is available. However, substantially all of the implied volatilities are derived based on historical information. The implied volatility for different foreign currency pairs is between 10% and 14% while the implied volatility for equity/equity or equity/equity index is between 7% and 81%, respectively at September 30, 2013. Although implied foreign currency volatility and equity volatility appear to be widely distributed at the portfolio level, the deviation of implied volatility on a trade-by-trade basis is narrower. The average deviation of implied volatility for the foreign currency pair and at-the-money equity option are 4.4% and 4.6%, respectively at September 30, 2013.
Correlations of a group of foreign currency or equity - Correlation measures the relative change in values among two or more variables (i.e., equity or foreign currency pair). Variables can be positively or negatively correlated. Correlation is a key input in determining the fair value of a derivative referenced to a basket of variables such as equities or foreign currencies. A majority of the correlations are not observable, but are derived based on historical data. The correlation between equity/equity and equity/equity index was between 51% and 60% at September 30, 2013.
Sensitivity of Level 3 Inputs to Fair Value Measurements
Collateralized Debt Obligations - Probability of default, prepayment speed and loss severity rate are significant unobservable inputs. Significant increase (decrease) in these inputs will result in a lower (higher) fair value measurement of a collateralized debt obligation. A change in assumption for default probability is often accompanied by a directionally similar change in loss severity, and a directionally opposite change in prepayment speed.
Corporate and Domestic Debt Securities - The fair value measurements of certain corporate debt securities are affected by the fair value of the underlying portfolios of investments used as collateral and the make-whole guarantee provided by third party guarantors. The probability that the collateral fair value declines below the collateral call threshold concurrent with the guarantors failure to perform its make whole obligation is unobservable. The increase (decrease) in the probability the collateral value falls below the collateral call threshold is often accompanied by a directionally similar change in default probability of the guarantor.
Credit derivatives - Correlation of default among a basket of reference credit names is a significant unobservable input if the credit attributes of the portfolio are not within the parameters of relevant standardized CDS indices. Significant increase (decrease) in the unobservable input will result in a lower (higher) fair value measurement of the credit derivative. A change in assumption for default correlation is often accompanied by a directionally similar change in default probability and loss rates of other credit names in the basket.
Equity and foreign currency derivatives - The fair value measurement of a structured equity or foreign currency derivative is primarily affected by the implied volatility of the underlying equity price or exchange rate of the paired foreign currencies. The implied volatility is not observable. Significant increase (decrease) in the implied volatility will result in a higher (lower) fair value of a long position in the derivative contract.
Significant Additions to and Transfers Into (Out of) Level 3 Measurements During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we transferred $46 million of credit derivatives from Level 2 to Level 3 as result of including specific fair value adjustments related to certain credit default swaps. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, we transferred $79 million and $366 million, respectively, of deposits in domestic offices and $24 million and $161 million, respectively, of long-term debt, which we have elected to carry at fair value, from Level 3 to Level 2 as a result of the embedded derivative no longer being unobservable as the derivative option is closer to maturity and there is more observability in short term volatility. Additionally, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, we transferred $110 million and $265 million, respectively, of deposits in domestic offices, which we have elected to carry at fair value, from Level 2 to Level 3 as a result of a change in the observability of underlying instruments that resulted in the embedded derivative being unobservable.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, we transferred $132 million and $607 million, respectively, of deposits in domestic offices, which we have elected to carry at fair value, from Level 3 to Level 2 as a result of the embedded derivative no longer being unobservable as the derivative option is closer in maturity and there is more observability in short term volatility.
Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis  Certain financial and non-financial assets are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis and therefore, are not included in the tables above. These assets include (a) mortgage and consumer loans classified as held for sale reported at the lower of amortized cost or fair value and (b) impaired loans or assets that are written down to fair value based on the valuation of underlying collateral during the period. These instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustment in certain circumstances (e.g., impairment). The following table presents the fair value hierarchy level within which the fair value of the financial and non-financial assets has been recorded as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. The gains (losses) during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 are also included.
 
Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements
as of September 30, 2013
 
Total Gains (Losses)
For the Three Months Ended September 30 2013
 
Total Gains (Losses)
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30 2013
  
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
(in millions)
Residential mortgage loans held for sale(1)
$

 
$
31

 
$
63

 
$
94

 
$
(14
)
 
$
(4
)
Impaired commercial loans(2)

 

 
69

 
69

 
19

 
17

Consumer loans(3)

 
437

 

 
437

 
(20
)
 
(38
)
Real estate owned(4)
16

 

 

 
16

 
(2
)
 

Total assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis
$
16

 
$
468

 
$
132

 
$
616

 
$
(17
)
 
$
(25
)
 
Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements
as of December 31, 2012
 
Total Gains (Losses)
For the Three Months Ended September 30 2012
 
Total Gains (Losses)
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30 2012
  
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
(in millions)
Residential mortgage loans held for sale(1)
$

 
$
10

 
$
67

 
$
77

 
$
3

 
$
(4
)
Impaired commercial loans(2)

 

 
155

 
155

 
(4
)
 
(27
)
Consumer loans(3)

 
712

 

 
712

 
(20
)
 
(58
)
Real estate owned(4)
24

 

 

 
24

 
1

 
3

Total assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis
$
24

 
$
722

 
$
222

 
$
968

 
$
(20
)
 
$
(86
)
 
(1) 
As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the fair value of the loans held for sale was below cost. Certain residential mortgage loans held for sale have been classified as a Level 3 fair value measurement within the fair value hierarchy as the underlying real estate properties which determine fair value are illiquid assets as a result of market conditions and significant inputs in estimating fair value were unobservable. Additionally, the fair value of these properties is affected by, among other things, the location, the payment history and the completeness of the loan documentation.
(2) 
Certain commercial loans have undergone troubled debt restructurings and are considered impaired. As a matter of practical expedient, we measure the credit impairment of a collateral-dependent loan based on the fair value of the collateral asset. The collateral often involves real estate properties that are illiquid due to market conditions. As a result, these loans are classified as a Level 3 fair value measurement within the fair value hierarchy.
(3) 
Represents residential mortgage loans held for investment whose carrying amount was reduced during the periods presented based on the fair value of the underlying collateral.
(4) 
Real estate owned are required to be reported on the balance sheet net of transactions costs. The real estate owned amounts in the table above reflect the fair value unadjusted for transaction costs.
The following table presents quantitative information about non-recurring fair value measurements of assets and liabilities classified with Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
As of September 30, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Instrument Type
 
Fair Value (in millions)
 
Valuation Technique(s)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
 
Range of Inputs
Residential mortgage loans held for sale
 
$
63

 
Valuation of third party appraisal on underlying collateral
 
Loss severity rates
 
-% - 100%
Impaired commercial loans
 
69

 
Valuation of third party appraisal on underlying collateral
 
Loss severity rates
 
-% - 81%
As of December 31, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Instrument Type
 
Fair Value (in millions)
 
Valuation Technique(s)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
 
Range of Inputs
Residential mortgage loans held for sale
 
$
67

 
Valuation of third party appraisal on underlying collateral
 
Loss severity rates
 
-% - 100%
Impaired commercial loans
 
155

 
Valuation of third party appraisal on underlying collateral
 
Loss severity rates
 
1% - 79%

Significant Unobservable Inputs for Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements
Residential mortgage loans held for sale primarily represent subprime residential mortgage loans which were previously acquired with the intent of securitizing or selling them to third parties. The weighted average loss severity rate for these loans was approximately 59% at September 30, 2013. These severity rates are primarily impacted by the value of the underlying collateral securing the loans.
Impaired loans represent commercial loans. The weighted average severity rate for these loans was approximately 34% at September 30, 2013. These severity rates are primarily impacted by the value of the underlying collateral securing the loans.
Valuation Techniques  Following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities recorded at fair value and for estimating fair value for those financial instruments not recorded at fair value for which fair value disclosure is required.
Short-term financial assets and liabilities - The carrying amount of certain financial assets and liabilities recorded at cost is considered to approximate fair value because they are short-term in nature, bear interest rates that approximate market rates, and generally have negligible credit risk. These items include cash and due from banks, interest bearing deposits with banks, accrued interest receivable, customer acceptance assets and liabilities and short-term borrowings.
Federal funds sold and purchased and securities purchased and sold under resale and repurchase agreements - Federal funds sold and purchased and securities purchased and sold under resale and repurchase agreements are recorded at cost. A significant majority of these transactions are short-term in nature and, as such, the recorded amounts approximate fair value. For transactions with long-dated maturities, fair value is based on dealer quotes for instruments with similar terms and collateral.
Loans - Except for leveraged loans, selected residential mortgage loans and certain foreign currency denominated commercial loans, we do not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis. From time to time, we record impairments to loans. The write-downs can be based on observable market price of the loan or the underlying collateral value. In addition, fair value estimates are determined based on the product type, financial characteristics, pricing features and maturity.
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale – Certain residential mortgage loans are classified as held for sale and are recorded at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. The fair value of these mortgage loans is determined based on the valuation information observed in alternative exit markets, such as the whole loan market, adjusted for portfolio specific factors. These factors include the location of the collateral, the loan-to-value ratio, the estimated rate and timing of default, the probability of default or foreclosure and loss severity if foreclosure does occur.
Leveraged Loans – We record leveraged loans and revolvers held for sale at fair value. Where available, market consensus pricing obtained from independent sources is used to estimate the fair value of the leveraged loans and revolvers. In validating the fair value, we take into consideration the number of participants submitting pricing information, the range of pricing information and distribution, the methodology applied by the pricing services to cleanse the data and market liquidity. Where consensus pricing information is not available, fair value is estimated using observable market prices of similar instruments or inputs, including bonds, credit derivatives, and loans with similar characteristics. Where observable market parameters are not available, fair value is determined based on contractual cash flows, adjusted for the probability of default and estimated recoveries where applicable, discounted at the rate demanded by market participants under current market conditions. In those cases, we also consider the loan specific attributes and inherent credit risk and risk mitigating factors such as collateral arrangements.
Commercial Loans – Commercial loans and commercial real estate loans are valued by discounting the contractual cash flows, adjusted for prepayments and the borrower’s credit risk, using a discount rate that reflects the current rates offered to borrowers of similar credit standing for the remaining term to maturity and, when applicable, our own estimate of liquidity premium.
Commercial impaired loans – Generally represents collateral dependent commercial loans with fair value determined based on pricing quotes obtained from an independent third party appraisal.
Consumer Loans – The estimated fair value of our consumer loans were determined by developing an approximate range of value from a mix of various sources as appropriate for the respective pool of assets. These sources included estimates from an HSBC affiliate which reflect over-the-counter trading activity, forward looking discounted cash flow models using assumptions consistent with those which would be used by market participants in valuing such receivables; trading input from other market participants which includes observed primary and secondary trades; where appropriate, the impact of current estimated rating agency credit tranching levels with the associated benchmark credit spreads; and general discussions held directly with potential investors. For revolving products, the estimated fair value excludes future draws on the available credit line as well as other items and, therefore, does not include the fair value of the entire relationship.
Valuation inputs include estimates of future interest rates, prepayment speeds, default and loss curves, estimated collateral value and market discount rates reflecting management’s estimate of the rate that would be required by investors in the current market given the specific characteristics and inherent credit risk of the receivables. Some of these inputs are influenced by collateral value changes and unemployment rates. Where available, such inputs are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. We perform analytical reviews of fair value changes on a quarterly basis and periodically validate our valuation methodologies and assumptions based on the results of actual sales of such receivables. In addition, from time to time, we may engage a third party valuation specialist to measure the fair value of a pool of receivables. Portfolio risk management personnel provide further validation through discussions with third party brokers and other market participants. Since an active market for these receivables does not exist, the fair value measurement process uses unobservable significant inputs specific to the performance characteristics of the various receivable portfolios.
Lending-related commitments - The fair value of commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees are not included in the table. The majority of the lending related commitments are not carried at fair value on a recurring basis nor are they actively traded. These instruments generate fees, which approximate those currently charged to originate similar commitments, which are recognized over the term of the commitment period. Deferred fees on commitments and standby letters of credit totaled $40 million and $46 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
Precious metals trading - Precious metals trading primarily includes physical inventory which is valued using spot prices.
 Securities - Where available, debt and equity securities are valued based on quoted market prices. If a quoted market price for the identical security is not available, the security is valued based on quotes from similar securities, where possible. For certain securities, internally developed valuation models are used to determine fair values or validate quotes obtained from pricing services. The following summarizes the valuation methodology used for our major security classes:
U.S. Treasury, U.S. Government agency issued or guaranteed and Obligations of U.S. state and political subdivisions – As these securities transact in an active market, fair value measurements are based on quoted prices for the identical security or quoted prices for similar securities with adjustments as necessary made using observable inputs which are market corroborated.
U.S. Government sponsored enterprises – For government sponsored mortgage-backed securities which transact in an active market, fair value measurements are based on quoted prices for the identical security or quoted prices for similar securities with adjustments as necessary made using observable inputs which are market corroborated. For government sponsored mortgage-backed securities which do not transact in an active market, fair value is determined primarily based on pricing information obtained from pricing services and is verified by internal review processes.
Asset-backed securities, including collateralized debt obligations – Fair value is primarily determined based on pricing information obtained from independent pricing services adjusted for the characteristics and the performance of the underlying collateral.
The following tables provide additional information relating to asset-backed securities and collateralized debt obligations as of September 30, 2013:
Trading residential mortgage asset-backed securities:
 
 
 
Alt-A
 
Subprime
 
 
Rating of Securities:(1)
Collateral Type:
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
 
(in millions)
AAA -A
Residential mortgages
 
$
90

 
$

 
$
69

 
$

 
$
159

CCC-Unrated
Residential mortgages
 

 

 
4

 

 
4

 
 
 
$
90

 
$

 
$
73

 
$

 
$
163

Other trading asset-backed securities and collateralized debt obligations:
Rating of Securities:(1)
Collateral Type:
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
 
(in millions)
AAA -A
Student loans
$
74

 
$

BBB -B
Collateralized debt obligations

 
245

 
 
$
74

 
$
245

Available-for-sale securities backed by collateral:
 
 
Commercial
Mortgages
 
Alt-A
 
 
Rating of Securities:(1)
Collateral Type:
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
 
(in millions)
AAA -A
Commercial mortgages
$
135

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
135

 
Home equity

 

 
100

 

 
100

 
Total AAA -A
135

 

 
100

 

 
235

BBB -B
Other

 

 
103

 

 
103

 
Total BBB -B

 

 
103

 

 
103

CCC -Unrated
Residential mortgages

 

 
2

 

 
2

 
Home equity

 

 
130

 

 
130

 
Total CCC -Unrated

 

 
132

 

 
132

 
 
$
135

 
$

 
$
335

 
$

 
$
470

 
(1)  
We utilize Standard & Poor's ("S&P") as the primary source of credit ratings in the tables above. If S&P ratings are not available, ratings by Moody's and Fitch are used in that order. Ratings for collateralized debt obligations represent the ratings associated with the underlying collateral.
Other domestic debt and foreign debt securities (corporate and government) - For non-callable corporate securities, a credit spread scale is created for each issuer. These spreads are then added to the equivalent maturity U.S. Treasury yield to determine current pricing. Credit spreads are obtained from the new market, secondary trading levels and dealer quotes. For securities with early redemption features, an option adjusted spread (“OAS”) model is incorporated to adjust the spreads determined above. Additionally, we survey the broker/dealer community to obtain relevant trade data including benchmark quotes and updated spreads.
Equity securities – Except for those legacy investments in hedge funds, since most of our securities are transacted in active markets, fair value measurements are determined based on quoted prices for the identical security. For hedge fund investments, we receive monthly statements from the investment manager with the estimated fair value.
Derivatives – Derivatives are recorded at fair value. Asset and liability positions in individual derivatives that are covered by legally enforceable master netting agreements, including receivables (payables) for cash collateral posted (received), are offset and presented net in accordance with accounting principles which allow the offsetting of amounts.
Derivatives traded on an exchange are valued using quoted prices. OTC derivatives, which comprise a majority of derivative contract positions, are valued using valuation techniques. The fair value for the majority of our derivative instruments are determined based on internally developed models that utilize independently corroborated market parameters, including interest rate yield curves, option volatilities, and currency rates. For complex or long-dated derivative products where market data is not available, fair value may be affected by the underlying assumptions about, among other things, the timing of cash flows, expected exposure, probability of default and recovery rates. The fair values of certain structured derivative products are sensitive to unobservable inputs such as default correlations of the referenced credit and volatilities of embedded options. These estimates are susceptible to significant change in future periods as market conditions change.
We use the Overnight Indexed Swap (OIS) curves as inputs to measure the fair value of collateralized interest rate derivatives.
Significant inputs related to derivative classes are broken down as follows:
Credit Derivatives – Use credit default curves and recovery rates which are generally provided by broker quotes and various pricing services. Certain credit derivatives may also use correlation inputs in their model valuation. Correlation is derived using market quotes from brokers and various pricing services.
Interest Rate Derivatives – Swaps use interest rate curves based on currency that are actively quoted by brokers and other pricing services. Options will also use volatility inputs which are also quoted in the broker market.
Foreign Exchange (“FX”) Derivatives – FX transactions use spot and forward FX rates which are quoted in the broker market.
Equity Derivatives – Use listed equity security pricing and implied volatilities from equity traded options position.
Precious Metal Derivative – Use spot and forward metal rates which are quoted in the broker market.
As discussed earlier, we make fair value adjustments to model valuations in order to ensure that those values represent appropriate estimates of fair value. These adjustments, which are applied consistently over time, are generally required to reflect factors such as bid-ask spreads and counterparty credit risk that can affect prices in arms-length transactions with unrelated third parties. Such adjustments are based on management judgment and may not be observable.
We estimate the counterparty credit risk for financial assets and own credit standing for financial liabilities (the “credit risk adjustments”) in determining the fair value measurement. For derivative instruments, we calculate the credit risk adjustment by applying the probability of default of the counterparty to the expected exposure, and multiplying the result by the expected loss given default. We also take into consideration the risk mitigating factors including collateral agreements and master netting arrangements in determining credit risk adjustments. We estimate the implied probability of default based on the credit spreads of the counterparty. Where credit default spread of the counterparty is not available, we use the credit default spread of specific proxy (e.g., the CDS spread of the parent). Where specific proxy credit default swap is not available, we apply a blended approach based on a combination of credit default swap referencing to credit names of similar credit standing and the historical rating-based probability of default.
Real estate owned - Fair value is determined based on third party appraisals obtained at the time we take title to the property and, if less than the carrying amount of the loan, the carrying amount of the loan is adjusted to the fair value. The carrying amount of the property is further reduced, if necessary, not less than once every 45 days to reflect observable local market data including local area sales data.
Mortgage servicing rights - We elected to measure residential mortgage servicing rights, which are classified as intangible assets, at fair value. The fair value for the residential mortgage servicing rights is determined based on an option adjusted approach which involves discounting servicing cash flows under various interest rate projections at risk-adjusted rates. The valuation model also incorporates our best estimate of the prepayment speed of the mortgage loans, current cost to service and discount rates which are unobservable. As changes in interest rates is a key factor affecting the prepayment speed and hence the fair value of the mortgage servicing rights, we use various interest rate derivatives and forward purchase contracts of mortgage-backed securities to risk-manage the mortgage servicing rights.
Structured notes – Structured notes are hybrid instruments containing embedded derivatives. Certain structured notes were elected to be measured at fair value in their entirety under fair value option accounting principles. The valuation of the hybrid instruments is predominantly driven by the derivative features embedded within the instruments. The valuation of embedded derivatives may include significant unobservable inputs such as correlation of the referenced credit names or volatility of the embedded option. Cash flows of the funded notes are discounted at the appropriate rate for the applicable duration of the instrument adjusted for our own credit spreads. The credit spreads so applied are determined with reference to our own debt issuance rates observed in the primary and secondary markets, internal funding rates, and the structured note rates in recent executions.
Long-term debt – We elected to apply fair value option to certain own debt issuances for which fair value hedge accounting otherwise would have been applied. These own debt issuances elected under FVO are traded in secondary markets and, as such, the fair value is determined based on observed prices for the specific instrument. The observed market price of these instruments reflects the effect of our own credit spreads. The credit spreads applied to these instruments were derived from the spreads at the measurement date.
For long-term debt recorded at cost, fair value is determined based on quoted market prices where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based on dealer quotes, quoted prices of similar instruments, or internally developed valuation models adjusted for own credit risks.
Deposits – For fair value disclosure purposes, the carrying amount of deposits with no stated maturity (e.g., demand, savings, and certain money market deposits), which represents the amount payable upon demand, is considered to generally approximate fair value. For deposits with fixed maturities, fair value is estimated by discounting cash flows using market interest rates currently offered on deposits with similar characteristics and maturities.