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Commitments and Contingencies
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and ContingenciesThe following table summarizes certain commitments and contingencies. Refer to Note 15. Fair Value Disclosures for additional disclosures related to off-balance sheet financial instruments.
(Dollars in millions)
 
Mar 31, 2019
 
Dec 31, 2018
Investments in affordable housing projects:
 
 
 
 
Carrying amount
 
$
2,152

 
$
2,088

Amount of future funding commitments included in carrying amount
 
949

 
919

Lending exposure
 
455

 
460

Tax credits subject to recapture
 
489

 
523

Private equity investments:
 
 
 
 
Carrying amount
 
460

 
458

Amount of future funding commitments not included in carrying amount
 
313

 
331

Legal Proceedings

The nature of BB&T's business ordinarily results in a certain amount of claims, litigation, investigations and legal and administrative cases and proceedings, all of which are considered incidental to the normal conduct of business. BB&T believes it has meritorious defenses to the claims asserted against it in its currently outstanding legal proceedings and, with respect to such legal proceedings, intends to continue to defend itself vigorously, litigating or settling cases according to management's judgment as to what is in the best interests of BB&T and its shareholders.
 
On at least a quarterly basis, liabilities and contingencies in connection with outstanding legal proceedings are assessed utilizing the latest information available. For those matters where it is probable that BB&T will incur a loss and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, and is more than nominal, a liability is recorded in the consolidated financial statements. These legal reserves may be increased or decreased to reflect any relevant developments on at least a quarterly basis. For other matters, where a loss is not probable or the amount of the loss is not estimable, legal reserves are not accrued. While the outcome of legal proceedings is inherently uncertain, based on information currently available, advice of counsel and available insurance coverage, management believes that the established legal reserves are adequate and the liabilities arising from legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, consolidated results of operations or consolidated cash flows. However, in the event of unexpected future developments, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of these matters, if unfavorable, may be material to the consolidated financial position, consolidated results of operations or consolidated cash flows of BB&T.

Following the announcement of the proposed merger with SunTrust, five civil actions were filed challenging, among other things, the adequacy of the disclosures contained in the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction. Four of these suits were filed by purported SunTrust stockholders against SunTrust and its board of directors and assert claims under Sections 14(a) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 challenging the adequacy of the public disclosures made concerning the proposed transaction. One of these suits asserts a claim against BB&T under Section 20(a). The fifth suit was filed by a purported BB&T stockholder against BB&T and its board of directors and asserts claims under state law challenging, among other things, the adequacy of the public disclosures made concerning the proposed transaction. The plaintiffs in these actions seek, among other things, an injunction preventing consummation of the proposed transaction, rescission of the proposed transaction or damages in the event it is consummated, and the award of attorneys' fees and expenses.  BB&T believes the claims asserted in these actions are without merit.

Pledged Assets
 
Certain assets were pledged to secure municipal deposits, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, borrowings and borrowing capacity, subject to any applicable asset discount, at the FHLB and FRB as well as for other purposes as required or permitted by law. The following table provides the total carrying amount of pledged assets by asset type, of which the majority are pursuant to agreements that do not permit the other party to sell or repledge the collateral, excluding assets related to employee benefit plans:
(Dollars in millions)
 
Mar 31, 2019
 
Dec 31, 2018
Pledged securities
 
$
14,070

 
$
13,237

Pledged loans
 
78,430

 
77,847