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SVB FINANCIAL GROUP - Quarter Report: 2016 March (Form 10-Q)

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
 (Mark One)
 
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016
OR
 
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from          to         .
Commission File Number: 000-15637 
SVB FINANCIAL GROUP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
  
Delaware
 
91-1962278
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
3003 Tasman Drive, Santa Clara, California
 
95054-1191
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(408) 654-7400
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer  x    Accelerated filer  ¨    Non-accelerated filer  ¨    Smaller reporting company  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x
At April 30, 2016, 51,805,114 shares of the registrant’s common stock ($0.001 par value) were outstanding.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
Item 1A.
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
Item 5.
 
 
 
Item 6.
 
 
 
 

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Table of Contents

Glossary of Acronyms that may be used in this Report

AFS — Available-for-Sale
APIC— Additional Paid-in Capital
ASC — Accounting Standards Codification
ASU – Accounting Standards Update
CET - Common Equity Tier
EHOP – Employee Home Ownership Program of the Company
EPS – Earnings Per Share
ESOP – Employee Stock Ownership Plan of the Company
ESPP – 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan of the Company
FASB – Financial Accounting Standards Board
FDIC – Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
FHLB – Federal Home Loan Bank
FRB - Federal Reserve Bank
FTE - Full-Time Employee
FTP – Funds Transfer Pricing
GAAP - Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
IASB – International Accounting Standards Board
IPO – Initial Public Offering
IRS – Internal Revenue Service
IT – Information Technology
LIBOR – London Interbank Offered Rate
NIB - Non-Interest Bearing
M&A – Merger and Acquisition
OTTI – Other Than Temporary Impairment
SEC – Securities and Exchange Commission
SPD-SVB - SPD Silicon Valley Bank
TDR – Troubled Debt Restructuring
UK – United Kingdom
VIE – Variable Interest Entity

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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SVB FINANCIAL GROUP AND SUBSIDIARIES
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
 
(Dollars in thousands, except par value and share data)
 
March 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
Assets
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
1,868,512

 
$
1,503,257

Available-for-sale securities, at fair value (cost of $14,150,695 and $16,375,941, respectively)
 
14,327,079

 
16,380,748

Held-to-maturity securities, at cost (fair value of $8,630,952 and $8,758,622, respectively)
 
8,548,238

 
8,790,963

Non-marketable and other securities
 
668,497

 
674,946

Total investment securities
 
23,543,814

 
25,846,657

Loans, net of unearned income
 
17,735,147

 
16,742,070

Allowance for loan losses
 
(230,249
)
 
(217,613
)
Net loans
 
17,504,898

 
16,524,457

Premises and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
108,570

 
102,625

Accrued interest receivable and other assets
 
548,108

 
709,707

Total assets
 
$
43,573,902

 
$
44,686,703

Liabilities and total equity
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits
 
$
30,933,256

 
$
30,867,497

Interest-bearing deposits
 
7,826,465

 
8,275,279

Total deposits
 
38,759,721

 
39,142,776

Short-term borrowings
 

 
774,900

Other liabilities
 
506,571

 
639,094

Long-term debt
 
796,570

 
796,702

Total liabilities
 
40,062,862

 
41,353,472

Commitments and contingencies (Note 12 and Note 15)
 

 


SVBFG stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding
 

 

Common stock, $0.001 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized; 51,701,312 shares and 51,610,226 shares outstanding, respectively
 
52

 
52

Additional paid-in capital
 
1,192,782

 
1,189,032

Retained earnings
 
2,072,820

 
1,993,646

Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
115,390

 
15,404

Total SVBFG stockholders’ equity
 
3,381,044

 
3,198,134

Noncontrolling interests
 
129,996

 
135,097

Total equity
 
3,511,040

 
3,333,231

Total liabilities and total equity
 
$
43,573,902

 
$
44,686,703


See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

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SVB FINANCIAL GROUP AND SUBSIDIARIES
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2016
 
2015
Interest income:
 
 
 
 
Loans (1)
 
$
197,942

 
$
165,501

Investment securities:
 
 
 
 
Taxable
 
91,050

 
81,274

Non-taxable
 
596

 
772

Federal funds sold, securities purchased under agreements to resell and other short-term investment securities (1)
 
2,070

 
1,269

Total interest income
 
291,658

 
248,816

Interest expense:
 
 
 
 
Deposits
 
1,188

 
1,943

Borrowings (1)
 
9,049

 
7,948

Total interest expense
 
10,237

 
9,891

Net interest income
 
281,421

 
238,925

Provision for loan losses
 
33,341

 
6,452

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
 
248,080

 
232,473

Noninterest income:
 
 
 
 
(Losses) gains on investment securities, net (1)
 
(4,684
)
 
33,263

(Losses) gains on derivative instruments, net
 
(1,695
)
 
39,729

Foreign exchange fees
 
26,966

 
17,678

Credit card fees
 
15,507

 
12,090

Deposit service charges
 
12,672

 
10,736

Client investment fees
 
7,995

 
4,482

Lending related fees
 
7,813

 
8,022

Letters of credit and standby letters of credit fees
 
5,589

 
5,202

Other (1)
 
15,971

 
(7,678
)
Total noninterest income
 
86,134

 
123,524

Noninterest expense:
 
 
 
 
Compensation and benefits
 
122,262

 
115,770

Professional services (1)
 
19,000

 
18,747

Premises and equipment
 
14,984

 
12,657

Business development and travel
 
12,246

 
11,112

Net occupancy
 
10,035

 
7,313

FDIC and state assessments
 
6,927

 
5,789

Correspondent bank fees (1)
 
3,652

 
3,368

Provision for unfunded credit commitments
 
134

 
2,263

Other (1)
 
14,793

 
13,522

Total noninterest expense
 
204,033

 
190,541

Income before income tax expense
 
130,181

 
165,456

Income tax expense
 
53,584

 
63,066

Net income before noncontrolling interests
 
76,597

 
102,390

Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests (1)
 
2,577

 
(13,874
)
Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
79,174

 
$
88,516

Earnings per common share—basic
 
$
1.53

 
$
1.74

Earnings per common share—diluted
 
1.52

 
1.71

 
 
 
(1)
Amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2015, have been revised to reflect the retrospective application of new accounting guidance adopted in the second quarter of 2015 related to our consolidated variable interest entities (ASU 2015-02).

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

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SVB FINANCIAL GROUP AND SUBSIDIARIES
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
Net income before noncontrolling interests (1)
 
$
76,597

 
$
102,390

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
 
 
 
 
Change in cumulative translation gains and (losses):
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation (losses) gains (1)
 
(254
)
 
2,161

Related tax benefit (expense)
 
104

 
(820
)
Change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
 
Unrealized holding gains
 
170,831

 
87,107

Related tax expense
 
(69,603
)
 
(35,215
)
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income
 
746

 
(2,596
)
Related tax (benefit) expense
 
(304
)
 
1,048

Amortization of unrealized gains on securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity
 
(2,567
)
 
(2,828
)
Related tax benefit
 
1,033

 
1,139

Other comprehensive income, net of tax
 
99,986

 
49,996

Comprehensive income
 
176,583

 
152,386

Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests (1)
 
2,577

 
(13,874
)
Comprehensive income attributable to SVBFG
 
$
179,160

 
$
138,512

 
 
(1)
Amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2015, have been revised to reflect the retrospective application of new accounting guidance adopted in the second quarter of 2015 related to our consolidated variable interest entities (ASU 2015-02).

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

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SVB FINANCIAL GROUP AND SUBSIDIARIES
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
 
 
 
Common Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in Capital
 
Retained Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive Income
 
Total SVBFG
Stockholders’ Equity
 
Noncontrolling Interests
 
Total Equity
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2014
 
50,924,925

 
$
51

 
$
1,120,350

 
$
1,649,967

 
$
42,704

 
$
2,813,072

 
$
1,238,662

 
$
4,051,734

Common stock issued under employee benefit plans, net of restricted stock cancellations
 
142,991

 

 
6,595

 

 

 
6,595

 

 
6,595

Common stock issued under ESOP
 
27,425

 

 
3,512

 

 

 
3,512

 

 
3,512

Income tax benefit from stock options exercised, vesting of restricted stock and other (1)
 

 

 
2,537

 

 

 
2,537

 

 
2,537

Deconsolidation of noncontrolling interest (1)
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1,069,437
)
 
(1,069,437
)
Net income (1)
 

 

 

 
88,516

 

 
88,516

 
13,874

 
102,390

Capital calls and distributions, net (1)
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(40,823
)
 
(40,823
)
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of tax
 

 

 

 

 
50,344

 
50,344

 

 
50,344

Amortization of unrealized gains on securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity, net of tax
 

 

 

 

 
(1,689
)
 
(1,689
)
 

 
(1,689
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax (1)
 

 

 

 

 
1,341

 
1,341

 

 
1,341

Share-based compensation expense
 

 

 
7,464

 

 

 
7,464

 

 
7,464

Balance at March 31, 2015
 
51,095,341

 
$
51

 
$
1,140,458

 
$
1,738,483

 
$
92,700

 
$
2,971,692

 
$
142,276

 
$
3,113,968

Balance at December 31, 2015
 
51,610,226

 
$
52

 
$
1,189,032

 
$
1,993,646

 
$
15,404

 
$
3,198,134

 
$
135,097

 
$
3,333,231

Common stock issued under employee benefit plans, net of restricted stock cancellations
 
47,921

 

 
(250
)
 

 

 
(250
)
 

 
(250
)
Common stock issued under ESOP
 
43,165

 

 
4,328

 

 

 
4,328

 

 
4,328

Income tax effect from stock options exercised, vesting of restricted stock and other
 

 

 
(8,483
)
 

 

 
(8,483
)
 

 
(8,483
)
Net income (loss)
 

 

 

 
79,174

 

 
79,174

 
(2,577
)
 
76,597

Capital calls and distributions, net
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(2,524
)
 
(2,524
)
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of tax
 

 

 

 

 
101,670

 
101,670

 

 
101,670

Amortization of unrealized gains on securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity, net of tax
 

 

 

 

 
(1,534
)
 
(1,534
)
 

 
(1,534
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
 

 

 

 

 
(150
)
 
(150
)
 

 
(150
)
Share-based compensation expense
 

 

 
8,155

 

 

 
8,155

 

 
8,155

Balance at March 31, 2016
 
51,701,312

 
$
52

 
$
1,192,782

 
$
2,072,820

 
$
115,390

 
$
3,381,044

 
$
129,996

 
$
3,511,040

 
 
(1)
Amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2015, have been revised to reflect the retrospective application of new accounting guidance adopted in the second quarter of 2015 related to our consolidated variable interest entities (ASU 2015-02).

  See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

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SVB FINANCIAL GROUP AND SUBSIDIARIES
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
 
 
 March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Net income before noncontrolling interests (1)
 
$
76,597

 
$
102,390

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Provision for loan losses
 
33,341

 
6,452

Provision for unfunded credit commitments
 
134

 
2,263

Changes in fair values of derivatives, net
 
842

 
(20,404
)
Losses (gains) on investment securities, net
 
4,684

 
(33,263
)
Depreciation and amortization (1)
 
11,536

 
9,892

Amortization of premiums and discounts on investment securities, net
 
4,931

 
6,418

Amortization of share-based compensation
 
6,877

 
7,771

Amortization of deferred loan fees
 
(24,042
)
 
(21,169
)
Pre-tax net gain on SVBIF sale transaction
 

 
(887
)
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense
 
(5,982
)
 
1,311

Changes in other assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accrued interest receivable and payable, net
 
(4,628
)
 
772

Accounts payable and receivable, net
 
552

 
(9,141
)
Income tax payable and receivable, net (1)
 
28,711

 
9,283

Accrued compensation
 
(101,241
)
 
(74,614
)
Foreign exchange spot contracts, net
 
9,541

 
33,934

Other, net
 
14,208

 
32,198

Net cash provided by operating activities (1)
 
56,061

 
53,206

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
Purchases of available-for-sale securities
 

 
(552,573
)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities
 
1,864,396

 
5,612

Proceeds from maturities and pay downs of available-for-sale securities
 
364,101

 
424,713

Purchases of held-to-maturity securities
 
(98,199
)
 
(739,291
)
Proceeds from maturities and pay downs of held-to-maturity securities
 
351,834

 
336,511

Purchases of non-marketable and other securities
 
(12,412
)
 
(9,924
)
Proceeds from sales and distributions of non-marketable and other securities
 
9,977

 
45,120

Net increase in loans
 
(997,408
)
 
(53,886
)
Proceeds from recoveries of charged-off loans
 
5,469

 
1,551

Effect of deconsolidation of noncontrolling interest
 

 
15,995

Purchases of premises and equipment
 
(13,680
)
 
(12,038
)
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities
 
1,474,078

 
(538,210
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
Net decrease in deposits
 
(383,055
)
 
(491,924
)
Net (decrease) increase in short-term borrowings
 
(774,900
)
 
69,985

(Distributions to noncontrolling interests), net of contributions from noncontrolling interests
 
(2,524
)
 
703

Tax benefit from stock exercises
 
(8,483
)
 
2,534

Proceeds from issuance of common stock, ESPP, and ESOP
 
4,078

 
10,107

Proceeds from issuance of 3.50% Senior Notes
 

 
346,431

Net cash used for financing activities
 
(1,164,884
)
 
(62,164
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
365,255

 
(547,168
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period (1) (2)
 
1,503,257

 
1,811,014

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period (1) (2)
 
$
1,868,512

 
$
1,263,846

Supplemental disclosures:
 
 
 
 
Cash paid during the period for:
 
 
 
 
Interest
 
$
17,407

 
$
11,859

Income taxes
 
35,778

 
46,599

Noncash items during the period:
 
 
 
 
Changes in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of tax
 
$
101,670

 
$
50,344

Distributions of stock from investments (3)
 
34

 
61,649

 
 
(1)
Amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2015, have been revised to reflect the retrospective application of new accounting guidance adopted in the second quarter of 2015 related to our consolidated variable interest entities (ASU 2015-02).
(2)
Cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 included $9.3 million and $15.0 million, respectively, recognized in assets held-for-sale in conjunction with the SVBIF sale transaction.
(3)
For the quarter ended March 31, 2015, includes distributions to noncontrolling interests of $41.5 million.

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements (unaudited).

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SVB FINANCIAL GROUP AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
1.
Basis of Presentation
SVB Financial Group is a diversified financial services company, as well as a bank holding company and financial holding company. SVB Financial was incorporated in the state of Delaware in March 1999. Through our various subsidiaries and divisions, we offer a variety of banking and financial products and services to support our clients of all sizes and stages throughout their life cycles. In these notes to our consolidated financial statements, when we refer to “SVB Financial Group,” “SVBFG”, the “Company,” “we,” “our,” “us” or use similar words, we mean SVB Financial Group and all of its subsidiaries collectively, including Silicon Valley Bank (the “Bank”), unless the context requires otherwise. When we refer to “SVB Financial” or the “Parent” we are referring only to the parent company, SVB Financial Group, unless the context requires otherwise.
The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments of a normal and recurring nature that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly present our financial position, results of operations and cash flows in accordance with GAAP. Such unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any future periods. These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (“2015 Form 10-K”).
The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a consistent basis with the accounting policies described in Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 2—“Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” under Part II, Item 8 of our 2015 Form 10-K.
The preparation of unaudited interim consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates may change as new information is obtained. Significant items that are subject to such estimates include measurements of fair value, the valuation of non-marketable securities, the valuation of equity warrant assets, the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and reserve for unfunded credit commitments, and the recognition and measurement of income tax assets and liabilities.
Principles of Consolidation and Presentation
Prior to April 1, 2015, the Company’s consolidated financial statements included the accounts of SVB Financial Group and entities in which we had a controlling interest.  The determination of whether we had controlling interest was based on consolidation principles prescribed by ASC Topic 810 and whether the controlling interest in an entity was a voting interest entity or a variable interest entity (“VIE”). However, during the three months ended June 30, 2015, we early adopted the provisions of ASU 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (ASU 2015-02), which simplifies consolidation accounting by reducing the number of consolidation models and changing various aspects of current GAAP, including certain consolidation criteria for variable interest entities. The new guidance eliminates the presumption that a general partner of a limited partnership arrangement should consolidate a limited partnership. The amendments to ASC Topic 810 in ASU 2015-02 modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar entities are VIEs or voting entities. With these changes, we determined that the majority of our investments in limited partnership arrangements are VIEs under the new guidance while these entities were typically voting interest entities under the prior guidance.
ASU 2015-02 provided a single model for evaluating VIE entities for consolidation. VIEs are entities where investors lack sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or equity investors, as a group, lack one of the following characteristics: (a) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, (b) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity, or (c) the right to receive the expected returns of the entity. We assess VIEs to determine if we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE.  A primary beneficiary is defined as a variable interest holder that has a controlling financial interest. A controlling financial interest requires both: (a) power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, and (b) obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits of a VIE that could potentially be significant to a VIE. Under this analysis, we evaluate kick-out rights and other participating rights which could provide us a controlling financial interest. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is required to consolidate the VIE.
ASU 2015-02 also changed how we evaluate fees paid to managers of our limited partnership investments. Under the new guidance, we exclude those fee arrangements that are not deemed to be variable interests from the analysis of our interests in our investments in VIEs and the determination of a primary beneficiary, if any.

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Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SVB Financial Group and consolidated entities. We consolidate voting entities in which we have control through voting interests. We determine whether we have a controlling financial interest in a VIE by determining if we have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and whether we have significant variable interests. Generally, we have significant variable interests if our commitments to a limited partnership investment represent a significant amount of the total commitments to the entity. We also evaluate the impact of related parties on our determination of variable interests in our consolidation conclusions. We consolidate VIEs in which we are the primary beneficiary based on a controlling financial interest. If we are not the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we record our pro-rata interests or our cost basis in the VIE, as appropriate, based on other accounting guidance within GAAP.
All significant intercompany accounts and transactions with consolidated entities have been eliminated. We have not provided financial or other support during the periods presented to any VIE that we were not previously contractually required to provide.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued a new accounting standard update (ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)), which provides revenue recognition guidance that is intended to create greater consistency with respect to how and when revenue from contracts with customers is shown in the income statement. This guidance will be effective January 1, 2018, either on a full retrospective approach or a modified retrospective approach, with early adoption permitted, but not before January 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our financial position, results of operation and stockholders’ equity.
In January 2016, the FASB issued a new accounting standard update (ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (Topic 825)), which will significantly change the income statement impact of equity investments, and the recognition of changes in fair value of financial liabilities. This guidance will be effective on January 1, 2018, on a prospective basis with a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. We are currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our financial position, results of operation and stockholders’ equity.
In February 2016, the FASB issued a new accounting standard update (ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842)), which will require for all operating leases the recognition of a right-of-use asset and a lease liability, in the statement of financial position. The lease cost will be allocated over the lease term on a straight-line basis. This guidance will be effective on January 1, 2019, on a modified retrospective basis, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our financial position, results of operation and stockholders’ equity.
In March 2016, the FASB issued a new accounting standard update (ASU 2016-07, Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323)), which eliminates the requirement that when an investment qualifies for use of the equity method due to an increase in level of ownership or influence, an investor must adjust the investment, results of operations, and retained earnings retroactively on a step-by step basis as if the equity method had been in effect during all previous periods that the investment had been held. This guidance will be effective January 1, 2017, on a prospective basis, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our financial position, results of operation and stockholders’ equity.
In March 2016, the FASB issued a new accounting standard update (ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)), which is intended to improve the operability and understandability of the implementation guidance by clarifying the following: how an entity should identify the unit of accounting for the principal versus agent evaluation; how the control principle applies to transactions, such as service arrangements; reframes the indicators to focus on a principal rather than an agent, removes the credit risk and commission indicators and clarifies the relationship between the control principle and the indicators; and revises the existing illustrative examples and adds new illustrative examples. This guidance will be effective January 1, 2018, either on a full retrospective approach or a modified retrospective approach, with early adoption permitted, but not before January 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our financial position, results of operation and stockholders’ equity.
In March 2016, the FASB issued a new accounting standard update (ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (Topic 718)), which includes provisions intended to simplify various aspects related to how share-based payments are accounted for and presented in the financial statements, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows.  Under the ASU, an entity recognizes all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement.  This guidance eliminates the notion of the APIC pool and significantly reduces the complexity and cost of accounting for excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies.  Additionally, the ASU eliminates the requirement to defer recognition of an excess tax benefit until the benefit is realized through a reduction to taxes payable. This guidance will be effective January 1, 2017. Early adoption is

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permitted, but all of the guidance must be adopted in the same period. We are currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our financial position, results of operation and stockholders’ equity.
In April 2016, the FASB issued a new accounting standard update (ASU 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing), which amends the new revenue recognition guidance on accounting for licenses of intellectual property and identifying performance obligations. The amendments clarify how an entity should evaluate the nature of its promise in granting a license of intellectual property, which will determine whether it recognizes revenue over time or a point in time. The amendments also clarify when a promised good or service is separately identifiable, that is distinct within the context of the contract, and allow entities to disregard items that are immaterial in the context of a contract. The effective date and transition requirements for this update are the same as those of the new standard. This guidance is effective January 1, 2018, on either a full retrospective approach or a modified retrospective approach, with early adoption permitted, but not before January 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our financial position, results of operation and stockholders’ equity.
Reclassifications
Certain amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2015, have been revised to reflect the retrospective application of new accounting guidance adopted in the second quarter of 2015 related to our consolidated variable interest entities (ASU 2015-02).
2.
Stockholders’ Equity and EPS
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
The following table summarizes the items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into the Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:
 
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Income Statement Location
 
2016
 
2015
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income
 
(Losses) gains on investment securities, net
 
$
746

 
$
(2,596
)
Related tax (benefit) expense
 
Income tax expense
 
(304
)
 
1,048

Total reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income, net of tax
 
 
 
$
442

 
$
(1,548
)
EPS
Basic EPS is the amount of earnings available to each share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted EPS is the amount of earnings available to each share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period adjusted to include the effect of potentially dilutive common shares. Potentially dilutive common shares include incremental shares issued for stock options and restricted stock units outstanding under our equity incentive plans and our ESPP. Potentially dilutive common shares are excluded from the computation of dilutive EPS in periods in which the effect would be antidilutive. The following is a reconciliation of basic EPS to diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2016
 
2015
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
79,174

 
$
88,516

Denominator:
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic
 
51,646

 
51,009

Weighted average effect of dilutive securities:
 
 
 
 
Stock options and ESPP
 
264

 
445

Restricted stock units
 
175

 
265

Denominator for diluted calculation
 
52,085

 
51,719

Earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
1.53

 
$
1.74

Diluted
 
$
1.52

 
$
1.71


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The following table summarizes the weighted-average common shares excluded from the diluted EPS calculation due to the antidilutive effect for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Shares in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
Stock options
 
351

 
241

Restricted stock units
 
14

 
2

Total
 
365

 
243

3.
Share-Based Compensation
For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, we recorded share-based compensation and related tax benefits as follows: 
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
Share-based compensation expense
 
$
6,877

 
$
7,771

Income tax benefit related to share-based compensation expense
 
(2,117
)
 
(2,638
)
Unrecognized Compensation Expense
As of March 31, 2016, unrecognized share-based compensation expense was as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
  Unrecognized  
Expense
 
Average
Expected
Recognition
  Period - in Years  
Stock options
 
$
9,444

 
2.18
Restricted stock units
 
39,942

 
2.50
Total unrecognized share-based compensation expense
 
$
49,386

 
 
Share-Based Payment Award Activity
The table below provides stock option information related to the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan for the three months ended March 31, 2016:
 
 
Options
 
Weighted
Average
 Exercise Price 
 
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life - in Years  
 
Aggregate
  Intrinsic Value  
of In-The-
Money
Options
Outstanding at December 31, 2015
 
1,137,228

 
$
77.12

 
 
 
 
Exercised
 
(31,006
)
 
25.17

 
 
 
 
Forfeited
 
(4,154
)
 
87.99

 
 
 
 
Outstanding at March 31, 2016
 
1,102,068

 
78.54

 
3.65
 
$
30,595,989

Vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2016
 
1,078,583

 
77.88

 
3.61
 
30,455,095

Exercisable at March 31, 2016
 
589,043

 
63.10

 
2.68
 
23,310,253

The aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding options shown in the table above represents the pre-tax intrinsic value based on our closing stock price of $102.05 as of March 31, 2016. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $2.0 million, compared to $10.2 million for the comparable 2015 period.

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The table below provides information for restricted stock units under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan for the three months ended March 31, 2016:
 
 
Shares    
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at December 31, 2015
 
572,038

 
$
103.50

Granted
 
95,464

 
87.22

Vested
 
(28,638
)
 
60.63

Forfeited
 
(4,113
)
 
101.31

Nonvested at March 31, 2016
 
634,751

 
103.00

4.
Variable Interest Entities
Our involvement with VIEs includes our investments in venture capital and private equity funds, debt funds, private and public portfolio companies and our investments in qualified affordable housing projects.
The following table presents the carrying amounts and classification of significant variable interests in consolidated and unconsolidated VIEs as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Consolidated VIEs
 
Unconsolidated VIEs
 
Maximum Exposure to Loss in Unconsolidated VIEs
March 31, 2016:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
10,855

 
$

 
$

Non-marketable and other securities (1)
 
196,789

 
362,470

 
362,470

Accrued interest receivable and other assets
 
614

 

 

Total assets
 
$
208,258

 
$
362,470

 
$
362,470

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other liabilities
 
$
563

 
$

 
$

Accrued expenses and other liabilities (1)
 

 
87,754

 

Total liabilities
 
$
563

 
$
87,754

 
$

December 31, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
11,811

 
$

 
$

Non-marketable and other securities (1)
 
203,714

 
364,450

 
364,450

Accrued interest receivable and other assets
 
494

 

 

Total assets
 
$
216,019

 
$
364,450

 
$
364,450

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other liabilities
 
$
433

 
$

 
$

Accrued expenses and other liabilities (1)
 

 
90,978

 

Total liabilities
 
$
433

 
$
90,978

 
$

 
 
(1)
Included in our unconsolidated non-marketable and other securities portfolio at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are investments in qualified affordable housing projects of $157.7 million and $154.4 million, respectively and related unfunded commitments of $87.8 million and $91.0 million, respectively.

Non-marketable and other securities
Our non-marketable and other securities portfolio primarily represents investments in venture capital and private equity funds, debt funds, private and public portfolio companies and investments in qualified affordable housing projects. A majority of these investments are through third party funds held by SVB Financial in which we do not have controlling or significant variable interests. These investments represent our unconsolidated VIEs in the table above. Our non-marketable and other securities

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portfolio also includes investments from SVB Capital. SVB Capital is the venture capital investment arm of SVB Financial, which focuses primarily on funds management. The SVB Capital family of funds is comprised of direct venture funds that invest in companies and funds of funds that invest in other venture capital funds. We have a controlling and significant variable interest in five of these SVB Capital funds and consolidate these funds for financial reporting purposes.
All investments are generally nonredeemable and distributions are expected to be received through the liquidation of the underlying investments throughout the life of the investment fund. Investments may be sold or transferred subject to the notice and approval provisions of the underlying investment agreement. Subject to applicable regulatory requirements, including the Volcker Rule, we also make commitments to invest in venture capital and private equity funds, but are not obligated to fund commitments beyond our initial investment. For additional details, see Note 12—"Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees, and Other Commitments" of the "Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)" under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
The Bank also has variable interests in low income housing tax credit funds, in connection with fulfilling its responsibilities under the Community Reinvestment Act ("CRA"), that are designed to generate a return primarily through the realization of federal tax credits. These investments are typically limited partnerships in which the general partner, other than the Bank, holds the power over significant activities of the VIE; therefore, these investments are not consolidated. For additional information on our investments in qualified affordable housing projects see Note 6—“Investment Securities" of the "Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)" under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
As of March 31, 2016, our exposure to loss with respect to the consolidated VIEs is limited to our net assets of $207.7 million and our exposure to loss for our unconsolidated VIEs is equal to our investment in these assets of $362.5 million.
5.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The following table details our cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2016

December 31, 2015
Cash and due from banks (1)
 
$
1,574,966

 
$
1,372,743

Securities purchased under agreements to resell (2)
 
288,421

 
125,391

Other short-term investment securities
 
5,125

 
5,123

Total cash and cash equivalents
 
$
1,868,512

 
$
1,503,257

 
 
(1)
At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, $479 million and $405 million, respectively, of our cash and due from banks was deposited at the Federal Reserve Bank and was earning interest at the Federal Funds target rate, and interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions were $793 million and $500 million, respectively.
(2)
At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, securities purchased under agreements to resell were collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. agency securities with aggregate fair values of $295 million and $128 million, respectively. None of these securities received as collateral were sold or pledged as of March 31, 2016 or December 31, 2015.
6.
Investment Securities
Our investment securities portfolio consists of i) an available-for-sale securities portfolio and a held-to-maturity securities portfolio, both of which represent interest-earning investment securities, and ii) a non-marketable and other securities portfolio, which primarily represents investments managed as part of our funds management business.
Available-for-Sale Securities
The components of our available-for-sale investment securities portfolio at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are as follows:
 
 
March 31, 2016
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Gains
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Carrying
Value
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
9,824,755

 
$
129,634

 
$
(35
)
 
$
9,954,354

U.S. agency debentures
 
2,444,137

 
41,294

 

 
2,485,431

Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate
 
1,308,859

 
7,414

 
(4,256
)
 
1,312,017

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate
 
570,740

 
2,421

 
(127
)
 
573,034

Equity securities
 
2,204

 
242

 
(203
)
 
2,243

Total available-for-sale securities
 
$
14,150,695

 
$
181,005

 
$
(4,621
)
 
$
14,327,079



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December 31, 2015
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Gains
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Carrying
Value
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
11,679,450

 
$
19,134

 
$
(20,549
)
 
$
11,678,035

U.S. agency debentures
 
2,677,453

 
17,684

 
(5,108
)
 
2,690,029

Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate
 
1,408,206

 
6,591

 
(15,518
)
 
1,399,279

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate
 
604,236

 
3,709

 
(9
)
 
607,936

Equity securities
 
6,596

 
460

 
(1,587
)
 
5,469

Total available-for-sale securities
 
$
16,375,941

 
$
47,578

 
$
(42,771
)
 
$
16,380,748

The following table summarizes our unrealized losses on our available-for-sale securities portfolio into categories of less than 12 months and 12 months or longer as of March 31, 2016:
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Fair Value of
Investments
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value of
Investments
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value of
Investments
 
Unrealized
Losses
Available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
201,215

 
$
(35
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
201,215

 
$
(35
)
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate
 
176,469

 
(157
)
 
462,143

 
(4,099
)
 
638,612

 
(4,256
)
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate
 
103,900

 
(127
)
 

 

 
103,900

 
(127
)
Equity securities
 
1,561

 
(203
)
 

 

 
1,561

 
(203
)
Total temporarily impaired securities: (1)
 
$
483,145

 
$
(522
)
 
$
462,143

 
$
(4,099
)
 
$
945,288

 
$
(4,621
)
 
 
(1)
As of March 31, 2016, we identified a total of 70 investments that were in unrealized loss positions, of which 24 investments totaling $462.1 million with unrealized losses of $4.1 million have been in an impaired position for a period of time greater than 12 months. As of March 31, 2016, we do not intend to sell any impaired fixed income investment securities prior to recovery of our adjusted cost basis, and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell any of our securities prior to recovery of our adjusted cost basis. Based on our analysis as of March 31, 2016, we deem all impairments to be temporary, and therefore changes in value for our temporarily impaired securities as of the same date are included in other comprehensive income. Market valuations and impairment analyses on assets in the available-for-sale securities portfolio are reviewed and monitored on a quarterly basis.
The following table summarizes our unrealized losses on our available-for-sale securities portfolio into categories of less than 12 months and 12 months or longer as of December 31, 2015:
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Fair Value of
Investments
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value of
Investments
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value of
Investments
 
Unrealized
Losses
Available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
7,467,519

 
$
(20,549
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
7,467,519

 
$
(20,549
)
U.S. agency debentures
 
760,071

 
(5,108
)
 

 

 
760,071

 
(5,108
)
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate
 
545,404

 
(4,681
)
 
373,284

 
(10,837
)
 
918,688

 
(15,518
)
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate
 
7,776

 
(9
)
 

 

 
7,776

 
(9
)
Equity securities
 
2,955

 
(1,587
)
 

 

 
2,955

 
(1,587
)
Total temporarily impaired securities (1):
 
$
8,783,725

 
$
(31,934
)
 
$
373,284

 
$
(10,837
)
 
$
9,157,009

 
$
(42,771
)
 
 

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(1)
As of December 31, 2015, we identified a total of 243 investments that were in unrealized loss positions, of which 18 investments totaling $373.3 million with unrealized losses of $10.8 million have been in an impaired position for a period of time greater than 12 months.



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The following table summarizes the remaining contractual principal maturities and fully taxable equivalent yields on fixed income investment securities classified as available-for-sale as of March 31, 2016. The weighted average yield is computed using the amortized cost of fixed income investment securities, which are reported at fair value. For U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. agency debentures, the expected maturity is the actual contractual maturity of the notes. Expected maturities for mortgage-backed securities may differ significantly from their contractual maturities because mortgage borrowers have the right to prepay outstanding loan obligations with or without penalties. Mortgage-backed securities classified as available-for-sale typically have original contractual maturities from 10 to 30 years whereas expected average lives of these securities tend to be significantly shorter and vary based upon structure and prepayments in lower rate environments.
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
 
Total
 
One Year
or Less
 
After One Year to
Five Years
 
After Five Years to
Ten Years
 
After
Ten Years
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Carrying
Value
 
Weighted-
Average
Yield
 
Carrying
Value
 
Weighted-
Average
Yield
 
Carrying
Value
 
Weighted-
Average
Yield
 
Carrying
Value
 
Weighted-
Average
Yield
 
Carrying
Value
 
Weighted-
Average
Yield
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
9,954,354

 
1.31
%
 
$
651,416

 
0.73
%
 
$
9,302,938

 
1.35
%
 
$

 
%
 
$

 
%
U.S. agency debentures
 
2,485,431

 
1.60

 
382,836

 
1.57

 
2,102,595

 
1.60

 

 

 

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - fixed rate
 
1,312,017

 
1.95

 

 

 

 

 
884,785

 
2.15

 
427,232

 
1.53

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - variable rate
 
573,034

 
0.71

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
573,034

 
0.71

Total
 
$
14,324,836

 
1.39

 
$
1,034,252

 
1.04

 
$
11,405,533

 
1.40

 
$
884,785

 
2.15

 
$
1,000,266

 
1.06




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Held-to-Maturity Securities

The components of our held-to-maturity investment securities portfolio at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are as follows:
 
 
March 31, 2016
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Gains
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
Held-to-maturity securities, at cost:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. agency debentures (1)
 
$
589,076

 
$
15,170

 
$

 
$
604,246

Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities
 
2,308,454

 
26,627

 
(622
)
 
2,334,459

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate
 
4,047,342

 
32,071

 
(4,483
)
 
4,074,930

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate
 
359,244

 
387

 
(352
)
 
359,279

Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
1,181,904

 
14,773

 
(203
)
 
1,196,474

Municipal bonds and notes
 
62,218

 
113

 
(767
)
 
61,564

Total held-to-maturity securities
 
$
8,548,238

 
$
89,141

 
$
(6,427
)
 
$
8,630,952

 
 
(1)
Consists of pools of Small Business Investment Company debentures issued and guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, an independent agency of the United States.
 
 
December 31, 2015
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Gains
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
Held-to-maturity securities, at cost:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. agency debentures (1)
 
$
545,473

 
$
8,876

 
$

 
$
554,349

Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities
 
2,366,627

 
546

 
(11,698
)
 
2,355,475

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate
 
4,225,781

 
3,054

 
(32,999
)
 
4,195,836

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate
 
370,779

 
758

 
(33
)
 
371,504

Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
1,214,716

 
3,405

 
(3,475
)
 
1,214,646

Municipal bonds and notes
 
67,587

 
55

 
(830
)
 
66,812

Total held-to-maturity securities
 
$
8,790,963

 
$
16,694

 
$
(49,035
)
 
$
8,758,622

 
 
(1)
Consists of pools of Small Business Investment Company debentures issued and guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, an independent agency of the United States.


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The following table summarizes our unrealized losses on our held-to-maturity securities portfolio into categories of less than 12 months and 12 months or longer as of March 31, 2016:
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Fair Value of
Investments
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value of
Investments
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value of
Investments
 
Unrealized
Losses
Held-to-maturity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities
 
$
31,969

 
$
(147
)
 
$
42,989

 
$
(475
)
 
$
74,958

 
$
(622
)
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate
 
181,655

 
(1,466
)
 
358,847

 
(3,017
)
 
540,502

 
(4,483
)
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate
 
177,805

 
(352
)
 

 

 
177,805

 
(352
)
Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
31,913

 
(19
)
 
26,907

 
(184
)
 
58,820

 
(203
)
Municipal bonds and notes
 
25,875

 
(168
)
 
27,982

 
(599
)
 
53,857

 
(767
)
Total temporarily impaired securities (1):
 
$
449,217

 
$
(2,152
)
 
$
456,725

 
$
(4,275
)
 
$
905,942

 
$
(6,427
)
 
 
(1)
As of March 31, 2016, we identified a total of 161 investments that were in unrealized loss positions, of which 72 investments totaling $456.7 million with unrealized losses of $4.3 million have been in an impaired position for a period of time greater than 12 months. As of March 31, 2016, we do not intend to sell any impaired fixed income investment securities prior to recovery of our adjusted cost basis, and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell any of our securities prior to recovery of our adjusted cost basis, which is consistent with our classification of these securities. Based on our analysis as of March 31, 2016, we deem all impairments to be temporary. Market valuations and impairment analyses on assets in the held-to-maturity securities portfolio are reviewed and monitored on a quarterly basis.
The following table summarizes our unrealized losses on our held-to-maturity securities portfolio into categories of less than 12 months and 12 months or longer as of December 31, 2015:
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Fair Value of
Investments
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value of
Investments
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value of
Investments
 
Unrealized
Losses
Held-to-maturity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities
 
$
2,121,258

 
$
(10,860
)
 
$
22,507

 
$
(838
)
 
$
2,143,765

 
$
(11,698
)
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate
 
3,153,483

 
(30,230
)
 
150,058

 
(2,769
)
 
3,303,541

 
(32,999
)
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate
 
170,350

 
(33
)
 

 

 
170,350

 
(33
)
Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
823,414

 
(2,994
)
 
40,276

 
(481
)
 
863,690

 
(3,475
)
Municipal bonds and notes
 
34,278

 
(274
)
 
25,509

 
(556
)
 
59,787

 
(830
)
Total temporarily impaired securities (1):
 
$
6,302,783

 
$
(44,391
)
 
$
238,350

 
$
(4,644
)
 
$
6,541,133

 
$
(49,035
)
 
 
(1)
As of December 31, 2015, we identified a total of 384 investments that were in unrealized loss positions, of which 58 investments totaling $238.4 million with unrealized losses of $4.6 million have been in an impaired position for a period of time greater than 12 months.

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The following table summarizes the remaining contractual principal maturities and fully taxable equivalent yields on fixed income investment securities classified as held-to-maturity as of March 31, 2016. Interest income on certain municipal bonds and notes (non-taxable investments) are presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the federal statutory tax rate of 35 percent. The weighted average yield is computed using the amortized cost of fixed income investment securities. For U.S. agency debentures, the expected maturity is the actual contractual maturity of the notes. Expected maturities for mortgage-backed securities may differ significantly from their contractual maturities because mortgage borrowers have the right to prepay outstanding loan obligations with or without penalties. Mortgage-backed securities classified as held-to-maturity typically have original contractual maturities from 10 to 30 years whereas expected average lives of these securities tend to be significantly shorter and vary based upon structure and prepayments in lower rate environments.
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
 
Total
 
One Year
or Less
 
After One Year to
Five Years
 
After Five Years to
Ten Years
 
After
Ten Years
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amortized Cost
 
Weighted-
Average
Yield
 
Amortized Cost
 
Weighted-
Average
Yield
 
Amortized Cost
 
Weighted-
Average
Yield
 
Amortized Cost
 
Weighted-
Average
Yield
 
Amortized Cost
 
Weighted-
Average
Yield
U.S. agency debentures
 
$
589,076

 
2.70
%
 
$

 
%
 
$
16,702

 
4.07
%
 
$
572,374

 
2.66
%
 
$

 
%
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities
 
2,308,454

 
2.44

 

 

 
222,948

 
2.78

 
350,836

 
1.84

 
1,734,670

 
2.51

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - fixed rate
 
4,047,342

 
1.73

 

 

 

 

 
25,320

 
1.75

 
4,022,022

 
1.73

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - variable rate
 
359,244

 
0.74

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
359,244

 
0.74

Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
1,181,904

 
2.12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
1,181,904

 
2.12

Municipal bonds and notes
 
62,218

 
6.03

 
5,192

 
5.59

 
28,710

 
5.98

 
25,700

 
6.14

 
2,616

 
6.46

Total
 
$
8,548,238

 
2.03

 
$
5,192

 
5.59

 
$
268,360

 
3.20

 
$
974,230

 
2.43

 
$
7,300,456

 
1.93



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Non-marketable and Other Securities
The components of our non-marketable and other investment securities portfolio at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Non-marketable and other securities:
 
 
 
 
Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting):
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments (1)
 
$
145,649

 
$
152,237

Other venture capital investments (2)
 
2,040

 
2,040

Other securities (fair value accounting) (3)
 
468

 
548

Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting) (4):
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments
 
83,555

 
85,705

Debt funds
 
21,809

 
21,970

Other investments
 
120,026

 
118,532

Non-marketable securities (cost method accounting):
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments (5)
 
117,409

 
120,676

Other investments
 
19,797

 
18,882

Investments in qualified affordable housing projects, net (6)
 
157,744

 
154,356

Total non-marketable and other securities
 
$
668,497

 
$
674,946

 
(1)
The following table shows the amounts of venture capital and private equity fund investments held by the following funds and our ownership percentage of each fund at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (fair value accounting):
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amount
 
Ownership %
 
Amount
 
Ownership %
SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP
 
$
20,538

 
12.6
%
 
$
20,794

 
12.6
%
SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP
 
58,156

 
20.0

 
60,619

 
20.0

SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP
 
59,744

 
33.0

 
62,983

 
33.0

Other private equity fund (i)
 
7,211

 
58.2

 
7,841

 
58.2

Total venture capital and private equity fund investments
 
$
145,649

 
 
 
$
152,237

 
 
 
 
(i)
At March 31, 2016, we had a direct ownership interest of 41.5 percent in other private equity funds and an indirect ownership interest of 12.6 percent through our ownership interest of SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP and an indirect ownership interest of 4.1 percent through our ownership interest of SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP.

(2)
The following table shows the amounts of other venture capital investments held by the following funds and our ownership percentage of each fund at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (fair value accounting):
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amount
 
Ownership %
 
Amount
 
Ownership %
Silicon Valley BancVentures, LP
 
$
2,040

 
10.7
%
 
$
2,040

 
10.7
%
Total other venture capital investments
 
$
2,040

 
 
 
$
2,040

 
 

(3)
Investments classified as other securities (fair value accounting) represent direct equity investments in public companies held by our consolidated funds.

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(4)
The following table shows the carrying value and our ownership percentage of each investment at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (equity method accounting):
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amount
 
Ownership %
 
Amount
 
Ownership %
Venture capital and private equity fund investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP
 
$
9,326

 
8.6
%
 
$
10,035

 
8.6
%
SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP
 
22,225

 
5.9

 
23,926

 
5.9

SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP
 
25,570

 
5.0

 
26,411

 
5.0

Other venture capital and private equity fund investments
 
26,434

 
Various

 
25,333

 
Various

 Total venture capital and private equity fund investments
 
$
83,555

 
 
 
$
85,705

 
 
Debt funds:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gold Hill Capital 2008, LP (i)
 
$
18,106

 
15.5
%
 
$
17,453

 
15.5
%
Other debt funds
 
3,703

 
Various

 
4,517

 
Various

Total debt funds
 
$
21,809

 
 
 
$
21,970

 
 
Other investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Joint Venture investment
 
$
79,260

 
50.0
%
 
$
78,799

 
50.0
%
Other investments
 
40,766

 
Various

 
39,733

 
Various

Total other investments
 
$
120,026

 
 
 
$
118,532

 
 

 
(i)
At March 31, 2016, we had a direct ownership interest of 11.5 percent in the fund and an indirect interest in the fund through our investment in Gold Hill Capital 2008, LLC of 4.0 percent.
(5)
Represents investments in 267 funds (primarily venture capital funds) at both March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, where our ownership interest is typically less than 5% of the voting interests of each such fund and in which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the partnerships operating activities and financial policies. The carrying value, and estimated fair value, of these venture capital and private equity fund investments (cost method accounting) was $117 million and $233 million, respectively, as of March 31, 2016. The carrying value, and estimated fair value, of these venture capital and private equity fund investments (cost method accounting) was $121 million and $233 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2015.
(6)
The following table presents the balances of our investments in qualified affordable housing projects and related unfunded commitments at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Investments in qualified affordable housing projects, net
 
$
157,744

 
$
154,356

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
 
87,754

 
90,978


The following table presents other information relating to our investments in qualified affordable housing projects for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
Tax credits and other tax benefits recognized
 
$
4,207

 
$
3,213

Amortization expense included in provision for income taxes (i)
 
3,612

 
2,797

 
 
(i)
All investments are amortized using the proportional amortization method and amortization expense is included in the provision for income taxes.

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The following table presents the components of gains and losses (realized and unrealized) on investment securities for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
Gross gains on investment securities:
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value (1)
 
$
1,753

 
$
2,690

Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting):
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments
 
2,823

 
8,822

Other venture capital investments
 
8

 
183

Other securities (fair value accounting)
 
63

 
8,787

Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting):
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments
 
1,694

 
7,832

Debt funds
 
900

 
1,505

Other investments
 
810

 
865

Non-marketable securities (cost method accounting):
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments
 
2,338

 
4,833

Other investments
 

 
358

Total gross gains on investment securities
 
10,389

 
35,875

Gross losses on investment securities:
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value (1)
 
(2,570
)
 
(94
)
Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting):
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments
 
(7,893
)
 
(948
)
Other venture capital investments
 
(38
)
 
(52
)
Other securities (fair value accounting)
 
(157
)
 
(672
)
Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting):
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments
 
(3,863
)
 
(28
)
Debt funds
 
(45
)
 
(588
)
Other investments
 
(336
)
 

Non-marketable securities (cost method accounting):
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments (2)
 
(171
)
 
(224
)
Other investments
 

 
(6
)
Total gross losses on investment securities
 
(15,073
)
 
(2,612
)
(Losses) gains on investment securities, net
 
$
(4,684
)
 
$
33,263

 
 
(1)
Includes realized gains (losses) on sales of available-for-sale equity securities that are recognized in the income statement. Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale fixed income and equity securities are recognized in other comprehensive income. The cost basis of available-for-sale securities sold is determined on a specific identification basis.
(2)
For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, includes OTTI losses of $0.2 million from the declines in value for 10 of the 267 investments and $0.1 million from the declines in value for 9 of the 277 investments, respectively. We concluded that any declines in value for the remaining investments were temporary, and as such, no OTTI was required to be recognized.
7.
Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses
We serve a variety of commercial clients in the technology, life science/healthcare, private equity/venture capital and premium wine industries. Our technology clients generally tend to be in the industries of hardware (semiconductors, communications and electronics), software and related services, and energy and resource innovation ("ERI"). Because of the diverse nature of ERI products and services, for our loan-related reporting purposes, ERI-related loans are reported under our hardware, software and internet, life science/healthcare and other commercial loan categories, as applicable. Our life science/healthcare clients primarily tend to be in the industries of biotechnology, medical devices, healthcare information technology and healthcare services. Loans made to private equity/venture capital firm clients typically enable them to fund investments prior to their receipt of funds from capital calls. Loans to the premium wine industry focus on vineyards and wineries that produce grapes and wines of high quality.

23

Table of Contents


In addition to commercial loans, we make consumer loans through SVB Private Bank and provide real estate secured loans to eligible employees through our EHOP. Our private banking clients are primarily private equity/venture capital professionals and executive leaders in the innovation companies they support. These products and services include real estate secured home equity lines of credit, which may be used to finance real estate investments and loans used to purchase, renovate or refinance personal residences. These products and services also include restricted stock purchase loans and capital call lines of credit.
We also provide community development loans made as part of our responsibilities under the Community Reinvestment Act. These loans are included within “Construction loans” below and are primarily secured by real estate.
The composition of loans, net of unearned income of $111 million and $115 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, is presented in the following table:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
Software and internet
 
$
5,454,552

 
$
5,437,915

Hardware
 
1,056,933

 
1,071,528

Private equity/venture capital
 
6,299,608

 
5,467,577

Life science/healthcare
 
1,727,992

 
1,710,642

Premium wine
 
183,917

 
201,175

Other
 
357,600

 
312,278

Total commercial loans
 
15,080,602

 
14,201,115

Real estate secured loans:
 
 
 
 
Premium wine (1)
 
653,993

 
646,120

Consumer loans (2)
 
1,653,531

 
1,544,440

Other
 
44,603

 
44,830

Total real estate secured loans
 
2,352,127

 
2,235,390

Construction loans
 
74,003

 
78,682

Consumer loans
 
228,415

 
226,883

Total loans, net of unearned income (3)
 
$
17,735,147

 
$
16,742,070

 
 
(1)
Included in our premium wine portfolio are gross construction loans of $106 million and $121 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
(2)
Consumer loans secured by real estate at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 were comprised of the following:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Loans for personal residence
 
$
1,414,665

 
$
1,312,818

Loans to eligible employees
 
167,818

 
156,001

Home equity lines of credit
 
71,048

 
75,621

Consumer loans secured by real estate
 
$
1,653,531

 
$
1,544,440

(3)
Included within our total loan portfolio are credit card loans of $193 million and $177 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

24

Table of Contents

Credit Quality
The composition of loans, net of unearned income of $111 million and $115 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivable, is as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
Software and internet
 
$
5,454,552

 
$
5,437,915

Hardware
 
1,056,933

 
1,071,528

Private equity/venture capital
 
6,299,608

 
5,467,577

Life science/healthcare
 
1,727,992

 
1,710,642

Premium wine
 
837,910

 
847,295

Other
 
476,206

 
435,790

Total commercial loans
 
15,853,201

 
14,970,747

Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
Real estate secured loans
 
1,653,531

 
1,544,440

Other consumer loans
 
228,415

 
226,883

Total consumer loans
 
1,881,946

 
1,771,323

Total loans, net of unearned income
 
$
17,735,147

 
$
16,742,070


25

Table of Contents

The following table summarizes the aging of our gross loans, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivable as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
30 - 59
  Days Past  
Due
 
60 - 89
  Days Past  
Due
 
Greater
Than 90
  Days Past  
Due
 
  Total Past  
Due
 
Current  
 
  Loans Past Due  
90 Days or
More Still
Accruing
Interest
March 31, 2016:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software and internet
 
$
13,989

 
$
2,578

 
$
2

 
$
16,569

 
$
5,368,871

 
$
2

Hardware
 
1,181

 
149

 
20

 
1,350

 
1,035,479

 
20

Private equity/venture capital
 
21,212

 
29

 

 
21,241

 
6,324,848

 

Life science/healthcare
 
6,978

 
37

 

 
7,015

 
1,700,711

 

Premium wine
 
712

 

 

 
712

 
836,496

 

Other
 
850

 
89

 
5

 
944

 
472,921

 
5

Total commercial loans
 
44,922

 
2,882

 
27

 
47,831

 
15,739,326

 
27

Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate secured loans
 
7,166

 

 

 
7,166

 
1,645,047

 

Other consumer loans
 
80

 
1,800

 

 
1,880

 
226,369

 

Total consumer loans
 
7,246

 
1,800

 

 
9,046

 
1,871,416

 

Total gross loans excluding impaired loans
 
52,168

 
4,682

 
27

 
56,877

 
17,610,742

 
27

Impaired loans
 
1,575

 

 
13,237

 
14,812

 
163,650

 

Total gross loans
 
$
53,743

 
$
4,682

 
$
13,264

 
$
71,689

 
$
17,774,392

 
$
27

December 31, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software and internet
 
$
3,384

 
$
6,638

 
$

 
$
10,022

 
$
5,371,222

 
$

Hardware
 
1,061

 
66

 

 
1,127

 
1,051,368

 

Private equity/venture capital
 

 
17

 

 
17

 
5,511,912

 

Life science/healthcare
 
853

 
6,537

 

 
7,390

 
1,665,801

 

Premium wine
 
16

 
65

 

 
81

 
847,249

 

Other
 
14

 
22

 

 
36

 
438,313

 

Total commercial loans
 
5,328

 
13,345

 

 
18,673

 
14,885,865

 

Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate secured loans
 
4,911

 
865

 

 
5,776

 
1,537,421

 

Other consumer loans
 
228

 
115

 

 
343

 
226,369

 

Total consumer loans
 
5,139

 
980

 

 
6,119

 
1,763,790

 

Total gross loans excluding impaired loans
 
10,467

 
14,325

 

 
24,792

 
16,649,655

 

Impaired loans
 
333

 

 
7,221

 
7,554

 
175,130

 

Total gross loans
 
$
10,800

 
$
14,325

 
$
7,221

 
$
32,346

 
$
16,824,785

 
$


26

Table of Contents

The following table summarizes our impaired loans as they relate to our allowance for loan losses, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivable as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Impaired loans for  
which there is a
related allowance
for loan losses
 
Impaired loans for  
which there is no
related allowance
for loan losses
 
Total carrying value of impaired loans
 
Total unpaid
principal of impaired loans
March 31, 2016:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software and internet
 
$
108,871

 
$
561

 
$
109,432

 
$
122,585

Hardware
 
27,702

 
214

 
27,916

 
28,764

Private equity/venture capital
 

 

 

 

Life science/healthcare
 
33,040

 

 
33,040

 
34,205

Premium wine
 
1,295

 
1,132

 
2,427

 
2,991

Other
 
5,516

 

 
5,516

 
5,516

Total commercial loans
 
176,424

 
1,907

 
178,331

 
194,061

Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate secured loans
 
131

 

 
131

 
1,388

Other consumer loans
 

 

 

 

Total consumer loans
 
131

 

 
131

 
1,388

Total
 
$
176,555

 
$
1,907

 
$
178,462

 
$
195,449

December 31, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software and internet
 
$
100,866

 
$

 
$
100,866

 
$
125,494

Hardware
 
27,736

 

 
27,736

 
27,869

Private equity/venture capital
 

 

 

 

Life science/healthcare
 
50,429

 
925

 
51,354

 
55,310

Premium wine
 
898

 
1,167

 
2,065

 
2,604

Other
 
520

 

 
520

 
520

Total commercial loans
 
180,449

 
2,092

 
182,541

 
211,797

Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate secured loans
 
143

 

 
143

 
1,393

Other consumer loans
 

 

 

 

Total consumer loans
 
143

 

 
143

 
1,393

Total
 
$
180,592

 
$
2,092

 
$
182,684

 
$
213,190





27

Table of Contents

The following table summarizes our average impaired loans, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivable for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:
Three months ended March 31,
 
Average impaired loans
 
Interest income on impaired loans
(dollars in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015 (1)
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software and internet
 
$
89,367

 
$
33,725

 
$
421

 
$

Hardware
 
24,426

 
1,643

 
397

 

Life science/healthcare
 
39,690

 
400

 
133

 

Premium wine
 
2,171

 
1,282

 
17

 

Other
 
3,853

 
2,139

 
7

 

Total commercial loans
 
159,507

 
39,189

 
975

 

Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate secured loans
 
135

 
195

 

 

Other consumer loans
 
34

 
88

 

 

Total consumer loans
 
169

 
283

 

 

Total average impaired loans
 
$
159,676

 
$
39,472

 
$
975

 
$

 
 
(1)
For the three months ended March 31, 2015 all impaired loans were nonaccrual loans and no interest income was recognized.

The following tables summarize the activity relating to our allowance for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, broken out by portfolio segment:
Three months ended March 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands)
 
Beginning Balance December 31, 2015
 
Charge-offs
 
Recoveries
 
Provision for
(Reduction of) Loan Losses
 
Ending Balance March 31, 2016
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software and internet
 
$
103,045

 
$
(22,161
)
 
$
3,960

 
$
22,054

 
$
106,898

Hardware
 
23,085

 
(1,486
)
 
239

 
1,998

 
23,836

Private equity/venture capital
 
35,282

 

 

 
8,404

 
43,686

Life science/healthcare
 
36,576

 
(2,395
)
 
491

 
(4,387
)
 
30,285

Premium wine
 
5,205

 

 

 
39

 
5,244

Other
 
4,252

 
(30
)
 
730

 
4,595

 
9,547

Total commercial loans
 
207,445

 
(26,072
)
 
5,420

 
32,703

 
219,496

Consumer loans
 
10,168

 
(102
)
 
49

 
638

 
10,753

Total allowance for loan losses
 
$
217,613

 
$
(26,174
)
 
$
5,469

 
$
33,341

 
$
230,249



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Three months ended March 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands)
 
Beginning Balance December 31, 2014
 
Charge-offs
 
Recoveries
 
Provision for
(Reduction of) Loan Losses
 
Ending Balance March 31, 2015
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software and internet
 
$
80,981

 
$
(1,403
)
 
$
447

 
$
2,067

 
$
82,092

Hardware
 
25,860

 
(3,210
)
 
928

 
(2,320
)
 
21,258

Private equity/venture capital
 
27,997

 

 

 
2,840

 
30,837

Life science/healthcare
 
15,208

 
(225
)
 
34

 
306

 
15,323

Premium wine
 
4,473

 

 

 
30

 
4,503

Other
 
3,253

 
(649
)
 
10

 
3,537

 
6,151

Total commercial loans
 
157,772

 
(5,487
)
 
1,419

 
6,460

 
160,164

Consumer loans
 
7,587

 

 
132

 
(8
)
 
7,711

Total allowance for loan losses
 
$
165,359

 
$
(5,487
)
 
$
1,551

 
$
6,452

 
$
167,875

The following table summarizes the allowance for loan losses individually and collectively evaluated for impairment as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, broken out by portfolio segment:
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
Individually Evaluated for  
Impairment
 
Collectively Evaluated for  
Impairment
 
Individually Evaluated for  
Impairment
 
Collectively Evaluated for  
Impairment
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Allowance for loan losses
 
Recorded investment in loans
 
Allowance for loan losses
 
Recorded investment in loans
 
Allowance for loan losses
 
Recorded investment in loans
 
Allowance for loan losses
 
Recorded investment in loans
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software and internet
 
$
36,886

 
$
109,432

 
$
70,012

 
$
5,345,120

 
$
34,098

 
$
100,866

 
$
68,947

 
$
5,337,049

Hardware
 
2,872

 
27,916

 
20,964

 
1,029,017

 
3,160

 
27,736

 
19,925

 
1,043,792

Private equity/venture capital
 

 

 
43,686

 
6,299,608

 

 

 
35,282

 
5,467,577

Life science/healthcare
 
11,735

 
33,040

 
18,550

 
1,694,952

 
20,230

 
51,354

 
16,346

 
1,659,288

Premium wine
 
129

 
2,427

 
5,115

 
835,483

 
90

 
2,065

 
5,115

 
845,230

Other
 
5,052

 
5,516

 
4,495

 
470,690

 
52

 
520

 
4,200

 
435,270

Total commercial loans
 
56,674

 
178,331

 
162,822

 
15,674,870

 
57,630

 
182,541

 
149,815

 
14,788,206

Consumer loans
 
131

 
131

 
10,622

 
1,881,815

 
143

 
143

 
10,025

 
1,771,180

Total
 
$
56,805

 
$
178,462

 
$
173,444

 
$
17,556,685

 
$
57,773

 
$
182,684

 
$
159,840

 
$
16,559,386

Credit Quality Indicators
For each individual client, we establish an internal credit risk rating for that loan, which is used for assessing and monitoring credit risk as well as performance of the loan and the overall portfolio. Our internal credit risk ratings are also used to summarize the risk of loss due to failure by an individual borrower to repay the loan. For our internal credit risk ratings, each individual loan is given a risk rating of 1 through 10. Loans risk-rated 1 through 4 are performing loans and translate to an internal rating of “Pass”, with loans risk-rated 1 being cash secured. Loans risk-rated 5 through 7 are performing loans, however, we consider them as demonstrating higher risk, which requires more frequent review of the individual exposures; these translate to an internal rating of “Performing (Criticized)”. When a significant payment delay occurs on a criticized loan, the loan is impaired. The loan is also considered for nonaccrual status if full repayment is determined to be improbable. All of our nonaccrual loans are risk-rated 8 or 9 and are classified under the nonperforming impaired category. (For further description of nonaccrual loans, refer to Note 2—“Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” under Part II, Item 8 of our 2015 Form 10-K). Loans rated 10 are charged-off and are not included as part of our loan portfolio balance. We review our credit quality indicators for performance and appropriateness of risk ratings as part of our evaluation process for our allowance for loan losses.





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The following table summarizes the credit quality indicators, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivables as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Pass
 
  Performing  
  (Criticized)  
 
  Performing 
Impaired 
(Criticized)  
 
Nonperforming Impaired   (Nonaccrual)
 
Total
March 31, 2016:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software and internet
 
$
4,832,174

 
$
553,266

 
$
27,657

 
$
81,775

 
$
5,494,872

Hardware
 
882,651

 
154,178

 
27,589

 
327

 
1,064,745

Private equity/venture capital
 
6,345,463

 
626

 

 

 
6,346,089

Life science/healthcare
 
1,557,912

 
149,814

 
7,461

 
25,579

 
1,740,766

Premium wine
 
797,390

 
39,818

 
1,294

 
1,133

 
839,635

Other
 
466,715

 
7,150

 
516

 
5,000

 
479,381

Total commercial loans
 
14,882,305

 
904,852

 
64,517

 
113,814

 
15,965,488

Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate secured loans
 
1,652,213

 

 

 
131

 
1,652,344

Other consumer loans
 
227,463

 
786

 

 

 
228,249

Total consumer loans
 
1,879,676

 
786

 

 
131

 
1,880,593

Total gross loans
 
$
16,761,981

 
$
905,638

 
$
64,517

 
$
113,945

 
$
17,846,081

December 31, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software and internet
 
$
4,933,179

 
$
448,065

 
$
23,321

 
$
77,545

 
$
5,482,110

Hardware
 
955,675

 
96,820

 
27,306

 
430

 
1,080,231

Private equity/venture capital
 
5,474,929

 
37,000

 

 

 
5,511,929

Life science/healthcare
 
1,544,555

 
128,636

 
7,247

 
44,107

 
1,724,545

Premium wine
 
825,058

 
22,272

 
898

 
1,167

 
849,395

Other
 
429,481

 
8,868

 
520

 

 
438,869

Total commercial loans
 
14,162,877

 
741,661

 
59,292

 
123,249

 
15,087,079

Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate secured loans
 
1,539,468

 
3,729

 

 
143

 
1,543,340

Other consumer loans
 
224,601

 
2,111

 

 

 
226,712

Total consumer loans
 
1,764,069

 
5,840

 

 
143

 
1,770,052

Total gross loans
 
$
15,926,946

 
$
747,501

 
$
59,292

 
$
123,392

 
$
16,857,131

TDRs
As of March 31, 2016 we had 17 TDRs with a total carrying value of $86.0 million where concessions have been granted to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties, in an attempt to maximize collection. There were less than $0.1 million of unfunded commitments available for funding to the clients associated with these TDRs as of March 31, 2016.









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The following table summarizes our loans modified in TDRs, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivables at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Loans modified in TDRs:
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
Software and internet
 
$
57,836

 
$
56,790

Hardware
 
155

 
473

Life science/healthcare
 
25,104

 
51,878

Premium wine
 
2,427

 
2,065

Other
 
517

 
519

Total commercial loans
 
86,039

 
111,725

Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
Other consumer loans
 

 

Total consumer loans
 

 

Total
 
$
86,039

 
$
111,725

The following table summarizes the recorded investment in loans modified in TDRs, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivable, for modifications made during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2016

2015
Loans modified in TDRs during the period:
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
Software and internet (1)
 
$
10,854

 
$

Hardware
 

 
4,000

Premium wine
 
505

 

Total commercial loans
 
11,359

 
4,000

Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
Real estate secured loans
 

 
1,280

Total consumer loans
 

 
1,280

Total loans modified in TDRs during the period (1)
 
$
11,359

 
$
5,280

 
 
(1)
There were $3.8 million of partial charge-offs during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and no partial charge-offs during the three months ended March 31, 2015.
During the three months ended March 31, 2016, new TDRs of $9.0 million were modified through partial forgiveness of principal and $2.4 million were modified through payment deferrals granted to our clients.
During the three months ended March 31, 2015, new TDRs of $5.3 million were modified through payment deferrals granted to our clients.
The related allowance for loan losses for the majority of our TDRs is determined on an individual basis by comparing the carrying value of the loan to the present value of the estimated future cash flows, discounted at the pre-modification contractual interest rate. For certain TDRs, the related allowance for loan losses is determined based on the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.
There were no loans modified in TDRs within the previous 12 months that subsequently defaulted during the three months ended March 31, 2016. We had $30 thousand of consumer real estate secured loans modified within the previous 12 months that defaulted during the three months ended March 31, 2015.


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Charge-offs and defaults on previously restructured loans are evaluated to determine the impact to the allowance for loan losses, if any. The evaluation of these defaults may impact the assumptions used in calculating the reserve on other TDRs and impaired loans as well as management’s overall outlook of macroeconomic factors that affect the reserve on the loan portfolio as a whole. After evaluating the charge-offs and defaults experienced on our TDRs we determined that no change to our reserving methodology was necessary to determine the allowance for loan losses as of March 31, 2016.
8.
Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt
The following table represents outstanding short-term borrowings and long-term debt at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carrying Value
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Maturity
 
Principal value at March 31, 2016
 
March 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
Short-term borrowings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term FHLB advances
 

 
$

 
$

 
$
638,000

Federal funds purchased
 
 
 

 

 
135,000

Other short-term borrowings
 
(1)
 

 

 
1,900

Total short-term borrowings
 
 
 
 
 
$

 
$
774,900

Long-term debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.50% Senior Notes
 
January 29, 2025
 
$
350,000

 
$
346,744

 
$
346,667

5.375% Senior Notes
 
September 15, 2020
 
350,000

 
347,155

 
347,016

6.05% Subordinated Notes (2)
 
June 1, 2017
 
45,964

 
48,045

 
48,350

7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures
 
October 15, 2033
 
50,000

 
54,626

 
54,669

Total long-term debt
 
 
 
 
 
$
796,570

 
$
796,702

 
 
(1)
Represents cash collateral received from certain counterparties in relation to market value exposures of derivative contracts in our favor.
(2)
At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, included in the carrying value of our 6.05% Subordinated Notes was an interest rate swap valued at $2.4 million and $2.8 million, respectively, related to hedge accounting associated with the notes.
Interest expense related to long-term debt was $9.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, and $8.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Interest expense is net of the hedge accounting impact from our interest rate swap agreement related to our 6.05% Subordinated Notes.
Available Lines of Credit
We have certain facilities in place to enable us to access short-term borrowings on a secured (using high-quality fixed income securities as collateral) and an unsecured basis. These include repurchase agreements and uncommitted federal funds lines with various financial institutions. As of March 31, 2016, we did not borrow against our uncommitted federal funds lines. We also pledge securities to the FHLB of San Francisco and the discount window at the Federal Reserve Bank. The market value of collateral pledged to the FHLB of San Francisco (comprised primarily of U.S. Treasury securities) at March 31, 2016 totaled $1.8 billion, all of which was unused and available to support additional borrowings. The market value of collateral pledged at the discount window of the Federal Reserve Bank at March 31, 2016 totaled $0.9 billion, all of which was unused and available to support additional borrowings.
9.
Derivative Financial Instruments
We primarily use derivative financial instruments to manage interest rate risk, currency exchange rate risk, and to assist customers with their risk management objectives. Also, in connection with negotiating credit facilities and certain other services, we often obtain equity warrant assets giving us the right to acquire stock in private, venture-backed companies in the technology and life science/healthcare industries.
Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk is our primary market risk and can result from timing and volume differences in the repricing of our interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities and changes in market interest rates. To manage interest rate risk for our 6.05% Subordinated Notes, we entered into a fixed-for-floating interest rate swap agreement at the time of debt issuance based upon LIBOR with

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matched-terms. Net cash benefits associated with our interest rate swap is recorded as a reduction in “Interest expense—Borrowings,” a component of net interest income. The fair value of our interest rate swaps is calculated using a discounted cash flow method and adjusted for credit valuation associated with counterparty risk. Changes in fair value of the interest rate swaps are reflected in either other assets (for swaps in an asset position) or other liabilities (for swaps in a liability position).
We assess hedge effectiveness under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, using the long-haul method. Any differences associated with our interest rate swap that arise as a result of hedge ineffectiveness are recorded through net gains on derivative instruments, in noninterest income, a component of consolidated net income.
Currency Exchange Risk
We enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to economically reduce our foreign exchange exposure risk associated with the net difference between foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities. We do not designate any foreign exchange forward contracts as derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting. Gains or losses from changes in currency rates on foreign currency denominated instruments are included in other noninterest income, a component of noninterest income. We may experience ineffectiveness in the economic hedging relationship, because the instruments are revalued based upon changes in the currency’s spot rate on the principal value, while the forwards are revalued on a discounted cash flow basis. We record forward agreements in gain positions in other assets and loss positions in other liabilities, while net changes in fair value are recorded through net gains on derivative instruments, in noninterest income, a component of consolidated net income. Additionally, through our global banking operations we maintain customer deposits denominated in a variety of global currencies, which are used to fund certain loans in these currencies to limit our exposure to currency fluctuations.
Other Derivative Instruments
Also included in our derivative instruments are equity warrant assets and client forward and option contracts, and client interest rate contracts. For further description of these other derivative instruments, refer to Note 2-“Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" under Part II, Item 8 of our 2015 Form 10-K.


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Table of Contents

Counterparty Credit Risk
We are exposed to credit risk if counterparties to our derivative contracts do not perform as expected. We mitigate counterparty credit risk through credit approvals, limits, monitoring procedures and obtaining collateral, as appropriate. With respect to measuring counterparty credit risk for derivative instruments, we measure the fair value of a group of financial assets and financial liabilities on a net risk basis by counterparty portfolio.
The total notional or contractual amounts, fair value, collateral and net exposure of our derivative financial instruments at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 were as follows:
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Notional or
Contractual
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Collateral
(1)
 
Net
Exposure
(2)
 
Notional or
Contractual
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Collateral
(1)
 
Net
Exposure
(2)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Interest rate risks:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
Other assets
 
$
45,964

 
$
2,400

 
$

 
$
2,400

 
$
45,964

 
$
2,768

 
$

 
$
2,768

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Currency exchange risks:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forwards
 
Other assets
 
17,808

 
306

 

 
306

 
49,287

 
809

 

 
809

Foreign exchange forwards
 
Other liabilities
 
78,440

 
(2,932
)
 

 
(2,932
)
 
6,586

 
(669
)
 

 
(669
)
Net exposure
 
 
 
 
 
(2,626
)
 

 
(2,626
)
 
 
 
140

 

 
140

 Other derivative instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity warrant assets
 
Other assets
 
207,504

 
130,670

 

 
130,670

 
210,102

 
137,105

 

 
137,105

Other derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Client foreign exchange forwards
 
Other assets
 
1,369,777

 
46,713

 

 
46,713

 
935,514

 
29,722

 
1,900

 
27,822

Client foreign exchange forwards
 
Other liabilities
 
1,160,600

 
(41,896
)
 

 
(41,896
)
 
841,182

 
(24,978
)
 

 
(24,978
)
Client foreign currency options
 
Other assets
 
30,568

 
600

 

 
600

 
46,625

 
706

 

 
706

Client foreign currency options
 
Other liabilities
 
30,568

 
(600
)
 

 
(600
)
 
46,625

 
(706
)
 

 
(706
)
Client interest rate derivatives
 
Other assets
 
299,750

 
6,432

 

 
6,432

 
422,741

 
3,973

 

 
3,973

Client interest rate derivatives
 
Other liabilities
 
339,685

 
(7,263
)
 

 
(7,263
)
 
422,741

 
(4,384
)
 

 
(4,384
)
Net exposure
 
 
 
 
 
3,986

 

 
3,986

 
 
 
4,333

 
1,900

 
2,433

Net
 
 
 
 
 
$
134,430

 
$

 
$
134,430

 
 
 
$
144,346

 
$
1,900

 
$
142,446

 
 
(1)
Cash collateral received from our counterparties in relation to market value exposures of derivative contracts in our favor is recorded as a component of “short-term borrowings” on our consolidated balance sheets.
(2)
Net exposure for contracts in a gain position reflects the replacement cost in the event of nonperformance by all such counterparties. The credit ratings of our institutional counterparties as of March 31, 2016 remain at investment grade or higher and there were no material changes in their credit ratings during the three months ended March 31, 2016.

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Table of Contents

A summary of our derivative activity and the related impact on our consolidated statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:
 
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Statement of income location   
 
2016
 
2015
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Interest rate risks:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash benefit associated with interest rate swaps
 
Interest expense—borrowings
 
$
609

 
$
638

Changes in fair value of interest rate swaps
 
Net (losses) gains on derivative instruments
 
(17
)
 
(3
)
Net gains associated with interest rate risk derivatives
 
 
 
$
592

 
$
635

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Currency exchange risks:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gains (losses) on revaluations of foreign currency instruments
 
Other noninterest income
 
$
2,491

 
$
(20,159
)
(Losses) gains on internal foreign exchange forward contracts, net
 
Net (losses) gains on derivative instruments
 
(2,208
)
 
20,018

Net losses associated with currency risk
 
 
 
$
283

 
$
(141
)
 Other derivative instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gains on revaluations of client foreign exchange forward contracts, net
 
Other noninterest income
 
$
3,653

 
$
624

Losses on client foreign exchange forward contracts, net
 
Net (losses) gains on derivative instruments
 
(5,654
)
 
(507
)
Net (losses) gains associated with client foreign exchange forward contracts
 
 
 
$
(2,001
)
 
$
117

Net gains on equity warrant assets
 
Net (losses) gains on derivative instruments
 
$
6,605

 
$
20,278

Net losses on other derivatives
 
Net (losses) gains on derivative instruments
 
$
(421
)
 
$
(57
)

Balance Sheet Offsetting
Certain of our derivative and other financial instruments are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements with our counterparties. These agreements provide for the net settlement of multiple contracts with a single counterparty through a single payment, in a single currency, in the event of default on or termination of any one contract.
The following table summarizes our assets subject to enforceable master netting arrangements as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

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Table of Contents

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position But Subject to Master Netting Arrangements
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets
 
Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position
 
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Position
 
Financial Instruments
 
Cash Collateral Received
 
Net Amount
March 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Interest rate swaps
 
$
2,400

 
$

 
$
2,400

 
$
(2,400
)
 
$

 
$

Foreign exchange forwards
 
47,019

 

 
47,019

 
(20,366
)
 

 
26,653

   Foreign currency options
 
600

 

 
600

 
(220
)
 

 
380

   Client interest rate derivatives
 
6,432

 

 
6,432

 
(6,406
)
 

 
26

Total derivative assets:
 
56,451

 

 
56,451

 
(29,392
)
 

 
27,059

Reverse repurchase, securities borrowing, and similar arrangements
 
288,421

 

 
288,421

 
(288,421
)
 

 

Total
 
$
344,872

 
$

 
$
344,872

 
$
(317,813
)
 
$

 
$
27,059

December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Interest rate swaps
 
$
2,768

 
$

 
$
2,768

 
$
(2,768
)
 
$

 
$

Foreign exchange forwards
 
30,531

 

 
30,531

 
(18,141
)
 
(1,900
)
 
10,490

   Foreign currency options
 
711

 
(5
)
 
706

 
(706
)
 

 

   Client interest rate derivatives
 
3,973

 

 
3,973

 
(3,973
)
 

 

Total derivative assets:
 
37,983

 
(5
)
 
37,978

 
(25,588
)
 
(1,900
)
 
10,490

Reverse repurchase, securities borrowing, and similar arrangements
 
125,391

 

 
125,391

 
(125,391
)
 

 

Total
 
$
163,374

 
$
(5
)
 
$
163,369

 
$
(150,979
)
 
$
(1,900
)
 
$
10,490

The following table summarizes our liabilities subject to enforceable master netting arrangements as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position But Subject to Master Netting Arrangements
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities
 
Gross Amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Position
 
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Position
 
Financial Instruments
 
Cash Collateral Pledged
 
Net Amount
March 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Foreign exchange forwards
 
$
44,828

 
$

 
$
44,828

 
$
(32,507
)
 
$

 
$
12,321

   Foreign currency options
 
600

 

 
600

 
(380
)
 

 
220

   Client interest rate derivatives
 
7,263

 

 
7,263

 
(7,263
)
 

 

Total derivative liabilities:
 
52,691

 

 
52,691

 
(40,150
)
 

 
12,541

Repurchase, securities lending, and similar arrangements
 

 

 

 

 

 

Total
 
$
52,691

 
$

 
$
52,691

 
$
(40,150
)
 
$

 
$
12,541

December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Foreign exchange forwards
 
$
25,647

 
$

 
$
25,647

 
$
(10,818
)
 
$

 
$
14,829

   Foreign currency options
 
711

 
(5
)
 
706

 

 

 
706

   Client interest rate derivatives
 
4,384

 

 
4,384

 
(4,384
)
 

 

Total derivative liabilities:
 
30,742

 
(5
)
 
30,737

 
(15,202
)
 

 
15,535

Repurchase, securities lending, and similar arrangements
 

 

 

 

 

 

Total
 
$
30,742

 
$
(5
)
 
$
30,737

 
$
(15,202
)
 
$

 
$
15,535


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10.
Other Noninterest Income (Loss) and Other Noninterest Expense
A summary of other noninterest income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2016

2015
Fund management fees
 
$
4,620

 
$
3,722

Service-based fee income
 
2,092

 
2,106

Gains (losses) on revaluation of foreign currency instruments (1)
 
2,491

 
(20,159
)
Other (2) (3)
 
6,768

 
6,653

Total other noninterest income (loss)
 
$
15,971

 
$
(7,678
)
 
 
(1)
Represents the net revaluation of foreign currency denominated financial instruments issued and held by us, primarily loans, deposits and cash.
(2)
Includes dividends on FHLB/FRB stock, correspondent bank rebate income and other fee income.
(3)
Amount for the three months ended March 31, 2015, has been revised to reflect the retrospective application of new accounting guidance adopted in the second quarter of 2015 related to our consolidated variable interest entities (ASU 2015-02).


A summary of other noninterest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
Lending and other client related processing costs
 
$
4,295

 
$
3,549

Telephone
 
2,233

 
1,959

Data processing services
 
1,829

 
1,833

Dues and publications
 
802

 
585

Postage and supplies
 
790

 
765

Other (1)
 
4,844

 
4,831

Total other noninterest expense
 
$
14,793

 
$
13,522

 
 
(1)
Amount for the three months ended March 31, 2015, has been revised to reflect the retrospective application of new accounting guidance adopted in the second quarter of 2015 related to our consolidated variable interest entities (ASU 2015-02).
11.
Segment Reporting
We have three reportable segments for management reporting purposes: Global Commercial Bank, SVB Private Bank and SVB Capital. The results of our operating segments are based on our internal management reporting process.
Our operating segments’ primary source of revenue is from net interest income, which is primarily the difference between interest earned on loans, net of funds transfer pricing (“FTP”), and interest paid on deposits, net of FTP. Accordingly, our segments are reported using net interest income, net of FTP. FTP is an internal measurement framework designed to assess the financial impact of a financial institution’s sources and uses of funds. It is the mechanism by which an earnings credit is given for deposits raised, and an earnings charge is made for funded loans. FTP is calculated at an instrument level based on account characteristics.
We also evaluate performance based on provision for loan losses, noninterest income and noninterest expense, which are presented as components of segment operating profit or loss. In calculating each operating segment’s noninterest expense, we consider the direct costs incurred by the operating segment as well as certain allocated direct costs. As part of this review, we allocate certain corporate overhead costs to a corporate account. We do not allocate income taxes to our segments. Additionally, our management reporting model is predicated on average asset balances; therefore, period-end asset balances are not presented for segment reporting purposes. Changes in an individual client’s primary relationship designation have resulted, and in the future may result, in the inclusion of certain clients in different segments in different periods.

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Unlike financial reporting, which benefits from the comprehensive structure provided by GAAP, our internal management reporting process is highly subjective, as there is no comprehensive, authoritative guidance for management reporting. Our management reporting process measures the performance of our operating segments based on our internal operating structure, which is subject to change from time to time, and is not necessarily comparable with similar information for other financial services companies.
For reporting purposes, SVB Financial Group has three operating segments for which we report our financial information:
Global Commercial Bank is comprised of results from the following:
Our Commercial Bank products and services are provided by the Bank and its subsidiaries to commercial clients in the technology, life science/healthcare and private equity/venture capital industries. The Bank provides solutions to the financial needs of commercial clients, through credit, global treasury management, foreign exchange, global trade finance, and other services. It serves clients within the United States, as well as non-U.S. clients in key international innovation markets. In addition, the Bank and its subsidiaries offer a variety of investment services and solutions to its clients that enable them to effectively manage their assets. 
Our Private Equity Division provides banking products and services primarily to our private equity and venture capital clients.
Our Wine practice provides banking products and services to our premium wine industry clients, including vineyard development loans. 
SVB Analytics provides equity valuation services to companies and private equity/venture capital firms.
Debt Fund Investments is comprised of our investments in certain debt funds in which we are a strategic investor.

SVB Private Bank is the private banking division of the Bank, which provides a range of personal financial solutions for consumers. Our clients are primarily private equity/venture capital professionals and executive leaders of the innovation companies they support. We offer a customized suite of private banking services, including mortgages, home equity lines of credit, restricted stock purchase loans, capital call lines of credit and other secured and unsecured lending, as well as cash and wealth management services. 
SVB Capital is the venture capital investment arm of SVBFG, which focuses primarily on funds management. SVB Capital manages funds (primarily venture capital funds) on behalf of third party limited partners and, on a more limited basis, SVB Financial Group. The SVB Capital family of funds is comprised of direct venture funds that invest in companies and funds of funds that invest in other venture capital funds. SVB Capital generates income for the Company primarily from investment returns (including carried interest) and management fees.
The summary financial results of our operating segments are presented along with a reconciliation to our consolidated interim results.

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Our segment information for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Global
Commercial
Bank (1)
 
SVB Private  
Bank
 
SVB Capital (1)  
 
Other Items (2)      
 
Total      
Three months ended March 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
 
$
256,178

 
$
13,672

 
$

 
$
11,571

 
$
281,421

Provision for loan losses
 
(32,703
)
 
(638
)
 

 

 
(33,341
)
Noninterest income
 
74,759

 
627

 
2,453

 
8,295

 
86,134

Noninterest expense (3)
 
(154,206
)
 
(3,405
)
 
(3,913
)
 
(42,509
)
 
(204,033
)
Income before income tax expense (4)
 
$
144,028

 
$
10,256

 
$
(1,460
)
 
$
(22,643
)
 
$
130,181

Total average loans, net of unearned income
 
$
14,919,735

 
$
1,871,820

 
$

 
$
220,880

 
$
17,012,435

Total average assets (5)
 
41,533,434

 
1,893,413

 
349,011

 
414,332

 
44,190,190

Total average deposits
 
37,837,645

 
1,130,736

 

 
299,748

 
39,268,129

Three months ended March 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
 
$
203,749

 
$
9,723

 
$
1

 
$
25,452

 
$
238,925

Provision for loan losses
 
(6,460
)
 
8

 

 

 
(6,452
)
Noninterest income
 
63,193

 
397

 
20,678

 
39,256

 
123,524

Noninterest expense (3)
 
(138,448
)
 
(2,876
)
 
(3,486
)
 
(45,731
)
 
(190,541
)
Income before income tax expense (4)
 
$
122,034

 
$
7,252

 
$
17,193

 
$
18,977

 
$
165,456

Total average loans, net of unearned income
 
$
12,505,385

 
$
1,373,149

 
$

 
$
169,751

 
$
14,048,285

Total average assets (5)
 
35,581,252

 
1,445,871

 
269,982

 
924,236

 
38,221,341

Total average deposits
 
32,469,427

 
1,251,939

 

 
140,870

 
33,862,236

 
 
(1)
Global Commercial Bank’s and SVB Capital’s components of net interest income, noninterest income, noninterest expense and total average assets are shown net of noncontrolling interests for all periods presented. Noncontrolling interest is included within "Other Items".
(2)
The "Other Items" column reflects the adjustments necessary to reconcile the results of the operating segments to the consolidated financial statements prepared in conformity with GAAP. Net interest income is attributable primarily to interest earned from our fixed income investment portfolio, net of FTP. Noninterest income is attributable primarily to noncontrolling interests and gains on equity warrant assets. Noninterest expense consists primarily of expenses associated with corporate support functions such as finance, human resources, marketing, legal and other expenses.
(3)
The Global Commercial Bank segment includes direct depreciation and amortization of $5.7 million and $5.3 million for the three months March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
(4)
The internal reporting model used by management to assess segment performance does not calculate income tax expense by segment. Our effective tax rate is a reasonable approximation of the segment rates.
(5)
Total average assets equal the greater of total average assets or the sum of total average liabilities and total average stockholders’ equity for each segment which contributes to the negative balances reported in "Other Items" to reconcile the results to the consolidated financial statements prepared in conformity with GAAP.
12.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Commitments
In the normal course of business we use financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk to meet the financing needs of our customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, commercial and standby letters of credit and commitments to invest in venture capital and private equity fund investments. These instruments involve credit risk to varying degrees. Credit risk is defined as the possibility of sustaining a loss because other parties to the financial instrument fail to perform in accordance with the terms of the contract.

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Commitments to Extend Credit
The following table summarizes information related to our commitments to extend credit at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Loan commitments available for funding: (1)
 
 
 
 
Fixed interest rate commitments
 
$
1,257,696

 
$
1,312,734

Variable interest rate commitments
 
13,091,598

 
12,822,461

Total loan commitments available for funding
 
14,349,294

 
14,135,195

Commercial and standby letters of credit (2)
 
1,530,904

 
1,479,164

Total unfunded credit commitments
 
$
15,880,198

 
$
15,614,359

Commitments unavailable for funding (3)
 
$
1,975,551

 
$
2,026,532

Maximum lending limits for accounts receivable factoring arrangements (4)
 
960,071

 
1,006,404

Reserve for unfunded credit commitments (5)
 
34,541

 
34,415

 
 
(1)
Represents commitments which are available for funding, due to clients meeting all collateral, compliance and financial covenants required under loan commitment agreements.
(2)
See below for additional information on our commercial and standby letters of credit.
(3)
Represents commitments which are currently unavailable for funding, due to clients failing to meet all collateral, compliance and financial covenants under loan commitment agreements.
(4)
We extend credit under accounts receivable factoring arrangements when our clients’ sales invoices are deemed creditworthy under existing underwriting practices.
(5)
Our reserve for unfunded credit commitments includes an allowance for both our unfunded loan commitments and our letters of credit.
Commercial and Standby Letters of Credit
The table below summarizes our commercial and standby letters of credit at March 31, 2016. The maximum potential amount of future payments represents the amount that could be remitted under letters of credit if there were a total default by the guaranteed parties, without consideration of possible recoveries under recourse provisions or from the collateral held or pledged.
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Expires In One
Year or Less
 
Expires After
One Year
 
Total Amount
Outstanding
 
Maximum Amount
of Future Payments
Financial standby letters of credit
 
$
1,421,632

 
$
25,365

 
$
1,446,997

 
$
1,446,997

Performance standby letters of credit
 
67,298

 
5,223

 
72,521

 
72,521

Commercial letters of credit
 
11,386

 

 
11,386

 
11,386

Total
 
$
1,500,316

 
$
30,588

 
$
1,530,904

 
$
1,530,904

Deferred fees related to financial and performance standby letters of credit were $9 million at March 31, 2016 and $10 million at December 31, 2015. At March 31, 2016, collateral in the form of cash of $741 million and available-for-sale securities of $0.5 million were available to us to reimburse losses, if any, under financial and performance standby letters of credit.

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Commitments to Invest in Venture Capital and Private Equity Funds
Subject to applicable regulatory requirements, including the Volcker Rule, we make commitments to invest in venture capital and private equity funds, which in turn make investments generally in, or in some cases make loans to, privately-held companies. Commitments to invest in these funds are generally made for a 10-year period from the inception of the fund. Although the limited partnership agreements governing these investments typically do not restrict the general partners from calling 100% of committed capital in one year, it is customary for these funds to generally call most of the capital commitments over 5 to 7 years; however in certain cases, the funds may not call 100% of committed capital over the life of the fund. The actual timing of future cash requirements to fund these commitments is generally dependent upon the investment cycle, overall market conditions, and the nature and type of industry in which the privately held companies operate. The following table details our total capital commitments, unfunded capital commitments, and our ownership percentage in each fund at March 31, 2016:
 Our Ownership in Venture Capital and Private Equity Funds
 (Dollars in thousands)
 
SVBFG Capital Commitments    
 
SVBFG Unfunded    
Commitments
 
SVBFG Ownership  
of each Fund (4)
Silicon Valley BancVentures, LP
 
$
6,000

 
$
270

 
10.7
%
SVB Capital Partners II, LP (1)
 
1,200

 
162

 
5.1

SVB Capital Shanghai Yangpu Venture Capital Fund
 
900

 

 
6.8

SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP
 
15,300

 
688

 
12.6

SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP
 
15,000

 
1,050

 
8.6

SVB Strategic Investors Fund III, LP
 
15,000

 
1,275

 
5.9

SVB Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP
 
12,239

 
2,325

 
5.0

Strategic Investors Fund V Funds
 
515

 
142

 
Various

SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP
 
12,688

 

 
20.0

SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP
 
24,670

 
1,340

 
33.0

Other private equity fund (2)
 
9,338

 

 
58.2

Debt funds (equity method accounting
 
58,637

 

 
Various

Other fund investments (3)
 
299,540

 
11,870

 
Various  

Total
 
$
471,027

 
$
19,122

 
 
 
 
(1)
Our ownership includes direct ownership of 1.3 percent and indirect ownership interest of 3.8 percent through our investment in SVB Strategic Investors Fund II, LP.
(2)
Our ownership includes direct ownership of 41.5 percent and indirect ownership interests of 12.6 percent and 4.1 percent in the fund through our ownership interest of SVB Capital - NT Growth Partners, LP and SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP, respectively.
(3)
Represents commitments to 273 funds (primarily venture capital funds) where our ownership interest is generally less than 5 percent of the voting interests of each such fund.
(4)
We are subject to the Volcker Rule, which restricts or limits us from sponsoring or having ownership interests in “covered” funds including venture capital and private equity funds. See “Business - Supervision and Regulation” under Item 1 of Part I of our 2015 Form 10-K.

The following table details the amounts of remaining unfunded commitments to venture capital and private equity funds by our consolidated managed funds of funds (including our interest and the noncontrolling interests) at March 31, 2016:
 Limited Partnership
 (Dollars in thousands)
 
Unfunded Commitments    
SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP
 
$
2,250

SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP
 
1,271

SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP
 
3,089

Total
 
$
6,610

13.
Income Taxes
We are subject to income tax in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions and have identified our federal tax return and tax returns in California and Massachusetts as major tax filings. Our U.S. federal tax returns for 2012 and subsequent years remain open to full examination. Our California and Massachusetts tax returns for 2011 and subsequent tax years remain open to full examination.
At March 31, 2016, our unrecognized tax benefit was $3.4 million, the recognition of which would reduce our income tax expense by $2.2 million. We do not expect that our unrecognized tax benefit will materially change in the next 12 months.
We recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters as part of income before income taxes. Interest and penalties were not material for the three months ended March 31, 2016.
14.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair Value Measurements
Our available-for-sale securities, derivative instruments and certain non-marketable and other securities are financial instruments recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. We make estimates regarding valuation of assets and liabilities measured at fair value in preparing our interim consolidated financial statements.
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. There is a three-level hierarchy for disclosure of assets and liabilities recorded at fair value. The classification of assets and liabilities within the hierarchy is based on whether the inputs to the valuation methodology used for measurement are observable or unobservable and the significance of those inputs in the fair value measurement. Observable inputs reflect market-derived or market-based information obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our estimates about market data and views of market participants. The three levels for measuring fair value are based on the reliability of inputs and are as follows:
Level 1
Fair value measurements based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these instruments does not entail a significant degree of judgment. Assets utilizing Level 1 inputs include U.S. Treasury securities, exchange-traded equity securities and certain marketable securities accounted for under fair value accounting.
Level 2
Fair value measurements based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, directly or indirectly. Valuations for the available-for-sale securities are provided by independent external pricing service providers who have experience in valuing these securities and by comparison to and/or average of quoted market prices obtained from independent external brokers. We perform a monthly analysis on the values received from third parties to ensure that the prices represent a reasonable estimate of the fair value. The procedures include, but are not limited to, initial and ongoing review of third party pricing methodologies, review of pricing trends and monitoring of trading volumes. Additional corroboration, such as obtaining a non-binding price from a broker, may be obtained depending on the frequency of trades of the security and the level of liquidity or depth of the market. We ensure prices received from independent brokers represent a reasonable estimate of the fair value through the use of observable market inputs including comparable trades, yield curve, spreads and, when available, market indices. As a result of this analysis, if the Company determines that there is a more appropriate fair value based upon the available market data, the price received from the third party is adjusted accordingly. Below is a summary of the significant inputs used for each class of Level 2 assets and liabilities:

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U.S. agency debentures: Fair value measurements of U.S. agency debentures are based on the characteristics specific to bonds held, such as issuer name, coupon rate, maturity date and any applicable issuer call option features. Valuations are based on market spreads relative to similar term benchmark market interest rates, generally U.S. Treasury securities.
Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities: Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities are pools of individual conventional mortgage loans underwritten to U.S. agency standards with similar coupon rates, tenor, and other attributes such as geographic location, loan size and origination vintage. Fair value measurements of these securities are based on observable price adjustments relative to benchmark market interest rates taking into consideration estimated loan prepayment speeds.
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations: Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations are structured into classes or tranches with defined cash flow characteristics and are collateralized by U.S. agency-issued mortgage pass-through securities. Fair value measurements of these securities incorporate similar characteristics of mortgage pass-through securities such as coupon rate, tenor, geographic location, loan size and origination vintage, in addition to incorporating the effect of estimated prepayment speeds on the cash flow structure of the class or tranche. These measurements incorporate observable market spreads over an estimated average life after considering the inputs listed above.
Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities: Fair value measurements of these securities are based on spreads to benchmark market interest rates (usually U.S. Treasury rates or rates observable in the swaps market), prepayment speeds, loan default rate assumptions and loan loss severity assumptions on underlying loans.
Municipal bonds and notes: Bonds issued by municipal governments generally have stated coupon rates, final maturity dates and are subject to being called ahead of the final maturity date at the option of the issuer. Fair value measurements of these securities are priced based on spreads to other municipal benchmark bonds with similar characteristics; or, relative to market rates on U.S. Treasury bonds of similar maturity.
Interest rate derivative assets and liabilities: Fair value measurements of interest rate derivatives are priced considering the coupon rate of the fixed leg of the contract and the variable coupon on the floating leg of the contract. Valuation is based on both spot and forward rates on the swap yield curve and the credit worthiness of the contract counterparty.
Foreign exchange forward and option contract assets and liabilities: Fair value measurements of these assets and liabilities are priced based on spot and forward foreign currency rates and option volatility assumptions.
Equity warrant assets (public portfolio): Fair value measurements of equity warrant assets of publicly-traded portfolio companies are valued based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The model uses the price of publicly-traded companies (underlying stock price), stated strike prices, warrant expiration dates, the risk-free interest rate and market-observable option volatility assumptions.
Level 3
The fair value measurement is derived from valuation techniques that use significant assumptions not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect our own estimates of assumptions we believe market participants would use in pricing the asset. Below is a summary of the valuation techniques used for each class of Level 3 assets:
Other venture capital investments: Fair value measurements are based on consideration of a range of factors including, but not limited to, the price at which the investment was acquired, the term and nature of the investment, local market conditions, values for comparable securities, and as it relates to the private company, the current and projected operating performance, exit strategies and financing transactions subsequent to the acquisition of the investment. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement include the information about each portfolio company, including actual and forecasted results, cash position, recent or planned transactions and market comparable companies. Significant changes to any one of these inputs in isolation could result in a significant change in the fair value measurement, however, we generally consider all factors available through ongoing communication with the portfolio companies and venture capital fund managers to determine whether there are changes to the portfolio company or the environment that indicate a change in the fair value measurement.
Other securities: Fair value measurements of equity securities of public companies are priced based on quoted market prices less a discount if the securities are subject to certain sales restrictions. Marketability discounts generally range from 10% to 20% depending on the duration of the sale restrictions which typically range from 3 to 6 months.
Equity warrant assets (public portfolio): Fair value measurements of equity warrant assets of publicly-traded portfolio companies are valued based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The model uses the price of publicly-traded companies (underlying stock price), stated strike prices, warrant expiration dates, the risk-free interest rate and market-observable option volatility assumptions. Modeled asset values are further adjusted by applying a discount of up to 20% for certain warrants that have lock-up restrictions or other features that indicate a discount to fair value is warranted. As

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a lock-up term nears, and other sale restrictions are lifted, discounts are adjusted downward to zero percent once all restrictions expire or are removed.
Equity warrant assets (private portfolio): Fair value measurements of equity warrant assets of private portfolio companies are priced based on a modified Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the asset value by using stated strike prices, option expiration dates, risk-free interest rates and option volatility assumptions. Option volatility assumptions used in the modified Black-Scholes model are based on public market indices whose members operate in similar industries as companies in our private company portfolio. Option expiration dates are modified to account for estimates to actual life relative to stated expiration. Overall model asset values are further adjusted for a general lack of liquidity due to the private nature of the associated underlying company. There is a direct correlation between changes in the volatility and remaining life assumptions in isolation and the fair value measurement while there is an inverse correlation between changes in the liquidity discount assumption and the fair value measurement.
It is our policy to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when developing fair value measurements. When available, we use quoted market prices to measure fair value. If market prices are not available, fair value measurement is based upon valuation techniques that use primarily market-based or independently-sourced market parameters, including interest rate yield curves, prepayment speeds, option volatilities and currency rates. Substantially all of our financial instruments use the foregoing methodologies, and are categorized as a Level 1 or Level 2 measurement in the fair value hierarchy. However, in certain cases, when market observable inputs for our valuation techniques may not be readily available, we are required to make judgments about assumptions we believe market participants would use in estimating the fair value of the financial instrument, and based on the significance of those judgments, the measurement may be determined to be a Level 3 fair value measurement.
The degree of management judgment involved in determining the fair value of a financial instrument is dependent upon the availability of quoted market prices or observable market parameters. For financial instruments that trade actively and have quoted market prices or observable market parameters, there is minimal subjectivity involved in measuring fair value. When observable market prices and parameters are not fully available, management judgment is necessary to estimate fair value. For inactive markets, there is little information, if any, to evaluate if individual transactions are orderly. Accordingly, we are required to estimate, based upon all available facts and circumstances, the degree to which orderly transactions are occurring and provide more weighting to price quotes that are based upon orderly transactions. In addition, changes in the market conditions may reduce the availability of quoted prices or observable data. For example, reduced liquidity in the capital markets or changes in secondary market activities could result in observable market inputs becoming unavailable. Therefore, when market data is not available, we use valuation techniques requiring more management judgment to estimate the appropriate fair value measurement. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by management in determining fair value is greater for financial assets and liabilities categorized as Level 3.

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The following fair value hierarchy table presents information about our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2016:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Balance at
March 31, 2016
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
9,954,354

 
$

 
$

 
$
9,954,354

U.S. agency debentures
 

 
2,485,431

 

 
2,485,431

Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - fixed rate
 

 
1,312,017

 

 
1,312,017

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - variable rate
 

 
573,034

 

 
573,034

Equity securities
 
159

 
2,084

 

 
2,243

Total available-for-sale securities
 
9,954,513

 
4,372,566

 

 
14,327,079

Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-marketable securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments measured at net asset value (1)
 

 

 

 
145,649

Other venture capital investments (2)
 

 

 
2,040

 
2,040

Other securities (2)
 
468

 

 

 
468

Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting)
 
468

 

 
2,040

 
148,157

Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 

 
2,400

 

 
2,400

Foreign exchange forward and option contracts
 

 
47,619

 

 
47,619

Equity warrant assets
 

 
1,688

 
128,982

 
130,670

Client interest rate derivatives
 

 
6,432

 

 
6,432

Total assets (2)
 
$
9,954,981

 
$
4,430,705

 
$
131,022

 
$
14,662,357

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts
 
$

 
$
45,428

 
$

 
$
45,428

Client interest rate derivatives
 

 
7,263

 

 
7,263

Total liabilities
 
$

 
$
52,691

 
$

 
$
52,691

 
 
(1)
In accordance with the accounting standard (ASU 2015-07, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820)), certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the statement of financial position.
(2)
Included in Level 1 and Level 3 assets are $0.4 million and $1.8 million, respectively, attributable to noncontrolling interests calculated based on the ownership percentages of the noncontrolling interests.


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The following fair value hierarchy table presents information about our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2015:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Balance at December 31, 2015
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
11,678,035

 
$

 
$

 
$
11,678,035

U.S. agency debentures
 

 
2,690,029

 

 
2,690,029

Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - fixed rate
 

 
1,399,279

 

 
1,399,279

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations - variable rate
 

 
607,936

 

 
607,936

Equity securities
 
4,517

 
952

 

 
5,469

Total available-for-sale securities
 
11,682,552

 
4,698,196

 

 
16,380,748

Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-marketable securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments measured at net asset value (1)
 

 

 

 
152,237

Other venture capital investments (2)
 

 

 
2,040

 
2,040

Other securities (2)
 
548

 

 

 
548

Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting)
 
548

 

 
2,040

 
154,825

Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 

 
2,768

 

 
2,768

Foreign exchange forward and option contracts
 

 
31,237

 

 
31,237

Equity warrant assets
 

 
1,937

 
135,168

 
137,105

Client interest rate derivatives
 

 
3,973

 

 
3,973

Total assets (2)
 
$
11,683,100

 
$
4,738,111

 
$
137,208

 
$
16,710,656

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts
 
$

 
$
26,353

 
$

 
$
26,353

Client interest rate derivatives
 

 
4,384

 

 
4,384

Total liabilities
 
$

 
$
30,737

 
$

 
$
30,737

 
 
(1)
In accordance with the accounting standard (ASU 2015-07, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820)), certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the statement of financial position.
(2)
Included in Level 1 and Level 3 assets are $0.4 million and $1.8 million, respectively, attributable to noncontrolling interests calculated based on the ownership percentages of the noncontrolling interests.

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The following table presents additional information about Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Beginning
Balance
 
Total Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Income
 
Purchases  
 
Sales
 
Issuances  
 
Distributions and Other Settlements
 
Transfers Out of Level 3
 
Ending
Balance
Three months ended March 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other venture capital investments
 
$
2,040

 
$
(30
)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
30

 
$

 
$
2,040

Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting) (1)
 
2,040

 
(30
)
 

 

 

 
30

 

 
2,040

Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity warrant assets (2)
 
135,168

 
7,179

 

 
(15,416
)
 
2,374

 

 
(323
)
 
128,982

Total assets
 
$
137,208

 
$
7,149

 
$

 
$
(15,416
)
 
$
2,374

 
$
30

 
$
(323
)
 
$
131,022

Three months ended March 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other venture capital investments (3)
 
$
3,291

 
$
131

 
$

 
$
(32
)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
3,390

Total non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting) (1)
 
3,291

 
131

 

 
(32
)
 

 

 

 
3,390

Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity warrant assets (2)
 
114,698

 
20,084

 

 
(14,765
)
 
2,487

 

 
(243
)
 
122,261

Total assets
 
$
117,989

 
$
20,215

 
$

 
$
(14,797
)
 
$
2,487

 
$

 
$
(243
)
 
$
125,651

 
 
(1)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) are recorded in the line items “(losses) gains on investment securities, net” a component of noninterest income.
(2)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) are recorded in the line item “(losses) gains on derivative instruments, net”, a component of noninterest income.
(3)
Beginning balance was adjusted to conform with our adoption of the new accounting standard (ASU 2015-02), Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (Topic 820).


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The following table presents the amount of net unrealized gains and losses included in earnings (which is inclusive of noncontrolling interest) attributable to Level 3 assets still held at March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
 
 
 
 
Other venture capital investments
 
$

 
$
99

Other assets:
 
 
 
 
Equity warrant assets (2)
 
1,465

 
16,261

Total unrealized gains, net
 
$
1,465

 
$
16,360

Unrealized gains attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
$

 
$
88

 
 
(1)
Unrealized gains (losses) are recorded in the line item “(losses) gains on investment securities, net”, a component of noninterest income.
(2)
Unrealized gains (losses) are recorded in the line item “(losses) gains on derivative instruments, net”, a component of noninterest income.
The extent to which any unrealized gains will become realized is subject to a variety of factors, including, among other things, the expiration of current sales restrictions to which these securities are subject, the actual sales of securities and the timing of such actual sales.
The following table presents quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used for certain of our Level 3 fair value measurements at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. We have not included in this table our venture capital and private equity fund investments (fair value accounting) as we use net asset value per share (as obtained from the general partners of the investments) as a practical expedient to determine fair value.
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Fair value
 
Valuation Technique
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
 
Weighted 
Average
March 31, 2016:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other venture capital investments (fair value accounting)
 
$
2,040

 
Private company equity pricing
 
(1)
 
(1
)
Equity warrant assets (public portfolio)
 
165

 
Modified Black-Scholes option pricing model
 
Volatility
 
41.5
%
 
 
 
 
Risk-Free interest rate
 
1.3
%
 
 
 
 
Sales restrictions discount (2)
 
16.8
%
Equity warrant assets (private portfolio)
 
128,817

 
Modified Black-Scholes option pricing model
 
Volatility
 
36.9
%
 
 
 
 
Risk-Free interest rate
 
0.8
%
 
 
 
 
Marketability discount (3)
 
17.3
%
 
 
 
 
Remaining life assumption (4)
 
45.0
%
December 31, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other venture capital investments (fair value accounting)
 
$
2,040

 
Private company equity pricing
 
(1)
 
(1
)
Equity warrant assets (public portfolio)
 
1,786

 
Modified Black-Scholes option pricing model
 
Volatility
 
38.1
%
 
 
 
 
Risk-Free interest rate
 
2.1
%
 
 
 
 
Sales restrictions discount (2)
 
18.0
%
Equity warrant assets (private portfolio)
 
133,382

 
Modified Black-Scholes option pricing model
 
Volatility
 
36.0
%
 
 
 
 
Risk-Free interest rate
 
1.1
%
 
 
 
 
Marketability discount (3)
 
16.6
%
 
 
 
 
Remaining life assumption (4)
 
45.0
%
 
 
 
(1)
In determining the fair value of our other venture capital investment portfolio, we evaluate a variety of factors related to each underlying private portfolio company including, but not limited to, actual and forecasted results, cash position, recent or planned transactions and market comparable companies. Additionally, we have ongoing communication with the portfolio companies and venture capital fund managers, to determine whether there is a material change in fair value. These factors are specific to each portfolio company and a weighted average or range of values of the unobservable inputs is not meaningful.

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(2)
We adjust quoted market prices of public companies, which are subject to certain sales restrictions. Sales restriction discounts generally range from 10% to 20% depending on the duration of the sales restrictions, which typically range from 3 to 6 months.
(3)
Our marketability discount is applied to all private company warrants to account for a general lack of liquidity due to the private nature of the associated underlying company. The quantitative measure used is based upon various option-pricing models. On a quarterly basis, a sensitivity analysis is performed on our marketability discount.
(4)
We adjust the contractual remaining term of private company warrants based on our estimate of the actual remaining life, which we determine by utilizing historical data on cancellations and exercises. At March 31, 2016, the weighted average contractual remaining term was 5.6 years, compared to our estimated remaining life of 2.5 years. On a quarterly basis, a sensitivity analysis is performed on our remaining life assumption.
For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, we did not have any transfers between Level 2 and Level 1 or transfers between Level 3 and Level 1. Transfers from Level 3 to Level 2 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 were due primarily due to the expiration of lock-up, and other sales restrictions on certain of our public warrant positions. Transfers from Level 3 to Level 2 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were due primarily to the transfer of equity warrant assets from our private portfolio to our public portfolio (see our Level 3 reconciliation above). All amounts reported as transfers represent the fair value as of the date of the change in circumstances that caused the transfer.
Financial Instruments not Carried at Fair Value
FASB guidance over financial instruments requires that we disclose estimated fair values for our financial instruments not carried at fair value. Fair value estimates, methods and assumptions, set forth below for our financial instruments, are made solely to comply with these requirements.
Fair values are based on estimates or calculations at the transaction level using present value techniques in instances where quoted market prices are not available. Because broadly traded markets do not exist for many of our financial instruments, the fair value calculations attempt to incorporate the effect of current market conditions at a specific time. The aggregation of the fair value calculations presented herein does not represent, and should not be construed to represent, the underlying value of the Company.
The following describes the methods and assumptions used in estimating the fair values of financial instruments for which carrying value approximates fair value and estimated fair values of financial instruments not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis and excludes financial instruments and assets and liabilities already recorded at fair value as described above.
Financial Instruments for which Carrying Value Approximates Fair Value
Certain financial instruments that are not carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are carried at amounts that approximate fair value, due to their short-term nature and generally negligible credit risk. These instruments include cash and cash equivalents; FHLB and FRB stock; accrued interest receivable; short-term borrowings; short-term time deposits; and accrued interest payable. In addition, U.S. GAAP requires that the fair value of deposit liabilities with no stated maturity (i.e., demand, savings and certain money market deposits) be equal to their carrying value; recognition of the inherent funding value of these instruments is not permitted.

Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments Not Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Held-to-Maturity Securities
Held-to-maturity securities include similar investments held in our available-for-sale securities portfolio and are valued using the same methodologies. All securities included in our held-to-maturity securities portfolio are valued using Level 2 inputs. Refer to Level 2 fair value measurements above for significant inputs used in the valuation of our held-to-maturity investment securities.
Non-Marketable Securities (Cost and Equity Method Accounting)
Non-marketable securities includes other investments (equity method accounting), venture capital and private equity fund investments (cost method accounting), and other venture capital investments (cost method accounting). Other investments (equity method accounting) includes our investment in SPD-SVB, our joint venture bank in China. At this time, the carrying value of our investment in SPD-SVB is a reasonable estimate of fair value. The fair value of the remaining other investments (equity method accounting) and the fair value of venture capital and private equity fund investments (cost method accounting) and other venture capital investments (cost method accounting) is based on financial information obtained from the investee or obtained from the fund investments’ or debt fund investments’ respective general partners. For private company investments, estimated fair value is based on consideration of a range of factors including, but not limited to, the price at which the investment was acquired, the term and nature of the investment, local market conditions, values for comparable securities, current and

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projected operating performance, exit strategies, and financing transactions subsequent to the acquisition of the investment. For our fund investments, we utilize the net asset value per share as obtained from the general partners of the investments. We adjust the net asset value per share for differences between our measurement date and the date of the fund investment’s net asset value by using the most recently available financial information from the investee general partner, for example December 31st, for our March 31st consolidated financial statements, adjusted for any contributions paid, distributions received from the investment, and significant fund transactions or market events during the reporting period.
Loans
The fair value of fixed and variable rate loans is estimated by discounting contractual cash flows using rates that reflect current pricing for similar loans and the projected forward yield curve. This method is not based on the exit price concept of fair value required under ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.
Long-Term Deposits
The fair value of long-term time deposits is estimated by discounting the cash flows using our cost of borrowings and the projected forward yield curve over their remaining contractual term.
Long-Term Debt
The fair value of long-term debt is generally based on quoted market prices, when available, or is estimated based on calculations utilizing third-party pricing services and current market spread, price indications from reputable dealers or observable market prices of the underlying instrument(s), whichever is deemed more reliable. Also included in the estimated fair value of our 6.05% Subordinated Notes are amounts related to hedge accounting associated with the notes.
Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments
The fair value of net available commitments to extend credit is estimated based on the average amount we would receive or pay to execute a new agreement with identical terms and pricing, while taking into account the counterparties’ credit standing.
Letters of credit are carried at their fair value, which was equivalent to the residual premium or fee at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. Commitments to extend credit and letters of credit typically result in loans with a market interest rate if funded.
The following fair value hierarchy table presents the estimated fair values of our financial instruments that are not carried at fair value at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

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Estimated Fair Value
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Carrying Amount
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
March 31, 2016:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
1,868,512

 
$
1,868,512

 
$
1,868,512

 
$

 
$

Held-to-maturity securities
 
8,548,238

 
8,630,952

 

 
8,630,952

 

Non-marketable securities (cost and equity method accounting) not measured at net asset value
 
117,471

 
120,299

 

 

 
120,299

Non-marketable securities (cost and equity method accounting) measured at net asset value (1)
 
245,125

 
361,657

 

 

 

Net commercial loans
 
15,633,705

 
15,703,446

 

 

 
15,703,446

Net consumer loans
 
1,871,193

 
1,847,619

 

 

 
1,847,619

FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock
 
56,991

 
56,991

 

 

 
56,991

Accrued interest receivable
 
105,062

 
105,062

 

 
105,062

 

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-maturity deposits (2)
 
38,695,925

 
38,695,925

 
38,695,925

 

 

Time deposits
 
63,796

 
63,686

 

 
63,686

 

3.50% Senior Notes
 
346,744

 
345,506

 

 
345,506

 

5.375% Senior Notes
 
347,155

 
389,946

 

 
389,946

 

6.05% Subordinated Notes (3)
 
48,045

 
49,368

 

 
49,368

 

7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures
 
54,626

 
53,039

 

 
53,039

 

Accrued interest payable
 
4,888

 
4,888

 

 
4,888

 

Off-balance sheet financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commitments to extend credit
 

 
25,515

 

 

 
25,515

December 31, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
1,503,257

 
$
1,503,257

 
$
1,503,257

 
$

 
$

Held-to-maturity securities
 
8,790,963

 
8,758,622

 

 
8,758,622

 

Non-marketable securities (cost and equity method accounting) not measured at net asset value
 
114,795

 
117,172

 

 

 
117,172

Non-marketable securities (cost and equity method accounting) measured at net asset value (1)
 
250,970

 
364,799

 

 

 

Net commercial loans
 
14,763,302

 
14,811,588

 

 

 
14,811,588

Net consumer loans
 
1,761,155

 
1,737,960

 

 

 
1,737,960

FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock
 
56,991

 
56,991

 

 

 
56,991

Accrued interest receivable
 
107,604

 
107,604

 

 
107,604

 

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term FHLB advances
 
638,000

 
638,000

 
638,000

 

 

Federal funds purchased
 
135,000

 
135,000

 
135,000

 

 

Other short-term borrowings
 
1,900

 
1,900

 
1,900

 

 

Non-maturity deposits (2)
 
39,072,297

 
39,072,297

 
39,072,297

 

 

Time deposits
 
70,479

 
70,347

 

 
70,347

 

3.50% Senior Notes
 
346,667

 
333,648

 

 
333,648

 

5.375% Senior Notes
 
347,016

 
384,216

 

 
384,216

 

6.05% Subordinated Notes (3)
 
48,350

 
49,820

 

 
49,820

 

7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures
 
54,669

 
52,905

 

 
52,905

 

Accrued interest payable
 
12,058

 
12,058

 

 
12,058

 

Off-balance sheet financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commitments to extend credit
 

 
26,483

 

 

 
26,483

 
 

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Table of Contents

(1)
In accordance with the accounting standard (ASU 2015-07, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820)), certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. See Note 1— "Basis of Presentation" of the "Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)" under Part I, Item 1 in this report.
(2)
Includes noninterest-bearing demand deposits, interest-bearing checking accounts, money market accounts and interest-bearing sweep deposits.
(3)
At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, included in the carrying value and estimated fair value of our 6.05% Subordinated Notes was an interest rate swap valued at $2.4 million and $2.8 million, respectively, related to hedge accounting associated with the notes.

Investments in Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share
FASB guidance over certain fund investments requires that we disclose the fair value of funds, significant investment strategies of the investees, redemption features of the investees, restrictions on the ability to sell investments, estimate of the period of time over which the underlying assets are expected to be liquidated by the investee, and unfunded commitments related to the investments.
Our investments in debt funds and venture capital and private equity fund investments generally cannot be redeemed. Alternatively, we expect distributions, if any, to be received primarily through IPOs and M&A activity of the underlying assets of the fund. Subject to applicable requirements under the Volcker Rule, we do not have any plans to sell any of these fund investments. If we decide to sell these investments in the future, the investee fund’s management must approve of the buyer before the sale of the investments can be completed. The fair values of the fund investments have been estimated using the net asset value per share of the investments, adjusted for any differences between our measurement date and the date of the fund investment’s net asset value by using the most recently available financial information from the investee general partner, for example December 31st, for our March 31st consolidated financial statements, adjusted for any contributions paid, distributions received from the investment, and significant fund transactions or market events during the reporting period.
The following table is a summary of the estimated fair values of these investments and remaining unfunded commitments for each major category of these investments as of March 31, 2016:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Carrying Amount      
 
Fair Value        
 
Unfunded Commitments      
Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments (1)
 
$
145,649

 
$
145,649

 
$
6,610

Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments (2)
 
83,555

 
83,555

 
4,954

Debt funds (2)
 
21,809

 
23,066

 

Other investments (2)
 
22,352

 
22,352

 
886

Non-marketable securities (cost method accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments (2)
 
117,409

 
232,684

 
9,938

Total
 
$
390,774

 
$
507,306

 
$
22,388

 
 
(1)
Venture capital and private equity fund investments within non-marketable securities (fair value accounting) include investments made by our managed funds of funds and one of our direct venture funds. These investments represent investments in venture capital and private equity funds that invest primarily in U.S. and global technology and life science/healthcare companies. Included in the fair value and unfunded commitments of fund investments under fair value accounting are $103 million and $5 million, respectively, attributable to noncontrolling interests. It is estimated that we will receive distributions from the fund investments over the next 10 to 13 years, depending on the age of the funds and any potential extensions of terms of the funds.
(2)
Venture capital and private equity fund investments, debt funds, and other fund investments within non-marketable securities (equity and cost method accounting) include funds that invest in or lend money to primarily U.S. and global technology and life science/healthcare companies. It is estimated that we will receive distributions from the funds over the next 10 to 13 years, depending on the age of the funds and any potential extensions of the terms of the funds.

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15.
Legal Matters
Certain lawsuits and claims arising in the ordinary course of business have been filed or are pending against us or our affiliates. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, we establish accruals for all lawsuits, claims and expected settlements when we believe it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable. When a loss contingency is not both probable and estimable, we do not establish an accrual. Any such loss estimates are inherently uncertain, based on currently available information and are subject to management’s judgment and various assumptions. Due to the inherent subjectivity of these estimates and unpredictability of outcomes of legal proceedings, any amounts accrued may not represent the ultimate resolution of such matters.
To the extent we believe any potential loss relating to such lawsuits and claims may have a material impact on our liquidity, consolidated financial position, results of operations, and/or our business as a whole and is reasonably possible but not probable, we disclose information relating to any such potential loss, whether in excess of any established accruals or where there is no established accrual. We also disclose information relating to any material potential loss that is probable but not reasonably estimable. Where reasonably practicable, we will provide an estimate of loss or range of potential loss. No disclosures are generally made for any loss contingencies that are deemed to be remote.
Based upon information available to us, our review of lawsuits and claims filed or pending against us to date and consultation with our outside legal counsel, we have not recognized a material accrual liability for these matters, nor do we currently expect it is reasonably possible that these matters will result in a material liability to the Company. However, the outcome of litigation and other legal and regulatory matters is inherently uncertain, and it is possible that one or more of such matters currently pending or threatened could have an unanticipated material adverse effect on our liquidity, consolidated financial position, results of operations, and/or our business as a whole, in the future.
16.
Related Parties
During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Bank made loans to related parties, including certain companies in which certain of our directors or their affiliated venture funds are beneficial owners of ten percent or more of the equity securities of such companies. Such loans: (a) were made in the ordinary course of business; (b) were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other non-related persons; and (c) did not involve more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features. Additionally, we also provide real estate secured loans to eligible employees through our EHOP.
ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including in particular “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” under Part I, Item 2 of this report, contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In addition, management has in the past and might in the future make forward-looking statements orally to analysts, investors, the media and others. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Broadly speaking, forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following:
Projections of our net interest income, noninterest income, earnings per share, noninterest expenses (including professional services, compliance, compensation and other costs), cash flows, balance sheet positions, capital expenditures, liquidity and capitalization or other financial items
Descriptions of our strategic initiatives, plans or objectives for future operations, including pending sales or acquisitions
Forecasts of private equity/venture capital funding and investment levels
Forecasts of future interest rates, economic performance, and income from investments
Forecasts of expected levels of provisions for loan losses, nonperforming loans, loan growth and client funds
Descriptions of assumptions underlying or relating to any of the foregoing
You can identify these and other forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “becoming,” “may,” “will,” “should,” "could," "would," “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “seek,” “expect,” “plan,” “intend,” the negative of such words, or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we have based these expectations on our current beliefs as well as our assumptions, and such expectations may prove to be incorrect. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results of operations and financial performance could differ significantly from those expressed in or implied by our management’s forward-looking

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statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ from the expectations stated in the forward-looking statements include, among others:
Market and economic conditions, including the interest rate environment, and the associated impact on us
The credit profile and credit quality of our loan portfolio and volatility of our levels of nonperforming assets and charge-offs
The adequacy of our allowance for loan losses and the need to make provisions for loan losses for any period
The borrowing needs of our clients
The sufficiency of our capital and liquidity positions
The levels of loans, deposits and client investment fund balances
The performance of our portfolio investments; the general condition of the public and private equity and mergers and acquisitions markets and their impact on our investments, including equity warrant assets, venture capital and private equity funds and direct equity investments
Our overall investment plans and strategies; the realization, timing, valuation and performance of our equity or other investments
The levels of public offerings, mergers and acquisitions and venture capital investment activity of our clients that may impact the borrowing needs of our clients
The occurrence of fraudulent activity, including breaches of our information security or cyber security-related incidents
Business disruptions and interruptions due to natural disasters and other external events
The impact on our reputation and business from our interactions with business partners, counterparties, service providers and other third parties
Expansion of our business internationally
The impact of legal requirements and regulations limiting or restricting our activities or resulting in higher costs, including the Dodd-Frank Act, the Volcker Rule and Federal Reserve and other regulatory requirements
The impact of lawsuits and claims
Changes in accounting standards and tax laws
The levels of equity capital available to our client or portfolio companies
The effectiveness of our risk management framework and quantitative models
The sale of impaired assets
Our ability to maintain or increase our market share, including through successfully implementing our business strategy and undertaking new business initiatives
Other factors as discussed in “Risk Factors” under Part I, Item 1A in our 2015 Form 10-K

We urge investors to consider all of these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements included in this filing are made only as of the date of this filing. We assume no obligation and do not intend to revise or update any forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, except as required by law.
The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes as presented in Part I, Item 1 of this report and in conjunction with our 2015 Form 10-K.
Reclassifications
Certain amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2015, have been revised to reflect the retrospective application of new accounting guidance adopted in the second quarter of 2015 related to our consolidated variable interest entities (ASU 2015-02).
Management’s Overview of First Quarter 2016 Performance
Overall, we had a solid first quarter in 2016, which was reflective of strong average loan growth, higher core fee income, and healthy credit quality of our overall loan portfolio despite an increase in our loan loss provision, and a higher level of gross charge-offs. Our core business performed well as a result of our ongoing focus on innovation companies and their investors, continued positive business conditions for our clients, and our efforts to secure client relationships. Softness in the venture capital markets pressured our early-stage loan portfolio and drove lower warrant and venture capital-related investment gains.
A summary of our performance for the three months ended March 31, 2016 (compared to March 31, 2015, where applicable) is as follows:

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BALANCE SHEET
 
EARNINGS
Assets. $44.2 billion in average total assets (up 15.6%). $43.6 billion in period end total assets (up 12.9%).
Investments. $23.4 billion in average investment securities (up 10.4%). $23.5 billion in period-end investments securities (up 5.9%).
Loans. $17.0 billion in average total loan balances, net of unearned income (up 21.1%). $17.7 billion in period-end total loan balances, net of unearned income (up 22.8%).
Deposits. $39.3 billion in average total deposit balances (up 16.0%). $38.8 billion in period-end total deposit balances (up 14.2%).
Off-Balance Sheet Client Investment Funds. $42.5 billion in total average client investment fund balances (up 26.3%). $42.3 billion in total period-end client investment fund balances (up 20.2%).


 
EPS. Earnings per diluted share (“EPS”) of $1.52 (down 11.1%).
Net income. Consolidated net income available to common stockholders of $79.2 million (down 10.6%).
- Net interest income of $281.4 million (up 17.8%).
- Net interest margin of 2.67% (up 2 bps).
- Noninterest income of $86.1 million, with non-GAAP core fee income (fee income for deposit services, letters of credit, business credit cards, client investments, foreign exchange and lending-related activities) of $76.5 million+ (up 31.5%).
- Noninterest expense of $204.0 million (up 7.1%)

ROE. Return on average equity (annualized) (“ROE”) performance of 9.58%.

 
 
 
CAPITAL
 
CREDIT QUALITY
Capital/Liquidity. Continued strong capital and liquidity levels, all capital ratios considered "well-capitalized" under banking regulations.
- CET 1 risk-based capital ratio of 12.38%.
- Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 12.86%.
- Total risk-based capital ratio of 13.90%.
- Tier 1 leverage ratio of 7.69%.

 
Credit Quality. Prudent credit underwriting.
- Provision for loan losses of 0.75% as a percentage of period-end total gross loans (annualized).
- Net loan charge-offs of 0.49% as a percentage of average total gross loans (annualized).
- Allowance for loan losses of 1.29% as a percentage of period-end total gross loans.



+ This is a non-GAAP financial metric. (See the non-GAAP reconciliation under “Results of Operations—Noninterest Income”)


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A summary of our performance for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data, employees and ratios)
 
2016
 
2015
 
% Change  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per common share
 
$
1.52

 
$
1.71

 
(11.1
)
Net income available to common stockholders
 
79,174

 
88,516

 
(10.6
)
  
Net interest income
 
281,421

 
238,925

 
17.8

  
Net interest margin
 
2.67
%
 
2.65
%
 
2

bps 
Provision for loan losses
 
$
33,341

 
$
6,452

 
416.8

 
Noninterest income
 
86,134

 
123,524

 
(30.3
)
 
Noninterest expense
 
204,033

 
190,541

 
7.1

%
Non-GAAP core fee income (1)
 
76,542

 
58,210

 
31.5

 
Non-GAAP noninterest income, net of noncontrolling interests (1)
 
88,805

 
109,360

 
(18.8
)
  
Non-GAAP noninterest expense, net of noncontrolling interests (2)
 
204,124

 
190,249

 
7.3

  
Balance Sheet:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average available-for-sale securities
 
$
14,692,632

 
$
13,571,213

 
8.3

%
Average held-to-maturity securities
 
8,658,684

 
7,569,755

 
14.4

 
Average loans, net of unearned income
 
17,012,435

 
14,048,285

 
21.1


Average noninterest-bearing demand deposits
 
31,219,504

 
25,173,444

 
24.0

  
Average interest-bearing deposits
 
8,048,625

 
8,688,792

 
(7.4
)
  
Average total deposits
 
39,268,129

 
33,862,236

 
16.0

  
Earnings Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on average assets (annualized) (3)
 
0.72
%
 
0.94
%
 
(23.4
)
Return on average SVBFG stockholders’ equity (annualized) (4)
 
9.58

 
12.38

 
(22.6
)
  
Asset Quality Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses as a % of total period-end gross loans
 
1.29
%
 
1.15
%
 
14

bps 
Allowance for loan losses for performing loans as a % of total gross performing loans
 
1.01

 
0.99

 
2

  
Gross loan charge-offs as a % of average total gross loans (annualized)
 
0.61

 
0.16

 
45

  
Net loan charge-offs as a % of average total gross loans (annualized)
 
0.49

 
0.11

 
38

  
Capital Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CET 1 risk-based capital ratio
 
12.38
%
 
11.92
%
 
46

bps
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio
 
12.86

 
12.53

 
33

 
Total risk-based capital ratio
 
13.90

 
13.46

 
44

 
Tier 1 leverage ratio
 
7.69

 
7.92

 
(23
)
  
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (5)
 
7.76

 
7.70

 
6

  
Tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets (5)
 
12.82

 
12.30

 
52

  
Bank CET 1 risk-based capital ratio
 
12.57

 
12.36

 
21

 
Bank tier 1 risk-based capital ratio
 
12.57

 
12.36

 
21

  
Bank total risk-based capital ratio
 
13.66

 
13.35

 
31

  
Bank tier 1 leverage ratio
 
7.19

 
7.43

 
(24
)
  
Bank tangible common equity to tangible assets (5)
 
7.55

 
7.60

 
(5
)
  
Bank tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets (5)
 
13.03

 
12.77

 
26

  
Other Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP operating efficiency ratio (6)
 
55.51
%
 
52.57
%
 
5.6

Non-GAAP operating efficiency ratio (2)
 
55.09

 
54.56

 
1.0

  
Book value per common share (7)
 
$
65.40

 
$
58.16

 
12.4

  
Other Statistics:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average full-time equivalent employees
 
2,160

 
1,955

 
10.5

Period-end full-time equivalent employees
 
2,170

 
1,965

 
10.4

  
 
 
(1)
See “Results of Operations–Noninterest Income” for a description and reconciliation of non-GAAP core fee income and noninterest income.
(2)
See “Results of Operations–Noninterest Expense” for a description and reconciliation of non-GAAP noninterest expense and non-GAAP operating efficiency ratio.
(3)
Ratio represents annualized consolidated net income available to common stockholders divided by quarterly average assets.
(4)
Ratio represents annualized consolidated net income available to common stockholders divided by quarterly average SVBFG stockholders’ equity.

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(5)
See “Capital Resources–Capital Ratios” for a reconciliation of non-GAAP tangible common equity to tangible assets and tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets.
(6)
The operating efficiency ratio is calculated by dividing total noninterest expense by total taxable-equivalent net interest income plus noninterest income.
(7)
Book value per common share is calculated by dividing total SVBFG stockholders’ equity by total outstanding common shares at period-end.
For more information with respect to our capital ratios, please refer to “Capital Ratios” under “Consolidated Financial Condition-Capital Ratios” below.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The accompanying management’s discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial condition is based upon our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management evaluates estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis. Management bases its estimates on historical experiences and various other factors and assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
There have been no significant changes during the three months ended March 31, 2016 to the items that we disclosed as our critical accounting policies and estimates in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” under Part II, Item 7 of our 2015 Form 10-K.
Results of Operations
Net Interest Income and Margin (Fully Taxable Equivalent Basis)
Net interest income is defined as the difference between interest earned on loans, fixed income investment portfolio (available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities), short-term investment securities and interest paid on funding sources. Net interest income is our principal source of revenue. Net interest margin is defined as the amount of annualized net interest income, on a fully taxable equivalent basis, expressed as a percentage of average interest-earning assets. Net interest income and net interest margin are presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis to consistently reflect income from taxable loans and securities and tax-exempt securities based on the federal statutory tax rate of 35 percent.
Analysis of Net Interest Income Changes Due to Volume and Rate (Fully Taxable Equivalent Basis)
Net interest income is affected by changes in the amount and composition of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, referred to as “volume change.” Net interest income is also affected by changes in yields earned on interest-earning assets and rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities, referred to as “rate change.” The following table sets forth changes in interest income for each major category of interest-earning assets and interest expense for each major category of interest-bearing liabilities. The table also reflects the amount of simultaneous changes attributable to both volume and rate changes for the periods indicated. For this table, changes that are not solely due to either volume or rate are allocated in proportion to the percentage changes in average volume and average rate.

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2016 Compared to 2015
 
 
Three months ended March 31, increase (decrease) due to change in
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Total
Interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal Reserve deposits, federal funds sold, securities purchased under agreements to resell, trade receivables purchased and other short-term investment securities
 
$
621

 
$
180

 
$
801

Fixed income investment portfolio (taxable)
 
7,765

 
2,011

 
9,776

Fixed income investment portfolio (non-taxable)
 
(289
)
 
19

 
(270
)
Loans, net of unearned income
 
35,693

 
(3,252
)
 
32,441

Increase (decrease) in interest income, net
 
43,790

 
(1,042
)
 
42,748

Interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest bearing checking and savings accounts
 
15

 
(79
)
 
(64
)
Money market deposits
 
23

 
(608
)
 
(585
)
Money market deposits in foreign offices
 
(9
)
 
4

 
(5
)
Time deposits
 
(15
)
 
(22
)
 
(37
)
Sweep deposits in foreign offices
 
(73
)
 
9

 
(64
)
Total (decrease) in deposits expense
 
(59
)
 
(696
)
 
(755
)
Short-term borrowings
 
1

 
29

 
30

3.50% Senior Notes
 
975

 
39

 
1,014

5.375% Senior Notes
 
4

 
3

 
7

Junior Subordinated Debentures
 

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
6.05% Subordinated Notes
 
(7
)
 
58

 
51

Total increase in borrowings expense
 
973

 
128

 
1,101

Increase (decrease) in interest expense, net
 
914

 
(568
)
 
346

Increase (decrease) in net interest income
 
$
42,876

 
$
(474
)
 
$
42,402

Net Interest Income (Fully Taxable Equivalent Basis)
Three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015
Net interest income increased by $42.4 million to $281.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $239.3 million for the comparable 2015 period. Overall, our net interest income increased primarily from interest earned on loans, and to a lesser extent, our fixed income investments portfolios, reflective of higher average loan and fixed income investment balances driven by our deposit growth.
The main factors affecting interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to the comparable 2015 period are discussed below:
Interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 increased by $42.7 million primarily due to:
A $32.4 million increase in interest income on loans to $197.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $165.5 million for the comparable 2015 period. This increase was reflective of an increase in average loan balances of $3.0 billion, partially offset by a decrease in both gross loan and loan fee yields. Gross loan yields, excluding loan interest recoveries and loan fees, decreased to 4.06 percent from 4.09 percent, reflective of a shift in the mix of our overall loan portfolio from the first quarter of 2015, partially offset by the 25 basis point increase in the target federal funds rate by the Federal Reserve in December 2015. The shift primarily includes increased growth in private equity/venture capital and SVB Private Bank loans, which tend to be higher credit quality, lower yielding loans. Loan fee yields decreased 6 basis points to 60 basis points, from 66 basis points in the comparable 2015 period. This decrease was primarily attributable to lower fee income as a percentage of our overall loan portfolio.
A $9.5 million increase in interest income on fixed income investment securities to $92.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $82.5 million for the comparable 2015 period. The increase was reflective of an increase in average investment securities balances of $2.2 billion, primarily as a result of our deposit growth.

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Net Interest Margin (Fully Taxable Equivalent Basis)
Our net interest margin increased by 2 basis points to 2.67 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to 2.65 percent for the comparable 2015 period. The higher margin during the first quarter of 2016 was reflective primarily of a shift in the mix of average interest-earning assets towards our higher yielding loan portfolio. Average loans represented 40 percent of interest earning assets for the first quarter of 2016 compared to 38 percent for the first quarter of 2015.


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Average Balances, Yields and Rates Paid (Fully Taxable Equivalent Basis)
The average yield earned on interest-earning assets is the amount of annualized fully taxable equivalent interest income expressed as a percentage of average interest-earning assets. The average rate paid on funding sources is the amount of annualized interest expense expressed as a percentage of average funding sources. The following tables set forth average assets, liabilities, noncontrolling interests and SVBFG stockholders’ equity, interest income, interest expense, annualized yields and rates, and the composition of our annualized net interest margin for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:

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Average Balances, Rates and Yields for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 and 2015
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
Income/
Expense
 
Yield/
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
Income/
Expense
 
Yield/
Rate
Interest-earning assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal Reserve deposits, federal funds sold, securities purchased under agreements to resell and other short-term investment securities (1) (2)
 
$
2,130,958

 
$
2,070

 
0.39
%
 
$
1,499,891

 
$
1,269

 
0.34
%
Investment securities: (3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable
 
14,692,632

 
50,083

 
1.37

 
13,571,213

 
44,009

 
1.32

Held-to-maturity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable
 
8,595,081

 
40,967

 
1.92

 
7,486,164

 
37,265

 
2.02

Non-taxable (4)
 
63,603

 
918

 
5.81

 
83,591

 
1,188

 
5.76

Total loans, net of unearned income (2) (5) (6)
 
17,012,435

 
197,942

 
4.68

 
14,048,285

 
165,501

 
4.78

Total interest-earning assets
 
42,494,709

 
291,980

 
2.76

 
36,689,144

 
249,232

 
2.75

Cash and due from banks (2)
 
402,433

 
 
 
 
 
239,905

 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses
 
(225,344
)
 
 
 
 
 
(171,222
)
 
 
 
 
Other assets (2) (7)
 
1,518,392

 
 
 
 
 
1,463,514

 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
$
44,190,190

 
 
 
 
 
$
38,221,341

 
 
 
 
Funding sources:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest bearing checking and savings accounts
 
$
313,460

 
$
61

 
0.08
%
 
$
237,575

 
$
125

 
0.21
%
Money market deposits
 
6,097,575

 
946

 
0.06

 
5,947,877

 
1,531

 
0.10

Money market deposits in foreign offices
 
132,171

 
15

 
0.05

 
207,502

 
20

 
0.04

Time deposits
 
67,466

 
23

 
0.14

 
111,017

 
60

 
0.22

Sweep deposits in foreign offices
 
1,437,953

 
143

 
0.04

 
2,184,821

 
207

 
0.04

Total interest-bearing deposits
 
8,048,625

 
1,188

 
0.06

 
8,688,792

 
1,943

 
0.09

Short-term borrowings
 
44,752

 
42

 
0.38

 
43,618

 
12

 
0.11

3.50% Senior Notes
 
346,693

 
3,140

 
3.64

 
238,662

 
2,126

 
3.61

5.375% Senior Notes
 
347,063

 
4,842

 
5.61

 
346,522

 
4,835

 
5.66

Junior Subordinated Debentures
 
54,654

 
831

 
6.12

 
54,830

 
832

 
6.15

6.05% Subordinated Notes
 
48,295

 
194

 
1.62

 
50,015

 
143

 
1.16

Total interest-bearing liabilities
 
8,890,082

 
10,237

 
0.46

 
9,422,439

 
9,891

 
0.43

Portion of noninterest-bearing funding sources
 
33,604,627

 
 
 
 
 
27,266,705

 
 
 
 
Total funding sources
 
42,494,709

 
10,237

 
0.10

 
36,689,144

 
9,891

 
0.11

Noninterest-bearing funding sources:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Demand deposits
 
31,219,504

 
 
 
 
 
25,173,444

 
 
 
 
Other liabilities
 
624,796

 
 
 
 
 
571,736

 
 
 
 
SVBFG stockholders’ equity
 
3,322,362

 
 
 
 
 
2,900,330

 
 
 
 
Noncontrolling interests
 
133,446

 
 
 
 
 
153,392

 
 
 
 
Portion used to fund interest-earning assets
 
(33,604,627
)
 
 
 
 
 
(27,266,705
)
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interest, and SVBFG stockholders’ equity
 
$
44,190,190

 
 
 
 
 
$
38,221,341

 
 
 
 
Net interest income and margin (2)
 
 
 
$
281,743

 
2.67
%
 
 
 
$
239,341

 
2.65
%
Total deposits (2)
 
$
39,268,129

 
 
 
 
 
$
33,862,236

 
 
 
 
Reconciliation to reported net interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjustments for taxable equivalent basis
 
 
 
(322
)
 
 
 
 
 
(416
)
 
 
Net interest income, as reported
 
 
 
$
281,421

 
 
 
 
 
$
238,925

 
 
 
 
(1)
Includes average interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions of $566 million and $509 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, balances also include $1.5 billion and $0.9 billion, respectively, deposited at the Federal Reserve Bank, earning interest at the Federal Funds target rate.
(2)
Amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2015, have been revised to reflect the retrospective application of new accounting guidance adopted in the second quarter of 2015 related to our consolidated variable interest entities (ASU 2015-02).
(3)
Yields on available-for-sale securities are based on amortized cost, and therefore do not give effect to unrealized changes in fair value that are reflected in other comprehensive income.
(4)
Interest income on non-taxable investment securities are presented on a fully taxable-equivalent basis using the federal statutory income tax rate of 35.0 percent for all periods presented.
(5)
Nonaccrual loans are reflected in the average balances of loans.

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(6)
Interest income includes loan fees of $25 million and $23 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
(7)
Average investment securities of $781 million and $773 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, were classified as other assets as they were noninterest-earning assets. These investments primarily consisted of non-marketable and other securities.
Provision for Loan Losses
The following table summarizes our allowance for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
Allowance for loan losses, beginning balance
 
$
217,613

 
$
165,359

Provision for loan losses
 
33,341

 
6,452

Gross loan charge-offs
 
(26,174
)
 
(5,487
)
Loan recoveries
 
5,469

 
1,551

Allowance for loan losses, ending balance
 
$
230,249

 
$
167,875

Provision for loan losses as a percentage of period-end total gross loans (annualized)
 
0.75
%
 
0.18
%
Gross loan charge-offs as a percentage of average total gross loans (annualized)
 
0.61

 
0.16

Net loan charge-offs as a percentage of average total gross loans (annualized)
 
0.49

 
0.11

Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of period-end total gross loans
 
1.29

 
1.15

Period-end total gross loans
 
$
17,846,081

 
$
14,554,854

Average total gross loans
 
17,123,718

 
14,148,842

Three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015
Our provision for loan losses is primarily a function of our reserve methodology, which is used to determine an appropriate allowance for loan losses for the period.  Our reserve methodology is based on our evaluation of the existing allowance for loan losses in relation to total gross loans using historical and other objective information, and on our qualitative assessment of the inherent and identified credit risk of the loan portfolio. Our provision for loan losses was $33.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to a provision of $6.5 million for the comparable 2015 period. The provision of $33.3 million was driven primarily by increases of $9.5 million in the provision requirements attributable to period-end loan growth and an increase in our overall reserves of $3.9 million for performing loans driven by a shift in the mix of our loan portfolio, as well as reflective of net charge-offs of $20.7 million.
The provision of $6.5 million for the first quarter of 2015 was driven primarily by an increase of $8.7 million in the reserve for nonaccrual loans, reflective primarily of an increase in the reserve for an existing nonaccrual loan, offset by a decrease of $6.8 million in the reserve due to the improvement in the credit quality of our performing loans, the remainder of the increase attributable to bringing our allowance for loan losses to a level deemed appropriate by management.
Gross loan charge-offs of $26.2 million for the first quarter of 2016 included $15.4 million from early stage client loans and $8.2 million from one late stage client loan. These charge-offs were primarily from our software and internet loan portfolio.
Net loan charge-offs of $20.7 million represented 0.49 percent of average total gross loans, compared to net charge-offs of $3.9 million, or 0.11 percent of average total gross loans for the comparable 2015 period. The increase in net loan charge-offs as a percentage of average total gross loans was reflective primarily of the increase in gross loan charge-offs as discussed above.
See “Consolidated Financial Condition—Credit Quality and Allowance for Loan Losses” below and Note 7—“Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses” of the “Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)” under Part I, Item 1 of this report for further details on our allowance for loan losses.
Noninterest Income
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP, we use certain non-GAAP measures (including, but not limited to, non-GAAP core fee income, non-GAAP noninterest income, non-GAAP net gains on investment securities) of financial performance. These supplemental performance measures may vary from, and may not be comparable to, similarly titled measures by other companies in our industry. Non-GAAP financial measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative for, GAAP. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s performance that either excludes or includes amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable

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measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. A non-GAAP financial measure may also be a financial metric that is not required by GAAP or other applicable requirement.
We believe these non-GAAP financial measures, when taken together with the corresponding GAAP financial measures, provide meaningful supplemental information regarding our performance by excluding items that represent income attributable to investors other than us and our subsidiaries and other certain non-recurring items. Our management uses, and believes that investors benefit from referring to, these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing our operating results and when planning, forecasting and analyzing future periods. However, these non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for or preferable to, financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.
A summary of noninterest income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
 
% Change
Non-GAAP core fee income (1):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange fees
 
$
26,966

 
$
17,678

 
52.5
 %
Credit card fees
 
15,507

 
12,090

 
28.3

Deposit service charges
 
12,672

 
10,736

 
18.0

Client investment fees
 
7,995

 
4,482

 
78.4

Lending related fees
 
7,813

 
8,022

 
(2.6
)
Letters of credit and standby letters of credit fees
 
5,589

 
5,202

 
7.4

Total non-GAAP core fee income
 
76,542

 
58,210

 
31.5

(Losses) gains on investment securities, net (2)
 
(4,684
)
 
33,263

 
(114.1
)
(Losses) gains on derivative instruments, net
 
(1,695
)
 
39,729

 
(104.3
)
Other
 
15,971

 
(7,678
)
 
(308.0
)
GAAP noninterest income
 
$
86,134

 
$
123,524

 
(30.3
)
 
(1)
This non-GAAP measure represents noninterest income, but excludes certain line items where performance is typically subject to market or other conditions beyond our control.
(2)
Amount for the three months ended March 31, 2015, has been revised to reflect the retrospective application of new accounting guidance adopted in the second quarter of 2015 related to our consolidated variable interest entities (ASU 2015-02).

Included in net income is income and expense attributable to noncontrolling interests. We recognize, as part of our investment funds management business through SVB Capital, the entire income or loss from funds consolidated in accordance with ASC Topic 810 as discussed in Note 1— "Basis of Presentation" of the "Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)" under Part I, Item 1 in this report. We are required under GAAP to consolidate 100% of the results of these entities, even though we may own less than 100% of such entities. The relevant amounts attributable to investors other than us are reflected under “Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests” on our statements of income. Where applicable, the tables below for noninterest income and net gains on investment securities exclude noncontrolling interests.
The following table provides a summary of non-GAAP noninterest income, net of noncontrolling interests for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
Non-GAAP noninterest income, net of  noncontrolling interests (Dollars in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015 (1)
 
% Change
GAAP noninterest income (as reported)
 
$
86,134


$
123,524

 
(30.3
)%
Less: (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests, including carried interest
 
(2,671
)
 
14,164

 
(118.9
)
Non-GAAP noninterest income, net of noncontrolling interests
 
$
88,805

 
$
109,360

 
(18.8
)
 
(1)
Amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2015, have been revised to reflect the retrospective application of new accounting guidance adopted in the second quarter of 2015 related to our consolidated variable interest entities (ASU 2015-02).

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(Losses) Gains on Investment Securities, Net
Net gains and losses on investment securities include both gains and losses from our non-marketable and other securities, as well as gains and losses from sales of our available-for-sale securities portfolio, when applicable.
Our available-for-sale securities portfolio is primarily a fixed income investment portfolio that is managed with the objective of earning an appropriate portfolio yield over the long-term while maintaining sufficient liquidity and credit diversification as well as addressing our asset/liability management objectives. Sales of equity securities held as a result of our exercised warrants, result in net gains or losses on investment securities. These sales are conducted pursuant to the guidelines of our investment policy related to the management of our liquidity position and interest rate risk. Though infrequent, sales of investment securities in our AFS securities portfolio may result in net gains or losses and are also conducted pursuant to the guidelines of our investment policy.
Our non-marketable and other securities portfolio primarily represents investments in venture capital and private equity funds, venture debt funds and private and public portfolio companies. We experience variability in the performance of our non-marketable and other securities from quarter to quarter, which results in net gains or losses on investment securities (both realized and unrealized). This variability is due to a number of factors, including unrealized changes in the values of our investments, changes in the amount of realized gains from distributions, changes in liquidity events and general economic and market conditions. Unrealized gains from non-marketable and other securities for any single period are typically driven by valuation changes, and are therefore subject to potential increases or decreases in future periods. Such variability may lead to volatility in the gains from investment securities and as such our results for a particular period are not necessarily indicative of our expected performance in a future period.
The extent to which any unrealized gains or losses will become realized is subject to a variety of factors, including, among other things, the expiration of certain sales restrictions to which these equity securities may be subject to (i.e. lock-up agreements), changes in prevailing market prices, market conditions, the actual sales or distributions of securities, the timing of such actual sales or distributions, which, to the extent such securities are managed by our managed funds, are subject to our funds' separate discretionary sales/distributions and governance processes.
For the three months ended March 31, 2016, we had net losses on investment securities of $4.7 million, compared to net gains of $33.3 million for the comparable 2015 period. Net losses on investment securities, net of noncontrolling interests, were $2.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to net gains of $19.1 million.
Net losses on investment securities, net of noncontrolling interests, of $2.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 were primarily driven by the following:
Losses of $3.9 million from our managed funds of funds, related primarily to unrealized valuation decreases due to the decrease in market prices in public positions held by the fund investments in the portfolio.
Gains of $2.4 million from our strategic and other investments, primarily driven by distribution gains from our strategic venture capital fund investments.
Net losses of $0.8 million from our available-for-sale securities portfolio reflective of $2.2 million of losses on sales of shares from exercised warrants in public companies upon expiration of lock-up periods during the first quarter of 2016, offset by a $1.4 million gain from the sale of U.S. Treasury securities during the first quarter of 2016 as a result of cash management activities.

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The following tables provide a summary of non-GAAP net (losses) gains on investment securities, net of noncontrolling interests, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Managed
Funds of
Funds
 
Managed
Direct
Venture
Funds
 
Debt
Funds
 
Available-
For-Sale
Securities
 
Strategic
and Other
Investments
 
Total
Three months ended March 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total (losses) gains on investment securities, net
 
$
(6,481
)
 
$
(634
)
 
$
855

 
$
(817
)
 
$
2,393

 
$
(4,684
)
Less: losses attributable to noncontrolling interests, including carried interest
 
(2,587
)
 
(129
)
 

 

 

 
(2,716
)
Non-GAAP net (losses) gains on investment securities, net of noncontrolling interests
 
$
(3,894
)
 
$
(505
)
 
$
855

 
$
(817
)
 
$
2,393

 
$
(1,968
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended March 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total gains on investment securities, net (1)
 
$
10,659

 
$
11,669

 
$
916

 
$
2,596

 
$
7,423

 
$
33,263

Less: income attributable to noncontrolling interests, including carried interest (1)
 
7,139

 
7,032

 

 

 

 
14,171

Non-GAAP net gains on investment securities, net of noncontrolling interests (1)
 
$
3,520

 
$
4,637

 
$
916

 
$
2,596

 
$
7,423

 
$
19,092

 
(1)
Amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2015, have been revised to reflect the retrospective application of new accounting guidance adopted in the second quarter of 2015 related to our consolidated variable interest entities (ASU 2015-02).
(Losses) Gains on Derivative Instruments, Net
A summary of (losses) gains on derivative instruments, net, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:
  
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
 
% Change
Equity warrant assets (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gains on exercises, net
 
$
6,849

 
$
4,043

 
69.4
 %
Cancellations and expirations
 
(616
)
 
(292
)
 
111.0

Changes in fair value
 
372

 
16,527

 
(97.7
)
Net gains on equity warrant assets
 
6,605

 
20,278

 
(67.4
)
(Losses) gains on foreign exchange forward contracts, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Losses) on client foreign exchange forward contracts, net (2)
 
(5,654
)
 
(507
)
 
NM

(Losses) gains on internal foreign exchange forward contracts, net (3)
 
(2,208
)
 
20,018

 
(111.0
)
Total (losses) gains on foreign exchange forward contracts, net
 
(7,862
)
 
19,511

 
(140.3
)
Changes in fair value of interest rate swaps
 
(17
)
 
(3
)
 
NM

Net losses on other derivatives
 
(421
)
 
(57
)
 
NM

(Losses) gains on derivative instruments, net
 
$
(1,695
)
 
$
39,729

 
(104.3
)
 
 
 
NM—Not meaningful
(1)
At March 31, 2016, we held warrants in 1,670 companies, compared to 1,525 companies at March 31, 2015. The total value of our warrant portfolio was $131 million at March 31, 2016 and $124 million at March 31, 2015. Warrants in 18 companies had values greater than $1.0 million and represented 32 percent of the fair value of the portfolio at March 31, 2016.
(2)
Represents the net gains (losses) for foreign exchange forward contracts executed on behalf of clients, excluding any spread or fees earned in connection with these trades.
(3)
Represents the change in the fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts used to economically reduce our foreign exchange exposure related to certain foreign currency denominated instruments. Refer to revaluation of foreign currency instruments included in the line item "other" within noninterest income for the amount we were able to partially offset.


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Net losses on derivative instruments were $1.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to net gains of $39.7 million for the comparable 2015 period. Net losses on derivative instruments were primarily attributable to the following:
Net gains on equity warrant assets of $6.6 million, which consisted of:
Net gains of $6.8 million from the exercise of equity warrant assets for the three months ended March 31, 2016, as a result of M&A activity during the quarter, compared to $4.0 million for the comparable 2015 period.
Net gains of $0.4 million from changes in warrant valuations for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $16.5 million for the comparable 2015 period, reflective primarily of the downward pressure on our private equity warrant valuations as a result of the equity market environment during the first quarter of 2016.
Net losses of $5.7 million on client foreign exchange forward contracts for the first quarter of 2016, compared to net losses of $0.5 million for the first quarter of 2015. The net losses of $5.7 million were partially offset by net gains of $3.7 million from the revaluation of foreign currency denominated financial instruments that are included in the line item "Other" within noninterest income. Also contributing to the loss is a reclassification of $2.8 million in unrealized gains on forward contracts to foreign exchange fee income (included in non-GAAP core fee income above) reflecting fees earned on forward contracts executed on behalf of our clients, which were previously recorded in gains (losses) on derivative instruments.
Net losses of $2.2 million on internal foreign exchange forward contracts used to economically reduce our foreign exchange exposure to foreign currency denominated financial instruments for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to net gains of $20.0 million for the comparable 2015 period. The net losses of $2.2 million and net gains of $20.0 million were offset by net gains of $2.5 million and net losses of $20.2 million, respectively, from the revaluation of foreign currency denominated financial instruments that are included in the line item "other" within noninterest income as noted below.
Foreign Exchange Fees
Foreign exchange fees were $27.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $17.7 million for the comparable 2015 period. The increase in foreign exchange fees was due primarily to increased volume related to an increase in our client count and market volatility. Also contributing to the increase was the one-time reclassification of $2.9 million in foreign exchange fee income from noninterest income gains (losses) on derivative instruments as noted above.
Credit Card Fees
Credit card fees were $15.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $12.1 million for the comparable 2015 period. The increase reflected increased client utilization of our credit card products and custom payment solutions provided to new and existing clients. The increase was partially offset by higher rebate/rewards expense.
Deposit Service Charges
Deposit service charges were $12.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $10.7 million for the comparable 2015 period. The increase was reflective of the increase in the number of deposit clients, as well as increases in transaction volumes and size, during the three months ended March 31, 2016.
Client Investment Fees
Client investment fees were $8.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $4.5 million for the comparable 2015 period. The increase was attributable primarily from our clients’ increased utilization of our off-balance sheet products managed by SVB Asset Management, and third-party sweep money market funds, reflective of the capital raising activity of our early-stage and mid-to-late stage clients during 2015, as well as from money fund rate increases across our off-balance sheet client investment fund platforms during the first quarter of 2016.

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The following table summarizes average client investment funds for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2016
 
2015
 
% Change
Client directed investment assets (1)
 
$
7,318

 
$
7,017

 
4.3
%
Client investment assets under management (2)
 
21,731

 
17,712

 
22.7

Sweep money market funds
 
13,423

 
8,896

 
50.9

Total average client investment funds (3)
 
$
42,472

 
$
33,625

 
26.3

 
 
(1)
Comprised of mutual funds and Repurchase Agreement Program assets.
(2)
These funds represent investments in third party money market mutual funds and fixed-income securities managed by SVB Asset Management.
(3)
Client investment funds are maintained at third party financial institutions and are not recorded on our balance sheet.
The following table summarizes period-end client investment funds at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:
(Dollars in millions)
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
% Change
Client directed investment assets
 
$
7,512

 
$
7,527

 
(0.2
)%
Client investment assets under management
 
21,431

 
22,454

 
(4.6
)
Sweep money market funds
 
13,331

 
14,011

 
(4.9
)
Total period-end client investment funds
 
$
42,274

 
$
43,992

 
(3.9
)
Other Noninterest Income
A summary of other noninterest income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
 
% Change
Fund management fees
 
$
4,620

 
$
3,722

 
24.1
 %
Service-based fee income
 
2,092

 
2,106

 
(0.7
)
Gains (losses) on revaluation of foreign currency instruments (1)
 
2,491

 
(20,159
)
 
(112.4
)
Other (2) (3)
 
6,768

 
6,653

 
1.7

Total other noninterest income
 
$
15,971

 
$
(7,678
)
 
(308.0
)
 
 
(1)
Represents the net revaluation of foreign currency denominated financial instruments issued and held by us, primarily loans, deposits and cash. Revaluation changes in these financial instruments are partially offset by the impact of revaluation changes in internal foreign exchange forward contracts. Refer to details on internal foreign exchange forward contracts, net, in the table on (Losses) Gains on Derivative Instruments, Net, as noted above.
(2)
Includes dividends on FHLB/FRB stock, correspondent bank rebate income and other fee income.
(3)
Amount for the three months ended March 31, 2015, has been revised to reflect the retrospective application of new accounting guidance adopted in the second quarter of 2015 related to our consolidated variable interest entities (ASU 2015-02).

Total other noninterest income was $16.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to a loss of $7.7 million for the comparable 2015 period. The increase of $23.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was primarily due to the $2.5 million gain on revaluation of foreign currency instruments during the first quarter of 2016 compared to the loss of $20.2 million for the comparable 2015 quarter. The $2.5 million of gains and the $20.2 million of losses were partially offset by net losses of $2.2 million and net gains of $20.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, on internal foreign exchange forward contracts economically hedging certain of these instruments, which are included within noninterest income in the line item "(losses) gains on derivative instruments, net" as noted above.


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Noninterest Expense
A summary of noninterest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2016

2015
 
% Change
Compensation and benefits
 
$
122,262

 
$
115,770

 
5.6
 %
Professional services
 
19,000

 
18,747

 
1.3

Premises and equipment
 
14,984

 
12,657

 
18.4

Business development and travel
 
12,246

 
11,112

 
10.2

Net occupancy
 
10,035

 
7,313

 
37.2

FDIC and state assessments
 
6,927

 
5,789

 
19.7

Correspondent bank fees
 
3,652

 
3,368

 
8.4

Provision for unfunded credit commitments
 
134

 
2,263

 
(94.1
)
Other
 
14,793

 
13,522

 
9.4

Total noninterest expense
 
$
204,033

 
$
190,541

 
7.1

Included in noninterest expense is expense attributable to noncontrolling interests. See below for a summary of non-GAAP noninterest expense and non-GAAP operating efficiency ratio, both of which exclude noncontrolling interests.
Non-GAAP Noninterest Expense
We use and report non-GAAP noninterest expense, non-GAAP taxable equivalent revenue and non-GAAP operating efficiency ratio, which excludes noncontrolling interests. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures, when taken together with the corresponding GAAP financial measures, provide meaningful supplemental information regarding our performance by: (i) excluding certain items that represent expenses attributable to investors other than us and our subsidiaries, or certain items that do not occur every reporting period; or (ii) providing additional information used by management that is not otherwise required by GAAP or other applicable requirements. Our management uses, and believes that investors benefit from referring to, these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing our operating results and when planning, forecasting and analyzing future periods. However, these non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for or preferable to, financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.

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The table below provides a summary of non-GAAP noninterest expense and non-GAAP operating efficiency ratio, both net of noncontrolling interests for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
Non-GAAP operating efficiency ratio, net of noncontrolling interests (Dollars in thousands, except ratios)
 
2016

2015
 
% Change
GAAP noninterest expense
 
$
204,033

 
$
190,541

 
7.1
 %
Less: amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(91
)
 
292

 
(131.2
)
Non-GAAP noninterest expense, net of noncontrolling interests
 
$
204,124

 
$
190,249

 
7.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP net interest income
 
$
281,421

 
$
238,925

 
17.8

Adjustments for taxable equivalent basis
 
322

 
416

 
(22.6
)
Non-GAAP taxable equivalent net interest income
 
$
281,743

 
$
239,341

 
17.7

Less: income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
3

 
2

 
50.0

Non-GAAP taxable equivalent net interest income, net of noncontrolling interests
 
$
281,740

 
$
239,339

 
17.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP noninterest income (1)
 
$
86,134

 
$
123,524

 
(30.3
)
Non-GAAP noninterest income, net of noncontrolling interests (1)
 
88,805

 
109,360

 
(18.8
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP total revenue
 
$
367,555

 
$
362,449

 
1.4

Non-GAAP taxable equivalent revenue, net of noncontrolling interests
 
$
370,545

 
$
348,699

 
6.3

GAAP operating efficiency ratio
 
55.51
%
 
52.57
%
 
5.6

Non-GAAP operating efficiency ratio (2)
 
55.09

 
54.56

 
1.0

 
 
 
(1)
Amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2015, have been revised to reflect the retrospective application of new accounting guidance adopted in the second quarter of 2015 related to our consolidated variable interest entities (ASU 2015-02).
(2)
The non-GAAP operating efficiency ratio is calculated by dividing non-GAAP noninterest expense, net of noncontrolling interests, by non-GAAP taxable-equivalent revenue, net of noncontrolling interests.

Compensation and Benefits Expense

The following table provides a summary of our compensation and benefits expense for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except employees)
 
2016
 
2015
 
% Change
Compensation and benefits
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and wages
 
$
59,386

 
$
51,425

 
15.5
 %
Incentive compensation & ESOP
 
26,628

 
28,543

 
(6.7
)
Other employee incentives and benefits (1)
 
36,248

 
35,802

 
1.2

Total compensation and benefits
 
$
122,262

 
$
115,770

 
5.6

Period-end full-time equivalent employees
 
2,170

 
1,965

 
10.4

Average full-time equivalent employees
 
2,160

 
1,955

 
10.5

 
 
(1)
Other employee benefits includes employer payroll taxes, group health and life insurance, share-based compensation, 401(k), warrant and retention program plans, agency fees and other employee related expenses.
Compensation and benefits expense was $122.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $115.8 million for the comparable 2015 period. The key changes in factors affecting compensation and benefits expense were as follows:
An increase of $8.0 million in salaries and wages, due primarily to an increase in the number of average full-time employees ("FTE"). Average FTEs increased by 205 to 2,160 FTEs for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to 1,955 FTEs for the comparable 2015 period. The increase in headcount was primarily to support our

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product development, operations, sales and advisory functions, as well as to support our commercial banking initiatives.
A decrease of $1.4 million in incentive compensation, reflective primarily of current expectations for our internal performance targets for 2016.
Our variable compensation plans consist primarily of our Incentive Compensation Plan, Direct Drive Incentive Compensation Plan, 401(k) and ESOP Plan, Retention Program and Warrant Incentive Plan (see descriptions in our 2015 Form 10-K). Total costs incurred under these plans were $35.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $38.9 million for the comparable 2015 period. These amounts are included in total compensation and benefits expense discussed above.
Premises and Equipment
Premises and equipment expense was $15.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $12.7 million for the comparable 2015 period. The increase was due primarily to increased spending to enhance and maintain our IT infrastructure.
Business Development and Travel
Business development and travel was $12.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $11.1 million for the comparable 2015 period. The increase was due primarily to the increased business development efforts during the first quarter of 2016 to support the growth of our business.
Net Occupancy
Net occupancy expense was $10.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $7.3 million for the comparable 2015 period. The increase was due primarily to lease renewals at higher costs, reflective of market conditions, and the expansion of certain offices, primarily our UK office, to support our growth.
FDIC and State Assessments
FDIC and state assessments expense was $6.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $5.8 million for the comparable 2015 period. The increase was due primarily to the increase of $6.0 billion in quarterly average assets since the first quarter of 2015.
Provision for Unfunded Credit Commitments
We recorded a provision for unfunded credit commitments of $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to a provision of $2.3 million for the comparable 2015 period. The provision for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was reflective of total unfunded credit commitments remaining consistent with balances as of December 31, 2015. The provision of $2.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, was reflective primarily of an increase in total unfunded credit commitments.
Other Noninterest Expense
A summary of other noninterest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
 
% Change
Lending and other client related processing costs
 
$
4,295

 
$
3,549

 
21.0
 %
Telephone
 
2,233

 
1,959

 
14.0

Data processing services
 
1,829

 
1,833

 
(0.2
)
Dues and publications
 
802

 
585

 
37.1

Postage and supplies
 
790

 
765

 
3.3

Other (1)
 
4,844

 
4,831

 
0.3

Total other noninterest expense
 
$
14,793

 
$
13,522

 
9.4

 
 
 

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(1)
Amount for the three months ended March 31, 2015, has been revised to reflect the retrospective application of new accounting guidance adopted in the second quarter of 2015 related to our consolidated variable interest entities (ASU 2015-02).
Net Loss (Income) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
Included in net income is income and expense attributable to noncontrolling interests. The relevant amounts allocated to investors in our consolidated subsidiaries, other than us, are reflected under “Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests” on our statements of income.
In the table below, noninterest loss (income) consists primarily of investment gains and losses from our consolidated funds. Noninterest expense is primarily related to management fees paid by our managed funds to SVB Financial’s subsidiaries as the funds’ general partners. A summary of net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015 (3)
 
% Change
Net interest income (1)
 
$
(3
)
 
$
(2
)
 
50.0
 %
Noninterest loss (income) (1)
 
3,753

 
(14,053
)
 
(126.7
)
Noninterest expense (1)
 
(91
)
 
292

 
(131.2
)
Carried interest allocation (2)
 
(1,082
)
 
(111
)
 
NM

Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
$
2,577

 
$
(13,874
)
 
(118.6
)
 
 
NM—Not meaningful
(1)
Represents noncontrolling interests’ share in net interest income, noninterest income and noninterest expense.
(2)
Represents the preferred allocation of income (or change in income) earned by us as the general partner of certain consolidated funds.
(3)
Amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2015, have been revised to reflect the retrospective application of new accounting guidance adopted in the second quarter of 2015 related to our consolidated variable interest entities (ASU 2015-02).

Three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests was $2.6 million for the first quarter of 2016, compared to net income of $13.9 million for the comparable 2015 period. Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests of $2.6 million for the first quarter of 2016 was primarily a result of net losses on investment securities (including carried interest) attributable to noncontrolling interests of $2.7 million primarily from losses of $2.6 million from our managed funds of funds mainly due to unrealized valuation decreases in companies held by the funds. See "Results of Operations—Noninterest Income—(Losses) Gains on Investment Securities, Net".
Income Taxes
Our effective income tax expense rate was 40.4 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to 41.6 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The components of our tax rate were consistent for both the first quarter of 2016 and 2015. Our effective tax rate was lower for the three months ended March 31, 2016 due to a higher effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2015 reflective of additional tax expense recognized attributable to unremitted earnings from the pending sale of SVB India Finance Private Limited ("SVBIF") at March 31, 2015.
Our effective tax rate is calculated by dividing income tax expense by the sum of income before income tax expense and the net income attributable to noncontrolling interests.
Operating Segment Results
We have three segments for which we report our financial information: Global Commercial Bank, SVB Private Bank and SVB Capital.
We report segment information based on the “management” approach, which designates the internal reporting used by management for making decisions and assessing performance as the source of our reporting segments. Please refer to Note 11—”Segment Reporting” of the “Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)” under Part I, Item 1 of this report for additional details.
The following is our reportable segment information for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:

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Global Commercial Bank
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
 
% Change
Net interest income
 
$
256,178

 
$
203,749

 
25.7
%
Provision for loan losses
 
(32,703
)
 
(6,460
)
 
NM

Noninterest income
 
74,759

 
63,193

 
18.3

Noninterest expense
 
(154,206
)
 
(138,448
)
 
11.4

Income before income tax expense
 
$
144,028

 
$
122,034

 
18.0

Total average loans, net of unearned income
 
$
14,919,735

 
$
12,505,385

 
19.3

Total average assets
 
41,533,434

 
35,581,252

 
16.7

Total average deposits
 
37,837,645

 
32,469,427

 
16.5

 
 
 
NM—Not meaningful

Three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015
Income before income tax expense from our Global Commercial Bank (“GCB”) increased to $144.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $122.0 million for the comparable 2015 period, which reflected the continued growth of our core commercial business and clients. The key components of GCB's performance for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the comparable 2015 period are discussed below.
Net interest income from GCB increased by $52.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, due primarily to a $27.5 million increase in loan interest income resulting mainly from an increase in average loan balances. Additionally GCB had a $14.9 million increase in the FTP earned for deposits from increases in market interest rates and a $10.0 million increase in the FTP earned for deposits due to strong average deposit growth.
GCB had a provision for loan losses of $32.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $6.5 million for the comparable 2015 period. The provision of $32.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was driven primarily by increases of $9.5 million in the provision requirements attributable to period-end loan growth and an increase in our overall reserves of $3.9 million for performing loans driven by a shift in the mix of our loan portfolio, as well as reflective of net charge-offs of $20.7 million.
The provision of $6.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was driven primarily by an increase of $8.7 million in the reserve for nonaccrual loans, reflective primarily of an increase in the reserve for an existing nonaccrual loan, offset by a decrease of $6.8 million in the reserve due to the improvement in the credit quality of our performing loans, the remainder of the increase attributable to bringing our allowance for loan losses to a level deemed appropriate by management.
Noninterest income increased by $11.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, related primarily to higher foreign exchange fees, credit card fees, and deposit service charges. The increase in foreign exchange fees was due primarily to an increase in our client count as well as volume related to increased market volatility. The increase in credit card fees reflects increased client utilization of our credit card products and custom payment solutions by new and existing clients. The increase in average deposits contributed to the increase in deposit service charges income.
Noninterest expense increased by $15.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, due primarily to increases in compensation and benefits expenses related to our salaries and wages expenses and net occupancy expense. The increase in our salaries and wages expenses was due primarily to an increase in the average number of FTEs at GCB, which increased by 150 to 1,707 FTEs for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to 1,557 FTEs for the comparable 2015 period. The increase in average FTEs was attributable to increases in positions for product development, operational and sales and advisory, as well as to support our commercial banking operations and initiatives. The increase in net occupancy expense was primarily due to lease renewals at higher costs, reflective of market conditions, and the expansion of certain offices, primarily our UK office, to support our growth.

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SVB Private Bank
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
 
% Change
Net interest income
 
$
13,672

 
$
9,723

 
40.6
 %
Provision for loan losses
 
(638
)
 
8

 
NM

Noninterest income
 
627

 
397

 
57.9

Noninterest expense
 
(3,405
)
 
(2,876
)
 
18.4

Income before income tax expense
 
$
10,256

 
$
7,252

 
41.4

Total average loans, net of unearned income
 
$
1,871,820

 
$
1,373,149

 
36.3

Total average assets
 
1,893,413

 
1,445,871

 
31.0

Total average deposits
 
1,130,736

 
1,251,939

 
(9.7
)
 
 
 
NM—Not meaningful

Three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015
Net interest income from SVB Private Bank increased by $3.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, due primarily to an increase in loan interest income resulting from an increase in average loan balances.
Private Bank had a provision for loan losses of $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to a reduction of loan losses for the comparable 2015 period. The provision of $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was driven primarily by period-end loan growth.

SVB Capital
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
 
% Change
Net interest income
 
$

 
$
1

 
(100.0
)%
Noninterest income
 
2,453

 
20,678

 
(88.1
)
Noninterest expense
 
(3,913
)
 
(3,486
)
 
12.2

(Loss) income before income tax expense
 
$
(1,460
)
 
$
17,193

 
(108.5
)
Total average assets
 
$
349,011

 
$
269,982

 
29.3

 

SVB Capital’s components of noninterest income primarily include net gains and losses on non-marketable and other securities, carried interest and fund management fees. All components of income before income tax expense and average assets discussed below are net of noncontrolling interests.
We experience variability in the performance of SVB Capital from quarter to quarter due to a number of factors, including changes in the values of our funds’ underlying investments, changes in the amount of distributions and general economic and market conditions. Such variability may lead to volatility in the gains and losses from investment securities and cause our results to differ from period to period.
Three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015
SVB Capital had noninterest income of $2.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $20.7 million for the comparable 2015 period. The decrease in noninterest income was due primarily to net losses on investment securities and the related reduction of carried interest. SVB Capital’s components of noninterest income primarily include the following:
Fund management fees of $4.6 million compared to $3.7 million for the comparable 2015 period. The increase was due primarily to the addition of new managed funds at SVB Capital in 2015.
Net losses on investment securities of $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to net gains of $14.9 million for the comparable 2015 period. The net losses on investment securities of $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 were driven primarily by the decrease in market prices of public positions held by the fund investments in our managed funds of funds portfolio.

Consolidated Financial Condition
Our total assets, total liabilities and stockholders' equity were $43.6 billion at March 31, 2016 compared to $44.7 billion at December 31, 2015, a decrease of $1.1 billion, or 2.5 percent. Below is a summary of the individual components driving the changes in total assets, total liabilities and stockholders' equity.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents totaled $1.9 billion at March 31, 2016, an increase of $0.4 billion, or 24.3 percent, compared to $1.5 billion at December 31, 2015. The increase in cash at period-end resulted from cash management activities during the three months ended March 31, 2016.
As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, $479 million and $405 million, respectively, of our cash and due from banks was deposited at the Federal Reserve Bank and was earning interest at the Federal Funds target rate, and interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions were $793 million and $500 million, respectively.
Investment Securities
Investment securities totaled $23.5 billion at March 31, 2016, a decrease of $2.3 billion, or 8.9 percent, compared to $25.8 billion at December 31, 2015. Our investment securities portfolio consists of: (i) an available-for-sale securities portfolio and a held-to-maturity securities portfolio, both of which represent interest-earning investment securities; and (ii) a non-marketable and other securities portfolio, which primarily represents investments managed as part of our funds management business.
Available-for-Sale Securities
Our available-for-sale securities portfolio is a fixed income investment portfolio that is managed to earn an appropriate portfolio yield over the long-term while maintaining sufficient liquidity and credit diversification as well as addressing our asset/liability management objectives. Period-end available-for-sale securities were $14.3 billion at March 31, 2016 compared to $16.4 billion at December 31, 2015, a decrease of $2.1 billion, or 12.5 percent. During the quarter, to support loan growth and the liquidity needs of the Bank, we sold approximately $1.9 billion of our U.S. Treasury securities in our AFS portfolio. Additionally, the portfolio decreased due to principal paydowns and maturities of $364 million. The decreases were partially offset by an increase in the fair value of our AFS securities portfolio of $170.8 million as a result of a decrease in market interest rates at period-end. The $170.8 million increase in fair value was reflected as a $101.2 million (net of tax) increase in accumulated other comprehensive income.
Securities classified as available-for-sale are carried at fair market value with changes in fair market value recorded as unrealized gains or losses in a separate component of shareholders equity.
Held-to-Maturity Securities
Period-end held-to-maturity securities were $8.5 billion at March 31, 2016 compared to $8.8 billion at December 31, 2015, a decrease of $0.3 billion, or 2.8 percent. For the three months ending March 31, 2016, we made purchases of $116 million primarily in agency backed mortgage securities, which were offset by principal paydowns and maturities of $352 million.
Securities classified as held-to-maturity are accounted for at cost with no adjustments for changes in fair value. For securities previously re-designated as held-to-maturity from available-for-sale, the unrealized gains at the date of transfer will continue to be reported as a separate component of shareholders' equity and amortized as mentioned above.
Portfolio duration is a standard measure used to approximate changes in the market value of fixed income instruments due to a change in market interest rates. The measure is an estimate based on the level of current market interest rates, expectations for changes in the path of forward rates and the effect of forward rates on mortgage prepayment speed assumptions. As such, portfolio duration will fluctuate with changes in market interest rates. Changes in portfolio duration are also impacted by changes in the mix of longer versus shorter term-to-maturity securities. Our estimated fixed income securities portfolio duration was 2.6 years and 2.7 years at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

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Non-Marketable and Other Securities
Our non-marketable and other securities portfolio primarily represents investments in venture capital and private equity funds, debt funds, private and public portfolio companies and investments in qualified affordable housing projects. Included in our non-marketable and other securities carried under fair value accounting are amounts that are attributable to noncontrolling interests. We are required under GAAP to consolidate 100% of these investments that we are deemed to control, even though we may own less than 100% of such entities. See below for a summary of the carrying value (as reported) of non-marketable and other securities compared to the amounts attributable to SVBFG.
Non-marketable and other securities were $668.5 million at March 31, 2016 compared to $674.9 million at December 31, 2015, a decrease of $6.4 million, or 1.0 percent. Non-marketable and other securities, net of noncontrolling interests were $545.3 million at March 31, 2016 compared to $548.6 million at December 31, 2015. The following table summarizes the carrying value (as reported) of non-marketable and other securities compared to the amounts attributable to SVBFG (which generally represents the carrying value times our ownership percentage) at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Carrying value  
(as reported)
 
Amount attributable     
to SVBFG
 
Carrying value  
(as reported)
 
Amount attributable  
to SVBFG
Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments (1)
 
$
145,649

 
$
42,213

 
$
152,237

 
$
44,485

Other venture capital investments (2)
 
2,040

 
218

 
2,040

 
218

Other securities (fair value accounting) (3)
 
468

 
105

 
548

 
124

Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments
 
83,555

 
66,018

 
85,705

 
69,314

Debt funds
 
21,809

 
21,809

 
21,970

 
21,970

Other investments (4)
 
120,026

 
120,026

 
118,532

 
118,532

Non-marketable securities (cost method accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments
 
117,409

 
117,409

 
120,676

 
120,676

Other investments
 
19,797

 
19,797

 
18,882

 
18,882

Investments in qualified affordable housing projects
 
157,744

 
157,744

 
154,356

 
154,356

Total non-marketable and other securities
 
$
668,497

 
$
545,339

 
$
674,946

 
$
548,557

 
(1)
The following table shows the amounts of venture capital and private equity fund investments held by the following funds and amounts attributable to SVBFG for each fund at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Carrying value  
(as reported)
 
Amount attributable     
to SVBFG
 
Carrying value  
(as reported)
 
Amount attributable  
to SVBFG
SVB Strategic Investors Fund, LP
 
$
20,538

 
$
2,580

 
$
20,794

 
$
2,612

SVB Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP
 
58,156

 
12,533

 
60,619

 
13,064

SVB Capital—NT Growth Partners, LP
 
59,744

 
19,889

 
62,983

 
20,967

Other private equity fund
 
7,211

 
7,211

 
7,841

 
7,842

Total venture capital and private equity fund investments
 
$
145,649

 
$
42,213

 
$
152,237

 
$
44,485



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Table of Contents

(2)
The following table shows the amounts of other venture capital investments held by the following funds and amounts attributable to SVBFG for each fund at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Carrying value  
(as reported)
 
Amount
attributable     
to SVBFG
 
Carrying value  
(as reported)
 
Amount
attributable  
to SVBFG
Silicon Valley BancVentures, LP
 
$
2,040

 
$
218

 
$
2,040

 
$
218

Total other venture capital investments
 
$
2,040

 
$
218

 
$
2,040

 
$
218


(3)
Investments classified as other securities (fair value accounting) represent direct equity investments in public companies held by our consolidated funds.
(4)
The following table shows the amounts of our other investments (equity method accounting) at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Carrying value  
(as reported)
 
Amount attributable  
to SVBFG
 
Carrying value  
(as reported)
 
Amount attributable  
to SVBFG
Other investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
China Joint Venture investment
 
$
79,260

 
$
79,260

 
$
78,799

 
$
78,799

Other investments
 
40,766

 
40,766

 
39,733

 
39,733

Total other investments
 
$
120,026

 
$
120,026

 
$
118,532

 
$
118,532

Volcker Rule
As discussed in "Business - Supervision and Regulation" under Item 1 of Part I of our 2015 Form 10-K, the “Volcker Rule” under the Dodd-Frank Act restricts, among other things, a bank's proprietary trading activities and a bank's ability to sponsor or invest in certain privately offered funds, including certain venture capital, hedge and private equity funds. On December 10, 2013, the federal bank regulatory agencies, the SEC and the CFTC adopted final regulations implementing the Volcker Rule. The final regulations became effective on April 1, 2014, subject to a conformance timeline pursuant to which affected entities (referred to as "banking entities") are required to bring their activities and investments into conformance with the prohibitions and restrictions of the Volcker Rule and the final regulations thereunder.
Subject to certain exceptions, the Volcker Rule prohibits a banking entity from engaging in “proprietary trading,” which is defined as engaging in purchases or sales of securities or certain other financial instruments, as principal, for the “trading account” of the banking entity. Certain forms of proprietary trading may qualify as “permitted activities,” and thus not be subject to the ban on proprietary trading, such as market-making related activities, risk-mitigating hedging activities, trading in U.S. government or agency obligations, or certain other U.S. state or municipal obligations, and the obligations of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae. Based on this definition and the exceptions provided under the recently-issued regulations, we do not believe that we engage in any proprietary trading that is prohibited under the Volcker Rule.
Additionally, subject to certain exceptions, the rule prohibits a banking entity from sponsoring or investing in “covered funds,” which includes many venture capital, private equity and hedge funds. One such exception permits a banking entity to sponsor and invest in a covered fund that it organizes and offers to customers, provided that additional requirements are met. These permitted investments generally are limited to three percent of the total ownership interests in each covered fund. In addition, the aggregate investments a banking entity makes in all covered funds generally are limited to three percent of the institution’s Tier 1 capital.
Under the final regulations, the Volcker Rule’s prohibitions and restrictions apply to SVB Financial, the Bank and any affiliate of SVB Financial or the Bank. SVB Financial currently maintains investments in certain venture capital and private equity funds that it did not sponsor; maintains investments in sponsored funds that exceed three percent of each such fund’s total ownership interests; and maintains aggregate investments in all covered funds that may exceed three percent of its Tier 1 capital. SVB Financial (including its affiliates) expects, therefore, that it will be required to reduce the level of its investments in covered funds over time and to forego investment opportunities in certain funds in the future. SVB Financial is generally required by the final rules to come into conformance with the Volcker Rule’s requirements regarding covered funds by July 2016 with respect to covered funds in which SVB Financial invested or SVB Financial sponsored as of December 31, 2013. However, the Federal Reserve has indicated that it intends to extend this conformance deadline to July 2017. In addition, the Federal Reserve may extend the conformance deadline for up to an additional five years (until July 2022) for investments that are considered illiquid. We intend

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to seek the maximum extensions (up to July 2022) available to us. However, there is no guarantee that the Federal Reserve Board will grant any of these extensions.
We estimate that our total venture capital and private equity fund investments deemed to be prohibited covered fund interests and therefore subject to the Volcker Rule’s restrictions, had, as of March 31, 2016, an aggregate carrying value of approximately $204 million (and an aggregate fair value of $318 million). These covered fund interests are comprised of interests attributable, solely, to the Company in our consolidated managed funds and certain of our non-marketable securities.
We continue to assess the financial impact of these rules on our fund investments, as well as the impact of other Volcker Rule restrictions on other areas of our business. (See “Risk Factors” under Item 1A of Part I of our 2015 Form 10-K.)

Loans
Loans, net of unearned income increased by $1.0 billion to $17.7 billion at March 31, 2016, compared to $16.7 billion at December 31, 2015. Unearned income was $111 million at March 31, 2016 and $115 million at December 31, 2015. Total gross loans were $17.8 billion at March 31, 2016, an increase of $0.9 billion, compared to $16.9 billion at December 31, 2015. Period-end loans increased compared to December 31, 2015, primarily driven by the increases in our Private equity/venture capital portfolio. The breakdown of total gross loans and total loans as a percentage of total gross loans by category is as follows:
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amount
 
Percentage 
 
Amount
 
Percentage 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software and internet
 
$
5,494,872

 
30.8
%
 
$
5,482,110

 
32.5
%
Hardware
 
1,064,745

 
6.0

 
1,080,231

 
6.4

Private equity/venture capital
 
6,346,089

 
35.6

 
5,511,929

 
32.7

Life science/healthcare
 
1,740,766

 
9.7

 
1,724,545

 
10.2

Premium wine
 
185,276

 
1.0

 
202,808

 
1.2

Other
 
360,243

 
2.0

 
314,813

 
1.9

Total commercial loans
 
15,191,991

 
85.1

 
14,316,436

 
84.9

Real estate secured loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium wine
 
654,359

 
3.7

 
646,587

 
3.8

Consumer
 
1,652,344

 
9.3

 
1,543,340

 
9.2

Other
 
44,933

 
0.2

 
45,194

 
0.3

Total real estate secured loans
 
2,351,636

 
13.2

 
2,235,121

 
13.3

Construction loans
 
74,205

 
0.4

 
78,862

 
0.5

Consumer loans
 
228,249

 
1.3

 
226,712

 
1.3

Total gross loans
 
$
17,846,081

 
100.0

 
$
16,857,131

 
100.0


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Table of Contents

Loan Concentration
The following table provides a summary of loans by size and category. The breakout of the categories is based on total client balances (individually or in the aggregate) as of March 31, 2016:
 
 
March 31, 2016
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Less than
Five Million
 
Five to Ten
Million
 
Ten to Twenty
Million
 
 Twenty to Thirty Million
 
Thirty Million or More
 
Total
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software and internet
 
$
1,310,115

 
$
937,245

 
$
1,307,727

 
$
885,691

 
$
1,054,094

 
$
5,494,872

Hardware
 
232,330

 
212,290

 
205,934

 
211,618

 
202,573

 
1,064,745

Private equity/venture capital
 
600,863

 
541,545

 
931,955

 
952,132

 
3,319,594

 
6,346,089

Life science/healthcare
 
337,575

 
396,795

 
392,762

 
460,797

 
152,837

 
1,740,766

Premium wine
 
76,054

 
22,659

 
68,606

 
17,957

 

 
185,276

Other
 
127,220

 
22,264

 
70,030

 
26,876

 
113,853

 
360,243

Commercial loans
 
2,684,157

 
2,132,798

 
2,977,014

 
2,555,071

 
4,842,951

 
15,191,991

Real estate secured loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium wine
 
154,992

 
169,857

 
239,348

 
90,162

 

 
654,359

Consumer
 
1,453,720

 
170,115

 
28,509

 

 

 
1,652,344

Other
 
8,200

 

 
15,000

 
21,733

 

 
44,933

Real estate secured loans
 
1,616,912

 
339,972

 
282,857

 
111,895

 

 
2,351,636

Construction loans
 
10,226

 
36,449

 
27,530

 

 

 
74,205

Consumer loans
 
82,539

 
38,100

 

 

 
107,610

 
228,249

Total gross loans
 
$
4,393,834

 
$
2,547,319

 
$
3,287,401

 
$
2,666,966

 
$
4,950,561

 
$
17,846,081


At March 31, 2016, gross loans equal to or greater than $20 million to any single client (individually or in the aggregate) totaled $7.6 billion, or 43 percent of our portfolio. These loans represented 207 clients, and of these loans, $61.0 million were on nonaccrual status as of March 31, 2016 compared to $85.2 million as of December 31, 2015. The $24.2 million decrease in nonaccrual loans greater than $20 million to any single client was attributable to the repayment of a sponsored buyout loan as a result of an acquisition.
The following table provides a summary of loans by size and category. The breakout of the categories is based on total client balances (individually or in the aggregate) as of December 31, 2015:
 
 
December 31, 2015
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Less than Five Million
 
Five to Ten Million
 
Ten to Twenty Million
 
 Twenty to Thirty Million
 
Thirty Million or More
 
Total
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software and internet
 
$
1,365,460

 
$
974,946

 
$
1,250,192

 
$
844,092

 
$
1,047,420

 
$
5,482,110

Hardware
 
225,688

 
206,124

 
256,339

 
216,943

 
175,137

 
1,080,231

Private equity/venture capital
 
498,606

 
582,871

 
830,350

 
820,379

 
2,779,723

 
5,511,929

Life science/healthcare
 
309,877

 
426,619

 
367,879

 
410,281

 
209,889

 
1,724,545

Premium wine
 
76,372

 
29,823

 
74,319

 
22,294

 

 
202,808

Other
 
115,618

 
43,203

 
45,837

 
27,678

 
82,477

 
314,813

Commercial loans
 
2,591,621

 
2,263,586

 
2,824,916

 
2,341,667

 
4,294,646

 
14,316,436

Real estate secured loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium wine
 
156,754

 
170,155

 
237,373

 
82,305

 

 
646,587

Consumer loans
 
1,340,750

 
175,750

 
26,840

 

 

 
1,543,340

Other
 
8,261

 

 
15,000

 
21,933

 

 
45,194

Real estate secured loans
 
1,505,765

 
345,905

 
279,213

 
104,238

 

 
2,235,121

Construction loans
 
9,728

 
37,924

 
31,210

 

 

 
78,862

Consumer loans
 
87,324

 
35,748

 

 
29,140

 
74,500

 
226,712

Total gross loans
 
$
4,194,438

 
$
2,683,163

 
$
3,135,339

 
$
2,475,045

 
$
4,369,146

 
$
16,857,131


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At December 31, 2015, gross loans equal to or greater than $20 million to any single client (individually or in the aggregate) totaled $6.8 billion, or 41 percent of our portfolio. These loans represented 188 clients, and of these loans, $85.2 million were on nonaccrual status as of December 31, 2015.
The credit profile of our clients varies across our loan portfolio, based on the nature of the lending we do for different market segments. Our technology and life science/healthcare loan portfolios includes loans to clients at all stages of their life cycles, beginning with our SVB Accelerator practice, which serves our emerging or early-stage clients. Loans provided to early-stage clients represent a relatively small percentage of our overall portfolio at 7 percent of total gross loans at March 31, 2016, compared to 6 percent at December 31, 2015. Typically these loans are made to companies with modest or negative cash flows and no established record of profitable operations. Repayment of these loans may be dependent upon receipt by borrowers of additional equity financing from venture capitalist firms or others, or in some cases, a successful sale to a third party or an IPO. Venture capital firms may provide financing at lower levels, more selectively or on less favorable terms, which may have an adverse effect on our borrowers that are otherwise dependent on such financing to repay their loans to us. When repayment is dependent upon the next round of venture investment and there is an indication that further investment is unlikely or will not occur, it is often likely the company would need to be sold to repay debt in full. If reasonable efforts have not yielded a likely buyer willing to repay all debt at the close of the sale or on commercially viable terms, the account will most likely be deemed to be impaired.
At March 31, 2016, our lending to private equity/venture capital firms represented 36 percent of total gross loans, compared to 33 percent of total gross loans at December 31, 2015. Many of these clients have capital call lines of credit, the repayment of which is dependent on the payment of capital calls by the underlying limited partner investors in the funds managed by these firms.
At March 31, 2016, sponsored buyout loans represented 12 percent of total gross loans, compared to 13 percent of total gross loans at December 31, 2015. These loans are typically larger in nature and repayment is generally dependent upon the cash flows of the acquired company. The acquired companies are typically established, later-stage businesses of scale, backed by a select group of experienced private equity sponsors' and characterized by reasonable levels of leverage and loan structures that include meaningful financial covenants.
At March 31, 2016, our asset-based lending, which consists primarily of working capital lines and accounts receivable factoring represented 7 percent and 2 percent, respectively, of total gross loans, compared to 7 percent and 2 percent, respectively, at December 31, 2015. The repayment of these arrangements is dependent on the financial condition, and payment ability, of third parties with whom our clients do business.
Approximately 33 percent and 10 percent of our outstanding total gross loan balances as of March 31, 2016 were to borrowers based in California and New York, respectively, compared to 34 percent and 12 percent as of December 31, 2015. Other than California and New York, there are no states with gross loan balances greater than 10 percent.
See generally “Risk Factors–Credit Risks” set forth under Item 1A, Part I in our 2015 Form 10-K.
Credit Quality Indicators
As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, our criticized and impaired loans represented 6 percent of our total gross loans. Our SVB Accelerator practice serves our emerging or early-stage clients. Loans to early stage clients represent a relatively small percentage of our overall portfolio at 7 percent of total gross loans. It is common for an emerging or early stage client’s remaining liquidity to fall temporarily below the threshold for a pass-rated credit during its capital-raising period for a new round of funding. Based on our experience, for most early stage clients, this situation typically lasts a limited number of weeks and generally resolves itself with a subsequent round of venture funding, though there are exceptions, from time to time. As a result, we expect that each of our early-stage clients will be managed through our criticized portfolio during a portion of their life cycle.
Credit Quality and Allowance for Loan Losses
Nonperforming assets consist of loans on nonaccrual status, loans past due 90 days or more still accruing interest, and Other Real Estate Owned ("OREO") and other foreclosed assets. We measure all loans placed on nonaccrual status for impairment based on the fair value of the underlying collateral or the net present value of the expected cash flows. The table below sets forth certain data and ratios between nonperforming loans, nonperforming assets and the allowance for loan losses:

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(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Gross nonaccrual, past due, and restructured loans:
 
 
 
 
Nonaccrual loans
 
$
113,945

 
$
123,392

Loans past due 90 days or more still accruing interest
 
27

 

Total nonperforming loans
 
113,972

 
123,392

OREO and other foreclosed assets
 

 

Total nonperforming assets
 
$
113,972

 
$
123,392

Performing TDRs
 
$
1,895

 
$
10,635

Nonperforming loans as a percentage of total gross loans
 
0.64
%
 
0.73
%
Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets
 
0.26

 
0.28

Allowance for loan losses
 
$
230,249

 
$
217,613

As a percentage of total gross loans
 
1.29
%
 
1.29
%
As a percentage of total gross nonperforming loans
 
202.02

 
176.36

Allowance for loan losses for nonaccrual loans
 
$
50,353

 
$
51,844

As a percentage of total gross loans
 
0.28
%
 
0.31
%
As a percentage of total gross nonperforming loans
 
44.18

 
42.02

Allowance for loan losses for total gross performing loans
 
$
179,896

 
$
165,769

As a percentage of total gross loans
 
1.01
%
 
0.98
%
As a percentage of total gross performing loans
 
1.01

 
0.99

Total gross loans
 
$
17,846,081

 
$
16,857,131

Total gross performing loans
 
17,732,109

 
16,733,739

Reserve for unfunded credit commitments (1)
 
34,541

 
34,415

As a percentage of total unfunded credit commitments
 
0.22
%
 
0.22
%
Total unfunded credit commitments (2)
 
$
15,880,198

 
$
15,614,359

 
 
 
(1)
The “Reserve for unfunded credit commitments” is included as a component of other liabilities. See “Provision for Unfunded Credit Commitments” above for a discussion of the changes to the reserve.
(2)
Includes unfunded loan commitments and letters of credit.
Our allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total gross loans held flat at 1.29 percent at March 31, 2016. Our allowance for loan losses for performing loans as a percentage of total gross performing loans increased 2 basis points to 1.01 percent at March 31, 2016 driven by a shift in the mix of our loan portfolio.
Our allowance for loan losses for nonaccrual loans was $50.4 million at March 31, 2016, compared to $51.8 million at December 31, 2015. Our allowance for nonaccrual loans included $11.0 million of reserves on new nonaccrual loans, and was offset by a reserve reduction of $7.2 million due to the repayment of a sponsored buyout loan as a result of an acquisition and $5.2 million of other reserve reduction as a result of charge-offs and loan repayments.
Our nonperforming loans were $114.0 million at March 31, 2016, compared to $123.4 million at December 31, 2015. Our nonaccrual loan balance decreased $9.4 million as a result of $6.8 million in charge-offs and $25.6 million in repayments, partially offset by $23.0 million in new nonaccrual loans. New nonaccrual loans of $23.0 million included $8.8 million from six early stage clients in our software and internet loan portfolio.
Nonaccrual loans at March 31, 2016, included $80.8 million from four clients (three software and internet clients represented $55.7 million and a life science/healthcare client represented $25.1 million). Nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2015, included $96.0 million from five clients (three software and internet clients represented $55.1 million and two life science/healthcare clients represented $40.9 million). None of these loans were from early stage clients.
Average nonaccrual loans for the three months ended March 31, 2016 were $111.5 million compared to $39.5 million for the comparable 2015 period. The increase in average impaired loans was primarily reflective of an increase in average impaired loans from our software and internet loan portfolio of $40.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to March 31, 2015. If the impaired loans had not been impaired, $1.5 million in interest income would have been recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $0.3 million for the comparable 2015 period.

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Accrued Interest Receivable and Other Assets
A summary of accrued interest receivable and other assets at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 is as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2016

December 31, 2015
 
% Change      
Derivative assets, gross (1)
 
$
187,121

 
$
175,083

 
6.9
 %
Foreign exchange spot contract assets, gross
 
62,028

 
142,832

 
(56.6
)
Accrued interest receivable
 
105,062

 
107,604

 
(2.4
)
FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock
 
56,991

 
56,991

 

Accounts receivable
 
48,922

 
48,662

 
0.5

Deferred tax assets
 
11,154

 
73,941

 
(84.9
)
Other assets
 
76,830

 
104,594

 
(26.5
)
Total accrued interest receivable and other assets
 
$
548,108

 
$
709,707

 
(22.8
)
 
 
(1)
See “Derivatives” section below.

Foreign Exchange Spot Contract Assets
Foreign exchange spot contract assets represent unsettled client trades at the end of the period. The decrease of $80.8 million was due primarily to an overall decrease in activity at period-end.
Net Deferred Tax Assets
The decrease of $62.8 million in net deferred tax assets related primarily to the increase in the fair value of our available-for-sale securities portfolio.
Other Assets
The decrease of $27.8 million in other assets related primarily to a decrease in current tax receivables as a result of the recognition of our estimated tax provision for the first quarter of 2016.
Derivatives
Derivative instruments are recorded as a component of other assets and other liabilities on the balance sheet. The following table provides a summary of derivative assets and liabilities, net at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
% Change 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity warrant assets
 
$
130,670

 
$
137,105

 
(4.7
)%
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts
 
47,619

 
31,237

 
52.4

Interest rate swaps
 
2,400

 
2,768

 
(13.3
)
Client interest rate derivatives
 
6,432

 
3,973

 
61.9

Total derivative assets
 
$
187,121

 
$
175,083

 
6.9

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts
 
$
(45,428
)
 
$
(26,353
)
 
72.4

Client interest rate derivatives
 
(7,263
)
 
(4,384
)
 
65.7

Total derivative liabilities
 
$
(52,691
)
 
$
(30,737
)
 
71.4

Equity Warrant Assets
In connection with negotiating credit facilities and certain other services, we often obtain rights to acquire stock in the form of equity warrant assets in primarily private, venture-backed companies in the technology and life science/healthcare industries. At March 31, 2016, we held warrants in 1,670 companies, compared to 1,652 companies at December 31, 2015. Warrants in 18 companies had values greater than $1.0 million and represented 32 percent of the fair value of the portfolio at March 31, 2016. The change in fair value of equity warrant assets is recorded in gains on derivatives instruments, net, in noninterest income, a component of consolidated net income. The following table provides a summary of transactions and valuation changes for equity warrant assets for the three and three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015

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Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
137,105

 
$
116,604

New equity warrant assets
 
2,386

 
2,487

Non-cash increases in fair value
 
372

 
16,527

Exercised equity warrant assets
 
(8,577
)
 
(10,870
)
Terminated equity warrant assets
 
(616
)
 
(292
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
130,670

 
$
124,456


Foreign Exchange Forward and Foreign Currency Option Contracts
We enter into foreign exchange forward contracts and foreign currency option contracts with clients involved in foreign activities, either as the purchaser or seller, depending upon the clients’ need. For each forward or option contract entered into with our clients, we enter into an opposite way forward or option contract with a correspondent bank, which mitigates the risk of fluctuations in currency rates. We also enter into forward contracts with correspondent banks to economically reduce our foreign exchange exposure related to certain foreign currency denominated instruments. Revaluations of foreign currency denominated instruments are recorded on the line item “Other” as part of noninterest income, a component of consolidated net income. We have not experienced nonperformance by any of our counterparties and therefore have not incurred any related losses. Further, we anticipate performance by all counterparties. Our net exposure for foreign exchange forward and foreign currency option contracts at March 31, 2016 was $2.2 million and our net exposure at December 31, 2015 was $3.0 million. For additional information on our foreign exchange forward contracts and foreign currency option contracts, see Note 9- “Derivative Financial Instruments” of the “Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)” under Part I, Item I in this report.
Interest Rate Swaps
For information on our interest rate swaps, see Note 9–“Derivative Financial Instruments” of the “Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)” under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Deposits
Deposits were $38.8 billion at March 31, 2016, a decrease of $0.3 billion, or 1.0 percent, compared to $39.1 billion at December 31, 2015. The overall decrease in deposits was a result of a decrease in interest-bearing deposits. At March 31, 2016, 20.2 percent of our total deposits were interest-bearing deposits, compared to 21.1 percent at December 31, 2015.
At March 31, 2016, the aggregate balance of time deposit accounts individually equal to or greater than $250,000 totaled $48.3 million, compared to $53.9 million at December 31, 2015. At March 31, 2016, $48.3 million of the time deposit accounts individually equal to or greater than $250,000 were scheduled to mature within one year. No material portion of our deposits has been obtained from a single depositor and the loss of any one depositor would not materially affect our business.
Short-Term Borrowings
We had no short-term borrowings at March 31, 2016, compared to $774.9 million at December 31, 2015. The decrease was due to an increase in our cash and cash equivalent balances at March 31, 2016 as compared to December 31, 2015 exceeding minimum cash balances without the need for overnight borrowings.
Long-Term Debt
Our long-term debt was $796.6 million at March 31, 2016 and $796.7 million at December 31, 2015.
As of March 31, 2016, long-term debt included our 3.50% Senior Notes, 5.375% Senior Notes, 6.05% Subordinated Notes and 7.0% Junior Subordinated Debentures. For more information on our long-term debt, see Note 8–“Short-term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt” of the “Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)” under Part I, Item I in this report.

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Other Liabilities
A summary of other liabilities at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 is as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
% Change  
Foreign exchange spot contract liabilities, gross
 
$
83,436

 
$
154,699

 
(46.1
)%
Accrued compensation
 
49,893

 
151,134

 
(67.0
)
Reserve for unfunded credit commitments
 
34,541

 
34,415

 
0.4

Derivative liabilities, gross (1)
 
52,691

 
30,737

 
71.4

Other
 
286,010

 
268,109

 
6.7

Total other liabilities
 
$
506,571

 
$
639,094

 
(20.7
)
 
 
(1)
See “Derivatives” section above.
Foreign Exchange Spot Contract Liabilities
Foreign exchange spot contract liabilities represent unsettled client trades at the end of the period. The decrease of $71.3 million was due primarily to decreased client trade activity at period-end.
Accrued Compensation
Accrued compensation includes amounts for our Incentive Compensation Plan, Direct Drive Incentive Compensation Plan, Retention Program, Warrant Incentive Plan, ESOP/profit sharing and other compensation arrangements. The decrease of $101.2 million was primarily the result of 2015 incentive compensation payouts during the first quarter of 2016, partially offset by lower accruals for the three months ended March 31, 2016 based on current expectations to meet our internal performance targets for fiscal 2016.
Reserve for Unfunded Credit Commitments
Our reserve for unfunded credit commitments increased to $34.5 million at March 31, 2016, compared to $34.4 million at December 31, 2015. An increase of $265.8 million in our total unfunded credit commitments contributed to the increase in the reserve.
Noncontrolling Interests
Noncontrolling interests totaled $130.0 million and $135.1 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The decrease was due to net losses attributable to noncontrolling interests of $2.6 million and distributions of $2.5 million to limited partners from one of our managed funds of funds for the three months ended March 31, 2016.
Fair Value Measurements
The following table summarizes our financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. 
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Total Balance  
 
Level 3     
 
Total Balance  
 
Level 3     
Assets carried at fair value
 
$
14,662,357

 
$
131,022

 
$
16,710,656

 
$
137,208

As a percentage of total assets
 
33.6
%
 
0.3
%
 
37.4
%
 
0.3
%
Liabilities carried at fair value
 
$
52,691

 
$

 
$
30,737

 
$

As a percentage of total liabilities
 
0.1
%
 
%
 
0.1
%
 
%
As a percentage of assets carried at fair value
 
 
 
0.9
%
 
 
 
0.8
%
Financial assets valued using Level 3 measurements consist of our non-marketable securities (investments in venture capital and other investment securities in shares of public company stock subject to certain sales restrictions for which the sales restriction has not been lifted) and equity warrant assets (shares of private and public company capital stock). The valuation methodologies of our non-marketable securities carried under fair value accounting and equity warrant assets involve a significant degree of management judgment. Refer to Note 14—“Fair Value of Financial Instruments” of the “Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial

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Statements (unaudited)” under Part I, Item 1 of this report for a summary of the valuation techniques and significant inputs used for each class of Level 3 assets.
The inherent uncertainty in the process of valuing securities for which a ready market does not exist may cause our estimated values of these securities to differ significantly from the values that would have been derived had a ready market for the securities existed, and those differences could be material. The timing and amount of changes in fair value, if any, of these financial instruments depend upon factors beyond our control, including the performance of the underlying companies, fluctuations in the market prices of the preferred or common stock of the underlying companies, general volatility and interest rate market factors, and legal and contractual restrictions. The timing and amount of actual net proceeds, if any, from the disposition of these financial instruments depend upon factors beyond our control, including investor demand for IPOs, levels of M&A activity, legal and contractual restrictions on our ability to sell, and the perceived and actual performance of portfolio companies. All of these factors are difficult to predict and there can be no assurances that we will realize the full value of these securities, which could result in significant losses (See “Risk Factors” set forth in our 2015 Form 10-K).
During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Level 3 assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis experienced net realized and unrealized gains of $7.1 million, primarily due to gains on exercised warrant assets during the period. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Level 3 assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis experienced net realized and unrealized gains of $20.2 million.
Capital Resources
We maintain an adequate capital base to support anticipated asset growth, operating needs and credit and other business risks, and to ensure that SVB Financial and the Bank are in compliance with all regulatory capital guidelines. Our primary sources of new capital include retained earnings and proceeds from the sale and issuance of our capital stock or other securities. In consultation with the Finance Committee of our Board of Directors, management engages in regular capital planning processes designed to effectively utilize capital resources available to us and to appropriately plan for our future capital needs. The capital plan considers capital needs for the foreseeable future and allocates capital to both existing and future business activities. Expected future use or activities for which capital may be set aside include balance sheet growth and associated relative increases in market or credit exposure, investment activity, potential product and business expansions, acquisitions and strategic or infrastructure investments. In addition, we conduct capital stress tests as part of our annual capital planning process. The stress tests allow us to assess the impact of adverse changes in the economy and interest rates on our capital adequacy position.
SVBFG Stockholders’ Equity
SVBFG stockholders’ equity totaled $3.4 billion at March 31, 2016, an increase of $182.9 million, or 5.7 percent, compared to $3.2 billion at December 31, 2015. This increase was due primarily to net income of $79.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. Additionally, the increase in the net balance of our accumulated other comprehensive income to $115.4 million from $15.4 million at December 31, 2015, was driven primarily by a $170.8 million increase in the fair value of our fixed income security portfolios ($101.2 million net of tax), which resulted from a decrease in the period-end market interest rates for the three months ended March 31, 2016.
Funds generated through retained earnings are a significant source of capital and liquidity and are expected to continue to be so in the future.
Capital Ratios
Both SVB Financial and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by state and federal banking agencies.
Regulatory capital ratios for SVB Financial and the Bank exceeded minimum federal regulatory guidelines for a well-capitalized depository institution as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. Capital ratios for SVB Financial and the Bank, compared to the minimum regulatory ratios applicable to bank holding companies and banks to be considered “well capitalized” and “adequately capitalized”, are set forth below:

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Minimum Ratios under Applicable Regulatory Capital Adequacy Requirements

 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
"Well Capitalized”
 
“Adequately Capitalized” 
SVB Financial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CET 1 risk-based capital ratio
 
12.38
%
 
12.28
%
 
6.5
%
 
4.5
%
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio
 
12.86

 
12.83

 
8.0

 
6.0

Total risk-based capital ratio
 
13.90

 
13.84

 
10.0

 
8.0

Tier 1 leverage ratio
 
7.69

 
7.63

 
N/A  

 
4.0

Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio (1)
 
7.76

 
7.16

 
N/A  

 
N/A  

Tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets ratio (1)
 
12.82

 
12.34

 
N/A  

 
N/A  

Bank:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CET 1 risk-based capital ratio
 
12.57
%
 
12.52
%
 
6.5
%
 
4.5
%
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio
 
12.57

 
12.52

 
8.0

 
6.0

Total risk-based capital ratio
 
13.66

 
13.60

 
10.0

 
8.0

Tier 1 leverage ratio
 
7.19

 
7.09

 
5.0

 
4.0

Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio (1)
 
7.55

 
6.95

 
N/A  

 
N/A  

Tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets ratio (1)
 
13.03

 
12.59

 
N/A  

 
N/A  

 
 
 
(1)
See below for a reconciliation of non-GAAP tangible common equity to tangible assets and tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets.

Both SVB Financial’s and the Bank's capital ratios (CET 1, tier 1, total risk-based capital and tier 1 leverage) increased as of March 31, 2016, compared to the same ratios as of December 31, 2015. The increases are a result of the proportionally higher increase in our capital compared to the increases in risk-weighted and average assets during the first quarter of 2016. Increased capital is reflective primarily of quarterly earnings. The growth in period-end risk-weighted assets was primarily from loan growth, partially offset by a decrease in fixed income securities, while growth in average assets during the first quarter of 2016 was primarily from loan growth and deposit growth, partially offset by decreases in fixed income securities and cash balances. All of our reported capital ratios remain above the levels considered to be “well capitalized” under applicable banking regulations.
The tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio and the tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets ratios are not required by GAAP or applicable bank regulatory requirements. However, we believe these ratios provide meaningful supplemental information regarding our capital levels. Our management uses, and believes that investors benefit from referring to, these ratios in evaluating the adequacy of the Company’s capital levels; however, these financial measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for or preferable to, comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. These ratios are calculated by dividing total SVBFG stockholders' equity, by total period-end assets and risk-weighted assets, after reducing both amounts by acquired intangibles, if any. The manner in which this ratio is calculated varies among companies. Accordingly, our ratio is not necessarily comparable to similar measures of other companies.
The following table provides a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures with financial measures defined by GAAP for SVB Financial and the Bank for the periods ended March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:
 
 
SVB Financial
 
Bank
Non-GAAP tangible common equity and tangible assets (dollars in thousands, except ratios)
 
March 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
 
March 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
GAAP SVBFG stockholders’ equity
 
$
3,381,044

 
$
3,198,134

 
$
3,246,536

 
$
3,059,045

Tangible common equity
 
$
3,381,044

 
$
3,198,134

 
$
3,246,536

 
$
3,059,045

GAAP Total assets
 
$
43,573,902

 
$
44,686,703

 
$
42,990,146

 
$
44,045,967

Tangible assets
 
$
43,573,902

 
$
44,686,703

 
$
42,990,146

 
$
44,045,967

Risk-weighted assets
 
$
26,382,154

 
$
25,919,594

 
$
24,922,140

 
$
24,301,043

Tangible common equity to tangible assets
 
7.76
%
 
7.16
%
 
7.55
%
 
6.95
%
Tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets
 
12.82

 
12.34

 
13.03

 
12.59


Both the tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio and tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets ratio increased for SVB Financial and the Bank. The increases are a result of the proportionally higher increase in our capital compared to the increases in total and risk-weighted assets during the first quarter of 2016. Increased capital is reflective primarily of quarterly

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earnings. The growth in total and risk-weighted assets was primarily from loan growth and was partially offset by the decrease in our fixed income securities. See "SVBFG Stockholders’ Equity" above for further details on changes to the individual components of our equity balance.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
In the normal course of business, we use financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk to meet the financing needs of our customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, commercial and standby letters of credit and commitments to invest in venture capital and private equity fund investments. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk. Credit risk is defined as the possibility of sustaining a loss because other parties to the financial instrument fail to perform in accordance with the terms of the contract. For details of our commitments to extend credit, and commercial and standby letters of credit, please refer to Note 12—“Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees, and Other Commitments” of the “Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)” under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Commitments to Invest in Venture Capital/Private Equity Funds
Subject to applicable regulatory requirements, including the Volcker Rule, we make investments. We make commitments to invest in venture capital and private equity funds, which in turn make investments generally in, or in some cases make loans to, privately-held companies. Commitments to invest in these funds are generally made for a 10-year period from the inception of the fund. Although the limited partnership agreements governing these investments typically do not restrict the general partners from calling 100% of committed capital in one year, it is customary for these funds to generally call most of the capital commitments over 5 to 7 years; however in certain cases, the funds may not call 100% of committed capital over the life of the fund. The actual timing of future cash requirements to fund these commitments is generally dependent upon the investment cycle, overall market conditions, and the nature and type of industry in which the privately held companies operate.
For further details on our commitments to invest in venture capital and private equity funds, refer to Note 12—“Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees, and Other Commitments” of the “Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)” under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Liquidity
The objective of liquidity management is to ensure that funds are available in a timely manner to meet our financial obligations, including, as necessary, paying creditors, meeting depositors’ needs, accommodating loan demand and growth, funding investments, repurchasing securities and other operating or capital needs, without incurring undue cost or risk, or causing a disruption to normal operating conditions.
We regularly assess the amount and likelihood of projected funding requirements through a review of factors such as historical deposit volatility and funding patterns, present and forecasted market and economic conditions, individual client funding needs, and existing and planned business activities. Our Asset/Liability Committee (“ALCO”), which is a management committee, provides oversight to the liquidity management process and recommends policy guidelines for the approval of the Finance Committee of our Board of Directors, and courses of action to address our actual and projected liquidity needs.
Our deposit base is, and historically has been, our primary source of liquidity. Our deposit levels and cost of deposits may fluctuate from time to time due to a variety of factors, including market conditions, prevailing interest rates, changes in client deposit behaviors, availability of insurance protection, and our offering of deposit products. We may also offer more investment alternatives off the balance sheet which may impact deposit levels. At March 31, 2016, our period-end total deposit balances decreased to $38.8 billion, compared to $39.1 billion at December 31, 2015.
Our liquidity requirements can also be met through the use of our portfolio of liquid assets. Our definition of liquid assets includes cash and cash equivalents in excess of the minimum levels necessary to carry out normal business operations, short-term investment securities maturing within one year, available-for-sale securities eligible and available for financing or pledging purposes with a maturity in excess of one year and anticipated near-term cash flows from investments.
On a stand-alone basis, SVB Financial’s primary liquidity channels include dividends from the Bank, its portfolio of liquid assets, cash proceeds from the sale of equity warrants and fund investments and its ability to raise debt and capital. The ability of the Bank to pay dividends is subject to certain regulations described in “Business—Supervision and Regulation—Restriction on Dividends” under Part I, Item 1 of our 2015 Form 10-K.
Consolidated Summary of Cash Flows
Below is a summary of our average cash position and statement of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015. For further details, see our "Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)" under Part I, Item 1 of this report.

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 March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
Average cash and cash equivalents
 
$
2,533,391

 
$
1,739,496

Percentage of total average assets
 
5.7
%
 
4.6
%
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
56,061

 
$
53,206

Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities
 
1,474,078

 
(538,210
)
Net cash used for financing activities
 
(1,164,884
)
 
(62,164
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
$
365,255

 
$
(547,168
)
Average cash and cash equivalents increased by $0.8 billion, or 45.6 percent, to $2.5 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $1.7 billion for the comparable 2015 period. During the first quarter of 2015, we purchased $1.3 billion of fixed income securities which contributed to the lower average cash position during the first quarter of 2015.
Cash provided by operating activities was $56.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, reflective primarily of net income before noncontrolling interests of $76.6 million. These net inflows also included $32.3 million of non-cash adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash and were partially offset by $101.2 million of incentive compensation payouts during the first quarter of 2016.
Cash provided by investing activities of $1.5 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2016 included $2.6 billion in proceeds from the sale of $1.9 billion of U.S. Treasury securities and $0.7 billion from maturities and principal paydowns from our fixed income securities investments, partially offset by $1.0 billion of loan disbursements to fund loan growth.
Cash used for financing activities was $1.2 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2016, primarily reflective of $0.8 billion of payments on our overnight short-term borrowings and a net decrease of $0.3 billion in deposits.
Cash and cash equivalents were $1.9 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively, at March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Interest Rate Risk Management
Market risk is defined as the risk of adverse fluctuations in the market value of financial instruments due to changes in market interest rates. Interest rate risk is our primary market risk and can result from timing and volume differences in the repricing of our rate-sensitive assets and liabilities, widening or tightening of credit spreads, changes in the general level of market interest rates and changes in the shape and level of the benchmark LIBOR/SWAP yield curve. Additionally, changes in interest rates can influence the rate of principal prepayments on mortgage securities which affects the rate of amortization of purchase premiums and discounts. Other market risks include foreign currency exchange risk and equity price risk. These risks are not considered significant compared to interest rate sensitivity risks and no separate quantitative information concerning them is presented herein.
Interest rate risk is managed by our ALCO. ALCO reviews the market valuation and 12-month forward looking earnings sensitivity of assets and liabilities to changes in interest rates, structural changes in investment and funding portfolios, loan and deposit activity and current market conditions. Adherence to relevant policies is monitored on an ongoing basis.
Management of interest rate risk is carried out primarily through strategies involving our fixed income securities portfolio, available funding channels and capital market activities. In addition, our policies permit the use of off-balance sheet derivative instruments to assist in managing interest rate risk.
We utilize a simulation model to perform sensitivity analysis on the economic value of equity and net interest income under a variety of interest rate scenarios, balance sheet forecasts and proposed strategies. The simulation model provides a dynamic assessment of interest rate sensitivity embedded in our balance sheet which measures the potential variability in forecasted results relating to changes in market interest rates over time. We review our interest rate risk position on a quarterly basis at a minimum.

Model Simulation and Sensitivity Analysis
One application of the aforementioned simulation model involves measurement of the impact of changes in market interest rates on our economic value of equity ("EVE"). EVE is defined as the market value of assets, less the market value of liabilities, adjusted for any off-balance sheet items. A second application of the simulation model measures the impact of changes in market interest rates on our net interest income ("NII") assuming a static balance sheet as of the period-end reporting date. Changes in market interest rates that affect us are principally short-term interest rates and include the following: (i) National Prime and SVB

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Prime rates; (ii) 1-month and 3-month LIBOR; and (iii) Fed Funds target rate. Changes in these short-term rates impact interest earned on our variable rate loans, variable rate investment securities and balances held as cash and cash equivalents. Additionally, deposit pricing generally follows overall changes in short-term interest rates.
The following table presents our EVE and NII sensitivity exposure at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 related to an instantaneous and sustained parallel shift in market interest rates of 100 and 200 basis points.
Change in interest rates (basis points)
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Estimated
 
Estimated Increase/(Decrease) In EVE
 
Estimated
 
Estimated Increase/
(Decrease) In NII
 
EVE
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
NII
 
Amount
 
Percent
March 31, 2016:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
200
 
$
5,462,887

 
$
1,732,836

 
46.5
%
 
$
1,474,724

 
$
310,033

 
26.6
 %
100
 
4,474,499

 
744,448

 
20.0

 
1,317,238

 
152,547

 
13.1

 
3,730,051

 

 

 
1,164,691

 

 

-100
 
4,403,220

 
673,169

 
18.0

 
1,115,822

 
(48,869
)
 
(4.2
)
-200
 
4,381,627

 
651,576

 
17.5

 
1,106,418

 
(58,273
)
 
(5.0
)
December 31, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
200
 
$
6,007,061

 
$
1,783,649

 
42.2
%
 
$
1,454,889

 
$
268,242

 
22.6
 %
100
 
5,166,410

 
942,998

 
22.3

 
1,318,584

 
131,937

 
11.1

 
4,223,412

 

 

 
1,186,647

 

 

-100
 
4,350,421

 
127,009

 
3.0

 
1,127,223

 
(59,424
)
 
(5.0
)
-200
 
4,548,417

 
325,005

 
7.7

 
1,095,854

 
(90,793
)
 
(7.7
)
Economic Value of Equity
The estimated EVE in the preceding table is based on a combination of valuation methodologies including a discounted cash flow analysis and a multi-path lattice based valuation. Both methodologies use publicly available market interest rates. The model simulations and calculations are highly assumption-dependent and will change regularly as our asset/liability structure changes, as interest rate environments evolve, and as we change our assumptions in response to relevant market or business circumstances. These calculations do not reflect the changes that we anticipate or may make to reduce our EVE exposure in response to a change in market interest rates as a part of our overall interest rate risk management strategy.
As with any method of measuring interest rate risk, certain limitations are inherent in the method of analysis presented in the preceding table. We are exposed to yield curve risk, prepayment risk and basis risk, which cannot be fully modeled and expressed using the above methodology. Accordingly, the results in the preceding table should not be relied upon as a precise indicator of actual results in the event of changing market interest rates. Additionally, the resulting EVE and NII estimates are not intended to represent, and should not be construed to represent the underlying value. In addition, we assume different deposit balance decay rates for each interest rate scenario based on a historical deposit study of our clients.
Our base case EVE as of March 31, 2016 decreased from December 31, 2015 by $493 million as a result of balance sheet mix changes, as well as yield curve changes. Lower rates at the long end of the yield curve resulted in a relatively flat curve compared to December 31, 2015. This contributed a net negative impact of $392 million to base EVE, while balance sheet mix changes contributed an additional negative $101 million change in base EVE. Total deposits, primarily interest bearing non-maturity deposits, decreased by $373 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, we sold $1.9 billion of AFS investment securities to support $1.0 billion of loan growth, as well as the deposit outflow noted previously. EVE sensitivity increased in all rate scenarios due to the change in balance sheet composition as well as the flattening yield curve. Changes in the yield curve resulted in the discount rates for NIB non-maturity deposits hitting floors in the downward rate shock modeling scenarios.
12-Month Net Interest Income Simulation
Our estimated 12-month NII forecast at March 31, 2016 decreased from December 31, 2015 by $22 million due primarily to the sale of $1.9 billion of AFS investment securities as mentioned above. However, the decrease is partially offset by $1.0 billion of growth in the loan portfolio. NII sensitivity at March 31, 2016 increased in the upward interest rate shock scenarios relative to December 31, 2015 due to loan growth, and decreased in the downward rate shock scenarios due to a $373 million decrease in interest bearing deposits.
 
The simulation model used in the above analysis embeds floors in our interest rate scenarios, which prevent model benchmark rates from moving below 0.0% on certain variable interest rate assets and liabilities. Additionally, interest rate floors embedded in certain loan agreements will impact the repricing magnitude of these assets as benchmark rates move higher. In

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addition, we assume different deposit balance decay rates for each interest rate scenario based on a historical deposit study of our clients. These assumptions may change in future periods based on management discretion. Actual changes in our deposit pricing strategies may differ from our current model assumptions and may have an impact on our overall sensitivity.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures are the controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, among other things, processes, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of our most recently completed fiscal quarter, pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b). Based upon this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Changes in Internal Control
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in management’s evaluation pursuant to Rules 13a-15(d) or 15d-15(d) of the Exchange Act during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


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PART II–OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Please refer to Note 15–“Legal Matters” of the “Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)” under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There are no material changes from the risk factors set forth in our 2015 Form 10-K.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
None.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
None.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
See Index to Exhibits at end of report.

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
  
SVB Financial Group
 
 
Date: May 10, 2016
  
/s/ MICHAEL DESCHENEAUX
 
  
Michael Descheneaux
 
  
Chief Financial Officer
 
  
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
  
SVB Financial Group
 
 
Date: May 10, 2016
  
/s/ KAMRAN HUSAIN
 
  
Kamran Husain
 
  
Chief Accounting Officer
 
  
(Principal Accounting Officer)

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
Exhibit
Number    
 
Exhibit Description
 
Incorporated by Reference
 
 Filed
 Herewith  
Form
 
File No.
 
Exhibit  
 
Filing Date
 
*10.1
 
2006 Equity Incentive Plan**
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
31.1
 
Rule 13a-14(a) / 15(d)-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
31.2
 
Rule 13a-14(a) / 15(d)-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
32.1
 
Section 1350 Certifications
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
 
*
Denotes management contract or any compensatory plan, contract or arrangement
**
Plan corrected to reflect the appropriate maximum aggregate number of shares of common stock that may be awarded and sold under the plan.  The previously-filed version of the plan contained an administrative error.

90