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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2018
 
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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company,” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer        x             Accelerated filer        ¨    
Non-accelerated filer        ¨                 Smaller reporting company     ¨        
Emerging growth company        ¨
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
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 October 31, 2018, 53,250,854 shares of the registrant’s common stock ($0.001 par value) were outstanding.
Available on the web at www.svb.com



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
ERI— Energy and Resource Innovation
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
HTM— Held-to-Maturity
IASB— International Accounting Standards Board
IPO— Initial Public Offering
IRS— Internal Revenue Service
IT— Information Technology
LIBOR— London Interbank Offered Rate
M&A— Merger and Acquisition
OTTI— Other Than Temporary Impairment
SEC— Securities and Exchange Commission
SPD-SVB— SPD Silicon Valley Bank Co., Ltd. (the Bank's joint venture bank in China)
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)

September 30,
2018

December 31,
2017
Assets




Cash and cash equivalents

$
3,819,141


$
2,923,075

Available-for-sale securities, at fair value (cost of $9,236,301 and $11,131,008, respectively)

9,087,609


11,120,664

Held-to-maturity securities, at cost (fair value of $15,372,238 and $12,548,280, respectively)

15,899,726


12,663,455

Non-marketable and other equity securities

896,249


651,053

Total investment securities

25,883,584


24,435,172

Loans, net of unearned income

27,494,915


23,106,316

Allowance for loan losses

(285,713
)

(255,024
)
Net loans

27,209,202


22,851,292

Premises and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization

121,890


128,682

Accrued interest receivable and other assets

1,105,917


876,246

Total assets

$
58,139,734


$
51,214,467

Liabilities and total equity




Liabilities:




Noninterest-bearing demand deposits

$
40,473,774


$
36,655,497

Interest-bearing deposits

8,122,337


7,598,578

Total deposits

48,596,111


44,254,075

Short-term borrowings

2,631,252


1,033,730

Other liabilities

1,146,109


911,755

Long-term debt

696,217


695,492

Total liabilities

53,069,689


46,895,052

Commitments and contingencies (Note 13 and Note 16)





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; 53,250,255 shares and 52,835,188 shares outstanding, respectively

53


53

Additional paid-in capital

1,360,030


1,314,377

Retained earnings

3,672,696


2,866,837

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(108,410
)

(1,472
)
Total SVBFG stockholders’ equity

4,924,369


4,179,795

Noncontrolling interests

145,676


139,620

Total equity

5,070,045


4,319,415

Total liabilities and total equity

$
58,139,734


$
51,214,467


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 September 30,

Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

2018

2017

2018

2017
Interest income:








Loans

$
352,353


$
268,445


$
979,724


$
745,983

Investment securities:








Taxable

142,075


109,443


403,702


294,768

Non-taxable

10,748


1,172


23,506


2,703

Federal funds sold, securities purchased under agreements to resell and other short-term investment securities

8,137


6,211


20,080


16,670

Total interest income

513,313


385,271


1,427,012


1,060,124

Interest expense:








Deposits

8,042


2,304


18,409


6,218

Borrowings

12,049


8,993


29,075


27,243

Total interest expense

20,091


11,297


47,484


33,461

Net interest income

493,222


373,974


1,379,528


1,026,663

Provision for credit losses

17,174


23,522


74,226


70,062

Net interest income after provision for credit losses

476,048


350,452


1,305,302


956,601

Noninterest income:








Gains on investment securities, net

32,193


15,238


77,365


48,838

Gains on equity warrant assets, net

34,141


24,922


72,393


42,432

Foreign exchange fees

32,656


29,671


100,560


82,026

Credit card fees

24,121


20,270


68,739


56,099

Deposit service charges

19,588


14,508


56,081


43,046

Client investment fees

36,265


15,563


88,592


37,571

Lending related fees

10,675


15,404


30,938


32,874

Letters of credit and standby letters of credit fees

8,409


7,306


24,938


20,951

Other

12,022


15,896


38,671


41,128

Total noninterest income

210,070


158,778


558,277


404,965

Noninterest expense:








Compensation and benefits

195,437


153,263


543,198


449,412

Professional services

36,542


32,987


112,080


86,331

Premises and equipment

19,858


18,937


57,576


53,753

Net occupancy

13,694


12,660


40,598


35,437

Business development and travel

12,712


10,329


35,998


30,913

FDIC and state assessments

9,550


8,359


29,306


26,354

Correspondent bank fees

3,513


3,162


10,200


9,770

Other

18,139


18,064


51,645


54,670

Total noninterest expense

309,445


257,761


880,601


746,640

Income before income tax expense

376,673


251,469


982,978


614,926

Income tax expense

95,308


97,351


246,561


220,412

Net income before noncontrolling interests

281,365


154,118


736,417


394,514

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

(6,548
)

(5,498
)

(28,841
)

(21,218
)
Net income available to common stockholders

$
274,817


$
148,620


$
707,576


$
373,296

Earnings per common share—basic

$
5.16


$
2.82


$
13.33


$
7.11

Earnings per common share—diluted

5.10


2.79


13.15


7.01

 


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

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Table of Contents

SVB FINANCIAL GROUP AND SUBSIDIARIES
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
 
 

Three months ended September 30,

Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)

2018

2017

2018

2017
Net income before noncontrolling interests

$
281,365


$
154,118


$
736,417


$
394,514

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:

 
 
 




Change in foreign currency cumulative translation gains and losses:

 
 
 




Foreign currency translation (losses) gains

(3,259
)

1,928


(5,337
)

4,463

Related tax benefit (expense)

905


(787
)

1,482


(1,821
)
Change in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities:

 
 
 




Unrealized holding (losses) gains

(24,902
)

925


(98,032
)

(12,471
)
Related tax benefit (expense)

6,994


(429
)

27,269


5,207

Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income (1)



101




(384
)
Related tax (benefit) expense (1)



(41
)



157

Reclassification of unrealized gains on equity securities to retained earnings for ASU 2016-01 (1)
 

 

 
(40,316
)
 

Related tax expense (1)
 

 

 
11,145

 

Amortization of unrealized holding gains on securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity

(1,777
)

(1,594
)

(3,915
)

(4,931
)
Related tax benefit

494


641


1,085


1,984

Reclassification of stranded tax effect to retained earnings for ASU 2018-02 (1)
 

 

 
(319
)
 

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

(21,545
)

744


(106,938
)

(7,796
)
Comprehensive income

259,820


154,862


629,479


386,718

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

(6,548
)

(5,498
)

(28,841
)

(21,218
)
Comprehensive income attributable to SVBFG

$
253,272


$
149,364


$
600,638


$
365,500

 
(1)
See "Adoption of New Accounting Standards" in Note 1—“Basis of Presentation” of the “Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)” under Part I, Item 1 of this report for additional details.


















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

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Table of Contents

SVB FINANCIAL GROUP AND SUBSIDIARIES
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
 
 

Common Stock

Additional
Paid-in Capital

Retained Earnings

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Total SVBFG
Stockholders’ Equity

Noncontrolling Interests

Total Equity
(Dollars in thousands)

Shares

Amount






Balance at December 31, 2016

52,254,074

 
$
52

 
$
1,242,741

 
$
2,376,331

 
$
23,430


$
3,642,554


$
134,483


$
3,777,037

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

458,742

 
1

 
14,191

 

 


14,192




14,192

Common stock issued under ESOP

10,838

 

 
2,094

 

 


2,094




2,094

Net income


 

 

 
373,296

 


373,296


21,218


394,514

Capital calls and distributions, net


 

 

 

 




(18,216
)

(18,216
)
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities, net of tax


 

 

 

 
(7,491
)

(7,491
)



(7,491
)
Amortization of unrealized holding gains on securities transferred from AFS to HTM, net of tax


 

 

 

 
(2,947
)

(2,947
)



(2,947
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax


 

 

 

 
2,642


2,642




2,642

Share-based compensation, net


 

 
35,473

 

 


35,473




35,473

Balance at September 30, 2017

52,723,654


$
53


$
1,294,499


$
2,749,627


$
15,634


$
4,059,813


$
137,485


$
4,197,298

Balance at December 31, 2017

52,835,188

 
$
53

 
$
1,314,377

 
$
2,866,837

 
$
(1,472
)
 
$
4,179,795

 
$
139,620

 
$
4,319,415

Cumulative adjustment for ASU 2014-09, net of tax (1)
 

 

 

 
(5,802
)
 

 
(5,802
)
 

 
(5,802
)
Cumulative adjustment for ASU 2016-01, net of tax (1)
 

 

 

 
103,766

 
(29,171
)
 
74,595

 

 
74,595

Reclassification of stranded tax effect for ASU 2018-02 (1)
 

 

 

 
319

 
(319
)
 

 

 

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

405,395

 

 
9,108

 

 


9,108




9,108

Common stock issued under ESOP

9,672

 

 
2,577

 

 


2,577




2,577

Net income


 

 

 
707,576

 


707,576


28,841


736,417

Capital calls and distributions, net


 

 

 

 




(22,785
)

(22,785
)
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities, net of tax


 

 

 

 
(70,763
)

(70,763
)



(70,763
)
Amortization of unrealized holding gains on securities transferred from AFS to HTM, net of tax


 

 

 

 
(2,830
)

(2,830
)



(2,830
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax


 

 

 

 
(3,855
)

(3,855
)



(3,855
)
Share-based compensation, net


 

 
33,968

 

 


33,968




33,968

Balance at September 30, 2018

53,250,255


$
53


$
1,360,030


$
3,672,696


$
(108,410
)

$
4,924,369


$
145,676


$
5,070,045

 
(1)
See "Adoption of New Accounting Standards" in Note 1—“Basis of Presentation” of the “Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)” under Part I, Item 1 of this report for additional details.


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

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Table of Contents

SVB FINANCIAL GROUP AND SUBSIDIARIES
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
 

Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)

2018

2017
Cash flows from operating activities:




Net income before noncontrolling interests

$
736,417


$
394,514

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:




Provision for credit losses

74,226


70,062

Changes in fair values of equity warrant assets, net of proceeds from exercises

(24,462
)
 
(29,666
)
Changes in fair values of derivatives, net

2,964


8,214

Gains on investment securities, net (1)

(77,365
)
 
(31,032
)
Distributions of earnings from non-marketable and other equity securities (1)
 
54,605

 
38,965

Depreciation and amortization

43,389


39,265

Amortization of premiums and discounts on investment securities, net

(252
)

2,609

Amortization of share-based compensation

33,968


27,739

Amortization of deferred loan fees

(94,771
)

(81,060
)
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense

(16,532
)

2,325

Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted shares
 
(17,543
)
 
(14,399
)
Losses from the write-off of premises and equipment
 
7,117

 

Other gains
 

 
(6,150
)
Changes in other assets and liabilities:




Accrued interest receivable and payable, net

(51,521
)

(26,092
)
Accounts receivable and payable, net

1,697


4,120

Income tax receivable and payable, net

(12,962
)

30,069

Accrued compensation

5,505


(11,731
)
Foreign exchange spot contracts, net

86,298


86,911

Other, net

(46,874
)

16,410

Net cash provided by operating activities

703,904


521,073

Cash flows from investing activities:




Purchases of available-for-sale securities

(662,458
)

(2,420,741
)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities



7,311

Proceeds from maturities and paydowns of available-for-sale securities

2,529,666


2,434,039

Purchases of held-to-maturity securities

(4,726,595
)

(3,812,782
)
Proceeds from maturities and paydowns of held-to-maturity securities

1,482,204


1,283,764

Purchases of non-marketable and other securities

(56,435
)

(18,766
)
Proceeds from sales and distributions of capital of non-marketable and other securities (1)

83,020


35,821

Net increase in loans

(4,356,980
)

(2,263,600
)
Purchases of premises and equipment

(28,718
)

(35,470
)
Proceeds from sale of equity valuation services business
 

 
3,000

Net cash used for investing activities

(5,736,296
)

(4,787,424
)
Cash flows from financing activities:




Net increase in deposits

4,342,036


5,832,165

Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings

1,597,522


(507,828
)
Principal payments of long-term debt
 

 
(46,235
)
(Distributions to noncontrolling interests), net of contributions from noncontrolling interests

(22,785
)

(18,216
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, ESPP and ESOP

11,685


16,286

Net cash provided by financing activities

5,928,458


5,276,172

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

896,066


1,009,821

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

2,923,075


2,545,750

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$
3,819,141


$
3,555,571

Supplemental disclosures:




Cash paid during the period for:




Interest

$
54,681


$
41,324

Income taxes

277,388


190,706

Noncash items during the period:




Changes in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of tax

$
(70,763
)

$
(7,491
)
Distributions of stock from investments

4,368


5,360

 
(1)
During the first quarter of 2018 we adopted ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This guidance was adopted on a retrospective basis and impacted the presentation between investing and operating activities related to distributions and net gains from our nonmarketable and other securities portfolio. See Note 1—“Basis of Presentation” of the “Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)” under Part I, Item 1 of this report for additional details.

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 a 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 (not including subsidiaries).
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 and nine months ended September 30, 2018 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, 2017 (“2017 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 2017 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 and other equity securities, the valuation of equity warrant assets, the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and allowance for unfunded credit commitments, and the recognition and measurement of income tax assets and liabilities.
Principles of Consolidation and Presentation
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 or entities through which we have a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity (“VIE”). We determine whether we have a controlling financial interest in a VIE by determining if we have: (a) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, (b) the obligation to absorb the expected losses, or (c) the right to receive the expected returns of the entity. 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 based on our ownership percentage.
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 also 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.
We also evaluate fees paid to managers of our limited partnership investments. 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. Fee arrangements based on terms that are customary and commensurate with the services provided are deemed not to be variable interests and are, therefore, excluded.

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Table of Contents

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.
Adoption of New Accounting Standards
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. The guidance requires that revenue from contracts with customers be recognized when transfer of control over goods or services is passed to customers in the amount of consideration expected to be received. Subsequent Accounting Standard Updates have been issued clarifying the original pronouncement (ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10, ASU 2016-12 and ASU 2016-20).
On January 1, 2018, we adopted the new accounting standard ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and all the related amendments ("new revenue standard," "ASC 606" or "ASU 2014-09") using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts which were not completed as of January 1, 2018. We elected to apply the practical expedient which allows us to expense costs related to obtaining contracts as incurred because the amortization period would have been one year or less. We recognized the cumulative effect of initially applying the new revenue standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods.
We completed a comprehensive scoping exercise to determine the revenue streams that are within the scope of this guidance. The scope of this guidance explicitly excludes net interest income, including interest income earned from our loan and fixed income securities portfolios, as well as certain other noninterest income earned from our lending-, investment- and derivative-related activities. Based on our completed assessment, we did not identify any material changes to the timing or the amounts of our revenue recognition, however, we identified a change in the timing of recognizing fund management fees in other noninterest income for a portion of our SVB Capital funds. Fund management fees for these certain SVB Capital funds will now be recognized at the time of distribution which typically occurs later in the life of the fund than had been previously recognized. The cumulative adjustment to retained earnings associated with this change was $5.8 million, net of tax, with an immaterial impact to our net income on an ongoing basis. The impacts to net income as a result of applying the new revenue standard were decreases of $0.5 million and $1.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively.
The timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of cash settlements or invoicing to customers. We record a receivable when revenue is recognized prior to invoicing, and unearned revenue when revenue is recognized subsequent to receipt of consideration. These assets and liabilities are reported on the consolidated balance sheets on a contract-by-contract basis at the end of each reporting period. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, changes in our contract assets, contract liabilities and receivables were not material. Additionally, revenues recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 that were included in the corresponding contract liability balance at the beginning of the period were not material.
The cumulative effect of the changes to our consolidated balance sheets at January 1, 2018, for the adoption of the new revenue standard were as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)
 
Balance at December 31, 2017
 
Adjustments Due to Adoption of ASC 606
 
Balance at
January 1, 2018
Accrued interest receivable and other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
 
$
55,946

 
$
(34,340
)
 
$
21,606

Other liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred revenue
 
27,057

 
(26,321
)
 
736

Current taxes payable
 
4,675

 
(2,217
)
 
2,458

Stockholders' Equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retained earnings
 
2,866,837

 
(5,802
)
 
2,861,035


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In accordance with the new revenue standard requirements, the disclosure of the impact of adoption on our consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2018 and our statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, were as follows:
 
 
September 30, 2018
(Dollars in thousands)
 
As Reported
 
Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606
 
Effect of Change
Higher/(Lower)
Accrued interest receivable and other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
 
$
61,090

 
$
100,470

 
$
(39,380
)
Other liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred fees
 
556

 
28,379

 
(27,823
)
Current taxes payable (receivable)
 
2,002

 
(694
)
 
2,696

Stockholders' Equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retained earnings
 
3,672,696

 
3,678,020

 
(5,324
)
 
 
Three months ended September 30, 2018
(Dollars in thousands)
 
As Reported
 
Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606
 
Effect of Change
Higher/(Lower)
Other noninterest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fund management fees
 
$
5,479

 
$
6,087

 
$
(608
)
Income tax expense
 
95,308

 
95,463

 
(155
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income available to common stockholders
 
274,817

 
275,270

 
(453
)
Diluted earnings per share
 
5.10

 
5.11

 
(0.01
)
 
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2018
(Dollars in thousands)
 
As Reported
 
Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606
 
Effect of Change
Higher/(Lower)
Other noninterest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fund management fees
 
$
17,144

 
$
19,001

 
$
(1,857
)
Income tax expense
 
246,561

 
247,040

 
(479
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income available to common stockholders
 
707,576

 
708,954

 
(1,378
)
Diluted earnings per share
 
13.15

 
13.18

 
(0.03
)
In February 2018, the FASB issued a new accounting standard update (ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (ASU "2018-02")) to address certain stranded income tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") resulting from H.R.1, known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "TCJ Act"). ASU 2018-02 changed current accounting whereby an entity may elect to reclassify the stranded tax effect from AOCI to retained earnings in each period in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the TCJ Act (or portion thereof) is recorded. ASU 2018-02 is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. We have elected to early adopt ASU 2018-02 and reclassified approximately $0.3 million from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings within our consolidated statements of stockholders' equity in the first quarter of 2018.
On January 1, 2018, we adopted the new accounting standard update ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (Topic 825), which addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. This guidance requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. We adopted this guidance using the modified retrospective method and our equity investments carried at cost with readily determinable fair values were re-measured at fair value and the difference between cost and fair value was recorded as a cumulative-effect adjustment to opening retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. The adjustment to opening retained earnings for these investments was $74.6 million, net of tax, with subsequent changes in the fair value of these equity securities recorded as unrealized gains or losses in

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our consolidated statements of income. Additionally, in accordance with this guidance, net unrealized gains of $29.2 million, net of tax, included in accumulated other comprehensive income on January 1, 2018, related to our previously reported available-for-sale equity securities, were reclassified as an adjustment to retained earnings. Subsequent changes in the fair value of these equity securities were recorded as unrealized gains or losses in our consolidated statements of income. Furthermore, for purposes of disclosing the fair value of loans carried at amortized cost, our valuation methodology was updated to conform to an “exit price” concept as required by the standard update, resulting in an immaterial change in the fair value.
In August 2016, the FASB issued a new accounting standard update (ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments), which clarifies the guidance on eight specific cash flow issues. We adopted the new accounting standard, specifically as it relates to distributions from our equity method investments, on January 1, 2018. We elected to adopt the nature of distribution approach and applied the guidance retrospectively. The new guidance had an immaterial impact on the presentation between investing and operating activities within our statements of cash flows related to distributions and net gains from our nonmarketable and other securities portfolio.
In November 2016, the FASB issued a new accounting standard update (ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash), which requires that a statement of cash flows explains the change during the period in the total cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents.  Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning of period and end of period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows.  Previous to the update, there had been some diversity in practice.  Given that we had already classified restricted cash such as cash reserves at the Federal Reserve as part of cash and cash equivalents on the cash flow statement, the update had no impact on how we were already reporting and presenting our statement of cash flows.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
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 corresponding lease liability, in the statement of financial position. The lease cost will be allocated over the lease term on a straight-line basis. There were further amendments, including practical expedients, with the issuance of ASU 2018-01, “Leases (Topic 842): Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842” in January 2018. In July 2018 the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-11, "Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements," which provides us with the option to apply the new leasing standard to all open leases as of the adoption date, on a prospective basis. This guidance will be effective on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We plan to adopt the lease accounting guidance on January 1, 2019, on a prospective basis. We intend to elect the transition "package of expedients" which will result in continuing to account for existing leases for which the commencement date is before January 1, 2019, in accordance with Leases (Topic 840) throughout the lease term, including periods after adoption of the new guidance. We expect the adoption of this standard to have an impact of less than one percent of total assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets reflective of the recognition of right-of-use assets and related lease liabilities associated predominantly with noncancelable operating leases. In addition, we do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated statements of income.
In June 2016, the FASB issued a new accounting standard update (ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments- Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments), which amends the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses over the life of the loan and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. This guidance will be effective January 1, 2020, on a modified retrospective approach, with early adoption permitted, but not before January 1, 2019. We currently have a project team in place and subject matter experts to assist with our review of key interpretive issues and the assessment of our existing credit loss forecasting models and processes against the new guidance to determine what modifications may be required. We are currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on our financial position, results of operation and stockholders’ equity.
In August 2017, the FASB issued a new accounting standard update (ASU 2017-12, Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities (Topic 815)), which better aligns an entity’s risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes to the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results. The targeted improvements in the ASU will allow increased flexibility to structure hedges of fixed rate instruments and floating rate instruments. Application of the ASU is expected to reduce the amount of ineffectiveness as the revised accounting guidance will better reflect the economics of risk management activities and will also reduce the volatility associated with foreign currency hedging. The ASU requires the hedging instrument to be presented in the same line item as the hedged item and requires expanded disclosures. There were further amendments, with the issuance of ASU 2018-16, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815)," which provides us with the option to use the Overnight Index Swap ("OIS") rate based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for purposes of applying hedge accounting under Topic 815. This guidance will be effective January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We plan to early adopt this

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guidance in the fourth quarter of 2018, effective October 1, 2018. The accounting standard will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or the disclosures in our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued a new accounting standard update (ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement). The ASU primarily modifies certain disclosures with respect to Level 3 fair value measurements. This guidance will be effective January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted. This guidance will not have an impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations, and we do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on the disclosures in our Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Reclassifications
Certain prior period amounts, primarily related to the adoption of new accounting guidance, have been reclassified to conform to current period presentations.

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 and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Income Statement Location
 
2018

2017
 
2018
 
2017
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income (1)
 
Gains on investment securities, net
 
$

 
$
101

 
$

 
$
(384
)
Related tax (benefit) expense (1)
 
Income tax expense
 

 
(41
)
 

 
157

Total reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income, net of tax (1)
 
 
 
$

 
$
60

 
$

 
$
(227
)
 
(1)
See "Adoption of New Accounting Standards" in Note 1—“Basis of Presentation” of the “Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)” under Part I, Item 1 of this report for additional details.

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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 issuable for stock options and restricted stock units outstanding under our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
274,817

 
$
148,620

 
$
707,576

 
$
373,296

Denominator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic
 
53,235

 
52,705

 
53,062

 
52,530

Weighted average effect of dilutive securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock options and ESPP
 
383

 
343

 
404

 
381

Restricted stock units
 
301

 
257

 
334

 
319

Weighted average common shares outstanding—diluted
 
53,919

 
53,305

 
53,800

 
53,230

Earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
5.16

 
$
2.82

 
$
13.33

 
$
7.11

Diluted
 
5.10

 
2.79

 
13.15

 
7.01


The following table summarizes the weighted-average common shares excluded from the diluted EPS calculation due to the antidilutive effect for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Shares in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Stock options
 
86

 
112

 
49

 
61

Restricted stock units
 
5

 
5

 
71

 
2

Total
 
91

 
117

 
120

 
63


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Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
The following table summarizes the changes in our consolidated equity for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
Common Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in Capital
 
Retained Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Total SVBFG
Stockholders’ Equity
 
Noncontrolling Interests
 
Total Equity
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at June 30, 2017
 
52,684,159

 
$
53

 
$
1,283,485

 
$
2,601,007

 
$
14,890

 
$
3,899,435

 
$
140,600

 
$
4,040,035

Common stock issued under employee benefit plans, net of restricted stock cancellations
 
39,495

 

 
2,370

 

 

 
2,370

 

 
2,370

Net income
 

 

 

 
148,620

 

 
148,620

 
5,498

 
154,118

Capital calls and distributions, net
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(8,613
)
 
(8,613
)
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities, net of tax
 

 

 

 

 
556

 
556

 

 
556

Amortization of unrealized holding gains on securities transferred from AFS to HTM, net of tax
 

 

 

 

 
(953
)
 
(953
)
 

 
(953
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
 

 

 

 

 
1,141

 
1,141

 

 
1,141

Share-based compensation, net
 

 

 
8,644

 

 

 
8,644

 

 
8,644

Balance at September 30, 2017
 
52,723,654

 
$
53

 
$
1,294,499

 
$
2,749,627

 
$
15,634

 
$
4,059,813

 
$
137,485

 
$
4,197,298

Balance at June 30, 2018
 
53,210,627

 
$
53

 
$
1,346,586

 
$
3,397,879

 
$
(86,865
)
 
$
4,657,653

 
$
147,188

 
$
4,804,841

Common stock issued under employee benefit plans, net of restricted stock cancellations
 
39,628

 

 
1,943

 

 

 
1,943

 

 
1,943

Net income
 

 

 

 
274,817

 

 
274,817

 
6,548

 
281,365

Capital calls and distributions, net
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(8,060
)
 
(8,060
)
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities, net of tax
 

 

 

 

 
(17,908
)
 
(17,908
)
 

 
(17,908
)
Amortization of unrealized holding gains on securities transferred from AFS to HTM, net of tax
 

 

 

 

 
(1,283
)
 
(1,283
)
 

 
(1,283
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
 

 

 

 

 
(2,354
)
 
(2,354
)
 

 
(2,354
)
Share-based compensation, net
 

 

 
11,501

 

 

 
11,501

 

 
11,501

Balance at September 30, 2018
 
53,250,255

 
$
53

 
$
1,360,030

 
$
3,672,696

 
$
(108,410
)
 
$
4,924,369

 
$
145,676

 
$
5,070,045



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3.
Share-Based Compensation
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, we recorded share-based compensation and related tax benefits as follows: 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Share-based compensation expense
 
$
11,501

 
$
8,644

 
$
33,968

 
$
27,739

Income tax benefit related to share-based compensation expense
 
(2,895
)
 
(3,154
)
 
(7,955
)
 
(9,518
)
Unrecognized Compensation Expense
As of September 30, 2018, unrecognized share-based compensation expense was as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
  Unrecognized  
Expense
 
Weighted Average Expected
Recognition Period 
- in Years  
Stock options
 
$
13,525

 
2.91
Restricted stock units
 
73,037

 
2.74
Total unrecognized share-based compensation expense
 
$
86,562

 
 
Share-Based Payment Award Activity
The table below provides stock option information related to the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan for the nine months ended September 30, 2018:
 
 
Options
 
Weighted
Average
 Exercise Price 
 
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life - in Years  
 
Aggregate
  Intrinsic Value  
of In-The-
Money
Options
Outstanding at December 31, 2017
 
808,049

 
$
105.68

 
 
 
 
Granted
 
89,616

 
305.71

 
 
 
 
Exercised
 
(191,585
)
 
83.37

 
 
 
 
Forfeited
 
(9,498
)
 
187.76

 
 
 
 
Expired
 
(2,337
)
 
60.37

 
 
 
 
Outstanding at September 30, 2018
 
694,245

 
136.68

 
3.76
 
$
120,932,288

Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2018
 
673,674

 
134.25

 
3.70
 
118,982,041

Exercisable at September 30, 2018
 
415,993

 
99.63

 
2.66
 
87,856,349

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 $310.83 as of September 30, 2018. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $8.5 million and $39.5 million, respectively, compared to $3.8 million and $25.8 million for the comparable 2017 periods.

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The table below provides information for restricted stock units under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan for the nine months ended September 30, 2018:
 
 
Shares    
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at December 31, 2017
 
637,667

 
$
135.86

Granted
 
193,405

 
302.53

Vested
 
(213,944
)
 
130.20

Forfeited
 
(37,080
)
 
170.97

Nonvested at September 30, 2018
 
580,048

 
191.28

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 September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Consolidated VIEs
 
Unconsolidated VIEs
 
Maximum Exposure to Loss in Unconsolidated VIEs
September 30, 2018:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
5,470

 
$

 
$

Non-marketable and other equity securities (1)
 
212,514

 
524,812

 
524,812

Accrued interest receivable and other assets
 
298

 

 

Total assets
 
$
218,282

 
$
524,812

 
$
524,812

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other liabilities (1)
 
680

 
166,867

 

Total liabilities
 
$
680

 
$
166,867

 
$

December 31, 2017:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
6,674

 
$

 
$

Non-marketable and other equity securities (1)
 
190,562

 
346,097

 
346,097

Accrued interest receivable and other assets
 
365

 

 

Total assets
 
$
197,601

 
$
346,097

 
$
346,097

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other liabilities (1)
 
990

 
100,891

 

Total liabilities
 
$
990

 
$
100,891

 
$

 
 
(1)
Included in our unconsolidated non-marketable and other equity securities portfolio at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are investments in qualified affordable housing projects of $261.7 million and $174.2 million, respectively, and related other liabilities consisting of unfunded credit commitments of $166.9 million and $100.9 million, respectively.

Non-marketable and other equity securities
Our non-marketable and other equity securities portfolio primarily represents investments in venture capital and private equity funds, SPD Silicon Valley Bank Co., Ltd. (the Bank's joint venture bank in China (“SPD-SVB”)), 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 equity securities portfolio also includes investments from SVB Capital. SVB Capital is the funds management business of SVB Financial Group, which focuses primarily on venture

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capital investments. 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 four 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 only 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. For additional details, see Note 13—“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 September 30, 2018, our exposure to loss with respect to the consolidated VIEs is limited to our net assets of $217.6 million and our exposure to loss for our unconsolidated VIEs is equal to our investment in these assets of $524.8 million.
5.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The following table details our cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
September 30, 2018

December 31, 2017
Cash and due from banks (1)
 
$
3,697,018

 
$
2,672,290

Securities purchased under agreements to resell (2)
 
119,181

 
247,876

Other short-term investment securities
 
2,942

 
2,909

Total cash and cash equivalents
 
$
3,819,141

 
$
2,923,075

 
 
(1)
At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, $2.1 billion and $0.6 billion, 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 $1.1 billion at both September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
(2)
At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, securities purchased under agreements to resell were collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. agency securities with aggregate fair values of $124.5 million and $252.8 million, respectively. None of these securities were sold or repledged as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
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 equity securities portfolio, which primarily represents investments managed as part of our funds management business as well as public equity securities held as a result of equity warrant assets exercised.
Available-for-Sale Securities
The components of our available-for-sale investment securities portfolio at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are as follows:
 
 
September 30, 2018
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Gains
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Carrying
Value
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
5,560,828

 
$
117

 
$
(59,071
)
 
$
5,501,874

U.S. agency debentures
 
1,357,069

 

 
(10,397
)
 
1,346,672

Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate
 
2,001,048

 
3

 
(80,510
)
 
1,920,541

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate
 
317,356

 
1,297

 
(131
)
 
318,522

Total available-for-sale securities
 
$
9,236,301

 
$
1,417

 
$
(150,109
)
 
$
9,087,609


 
 
December 31, 2017
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Gains
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Carrying
Value
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
6,865,068

 
$
1,113

 
$
(25,679
)
 
$
6,840,502

U.S. agency debentures
 
1,569,195

 
3,569

 
(5,636
)
 
1,567,128

Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate
 
2,292,311

 
258

 
(25,534
)
 
2,267,035

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate
 
372,481

 
1,375

 
(126
)
 
373,730

Equity securities
 
31,953

 
40,525

 
(209
)
 
72,269

Total available-for-sale securities
 
$
11,131,008

 
$
46,840

 
$
(57,184
)
 
$
11,120,664


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Table of Contents

The following table summarizes sale activity of available-for-sale securities during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 as recorded in the line item “Gains on investment securities, net," a component of noninterest income:
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018

2017
 
2018
 
2017
Sales proceeds
 
$

 
$
2,287

 
$

 
$
7,311

Net realized gains and losses:
 
 
 
 
 

 

Gross realized gains
 

 
38

 

 
1,131

Gross realized losses
 

 
(139
)
 

 
(747
)
Net realized (losses) gains
 
$

 
$
(101
)
 
$

 
$
384

The following tables summarize our unrealized losses on our available-for-sale securities portfolio into categories of less than 12 months, or 12 months or longer as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
 
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
 
$
3,915,282

 
$
(46,503
)
 
$
1,438,839

 
$
(12,568
)
 
$
5,354,121

 
$
(59,071
)
U.S. agency debentures
 
838,609

 
(4,615
)
 
508,062

 
(5,782
)
 
1,346,671

 
(10,397
)
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate
 
812,726

 
(30,350
)
 
1,103,803

 
(50,160
)
 
1,916,529

 
(80,510
)
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate
 
14,076

 
(5
)
 
49,729

 
(126
)
 
63,805

 
(131
)
Total temporarily impaired securities (1)
 
$
5,580,693

 
$
(81,473
)
 
$
3,100,433

 
$
(68,636
)
 
$
8,681,126

 
$
(150,109
)
 
 
(1)
As of September 30, 2018, we identified a total of 265 investments that were in unrealized loss positions, of which 109 investments totaling $3.1 billion with unrealized losses of $68.6 million have been in an impaired position for a period of time greater than 12 months. As of September 30, 2018, we do not intend to sell any of our impaired 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 September 30, 2018, 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.
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
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
 
$
5,968,914

 
$
(23,397
)
 
$
323,966

 
$
(2,282
)
 
$
6,292,880

 
$
(25,679
)
U.S. agency debentures
 
736,541

 
(2,289
)
 
336,196

 
(3,347
)
 
1,072,737

 
(5,636
)
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate
 
2,193,277

 
(25,534
)
 

 

 
2,193,277

 
(25,534
)
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate
 
13,843

 
(3
)
 
53,186

 
(123
)
 
67,029

 
(126
)
Equity securities
 
624

 
(209
)
 

 

 
624

 
(209
)
Total temporarily impaired securities (1)
 
$
8,913,199

 
$
(51,432
)
 
$
713,348

 
$
(5,752
)
 
$
9,626,547

 
$
(57,184
)
 
 

19

Table of Contents

(1)
As of December 31, 2017, we identified a total of 268 investments that were in unrealized loss positions, of which 46 investments totaling $713.3 million with unrealized losses of $5.8 million have been in an impaired position for a period of time greater than 12 months.
The following table summarizes the fixed income securities, carried at fair value, classified as available-for-sale as of September 30, 2018 by the remaining contractual principal maturities. 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 interest rate environments.
 
 
September 30, 2018
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Total
 
One Year
or Less
 
After One
Year to
Five Years
 
After Five
Years to
Ten Years
 
After
Ten Years
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
5,501,874

 
$
2,016,438

 
$
3,047,620

 
$
437,816

 
$

U.S. agency debentures
 
1,346,672

 
653,271

 
693,401

 

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligationsfixed rate
 
1,920,541

 

 

 
29,113

 
1,891,428

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligationsvariable rate
 
318,522

 

 

 

 
318,522

Total
 
$
9,087,609

 
$
2,669,709

 
$
3,741,021

 
$
466,929

 
$
2,209,950

Held-to-Maturity Securities

The components of our held-to-maturity investment securities portfolio at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are as follows:
 
 
September 30, 2018
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Gains
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
Held-to-maturity securities, at cost:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. agency debentures (1)
 
$
641,134

 
$
85

 
$
(18,482
)
 
$
622,737

Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities
 
8,333,088

 
2

 
(276,748
)
 
8,056,342

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate
 
2,329,065

 

 
(98,559
)
 
2,230,506

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate
 
223,374

 
667

 
(32
)
 
224,009

Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
2,795,952

 

 
(78,688
)
 
2,717,264

Municipal bonds and notes
 
1,577,113

 
161

 
(55,894
)
 
1,521,380

Total held-to-maturity securities
 
$
15,899,726

 
$
915

 
$
(528,403
)
 
$
15,372,238

 
 
(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.

20

Table of Contents

 
 
December 31, 2017
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Unrealized
Gains
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
Held-to-maturity securities, at cost:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. agency debentures (1)
 
$
659,979

 
$
3,167

 
$
(1,601
)
 
$
661,545

Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities
 
6,304,969

 
4,854

 
(43,528
)
 
6,266,295

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate
 
2,829,979

 
23

 
(54,372
)
 
2,775,630

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate
 
255,782

 
733

 
(34
)
 
256,481

Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
1,868,985

 
694

 
(25,563
)
 
1,844,116

Municipal bonds and notes
 
743,761

 
3,452

 
(3,000
)
 
744,213

Total held-to-maturity securities
 
$
12,663,455

 
$
12,923

 
$
(128,098
)
 
$
12,548,280

 
 
(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.

The following tables summarize our unrealized losses on our held-to-maturity securities portfolio into categories of less than 12 months and 12 months or longer as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
 
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:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. agency debentures
 
$
549,916

 
$
(14,744
)
 
$
61,635

 
$
(3,738
)
 
$
611,551

 
$
(18,482
)
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities
 
5,514,402

 
(155,580
)
 
2,541,848

 
(121,168
)
 
8,056,250

 
(276,748
)
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate
 
77,011

 
(2,285
)
 
2,153,494

 
(96,274
)
 
2,230,505

 
(98,559
)
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate
 
3,504

 
(1
)
 
8,445

 
(31
)
 
11,949

 
(32
)
Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
1,595,146

 
(30,149
)
 
1,122,118

 
(48,539
)
 
2,717,264

 
(78,688
)
Municipal bonds and notes
 
1,429,117

 
(51,806
)
 
83,486

 
(4,088
)
 
1,512,603

 
(55,894
)
Total temporarily impaired securities (1)
 
$
9,169,096

 
$
(254,565
)
 
$
5,971,026

 
$
(273,838
)
 
$
15,140,122

 
$
(528,403
)
 
 
(1)
As of September 30, 2018, we identified a total of 1,433 investments that were in unrealized loss positions, of which 454 investments totaling $6.0 billion with unrealized losses of $273.8 million have been in an impaired position for a period of time greater than 12 months. As of September 30, 2018, we do not intend to sell any of our impaired 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 September 30, 2018, 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.

21

Table of Contents

 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
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:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. agency debentures
 
$
104,688

 
$
(1,601
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
104,688

 
$
(1,601
)
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities
 
4,270,377

 
(34,092
)
 
408,913

 
(9,436
)
 
4,679,290

 
(43,528
)
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—fixed rate
 
1,011,709

 
(13,631
)
 
1,741,614

 
(40,741
)
 
2,753,323

 
(54,372
)
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate
 

 

 
9,812

 
(34
)
 
9,812

 
(34
)
Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
979,361

 
(11,566
)
 
773,712

 
(13,997
)
 
1,753,073

 
(25,563
)
Municipal bonds and notes
 
344,796

 
(2,103
)
 
32,844

 
(897
)
 
377,640

 
(3,000
)
Total temporarily impaired securities (1)
 
$
6,710,931

 
$
(62,993
)
 
$
2,966,895

 
$
(65,105
)
 
$
9,677,826

 
$
(128,098
)
 
 
(1)
As of December 31, 2017, we identified a total of 753 investments that were in unrealized loss positions, of which 237 investments totaling $3.0 billion with unrealized losses of $65.1 million have been in an impaired position for a period of time greater than 12 months.

22

Table of Contents

The following table summarizes the remaining contractual principal maturities on fixed income investment securities classified as held-to-maturity as of September 30, 2018. 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 interest rate environments.
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
 
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
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
U.S. agency debentures
 
$
641,134

 
$
622,737

 
$

 
$

 
$
104,550

 
$
102,498

 
$
536,584

 
$
520,239

 
$

 
$

Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities
 
8,333,088

 
8,056,342

 

 

 
179,847

 
174,664

 
859,233

 
821,883

 
7,294,008

 
7,059,795

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligationsfixed rate
 
2,329,065

 
2,230,506

 

 

 

 

 
474,668

 
452,428

 
1,854,397

 
1,778,078

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligationsvariable rate
 
223,374

 
224,009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
223,374

 
224,009

Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
2,795,952

 
2,717,264

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
2,795,952

 
2,717,264

Municipal bonds and notes
 
1,577,113

 
1,521,380

 
8,376

 
8,373

 
74,518

 
73,331

 
256,453

 
245,277

 
1,237,766

 
1,194,399

Total
 
$
15,899,726

 
$
15,372,238

 
$
8,376

 
$
8,373

 
$
358,915

 
$
350,493

 
$
2,126,938

 
$
2,039,827

 
$
13,405,497

 
$
12,973,545



23

Table of Contents

Non-marketable and Other Equity Securities
The components of our non-marketable and other equity securities portfolio at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Non-marketable and other equity securities:
 
 
 
 
Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting):
 
 
 
 
Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments (1)
 
$
126,467

 
$
128,111

Unconsolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments (2)
 
208,953

 
98,548

Other investments without a readily determinable fair value (3)
 
25,253

 
27,680

Other equity securities in public companies (fair value accounting) (4)
 
30,460

 
310

Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting) (5):
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments
 
112,537

 
89,809

Debt funds
 
5,241

 
21,183

Other investments
 
125,632

 
111,198

Investments in qualified affordable housing projects, net (6)
 
261,706

 
174,214

Total non-marketable and other equity securities
 
$
896,249

 
$
651,053

 
(1)
The following table shows the amounts of venture capital and private equity fund investments held by the following consolidated funds and our ownership percentage of each fund at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (fair value accounting):
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amount
 
Ownership %
 
Amount
 
Ownership %
Strategic Investors Fund, LP
 
$
12,733

 
12.6
%
 
$
14,673

 
12.6
%
Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP
 
56,453

 
20.0

 
54,147

 
20.0

Growth Partners, LP
 
56,280

 
33.0

 
58,372

 
33.0

CP I, LP
 
1,001

 
10.7

 
919

 
10.7

Total consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments
 
$
126,467

 
 
 
$
128,111

 
 

24

Table of Contents

(2)
The carrying value represents investments in 220 and 235 funds (primarily venture capital funds) at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, 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. Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities which eliminated the concept of cost method accounting. On a prospective basis, we will carry our unconsolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments at fair value based on the fund investments' net asset values per share as obtained from the general partners of the investments. For each fund investment, 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 June 30th, for our September 30th consolidated financial statements, adjusted for any contributions paid, distributions received from the investment, and significant fund transactions or market events during the reporting period. We recorded a cumulative adjustment to opening retained earnings on January 1, 2018 for the difference between fair value and cost for these fund investments. The estimated fair value and carrying value of these venture capital and private equity fund investments was $209.0 million as of September 30, 2018. As of December 31, 2017, these investments were carried at cost and had a carrying value of $98.5 million.
(3)
Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities which eliminated the concept of cost method accounting. On a prospective basis, we will report our other investments in the line item "Other investments without a readily determinable fair value". These investments include direct equity investments in private companies. The carrying value is based on the price at which the investment was acquired plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments. We consider a range of factors when adjusting the fair value of these investments, including, but not limited to, the term and nature of the investment, local market conditions, values for comparable securities, current and projected operating performance, exit strategies, financing transactions subsequent to the acquisition of the investment and a discount for certain investments that have lock-up restrictions or other features that indicate a discount to fair value is warranted. The following table shows the changes to the carrying amount of other investments without a readily determinable fair value for the nine months ended September 30, 2018:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2018
Carrying value as of January 1, 2018
 
$
27,680

Upward carrying value adjustments
 
4,854

Downward carrying value adjustments
 
(1,729
)
Additions
 
3,870

Sales and dispositions
 
(9,422
)
Carrying value as of September 30, 2018
 
$
25,253

(4)
Investments classified as other equity securities (fair value accounting) represent shares held in public companies as a result of exercising public equity warrant assets and direct equity investments in public companies held by our consolidated funds. Effective January 1, 2018 we adopted ASU 2016-01 Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities which requires equity securities to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income. Prior to January 1, 2018 we reported equity securities in public companies that we held as a result of exercising public equity warrant assets in available-for-sale securities. On a prospective basis, these equity securities will be reported in non-marketable and other equity securities.


25

Table of Contents

(5)
The following table shows the carrying value and our ownership percentage of each investment at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (equity method accounting):
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amount
 
Ownership %
 
Amount
 
Ownership %
Venture capital and private equity fund investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic Investors Fund II, LP
 
$
4,739

 
8.6
%
 
$
6,342

 
8.6
%
Strategic Investors Fund III, LP
 
18,176

 
5.9

 
18,758

 
5.9

Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP
 
29,445

 
5.0

 
25,551

 
5.0

Strategic Investors Fund V funds
 
24,245

 
Various

 
16,856

 
Various

CP II, LP (i)
 
6,865

 
5.1

 
6,700

 
5.1

Other venture capital and private equity fund investments
 
29,067

 
Various

 
15,602

 
Various

 Total venture capital and private equity fund investments
 
$
112,537

 
 
 
$
89,809

 
 
Debt funds:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gold Hill Capital 2008, LP (ii)
 
$
3,267

 
15.5
%
 
$
18,690

 
15.5
%
Other debt funds
 
1,974

 
Various

 
2,493

 
Various

Total debt funds
 
$
5,241

 
 
 
$
21,183

 
 
Other investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SPD Silicon Valley Bank Co., Ltd.
 
$
75,314

 
50.0
%
 
$
75,337

 
50.0
%
Other investments
 
50,318

 
Various

 
35,861

 
Various

Total other investments
 
$
125,632

 
 
 
$
111,198

 
 

 
(i)
Our ownership includes direct ownership interest of 1.3 percent and indirect ownership interest of 3.8 percent through our investments in Strategic Investors Fund II, LP.
(ii)
Our ownership includes 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.

(6)
The following table presents the balances of our investments in qualified affordable housing projects and related unfunded commitments included as a component of “other liabilities” on our consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Investments in qualified affordable housing projects, net
 
$
261,706

 
$
174,214

Other liabilities
 
166,867

 
100,891


The following table presents other information relating to our investments in qualified affordable housing projects for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018

2017
 
2018
 
2017
Tax credits and other tax benefits recognized
 
$
6,283

 
$
4,539

 
$
16,912

 
$
13,199

Amortization expense included in provision for income
   taxes (i)
 
4,773

 
3,533

 
14,269

 
10,154

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

26

Table of Contents

The following table presents the net gains on non-marketable and other equity securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 as recorded in the line item “Gains on investment securities, net," a component of noninterest income:
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Net gains on non-marketable and other equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments
 
$
2,928

 
$
4,473

 
$
18,971

 
$
20,649

Unconsolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments (1)
 
6,240

 
4,697

 
37,095

 
13,928

Other investments without a readily determinable fair value (1)
 
2,509

 
(49
)
 
4,310

 
3,354

Other equity securities in public companies (fair value accounting) (1)
 
4,407

 
387

 
(17,786
)
 
280

Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting):
 


 


 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments
 
11,341

 
4,319

 
30,122

 
10,710

Debt funds
 
1,473

 
2,445

 
(100
)
 
2,696

Other investments
 
3,295

 
(933
)
 
4,753

 
(3,163
)
Total net gains on non-marketable and other equity securities
 
$
32,193

 
$
15,339

 
$
77,365

 
$
48,454

Less: Net gains (losses) on non-marketable and other equity securities sold
 
357

 
(49
)
 
(20,806
)
 
3,355

Unrealized net gains on non-marketable and other equity securities still held
 
$
31,836

 
$
15,388

 
$
98,171

 
$
45,099

 
 
(1)
Prior period amounts are not determined in a manner consistent with the current period presentation due to the adoption of accounting standard update (ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (Topic 825)).
7.
Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses and Allowance for Unfunded Credit Commitments
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, data, storage, and electronics), software/internet (such as infrastructure software, applications, software services, digital content and advertising technology), 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/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.
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 $174 million and $148 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, is presented in the following table:

27

Table of Contents

(Dollars in thousands)
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
Software/internet
 
$
6,258,724

 
$
6,172,531

Hardware
 
1,306,709

 
1,193,599

Private equity/venture capital
 
13,360,511

 
9,952,377

Life science/healthcare
 
2,302,453

 
1,808,827

Premium wine
 
227,498

 
204,105

Other
 
256,413

 
365,724

Total commercial loans
 
23,712,308

 
19,697,163

Real estate secured loans:
 
 
 
 
Premium wine (1)
 
685,941

 
669,053

Consumer loans (2)
 
2,556,906

 
2,300,506

Other
 
40,879

 
42,068

Total real estate secured loans
 
3,283,726

 
3,011,627

Construction loans
 
81,163

 
68,546

Consumer loans
 
417,718

 
328,980

Total loans, net of unearned income (3)
 
$
27,494,915

 
$
23,106,316

 
 
(1)
Included in our premium wine portfolio are gross construction loans of $92 million and $100 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
(2)
Consumer loans secured by real estate at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were comprised of the following:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Loans for personal residence
 
$
2,196,948

 
$
1,995,840

Loans to eligible employees
 
285,186

 
243,118

Home equity lines of credit
 
74,772

 
61,548

Consumer loans secured by real estate
 
$
2,556,906

 
$
2,300,506

(3)
Included within our total loan portfolio are credit card loans of $342 million and $270 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
Credit Quality
The composition of loans, net of unearned income of $174 million and $148 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivable, is as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
Software/internet
 
$
6,258,724

 
$
6,172,531

Hardware
 
1,306,709

 
1,193,599

Private equity/venture capital
 
13,360,511

 
9,952,377

Life science/healthcare
 
2,302,453

 
1,808,827

Premium wine
 
913,439

 
873,158

Other
 
378,455

 
476,338

Total commercial loans
 
24,520,291

 
20,476,830

Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
Real estate secured loans
 
2,556,906

 
2,300,506

Other consumer loans
 
417,718

 
328,980

Total consumer loans
 
2,974,624

 
2,629,486

Total loans, net of unearned income
 
$
27,494,915

 
$
23,106,316


28

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 September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
30 - 59
  Days Past  
Due
 
60 - 89
  Days Past  
Due
 
Equal to or Greater
Than 90
  Days Past  
Due
 
  Total Past  
Due
 
Current  
 
  Loans Past Due  
90 Days or
More Still
Accruing
Interest
September 30, 2018:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software/internet
 
$
17,067

 
$
4,842

 
$
116

 
$
22,025

 
$
6,175,651

 
$
116

Hardware
 
491

 
99

 

 
590

 
1,298,215

 

Private equity/venture capital
 
7,556

 

 
2

 
7,558

 
13,357,777

 
2

Life science/healthcare
 
9,620

 
897

 
45

 
10,562

 
2,330,483

 
45

Premium wine
 
1,594

 

 

 
1,594

 
910,356

 

Other
 
340

 
27

 

 
367

 
400,547

 

Total commercial loans
 
36,668

 
5,865

 
163

 
42,696

 
24,473,029

 
163

Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate secured loans
 
8,389

 

 

 
8,389

 
2,540,950

 

Other consumer loans
 
2,111

 

 

 
2,111

 
415,582

 

Total consumer loans
 
10,500

 

 

 
10,500

 
2,956,532

 

Total gross loans excluding impaired loans
 
47,168

 
5,865

 
163

 
53,196

 
27,429,561

 
163

Impaired loans
 
2,345

 
970

 
29,197

 
32,512

 
153,560

 

Total gross loans
 
$
49,513

 
$
6,835

 
$
29,360

 
$
85,708

 
$
27,583,121

 
$
163

December 31, 2017:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software/internet
 
$
14,257

 
$
6,526

 
$
141

 
$
20,924

 
$
6,101,147

 
$
141

Hardware
 
1,145

 
77

 
50

 
1,272

 
1,163,278

 
50

Private equity/venture capital
 
86,566

 
38,580

 

 
125,146

 
9,835,317

 

Life science/healthcare
 
4,390

 
191

 

 
4,581

 
1,841,692

 

Premium wine
 
418

 

 

 
418

 
871,074

 

Other
 
445

 

 

 
445

 
490,292

 

Total commercial loans
 
107,221

 
45,374

 
191

 
152,786

 
20,302,800

 
191

Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate secured loans
 
2,164

 
532

 

 
2,696

 
2,292,980

 

Other consumer loans
 
796

 

 

 
796

 
327,234

 

Total consumer loans
 
2,960

 
532

 

 
3,492

 
2,620,214

 

Total gross loans excluding impaired loans
 
110,181

 
45,906

 
191

 
156,278

 
22,923,014

 
191

Impaired loans
 
1,344

 
11,902

 
30,403

 
43,649

 
131,212

 

Total gross loans
 
$
111,525

 
$
57,808

 
$
30,594

 
$
199,927

 
$
23,054,226

 
$
191


29

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 September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
(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
September 30, 2018:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software/internet
 
$
64,197

 
$
55,442

 
$
119,639

 
$
145,122

Hardware
 
2,431

 
17,249

 
19,680

 
31,804

Private equity/venture capital
 

 
3,700

 
3,700

 
3,700

Life science/healthcare
 
22,300

 
14,125

 
36,425

 
44,065

Premium wine
 
306

 
2,010

 
2,316

 
2,375

Other
 

 

 

 

Total commercial loans
 
89,234

 
92,526

 
181,760

 
227,066

Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate secured loans
 
3,990

 
322

 
4,312

 
5,996

Other consumer loans
 

 

 

 

Total consumer loans
 
3,990

 
322

 
4,312

 
5,996

Total
 
$
93,224

 
$
92,848

 
$
186,072

 
$
233,062

December 31, 2017:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software/internet
 
$
49,645

 
$
61,009

 
$
110,654

 
$
129,006

Hardware
 
15,637

 
20,713

 
36,350

 
41,721

Private equity/venture capital
 
658

 

 
658

 
984

Life science/healthcare
 
20,521

 
1,166

 
21,687

 
26,360

Premium wine
 

 
2,877

 
2,877

 
2,911

Other
 
32

 

 
32

 
165

Total commercial loans
 
86,493

 
85,765

 
172,258

 
201,147

Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate secured loans
 
1,331

 
850

 
2,181

 
3,712

Other consumer loans
 
422

 

 
422

 
436

Total consumer loans
 
1,753

 
850

 
2,603

 
4,148

Total
 
$
88,246

 
$
86,615

 
$
174,861

 
$
205,295





30

Table of Contents

The following tables summarize our average impaired loans and interest income recognized on impaired loans, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivable for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
Three months ended September 30,
 
Average impaired loans
 
Interest income recognized on impaired loans
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018

2017

2018

2017
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software/internet
 
$
118,840

 
$
121,290

 
$
607

 
$
767

Hardware
 
27,922

 
35,932

 
410

 
419

Private equity/venture capital
 
1,233

 
644

 

 
3

Life science/healthcare
 
38,545

 
25,796

 
365

 
21

Premium wine
 
2,384

 
3,625

 
35

 
39

Other
 

 
348

 

 

Total commercial loans
 
188,924

 
187,635

 
1,417

 
1,249

Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate secured loans
 
4,330

 
1,306

 
4

 
24

Other consumer loans
 

 
1,966

 

 

Total consumer loans
 
4,330

 
3,272

 
4

 
24

Total average impaired loans
 
$
193,254

 
$
190,907

 
$
1,421

 
$
1,273

Nine months ended September 30,
 
Average impaired loans
 
Interest income recognized on impaired loans
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software/internet
 
$
112,576

 
$
122,527

 
$
991

 
$
1,646

Hardware
 
34,469

 
33,271

 
499

 
518

Private equity/venture capital
 
536

 
443

 

 
8

Life science/healthcare
 
27,671

 
33,590

 
376

 
60

Premium wine
 
2,586

 
3,353

 
103

 
115

Other
 
130

 
706

 

 

Total commercial loans
 
177,968

 
193,890

 
1,969

 
2,347

Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate secured loans
 
3,953

 
1,385

 
12

 
24

Other consumer loans
 
477

 
1,931

 

 

Total consumer loans
 
4,430

 
3,316

 
12

 
24

Total average impaired loans
 
$
182,398

 
$
197,206

 
$
1,981

 
$
2,371




31

Table of Contents

The following tables summarize the activity relating to our allowance for loan losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, broken out by portfolio segment:
Three months ended September 30, 2018
 
Beginning Balance June 30, 2018
 
Charge-offs
 
Recoveries
 
Provision for
(Reduction of) Loan Losses
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Ending Balance September 30, 2018
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software/internet
 
$
102,648

 
$
(6,304
)
 
$
841

 
$
16,640

 
$
(335
)
 
$
113,490

Hardware
 
34,695

 
(12,697
)
 
227

 
(1,763
)
 
36

 
20,498

Private equity/venture capital
 
89,409

 

 
3

 
1,632

 
(33
)
 
91,011

Life science/healthcare
 
35,064

 
(2,076
)
 
189

 
2,322

 
(47
)
 
35,452

Premium wine
 
3,438

 

 

 
125

 
(3
)
 
3,560

Other
 
2,896

 
(1,128
)
 
771

 
118

 
(2
)
 
2,655

Total commercial loans
 
268,150

 
(22,205
)
 
2,031

 
19,074

 
(384
)
 
266,666

Total consumer loans
 
18,559

 

 
133

 
362

 
(7
)
 
19,047

Total allowance for loan losses
 
$
286,709

 
$
(22,205
)
 
$
2,164

 
$
19,436

 
$
(391
)
 
$
285,713

Three months ended September 30, 2017
 
Beginning Balance June 30, 2017
 
Charge-offs
 
Recoveries
 
Provision for
(Reduction of) Loan Losses
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Ending Balance September 30, 2017
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software/internet
 
$
92,937

 
$
(8,791
)
 
$
426

 
$
7,241

 
$
199

 
$
92,012

Hardware
 
27,800

 
(2,453
)
 
115

 
5,681

 
156

 
31,299

Private equity/venture capital
 
66,785

 

 

 
10,142

 
279

 
77,206

Life science/healthcare
 
27,730

 
(1,083
)
 
63

 
(1,621
)
 
(45
)
 
25,044

Premium wine
 
3,133

 

 

 
362

 
10

 
3,505

Other
 
4,135

 

 
947

 
(931
)
 
(26
)
 
4,125

Total commercial loans
 
222,520

 
(12,327
)
 
1,551

 
20,874

 
573

 
233,191

Total consumer loans
 
13,976

 
(11
)
 
277

 
1,535

 
42

 
15,819

Total allowance for loan losses
 
$
236,496

 
$
(12,338
)
 
$
1,828

 
$
22,409

 
$
615

 
$
249,010


Nine months ended September 30, 2018
 
Beginning Balance December 31, 2017
 
Charge-offs
 
Recoveries
 
Provision for
(Reduction of) Loan Losses
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Ending Balance September 30, 2018
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software/internet
 
$
96,104

 
$
(26,377
)
 
$
1,818

 
$
42,620

 
$
(675
)
 
$
113,490

Hardware
 
27,614

 
(16,111
)
 
1,458

 
7,788

 
(251
)
 
20,498

Private equity/venture capital
 
82,468

 
(112
)
 
13

 
8,200

 
442

 
91,011

Life science/healthcare
 
24,924

 
(2,940
)
 
245

 
13,829

 
(606
)
 
35,452

Premium wine
 
3,532

 

 

 
42

 
(14
)
 
3,560

Other
 
3,941

 
(2,391
)
 
1,874

 
(775
)
 
6

 
2,655

Total commercial loans
 
238,583

 
(47,931
)
 
5,408

 
71,704

 
(1,098
)
 
266,666

Total consumer loans
 
16,441

 
(289
)
 
470

 
2,384

 
41

 
19,047

Total allowance for loan losses
 
$
255,024

 
$
(48,220
)
 
$
5,878

 
$
74,088

 
$
(1,057
)
 
$
285,713


32

Table of Contents

Nine months ended September 30, 2017
 
Beginning Balance December 31, 2016
 
Charge-offs
 
Recoveries
 
Provision for
(Reduction of) Loan Losses
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Ending Balance September 30, 2017
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software/internet
 
$
97,388

 
$
(36,172
)
 
$
2,833

 
$
27,487

 
$
476

 
$
92,012

Hardware
 
31,166

 
(6,726
)
 
459

 
6,075

 
325

 
31,299

Private equity/venture capital
 
50,299

 

 

 
26,111

 
796

 
77,206

Life science/healthcare
 
25,446

 
(7,493
)
 
107

 
6,906

 
78

 
25,044

Premium wine
 
4,115

 

 

 
(567
)
 
(43
)
 
3,505

Other
 
4,768

 
(1,047
)
 
1,424

 
(1,005
)
 
(15
)
 
4,125

Total commercial loans
 
213,182

 
(51,438
)
 
4,823

 
65,007

 
1,617

 
233,191

Total consumer loans
 
12,184

 
(11
)
 
1,332

 
2,266

 
48

 
15,819

Total allowance for loan losses
 
$
225,366

 
$
(51,449
)
 
$
6,155

 
$
67,273

 
$
1,665

 
$
249,010

The following table summarizes the activity relating to our allowance for unfunded credit commitments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018

2017
 
2018
 
2017
Allowance for unfunded credit commitments, beginning balance
 
$
54,104

 
$
47,000

 
$
51,770

 
$
45,265

(Reduction of) provision for unfunded credit commitments
 
(2,262
)
 
1,113

 
138

 
2,789

Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
(34
)
 
59

 
(100
)
 
118

Allowance for unfunded credit commitments, ending balance (1)
 
$
51,808

 
$
48,172

 
$
51,808


$
48,172

 
(1)
See Note 13—“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 for additional disclosures related to our commitments to extend credit.
The following table summarizes the allowance for loan losses individually and collectively evaluated for impairment as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, broken out by portfolio segment:
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
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/internet
 
$
36,856

 
$
119,639

 
$
76,634

 
$
6,139,085

 
$
23,088

 
$
110,654

 
$
73,016

 
$
6,061,877

Hardware
 
764

 
19,680

 
19,734

 
1,287,029

 
8,450

 
36,350

 
19,164

 
1,157,249

Private equity/venture capital
 

 
3,700

 
91,011

 
13,356,811

 
330

 
658

 
82,138

 
9,951,719

Life science/healthcare
 
11,951

 
36,425

 
23,501

 
2,266,028

 
9,315

 
21,687

 
15,609

 
1,787,140

Premium wine
 
3

 
2,316

 
3,557

 
911,123

 

 
2,877

 
3,532

 
870,281

Other
 

 

 
2,655

 
378,455

 
32

 
32

 
3,909

 
476,306

Total commercial loans
 
49,574

 
181,760

 
217,092

 
24,338,531

 
41,215

 
172,258

 
197,368

 
20,304,572

Total consumer loans
 
418

 
4,312

 
18,629

 
2,970,312

 
578

 
2,603

 
15,863

 
2,626,883

Total
 
$
49,992

 
$
186,072

 
$
235,721

 
$
27,308,843

 
$
41,793

 
$
174,861

 
$
213,231

 
$
22,931,455



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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 full repayment of a criticized loan has been deemed improbable under the original contractual terms but full repayment remains probable overall, the loan is considered to be a “Performing Impaired (Criticized)” loan. 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 2017 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.
The following table summarizes the credit quality indicators, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivables as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Pass
 
Performing (Criticized)
 
Performing Impaired (Criticized)
 
Nonperforming Impaired (Nonaccrual)
 
Total
September 30, 2018:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software/internet
 
$
5,613,023

 
$
584,653

 
$
37,204

 
$
82,435

 
$
6,317,315

Hardware
 
1,245,532

 
53,273

 
17,249

 
2,431

 
1,318,485

Private equity/venture capital
 
13,362,294

 
3,041

 

 
3,700

 
13,369,035

Life science/healthcare
 
2,172,679

 
168,366

 
14,125

 
22,300

 
2,377,470

Premium wine
 
862,311

 
49,639

 
2,010

 
306

 
914,266

Other
 
398,263

 
2,651

 

 

 
400,914

Total commercial loans
 
23,654,102

 
861,623

 
70,588

 
111,172

 
24,697,485

Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate secured loans
 
2,529,708

 
19,631

 
322

 
3,990

 
2,553,651

Other consumer loans
 
417,344

 
349

 

 

 
417,693

Total consumer loans
 
2,947,052

 
19,980

 
322

 
3,990

 
2,971,344

Total gross loans
 
$
26,601,154

 
$
881,603

 
$
70,910

 
$
115,162

 
$
27,668,829

December 31, 2017:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software/internet
 
$
5,655,739

 
$
466,332

 
$
31,794

 
$
78,860

 
$
6,232,725

Hardware
 
1,112,574

 
51,976

 
20,165

 
16,185

 
1,200,900

Private equity/venture capital
 
9,955,082

 
5,381

 

 
658

 
9,961,121

Life science/healthcare
 
1,720,613

 
125,660

 
1,167

 
20,520

 
1,867,960

Premium wine
 
834,537

 
36,955

 
2,476

 
401

 
874,369

Other
 
469,721

 
21,016

 

 
32

 
490,769

Total commercial loans
 
19,748,266

 
707,320

 
55,602

 
116,656

 
20,627,844

Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate secured loans
 
2,282,375

 
13,301

 

 
2,181

 
2,297,857

Other consumer loans
 
326,851

 
1,179

 

 
422

 
328,452

Total consumer loans
 
2,609,226

 
14,480

 

 
2,603

 
2,626,309

Total gross loans
 
$
22,357,492

 
$
721,800

 
$
55,602

 
$
119,259

 
$
23,254,153



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Troubled Debt Restructurings
As of September 30, 2018, we had 20 TDRs with a total carrying value of $85.8 million where concessions have been granted to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties, in an attempt to maximize collection. There were $0.8 million of unfunded commitments available for funding to the clients associated with these TDRs as of September 30, 2018.
The following table summarizes our loans modified in TDRs, broken out by portfolio segment and class of financing receivables at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Loans modified in TDRs:
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
Software/internet
 
$
49,078

 
$
73,455

Hardware
 
12,499

 
51,132

Private equity/venture capital
 

 
350

Life science/healthcare
 
20,942

 
19,235

Premium wine
 
2,964

 
3,198

Total commercial loans
 
85,483

 
147,370

Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
Other consumer loans
 
322

 
423

Total
 
$
85,805

 
$
147,793

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 and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018

2017
 
2018
 
2017
Loans modified in TDRs during the period:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software/internet
 
$

 
$
10,876

 
$
14,069

 
$
26,034

Hardware
 
10,398

 
396

 
12,347

 
396

Life science/healthcare
 

 

 
5,909

 

Premium wine
 

 

 

 
185

Total commercial loans
 
10,398

 
11,272

 
32,325

 
26,615

Consumer loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other consumer loans
 

 

 
322

 

Total loans modified in TDRs during the period (1)
 
$
10,398

 
$
11,272

 
$
32,647

 
$
26,615

 
 
(1)
There were $13.0 million and $21.5 million of partial charge-offs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and zero and $2.6 million of partial charge-offs during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, all new TDRs of $10.4 million and $32.6 million, respectively, were modified through payment deferrals granted to our clients. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, all new TDRs of $11.3 million and $26.6 million, respectively, 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.

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The following table summarizes the recorded investment in loans modified in TDRs within the previous 12 months that subsequently defaulted during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
TDRs modified within the previous 12 months that defaulted during the period:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software/internet
 
$
18,911

 
$
1,234

 
$
41,568

 
$
1,234

Hardware
 
2,100

 

 
5,549

 

Life science/healthcare
 
5,909

 

 
7,139

 

Premium wine
 

 
186

 

 
186

Total TDRs modified within the previous 12 months that defaulted in the period
 
$
26,920

 
$
1,420

 
$
54,256

 
$
1,420

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 for TDRs was necessary to determine the allowance for loan losses as of September 30, 2018.
8.
Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt
The following table represents outstanding short-term borrowings and long-term debt at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carrying Value
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Maturity
 
Principal value at September 30, 2018
 
September 30,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
Short-term borrowings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term FHLB advances
 
(1)
 
$
2,250,000

 
$
2,250,000

 
$
700,000

Federal funds purchased
 

 

 

 
330,000

Securities sold under agreement to repurchase
 
(2)
 
371,539

 
371,539

 

Other short-term borrowings
 
(3)
 
9,713

 
9,713

 
3,730

Total short-term borrowings
 
 
 
 
 
$
2,631,252

 
$
1,033,730

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

 
$
347,554

 
$
347,303

5.375% Senior Notes
 
September 15, 2020
 
350,000

 
348,663

 
348,189

Total long-term debt
 
 
 
 
 
$
696,217

 
$
695,492

 
 
(1)
Represents advances from the FHLB at September 30, 2018 with maturity dates through November 26, 2018.
(2)
Securities sold under repurchase agreements are effectively short-term collateralized borrowings. Gross repurchase agreements held at September 30, 2018 have maturity dates through October 17, 2018.
(3)
Represents cash collateral received from certain counterparties in relation to market value exposures of derivative contracts in our favor.
Interest expense related to short-term borrowings and long-term debt was $12.0 million and $29.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30,2018, respectively, and $9.0 million and $27.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. The weighted average interest rate associated with our short-term borrowings was 2.31 percent as of September 30, 2018 and 1.39 percent as of December 31, 2017.

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Available Lines of Credit
We have certain facilities in place to enable us to access short-term borrowings on a secured (using loans and fixed income investment securities as collateral) and unsecured basis. These include repurchase agreements and federal funds lines with various financial institutions. As of September 30, 2018, we did not have any borrowings outstanding against our federal funds lines. We also pledge collateral to the FHLB of San Francisco (comprised primarily of loans and fixed income investment securities) and the discount window at the FRB (comprised primarily of fixed income investment securities) of which $2.0 billion and $1.0 billion, respectively, of our borrowing capacity, was unused and available to support additional borrowings at September 30, 2018.
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, which may include currency exchange rate risks and interest rate risks. 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.
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 recorded in the line item “other” as part of noninterest income, a component of consolidated net 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 in the line item “other” as part of noninterest income, a component of consolidated net income.
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 2017 Form 10-K.
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.

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Table of Contents

The total notional or contractual amounts and fair value of our derivative financial instruments at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were as follows:
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
Notional or
Contractual
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Notional or
Contractual
Amount
 
Fair Value
(Dollars in thousands)
 

Derivative Assets (1)

Derivative Liabilities (1)
 
 
Derivative Assets (1)

Derivative Liabilities (1)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 





 

 
 


 Currency exchange risks:
 





 

 
 


Foreign exchange forwards
 
$
241,360


$
2,842


$

 
$
50,889

 
$
414


$

Foreign exchange forwards
 
397,153




4,370

 
425,055

 


5,201

 Other derivative instruments:
 


 

 
 

 
 

 
Equity warrant assets
 
223,868


146,967



 
211,253

 
123,763



Client foreign exchange forwards
 
2,523,524


77,585



 
2,203,643

 
95,035



Client foreign exchange forwards
 
2,390,294




70,317

 
2,092,207

 


90,253

Client foreign currency options
 
91,125


1,476



 
102,678

 
1,187



Client foreign currency options
 
91,149




1,478

 
102,678

 


1,187

Client interest rate derivatives (2)
 
937,808


6,262



 
726,984

 
11,753



Client interest rate derivatives
 
1,335,830




15,156

 
782,586

 


11,940

Total Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
$
235,132


$
91,321

 
 
 
$
232,152


$
108,581

 
 
(1)
Derivative assets and liabilities are included in "accrued interest receivable and other assets" and "other liabilities", respectively, on our consolidated balance sheets.
(2)
The amount reported for September 30, 2018 reflects rule changes implemented by two central clearing houses that allow entities to elect to treat derivative assets, liabilities and the related variation margin as settlement of the related derivative fair values for legal and accounting purposes, as opposed to presenting gross derivative assets and liabilities. As a result, client interest rate derivatives at September 30, 2018, reflect reductions of approximately $8.7 million of derivative assets that previously would have been reported on a gross basis and approximately $302.4 million in related notional amounts for these derivative assets cleared through central clearing houses.

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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 and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:
 
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Statement of income location   
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Interest rate risks:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash benefit associated with interest rate swaps
 
Interest expense—borrowings
 
$

 
$
62

 
$

 
$
997

Changes in fair value of interest rate swaps
 
Other noninterest income
 

 

 

 
(7
)
Net gains associated with interest rate risk derivatives
 
 
 
$

 
$
62

 
$

 
$
990

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Currency exchange risks:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gains on revaluations of internal foreign currency instruments, net
 
Other noninterest income
 
$
5,412

 
$
10,561

 
$
8,019

 
$
29,265

(Losses) on internal foreign exchange forward contracts, net
 
Other noninterest income
 
(5,002
)
 
(10,550
)
 
(8,055
)
 
(28,349
)
Net gains (losses) associated with internal currency risk
 
 
 
$
410

 
$
11

 
$
(36
)
 
$
916

 Other derivative instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Losses) gains on revaluations of client foreign currency instruments, net
 
Other noninterest income
 
$
(1,187
)
 
$
3,760

 
$
3,718

 
$
8,889

Gains (losses) on client foreign exchange forward contracts, net
 
Other noninterest income
 
1,573

 
(3,871
)
 
(2,697
)
 
(8,350
)
Net gains (losses) associated with client currency risk
 
 
 
$
386

 
$
(111
)
 
$
1,021

 
$
539

Net gains on equity warrant assets
 
Gains on equity warrant assets, net
 
$
34,141

 
$
24,922

 
$
72,393

 
$
42,432

Net gains (losses) on other derivatives
 
Other noninterest income
 
$
222

 
$
(38
)
 
$
643

 
$
(524
)
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.

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Table of Contents

The following table summarizes our assets subject to enforceable master netting arrangements as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
 
 
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
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position But Subject to Master Netting Arrangements
 
Net Amount
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Financial Instruments
 
Cash Collateral Received (1)
 
September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forwards
 
$
80,427

 
$

 
$
80,427

 
$
(29,400
)
 
$
(6,816
)
 
$
44,211

   Foreign currency options
 
1,476

 

 
1,476

 
(811
)
 

 
665

   Client interest rate derivatives
 
6,262

 

 
6,262

 
(3,365
)
 
(2,897
)
 

Total derivative assets
 
88,165

 

 
88,165

 
(33,576
)
 
(9,713
)
 
44,876

Reverse repurchase, securities borrowing, and similar arrangements
 
119,181

 

 
119,181

 
(119,181
)
 

 

Total
 
$
207,346

 
$

 
$
207,346

 
$
(152,757
)
 
$
(9,713
)
 
$
44,876

December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forwards (2)
 
$
95,449

 
$

 
$
95,449

 
$
(14,570
)
 
$
(3,616
)
 
$
77,263

   Foreign currency options
 
1,187

 

 
1,187

 
(557
)
 

 
630

   Client interest rate derivatives (2)
 
11,753

 

 
11,753

 
(11,627
)
 
(114
)
 
12

Total derivative assets
 
108,389

 

 
108,389

 
(26,754
)
 
(3,730
)
 
77,905

Reverse repurchase, securities borrowing, and similar arrangements
 
247,876

 

 
247,876

 
(247,876
)
 

 

Total
 
$
356,265

 
$

 
$
356,265

 
$
(274,630
)
 
$
(3,730
)
 
$
77,905

 
 
(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)
For the period ending December 31, 2017, previously reported amounts for our foreign exchange forwards and client interest rate derivatives were reclassified between "Financial Instruments" and "Cash Collateral Received" to properly reflect cash collateral received for these derivative assets subject to master netting arrangements, respectively. The correction of this immaterial error had no impact on the "Net Amount" of derivative assets subject to enforceable master netting arrangements.
The following table summarizes our liabilities subject to enforceable master netting arrangements as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
 
 
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
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Position But Subject to Master Netting Arrangements
 
Net Amount
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Financial Instruments
 
Cash Collateral Pledged (1)
 
September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Foreign exchange forwards
 
$
74,687

 
$

 
$
74,687

 
$
(22,038
)
 
$
(20,036
)
 
$
32,613

   Foreign currency options
 
1,478

 

 
1,478

 
(666
)
 

 
812

   Client interest rate derivatives
 
15,156

 

 
15,156

 
(4,882
)
 
(10,180
)
 
94

Total derivative liabilities
 
91,321

 

 
91,321

 
(27,586
)
 
(30,216
)
 
33,519

Repurchase, securities lending, and similar arrangements
 
371,539

 

 
371,539

 
(147,757
)
 
(750
)
 
223,032

Total
 
$
462,860

 
$

 
$
462,860

 
$
(175,343
)
 
$
(30,966
)
 
$
256,551

December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Foreign exchange forwards (2)
 
$
95,454

 
$

 
$
95,454

 
$
(10,997
)
 
$
(69,110
)
 
$
15,347

   Foreign currency options (2)
 
1,187

 

 
1,187

 
(501
)
 
(130
)
 
556

   Client interest rate derivatives (2)
 
11,940

 

 
11,940

 

 
(11,924
)
 
16

Total derivative liabilities (2)
 
108,581

 

 
108,581

 
(11,498
)
 
(81,164
)
 
15,919

Repurchase, securities lending, and similar arrangements
 

 

 

 

 

 

Total (2)
 
$
108,581

 
$

 
$
108,581

 
$
(11,498
)
 
$
(81,164
)
 
$
15,919


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Table of Contents

 
 
(1)
Cash collateral pledged to our counterparties in relation to market value exposures of derivative contracts in a liability position and repurchase agreements are recorded as a component of “cash and cash equivalents" on our consolidated balance sheets.
(2)
For the period ending December 31, 2017, previously reported amounts included in "Financial Instruments" were reclassified to "Cash Collateral Pledged" to properly reflect cash collateral pledged for these derivative liabilities subject to master netting arrangements. The correction of this immaterial error had no impact on the "Net Amount" of derivative liabilities subject to enforceable master netting arrangements.
10.
Noninterest Income
On January 1, 2018, we adopted Topic 606 using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts which were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018, are presented under Topic 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our previous accounting methodology under Topic 605. A summary of noninterest income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:
 
 
Three months ended September 30,

Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018

2017

2018

2017
Noninterest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gains on investment securities, net
 
$
32,193

 
$
15,238

 
$
77,365

 
$
48,838

Gains on equity warrant assets, net
 
34,141

 
24,922

 
72,393

 
42,432

Foreign exchange fees
 
32,656

 
29,671

 
100,560

 
82,026

Credit card fees
 
24,121

 
20,270

 
68,739

 
56,099

Deposit service charges
 
19,588

 
14,508

 
56,081

 
43,046

Client investment fees
 
36,265

 
15,563

 
88,592

 
37,571

Lending related fees
 
10,675

 
15,404

 
30,938

 
32,874

Letters of credit and standby letters of credit fees
 
8,409

 
7,306

 
24,938

 
20,951

Other
 
12,022

 
15,896

 
38,671

 
41,128

Total noninterest income
 
$
210,070

 
$
158,778

 
$
558,277

 
$
404,965

Gains on investment securities, net
Net gains on investment securities include both gains and losses from our non-marketable and other equity securities, which include public equity securities held as a result of exercised equity warrant assets, gains and losses from sales of our AFS debt securities portfolio, when applicable, and carried interest.
Our non-marketable and other equity securities portfolio primarily represents investments in venture capital and private equity funds, our China Joint Venture, debt funds, private and public portfolio companies and investments in qualified affordable housing projects. We experience variability in the performance of our non-marketable and other equity securities from period to period, 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 equity 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 or losses from investment securities. 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, and 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.
Carried interest is comprised of preferential allocations of profits recognizable when the return on assets of our individual managed fund of funds and direct venture funds exceeds certain performance targets and is payable to us, as the general partners of the managed funds. The carried interest we earn is often shared with employees, who are also members of the general partner entities. We record carried interest on a quarterly basis by measuring fund performance to date versus the performance target.  For our unconsolidated managed funds, carried interest is recorded as gains on investment securities, net. For our consolidated managed funds, it is recorded as a component of net income attributable to noncontrolling interests.  Carried interest allocated to others is recorded as a component of net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. Any carried interest paid to us (or

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our employees) may be subject to reversal to the extent fund performance declines to a level where inception to date carried interest is lower than actual payments made by the funds. The limited partnership agreements for our funds provide that carried interest is generally not paid to the general partners until the funds have provided a full return of contributed capital to the limited partners. Accrued, but unpaid carried interest may be subject to reversal to the extent that the fund performance declines to a level where inception-to-date carried interest is less than prior amounts recognized. Carried interest income is accounted for under an ownership model based on ASC 323 — Equity Method of Accounting and ASC 810 — Consolidation.
Our available-for-sale securities portfolio is 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. Though infrequent, sales of debt securities in our AFS securities portfolio may result in net gains or losses and are conducted pursuant to the guidelines of our investment policy related to the management of our liquidity position and interest rate risk.
Gains on investment securities are outside of the scope of the new revenue standard as it explicitly excludes noninterest income earned from our investment-related activities. A summary of gains and losses on investment securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:
  
 
Three months ended September 30,

Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018

2017

2018

2017
Gains on non-marketable and other equity securities, net
 
$
32,193

 
$
15,339

 
$
77,365

 
$
48,454

(Losses) gains on sales of available-for-sale securities, net
 

 
(101
)
 

 
384

Total gains on investment securities, net
 
$
32,193

 
$
15,238

 
$
77,365

 
$
48,838

Gains on equity warrant assets, net
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. Any changes in fair value from the grant date fair value of equity warrant assets will be recognized as increases or decreases to other assets on our balance sheet and as net gains or losses on equity warrant assets, in noninterest income, a component of consolidated net income. Gains on equity warrant assets are recognized outside of the scope of the new revenue standard as it explicitly excludes noninterest income earned from our derivative-related activities. A summary of net gains on equity warrant assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:
  
 
Three months ended September 30,

Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018

2017

2018

2017
Equity warrant assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gains on exercises, net
 
$
18,287

 
$
7,449

 
$
42,808

 
$
22,482

Cancellations and expirations
 
(1,432
)
 
(757
)
 
(3,158
)
 
(3,614
)
Changes in fair value, net
 
17,286

 
18,230

 
32,743

 
23,564

Total net gains on equity warrant assets
 
$
34,141

 
$
24,922

 
$
72,393

 
$
42,432

Foreign exchange fees
Foreign exchange fees represent the income differential between purchases and sales of foreign currency on behalf of our clients, primarily from spot contracts. Foreign exchange spot contract fees are recognized upon the completion of the single performance obligation, the execution of a spot trade in exchange for a fee. In line with customary business practice, the legal right transfers to the client upon execution of a foreign exchange contract on the trade date, and as such, we currently recognize our fees based on the trade date and are typically settled within two business days.
Forward contract and option premium fees are recognized outside of the scope of the new revenue standard as it explicitly excludes noninterest income earned from our derivative-related activities. A summary of foreign exchange fee income by instrument type for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:

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Three months ended September 30,

Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018

2017

2018

2017
Foreign exchange fees by instrument type:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Spot contract commissions
 
$
30,041

 
$
27,700

 
$
92,791

 
$
73,707

Forward contract commissions
 
2,534

 
1,877

 
7,474

 
7,948

Option premium fees
 
81

 
94

 
295

 
371

Total foreign exchange fees
 
$
32,656

 
$
29,671

 
$
100,560

 
$
82,026

Credit card fees
Credit card fees include interchange income from credit and debit cards and fees earned from processing transactions for merchants. Interchange income is earned after satisfying our performance obligation of providing nightly settlement services to a payment network. Costs related to rewards programs are recorded when the rewards are earned by the customer and presented as a reduction to interchange fee income. Rewards programs continue to be accounted for under ASC 310 - Receivables. Our performance obligations for merchant service fees are to transmit data and funds between the merchant and the payment network. Credit card interchange and merchant service fees are earned daily upon completion of transaction settlement services.
Annual card service fees are recognized on a straight-line basis over a 12-month period and continue to be accounted for under ASC 310 - Receivables.
A summary of credit card fees by instrument type for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:
 
 
Three months ended September 30,

Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018

2017

2018

2017
Credit card fees by instrument type:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Card interchange fees, net
 
$
18,849

 
$
16,179

 
$
54,547

 
$
44,182

Merchant service fees
 
3,679

 
2,930

 
10,010

 
8,553

Card service fees
 
1,593

 
1,161

 
4,182

 
3,364

Total credit card fees
 
$
24,121

 
$
20,270

 
$
68,739

 
$
56,099

Deposit service charges
Deposit service charges include fees earned from performing cash management activities and other deposit account services. Deposit services include, but are not limited to, the following: receivables services, which include merchant services, remote capture, lockbox, electronic deposit capture, and fraud control services. Payment and cash management products and services include wire transfer and automated clearing house payment services to enable clients to transfer funds more quickly, as well as business bill pay, business credit and debit cards, account analysis, and disbursement services. Deposit service charges are recognized over the period in which the related performance obligation is provided, generally on a monthly basis.
Client investment fees
Client investment fees include fees earned from discretionary investment management services for substantially all clients, managing clients’ portfolios based on their investment policies, strategies and objectives and investment advisory fees. Revenue is recognized on a monthly basis upon completion of our performance obligation and consideration is typically received in the subsequent month. Included in our sweep money market fees are Rule 12(b)-1 fees, revenue sharing and customer transactional-based fees. Rule 12(b)-1 fees and revenue sharing are recognized as earned based on client funds that are invested in the period, typically monthly. Transactional based fees are earned and recognized on fixed income securities when the transaction is executed on the clients' behalf. Amounts paid to third-party service providers are predominantly expensed, such that client investment fees are recorded gross of payments made to third parties. A summary of client investment fees by instrument type for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, is as follows:

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Three months ended September 30,

Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018

2017

2018

2017
Client investment fees by type:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sweep money market fees
 
$
21,105

 
$
7,968

 
$
50,605

 
$
18,838

Asset management fees (1)
 
6,358

 
4,177

 
17,447

 
11,666

Repurchase agreement fees
 
8,802

 
3,418

 
20,540

 
7,067

Total client investment fees (2)
 
$
36,265

 
$
15,563

 
$
88,592

 
$
37,571

 
 
(1)
Represents fees earned from investments in third-party money market mutual funds and fixed-income securities managed by SVB Asset Management.
(2)
Represents fees earned on client investment funds which are maintained at third-party financial institutions and are not recorded on our balance sheet.
Lending related fees
Unused commitment fees, minimum finance fees and unused line fees are recognized as earned on a monthly basis. Fees that qualify for syndication treatment are recognized at the completion of the syndicated loan deal for which the fees were received. Lending related fees are recognized outside of the scope of the new revenue standard as it explicitly excludes noninterest income earned from our lending-related activities. A summary of lending related fees by instrument type for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:
 
 
Three months ended September 30,

Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018

2017

2018

2017
Lending related fees by instrument type:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unused commitment fees
 
$
8,410

 
$
12,334

 
$
24,994

 
$
25,923

Other
 
2,265

 
3,070

 
5,944

 
6,951

Total lending related fees
 
$
10,675

 
$
15,404

 
$
30,938

 
$
32,874

Letters of credit and standby letters of credit fees
Commercial and standby letters of credit represent conditional commitments issued by us on behalf of a client to guarantee the performance of the client to a third party when certain specified future events have occurred. Fees generated from letters of credit and standby letters of credit are deferred as a component of other liabilities and recognized in noninterest income over the commitment period using the straight-line method, based on the likelihood that the commitment being drawn down will be remote. Letters of credit and standby letters of credit fees are recognized outside of the scope of the new revenue standard as it explicitly excludes noninterest income earned from our lending related activities.
Other
Other noninterest income primarily includes income from fund management fees and service revenue. Fund management fees are comprised of fees charged directly to our managed funds of funds and direct venture funds. Fund management fees are based upon the contractual terms of the limited partnership agreements and are generally recognized as earned over the specified contract period, which is generally equal to the life of the individual fund. Fund management fees are calculated as a percentage of committed capital and collected in advance and are received quarterly. Fund management fees for certain of our limited partnership agreements are calculated as a percentage of distributions made by the funds and revenue is recorded only at the time of a distribution event. As distribution events are not predetermined for these certain funds, management fees are considered variable and constrained under the new revenue standard.
Other service revenue primarily consists of dividend income on FHLB/FRB stock, correspondent bank rebate income, incentive fees related to carried interest and other fee income. We recognize revenue when our performance obligations are met and record revenues on a daily/monthly basis, quarterly, semi-annually or annual basis. For event driven revenue sources, we recognize revenue when: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) we have performed the service, provided we have no other remaining obligations to the customer, (iii) the fee is fixed or determinable and (iv) collectability is probable.
A summary of other noninterest income by instrument type for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:

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Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Other noninterest income by instrument type:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fund management fees
 
$
5,479

 
$
5,198

 
$
17,144

 
$
15,903

Net gains (losses) on revaluation of foreign currency instruments, net of foreign exchange forward contracts(1)
 
796

 
(100
)
 
985

 
1,455

Other service revenue
 
5,747

 
10,798

 
20,542

 
23,770

Total other noninterest income
 
$
12,022

 
$
15,896

 
$
38,671

 
$
41,128

 
(1)
Represents the net revaluation of client and internal foreign currency denominated financial instruments. We enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to economically reduce our foreign exchange exposure related to client and internal foreign currency denominated financial instruments.
Disaggregation of Revenue from Contracts with Customers
The following tables present our revenues from contracts with customers disaggregated by revenue source and segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018:
Three months ended September 30, 2018
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Global
Commercial
Bank
 
SVB Private  
Bank
 
SVB Capital
 
Other Income
 
Total      
Revenue from contracts with customers:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Spot contract commissions
 
$
29,776

 
$
184

 
$

 
$
81

 
$
30,041

Card interchange fees, gross
 
33,905

 

 

 
108

 
34,013

Merchant service fees
 
3,677

 
2

 

 

 
3,679

Deposit service charges
 
19,207

 
24

 

 
357

 
19,588

Client investment fees
 
14,740

 
420

 

 
21,105

 
36,265

Fund management fees
 

 

 
5,479

 

 
5,479

Correspondent bank rebates
 
1,372

 

 

 

 
1,372

Total revenue from contracts with customers
 
$
102,677

 
$
630

 
$
5,479

 
$
21,651

 
$
130,437

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues outside the scope of ASC 606 (1)
 
11,446

 
(25
)
 
18,944

 
49,268

 
79,633

Total noninterest income
 
$
114,123

 
$
605

 
$
24,423

 
$
70,919

 
$
210,070

 
(1)
Amounts are accounted for under separate guidance than ASC 606.
Nine months ended September 30, 2018
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Global
Commercial
Bank
 
SVB Private  
Bank
 
SVB Capital
 
Other Income
 
Total      
Revenue from contracts with customers:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Spot contract commissions
 
$
92,098

 
$
507

 
$

 
$
186

 
$
92,791

Card interchange fees, gross
 
95,088

 

 

 
311

 
95,399

Merchant service fees
 
10,008

 
2

 

 

 
10,010

Deposit service charges
 
54,633

 
83

 

 
1,365

 
56,081

Client investment fees
 
36,885

 
1,101

 

 
50,606

 
88,592

Fund management fees
 

 

 
17,144

 

 
17,144

Correspondent bank rebates
 
4,241

 

 

 

 
4,241

Total revenue from contracts with customers
 
$
292,953

 
$
1,693

 
$
17,144

 
$
52,468

 
$
364,258

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues outside the scope of ASC 606 (1)
 
33,761

 
(16
)
 
64,688

 
95,586

 
194,019

Total noninterest income
 
$
326,714

 
$
1,677

 
$
81,832

 
$
148,054

 
$
558,277

 
(1)
Amounts are accounted for under separate guidance than ASC 606.

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11.
Other Noninterest Expense
A summary of other noninterest expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Lending and other client related processing costs
 
$
5,698

 
$
6,935

 
$
16,301

 
$
18,806

Data processing services
 
2,740

 
2,244

 
7,934

 
7,254

Telephone
 
2,269

 
2,518

 
7,025

 
7,892

Dues and publications
 
1,387

 
883

 
3,081

 
2,355

Postage and supplies
 
652

 
612

 
2,133

 
2,013

Other
 
5,393

 
4,872

 
15,171

 
16,350

Total other noninterest expense
 
$
18,139

 
$
18,064

 
$
51,645

 
$
54,670

12.
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 Global Commercial Bank and SVB Private Bank 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, these 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 a funding credit is given for deposits raised, and a funding charge is made for loans funded. FTP is calculated at an instrument level based on account characteristics.
We also evaluate performance based on provision for credit 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 tax expense or the provision for unfunded credit commitments (included in provision for credit losses) 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.
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 previously provided equity valuation services and currently provides research for investors and companies in the global innovation economy. In September 2017, SVB Analytics sold its equity valuation services business.
Debt Fund Investments comprised of our investments in certain debt funds in which we are a strategic investor.

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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 funds management business of SVBFG, which focuses primarily on venture capital investments. 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 allocations) and management fees.

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The summary financial results of our operating segments are presented along with a reconciliation to our consolidated interim results.
Our segment information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Global
Commercial
Bank (1)
 
SVB Private  
Bank
 
SVB Capital (1)  
 
Other Items (2)      
 
Total      
Three months ended September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
 
$
431,036

 
$
14,919

 
$
6

 
$
47,261

 
$
493,222

(Provision for) reduction of credit losses
 
(19,074
)
 
(362
)
 

 
2,262

 
(17,174
)
Noninterest income
 
114,123

 
605

 
24,423

 
70,919

 
210,070

Noninterest expense (3)
 
(206,487
)
 
(6,760
)
 
(6,469
)
 
(89,729
)
 
(309,445
)
Income before income tax expense (4)
 
$
319,598

 
$
8,402

 
$
17,960

 
$
30,713

 
$
376,673

Total average loans, net of unearned income
 
$
22,925,909

 
$
2,928,576

 
$

 
$
476,892

 
$
26,331,377

Total average assets (5)
 
54,296,808

 
2,538,662

 
388,531

 
(758,964
)
 
56,465,037

Total average deposits
 
47,037,693

 
1,505,746

 

 
548,801

 
49,092,240

Three months ended September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
 
$
337,860

 
$
14,600

 
$
15

 
$
21,499

 
$
373,974

Provision for credit losses
 
(20,874
)
 
(1,535
)
 

 
(1,113
)
 
(23,522
)
Noninterest income
 
97,227

 
460

 
13,913

 
47,178

 
158,778

Noninterest expense (3)
 
(178,306
)
 
(4,706
)
 
(4,873
)
 
(69,876
)
 
(257,761
)
Income (loss) before income tax expense (4)
 
$
235,907

 
$
8,819

 
$
9,055

 
$
(2,312
)
 
$
251,469

Total average loans, net of unearned income
 
$
18,807,616

 
$
2,499,507

 
$

 
$
277,769

 
$
21,584,892

Total average assets (5)
 
47,809,890

 
2,538,400

 
323,417

 
(876,341
)
 
49,795,366

Total average deposits
 
42,376,024

 
1,231,390

 

 
435,428

 
44,042,842

Nine months ended September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
 
$
1,209,960

 
$
46,811

 
$
22

 
$
122,735

 
$
1,379,528

Provision for credit losses
 
(71,704
)
 
(2,384
)
 

 
(138
)
 
(74,226
)
Noninterest income
 
326,714

 
1,677

 
81,832

 
148,054

 
558,277

Noninterest expense (3)
 
(591,434
)
 
(18,729
)
 
(17,182
)
 
(253,256
)
 
(880,601
)
Income before income tax expense (4)
 
$
873,536

 
$
27,375

 
$
64,672

 
$
17,395

 
$
982,978

Total average loans, net of unearned income
 
$
21,781,557

 
$
2,791,910

 
$

 
$
434,810

 
$
25,008,277

Total average assets (5)
 
52,277,701

 
2,548,184

 
379,809

 
(773,042
)
 
54,432,652

Total average deposits
 
45,701,317

 
1,519,200

 

 
513,845

 
47,734,362

Nine months ended September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income
 
$
924,789

 
$
42,952

 
$
41

 
$
58,881

 
$
1,026,663

Provision for credit losses
 
(65,007
)
 
(2,266
)
 

 
(2,789
)
 
(70,062
)
Noninterest income
 
260,650

 
1,715

 
45,707

 
96,893

 
404,965

Noninterest expense (3)
 
(528,807
)
 
(12,675
)
 
(14,537
)
 
(190,621
)
 
(746,640
)
Income (loss) before income tax expense (4)
 
$
591,625

 
$
29,726

 
$
31,211

 
$
(37,636
)
 
$
614,926

Total average loans, net of unearned income
 
$
18,125,020

 
$
2,371,027

 
$

 
$
230,420

 
$
20,726,467

Total average assets (5)
 
45,408,476

 
2,403,777

 
333,439

 
(580,641
)
 
47,565,051

Total average deposits
 
40,398,413

 
1,289,990

 

 
373,232

 
42,061,635

 
 
(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 consists primarily of interest earned from our fixed income investment portfolio, net of FTP. Noninterest income consists primarily of gains on equity warrant assets and gains or losses on the sale of fixed income investments and equity securities from exercised warrant

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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 $5.5 million and $6.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $16.6 million and $19.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, 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 to reconcile the results to the consolidated financial statements prepared in conformity with GAAP.
13.
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, 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.
Commitments to Extend Credit
The following table summarizes information related to our commitments to extend credit at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Loan commitments available for funding: (1)
 
 
 
 
Fixed interest rate commitments
 
$
1,768,904

 
$
1,478,157

Variable interest rate commitments
 
14,698,357

 
14,034,169

Total loan commitments available for funding
 
16,467,261

 
15,512,326

Commercial and standby letters of credit (2)
 
2,072,253

 
1,950,211

Total unfunded credit commitments
 
$
18,539,514

 
$
17,462,537

Commitments unavailable for funding (3)
 
$
2,458,846

 
$
2,117,057

Allowance for unfunded credit commitments (4)
 
51,808

 
51,770

 
 
(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)
Our allowance 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 September 30, 2018. 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
 
$
1,906,562

 
$
41,565

 
$
1,948,127

 
$
1,948,127

Performance standby letters of credit
 
84,402

 
15,666

 
100,068

 
100,068

Commercial letters of credit
 
23,707

 
351

 
24,058

 
24,058

Total
 
$
2,014,671

 
$
57,582

 
$
2,072,253

 
$
2,072,253


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Deferred fees related to financial and performance standby letters of credit were $11.9 million at September 30, 2018 and $12.4 million at December 31, 2017. At September 30, 2018, collateral in the form of cash of $1.1 billion was available to us to reimburse losses, if any, under financial and performance standby letters of credit.
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 generally makes investments in 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 call most of the capital commitments over 5 to 7 years, and in certain cases, the funds may not call 100% of committed capital. 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 September 30, 2018:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
SVBFG Capital Commitments    
 
SVBFG Unfunded    
Commitments
 
SVBFG Ownership  
of each Fund (3)
CP I, LP
 
$
6,000

 
$
270

 
10.7
%
CP II, LP (1)
 
1,200

 
162

 
5.1

Shanghai Yangpu Venture Capital Fund (LP)
 
844

 

 
6.8

Strategic Investors Fund, LP
 
15,300

 
688

 
12.6

Strategic Investors Fund II, LP
 
15,000

 
1,050

 
8.6

Strategic Investors Fund III, LP
 
15,000

 
1,275

 
5.9

Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP
 
12,239

 
2,325

 
5.0

Strategic Investors Fund V funds
 
515

 
131

 
Various

Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP
 
12,688

 

 
20.0

Growth Partners, LP
 
24,670

 
1,340

 
33.0

Debt funds (equity method accounting)
 
48,443

 

 
Various

Other fund investments (2)
 
298,168

 
8,366

 
Various

Total
 
$
450,067

 
$
15,607

 
 
 
 
(1)
Our ownership includes direct ownership of 1.3 percent and indirect ownership interest of 3.8 percent through our investment in Strategic Investors Fund II, LP.
(2)
Represents commitments to 223 funds (primarily venture capital funds) where our ownership interest is generally less than five percent of the voting interests of each such fund.
(3)
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 Part 1, Item 1 of our 2017 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 September 30, 2018:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Unfunded Commitments    
Strategic Investors Fund, LP
 
$
1,338

Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP
 
2,658

Growth Partners, LP
 
1,779

Total
 
$
5,775

14.
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 and California tax returns as major tax filings. Our U.S. federal tax returns for 2015 and subsequent tax years remain open to full examination. Our California tax returns for 2013 and subsequent tax years remain open to full examination.

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At September 30, 2018, our unrecognized tax benefit was $13.2 million, the recognition of which would reduce our income tax expense by $10.2 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 or nine months ended September 30, 2018.
15.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair Value Measurements
Our available-for-sale securities, derivative instruments and certain non-marketable and other equity 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 on 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 pricing service providers who have experience in valuing these securities and by comparison to and/or average of quoted market prices obtained from independent 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:
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.

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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:
Venture capital and private equity fund investments not measured at net asset value: 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.
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 percent for certain warrants that have lock-up restrictions or other features that indicate a discount to fair value is warranted. As 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 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 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.

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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.
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 September 30, 2018:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Balance at September 30, 2018
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
5,501,874

 
$

 
$

 
$
5,501,874

U.S. agency debentures
 

 
1,346,672

 

 
1,346,672

Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligationsfixed rate
 

 
1,920,541

 

 
1,920,541

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate
 

 
318,522

 

 
318,522

Total available-for-sale securities
 
5,501,874

 
3,585,735

 

 
9,087,609

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

 

 

 
334,419

Venture capital and private equity fund investments not measured at net asset value (1)
 

 

 
1,001

 
1,001

Other equity securities in public companies
 
2,184

 
28,276

 

 
30,460

Total non-marketable and other equity securities (fair value accounting)
 
2,184

 
28,276

 
1,001

 
365,880

Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts
 

 
81,903

 

 
81,903

Equity warrant assets
 

 
6,478

 
140,489

 
146,967

Client interest rate derivatives
 

 
6,262

 

 
6,262

Total assets
 
$
5,504,058

 
$
3,708,654

 
$
141,490

 
$
9,688,621

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts
 
$

 
$
76,165

 
$

 
$
76,165

Client interest rate derivatives
 

 
15,156

 

 
15,156

Total liabilities
 
$

 
$
91,321

 
$

 
$
91,321

 
 
(1)
Included in Level 3 assets is $0.9 million 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, 2017:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Balance at December 31, 2017
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury securities
 
$
6,840,502

 
$

 
$

 
$
6,840,502

U.S. agency debentures
 

 
1,567,128

 

 
1,567,128

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

 
2,267,035

 

 
2,267,035

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligations—variable rate
 

 
373,730

 

 
373,730

Equity securities
 
158

 
72,111

 

 
72,269

Total available-for-sale securities
 
6,840,660

 
4,280,004

 

 
11,120,664

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

 

 

 
127,192

Venture capital and private equity fund investments not measured at net asset value (1)
 

 

 
919

 
919

Other equity securities in public companies (1)
 
310

 

 

 
310

Total non-marketable and other equity securities (fair value accounting)
 
310

 

 
919

 
128,421

Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts
 

 
96,636

 

 
96,636

Equity warrant assets
 

 
2,432

 
121,331

 
123,763

Client interest rate derivatives
 

 
11,753

 

 
11,753

Total assets
 
$
6,840,970

 
$
4,390,825

 
$
122,250

 
$
11,481,237

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts
 
$

 
$
96,641

 
$

 
$
96,641

Client interest rate derivatives
 

 
11,940

 

 
11,940

Total liabilities
 
$

 
$
108,581

 
$

 
$
108,581

 
 
(1)
Included in Level 1 and Level 3 assets are $0.2 million and $0.8 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Beginning
Balance
 
Total Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Income
 
Sales/Exits
 
Issuances  
 
Distributions and Other Settlements
 
Transfers Out of Level 3
 
Ending
Balance
Three months ended September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments not measured at net asset value (1)
 
$
1,001

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,001

Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity warrant assets (2)
 
137,753

 
32,237

 
(34,101
)
 
4,809

 

 
(209
)
 
140,489

Total assets
 
$
138,754

 
$
32,237

 
$
(34,101
)
 
$
4,809

 
$

 
$
(209
)
 
$
141,490

Three months ended September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments not measured at net asset value (1)
 
$
1,897

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,897

Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity warrant assets (2)
 
128,952

 
24,354

 
(17,412
)
 
3,622

 

 
(441
)
 
139,075

Total assets
 
$
130,849

 
$
24,354

 
$
(17,412
)
 
$
3,622

 
$

 
$
(441
)
 
$
140,972

Nine months ended September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other venture capital investments (1)
 
$
919

 
$
82

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,001

Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity warrant assets (2)
 
121,331

 
69,097

 
(61,464
)
 
14,007

 

 
(2,482
)
 
140,489

Total assets
 
$
122,250

 
$
69,179

 
$
(61,464
)
 
$
14,007

 
$

 
$
(2,482
)
 
$
141,490

Nine months ended September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other venture capital investments (1)
 
$
2,040

 
$
(143
)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,897

Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity warrant assets (2)
 
128,813

 
41,549

 
(40,998
)
 
11,071

 

 
(1,360
)
 
139,075

Total assets
 
$
130,853

 
$
41,406

 
$
(40,998
)
 
$
11,071

 
$

 
$
(1,360
)
 
$
140,972

 
 
(1)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) are recorded in the line item “Gains on investment securities, net," a component of noninterest income.
(2)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) are recorded in the line item “Gains on equity warrant assets, net," a component of noninterest income.



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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 September 30, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Non-marketable and other securities (fair value accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments not measured at net asset value (1)
 
$

 
$

 
$
82

 
$
(143
)
Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity warrant assets (2)
 
15,841

 
17,827

 
30,954

 
23,734

Total unrealized gains, net
 
$
15,841

 
$
17,827

 
$
31,036

 
$
23,591

Unrealized gains (losses) attributable to noncontrolling interests (1)
 
$

 
$

 
$
73

 
$
(127
)
 
 
(1)
Unrealized gains (losses) are recorded in the line item “Gains on investment securities, net," a component of noninterest income.
(2)
Unrealized gains (losses) are recorded in the line item “Gains on equity warrant assets, net," a component of noninterest income.
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 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 September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. 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
September 30, 2018:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments (fair value accounting)
 
$
1,001

 
Private company equity pricing
 
(1)
 
(1
)
Equity warrant assets (public portfolio)
 
1,805

 
Black-Scholes option pricing model
 
Volatility
 
53.1
%
 
 
 
 
Risk-Free interest rate
 
3.0

 
 
 
 
Sales restrictions discount (2)
 
14.1

Equity warrant assets (private portfolio)
 
138,684

 
Black-Scholes option pricing model
 
Volatility
 
38.2

 
 
 
 
Risk-Free interest rate
 
2.8

 
 
 
 
Marketability discount (3)
 
17.2

 
 
 
 
Remaining life assumption (4)
 
45.0

December 31, 2017:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments (fair value accounting)
 
$
919

 
Private company equity pricing
 
(1)
 
(1
)
Equity warrant assets (public portfolio)
 
1,936

 
Black-Scholes option pricing model
 
Volatility
 
47.9
%
 
 
 
 
Risk-Free interest rate
 
2.1

 
 
 
 
Sales restrictions discount (2)
 
15.5

Equity warrant assets (private portfolio)
 
119,395

 
Black-Scholes option pricing model
 
Volatility
 
36.7

 
 
 
 
Risk-Free interest rate
 
1.8

 
 
 
 
Marketability discount (3)
 
16.4

 
 
 
 
Remaining life assumption (4)
 
45.0

 
 
 
(1)
In determining the fair value of our venture capital and private equity fund investment portfolio (not measured at net asset value), 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. We use company provided valuation reports, if available, to support our valuation assumptions. 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 percent to 20 percent depending on the duration of the sales restrictions, which typically range from three to six 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 September 30, 2018, the weighted average contractual remaining term was 6.2 years, compared to our estimated remaining life of 2.8 years. On a quarterly basis, a sensitivity analysis is performed on our remaining life assumption.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, we did not have any transfers between Level 2 and Level 1 or transfers between Level 3 and Level 1. All transfers from Level 3 to Level 2 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were due 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.

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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. The following fair value hierarchy table presents the estimated fair values of our financial instruments that are not carried at fair value at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
 
 
 
 
Estimated Fair Value
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Carrying Amount
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
September 30, 2018:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
3,819,141

 
$
3,819,141

 
$
3,819,141

 
$

 
$

Held-to-maturity securities
 
15,899,726

 
15,372,238

 

 
15,372,238

 

Non-marketable securities not measured at net asset value
 
134,646

 
134,646

 

 

 
134,646

Non-marketable securities measured at net asset value
 
134,017

 
134,017

 

 

 

Net commercial loans
 
24,253,625

 
23,285,628

 

 

 
23,285,628

Net consumer loans
 
2,955,577

 
2,809,916

 

 

 
2,809,916

FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock
 
102,378

 
102,378

 

 

 
102,378

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term borrowings
 
2,631,252

 
2,631,252

 

 
2,631,252

 

Non-maturity deposits (1)
 
48,518,701

 
48,518,701

 
48,518,701

 

 

Time deposits
 
77,410

 
77,047

 

 
77,047

 

3.50% Senior Notes
 
347,554

 
338,370

 

 
338,370

 

5.375% Senior Notes
 
348,663

 
363,447

 

 
363,447

 

Off-balance sheet financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commitments to extend credit
 

 
22,857

 

 

 
22,857

December 31, 2017:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
2,923,075

 
$
2,923,075

 
$
2,923,075

 
$

 
$

Held-to-maturity securities
 
12,663,455

 
12,548,280

 

 
12,548,280

 

Non-marketable securities (cost and equity method accounting) not measured at net asset value
 
120,019

 
126,345

 

 

 
126,345

Non-marketable securities (cost and equity method accounting) measured at net asset value
 
228,399

 
331,496

 

 

 

Net commercial loans
 
20,238,247

 
20,520,623

 

 

 
20,520,623

Net consumer loans
 
2,613,045

 
2,593,538

 

 

 
2,593,538

FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock
 
60,020

 
60,020

 

 

 
60,020

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term borrowings
 
1,033,730

 
1,033,730

 
1,033,730

 

 

Non-maturity deposits (1)
 
44,206,929

 
44,206,929

 
44,206,929

 

 

Time deposits
 
47,146

 
46,885

 

 
46,885

 

3.50% Senior Notes
 
347,303

 
352,058

 

 
352,058

 

5.375% Senior Notes
 
348,189

 
374,483

 

 
374,483

 

Off-balance sheet financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commitments to extend credit
 

 
22,208

 

 

 
22,208

 
 
(1)
Includes noninterest-bearing demand deposits, interest-bearing checking accounts, money market accounts and interest-bearing sweep deposits.



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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 IPO 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 June 30th, for our September 30th 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 September 30, 2018:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Carrying Amount      
 
Fair Value        
 
Unfunded Commitments      
Non-marketable securities (fair value accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments (1)
 
$
334,419

 
$
334,419

 
$
13,255

Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments (2)
 
112,537

 
112,537

 
4,943

Debt funds (2)
 
5,241

 
5,241

 

Other investments (2)
 
16,239

 
16,239

 
886

Total
 
$
468,436

 
$
468,436

 
$
19,084

 
 
(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 (consolidated VIEs) and investments in venture capital and private equity fund investments (unconsolidated VIEs). Collectively, these investments in venture capital and private equity funds are 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 $93.0 million and $4.3 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 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 5 to 8 years, depending on the age of the funds and any potential extensions of the terms of the funds.
16.
Legal Matters
Certain lawsuits and claims arising in the ordinary course of business have been filed or are pending against us and/or our affiliates, and we may from time to time be involved in other legal or regulatory proceedings. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, we establish accruals for all such matters, including 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 matters 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 aim to disclose information relating to such potential loss. We also aim to disclose information relating to any material potential loss that is probable but not reasonably estimable. In such cases, where reasonably practicable, we aim to 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.

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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 any such matters, nor do we currently expect 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.
17.
Related Parties
We have no material related party transactions requiring disclosure. In the ordinary course of business, the Bank may extend credit to related parties, including executive officers, directors, principal shareholders and their related interests. Additionally, we provide real estate secured loans to eligible employees through our EHOP. For additional details, see Note 17—“Employee Compensation and Benefit Plans" under Part II, Item 8 of our 2017 Form 10-K.

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 safe harbor provisions 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:
Financial projections, including with respect to 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; and
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,” “assume,” “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 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;

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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, and the impact of international market and economic events on us;
The impact of governmental policy, legal requirements and regulations, including the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act and the Dodd-Frank Act, promulgated by the Federal Reserve and other regulatory requirements;
The impact of lawsuits and claims, as well as legal or regulatory proceedings;
The impact of changes in accounting standards and tax laws, including the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act;
The levels of equity capital available to our client or portfolio companies;
The effectiveness of our risk management framework and quantitative models;
Our ability to maintain or increase our market share, including through successfully implementing our business strategy and undertaking new business initiatives; and
Other factors as discussed in “Risk Factors” under Part I, Item 1A in our 2017 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 2017 Form 10-K.
Reclassifications
Certain prior period amounts, primarily related to the adoption of new accounting guidance, have been reclassified to conform to current period presentations.
Management’s Overview of Third Quarter 2018 Performance
Overall, we had an outstanding third quarter in 2018, which was marked by robust loan and client funds growth, a healthy increase in net interest income, strong warrant- and investment-related gains and solid core fee income increases. Additionally, we saw higher noninterest expense, primarily related to our total compensation and benefits as well as expenses incurred associated with increased investment in client experience and employee enablement. Our core business continued to perform well as a result of our ongoing focus on innovation companies and their investors and continued efforts to secure client relationships. We saw continued success in working with private equity/venture capital firms, our technology and life science/healthcare clients and clients in our private bank division.

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A summary of our performance for the three months ended September 30, 2018 (compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017, where applicable) is as follows:
BALANCE SHEET
 
EARNINGS
Assets.  $56.5 billion in average total assets (up 13.3%). $58.1 billion in period-end total assets (up 14.5%).
Loans.  $26.3 billion in average total loan balances, net of unearned income (up 21.9%). $27.5 billion in period-end total loan balances, net of unearned income (up 23.9%).
Total Client Funds. (on-balance sheet deposits and off-balance sheet client investment funds). $128.7 billion in average total client fund balances (up 32.2%). $130.7 billion in period-end total client fund balances (up 31.9%).
Fixed Income Investments.  $25.5 billion in average fixed income investment securities (up 10.2%). $25.0 billion in period-end fixed income investment securities (up 5.6%).


 
 EPS.  Earnings per diluted share of $5.10 (up 82.7%).
Net Income.  Consolidated net income available to common stockholders of $274.8 million (up 84.9%).
- Net interest income of $493.2 million (up 31.8%).
- Net interest margin of 3.62% (up 52 bps).
- Noninterest income of $210.1 million (up 32.3%), with non-GAAP core fee income+ of $131.7 million (up 28.2%).
- Noninterest expense of $309.4 million (up 20.0%).

ROE.  Return on average equity (annualized) (“ROE”) performance of 22.46%.
Operating Efficiency Ratio.  Operating efficiency ratio of 44.00%.

 
 
 
CAPITAL
 
CREDIT QUALITY
Capital. Continued strong capital levels, with all capital ratios considered “well-capitalized” under banking regulations. SVBFG and SVB capital ratios, respectively, were:
- CET 1 risk-based capital ratio of 13.28% and 11.98%.
- Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 13.45% and 11.98%.
- Total risk-based capital ratio of 14.34% and 12.91%.
- Tier 1 leverage ratio of 8.99% and 7.82%.

 
Credit Quality.  Continued disciplined underwriting.
- Allowance for loan losses of 1.03% as a percentage of period-end total gross loans.
- Provision for loan losses of 0.28% as a percentage of period-end total gross loans (annualized).
- Net loan charge-offs of 0.30% as a percentage of average total gross loans (annualized).



+ Consists of fee income for deposit services, letters of credit and standby letters of credit, credit cards, client investments, foreign exchange and lending-related activities. 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data, employees and ratios)
 
2018

2017
 
% Change  
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per common share
 
$
5.10

 
$
2.79

 
82.8

 
$
13.15

 
$
7.01

 
87.6

Net income available to common stockholders
 
274,817

 
148,620

 
84.9

  
 
707,576

 
373,296

 
89.5

  
Net interest income
 
493,222

 
373,974

 
31.9

  
 
1,379,528

 
1,026,663

 
34.4

  
Net interest margin
 
3.62
%
 
3.10
%
 
52

bps 
 
3.53
%
 
2.99
%
 
54

bps 
Provision for credit losses
 
$
17,174

 
$
23,522

 
(27.0
)
%
 
$
74,226

 
$
70,062

 
5.9

%
Noninterest income
 
210,070

 
158,778

 
32.3

 
 
558,277

 
404,965

 
37.9

 
Noninterest expense
 
309,445

 
257,761

 
20.1

 
 
880,601

 
746,640

 
17.9

  
Non-GAAP core fee income (1)
 
131,714

 
102,722

 
28.2

 
 
369,848

 
272,567

 
35.7

 
Non-GAAP noninterest income, net of noncontrolling interests (1)
 
203,378

 
153,164

 
32.8

  
 
529,116

 
383,256

 
38.1

  
Non-GAAP noninterest expense, net of noncontrolling interests(2)
 
309,291

 
257,636

 
20.0

  
 
880,252

 
746,123

 
18.0

  
Balance Sheet:
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
Average available-for-sale securities
 
$
9,589,917

 
$
12,674,610

 
(24.3
)
%
 
$
10,124,707

 
$
12,539,773

 
(19.3
)
%
Average held-to-maturity securities
 
15,916,690

 
10,467,470

 
52.1

 
 
14,764,215

 
9,405,525

 
57.0

 
Average loans, net of unearned income
 
26,331,377

 
21,584,892

 
22.0


 
25,008,277

 
20,726,467

 
20.7

 
Average noninterest-bearing demand deposits
 
40,625,772

 
36,578,779

 
11.1

  
 
39,473,468

 
34,653,264

 
13.9

  
Average interest-bearing deposits
 
8,466,468

 
7,464,063

 
13.4

  
 
8,260,894

 
7,408,371

 
11.5

  
Average total deposits
 
49,092,240

 
44,042,842

 
11.5

  
 
47,734,362

 
42,061,635

 
13.5

  
Earnings Ratios:
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
Return on average assets (annualized) (3)
 
1.93
%
 
1.18
%
 
63.6

 
1.74
%
 
1.05
%
 
65.7

Return on average SVBFG stockholders’ equity (annualized) (4)
 
22.46

 
14.59

 
53.9

  
 
20.56

 
12.85

 
60.0

  
Asset Quality Ratios:
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses as a % of total period-end gross loans
 
1.03
%
 
1.12
%
 
(9
)
bps 
 
1.03
%
 
1.12
%
 
(9
)
bps 
Allowance for loan losses for performing loans as a % of total gross performing loans
 
0.86

 
0.92

 
(6
)
  
 
0.86

 
0.92

 
(6
)
  
Gross loan charge-offs as a % of average total gross loans (annualized)
 
0.33

 
0.23

 
10

  
 
0.26

 
0.33

 
(7
)
  
Net loan charge-offs as a % of average total gross loans (annualized)
 
0.30

 
0.19

 
11

  
 
0.22

 
0.29

 
(7
)
  
Capital Ratios:
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
CET 1 risk-based capital ratio
 
13.28
%
 
12.96
%
 
32

bps
 
13.28
%
 
12.96
%
 
32

bps
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio
 
13.45

 
13.32

 
13

 
 
13.45

 
13.32

 
13

 
Total risk-based capital ratio
 
14.34

 
14.29

 
5

 
 
14.34

 
14.29

 
5

 
Tier 1 leverage ratio
 
8.99

 
8.34

 
65

  
 
8.99

 
8.34

 
65

  
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (5)
 
8.47

 
8.00

 
47

  
 
8.47

 
8.00

 
47

  
Tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets (5)
 
13.00

 
13.01

 
(1
)
  
 
13.00

 
13.01

 
(1
)
  
Bank CET 1 risk-based capital ratio
 
11.98

 
12.41

 
(43
)
 
 
11.98

 
12.41

 
(43
)
 
Bank tier 1 risk-based capital ratio
 
11.98

 
12.41

 
(43
)
  
 
11.98

 
12.41

 
(43
)
  
Bank total risk-based capital ratio
 
12.91

 
13.40

 
(49
)
  
 
12.91

 
13.40

 
(49
)
  
Bank tier 1 leverage ratio
 
7.82

 
7.59

 
23

  
 
7.82

 
7.59

 
23

  
Bank tangible common equity to tangible assets (5)
 
7.44

 
7.47

 
(3
)
  
 
7.44

 
7.47

 
(3
)
  
Bank tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets (5)
 
11.70

 
12.44

 
(74
)
  
 
11.70

 
12.44

 
(74
)
  
Other Ratios:
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
GAAP operating efficiency ratio (6)
 
44.00
%
 
48.38
%
 
(9.1
)
 
45.44
%
 
52.15
%
 
(12.9
)
Non-GAAP operating efficiency ratio (2)
 
44.22

 
48.82

 
(9.4
)
  
 
45.97

 
52.87

 
(13.1
)
  
Book value per common share (7)
 
$
92.48

 
$
77.00

 
20.1

  
 
$
92.48

 
$
77.00

 
20.1

  
Other Statistics:
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
Average full-time equivalent employees
 
2,778

 
2,434

 
14.1

 
2,623

 
2,384

 
10.0

Period-end full-time equivalent employees
 
2,836

 
2,433

 
16.6

  
 
2,836

 
2,433

 
16.6

  
 
 
(1)
See “Results of Operations–Noninterest Income” for a description and reconciliation of non-GAAP core fee income and noninterest income.

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(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.
(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 nine months ended September 30, 2018 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 2017 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) and short-term investment securities and the interest paid on funding sources which consist primarily of interest-bearing deposits and borrowings. 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 21.0 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 35.0 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017.
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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2018 Compared to 2017
 
2018 Compared to 2017
 
 
Three months ended September 30, increase (decrease) due to change in
 
Nine months ended September 30, increase (decrease) due to change in
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Total
 
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
 
$
(2,374
)
 
$
4,299

 
$
1,925

 
$
(5,542
)
 
$
8,952

 
$
3,410

Fixed income investment portfolio (taxable)
 
12,205

 
20,428

 
32,633

 
54,852

 
54,082

 
108,934

Fixed income investment portfolio (non-taxable)
 
11,666

 
137

 
11,803

 
25,610

 
(13
)
 
25,597

Loans, net of unearned income
 
63,515

 
20,393

 
83,908

 
167,744

 
65,997

 
233,741

Increase in interest income, net
 
85,012

 
45,257

 
130,269

 
242,664

 
129,018

 
371,682

Interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest bearing checking and savings accounts
 
26

 
3

 
29

 
92

 
4

 
96

Money market deposits
 
1,080

 
4,623

 
5,703

 
2,121

 
9,993

 
12,114

Money market deposits in foreign offices
 
3

 
(2
)
 
1

 
7

 
(5
)
 
2

Time deposits
 
11

 
7

 
18

 
11

 
11

 
22

Sweep deposits in foreign offices
 
(10
)
 
(3
)
 
(13
)
 
(32
)
 
(11
)
 
(43
)
Total increase in deposits expense
 
1,110

 
4,628

 
5,738

 
2,199

 
9,992

 
12,191

Short-term borrowings
 
3,775

 
100

 
3,875

 
4,444

 
314

 
4,758

3.50% Senior Notes
 
3

 

 
3

 
9

 

 
9

5.375% Senior Notes
 
9

 

 
9

 
26

 

 
26

Junior Subordinated Debentures
 
(831
)
 

 
(831
)
 
(2,494
)
 

 
(2,494
)
6.05% Senior Notes
 

 

 

 
(467
)
 

 
(467
)
Total increase in borrowings expense
 
2,956

 
100

 
3,056

 
1,518

 
314

 
1,832

Increase in interest expense, net
 
4,066

 
4,728

 
8,794

 
3,717

 
10,306

 
14,023

Increase in net interest income
 
$
80,946

 
$
40,529

 
$
121,475

 
$
238,947

 
$
118,712

 
$
357,659

Net Interest Income (Fully Taxable Equivalent Basis)
Three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017
Net interest income increased by $121.5 million to $496.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $374.6 million for the comparable 2017 period. Overall, our net interest income increased primarily from interest earned on loans, reflective of higher average loan balances driven by strong loan growth from our private equity/venture capital loan portfolio as well as increases from our life science/healthcare and software/internet loan portfolios and rate increases subsequent to September 30, 2017. In addition, we saw an increase in interest earned on our fixed income investment securities portfolio reflective of higher average fixed income investment securities balances driven by higher average deposit balances as well as an increase in yield from rate increases.
The main factors affecting interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to the comparable 2017 period are discussed below:
Interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2018 increased by $130.3 million due primarily to:
An $83.9 million increase in interest income on loans to $352.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $268.4 million for the comparable 2017 period. The increase was reflective of an increase in average loan balances of $4.7 billion and an increase in the overall loan yield of 38 basis points to 5.31 percent from 4.93 percent. Gross loan yields, excluding loan interest recoveries and loan fees, increased 51 basis points to 4.81 percent from 4.30 percent, reflective primarily of the benefit of interest rate increases. Loan fee yields were down 11 basis points to 50 basis points from 61 basis points for the three months ended September 30, 2018 reflective of lower loan repayments,
A $44.4 million increase in interest income on fixed income investment securities to $155.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $111.2 million for the comparable 2017 period. The increase was reflective of an increase in average fixed income investments of $2.4 billion due to growth in average deposit balances and an increase in our fixed income investment securities yield of 51 basis points to

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2.42 percent from 1.91 percent resulting primarily from higher reinvestment yields on maturing fixed income investments as well as higher yields on new purchases due to interest rate increases, and
A $1.9 million increase in interest income from our interest earning cash and short-term investment securities. The increase was due to the benefit from the impact of the increases in the Federal Funds target rate since September 30, 2017, partially offset by a decrease of $0.7 billion in average interest-earning Federal Reserve cash balances.
Interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2018 increased by $8.8 million due primarily to:
A $5.7 million increase in interest expense on deposits due primarily to an increase in interest paid on our interest-bearing money market deposits as a result of market rate adjustments as well as growth in average money market deposits of $0.9 billion, and
A $3.1 million increase in interest expense on borrowings primarily due to a $0.7 billion increase in our average short-term borrowings during the three months ended September 30, 2018, to fund loan growth as a result of the timing of loan funding and deposit activities at the end of the third quarter of 2018.
The main factors affecting interest income and interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to the comparable 2017 period are discussed below:
Interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased by $371.7 million due primarily to:
A $233.7 million increase in interest income on loans to $979.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $746.0 million for the comparable 2017 period. The increase was reflective of an increase in average loan balances of $4.3 billion and an increase in the overall loan yield of 43 basis points to 5.24 percent from 4.81 percent. Gross loan yields, excluding loan interest recoveries and loan fees, increased 52 basis points to 4.70 percent from 4.18 percent, reflective of the benefit of interest rate increases, partially offset by the strong growth of our lower yielding private equity/venture capital loan portfolio. Our private equity/venture capital loan portfolio represented 48.3 percent and 43.1 percent of our total gross loan portfolio at September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Loan fee yields were down 6 basis points to 54 basis points from 60 basis points for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 reflective of lower loan repayments,
A $134.6 million increase in interest income on fixed income investment securities to $433.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $298.9 million for the comparable 2017 period. The increase was reflective of an increase in average fixed income investments of $2.9 billion due to growth in average deposit balances and an increase in our fixed income investment securities yield of 51 basis points to 2.33 percent from 1.82 percent resulting primarily from higher reinvestment yields on maturing fixed income investments as well as higher yields on new purchases due to interest rate increases, and
A $3.4 million increase in interest income from our interest earning cash and short-term investment securities. The increase was due to the benefit from the impact of the increases in the Federal Funds target rate since September 30, 2017, partially offset by a decrease of $0.7 billion in average interest-earning Federal Reserve cash balances.
Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased by $14.0 million primarily due to:
A $12.2 million increase in interest expense on deposits due primarily to an increase in interest paid on our interest-bearing money market deposits as a result of market rate adjustments as well as growth in average money market deposits of $0.8 billion, and
A $1.8 million increase in interest expense on borrowings primarily due to a $0.3 billion increase in our average short-term borrowings during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 to fund loan growth as well as to support the short-term liquidity needs of the Bank partially offset set by the repayment of our 6.05% Subordinated Notes and the redemption of our Junior Subordinated Debentures in 2017.
Net Interest Margin (Fully Taxable Equivalent Basis)
Three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017
Our net interest margin increased by 52 basis points to 3.62 percent for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to 3.10 percent for the comparable 2017 period. The higher margin during the third quarter of 2018 was reflective primarily of the increases in the Federal Funds target rate since September 30, 2017 as well as a shift in the mix of the growth in our interest-earning assets to higher-yielding loans from our interest earning cash and other

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short-term investment securities. Average loans represented 48.4 percent of average interest earnings assets for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to 45.0 percent for the comparable 2017 period.
Nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017
Our net interest margin increased by 54 basis points to 3.53 percent for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to 2.99 percent for the comparable 2017 period. The higher margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, was reflective primarily of the increases in the Federal Funds target rate since September 30, 2017, as well as a shift in the mix of the growth in our interest-earning assets to higher-yielding loans from our interest earning cash and other short-term investment securities. Average loans represented 47.7 percent of the average interest earnings assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to 45.2 percent for the comparable 2017 period.

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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 and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:

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Average Balances, Rates and Yields for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 and 2017
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
(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)
 
$
2,548,271

 
$
8,137

 
1.27
%
 
$
3,291,908

 
$
6,211

 
0.75
%
Investment securities: (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable
 
9,589,917

 
46,684

 
1.93

 
12,674,610

 
52,825

 
1.65

Held-to-maturity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable
 
14,385,027

 
95,391

 
2.63

 
10,249,131

 
56,618

 
2.19

Non-taxable (3)
 
1,531,663

 
13,606

 
3.52

 
218,339

 
1,803

 
3.28

Total loans, net of unearned income (4) (5)
 
26,331,377

 
352,353

 
5.31

 
21,584,892

 
268,445

 
4.93

Total interest-earning assets
 
54,386,255

 
516,171

 
3.77

 
48,018,880

 
385,902

 
3.19

Cash and due from banks
 
553,132

 
 
 
 
 
371,373

 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses
 
(296,177
)
 
 
 
 
 
(246,210
)
 
 
 
 
Other assets (6)
 
1,821,827

 
 
 
 
 
1,651,323

 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
$
56,465,037

 
 
 
 
 
$
49,795,366

 
 
 
 
Funding sources:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest bearing checking and savings accounts
 
$
572,242

 
$
116

 
0.08
%
 
$
442,518

 
$
86

 
0.08
%
Money market deposits
 
6,704,337

 
7,782

 
0.46

 
5,774,281

 
2,079

 
0.14

Money market deposits in foreign offices
 
218,734

 
22

 
0.04

 
187,183

 
21

 
0.04

Time deposits
 
74,597

 
35

 
0.19

 
51,406

 
17

 
0.13

Sweep deposits in foreign offices
 
896,558

 
87

 
0.04

 
1,008,675

 
101

 
0.04

Total interest-bearing deposits
 
8,466,468

 
8,042

 
0.38

 
7,464,063

 
2,304

 
0.12

Short-term borrowings
 
745,156

 
4,039

 
2.15

 
48,614

 
164

 
1.34

3.50% Senior Notes
 
347,499

 
3,147

 
3.59

 
347,168

 
3,144

 
3.59

5.375% Senior Notes
 
348,557

 
4,863

 
5.54

 
347,934

 
4,854

 
5.53

Junior Subordinated Debentures
 

 

 

 
54,391

 
831

 
6.06

Total interest-bearing liabilities
 
9,907,680

 
20,091

 
0.80

 
8,262,170

 
11,297

 
0.54

Portion of noninterest-bearing funding sources
 
44,478,575

 
 
 
 
 
39,756,710

 
 
 
 
Total funding sources
 
54,386,255

 
20,091

 
0.15

 
48,018,880

 
11,297

 
0.09

Noninterest-bearing funding sources:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Demand deposits
 
40,625,772

 
 
 
 
 
36,578,779

 
 
 
 
Other liabilities
 
932,544

 
 
 
 
 
773,586

 
 
 
 
SVBFG stockholders’ equity
 
4,854,440

 
 
 
 
 
4,041,218

 
 
 
 
Noncontrolling interests
 
144,601

 
 
 
 
 
139,613

 
 
 
 
Portion used to fund interest-earning assets
 
(44,478,575
)
 
 
 
 
 
(39,756,710
)
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interest, and SVBFG stockholders’ equity
 
$
56,465,037

 
 
 
 
 
$
49,795,366

 
 
 
 
Net interest income and margin
 
 
 
$
496,080

 
3.62
%
 
 
 
$
374,605

 
3.10
%
Total deposits
 
$
49,092,240

 
 
 
 
 
$
44,042,842

 
 
 
 
Reconciliation to reported net interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjustments for taxable equivalent basis
 
 
 
(2,858
)
 
 
 
 
 
(631
)
 
 
Net interest income, as reported
 
 
 
$
493,222

 
 
 
 
 
$
373,974

 
 
 
 
(1)
Includes average interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions of $0.7 billion and $1.3 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, balances also include $1.4 billion and $1.9 billion, respectively, deposited at the FRB, earning interest at the Federal Funds target rate.
(2)
Yields on interest-earning investment securities do not give effect to changes in fair value that are reflected in other comprehensive income.
(3)
Interest income on non-taxable investment securities is presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the federal statutory tax rate of 21.0 percent for the three months ended September 30, 2018, and 35.0 percent for the three months ended September 30, 2017.
(4)
Nonaccrual loans are reflected in the average balances of loans.
(5)
Interest income includes loan fees of $33.1 million and $33.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
(6)
Average investment securities of $761 million and $692 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were classified as other assets as they were noninterest-earning assets. These investments consisted primarily of non-marketable and other securities.

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Average Balances, Rates and Yields for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 and 2017
 
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
(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)
 
$
2,535,749

 
$
20,080

 
1.06
%
 
$
3,235,628

 
$
16,670

 
0.69
%
Investment securities: (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable
 
10,124,707

 
141,266

 
1.87

 
12,539,773

 
146,803

 
1.57

Held-to-maturity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Taxable

13,597,340

 
262,436

 
2.58

 
9,242,953

 
147,965

 
2.14

Non-taxable (3)

1,166,875

 
29,755

 
3.41

 
162,572

 
4,158

 
3.42

Total loans, net of unearned income (4) (5)
 
25,008,277

 
979,724

 
5.24

 
20,726,467

 
745,983

 
4.81

Total interest-earning assets
 
52,432,948

 
1,433,261

 
3.65

 
45,907,393

 
1,061,579

 
3.09

Cash and due from banks
 
496,658

 
 
 
 
 
361,041

 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses
 
(280,102
)
 
 
 
 
 
(243,594
)
 
 
 
 
Other assets (6)
 
1,783,148

 
 
 
 
 
1,540,211

 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
$
54,432,652

 
 
 
 
 
$
47,565,051

 
 
 
 
Funding sources:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest bearing checking and savings accounts
 
$
578,313

 
$
338

 
0.08
%
 
$
420,680

 
$
242

 
0.08
%
Money market deposits
 
6,437,372

 
17,658

 
0.37

 
5,664,082

 
5,544

 
0.13

Money market deposits in foreign offices
 
206,924

 
61

 
0.04

 
183,040

 
59

 
0.04

Time deposits
 
59,561

 
71

 
0.16

 
50,855

 
49

 
0.13

Sweep deposits in foreign offices
 
978,724

 
281

 
0.04

 
1,089,714

 
324

 
0.04

Total interest-bearing deposits
 
8,260,894

 
18,409

 
0.30

 
7,408,371

 
6,218

 
0.11

Short-term borrowings
 
328,425

 
5,053

 
2.06

 
39,523

 
295

 
1.00

3.50% Senior Notes
 
347,416

 
9,438

 
3.63

 
347,088

 
9,429

 
3.63

5.375% Senior Notes
 
348,400

 
14,584

 
5.60

 
347,786

 
14,558

 
5.60

Junior Subordinated Debentures
 

 

 

 
54,434

 
2,494

 
6.13

6.05% Subordinated Notes
 

 

 

 
25,641

 
467

 
2.44

Total interest-bearing liabilities
 
9,285,135

 
47,484

 
0.68

 
8,222,843

 
33,461

 
0.54

Portion of noninterest-bearing funding sources
 
43,147,813

 
 
 
 
 
37,684,550

 
 
 
 
Total funding sources
 
52,432,948

 
47,484

 
0.12

 
45,907,393

 
33,461

 
0.10

Noninterest-bearing funding sources:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Demand deposits
 
39,473,468

 
 
 
 
 
34,653,264

 
 
 
 
Other liabilities
 
930,985

 
 
 
 
 
668,417

 
 
 
 
SVBFG stockholders’ equity
 
4,602,027

 
 
 
 
 
3,883,876

 
 
 
 
Noncontrolling interests
 
141,037

 
 
 
 
 
136,651

 
 
 
 
Portion used to fund interest-earning assets
 
(43,147,813
)
 
 
 
 
 
(37,684,550
)
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interest, and SVBFG stockholders’ equity
 
$
54,432,652

 
 
 
 
 
$
47,565,051

 
 
 
 
Net interest income and margin
 
 
 
$
1,385,777

 
3.53
%
 
 
 
$
1,028,118

 
2.99
%
Total deposits
 
$
47,734,362

 
 
 
 
 
$
42,061,635

 
 
 
 
Reconciliation to reported net interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjustments for taxable equivalent basis
 
 
 
(6,249
)
 
 
 
 
 
(1,455
)
 
 
Net interest income, as reported
 
 
 
$
1,379,528

 
 
 
 
 
$
1,026,663

 
 
 
 
(1)
Includes average interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions of $0.9 billion and $1.0 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, and 2017, respectively. The balance also includes $1.4 billion and $2.1 billion deposited at the FRB, earning interest at the Federal Funds target rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, and 2017, respectively.
(2)
Yields on interest-earning investment securities do not give effect to changes in fair value that are reflected in other comprehensive income.
(3)
Interest income on non-taxable available-for-sale securities is presented on a fully taxable-equivalent basis using the federal statutory income tax rate of 21.0 percent for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, and 35.0 percent for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.
(4)
Nonaccrual loans are reflected in the average balances of loans.
(5)
Interest income includes loan fees of $100.8 million and $93.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, and 2017, respectively.
(6)
Average investment securities of $774 million and $674 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, and 2017, respectively, were classified as other assets as they were noninterest-earning assets. These investments consisted primarily of non-marketable securities.

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Provision for Credit Losses
The provision for credit losses is the combination of both the provision for loan losses and the provision for unfunded credit commitments. Our provision for loan losses is 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 unfunded credit commitments is determined using a methodology that is similar to the methodology used for calculating the allowance for loan losses, adjusted for factors specific to binding commitments, including the probability of funding and exposure at funding. Our provision for credit losses equals our best estimate of probable credit losses that are inherent in the portfolios at the balance sheet date.
The following table summarizes our allowance for loan losses and the allowance for unfunded credit commitments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands, except ratios)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Allowance for loan losses, beginning balance
 
$
286,709

 
$
236,496

 
$
255,024

 
$
225,366

Provision for loan losses
 
19,436

 
22,409

 
74,088

 
67,273

Gross loan charge-offs
 
(22,205
)
 
(12,338
)
 
(48,220
)
 
(51,449
)
Loan recoveries
 
2,164

 
1,828

 
5,878

 
6,155

Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
(391
)
 
615

 
(1,057
)
 
1,665

Allowance for loan losses, ending balance
 
$
285,713

 
$
249,010

 
$
285,713

 
$
249,010

Allowance for unfunded credit commitments, beginning balance
 
54,104

 
47,000

 
51,770

 
45,265

(Reduction of) provision for unfunded credit commitments
 
(2,262
)
 
1,113

 
138

 
2,789

Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
(34
)
 
59

 
(100
)
 
118

Allowance for unfunded credit commitments, ending balance (1)
 
$
51,808

 
$
48,172

 
$
51,808

 
$
48,172

Ratios and other information:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for loan losses as a percentage of period-end total gross loans (annualized)
 
0.28
%
 
0.40
%
 
0.36
%
 
0.40
%
Gross loan charge-offs as a percentage of average total gross loans (annualized)
 
0.33

 
0.23

 
0.26

 
0.33

Net loan charge-offs as a percentage of average total gross loans (annualized)
 
0.30

 
0.19

 
0.22

 
0.29

Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of period-end total gross loans
 
1.03

 
1.12

 
1.03

 
1.12

Provision for credit losses
 
$
17,174

 
$
23,522

 
$
74,226

 
$
70,062

Period-end total gross loans
 
27,668,829

 
22,329,829

 
27,668,829

 
22,329,829

Average total gross loans
 
26,497,171

 
21,712,866

 
25,165,486

 
20,850,468

 
(1)
The “allowance for unfunded credit commitments” is included as a component of “other liabilities.”

Three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017
Our provision for credit losses was $17.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, consisting of a provision for loan losses of $19.4 million and a reduction of our allowance for unfunded credit commitments of $2.2 million. Our provision for credit losses was $23.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, consisting of a provision for loan losses of $22.4 million and a provision for unfunded credit commitments of $1.1 million.
The provision for loan losses of $19.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 reflects primarily an increase of $12.9 million in additional reserves for period-end loan growth, $9.2 million for charge-offs not specifically reserved for and $9.3 million in net new specific reserves for nonaccrual loans, partially offset by a decrease in the qualitative component of our performing loan reserves of $8.2 million reflective of the continued growth of larger, higher credit quality private equity/venture capital loans as a percentage of total gross loans.

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The reduction of the allowance for unfunded credit commitments of $2.2 million was driven primarily by a decrease in reserves reflective primarily of the continued shift in the mix of our unfunded credit facilities consisting of large, higher credit quality private equity/venture capital loans mentioned above.
The provision for loan losses of $22.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 primarily reflects $13.8 million in net new specific reserves for nonaccrual loans and a $10.9 million increase in reserves for period-end loan growth, partially offset by a benefit from the overall improved credit quality of our loan portfolio and the continued shift in our loan portfolio to private equity/venture capital loans, which tend to be of higher credit quality.
The provision for unfunded credit commitments of $1.1 million for three months ended September 30, 2017 was driven primarily by a change in the mix of our outstanding credit commitments.
Gross loan charge-offs were $22.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, of which $9.2 million was not specifically reserved for at June 30, 2018. Gross loan charge-offs included $12.7 million from our hardware loan portfolio and consisted primarily of $11.1 million for one early-stage client and $6.3 million from our software/internet loan portfolio primarily attributable to one mid-stage client.
Gross loan charge-offs were $12.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, of which $6.3 million was not specifically reserved for in prior quarters. Gross loan charge-offs were primarily from four clients consisting of $8.7 million from two clients in our software/internet loan portfolio, of which $5.9 million was a late-stage client loan, and two early-stage client loan charge-offs amounting to $3.5 million from our hardware and life science/healthcare portfolios.
Nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017
Our provision for credit losses was $74.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, consisting of a provision for loan losses of $74.1 million and a provision for unfunded credit commitments of $0.1 million. Our provision for credit losses was $70.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, consisting of a provision for loan losses of $67.3 million and a provision for unfunded credit commitments of $2.8 million.
The provision for loan losses of $74.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was reflective primarily of $39.4 million from period-end loan growth, $34.0 million in net new specific reserves for nonaccrual loans and $24.0 million for charge-offs not specifically reserved for in prior quarters, partially offset by a decrease in reserves of $20.7 million for our performing loans from certain reserve methodology enhancements made to our qualitative reserve for large loan exposure as a result of growth within our higher credit quality private equity/venture capital loan portfolios.
The provision for loan losses of $67.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was reflective primarily of $51.9 million in net new specific reserves for nonaccrual loans and $20.9 million from period-end loan growth, partially offset by a benefit from the overall improved credit quality of our loan portfolio and the continued shift in our loan portfolio to private equity/venture capital loans, which tend to be of higher credit quality.
The provision for unfunded credit commitments of $0.1 million for nine months ended September 30, 2018 was driven primarily by increased reserves of $4.5 million from growth in unfunded credit commitment balances, offset by a decrease in reserves reflective of the methodology enhancements mentioned above. Our provision for unfunded credit commitments was $2.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 driven primarily by qualitative allocations based on our loan portfolio being comprised of larger loans.
Gross loan charge-offs were $48.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, of which $24.0 million was not specifically reserved for in prior quarters. Gross loan charge-offs included $26.4 million from our software/internet loan portfolio and $16.1 million from our hardware loan portfolio and consisted primarily of $24.4 million from early-stage clients, $8.7 million for one sponsor-led buyout loan, $4.8 million from one mid-stage client and $3.2 million from one late-stage client. Gross loan charge-offs of $51.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, included $27.8 million from our early-stage portfolio and $13.0 million from two Corporate Finance client loans. These charge-offs were primarily from our software/internet loan portfolio.
See “Consolidated Financial Condition—Credit Quality and Allowance for Loan Losses” below and Note 7—“Loans, Allowance for Loan Losses and Allowance for Unfunded Credit Commitments” 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
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, noninterest income was $210.1 million and $558.3 million, respectively, compared to $158.8 million and $405.0 million for the comparable 2017 periods. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, non-GAAP noninterest income, net of noncontrolling interests was $203.4 million and $529.1 million, respectively, compared to $153.2 million and $383.3 million for the comparable 2017 periods. For the three and nine months

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ended September 30, 2018, non-GAAP core fee income was $131.7 million and $369.8 million, respectively, compared to $102.7 million and $272.6 million for the comparable 2017 periods. (See reconciliations of non-GAAP measures used below under “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.)
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 of financial performance (including, but not limited to, non-GAAP core fee income, non-GAAP noninterest income, and non-GAAP net gains on investment securities). 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 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 certain other 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.
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 of 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.
Core fee income is a non-GAAP financial measure, which represents GAAP noninterest income, but excludes certain line items where performance is typically subject to market or other conditions beyond our control, primarily our net gains (losses) on investment securities and equity warrant assets. Core fee income includes foreign exchange fees, credit card fees, deposit service charges, lending related fees, client investment fees and letters of credit and standby letters of credit fees.
The following table provides a reconciliation of GAAP noninterest income to non-GAAP noninterest income, net of noncontrolling interests, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
GAAP noninterest income
 
$
210,070


$
158,778

 
32.3
%
 
$
558,277


$
404,965

 
37.9
%
Less: income attributable to noncontrolling interests, including carried interest allocation
 
6,692

 
5,614

 
19.2

 
29,161

 
21,709

 
34.3

Non-GAAP noninterest income, net of noncontrolling interests
 
$
203,378

 
$
153,164

 
32.8

 
$
529,116

 
$
383,256

 
38.1



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The following table provides a reconciliation of GAAP noninterest income to non-GAAP core fee income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
GAAP noninterest income
 
$
210,070

 
$
158,778

 
32.3
 %
 
$
558,277

 
$
404,965

 
37.9
 %
Less: gains on investment securities, net
 
32,193

 
15,238

 
111.3

 
77,365

 
48,838

 
58.4

Less: gains on equity warrant assets, net
 
34,141

 
24,922

 
37.0

 
72,393

 
42,432

 
70.6

Less: other noninterest income
 
12,022

 
15,896

 
(24.4
)
 
38,671

 
41,128

 
(6.0
)
Non-GAAP core fee income (1)
 
$
131,714

 
$
102,722

 
28.2

 
$
369,848

 
$
272,567

 
35.7

 
(1)
Non-GAAP core fee income represents noninterest income, but excludes certain line items where performance is typically subject to market or other conditions beyond our control and includes foreign exchange fees, credit card fees, deposit service charges, lending related fees, client investment fees and letters of credit and standby letters of credit fees.
Gains on Investment Securities, Net
Net gains and losses on investment securities include gains and losses from our non-marketable and other equity securities, which include public equity securities held as a result of exercised equity warrant assets, as well as gains and losses from sales of our AFS debt securities portfolio, when applicable.
Our non-marketable and other equity securities portfolio primarily represents investments in venture capital and private equity funds, SPD Silicon Valley Bank Co., Ltd. (the Bank's joint venture bank in China (“SPD-SVB”)), debt funds, private and public portfolio companies and investments in qualified affordable housing projects. We experience variability in the performance of our non-marketable and other equity securities from period to period, 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 and losses from distributions, changes in liquidity events and general economic and market conditions. Unrealized gains or losses from non-marketable and other equity 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 or losses from investment securities. 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, and 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.
Our AFS securities portfolio is 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. Though infrequent, sales of debt securities in our AFS securities portfolio may result in net gains or losses and are conducted pursuant to the guidelines of our investment policy related to the management of our liquidity position and interest rate risk.
Three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017
For the three months ended September 30, 2018, we had net gains on investment securities of $32.2 million, compared to $15.2 million for the comparable 2017 period. Non-GAAP net gains on investment securities, net of noncontrolling interests, were $25.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $9.7 million for the comparable 2017 period.
Non-GAAP net gains on investment securities, net of noncontrolling interests, of $25.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 were driven by the following:
Gains of $11.5 million from our strategic and other investments portfolio, comprised primarily of net unrealized valuation increases in private company investments held in our strategic venture capital funds,
Gains of $7.0 million from our managed funds of funds portfolio, related primarily to net unrealized valuation increases in private company investments held by the funds in the portfolio, and
Gains of $4.4 million from our public equity securities portfolio primarily attributable to $5.2 million in unrealized gains related to our holdings of one company that had an IPO during the third quarter of 2018.

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Nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017
For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we had net gains on investment securities of $77.4 million, compared to $48.8 million for the comparable 2017 period. Non-GAAP net gains on investment securities, net of noncontrolling interests, were $48.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $27.4 million for the comparable 2017 period.
Non-GAAP net gains, net of noncontrolling interests, of $48.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were driven primarily by the following:
Gains of $42.3 million from our strategic and other investments portfolio, attributable primarily to net unrealized valuation increases in both private and public company investments held in our strategic venture capital funds,
Gains of $21.6 million from our managed funds of funds portfolio, related primarily to net unrealized valuation increases in both private and public company investments held by the funds in the portfolio, and
Losses of $17.8 million from our public equity securities portfolio primarily reflective of net losses on sales of shares of Roku, Inc. ("Roku"), from exercised warrants in 2017, which were sold in the first quarter of 2018.
The following tables provide a reconciliation of GAAP total gains (losses) on investment securities, net, to non-GAAP net gains (losses) on investment securities, net of noncontrolling interests, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Managed
Funds of
Funds
 
Managed
Direct
Venture
Funds
 
Public Equity Securities (1)
 
Debt
Funds
 
Sales of AFS Securities (1)
 
Strategic
and Other
Investments
 
Total
Three months ended September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total gains on investment securities, net

$
12,949

 
$
1,863


$
4,372


$
1,473


$


$
11,536

 
$
32,193

Less: income attributable to noncontrolling interests, including carried interest allocation

5,914

 
727









 
6,641

Non-GAAP net gains on investment securities, net of noncontrolling interests
 
$
7,035

 
$
1,136

 
$
4,372

 
$
1,473

 
$

 
$
11,536

 
$
25,552

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total gains (losses) on investment securities, net
 
$
49,553

 
$
3,377

 
$
(17,770
)
 
$
(100
)
 
$

 
$
42,305

 
$
77,365

Less: income attributable to noncontrolling interests, including carried interest allocation
 
27,904

 
1,314

 

 

 

 

 
29,218

Non-GAAP net gains (losses) on investment securities, net of noncontrolling interests
 
$
21,649

 
$
2,063

 
$
(17,770
)
 
$
(100
)
 
$

 
$
42,305

 
$
48,147

 
 
(1)
Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted Accounting Standard update ("ASU") 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, resulting in the reclassification of public equity securities out of our AFS securities portfolio into our non-marketable and other equity securities portfolio. This guidance was adopted using the modified retrospective method with a cumulative adjustment to opening retained earnings. As such, prior period amounts have not been restated.

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(Dollars in thousands)
 
Managed
Funds of
Funds
 
Managed
Direct
Venture
Funds
 
Debt
Funds
 
Sales of AFS Securities
 
Strategic
and Other
Investments
 
Total
Three months ended September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total gains (losses) on investment securities, net
 
$
8,446

 
$
729

 
$
2,445

 
$
(101
)
 
$
3,719

 
$
15,238

Less: income attributable to noncontrolling interests, including carried interest allocation
 
5,335

 
161

 

 

 

 
5,496

Non-GAAP net gains (losses) on investment securities, net of noncontrolling interests
 
$
3,111

 
$
568

 
$
2,445

 
$
(101
)
 
$
3,719

 
$
9,742

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total gains on investment securities, net
 
$
30,624

 
$
894

 
$
2,696

 
$
384

 
$
14,240

 
$
48,838

Less: income attributable to noncontrolling interests, including carried interest allocation
 
21,245

 
178

 

 

 

 
21,423

Non-GAAP net gains on investment securities, net of noncontrolling interests
 
$
9,379

 
$
716

 
$
2,696

 
$
384

 
$
14,240

 
$
27,415

Gains on Equity Warrant Assets, Net
Three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017
Net gains on equity warrant assets were $34.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to net gains of $24.9 million for the comparable 2017 period. Net gains on equity warrant assets for the three months ended September 30, 2018 consisted of:
Net gains of $18.3 million from the exercise of equity warrant assets compared to net gains of $7.4 million, primarily driven by increased IPO and M&A activity during the three months ended September 30, 2018, and
Net gains of $17.3 million from changes in warrant valuation increases compared to net gains of $18.2 million, driven by valuation increases in our private company warrant portfolio during the three months ended September 30, 2018.
Nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017
Net gains on equity warrant assets were $72.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to net gains of $42.4 million for the comparable 2017 period. Net gains on equity warrant assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 consisted of:
Net gains of $42.8 million from the exercise of equity warrant assets compared to net gains of $22.5 million , reflective primarily of increased IPO and M&A activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, and
Net gains of $32.7 million from changes in warrant valuation increases compared to net gains of $23.6 million, driven by our private company warrant portfolio and reflective of increased M&A activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
A summary of gains on equity warrant assets, net, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:
  
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
Equity warrant assets (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gains on exercises, net
 
$
18,287

 
$
7,449

 
145.5
 %
 
$
42,808

 
$
22,482

 
90.4
 %
Cancellations and expirations
 
(1,432
)
 
(757
)
 
89.2

 
(3,158
)
 
(3,614
)
 
(12.6
)
Changes in fair value, net
 
17,286

 
18,230

 
(5.2
)
 
32,743

 
23,564

 
39.0

Gains on equity warrant assets, net
 
$
34,141

 
$
24,922

 
37.0

 
$
72,393

 
$
42,432

 
70.6

 
 
(1)
At September 30, 2018, we held warrants in 2,031 companies, compared to 1,842 companies at September 30, 2017. The total fair value of our warrant portfolio was $147.0 million at September 30, 2018 and $141.8 million at September 30, 2017. Warrants in 18 companies each had fair values greater than $1.0 million and collectively represented $42.8 million, or 29.1 percent, of the fair value of the total warrant portfolio at September 30, 2018. Warrants in 16 companies each had

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fair values greater than $1.0 million and collectively represented $51.7 million, or 36.5 percent, of the fair value of the total warrant portfolio at September 30, 2017.
Non-GAAP Core Fee Income
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
Non-GAAP core fee income (1):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange fees
 
$
32,656

 
$
29,671

 
10.1
 %
 
$
100,560

 
$
82,026

 
22.6
 %
Credit card fees
 
24,121

 
20,270

 
19.0

 
68,739

 
56,099

 
22.5

Deposit service charges
 
19,588

 
14,508

 
35.0

 
56,081

 
43,046

 
30.3

Client investment fees
 
36,265

 
15,563

 
133.0

 
88,592

 
37,571

 
135.8

Lending related fees
 
10,675

 
15,404

 
(30.7
)
 
30,938

 
32,874

 
(5.9
)
Letters of credit and standby letters of credit fees
 
8,409

 
7,306

 
15.1

 
24,938

 
20,951

 
19.0

Total non-GAAP core fee income (1)
 
$
131,714

 
$
102,722

 
28.2

 
$
369,848

 
$
272,567

 
35.7

 
(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. See “Use of Non-GAAP Measures” above.

Foreign Exchange Fees
Foreign exchange fees were $32.7 million and $100.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, compared to $29.7 million and $82.0 million for the comparable 2017 periods. The increases in foreign exchange fees were driven primarily by increases in spot contract commissions driven by increased volume of trades for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the 2017 periods. The volume of trades for spot contracts increased 32.1 percent and 32.8 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, compared to the comparable 2017 periods reflective primarily of our global expansion initiative and increased client engagement efforts. A summary of foreign exchange fee income by instrument type for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018

2017

% Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
Foreign exchange fees by instrument type:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Spot contract commissions
 
$
30,041

 
$
27,700

 
8.5
 %
 
$
92,791

 
$
73,707

 
25.9
 %
Forward contract commissions
 
2,534

 
1,877

 
35.0

 
7,474

 
7,948

 
(6.0
)
Option premium fees
 
81

 
94

 
(13.8
)
 
295

 
371

 
(20.5
)
Total foreign exchange fees
 
$
32,656

 
$
29,671

 
10.1

 
$
100,560

 
$
82,026

 
22.6


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Credit Card Fees
Credit card fees were $24.1 million and $68.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, compared to $20.3 million and $56.1 million for the comparable 2017 periods. The increases were primarily due to higher gross interchange fee income driven by an increase in transaction volume reflective of higher spend by our commercial clients and our focus on our credit card business as a key area targeted for growth. The increase in gross interchange fee income was partially offset by an increase in rebates/rewards expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018. A summary of credit card fees by instrument type for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
Credit card fees by instrument type:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Card interchange fees, net
 
$
18,849

 
$
16,179

 
16.5
%
 
$
54,547

 
$
44,182

 
23.5
%
Merchant service fees
 
3,679

 
2,930

 
25.6

 
10,010

 
8,553

 
17.0

Card service fees
 
1,593

 
1,161

 
37.2

 
4,182

 
3,364

 
24.3

Total credit card fees
 
$
24,121

 
$
20,270

 
19.0

 
$
68,739

 
$
56,099

 
22.5

Deposit Service Charges
Deposit service charges were $19.6 million and $56.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, compared to $14.5 million and $43.0 million for the comparable 2017 periods. The increases were reflective of higher deposit client counts, as well as higher volumes of our transaction-based fee products, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018.
Client Investment Fees
Client investment fees were $36.3 million and $88.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, compared to $15.6 million and $37.6 million for the comparable 2017 periods. The increases were reflective of the large increase in average client investment funds driven by our clients’ increased utilization of our off-balance sheet sweep money market funds and products managed by SVB Asset Management. Client investment fees also benefited from improved spreads on our client investment funds due to increases in general market rates and the reintroduction of fees that had been previously waived due to the low rate environment. A summary of client investment fees by instrument type for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:

 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
Client investment fees by type:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sweep money market fees
 
$
21,105

 
$
7,968

 
164.9
%
 
$
50,605

 
$
18,838

 
168.6
%
Asset management fees
 
6,358

 
4,177

 
52.2

 
17,447

 
11,666

 
49.6

Repurchase agreement fees
 
8,802

 
3,418

 
157.5

 
20,540

 
7,067

 
190.6

Total client investment fees
 
$
36,265

 
$
15,563

 
133.0

 
$
88,592

 
$
37,571

 
135.8

The following table summarizes average client investment funds for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
Three months ended September 30,

Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in millions)
 
2018

2017

% Change

2018

2017

% Change
Sweep money market funds
 
$
34,556

 
$
20,165

 
71.4
%
 
$
30,284

 
$
18,783

 
61.2
%
Client investment assets under management(1)
 
36,541

 
26,123

 
39.9

 
33,561

 
24,531

 
36.8

Repurchase agreements
 
8,464

 
6,985

 
21.2

 
7,905

 
6,190

 
27.7

Total average client investment funds (2)
 
$
79,561

 
$
53,273

 
49.3

 
$
71,750

 
$
49,504

 
44.9

 
 
(1)
These funds represent investments in third-party money market mutual funds and fixed-income securities managed by SVB Asset Management.

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(2)
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 September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
(Dollars in millions)
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
% Change
Sweep money market funds
 
$
36,067

 
$
23,911

 
50.8
%
Client investment assets under management (1)
 
37,649

 
29,344

 
28.3

Repurchase agreements
 
8,369

 
7,074

 
18.3

Total period-end client investment funds (2)
 
$
82,085

 
$
60,329

 
36.1

 
 
(1)
These funds represent investments in third-party money market mutual funds and fixed-income securities managed by SVB Asset Management.
(2)
Client investment funds are maintained at third-party financial institutions and are not recorded on our balance sheet.
Lending Related Fees
Lending related fees were $10.7 million and $30.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, compared to $15.4 million and $32.9 million for the comparable 2017 periods. The decreases were due primarily to a one-time adjustment of $4.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2017 related to fees earned in prior periods from unused lines of credit. A summary of lending related fees by instrument type for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
Lending related fees by instrument type:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unused commitment fees
 
$
8,410

 
$
12,334

 
(31.8
)%
 
$
24,994

 
$
25,923

 
(3.6
)%
Other
 
2,265

 
3,070

 
(26.2
)
 
5,944

 
6,951

 
(14.5
)
Total lending related fees
 
$
10,675

 
$
15,404

 
(30.7
)
 
$
30,938

 
$
32,874

 
(5.9
)
Noninterest Expense
A summary of noninterest expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018

2017
 
% Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
Compensation and benefits
 
$
195,437

 
$
153,263

 
27.5
%
 
$
543,198

 
$
449,412

 
20.9
 %
Professional services
 
36,542

 
32,987

 
10.8

 
112,080

 
86,331

 
29.8

Premises and equipment
 
19,858

 
18,937

 
4.9

 
57,576

 
53,753

 
7.1

Net occupancy
 
13,694

 
12,660

 
8.2

 
40,598

 
35,437

 
14.6

Business development and travel
 
12,712

 
10,329

 
23.1

 
35,998

 
30,913

 
16.4

FDIC and state assessments
 
9,550

 
8,359

 
14.2

 
29,306

 
26,354

 
11.2

Correspondent bank fees
 
3,513

 
3,162

 
11.1

 
10,200

 
9,770

 
4.4

Other
 
18,139

 
18,064

 
0.4

 
51,645

 
54,670

 
(5.5
)
Total noninterest expense
 
$
309,445

 
$
257,761

 
20.1

 
$
880,601

 
$
746,640

 
17.9

Included in noninterest expense is expense attributable to noncontrolling interests. See below for a description and reconciliation 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:

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(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.
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 and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands, except ratios)
 
2018

2017
 
% Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
GAAP noninterest expense
 
$
309,445

 
$
257,761

 
20.1
 %
 
$
880,601

 
$
746,640

 
17.9
 %
Less: amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
154

 
125

 
23.2

 
349

 
517

 
(32.5
)
Non-GAAP noninterest expense, net of noncontrolling interests
 
$
309,291

 
$
257,636

 
20.0

 
$
880,252

 
$
746,123

 
18.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP net interest income
 
$
493,222

 
$
373,974

 
31.9

 
$
1,379,528

 
$
1,026,663

 
34.4

Adjustments for taxable equivalent basis
 
2,858

 
631

 
NM

 
6,249

 
1,455

 
NM

Non-GAAP taxable equivalent net interest income
 
$
496,080

 
$
374,605

 
32.4

 
$
1,385,777

 
$
1,028,118

 
34.8

Less: income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
10

 
9

 
11.1

 
29

 
26

 
11.5

Non-GAAP taxable equivalent net interest income, net of noncontrolling interests
 
$
496,070

 
$
374,596

 
32.4

 
$
1,385,748

 
$
1,028,092

 
34.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP noninterest income
 
$
210,070

 
$
158,778

 
32.3

 
$
558,277

 
$
404,965

 
37.9

Less: income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
6,692

 
5,614

 
19.2

 
29,161

 
21,709

 
34.3

Non-GAAP noninterest income, net of noncontrolling interests
 
$
203,378

 
$
153,164

 
32.8

 
$
529,116

 
$
383,256

 
38.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP total revenue
 
$
703,292

 
$
532,752

 
32.0

 
$
1,937,805

 
$
1,431,628

 
35.4

Non-GAAP taxable equivalent revenue, net of noncontrolling interests
 
$
699,448

 
$
527,760

 
32.5

 
$
1,914,864

 
$
1,411,348

 
35.7

GAAP operating efficiency ratio
 
44.00
%
 
48.38
%
 
(9.1
)
 
45.44
%
 
52.15
%
 
(12.9
)
Non-GAAP operating efficiency ratio (1)
 
44.22

 
48.82

 
(9.4
)
 
45.97

 
52.87

 
(13.1
)
 
 
 
NM—Not meaningful
(1)
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.


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Compensation and Benefits Expense
The following table provides a summary of our compensation and benefits expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands, except employees)
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
Compensation and benefits:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and wages
 
$
84,962

 
$
72,799

 
16.7
%
 
$
234,832

 
$
207,687

 
13.1
%
Incentive compensation & ESOP
 
57,375

 
37,668

 
52.3

 
155,390

 
108,310

 
43.5

Other employee incentives and benefits (1)
 
53,100

 
42,796

 
24.1

 
152,976

 
133,415

 
14.7

Total compensation and benefits
 
$
195,437

 
$
153,263

 
27.5

 
$
543,198

 
$
449,412

 
20.9

Period-end full-time equivalent employees
 
2,836

 
2,433

 
16.6

 
2,836

 
2,433

 
16.6

Average full-time equivalent employees
 
2,778

 
2,434

 
14.1

 
2,623

 
2,384

 
10.0

 
 
(1)
Other employee incentives and benefits includes employer payroll taxes, group health and life insurance, share-based compensation, 401(k), warrant and retention plans, agency fees and other employee-related expenses.
Compensation and benefits expense was $195.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $153.3 million for the comparable 2017 period. The key changes in factors affecting compensation and benefits expense were as follows:
An increase of $19.7 million in incentive compensation and ESOP expense reflective primarily of our strong 2018 full-year expected performance as compared to 2017 as well as an increase in the number of average FTE since September 30, 2017,
An increase of $12.2 million in salaries and wages reflective primarily of the increase in the number of average FTE by 344 to 2,778 for the third quarter of 2018 compared to the same period in 2017, as well as merit increases, and
An increase of $10.3 million in other employee incentives and benefits primarily driven by an increase in employer group health insurance and payroll taxes of $2.5 million and $2.4 million, respectively, reflective of the increase in the number of average FTE since September 30, 2017, as well as an increase of $2.9 million in share-based compensation expense, primarily due to increased grants of restricted stock awards and at higher values at date of grant, reflective of the increase in our stock price, for the third quarter of 2018 as compared to the third quarter of 2017.
Compensation and benefits expense was $543.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $449.4 million for the comparable 2017 period. The key changes in factors affecting compensation and benefits expense were as follows:
An increase of $47.1 million in incentive compensation and ESOP expense reflective primarily of our strong 2018 full-year expected performance as compared to 2017 as well as an increase in the number of average FTE since September 30, 2017,
An increase of $27.1 million in salaries and wages reflective primarily of the increase in the number of average FTE by 239 to 2,623 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017, as well as merit increases, and
An increase of $19.6 million in other employee incentives and benefits primarily driven by an increase in employer payroll taxes of $6.3 million, reflective of the increase in the number of average FTE since the third quarter of 2017, as well as an increase of $6.2 million in share-based compensation expense, primarily due to increased grants of restricted stock awards and at higher values at date of grant, reflective of the increase in our stock price, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The remaining increase is related to other employee benefit expenses reflective of the increase in the number of average FTE as mentioned previously.

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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 2017 Form 10-K). Total costs incurred under these plans were $67.3 million and $182.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, compared to $45.9 million and $133.3 million for the comparable 2017 periods. These amounts are included in total compensation and benefits expense discussed above.
Professional Services
Professional services expense was $36.5 million and $112.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, compared to $33.0 million and $86.3 million for the comparable 2017 periods. The increases were primarily related to enhancements in our regulatory, risk and compliance infrastructure to support our momentum as we continue to grow both domestically and globally as well as investments made in projects, systems and technology to support our revenue growth and related initiatives and other operating costs. Professional services expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 included a $6.0 million write-off for capitalized costs in connection with the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act, which includes regulatory reform of the threshold for which certain enhanced prudential standards apply from $50 billion to $250 billion.
Net Occupancy
Net occupancy expense was $13.7 million and $40.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, compared to $12.7 million and $35.4 million for the comparable 2017 periods. The increases were primarily due to lease renewals at higher costs, reflective of market conditions, and the expansion of certain offices to support our growth.
Business Development and Travel
Business development and travel expense was $12.7 million and $36.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, compared to $10.3 million and $30.9 million for the comparable 2017 period. The increases were to support expansion initiatives as we continue to grow both domestically and globally.
Other Noninterest Expense
Total other noninterest expense was $18.1 million and $51.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, compared to $18.1 million and $54.7 million for the comparable 2017 periods. The decrease for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was driven primarily by certain reimbursement incentives received associated with a new vendor agreement signed during the first quarter of 2018.
A summary of other noninterest expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
Lending and other client related processing costs
 
$
5,698

 
$
6,935

 
(17.8
)%
 
$
16,301

 
$
18,806

 
(13.3
)%
Data processing services
 
2,740

 
2,244

 
22.1

 
7,934

 
7,254

 
9.4

Telephone
 
2,269

 
2,518

 
(9.9
)
 
7,025

 
7,892

 
(11.0
)
Dues and publications
 
1,387

 
883

 
57.1

 
3,081

 
2,355

 
30.8

Postage and supplies
 
652

 
612

 
6.5

 
2,133

 
2,013

 
6.0

Other
 
5,393

 
4,872

 
10.7

 
15,171

 
16,350

 
(7.2
)
Total other noninterest expense
 
$
18,139

 
$
18,064

 
0.4

 
$
51,645

 
$
54,670

 
(5.5
)
 
Net 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 income attributable to noncontrolling interests” on our statements of income.
In the table below, noninterest income consists primarily of net 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 income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:

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Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
Net interest income (1)
 
$
(10
)
 
$
(9
)
 
11.1
 %
 
$
(29
)
 
$
(26
)
 
11.5
 %
Noninterest income (1)
 
(2,749
)
 
(4,341
)
 
(36.7
)
 
(20,127
)
 
(19,059
)
 
5.6

Noninterest expense (1)
 
154

 
125

 
23.2

 
349

 
517

 
(32.5
)
Carried interest allocation (2)
 
(3,943
)
 
(1,273
)
 
NM

 
(9,034
)
 
(2,650
)
 
NM

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
$
(6,548
)
 
$
(5,498
)
 
19.1

 
$
(28,841
)
 
$
(21,218
)
 
35.9

 
 
NM—Not meaningful
(1)
Represents noncontrolling interests’ share in net interest income, noninterest income or loss 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.

Three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was $6.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $5.5 million for the comparable 2017 period. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of $6.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was reflective of $6.6 million in net gains on investment securities (including carried interest allocation) primarily from our managed funds of funds in the portfolio related to net unrealized valuation increases in private company investments held by the funds during the third quarter of 2018. See “Results of Operations—Noninterest Income—Gains on Investment Securities, Net”.
Nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests was $28.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $21.2 million for the comparable 2017 period. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of $28.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was reflective of $29.2 million net gains on investment securities (including carried interest allocation) primarily from our managed funds of funds portfolio due to net unrealized valuation increases in both private and public company investments held by the funds in the portfolio during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. See “Results of Operations—Noninterest Income—Gains on Investment Securities, Net”.
Income Taxes
On December 22, 2017, the TCJ Act was signed into law. The TCJ Act amends the Internal Revenue Code to, among other things, reduce tax rates, and make changes to credits and deductions for individuals and businesses. For businesses, the TCJ Act permanently lowers the Federal corporate tax rate to 21.0 percent from the prior maximum rate of 35.0 percent, effective for tax years including or commencing January 1, 2018.
The Company has also considered the provisions of the TCJ Act related to non-U.S. operations which would potentially impact the Company’s income tax provision. Such provisions include the one-time transition tax (“TT”) on foreign earnings and the new base erosion anti-avoidance tax (“BEAT”). Based on analyses performed by the Company as of September 30, 2018, the impact of both of these provisions continue to have an immaterial impact on the Company’s income tax provision.
Our effective income tax expense rate was 25.8 percent for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to 39.6 percent and 37.1 percent for the comparable 2017 periods, respectively. 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.
The reductions in the effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 were primarily due to the lower Federal corporate tax rate as a result of the TCJ Act effective January 1, 2018.
The effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, included the recognition of tax benefits of $3.0 million and $17.5 million, respectively, compared to $1.3 million and $14.4 million for the comparable 2017 periods due to the adoption of ASU 2016-09 in the first quarter of 2017. The increase in the tax benefits for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the comparable 2017 periods were partially offset by the reduction in the Federal corporate tax rate.
The Company has considered the provisions of the TCJ Act and analyzed for potential impact to its income tax provision for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018. Aside from the items noted above, the Company is not aware of any further items which could materially impact its financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018.

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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 12—“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 and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
Global Commercial Bank
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
Net interest income
 
$
431,036

 
$
337,860

 
27.6
 %
 
$
1,209,960

 
$
924,789

 
30.8
%
Provision for credit losses
 
(19,074
)
 
(20,874
)
 
(8.6
)
 
(71,704
)
 
(65,007
)
 
10.3

Noninterest income
 
114,123

 
97,227

 
17.4

 
326,714

 
260,650

 
25.3

Noninterest expense
 
(206,487
)
 
(178,306
)
 
15.8

 
(591,434
)
 
(528,807
)
 
11.8

Income before income tax expense
 
$
319,598

 
$
235,907

 
35.5

 
$
873,536

 
$
591,625

 
47.7

Total average loans, net of unearned income
 
$
22,925,909

 
$
18,807,616

 
21.9

 
$
21,781,557

 
$
18,125,020

 
20.2

Total average assets
 
54,296,808

 
47,809,890

 
13.6

 
52,277,701

 
45,408,476

 
15.1

Total average deposits
 
47,037,693

 
42,376,024

 
11.0

 
45,701,317

 
40,398,413

 
13.1

 
Three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017
Income before income tax expense from our Global Commercial Bank (“GCB”) increased to $319.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $235.9 million for the comparable 2017 period, which reflected the continued acquisition of new clients and growth of our core commercial business. The key components of GCB's performance for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the comparable 2017 period are discussed below.
Net interest income from GCB increased by $93.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, due primarily to an increase in loan interest income resulting mainly from higher average loan balances, as well as from an increase in loan yields as a result of rate increases.
GCB had a provision for credit losses of $19.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $20.9 million for the comparable 2017 period. The provision of $19.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 reflects primarily $12.9 million in additional reserves for period-end loan growth, $9.2 million for charge-offs not specifically reserved for and $9.3 million in net new specific reserves for nonaccrual loans, partially offset by a decrease in the qualitative component of our performing loan reserves of $8.2 million reflective of the continued growth of larger, higher credit quality private equity/venture capital loans as a percentage of total gross loans.
The provision of $20.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 primarily reflected $13.8 million in net new specific reserves for nonaccrual loans and a $10.9 million increase in reserves for period-end loan growth, partially offset by a benefit from improved credit quality from the continued shift in our loan portfolio to private equity/venture capital loans, which tend to be of higher credit quality.
Noninterest income increased by $16.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, related primarily to an overall increase in our non-GAAP core fee income (higher client investment fees, deposit service charges and credit card fees). This increase was due primarily to the continued growth of our client base and work with larger global companies reflective of investments in our platform, capabilities and global reach.
Noninterest expense increased by $28.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, due primarily to increased compensation and benefits. Compensation and benefits expense increased by $27.3 million primarily as a result of increased incentive compensation and ESOP expense, salaries and wages and other employee benefits. The $13.8 million in incentive compensation and ESOP expense is reflective primarily of our strong 2018 full-year expected performance as compared to 2017 as well as an increase in average FTE since the third quarter of 2017. The $12.6 million increase in GCB salaries and wages was due primarily to an increase in the average number of FTEs at GCB, which increased by 224 to 2,102 FTEs for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to 1,878 FTEs for the comparable 2017 period.

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Nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017
Net interest income from our GCB increased by $285.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, due primarily to an increase in loan interest income resulting mainly from higher average loan balances as well as from an increase in loan yields as a result of rate increases.
GCB had a provision for credit losses of $71.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to a provision of $65.0 million for the comparable 2017 period. The provision of $71.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was reflective primarily of $39.4 million from period-end loan growth, $34.0 million in net new specific reserves for nonaccrual loans and $24.0 million for charge-offs not specifically reserved for, partially offset by a decrease in reserves of $20.7 million for our performing loans from certain reserve methodology enhancements made to our qualitative reserve for large loan exposure as a result of growth within our higher credit quality private equity/venture capital loan portfolios.
The provision of $65.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was reflective primarily of $51.9 million in net new specific reserves for nonaccrual loans and $20.9 million from period-end loan growth, partially offset by a benefit from the overall improved credit quality of our loan portfolio and the continued shift in our loan portfolio to private equity/venture capital loans, which tend to be of higher credit quality.
Noninterest income increased by $66.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, related primarily to an overall increase in our non-GAAP core fee income (higher foreign exchange fees, client investment fees and credit card fees). This increase was due primarily to the continued growth of our client base and work with larger global companies reflective of investments in our platform, capabilities and global reach.
Noninterest expense increased by $62.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, due primarily to increased expenses for compensation and benefits. Compensation and benefits expense increased by $61.1 million primarily as a result of increased incentive compensation and ESOP expense, salaries and wages and other employee benefits. The $34.1 million increase in incentive compensation and ESOP expense is reflective primarily of our strong 2018 full-year expected performance as compared to 2017 as well as an increase in average FTE since the third quarter of 2017. The $23.1 million increase in GCB salaries and wages was due primarily to an increase in the average number of FTEs at GCB, which increased by 146 to 2,001 FTEs for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to 1,855 FTEs for the comparable 2017 period. The increase in total other employee benefits was related to various expenses, particularly employer payroll taxes reflective of the increase in the number of average FTE.
SVB Private Bank
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
Net interest income
 
$
14,919

 
$
14,600

 
2.2
 %
 
$
46,811

 
$
42,952

 
9.0
 %
Provision for credit losses
 
(362
)
 
(1,535
)
 
(76.4
)
 
(2,384
)
 
(2,266
)
 
5.2

Noninterest income
 
605

 
460

 
31.5

 
1,677

 
1,715

 
(2.2
)
Noninterest expense
 
(6,760
)
 
(4,706
)
 
43.6

 
(18,729
)
 
(12,675
)
 
47.8

Income before income tax expense
 
$
8,402

 
$
8,819

 
(4.7
)
 
$
27,375

 
$
29,726

 
(7.9
)
Total average loans, net of unearned income
 
$
2,928,576

 
$
2,499,507

 
17.2

 
$
2,791,910

 
$
2,371,027

 
17.8

Total average assets
 
2,538,662

 
2,538,400

 

 
2,548,184

 
2,403,777

 
6.0

Total average deposits
 
1,505,746

 
1,231,390

 
22.3

 
1,519,200

 
1,289,990

 
17.8

 
Three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017
Net interest income from our SVB Private Bank increased by $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, reflective primarily of higher interest income due to loan growth, partially offset by a higher funding charge for loans funded.
Noninterest expense increased by $2.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, due primarily to increased compensation and benefits expense. Compensation and benefits expense increased as a result of increased salaries and wages, reflective of the increase in number of average FTE since the third quarter of 2017, and higher incentive compensation expenses, reflective primarily of our strong 2018 full-year expected performance as compared to 2017.
Nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017
Net interest income from our SVB Private Bank increased by $3.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, reflective primarily of higher interest income due to loan growth, partially offset by a higher funding charge for loans funded.

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SVB Private Bank had a provision for credit losses of $2.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $2.3 million for the comparable 2017 period. The provisions for both the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were due primarily to reserves for period-end loan growth.
Noninterest expense increased by $6.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, due primarily to increased compensation and benefits expense. Compensation and benefits expense increased as a result of increased salaries and wages, reflective primarily of the increase in the number of average FTE since the third quarter 2017, and higher incentive compensation expenses, reflective primarily of our strong 2018 full-year expected performance as compared to 2017.
SVB Capital
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
% Change
Net interest income
 
$
6

 
$
15

 
(60.0
)%
 
$
22

 
$
41

 
(46.3
)%
Noninterest income
 
24,423

 
13,913

 
75.5

 
81,832

 
45,707

 
79.0

Noninterest expense
 
(6,469
)
 
(4,873
)
 
32.8

 
(17,182
)
 
(14,537
)
 
18.2

Income before income tax expense
 
$
17,960

 
$
9,055

 
98.3

 
$
64,672

 
$
31,211

 
107.2

Total average assets
 
$
388,531

 
$
323,417

 
20.1

 
$
379,809

 
$
333,439

 
13.9

 
 SVB Capital’s components of noninterest income primarily include net gains and losses on non-marketable and other equity 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 September 30, 2018 and 2017
SVB Capital had noninterest income of $24.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $13.9 million for the comparable 2017 period. The increase in noninterest income was due primarily to higher net gains on investment securities compared to the comparable 2017 period. SVB Capital’s components of noninterest income primarily include the following:
Net gains on investment securities of $17.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to net gains of $8.1 million for the comparable 2017 period. The net gains on investment securities of $17.8 million were related to gains from our strategic venture capital fund investments reflective of net unrealized valuation increases in private company investments held in our strategic venture capital funds and net unrealized valuation increases in the private company investments held by our managed funds of funds, and
Fund management fees of $5.5 million compared to $5.2 million for the comparable 2017 period.
Nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017
SVB Capital had noninterest income of $81.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $45.7 million for the comparable 2017 period. The increase in noninterest income was due primarily to higher net gains on investment securities compared to the comparable 2017 period. SVB Capital’s components of noninterest income primarily include the following:
Net gains on investment securities of $61.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to net gains of $28.2 million for the comparable 2017 period. The net gains on investment securities of $61.6 million were related to gains from our strategic venture capital fund investments reflective of net unrealized valuation increases in both private and public company investments held in our strategic venture capital funds and net unrealized valuation increases in both private and public company investments held by our managed funds of funds, and
Fund management fees of $17.1 million compared to $15.9 million for the comparable 2017 period.
Consolidated Financial Condition
Our total assets, and total liabilities and stockholders' equity, were $58.1 billion at September 30, 2018 compared to $51.2 billion at December 31, 2017, an increase of $6.9 billion, or 13.5 percent. Refer below to 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 $3.8 billion at September 30, 2018, an increase of $0.9 billion, or 30.7 percent, compared to $2.9 billion at December 31, 2017. As of September 30, 2018, $2.1 billion 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 $1.1 billion. As of December 31, 2017, $0.6 billion 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 $1.1 billion.
Investment Securities
Investment securities totaled $25.9 billion at September 30, 2018, an increase of $1.5 billion, or 5.9 percent, compared to $24.4 billion at December 31, 2017. Our investment securities portfolio is comprised of: (i) an available-for-sale securities portfolio and a held-to-maturity securities portfolio, both of which represent interest earning fixed income investment securities; and (ii) a non-marketable and other equity securities portfolio, which represents primarily investments managed as part of our funds management business as well as public equity securities held as a result of equity warrant assets exercised.

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Available-for-Sale Securities
Period-end available-for-sale securities were $9.1 billion at September 30, 2018 compared to $11.1 billion at December 31, 2017, a decrease of $2.0 billion, or 18.3 percent. The $2.0 billion decrease in period-end AFS securities balances from December 31, 2017 to September 30, 2018, was due primarily to $2.5 billion in portfolio paydowns and maturities partially offset by purchases of $0.7 billion. Securities classified as available-for-sale are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recorded as unrealized gains or losses in a separate component of stockholders' equity. At September 30, 2018 the AFS portfolio had unrealized losses of $98.0 million ($70.8 million net of tax), primarily driven by increases in period-end market interest rates.
The following table summarizes the remaining contractual principal maturities and fully taxable equivalent yields on fixed income securities, carried at fair value, classified as available-for-sale as of September 30, 2018. 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 remaining maturities for certain U.S. agency debentures may occur earlier than their contractual maturities because the note issuers have the right to call outstanding amounts ahead of their contractual maturity. 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 interest rate environments. The weighted average yield on mortgage-backed securities is based on prepayment assumptions at the purchase date. Actual yields earned may differ significantly based upon actual prepayments.
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
 
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
 
$
5,501,874

 
1.75
%
 
$
2,016,438

 
1.43
%
 
$
3,047,620

 
1.80
%
 
$
437,816

 
2.95
%
 
$

 
%
U.S. agency debentures
 
1,346,672

 
1.77

 
653,271

 
1.51

 
693,401

 
2.01

 

 

 

 

Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligationsfixed rate
 
1,920,541

 
2.59

 

 

 

 

 
29,113

 
2.63

 
1,891,428

 
2.58

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligationsvariable rate
 
318,522

 
0.71

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
318,522

 
0.71

Total
 
$
9,087,609

 
1.90

 
$
2,669,709

 
1.45

 
$
3,741,021

 
1.84

 
$
466,929

 
2.93

 
$
2,209,950

 
2.31

Held-to-Maturity Securities
Period-end held-to-maturity securities were $15.9 billion at September 30, 2018 compared to $12.7 billion at December 31, 2017, an increase of $3.2 billion, or 25.6 percent. The $3.2 billion increase in period-end HTM security balances from December 31, 2017 to September 30, 2018 was due to new purchases of $4.7 billion, with $3.9 billion of agency backed mortgage securities purchases and $0.8 billion of municipal bond purchases, partially offset by $1.5 billion in portfolio paydowns and maturities.
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 net unrealized gains at the date of transfer will continue to be reported as a separate component of shareholders' equity and amortized over the life of the securities in a manner consistent with the amortization of a premium or discount.
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 September 30, 2018. 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 21.0 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

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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 interest rate environments. The weighted average yield on mortgage-backed securities is based on prepayment assumptions at the purchase date. Actual yields earned may differ significantly based upon actual prepayments.
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
 
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
 
$
641,134

 
2.65
%
 
$

 
%
 
$
104,550

 
2.63
%
 
$
536,584

 
2.66
%
 
$

 
%
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Agency-issued mortgage-backed securities
 
8,333,088

 
2.88

 

 


 
179,847

 
2.07

 
859,233

 
2.48

 
7,294,008

 
2.94

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligationsfixed rate
 
2,329,065

 
1.78

 

 

 

 

 
474,668

 
1.56

 
1,854,397

 
1.84

Agency-issued collateralized mortgage obligationsvariable rate
 
223,374

 
0.74

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
223,374

 
0.74

Agency-issued commercial mortgage-backed securities
 
2,795,952

 
2.98

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
2,795,952

 
2.98

Municipal bonds and notes
 
1,577,113

 
3.60

 
8,376

 
3.16

 
74,518

 
2.05

 
256,453

 
2.64

 
1,237,766

 
3.90

Total
 
$
15,899,726

 
2.77

 
$
8,376

 
3.16

 
$
358,915

 
2.23

 
$
2,126,938

 
2.34

 
$
13,405,497

 
2.85

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 investment securities portfolio weighted-average duration was 3.9 years and 3.0 years at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

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Non-Marketable and Other Equity Securities
Our non-marketable and other equity securities portfolio primarily represents investments in venture capital and private equity funds, SPD Silicon Valley Bank Co., Ltd. (the Bank's joint venture bank in China (“SPD-SVB”)), debt funds, private and public portfolio companies, including public equity securities held as a result of equity warrant assets exercised, and investments in qualified affordable housing projects. Included in our non-marketable and other equity 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.
Period-end non-marketable and other equity securities were $896.2 million at September 30, 2018 compared to $651.1 million at December 31, 2017, an increase of $245.1 million, or 37.7 percent. Non-marketable and other equity securities, net of noncontrolling interests were $765.3 million at September 30, 2018, compared to $530.6 million at December 31, 2017. The increase was mostly attributable to accounting changes related to the adoption of ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting) to be measured at fair value and eliminated the cost method of accounting. As part of this adoption, we recorded an adjustment to opening retained earnings for cost method investments measured at NAV and increased the carrying value of our unconsolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments. We also increased our investments in qualified affordable housing projects by $87.5 million for additional tax benefits as part of our strategy to reduce our effective tax rate. An additional increase in our other equity securities of $30.2 million was attributable to exercised equity warrant assets. 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 September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Carrying value (as reported)
 
Amount attributable to SVBFG
 
Carrying value (as reported)
 
Amount attributable to SVBFG
Non-marketable and other equity securities (fair value accounting):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments (1)
 
$
126,467

 
$
32,609

 
$
128,111

 
$
33,044

Unconsolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments (2)
 
208,953

 
208,953

 
98,548

 
98,548

Other investments without a readily determinable fair value (3)
 
25,253

 
25,253

 
27,680

 
27,680

Other equity securities in public companies (4)
 
30,460

 
29,825

 
310

 
103

Non-marketable securities (equity method accounting) (5):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Venture capital and private equity fund investments
 
112,537

 
76,035

 
89,809

 
64,675

Debt funds
 
5,241

 
5,241

 
21,183

 
21,183

Other investments
 
125,632

 
125,632

 
111,198

 
111,198

Investments in qualified affordable housing projects, net
 
261,706

 
261,706

 
174,214

 
174,214

Total non-marketable and other equity securities
 
$
896,249

 
$
765,254

 
$
651,053

 
$
530,645

 
(1)
The following table shows the amounts of venture capital and private equity fund investments held by the following consolidated funds and amounts attributable to SVBFG for each fund at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

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Table of Contents

 
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Carrying value (as reported)
 
Amount attributable to SVBFG
 
Carrying value (as reported)
 
Amount attributable to SVBFG
Strategic Investors Fund, LP
 
$
12,733

 
$
1,599

 
$
14,673

 
$
1,843

Capital Preferred Return Fund, LP
 
56,453

 
12,167

 
54,147

 
11,670

Growth Partners, LP
 
56,280

 
18,736

 
58,372

 
19,432

CP I, LP
 
1,001

 
107

 
919

 
99

Total consolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments
 
$
126,467

 
$
32,609

 
$
128,111

 
$
33,044


(2)
The carrying value represents investments in 220 and 235 funds (primarily venture capital funds) at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, 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. Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities which eliminated the concept of cost method accounting. On a prospective basis, we will carry our unconsolidated venture capital and private equity fund investments at fair value based on the fund investments' net asset values per share as obtained from the general partners of the funds. We will 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, June 30th, for our September 30th consolidated financial statements, adjusted for any contributions paid, distributions received from the investment, and significant fund transactions or market events during the reporting period. We recorded a cumulative adjustment to opening retained earnings on January 1, 2018 for the difference between fair value and cost for these fund investments. The estimated fair value and carrying value of these venture capital and private equity fund investments was $209.0 million as of September 30, 2018. As of December 31, 2017, these investments were carried at cost and had a carrying value of $98.5 million.

(3)
Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities which eliminated the concept of cost method accounting. On a prospective basis, we will report our other investments in the line item "Other investments without a readily determinable fair value." These investments include direct equity investments in private companies. The carrying value is based on the price at which the investment was acquired plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments. We consider a range of factors when adjusting the fair value of these investments, including, but not limited to, the term and nature of the investment, local market conditions, values for comparable securities, current and projected operating performance, exit strategies, financing transactions subsequent to the acquisition of the investment and a discount for certain investments that have lock-up restrictions or other features that indicate a discount to fair value is warranted. For further details on the carrying value of these investments refer to Note 6—“Investment Securities" of the “Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)” under Part I, Item 1 of this report.

(4)
Investments classified as other equity securities (fair value accounting) represent shares held in public companies as a result of exercising public equity warrant assets and direct equity investments in public companies held by our consolidated funds. Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities which requires equity securities to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income. Prior to January 1, 2018, we reported equity securities in public companies that we held as a result of exercising public equity warrant assets in available-for-sale securities. On a prospective basis, these equity securities will be reported in non-marketable and other equity securities.


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(5)
The following table shows the carrying value and amount attributable to SVBFG of each investment at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (equity method accounting):
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Carrying value (as reported)
 
Amount attributable to SVBFG
 
Carrying value (as reported)
 
Amount attributable to SVBFG
Venture capital and private equity fund investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic Investors Fund II, LP
 
$
4,739

 
$
4,436

 
$
6,342

 
$
5,971

Strategic Investors Fund III, LP
 
18,176

 
14,703

 
18,758

 
15,211

Strategic Investors Fund IV, LP
 
29,445

 
24,815

 
25,551

 
21,739

Strategic Investors Fund V, LP
 
24,245

 
12,729

 
16,856

 
8,849

CP II, LP (i)
 
6,865

 
4,153

 
6,700

 
4,056

Other venture capital and private equity fund investments
 
29,067

 
15,199

 
15,602

 
8,849

Total venture capital and private equity fund investments
 
$
112,537

 
$
76,035

 
$
89,809

 
$
64,675

Debt funds:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gold Hill Capital 2008, LP (ii)
 
$
3,267

 
$
3,267

 
$
18,690

 
$
18,690

Other debt funds
 
1,974

 
1,974

 
2,493

 
2,493

Total debt funds
 
$
5,241

 
$
5,241

 
$
21,183

 
$
21,183

Other investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SPD Silicon Valley Bank Co., Ltd.
 
$
75,314

 
$
75,314

 
$
75,337

 
$
75,337

Other investments
 
50,318

 
50,318

 
35,861

 
35,861

Total other investments
 
$
125,632

 
$
125,632

 
$
111,198

 
$
111,198

 
(i)
Our ownership includes direct ownership interest of 1.3 percent and indirect ownership interest of 3.8 percent through our investments in Strategic Investors Fund II, LP.
(ii)
Our ownership includes 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.

Volcker Rule
On June 6, 2017, we received notice that the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System approved the Company’s application for an extension of the permitted conformance period for the Company’s investments in “illiquid” covered funds. The approval extends the deadline by which the Company must sell, divest, restructure or otherwise conform such investments to the provisions of the Volcker Rule until the earlier of (i) July 21, 2022, or (ii) the date by which each fund matures by its terms or is otherwise conformed to the Volcker Rule.
As implemented under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the Volcker Rule prohibits, subject to certain exceptions, a banking entity, such as the Company, from sponsoring or investing in covered funds, defined to include many venture capital and private equity funds.  As noted above, the Company currently maintains certain investments deemed to be prohibited investments in “illiquid” covered funds, which are now covered under the approved extension. As of September 30, 2018, such prohibited investments had an estimated aggregate carrying value and fair value of approximately $244 million. (For more information about the Volcker Rule, see “Business—Supervision and Regulation” under Part 1, Item 1 of our 2017 Form 10-K.)
Loans
Loans, net of unearned income increased by $4.4 billion to $27.5 billion at September 30, 2018, compared to $23.1 billion at December 31, 2017. Unearned income was $174 million at September 30, 2018 and $148 million at December 31, 2017. Total gross loans were $27.7 billion at September 30, 2018, an increase of $4.4 billion, compared to $23.3 billion at December 31, 2017. Period-end loans increased compared to December 31, 2017, driven primarily by loan growth in our private equity/venture capital portfolio as well as from our life science/healthcare and private bank loan portfolios.

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The breakdown of total gross loans and total loans as a percentage of total gross loans by industry sector is as follows:
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amount
 
Percentage 
 
Amount
 
Percentage 
Commercial loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software/internet
 
$
6,317,315

 
22.8
%
 
$
6,232,725

 
26.8
%
Hardware
 
1,318,485

 
4.8

 
1,200,900

 
5.2

Private equity/venture capital
 
13,369,035

 
48.3

 
9,961,121

 
42.8

Life science/healthcare
 
2,377,470

 
8.6

 
1,867,960

 
8.0

Premium wine
 
227,499

 
0.8

 
204,257

 
0.9

Other
 
277,935

 
1.0

 
379,431

 
1.6

Total commercial loans
 
23,887,739

 
86.3

 
19,846,394

 
85.3

Real estate secured loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium wine
 
686,767

 
2.5

 
670,112

 
2.9

Consumer
 
2,553,651

 
9.2

 
2,297,857

 
9.9

Other
 
41,076

 
0.2

 
42,230

 
0.2

Total real estate secured loans
 
3,281,494

 
11.9

 
3,010,199

 
13.0

Construction loans
 
81,903

 
0.3

 
69,108

 
0.3

Consumer loans
 
417,693

 
1.5

 
328,452

 
1.4

Total gross loans
 
$
27,668,829

 
100.0

 
$
23,254,153

 
100.0

Loan Concentration
The following table provides a summary of gross loans by size and category. The breakout of the categories is based on total client balances (individually or in the aggregate) as of September 30, 2018:
 
 
September 30, 2018
(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/internet
 
$
1,549,823

 
$
984,569

 
$
1,445,166

 
$
1,203,498

 
$
1,134,259

 
$
6,317,315

Hardware
 
277,212

 
137,525

 
231,975

 
336,541

 
335,232

 
1,318,485

Private equity/venture capital
 
862,227

 
886,378

 
2,091,534

 
1,736,999

 
7,791,897

 
13,369,035

Life science/healthcare
 
312,183

 
465,959

 
666,370

 
487,927

 
445,031

 
2,377,470

Premium wine
 
69,924

 
36,872

 
32,684

 
88,019

 

 
227,499

Other
 
157,784

 
33,854

 
30,311

 
21,340

 
34,646

 
277,935

Commercial loans
 
3,229,153

 
2,545,157

 
4,498,040

 
3,874,324

 
9,741,065

 
23,887,739

Real estate secured loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium wine
 
175,242

 
166,931

 
238,458

 
106,136

 

 
686,767

Consumer
 
2,196,637

 
256,347

 
100,667

 

 

 
2,553,651

Other
 
7,571

 

 
33,505

 

 

 
41,076

Real estate secured loans
 
2,379,450

 
423,278

 
372,630

 
106,136

 

 
3,281,494

Construction loans
 
5,360

 
39,263

 
37,280

 

 

 
81,903

Consumer loans
 
145,207

 
42,191

 
23,279

 
133,596

 
73,420

 
417,693

Total gross loans
 
$
5,759,170

 
$
3,049,889

 
$
4,931,229

 
$
4,114,056

 
$
9,814,485

 
$
27,668,829

At September 30, 2018, gross loans equal to or greater than $20 million to any single client (individually or in the aggregate) totaled $13.9 billion, or 50.3 percent of our total gross loan portfolio. These loans represented 347 clients, and of these loans, $27.9 million were on nonaccrual status as of September 30, 2018.

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The following table provides a summary of gross 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, 2017:
 
 
December 31, 2017
(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/internet
 
$
1,558,717

 
$
974,959

 
$
1,545,194

 
$
1,190,247

 
$
963,608

 
$
6,232,725

Hardware
 
258,586

 
138,254

 
253,978

 
217,425

 
332,657

 
1,200,900

Private equity/venture capital
 
697,427

 
807,596

 
1,617,121

 
1,142,818

 
5,696,159

 
9,961,121

Life science/healthcare
 
321,738

 
450,445

 
576,926

 
313,656

 
205,195

 
1,867,960

Premium wine
 
60,663

 
37,845

 
64,062

 
32,423

 
9,264

 
204,257

Other
 
149,825

 
23,096

 
103,989

 
25,599

 
76,922

 
379,431

Commercial loans
 
3,046,956

 
2,432,195

 
4,161,270

 
2,922,168

 
7,283,805

 
19,846,394

Real estate secured loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premium wine
 
150,563

 
187,272

 
220,062

 
89,561

 
22,654

 
670,112

Consumer loans
 
1,989,973

 
224,825

 
83,059

 

 

 
2,297,857

Other
 
7,763

 

 
14,134

 
20,333

 

 
42,230

Real estate secured loans
 
2,148,299

 
412,097

 
317,255

 
109,894

 
22,654

 
3,010,199

Construction loans
 
12,178

 
34,029

 

 
22,901

 

 
69,108

Consumer loans
 
146,395

 
49,921

 
17,120

 
78,742

 
36,274

 
328,452

Total gross loans
 
$
5,353,828

 
$
2,928,242

 
$
4,495,645

 
$
3,133,705

 
$
7,342,733

 
$
23,254,153

At December 31, 2017, gross loans equal to or greater than $20 million to any single client (individually or in the aggregate) totaled $10.5 billion, or 45.1 percent of our total gross loan portfolio. These loans represented 277 clients, and of these loans, $52.1 million were on nonaccrual status as of December 31, 2017.
The credit profile of our loan portfolio clients varies based on the nature of the lending we do for different market segments. Our three main market segments include (i) technology (software/internet and hardware) and life science/healthcare, (ii) private equity/venture capital, and (iii) SVB Private Bank.
(i) Technology and Life Science/Healthcare
Our technology and life science/healthcare loan portfolios include loans to clients at all stages of their life cycles and represent the largest segments of our loan portfolio. The primary underwriting method for our technology and life science/healthcare portfolios are classified as investor dependent, balance sheet dependent or cash flow dependent.
Investor dependent loans represent a relatively small percentage of our overall portfolio at 11 percent of total gross loans at both September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. These loans are made to companies in both our Accelerator (early-stage) and Growth practices. Investor dependent loans typically have 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 capital firms or others, or in some cases, a successful sale to a third party or an IPO. Venture capital firms may provide financing selectively, at reduced amounts, or on less favorable terms, which may have an adverse effect on our borrowers' ability 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 that the company would need to be sold to repay the 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.
Balance sheet dependent loans, which includes asset-based loans, represented 9 percent of total gross loans at September 30, 2018 compared to 10 percent at December 31, 2017. Balance sheet dependent loans are structured to require constant current asset coverage (i.e., cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable and, to a much lesser extent, inventory) in an amount that exceeds the outstanding debt. These loans are generally made to companies in our Growth and Corporate Finance practices. Our asset-based lending, which includes working capital lines and accounts receivable financing, represented three and one percent of total gross loans as of September 30, 2018, respectively, and both represented three percent of total gross loans at December 31, 2017. The repayment of these arrangements is dependent on the financial condition, and payment ability, of third parties with whom our clients do business.
Cash flow dependent loans, which include sponsored buyout lending, represented 17 percent of total gross loans at September 30, 2018, compared to 19 percent at December 31, 2017. Cash flow dependent loans require the borrower to maintain cash flow from operations that is sufficient to service all debt. Borrowers must demonstrate normalized cash flow

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in excess of all fixed charges associated with operating the business. Sponsored buyout loans represented eight percent of total gross loans at September 30, 2018 compared to nine percent at December 31, 2017. These loans are typically used to assist a select group of experienced private equity sponsors with the acquisition of businesses, are larger in size, and repayment is generally dependent upon the cash flows of the acquired company. The acquired companies are typically established, later-stage businesses of scale and characterized by reasonable levels of leverage and loan structures that include meaningful financial covenants. The sponsor's equity contribution is often 50 percent or more of the acquisition price.

(ii) Private Equity/Venture Capital
We also provide financial services to clients in the private equity/venture capital community. At September 30, 2018, our lending to private equity/venture capital firms and funds represented 48 percent of total gross loans, compared to 43 percent of total gross loans at December 31, 2017. The vast majority of this portfolio consists of 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. These facilities are generally governed by meaningful financial covenants oriented towards ensuring that the funds' remaining callable capital is sufficient to repay the loan, and larger commitments (typically provided to larger private equity funds) are often secured by an assignment of the general partner's right to call capital from the fund's limited partner investors.

(iii) SVB Private Bank
Our SVB Private Bank clients are primarily private equity/venture capital professionals and executive leaders of the innovation companies they support. Our lending to SVB Private Bank clients represented 11 percent of total gross loans at both September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. Many of these clients have mortgages, which represented 86 percent of this portfolio at September 30, 2018; the balance of this portfolio consisted of home equity lines of credit, restricted stock purchase loans, capital call lines of credit, and other secured and unsecured lending.

State Concentrations
Approximately 29 percent and 10 percent of our outstanding total gross loan balances as of September 30, 2018 were to borrowers based in California and New York, respectively, compared to 31 percent and 10 percent as of December 31, 2017. Additionally, as of September 30, 2018, borrowers in Massachusetts increased to 10 percent of our outstanding gross loan balances compared to 8 percent as of December 31, 2017. Other than California, New York and Massachusetts, there are no states with gross loan balances greater than or equal to 10 percent.

See generally “Risk Factors–Credit Risks” set forth under Part I, Item 1A in our 2017 Form 10-K.

Credit Quality Indicators
As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, our total criticized loans and impaired loans both represented four percent of our total gross loans. Criticized and impaired loans to early-stage clients represented 18 percent and 22 percent of our total criticized and impaired loan balances at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Loans to early-stage clients represent a relatively small percentage of our overall portfolio at six percent of total gross loans at September 30, 2018. It is common for an 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 one to two quarters 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 reside in our criticized portfolio during a portion of their life cycle.

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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:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Gross nonaccrual, past due, and restructured loans:
 
 
 
 
Nonaccrual loans
 
$
115,162

 
$
119,259

Loans past due 90 days or more still accruing interest
 
163

 
191

Total nonperforming loans
 
115,325

 
119,450

OREO and other foreclosed assets
 

 

Total nonperforming assets
 
$
115,325

 
$
119,450

Performing TDRs
 
$
15,397

 
$
71,468

Nonperforming loans as a percentage of total gross loans
 
0.42
%
 
0.51
%
Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets
 
0.20

 
0.23

Allowance for loan losses
 
$
285,713

 
$
255,024

As a percentage of total gross loans
 
1.03
%
 
1.10
%
As a percentage of total gross nonperforming loans
 
247.75

 
213.50

Allowance for loan losses for nonaccrual loans
 
$
49,992

 
$
41,793

As a percentage of total gross loans
 
0.18
%
 
0.18
%
As a percentage of total gross nonperforming loans
 
43.35

 
34.99

Allowance for loan losses for total gross performing loans
 
$
235,721

 
$
213,231

As a percentage of total gross loans
 
0.85
%
 
0.92
%
As a percentage of total gross performing loans
 
0.86

 
0.92

Total gross loans
 
$
27,668,829

 
$
23,254,153

Total gross performing loans
 
27,553,504

 
23,134,703

Allowance for unfunded credit commitments (1)
 
51,808

 
51,770

As a percentage of total unfunded credit commitments
 
0.28
%
 
0.30
%
Total unfunded credit commitments (2)
 
$
18,539,514

 
$
17,462,537

 
 
 
(1)
The “allowance for unfunded credit commitments” is included as a component of other liabilities and any provision is included in the “provision for credit losses” in the statement of income. See “Provision for credit losses” for a discussion of the changes to the allowance.
(2)
Includes unfunded loan commitments and letters of credit.

Our allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total gross loans decreased 7 basis points to 1.03 percent at September 30, 2018, compared to 1.10 percent at December 31, 2017 reflective of a decrease in reserves for performing loans of 7 basis points.
Our allowance for loan losses for performing loans was $235.7 million at September 30, 2018, compared to $213.2 million at December 31, 2017. The $22.5 million increase in reserves for performing loans was reflective primarily of an increase in reserves of $39.4 million for period-end loan growth of $4.4 billion, partially offset by a decrease in reserves of $20.7 million for our performing loans from certain reserve methodology enhancements made to our qualitative reserve for large loan exposure as a result of growth within our higher credit quality private equity/venture capital loan portfolio.
Our allowance for loan losses for nonaccrual loans was $50.0 million at September 30, 2018, compared to $41.8 million at December 31, 2017. The $8.2 million increase in the allowance for nonaccrual loans included $50.4 million of new nonaccrual loan reserves, offset by $24.0 million of charge-offs and $18.2 million of reserve releases from paydowns. New nonaccrual loan reserves of $50.4 million were mostly attributable to our software/internet loan portfolio.

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The following table presents a summary of changes in nonaccrual loans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
124,842

 
$
120,172

 
$
119,259

 
$
118,979

Additions
 
18,346

 
29,650

 
69,202

 
85,990

Paydowns
 
(14,891
)
 
(14,183
)
 
(48,550
)
 
(43,995
)
Charge-offs
 
(13,135
)
 
(10,967
)
 
(24,714
)
 
(36,299
)
Other reductions
 

 

 
(35
)
 
(3
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
115,162

 
$
124,672

 
$
115,162

 
$
124,672

Our nonaccrual loans as of September 30, 2018 included $91.0 million from seven software/internet clients. Two of these loans are sponsored buyout loans that were added to our nonaccrual portfolio in 2015, another is a Corporate Finance client that was added during 2016, and the remaining four loans were added during 2018 from our early-stage, Growth and sponsored buyout practices. The total credit exposure for these seven largest nonaccrual loans was $91.2 million as of September 30, 2018, for which we have specifically reserved $38.9 million.
Average nonaccrual loans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 were $122.9 million and $120.6 million, respectively, compared to $119.5 million and $124.6 million for the comparable 2017 periods. The $3.4 million increase in average nonaccrual loans for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to September 30, 2017 was primarily from our software/internet loan portfolio. If the nonaccrual loans had not been impaired, $1.8 million and $5.8 million in interest income would have been recorded for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, compared to $1.8 million and $5.6 million for the comparable 2017 periods.
Accrued Interest Receivable and Other Assets
A summary of accrued interest receivable and other assets at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 is as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
September 30, 2018

December 31, 2017
 
% Change      
Foreign exchange spot contract assets, gross
 
$
261,036

 
$
208,738

 
25.1
%
Derivative assets, gross (1)
 
235,132

 
232,152

 
1.3

Accrued interest receivable
 
186,097

 
141,773

 
31.3

FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock
 
102,378

 
60,020

 
70.6

Net deferred tax assets
 
81,618

 
63,845

 
27.8

Accounts receivable
 
61,090

 
55,946

 
9.2

Other assets
 
178,566

 
113,772

 
57.0

Total accrued interest receivable and other assets
 
$
1,105,917

 
$
876,246

 
26.2

 
 
(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 increase of $52.3 million was due primarily to an overall increase in activity at period-end as compared to December 31, 2017.
Accrued Interest Receivable
The increase of $44.3 million in accrued interest receivable was primarily reflective of the strong growth of our loans. Period-end loan balances were $27.5 billion, an increase of $4.4 billion, or 19.0 percent, as compared to December 31, 2017.
FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock
The increase of $42.4 million in FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock is a result of an increase in the amount of stock required to be held by the Bank under the FHLB's membership guidelines.

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Net Deferred Tax Assets
The increase of $17.8 million in net deferred tax assets was primarily due to the decrease in the fair value of AFS securities, an increase in the allowance for loan losses and the recognition of tax over book gains on warrant exercises. The increase in net deferred tax assets was partially offset by an increase in the deferred tax liability as a result of the change in book accounting following the adoption of ASU 2016-01.
Other Assets
Other assets includes various asset amounts for other operational transactions. The increase of $64.8 million was primarily due to a $30.0 million increase in current tax receivable due to the payment in excess of the current quarter's tax provision. Prepaid assets also increased $21.3 million primarily due to the annual timing of prepaid software agreement renewals.
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 September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
% Change 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity warrant assets
 
$
146,967

 
$
123,763

 
18.7
 %
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts
 
81,903

 
96,636

 
(15.2
)
Client interest rate derivatives
 
6,262

 
11,753

 
(46.7
)
Total derivative assets
 
$
235,132

 
$
232,152

 
1.3

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forward and option contracts
 
$
76,165

 
$
96,641

 
(21.2
)
Client interest rate derivatives
 
15,156

 
11,940

 
26.9

Total derivative liabilities
 
$
91,321

 
$
108,581

 
(15.9
)
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 September 30, 2018, we held warrants in 2,031 companies, compared to 1,868 companies at December 31, 2017. Warrants in 18 companies each had values greater than $1.0 million and collectively represented $42.8 million, or 29.1 percent, of the fair value of the total warrant portfolio at September 30, 2018. The change in fair value of equity warrant assets is recorded in gains on equity warrant assets, 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 nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
143,725

 
$
131,750

 
$
123,763

 
$
131,123

New equity warrant assets
 
5,113

 
3,622

 
14,511

 
11,114

Non-cash changes in fair value, net
 
17,286

 
18,230

 
32,743

 
23,564

Exercised equity warrant assets
 
(17,725
)
 
(11,060
)
 
(20,892
)
 
(20,402
)
Terminated equity warrant assets
 
(1,432
)
 
(757
)
 
(3,158
)
 
(3,614
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
146,967

 
$
141,785

 
$
146,967

 
$
141,785


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’ needs. 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. Net gains and losses on the revaluation

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of foreign currency denominated instruments are recorded in 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, net of cash collateral, was $19.0 million at September 30, 2018 and $65.6 million at December 31, 2017. 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 1 of this report.

Client Interest Rate Derivatives
We sell interest rate contracts to clients who wish to mitigate their interest rate exposure. We economically reduce the interest rate risk from this business by entering into opposite way contracts with correspondent banks. Our net exposure for client interest rate derivative contracts, net of cash collateral, was $8.3 million at September 30, 2018 and $11.7 million at December 31, 2017. For additional information on our client interest rate derivatives, 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 $48.6 billion at September 30, 2018, an increase of $4.3 billion, or 9.8 percent, compared to $44.3 billion at December 31, 2017. The increase in deposits was driven primarily by a healthy equity funding environment across a majority of our market segments with robust activities in the IPO and secondary public offering markets as well as strong new client acquisition.
At September 30, 2018, the aggregate balance of time deposit accounts individually equal to or greater than $100,000 totaled $72 million, compared to $41 million at December 31, 2017. At September 30, 2018, all of the time deposit accounts individually equal to or greater than $100,000 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. Approximately 15 percent and 14 percent of our total deposits at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, were from our clients in Asia.
Short-Term Borrowings
We had $2.6 billion in short-term borrowings at September 30, 2018, compared to $1.0 billion at December 31, 2017. As of September 30, 2018, short-term debt included $2.2 billion in advances from the FHLB and $0.4 billion in securities sold under an agreement to repurchase. For more information on our short-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 1 of this report.
Long-Term Debt
Our long-term debt was $696.2 million at September 30, 2018 and $695.5 million at December 31, 2017. As of September 30, 2018, long-term debt included our 3.50% Senior Notes and 5.375% Senior Notes. 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 1 of this report.
Other Liabilities
A summary of other liabilities at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 is as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
% Change  
Foreign exchange spot contract liabilities, gross
 
$
341,403

 
$
202,807

 
68.3

Accrued compensation
 
173,036

 
167,531

 
3.3

Allowance for unfunded credit commitments
 
51,808

 
51,770

 
0.1

Derivative liabilities, gross (1)
 
91,321

 
108,581

 
(15.9
)
Other liabilities
 
488,541

 
381,066

 
28.2

Total other liabilities
 
$
1,146,109

 
$
911,755

 
25.7

 
 
(1)
See “Derivatives” section above.

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Foreign Exchange Spot Contract Liabilities
Foreign exchange spot contract liabilities represent unsettled client trades at the end of the period. The increase of $138.6 million was due primarily to increased client trade activity at period-end as compared to December 31, 2017.
Other Liabilities
Other liabilities includes various accrued liability amounts for other operational transactions. The increase of $107.5 million was reflective primarily of a $66.0 million increase in new commitments for our qualified affordable tax credit funds and an increase in accrued accounts payable for $34.9 million at September 30, 2018 as compared to December 31, 2017.
Noncontrolling Interests
Noncontrolling interests totaled $145.7 million and $139.6 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The $6.1 million increase was due primarily to income attributable to noncontrolling interests of $28.8 million, partially offset by net distributions of $22.7 million to limited partners from various managed funds of funds for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
Fair Value Measurements
The following table summarizes our financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Total Balance  
 
Level 3     
 
Total Balance  
 
Level 3     
Assets carried at fair value
 
$
9,688,621

 
$
141,490

 
$
11,481,237

 
$
122,250

As a percentage of total assets
 
16.7
%
 
0.2
%
 
22.4
%
 
0.2
%
Liabilities carried at fair value
 
$
91,321

 
$

 
$
108,581

 
$

As a percentage of total liabilities
 
0.2
%
 
%
 
0.2
%
 
%
As a percentage of assets carried at fair value
 
 
 
1.5
%
 
 
 
1.1
%
Financial assets valued using Level 3 measurements consist of our non-marketable investment securities in shares of private company stock and equity warrant assets (rights to 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 15—“Fair Value of Financial Instruments” of the “Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial 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 2017 Form 10-K.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Level 3 assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis experienced net realized and unrealized gains of $32.2 million and $69.2 million, respectively, primarily reflective of valuation increases from our public and private company warrant portfolios and net gains realized on exercised warrant assets due to IPO and M&A activity. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Level 3 assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis experienced net realized and unrealized gains of $24.4 million and $41.4 million, respectively, primarily reflective of valuation increases from our public and private company warrant portfolios and net gains realized on exercised warrant assets due to IPO and M&A activity.

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Capital Resources
We maintain an adequate capital base to support anticipated asset growth, operating needs and credit and other business risks, and to provide for SVB Financial and the Bank to be 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 in an effort to optimize the use of capital 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 capital 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 $4.9 billion at September 30, 2018, an increase of $744.6 million, or 17.8 percent, compared to $4.2 billion at December 31, 2017. This increase was due primarily to net income of $707.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and a net increase to equity of $68.8 million related to the adoption of new accounting guidance offset by a decrease in the fair value of our AFS securities portfolio of $70.8 million, net of tax, driven by increases in period-end market interest rates.
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 September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. 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:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Minimum Ratios under Applicable Regulatory Capital Adequacy Requirements
 
 
September 30,
2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
“Well
Capitalized”
 
“Adequately 
Capitalized” 
SVB Financial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CET 1 risk-based capital ratio
 
13.28
%
 
12.78
%
 
6.5
%
 
4.5
%
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio
 
13.45

 
12.97

 
8.0

 
6.0

Total risk-based capital ratio
 
14.34

 
13.96

 
10.0

 
8.0

Tier 1 leverage ratio
 
8.99

 
8.34

 
N/A  

 
4.0

Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio (1)
 
8.47

 
8.16

 
N/A  

 
N/A  

Tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets ratio (1)
 
13.00

 
12.77

 
N/A  

 
N/A  

Bank:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CET 1 risk-based capital ratio
 
11.98
%
 
12.06
%
 
6.5
%
 
4.5
%
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio
 
11.98

 
12.06

 
8.0

 
6.0

Total risk-based capital ratio
 
12.91

 
13.04

 
10.0

 
8.0

Tier 1 leverage ratio
 
7.82

 
7.56

 
5.0

 
4.0

Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio (1)
 
7.44

 
7.47

 
N/A  

 
N/A  

Tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets ratio (1)
 
11.70

 
11.98

 
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.

Risk-based capital ratios (CET 1, tier 1, and total risk-based capital) for SVB Financial increased as of September 30, 2018, compared to the same ratios as of December 31, 2017 primarily as a result of the adoption of new accounting guidance that resulted in a net increase in capital of $68.8 million. This increase in capital from the adoption of the new accounting guidance,

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in addition to net income of $707.6 million, more than offset the increases in risk-weighted assets primarily attributable to our robust loan growth for 2018.
Risk-based capital ratios (CET 1, tier 1, and total risk-based capital) for the Bank decreased as of September 30, 2018, compared to the same ratios as of December 31, 2017. The decrease in the Bank's capital ratios reflected $95.0 million of cash dividends paid by the Bank to our bank holding company, SVB Financial, during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
Both SVB Financial and the Bank's tier 1 leverage ratios increased as of September 30, 2018, compared to December 31, 2017, due to proportionally higher capital from net income to average assets growth during 2018. 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 September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
 
 
SVB Financial
 
Bank
Non-GAAP tangible common equity and tangible assets
   (Dollars in thousands, except ratios)
 
September 30,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
 
September 30,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
GAAP SVBFG stockholders’ equity
 
$
4,924,369

 
$
4,179,795

 
$
4,260,685

 
$
3,762,542

Tangible common equity
 
$
4,924,369

 
$
4,179,795

 
$
4,260,685

 
$
3,762,542

GAAP total assets
 
$
58,139,734

 
$
51,214,467

 
$
57,245,029

 
$
50,383,774

Tangible assets
 
$
58,139,734

 
$
51,214,467

 
$
57,245,029

 
$
50,383,774

Risk-weighted assets
 
$
37,889,139

 
$
32,736,959

 
$
36,424,091

 
$
31,403,489

Tangible common equity to tangible assets
 
8.47
%
 
8.16
%
 
7.44
%
 
7.47
%
Tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets
 
13.00

 
12.77

 
11.70

 
11.98

The tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio decreased for the Bank primarily as a result of the $95.0 million in cash dividends paid by the Bank to our bank holding company, SVB Financial Group, during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets ratio decreased for the Bank as a result of the proportionally higher increase in risk-weighted assets relative to the increase in tangible common equity. The growth in period-end risk-weighted assets was primarily due to period-end loan growth and higher investment balances driven by increases in deposits.
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 13—“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 and 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.

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For further details on our commitments to invest in venture capital and private equity funds, refer to Note 13—“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. Additionally, we routinely conduct liquidity stress testing as part of our liquidity management practices.
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 for our off-balance sheet products which may impact deposit levels. At September 30, 2018, our period-end total deposit balances were $48.6 billion, compared to $44.3 billion at December 31, 2017.
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.
We have certain facilities in place to enable us to access short-term borrowings on a secured (using loans and fixed income investment securities as collateral) and unsecured basis. These include repurchase agreements and federal funds lines with various financial institutions. As of September 30, 2018, we did not have any borrowings outstanding against our federal funds lines. We also pledge collateral to the FHLB of San Francisco (comprised primarily of loans and fixed income investment securities) and the discount window at the FRB (comprised primarily of fixed income investment securities) of which $2.0 billion and $1.0 billion, respectively, of our borrowing capacity was unused and available to support additional borrowings at September 30, 2018.
On a stand-alone basis, SVB Financial’s primary liquidity channels include dividends from the Bank, its portfolio of liquid assets, and its ability to raise debt and capital. Consistent with recent prior quarters, the Bank has paid a quarterly dividend to SVB Financial. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the dividend amount paid was $40 million and $95 million, respectively. 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 2017 Form 10-K.
Consolidated Summary of Cash Flows
Below is a summary of our average cash position and statement of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017. For further details, see our “Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)” under Part I, Item 1 of this report.
 
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
Average cash and cash equivalents
 
$
3,032,407

 
$
3,596,669

Percentage of total average assets
 
5.6
%
 
7.6
%
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
703,904

 
$
468,032

Net cash used for investing activities
 
(5,736,296
)
 
(4,734,383
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
 
5,928,458

 
5,276,172

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
$
896,066

 
$
1,009,821

Average cash and cash equivalents decreased by $0.6 billion, or 15.7 percent, to $3.0 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $3.6 billion for the comparable 2017 period.

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Cash provided by operating activities was $703.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, reflective primarily of net income before noncontrolling interests of $736.4 million, partially offset by net decreases in adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash.
Cash used for investing activities of $5.7 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was driven by $5.4 billion in purchases of fixed income investment securities partially offset by $4.0 billion of proceeds from maturities and principal paydowns from our fixed income investment securities portfolio. Additionally, $4.4 billion in cash outflows were used to fund loan growth during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
Cash provided by financing activities was $5.9 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, reflective primarily of a net increase of $4.3 billion in deposits and an increase of $1.6 billion in our short-term overnight borrowings utilized primarily to fund loan growth as well as to support the short-term liquidity needs of the Bank.
Cash and cash equivalents were $3.8 billion and $3.6 billion, respectively, at September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017.
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, equity price risk, including the effect of competition on product pricing. While all of these risks are important considerations, all are inherently difficult to predict, and it is equally difficult to assess the impact of each on the overall simulation results. Consequently, simulations used to analyze sensitivity of net interest income to interest rate risk will differ from actual results due to differences in the timing, frequency, and magnitude of changes in market rates, the impact of competition, fluctuating business conditions, and the impact of strategies taken by management to mitigate these risks.
Interest rate risk is managed by our ALCO. ALCO reviews the sensitivity of the market valuation on earning assets and funding liabilities and 12-month forward looking net interest income from changes in interest rates, structural changes in investment and funding portfolios, loan and deposit activity and current market conditions. Adherence with relevant metrics included in our Interest Rate Risk Policy, which is approved by the Finance Committee of our Board of Directors, 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 derivatives to assist in managing interest rate risk.
We utilize a simulation model to perform sensitivity analysis on the economic value of our equity and our net interest income under a variety of interest rate scenarios, balance sheet forecasts and business strategies. The simulation model provides a dynamic assessment of interest rate sensitivity embedded within our balance sheet which measures the potential variability in economic value and net interest income relating solely to changes in market interest rates over time. We review our interest rate risk position and sensitivity to market rates on a quarterly basis at a minimum.    

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Model Simulation and Sensitivity Analysis
A specific application of our 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. Another 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. For the NII simulation, market rates as well as the size and composition of the balance sheet are held constant over the simulation horizon. Simulated cash flows during the scenario horizon are assumed to be replaced as they occur, which maintains the balance sheet at its current size and composition. Yield and spread assumptions on cash and investment balances reflect current market rates. Yield and spread assumptions on loans reflect recent market impacts on product pricing. Similarly, we make certain deposit decay rate assumptions on demand deposits and interest bearing deposits, which are replenished to hold the level and mix of funding liabilities constant. Changes in market interest rates that affect us are principally short-term interest rates and include the following benchmark indexes: (i) National Prime rates, (ii) 1-month and 3-month LIBOR, and (iii) the Federal 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, simulated changes in deposit pricing relative to changes in market rates, commonly referred to as deposit beta, generally follow overall changes in short-term interest rates, although actual changes may lag in terms of timing and magnitude. Overall, the assumed weighted deposit beta on interest bearing deposits is approximately 35.0 percent, which means deposit repricing is assumed to be approximately 35.0 percent of a given change in short-term interest rates. This repricing is reflected as a change in interest expense on interest bearing deposit balances.
The following table presents our EVE and NII sensitivity exposure related to an instantaneous and sustained parallel shift in market interest rates of 100 and 200 bps at September 30, 2018 and at December 31, 2017:
Change in interest rates (bps)
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Estimated
 
Estimated Increase/(Decrease) in EVE
 
Estimated
 
Estimated Increase/(Decrease) in NII
 
EVE
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
NII
 
Amount
 
Percent
September 30, 2018:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
200
 
$
9,132,126

 
$
307,428

 
3.5
 %
 
$
2,551,418

 
$
517,562

 
25.4
 %
100
 
8,959,615

 
134,917

 
1.5

 
2,292,564

 
258,708

 
12.7

 
8,824,698

 

 

 
2,033,856

 

 

-100
 
8,648,275

 
(176,423
)
 
(2.0
)
 
1,770,999

 
(262,857
)
 
(12.9
)
-200
 
8,060,737

 
(763,961
)
 
(8.7
)
 
1,510,416

 
(523,440
)
 
(25.7
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
200
 
$
8,091,107

 
$
805,624

 
11.1
 %
 
$
1,885,885

 
$
400,127

 
26.9
 %
100
 
7,716,066

 
430,583

 
5.9

 
1,683,742

 
197,984

 
13.3

 
7,285,483

 

 

 
1,485,758

 

 

-100
 
6,637,588

 
(647,895
)
 
(8.9
)
 
1,252,063

 
(233,695
)
 
(15.7
)
-200
 
5,718,401

 
(1,567,082
)
 
(21.5
)
 
1,108,712

 
(377,046
)
 
(25.4
)
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 to determine discounting factors on projected cash flows. The model simulations and calculations are highly assumption-dependent and will change regularly as the composition of earning assets and funding liabilities change (including the impact of changes in the value of interest rate derivatives, if any), as interest rate environments evolve, and as we change our assumptions in response to relevant market conditions, competition or business circumstances. These calculations do not reflect forecast changes in our balance sheet or changes we may make to reduce our EVE exposure 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, basis risk, and yield spread compression, 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 our estimate of the underlying value of equity or forecast of NII.

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Our base case EVE as of September 30, 2018 increased from December 31, 2017 by $1.5 billion, driven by changes in balance sheet composition as well as rising interest rates. At September 30, 2018, as compared to December 31, 2017, total loan balances increased by $4.4 billion, primarily in Prime and LIBOR indexed variable rate loans. Total fixed income securities also increased by $1.2 billion due to purchases of fixed rate long maturity instruments such as pass-through mortgage-backed securities and municipal debt securities combined with run-off of shorter maturity U.S. Treasury securities. Additionally, total deposits increased by $4.3 billion.
Higher LIBOR/swap rates contributed approximately $674 million of the $1.5 billion total change in base case EVE. Overall balance sheet growth contributed the remaining $865 million. Higher rates and continued investment in mortgage-backed securities and municipal securities resulted in a $296 million decrease in EVE sensitivity in the +100 bps rate shock scenario compared to December 31, 2017. EVE in the -100 and -200 bps rate shock scenarios increased $471 million and $803 million, respectively.
12-Month Net Interest Income Simulation
Our estimated 12-month NII forecast at September 30, 2018 increased compared to December 31, 2017 by $548 million. The increase is primarily the result of the growth of our loan portfolio, and the increases in market rates, particularly the Prime rate and LIBOR. A majority of our loans are indexed to the Prime rate and LIBOR. As rates rise, interest income on assets that are tied to variable rate indexes, primarily our variable rate loans, are expected to benefit our base 12-month NII projections. In addition, the 12-month NII simulations include repricing assumptions on our interest bearing deposit products which we set at our discretion based on client needs and our overall funding mix. Repricing of interest bearing deposits impacts estimated interest expense. As noted previously, repricing deposit rates are generally assumed to be less than one-half of the amount of simulated changes in short-term market interest rates.
NII sensitivity is measured as the percentage change in projected 12-month net interest income earned in +/- 100 and +/- 200 basis point interest rate shock scenarios compared to a base scenario where balances and interest rates are held constant over the forecast horizon. At September 30, 2018, NII sensitivity was 12.7 percent in the +100 bps interest rate scenario, compared to 13.3 percent at December 31, 2017. Our NII sensitivity in the +200 bps interest rate shock scenario was 25.4 percent compared to 26.9 percent at December 31, 2017. The slight decrease in NII sensitivity is the result of an increase in the composition of longer duration securities in our fixed income securities portfolio, as well as wider implementation of rate floors in the loan portfolio. Most of the balance sheet growth for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 has been in floating rate loans coupled with a large proportion of non-interest bearing deposit balances. The relatively high percentages of non-interest bearing demand deposits and floating rate loans are the primary drivers of NII sensitivity in the balance sheet. NII sensitivity in the -100 bps scenario of negative 12.9 percent was lower at September 30, 2018 compared to a negative 15.7 percent at December 31, 2017. The -200 bps scenario currently indicates only a slightly higher percentage change in NII at September 30, 2018 compared to December 31, 2017.
The simulation model used in the above analysis incorporates embedded floors on loans, where present, in our interest rate scenarios, which prevent model benchmark rates from moving below zero percent in the down rate scenarios. The embedded floors are also a factor in the up rate scenarios to the extent a simulated increase in rates is needed before floored rates are cleared. In addition, we assume different deposit balance decay rates based on a historical deposit study of our clients. These assumptions may change in future periods based on changes in client behavior and at management's discretion. Actual changes in our deposit pricing strategies may differ from our current model assumptions and may have an impact on our actual sensitivity overall.
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.

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Changes in Internal Control
Except as set forth below, 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.
Beginning January 1, 2018, we implemented ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.  Although the new revenue standard is expected to have an immaterial impact on our ongoing net income, we did implement changes to our processes related to revenue recognition and the control activities within them.  These included the development of new policies based on the five-step model provided in the new revenue standard, new training, ongoing contract review requirements, and gathering of information provided for disclosures.


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PART II–OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Please refer to Note 16—“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 to the risk factors set forth in our 2017 Annual Report on 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
Exhibit
Number    
 
Exhibit Description
 
Incorporated by Reference
 
 Filed
 Herewith  
Form
 
File No.
 
Exhibit  
 
Filing Date
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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


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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: November 9, 2018
  
/s/ DANIEL BECK
 
  
Daniel Beck
 
  
Chief Financial Officer
 
  
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
  
SVB Financial Group
 
 
Date: November 9, 2018
  
/s/ KAMRAN HUSAIN
 
  
Kamran Husain
 
  
Chief Accounting Officer
 
  
(Principal Accounting Officer)

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