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Bank of America

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FY2015 Annual Report · Bank of America
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Bank of America Corporation
2015 Annual Report

© 2016 Bank of America Corporation
00-04-1373B

3/2016

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Bank of America Corporation
2015 Annual Report

To our 
shareholders,

Thank you for investing in  

Bank of America. In 2015, your 

company earned nearly $16 billion 

and returned nearly $4.5 billion  

in capital. This progress is the  

result of continued strong 

business performance, no longer 

clouded over by heavy mortgage 

and crisis-related litigation and 

operating costs. 

Over the past several years, we’ve 

followed a strategy to simplify the 

company, rebuild our capital and 

liquidity, invest in our company  

and our capabilities, and pursue  

a straightforward model focused  

on responsible growth. 

At the Core of our strategy is the  
commitment we made to a clear 
purpose: to make financial lives 
better by connecting those we  
serve to the resources and expertise 
they need to achieve their goals. 
This is what drives us. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
A Note of Introduction from Lead 
Independent Director, Jack Bovender

To our shareholders:

On behalf of the directors of your company, I join our CEO and the management 
team in thanking you for choosing to invest in Bank of America. 

I also want to take this opportunity to add to Brian’s letter, which highlights  
the Board’s independent oversight of management and our focus on building 
long-term shareholder value. 

You are represented by a strong independent Board. As a steward of the 
company on your behalf, the Board is focused on the active and independent 
oversight of management. The Board oversees risk management, our 
governance, and carries out other important duties in coordination with Board 
committees that have strong, experienced chairs and members. To enhance 
the Board’s effectiveness, we conduct intensive and thoughtful annual self-
assessments, regularly evaluate our leadership structure, and review feedback 
from shareholders. We have strengthened our director recruiting process to 
deepen our diversity of thought and experience, broaden our demographic, 
and bring on fresh perspectives that invigorate our discourse with management 
and with each other. We are committed to engaging with shareholders, and 
we have made enhancements to our corporate governance practices that are 
informed by the feedback from our engagement. 

The Board also regularly evaluates the company’s strategy, operating 
environment, performance, and the progress your company is making  
toward its goals. Over several days each fall, in anticipation of the coming  
year, we engage in a thorough review with management of the company’s 
multi-year strategy. We assess how the company has performed against 
the prior year’s plan. We examine how well the businesses are delivering for 
our customers and clients under the strategic plan, as well as the processes 
the company has in place to increase revenue, manage risk and expenses, 
and grow. We also consider the operating environment and management 
assumptions about how the environment will affect the company’s results  
and returns. During our regular meetings throughout the year, we further 
monitor and evaluate shorter-term issues and how they may impact the 
company’s execution of its strategy and its progress toward building  
long-term shareholder value. 

Throughout 2015, I had the pleasure of continuing to meet with our 
shareholders to discuss our strategic planning process and corporate 
governance practices. Hearing directly from these shareholders, as well as 
from regulators with whom we regularly visit, provides me and the other 
independent Board members important perspective. I look forward to more 
meetings in 2016. 

I encourage you to carefully review this report, our 2016 proxy statement, our 
forthcoming Business Standards Report, and the other materials the company 
makes available to shareholders to better understand the opportunities and 
challenges ahead and the company’s work to execute its strategy. 

We remain committed to building long-term value in the company and returning 
value to you, our shareholders.

Sincerely, 

Jack O. Bovender, Jr. 
Lead Independent Director

Responsible Growth

When we look at where we 
stand today, our company is 
stronger, simpler, and better 
positioned to deliver long-
term value to our shareholders, 
thanks to the straightforward 
way in which we serve our 
customers and clients. The 
path forward is clearly one  
of responsible growth.

Responsible growth has 
four pillars:

  Grow and Win in the
Market — No Excuses

Page 4

  Grow With Our

Customer-Focused
Strategy Page 7

  Grow Within Our Risk
Framework Page 8

  Grow in a Sustainable

Manner Page 11

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Investment products: 

Are Not FDIC Insured

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

May Lose Value

Global Wealth & Investment Management is a division of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). Merrill Lynch, 
Merrill Edge™, and U.S. Trust, are affiliated sub- divisions within Global Wealth & Investment Management.

Merrill Lynch and The Private Banking and Investment Group, make available products and services offered by 
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S”) and other subsidiaries of BofA Corp. Merrill Edge  
is available through MLPF&S, and consists of the Merrill Edge Advisory Center (investment guidance) and  
self- directed online investing.

U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management operates through Bank of America, N.A., and other 
subsidiaries of BofA Corp.

Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N.A., and affiliated banks, Members FDIC and wholly owned 
subsidiaries of BofA Corp.

Please recycle. The annual report is printed on 30% post-consumer waste (PCW) recycled paper.

© 2016 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tangible book value 
per share of common 
stock is a non-GAAP 
financial measure. 
Book value per share 
at December 31, 2015 
was $22.54.

(CEO letter continued from cover)

Before reviewing our progress, I want to highlight a couple of 
important points. Our Board of Directors regularly reviews our 
strategy, the environment in which we are operating, and the 
progress we are making toward the goals we set. Our Lead 
Independent Director, Jack Bovender, discusses this in his letter 
to shareholders on the previous page and in our 2016 proxy 
statement. You may also read more about our company in our 
Business Standards Report, which discusses in further detail 
how we live our purpose and the approach we take to fulfilling 
our responsibilities in the areas of environmental, social and 
governance (ESG). 

In 2015, your investment in the company, measured by 
tangible book value per share, was at a record $15.62. That 
figure has increased in each of the past five years and is up 
21 percent in that period — and that is after nearly $12 billion 
of stock repurchases and dividends paid. 

Our return on assets (ROA) was 0.74 percent. Our longer-term 
target is 1.00 percent. The gap shows we still have work to do. 
However, our target is realistic, driven by continued loan growth 
and good core expense management. Expenses, excluding the 
large drop in litigation, were down nearly $3 billion last year, 
and we expect expenses to decline again in 2016.

In December, we saw the first increase in short-term interest 
rates in nearly a decade. And, while interest rates are still a 
long way from normal, this move reflects a steadily improving 
U.S. economy, which has continued into early 2016. We see 
consumers spending and businesses growing, and it’s our job  
to help them. We will continue to drive the core business 
growth, even in a below-trend economic environment in the 
U.S. and around the world. 

The $16 billion we earned in 2015 reflected progress across 
a range of measures: loan growth, business activity, capital, 
liquidity, credit improvement and cost management. Here are 
just a few examples of how our team supported customers  
and clients. Your company:

•  Grew core loan balances by $75 billion and deposit 
• 

balances by $78 billion.

• Issued nearly 5 million new credit cards, and saw
•

consumer spending on credit cards rise 4 percent.

• Funded $70 billion in residential home loans, helping
•
more than 260,000 families buy or refinance a home.

• Extended more than $10.7 billion in new credit to
•

small business owners.

• Increased loans to the midsize companies we serve
•

by 8 percent to $58 billion.

• Raised $718 billion of capital to help companies grow.
•

 Brian Moynihan 
Chairman and  
Chief Executive Officer

1None of these accomplishments would have been possible 
without a strong financial foundation. We ended 2015  
with record liquidity of more than half-a-trillion dollars.  
What does that mean? In a time of financial stress, we  
could fund our company for more than three years without 
tapping the markets.

We also have strong capital. At the end of 2015, our common 
equity tier 1 ratio, on a Basel 3 fully phased-in basis, was 
9.8 percent, meaning we are well on our way to meeting the 
10 percent requirement that goes into effect in 2019. Part 
of that requirement is a buffer, enacted this year, that is 
equivalent to holding $47 billion of our $162 billion in capital  
to ensure we make it through any downturn. That is a strong 
insurance policy.

In the meantime, we continue to improve the qualitative and 
quantitative measures the Federal Reserve evaluates during its 
annual stress test, which determines the pace at which we can 
continue increasing the return of capital to shareholders. 

Another focus has been on managing expenses, which were 
down $18 billion in 2015, mostly due to lower litigation costs 
and lower operating costs in Legacy Assets and Servicing 
(LAS). Even excluding those items, our core expenses keep 
coming down due to our efficiency efforts. 

At the same time, we have been steadily investing in 
technology, expanding our sales force and making other 
infrastructure improvements that are helping us better  
serve our clients and grow our business. 

Responsible Growth

When we look at where we stand today, our company is 
stronger, simpler, and better positioned to deliver long-term 
value to our shareholders, thanks to the straightforward way  
in which we serve our customers and clients. The path forward 
is clearly one of responsible growth.

Responsible growth has four pillars:

•  We must grow and win in the market —  no excuses. 

•  We must grow with our customer-focused strategy. We aren’t 
going to grow by buying assets where we do not have an 
underlying relationship with the customer, such as mortgages 
originated by another company. Our growth will come through 
knowing our customers and clients, and being able to do 
more for them. 

•  We must grow within our Risk Framework. This is the 

foundation of everything we do.

•  We must grow in a sustainable manner. This means having  
the right business model, which sustains investments in 
growth and innovation while producing good, consistent 
returns. Sustainable also means having rigorous governance 
practices, and making decisions that are right for the customer, 
strengthen the brand and treat our employees well. 

2

In 2015, we increased  
our tangible common 
equity to a record 
$162 billion. This is more 
than double what we had 
before the financial crisis 
and shows how much 
stronger we are now.

Excess capital that 
we cannot return to 
shareholders remains  
on our balance sheet 
for our investors and is 
reflected in book value. 

Our Risk Framework  
sets clear roles, 
responsibilities and 
accountability for how  
we manage risk and 
provides a blueprint for 
how the Board, through 
delegation of authority  
to committees and 
executive officers, 
establishes the risk 
appetite and associated 
limits for our activities.

We must grow and win in the market

As we’ve discussed before, we serve three groups of customers —  
people, companies and institutional investors. In the U.S., we 
serve all three customer groups, and outside the U.S., we serve 
larger companies and institutional investors. This approach has 
helped simplify our operations and reduce our risk profile.

Our 2015 results demonstrate that we grew across all  
our businesses.

For the people we serve, this is the best consumer and wealth 
management franchise in the country. We serve 47 million 
households, and every week, we interact with customers  
more than 130 million times. In the time it takes you to read 
this letter, we will have had more than 100,000 contacts  
with customers. Your company is:

•  A highly efficient deposit-gathering franchise with the  

largest retail deposit share in the U.S. 

•  No. 1 in home equity lending.

•  No. 1 in investment asset growth with Merrill Edge.

•  No. 1 in digital sales functionality, and we have the No. 1 

online and mobile banking platform. 

Within the Consumer Banking and Wealth Management 
businesses, deposits grew by $64 billion, or 8 percent, from 
2014. That is up more than $100 billion since the end of 2012, 
and that deposit growth alone is equal to a midsized U.S.-bank.

We’ve introduced more ways that customers can interact with 
us and made it more convenient for them. We have more than 
31 million digital customers, and mobile banking continues to 
grow with more than 19 million users. 

Why do we drive these capabilities? Why do we continue to 
invest in digital banking? Why are we tripling our investment 
in 2016? It is simply because this is how customers want to 
do business with us. Our customers deposit 250,000 checks 
a day through their mobile devices, reflecting  15 percent of 
consumer deposit transactions. We would need an additional 
650 financial centers to handle the deposit activity that is 
currently being done on those mobile devices. In addition,  
over $3.6 billion in payments are sent by our mobile  
banking customers each week, and $14.2 billion is sent  
via online banking.

To assist customers face-to-face, we still have more than  
35,000 teammates who handle our 6 million financial center 
visits a week. This includes a growing specialized sales force to 
help customers with more complex transactions. In the past year, 
we added more than 800 Financial Solutions Advisors, Mortgage 
Loan Officers and Small Business Bankers as we optimized our 
branch network for relationship-deepening opportunities. 

3

With the touch of a button, 
customers can now use 
mobile and online banking 
to schedule a time in 
advance to meet with one 
of our specialists in our 
financial centers. We now 
have 21,000 scheduled 
appointments per week. 

Grow and Win in the Market — No Excuses

Loans and Leases in Primary Lending Segments ($B, EOP)
Loan balances were up $75 billion this year across our consumer,  
wealth management, global banking and global markets businesses,  
demonstrating a steady increase.

$751

$619

$669

$676

#1

U.S. wealth 
management  
market position 
across client 
assets, deposits 
and loans for seven 
consecutive years
Source: Barron’s Penta  
(September 2015)

2012

2013

2014

2015

Deposit Balances ($B, EOP)
Since 2012, we have added $92 billion 
in deposits, the equivalent of a mid-
sized bank.

Brokerage Assets (Merrill Edge®) ($B)
Our Merrill Edge brokerage platform offers a simple and 
personalized investing experience for clients; since 2012, 
brokerage assets have grown 62%.

2015

2014

2013

2012

$1,197

$1,119

$1,119

$1,105

Global Banking and Global  
Markets Loans ($B, EOP)
Our Global Banking and Global Markets 
businesses continued to deliver for clients, 
growing loans by 28% since 2012.

2015

2014

2013

2012

$399

$348 

$353

$312

4

Information as of December 31, 2015 unless otherwise noted.

$76

$96

$114

$123

2012

2013

2014

2015

Capital Raised for Clients ($B)
In 2015, we raised $718 billion for our corporate and 
institutional clients around the globe. (Source: Dealogic)

$605

$700

$755

$718

2012

2013

2014

2015

We are one of the 
largest lenders to large 
corporate and midsized 
companies and small 
businesses. We also have 
one of the world’s top-
tier investment banks, 
ranked No. 3 in investment 
banking fees in 2015. 

In the past year, we’ve added 
more than 200 business and 
commercial bankers across 
the U.S., bringing our global 
expertise local for each client  
to help their companies and  
our economy grow. Additionally, 
we continue to innovate and 
invest in technology to reduce 
costs, and importantly, expand 
and improve our clients’ 
experience with us. 

Our ability to meet our customers’ needs the way they want 
is resulting in strong organic growth across every consumer 
business category —  checking, credit cards, mortgages, auto 
loans, and deposits —  and we are growing faster than the market. 
Even as we continue to reduce costs, customer satisfaction is 
increasing because we are doing business the way they want us to. 

Turning to wealth management, Merrill Lynch and U.S. Trust are 
two of the best brands in the wealth management business, 
and have the No. 1 market position across assets, deposits 
and loans. As of year-end 2015, our clients had entrusted us 
with $2.4 trillion of their money to steward for them. For the 
year, our wealth management business had record loan levels, 
with loan growth of 9 percent, and significantly higher deposit 
levels. Our financial advisors continued to broaden and deepen 
client relationships, providing them strong investment advising 
capabilities along with full financial planning.

Total client balance flows in Global Wealth and Investment 
Management were $75 billion for the year. These businesses 
continue to integrate the broad capabilities of our company to 
meet client needs, and we continued to invest here, increasing 
our number of financial advisors by 4 percent last year. 

For the companies we serve, our Global Banking business  
works with virtually every company in the S&P 500. In many 
products and geographies, Global Banking has greater  
market share than our consumer business, delivering solid  
and recurring profitability.

In 2015, we had strong loan growth of 12 percent for our 
commercial and corporate clients, and strong deposit growth. 
We also raised $718 billion in capital for our clients last year. 
These loans and capital help fuel the real economy in the 
U.S. and around the world, helping small, medium and large 
businesses grow, add jobs and help families prosper. 

Recognizing these businesses we serve are the engines of 
the economy, we bring the broadest array of solutions, both 
domestic and international, to our clients —  capital raising, 
lending, cash management, trade financing, currency risk 
hedging, lending in local currencies, and more. This helps 
companies grow, improve cash flow, and invest for the future. 

We remain well-positioned for growth and continue to expand 
and invest in our teams to develop new clients and build  
new relationships. 

Finally, turning to the institutional investors our company 
serves, our Global Markets business is one of the most  
capable platforms in the world. This business provides capital 
to companies necessary for growth, and serves many of the 
world’s largest institutional investors who manage savings 
and investments through pension and retirement funds. Our 
presence and global reach in fixed income and equity products 
allow us to provide them access to investment opportunities. 

5

We offer these clients our expertise backed by your award-
winning Global Research team, which has been ranked  
No. 1 in the world by Institutional Investor magazine for  
five consecutive years. 

With competitors exiting parts of this business and capital 
markets and trading revenue down industrywide, the question 
is posed: why have a markets business? We have it first and 
foremost because our clients need our help to raise capital. In 
addition, our investors need to find opportunities to put their 
capital to work. 

The key then is to have a sales and trading and capital markets 
business that focuses on those missions and avoids the 
proprietary activities that got the industry in trouble in the last 
crisis. We have reshaped this business to do that. It is balanced 
and its narrower scope of activities enables it to weather market 
volatility well. Having those capabilities inside of a large, well-
capitalized, diverse company like ours also is safer for our clients. 

And, because of our relative position in the business, serving 
clients in the largest fee pools in the world, we are able to 
operate the business quite profitably. In all of 2015, there were 
only four days when our trading business was not profitable. 
The fact remains there are only a handful of banks around the 
world that can handle the global needs of corporate clients,  
and your bank is one of those.

So, this business is key to our customers, its risk has been 
reduced, and it makes money in almost all circumstances, 
helping our clients raise funds to grow and prosper. And our 
investor clients make money for their investors, the savers 
of America, by showing them the trends in the markets and 
providing access to the companies that are issuing debt or 
equity. This relationship between companies and investors that 
we help create is key to making American and global capitalism 
work and growing the real economy. 

As we look across our businesses and the clients they serve, 
we have a leading set of capabilities in every area where we 
operate. That is the power of your company; that is the strength 
of the model and the balance we are striking to ensure we are 
doing all we can for our customers and clients, while optimizing 
our balance sheet to perform efficiently with the post-crisis 
regulations we must follow. 

We must grow with our customer-focused strategy

We have a simple goal. We need to do more with our customers 
by bringing them everything they need to live their financial 
lives. I am often asked, “Why don’t you just go out and buy 
loans and grow faster?” We won’t do that because we want to 
save our balance sheet, as strong and big as it is, to serve our 
customers and clients, the relationships we work so hard to 
develop. In addition, one of the lessons we learned during the 

6

Over the past four years, 
we have raised nearly 
$2.8 trillion in capital for 
corporate and institutional 
clients around the world, 
helping these clients 
expand their businesses 
and invest in the future.

Grow With Our Customer-Focused Strategy

2.8MM

Preferred Rewards 
member enrollments

#1

BofA Merrill Lynch 
Global Research 
ranked top research 
firm five years in 
a row
(Source: Institutional Investor)

$2.4T

Wealth Management 
client balances

$5.8B

Investment  
banking fees

Relationships with:

81%

of the  
2015 Global 
Fortune 500

96%

of the 2015  
U.S. Fortune 
1,000

New Credit Card Accounts (MM) and Percent of Cards Issued 
to Existing Customers 
We’re successfully deepening relationships with current clients with 
credit card products that reward them for doing more business with us.

3.3

60%

3.9

61%

4.5

67%

2012

2013

2014

5.0

57%

2015

Mobile Banking Users (MM)
Our award-winning mobile platform is driving improvements in 
customer satisfaction, adding more than 5,500 users every day.

12.0

14.4

16.5

18.7

2012

2013

2014

2015

We extended $10.7 billion 
in new credit to small 
business owners, resulting 
in total small business 
lending of nearly  
$25.2 billion.

The number of client-facing financial 
specialists in our Bank of America 
financial centers grew more than 
14% since 2012 to

7,000+

Information as of December 31, 2015 unless otherwise noted.

7

  
Grow Within Our Risk Framework

Global Excess Liquidity Sources and Time to Required Funding
We added to our record liquidity levels in 2015 with Global Excess Liquidity 
Sources of more than $500 billion. We have enough parent liquidity to last 
more than three years before we would need market funding.

$372

$376

$504

$439

38

39

39

33

2012

2013

2014

2015

Global Excess Liquidity Sources ($B)

Time to Required Funding (months)

Total Global 
Excess Liquidity 
Sources over

$500 
billion

Our capital and liquidity remain near  
record levels and our balance sheet is  
smaller with improved asset quality.

Average Value at Risk (VaR)/Trading Assets
In challenging market conditions, our Global Markets team 
continued to deliver for clients while still lowering risk.

$466

$469

$450

$433

$75

$69

2012

2013

$56

2014

$53

2015

Trading Assets ($B)

Average VaR ($MM)1

Net Charge-Offs ($B)
Since 2012, net  charge-offs 
have declined significantly…

2015

2014

2013

2012

$4.3

$4.4

$7.9

$14.9

Tangible Common Equity ($B)2
…while our tangible common 
equity has grown to a record high.

2015

2014

2013

2012

$162

$152

$146

$144

Information as of December 31, 2015 unless otherwise noted.

1  Our VaR model uses historical simulation approach based on three years of historical data and an expected shortfall methodology equivalent to 
a 99% confidence level.
2  Tangible common equity is a non-GAAP financial measure. Common shareholders’ equity was $234B, $224B, $219B and $218B for the years 
ended December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

8

We continue to support 
our business clients by 
making credit available. 
Loan balances in our 
Global Banking and Global 
Markets businesses 
increased 28 percent  
from 2012 to $399 billion.

crisis was that a substantial portion of our legacy issues came 
from loans we acquired that were originated elsewhere.

One of the ways we drive our customer-focused strategy is 
through our business integration work. Several years ago, we 
embraced a local market-driven approach. We organized the 
country into roughly 90 market coverage areas. At the local 
market level, our teams are working together to look at every 
customer and client relationship in their market and ask —  
 are we doing all we can for them? 

We have seen dramatic growth in the way we are referring 
existing clients to other teammates who may not yet have 
a relationship with those particular clients. From nearly 
300,000 referrals five years ago to roughly 5 million in 2015, we 
believe this is a competitive differentiator, and we are driving it. 

This approach not only gets us the referrals and the business, 
but also creates a unique brand. It creates a global company 
that feels local. 

Last fall, after a visit to meet with customers and my 
teammates in Portland, Maine, I received a note from a client 
that to me was one of the highest compliments our firm could 
receive. He shared how, over the last year or so, he had seen 
“big” feeling “small” starting to happen. “Somehow, Bank of 
America feels like a small bank, albeit with incredible solutions 
for business clients.” 

We must grow within our Risk Framework

As a financial services company, our business is to take risk  
in a responsible manner that serves our clients and helps the 
economy grow. 

Whether investing in a small business, making a credit decision, 
or preventing fraud, nearly every aspect of our work calls for 
sound judgment and a commitment to doing what’s right 
for our customers and shareholders. Our culture emphasizes 
that we are one team, and we have a shared responsibility to 
manage risk, act responsibly, have an ownership mindset, and 
escalate issues so they can be addressed proactively.

Over the past several years, we’ve reduced risk significantly —  
whether trading, operating or credit risk. For example, net 
charge-offs, nonperforming assets and delinquencies all 
improved again in 2015. Charge-offs were the lowest they  
have been in a decade. What’s important here is how we did 
it —  by focusing our efforts on core, creditworthy customers. 
This is at the heart of our approach to responsible growth: to 
understand our customers and clients well and do more with 
them at lower risk. 

Our Risk Framework is crucial to our ability to manage risk, run our 
business and grow responsibly. The Risk Framework is not a concept; 
it is a deep set of metrics against which we measure our teams 
to ensure that we maintain strong risk management discipline.

9

We have invested heavily to improve our risk management 
practices, and we are committed to having best-in-class risk 
management capabilities, because we know that managing risk 
well is foundational to everything else we do.

We must grow in a sustainable manner

Building a sustainable company is about how, at the core of 
everything we do, we are guided by our principles to make the 
right decisions that will hold us in good stead today and in the 
future. We think about this in a variety of ways. 

First, it’s important to maintain focus on operational excellence, 
and on the momentum we’ve built managing expenses. We 
have made significant improvement in decreasing our operating 
expenses. If you strip out expenses for litigation and LAS, 
which alone are down nearly $11 billion over the past four years, 
expenses for 2015 decreased more than $12 billion since 2011, 
and we expect them to fall again this year. This progress is 
enabled by the investments we make in efficiency. 

For example, over the last five years we have reduced our real 
estate footprint by 34 percent, or 44 million square feet. To put 
that in context, the Empire State Building is roughly 3 million 
square feet. We’ve also reduced our financial centers by nearly 
1,000 as we’ve optimized our footprint. One example on the 
technology front is the work we have done to reduce the number 
of server models we use. We started with nearly 500 different 
models and are reducing that down. When this and other 
technology infrastructure efficiency efforts are completed in 
2019, we will save more than $500 million in annual costs.  
We continue to identify and pursue this type of simplification 
and efficiency, every day throughout the company.

Importantly, we have done all this work while investing in 
growth initiatives and increasing our sales force. We spend 
$3 billion each year on developing new technology initiatives. 
This is not to run the platform; this is all new development.

Sustainability is also about trust. As a company, we are 
rebuilding trust that was impacted during the financial crisis. 
That comes down to everything from how we do business, 
to how we govern our company, to how we invest in our 
communities, and to how we treat our employees. We made 
progress in all these areas in the past year.

In terms of how we govern the company, we have a diverse 
and experienced Board of Directors that provides independent 
oversight. Our Board constantly looks for ways to ensure its 
diversity and strength, and monitors corporate governance  
best practices to adapt and improve when necessary. 

In fulfilling the Board’s oversight responsibilities, our 
independent directors appointed a Lead Independent Director 
with responsibilities that exceed what governance experts  

10

Through our Simplify and 
Improve work, we are 
harnessing ideas from  
our employees to make it  
easier for customers to do 
business with us, operate 
more efficiently and free  
up resources to continue  
to invest in our future.

Our directors are seasoned 
leaders with diverse 
experiences, possessing 
sound judgment and the 
necessary skills that allow 
them to effectively oversee 
our company. Our directors 
are elected annually, and  
we have adopted a majority  
vote standard in uncontested  
elections. A substantial 
majority of our directors  
are independent.

Grow in a Sustainable Manner

Our diverse and inclusive workplace reflects 
our corporate values and the communities 
where we do business: 

More than 50% of our global workforce is female 
and more than 40% of our U.S.-based workforce are 
people of diverse races and ethnic backgrounds.

Extended more than 

$235MM

in loans to CDFIs
supporting affordable housing, small businesses,  
energy efficiency and neighborhood stabilization.

Continued to  
deliver local  
economic growth  
and development  
through more than  
$2 billion in 
spending with 
diverse suppliers.

Named to the 2015 Dow 
Jones Sustainability 
Index (DJSI) for our 
environmental, social 
and governance (ESG) 
performance – recognized 
on both the World and 
North American indexes.

Since 2014,  
we have hired

4,000+

military service 
members
toward our hiring goal  
of 10,000 veterans, guard 
and reservists.

Increased our 
environmental 
business initiative  
to $125 billion, 
including our  
$10 billion Catalytic 
Finance Initiative 
to stimulate new 
investments in clean 
energy projects.

Continued to support financial empowerment 
for all through Better Money Habits®,  
a free program created in partnership with  
Khan Academy. 

8 out of 10 customers  
using Better Money  
Habits felt more  
confident about achieving  
their financial goals.1

Provided more than 

$180MM

in global philanthropic 
investments, and our employees 
donated 2 million volunteer hours  
in their communities.

Completed a $10 million commitment to (RED)®, 
with all funds going toward the Global Fund to Fight Aids, 
Tuberculosis and Malaria and reaffirmed our support with 
another $10 million over five years.

Partnered with Special Olympics on the  
first-ever Unified Relay Across America – 
spreading a message of diversity and inclusion  
with a torch run across 50 states.

Information as of December 31, 2015 unless otherwise noted.

1  Source: Bank of America customer advisory panel study.

11

In 2015, we extended  
more than $235 million 
in loans to Community 
Development Financial 
Institutions (CDFIs), 
supporting affordable 
housing, small businesses, 
energy efficiency and 
neighborhood stabilization.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch 
Community Development 
Banking provided a record-
setting $4.5 billion in lending 
and investment in 2015, the 
most in a single year since we 
began this effort 30 years ago. 
As part of our commitment to 
support strong communities,  
we created more than 14,400  
housing units, including more 
than 13,400 units of affordable 
housing, for individuals, 
families, veterans, seniors  
and the previously homeless  
across the United States.

have identified as the best practices for that position. You can 
review the proxy for more information about Board governance.

Another way we think about sustainability is the work we do to 
strengthen our local economies, invest in our communities 
and be a great place to work for our employees. 

In 2015, this included increasing our environmental business 
initiative to $125 billion —  one of the largest commitments to 
finance new energy —  through lending, investing, capital raising 
and developing financial solutions for clients. 

Our company continues to support the U.S. military through 
home donations, job skills training and hiring. Last year, we 
hired more than 2,000 veterans as part of our commitment to 
hire 10,000 veterans. And, in a tribute to their service, of the 
5,700 homes we have donated, nearly 2,000 were donated to 
help returning veterans and their families. What makes this 
special is the volunteer work our teammates put in to cleaning 
up and getting the homes ready for the new families. 

To support our communities, we also invested more than 
$180 million in philanthropic investments, and our employees 
donated nearly 2 million hours of volunteer service to the 
causes they care about around the world. 

Sustainability gives us the opportunity to apply the size and 
scale we have to do big things, and as a global company, we 
have a role in finding sustainable solutions to some of 
society’s biggest challenges. 

One example is the work our team has done with (RED)™ to 
help end mother-to-child transmission of AIDS in Africa. We 
partnered with (RED) because we saw an opportunity to use 
our size and scale to tackle the challenge. And, we’ve been able 
to do so by giving our employees and customers an opportunity 
to get involved, which is something they tell us is important 
to them.

Finally, and most importantly, being a sustainable company 
means we value our people and give all employees the support 
they need to build a career, achieve their goals, and have the 
resources they need to improve their lives and the lives of their 
families. All that we are and all that we achieve is because of 
our employees, and I want to thank them for all they do. 

We have a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects         
the diversity of the customers, clients and communities we 
serve in more than 35 countries around the world. To help 
employees develop in their careers, we provide resources and 
strategies, no matter where they are in their career. Through 
our recruitment programs and partnerships, we are investing in 
the future by bringing the best and brightest to work at Bank               
of America. Our campus recruiting has increased over the last 

12

Our health care benefit 
premiums are progressive, 
based on how much an 
employee earns. In 2011, 
for employees making  
less than $50,000, we 
reduced their premiums  
by 50 percent, and 
we’ve kept costs down, 
giving these employees 
the ability to keep their 
premiums flat for the  
last four years.

several years, and last year’s recruiting class was more than 
50 percent diverse. 

We’ve also made changes to our benefits, increasing our 
wellness offerings and other family support programs to reflect 
the needs of our workforce. 

As we think about all the ways we pursue sustainability, our size 
and scale give us tremendous resources to bring to a task —  
whether supporting the economy, partnering in the fight against 
AIDS, protecting the financial infrastructure, or building a great 
place to work. Our focus is to use our size and scale in ways that 
contribute positively to our communities, create opportunity for 
our customers and grow our company responsibly.

Conclusion

As we take stock of where Bank of America stands today, we 
can see the tangible results of hard work as we’ve simplified, 
strengthened and transformed our company. We have a strong 
foundation, we have a strategy focused on the customers we 
serve, and all the capabilities we possess have come together 
as an engine for responsible growth that is producing stronger 
financial results and momentum. 

All of this is made possible by more than 200,000 teammates 
who come to work every day to serve clients and improve our 
communities. Together, we will continue to take the company 
forward and deliver more value to those we serve and to  
our shareholders. 

Thank you for your continued investment in Bank of America.

Brian Moynihan 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 
March 7, 2016

13

Welcome to Bank of America
Our financial centers are core to our strategy of 
connecting all of our capabilities and financial solutions  
to the millions of retail, preferred and small business 
clients we serve every day. We’re making the financial 
lives of our clients better by delivering what they need  
in an integrated,  client- focused way. 

MAIN LOBBY

We’ve enhanced digital 
banking so it’s easier than 
ever for our clients to 
manage their finances and 
get things done. Our Digital 
Ambassadors are trained to 
help clients get familiar with 
the tools and features on our 
award- winning mobile and 
online banking platforms.

Our financial centers are staffed with specialists 
who can help clients with a range of needs 
including mortgage, home equity, and small 
business financing through Bank of America;  
as well as retirement and other investing goals 
through a Merrill Edge Financial Solutions Advisor 
or our investing platform for self- directed clients.

14

Clients are greeted by a relationship 
manager who helps identify their 
needs and guides their visit. Our 
employees work as one team to bring 
the full capabilities and expertise of 
our company to our clients. 

Our network of more than 
16,000 ATMs includes more than 
900 ATMs with Teller Assist®, 
giving clients the ability to bank 
on their schedule, including 
cashing checks, making deposits 
and working directly with a teller 
through live video technology. 

The Merrill Lynch Wealth Management team is  
innovating by putting our clients’ life priorities at the 
center of their strategic investment advice. Through 
the investment insights of Merrill Lynch and access 
to the banking capabilities of Bank of America, clients 
are offered extensive experience and resources, and 
more of our financial centers are being designed with 
Merrill Lynch offices onsite for added convenience.

UPSTAIRS

Getting advice has never 
been easier. Our new mobile 
app allows clients to book 
an appointment in advance 
with one of our financial 
specialists for personalized 
service in a professional 
setting at a convenient time.

NOT PICTURED:

U.S. Trust offers high-net worth clients a 
 highly- personalized, team-based approach to 
wealth management and access to credit and 
lending solutions from Bank of America. In 
select markets, some of our financial centers 
have dedicated space for U.S. Trust advisors.

15

Bank of America Corporation —  Financial Highlights
Bank of America Corporation (NYSE: BAC) is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. As of December 31, 2015, we 
operated in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and more than 35 countries. Through our 
banking and various nonbank subsidiaries throughout the United States and in international markets, we provide a diversified 
range of banking and nonbank financial services and products through five business segments: Consumer Banking, Global 
Wealth and Investment Management, Global Banking, Global Markets, and Legacy Assets and Servicing.

Financial Highlights (in millions, except per share information)

For the year

2015

2014

Revenue, net of interest expense (fully  taxable-equivalent basis) 1
Net income
Earnings per common share
Diluted earnings per common share
Dividends paid per common share
Return on average assets
Return on average tangible shareholders’ equity 1
Efficiency ratio (fully  taxable-equivalent basis) 1
Average diluted common shares issued and outstanding

$ 83,416
15,888
1.38
1.31
0.20
0.74%
8.83
68.56
11,214

$ 85,116
4,833
0.36
0.36
0.12
0.23%
2.92
88.25
10,585

2013

$ 89,801
11,431
0.94
0.90
0.04
0.53%
7.13
77.07
11,491

At year-end

Total loans and leases
Total assets
Total deposits
Total shareholders’ equity
Book value per common share
Tangible book value per common share 1
Market price per common share
Common shares issued and outstanding
Tangible common equity ratio 1

2015

2014

2013

$   903,001
2,144,316
1,197,259
256,205
22.54
15.62
16.83
10,380
7.8

$   881,391
2,104,534
1,118,936
243,471
21.32
14.43
17.89
10,517
7.5

$   928,233
2,102,273
1,119,271
232,685
20.71
13.79
15.57
10,592
7.2

1 Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. For more information on these measures and ratios, and a corresponding reconciliation to GAAP financial measures,  

see Supplemental Financial Data on page 28 and Statistical Table XIII on page 121 of the 2015 Financial Review section.

Total Cumulative Shareholder Return2

BAC Five-Year Stock Performance

$200

$150

$100

$50

$0

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

December 31

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Bank of America Corporation
S & P 500 COMP
KBW Bank Sector Index

$100
100
100

$42
102
77

$88 $118 $137 $130
118
181
102
155

178
154

157
141

2 This graph compares the yearly change in the Corporation’s total cumulative shareholder 

return on its common stock with (i) the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and (ii) the KBW Bank 
Index for the years ended December 31, 2010 through 2015. The graph assumes an initial 
investment of $100 at the end of 2010 and the reinvestment of all dividends during the 
years indicated.

16

$20

$15

$10

$5

$0

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

HIGH $15.25
4.99
LOW
5.56

 CLOSE

$11.61
5.80
11.61

$15.88
11.03
15.57

$18.13
14.51
17.89

$18.45
15.15
16.83

Tangible Book Value

9
0

.

0
2
$

5
9

.

2
1
$

4
2

.

0
2
$

6
3

.

3
1
$

1
7

.

0
2
$

.

9
7
3
1
$

.

2
3
1
2
$

3
4

.

4
1
$

4
5

.

2
2
$

2
6

.

5
1
$

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Book Value Per Share

Tangible Book Value Per Share3

3 Tangible book value per share is a non-GAAP financial measure.

2015  
Financial Review

Financial Review
Table of Contents

Executive Summary
Recent Events 
Financial Highlights
Balance Sheet Overview 
Supplemental Financial Data 
Business Segment Operations

Consumer Banking
Global Wealth & Investment Management
Global Banking 
Global Markets
Legacy Assets & Servicing 
All Other

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations 
Managing Risk
Strategic Risk Management 
Capital Management 
Liquidity Risk
Credit Risk Management

Consumer Portfolio Credit Risk Management 
Commercial Portfolio Credit Risk Management 
Non-U.S. Portfolio
Provision for Credit Losses 
Allowance for Credit Losses

Market Risk Management

Trading Risk Management
Interest Rate Risk Management for Non-trading Activities 
Mortgage Banking Risk Management

Compliance Risk Management 
Operational Risk Management
Reputational Risk Management 
Complex Accounting Estimates 
2014 Compared to 2013

Overview
Business Segment Operations

Statistical Tables 
Glossary

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This report, the documents that it incorporates by reference and 

proceedings, including the possibility that amounts may be in excess 

the documents into which it may be incorporated by reference may 

of  the  Corporation’s  recorded  liability  and  estimated  range  of 

contain,  and  from  time  to  time  Bank  of  America  Corporation 

possible  losses  for  litigation  exposures;  the  possible  outcome  of 

(collectively  with  its  subsidiaries,  the  Corporation)  and  its 

LIBOR,  other  reference  rate  and  foreign  exchange  inquiries  and 

management may make certain statements that constitute forward-

investigations; uncertainties about the financial stability and growth 

looking  statements  within  the  meaning  of  the  Private  Securities 

rates of non-U.S. jurisdictions, the risk that those jurisdictions may 

Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified 

face difficulties servicing their sovereign debt, and related stresses 

by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current 

on financial markets, currencies and trade, and the Corporation’s 

facts.  Forward-looking  statements  often  use  words  such  as 

exposures to such risks, including direct, indirect and operational; 

“anticipates,”  “targets,”  “expects,”  “hopes,”  “estimates,”  “intends,” 

the impact of U.S. and global interest rates, currency exchange rates 

“plans,” “goals,” “believes,” “continue,” "suggests" and other similar 

and economic conditions; the possibility that future credit losses 

expressions  or  future  or  conditional  verbs  such  as  “will,”  “may,” 

may be higher than currently expected due to changes in economic 

“might,” “should,” “would” and “could.” Forward-looking statements 

assumptions,  customer  behavior  and  other  uncertainties;  the 

represent the Corporation’s current expectations, plans or forecasts 

impact  on  the  Corporation’s  business,  financial  condition  and 

of its future results and revenues, and future business and economic 

results of operations of a potential higher interest rate environment; 

conditions  more  generally,  and  other  future  matters.  These 

the impact on the Corporation’s business, financial condition and 

statements are not guarantees of future results or performance and 

results of operations from a protracted period of lower oil prices; 

involve  certain  known  and  unknown  risks,  uncertainties  and 

adverse changes to the Corporation’s credit ratings from the major 

assumptions that are difficult to predict and are often beyond the 

credit rating agencies; estimates of the fair value of certain of the 

Corporation’s  control.  Actual  outcomes  and  results  may  differ 

Corporation’s  assets  and  liabilities;  uncertainty  regarding  the 

materially  from  those  expressed  in,  or  implied  by,  any  of  these 

content,  timing  and  impact  of  regulatory  capital  and  liquidity 

forward-looking statements.

requirements,  including  the  potential  adoption  of  total  loss-

You  should  not  place  undue  reliance  on  any  forward-looking 

absorbing  capacity  requirements;  the  potential  for  payment 

statement and should consider the following uncertainties and risks, 

protection insurance exposure to increase as a result of Financial 

as well as the risks and uncertainties more fully discussed elsewhere 

Conduct Authority actions; the possible impact of Federal Reserve 

in this report, including under Item 1A. Risk Factors of our 2015 

actions  on  the  Corporation’s  capital  plans;  the  impact  of 

Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  and  in  any  of  the  Corporation’s 

implementation  and  compliance  with  new  and  evolving  U.S.  and 

subsequent  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  filings:  the 

international regulations, including, but not limited to, recovery and 

Corporation’s  ability  to  resolve  representations  and  warranties 

resolution planning requirements, the Volcker Rule, and derivatives 

repurchase and related claims, including claims brought by investors 

regulations; a failure in or breach of the Corporation’s operational 

or  trustees  seeking  to  distinguish  certain  aspects  of  the  ACE 

or  security  systems  or  infrastructure,  or  those  of  third  parties, 

Securities Corp. v. DB Structured Products, Inc. (ACE) decision or to 

including as a result of cyber attacks and other similar matters.

assert other claims seeking to avoid the impact of the ACE decision; 

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are 

the possibility that the Corporation could face servicing, securities, 

made, and the Corporation undertakes no obligation to update any 

fraud,  indemnity,  contribution  or  other  claims  from  one  or  more 

forward-looking statement to reflect the impact of circumstances or 

counterparties, 

including 

trustees,  purchasers  of 

loans, 

events that arise after the date the forward-looking statement was 

underwriters,  issuers,  other  parties  involved  in  securitizations, 

made.

monolines or private-label and other investors; the possibility that 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements referred to in 

future representations and warranties losses may occur in excess 

the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition 

of  the  Corporation’s  recorded  liability  and  estimated  range  of 

and Results of Operations (MD&A) are incorporated by reference 

possible loss for its representations and warranties exposures; the 

into the MD&A. Certain prior-year amounts have been reclassified 

possibility that the Corporation may not collect mortgage insurance 

to conform to current-year presentation. Throughout the MD&A, 

claims; potential claims, damages, penalties, fines and reputational 

the Corporation uses certain acronyms and abbreviations which 

damage resulting from pending or future litigation and regulatory 

are defined in the Glossary.

Page

20 
20 
22 
25 
28 
30 
31 
34 
36 
38 
40 
43 
44 
47 
51 
51 
58 
63 
64 
75 
84 
86 
86 
90 
91 
95 
97 
97 
97 
98 
98
103 
103 
104 
106 
124

18     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     19

Financial Review

Table of Contents

Global Wealth & Investment Management

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations 

Consumer Portfolio Credit Risk Management 

Commercial Portfolio Credit Risk Management 

Interest Rate Risk Management for Non-trading Activities 

Mortgage Banking Risk Management

Executive Summary

Recent Events 

Financial Highlights

Balance Sheet Overview 

Supplemental Financial Data 

Business Segment Operations

Consumer Banking

Global Banking 

Global Markets

Legacy Assets & Servicing 

All Other

Managing Risk

Strategic Risk Management 

Capital Management 

Liquidity Risk

Credit Risk Management

Non-U.S. Portfolio

Provision for Credit Losses 

Allowance for Credit Losses

Market Risk Management

Trading Risk Management

Compliance Risk Management 

Operational Risk Management

Reputational Risk Management 

Complex Accounting Estimates 

2014 Compared to 2013

Overview

Business Segment Operations

Statistical Tables 

Glossary

Page

20 

20 

22 

25 

28 

30 

31 

34 

36 

38 

40 

43 

44 

47 

51 

51 

58 

63 

64 

75 

84 

86 

86 

90 

91 

95 

97 

97 

97 

98 

98

103 

103 

104 

106 

124

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This report, the documents that it incorporates by reference and 
the documents into which it may be incorporated by reference may 
contain,  and  from  time  to  time  Bank  of  America  Corporation 
(collectively  with  its  subsidiaries,  the  Corporation)  and  its 
management may make certain statements that constitute forward-
looking  statements  within  the  meaning  of  the  Private  Securities 
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified 
by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current 
facts.  Forward-looking  statements  often  use  words  such  as 
“anticipates,”  “targets,”  “expects,”  “hopes,”  “estimates,”  “intends,” 
“plans,” “goals,” “believes,” “continue,” "suggests" and other similar 
expressions  or  future  or  conditional  verbs  such  as  “will,”  “may,” 
“might,” “should,” “would” and “could.” Forward-looking statements 
represent the Corporation’s current expectations, plans or forecasts 
of its future results and revenues, and future business and economic 
conditions  more  generally,  and  other  future  matters.  These 
statements are not guarantees of future results or performance and 
involve  certain  known  and  unknown  risks,  uncertainties  and 
assumptions that are difficult to predict and are often beyond the 
Corporation’s  control.  Actual  outcomes  and  results  may  differ 
materially  from  those  expressed  in,  or  implied  by,  any  of  these 
forward-looking statements.

You  should  not  place  undue  reliance  on  any  forward-looking 
statement and should consider the following uncertainties and risks, 
as well as the risks and uncertainties more fully discussed elsewhere 
in this report, including under Item 1A. Risk Factors of our 2015 
Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  and  in  any  of  the  Corporation’s 
subsequent  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  filings:  the 
Corporation’s  ability  to  resolve  representations  and  warranties 
repurchase and related claims, including claims brought by investors 
or  trustees  seeking  to  distinguish  certain  aspects  of  the  ACE 
Securities Corp. v. DB Structured Products, Inc. (ACE) decision or to 
assert other claims seeking to avoid the impact of the ACE decision; 
the possibility that the Corporation could face servicing, securities, 
fraud,  indemnity,  contribution  or  other  claims  from  one  or  more 
counterparties, 
loans, 
underwriters,  issuers,  other  parties  involved  in  securitizations, 
monolines or private-label and other investors; the possibility that 
future representations and warranties losses may occur in excess 
of  the  Corporation’s  recorded  liability  and  estimated  range  of 
possible loss for its representations and warranties exposures; the 
possibility that the Corporation may not collect mortgage insurance 
claims; potential claims, damages, penalties, fines and reputational 
damage resulting from pending or future litigation and regulatory 

trustees,  purchasers  of 

including 

proceedings, including the possibility that amounts may be in excess 
of  the  Corporation’s  recorded  liability  and  estimated  range  of 
possible  losses  for  litigation  exposures;  the  possible  outcome  of 
LIBOR,  other  reference  rate  and  foreign  exchange  inquiries  and 
investigations; uncertainties about the financial stability and growth 
rates of non-U.S. jurisdictions, the risk that those jurisdictions may 
face difficulties servicing their sovereign debt, and related stresses 
on financial markets, currencies and trade, and the Corporation’s 
exposures to such risks, including direct, indirect and operational; 
the impact of U.S. and global interest rates, currency exchange rates 
and economic conditions; the possibility that future credit losses 
may be higher than currently expected due to changes in economic 
assumptions,  customer  behavior  and  other  uncertainties;  the 
impact  on  the  Corporation’s  business,  financial  condition  and 
results of operations of a potential higher interest rate environment; 
the impact on the Corporation’s business, financial condition and 
results of operations from a protracted period of lower oil prices; 
adverse changes to the Corporation’s credit ratings from the major 
credit rating agencies; estimates of the fair value of certain of the 
Corporation’s  assets  and  liabilities;  uncertainty  regarding  the 
content,  timing  and  impact  of  regulatory  capital  and  liquidity 
requirements,  including  the  potential  adoption  of  total  loss-
absorbing  capacity  requirements;  the  potential  for  payment 
protection insurance exposure to increase as a result of Financial 
Conduct Authority actions; the possible impact of Federal Reserve 
actions  on  the  Corporation’s  capital  plans;  the  impact  of 
implementation  and  compliance  with  new  and  evolving  U.S.  and 
international regulations, including, but not limited to, recovery and 
resolution planning requirements, the Volcker Rule, and derivatives 
regulations; a failure in or breach of the Corporation’s operational 
or  security  systems  or  infrastructure,  or  those  of  third  parties, 
including as a result of cyber attacks and other similar matters.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are 
made, and the Corporation undertakes no obligation to update any 
forward-looking statement to reflect the impact of circumstances or 
events that arise after the date the forward-looking statement was 
made.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements referred to in 
the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition 
and Results of Operations (MD&A) are incorporated by reference 
into the MD&A. Certain prior-year amounts have been reclassified 
to conform to current-year presentation. Throughout the MD&A, 
the Corporation uses certain acronyms and abbreviations which 
are defined in the Glossary.

18     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     19

Executive Summary

Business Overview
The Corporation is a Delaware corporation, a bank holding company 
(BHC) and a financial holding company. When used in this report, 
“the  Corporation”  may  refer  to  Bank  of  America  Corporation 
individually, Bank of America Corporation and its subsidiaries, or 
certain of Bank of America Corporation’s subsidiaries or affiliates. 
Our  principal  executive  offices  are  located  in  Charlotte,  North 
Carolina. Through our banking and various nonbank subsidiaries 
throughout  the  U.S.  and  in  international  markets,  we  provide  a 
diversified range of banking and nonbank financial services and 
products  through  five  business  segments:  Consumer  Banking, 
Global Wealth & Investment Management (GWIM), Global Banking, 
Global  Markets  and  Legacy  Assets  &  Servicing  (LAS),  with  the 
remaining operations recorded in All Other. We operate our banking 
activities primarily under the Bank of America, National Association 
(Bank of America, N.A. or BANA) charter. At December 31, 2015, 
the  Corporation  had  approximately  $2.1  trillion  in  assets  and 
approximately 213,000 full-time equivalent employees.

retail  banking 

As of December 31, 2015, we operated in all 50 states, the 
District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and more 
than  35  countries.  Our 
footprint  covers 
approximately 80 percent of the U.S. population, and we serve 
approximately  47  million  consumer  and  small  business 
relationships  with  approximately  4,700  retail  financial  centers, 
approximately 16,000 ATMs, nationwide call centers, and leading 
online and mobile banking platforms (www.bankofamerica.com). 
We offer industry-leading support to approximately three million 
small business owners. Our wealth management businesses, with 
client balances of nearly $2.5 trillion, provide tailored solutions to 
meet client needs through a full set of investment management, 
brokerage, banking, trust and retirement products. We are a global 
leader in corporate and investment banking and trading across a 
broad range of asset classes serving corporations, governments, 
institutions and individuals around the world.

2015 Economic and Business Environment
In the U.S., the economy grew in 2015 for the seventh consecutive 
year. Following a soft start to the year partly reflecting severe winter 
weather and other temporary factors, economic growth picked up 
mid-year before a mild deceleration near year end. While economic 
growth struggled to reach two percent in the year, the labor market 
continued  to  improve.  Payroll  gains  were  solid,  while  the 
unemployment rate fell to five percent late in the year. With steady 
employment  gains  and  continued  low  oil  prices,  consumer 
spending  increased  at  a  strong  pace  for  most  of  the  year  and 
residential construction gained momentum. Core inflation (which 
excludes certain items which may be subject to frequent volatile 
price changes, like food and energy) remained relatively unchanged 
in 2015, more than half a percentage point below the Board of 
Governors  of  the  Federal  Reserve  System’s  (Federal  Reserve) 
longer-term  target  of  two  percent.  Inflation  was  suppressed  by 
falling energy costs.

U.S. household net worth rose for a seventh consecutive year, 
but at a slower pace in 2015. After a modest first half of the year, 
home prices rebounded in the second half of 2015 and rose more 
than five percent in 2015, while equity markets registered little 
net change. With energy costs continuing to decline in 2015, the 

consumer  spending  outlook  remained  positive,  although  the 
negative  impacts  on  energy-related  investments  hurt  the 
manufacturing  economy  and  continued  to  impact  financial 
markets. With the sharp U.S. Dollar appreciation in late 2014 and 
2015,  export  gains  slowed,  further  weakening  manufacturing, 
while import growth was steady, resulting in a decline in net exports 
and a negative impact on 2015 gross domestic product growth.

U.S. Treasury yields were unstable, but rose modestly over the 
course of the year, as a rate hike from the Federal Reserve neared. 
At its final meeting of the year, the Federal Open Market Committee 
(FOMC) raised its target range for the Federal funds rate by 25 
basis points (bps), its first rate increase in over nine years. At the 
same  time,  the  Federal  Reserve  repeated  its  expectation  that 
policy  would  be  normalized  gradually,  and  would  remain 
accommodative  for  the  foreseeable  future.  Amid  the  contrast 
between U.S. tightening of monetary policy versus the easing of 
monetary policy in much of the world, the U.S. Dollar appreciated 
significantly over the year, especially against emerging market and 
commodity-oriented currencies.

Internationally,  the  eurozone  continued  to  grow  modestly  in 
2015, as the European Central Bank (ECB) began a program of 
significant  purchases  of  sovereign  debt,  helping  to  keep  bond 
yields low and to maintain stability in southern European markets. 
Core  inflation  in  the  eurozone  stabilized  early  and  then  edged 
higher over the year. The Euro/U.S. Dollar exchange rate continued 
to decline early in the year driven by the differing directions of U.S. 
and  eurozone  monetary  policies,  further  boosting  European 
competitiveness.  However,  the  eurozone  remains  vulnerable  to 
economic slowing in emerging markets. Late in the year, the ECB 
extended its horizon for bond purchases, but failed to increase 
their size. 

Economic growth was slow and uncertain in Japan, while the 
2014 gains in core inflation were reversed. Declining energy costs 
continued to hurt Russia’s economy, which remained in recession 
for 2015. Brazil’s recession also continued, aggravated by extreme 
policy uncertainty. Amid continued gradual economic moderation, 
China  eased  monetary  policy  during  the  year,  but  continued  its 
focus  on  longer-run  issues  including  increasing  its  focus  on 
rebalancing the economy and encouraging consumer spending.

Recent Events

Settlement with Bank of New York Mellon
The final conditions of the settlement with the Bank of New York 
Mellon  (BNY  Mellon)  have  been  satisfied  and,  accordingly,  the 
Corporation  made  the  settlement  payment  of  $8.5  billion  in 
February  2016.  The  settlement  payment  was  previously  fully 
reserved. Pursuant to the settlement agreement, allocation and 
distribution  of  the  $8.5  billion  settlement  payment  is  the 
responsibility  of  the  residential  mortgage-backed  securities 
(RMBS) trustee, BNY Mellon. On February 5, 2016, BNY Mellon 
filed an Article 77 proceeding in the New York County Supreme 
Court asking the court for instruction with respect to certain issues 
concerning the distribution of each trust’s allocable share of the 
settlement payment and asking that the settlement payment be 
ordered to be held in escrow pending the outcome of this Article 
77 proceeding. The Corporation is not a party to this proceeding. 
For additional information, see Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 
and Contractual Obligations on page 44.

20     Bank of America 2015

Executive Summary

Business Overview

consumer  spending  outlook  remained  positive,  although  the 

negative  impacts  on  energy-related  investments  hurt  the 

manufacturing  economy  and  continued  to  impact  financial 

The Corporation is a Delaware corporation, a bank holding company 

markets. With the sharp U.S. Dollar appreciation in late 2014 and 

(BHC) and a financial holding company. When used in this report, 

2015,  export  gains  slowed,  further  weakening  manufacturing, 

“the  Corporation”  may  refer  to  Bank  of  America  Corporation 

while import growth was steady, resulting in a decline in net exports 

individually, Bank of America Corporation and its subsidiaries, or 

and a negative impact on 2015 gross domestic product growth.

certain of Bank of America Corporation’s subsidiaries or affiliates. 

U.S. Treasury yields were unstable, but rose modestly over the 

Our  principal  executive  offices  are  located  in  Charlotte,  North 

course of the year, as a rate hike from the Federal Reserve neared. 

Carolina. Through our banking and various nonbank subsidiaries 

At its final meeting of the year, the Federal Open Market Committee 

throughout  the  U.S.  and  in  international  markets,  we  provide  a 

(FOMC) raised its target range for the Federal funds rate by 25 

diversified range of banking and nonbank financial services and 

basis points (bps), its first rate increase in over nine years. At the 

products  through  five  business  segments:  Consumer  Banking, 

same  time,  the  Federal  Reserve  repeated  its  expectation  that 

Global Wealth & Investment Management (GWIM), Global Banking, 

policy  would  be  normalized  gradually,  and  would  remain 

Global  Markets  and  Legacy  Assets  &  Servicing  (LAS),  with  the 

accommodative  for  the  foreseeable  future.  Amid  the  contrast 

remaining operations recorded in All Other. We operate our banking 

between U.S. tightening of monetary policy versus the easing of 

activities primarily under the Bank of America, National Association 

monetary policy in much of the world, the U.S. Dollar appreciated 

(Bank of America, N.A. or BANA) charter. At December 31, 2015, 

significantly over the year, especially against emerging market and 

the  Corporation  had  approximately  $2.1  trillion  in  assets  and 

commodity-oriented currencies.

approximately 213,000 full-time equivalent employees.

Internationally,  the  eurozone  continued  to  grow  modestly  in 

As of December 31, 2015, we operated in all 50 states, the 

2015, as the European Central Bank (ECB) began a program of 

District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and more 

significant  purchases  of  sovereign  debt,  helping  to  keep  bond 

than  35  countries.  Our 

retail  banking 

footprint  covers 

yields low and to maintain stability in southern European markets. 

approximately 80 percent of the U.S. population, and we serve 

Core  inflation  in  the  eurozone  stabilized  early  and  then  edged 

approximately  47  million  consumer  and  small  business 

higher over the year. The Euro/U.S. Dollar exchange rate continued 

relationships  with  approximately  4,700  retail  financial  centers, 

to decline early in the year driven by the differing directions of U.S. 

approximately 16,000 ATMs, nationwide call centers, and leading 

and  eurozone  monetary  policies,  further  boosting  European 

online and mobile banking platforms (www.bankofamerica.com). 

competitiveness.  However,  the  eurozone  remains  vulnerable  to 

We offer industry-leading support to approximately three million 

economic slowing in emerging markets. Late in the year, the ECB 

small business owners. Our wealth management businesses, with 

extended its horizon for bond purchases, but failed to increase 

client balances of nearly $2.5 trillion, provide tailored solutions to 

their size. 

meet client needs through a full set of investment management, 

Economic growth was slow and uncertain in Japan, while the 

brokerage, banking, trust and retirement products. We are a global 

2014 gains in core inflation were reversed. Declining energy costs 

leader in corporate and investment banking and trading across a 

continued to hurt Russia’s economy, which remained in recession 

broad range of asset classes serving corporations, governments, 

for 2015. Brazil’s recession also continued, aggravated by extreme 

institutions and individuals around the world.

2015 Economic and Business Environment

In the U.S., the economy grew in 2015 for the seventh consecutive 

year. Following a soft start to the year partly reflecting severe winter 

weather and other temporary factors, economic growth picked up 

mid-year before a mild deceleration near year end. While economic 

growth struggled to reach two percent in the year, the labor market 

continued  to  improve.  Payroll  gains  were  solid,  while  the 

unemployment rate fell to five percent late in the year. With steady 

employment  gains  and  continued  low  oil  prices,  consumer 

spending  increased  at  a  strong  pace  for  most  of  the  year  and 

residential construction gained momentum. Core inflation (which 

excludes certain items which may be subject to frequent volatile 

price changes, like food and energy) remained relatively unchanged 

in 2015, more than half a percentage point below the Board of 

Governors  of  the  Federal  Reserve  System’s  (Federal  Reserve) 

longer-term  target  of  two  percent.  Inflation  was  suppressed  by 

falling energy costs.

U.S. household net worth rose for a seventh consecutive year, 

but at a slower pace in 2015. After a modest first half of the year, 

home prices rebounded in the second half of 2015 and rose more 

than five percent in 2015, while equity markets registered little 

net change. With energy costs continuing to decline in 2015, the 

policy uncertainty. Amid continued gradual economic moderation, 

China  eased  monetary  policy  during  the  year,  but  continued  its 

focus  on  longer-run  issues  including  increasing  its  focus  on 

rebalancing the economy and encouraging consumer spending.

Recent Events

Settlement with Bank of New York Mellon

The final conditions of the settlement with the Bank of New York 

Mellon  (BNY  Mellon)  have  been  satisfied  and,  accordingly,  the 

Corporation  made  the  settlement  payment  of  $8.5  billion  in 

February  2016.  The  settlement  payment  was  previously  fully 

reserved. Pursuant to the settlement agreement, allocation and 

distribution  of  the  $8.5  billion  settlement  payment  is  the 

responsibility  of  the  residential  mortgage-backed  securities 

(RMBS) trustee, BNY Mellon. On February 5, 2016, BNY Mellon 

filed an Article 77 proceeding in the New York County Supreme 

Court asking the court for instruction with respect to certain issues 

concerning the distribution of each trust’s allocable share of the 

settlement payment and asking that the settlement payment be 

ordered to be held in escrow pending the outcome of this Article 

77 proceeding. The Corporation is not a party to this proceeding. 

For additional information, see Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 

and Contractual Obligations on page 44.

Capital Management
During  2015,  we  repurchased  approximately  $2.4  billion  of 
common  stock,  with  an  average  price  of  $16.92  per  share,  in 
connection  with  our  2015  Comprehensive  Capital  Analysis  and 
Review (CCAR) capital plan, which included a request to repurchase 
$4.0 billion of common stock over five quarters beginning in the 
second quarter of 2015, and to maintain the quarterly common 
stock dividend at the current rate of $0.05 per share. 

Based on the conditional non-objection we received from the 
Federal Reserve on our 2015 CCAR submission, we were required 
to resubmit our CCAR capital plan by September 30, 2015 and 
address certain weaknesses the Federal Reserve identified in our 
capital planning process. We have established plans and taken 
actions  which  addressed  the  identified  weaknesses,  and  we 
resubmitted our CCAR capital plan on September 30, 2015. The 
Federal Reserve announced that it did not object to our resubmitted 
CCAR capital plan on December 10, 2015.

As an Advanced approaches institution, under Basel 3, we were 
required  to  complete  a  qualification  period  (parallel  run)  to 
demonstrate compliance with the Basel 3 Advanced approaches 
capital framework to the satisfaction of U.S. banking regulators. 
We  received  approval  to  begin  using  the  Advanced  approaches 
capital framework to determine risk-based capital requirements 
beginning in the fourth quarter of 2015. As previously disclosed, 
with  the  approval  to  exit  parallel  run,  U.S.  banking  regulators 
requested  modifications  to  certain  internal  analytical  models 
including  the  wholesale  (e.g.,  commercial)  credit  models.  All 
requested modifications were incorporated, which increased our 
risk-weighted assets, and are reflected in the risk-based ratios in 
the fourth quarter of 2015. Having exited parallel run on October 
1, 2015, we are required to report regulatory risk-based capital 
ratios and risk-weighted assets under both the Standardized and 
Advanced approaches. The approach that yields the lower ratio is 
used  to  assess  capital  adequacy  including  under  the  Prompt 
Corrective  Action  (PCA)  framework  and  was  the  Advanced 
approaches  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2015.  For  additional 
information, see Capital Management on page 51.

Trust Preferred Securities
On December 29, 2015, the Corporation provided notice of the 
redemption on January 29, 2016 of all trust preferred securities 
of Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital Trust III, Merrill Lynch Preferred 
Capital Trust IV and Merrill  Lynch  Preferred  Capital  Trust V (the 
Trust Preferred Securities). In connection with the Corporation’s 
acquisition of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. in 2009, the Corporation 
recorded  a  discount  to  par  value  as  purchase  accounting 
adjustments associated with the Trust Preferred Securities. The 
Corporation recorded a $612 million charge to net interest income 
related to the discount on these securities.

New Accounting Guidance on Recognition and 
Measurement of Financial Instruments
In January 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) 
issued new accounting guidance on recognition and measurement 
of  financial  instruments.  The  Corporation  has  early  adopted, 
retrospective to January 1, 2015, the provision that requires the 
Corporation to present unrealized gains and losses resulting from 
changes  in  the  Corporation’s  own  credit  spreads  on  liabilities 
accounted  for  under  the  fair  value  option  (referred  to  as  debit 
valuation  adjustments,  or  DVA) 
in  accumulated  other 
comprehensive income (OCI). The impact of the adoption was to 
reclassify, as of January 1, 2015, unrealized DVA losses of $2.0 
billion  pretax  ($1.2  billion  after  tax)  from  retained  earnings  to 
accumulated OCI. Further, pretax unrealized DVA gains of $301 
million, $301 million and $420 million were reclassified from other 
income to accumulated OCI for the third, second and first quarters 
of 2015, respectively. This had the effect of reducing net income 
as previously reported for the aforementioned quarters by $187 
million, $186 million and $260 million, or approximately $0.02 
per share in each quarter. This change is reflected in consolidated 
results and the Global Markets segment results. Results for 2014 
were not subject to restatement under the provisions of the new 
accounting guidance.

Selected Financial Data
Table 1 provides selected consolidated financial data for 2015 and 2014.

Table 1 Selected Financial Data

(Dollars in millions, except per share information)

Income statement

Revenue, net of interest expense (FTE basis) (1)
Net income
Diluted earnings per common share
Dividends paid per common share

Performance ratios

Return on average assets
Return on average tangible common shareholders’ equity (1)
Efficiency ratio (FTE basis) (1)

Balance sheet at year end
Total loans and leases
Total assets
Total deposits
Total common shareholders’ equity
Total shareholders’ equity

2015

2014

$ 83,416
15,888
1.31
0.20

$ 85,116
4,833
0.36
0.12

0.74%
9.11
68.56

0.23%
2.52
88.25

$ 903,001
2,144,316
1,197,259
233,932
256,205

$ 881,391
2,104,534
1,118,936
224,162
243,471

20     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     21

(1)  Fully taxable-equivalent (FTE) basis, return on average tangible common shareholders’ equity and the efficiency ratio are non-GAAP financial measures. Other companies may define or calculate these 

measures differently. For additional information, see Supplemental Financial Data on page 28, and for corresponding reconciliations to GAAP financial measures, see Statistical Table XIII.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Highlights
Net income was $15.9 billion, or $1.31 per diluted share in 2015 
compared to $4.8 billion, or $0.36 per diluted share in 2014. The 
results  for  2015  compared  to  2014  were  primarily  driven  by  a 
decrease  of  $15.2  billion  in  litigation  expense,  as  well  as 
decreases in all other noninterest expense categories, partially 
offset  by  a  decline  in  net  interest  income  on  a  fully  taxable-
equivalent (FTE) basis, higher provision for credit losses and lower 
revenue. Included in net interest income on an FTE basis was a 
charge related to the discount on certain trust preferred securities 
of  $612  million  in  2015,  as  well  as  a  negative  market-related 
adjustment  on  debt  securities  of  $296  million  compared  to  a 
negative market-related adjustment of $1.1 billion in 2014.

Total assets increased $39.8 billion from December 31, 2014 
to  $2.1  trillion  at  December 31,  2015  primarily  driven  by  an 
increase  in  debt  securities  due  to  the  deployment  of  deposit 
inflows,  an  increase  in  loans  driven  by  strong  demand  for 
commercial loans outpacing consumer loan sales and run-off, and 
higher  cash  and  cash  equivalents  from  strong  deposit  inflows. 
Total liabilities increased $27.0 billion from December 31, 2014 
to  $1.9  trillion  at  December 31,  2015  primarily  driven  by  an 
increase  in  deposits,  partially  offset  by  declines  in  securities 
loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase, trading account 
liabilities and long-term debt. During 2015, we returned $5.9 billion 
in capital to shareholders through common and preferred stock 
dividends  and  share  repurchases.  For  more  information  on  the 
balance sheet, see Executive Summary – Balance Sheet Overview 
on page 25. 

From  a  capital  management  perspective,  during  2015,  we 
maintained our strong capital position with Common equity tier 1 
capital of $163.0 billion, risk-weighted assets of $1,602 billion 
and  a  Common  equity  tier  1  capital  ratio  of  10.2  percent  at 
December 31, 2015 as measured under the Basel 3 Advanced – 
Transition. On September 3, 2015, we received approval to exit 
parallel run and begin using the Basel 3 Advanced approaches 
capital framework to determine risk-based capital requirements in 
the  fourth  quarter  of  2015.  The  Corporation’s  transitional 
supplementary  leverage  ratio  (SLR)  was  6.6  percent  and  6.2 
percent  at  December  31,  2015  and  2014,  both  above  the  5.0 
percent required minimum. Our Global Excess Liquidity Sources 
were $504 billion with time-to-required funding at 39 months at 
December 31, 2015 compared to $439 billion and 39 months at 
December 31,  2014.  For  additional  information,  see  Capital 
Management on page 51 and Liquidity Risk on page 58.

Table 2 Summary Income Statement

(Dollars in millions)

Net interest income (FTE basis) (1)
Noninterest income

Total revenue, net of interest expense (FTE basis) (1)

Provision for credit losses
Noninterest expense

Income before income taxes (FTE basis) (1)

Income tax expense (FTE basis) (1)

Net income

Preferred stock dividends

Net income applicable to common shareholders

Per common share information

Earnings
Diluted earnings

2015
$ 40,160
43,256
83,416
3,161
57,192
23,063
7,175
15,888
1,483
$ 14,405

2014
$ 40,821
44,295
85,116
2,275
75,117
7,724
2,891
4,833
1,044
3,789

$

$

$

1.38
1.31

0.36
0.36

(1)  FTE  basis  is  a  non-GAAP  financial  measure.  For  more  information  on  this  measure,  see 
Supplemental Financial Data on page 28, and for a corresponding reconciliation to GAAP financial 
measures, see Statistical Table XIII.

Net Interest Income
Net interest income on an FTE basis decreased $661 million to 
$40.2 billion in 2015 compared to 2014. The net interest yield 
on  an  FTE  basis  decreased  five bps  to  2.20  percent  for  2015. 
These  declines  were  primarily  driven  by  lower  loan  yields  and 
consumer loan balances, as well as a charge of $612 million in 
2015 related to the discount on certain trust preferred securities, 
partially offset by a $785 million improvement in market-related 
adjustments on debt securities, lower funding costs, higher trading-
related  net  interest  income,  lower  rates  paid  on  deposits  and 
commercial  loan  growth.  Market-related  adjustments  on  debt 
securities  resulted  in  an  expense  of  $296  million  in  2015 
compared to an expense of $1.1 billion in 2014. Negative market-
related adjustments on debt securities were primarily due to the 
acceleration of premium amortization on debt securities as the 
decline in long-term interest rates shortened the estimated lives 
of  mortgage-related  debt  securities.  Also  included  in  market-
related adjustments is hedge ineffectiveness that impacted net 
interest income. For additional information, see Note 1 – Summary 
of Significant Accounting Principles to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements.

22     Bank of America 2015

 
 
2015

2014

$ 40,160

$ 40,821

43,256

83,416

3,161

57,192

23,063

7,175

15,888

1,483

44,295

85,116

2,275

75,117

7,724

2,891

4,833

1,044

3,789

$

$

1.38

1.31

0.36

0.36

Financial Highlights

Net income was $15.9 billion, or $1.31 per diluted share in 2015 

compared to $4.8 billion, or $0.36 per diluted share in 2014. The 

results  for  2015  compared  to  2014  were  primarily  driven  by  a 

decrease  of  $15.2  billion  in  litigation  expense,  as  well  as 

decreases in all other noninterest expense categories, partially 

offset  by  a  decline  in  net  interest  income  on  a  fully  taxable-

equivalent (FTE) basis, higher provision for credit losses and lower 

revenue. Included in net interest income on an FTE basis was a 

charge related to the discount on certain trust preferred securities 

Table 2 Summary Income Statement

(Dollars in millions)

Net interest income (FTE basis) (1)

Noninterest income

Total revenue, net of interest expense (FTE basis) (1)

Provision for credit losses

Noninterest expense

Income before income taxes (FTE basis) (1)

Income tax expense (FTE basis) (1)

of  $612  million  in  2015,  as  well  as  a  negative  market-related 

Net income

adjustment  on  debt  securities  of  $296  million  compared  to  a 

Preferred stock dividends

negative market-related adjustment of $1.1 billion in 2014.

Total assets increased $39.8 billion from December 31, 2014 

to  $2.1  trillion  at  December 31,  2015  primarily  driven  by  an 

increase  in  debt  securities  due  to  the  deployment  of  deposit 

inflows,  an  increase  in  loans  driven  by  strong  demand  for 

commercial loans outpacing consumer loan sales and run-off, and 

higher  cash  and  cash  equivalents  from  strong  deposit  inflows. 

Total liabilities increased $27.0 billion from December 31, 2014 

to  $1.9  trillion  at  December 31,  2015  primarily  driven  by  an 

increase  in  deposits,  partially  offset  by  declines  in  securities 

loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase, trading account 

liabilities and long-term debt. During 2015, we returned $5.9 billion 

in capital to shareholders through common and preferred stock 

dividends  and  share  repurchases.  For  more  information  on  the 

balance sheet, see Executive Summary – Balance Sheet Overview 

on page 25. 

From  a  capital  management  perspective,  during  2015,  we 

maintained our strong capital position with Common equity tier 1 

capital of $163.0 billion, risk-weighted assets of $1,602 billion 

and  a  Common  equity  tier  1  capital  ratio  of  10.2  percent  at 

December 31, 2015 as measured under the Basel 3 Advanced – 

Transition. On September 3, 2015, we received approval to exit 

parallel run and begin using the Basel 3 Advanced approaches 

capital framework to determine risk-based capital requirements in 

the  fourth  quarter  of  2015.  The  Corporation’s  transitional 

supplementary  leverage  ratio  (SLR)  was  6.6  percent  and  6.2 

percent  at  December  31,  2015  and  2014,  both  above  the  5.0 

percent required minimum. Our Global Excess Liquidity Sources 

were $504 billion with time-to-required funding at 39 months at 

December 31, 2015 compared to $439 billion and 39 months at 

December 31,  2014.  For  additional  information,  see  Capital 

Management on page 51 and Liquidity Risk on page 58.

Net income applicable to common shareholders

$ 14,405

$

Per common share information

Earnings

Diluted earnings

(1)  FTE  basis  is  a  non-GAAP  financial  measure.  For  more  information  on  this  measure,  see 

Supplemental Financial Data on page 28, and for a corresponding reconciliation to GAAP financial 

measures, see Statistical Table XIII.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income on an FTE basis decreased $661 million to 

$40.2 billion in 2015 compared to 2014. The net interest yield 

on  an  FTE  basis  decreased  five bps  to  2.20  percent  for  2015. 

These  declines  were  primarily  driven  by  lower  loan  yields  and 

consumer loan balances, as well as a charge of $612 million in 

2015 related to the discount on certain trust preferred securities, 

partially offset by a $785 million improvement in market-related 

adjustments on debt securities, lower funding costs, higher trading-

related  net  interest  income,  lower  rates  paid  on  deposits  and 

commercial  loan  growth.  Market-related  adjustments  on  debt 

securities  resulted  in  an  expense  of  $296  million  in  2015 

compared to an expense of $1.1 billion in 2014. Negative market-

related adjustments on debt securities were primarily due to the 

acceleration of premium amortization on debt securities as the 

decline in long-term interest rates shortened the estimated lives 

of  mortgage-related  debt  securities.  Also  included  in  market-

related adjustments is hedge ineffectiveness that impacted net 

interest income. For additional information, see Note 1 – Summary 

of Significant Accounting Principles to the Consolidated Financial 

Statements.

Noninterest Income

Provision for Credit Losses

Table 3 Noninterest Income

Table 4 Credit Quality Data

2015

2014

(Dollars in millions)

2015

2014

(Dollars in millions)

Card income
Service charges
Investment and brokerage services
Investment banking income
Equity investment income
Trading account profits
Mortgage banking income
Gains on sales of debt securities
Other income

Total noninterest income

$

5,959
7,381
13,337
5,572
261
6,473
2,364
1,091
818
$ 43,256

$

5,944
7,443
13,284
6,065
1,130
6,309
1,563
1,354
1,203
$ 44,295

Noninterest income decreased $1.0 billion to $43.3 billion for 
2015 compared to 2014. The following highlights the significant 
changes.

Investment banking income decreased $493 million driven by 
lower debt and equity issuance fees, partially offset by higher 
advisory fees.
Equity  investment  income  decreased  $869  million  as  2014 
included a gain on the sale of a portion of an equity investment 
and  gains  from  an  initial  public  offering  (IPO)  of  an  equity 
investment in Global Markets.
Trading account profits increased $164 million. Excluding DVA, 
trading  account  profits  decreased  $330  million  driven  by 
declines in credit-related products reflecting lower client activity, 
partially  offset  by  strong  performance  in  equity  derivatives, 
increased  client  activity  in  equities  in  the  Asia-Pacific  region, 
improvement in currencies on higher client flows and increased 
volatility. For more information on trading account profits, see 
Global Markets on page 38.
Mortgage banking income increased $801 million primarily due 
to lower provision for representations and warranties in 2015 
compared to 2014, and to a lesser extent, improved mortgage 
servicing  rights  (MSR)  net-of-hedge  performance  and  an 
increase in core production revenue, partially offset by a decline 
in servicing fees.

  Other income decreased $385 million primarily due to DVA gains 
of $407 million in 2014 compared to DVA losses of $633 million 
in 2015, partially offset by higher gains on asset sales and lower 
U.K.  consumer  payment  protection  insurance  (PPI)  costs  in 
2015. For more information on the accounting change related 
to DVA, see Executive Summary – Recent Events on page 20.

Provision for credit losses
Consumer
Commercial

Total provision for credit losses

$

$

2,208
953
3,161

$ 1,482
793
$ 2,275

Net charge-offs (1)
Net charge-off ratio (2)
(1)  Net charge-offs exclude write-offs in the purchased credit-impaired loan portfolio.
(2)  Net charge-off ratios are calculated as net charge-offs divided by average outstanding loans 

$ 4,383

0.49%

0.50%

4,338

$

and leases excluding loans accounted for under the fair value option.

The provision for credit losses increased $886 million to $3.2 
billion for 2015 compared to 2014. The provision for credit losses 
was $1.2 billion lower than net charge-offs for 2015, resulting in 
a reduction in the allowance for credit losses. The provision for 
credit losses in 2014 included $400 million of additional costs 
associated with the consumer relief portion of the settlement with 
the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ). Excluding these additional 
costs,  the  provision  for  credit  losses  in  the  consumer  portfolio 
increased $1.1 billion compared to 2014 due to a slower pace of 
portfolio improvement than in 2014, and also due to a lower level 
of recoveries on nonperforming loan sales and other recoveries in 
2015. The provision for credit losses for the commercial portfolio 
increased  $160  million  in  2015  compared  to  2014  driven  by 
energy  sector  exposure  and  higher  unfunded  balances.  The 
decrease  in  net  charge-offs  was  primarily  due  to  credit  quality 
improvement in the consumer portfolio, partially offset by higher 
net charge-offs in the commercial portfolio primarily due to lower 
net recoveries in commercial real estate and higher energy-related 
net charge-offs.

As we look at 2016, reserve releases are expected to decrease 
from 2015 levels. All else equal, this would result in increased 
provision  expense,  assuming  sustained  stability  in  underlying 
asset  quality.  For  more  information  on  the  provision  for  credit 
losses, see Provision for Credit Losses on page 86.

22     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     23

 
 
Noninterest Expense

Income Tax Expense

Table 5 Noninterest Expense

Table 6 Income Tax Expense

(Dollars in millions)

Personnel
Occupancy
Equipment
Marketing
Professional fees
Amortization of intangibles
Data processing
Telecommunications
Other general operating

Total noninterest expense

2015
$ 32,868
4,093
2,039
1,811
2,264
834
3,115
823
9,345
$ 57,192

2014
$ 33,787
4,260
2,125
1,829
2,472
936
3,144
1,259
25,305
$ 75,117

Noninterest expense decreased $17.9 billion to $57.2 billion 
for  2015  compared  to  2014.  The  following  highlights  the 
significant changes.

Personnel expense decreased $919 million as we continue to 
streamline  processes,  reduce  headcount  and  achieve  cost 
savings.
Occupancy decreased $167 million primarily due to our focus 
on reducing our rental footprint.
Professional fees decreased $208 million due to lower default-
related servicing expenses and legal fees.
Telecommunications expense decreased $436 million due to 
efficiencies gained as we have simplified our operating model, 
including in-sourcing certain functions.
Other  general  operating  expense  decreased  $16.0  billion 
primarily due to a decrease of $15.2 billion in litigation expense 
which  was  primarily  related  to  previously  disclosed  legacy 
mortgage-related matters and other litigation charges in 2014.

(Dollars in millions)

Income before income taxes
Income tax expense
Effective tax rate

2015
$ 22,154
6,266

2014
$ 6,855
2,022

28.3%

29.5%

The effective tax rate for 2015 was driven by our recurring tax 
preference benefits and tax benefits related to certain non-U.S. 
restructurings, partially offset by a charge for the impact of the 
U.K. tax law changes discussed below. The effective tax rate for 
2014  was  driven  by  our  recurring  tax  preference  benefits,  the 
resolution of several tax examinations and tax benefits from non-
U.S. restructurings, partially offset by the non-deductible treatment 
of certain litigation charges. We expect an effective tax rate in the 
low 30 percent range, absent unusual items, for 2016.

On November 18, 2015, the U.K. Finance (No. 2) Act 2015 
(the Act) was enacted, reducing the U.K. corporate income tax rate 
by two percent to 18 percent. The first one percent reduction will 
be effective on April 1, 2017 and the second on April 1, 2020. 
The Act also included a tax surcharge on banking companies of 
eight  percent,  effective  on  January  1,  2016,  and  provided  that 
existing  net  operating  loss  carryforwards  may  not  reduce  the 
additional eight percent income tax liability. Lastly, the Act provided 
that expenses for certain compensation payments, such as PPI, 
are not deductible to the extent attributable to July 8, 2015 or 
later. These provisions resulted in a charge of approximately $290 
million in 2015, primarily from remeasuring our U.K. deferred tax 
assets.

24     Bank of America 2015

Noninterest Expense

Income Tax Expense

Balance Sheet Overview

Table 5 Noninterest Expense

Table 6 Income Tax Expense

Table 7 Selected Balance Sheet Data

2015

2014

(Dollars in millions)

$ 32,868

$ 33,787

Income before income taxes

Income tax expense

Effective tax rate

2015

2014

$ 22,154

$ 6,855

6,266

28.3%

2,022

29.5%

(Dollars in millions)

Personnel

Occupancy

Equipment

Marketing

Professional fees

Amortization of intangibles

Data processing

Telecommunications

Other general operating

Total noninterest expense

4,093

2,039

1,811

2,264

834

3,115

823

9,345

4,260

2,125

1,829

2,472

936

3,144

1,259

25,305

Noninterest expense decreased $17.9 billion to $57.2 billion 

for  2015  compared  to  2014.  The  following  highlights  the 

significant changes.

Personnel expense decreased $919 million as we continue to 

streamline  processes,  reduce  headcount  and  achieve  cost 

savings.

Occupancy decreased $167 million primarily due to our focus 

on reducing our rental footprint.

Professional fees decreased $208 million due to lower default-

related servicing expenses and legal fees.

Telecommunications expense decreased $436 million due to 

efficiencies gained as we have simplified our operating model, 

including in-sourcing certain functions.

Other  general  operating  expense  decreased  $16.0  billion 

primarily due to a decrease of $15.2 billion in litigation expense 

which  was  primarily  related  to  previously  disclosed  legacy 

mortgage-related matters and other litigation charges in 2014.

$ 57,192

$ 75,117

2014  was  driven  by  our  recurring  tax  preference  benefits,  the 

The effective tax rate for 2015 was driven by our recurring tax 

preference benefits and tax benefits related to certain non-U.S. 

restructurings, partially offset by a charge for the impact of the 

U.K. tax law changes discussed below. The effective tax rate for 

resolution of several tax examinations and tax benefits from non-

U.S. restructurings, partially offset by the non-deductible treatment 

of certain litigation charges. We expect an effective tax rate in the 

low 30 percent range, absent unusual items, for 2016.

On November 18, 2015, the U.K. Finance (No. 2) Act 2015 

(the Act) was enacted, reducing the U.K. corporate income tax rate 

by two percent to 18 percent. The first one percent reduction will 

be effective on April 1, 2017 and the second on April 1, 2020. 

The Act also included a tax surcharge on banking companies of 

eight  percent,  effective  on  January  1,  2016,  and  provided  that 

existing  net  operating  loss  carryforwards  may  not  reduce  the 

additional eight percent income tax liability. Lastly, the Act provided 

that expenses for certain compensation payments, such as PPI, 

are not deductible to the extent attributable to July 8, 2015 or 

later. These provisions resulted in a charge of approximately $290 

million in 2015, primarily from remeasuring our U.K. deferred tax 

assets.

(Dollars in millions)

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents
Federal funds sold and securities borrowed or purchased under agreements to resell
Trading account assets
Debt securities
Loans and leases
Allowance for loan and lease losses
All other assets
Total assets

Liabilities

Deposits
Federal funds purchased and securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase
Trading account liabilities
Short-term borrowings
Long-term debt
All other liabilities
Total liabilities
Shareholders’ equity

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

December 31

2015

2014

% Change

$

159,353
192,482
176,527
407,005
903,001
(12,234)
318,182
$ 2,144,316

$ 138,589
191,823
191,785
380,461
881,391
(14,419)
334,904
$ 2,104,534

$ 1,197,259
174,291
66,963
28,098
236,764
184,736
1,888,111
256,205
$ 2,144,316

$ 1,118,936
201,277
74,192
31,172
243,139
192,347
1,861,063
243,471
$ 2,104,534

15%
—
(8)
7
2
(15)
(5)
2

7
(13)
(10)
(10)
(3)
(4)
1
5
2

Assets
At  December 31,  2015,  total  assets  were  approximately  $2.1 
trillion, up $39.8 billion from December 31, 2014. The increase 
in assets was primarily driven by an increase in debt securities 
due to the deployment of deposit inflows, an increase in loans and 
leases driven by strong demand for commercial loans outpacing 
consumer  loan  sales  and  run-off,  and  higher  cash  and  cash 
equivalents  from  strong  deposit  inflows.  These  increases  were 
partially  offset  by  a  decrease  in  trading  account  assets  due  to 
repositioning activity on the balance sheet, and a decrease in all 
other assets. 

The  Corporation  took  certain  actions  in  2015  to  further 
strengthen liquidity in response to the Basel 3 Liquidity Coverage 
Ratio (LCR) requirements. Most notably, we exchanged residential 
mortgage loans supported by long-term standby agreements with 
Fannie Mae (FNMA) and Freddie Mac (FHLMC) into debt securities 
guaranteed by FNMA and FHLMC, which further improved liquidity 
in the asset and liability management (ALM) portfolio.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents increased $20.8 billion primarily due 
to strong deposit inflows driven by growth in customer and client 
activity, partially offset by commercial loan growth. 

Federal Funds Sold and Securities Borrowed or 
Purchased Under Agreements to Resell
Federal funds transactions involve lending reserve balances on a 
short-term  basis.  Securities  borrowed  or  purchased  under 
agreements  to  resell  are  collateralized  lending  transactions 
utilized to accommodate customer transactions, earn interest rate 
spreads, and obtain securities for settlement and for collateral. 
Federal funds sold and securities borrowed or purchased under 
agreements to resell remained relatively unchanged compared to 
December 31, 2014, as an increase in securities borrowed of $3.3 
billion was offset by a decrease in reverse repurchase agreements 
of $2.6 billion.

Trading Account Assets
Trading account assets consist primarily of long positions in equity 
and fixed-income securities including U.S. government and agency 
securities,  corporate  securities  and  non-U.S.  sovereign  debt. 
Trading account assets decreased $15.3 billion primarily due to 
balance sheet repositioning activity driven by client demand within 
Global Markets. 

Debt Securities
Debt  securities  primarily  include  U.S.  Treasury  and  agency 
securities, mortgage-backed securities (MBS), principally agency 
MBS, non-U.S. bonds, corporate bonds and municipal debt. We 
use the debt securities portfolio primarily to manage interest rate 
and liquidity risk and to take advantage of market conditions that 
create economically attractive returns on these investments. Debt 
securities  increased  $26.5  billion  primarily  driven  by  the 
deployment of deposit inflows and the exchange of certain loans 
into debt securities. For more information on debt securities, see 
Note 3 – Securities to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Loans and Leases
Loans and leases increased $21.6 billion driven by strong demand 
for commercial loans, outpacing consumer loan sales and run-off. 
For  more  information  on  the  loan  portfolio,  see  Credit  Risk 
Management on page 63.

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses
Allowance  for  loan  and  lease  losses  decreased  $2.2  billion 
primarily due to the impact of improvements in credit quality from 
the improving economy. For additional information, see Allowance 
for Credit Losses on page 86.

24     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     25

 
 
 
 
 
All Other Assets
All other assets decreased $16.7 billion driven by a decrease in 
other  noninterest  receivables,  loans  held-for-sale  (LHFS)  and 
derivative assets. 

borrowings decreased $3.1 billion due to planned reductions in 
FHLB borrowings. For more information on short-term borrowings, 
see  Note  10  –  Federal  Funds  Sold  or  Purchased,  Securities 
Financing  Agreements  and  Short-term  Borrowings 
the 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

to 

Liabilities
At December 31, 2015, total liabilities were approximately $1.9 
trillion, up $27.0 billion from December 31, 2014, primarily driven 
by an increase in deposits, partially offset by declines in securities 
loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase, trading account 
liabilities and long-term debt.

Deposits
Deposits  increased  $78.3  billion  due  to  an  increase  in  retail 
deposits. 

Long-term Debt
Long-term debt decreased $6.4 billion primarily due to the impact 
of revaluation of non-U.S. Dollar debt and changes in fair value for 
debt accounted for under the fair value option. These impacts were 
substantially  offset  through  derivative  hedge  transactions. 
Excluding  these  two  factors,  total  long-term  debt  remained 
relatively unchanged in 2015. For more information on long-term 
debt, see Note 11 – Long-term Debt to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements.

Federal Funds Purchased and Securities Loaned or Sold 
Under Agreements to Repurchase
Federal funds transactions involve borrowing reserve balances on 
a short-term basis. Securities loaned or sold under agreements 
to repurchase are collateralized borrowing transactions utilized to 
accommodate customer transactions, earn interest rate spreads 
and finance assets on the balance sheet. Federal funds purchased 
and  securities  loaned  or  sold  under  agreements  to  repurchase 
decreased  $27.0  billion  due  to  a  decrease  in  repurchase 
agreements. 

Trading Account Liabilities
Trading account liabilities consist primarily of short positions in 
equity  and  fixed-income  securities  including  U.S.  Treasury  and 
agency  securities,  corporate  securities,  and  non-U.S.  sovereign 
debt. Trading account liabilities decreased $7.2 billion primarily 
due to lower levels of short U.S. Treasury positions due to balance 
sheet repositioning activity driven by client demand within Global 
Markets.

Short-term Borrowings
Short-term borrowings provide an additional funding source and 
primarily consist of Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) short-term 
borrowings,  notes  payable  and  various  other  borrowings  that 
generally  have  maturities  of  one  year  or  less.  Short-term 

All Other Liabilities
All other liabilities decreased $7.6 billion due to a decrease in 
derivative liabilities. 

Shareholders’ Equity
Shareholders’ equity increased $12.7 billion driven by earnings 
and preferred stock issuances, partially offset by returns of capital 
to  shareholders  of  $5.9  billion  through  common  and  preferred 
stock dividends and share repurchases, as well as a decrease in 
accumulated OCI due primarily to an increase in unrealized losses 
on  available-for-sale  (AFS)  debt  securities  as  a  result  of  the 
increase in interest rates.

Cash Flows Overview
The  Corporation’s  operating  assets  and  liabilities  support  our 
global markets and lending activities. We believe that cash flows 
from  operations,  available  cash  balances  and  our  ability  to 
generate cash through short- and long-term debt are sufficient to 
fund our operating liquidity needs. Our investing activities primarily 
include the debt securities portfolio and loans and leases. Our 
financing activities reflect cash flows primarily related to customer 
deposits, securities financing agreements and long-term debt. For 
additional information on liquidity, see Liquidity Risk on page 58.

26     Bank of America 2015

All other assets decreased $16.7 billion driven by a decrease in 

other  noninterest  receivables,  loans  held-for-sale  (LHFS)  and 

All Other Assets

derivative assets. 

Liabilities

At December 31, 2015, total liabilities were approximately $1.9 

trillion, up $27.0 billion from December 31, 2014, primarily driven 

by an increase in deposits, partially offset by declines in securities 

loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase, trading account 

liabilities and long-term debt.

Deposits

deposits. 

Deposits  increased  $78.3  billion  due  to  an  increase  in  retail 

borrowings decreased $3.1 billion due to planned reductions in 

FHLB borrowings. For more information on short-term borrowings, 

see  Note  10  –  Federal  Funds  Sold  or  Purchased,  Securities 

Financing  Agreements  and  Short-term  Borrowings 

to 

the 

Consolidated Financial Statements.

Long-term Debt

Long-term debt decreased $6.4 billion primarily due to the impact 

of revaluation of non-U.S. Dollar debt and changes in fair value for 

debt accounted for under the fair value option. These impacts were 

substantially  offset  through  derivative  hedge  transactions. 

Excluding  these  two  factors,  total  long-term  debt  remained 

relatively unchanged in 2015. For more information on long-term 

debt, see Note 11 – Long-term Debt to the Consolidated Financial 

Statements.

Federal Funds Purchased and Securities Loaned or Sold 

All Other Liabilities

Under Agreements to Repurchase

All other liabilities decreased $7.6 billion due to a decrease in 

Federal funds transactions involve borrowing reserve balances on 

derivative liabilities. 

a short-term basis. Securities loaned or sold under agreements 

to repurchase are collateralized borrowing transactions utilized to 

accommodate customer transactions, earn interest rate spreads 

and finance assets on the balance sheet. Federal funds purchased 

and  securities  loaned  or  sold  under  agreements  to  repurchase 

decreased  $27.0  billion  due  to  a  decrease  in  repurchase 

agreements. 

Trading Account Liabilities

Trading account liabilities consist primarily of short positions in 

equity  and  fixed-income  securities  including  U.S.  Treasury  and 

agency  securities,  corporate  securities,  and  non-U.S.  sovereign 

debt. Trading account liabilities decreased $7.2 billion primarily 

due to lower levels of short U.S. Treasury positions due to balance 

sheet repositioning activity driven by client demand within Global 

Markets.

Short-term Borrowings

Short-term borrowings provide an additional funding source and 

primarily consist of Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) short-term 

borrowings,  notes  payable  and  various  other  borrowings  that 

generally  have  maturities  of  one  year  or  less.  Short-term 

Shareholders’ Equity

Shareholders’ equity increased $12.7 billion driven by earnings 

and preferred stock issuances, partially offset by returns of capital 

to  shareholders  of  $5.9  billion  through  common  and  preferred 

stock dividends and share repurchases, as well as a decrease in 

accumulated OCI due primarily to an increase in unrealized losses 

on  available-for-sale  (AFS)  debt  securities  as  a  result  of  the 

increase in interest rates.

Cash Flows Overview

The  Corporation’s  operating  assets  and  liabilities  support  our 

global markets and lending activities. We believe that cash flows 

from  operations,  available  cash  balances  and  our  ability  to 

generate cash through short- and long-term debt are sufficient to 

fund our operating liquidity needs. Our investing activities primarily 

include the debt securities portfolio and loans and leases. Our 

financing activities reflect cash flows primarily related to customer 

deposits, securities financing agreements and long-term debt. For 

additional information on liquidity, see Liquidity Risk on page 58.

Table 8 Five-year Summary of Selected Financial Data (1)

(In millions, except per share information)

Income statement

Net interest income
Noninterest income
Total revenue, net of interest expense
Provision for credit losses
Goodwill impairment
Merger and restructuring charges
All other noninterest expense
Income (loss) before income taxes
Income tax expense (benefit)
Net income
Net income applicable to common shareholders
Average common shares issued and outstanding
Average diluted common shares issued and outstanding

Performance ratios

Return on average assets
Return on average common shareholders’ equity
Return on average tangible common shareholders’ equity (2)
Return on average tangible shareholders’ equity (2)
Total ending equity to total ending assets
Total average equity to total average assets
Dividend payout

Per common share data

Earnings
Diluted earnings
Dividends paid
Book value
Tangible book value (2)

Market price per share of common stock

Closing
High closing
Low closing

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

$

$

$

$

39,251
43,256
82,507
3,161
—
—
57,192
22,154
6,266
15,888
14,405
10,462
11,214

0.74%
6.26
9.11
8.83
11.95
11.67
14.51

1.38
1.31
0.20
22.54
15.62

$

$

39,952
44,295
84,247
2,275
—
—
75,117
6,855
2,022
4,833
3,789
10,528
10,585

0.23%
1.70
2.52
2.92
11.57
11.11
33.31

0.36
0.36
0.12
21.32
14.43

$

$

42,265
46,677
88,942
3,556
—
—
69,214
16,172
4,741
11,431
10,082
10,731
11,491

0.53%
4.62
6.97
7.13
11.07
10.81
4.25

0.94
0.90
0.04
20.71
13.79

40,656
42,678
83,334
8,169
—
—
72,093
3,072
(1,116)
4,188
2,760
10,746
10,841

0.19%
1.27
1.94
2.60
10.72
10.75
15.86

0.26
0.25
0.04
20.24
13.36

$

16.83
18.45
15.15
$ 174,700

$

17.89
18.13
14.51
$ 188,141

$

15.57
15.88
11.03
$ 164,914

$

11.61
11.61
5.80
$ 125,136

$

$

$

44,616
48,838
93,454
13,410
3,184
638
76,452
(230)
(1,676)
1,446
85
10,143
10,255

0.06%
0.04
0.06
0.96
10.81
9.98
n/m

0.01
0.01
0.04
20.09
12.95

5.56
15.25
4.99
58,580

Market capitalization
(1)  The results for 2015 were impacted by the early adoption of new accounting guidance on recognition and measurement of financial instruments. For additional information, see Executive Summary 

$

– Recent Events on page 20.

(2)  Tangible equity ratios and tangible book value per share of common stock are non-GAAP financial measures. Other companies may define or calculate these measures differently. For more information 

on these ratios, see Supplemental Financial Data on page 28, and for corresponding reconciliations to GAAP financial measures, see Statistical Table XIII on page 121.
(3)  For more information on the impact of the purchased credit-impaired (PCI) loan portfolio on asset quality, see Consumer Portfolio Credit Risk Management on page 64. 
(4) 

Includes the allowance for loan and lease losses and the reserve for unfunded lending commitments.

(5)  Balances and ratios do not include loans accounted for under the fair value option. For additional exclusions from nonperforming loans, leases and foreclosed properties, see Consumer Portfolio 
Credit Risk Management – Nonperforming Consumer Loans, Leases and Foreclosed Properties Activity on page 73 and corresponding Table 35, and Commercial Portfolio Credit Risk Management – 
Nonperforming Commercial Loans, Leases and Foreclosed Properties Activity on page 80 and corresponding Table 44.

(6)  Primarily includes amounts allocated to the U.S. credit card and unsecured consumer lending portfolios in Consumer Banking, PCI loans and the non-U.S. credit card portfolio in All Other.
(7)  Net charge-offs exclude $808 million, $810 million and $2.3 billion of write-offs in the PCI loan portfolio for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. For more information on PCI write-offs, see Consumer 

Portfolio Credit Risk Management – Purchased Credit-impaired Loan Portfolio on page 71.

(8)  There were no write-offs of PCI loans in 2011.
(9)  Capital ratios reported under Advanced approaches at December 31, 2015. Prior to 2015, we were required to report regulatory capital ratios under the Standardized approach only. For additional 

information, see Capital Management on page 51.

n/a = not applicable
n/m = not meaningful

26     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table 8 Five-year Summary of Selected Financial Data (1) (continued)

(Dollars in millions)

Average balance sheet

Total loans and leases
Total assets
Total deposits
Long-term debt
Common shareholders’ equity
Total shareholders’ equity

Asset quality (3)

Allowance for credit losses (4)
Nonperforming loans, leases and foreclosed properties (5)
Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total loans and leases 

outstanding (5)

Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total nonperforming loans and 

leases (5)

Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total nonperforming loans and 

leases, excluding the PCI loan portfolio (5)

Amounts included in allowance for loan and lease losses for loans and leases that are 

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

$ 882,183
2,160,141
1,155,860
240,059
230,182
251,990

$ 903,901
2,145,590
1,124,207
253,607
223,072
238,482

$ 918,641
2,163,513
1,089,735
263,417
218,468
233,951

$ 898,768
2,191,356
1,047,782
316,393
216,996
235,677

$ 938,096
2,296,322
1,035,802
421,229
211,709
229,095

$

12,880
9,836

$

14,947
12,629

$

17,912
17,772

$

24,692
23,555

$

34,497
27,708

1.37%

1.65%

1.90%

2.69%

3.68%

130

122

121

107

102

87

107

82

135

101

excluded from nonperforming loans and leases (6)

$

4,518

$

5,944

$

7,680

$

12,021

$

17,490

Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total nonperforming loans and 

leases, excluding the allowance for loan and lease losses for loans and leases that are 
excluded from nonperforming loans and leases (5, 6)

Net charge-offs (7)
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans and leases outstanding (5, 7)
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans and leases outstanding, excluding the 

PCI loan portfolio (5)

Net charge-offs and PCI write-offs as a percentage of average loans and leases 

outstanding (5, 8)

Nonperforming loans and leases as a percentage of total loans and leases 

outstanding (5)

Nonperforming loans, leases and foreclosed properties as a percentage of total loans, 

leases and foreclosed properties (5)

Ratio of the allowance for loan and lease losses at December 31 to net charge-offs (7)
Ratio of the allowance for loan and lease losses at December 31 to net charge-offs,

excluding the PCI loan portfolio

Ratio of the allowance for loan and lease losses at December 31 to net charge-offs and 

PCI write-offs (8)

Capital ratios at year end (9)
Risk-based capital:

Common equity tier 1 capital
Tier 1 common capital
Tier 1 capital
Total capital
Tier 1 leverage
Tangible equity (2)
Tangible common equity (2)

For footnotes see page 27.

82%

71%

57%

54%

65%

$

4,338

$

4,383

$

7,897

$

14,908

$

20,833

0.50%

0.49%

0.87%

1.67%

2.24%

0.51

0.59

1.05

1.10

2.82

2.64

2.38

10.2%
n/a
11.3
13.2
8.6
8.9
7.8

0.50

0.58

1.37

1.45

3.29

2.91

2.78

12.3%
n/a
13.4
16.5
8.2
8.4
7.5

0.90

1.13

1.87

1.93

2.21

1.89

1.70

n/a
10.9%
12.2
15.1
7.7
7.9
7.2

1.73

1.99

2.52

2.62

1.62

1.25

1.36

n/a
10.8%
12.7
16.1
7.2
7.6
6.7

2.32

2.24

2.74

3.01

1.62

1.22

1.62

n/a
9.7%

12.2
16.6
7.4
7.5
6.6

Supplemental Financial Data
We view net interest income and related ratios and analyses on 
an FTE basis, which when presented on a consolidated basis, are 
non-GAAP financial measures. We believe managing the business 
with net interest income on an FTE basis provides a more accurate 
picture of the interest margin for comparative purposes. To derive 
the FTE basis, net interest income is adjusted to reflect tax-exempt 
income  on  an  equivalent  before-tax  basis  with  a  corresponding 
increase in income tax expense. For purposes of this calculation, 
we use the federal statutory tax rate of 35 percent. This measure 
ensures comparability of net interest income arising from taxable 
and tax-exempt sources.

Certain performance  measures including  the efficiency ratio 
and net interest yield utilize net interest income (and thus total 
revenue) on an FTE basis. The efficiency ratio measures the costs 
expended to generate a dollar of revenue, and net interest yield 
measures the bps we earn over the cost of funds.

We also evaluate our business based on certain ratios that 
utilize  tangible  equity,  a  non-GAAP  financial  measure.  Tangible 
equity  represents  an  adjusted  shareholders’  equity  or  common 
shareholders’ equity amount which has been reduced by goodwill 
and intangible assets (excluding MSRs), net of related deferred 
tax liabilities. These measures are used to evaluate our use of 
equity. In addition, profitability, relationship and investment models 
use both return on average tangible common shareholders’ equity 
and  return  on  average  tangible  shareholders’  equity  as  key 

28     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
measures to support our overall growth goals. These ratios are as 
follows:

Return  on  average  tangible  common  shareholders’  equity 
measures our earnings contribution as a percentage of adjusted 
common shareholders’ equity. The tangible common equity ratio 
represents  adjusted  ending  common  shareholders’  equity 
divided  by  total  assets  less  goodwill  and  intangible  assets 
(excluding MSRs), net of related deferred tax liabilities.
Return on average tangible shareholders’ equity measures our 
earnings contribution as a percentage of adjusted average total 
shareholders’  equity.  The  tangible  equity  ratio  represents 
adjusted  ending  shareholders’  equity  divided  by  total  assets 
less  goodwill  and  intangible  assets  (excluding  MSRs),  net  of 
related deferred tax liabilities.
Tangible  book  value  per  common  share  represents  adjusted 
ending common shareholders’ equity divided by ending common 
shares outstanding.

Table 9 Five-year Supplemental Financial Data

The  aforementioned  supplemental  data  and  performance 

measures are presented in Table 8 and Statistical Table X.

We evaluate our business segment results based on measures 
that utilize average allocated capital. Return on average allocated 
capital is calculated as net income adjusted for cost of funds and 
earnings  credits  and  certain  expenses  related  to  intangibles, 
divided  by  average  allocated  capital.  Allocated  capital  and  the 
related return both represent non-GAAP financial measures.

Statistical Tables XIII, XIV and XV on pages 121, 122 and 123 
provide reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to 
GAAP financial measures. We believe the use of these non-GAAP 
financial  measures  provides  additional  clarity  in  assessing  the 
results of the Corporation and our segments. Other companies 
may define or calculate these measures and ratios differently.

(Dollars in millions, except per share information)

Fully taxable-equivalent basis data

Net interest income
Total revenue, net of interest expense (1)
Net interest yield
Efficiency ratio (1)

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

$

40,160
83,416

$

40,821
85,116

$

43,124
89,801

$

41,557
84,235

$

45,588
94,426

2.20%

68.56

2.25%

88.25

2.37%

77.07

2.24%

85.59

2.38%

85.01

Net charge-offs and PCI write-offs as a percentage of average loans and leases 

– Recent Events on page 20.

(1)  The results for 2015 were impacted by the early adoption of new accounting guidance on recognition and measurement of financial instruments. For additional information, see Executive Summary 

Net  interest  income  excluding  trading-related  net  interest 
income  decreased  $979  million  to  $36.2  billion  for  2015 
compared to 2014. The decline was primarily driven by lower loan 
yields and consumer loan balances, as well as a charge of $612 
million in 2015 related to the discount on certain trust preferred 
securities. This was partially offset by a $785 million improvement 
in market-related adjustments on debt securities, lower funding 
costs, lower rates paid on deposits and commercial loan growth. 
Market-related  adjustments  on  debt  securities  resulted  in  an 
expense of $296 million in 2015 compared to an expense of $1.1 
billion in 2014. For more information on market-related and other 
adjustments,  see  Executive  Summary  –  Financial  Highlights  on 
page 22. For more information on the impact of interest rates, see 
Interest Rate Risk Management for Non-trading Activities on page 
95. 

Average  earning  assets  excluding  trading-related  earning 
assets  increased  $45.5  billion  to  $1,414.7  billion  for  2015 
compared to 2014. The increase was primarily in debt securities, 
commercial loans and cash held at central banks, partially offset 
by a decline in consumer loans. 

Net interest yield on earning assets excluding trading-related 
activities decreased 16 bps to 2.56 percent for 2015 compared 
to 2014 due to the same factors as described above.

Net Interest Income Excluding Trading-related Net 
Interest Income
We manage net interest income on an FTE basis and excluding 
the impact of trading-related activities. We evaluate our sales and 
trading  results  and  strategies  on  a  total  market-based  revenue 
approach  by  combining  net  interest  income  and  noninterest 
income  for  Global  Markets.  An  analysis  of  net  interest  income, 
average earning assets and net interest yield on earning assets, 
all of which adjust for the impact of trading-related net interest 
income  from  reported  net  interest  income  on  an  FTE  basis,  is 
shown below. We believe the use of this non-GAAP presentation 
in Table 10 provides additional clarity in assessing our results.

Table 10 Net Interest Income Excluding Trading-related

Net Interest Income

(Dollars in millions)

2015

2014

Net interest income (FTE basis)
As reported
Impact of trading-related net interest income

Net interest income excluding trading-related 

$

40,160
(3,928)

$

40,821
(3,610)

net interest income (FTE basis) (1)

$

36,232

$

37,211

Average earning assets
As reported
Impact of trading-related earning assets

Average earning assets excluding trading-

$ 1,830,342
(415,658)

$1,814,930
(445,760)

related earning assets (1)

$ 1,414,684

$1,369,170

Net interest yield contribution (FTE basis)
As reported 
Impact of trading-related activities 

Net interest yield on earning assets excluding 

trading-related activities (FTE basis) (1)

(1)  Represents a non-GAAP financial measure.

2.20%
0.36

2.25%
0.47

2.56%

2.72%

Table 8 Five-year Summary of Selected Financial Data (1) (continued)

(Dollars in millions)

Average balance sheet

Total loans and leases

Total assets

Total deposits

Long-term debt

Common shareholders’ equity

Total shareholders’ equity

Asset quality (3)

Allowance for credit losses (4)

outstanding (5)

leases (5)

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

$ 882,183

$ 903,901

$ 918,641

$ 898,768

$ 938,096

2,160,141

1,155,860

240,059

230,182

251,990

2,145,590

2,163,513

2,191,356

2,296,322

1,124,207

1,089,735

1,047,782

1,035,802

253,607

223,072

238,482

263,417

218,468

233,951

316,393

216,996

235,677

421,229

211,709

229,095

$

12,880

$

14,947

$

17,912

$

24,692

$

34,497

9,836

12,629

17,772

23,555

27,708

1.37%

1.65%

1.90%

2.69%

3.68%

130

122

121

107

102

87

107

82

135

101

Nonperforming loans, leases and foreclosed properties (5)

Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total loans and leases 

Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total nonperforming loans and 

Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total nonperforming loans and 

leases, excluding the PCI loan portfolio (5)

Amounts included in allowance for loan and lease losses for loans and leases that are 

Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total nonperforming loans and 

leases, excluding the allowance for loan and lease losses for loans and leases that are 

excluded from nonperforming loans and leases (6)

$

4,518

$

5,944

$

7,680

$

12,021

$

17,490

excluded from nonperforming loans and leases (5, 6)

82%

71%

57%

54%

65%

Net charge-offs (7)

$

4,338

$

4,383

$

7,897

$

14,908

$

20,833

Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans and leases outstanding (5, 7)

0.50%

0.49%

0.87%

1.67%

2.24%

Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans and leases outstanding, excluding the 

PCI loan portfolio (5)

outstanding (5, 8)

outstanding (5)

Nonperforming loans and leases as a percentage of total loans and leases 

Nonperforming loans, leases and foreclosed properties as a percentage of total loans, 

leases and foreclosed properties (5)

Ratio of the allowance for loan and lease losses at December 31 to net charge-offs (7)

Ratio of the allowance for loan and lease losses at December 31 to net charge-offs,

excluding the PCI loan portfolio

Ratio of the allowance for loan and lease losses at December 31 to net charge-offs and 

PCI write-offs (8)

Capital ratios at year end (9)

Risk-based capital:

Common equity tier 1 capital

Tier 1 common capital

Tier 1 capital

Total capital

Tier 1 leverage

Tangible equity (2)

Tangible common equity (2)

For footnotes see page 27.

0.51

0.59

1.05

1.10

2.82

2.64

2.38

10.2%

n/a

11.3

13.2

8.6

8.9

7.8

0.50

0.58

1.37

1.45

3.29

2.91

2.78

12.3%

n/a

13.4

16.5

8.2

8.4

7.5

0.90

1.13

1.87

1.93

2.21

1.89

1.70

n/a

10.9%

12.2

15.1

7.7

7.9

7.2

1.73

1.99

2.52

2.62

1.62

1.25

1.36

n/a

10.8%

12.7

16.1

7.2

7.6

6.7

2.32

2.24

2.74

3.01

1.62

1.22

1.62

n/a

9.7%

12.2

16.6

7.4

7.5

6.6

Supplemental Financial Data

We view net interest income and related ratios and analyses on 

an FTE basis, which when presented on a consolidated basis, are 

non-GAAP financial measures. We believe managing the business 

with net interest income on an FTE basis provides a more accurate 

picture of the interest margin for comparative purposes. To derive 

the FTE basis, net interest income is adjusted to reflect tax-exempt 

income  on  an  equivalent  before-tax  basis  with  a  corresponding 

increase in income tax expense. For purposes of this calculation, 

we use the federal statutory tax rate of 35 percent. This measure 

ensures comparability of net interest income arising from taxable 

and tax-exempt sources.

Certain performance  measures including  the efficiency ratio 

and net interest yield utilize net interest income (and thus total 

revenue) on an FTE basis. The efficiency ratio measures the costs 

expended to generate a dollar of revenue, and net interest yield 

measures the bps we earn over the cost of funds.

We also evaluate our business based on certain ratios that 

utilize  tangible  equity,  a  non-GAAP  financial  measure.  Tangible 

equity  represents  an  adjusted  shareholders’  equity  or  common 

shareholders’ equity amount which has been reduced by goodwill 

and intangible assets (excluding MSRs), net of related deferred 

tax liabilities. These measures are used to evaluate our use of 

equity. In addition, profitability, relationship and investment models 

use both return on average tangible common shareholders’ equity 

and  return  on  average  tangible  shareholders’  equity  as  key 

28     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business Segment Operations

Segment Description and Basis of Presentation
We report our results of operations through the following five business segments: Consumer Banking, Global Wealth & Investment 
Management (GWIM), Global Banking, Global Markets and Legacy Assets & Servicing (LAS), with the remaining operations recorded in 
All Other. The primary activities, products and businesses of the business segments and All Other are shown below.

Bank of America Corporation 

Consumer 
Banking 

Global Wealth 
& Investment 
Management 

Global 
Banking 

Global 
Markets 

Legacy Assets 
& Servicing 

All            

Other 

•  Merrill Lynch 

Global Wealth 
Management 

•  U.S. Trust, 
Bank of 
America 
Private Wealth 
Management 

•  Investment 
Banking 

•  Global 

Corporate 
Banking 

•  Global 

Commercial 
Banking 

•  Business 
Banking 

•  Fixed Income 

Markets 

•  Mortgage  
Servicing 

•  Equity Markets 

•  Owned Legacy 
Home Equity 
Loan Portfolio 

•  Legacy 

Mortgage 
Exposures 

•  ALM Activities 

•  Equity 

Investments 

•  International 
Consumer 
Card 

•  Merchant 

Services Joint 
Venture 

•  Liquidating 
Businesses 

•  Residual 
Expense 
Allocations 

•  Eliminations 

Deposits 
•  Consumer 
Deposits 
•  Merrill Edge 
•  Small 

Business 
Client 
Management 

Consumer 
Lending 
•  Consumer and 

Small 
Business 
Credit Card 

•  Debit Card 

•  Consumer 
Vehicle 
Lending 

•  Home Loans 

The  Corporation  periodically  reviews  capital  allocated  to  its 
businesses and allocates capital annually during the strategic and 
capital  planning  processes.  We  utilize  a  methodology  that 
considers the effect of regulatory capital requirements in addition 
to internal risk-based capital models. The Corporation’s internal 
risk-based  capital  models  use  a  risk-adjusted  methodology 
incorporating  each  segment’s  credit,  market,  interest  rate, 
business and operational risk components. For more information 
on the nature of these risks, see Managing Risk on page 47. The 
capital  allocated  to  the  business  segments  is  referred  to  as 
allocated capital, which represents a non-GAAP financial measure. 
For  purposes  of  goodwill  impairment  testing,  the  Corporation 
utilizes  allocated  equity  as  a  proxy  for  the  carrying  value  of  its 
reporting units. Allocated equity in the reporting units is comprised 
of  allocated  capital  plus  capital  for  the  portion  of  goodwill  and 
intangibles  specifically  assigned  to  the  reporting  unit.  For 
additional information, see Note 8 – Goodwill and Intangible Assets 
to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

During 2015, we made refinements to the amount of capital 
allocated  to  each  of  our  businesses  based  on  multiple 
considerations that included, but were not limited to, risk-weighted 
assets  measured  under  Basel  3  Standardized  and  Advanced 
approaches,  business  segment  exposures  and  risk  profile,  and 
strategic plans. As a result of this process, effective January 1, 
2015, we adjusted the amount of capital being allocated to our 
business segments, primarily LAS. For more information on Basel 
3  risk-weighted  assets  measured  under  the  Standardized  and 
Advanced approaches, see Capital Management on page 51. 

For more information on the basis of presentation for business 
segments, including the allocation of market-related adjustments 
to net interest income, and reconciliations to consolidated total 
revenue,  net  income  and  year-end  total  assets,  see  Note  24  – 
Business  Segment  Information  to  the  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements.

30     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business Segment Operations

Segment Description and Basis of Presentation

We report our results of operations through the following five business segments: Consumer Banking, Global Wealth & Investment 

Management (GWIM), Global Banking, Global Markets and Legacy Assets & Servicing (LAS), with the remaining operations recorded in 

All Other. The primary activities, products and businesses of the business segments and All Other are shown below.

Bank of America Corporation 

Consumer 

Banking 

Global Wealth 

& Investment 

Management 

Global 

Banking 

Global 

Markets 

Legacy Assets 

& Servicing 

All            

Other 

•  Merrill Lynch 

Global Wealth 

Management 

•  U.S. Trust, 

Bank of 

America 

Private Wealth 

Management 

•  Investment 

Banking 

•  Global 

Corporate 

Banking 

•  Global 

Commercial 

Banking 

•  Business 

Banking 

•  Fixed Income 

Markets 

•  Mortgage  

Servicing 

•  Equity Markets 

•  Owned Legacy 

Home Equity 

Loan Portfolio 

•  Legacy 

Mortgage 

Exposures 

•  ALM Activities 

•  Equity 

Investments 

•  International 

Consumer 

Card 

•  Merchant 

Services Joint 

Venture 

•  Liquidating 

Businesses 

•  Residual 

Expense 

Allocations 

•  Eliminations 

Deposits 

•  Consumer 

Deposits 

•  Merrill Edge 

•  Small 

Business 

Client 

Management 

Consumer 

Lending 

•  Consumer and 

Small 

Business 

Credit Card 

•  Debit Card 

•  Consumer 

Vehicle 

Lending 

•  Home Loans 

The  Corporation  periodically  reviews  capital  allocated  to  its 

During 2015, we made refinements to the amount of capital 

businesses and allocates capital annually during the strategic and 

allocated  to  each  of  our  businesses  based  on  multiple 

capital  planning  processes.  We  utilize  a  methodology  that 

considerations that included, but were not limited to, risk-weighted 

considers the effect of regulatory capital requirements in addition 

assets  measured  under  Basel  3  Standardized  and  Advanced 

to internal risk-based capital models. The Corporation’s internal 

approaches,  business  segment  exposures  and  risk  profile,  and 

risk-based  capital  models  use  a  risk-adjusted  methodology 

strategic plans. As a result of this process, effective January 1, 

incorporating  each  segment’s  credit,  market,  interest  rate, 

2015, we adjusted the amount of capital being allocated to our 

business and operational risk components. For more information 

business segments, primarily LAS. For more information on Basel 

on the nature of these risks, see Managing Risk on page 47. The 

3  risk-weighted  assets  measured  under  the  Standardized  and 

capital  allocated  to  the  business  segments  is  referred  to  as 

Advanced approaches, see Capital Management on page 51. 

allocated capital, which represents a non-GAAP financial measure. 

For more information on the basis of presentation for business 

For  purposes  of  goodwill  impairment  testing,  the  Corporation 

segments, including the allocation of market-related adjustments 

utilizes  allocated  equity  as  a  proxy  for  the  carrying  value  of  its 

to net interest income, and reconciliations to consolidated total 

reporting units. Allocated equity in the reporting units is comprised 

revenue,  net  income  and  year-end  total  assets,  see  Note  24  – 

of  allocated  capital  plus  capital  for  the  portion  of  goodwill  and 

Business  Segment  Information  to  the  Consolidated  Financial 

intangibles  specifically  assigned  to  the  reporting  unit.  For 

Statements.

additional information, see Note 8 – Goodwill and Intangible Assets 

to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Consumer Banking

(Dollars in millions)

Net interest income (FTE basis)
Noninterest income:

Card income
Service charges
Mortgage banking income
All other income

Total noninterest income
Total revenue, net of interest expense (FTE basis)

Provision for credit losses
Noninterest expense

Income before income taxes (FTE basis)

Income tax expense (FTE basis)

Net income

Net interest yield (FTE basis)
Return on average allocated capital
Efficiency ratio (FTE basis)

Balance Sheet

Average
Total loans and leases
Total earning assets (1)
Total assets (1)
Total deposits
Allocated capital

Year end
Total loans and leases
Total earning assets (1)
Total assets (1)
Total deposits
(1) 

Deposits

Consumer
Lending

Total Consumer Banking

2015

2014

$

9,624

$

9,436

2015
$ 10,220

2014
$ 10,741

2015
$ 19,844

2014
$ 20,177

% Change
(2)%

11
4,100
—
482
4,593
14,217

199
9,792
4,226
1,541
2,685

10
4,159
—
418
4,587
14,023

268
9,905
3,850
1,435
2,415

$

$

4,923
1
883
374
6,181
16,401

2,325
7,693
6,383
2,329
4,054

4,834
1
813
397
6,045
16,786

2,412
7,960
6,414
2,393
4,021

$

$

4,934
4,101
883
856
10,774
30,618

2,524
17,485
10,609
3,870
6,739

4,844
4,160
813
815
10,632
30,809

2,680
17,865
10,264
3,828
6,436

$

$

1.75%
22
68.87

1.83%
22
70.63

5.08%
24
46.91

5.54%
21
47.42

3.46%
23
57.11

3.73%
21
57.99

$

5,829
549,686
576,653
544,685
12,000

$

6,059
516,014
542,748
511,925
11,000

$ 198,894
201,190
210,461
n/m
17,000

$191,056
193,923
203,330
n/m
19,000

$ 204,723
573,072
609,310
545,839
29,000

$197,115
541,097
577,238
512,820
30,000

$

5,927
576,241
603,580
571,467

$

5,951
526,849
554,173
523,350

$ 208,478
210,208
219,702
n/m

$196,049
199,097
208,729
n/m

$ 214,405
599,631
636,464
572,739

$202,000
551,922
588,878
524,415

2
(1)
9
5
1
(1)

(6)
(2)
3
1
5

4
6
6
6
(3)

6
9
8
9

In segments and businesses where the total of liabilities and equity exceeds assets, we allocate assets from All Other to match the segments’ and businesses’ liabilities and allocated shareholders’ 
equity. As a result, total earning assets and total assets of the businesses may not equal total Consumer Banking.

n/m = not meaningful

Consumer  Banking,  which  is  comprised  of  Deposits  and 
Consumer Lending, offers a diversified range of credit, banking 
and investment products and services to consumers and small 
businesses. Our customers and clients have access to a franchise 
network that stretches coast to coast through 33 states and the 
District of Columbia. The franchise network includes approximately 
4,700 financial centers, 16,000 ATMs, nationwide call centers, 
and online and mobile platforms.

Consumer Banking Results
Net income for Consumer Banking increased $303 million to $6.7 
billion  in  2015  compared  to  2014  primarily  driven  by  lower 
noninterest expense, lower provision for credit losses and higher 
noninterest income, partially offset by lower net interest income. 
Net interest income decreased $333 million to $19.8 billion as 
the  beneficial  impact  of  an  increase  in  investable  assets  as  a 
result of higher deposits, and higher residential mortgage balances 

were  more  than  offset  by  the  impact  of  the  allocation  of  ALM 
activities, higher funding costs, lower card yields and lower average 
card loan balances. Noninterest income increased $142 million 
to $10.8 billion driven by higher card income and higher mortgage 
banking income from improved production margins, partially offset 
by lower service charges.

The provision for credit losses decreased $156 million to $2.5 
billion in 2015 driven by continued improvement in credit quality 
primarily related to our small business and credit card portfolios. 
Noninterest  expense  decreased  $380  million  to  $17.5  billion 
primarily  driven  by  lower  personnel  and  operating  expenses, 
partially  offset  by  higher  fraud  costs  in  advance  of  Europay, 
MasterCard and Visa (EMV) chip implementation.

The  return  on  average  allocated  capital  was  23  percent,  up 
from 21 percent, reflecting higher net income and a decrease in 
allocated capital. For more information on capital allocations, see 
Business Segment Operations on page 30.

30     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
Deposits includes the results of consumer deposit activities which 
consist  of  a  comprehensive  range  of  products  provided  to 
consumers and small businesses. Our deposit products include 
traditional savings accounts, money market savings accounts, CDs 
and IRAs, noninterest- and interest-bearing checking accounts, as 
well  as  investment  accounts  and  products.  The  revenue  is 
allocated to the deposit products using our funds transfer pricing 
process that matches assets and liabilities with similar interest 
rate sensitivity and maturity characteristics. Deposits generates 
fees  such  as  account  service  fees,  non-sufficient  funds  fees, 
overdraft  charges  and  ATM  fees,  as  well  as  investment  and 
brokerage  fees  from  Merrill  Edge  accounts.  Merrill  Edge  is  an 
integrated investing and banking service targeted at customers 
with  less  than  $250,000  in  investable  assets.  Merrill  Edge 
provides investment advice and guidance, client brokerage asset 
services, a self-directed online investing platform and key banking 
capabilities  including  access  to  the  Corporation’s  network  of 
financial centers and ATMs.

Deposits includes the net impact of migrating customers and 
their  related  deposit  and  brokerage  asset  balances  between 
Deposits and GWIM as well as other client-managed businesses. 
For more information on the migration of customer balances to or 
from GWIM, see GWIM on page 34.

Net income for Deposits increased $270 million to $2.7 billion 
in 2015 driven by higher net interest income, and lower noninterest 
expense  and  provision  for  credit  losses.  Net  interest  income 
increased  $188  million  to  $9.6  billion  primarily  due  to  the 
beneficial impact of an increase in investable assets as a result 
of higher deposits, partially offset by the impact of the allocation 
of  ALM  activities.  Noninterest  income  of  $4.6  billion  remained 
relatively unchanged.

The provision for credit losses decreased $69 million to $199 
million  driven  by  continued  improvement  in  credit  quality. 
Noninterest expense decreased $113 million to $9.8 billion due 
to lower operating expenses.

Average deposits increased $32.8 billion to $544.7 billion in 
2015 driven by a continuing customer shift to more liquid products 
in the low rate environment. Growth in checking, traditional savings 
and money market savings of $43.5 billion was partially offset by 
a  decline  in  time  deposits  of  $10.7  billion.  As  a  result  of  our 
continued pricing discipline and the shift in the mix of deposits, 
the rate paid on average deposits declined by one bp to five bps.

Key Statistics – Deposits

Total deposit spreads (excludes noninterest costs)

1.63%

1.60%

2015

2014

Year end
Client brokerage assets (in millions)
Online banking active accounts (units in thousands)
Mobile banking active users (units in thousands)
Financial centers
ATMs

$ 122,721
31,674
18,705
4,726
16,038

$ 113,763
30,904
16,539
4,855
15,834

Client brokerage assets increased $9.0 billion in 2015 driven 
by strong account flows, partially offset by lower market valuations. 
Mobile  banking  active  users  increased  2.2  million  reflecting 

32     Bank of America 2015

continuing changes in our customers’ banking preferences. The 
number  of  financial  centers  declined  129  driven  by  changes  in 
customer preferences to self-service options and as we continue 
to optimize our consumer banking network and improve our cost-
to-serve.

Consumer Lending
Consumer  Lending  offers  products  to  consumers  and  small 
businesses across the U.S. The products offered include credit 
and  debit  cards,  residential  mortgages  and  home  equity  loans, 
and direct and indirect loans such as automotive, marine, aircraft, 
recreational vehicle and consumer personal loans. In addition to 
earning  net  interest  spread  revenue  on  its  lending  activities, 
Consumer Lending generates interchange revenue from credit and 
debit card transactions, late fees, cash advance fees, annual credit 
card fees, mortgage banking fee income and other miscellaneous 
fees. Consumer Lending products are available to our customers 
through our retail network, direct telephone, and online and mobile 
channels.

Consumer  Lending  includes  the  net  impact  of  migrating 
customers  and  their  related  loan  balances  between  Consumer 
Lending  and  GWIM.  For  more  information  on  the  migration  of 
customer balances to or from GWIM, see GWIM on page 34.

Net  income  for  Consumer  Lending  remained  relatively 
unchanged at $4.1 billion in 2015 as lower noninterest expense, 
higher noninterest income and lower provision for credit losses 
largely  offset  the  decline  in  net  interest  income.  Net  interest 
income decreased $521 million to $10.2 billion driven by higher 
funding costs, lower card yields and average card loan balances, 
and the impact of the allocation of ALM activities, partially offset 
by  higher  residential  mortgage  balances.  Noninterest  income 
increased $136 million to $6.2 billion due to higher card income 
as well as mortgage banking income from improved production 
margins.

The provision for credit losses decreased $87 million to $2.3 
billion  in  2015  driven  by  continued  credit  quality  improvement 
within the small business and credit card portfolios. Noninterest 
expense decreased $267 million to $7.7 billion primarily driven 
by lower personnel expense, partially offset by higher fraud costs 
in advance of EMV chip implementation.

Average loans increased $7.8 billion to $198.9 billion in 2015 
primarily  driven  by  increases  in  residential  mortgages  and 
consumer vehicle loans, partially offset by lower home equity loans 
and continued run-off of non-core portfolios. Beginning with new 
originations in 2014, we retain certain residential mortgages in 
Consumer Banking, consistent with where the overall relationship 
is managed; previously such mortgages were in All Other.

Key Statistics – Consumer Lending

(Dollars in millions)

Total U.S. credit card (1)
Gross interest yield
Risk-adjusted margin
New accounts (in thousands)
Purchase volumes

2015

2014

9.16%
9.33
4,973
$ 221,378
$ 277,695

9.34%
9.44
4,541
$212,088
$272,576

Debit card purchase volumes
(1) 

In addition to the U.S. credit card portfolio in Consumer Banking, the remaining U.S. credit card 
portfolio is in GWIM.

During 2015, the total U.S. credit card risk-adjusted  margin 
decreased 11 bps due to a decrease in net interest margin and 
the  net  impact  of  gains  on  asset  sales,  partially  offset  by  an 
improvement in credit quality in the U.S. Card portfolio. Total U.S. 
credit card purchase volumes increased $9.3 billion to $221.4 
billion and debit card purchase volumes increased $5.1 billion to 
$277.7 billion, reflecting higher levels of consumer spending.

Mortgage Banking Income
Mortgage banking income is earned primarily in Consumer Banking 
and LAS. Mortgage banking income in Consumer Lending consists 
mainly of core production income, which is comprised primarily of 
revenue from the fair value gains and losses recognized on our 
interest  rate  lock  commitments  (IRLCs)  and  LHFS,  the  related 
secondary market execution, and costs related to representations 
and  warranties  in  the  sales  transactions  along  with  other 
obligations incurred in the sales of mortgage loans.

The  table  below  summarizes  the  components  of  mortgage 

banking income.

Mortgage Banking Income

(Dollars in millions)

Consumer Lending:

Core production revenue
Representations and warranties provision
Other consumer mortgage banking income (1)

Total Consumer Lending mortgage banking income

LAS mortgage banking income (2)
Eliminations (3)

Total consolidated mortgage banking income

2015

2014

$

942
11
(70)
883
1,658
(177)
$ 2,364

$

875
10
(72)
813
1,045
(295)
$ 1,563

(1)  Primarily intercompany charges for loan servicing activities provided by LAS.
(2)  Amounts  for  LAS  are  included  in  this  Consumer  Banking  table  to  show  the  components  of 

(3) 

consolidated mortgage banking income.
Includes the effect of transfers of mortgage loans from Consumer Banking to the ALM portfolio 
included  in  All  Other,  intercompany  charges  for  loan  servicing  and  net  gains  or  losses  on 
intercompany trades related to mortgage servicing rights risk management.

Core production revenue increased $67 million to $942 million 

in 2015 primarily due to an increase in margins. 

Key Statistics

(Dollars in millions)

Loan production (1):
Total (2):

First mortgage
Home equity

Consumer Banking:
First mortgage
Home equity

2015

2014

$ 56,930
13,060

$ 43,290
11,233

$ 40,878
11,988

$ 32,339
10,286

(1)  The above loan production amounts represent the unpaid principal balance of loans and in the 

(2) 

case of home equity, the principal amount of the total line of credit.
In addition to loan production in Consumer Banking, there is also first mortgage and home equity 
loan production in GWIM.

First mortgage loan originations in Consumer Banking and for 
the  total  Corporation  increased  in  2015  compared  to  2014 
reflecting growth in the overall mortgage market as lower interest 
rates beginning in late 2014 drove an increase in refinances.

During 2015, 63 percent of the total Corporation first mortgage 
production volume was for refinance originations and 37 percent 
was  for  purchase  originations  compared  to  60  percent  and  40 
percent  in  2014.  Home  Affordable  Refinance  Program  (HARP) 
originations  were  two  percent  of  all  refinance  originations 
compared to six percent in 2014. Making Home Affordable non-
HARP originations were eight percent of all refinance originations 
compared to 17 percent in 2014. The remaining 90 percent of 
refinance originations were conventional refinances compared to 
77 percent in 2014.

Home equity production for the total Corporation was $13.1 
billion  for  2015  compared  to  $11.2  billion  for  2014,  with  the 
increase due to a higher demand in the market based on improving 
housing trends, and increased market share driven by improved 
financial center engagement with customers and more competitive 
pricing.

Deposits

Deposits includes the results of consumer deposit activities which 

consist  of  a  comprehensive  range  of  products  provided  to 

consumers and small businesses. Our deposit products include 

traditional savings accounts, money market savings accounts, CDs 

to-serve.

continuing changes in our customers’ banking preferences. The 

number  of  financial  centers  declined  129  driven  by  changes  in 

customer preferences to self-service options and as we continue 

to optimize our consumer banking network and improve our cost-

and IRAs, noninterest- and interest-bearing checking accounts, as 

well  as  investment  accounts  and  products.  The  revenue  is 

allocated to the deposit products using our funds transfer pricing 

process that matches assets and liabilities with similar interest 

rate sensitivity and maturity characteristics. Deposits generates 

fees  such  as  account  service  fees,  non-sufficient  funds  fees, 

overdraft  charges  and  ATM  fees,  as  well  as  investment  and 

brokerage  fees  from  Merrill  Edge  accounts.  Merrill  Edge  is  an 

integrated investing and banking service targeted at customers 

with  less  than  $250,000  in  investable  assets.  Merrill  Edge 

provides investment advice and guidance, client brokerage asset 

services, a self-directed online investing platform and key banking 

capabilities  including  access  to  the  Corporation’s  network  of 

financial centers and ATMs.

Deposits includes the net impact of migrating customers and 

their  related  deposit  and  brokerage  asset  balances  between 

Deposits and GWIM as well as other client-managed businesses. 

For more information on the migration of customer balances to or 

from GWIM, see GWIM on page 34.

Net income for Deposits increased $270 million to $2.7 billion 

in 2015 driven by higher net interest income, and lower noninterest 

expense  and  provision  for  credit  losses.  Net  interest  income 

increased  $188  million  to  $9.6  billion  primarily  due  to  the 

beneficial impact of an increase in investable assets as a result 

of higher deposits, partially offset by the impact of the allocation 

of  ALM  activities.  Noninterest  income  of  $4.6  billion  remained 

relatively unchanged.

The provision for credit losses decreased $69 million to $199 

million  driven  by  continued  improvement  in  credit  quality. 

Noninterest expense decreased $113 million to $9.8 billion due 

margins.

to lower operating expenses.

Average deposits increased $32.8 billion to $544.7 billion in 

2015 driven by a continuing customer shift to more liquid products 

in the low rate environment. Growth in checking, traditional savings 

and money market savings of $43.5 billion was partially offset by 

a  decline  in  time  deposits  of  $10.7  billion.  As  a  result  of  our 

continued pricing discipline and the shift in the mix of deposits, 

the rate paid on average deposits declined by one bp to five bps.

Key Statistics – Deposits

Total deposit spreads (excludes noninterest costs)

1.63%

1.60%

Year end

Financial centers

ATMs

Client brokerage assets (in millions)

$ 122,721

$ 113,763

Online banking active accounts (units in thousands)

Mobile banking active users (units in thousands)

31,674

18,705

4,726

16,038

30,904

16,539

4,855

15,834

Consumer Lending

Consumer  Lending  offers  products  to  consumers  and  small 

businesses across the U.S. The products offered include credit 

and  debit  cards,  residential  mortgages  and  home  equity  loans, 

and direct and indirect loans such as automotive, marine, aircraft, 

recreational vehicle and consumer personal loans. In addition to 

earning  net  interest  spread  revenue  on  its  lending  activities, 

Consumer Lending generates interchange revenue from credit and 

debit card transactions, late fees, cash advance fees, annual credit 

card fees, mortgage banking fee income and other miscellaneous 

fees. Consumer Lending products are available to our customers 

through our retail network, direct telephone, and online and mobile 

channels.

Consumer  Lending  includes  the  net  impact  of  migrating 

customers  and  their  related  loan  balances  between  Consumer 

Lending  and  GWIM.  For  more  information  on  the  migration  of 

customer balances to or from GWIM, see GWIM on page 34.

Net  income  for  Consumer  Lending  remained  relatively 

unchanged at $4.1 billion in 2015 as lower noninterest expense, 

higher noninterest income and lower provision for credit losses 

largely  offset  the  decline  in  net  interest  income.  Net  interest 

income decreased $521 million to $10.2 billion driven by higher 

funding costs, lower card yields and average card loan balances, 

and the impact of the allocation of ALM activities, partially offset 

by  higher  residential  mortgage  balances.  Noninterest  income 

increased $136 million to $6.2 billion due to higher card income 

as well as mortgage banking income from improved production 

The provision for credit losses decreased $87 million to $2.3 

billion  in  2015  driven  by  continued  credit  quality  improvement 

within the small business and credit card portfolios. Noninterest 

expense decreased $267 million to $7.7 billion primarily driven 

by lower personnel expense, partially offset by higher fraud costs 

in advance of EMV chip implementation.

Average loans increased $7.8 billion to $198.9 billion in 2015 

primarily  driven  by  increases  in  residential  mortgages  and 

consumer vehicle loans, partially offset by lower home equity loans 

and continued run-off of non-core portfolios. Beginning with new 

originations in 2014, we retain certain residential mortgages in 

Consumer Banking, consistent with where the overall relationship 

Key Statistics – Consumer Lending

(Dollars in millions)

Total U.S. credit card (1)

Gross interest yield

Risk-adjusted margin

New accounts (in thousands)

Purchase volumes

2015

2014

9.16%

9.34%

9.33

4,973

9.44

4,541

$ 221,378

$ 277,695

$212,088

$272,576

Client brokerage assets increased $9.0 billion in 2015 driven 

Debit card purchase volumes

by strong account flows, partially offset by lower market valuations. 

Mobile  banking  active  users  increased  2.2  million  reflecting 

portfolio is in GWIM.

(1) 

In addition to the U.S. credit card portfolio in Consumer Banking, the remaining U.S. credit card 

2015

2014

is managed; previously such mortgages were in All Other.

32     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     33

   
 
   
 
Global Wealth & Investment Management

(Dollars in millions)

Net interest income (FTE basis)
Noninterest income:

Investment and brokerage services
All other income

Total noninterest income
Total revenue, net of interest expense (FTE basis)

Provision for credit losses
Noninterest expense

Income before income taxes (FTE basis)

Income tax expense (FTE basis)

Net income

Net interest yield (FTE basis)
Return on average allocated capital
Efficiency ratio (FTE basis)

Balance Sheet

Average
Total loans and leases
Total earning assets
Total assets
Total deposits
Allocated capital

Year end
Total loans and leases
Total earning assets
Total assets
Total deposits
n/m = not meaningful

2015

2014

% Change

$

5,499

$

5,836

(6)%

10,792
1,710
12,502
18,001

51
13,843
4,107
1,498
2,609

10,722
1,846
12,568
18,404

14
13,654
4,736
1,767
2,969

$

$

2.12%
22
76.90

2.34%
25
74.19

$ 131,383
258,935
275,866
244,725
12,000

$ 119,775
248,979
267,511
240,242
12,000

$ 137,847
279,465
296,139
260,893

$ 125,431
256,519
274,887
245,391

1
(7)
(1)
(2)

n/m
1
(13)
(15)
(12)

10
4
3
2
—

10
9
8
6

GWIM consists of two primary businesses: Merrill Lynch Global 
Wealth Management (MLGWM) and U.S. Trust, Bank of America 
Private Wealth Management (U.S. Trust).

MLGWM’s  advisory  business  provides  a  high-touch  client 
experience  through  a  network  of  financial  advisors  focused  on 
clients with over $250,000 in total investable assets. MLGWM 
provides tailored solutions to meet our clients’ needs through a 
full  set  of  investment  management,  brokerage,  banking  and 
retirement products. 

U.S.  Trust,  together  with  MLGWM’s  Private  Banking  & 
Investments Group, provides comprehensive wealth management 
solutions targeted to high net worth and ultra high net worth clients, 
as well as customized solutions to meet clients’ wealth structuring, 
investment  management,  trust  and  banking  needs,  including 
specialty asset management services. 

Client  assets  managed  under  advisory  and/or  discretion  of 
GWIM are assets under management (AUM) and are typically held 
in  diversified  portfolios.  The  majority  of  client  AUM  have  an 
investment strategy with a duration of greater than one year and 
are, therefore, considered long-term AUM. Fees earned on long-
term AUM are calculated as a percentage of total AUM. The asset 
management fees charged to clients are dependent on various 
factors,  but  are  generally  driven  by  the  breadth  of  the  client’s 
relationship and generally range from 50 to 150 bps on their total 
AUM. The net client long-term AUM flows represent the net change 
in clients’ long-term AUM balances over a specified period of time, 

excluding  market 
adjustments.

appreciation/depreciation 

and 

other 

Client assets under advisory and discretion of GWIM in which 
the investment strategy seeks current income, while maintaining 
liquidity  and  capital  preservation,  are  considered  liquidity  AUM. 
The duration of these strategies is primarily less than one year. 
The change in AUM balances from the prior year is primarily the 
net client flows for liquidity AUM. 

Net income for GWIM decreased $360 million to $2.6 billion 
in 2015 compared to 2014 driven by a decrease in revenue and 
increases  in  noninterest  expense  and  the  provision  for  credit 
losses. 

Net interest income decreased $337 million to $5.5 billion due 
to the impact of the allocation of ALM activities, partially offset by 
the impact of loan and deposit growth. Noninterest income, which 
primarily  includes  investment  and  brokerage  services  income, 
decreased  $66  million  to  $12.5  billion  driven  by  lower 
transactional  revenue,  partially  offset  by  increased  asset 
management fees due to the impact of long-term AUM flows and 
higher  average  market  levels.  Noninterest  expense  increased 
$189 million to $13.8 billion primarily due to higher amortization 
of previously issued stock awards and investments in client-facing 
professionals, partially offset by lower revenue-related incentives. 
Return on average allocated capital was 22 percent, down from 

25 percent due to a decrease in net income.

34     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
Global Wealth & Investment Management

(Dollars in millions)

Net interest income (FTE basis)

Noninterest income:

Investment and brokerage services

All other income

Total noninterest income

Total revenue, net of interest expense (FTE basis)

Provision for credit losses

Noninterest expense

Income before income taxes (FTE basis)

Income tax expense (FTE basis)

Net income

Net interest yield (FTE basis)

Return on average allocated capital

Efficiency ratio (FTE basis)

Balance Sheet

Average

Total loans and leases

Total earning assets

Total assets

Total deposits

Allocated capital

Year end

Total loans and leases

Total earning assets

Total assets

Total deposits

n/m = not meaningful

2015

2014

% Change

$

5,499

$

5,836

(6)%

10,792

1,710

12,502

18,001

51

13,843

4,107

1,498

2,609

10,722

1,846

12,568

18,404

14

13,654

4,736

1,767

2,969

$

$

2.12%

22

76.90

2.34%

25

74.19

$ 131,383

$ 119,775

258,935

275,866

244,725

12,000

248,979

267,511

240,242

12,000

$ 137,847

$ 125,431

279,465

296,139

260,893

256,519

274,887

245,391

1

(7)

(1)

(2)

n/m

1

(13)

(15)

(12)

10

4

3

2

—

10

9

8

6

Key Indicators and Metrics

(Dollars in millions, except as noted)

Revenue by Business
Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management
U.S. Trust
Other (1)

Total revenue, net of interest expense (FTE basis)

Client Balances by Business, at year end
Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management
U.S. Trust
Other (1)

Total client balances

Client Balances by Type, at year end
Long-term assets under management
Liquidity assets under management

Assets under management
Brokerage assets
Assets in custody
Deposits
Loans and leases (2)
Total client balances

Assets Under Management Rollforward
Assets under management, beginning of year
Net long-term client flows
Net liquidity client flows
Market valuation/other

Total assets under management, end of year

Associates, at year end (3)
Number of financial advisors
Total wealth advisors
Total client-facing professionals

Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management Metric
Financial advisor productivity (4) (in thousands)

2015

2014

$

$

14,898
3,027
76
18,001

$

$

15,256
3,084
64
18,404

$ 1,985,309
388,604
82,929
$ 2,456,842

$ 2,033,801
387,491
76,705
$ 2,497,997

$

817,938
82,925
900,863
1,040,937
113,239
260,893
140,910
$ 2,456,842

$ 826,171
76,701
902,872
1,081,434
139,555
245,391
128,745
$ 2,497,997

$

$

902,872
34,441
6,133
(42,583)
900,863

$ 821,449
49,800
3,361
28,262
$ 902,872

16,724
18,167
20,632

16,035
17,231
19,750

$

1,019

$

1,065

GWIM consists of two primary businesses: Merrill Lynch Global 

excluding  market 

appreciation/depreciation 

and 

other 

Wealth Management (MLGWM) and U.S. Trust, Bank of America 

adjustments.

Private Wealth Management (U.S. Trust).

Client assets under advisory and discretion of GWIM in which 

MLGWM’s  advisory  business  provides  a  high-touch  client 

the investment strategy seeks current income, while maintaining 

experience  through  a  network  of  financial  advisors  focused  on 

liquidity  and  capital  preservation,  are  considered  liquidity  AUM. 

clients with over $250,000 in total investable assets. MLGWM 

The duration of these strategies is primarily less than one year. 

provides tailored solutions to meet our clients’ needs through a 

The change in AUM balances from the prior year is primarily the 

full  set  of  investment  management,  brokerage,  banking  and 

net client flows for liquidity AUM. 

retirement products. 

Net income for GWIM decreased $360 million to $2.6 billion 

U.S.  Trust,  together  with  MLGWM’s  Private  Banking  & 

in 2015 compared to 2014 driven by a decrease in revenue and 

Investments Group, provides comprehensive wealth management 

increases  in  noninterest  expense  and  the  provision  for  credit 

solutions targeted to high net worth and ultra high net worth clients, 

losses. 

as well as customized solutions to meet clients’ wealth structuring, 

Net interest income decreased $337 million to $5.5 billion due 

investment  management,  trust  and  banking  needs,  including 

to the impact of the allocation of ALM activities, partially offset by 

specialty asset management services. 

the impact of loan and deposit growth. Noninterest income, which 

Client  assets  managed  under  advisory  and/or  discretion  of 

primarily  includes  investment  and  brokerage  services  income, 

GWIM are assets under management (AUM) and are typically held 

decreased  $66  million  to  $12.5  billion  driven  by  lower 

in  diversified  portfolios.  The  majority  of  client  AUM  have  an 

transactional  revenue,  partially  offset  by  increased  asset 

investment strategy with a duration of greater than one year and 

management fees due to the impact of long-term AUM flows and 

are, therefore, considered long-term AUM. Fees earned on long-

higher  average  market  levels.  Noninterest  expense  increased 

term AUM are calculated as a percentage of total AUM. The asset 

$189 million to $13.8 billion primarily due to higher amortization 

management fees charged to clients are dependent on various 

of previously issued stock awards and investments in client-facing 

factors,  but  are  generally  driven  by  the  breadth  of  the  client’s 

professionals, partially offset by lower revenue-related incentives. 

relationship and generally range from 50 to 150 bps on their total 

Return on average allocated capital was 22 percent, down from 

AUM. The net client long-term AUM flows represent the net change 

25 percent due to a decrease in net income.

in clients’ long-term AUM balances over a specified period of time, 

(excluding financial advisors in the Consumer Banking segment).

Client  balances  decreased  $41.2  billion,  or  two  percent,  to 
nearly $2.5 trillion driven by market declines, partially offset by 
client balance flows.

The number of wealth advisors increased five percent, due to 
continued  investment  in  the  advisor  development  programs, 
improved competitive recruiting and near historically low advisor 
attrition levels.

In 2015, revenue from MLGWM of $14.9 billion and U.S. Trust 
of  $3.0  billion  were  each  down  two  percent  primarily  driven  by 
lower net interest income due to the impact of the allocation of 
ALM  activities.  Additionally,  noninterest  income  was  down  in 
MLGWM driven by lower transactional revenue, partially offset by 
the impact of long-term AUM flows.

Net Migration Summary
GWIM results are impacted by the net migration of clients and their 
corresponding deposit, loan and brokerage balances primarily to 
or  from  Consumer  Banking,  as  presented  in  the  table  below. 
Migrations result from the movement of clients between business 
segments to better align with client needs. 

Net Migration Summary (1)

(Dollars in millions)

Total deposits, net – to (from) GWIM
Total loans, net – to (from) GWIM
Total brokerage, net – to (from) GWIM
(1)  Migration occurs primarily between GWIM and Consumer Banking. 

$

2015

2014

(218) $
(97)
(2,416)

1,350
(61)
(2,710)

34     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     35

U.S. Trust Metric, at year end
Client-facing professionals
(1)  Includes the results of BofA Global Capital Management, the cash management division of Bank of America, and certain administrative items.
(2)   Includes margin receivables which are classified in customer and other receivables on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
(3)   Includes financial advisors in the Consumer Banking segment of 2,191 and 1,950 at December 31, 2015 and 2014.
(4)   Financial advisor productivity is defined as Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management total revenue, excluding the allocation of certain ALM activities, divided by the total number of financial advisors 

2,155

2,181

 
 
 
Global Banking

(Dollars in millions)

Net interest income (FTE basis)
Noninterest income:
Service charges
Investment banking fees
All other income

Total noninterest income
Total revenue, net of interest expense (FTE basis)

Provision for credit losses
Noninterest expense

Income before income taxes (FTE basis)

Income tax expense (FTE basis)

Net income

Net interest yield (FTE basis)
Return on average allocated capital
Efficiency ratio (FTE basis)

Balance Sheet

Average
Total loans and leases
Total earning assets
Total assets
Total deposits
Allocated capital

Year end
Total loans and leases
Total earning assets
Total assets
Total deposits

2015

2014

% Change

$

9,254

$

9,810

(6)%

2,914
3,110
1,641
7,665
16,919

685
7,888
8,346
3,073
5,273

2,901
3,213
1,683
7,797
17,607

322
8,170
9,115
3,346
5,769

$

$

2.85%
15
46.62

3.10%
17
46.40

$ 305,220
324,402
369,001
294,733
35,000

$ 286,484
316,880
362,273
288,010
33,500

$ 325,677
336,755
382,043
296,162

$ 288,905
308,419
353,637
279,792

—
(3)
(2)
(2)
(4)

113
(3)
(8)
(8)
(9)

7
2
2
2
4

13
9
8
6

Global  Banking,  which  includes  Global  Corporate  Banking, 
Global  Commercial  Banking,  Business  Banking  and  Global 
Investment  Banking,  provides  a  wide  range  of  lending-related 
products  and  services,  integrated  working  capital  management 
and treasury solutions to clients, and underwriting and advisory 
services  through  our  network  of  offices  and  client  relationship 
teams.  Our  lending  products  and  services  include  commercial 
loans,  leases,  commitment  facilities,  trade  finance,  real  estate 
lending and asset-based lending. Our treasury solutions business 
includes treasury management, foreign exchange and short-term 
investing options. We also provide investment banking products 
to our clients such as debt and equity underwriting and distribution, 
and merger-related and other advisory services. Underwriting debt 
and  equity  issuances,  fixed-income  and  equity  research,  and 
certain market-based activities are executed through our global 
broker-dealer affiliates which are our primary dealers in several 
countries.  Within  Global  Banking,  Global  Commercial  Banking 
clients  generally  include  middle-market  companies,  commercial 
real estate firms, auto dealerships and not-for-profit companies. 
Global  Corporate  Banking  clients  generally  include  large  global 
corporations, financial institutions and leasing clients. Business 
Banking clients include mid-sized U.S.-based businesses requiring 
customized and integrated financial advice and solutions.

Net income for Global Banking decreased $496 million to $5.3 
billion in 2015 compared to 2014 primarily driven by lower revenue 
and  higher  provision  for  credit  losses,  partially  offset  by  lower 
noninterest expense.

Revenue  decreased  $688  million  to  $16.9  billion  in  2015 
primarily  due  to  lower  net  interest  income.  The  decline  in  net 
interest  income  reflects  the  impact  of  the  allocation  of  ALM 
activities,  including  liquidity  costs  as  well  as  loan  spread 
compression, partially offset by loan growth. Noninterest income 
of $7.7 billion remained relatively unchanged in 2015.

The provision for credit losses increased $363 million to $685 
million  in  2015  primarily  driven  by  energy  exposure  and  loan 
growth. For additional information, see Commercial Portfolio Credit 
Risk  Management  –  Industry  Concentrations  on  page  81. 
Noninterest  expense  decreased  $282  million  to  $7.9  billion  in 
2015  primarily  due  to  lower  litigation  expense  and  technology 
initiative costs.

The return on average allocated capital was 15 percent in 2015, 
down from 17 percent in 2014, due to increased capital allocations 
and lower net income. For more information on capital allocated 
to the business segments, see Business Segment Operations on 
page 30.

36     Bank of America 2015

Total revenue, net of interest expense (FTE basis)

16,919

17,607

Global Banking

(Dollars in millions)

Net interest income (FTE basis)

Noninterest income:

Service charges

Investment banking fees

All other income

Total noninterest income

Provision for credit losses

Noninterest expense

Income before income taxes (FTE basis)

Income tax expense (FTE basis)

Net income

Net interest yield (FTE basis)

Return on average allocated capital

Efficiency ratio (FTE basis)

Balance Sheet

Average

Total loans and leases

Total earning assets

Total assets

Total deposits

Allocated capital

Year end

Total loans and leases

Total earning assets

Total assets

Total deposits

2015

2014

% Change

$

9,254

$

9,810

(6)%

2,914

3,110

1,641

7,665

685

7,888

8,346

3,073

5,273

2,901

3,213

1,683

7,797

322

8,170

9,115

3,346

5,769

$

$

2.85%

15

46.62

3.10%

17

46.40

$ 305,220

$ 286,484

324,402

369,001

294,733

35,000

316,880

362,273

288,010

33,500

$ 325,677

$ 288,905

336,755

382,043

296,162

308,419

353,637

279,792

—

(3)

(2)

(2)

(4)

113

(3)

(8)

(8)

(9)

7

2

2

2

4

13

9

8

6

Global  Banking,  which  includes  Global  Corporate  Banking, 

Net income for Global Banking decreased $496 million to $5.3 

Global  Commercial  Banking,  Business  Banking  and  Global 

billion in 2015 compared to 2014 primarily driven by lower revenue 

Investment  Banking,  provides  a  wide  range  of  lending-related 

and  higher  provision  for  credit  losses,  partially  offset  by  lower 

products  and  services,  integrated  working  capital  management 

noninterest expense.

and treasury solutions to clients, and underwriting and advisory 

Revenue  decreased  $688  million  to  $16.9  billion  in  2015 

services  through  our  network  of  offices  and  client  relationship 

primarily  due  to  lower  net  interest  income.  The  decline  in  net 

teams.  Our  lending  products  and  services  include  commercial 

interest  income  reflects  the  impact  of  the  allocation  of  ALM 

loans,  leases,  commitment  facilities,  trade  finance,  real  estate 

activities,  including  liquidity  costs  as  well  as  loan  spread 

lending and asset-based lending. Our treasury solutions business 

compression, partially offset by loan growth. Noninterest income 

includes treasury management, foreign exchange and short-term 

of $7.7 billion remained relatively unchanged in 2015.

investing options. We also provide investment banking products 

The provision for credit losses increased $363 million to $685 

to our clients such as debt and equity underwriting and distribution, 

million  in  2015  primarily  driven  by  energy  exposure  and  loan 

and merger-related and other advisory services. Underwriting debt 

growth. For additional information, see Commercial Portfolio Credit 

and  equity  issuances,  fixed-income  and  equity  research,  and 

Risk  Management  –  Industry  Concentrations  on  page  81. 

certain market-based activities are executed through our global 

Noninterest  expense  decreased  $282  million  to  $7.9  billion  in 

broker-dealer affiliates which are our primary dealers in several 

2015  primarily  due  to  lower  litigation  expense  and  technology 

countries.  Within  Global  Banking,  Global  Commercial  Banking 

initiative costs.

clients  generally  include  middle-market  companies,  commercial 

The return on average allocated capital was 15 percent in 2015, 

real estate firms, auto dealerships and not-for-profit companies. 

down from 17 percent in 2014, due to increased capital allocations 

Global  Corporate  Banking  clients  generally  include  large  global 

and lower net income. For more information on capital allocated 

corporations, financial institutions and leasing clients. Business 

to the business segments, see Business Segment Operations on 

Banking clients include mid-sized U.S.-based businesses requiring 

page 30.

customized and integrated financial advice and solutions.

Global Corporate, Global Commercial and Business 
Banking 
Global Corporate, Global Commercial and Business Banking each 
include  Business  Lending  and  Global  Transaction  Services 
activities.  Business  Lending  includes  various  lending-related 
products  and  services,  and  related  hedging  activities,  including 

commercial loans, leases, commitment facilities, trade finance, 
real estate lending and asset-based lending. Global Transaction 
Services  includes  deposits,  treasury  management,  credit  card, 
foreign exchange and short-term investment products.

The  table  below  presents  a  summary  of  the  results,  which 

exclude certain capital markets activity in Global Banking.

Global Corporate, Global Commercial and Business Banking

(Dollars in millions)

Revenue

Business Lending
Global Transaction Services

Total revenue, net of interest expense

Balance Sheet
Average

Total loans and leases
Total deposits

Year end

Total loans and leases
Total deposits

Global Corporate
Banking

Global Commercial
Banking

Business Banking

Total

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

$

$

3,291
2,802
6,093

$

$

3,420
2,992
6,412

$

$

3,974
2,633
6,607

$

$

3,942
2,854
6,796

$

$

342
702
1,044

$

$

363
715
1,078

$

7,607
6,137
$ 13,744

$

7,725
6,561
$ 14,286

$ 139,337
139,042

$129,601
141,386

$ 149,217
122,149

$140,539
116,570

$ 16,589
33,545

$ 16,329
30,055

$ 305,143
294,736

$286,469
288,011

$ 148,714
134,714

$131,019
128,730

$ 160,302
127,731

$141,555
119,215

$ 16,662
33,722

$ 16,333
31,847

$ 325,678
296,167

$288,907
279,792

Business Lending revenue of $7.6 billion remained relatively 
unchanged  in  2015  compared  to  2014  as  loan  spread 
compression was offset by the benefit of loan growth.

Global Transaction Services revenue decreased $424 million 
in 2015 primarily due to lower net interest income as a result of 
the impact of the allocation of ALM activities, including liquidity 
costs.

Average loans and leases increased seven percent in 2015 
compared  to  2014  due  to  strong  origination  volumes  and 
increased revolver utilization. Average deposits remained relatively 
unchanged in 2015.

Global Investment Banking
Client  teams  and  product  specialists  underwrite  and  distribute 
debt, equity and loan products, and provide advisory services and 
tailored  risk  management  solutions.  The  economics  of  most 
investment banking and underwriting activities are shared primarily 
between Global Banking and Global Markets based on the activities 
performed by each segment. To provide a complete discussion of 
our  consolidated  investment  banking  fees,  the  following  table 
presents  total  Corporation  investment  banking  fees  and  the 
portion attributable to Global Banking.

Investment Banking Fees

(Dollars in millions)

Products

$

Advisory
Debt issuance
Equity issuance
Gross investment banking

fees

Self-led deals

Total investment
banking fees

Global Banking

2015

2014

Total Corporation
2015
2014

$

$

1,354
1,296
460

3,110

(57)

$

1,098
1,532
583

3,213

(91)

1,503
3,033
1,236

5,772

(200)

1,205
3,583
1,490

6,278

(213)

$

3,053

$

3,122

$

5,572

$

6,065

Total  Corporation  investment  banking  fees  of  $5.6  billion, 
excluding self-led deals, included within Global Banking and Global 
Markets,  decreased  eight  percent  in  2015  compared  to  2014 
driven by lower debt and equity issuance fees, partially offset by 
higher advisory fees. Underwriting fees for debt products declined 
primarily  as  a  result  of  lower  debt  issuance  volumes  mainly  in 
leveraged finance transactions.

36     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     37

 
Global Markets

(Dollars in millions)

Net interest income (FTE basis)
Noninterest income:

Investment and brokerage services
Investment banking fees
Trading account profits
All other income

Total noninterest income
Total revenue, net of interest expense (FTE basis)

Provision for credit losses
Noninterest expense

Income before income taxes (FTE basis)

Income tax expense (FTE basis)

Net income

Return on average allocated capital
Efficiency ratio (FTE basis)

Balance Sheet

Average
Trading-related assets:

Trading account securities
Reverse repurchases
Securities borrowed
Derivative assets

Total trading-related assets (1)

Total loans and leases
Total earning assets (1)
Total assets
Total deposits
Allocated capital

Year end
Total trading-related assets (1)
Total loans and leases
Total earning assets (1)
Total assets
Total deposits
(1)  Trading-related assets include derivative assets, which are considered non-earning assets.

2015

2014

% Change

$

4,338

$

4,004

8%

2,221
2,401
6,070
37
10,729
15,067

99
11,310
3,658
1,162
2,496

2,205
2,743
5,997
1,239
12,184
16,188

110
11,862
4,216
1,511
2,705

$

$

7%

75.06

8%

73.28

$ 195,731
103,690
79,494
54,520
433,435
63,572
433,372
596,849
38,470
35,000

$ 201,956
116,085
85,098
46,676
449,815
62,073
461,189
607,623
40,813
34,000

$ 374,081
73,208
386,857
551,587
37,276

$ 418,860
59,388
421,799
579,594
40,746

1
(12)
1
(97)
(12)
(7)

(10)
(5)
(13)
(23)
(8)

(3)
(11)
(7)
17
(4)
2
(6)
(2)
(6)
3

(11)
23
(8)
(5)
(9)

Global  Markets  offers  sales  and  trading  services,  including 
research,  to  institutional  clients  across  fixed-income,  credit, 
currency,  commodity  and  equity  businesses.  Global  Markets 
product coverage includes securities and derivative products in 
both the primary and secondary markets. Global Markets provides 
market-making,  financing,  securities  clearing,  settlement  and 
custody  services  globally  to  our  institutional  investor  clients  in 
support of their investing and trading activities. We also work with 
our commercial and corporate clients to provide risk management 
products using interest rate, equity, credit, currency and commodity 
derivatives, foreign exchange, fixed-income and mortgage-related 
products.  As  a  result  of  our  market-making  activities  in  these 
products, we may be required to manage risk in a broad range of 
financial  products  including  government  securities,  equity  and 
equity-linked securities, high-grade and high-yield corporate debt 
securities, syndicated loans, MBS, commodities and asset-backed 
securities (ABS). The economics of most investment banking and 
underwriting activities are shared primarily between Global Markets 
and  Global  Banking  based  on  the  activities  performed  by  each 
segment.  Global  Banking  originates  certain  deal-related 

transactions with our corporate and commercial clients that are 
executed  and  distributed  by  Global  Markets.  For  information  on 
investment banking fees on a consolidated basis, see page 37.

Retrospective  to  January  1,  2015,  we  early  adopted  new 
accounting  guidance  that  requires  the  Corporation  to  present 
unrealized DVA gains and losses on certain liabilities accounted 
for under the fair value option in accumulated OCI. This change, 
which  is  reflected  entirely  in  Global  Markets,  resulted  in  a 
reclassification of pretax unrealized DVA gains of $1.0 billion from 
other income to accumulated OCI for 2015. Results for 2014 were 
not  subject  to  restatement  under  the  provisions  of  the  new 
accounting guidance. Net DVA on derivatives is still reported in 
Global Markets segment results. For additional information, see 
Executive  Summary  –  Recent  Events  on  page  20.  In  2014,  we 
implemented  a  funding  valuation  adjustment  (FVA)  into  our 
valuation  estimates  primarily  to  include  funding  costs  on 
uncollateralized  derivatives  and  derivatives  where  we  are  not 
permitted to use the collateral we receive. This change in estimate 
resulted in a net FVA pretax charge of $497 million in 2014, which 
is included in net DVA.

38     Bank of America 2015

Global Markets

(Dollars in millions)

Net interest income (FTE basis)

Noninterest income:

Investment and brokerage services

Investment banking fees

Trading account profits

All other income

Total noninterest income

Total revenue, net of interest expense (FTE basis)

Provision for credit losses

Noninterest expense

Income before income taxes (FTE basis)

Income tax expense (FTE basis)

Net income

Return on average allocated capital

Efficiency ratio (FTE basis)

Balance Sheet

Average

Trading-related assets:

Trading account securities

Reverse repurchases

Securities borrowed

Derivative assets

Total trading-related assets (1)

Total loans and leases

Total earning assets (1)

Total assets

Total deposits

Allocated capital

Year end

Total trading-related assets (1)

Total loans and leases

Total earning assets (1)

Total assets

Total deposits

2015

2014

% Change

$

4,338

$

4,004

8%

2,221

2,401

6,070

37

10,729

15,067

99

11,310

3,658

1,162

2,496

2,205

2,743

5,997

1,239

12,184

16,188

110

11,862

4,216

1,511

2,705

$

$

7%

75.06

8%

73.28

$ 195,731

$ 201,956

103,690

79,494

54,520

433,435

63,572

433,372

596,849

38,470

35,000

116,085

85,098

46,676

449,815

62,073

461,189

607,623

40,813

34,000

$ 374,081

$ 418,860

73,208

386,857

551,587

37,276

59,388

421,799

579,594

40,746

(12)

1

1

(97)

(12)

(7)

(10)

(5)

(13)

(23)

(8)

(3)

(11)

(7)

17

(4)

2

(6)

(2)

(6)

3

(11)

23

(8)

(5)

(9)

Net income for Global Markets decreased $209 million to $2.5 
billion in 2015 compared to 2014. Excluding net DVA, net income 
increased $128 million to $3.0 billion in 2015 compared to 2014, 
primarily  driven  by  lower  noninterest  expense  and  lower  tax 
expense, partially offset by lower revenue. Revenue, excluding net 
DVA, decreased due to lower trading account profits due to declines 
in credit-related businesses, lower investment banking fees and 
lower equity investment gains (not included in sales and trading 
revenue) as 2014 included gains related to the IPO of an equity 
investment, partially offset by an increase in net interest income. 
Net DVA losses were $786 million compared to losses of $240 
million  in  2014.  Sales  and  trading  revenue,  excluding  net  DVA, 
decreased $142 million due to lower fixed-income, currencies and 
commodities (FICC) revenue, partially offset by increased Equities 
revenue. Noninterest expense decreased $552 million to $11.3 
billion largely due to lower litigation expense and, to a lesser extent, 
lower revenue-related incentive compensation and support costs. 
The  effective  tax  rate  for  2014  reflected  the  impact  of  non-
deductible litigation expense.

Average  earning  assets  decreased  $27.8  billion  to  $433.4 
billion in 2015 largely driven by a decrease in reverse repurchases, 
securities  borrowed  and  trading  securities  primarily  due  to  a 
reduction in client financing activity and continuing balance sheet 
optimization efforts across Global Markets.

Year-end  loans  and  leases  increased  $13.8  billion  in  2015 

primarily due to growth in mortgage and securitization finance.

The  return  on  average  allocated  capital  was  seven  percent, 
down from eight percent, reflecting a decrease in net income and 
an increase in allocated capital.

Sales and Trading Revenue
Sales and trading revenue includes unrealized and realized gains 
and losses on trading and other assets, net interest income, and 
fees primarily from commissions on equity securities. Sales and 
trading revenue is segregated into fixed-income (government debt 
obligations, investment and non-investment grade corporate debt 
loan 
obligations,  commercial  MBS,  RMBS,  collateralized 
obligations (CLOs), interest rate and credit derivative contracts), 

(1)  Trading-related assets include derivative assets, which are considered non-earning assets.

Global  Markets  offers  sales  and  trading  services,  including 

transactions with our corporate and commercial clients that are 

research,  to  institutional  clients  across  fixed-income,  credit, 

executed  and  distributed  by  Global  Markets.  For  information  on 

currency,  commodity  and  equity  businesses.  Global  Markets 

investment banking fees on a consolidated basis, see page 37.

product coverage includes securities and derivative products in 

Retrospective  to  January  1,  2015,  we  early  adopted  new 

both the primary and secondary markets. Global Markets provides 

accounting  guidance  that  requires  the  Corporation  to  present 

market-making,  financing,  securities  clearing,  settlement  and 

unrealized DVA gains and losses on certain liabilities accounted 

custody  services  globally  to  our  institutional  investor  clients  in 

for under the fair value option in accumulated OCI. This change, 

support of their investing and trading activities. We also work with 

which  is  reflected  entirely  in  Global  Markets,  resulted  in  a 

our commercial and corporate clients to provide risk management 

reclassification of pretax unrealized DVA gains of $1.0 billion from 

products using interest rate, equity, credit, currency and commodity 

other income to accumulated OCI for 2015. Results for 2014 were 

derivatives, foreign exchange, fixed-income and mortgage-related 

not  subject  to  restatement  under  the  provisions  of  the  new 

products.  As  a  result  of  our  market-making  activities  in  these 

accounting guidance. Net DVA on derivatives is still reported in 

products, we may be required to manage risk in a broad range of 

Global Markets segment results. For additional information, see 

financial  products  including  government  securities,  equity  and 

Executive  Summary  –  Recent  Events  on  page  20.  In  2014,  we 

equity-linked securities, high-grade and high-yield corporate debt 

implemented  a  funding  valuation  adjustment  (FVA)  into  our 

securities, syndicated loans, MBS, commodities and asset-backed 

valuation  estimates  primarily  to  include  funding  costs  on 

securities (ABS). The economics of most investment banking and 

uncollateralized  derivatives  and  derivatives  where  we  are  not 

underwriting activities are shared primarily between Global Markets 

permitted to use the collateral we receive. This change in estimate 

and  Global  Banking  based  on  the  activities  performed  by  each 

resulted in a net FVA pretax charge of $497 million in 2014, which 

segment.  Global  Banking  originates  certain  deal-related 

is included in net DVA.

currencies  (interest  rate  and  foreign  exchange  contracts), 
commodities (primarily futures, forwards, swaps and options) and 
equities  (equity-linked  derivatives  and  cash  equity  activity).  The 
following table and related discussion present sales and trading 
revenue, substantially all of which is in Global Markets, with the 
remainder in Global Banking. In addition, the following table and 
related discussion present sales and trading revenue excluding 
the impact of net DVA, which is a non-GAAP financial measure. We 
believe the use of this non-GAAP financial measure provides clarity 
in assessing the underlying performance of these businesses.

Sales and Trading Revenue (1, 2)

(Dollars in millions)

Sales and trading revenue

2015

2014

Fixed-income, currencies and commodities
Equities

Total sales and trading revenue

$

7,923
4,335
$ 12,258

$

8,752
4,194
$ 12,946

Sales and trading revenue, excluding net DVA (3)
Fixed-income, currencies and commodities
Equities

8,686
4,358
Total sales and trading revenue, excluding net DVA $ 13,044

$

$

9,060
4,126
$ 13,186

(1) 

(2) 

Includes  FTE  adjustments  of  $182  million  and  $181  million  for  2015  and  2014.  For  more 
information on sales and trading revenue, see Note 2 – Derivatives to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements.
Includes Global Banking sales and trading revenue of $422 million and $382 million for 2015 
and 2014.

(3)  FICC and Equities sales and trading revenue, excluding the impact of net DVA, is a non-GAAP 
financial measure. FICC net DVA losses were $763 million for 2015 compared to net DVA losses 
of $308 million in 2014. Equities net DVA losses were $23 million for 2015 compared to net 
DVA gains of $68 million in 2014.

FICC revenue, excluding net DVA, decreased $374 million to 
$8.7  billion  primarily  driven  by  declines  in  credit-related 
businesses due to lower client activity, partially offset by stronger 
results in rates, currencies and commodities products. Equities 
revenue, excluding net DVA, increased $232 million to $4.4 billion 
primarily driven by strong performance in derivatives and increased 
client activity in the Asia-Pacific region.

38     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     39

Legacy Assets & Servicing

(Dollars in millions)

Net interest income (FTE basis)
Noninterest income:

Mortgage banking income
All other income

Total noninterest income
Total revenue, net of interest expense (FTE basis)

Provision for credit losses
Noninterest expense

Loss before income taxes (FTE basis)

Income tax benefit (FTE basis)

Net loss

Net interest yield (FTE basis)

Balance Sheet

Average
Total loans and leases
Total earning assets
Total assets
Allocated capital

Year end
Total loans and leases
Total earning assets
Total assets

LAS is responsible for our mortgage servicing activities related 
to residential first mortgage and home equity loans serviced for 
others and loans held by the Corporation, including loans that have 
been designated as the LAS Portfolios. The LAS Portfolios (both 
owned and serviced), herein referred to as the Legacy Owned and 
Legacy  Serviced  Portfolios,  respectively  (together,  the  Legacy 
Portfolios),  and  as  further  defined  below,  include  those  loans 
originated  prior  to  January  1,  2011  that  would  not  have  been 
originated  under  our  established  underwriting  standards  as  of 
December  31,  2010.  For  more  information  on  our  Legacy 
Portfolios,  see  page  41.  In  addition,  LAS  is  responsible  for 
to  mortgage 
managing  certain 
origination,  sales  and  servicing  activities 
litigation, 
representations and warranties). LAS also includes the financial 
results of the home equity portfolio selected as part of the Legacy 
Owned Portfolio and the results of MSR activities, including net 
hedge results.

legacy  exposures 

related 

(e.g., 

LAS includes certain revenues and expenses on loans serviced 
for others, including owned loans serviced for Consumer Banking, 
GWIM and All Other. 

The net loss for LAS decreased $12.4 billion to $740 million 
for 2015 compared to 2014 primarily driven by significantly lower 
litigation expense, which is included in noninterest expense. Also 
contributing to the decrease in the net loss was higher revenue, 
primarily  mortgage  banking  income,  partially  offset  by  higher 
provision for credit losses. Mortgage banking income increased 
$613  million  primarily  due  to  a  lower  representations  and 
warranties provision compared to 2014 and improved MSR net-
of-hedge performance, partially offset by lower servicing fees due 
to  a  smaller  servicing  portfolio.  The  provision  for  credit  losses 
increased $17 million as the portfolio begins to stabilize. Also, 
the provision for credit losses in 2014 included $400 million of 

40     Bank of America 2015

2015

2014

% Change

$

1,573

$

1,520

3%

1,658
199
1,857
3,430

144
4,451
(1,165)
(425)
(740)

1,045
111
1,156
2,676

127
20,633
(18,084)
(4,974)
$ (13,110)

3.82%

4.04%

29,885
41,160
51,222
24,000

26,521
37,783
47,292

$

$

35,941
37,593
52,133
17,000

33,055
33,923
45,957

$

$

$

59
79
61
28

13
(78)
(94)
(91)
(94)

(17)
9
(2)
41

(20)
11
3

additional  costs associated with the consumer relief portion of 
the  settlement  with  the  DoJ.  Noninterest  expense  decreased 
$16.2 billion primarily due to a $14.4 billion decrease in litigation 
expense. Excluding litigation, noninterest expense decreased $1.8 
billion to $3.6 billion due to lower default-related staffing and other 
default-related servicing expenses. 

The increase in allocated capital for LAS reflects higher Basel 
3 Advanced approaches operational risk capital than in 2014. For 
more information on capital allocated to the business segments, 
see Business Segment Operations on page 30. 

Servicing
LAS is responsible for all of our in-house servicing activities related 
to  the  residential  mortgage  and  home  equity  loan  portfolios, 
including owned loans and loans serviced for others (collectively, 
the mortgage serviced portfolio). A portion of this portfolio has 
been  designated  as  the  Legacy  Serviced  Portfolio,  which 
represented 25 percent, 26 percent and 30 percent of the total 
mortgage  serviced  portfolio,  as  measured  by  unpaid  principal 
balance, at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In 
addition, LAS is responsible for contracting with and overseeing 
subservicing vendors who service loans on our behalf.

Servicing  activities  include  collecting  cash  for  principal, 
interest  and  escrow  payments  from  borrowers,  disbursing 
customer draws for lines of credit, accounting for and remitting 
principal and interest payments to investors and escrow payments 
to third parties, and responding to customer inquiries. Our home 
retention efforts, including single point of contact resources, are 
also  part  of  our  servicing  activities,  along  with  supervision  of 
foreclosures and property dispositions. Prior to foreclosure, LAS 
evaluates  various  workout  options  in  an  effort  to  help  our 
customers avoid foreclosure. 

Legacy Assets & Servicing

(Dollars in millions)

Net interest income (FTE basis)

Noninterest income:

Mortgage banking income

All other income

Total noninterest income

Total revenue, net of interest expense (FTE basis)

Provision for credit losses

Noninterest expense

Loss before income taxes (FTE basis)

Income tax benefit (FTE basis)

Net loss

Net interest yield (FTE basis)

Balance Sheet

Average

Total loans and leases

Total earning assets

Total assets

Allocated capital

Year end

Total loans and leases

Total earning assets

Total assets

LAS is responsible for our mortgage servicing activities related 

additional costs associated with the consumer relief portion of 

to residential first mortgage and home equity loans serviced for 

the  settlement  with  the  DoJ.  Noninterest  expense  decreased 

others and loans held by the Corporation, including loans that have 

$16.2 billion primarily due to a $14.4 billion decrease in litigation 

been designated as the LAS Portfolios. The LAS Portfolios (both 

expense. Excluding litigation, noninterest expense decreased $1.8 

owned and serviced), herein referred to as the Legacy Owned and 

billion to $3.6 billion due to lower default-related staffing and other 

Legacy  Serviced  Portfolios,  respectively  (together,  the  Legacy 

default-related servicing expenses. 

Portfolios),  and  as  further  defined  below,  include  those  loans 

The increase in allocated capital for LAS reflects higher Basel 

originated  prior  to  January  1,  2011  that  would  not  have  been 

3 Advanced approaches operational risk capital than in 2014. For 

originated  under  our  established  underwriting  standards  as  of 

more information on capital allocated to the business segments, 

December  31,  2010.  For  more  information  on  our  Legacy 

see Business Segment Operations on page 30. 

Portfolios,  see  page  41.  In  addition,  LAS  is  responsible  for 

managing  certain 

legacy  exposures 

related 

to  mortgage 

origination,  sales  and  servicing  activities 

(e.g., 

litigation, 

representations and warranties). LAS also includes the financial 

results of the home equity portfolio selected as part of the Legacy 

Owned Portfolio and the results of MSR activities, including net 

hedge results.

LAS includes certain revenues and expenses on loans serviced 

for others, including owned loans serviced for Consumer Banking, 

GWIM and All Other. 

The net loss for LAS decreased $12.4 billion to $740 million 

for 2015 compared to 2014 primarily driven by significantly lower 

litigation expense, which is included in noninterest expense. Also 

contributing to the decrease in the net loss was higher revenue, 

primarily  mortgage  banking  income,  partially  offset  by  higher 

provision for credit losses. Mortgage banking income increased 

$613  million  primarily  due  to  a  lower  representations  and 

warranties provision compared to 2014 and improved MSR net-

of-hedge performance, partially offset by lower servicing fees due 

to  a  smaller  servicing  portfolio.  The  provision  for  credit  losses 

increased $17 million as the portfolio begins to stabilize. Also, 

the provision for credit losses in 2014 included $400 million of 

40     Bank of America 2015

Servicing

LAS is responsible for all of our in-house servicing activities related 

to  the  residential  mortgage  and  home  equity  loan  portfolios, 

including owned loans and loans serviced for others (collectively, 

the mortgage serviced portfolio). A portion of this portfolio has 

been  designated  as  the  Legacy  Serviced  Portfolio,  which 

represented 25 percent, 26 percent and 30 percent of the total 

mortgage  serviced  portfolio,  as  measured  by  unpaid  principal 

balance, at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In 

addition, LAS is responsible for contracting with and overseeing 

subservicing vendors who service loans on our behalf.

Servicing  activities  include  collecting  cash  for  principal, 

interest  and  escrow  payments  from  borrowers,  disbursing 

customer draws for lines of credit, accounting for and remitting 

principal and interest payments to investors and escrow payments 

to third parties, and responding to customer inquiries. Our home 

retention efforts, including single point of contact resources, are 

also  part  of  our  servicing  activities,  along  with  supervision  of 

foreclosures and property dispositions. Prior to foreclosure, LAS 

evaluates  various  workout  options  in  an  effort  to  help  our 

customers avoid foreclosure. 

2015

2014

% Change

$

1,573

$

1,520

3%

1,658

199

1,857

3,430

144

4,451

(1,165)

(425)

(740)

1,045

111

1,156

2,676

127

20,633

(18,084)

(4,974)

$

$ (13,110)

3.82%

4.04%

$

29,885

$

35,941

41,160

51,222

24,000

37,593

52,133

17,000

$

26,521

$

33,055

37,783

47,292

33,923

45,957

59

79

61

28

13

(78)

(94)

(91)

(94)

(17)

9

(2)

41

(20)

11

3

Legacy Portfolios
The  Legacy  Portfolios  (both  owned  and  serviced)  include  those 
loans originated prior to January 1, 2011 that would not have been 
originated under our established underwriting standards in place 
as of December 31, 2010. The purchased credit-impaired (PCI) 
loan  portfolio,  as  well  as  certain  loans  that  met  a  pre-defined 
delinquency status or probability of default threshold as of January 
1,  2011,  are  also  included  in  the  Legacy  Portfolios.  Since 
determining the pool of loans to be included in the Legacy Portfolios 
as of January 1, 2011, the criteria have not changed for these 
portfolios, but will continue to be evaluated over time.

Legacy Owned Portfolio
The  Legacy  Owned  Portfolio  includes  those  loans  that  met  the 
criteria as described above and are on the balance sheet of the 
Corporation. Home equity loans in this portfolio are held on the 
balance  sheet  of  LAS,  and  residential  mortgage  loans  in  this 
portfolio are included as part of All Other. The financial results of 
the on-balance sheet loans are reported in the segment that owns 
the loans or in All Other. Total loans in the Legacy Owned Portfolio 
decreased $18.3 billion in 2015 to $71.6 billion at December 31, 
2015, of which $26.5 billion was held on the LAS balance sheet 
and the remainder was included in All Other. The decrease was 
largely due to payoffs and paydowns, as well as loan sales.

Legacy Serviced Portfolio
The Legacy Serviced Portfolio includes loans serviced by LAS in 
both  the  Legacy  Owned  Portfolio  and  those  loans  serviced  for 
outside investors that met the criteria as described above. The 
table below summarizes the balances of the residential mortgage 
loans  included  in  the  Legacy  Serviced  Portfolio  (the  Legacy 
Residential Mortgage Serviced Portfolio) representing 24 percent, 
24  percent  and  28  percent  of  the  total  residential  mortgage 
serviced portfolio of $491 billion, $609 billion and $719 billion, 
as measured by unpaid principal balance, at December 31, 2015, 
2014 and 2013, respectively. The decline in the Legacy Residential 
Mortgage  Serviced  Portfolio  was  due  to  paydowns  and  payoffs, 
and MSR and loan sales.

Legacy Residential Mortgage Serviced Portfolio, a subset 
of the Residential Mortgage Serviced Portfolio (1)

(Dollars in billions)

Unpaid principal balance
Residential mortgage loans

Total
60 days or more past due

Number of loans serviced (in thousands)
Residential mortgage loans

Total
60 days or more past due

December 31
2014

2013

2015

$

$

116
13

$

148
25

203
49

632
72

794
135

1,083
258

(1)  Excludes  $28  billion,  $34  billion  and  $39  billion  of  home  equity  loans  and  HELOCs  at 

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Non-Legacy Portfolio
As previously discussed, LAS is responsible for all of our servicing 
activities.  The  table  below  summarizes  the  balances  of  the 
residential  mortgage  loans  that  are  not  included  in  the  Legacy 
Serviced Portfolio (the Non-Legacy Residential Mortgage Serviced 
Portfolio) representing 76 percent, 76 percent and 72 percent of 
the total residential mortgage serviced portfolio, as measured by 
unpaid principal balance, at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, 
respectively. The decline in the Non-Legacy Residential Mortgage 
Serviced  Portfolio  was  primarily  due  to  paydowns  and  payoffs, 
partially offset by new originations.

Non-Legacy Residential Mortgage Serviced Portfolio, a 
subset of the Residential Mortgage Serviced Portfolio (1)

(Dollars in billions)

Unpaid principal balance
Residential mortgage loans

Total
60 days or more past due

December 31
2014

2013

2015

$

$

375
5

$

461
9

516
12

Number of loans serviced (in thousands)
Residential mortgage loans

Total
60 days or more past due

2,376
31

2,951
54

3,267
67

(1)  Excludes  $46  billion,  $50  billion  and  $52  billion  of  home  equity  loans  and  HELOCs  at 

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Bank of America 2015     41

LAS Mortgage Banking Income
LAS  mortgage  banking  income  includes  income  earned  in 
connection  with  servicing  activities  and  MSR  valuation 
adjustments, net of results from risk management activities used 
to hedge certain market risks of the MSRs. The costs associated 
with our servicing activities are included in noninterest expense. 
LAS mortgage banking income also includes the cost of legacy 
representations and warranties exposures and revenue from the 
sales of loans that had returned to performing status. The table 
below summarizes LAS mortgage banking income.

LAS Mortgage Banking Income

(Dollars in millions)

2015

2014

Servicing income:
Servicing fees
Amortization of expected cash flows (1)
Fair value changes of MSRs, net of risk management 

activities used to hedge certain market risks (2)

Total net servicing income

Representations and warranties (provision) benefit
Other mortgage banking income (3)

Total LAS mortgage banking income

$ 1,520
(738)

$ 1,957
(818)

516

294

1,298
28
332
$ 1,658

1,433
(693)
305
$ 1,045

(1)  Represents the net change in fair value of the MSR asset due to the recognition of modeled 

cash flows.
Includes gains (losses) on sales of MSRs.

(2) 

(3)  Consists primarily of revenue from sales of repurchased loans that had returned to performing 

status.

In 2015, LAS mortgage banking income increased $613 million 
to  $1.7  billion  primarily  driven  by  a  lower  representations  and 
warranties provision and improved MSR net-of-hedge performance, 
partially offset by lower servicing fees due to a smaller servicing 
portfolio.  Servicing  fees  declined  22  percent  to  $1.5  billion  in 
2015 as the size of the servicing portfolio continued to decline 
driven  by  loan  prepayment  activity,  which  exceeded  new 

originations, as well as strategic sales of MSRs in 2014. The $28 
million benefit in the provision for representations and warranties 
for 2015 compared to a provision of $693 million in 2014 was 
primarily  driven  by  the  impact  of  the  ACE  Securities  Corp.  v.  DB 
Structured Products, Inc. (ACE) decision, as time-barred claims are 
now treated as resolved. For more information on the ACE decision, 
see Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations 
– Representations and Warranties on page 44. 

Key Statistics

(Dollars in millions, except as noted)

Mortgage serviced portfolio (in billions) (1, 2)
Mortgage loans serviced for investors 

(in billions) (1)

Mortgage servicing rights:

Balance (3)
Capitalized mortgage servicing rights
 (% of loans serviced for investors)

December 31

2015
565  

$

2014
693  

$

378

474  

2,680

3,271  

71 bps

69 bps

(1)  The servicing portfolio and mortgage loans serviced for investors represent the unpaid principal 
balance of loans. At both December 31, 2015 and 2014, the balance excludes $16 billion of 
non-U.S. consumer mortgage loans serviced for investors.

(2)  Servicing of residential mortgage loans, HELOCs and home equity loans by LAS.
(3)  At December 31, 2015 and 2014, excludes $407 million and $259 million of certain non-U.S. 

residential mortgage MSR balances that are recorded in Global Markets.

Mortgage Servicing Rights
At December 31, 2015, the balance of consumer MSRs managed 
within  LAS,  which  excludes  $407  million  of  certain  non-U.S. 
residential mortgage MSRs recorded in Global Markets, was $2.7 
billion  compared  to  $3.3  billion  at  December 31,  2014.  The 
decrease was primarily driven by the recognition of modeled cash 
flows and sales of MSRs, partially offset by new loan originations. 
For more information on MSRs, see Note 23 – Mortgage Servicing 
Rights to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

42     Bank of America 2015

   
   
LAS Mortgage Banking Income

LAS  mortgage  banking  income  includes  income  earned  in 

connection  with  servicing  activities  and  MSR  valuation 

adjustments, net of results from risk management activities used 

to hedge certain market risks of the MSRs. The costs associated 

with our servicing activities are included in noninterest expense. 

LAS mortgage banking income also includes the cost of legacy 

representations and warranties exposures and revenue from the 

sales of loans that had returned to performing status. The table 

below summarizes LAS mortgage banking income.

originations, as well as strategic sales of MSRs in 2014. The $28 

million benefit in the provision for representations and warranties 

for 2015 compared to a provision of $693 million in 2014 was 

primarily  driven  by  the  impact  of  the  ACE  Securities  Corp.  v.  DB 

Structured Products, Inc. (ACE) decision, as time-barred claims are 

now treated as resolved. For more information on the ACE decision, 

see Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations 

– Representations and Warranties on page 44. 

LAS Mortgage Banking Income

(Dollars in millions)

Servicing income:

Servicing fees

Key Statistics

(Dollars in millions, except as noted)

December 31

2015

2014

Mortgage serviced portfolio (in billions) (1, 2)

$

565  

$

693  

2015

2014

Mortgage loans serviced for investors 

(in billions) (1)

378

474  

$ 1,520

$ 1,957

Mortgage servicing rights:

Amortization of expected cash flows (1)

(738)

(818)

Balance (3)

2,680

3,271  

Fair value changes of MSRs, net of risk management 

activities used to hedge certain market risks (2)

Total net servicing income

Representations and warranties (provision) benefit

Other mortgage banking income (3)

516

1,298

28

332

294

1,433

(693)

305

Total LAS mortgage banking income

$ 1,658

$ 1,045

(1)  Represents the net change in fair value of the MSR asset due to the recognition of modeled 

Capitalized mortgage servicing rights

 (% of loans serviced for investors)

71 bps

69 bps

(1)  The servicing portfolio and mortgage loans serviced for investors represent the unpaid principal 

balance of loans. At both December 31, 2015 and 2014, the balance excludes $16 billion of 

non-U.S. consumer mortgage loans serviced for investors.

(2)  Servicing of residential mortgage loans, HELOCs and home equity loans by LAS.

(3)  At December 31, 2015 and 2014, excludes $407 million and $259 million of certain non-U.S. 

residential mortgage MSR balances that are recorded in Global Markets.

(2) 

Includes gains (losses) on sales of MSRs.

(3)  Consists primarily of revenue from sales of repurchased loans that had returned to performing 

Mortgage Servicing Rights

cash flows.

status.

In 2015, LAS mortgage banking income increased $613 million 

to  $1.7  billion  primarily  driven  by  a  lower  representations  and 

warranties provision and improved MSR net-of-hedge performance, 

partially offset by lower servicing fees due to a smaller servicing 

portfolio.  Servicing  fees  declined  22  percent  to  $1.5  billion  in 

2015 as the size of the servicing portfolio continued to decline 

driven  by  loan  prepayment  activity,  which  exceeded  new 

At December 31, 2015, the balance of consumer MSRs managed 

within  LAS,  which  excludes  $407  million  of  certain  non-U.S. 

residential mortgage MSRs recorded in Global Markets, was $2.7 

billion  compared  to  $3.3  billion  at  December 31,  2014.  The 

decrease was primarily driven by the recognition of modeled cash 

flows and sales of MSRs, partially offset by new loan originations. 

For more information on MSRs, see Note 23 – Mortgage Servicing 

Rights to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

All Other

(Dollars in millions)

Net interest income (FTE basis)
Noninterest income:

Card income
Equity investment income
Gains on sales of debt securities
All other loss

Total noninterest income
Total revenue, net of interest expense (FTE basis)

Provision for credit losses
Noninterest expense

Loss before income taxes (FTE basis)

Income tax benefit (FTE basis)

Net income (loss)

Balance Sheet

Average
Loans and leases:

Residential mortgage
Non-U.S. credit card
Other

Total loans and leases

Total assets (1)
Total deposits

Year end
Loans and leases:

Residential mortgage
Non-U.S. credit card
Other

Total loans and leases

Total equity investments
Total assets (1)
Total deposits
(1) 

2015

2014

% Change

$

(348) $

(526)

(34)%

263
—
1,079
(1,613)
(271)
(619)

(342)
2,215
(2,492)
(2,003)

$

(489) $

356
727
1,310
(2,435)
(42)
(568)

(978)
2,933
(2,523)
(2,587)
64

$

$

130,893
10,104
6,403
147,400
257,893
21,862

$ 180,249
11,511
10,753
202,513
278,812
30,834

109,030
9,975
6,338
125,343
4,297
230,791
22,898

$ 155,595
10,465
6,552
172,612
4,871
261,581
19,240

(26)
(100)
(18)
(34)
n/m
9

(65)
(24)
(1)
(23)
n/m

(27)
(12)
(40)
(27)
(8)
(29)

(30)
(5)
(3)
(27)
(12)
(12)
19

In segments where the total of liabilities and equity exceeds assets, which are generally deposit-taking segments, we allocate assets from All Other to those segments to match liabilities (i.e., 
deposits) and allocated shareholders’ equity. Such allocated assets were $499.4 billion and $480.3 billion for 2015 and 2014, and $518.8 billion and $474.6 billion at December 31, 2015 and 
2014.

n/m = not meaningful

All  Other  consists  of  ALM  activities,  equity  investments,  the 
international  consumer  card  business,  liquidating  businesses, 
residual expense allocations and other. ALM activities encompass 
certain residential mortgages, debt securities, interest rate and 
foreign currency risk management activities including the residual 
net  interest  income  allocation,  the  impact  of  certain  allocation 
methodologies and accounting hedge ineffectiveness. The results 
of certain ALM activities are allocated to our business segments. 
Beginning  with  new  originations  in  2014,  we  retain  certain 
residential mortgages in Consumer Banking, consistent with where 
the overall relationship is managed; previously such mortgages 
were in All Other. Additionally, certain residential mortgage loans 
that are managed by LAS are held in All Other. For more information 
on our ALM activities, see Interest Rate Risk Management for Non-
trading  Activities  on  page  95  and  Note 24 –  Business Segment 
Information  to  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements.  Equity 
investments include our merchant services joint venture as well 
as  Global  Principal  Investments  (GPI)  which  is  comprised  of  a 
portfolio of equity, real estate and other alternative investments. 
For more information on our merchant services joint venture, see 
Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

Net income for All Other decreased $553 million to a loss of 
$489  million  in  2015  primarily  due  to  a  decrease  in  equity 
investment income, a decrease in the benefit in the provision for 
credit losses and lower gains on sales of debt securities, partially 
offset by higher net interest income, an increase in gains on sales 
of consumer real estate loans, lower U.K. PPI costs and a decrease 
in noninterest expense.

Net interest income increased $178 million primarily driven by 
a lower impact from negative market-related adjustments on debt 
securities, partially offset by a $612 million charge in 2015 related 
to  the  discount  on  certain  trust  preferred  securities.  Negative 
market-related adjustments on debt securities were $296 million 
compared  to  $1.1  billion  in  2014.  Equity  investment  income 
decreased $727 million as the prior year included a gain on the 
sale of a portion of an equity investment. Gains on the sales of 
loans, including nonperforming and other delinquent loans, net of 
hedges, were $1.0 billion compared to gains of $672 million in 
2014. Also included in all other loss were U.K. PPI costs of $319 
million compared to $621 million, and negative FTE adjustments 
of  $1.6  billion  compared  to  $1.3  billion  to  eliminate  the  FTE 
treatment of certain tax credits recorded in Global Banking.

Bank of America 2015     43

42     Bank of America 2015

   
   
The benefit in the provision for credit losses decreased $636 
million to a benefit of $342 million in  2015  primarily  driven by 
lower  recoveries,  including  those  recorded  in  connection  with 
residential mortgage loan sales.

Noninterest expense decreased $718 million to $2.2 billion 
reflecting a decrease in litigation expense and lower personnel, 
infrastructure  and  support  costs,  partially  offset  by  higher 
professional fees related in part to our CCAR resubmission. 

The income tax benefit was $2.0 billion on a pretax loss of 
$2.5 billion in 2015 compared to a benefit of $2.6 billion on a 
pretax loss of $2.5 billion in 2014, as 2014 included tax benefits 
attributable  to  the  resolution  of  several  tax  examinations,  and 
2015 included the charge of approximately $290 million related 
to the U.K tax law change. In addition, both periods include income 
tax benefit adjustments to eliminate the FTE treatment of certain 
tax credits recorded in Global Banking.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and 
Contractual Obligations
We have contractual obligations to make future payments on debt 
and  lease  agreements.  Additionally,  in  the  normal  course  of 
business,  we  enter  into  contractual  arrangements  whereby  we 
commit  to  future  purchases  of  products  or  services  from 
unaffiliated  parties.  Purchase  obligations  are  defined  as 
obligations that are legally binding agreements whereby we agree 
to purchase products or services with a specific minimum quantity 

at a fixed, minimum or variable price over a specified period of 
time. Included in purchase obligations are vendor contracts, the 
most  significant  of  which  include  communication  services, 
processing  services  and  software  contracts.  Other  long-term 
liabilities include our contractual funding obligations related to the 
Qualified Pension Plans, Non-U.S. Pension Plans, Nonqualified and 
Other  Pension  Plans,  and  Postretirement  Health  and  Life  Plans 
(collectively, the Plans). Obligations to the Plans are based on the 
current and projected obligations of the Plans, performance of the 
Plans’  assets  and  any  participant  contributions,  if  applicable. 
During 2015 and 2014, we contributed $234 million each year to 
the Plans, and we expect to make $261 million of contributions 
during  2016.  The  Plans  are  more  fully  discussed  in  Note  17  – 
Employee Benefit Plans to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Debt,  lease,  equity  and  other  obligations  are  more  fully 
discussed in Note 11 – Long-term Debt and Note 12 – Commitments 
and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

We  enter  into  commitments  to  extend  credit  such  as  loan 
commitments, standby letters of credit (SBLCs) and commercial 
letters of credit to meet the financing needs of our customers. For 
a  summary  of  the  total  unfunded,  or  off-balance  sheet,  credit 
extension  commitment  amounts  by  expiration  date,  see  Credit 
Extension  Commitments  in  Note  12  –  Commitments  and 
Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Table 11 includes certain contractual obligations at December 

31, 2015 and 2014.

Table 11 Contractual Obligations

(Dollars in millions)

Long-term debt 

Operating lease obligations 

Purchase obligations 

Time deposits 

Other long-term liabilities 

December 31, 2015

Due After 
One Year 
Through 
Three Years

Due After 
Three Years 
Through 
Five Years

Due in One 
Year or Less

December 31 
2014

Due After
Five Years 

Total  

Total

$ 

43,334  $ 

75,377  $ 

36,513  $ 

81,540

$ 

236,764

$ 

243,139

2,456 

2,007 

65,567 

1,663 

3,846 

1,905 

5,207 

870 

2,798 

629 

2,517 

668 

4,581

809

683

1,110

13,681

5,350

73,974

4,311

14,406

5,544

84,843

4,232

Estimated interest expense on long-term debt and time 

deposits (1)

4,753  

7,124

5,064 

26,957

43,898

45,462

Total contractual obligations

$ 

119,780  $ 

94,329  $ 

48,189  $

115,680

$ 

377,978

$ 

397,626

(1)  Represents forecasted net interest expense on long-term debt and time deposits based on interest rates at December 31, 2015. Forecasts are based on the contractual maturity dates of each 

liability, and are net of derivative hedges, where applicable.

Representations and Warranties
We securitize first-lien residential mortgage loans generally in the 
form  of  RMBS  guaranteed  by  the  government-sponsored 
enterprises  (GSEs),  which  include  FHLMC  and  FNMA,  or  by  the 
Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) in the case 
of Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-insured, U.S. Department 
of  Veterans  Affairs  (VA)-guaranteed  and  Rural  Housing  Service-
guaranteed mortgage loans, and sell pools of first-lien residential 
mortgage loans in the form of whole loans. In addition, in prior 
years, legacy companies and certain subsidiaries sold pools of 
first-lien  residential  mortgage  loans  and  home  equity  loans  as 
private-label  securitizations  (in  certain  of  these  securitizations, 
monoline insurers or other financial guarantee providers insured 
all  or  some  of  the  securities)  or  in  the  form  of  whole  loans.  In 
connection  with  these  transactions,  we  or  certain  of  our 

subsidiaries or legacy companies made various representations 
and warranties. Breaches of these representations and warranties 
have resulted in and may continue to result in the requirement to 
repurchase mortgage loans or to otherwise make whole or provide 
other  remedies  to  the  GSEs,  U.S.  Department  of  Housing  and 
Urban Development with respect to FHA-insured loans, VA, whole-
loan  investors,  securitization  trusts,  monoline  insurers  or  other 
financial guarantors as applicable (collectively, repurchases). In 
all such cases, subsequent to repurchasing the loan, we would be 
exposed to any credit loss on the repurchased mortgage loans 
after  accounting  for  any  mortgage  insurance  (MI)  or  mortgage 
guarantee payments that we may receive.

We have vigorously contested any request for repurchase where 
we have concluded that a valid basis for repurchase does not exist 
and will continue to do so in the future. However, in an effort to 

44     Bank of America 2015

 
 
The benefit in the provision for credit losses decreased $636 

at a fixed, minimum or variable price over a specified period of 

million to a  benefit of $342  million in  2015  primarily  driven by 

time. Included in purchase obligations are vendor contracts, the 

lower  recoveries,  including  those  recorded  in  connection  with 

most  significant  of  which  include  communication  services, 

residential mortgage loan sales.

processing  services  and  software  contracts.  Other  long-term 

Noninterest expense decreased $718 million to $2.2 billion 

liabilities include our contractual funding obligations related to the 

reflecting a decrease in litigation expense and lower personnel, 

Qualified Pension Plans, Non-U.S. Pension Plans, Nonqualified and 

infrastructure  and  support  costs,  partially  offset  by  higher 

Other  Pension  Plans,  and  Postretirement  Health  and  Life  Plans 

professional fees related in part to our CCAR resubmission. 

(collectively, the Plans). Obligations to the Plans are based on the 

The income tax benefit was $2.0 billion on a pretax loss of 

current and projected obligations of the Plans, performance of the 

$2.5 billion in 2015 compared to a benefit of $2.6 billion on a 

Plans’  assets  and  any  participant  contributions,  if  applicable. 

pretax loss of $2.5 billion in 2014, as 2014 included tax benefits 

During 2015 and 2014, we contributed $234 million each year to 

attributable  to  the  resolution  of  several  tax  examinations,  and 

the Plans, and we expect to make $261 million of contributions 

2015 included the charge of approximately $290 million related 

during  2016.  The  Plans  are  more  fully  discussed  in  Note  17  – 

to the U.K tax law change. In addition, both periods include income 

Employee Benefit Plans to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

tax benefit adjustments to eliminate the FTE treatment of certain 

Debt,  lease,  equity  and  other  obligations  are  more  fully 

tax credits recorded in Global Banking.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and 

Contractual Obligations

We have contractual obligations to make future payments on debt 

and  lease  agreements.  Additionally,  in  the  normal  course  of 

business,  we  enter  into  contractual  arrangements  whereby  we 

commit  to  future  purchases  of  products  or  services  from 

unaffiliated  parties.  Purchase  obligations  are  defined  as 

obligations that are legally binding agreements whereby we agree 

to purchase products or services with a specific minimum quantity 

Table 11 Contractual Obligations

discussed in Note 11 – Long-term Debt and Note 12 – Commitments 

and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

We  enter  into  commitments  to  extend  credit  such  as  loan 

commitments, standby letters of credit (SBLCs) and commercial 

letters of credit to meet the financing needs of our customers. For 

a  summary  of  the  total  unfunded,  or  off-balance  sheet,  credit 

extension  commitment  amounts  by  expiration  date,  see  Credit 

Extension  Commitments  in  Note  12  –  Commitments  and 

Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Table 11 includes certain contractual obligations at December 

31, 2015 and 2014.

(Dollars in millions)

Long-term debt 

Operating lease obligations 

Purchase obligations 

Time deposits 

Other long-term liabilities 

December 31, 2015

Due After 

One Year 

Through 

Three Years

Due After 

Three Years 

Through 

Five Years

Due in One 

Year or Less

Due After

Five Years 

Total  

Total

December 31 

2014

$ 

43,334  $ 

75,377  $ 

36,513  $ 

81,540

$ 

236,764

$ 

243,139

2,456 

2,007 

65,567 

1,663 

3,846 

1,905 

5,207 

870 

2,798 

629 

2,517 

668 

4,581

809

683

1,110

13,681

5,350

73,974

4,311

14,406

5,544

84,843

4,232

Estimated interest expense on long-term debt and time 

deposits (1)

4,753  

7,124

5,064 

26,957

43,898

45,462

Total contractual obligations

$ 

119,780  $ 

94,329  $ 

48,189  $

115,680

$ 

377,978

$ 

397,626

(1)  Represents forecasted net interest expense on long-term debt and time deposits based on interest rates at December 31, 2015. Forecasts are based on the contractual maturity dates of each 

liability, and are net of derivative hedges, where applicable.

Representations and Warranties

We securitize first-lien residential mortgage loans generally in the 

form  of  RMBS  guaranteed  by  the  government-sponsored 

enterprises  (GSEs),  which  include  FHLMC  and  FNMA,  or  by  the 

Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) in the case 

of Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-insured, U.S. Department 

of  Veterans  Affairs  (VA)-guaranteed  and  Rural  Housing  Service-

guaranteed mortgage loans, and sell pools of first-lien residential 

mortgage loans in the form of whole loans. In addition, in prior 

years, legacy companies and certain subsidiaries sold pools of 

first-lien  residential  mortgage  loans  and  home  equity  loans  as 

private-label  securitizations  (in  certain  of  these  securitizations, 

monoline insurers or other financial guarantee providers insured 

all  or  some  of  the  securities)  or  in  the  form  of  whole  loans.  In 

connection  with  these  transactions,  we  or  certain  of  our 

subsidiaries or legacy companies made various representations 

and warranties. Breaches of these representations and warranties 

have resulted in and may continue to result in the requirement to 

repurchase mortgage loans or to otherwise make whole or provide 

other  remedies  to  the  GSEs,  U.S.  Department  of  Housing  and 

Urban Development with respect to FHA-insured loans, VA, whole-

loan  investors,  securitization  trusts,  monoline  insurers  or  other 

financial guarantors as applicable (collectively, repurchases). In 

all such cases, subsequent to repurchasing the loan, we would be 

exposed to any credit loss on the repurchased mortgage loans 

after  accounting  for  any  mortgage  insurance  (MI)  or  mortgage 

guarantee payments that we may receive.

We have vigorously contested any request for repurchase where 

we have concluded that a valid basis for repurchase does not exist 

and will continue to do so in the future. However, in an effort to 

resolve  legacy  mortgage-related  issues,  we  have  reached 
settlements, certain of which have been for significant amounts, 
in lieu of a loan-by-loan review process, including with the GSEs, 
four  monoline  insurers  and  BNY  Mellon,  as  trustee  for  certain 
securitization trusts.

For more information on accounting for representations and 
warranties,  repurchase  claims  and  exposures,  see  Note  7  – 
Representations  and  Warranties  Obligations  and  Corporate 
Guarantees and Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies to the 
Consolidated Financial Statements and Item 1A. Risk Factors of 
our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Settlement with the Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee 
On April 22, 2015, the New York County Supreme Court entered 
final judgment approving the BNY Mellon Settlement. In October 
2015, BNY Mellon obtained certain state tax opinions and an IRS 
private letter ruling confirming that the settlement will not impact 
the  real  estate  mortgage  investment  conduit  tax  status  of  the 
trusts. The final conditions of the settlement have been satisfied 
and, accordingly, the Corporation made the settlement payment 
to BNY Mellon of $8.5 billion in February 2016. Pursuant to the 
settlement  agreement,  allocation  and  distribution  of  the  $8.5 
billion  settlement  payment  is  the  responsibility  of  the  RMBS 
trustee, BNY Mellon. On February 5, 2016, BNY Mellon filed an 
Article  77  proceeding  in  the  New  York  County  Supreme  Court 
asking  the  court  for  instruction  with  respect  to  certain  issues 
concerning the distribution of each trust’s allocable share of the 
settlement payment and asking that the settlement payment be 
ordered to be held in escrow pending the outcome of this Article 
77 proceeding. The Corporation is not a party to this proceeding.

New York Court Decision on Statute of Limitations
On  June  11,  2015,  the  New  York  Court  of  Appeals,  New  York’s 
highest  appellate  court,  issued  its  opinion  on  the  statute  of 
limitations applicable to representations and warranties claims in 
ACE Securities Corp. v. DB Structured Products, Inc. (ACE). The Court 
of Appeals held that, under New York law, a claim for breach of 
contractual representations and warranties begins to run at the 
time the representations and warranties are made, and rejected 
the argument that the six-year statute of limitations does not begin 
to run until the time repurchase is refused. The Court of Appeals 
also  held  that  compliance  with  the  contractual  notice  and  cure 
period was a pre-condition to filing suit, and claims that did not 
comply with such contractual requirements prior to the expiration 
of the statute of limitations period were invalid. While no entity 
affiliated with the Corporation was a party to this litigation, the 
vast majority of the private-label RMBS trusts into which entities 
affiliated  with 
loans  and  made 
representations  and  warranties  are  governed  by  New  York  law. 
While the Corporation treats claims where the statute of limitations 
has expired, as determined in accordance with the ACE decision, 
as time-barred and therefore resolved and no longer outstanding, 
investors or trustees have sought to distinguish certain aspects 
of  the  ACE  decision  or  to  assert  other  claims  against  RMBS 
counterparties seeking to avoid or circumvent the impact of the 
ACE  decision.  For  example,  a  recent  ruling  by  a  New  York 
intermediate  appellate  court  allowed  a  counterparty  to  pursue 
litigation on loans in the entire trust even though only some of the 
loans  complied  with  the  condition  precedent  of  timely  pre-suit 
notice and opportunity to cure or repurchase. The potential impact 
on the Corporation, if any, of judicial limitations on the ACE decision, 

the  Corporation  sold 

or claims seeking to distinguish or avoid the ACE decision is unclear 
at  this  time.  For  additional  information,  see  Note  7  – 
Representations  and  Warranties  Obligations  and  Corporate 
Guarantees to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Unresolved Repurchase Claims
Unresolved  representations  and  warranties  repurchase  claims 
represent  the  notional  amount  of  repurchase  claims  made  by 
counterparties, typically the outstanding principal balance or the 
unpaid principal balance at the time of default. In the case of first-
lien mortgages, the claim amount is often significantly greater than 
the expected loss amount due to the benefit of collateral and, in 
some cases, MI or mortgage guarantee payments. Claims received 
from a counterparty remain outstanding until the underlying loan 
is  repurchased,  the  claim  is  rescinded  by  the  counterparty,  we 
determine that the applicable statute of limitations has expired, 
or  representations  and  warranties  claims  with  respect  to  the 
applicable trust are settled, and fully and finally released. When 
a  claim  is  denied  and  we  do  not  receive  a  response  from  the 
counterparty,  the  claim  remains  in  the  unresolved  repurchase 
claims balance until resolution in one of the ways described above.
At  December 31,  2015,  we  had  $18.4  billion  of  unresolved 
repurchase claims, net of duplicate claims, compared to $22.8 
billion at December 31, 2014. These repurchase claims primarily 
relate  to  private-label  securitizations  and  exclude  claims  in  the 
amount of $7.4 billion at December 31, 2015 where the statute 
of limitations has expired without litigation being commenced. At 
December 31,  2014,  time-barred  claims  of  $5.2  billion  were 
included in unresolved repurchase claims. The notional amount 
of unresolved repurchase claims at both December 31, 2015 and 
2014 includes $3.5 billion of claims related to loans in specific 
private-label  securitization  groups  or  tranches  where  we  own 
substantially  all  of  the  outstanding  securities.  For  additional 
information,  see  Note  7  –  Representations  and  Warranties 
Obligations  and  Corporate  Guarantees  to  the  Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

The  overall  decrease  in  the  notional  amount  of  outstanding 
unresolved  repurchase  claims  in  2015  is  primarily  due  to  the 
impact  of  time-barred  claims  under  the  ACE  decision,  partially 
offset  by  new  claims  from  private-label  securitization  trustees. 
Outstanding repurchase claims remain unresolved primarily due 
to (1) the level of detail, support and analysis accompanying such 
claims, which impact overall claim quality and, therefore, claims 
resolution and (2) the lack of an established process to resolve 
disputes related to these claims.

all 

and 

outstanding 

substantially 

As a result of various bulk settlements with the GSEs, we have 
potential 
resolved 
representations and warranties repurchase claims on whole loans 
sold  by  legacy  Bank  of  America  and  Countrywide  Financial 
Corporation (Countrywide) to FNMA and FHLMC through June 30, 
2012  and  December  31,  2009,  respectively.  At  December 31, 
2015,  the  notional  amount  of  unresolved  repurchase  claims 
submitted by the GSEs was $14 million for loans originated prior 
to 2009. For more information on the monolines and experience 
with  the  GSEs,  see  Note  7  –  Representations  and  Warranties 
Obligations  and  Corporate  Guarantees  to  the  Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

During  2015  and  2014,  we  had 

loan-level 
representations and warranties repurchase claims experience with 
the monoline insurers due to bulk settlements in prior years and 
ongoing  litigation  with  a  single  monoline  insurer.  For  additional 

limited 

44     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     45

 
 
information, see Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies to the 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

In addition to unresolved repurchase claims, we have received 
notifications  from  sponsors  of  third-party  securitizations  with 
whom we engaged in whole-loan transactions indicating that we 
may have indemnity obligations with respect to loans for which we 
have  not  received  a  repurchase  request.  These  outstanding 
notifications totaled $1.4 billion and $2.0 billion at December 31, 
2015 and 2014.

We also from time to time receive correspondence purporting 
to  raise  representations  and  warranties  breach  issues  from 
entities that do not have contractual standing or ability to bring 
such claims. We believe such communications to be procedurally 
and/or substantively invalid, and generally do not respond.

The presence of repurchase claims on a given trust, receipt of 
notices  of  indemnification  obligations  and  receipt  of  other 
communications, as discussed above, are all factors that inform 
our 
for  representations  and  warranties  and  the 
corresponding estimated range of possible loss.

liability 

Representations and Warranties Liability
The  liability  for  representations  and  warranties  and  corporate 
guarantees is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities 
on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and the related provision is 
included  in  mortgage  banking  income  in  the  Consolidated 
Statement of Income. For more information on the representations 
and warranties liability and the corresponding estimated range of 
loss,  see  Off-Balance  Sheet  Arrangements  and 
possible 
Contractual Obligations – Estimated Range of Possible Loss on 
page 47 and Note 7 – Representations and Warranties Obligations 
and  Corporate  Guarantees  to  the  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements.

the 

liability 

At  December  31,  2015  and  2014, 

for 
representations  and  warranties  was  $11.3  billion  and  $12.1 
billion,  which  included  $8.5  billion  related  to  the  BNY  Mellon 
Settlement. The representations and warranties benefit was $39 
million for 2015 compared to a provision of $683 million for 2014. 
The benefit in the provision for representations and warranties for 
2015 compared to a provision in 2014 was primarily driven by the 
impact of the ACE decision.

Our liability for representations and warranties is necessarily 
dependent on, and limited by, a number of factors including for 
private-label  securitizations  the  implied  repurchase  experience 
based  on  the  BNY  Mellon  Settlement,  as  well  as  certain  other 
assumptions  and  judgmental  factors.  Where  relevant,  we  also 
consider  more  recent  experience,  such  as  claim  activity, 
notification of potential indemnification obligations, our experience 
with various counterparties, the ACE decision, other recent court 
decisions related to the statute of limitations, and other facts and 
circumstances,  such  as  bulk  settlements,  as  we  believe 
appropriate.  Accordingly,  future  provisions  associated  with 
obligations  under  representations  and  warranties  may  be 
materially  impacted  if  future  experiences  are  different  from 
historical  experience  or  our  understandings,  interpretations  or 
assumptions.

46     Bank of America 2015

Experience with Investors Other than Government-
sponsored Enterprises
Prior  to  2009,  legacy  companies  and  certain  subsidiaries  sold 
pools of first-lien residential mortgage loans and home equity loans 
as private-label securitizations or in the form of whole loans to 
investors other than the GSEs (although the GSEs are investors 
in certain private-label securitizations). The majority of the loans 
sold were included in private-label securitizations, including third-
party sponsored transactions. We provided representations and 
warranties to the whole-loan investors and these investors may 
retain those rights even when the whole loans were aggregated 
with other collateral into private-label securitizations sponsored 
by  the  whole-loan  investors.  Such  loans  originated  from  2004 
through 2008 had an original principal balance of $970 billion, 
including $786 billion sold to private-label and whole-loan investors 
without monoline insurance. Taking into account settlements and 
the application of the statute of limitations for repurchase claims 
for  these  trusts,  we  believe  the  remaining  open  exposure  for 
repurchase  claims  exists  on  loans  with  an  original  principal 
balance of $102 billion. Of the $102 billion, $45 billion has been 
paid in full and $42 billion has defaulted or was severely delinquent 
at December 31, 2015. At least 25 payments have been made on 
approximately  62  percent  of  these  defaulted  and  severely 
delinquent  loans.  These  remaining  loans  with  open  exposure 
predominantly  relate  to  legacy  Countrywide  and  First  Franklin 
Financial Corporation originations of pay option and subprime first 
mortgages.

As  it  relates  to  private-label  securitizations,  a  contractual 
liability to repurchase mortgage loans generally arises if there is 
a  breach  of  representations  and  warranties  that  materially  and 
adversely affects the interest of the investor or all the investors 
in a securitization trust or of the monoline insurer or other financial 
guarantor (as applicable).

We  have 

received  approximately  $32.7  billion  of 
representations and warranties repurchase claims related to loans 
originated between 2004 and 2008 including $23.7 billion from 
private-label  securitization  trustees  and  a  financial  guarantee 
provider, $8.2 billion from whole-loan investors and $816 million 
from  one  private-label  securitization  counterparty.  New  private-
label claims are primarily related to repurchase requests received 
from  trustees  for  private-label  securitization  transactions  not 
included  in  the  BNY  Mellon  Settlement.  Of  the  $32.7  billion  in 
claims, we have resolved $16.0 billion of these claims with losses 
of $1.9 billion. Approximately $3.6 billion of these claims were 
resolved through repurchase or indemnification, $4.7 billion were 
rescinded  by  the  investor,  $325  million  were  resolved  through 
settlements and $7.4 billion are time-barred under the applicable 
statute of limitations and are therefore considered resolved. 

At December 31, 2015, for these vintages, the notional amount 
of  unresolved  repurchase  claims  submitted  by  private-label 
securitization trustees, whole-loan investors, including third-party 
securitization  sponsors  and  others  was  $16.7  billion.  We  have 
performed an initial review with respect to substantially all of these 
claims and although we do not believe a valid basis for repurchase 
has been established by the claimant, we consider such claims 
activity in the computation of our liability for representations and 
warranties. Until we receive a repurchase claim, we generally do 
not  review  loan  files  related  to  private-label  securitizations  and 
believe we are not required by the governing documents to do so, 
unless particular facts suggest we should review an individual loan 
file.

information, see Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies to the 

Experience with Investors Other than Government-

Consolidated Financial Statements.

In addition to unresolved repurchase claims, we have received 

notifications  from  sponsors  of  third-party  securitizations  with 

whom we engaged in whole-loan transactions indicating that we 

may have indemnity obligations with respect to loans for which we 

have  not  received  a  repurchase  request.  These  outstanding 

notifications totaled $1.4 billion and $2.0 billion at December 31, 

2015 and 2014.

We also from time to time receive correspondence purporting 

to  raise  representations  and  warranties  breach  issues  from 

entities that do not have contractual standing or ability to bring 

such claims. We believe such communications to be procedurally 

and/or substantively invalid, and generally do not respond.

The presence of repurchase claims on a given trust, receipt of 

notices  of  indemnification  obligations  and  receipt  of  other 

communications, as discussed above, are all factors that inform 

our 

liability 

for  representations  and  warranties  and  the 

corresponding estimated range of possible loss.

Representations and Warranties Liability

The  liability  for  representations  and  warranties  and  corporate 

guarantees is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities 

on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and the related provision is 

included  in  mortgage  banking  income  in  the  Consolidated 

Statement of Income. For more information on the representations 

and warranties liability and the corresponding estimated range of 

possible 

loss,  see  Off-Balance  Sheet  Arrangements  and 

Contractual Obligations – Estimated Range of Possible Loss on 

page 47 and Note 7 – Representations and Warranties Obligations 

and  Corporate  Guarantees  to  the  Consolidated  Financial 

Statements.

At  December  31,  2015  and  2014, 

the 

liability 

for 

representations  and  warranties  was  $11.3  billion  and  $12.1 

billion,  which  included  $8.5  billion  related  to  the  BNY  Mellon 

Settlement. The representations and warranties benefit was $39 

million for 2015 compared to a provision of $683 million for 2014. 

The benefit in the provision for representations and warranties for 

2015 compared to a provision in 2014 was primarily driven by the 

impact of the ACE decision.

Our liability for representations and warranties is necessarily 

dependent on, and limited by, a number of factors including for 

private-label  securitizations  the  implied  repurchase  experience 

based  on  the  BNY  Mellon  Settlement,  as  well  as  certain  other 

assumptions  and  judgmental  factors.  Where  relevant,  we  also 

consider  more  recent  experience,  such  as  claim  activity, 

notification of potential indemnification obligations, our experience 

with various counterparties, the ACE decision, other recent court 

decisions related to the statute of limitations, and other facts and 

circumstances,  such  as  bulk  settlements,  as  we  believe 

appropriate.  Accordingly,  future  provisions  associated  with 

obligations  under  representations  and  warranties  may  be 

materially  impacted  if  future  experiences  are  different  from 

historical  experience  or  our  understandings,  interpretations  or 

assumptions.

46     Bank of America 2015

sponsored Enterprises

Prior  to  2009,  legacy  companies  and  certain  subsidiaries  sold 

pools of first-lien residential mortgage loans and home equity loans 

as private-label securitizations or in the form of whole loans to 

investors other than the GSEs (although the GSEs are investors 

in certain private-label securitizations). The majority of the loans 

sold were included in private-label securitizations, including third-

party sponsored transactions. We provided representations and 

warranties to the whole-loan investors and these investors may 

retain those rights even when the whole loans were aggregated 

with other collateral into private-label securitizations sponsored 

by  the  whole-loan  investors.  Such  loans  originated  from  2004 

through 2008 had an original principal balance of $970 billion, 

including $786 billion sold to private-label and whole-loan investors 

without monoline insurance. Taking into account settlements and 

the application of the statute of limitations for repurchase claims 

for  these  trusts,  we  believe  the  remaining  open  exposure  for 

repurchase  claims  exists  on  loans  with  an  original  principal 

balance of $102 billion. Of the $102 billion, $45 billion has been 

paid in full and $42 billion has defaulted or was severely delinquent 

at December 31, 2015. At least 25 payments have been made on 

approximately  62  percent  of  these  defaulted  and  severely 

delinquent  loans.  These  remaining  loans  with  open  exposure 

predominantly  relate  to  legacy  Countrywide  and  First  Franklin 

Financial Corporation originations of pay option and subprime first 

mortgages.

As  it  relates  to  private-label  securitizations,  a  contractual 

liability to repurchase mortgage loans generally arises if there is 

a  breach  of  representations  and  warranties  that  materially  and 

adversely affects the interest of the investor or all the investors 

in a securitization trust or of the monoline insurer or other financial 

guarantor (as applicable).

We  have 

received  approximately  $32.7  billion  of 

representations and warranties repurchase claims related to loans 

originated between 2004 and 2008 including $23.7 billion from 

private-label  securitization  trustees  and  a  financial  guarantee 

provider, $8.2 billion from whole-loan investors and $816 million 

from  one  private-label  securitization  counterparty.  New  private-

label claims are primarily related to repurchase requests received 

from  trustees  for  private-label  securitization  transactions  not 

included  in  the  BNY  Mellon  Settlement.  Of  the  $32.7  billion  in 

claims, we have resolved $16.0 billion of these claims with losses 

of $1.9 billion. Approximately $3.6 billion of these claims were 

resolved through repurchase or indemnification, $4.7 billion were 

rescinded  by  the  investor,  $325  million  were  resolved  through 

settlements and $7.4 billion are time-barred under the applicable 

statute of limitations and are therefore considered resolved. 

At December 31, 2015, for these vintages, the notional amount 

of  unresolved  repurchase  claims  submitted  by  private-label 

securitization trustees, whole-loan investors, including third-party 

securitization  sponsors  and  others  was  $16.7  billion.  We  have 

performed an initial review with respect to substantially all of these 

claims and although we do not believe a valid basis for repurchase 

has been established by the claimant, we consider such claims 

activity in the computation of our liability for representations and 

warranties. Until we receive a repurchase claim, we generally do 

not  review  loan  files  related  to  private-label  securitizations  and 

believe we are not required by the governing documents to do so, 

unless particular facts suggest we should review an individual loan 

file.

Estimated Range of Possible Loss
We  currently  estimate  that  the  range  of  possible  loss  for 
representations and warranties exposures could be up to $2 billion 
over existing accruals at December 31, 2015. We treat claims that 
are time-barred as resolved and do not consider such claims in 
the  estimated  range  of  possible  loss.  The  estimated  range  of 
possible  loss  reflects  principally  exposures  related  to  loans  in 
private-label  securitization  trusts.  It  represents  a  reasonably 
possible loss, but does not represent a probable loss, and is based 
on  currently  available  information,  significant  judgment  and  a 
number of assumptions that are subject to change.

For more information on the methodology used to estimate the 
representations  and  warranties  liability,  the  corresponding 
estimated  range  of  possible  loss  and  the  types  of  losses  not 
considered in such estimates, see Item 1A. Risk Factors of our 
2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Note 7 – Representations 
and  Warranties  Obligations  and  Corporate  Guarantees  to  the 
Consolidated  Financial  Statements  and,  for  more  information 
related to the sensitivity of the assumptions used to estimate our 
liability 
for  representations  and  warranties,  see  Complex 
Accounting Estimates – Representations and Warranties Liability 
on page 102.

Department of Justice Settlement
On August 20, 2014, we reached a comprehensive settlement with 
the DoJ and certain federal and state agencies (DoJ Settlement). 
As part of the DoJ Settlement, we paid civil monetary penalties 
and compensatory remediation payments in 2014. In 2014 and 
2015, we provided creditable consumer relief activities primarily 
in the form of mortgage modifications, including first-lien principal 
forgiveness and forbearance modifications and second- and junior-
lien  extinguishments, 
to  moderate-income  mortgage 
originations,  and  community  reinvestment  and  neighborhood 
stabilization  efforts,  with  initiatives  focused  on  communities 
experiencing, or at risk of, blight. Also, we have provided support 
for  the  expansion  of  available  affordable  rental  housing.  Our 
actions  are  well  ahead  of  the  DoJ  agreement  calling  for  us  to 
complete delivery of the consumer relief by no later than August 
31,  2018.  The  consumer  relief  requirements  are  subject  to 
oversight by an independent monitor.

low- 

Other Mortgage-related Matters
We continue to be subject to additional borrower and non-borrower 
litigation  and  governmental  and 
regulatory  scrutiny  and 
investigations related to our past and current origination, servicing, 
transfer  of  servicing  and  servicing  rights,  servicing  compliance 
obligations, foreclosure activities, and MI and captive reinsurance 
practices  with  mortgage  insurers.  The  ongoing  environment  of 
additional regulation, increased regulatory compliance obligations, 
and  enhanced  regulatory  enforcement,  combined  with  ongoing 
uncertainty related to the continuing evolution of the regulatory 
environment,  has 
increased  operational  and 
in 
compliance costs and may limit our ability to continue providing 
certain  products  and  services.  For  more  information  on 
management’s estimate of the aggregate range of possible loss 
and on regulatory investigations, see Note 12 – Commitments and 
Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

resulted 

Managing Risk

Overview
Risk  is  inherent  in  all  our  business  activities.  Sound  risk 
management enables us to serve our customers and deliver for 
our shareholders. If not managed well, risks can result in financial 
loss,  regulatory  sanctions  and  penalties,  and  damage  to  our 
reputation,  each  of  which  may  adversely  impact  our  ability  to 
execute  our  business  strategies.  The  Corporation  takes  a 
comprehensive approach to risk management with a defined Risk 
Framework and an articulated Risk Appetite Statement which are 
approved annually by the Enterprise Risk Committee (ERC) and 
the Corporation’s Board of Directors (the Board).

The seven types of risk faced by the Corporation are strategic, 
credit, market, liquidity, compliance, operational and reputational 
risks.

Strategic risk is the risk resulting from incorrect assumptions 
about external or internal factors, inappropriate business plans, 
ineffective business strategy execution, or failure to respond in 
a timely manner to changes in the regulatory, macroeconomic 
or competitive environments.
Credit risk is the risk of loss arising from the inability or failure 
of a borrower or counterparty to meet its obligations.
Market risk is the risk that changes in market conditions may 
adversely impact the value of assets or liabilities, or otherwise 
negatively impact earnings.
Liquidity  risk  is  the  potential  inability  to  meet  expected  or 
unexpected cash flow and collateral needs while continuing to 
support  our  business  and  customer  needs  under  a  range  of 
economic conditions.
Compliance  risk  is  the  risk  of  legal  or  regulatory  sanctions, 
material  financial  loss  or  damage  to  the  reputation  of  the 
Corporation arising from the failure of the Corporation to comply 
with the requirements of applicable laws, rules, regulations and 
related  self-regulatory  organizations’  standards  and  codes  of 
conduct.
Operational risk is the risk of loss resulting from inadequate or 
failed internal processes, people and systems, or from external 
events.
Reputational  risk  is  the  risk  that  negative  perceptions  of  the 
Corporation’s conduct or business practices will adversely affect 
its profitability or operations through an inability to establish or 
maintain existing customer/client relationships.
The  following  sections  address  in  more  detail  the  specific 
procedures, measures and analyses of the major categories of 
risk. This discussion of managing risk focuses on the 2016 Risk 
Framework  (Risk  Framework)  that,  as  part  of  its  annual  review 
process, was approved by the ERC and the Board in December 
2015.  The  key  enhancements  from  the  2015  Risk  Framework 
include further increasing the focus on our strong risk culture and 
emphasizing our risk identification practices and the involvement 
and  input  of  Front  Line  Units  (FLUs)  and  control  functions.  It 
continues to recognize the same seven key risk types as discussed 
above and our risk management approach as outlined below.

A strong risk culture is fundamental to our values and operating 
principles.  It  requires  us  to  focus  on  risk  in  all  activities  and 
encourages  the  necessary  mindset  and  behavior  to  enable 
effective risk management, and promotes sound risk-taking within 
our risk appetite. Sustaining a strong risk culture throughout the 
organization is critical to the success of the Corporation and is a 
clear  expectation  of  our  executive  management  team  and  the 
Board.

Bank of America 2015     47

Our  Risk  Framework  is  the  foundation  for  comprehensive 
management  of  the  risks  facing  the  Corporation.  The  Risk 
Framework  sets 
responsibilities  and 
accountability for the management of risk and provides a blueprint 
for how the Board, through delegation of authority to committees 
and executive officers, establishes risk appetite and associated 
limits for our activities.

forth  clear 

roles, 

Executive  management  assesses,  with  Board  oversight,  the 
risk-adjusted returns of each business. Management reviews and 
approves the strategic and financial operating plans, as well as 
the  capital  plan  and  risk  appetite  statement,  and  recommends 
them annually to the Board for approval. Our strategic plan takes 
into consideration return objectives and financial resources, which 
must align with risk capacity and risk appetite. Management sets 
financial  objectives  for  each  business  by  allocating  capital  and 
setting a target for return on capital for each business. Capital 
allocations and operating limits are regularly evaluated as part of 
our  overall  governance  processes  as  the  businesses  and  the 
economic environment in which we operate continue to evolve. For 
more  information  regarding  capital  allocations,  see  Business 
Segment Operations on page 30.

Our  Risk  Appetite  Statement  is  intended  to  ensure  that  the 
Corporation  maintains  an  acceptable  risk  profile  by  providing  a 
common framework and a comparable set of measures for senior 
management and the Board to clearly indicate the level of risk the 
Corporation  is  willing  to  accept.  Risk  appetite  is  set  at  least 
annually  in  conjunction  with  the  strategic,  capital  and  financial 
operating  plans  to  align  risk  appetite  with  the  Corporation’s 
strategy and financial resources. Our line of business strategies 
and risk appetite are also similarly aligned. For a more detailed 
discussion of our risk management activities, see the discussion 
below and pages 51 through 98. 

Our overall capacity to take risk is limited; therefore, we prioritize 
the risks we take in order to maintain a strong and flexible financial 
position so we can withstand challenging economic conditions and 
take advantage of organic growth opportunities. Therefore, we set 
objectives and targets for capital and liquidity that are intended 
to  permit  the  Corporation  to  continue  to  operate  in  a  safe  and 
sound manner at all times, including during periods of stress.

Our lines of business operate with risk limits (which may include 
credit, market and/or operational limits, as applicable) that are 
based on the amount of capital, earnings or liquidity we are willing 
to  put  at  risk  to  achieve  our  strategic  objectives  and  business 
plans.  Executive  management  is  responsible  for  tracking  and 
reporting performance measurements as well as any exceptions 
to  guidelines  or  limits.  The  Board,  and  its  committees  when 
appropriate,  oversees  financial  performance,  execution  of  the 
strategic and financial operating plans, adherence to risk appetite 
limits and the adequacy of internal controls.

Risk Management Governance
The Risk Framework describes delegations of authority whereby 
the  Board  and  its  committees  may  delegate  authority  to 
management-level  committees  or  executive  officers.  Such 
delegations may authorize certain decision-making and approval 
functions,  which  may  be  evidenced  in,  for  example,  committee 
charters, job descriptions, meeting minutes and resolutions.

The  chart  below  illustrates  the  inter-relationship  among  the 
Board, Board committees and management committees that have 
the majority of risk oversight responsibilities for the Corporation. 
This chart reflects the current Risk Framework as approved by the 
Board in December 2015.

(1) This presentation does not include committees for other legal entities. 
(2) Reports to the CEO and CFO with oversight by the Audit Committee.

Board of Directors and Board Committees
The Board, which consists of a substantial majority of independent 
directors, authorizes management to maintain an effective Risk 
Framework, and oversees compliance with safe and sound banking 
practices.  In  addition,  the  Board  or  its  committees  conduct 
appropriate inquiries of, and receive reports from management on 
risk-related  matters  to  determine  whether  there  are  scope  or 
resource limitations that impede the ability of independent risk 
its 
management  and/or  Corporate  Audit 

to  execute 

responsibilities. The following Board committees have the principal 
responsibility for enterprise-wide oversight of our risk management 
activities.  These  committees  and  other  Board  committees,  as 
applicable, regularly report to the Board on risk-related matters. 
Through these activities, the Board and applicable committees are 
provided  with  thorough  information  on  the  Corporation’s  risk 
profile,  and  challenge  executive  management  to  appropriately 
address key risks facing the Corporation. Other Board committees 
as described below provide additional oversight of specific risks.

48     Bank of America 2015

Our  Risk  Framework  is  the  foundation  for  comprehensive 

Our overall capacity to take risk is limited; therefore, we prioritize 

management  of  the  risks  facing  the  Corporation.  The  Risk 

the risks we take in order to maintain a strong and flexible financial 

Framework  sets 

forth  clear 

roles, 

responsibilities  and 

position so we can withstand challenging economic conditions and 

accountability for the management of risk and provides a blueprint 

take advantage of organic growth opportunities. Therefore, we set 

for how the Board, through delegation of authority to committees 

objectives and targets for capital and liquidity that are intended 

and executive officers, establishes risk appetite and associated 

to  permit  the  Corporation  to  continue  to  operate  in  a  safe  and 

limits for our activities.

sound manner at all times, including during periods of stress.

Executive  management  assesses,  with  Board  oversight,  the 

Our lines of business operate with risk limits (which may include 

risk-adjusted returns of each business. Management reviews and 

credit, market and/or operational limits, as applicable) that are 

approves the strategic and financial operating plans, as well as 

based on the amount of capital, earnings or liquidity we are willing 

the  capital  plan  and  risk  appetite  statement,  and  recommends 

to  put  at  risk  to  achieve  our  strategic  objectives  and  business 

them annually to the Board for approval. Our strategic plan takes 

plans.  Executive  management  is  responsible  for  tracking  and 

into consideration return objectives and financial resources, which 

reporting performance measurements as well as any exceptions 

must align with risk capacity and risk appetite. Management sets 

to  guidelines  or  limits.  The  Board,  and  its  committees  when 

financial  objectives  for  each  business  by  allocating  capital  and 

appropriate,  oversees  financial  performance,  execution  of  the 

setting a target for return on capital for each business. Capital 

strategic and financial operating plans, adherence to risk appetite 

allocations and operating limits are regularly evaluated as part of 

limits and the adequacy of internal controls.

our  overall  governance  processes  as  the  businesses  and  the 

economic environment in which we operate continue to evolve. For 

more  information  regarding  capital  allocations,  see  Business 

Segment Operations on page 30.

Our  Risk  Appetite  Statement  is  intended  to  ensure  that  the 

Corporation  maintains  an  acceptable  risk  profile  by  providing  a 

common framework and a comparable set of measures for senior 

management and the Board to clearly indicate the level of risk the 

Corporation  is  willing  to  accept.  Risk  appetite  is  set  at  least 

annually  in  conjunction  with  the  strategic,  capital  and  financial 

operating  plans  to  align  risk  appetite  with  the  Corporation’s 

strategy and financial resources. Our line of business strategies 

and risk appetite are also similarly aligned. For a more detailed 

discussion of our risk management activities, see the discussion 

below and pages 51 through 98. 

Risk Management Governance

The Risk Framework describes delegations of authority whereby 

the  Board  and  its  committees  may  delegate  authority  to 

management-level  committees  or  executive  officers.  Such 

delegations may authorize certain decision-making and approval 

functions,  which  may  be  evidenced  in,  for  example,  committee 

charters, job descriptions, meeting minutes and resolutions.

The  chart  below  illustrates  the  inter-relationship  among  the 

Board, Board committees and management committees that have 

the majority of risk oversight responsibilities for the Corporation. 

This chart reflects the current Risk Framework as approved by the 

Board in December 2015.

Each of the committees shown on the above chart regularly 
reports to the Board on risk-related matters within the committee’s 
responsibilities, which is intended to collectively provide the Board 
with  integrated,  thorough  insight  about  our  management  of 
enterprise-wide risks.

Enterprise Risk Committee 
The Enterprise Risk Committee (ERC) has primary responsibility 
for oversight of the Risk Framework and material risks facing the 
Corporation. It approves the Risk Framework and the Risk Appetite 
Statement and further recommends these documents to the Board 
for  approval.  The  ERC  oversees  senior  management’s 
responsibilities  for  the  identification,  measurement,  monitoring 
and control of all key risks facing the Corporation. The ERC may 
consult with other Board committees on risk-related matters.

Audit Committee
The Audit Committee oversees the qualifications, performance and 
independence of the Independent Registered Public Accounting 
Firm,  the  performance  of  the  Corporation’s  corporate  audit 
function, the integrity of the Corporation’s consolidated financial 
statements,  compliance  by  the  Corporation  with  legal  and 
regulatory requirements, and makes inquiries of management or 
the Corporate General Auditor (CGA) to determine whether there 
are  scope  or  resource  limitations  that  impede  the  ability  of 
Corporate  Audit  to  execute  its  responsibilities.  The  Audit 
Committee  is  also  responsible  for  overseeing  compliance  risk 
pursuant to the New York Stock Exchange listing standards.

responsibilities 

Credit Committee 
The  Credit  Committee  provides  additional  oversight  of  senior 
identification  and 
management’s 
management  of  Corporation-wide  credit  exposures.  Our  Credit 
Committee oversees, among other things, the identification and 
management of our credit exposures on an enterprise-wide basis, 
our responses to trends affecting those exposures, the adequacy 
of the allowance for credit losses and our credit-related policies.

the 

for 

(1) This presentation does not include committees for other legal entities. 

(2) Reports to the CEO and CFO with oversight by the Audit Committee.

Board of Directors and Board Committees

The Board, which consists of a substantial majority of independent 

directors, authorizes management to maintain an effective Risk 

Framework, and oversees compliance with safe and sound banking 

practices.  In  addition,  the  Board  or  its  committees  conduct 

appropriate inquiries of, and receive reports from management on 

risk-related  matters  to  determine  whether  there  are  scope  or 

resource limitations that impede the ability of independent risk 

management  and/or  Corporate  Audit 

to  execute 

its 

responsibilities. The following Board committees have the principal 

responsibility for enterprise-wide oversight of our risk management 

activities.  These  committees  and  other  Board  committees,  as 

applicable, regularly report to the Board on risk-related matters. 

Through these activities, the Board and applicable committees are 

provided  with  thorough  information  on  the  Corporation’s  risk 

profile,  and  challenge  executive  management  to  appropriately 

address key risks facing the Corporation. Other Board committees 

as described below provide additional oversight of specific risks.

Other Board Committees
Our  Corporate  Governance  Committee  oversees  our  Board’s 
governance processes, identifies and reviews the qualifications of 
potential Board members, recommends nominees for election to 
our  Board,  recommends  committee  appointments  for  Board 
approval and reviews our stockholder engagement activities.

Our  Compensation  and  Benefits  Committee  oversees 
establishing,  maintaining  and  administering  our  compensation 
programs  and  employee  benefit  plans,  including  approving  and 
recommending our Chief Executive Officer’s (CEO) compensation 
to our Board for further approval by all independent directors, and 
reviewing  and  approving  all  of  our  executive  officers’ 
compensation.

Management Committees
Management  committees  may  receive  their  authority  from  the 
Board,  a  Board  committee,  another  management  committee  or 
from one or more executive officers. The primary management-
level risk committee for the Corporation is the Management Risk 
Committee  (MRC).  Subject  to  Board  oversight,  the  MRC  is 
responsible for management oversight of all key risks facing the 
Corporation.  The  MRC  provides  management  oversight  of  the 

Corporation’s compliance and operational risk programs, balance 
sheet  and  capital  management,  funding  activities  and  other 
liquidity activities, stress testing, trading activities, recovery and 
resolution  planning,  model  risk,  subsidiary  governance  and 
activities  between  member  banks  and  their  nonbank  affiliates 
pursuant to Federal Reserve rules and regulations. The MRC is 
responsible for holistic risk management, including an integrated 
evaluation of risk, earnings, capital and liquidity, and it reports on 
these matters to the Board or Board committees.

Lines of Defense
In addition to the role of Executive Officers in managing risk, we 
have clear ownership and accountability across the three lines of 
defense:  FLUs,  independent  risk  management  and  Corporate 
Audit. The Corporation also has control functions outside of FLUs 
and independent risk management (e.g., Legal and Global Human 
Resources).  The  three  lines  of  defense  are  integrated  into  our 
management-level  governance  structure.  Each  of  these  is 
described in more detail below.

Executive Officers
Executive  officers  lead  various  functions  representing  the 
functional roles. Authority for functional roles may be delegated 
to  executive  officers  from  the  Board,  Board  committees  or 
management-level  committees.  Executive  officers,  in  turn,  may 
further delegate responsibilities, as appropriate, to management-
level committees, management routines or individuals. Executive 
officers review the Corporation’s activities for consistency with our 
Risk  Framework,  Risk  Appetite  Statement,  and  applicable 
strategic,  capital  and  financial  operating  plans,  as  well  as 
applicable  policies,  standards,  procedures  and  processes. 
Executive  officers  and  other  employees  make  decisions 
individually on a day-to-day basis, consistent with the authority they 
have been delegated. Executive officers and other employees may 
also serve on committees and participate in committee decisions.

Front Line Units
FLUs include the lines of business and an organizational unit, the 
Global  Technology  and  Operations  Group.  FLUs  are  held 
accountable by the CEO and the Board for appropriately assessing 
and  effectively  managing  all  of  the  risks  associated  with  their 
activities. 

Three organizational units that include FLU and control function 
activities, but are not part of independent risk management are 
the  Chief  Financial  Officer  (CFO)  Group,  Global  Marketing  and 
Corporate  Affairs  (GM&CA)  and  the  Chief  Administrative  Officer 
(CAO) Group.

Independent Risk Management
Independent risk management (IRM) is part of our control functions 
and  includes  Global  Risk  Management  and  Global  Compliance. 
We have other control functions that are not part of IRM (other 
control  functions  may  also  provide  oversight  to  FLU  activities), 
including Legal, Global Human Resources and certain activities 
within the CFO Group, GM&CA and the CAO Group. IRM, led by the 
Chief  Risk  Officer  (CRO),  is  responsible  for  independently 
assessing  and  overseeing  risks  within  FLUs  and  other  control 
functions.  IRM  establishes  written  enterprise  policies  and 
procedures 
limits  where 
include  concentration 
appropriate. Such policies and procedures outline how aggregate 
risks are identified, measured, monitored and controlled.

that 

risk 

48     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     49

The CRO has the authority and independence to develop and 
implement a meaningful risk management framework. The CRO 
has unrestricted access to the Board and reports directly to both 
the ERC and to the CEO. Global Risk Management is organized 
into  enterprise  risk  teams  and  FLU  risk  teams  that  work 
collaboratively in executing their respective duties.

Within  IRM,  Global  Compliance  independently  assesses 
compliance risk, and evaluates adherence to applicable laws, rules 
and regulations, including identifying compliance issues and risks, 
performing monitoring and testing, and reporting on the state of 
compliance activities across the Corporation. Additionally, Global 
Compliance works with FLUs and control functions so that day-to-
day activities operate in a compliant manner.

Corporate Audit
Corporate Audit and the CGA maintain their independence from 
the FLUs, IRM and other control functions by reporting directly to 
the  Audit  Committee  or  the  Board.  The  CGA  administratively 
reports  to  the  CEO.  Corporate  Audit  provides  independent 
assessment and validation through testing of key processes and 
controls across the Corporation. Corporate Audit includes Credit 
Review which periodically tests and examines credit portfolios and 
processes.

Risk Management Processes
The  Risk  Framework  requires  that  strong  risk  management 
practices  are  integrated  in  key  strategic,  capital  and  financial 
planning processes and day-to-day business processes across the 
Corporation,  with  a  goal  of  ensuring  risks  are  appropriately 
considered, evaluated and responded to in a timely manner.

We employ a risk management process, referred to as Identify, 
Measure, Monitor and Control (IMMC) as part of our daily activities.

Identify – To be effectively managed, risks must be clearly defined 
and proactively identified. Proper risk identification focuses on 
recognizing  and  understanding  all  key  risks  inherent  in  our 
business activities or key risks that may arise from external 
factors. Each employee is expected to identify and escalate 
risks  promptly.  Risk  identification  is  an  ongoing  process, 
incorporating input from FLUs and control functions, designed 
to be forward looking and capture relevant risk factors across 
all of our lines of business. 

Measure  –  Once  a  risk  is  identified,  it  must  be  prioritized  and 
accurately measured through a systematic risk quantification 
process  including  quantitative  and  qualitative  components. 
Risk is measured at various levels including, but not limited 
to, risk type, FLU, legal entity and on an aggregate basis. This 
risk quantification process helps to capture changes in our risk 
profile due to changes in strategic direction, concentrations, 
portfolio quality and the overall economic environment. Senior 
management considers how risk exposures might evolve under 
a variety of stress scenarios. 

Monitor – We monitor risk levels regularly to track adherence to 
risk appetite, policies, standards, procedures and processes. 
We  also  regularly  update  risk  assessments  and  review  risk 
exposures. Through our monitoring, we can determine our level 
of risk relative to limits and can take action in a timely manner. 
We also can determine when risk limits are breached and have 
processes  to  appropriately  report  and  escalate  exceptions. 
This includes immediate requests for approval to managers 
and  alerts  to  executive  management,  management-level 

50     Bank of America 2015

committees or the Board (directly or through an appropriate 
committee).

Control – We establish and communicate risk limits and controls 
through  policies,  standards,  procedures  and  processes  that 
define  the  responsibilities  and  authority  for  risk-taking.  The 
limits  and  controls  can  be  adjusted  by  the  Board  or 
management  when  conditions  or  risk  tolerances  warrant. 
These  limits  may  be  absolute  (e.g.,  loan  amount,  trading 
volume) or relative (e.g., percentage of loan book in higher-risk 
categories).  Our  lines  of  business  are  held  accountable  to 
perform within the established limits.

Among the key tools in the risk management process are the 
Risk and Control Self Assessments (RCSAs). The RCSA process, 
consistent with IMMC, is one of our primary methods for capturing 
the identification and assessment of operational risk exposures, 
including inherent and residual operational risk ratings, and control 
effectiveness ratings. The end-to-end RCSA process incorporates 
risk  identification  and  assessment  of  the  control  environment; 
monitoring, reporting and escalating risk; quality assurance and 
data validation; and integration with the risk appetite. This results 
in  a  comprehensive  risk  management  view  that  enables 
understanding of and action on operational risks and controls for 
our processes, products, activities and systems.

The formal processes used to manage risk represent a part of 
our overall risk management process. Corporate culture and the 
actions  of  our  employees  are  also  critical  to  effective  risk 
management. Through our Code of Conduct, we set a high standard 
for our employees. The Code of Conduct provides a framework for 
all  of  our  employees  to  conduct  themselves  with  the  highest 
integrity. We instill a strong and comprehensive risk management 
culture  through  communications,  training,  policies,  procedures, 
and  organizational  roles  and  responsibilities.  Additionally,  we 
continue to strengthen the link between the employee performance 
management process and individual compensation to encourage 
employees to work toward enterprise-wide risk goals.

Corporation-wide Stress Testing
Integral to the Corporation’s Capital Planning, Financial Planning 
and  Strategic  Planning  processes  is  stress  testing,  which  the 
Corporation  conducts  on  a  periodic  basis  to  better  understand 
balance  sheet,  earnings,  capital  and  liquidity  sensitivities  to 
certain economic and business scenarios, including economic and 
market conditions that are more severe than anticipated. These 
stress  tests  provide  an  understanding  of  the  potential  impacts 
from the Corporation’s risk profile on the balance sheet, earnings, 
capital  and  liquidity,  and  serve  as  a  key  component  of  the 
Corporation’s capital and risk management. The intent of stress 
testing is to develop a comprehensive understanding of potential 
impacts of on- and off-balance sheet risks at the Corporation and 
how they impact financial resiliency. 

Contingency Planning Routines
We  have  developed  and  maintain  contingency  plans  that  are 
designed  to  prepare  us  in  advance  to  respond  in  the  event  of 
potential  adverse  outcomes  and  scenarios.  These  contingency 
planning  routines  include  capital  contingency  planning,  liquidity 
contingency  funding  plans,  recovery  planning  and  enterprise 
resiliency,  and  provide  monitoring,  escalation  routines  and 
response  plans.  Contingency  response  plans  are  designed  to 
enable us to increase capital, access funding sources and reduce 

The CRO has the authority and independence to develop and 

committees or the Board (directly or through an appropriate 

implement a meaningful risk management framework. The CRO 

committee).

has unrestricted access to the Board and reports directly to both 

Control – We establish and communicate risk limits and controls 

the ERC and to the CEO. Global Risk Management is organized 

through  policies,  standards,  procedures  and  processes  that 

into  enterprise  risk  teams  and  FLU  risk  teams  that  work 

define  the  responsibilities  and  authority  for  risk-taking.  The 

collaboratively in executing their respective duties.

limits  and  controls  can  be  adjusted  by  the  Board  or 

Within  IRM,  Global  Compliance  independently  assesses 

management  when  conditions  or  risk  tolerances  warrant. 

compliance risk, and evaluates adherence to applicable laws, rules 

These  limits  may  be  absolute  (e.g.,  loan  amount,  trading 

and regulations, including identifying compliance issues and risks, 

volume) or relative (e.g., percentage of loan book in higher-risk 

performing monitoring and testing, and reporting on the state of 

categories).  Our  lines  of  business  are  held  accountable  to 

compliance activities across the Corporation. Additionally, Global 

perform within the established limits.

Compliance works with FLUs and control functions so that day-to-

day activities operate in a compliant manner.

Corporate Audit

Corporate Audit and the CGA maintain their independence from 

the FLUs, IRM and other control functions by reporting directly to 

the  Audit  Committee  or  the  Board.  The  CGA  administratively 

reports  to  the  CEO.  Corporate  Audit  provides  independent 

assessment and validation through testing of key processes and 

controls across the Corporation. Corporate Audit includes Credit 

Review which periodically tests and examines credit portfolios and 

processes.

Risk Management Processes

The  Risk  Framework  requires  that  strong  risk  management 

practices  are  integrated  in  key  strategic,  capital  and  financial 

planning processes and day-to-day business processes across the 

Corporation,  with  a  goal  of  ensuring  risks  are  appropriately 

considered, evaluated and responded to in a timely manner.

We employ a risk management process, referred to as Identify, 

Measure, Monitor and Control (IMMC) as part of our daily activities.

Identify – To be effectively managed, risks must be clearly defined 

and proactively identified. Proper risk identification focuses on 

recognizing  and  understanding  all  key  risks  inherent  in  our 

business activities or key risks that may arise from external 

factors. Each employee is expected to identify and escalate 

risks  promptly.  Risk  identification  is  an  ongoing  process, 

incorporating input from FLUs and control functions, designed 

to be forward looking and capture relevant risk factors across 

all of our lines of business. 

Measure  –  Once  a  risk  is  identified,  it  must  be  prioritized  and 

accurately measured through a systematic risk quantification 

process  including  quantitative  and  qualitative  components. 

Risk is measured at various levels including, but not limited 

to, risk type, FLU, legal entity and on an aggregate basis. This 

risk quantification process helps to capture changes in our risk 

profile due to changes in strategic direction, concentrations, 

portfolio quality and the overall economic environment. Senior 

management considers how risk exposures might evolve under 

a variety of stress scenarios. 

Among the key tools in the risk management process are the 

Risk and Control Self Assessments (RCSAs). The RCSA process, 

consistent with IMMC, is one of our primary methods for capturing 

the identification and assessment of operational risk exposures, 

including inherent and residual operational risk ratings, and control 

effectiveness ratings. The end-to-end RCSA process incorporates 

risk  identification  and  assessment  of  the  control  environment; 

monitoring, reporting and escalating risk; quality assurance and 

data validation; and integration with the risk appetite. This results 

in  a  comprehensive  risk  management  view  that  enables 

understanding of and action on operational risks and controls for 

our processes, products, activities and systems.

The formal processes used to manage risk represent a part of 

our overall risk management process. Corporate culture and the 

actions  of  our  employees  are  also  critical  to  effective  risk 

management. Through our Code of Conduct, we set a high standard 

for our employees. The Code of Conduct provides a framework for 

all  of  our  employees  to  conduct  themselves  with  the  highest 

integrity. We instill a strong and comprehensive risk management 

culture  through  communications,  training,  policies,  procedures, 

and  organizational  roles  and  responsibilities.  Additionally,  we 

continue to strengthen the link between the employee performance 

management process and individual compensation to encourage 

employees to work toward enterprise-wide risk goals.

Corporation-wide Stress Testing

Integral to the Corporation’s Capital Planning, Financial Planning 

and  Strategic  Planning  processes  is  stress  testing,  which  the 

Corporation  conducts  on  a  periodic  basis  to  better  understand 

balance  sheet,  earnings,  capital  and  liquidity  sensitivities  to 

certain economic and business scenarios, including economic and 

market conditions that are more severe than anticipated. These 

stress  tests  provide  an  understanding  of  the  potential  impacts 

from the Corporation’s risk profile on the balance sheet, earnings, 

capital  and  liquidity,  and  serve  as  a  key  component  of  the 

Corporation’s capital and risk management. The intent of stress 

testing is to develop a comprehensive understanding of potential 

impacts of on- and off-balance sheet risks at the Corporation and 

how they impact financial resiliency. 

Monitor – We monitor risk levels regularly to track adherence to 

Contingency Planning Routines

risk appetite, policies, standards, procedures and processes. 

We  also  regularly  update  risk  assessments  and  review  risk 

exposures. Through our monitoring, we can determine our level 

of risk relative to limits and can take action in a timely manner. 

We also can determine when risk limits are breached and have 

processes  to  appropriately  report  and  escalate  exceptions. 

This includes immediate requests for approval to managers 

and  alerts  to  executive  management,  management-level 

We  have  developed  and  maintain  contingency  plans  that  are 

designed  to  prepare  us  in  advance  to  respond  in  the  event  of 

potential  adverse  outcomes  and  scenarios.  These  contingency 

planning  routines  include  capital  contingency  planning,  liquidity 

contingency  funding  plans,  recovery  planning  and  enterprise 

resiliency,  and  provide  monitoring,  escalation  routines  and 

response  plans.  Contingency  response  plans  are  designed  to 

enable us to increase capital, access funding sources and reduce 

50     Bank of America 2015

risk through consideration of potential actions that include asset 
sales, business sales, capital or debt issuances, and other de-
risking strategies. We also maintain contingency plans as part of 
our resolution plan to limit adverse systemic impacts that could 
be associated with a potential resolution.

Strategic Risk Management
Strategic risk is embedded in every business and is one of the 
major  risk  categories  along  with  credit,  market,  liquidity, 
compliance, operational and reputational risks. It is the risk that 
results from incorrect assumptions, inappropriate business plans, 
ineffective business strategy execution, or failure to respond in a 
timely  manner  to  changes  in  the  regulatory,  macroeconomic  or 
competitive environments, in the geographic locations in which we 
operate,  such  as  competitor  actions,  changing  customer 
preferences, product obsolescence and technology developments. 
Our  strategic  plan  is  consistent  with  our  risk  appetite  and 
specifically addresses strategic risks.

The strategic plan is reviewed and approved annually by the 
Board,  as  is  the  capital  plan,  financial  operating  plan  and  risk 
appetite  statement.  With  oversight  by  the  Board,  executive 
management ensures that consistency is applied while executing 
the Corporation’s strategic plan, core operating principles and risk 
appetite. The executive management team continuously monitors 
business performance throughout the year to assess strategic risk 
and  find  early  warning  signals  so  that  risks  can  be  proactively 
managed. Executive management regularly reviews performance 
versus the plan, updates the Board via quarterly reporting routines 
(and  more  frequently  as  relevant)  and  implements  changes  as 
deemed appropriate. The following  are  assessed  in  the regular 
executive reviews: forecasted earnings and returns on capital, the 
current  risk  profile,  current  capital  and  liquidity  requirements, 
staffing levels and changes required to support the plan, stress 
testing results, and other qualitative factors such as market growth 
rates and peer analysis. 

Significant strategic actions, such as capital actions, material 
acquisitions or divestitures, and recovery and resolution plans are 
reviewed and approved by the Board as required. At the business 
level, as we introduce new products, we monitor their performance 
relative to expectations (e.g., for earnings and returns on capital). 
With oversight by the Board and the ERC, executive management 
performs  similar  analyses  throughout  the  year,  and  evaluates 
changes to the financial forecast or the risk, capital or liquidity 
positions  as  deemed  appropriate  to  balance  and  optimize 
achieving  the  targeted  risk  appetite,  shareholder  returns  and 
maintaining the targeted financial strength.

We use proprietary models to measure the capital requirements 
for  credit,  country,  market,  operational  and  strategic  risks.  The 
allocated capital assigned to each business is based on its unique 
risk  exposures.  With  oversight  by 
the  Board,  executive 
management assesses the risk-adjusted returns of each business 
in  approving  strategic  and  financial  operating  plans.  The 
businesses use allocated capital to define business strategies, 
and price products and transactions. For more information on how 
this measure is calculated, see Supplemental Financial Data on 
page 28.

Capital Management
The Corporation manages its capital position to maintain sufficient 
capital to support its business activities and to maintain capital, 
risk and risk appetite commensurate with one another. Additionally, 
we seek to maintain safety and soundness at all times, even under 
adverse  scenarios, 
take  advantage  of  organic  growth 
opportunities,  maintain  ready  access  to  financial  markets, 
continue  to  serve  as  a  credit  intermediary,  remain  a  source  of 
strength  for  our  subsidiaries,  and  satisfy  current  and  future 
regulatory capital requirements. Capital management is integrated 
into  our  risk  and  governance  processes,  as  capital  is  a  key 
consideration  in  the  development  of  our  strategic  plan,  risk 
appetite and risk limits. 

We conduct an Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process 
(ICAAP)  on  a  periodic  basis.  The  ICAAP  is  a  forward-looking 
assessment  of  our  projected  capital  needs  and  resources, 
incorporating  earnings,  balance  sheet  and  risk  forecasts  under 
baseline and adverse economic and market conditions. We utilize 
periodic  stress  tests  to  assess  the  potential  impacts  to  our 
balance sheet, earnings, regulatory capital and liquidity under a 
variety  of  stress  scenarios.  We  perform  qualitative  risk 
assessments  to  identify  and  assess  material  risks  not  fully 
captured in our forecasts or stress tests. We assess the potential 
capital  impacts  of  proposed  changes  to  regulatory  capital 
requirements. Management assesses ICAAP results and provides 
documented quarterly assessments of the adequacy of our capital 
guidelines and capital position to the Board or its committees.

The  Corporation  periodically  reviews  capital  allocated  to  its 
businesses and allocates capital annually during the strategic and 
capital  planning  processes.  For  additional  information,  see 
Business Segment Operations on page 30.

CCAR and Capital Planning
The Federal Reserve requires BHCs to submit a capital plan and 
requests for capital actions on an annual basis, consistent with 
the rules governing the CCAR capital plan.

In January 2015, we submitted our 2015 CCAR capital plan 
and  related  supervisory  stress  tests.  The  requested  capital 
actions included a request to repurchase $4.0 billion of common 
stock over five quarters beginning in the second quarter of 2015, 
and to maintain the quarterly common stock dividend at the current 
rate of $0.05 per share. On March 11, 2015, the Federal Reserve 
advised that it did not object to our 2015 capital plan but gave a 
conditional  non-objection  under  which  we  were  required  to 
resubmit our CCAR capital plan and address certain weaknesses 
the Federal Reserve identified in our capital planning process. We 
have established plans and taken actions which addressed the 
identified weaknesses, and we resubmitted our CCAR capital plan 
on  September  30,  2015.  The  Federal  Reserve  announced  on 
December 10, 2015 that it did not object to our resubmitted CCAR 
capital plan.

As of December 31, 2015, in connection with our 2015 CCAR 
capital plan, we have repurchased approximately $2.4 billion of 
common stock. The timing and amount of additional common stock 
repurchases  and  common  stock  dividends  will  continue  to  be 
consistent with our 2015 CCAR capital plan. In addition, the timing 
and  amount  of  common  stock  repurchases  will  be  subject  to 
various  factors,  including  the  Corporation’s  capital  position, 
liquidity,  financial  performance  and  alternative  uses  of  capital, 
stock trading price, and general market conditions, and may be 
suspended at any time. The common stock repurchases may be 

Bank of America 2015     51

effected through open market purchases or privately negotiated 
transactions, 
including  repurchase  plans  that  satisfy  the 
conditions of Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Regulatory Capital
As  a  financial  services  holding  company,  we  are  subject  to 
regulatory  capital  rules  issued  by  U.S.  banking  regulators.  On 
January 1, 2014, we became subject to Basel 3, which includes 
certain  transition  provisions  through  January  1,  2019.  The 
Corporation  and  its  primary  affiliated  banking  entity,  BANA,  are 
Advanced approaches institutions under Basel 3. 

Basel 3 Overview
Basel  3  updated  the  composition  of  capital  and  established  a 
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio. Common equity tier 1 capital 
primarily 
includes  common  stock,  retained  earnings  and 
accumulated  OCI.  Basel  3  revised  minimum  capital  ratios  and 
buffer requirements, added a SLR, and addressed the adequately 
capitalized  minimum  requirements  under  the  PCA  framework. 
Finally,  Basel  3  established  two  methods  of  calculating  risk-
weighted assets, the Standardized approach and the Advanced 
approaches. For additional information, see Capital Management 
–  Standardized  Approach  and  Capital  Management  –  Advanced 
Approaches on page 53.

As an Advanced approaches institution, under Basel 3, we were 
required  to  complete  a  qualification  period  (parallel  run)  to 
demonstrate compliance with the Basel 3 Advanced approaches 
to the satisfaction of U.S. banking regulators. We received approval 
to  begin  using  the  Advanced  approaches  capital  framework  to 
determine risk-based capital requirements in the fourth quarter of 
2015. As previously disclosed, with the approval to exit parallel 
run, U.S. banking regulators requested modifications to certain 

including 

the  wholesale 

(e.g., 
internal  analytical  models 
commercial)  credit  models.  All  requested  modifications  were 
incorporated, which increased our risk-weighted assets, and are 
reflected in the risk-based ratios in the fourth quarter of 2015. 
Having exited parallel run on October 1, 2015, we are required to 
report regulatory risk-based capital ratios and risk-weighted assets 
under  both  the  Standardized  and  Advanced  approaches.  The 
approach  that  yields  the  lower  ratio  is  used  to  assess  capital 
adequacy  including  under  the  PCA  framework,  and  was  the 
Advanced approaches in the fourth quarter of 2015. Prior to the 
fourth  quarter  of  2015,  we  were  required  to  report  our  capital 
adequacy under the Standardized approach only.

Regulatory Capital Composition
Basel  3  requires  certain  deductions  from  and  adjustments  to 
capital, which are primarily those related to MSRs, deferred tax 
assets and defined benefit pension assets. Also, any assets that 
are a direct deduction from the computation of capital are excluded 
from  risk-weighted  assets  and  adjusted  average  total  assets. 
Basel 3 also provides for the inclusion in capital of net unrealized 
gains  and  losses  on  AFS  debt  and  certain  marketable  equity 
securities  recorded  in  accumulated  OCI.  These  changes  are 
impacted by, among other factors, fluctuations in interest rates, 
earnings  performance  and  corporate  actions.  Under  Basel  3 
regulatory  capital 
the 
composition of regulatory capital are generally recognized in 20 
percent  annual  increments,  and  will  be  fully  recognized  as  of 
January 1, 2018. 

transition  provisions,  changes 

to 

Table 12 summarizes how certain regulatory capital deductions 
and  adjustments  have  been  or  will  be  transitioned  from  2014 
through 2018 for Common equity tier 1 and Tier 1 capital.

Table 12  Summary of Certain Basel 3 Regulatory Capital Transition Provisions

Beginning on January 1 of each year
Common equity tier 1 capital

2014 

2015 

2016 

2017 

2018

Percent of total amount deducted from Common equity tier 1 capital includes: 

20% 

40% 

60% 

80% 

100%

Deferred tax assets arising from net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards; intangibles, other than mortgage servicing rights and goodwill; defined benefit pension 
fund net assets; net unrealized cumulative gains (losses) related to changes in own credit risk on liabilities, including derivatives, measured at fair value; direct and 
indirect investments in our own Common equity tier 1 capital instruments; certain amounts exceeding the threshold by 10 percent individually and 15 percent in 
aggregate

Percent of total amount used to adjust Common equity tier 1 capital includes (1):  

80% 

60% 

40% 

20% 

0%

Net unrealized gains (losses) on AFS debt and certain  marketable equity securities recorded in accumulated OCI; employee benefit plan adjustments recorded in 

accumulated OCI

Tier 1 capital

Percent of total amount deducted from Tier 1 capital includes: 

80% 

60% 

40% 

20% 

0%

Deferred tax assets arising from net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards; defined benefit pension fund net assets; net unrealized cumulative gains (losses) 

related to changes in own credit risk on liabilities, including derivatives, measured at fair value

(1)  Represents the phase-out percentage of the exclusion by year (e.g., 40 percent of net unrealized gains (losses) on AFS debt and certain marketable equity securities recorded in accumulated OCI 

was included in 2015).

Additionally, Basel 3 revised the regulatory capital treatment 
for Trust Securities, requiring them to be transitioned from Tier 1 
capital into Tier 2 capital in 2014 and 2015, until fully excluded 
from Tier 1 capital in 2016, and transitioned from Tier 2 capital 
beginning  in  2016  with  the  full  exclusion  in  2022.  As  of 
December 31,  2015,  our  qualifying  Trust  Securities  were  $1.4 
billion, approximately nine bps of the Tier 1 capital ratio.

Minimum Capital Requirements
Minimum  capital  requirements  and  related  buffers  are  being 
phased in from January 1, 2014 through January 1, 2019. Effective 
January 1, 2015, the PCA framework was also amended to reflect 
the  requirements  of  Basel  3.  The  PCA  framework  establishes 
categories of capitalization, including “well capitalized,” based on 
regulatory ratio requirements. U.S. banking regulators are required 
to take certain mandatory actions depending on the category of 
capitalization,  with  no  mandatory  actions  required  for  “well-
capitalized”  banking  organizations,  which  included  BANA  at 

52     Bank of America 2015

effected through open market purchases or privately negotiated 

internal  analytical  models 

including 

the  wholesale 

(e.g., 

transactions, 

including  repurchase  plans  that  satisfy  the 

commercial)  credit  models.  All  requested  modifications  were 

conditions of Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

incorporated, which increased our risk-weighted assets, and are 

Regulatory Capital

As  a  financial  services  holding  company,  we  are  subject  to 

regulatory  capital  rules  issued  by  U.S.  banking  regulators.  On 

January 1, 2014, we became subject to Basel 3, which includes 

certain  transition  provisions  through  January  1,  2019.  The 

Corporation  and  its  primary  affiliated  banking  entity,  BANA,  are 

Advanced approaches institutions under Basel 3. 

Basel 3 Overview

Basel  3  updated  the  composition  of  capital  and  established  a 

Common equity tier 1 capital ratio. Common equity tier 1 capital 

primarily 

includes  common  stock,  retained  earnings  and 

accumulated  OCI.  Basel  3  revised  minimum  capital  ratios  and 

buffer requirements, added a SLR, and addressed the adequately 

capitalized  minimum  requirements  under  the  PCA  framework. 

Finally,  Basel  3  established  two  methods  of  calculating  risk-

weighted assets, the Standardized approach and the Advanced 

approaches. For additional information, see Capital Management 

–  Standardized  Approach  and  Capital  Management  –  Advanced 

Approaches on page 53.

As an Advanced approaches institution, under Basel 3, we were 

required  to  complete  a  qualification  period  (parallel  run)  to 

demonstrate compliance with the Basel 3 Advanced approaches 

to the satisfaction of U.S. banking regulators. We received approval 

to  begin  using  the  Advanced  approaches  capital  framework  to 

determine risk-based capital requirements in the fourth quarter of 

2015. As previously disclosed, with the approval to exit parallel 

run, U.S. banking regulators requested modifications to certain 

reflected in the risk-based ratios in the fourth quarter of 2015. 

Having exited parallel run on October 1, 2015, we are required to 

report regulatory risk-based capital ratios and risk-weighted assets 

under  both  the  Standardized  and  Advanced  approaches.  The 

approach  that  yields  the  lower  ratio  is  used  to  assess  capital 

adequacy  including  under  the  PCA  framework,  and  was  the 

Advanced approaches in the fourth quarter of 2015. Prior to the 

fourth  quarter  of  2015,  we  were  required  to  report  our  capital 

adequacy under the Standardized approach only.

Regulatory Capital Composition

Basel  3  requires  certain  deductions  from  and  adjustments  to 

capital, which are primarily those related to MSRs, deferred tax 

assets and defined benefit pension assets. Also, any assets that 

are a direct deduction from the computation of capital are excluded 

from  risk-weighted  assets  and  adjusted  average  total  assets. 

Basel 3 also provides for the inclusion in capital of net unrealized 

gains  and  losses  on  AFS  debt  and  certain  marketable  equity 

securities  recorded  in  accumulated  OCI.  These  changes  are 

impacted by, among other factors, fluctuations in interest rates, 

earnings  performance  and  corporate  actions.  Under  Basel  3 

regulatory  capital 

transition  provisions,  changes 

to 

the 

composition of regulatory capital are generally recognized in 20 

percent  annual  increments,  and  will  be  fully  recognized  as  of 

January 1, 2018. 

Table 12 summarizes how certain regulatory capital deductions 

and  adjustments  have  been  or  will  be  transitioned  from  2014 

through 2018 for Common equity tier 1 and Tier 1 capital.

Table 12  Summary of Certain Basel 3 Regulatory Capital Transition Provisions

Beginning on January 1 of each year

Common equity tier 1 capital

2014 

2015 

2016 

2017 

2018

Percent of total amount deducted from Common equity tier 1 capital includes: 

20% 

40% 

60% 

80% 

100%

Deferred tax assets arising from net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards; intangibles, other than mortgage servicing rights and goodwill; defined benefit pension 

fund net assets; net unrealized cumulative gains (losses) related to changes in own credit risk on liabilities, including derivatives, measured at fair value; direct and 

indirect investments in our own Common equity tier 1 capital instruments; certain amounts exceeding the threshold by 10 percent individually and 15 percent in 

Percent of total amount used to adjust Common equity tier 1 capital includes (1):  

80% 

60% 

40% 

20% 

0%

Net unrealized gains (losses) on AFS debt and certain  marketable equity securities recorded in accumulated OCI; employee benefit plan adjustments recorded in 

Percent of total amount deducted from Tier 1 capital includes: 

80% 

60% 

40% 

20% 

0%

Deferred tax assets arising from net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards; defined benefit pension fund net assets; net unrealized cumulative gains (losses) 

related to changes in own credit risk on liabilities, including derivatives, measured at fair value

(1)  Represents the phase-out percentage of the exclusion by year (e.g., 40 percent of net unrealized gains (losses) on AFS debt and certain marketable equity securities recorded in accumulated OCI 

aggregate

accumulated OCI

Tier 1 capital

was included in 2015).

Additionally, Basel 3 revised the regulatory capital treatment 

Minimum Capital Requirements

for Trust Securities, requiring them to be transitioned from Tier 1 

capital into Tier 2 capital in 2014 and 2015, until fully excluded 

from Tier 1 capital in 2016, and transitioned from Tier 2 capital 

beginning  in  2016  with  the  full  exclusion  in  2022.  As  of 

December 31,  2015,  our  qualifying  Trust  Securities  were  $1.4 

billion, approximately nine bps of the Tier 1 capital ratio.

Minimum  capital  requirements  and  related  buffers  are  being 

phased in from January 1, 2014 through January 1, 2019. Effective 

January 1, 2015, the PCA framework was also amended to reflect 

the  requirements  of  Basel  3.  The  PCA  framework  establishes 

categories of capitalization, including “well capitalized,” based on 

regulatory ratio requirements. U.S. banking regulators are required 

to take certain mandatory actions depending on the category of 

capitalization,  with  no  mandatory  actions  required  for  “well-

capitalized”  banking  organizations,  which  included  BANA  at 

December 31,  2015.  Also  effective  January  1,  2015,  Common 
equity  tier  1  capital  is  included  in  the  measurement  of  “well-
capitalized” for depository institutions.

Beginning  January  1,  2016,  we  are  subject  to  a  capital 
conservation buffer, a countercyclical capital buffer and a global 
systemically  important  bank  (G-SIB)  surcharge  which  will  be 
phased in over a three-year period ending January 1, 2019. Once 
fully  phased  in,  the  Corporation’s  risk-based  capital  ratio 
requirements will include a capital conservation buffer greater than 
2.5 percent, plus any applicable countercyclical capital buffer and 
G-SIB surcharge in order to avoid certain restrictions on capital 
distributions and discretionary bonus payments. The buffers and 
surcharge  must  be  composed  solely  of  Common  equity  tier  1 
capital. The countercyclical capital buffer is currently set at zero. 
U.S. banking regulators must jointly decide on any increase in the 
countercyclical buffer, after which time institutions will have up to 
one year for implementation. Based on the Federal Reserve final 
rule published in July 2015, we estimate that our G-SIB surcharge 
will  increase  our  risk-based  capital  ratio  requirements  by  3.0 
percent once fully phased in. The G-SIB surcharge is calculated 
annually and may differ from this estimate over time. For more 
information on our G-SIB surcharge, see Capital Management – 
Regulatory Developments on page 57. 

Standardized Approach
Total  risk-weighted  assets  under  the  Basel  3  Standardized 
approach consist of credit risk and market risk measures. Credit 
risk-weighted assets are measured by applying fixed risk weights 
to on- and off-balance sheet exposures (excluding securitizations), 
determined based on the characteristics of the exposure, such as 
type  of  obligor,  Organization  for  Economic  Cooperation  and 
Development country risk code and maturity, among others. Off-
balance sheet exposures primarily include financial guarantees, 
unfunded  lending  commitments,  letters  of  credit  and  potential 
future  derivative  exposures.  Market  risk  applies  to  covered 
positions  which  include  trading  assets  and  liabilities,  foreign 
exchange  exposures  and  commodity  exposures.  Market  risk 
capital  is  modeled  for  general  market  risk  and  specific  risk  for 
products where specific risk regulatory approval has been granted; 
in the absence of specific risk model approval, standard specific 
risk  charges  apply.  For  securitization  exposures,  risk-weighted 
assets are determined using the Simplified Supervisory Formula 
Approach (SSFA). Under the Standardized approach, no distinction 
is made for variations in credit quality for corporate exposures, 
and the economic benefit of collateral is restricted to a limited list 
of eligible securities and cash.

capital  measurements  are  consistent  with  the  Standardized 
approach, except for securitization exposures. For both trading and 
non-trading securitization exposures, institutions are permitted to 
use the Supervisory Formula Approach (SFA) and would use the 
SSFA  if  the  SFA  is  unavailable  for  a  particular  exposure.  Non-
securitization credit risk exposures are measured using internal 
ratings-based models to determine the applicable risk weight by 
estimating the probability of default, loss given default (LGD) and, 
in certain instances, EAD. The internal analytical models primarily 
rely on internal historical default and loss experience. Operational 
risk is measured using internal analytical models which rely on 
both internal and external operational loss experience and data. 
The  calculations  require  management  to  make  estimates, 
assumptions  and  interpretations,  including  with  respect  to  the 
probability of future events based on historical experience. Actual 
results could differ from those estimates and assumptions. Under 
the Federal Reserve’s reservation of authority, they may require us 
to hold an amount of capital greater than otherwise required under 
the  capital  rules  if  they  determine  that  our  risk-based  capital 
requirement  using  our 
is  not 
commensurate with our credit, market, operational or other risks.

internal  analytical  models 

Supplementary Leverage Ratio
Basel  3  also  requires  Advanced  approaches  institutions  to 
disclose a SLR. The numerator of the SLR is quarter-end Basel 3 
Tier 1 capital reflective of Basel 3 numerator transition provisions. 
The  denominator  is  total  leverage  exposure  based  on  the  daily 
average of the sum of on-balance sheet exposures less permitted 
Tier 1 deductions, as well as the simple average of certain off-
balance sheet exposures, as of the end of each month in a quarter. 
Off-balance  sheet  exposures  primarily  include  undrawn  lending 
commitments,  letters  of  credit,  potential  future  derivative 
exposures  and  repo-style  transactions.  Total  leverage  exposure 
includes  the  effective  notional  principal  amount  of  credit 
derivatives and similar instruments through which credit protection 
is sold. The credit conversion factors (CCFs) applied to certain off-
balance sheet exposures conform to the graduated CCF utilized 
under the Basel 3 Standardized approach, but are subject to a 
minimum  10  percent  CCF.  Effective  January  1,  2018,  the 
Corporation will be required to maintain a minimum SLR of 3.0 
percent, plus a supplementary leverage buffer of 2.0 percent, in 
order  to  avoid  certain  restrictions  on  capital  distributions  and 
discretionary bonuses. Insured depository institution subsidiaries 
of BHCs, including BANA, will be required to maintain a minimum 
6.0 percent SLR to be considered “well capitalized” under the PCA 
framework.

Advanced Approaches
In addition to the credit risk and market risk measures, Basel 3 
Advanced approaches include measures of operational risk and 
risks related to the credit valuation adjustment (CVA) for over-the-
counter (OTC) derivative exposures. The Advanced approaches rely 
on internal analytical models to measure risk weights for credit 
risk  exposures  and  allow  the  use  of  models  to  estimate  the 
exposure at default (EAD) for certain exposure types. Market risk 

Capital Composition and Ratios
Table 13 presents Bank of America Corporation’s transition and 
fully phased-in capital ratios and related information in accordance 
with Basel 3 Standardized and Advanced approaches as measured 
at December 31, 2015 and 2014. As of December 31, 2015 and 
2014, the Corporation meets the definition of “well capitalized” 
under current regulatory requirements.

52     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     53

Table 13 Bank of America Corporation Regulatory Capital under Basel 3 (1)

(Dollars in millions)

Risk-based capital metrics:

Common equity tier 1 capital
Tier 1 capital
Total capital (5)
Risk-weighted assets (in billions)
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio
Tier 1 capital ratio
Total capital ratio

December 31, 2015

Transition

Fully Phased-in

Standardized
Approach

Advanced
Approaches

Regulatory
Minimum

Well-
capitalized (2)

Standardized
Approach

Advanced
Approaches (3)

Regulatory 
Minimum (4)

$ 163,026
180,778
220,676
1,403

$ 163,026
180,778
210,912
1,602

$ 154,084
175,814
211,167
1,427

$ 154,084
175,814
201,403
1,575

11.6%
12.9
15.7

10.2%
11.3
13.2

4.5%
6.0
8.0

n/a
6.0%

10.0

10.8%
12.3
14.8

9.8%

11.2
12.8

10.0%
11.5
13.5

Leverage-based metrics:

Adjusted quarterly average assets (in billions) (6)
Tier 1 leverage ratio

$

2,103

$

2,103

$

2,102

$

2,102

8.6%

8.6%

4.0

n/a

8.4%

8.4%

4.0

SLR leverage exposure (in billions)
SLR

$

2,728

$

2,728

$

2,727

$

2,727

6.6%

6.6%

5.0

n/a

6.4%

6.4%

5.0

Risk-based capital metrics:

Common equity tier 1 capital
Tier 1 capital
Total capital (5)
Risk-weighted assets (in billions) (7)
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio
Tier 1 capital ratio
Total capital ratio

$ 155,361
168,973
208,670
1,262

12.3%
13.4
16.5

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

December 31, 2014

$ 141,217
160,480
196,115
1,415

$ 141,217
160,480
185,986
1,465

4.0%
5.5
8.0

n/a
6.0%

10.0

10.0%
11.3
13.9

9.6%

11.0
12.7

10.0%
11.5
13.5

Leverage-based metrics:

Adjusted quarterly average assets (in billions) (6)
Tier 1 leverage ratio

$

2,060

$

2,060

$

2,057

$

2,057

8.2%

8.2%

4.0

n/a

7.8%

7.8%

4.0

SLR leverage exposure (in billions)
SLR

$

2,732

$

2,732

$

2,728

$

2,728

6.2%

6.2%

5.0

n/a

5.9%

5.9%

5.0

(1)  We received approval to begin using the Advanced approaches capital framework to determine risk-based capital requirements in the fourth quarter of 2015. With the approval to exit parallel run, 
we are required to report regulatory capital risk-weighted assets and ratios under both the Standardized and Advanced approaches. The approach that yields the lower ratio is to be used to assess 
capital adequacy and was the Advanced approaches at December 31, 2015. Prior to exiting parallel run, we were required to report regulatory capital risk-weighted assets and ratios under the 
Standardized approach only. As previously disclosed, with the approval to exit parallel run, U.S. banking regulators requested modifications to certain internal analytical models including the wholesale 
(e.g., commercial) credit models which increased our risk-weighted assets in the fourth quarter of 2015. 

(2)  To be “well capitalized” under the current U.S. banking regulatory agency definitions, a bank holding company must maintain these or higher ratios and not be subject to a Federal Reserve order or 

directive to maintain higher capital levels. 

(3)  Basel 3 fully phased-in Advanced approaches estimates assume approval by U.S. banking regulators of our internal analytical models, including approval of the internal models methodology (IMM). 

As of December 31, 2015, we had not received IMM approval. 

(4)  Fully phased-in regulatory minimums assume a capital conservation buffer of 2.5 percent and estimated G-SIB surcharge of 3.0 percent. The estimated fully phased-in countercyclical capital buffer 

is zero. We will be subject to fully phased-in regulatory minimums on January 1, 2019.

(5)  Total capital under the Advanced approaches differs from the Standardized approach due to differences in the amount permitted in Tier 2 capital related to the qualifying allowance for credit losses.
(6)  Reflects adjusted average total assets for the three months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.
(7)  On a pro-forma basis, under Basel 3 Standardized – Transition as measured at January 1, 2015, the December 31, 2014 risk-weighted assets would have been $1,392 billion.
n/a = not applicable

Common  equity  tier  1  capital  under  Basel  3  Advanced  – 
Transition was $163.0 billion at December 31, 2015, an increase 
of  $7.7  billion  compared  to  December 31,  2014  driven  by 
earnings, partially offset by dividends, common stock repurchases 
and the impact of certain transition provisions under Basel 3 rules. 
For more information on Basel 3 transition provisions, see Table 
12.  During  2015,  Total  capital  increased  $2.2  billion  primarily 
driven by the same factors that drove the increase in Common 
equity tier 1 capital as well as issuances of preferred stock and 
subordinated debt, partially offset by lower eligible credit reserves 
included in additional Tier 2 capital. The decrease in eligible credit 

reserves included in additional Tier 2 capital is due to the change 
in the calculation of eligible credit reserves under the Advanced 
approaches.  The  Corporation  began  using  the  Advanced 
approaches  capital  framework  to  determine  risk-based  capital 
requirements  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2015.  For  additional 
information, see Table 14.

Risk-weighted assets increased $341 billion during 2015 to 
$1,602 billion primarily due to the change in the calculation of 
risk-weighted  assets  from  the  general  risk-based  approach  at 
December 31, 2014 to the Basel 3 Advanced approaches.

54     Bank of America 2015

(Dollars in millions)

Risk-based capital metrics:

Common equity tier 1 capital

Tier 1 capital

Total capital (5)

Risk-weighted assets (in billions)

Common equity tier 1 capital ratio

Tier 1 capital ratio

Total capital ratio

Leverage-based metrics:

Tier 1 leverage ratio

Risk-based capital metrics:

Common equity tier 1 capital

Tier 1 capital

Total capital (5)

Risk-weighted assets (in billions) (7)

Common equity tier 1 capital ratio

Tier 1 capital ratio

Total capital ratio

Leverage-based metrics:

Tier 1 leverage ratio

Table 13 Bank of America Corporation Regulatory Capital under Basel 3 (1)

Table 14 presents the capital composition as measured under Basel 3 – Transition at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

December 31, 2015

Transition

Fully Phased-in

Table 14 Capital Composition under Basel 3 – Transition (1)

Standardized

Approach

Advanced

Approaches

Regulatory

Minimum

Well-

capitalized (2)

Standardized

Approach

Advanced

Approaches (3)

Regulatory 

Minimum (4)

(Dollars in millions)

$ 163,026

$ 163,026

$ 154,084

$ 154,084

180,778

220,676

1,403

11.6%

12.9

15.7

180,778

210,912

1,602

10.2%

11.3

13.2

175,814

211,167

1,427

10.8%

12.3

14.8

175,814

201,403

1,575

9.8%

11.2

12.8

10.0%

11.5

13.5

4.5%

6.0

8.0

n/a

6.0%

10.0

Adjusted quarterly average assets (in billions) (6)

$

2,103

$

2,103

$

2,102

$

2,102

8.6%

8.6%

4.0

n/a

8.4%

8.4%

4.0

SLR leverage exposure (in billions)

$

2,728

$

2,728

$

2,727

$

2,727

SLR

6.6%

6.6%

5.0

n/a

6.4%

6.4%

5.0

Total common shareholders’ equity
Goodwill
Deferred tax assets arising from net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards
Unamortized net periodic benefit costs recorded in accumulated OCI, net-of-tax
Net unrealized (gains) losses on AFS debt and equity securities and net (gains) losses on derivatives recorded in accumulated OCI,

net-of-tax

Intangibles, other than mortgage servicing rights and goodwill
DVA related to liabilities and derivatives
Other

Common equity tier 1 capital

Qualifying preferred stock, net of issuance cost
Deferred tax assets arising from net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards
Trust preferred securities
Defined benefit pension fund assets
DVA related to liabilities and derivatives under transition
Other

December 31, 2014

Total Tier 1 capital

$ 155,361

168,973

208,670

1,262

12.3%

13.4

16.5

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

$ 141,217

$ 141,217

160,480

196,115

1,415

10.0%

11.3

13.9

160,480

185,986

1,465

9.6%

11.0

12.7

4.0%

5.5

8.0

n/a

6.0%

10.0

Long-term debt qualifying as Tier 2 capital
Allowance for loan and lease losses included in Tier 2 capital
Eligible credit reserves included in Tier 2 capital
Nonqualifying capital instruments subject to phase out from Tier 2 capital
Other

10.0%

11.5

13.5

Total Basel 3 Capital
(1)  See Table 13, footnote 1.
n/a = not applicable

December 31

2015

2014

233,932
(69,215)
(3,434)
1,774

1,220

(1,039)
204
(416)
163,026
22,273
(5,151)
1,430
(568)
307
(539)
180,778
22,579
n/a
3,116
4,448
(9)
210,912

$

$

224,162
(69,234)
(2,226)
2,680

573

(639)
231
(186)
155,361
19,308
(8,905)
2,893
(599)
925
(10)
168,973
21,186
14,634
n/a
3,881
(4)
208,670

$

$

Adjusted quarterly average assets (in billions) (6)

$

2,060

$

2,060

$

2,057

$

2,057

8.2%

8.2%

4.0

n/a

7.8%

7.8%

4.0

SLR leverage exposure (in billions)

$

2,732

$

2,732

$

2,728

$

2,728

SLR

6.2%

6.2%

5.0

n/a

5.9%

5.9%

5.0

(1)  We received approval to begin using the Advanced approaches capital framework to determine risk-based capital requirements in the fourth quarter of 2015. With the approval to exit parallel run, 

we are required to report regulatory capital risk-weighted assets and ratios under both the Standardized and Advanced approaches. The approach that yields the lower ratio is to be used to assess 

capital adequacy and was the Advanced approaches at December 31, 2015. Prior to exiting parallel run, we were required to report regulatory capital risk-weighted assets and ratios under the 

Standardized approach only. As previously disclosed, with the approval to exit parallel run, U.S. banking regulators requested modifications to certain internal analytical models including the wholesale 

(e.g., commercial) credit models which increased our risk-weighted assets in the fourth quarter of 2015. 

(2)  To be “well capitalized” under the current U.S. banking regulatory agency definitions, a bank holding company must maintain these or higher ratios and not be subject to a Federal Reserve order or 

(3)  Basel 3 fully phased-in Advanced approaches estimates assume approval by U.S. banking regulators of our internal analytical models, including approval of the internal models methodology (IMM). 

directive to maintain higher capital levels. 

As of December 31, 2015, we had not received IMM approval. 

(4)  Fully phased-in regulatory minimums assume a capital conservation buffer of 2.5 percent and estimated G-SIB surcharge of 3.0 percent. The estimated fully phased-in countercyclical capital buffer 

is zero. We will be subject to fully phased-in regulatory minimums on January 1, 2019.

(5)  Total capital under the Advanced approaches differs from the Standardized approach due to differences in the amount permitted in Tier 2 capital related to the qualifying allowance for credit losses.

(6)  Reflects adjusted average total assets for the three months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

(7)  On a pro-forma basis, under Basel 3 Standardized – Transition as measured at January 1, 2015, the December 31, 2014 risk-weighted assets would have been $1,392 billion.

n/a = not applicable

Common  equity  tier  1  capital  under  Basel  3  Advanced  – 

reserves included in additional Tier 2 capital is due to the change 

Transition was $163.0 billion at December 31, 2015, an increase 

in the calculation of eligible credit reserves under the Advanced 

of  $7.7  billion  compared  to  December 31,  2014  driven  by 

approaches.  The  Corporation  began  using  the  Advanced 

earnings, partially offset by dividends, common stock repurchases 

approaches  capital  framework  to  determine  risk-based  capital 

and the impact of certain transition provisions under Basel 3 rules. 

requirements  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2015.  For  additional 

For more information on Basel 3 transition provisions, see Table 

information, see Table 14.

12.  During  2015,  Total  capital  increased  $2.2  billion  primarily 

Risk-weighted assets increased $341 billion during 2015 to 

driven by the same factors that drove the increase in Common 

$1,602 billion primarily due to the change in the calculation of 

equity tier 1 capital as well as issuances of preferred stock and 

risk-weighted  assets  from  the  general  risk-based  approach  at 

subordinated debt, partially offset by lower eligible credit reserves 

December 31, 2014 to the Basel 3 Advanced approaches.

included in additional Tier 2 capital. The decrease in eligible credit 

Table 15 presents the components of our risk-weighted assets as measured under Basel 3 – Transition at December 31, 2015 and 

2014.

Table 15 Risk-weighted assets under Basel 3 – Transition

(Dollars in billions)

Credit risk
Market risk
Operational risk
Risks related to CVA

Total risk-weighted assets

n/a = not applicable

December 31

2015

2014

Standardized
Approach

Advanced
Approaches

Standardized
Approach

Advanced
Approaches

$

$

1,314
89
n/a
n/a
1,403

$

$

940
86
500
76
1,602

$

$

1,169
93
n/a
n/a
1,262

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

54     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     55

 
Table  16  presents  a  reconciliation  of  regulatory  capital  in  accordance  with  Basel  3  Standardized  – Transition  to  the  Basel  3 
Standardized approach fully phased-in estimates and Basel 3 Advanced approaches fully phased-in estimates at December 31, 2015 
and 2014. 

Table 16 Regulatory Capital Reconciliations between Basel 3 Transition to Fully Phased-in (1)

(Dollars in millions)

Common equity tier 1 capital (transition)

Deferred tax assets arising from net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards phased in during transition
Accumulated OCI phased in during transition
Intangibles phased in during transition
Defined benefit pension fund assets phased in during transition
DVA related to liabilities and derivatives phased in during transition
Other adjustments and deductions phased in during transition

Common equity tier 1 capital (fully phased-in)
Additional Tier 1 capital (transition)

Deferred tax assets arising from net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards phased out during transition
Trust preferred securities phased out during transition
Defined benefit pension fund assets phased out during transition
DVA related to liabilities and derivatives phased out during transition
Other transition adjustments to additional Tier 1 capital

Additional Tier 1 capital (fully phased-in)
Tier 1 capital (fully phased-in)
Tier 2 capital (transition)

Nonqualifying capital instruments phased out during transition
Changes in Tier 2 qualifying allowance for credit losses and others

Tier 2 capital (fully phased-in)
Basel 3 Standardized approach Total capital (fully phased-in)
Change in Tier 2 qualifying allowance for credit losses
Basel 3 Advanced approaches Total capital (fully phased-in)

Risk-weighted assets – As reported to Basel 3 (fully phased-in)
Basel 3 Standardized approach risk-weighted assets as reported

Changes in risk-weighted assets from reported to fully phased-in
Basel 3 Standardized approach risk-weighted assets (fully phased-in)

Basel 3 Advanced approaches risk-weighted assets as reported

$

$

$

$

$

December 31

2015

2014

163,026
(5,151)
(1,917)
(1,559)
(568)
307
(54)
154,084
17,752
5,151
(1,430)
568
(307)
(4)
21,730
175,814
30,134
(4,448)
9,667
35,353
211,167
(9,764)
201,403

$

$

155,361
(8,905)
(1,592)
(2,556)
(599)
925
(1,417)
141,217
13,612
8,905
(2,893)
599
(925)
(35)
19,263
160,480
39,697
(3,881)
(181)
35,635
196,115
(10,129)
185,986

1,403,293
24,089
1,427,382

$ 1,261,544
153,722
$ 1,415,266

1,602,373
(27,690)
1,574,683

n/a
n/a
$ 1,465,479

Changes in risk-weighted assets from reported to fully phased-in
Basel 3 Advanced approaches risk-weighted assets (fully phased-in) (2)
(1)  See Table 13, footnote 1.
(2)  Basel 3 fully phased-in Advanced approaches estimates assume approval by U.S. banking regulators of our internal analytical models, including approval of the internal models methodology (IMM). 

$

As of December 31, 2015, we had not received IMM approval. 

n/a = not applicable

56     Bank of America 2015

13.1%  $  145,150
145,150 
13.1 
161,623 
14.6 
145,150 
9.6 

Common equity tier 1 capital  
Tier 1 capital
Total capital
Tier 1 leverage
(1)  Percent required to meet guidelines to be considered “well capitalized” under the Prompt Corrective Action framework, except for the December 31, 2014 Common equity tier 1 capital which reflects 

Table  16  presents  a  reconciliation  of  regulatory  capital  in  accordance  with  Basel  3  Standardized  – Transition  to  the  Basel  3 

Standardized approach fully phased-in estimates and Basel 3 Advanced approaches fully phased-in estimates at December 31, 2015 

and 2014. 

Bank of America, N.A. Regulatory Capital
Table 17 presents transition regulatory information for BANA in accordance with Basel 3 Standardized and Advanced Approaches as 
measured at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Table 16 Regulatory Capital Reconciliations between Basel 3 Transition to Fully Phased-in (1)

Table 17 Bank of America, N.A. Regulatory Capital under Basel 3

(Dollars in millions)

Common equity tier 1 capital
Tier 1 capital
Total capital
Tier 1 leverage

December 31, 2015

Standardized Approach

Advanced Approaches

Ratio 

Amount

12.2%  $  144,869
12.2
144,869 
13.5
159,871
144,869 
9.2 

Minimum
Required (1) 

6.5%
8.0
10.0 
5.0 

Ratio 

Amount

13.1%  $  144,869
13.1
144,869 
13.6
150,624 
144,869 
9.2 

Minimum 
Required (1)

6.5%
8.0
10.0
5.0

December 31, 2014

Deferred tax assets arising from net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards phased in during transition

Deferred tax assets arising from net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards phased out during transition

(Dollars in millions)

Common equity tier 1 capital (transition)

Accumulated OCI phased in during transition

Intangibles phased in during transition

Defined benefit pension fund assets phased in during transition

DVA related to liabilities and derivatives phased in during transition

Other adjustments and deductions phased in during transition

Common equity tier 1 capital (fully phased-in)

Additional Tier 1 capital (transition)

Trust preferred securities phased out during transition

Defined benefit pension fund assets phased out during transition

DVA related to liabilities and derivatives phased out during transition

Other transition adjustments to additional Tier 1 capital

Additional Tier 1 capital (fully phased-in)

Tier 1 capital (fully phased-in)

Tier 2 capital (transition)

Nonqualifying capital instruments phased out during transition

Changes in Tier 2 qualifying allowance for credit losses and others

Tier 2 capital (fully phased-in)

Basel 3 Standardized approach Total capital (fully phased-in)

Change in Tier 2 qualifying allowance for credit losses

Basel 3 Advanced approaches Total capital (fully phased-in)

Risk-weighted assets – As reported to Basel 3 (fully phased-in)

Basel 3 Standardized approach risk-weighted assets as reported

Changes in risk-weighted assets from reported to fully phased-in

Basel 3 Standardized approach risk-weighted assets (fully phased-in)

Basel 3 Advanced approaches risk-weighted assets as reported

Changes in risk-weighted assets from reported to fully phased-in

Basel 3 Advanced approaches risk-weighted assets (fully phased-in) (2)

(1)  See Table 13, footnote 1.

As of December 31, 2015, we had not received IMM approval. 

n/a = not applicable

December 31

2015

2014

$

163,026

$

155,361

(5,151)

(1,917)

(1,559)

(568)

307

(54)

154,084

17,752

5,151

(1,430)

568

(307)

(4)

21,730

175,814

30,134

(4,448)

9,667

35,353

211,167

(9,764)

(8,905)

(1,592)

(2,556)

(599)

925

(1,417)

141,217

13,612

8,905

(2,893)

599

(925)

(35)

19,263

160,480

39,697

(3,881)

(181)

35,635

196,115

(10,129)

$

$

$

$

$

201,403

$

185,986

1,403,293

$ 1,261,544

24,089

153,722

1,427,382

$ 1,415,266

1,602,373

(27,690)

n/a

n/a

1,574,683

$ 1,465,479

(2)  Basel 3 fully phased-in Advanced approaches estimates assume approval by U.S. banking regulators of our internal analytical models, including approval of the internal models methodology (IMM). 

capital adequacy minimum requirements as an Advanced approaches bank under Basel 3 during a transition period that ended in 2014.

n/a = not applicable

Regulatory Developments

Global Systemically Important Bank Surcharge
We have been designated as a G-SIB and as such, are subject to 
a  risk-based  capital  surcharge  (G-SIB  surcharge)  that  must  be 
satisfied  with  Common  equity  tier  1  capital.  The  surcharge 
assessment methodology published by the Basel Committee on 
Banking  Supervision  (Basel  Committee)  relies  on  an  indicator-
based  measurement  approach  (e.g.,  size,  complexity,  cross-
jurisdictional  activity,  inter-connectedness  and  substitutability/ 
financial institution infrastructure) to determine a score relative 
to the global banking industry. Institutions with the highest scores 
are designated as G-SIBs and are assigned to one of four loss 
absorbency buckets from 1.0 percent to 2.5 percent, in 0.5 percent 
increments  based  on  each  institution’s  relative  score  and 
supervisory  judgment.  A  fifth  loss  absorbency  bucket  of  3.5 
percent  serves  to  discourage  banks  from  becoming  more 
systemically important.

In July 2015, the Federal Reserve finalized a regulation that 
will implement G-SIB surcharge requirements for the largest U.S. 
BHCs. Under the final rule, assignment to loss absorbency buckets 
will be determined by the higher score as calculated according to 
two methods. Method 1 is consistent with the Basel Committee’s 
methodology,  whereas  method  2  replaces  the  substitutability/ 
financial  institution  infrastructure  indicator  with  a  measure  of 
short-term  wholesale  funding  and  then  determines  the  overall 
score by applying a fixed multiplier for each of the other systemic 
indicators. Under the final U.S. rules, the G-SIB surcharge is being 
phased in beginning on January 1, 2016, becoming fully effective 
on January 1, 2019. Once fully phased in, we estimate that our G-
SIB  surcharge  will 
increase  our  risk-based  capital  ratio 
requirements  by  3.0  percent  under  method  2  and  1.5  percent 
under method 1.

For  more  information  on  regulatory  capital,  see  Note  16  – 
Regulatory  Requirements  and  Restrictions  to  the  Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

Minimum Total Loss-Absorbing Capacity
On  October  30,  2015,  the  Federal  Reserve  issued  a  notice  of 
proposed  rulemaking  to  establish  external  total  loss-absorbing 
capacity  (TLAC)  requirements  to  improve  the  resolvability  and 
resiliency of large, interconnected BHCs. Under the proposal, U.S. 
G-SIBs would be required to maintain a minimum external TLAC of 
the  greater  of  (1)  16  percent  of  risk-weighted  assets  in  2019, 
increasing  to  18  percent  of  risk-weighted  assets  in  2022  (plus 
additional TLAC equal to enough Common equity tier 1 capital as 
a  percentage  of  risk-weighted  assets  to  cover  the  capital 
conservation buffer, any applicable countercyclical capital buffer 
plus the applicable method 1 G-SIB surcharge), or (2) 9.5 percent 
of the denominator of the SLR. In addition, U.S. G-SIBs must meet 
a minimum long-term debt requirement equal to the greater of (1) 
6.0 percent of risk-weighted assets plus the applicable method 2 
G-SIB surcharge, or (2) 4.5 percent of the denominator of the SLR. 

Revisions to Approaches for Measuring Risk-Weighted 
Assets
The Basel Committee has several open proposals to revise key 
methodologies for measuring risk-weighted assets. The proposals 
include  a  standardized  approach  for  credit  risk,  standardized 
approaches  for  operational  risk,  revisions  to  the  securitization 
framework  and  revisions  to  the  CVA  risk  framework.  In  January 
2016, the Basel Committee finalized its fundamental review of the 
trading  book,  which  updates  both  modeled  and  standardized 
approaches for market risk measurement. A revised standardized 
model  for  counterparty  credit  risk  has  also  previously  been 
finalized. These  revisions  would  be  coupled  with  a  proposed 
capital  floor  framework  to  limit  the  extent  to  which  banks  can 
reduce  risk-weighted  asset  levels  through  the  use  of  internal 
models. The Basel Committee expects to finalize the outstanding 
proposals by the end of 2016. Once the proposals are finalized, 
U.S.  banking  regulators  may  update  the  U.S.  Basel  3  rules  to 
incorporate the Basel Committee revisions.

56     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     57

4.0% 
6.0 
10.0 
5.0 

4.0%
6.0
10.0
5.0

n/a 
n/a 
n/a 
n/a 

n/a 
n/a 
n/a 
n/a 

 
Broker-dealer Regulatory Capital and Securities 
Regulation
The  Corporation’s  principal  U.S.  broker-dealer  subsidiaries  are 
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith (MLPF&S) and Merrill Lynch 
Professional Clearing Corp (MLPCC). MLPCC is a fully-guaranteed 
subsidiary  of  MLPF&S  and  provides  clearing  and  settlement 
services. Both entities are subject to the net capital requirements 
of SEC Rule 15c3-1. Both entities are also registered as futures 
commission merchants and are subject to the Commodity Futures 
Trading Commission Regulation 1.17.

MLPF&S  has  elected  to  compute  the  minimum  capital 
requirement  in  accordance  with  the  Alternative  Net  Capital 
Requirement as permitted by SEC Rule 15c3-1. At December 31, 
2015, MLPF&S’s regulatory net capital as defined by Rule 15c3-1 
was $11.4 billion and exceeded the minimum requirement of $1.5 
billion by $9.9 billion. MLPCC’s net capital of $3.3 billion exceeded 
the minimum requirement of $473 million by $2.8 billion.

In accordance with the Alternative Net Capital Requirements, 
MLPF&S is required to maintain tentative net capital in excess of 
$1.0 billion, net capital in excess of $500 million and notify the 
SEC in the event its tentative net capital is less than $5.0 billion. 
At December 31, 2015, MLPF&S had tentative net capital and net 
capital in excess of the minimum and notification requirements.

Merrill  Lynch  International  (MLI),  a  U.K.  investment  firm,  is 
regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial 
Conduct  Authority,  and  is  subject  to  certain  regulatory  capital 
requirements.  At  December 31,  2015,  MLI’s  capital  resources 
were $34.4 billion which exceeded the minimum requirement of 
$16.6 billion.

Common Stock Dividends
For  a  summary  of  our  declared  quarterly  cash  dividends  on 
common stock during 2015 and through February 24, 2016, see 
Note  13  –  Shareholders’  Equity  to  the  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements.

Liquidity Risk

Funding and Liquidity Risk Management
Liquidity  risk  is  the  potential  inability  to  meet  expected  or 
unexpected  cash  flow  and  collateral  needs  while  continuing  to 
support  our  business  and  customer  needs  under  a  range  of 
economic  conditions.  Our  primary  liquidity  risk  management 
objective  is  to  meet  all  contractual  and  contingent  financial 
obligations  at  all  times,  including  during  periods  of  stress.  To 
achieve that objective, we analyze and monitor our liquidity risk 
under expected and stressed conditions, maintain excess liquidity 
and access to diverse funding sources, including our stable deposit 
base, and seek to align liquidity-related incentives and risks. 

We define excess liquidity as readily available assets, limited 
to cash and high-quality, liquid, unencumbered securities that we 
can  use  to  meet  our  contractual  and  contingent  financial 
obligations as those obligations arise. We manage our liquidity 
position through line of business and ALM activities, as well as 

through our legal entity funding strategy, on both a forward and 
current  (including  intraday)  basis  under  both  expected  and 
stressed  conditions.  We  believe  that  a  centralized  approach  to 
funding and liquidity risk management within Corporate Treasury 
enhances our ability to monitor liquidity requirements, maximizes 
access  to  funding  sources,  minimizes  borrowing  costs  and 
facilitates timely responses to liquidity events.

The Board approves the Corporation’s liquidity policy and the 
ERC approves the contingency funding plan, including establishing 
liquidity  risk  tolerance  levels.  The  MRC  monitors  our  liquidity 
position  and  reviews  the  impact  of  strategic  decisions  on  our 
liquidity. The MRC is responsible for overseeing liquidity risks and 
maintaining  exposures  within  the  established  tolerance  levels. 
MRC  reviews  and  monitors  our  liquidity  position,  cash  flow 
forecasts, stress testing scenarios and results, and implements 
our liquidity limits and guidelines. For additional information, see 
Managing Risk on page 47. Under this governance framework, we 
have  developed  certain  funding  and  liquidity  risk  management 
practices which include: maintaining excess liquidity at the parent 
company  and  selected  subsidiaries, 
including  our  bank 
subsidiaries  and  other  regulated  entities;  determining  what 
amounts  of  excess  liquidity  are  appropriate  for  these  entities 
based  on  analysis  of  debt  maturities  and  other  potential  cash 
outflows, including those that we may experience during stressed 
market conditions; diversifying funding sources, considering our 
asset profile and legal entity structure; and performing contingency 
planning.

Global Excess Liquidity Sources and Other 
Unencumbered Assets
We  maintain  excess  liquidity  available  to  Bank  of  America 
Corporation, 
including  the  parent  company  and  selected 
subsidiaries,  in  the  form  of  cash  and  high-quality,  liquid, 
unencumbered  securities.  Our  liquidity  buffer,  or  Global  Excess 
Liquidity Sources (GELS), is comprised of assets that are readily 
available  to  the  parent  company  and  selected  subsidiaries, 
including  bank  and  broker-dealer  subsidiaries,  even  during 
stressed market conditions. Our cash is primarily on deposit with 
the Federal Reserve and, to a lesser extent, central banks outside 
of  the  U.S.  We  limit  the  composition  of  high-quality,  liquid, 
unencumbered  securities  to  U.S.  government  securities,  U.S. 
agency securities, U.S. agency MBS and a select group of non-
U.S. government and supranational securities. We believe we can 
quickly  obtain  cash  for  these  securities,  even  in  stressed 
conditions, through repurchase agreements or outright sales. We 
hold our GELS in legal entities that allow us to meet the liquidity 
requirements of our global businesses, and we consider the impact 
of potential regulatory, tax, legal and other restrictions that could 
limit  the  transferability  of  funds  among  entities.  Our  GELS  are 
substantially the same in composition to what qualifies as High 
Quality Liquid Assets (HQLA) under the final U.S. LCR rules. For 
more information on the final rules, see Liquidity Risk – Basel 3 
Liquidity Standards on page 60.

58     Bank of America 2015

Broker-dealer Regulatory Capital and Securities 

Regulation

The  Corporation’s  principal  U.S.  broker-dealer  subsidiaries  are 

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith (MLPF&S) and Merrill Lynch 

Professional Clearing Corp (MLPCC). MLPCC is a fully-guaranteed 

subsidiary  of  MLPF&S  and  provides  clearing  and  settlement 

services. Both entities are subject to the net capital requirements 

of SEC Rule 15c3-1. Both entities are also registered as futures 

commission merchants and are subject to the Commodity Futures 

Trading Commission Regulation 1.17.

MLPF&S  has  elected  to  compute  the  minimum  capital 

requirement  in  accordance  with  the  Alternative  Net  Capital 

Requirement as permitted by SEC Rule 15c3-1. At December 31, 

2015, MLPF&S’s regulatory net capital as defined by Rule 15c3-1 

was $11.4 billion and exceeded the minimum requirement of $1.5 

billion by $9.9 billion. MLPCC’s net capital of $3.3 billion exceeded 

the minimum requirement of $473 million by $2.8 billion.

In accordance with the Alternative Net Capital Requirements, 

MLPF&S is required to maintain tentative net capital in excess of 

$1.0 billion, net capital in excess of $500 million and notify the 

SEC in the event its tentative net capital is less than $5.0 billion. 

At December 31, 2015, MLPF&S had tentative net capital and net 

capital in excess of the minimum and notification requirements.

Merrill  Lynch  International  (MLI),  a  U.K.  investment  firm,  is 

regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial 

Conduct  Authority,  and  is  subject  to  certain  regulatory  capital 

requirements.  At  December 31,  2015,  MLI’s  capital  resources 

were $34.4 billion which exceeded the minimum requirement of 

$16.6 billion.

Common Stock Dividends

For  a  summary  of  our  declared  quarterly  cash  dividends  on 

common stock during 2015 and through February 24, 2016, see 

Note  13  –  Shareholders’  Equity  to  the  Consolidated  Financial 

Statements.

Liquidity Risk

Funding and Liquidity Risk Management

Liquidity  risk  is  the  potential  inability  to  meet  expected  or 

unexpected  cash  flow  and  collateral  needs  while  continuing  to 

support  our  business  and  customer  needs  under  a  range  of 

economic  conditions.  Our  primary  liquidity  risk  management 

objective  is  to  meet  all  contractual  and  contingent  financial 

obligations  at  all  times,  including  during  periods  of  stress.  To 

achieve that objective, we analyze and monitor our liquidity risk 

under expected and stressed conditions, maintain excess liquidity 

and access to diverse funding sources, including our stable deposit 

base, and seek to align liquidity-related incentives and risks. 

We define excess liquidity as readily available assets, limited 

to cash and high-quality, liquid, unencumbered securities that we 

can  use  to  meet  our  contractual  and  contingent  financial 

obligations as those obligations arise. We manage our liquidity 

position through line of business and ALM activities, as well as 

through our legal entity funding strategy, on both a forward and 

current  (including  intraday)  basis  under  both  expected  and 

stressed  conditions.  We  believe  that  a  centralized  approach  to 

funding and liquidity risk management within Corporate Treasury 

enhances our ability to monitor liquidity requirements, maximizes 

access  to  funding  sources,  minimizes  borrowing  costs  and 

facilitates timely responses to liquidity events.

The Board approves the Corporation’s liquidity policy and the 

ERC approves the contingency funding plan, including establishing 

liquidity  risk  tolerance  levels.  The  MRC  monitors  our  liquidity 

position  and  reviews  the  impact  of  strategic  decisions  on  our 

liquidity. The MRC is responsible for overseeing liquidity risks and 

maintaining  exposures  within  the  established  tolerance  levels. 

MRC  reviews  and  monitors  our  liquidity  position,  cash  flow 

forecasts, stress testing scenarios and results, and implements 

our liquidity limits and guidelines. For additional information, see 

Managing Risk on page 47. Under this governance framework, we 

have  developed  certain  funding  and  liquidity  risk  management 

practices which include: maintaining excess liquidity at the parent 

company  and  selected  subsidiaries, 

including  our  bank 

subsidiaries  and  other  regulated  entities;  determining  what 

amounts  of  excess  liquidity  are  appropriate  for  these  entities 

based  on  analysis  of  debt  maturities  and  other  potential  cash 

outflows, including those that we may experience during stressed 

market conditions; diversifying funding sources, considering our 

asset profile and legal entity structure; and performing contingency 

planning.

Global Excess Liquidity Sources and Other 

Unencumbered Assets

We  maintain  excess  liquidity  available  to  Bank  of  America 

Corporation, 

including  the  parent  company  and  selected 

subsidiaries,  in  the  form  of  cash  and  high-quality,  liquid, 

unencumbered  securities.  Our  liquidity  buffer,  or  Global  Excess 

Liquidity Sources (GELS), is comprised of assets that are readily 

available  to  the  parent  company  and  selected  subsidiaries, 

including  bank  and  broker-dealer  subsidiaries,  even  during 

stressed market conditions. Our cash is primarily on deposit with 

the Federal Reserve and, to a lesser extent, central banks outside 

of  the  U.S.  We  limit  the  composition  of  high-quality,  liquid, 

unencumbered  securities  to  U.S.  government  securities,  U.S. 

agency securities, U.S. agency MBS and a select group of non-

U.S. government and supranational securities. We believe we can 

quickly  obtain  cash  for  these  securities,  even  in  stressed 

conditions, through repurchase agreements or outright sales. We 

hold our GELS in legal entities that allow us to meet the liquidity 

requirements of our global businesses, and we consider the impact 

of potential regulatory, tax, legal and other restrictions that could 

limit  the  transferability  of  funds  among  entities.  Our  GELS  are 

substantially the same in composition to what qualifies as High 

Quality Liquid Assets (HQLA) under the final U.S. LCR rules. For 

more information on the final rules, see Liquidity Risk – Basel 3 

Liquidity Standards on page 60.

Our GELS were $504 billion and $439 billion at December 31, 
2015 and 2014, and were maintained as presented in Table 18.

Table 19 presents the composition of GELS at December 31, 

2015 and 2014.

Table 18 Global Excess Liquidity Sources

Table 19 Global Excess Liquidity Sources Composition

(Dollars in billions)

Parent company
Bank subsidiaries
Other regulated entities

$

Total Global Excess Liquidity Sources

$

Average for
Three Months
Ended
December 31
2015

December 31

2015

2014

96
361
47
504

$

$

98 $

306
35
439 $

96
369
45
510

As shown in Table 18, parent company GELS totaled $96 billion 
and $98 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014. The decrease 
in parent company liquidity was primarily due to derivative cash 
collateral  outflows,  common  stock  buy-backs  and  dividends, 
partially offset by net subsidiary inflows. Typically, parent company 
excess liquidity is in the form of cash deposited with BANA.

GELS available to our bank subsidiaries totaled $361 billion 
and $306 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014. The increase 
in bank subsidiaries’ liquidity was primarily due to deposit inflows, 
partially offset by loan growth. GELS at bank subsidiaries exclude 
the cash deposited by the parent company. Our bank subsidiaries 
can also generate incremental liquidity by pledging a range of other 
unencumbered loans and securities to certain Federal Home Loan 
Banks  (FHLBs)  and  the  Federal  Reserve  Discount  Window.  The 
cash  we  could  have  obtained  by  borrowing  against  this  pool  of 
specifically-identified eligible assets was $252 billion and $214 
billion  at  December  31,  2015  and  2014.  We  have  established 
operational  procedures  to  enable  us  to  borrow  against  these 
assets,  including  regularly  monitoring  our  total  pool  of  eligible 
loans and securities collateral. Eligibility is defined in guidelines 
from the FHLBs and the Federal Reserve and is subject to change 
at  their  discretion.  Due  to  regulatory  restrictions,  liquidity 
generated by the bank subsidiaries can generally be used only to 
fund  obligations  within  the  bank  subsidiaries  and  can  only  be 
transferred to the parent company or nonbank subsidiaries with 
prior regulatory approval.

GELS  available  to  our  other  regulated  entities,  comprised 
primarily of broker-dealer subsidiaries, totaled $47 billion and $35 
billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014. The increase in liquidity 
in  other  regulated  entities  is  largely  driven  by  parent  company 
liquidity  contributions  to  the  Corporation’s  primary  U.S.  broker-
dealer. Our other regulated entities also held other unencumbered 
investment-grade securities and equities that we believe could be 
used  to  generate  additional  liquidity.  Liquidity  held  in  an  other 
regulated entity is primarily available to meet the obligations of 
that entity and transfers to the parent company or to any other 
subsidiary  may  be  subject  to  prior  regulatory  approval  due  to 
regulatory restrictions and minimum requirements.

(Dollars in billions)

Cash on deposit
U.S. Treasury securities
U.S. agency securities and mortgage-backed securities
Non-U.S. government and supranational securities

Total Global Excess Liquidity Sources

December 31

2015

2014

$

$

119
38
327
20
504

$

$

97
74
252
16
439

Time-to-required Funding and Stress Modeling
We use a variety of metrics to determine the appropriate amounts 
of excess liquidity to maintain at the parent company, our bank 
subsidiaries and other regulated entities. One metric we use to 
evaluate  the  appropriate  level  of  excess  liquidity  at  the  parent 
company  is  “time-to-required  funding.”  This  debt  coverage 
measure indicates the number of months that the parent company 
can continue to meet its unsecured contractual obligations as they 
come due using only the parent company’s liquidity sources without 
issuing any new debt or accessing any additional liquidity sources. 
We define unsecured contractual obligations for purposes of this 
metric  as  maturities  of  senior  or  subordinated  debt  issued  or 
guaranteed by Bank of America Corporation. These include certain 
unsecured debt instruments, primarily structured liabilities, which 
we may be required to settle for cash prior to maturity. Our time-
to-required funding was 39 months at December 31, 2015. For 
purposes of calculating time-to-required funding, at December 31, 
2015, we have included in the amount of unsecured contractual 
obligations $8.5 billion related to the BNY Mellon Settlement. The 
final  conditions  of  the  settlement  have  been  satisfied  and, 
accordingly,  the  Corporation  made  the  settlement  payment  in 
February  2016.  For  more  information  on  the  BNY  Mellon 
Settlement,  see  Note  7  –  Representations  and  Warranties 
Obligations  and  Corporate  Guarantees  to  the  Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

We  also  utilize  liquidity  stress  analysis  to  assist  us  in 
determining  the  appropriate  amounts  of  excess  liquidity  to 
maintain at the parent company, our bank subsidiaries and other 
regulated entities. The liquidity stress testing process is an integral 
part  of  analyzing  our  potential  contractual  and  contingent  cash 
outflows beyond the outflows considered in the time-to-required 
funding analysis. We evaluate the liquidity requirements under a 
range of scenarios with varying levels of severity and time horizons. 
The scenarios we consider and utilize incorporate market-wide and 
Corporation-specific  events,  including  potential  credit  rating 
downgrades for the parent company and our subsidiaries, and are 
based  on  historical  experience,  regulatory  guidance,  and  both 
expected and unexpected future events.

58     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     59

 
The types of potential contractual and contingent cash outflows 
we consider in our scenarios may include, but are not limited to, 
upcoming contractual maturities of unsecured debt and reductions 
in  new  debt  issuance;  diminished  access  to  secured  financing 
markets; potential deposit withdrawals; increased draws on loan 
commitments, liquidity facilities and letters of credit; additional 
collateral that counterparties could call if our credit ratings were 
downgraded;  collateral  and  margin  requirements  arising  from 
market value changes; and potential liquidity required to maintain 
businesses and finance customer activities. Changes in certain 
market  factors,  including,  but  not  limited  to,  credit  rating 
downgrades,  could  negatively  impact  potential  contractual  and 
contingent outflows and the related financial instruments, and in 
some  cases  these  impacts  could  be  material  to  our  financial 
results.

We consider all sources of funds that we could access during 
each stress scenario and focus particularly on matching available 
sources with corresponding liquidity requirements by legal entity. 
We also use the stress modeling results to manage our asset-
liability  profile  and  establish  limits  and  guidelines  on  certain 
funding sources and businesses.

Basel 3 Liquidity Standards
The  Basel  Committee  has  issued  two  liquidity  risk-related 
standards  that  are  considered  part  of  the  Basel  3  liquidity 
standards: the LCR and the Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR). 

In 2014, U.S. banking regulators finalized LCR requirements 
for the largest U.S. financial institutions on a consolidated basis 
and for their subsidiary depository institutions with total assets 
greater than $10 billion. The LCR is calculated as the amount of 
a  financial  institution’s  unencumbered  HQLA  relative  to  the 
estimated net cash outflows the institution could encounter over 
a  30-day  period  of  significant  liquidity  stress,  expressed  as  a 
percentage.  Under  the  final  rule,  an  initial  minimum  LCR  of  80 
percent was required as of January 2015, increased to 90 percent 
as of January 2016 and will increase to 100 percent in January 
2017.  These  minimum  requirements  are  applicable  to  the 
Corporation on a consolidated basis and to our insured depository 
institutions.  As  of  December 31,  2015,  we  estimate  that  the 
consolidated Corporation was above the 2017 LCR requirements. 
The Corporation’s LCR may fluctuate from period to period due to 
normal business flows from customer activity.

In 2014, the Basel Committee issued a final standard for the 
NSFR, the standard that is intended to reduce funding risk over a 
longer time horizon. The NSFR is designed to ensure an appropriate 
amount of stable funding, generally capital and liabilities maturing 
beyond one year, given the mix of assets and off-balance sheet 
items. The final standard aligns the NSFR to the LCR and gives 
more credit to a wider range of funding. The final standard also 
includes  adjustments  to  the  stable  funding  required  for certain 
types  of  assets,  some  of  which  reduce  the  stable  funding 
requirement  and  some  of  which  increase  it.  Basel  Committee 
standards  generally  do  not  apply  directly  to  U.S.  financial 
institutions, but require adoption by U.S. banking regulators. U.S. 
banking  regulators  are  expected  to  propose  a  similar  NSFR 
regulation  applicable  to  U.S.  financial  institutions  in  the  near 
future.  We  expect  to  meet  the  NSFR  requirement  within  the 
regulatory timeline.

60     Bank of America 2015

Diversified Funding Sources
We fund our assets primarily with a mix of deposits and secured 
and  unsecured 
through  a  centralized,  globally 
coordinated  funding  strategy.  We  diversify  our  funding  globally 
across  products,  programs,  markets,  currencies  and  investor 
groups.

liabilities 

The primary benefits of our centralized funding strategy include 
greater control, reduced funding costs, wider name recognition by 
investors  and  greater  flexibility  to  meet  the  variable  funding 
requirements  of  subsidiaries.  Where  regulations,  time  zone 
differences  or  other  business  considerations  make  parent 
company funding impractical, certain other subsidiaries may issue 
their own debt.

We fund a substantial portion of our lending activities through 
our  deposits,  which  were  $1.20  trillion  and  $1.12  trillion  at 
December 31, 2015 and 2014. Deposits are primarily generated 
by our Consumer Banking, GWIM and Global Banking segments. 
These  deposits  are  diversified  by  clients,  product  type  and 
geography, and the majority of our U.S. deposits are insured by 
the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). We consider a 
substantial portion of our deposits to be a stable, low-cost and 
consistent source of funding. We believe this deposit funding is 
generally less sensitive to interest rate changes, market volatility 
or changes in our credit ratings than wholesale funding sources. 
Our  lending  activities  may  also  be  financed  through  secured 
borrowings, 
and 
securitizations with GSEs, the FHA and private-label investors, as 
well as FHLBs loans.

securitizations 

including 

credit 

card 

Our trading activities in other regulated entities are primarily 
funded  on  a  secured  basis  through  securities  lending  and 
repurchase  agreements  and  these  amounts  will  vary  based  on 
customer activity and market conditions. We believe funding these 
activities in the secured financing markets is more cost-efficient 
and less sensitive to changes in our credit ratings than unsecured 
financing. Repurchase agreements are generally short-term and 
often  overnight.  Disruptions  in  secured  financing  markets  for 
financial institutions have occurred in prior market cycles which 
resulted in adverse changes in terms or significant reductions in 
the availability of such financing. We manage the liquidity risks 
arising from secured funding by sourcing funding globally from a 
diverse group of counterparties, providing a range of securities 
collateral  and  pursuing  longer  durations,  when  appropriate.  For 
more information on secured financing agreements, see Note 10 
–  Federal  Funds  Sold  or  Purchased,  Securities  Financing 
Agreements  and  Short-term  Borrowings  to  the  Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

We issue long-term unsecured debt in a variety of maturities 
and currencies to achieve cost-efficient funding and to maintain 
an appropriate maturity profile. While the cost and availability of 
unsecured funding may be negatively impacted by general market 
conditions or by matters specific to the financial services industry 
or the Corporation, we seek to mitigate refinancing risk by actively 
managing  the  amount  of  our  borrowings  that  we  anticipate  will 
mature within any month or quarter.

During  2015,  we  issued  $43.7  billion  of  long-term  debt, 
consisting of $26.4 billion for Bank of America Corporation, $10.0 
billion for Bank of America, N.A. and $7.3 billion of other debt.

The types of potential contractual and contingent cash outflows 

Diversified Funding Sources

we consider in our scenarios may include, but are not limited to, 

upcoming contractual maturities of unsecured debt and reductions 

in  new  debt  issuance;  diminished  access  to  secured  financing 

markets; potential deposit withdrawals; increased draws on loan 

We fund our assets primarily with a mix of deposits and secured 

and  unsecured 

liabilities 

through  a  centralized,  globally 

coordinated  funding  strategy.  We  diversify  our  funding  globally 

across  products,  programs,  markets,  currencies  and  investor 

commitments, liquidity facilities and letters of credit; additional 

groups.

collateral that counterparties could call if our credit ratings were 

downgraded;  collateral  and  margin  requirements  arising  from 

market value changes; and potential liquidity required to maintain 

businesses and finance customer activities. Changes in certain 

market  factors,  including,  but  not  limited  to,  credit  rating 

downgrades,  could  negatively  impact  potential  contractual  and 

The primary benefits of our centralized funding strategy include 

greater control, reduced funding costs, wider name recognition by 

investors  and  greater  flexibility  to  meet  the  variable  funding 

requirements  of  subsidiaries.  Where  regulations,  time  zone 

differences  or  other  business  considerations  make  parent 

company funding impractical, certain other subsidiaries may issue 

contingent outflows and the related financial instruments, and in 

their own debt.

some  cases  these  impacts  could  be  material  to  our  financial 

results.

We consider all sources of funds that we could access during 

each stress scenario and focus particularly on matching available 

sources with corresponding liquidity requirements by legal entity. 

We also use the stress modeling results to manage our asset-

liability  profile  and  establish  limits  and  guidelines  on  certain 

funding sources and businesses.

Basel 3 Liquidity Standards

The  Basel  Committee  has  issued  two  liquidity  risk-related 

standards  that  are  considered  part  of  the  Basel  3  liquidity 

standards: the LCR and the Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR). 

In 2014, U.S. banking regulators finalized LCR requirements 

for the largest U.S. financial institutions on a consolidated basis 

and for their subsidiary depository institutions with total assets 

greater than $10 billion. The LCR is calculated as the amount of 

a  financial  institution’s  unencumbered  HQLA  relative  to  the 

estimated net cash outflows the institution could encounter over 

a  30-day  period  of  significant  liquidity  stress,  expressed  as  a 

percentage.  Under  the  final  rule,  an  initial  minimum  LCR  of  80 

percent was required as of January 2015, increased to 90 percent 

as of January 2016 and will increase to 100 percent in January 

2017.  These  minimum  requirements  are  applicable  to  the 

Corporation on a consolidated basis and to our insured depository 

institutions.  As  of  December 31,  2015,  we  estimate  that  the 

consolidated Corporation was above the 2017 LCR requirements. 

The Corporation’s LCR may fluctuate from period to period due to 

normal business flows from customer activity.

In 2014, the Basel Committee issued a final standard for the 

NSFR, the standard that is intended to reduce funding risk over a 

longer time horizon. The NSFR is designed to ensure an appropriate 

amount of stable funding, generally capital and liabilities maturing 

beyond one year, given the mix of assets and off-balance sheet 

items. The final standard aligns the NSFR to the LCR and gives 

more credit to a wider range of funding. The final standard also 

includes  adjustments  to  the  stable  funding  required  for  certain 

types  of  assets,  some  of  which  reduce  the  stable  funding 

requirement  and  some  of  which  increase  it.  Basel  Committee 

standards  generally  do  not  apply  directly  to  U.S.  financial 

institutions, but require adoption by U.S. banking regulators. U.S. 

banking  regulators  are  expected  to  propose  a  similar  NSFR 

regulation  applicable  to  U.S.  financial  institutions  in  the  near 

future.  We  expect  to  meet  the  NSFR  requirement  within  the 

regulatory timeline.

We fund a substantial portion of our lending activities through 

our  deposits,  which  were  $1.20  trillion  and  $1.12  trillion  at 

December 31, 2015 and 2014. Deposits are primarily generated 

by our Consumer Banking, GWIM and Global Banking segments. 

These  deposits  are  diversified  by  clients,  product  type  and 

geography, and the majority of our U.S. deposits are insured by 

the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). We consider a 

substantial portion of our deposits to be a stable, low-cost and 

consistent source of funding. We believe this deposit funding is 

generally less sensitive to interest rate changes, market volatility 

or changes in our credit ratings than wholesale funding sources. 

Our  lending  activities  may  also  be  financed  through  secured 

borrowings, 

including 

credit 

card 

securitizations 

and 

securitizations with GSEs, the FHA and private-label investors, as 

well as FHLBs loans.

Our trading activities in other regulated entities are primarily 

funded  on  a  secured  basis  through  securities  lending  and 

repurchase  agreements  and  these  amounts  will  vary  based  on 

customer activity and market conditions. We believe funding these 

activities in the secured financing markets is more cost-efficient 

and less sensitive to changes in our credit ratings than unsecured 

financing. Repurchase agreements are generally short-term and 

often  overnight.  Disruptions  in  secured  financing  markets  for 

financial institutions have occurred in prior market cycles which 

resulted in adverse changes in terms or significant reductions in 

the availability of such financing. We manage the liquidity risks 

arising from secured funding by sourcing funding globally from a 

diverse group of counterparties, providing a range of securities 

collateral  and  pursuing  longer  durations,  when  appropriate.  For 

more information on secured financing agreements, see Note 10 

–  Federal  Funds  Sold  or  Purchased,  Securities  Financing 

Agreements  and  Short-term  Borrowings  to  the  Consolidated 

Financial Statements.

We issue long-term unsecured debt in a variety of maturities 

and currencies to achieve cost-efficient funding and to maintain 

an appropriate maturity profile. While the cost and availability of 

unsecured funding may be negatively impacted by general market 

conditions or by matters specific to the financial services industry 

or the Corporation, we seek to mitigate refinancing risk by actively 

managing  the  amount  of  our  borrowings  that  we  anticipate  will 

mature within any month or quarter.

During  2015,  we  issued  $43.7  billion  of  long-term  debt, 

consisting of $26.4 billion for Bank of America Corporation, $10.0 

billion for Bank of America, N.A. and $7.3 billion of other debt.

60     Bank of America 2015

Table  20  presents  our  long-term  debt  by  major  currency  at 

December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Table 20 Long-term Debt by Major Currency

(Dollars in millions)

U.S. Dollar
Euro
British Pound
Japanese Yen
Australian Dollar
Canadian Dollar
Swiss Franc
Other

Total long-term debt

December 31

2015
$ 190,381
29,797
7,080
3,099
2,534
1,428
872
1,573
$ 236,764

2014
$ 191,264
30,687
7,881
6,058
2,135
1,779
897
2,438
$ 243,139

Total long-term debt decreased $6.4 billion, or three percent, 
in  2015,  primarily  due  to  the  impact  of  revaluation  of  non-U.S. 
Dollar debt and changes in fair value for debt accounted for under 
the  fair  value  option.  These  impacts  were  substantially  offset 
through  derivative  hedge  transactions.  Excluding  these  two 
factors,  total  long-term  debt  remained  relatively  unchanged  in 
2015.  We  may,  from  time  to  time,  purchase  outstanding  debt 
instruments  in  various  transactions,  depending  on  prevailing 
market conditions, liquidity and other factors. In addition, our other 
regulated entities may make markets in our debt instruments to 
provide liquidity for investors. For more information on long-term 
debt funding, see Note 11 – Long-term Debt to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

We use derivative transactions to manage the duration, interest 
rate  and  currency  risks  of  our  borrowings,  considering  the 
characteristics of the assets they are funding. For further details 
on our ALM activities, see Interest Rate Risk Management for Non-
trading Activities on page 95.

We may also issue unsecured debt in the form of structured 
notes for client purposes. During 2015, we issued $7.2 billion of 
structured notes, a majority of which was issued by Bank of America 
Corporation.  Structured  notes  are  debt  obligations  that  pay 
investors returns linked to other debt or equity securities, indices, 
currencies or commodities. We typically hedge the returns we are 
obligated  to  pay  on  these  liabilities  with  derivatives  and/or 
investments in the underlying instruments, so that from a funding 
perspective, the cost is similar to our other unsecured long-term 
debt.  We  could  be  required  to  settle  certain  structured  liability 
obligations  for  cash  or  other  securities  prior  to  maturity  under 
certain  circumstances,  which  we  consider  for  liquidity  planning 
purposes. We believe, however, that a portion of such borrowings 
will remain outstanding beyond the earliest put or redemption date. 
We had outstanding structured liabilities with a carrying value of 
$32.6 billion and $38.8 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014.
Substantially  all  of  our  senior  and  subordinated  debt 
obligations contain no provisions that could trigger a requirement 
for an early repayment, require additional collateral support, result 
in  changes  to  terms,  accelerate  maturity  or  create  additional 
financial obligations upon an adverse change in our credit ratings, 
financial ratios, earnings, cash flows or stock price.

Contingency Planning
We maintain contingency funding plans that outline our potential 
responses to liquidity stress events at various levels of severity. 
These  policies  and  plans  are  based  on  stress  scenarios  and 

include  potential  funding  strategies  and  communication  and 
notification procedures that we would implement in the event we 
experienced stressed liquidity conditions. We periodically review 
and test the contingency funding plans to validate efficacy and 
assess readiness.

Our  U.S.  bank  subsidiaries  can  access  contingency  funding 
through the Federal Reserve Discount Window. Certain non-U.S. 
subsidiaries  have  access  to  central  bank  facilities  in  the 
jurisdictions in which they operate. While we do not rely on these 
sources  in  our  liquidity  modeling,  we  maintain  the  policies, 
procedures and governance processes that would enable us to 
access these sources if necessary.

Credit Ratings
Our borrowing costs and ability to raise funds are impacted by our 
credit  ratings.  In  addition,  credit  ratings  may  be  important  to 
customers or counterparties when we compete in certain markets 
and  when  we  seek  to  engage  in  certain  transactions,  including 
OTC derivatives. Thus, it is our objective to maintain high-quality 
credit ratings, and management maintains an active dialogue with 
the major rating agencies.

Credit ratings and outlooks are opinions expressed by rating 
agencies on our creditworthiness and that of our obligations or 
securities,  including  long-term  debt,  short-term  borrowings, 
preferred  stock  and  other  securities, 
including  asset 
securitizations. Our credit ratings are subject to ongoing review by 
the  rating  agencies  and  they  consider  a  number  of  factors, 
including our own financial strength, performance, prospects and 
operations  as  well  as  factors  not  under  our  control.  The  rating 
agencies could make adjustments to our ratings at any time and 
they provide no assurances that they will maintain our ratings at 
current levels.

Other factors that influence our credit ratings include changes 
to the rating agencies’ methodologies for our industry or certain 
security  types;  the  rating  agencies’  assessment  of  the  general 
operating  environment  for  financial  services  companies;  our 
relative positions in the markets in which we compete; our various 
risk  exposures  and  risk  management  policies  and  activities; 
pending litigation and other contingencies or potential tail risks; 
our reputation; our liquidity position, diversity of funding sources 
and funding costs; the current and expected level and volatility of 
our  earnings;  our  capital  position  and  capital  management 
practices; our corporate governance; the sovereign credit ratings 
of the U.S. government; current or future regulatory and legislative 
initiatives;  and  the  agencies’  views  on  whether  the  U.S. 
government would provide meaningful support to the Corporation 
or its subsidiaries in a crisis.

On December 8, 2015, Fitch Ratings (Fitch) completed its latest 
semi-annual  review  of  12  large,  complex  securities  trading  and 
universal banks, including Bank of America. The agency affirmed 
all of our ratings and maintained the outlooks it established upon 
completion  of  its  prior  review  on  May  19,  2015.  Following  that 
review, Fitch revised the support rating floors for the U.S. G-SIBs 
to No Floor from A, effectively removing the implied government 
support uplift from those institutions’ ratings. The rating agency 
also upgraded Bank of America Corporation’s stand-alone rating, 
or Viability Rating, to ‘a’ from ‘a-’, while affirming its long-term and 
short-term  senior  debt  ratings  at  A  and  F1.  Fitch  concurrently 
upgraded Bank of America, N.A.’s long-term senior debt rating to 
A+ from A, and its long-term deposit rating to AA- from A+. Fitch 
set the outlook on those ratings at stable. Fitch also revised the 

Bank of America 2015     61

outlook to positive on the ratings of Bank of America’s material 
international operating subsidiaries, including MLI.

On  December  2,  2015,  Standard  &  Poor’s  Ratings  Services 
(S&P)  concluded  its  review  of  the  ratings  of  eight  U.S.  G-SIBs, 
including Bank of America. Consistent with prior guidance, S&P 
downgraded our holding company long-term senior debt rating to 
BBB+ from A- due to the removal of the remaining notch of uplift 
for  U.S.  government  support  and  revised  the  outlook  to  Stable 
from CreditWatch Negative. The Corporation’s short-term ratings 
were  not  affected.  This  action  reflected  S&P’s  view  that 
extraordinary U.S. government support of the banking system is 
less  likely  under  the  current  U.S.  resolution  framework.  S&P 
concurrently left the long-term and short-term senior debt ratings 
of Bank of America’s core rated operating subsidiaries, including 
Bank of America, N.A., MLPF&S, MLI, and Bank of America Merrill 
Lynch International Limited, unchanged at A and A-1, respectively. 
S&P  eliminated  the  remaining  notch  of  uplift  for  potential 
government  support  from  those  entities’  senior  long-term  debt 
ratings, but the agency subsequently added a notch of uplift upon 
implementing its new framework for incorporating loss-absorbing 

holding  company  debt  and  equity  capital  buffers  into  operating 
subsidiary  credit  ratings.  Those  ratings  remain  on  CreditWatch 
positive pending further clarity on what debt instruments will count 
toward  TLAC  requirements.  Additionally,  S&P  concluded  its 
CreditWatch Developing on the subordinated debt rating of Bank 
of America, N.A., which the agency downgraded to BBB+ from A-.
On May 28, 2015, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (Moody’s) 
concluded  its  previously  announced  review  of  several  global 
investment  banking  groups,  including  Bank  of  America,  which 
followed  the  publication  of  the  agency’s  new  bank  rating 
methodology.  Moody’s  upgraded  Bank  of  America  Corporation’s 
long-term senior debt rating to Baa1 from Baa2, and the preferred 
stock rating to Ba2 from Ba3. Moody’s also upgraded the long-
term senior debt and long-term deposit ratings of Bank of America, 
N.A. to A1 from A2. Moody’s affirmed the short-term ratings at P-2 
for Bank of America Corporation and P-1 for Bank of America, N.A. 
Moody’s now has a stable outlook on all of our ratings.

Table 21 presents the Corporation’s current long-term/short-
term  senior  debt  ratings  and  outlooks  expressed  by  the  rating 
agencies.

Table 21 Senior Debt Ratings

Moody’s Investors Service

Standard & Poor’s

Bank of America Corporation

Bank of America, N.A.

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner &

Smith

Merrill Lynch International

Long-term
Baa1

Short-term
P-2

A1

NR

NR

P-1

NR

NR

Outlook
Stable

Stable

NR

NR

Long-term Short-term (1)

BBB+

A

A

A

A-2

A-1

A-1

A-1

Outlook
Stable
CreditWatch
Positive
CreditWatch
Positive
CreditWatch
Positive

Long-term
A

Fitch Ratings
Short-term
F1

A+

A+

A

F1

F1

F1

Outlook
Stable

Stable

Stable

Positive

(1)  S&P short-term ratings are not on CreditWatch.
NR = not rated

A  reduction  in  certain  of  our  credit  ratings  or  the  ratings  of 
certain asset-backed securitizations may have a material adverse 
effect on our liquidity, potential loss of access to credit markets, 
the related cost of funds, our businesses and on certain trading 
revenues,  particularly  in  those  businesses  where  counterparty 
creditworthiness is critical. In addition, under the terms of certain 
OTC  derivative  contracts  and  other  trading  agreements,  in  the 
event of downgrades of our or our rated subsidiaries’ credit ratings, 
the counterparties to those agreements may require us to provide 
additional  collateral,  or  to  terminate  these  contracts  or 
agreements,  which  could  cause  us  to  sustain  losses  and/or 
adversely impact our liquidity. If the short-term credit ratings of 
our  parent  company,  bank  or  broker-dealer  subsidiaries  were 
downgraded by one or more levels, the potential loss of access to 
short-term funding sources such as repo financing and the effect 
on our incremental cost of funds could be material.

While  certain  potential 

impacts  are  contractual  and 
quantifiable, the full scope of the consequences of a credit rating 
downgrade to a financial institution is inherently uncertain, as it 
depends  upon  numerous  dynamic,  complex  and  inter-related 
factors and assumptions, including whether any downgrade of a 
company’s long-term credit ratings precipitates downgrades to its 
short-term  credit  ratings,  and  assumptions  about  the  potential 
behaviors of various customers, investors and counterparties. For 
more information on potential impacts of credit rating downgrades, 
see Liquidity Risk – Time-to-required Funding and Stress Modeling 
on page 59.

For  more  information  on  the  additional  collateral  and 
termination payments that could be required in connection with 
certain OTC derivative contracts and other trading agreements as 
a result of such a credit rating downgrade, see Note 2 – Derivatives 
to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

62     Bank of America 2015

outlook to positive on the ratings of Bank of America’s material 

holding  company  debt  and  equity  capital  buffers  into  operating 

international operating subsidiaries, including MLI.

subsidiary  credit  ratings.  Those  ratings  remain  on  CreditWatch 

On  December  2,  2015,  Standard  &  Poor’s  Ratings  Services 

positive pending further clarity on what debt instruments will count 

(S&P)  concluded  its  review  of  the  ratings  of  eight  U.S.  G-SIBs, 

toward  TLAC  requirements.  Additionally,  S&P  concluded  its 

including Bank of America. Consistent with prior guidance, S&P 

CreditWatch Developing on the subordinated debt rating of Bank 

downgraded our holding company long-term senior debt rating to 

of America, N.A., which the agency downgraded to BBB+ from A-.

BBB+ from A- due to the removal of the remaining notch of uplift 

On May 28, 2015, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (Moody’s) 

for  U.S.  government  support  and  revised  the  outlook  to  Stable 

concluded  its  previously  announced  review  of  several  global 

from CreditWatch Negative. The Corporation’s short-term ratings 

investment  banking  groups,  including  Bank  of  America,  which 

were  not  affected.  This  action  reflected  S&P’s  view  that 

followed  the  publication  of  the  agency’s  new  bank  rating 

extraordinary U.S. government support of the banking system is 

methodology.  Moody’s  upgraded  Bank  of  America  Corporation’s 

less  likely  under  the  current  U.S.  resolution  framework.  S&P 

long-term senior debt rating to Baa1 from Baa2, and the preferred 

concurrently left the long-term and short-term senior debt ratings 

stock rating to Ba2 from Ba3. Moody’s also upgraded the long-

of Bank of America’s core rated operating subsidiaries, including 

term senior debt and long-term deposit ratings of Bank of America, 

Bank of America, N.A., MLPF&S, MLI, and Bank of America Merrill 

N.A. to A1 from A2. Moody’s affirmed the short-term ratings at P-2 

Lynch International Limited, unchanged at A and A-1, respectively. 

for Bank of America Corporation and P-1 for Bank of America, N.A. 

S&P  eliminated  the  remaining  notch  of  uplift  for  potential 

Moody’s now has a stable outlook on all of our ratings.

government  support  from  those  entities’  senior  long-term  debt 

Table 21 presents the Corporation’s current long-term/short-

ratings, but the agency subsequently added a notch of uplift upon 

term  senior  debt  ratings  and  outlooks  expressed  by  the  rating 

implementing its new framework for incorporating loss-absorbing 

agencies.

Table 21 Senior Debt Ratings

Bank of America Corporation

Baa1

Bank of America, N.A.

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner &

Smith

Merrill Lynch International

(1)  S&P short-term ratings are not on CreditWatch.

NR = not rated

A1

NR

NR

Moody’s Investors Service

Standard & Poor’s

Fitch Ratings

Long-term

Short-term

Long-term Short-term (1)

Long-term

Short-term

P-2

P-1

NR

NR

Outlook

Stable

Stable

NR

NR

BBB+

A

A

A

A-2

A-1

A-1

A-1

Outlook

Stable

CreditWatch

Positive

CreditWatch

Positive

CreditWatch

Positive

A

A+

A+

A

F1

F1

F1

F1

Outlook

Stable

Stable

Stable

Positive

A  reduction  in  certain  of  our  credit  ratings  or  the  ratings  of 

While  certain  potential 

impacts  are  contractual  and 

certain asset-backed securitizations may have a material adverse 

quantifiable, the full scope of the consequences of a credit rating 

effect on our liquidity, potential loss of access to credit markets, 

downgrade to a financial institution is inherently uncertain, as it 

the related cost of funds, our businesses and on certain trading 

depends  upon  numerous  dynamic,  complex  and  inter-related 

revenues,  particularly  in  those  businesses  where  counterparty 

factors and assumptions, including whether any downgrade of a 

creditworthiness is critical. In addition, under the terms of certain 

company’s long-term credit ratings precipitates downgrades to its 

OTC  derivative  contracts  and  other  trading  agreements,  in  the 

short-term  credit  ratings,  and  assumptions  about  the  potential 

event of downgrades of our or our rated subsidiaries’ credit ratings, 

behaviors of various customers, investors and counterparties. For 

the counterparties to those agreements may require us to provide 

more information on potential impacts of credit rating downgrades, 

additional  collateral,  or  to  terminate  these  contracts  or 

see Liquidity Risk – Time-to-required Funding and Stress Modeling 

agreements,  which  could  cause  us  to  sustain  losses  and/or 

on page 59.

adversely impact our liquidity. If the short-term credit ratings of 

For  more  information  on  the  additional  collateral  and 

our  parent  company,  bank  or  broker-dealer  subsidiaries  were 

termination payments that could be required in connection with 

downgraded by one or more levels, the potential loss of access to 

certain OTC derivative contracts and other trading agreements as 

short-term funding sources such as repo financing and the effect 

a result of such a credit rating downgrade, see Note 2 – Derivatives 

on our incremental cost of funds could be material.

to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Credit Risk Management
Credit quality remained stable during 2015 driven by lower U.S. 
unemployment and improving home prices as well as our proactive 
credit risk management activities positively impacting our credit 
portfolio as nonperforming loans and delinquencies continued to 
improve.  For  additional  information,  see  Executive  Summary  – 
2015 Economic and Business Environment on page 20.

Credit risk is the risk of loss arising from the inability or failure 
of a borrower or counterparty to meet its obligations. Credit risk 
can also arise from operational failures that result in an erroneous 
advance, commitment or investment of funds. We define the credit 
exposure to a borrower or counterparty as the loss potential arising 
from all product classifications including loans and leases, deposit 
overdrafts, derivatives, assets held-for-sale and unfunded lending 
commitments which include loan commitments, letters of credit 
and financial guarantees. Derivative positions are recorded at fair 
value and assets held-for-sale are recorded at either fair value or 
the  lower  of  cost  or  fair  value.  Certain  loans  and  unfunded 
commitments are accounted for under the fair value option. Credit 
risk for categories of assets carried at fair value is not accounted 
for as part of the allowance for credit losses but as part of the fair 
value adjustments recorded in earnings. For derivative positions, 
our  credit  risk  is  measured  as  the  net  cost  in  the  event  the 
counterparties with contracts in which we are in a gain position 
fail to perform under the terms of those contracts. We use the 
current  fair  value  to  represent  credit  exposure  without  giving 
consideration to future mark-to-market changes. The credit risk 
amounts take into consideration the effects of legally enforceable 
master netting agreements and cash collateral. Our consumer and 
commercial credit extension and review procedures encompass 
funded and unfunded credit exposures. For more information on 
derivatives  and  credit  extension  commitments,  see  Note  2  – 
Derivatives and Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies to the 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

We manage credit risk based on the risk profile of the borrower 
or  counterparty,  repayment  sources,  the  nature  of  underlying 
collateral, and other support given current events, conditions and 
expectations.  We  classify  our  portfolios  as  either  consumer  or 
commercial and monitor credit risk in each as discussed below.

We  refine  our  underwriting  and  credit  risk  management 
practices  as  well  as  credit  standards  to  meet  the  changing 
economic environment. To mitigate losses and enhance customer 
support in our consumer businesses, we have in place collection 
programs  and  loan  modification  and  customer  assistance 
infrastructures. We utilize a number of actions to mitigate losses 
in the commercial businesses including increasing the frequency 
and  intensity  of  portfolio  monitoring,  hedging  activity  and  our 
practice of transferring management of deteriorating commercial 
exposures to independent special asset officers as credits enter 
criticized categories.

We have non-U.S. exposure largely in Europe and Asia Pacific. 
For more information on our exposures and related risks in non-
U.S. countries, see Non-U.S. Portfolio on page 84 and Item 1A. 
Risk Factors of our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Utilized energy exposure represents approximately two percent 
of total loans and leases. For more information on our exposures 
and related risks in the energy industry, see Commercial Portfolio 
Credit Risk Management – Industry Concentrations on page 81 
and Table 46.

For more information on our credit risk management activities, 
see  Consumer  Portfolio  Credit  Risk  Management  on  page  64, 
Commercial Portfolio Credit Risk Management on page 75, Non-
U.S. Portfolio on page 84, Provision for Credit Losses on page 86 
and Allowance for Credit Losses on page 86, Note 1 – Summary 
of Significant Accounting Principles, Note 4 – Outstanding Loans 
and  Leases  and  Note  5  –  Allowance  for  Credit  Losses  to  the 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

62     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     63

Consumer Portfolio Credit Risk Management
Credit  risk  management  for  the  consumer  portfolio  begins  with 
initial underwriting and continues throughout a borrower’s credit 
cycle.  Statistical  techniques  in  conjunction  with  experiential 
judgment  are  used  in  all  aspects  of  portfolio  management 
including underwriting, product pricing, risk appetite, setting credit 
limits,  and  establishing  operating  processes  and  metrics  to 
quantify and balance risks and returns. Statistical models are built 
using detailed behavioral information from external sources such 
as  credit  bureaus  and/or  internal  historical  experience.  These 
models are a component of our consumer credit risk management 
process and are used in part to assist in making both new and 
ongoing  credit  decisions,  as  well  as  portfolio  management 
strategies,  including  authorizations  and  line  management, 
collection  practices  and  strategies,  and  determination  of  the 
allowance for loan and lease losses and allocated capital for credit 
risk.

During 2015, we completed approximately 51,300 customer 
loan modifications with a total unpaid principal balance of $8.4 
billion, including approximately 21,200 permanent modifications, 
under the U.S. government’s Making Home Affordable Program. 
Of the loan modifications completed in 2015, in terms of both the 
volume  of  modifications  and  the  unpaid  principal  balance 
associated with the underlying loans, more than half were in the 
Corporation’s  held-for-investment  (HFI)  portfolio.  For  modified 
loans on our balance sheet, these modification types are generally 
considered  troubled  debt  restructurings 
(TDR).  For  more 
information on TDRs and portfolio impacts, see Consumer Portfolio 
Credit  Risk  Management  –  Nonperforming  Consumer  Loans, 
Leases and Foreclosed Properties Activity on page 73 and Note 4 
–  Outstanding  Loans  and  Leases  to  the  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements.

Consumer Credit Portfolio
Improvement  in  the  U.S.  unemployment  rate  and  home  prices 
continued  during  2015  resulting  in  improved  credit  quality  and 
lower  credit  losses  across  most  major  consumer  portfolios 
compared to 2014. Nearly all consumer loan portfolios 30 and 90 
days or more past due declined during 2015 as a result of improved 
delinquency trends.

Improved  credit  quality,  continued  loan  balance  run-off  and 
sales across the consumer portfolio drove a $2.6 billion decrease 
in the consumer allowance for loan and lease losses in 2015 to 
$7.4  billion  at  December 31,  2015.  For  additional  information, 
see Allowance for Credit Losses on page 86.

For  more  information  on  our  accounting  policies  regarding 
delinquencies, nonperforming status, charge-offs and TDRs for the 
consumer  portfolio,  see  Note  1  –  Summary  of  Significant 
Accounting Principles to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 
For more information on representations and warranties related 
to our residential mortgage and home equity portfolios, see Off-
Balance  Sheet  Arrangements  and  Contractual  Obligations  – 
Representations  and  Warranties  on  page  44  and  Note  7  – 
Representations  and  Warranties  Obligations  and  Corporate 
Guarantees to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Table 22 presents our outstanding consumer loans and leases, 
and  the  PCI  loan  portfolio.  In  addition  to  being  included  in  the 
“Outstandings” columns in Table 22, PCI loans are also shown 
separately  in  the  “Purchased  Credit-impaired  Loan  Portfolio” 
columns. The impact of the PCI loan portfolio on certain credit 
statistics is reported where appropriate. For more information on 
PCI  loans,  see  Consumer  Portfolio  Credit  Risk  Management  – 
Purchased Credit-impaired Loan Portfolio on page 71 and Note 4 
–  Outstanding  Loans  and  Leases  to  the  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements.

Table 22 Consumer Loans and Leases

(Dollars in millions)

Residential mortgage (1)
Home equity
U.S. credit card
Non-U.S. credit card
Direct/Indirect consumer (2)
Other consumer (3)

Consumer loans excluding loans accounted for under the fair value option

Loans accounted for under the fair value option (4)

Total consumer loans and leases

December 31

Outstandings

2015
187,911
75,948
89,602
9,975
88,795
2,067
454,298
1,871
456,169

$ 

$ 

2014
216,197
85,725
91,879
10,465
80,381
1,846
486,493
2,077
488,570

$

$

$

$

Purchased Credit-impaired 
Loan Portfolio

2015

2014

12,066
4,619
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
16,685
n/a
16,685

$ 

$ 

15,152
5,617
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
20,769
n/a
20,769

(1)  Outstandings include pay option loans of $2.3 billion and $3.2 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014. We no longer originate pay option loans.
(2)  Outstandings include auto and specialty lending loans of $42.6 billion and $37.7 billion, unsecured consumer lending loans of $886 million and $1.5 billion, U.S. securities-based lending loans of 
$39.8 billion and $35.8 billion, non-U.S. consumer loans of $3.9 billion and $4.0 billion, student loans of $564 million and $632 million and other consumer loans of $1.0 billion and $761 million 
at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

(3)  Outstandings include consumer finance loans of $564 million and $676 million, consumer leases of $1.4 billion and $1.0 billion and consumer overdrafts of $146 million and $162 million at 

December 31, 2015 and 2014.

(4)  Consumer loans accounted for under the fair value option include residential mortgage loans of $1.6 billion and $1.9 billion and home equity loans of $250 million and $196 million at December 

31, 2015 and 2014. For more information on the fair value option, see Note 21 – Fair Value Option to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

n/a = not applicable

64     Bank of America 2015

Consumer Portfolio Credit Risk Management

Credit  risk  management  for  the  consumer  portfolio  begins  with 

initial underwriting and continues throughout a borrower’s credit 

cycle.  Statistical  techniques  in  conjunction  with  experiential 

judgment  are  used  in  all  aspects  of  portfolio  management 

including underwriting, product pricing, risk appetite, setting credit 

Consumer Credit Portfolio

Improvement  in  the  U.S.  unemployment  rate  and  home  prices 

continued  during  2015  resulting  in  improved  credit  quality  and 

lower  credit  losses  across  most  major  consumer  portfolios 

compared to 2014. Nearly all consumer loan portfolios 30 and 90 

days or more past due declined during 2015 as a result of improved 

limits,  and  establishing  operating  processes  and  metrics  to 

delinquency trends.

quantify and balance risks and returns. Statistical models are built 

using detailed behavioral information from external sources such 

as  credit  bureaus  and/or  internal  historical  experience.  These 

models are a component of our consumer credit risk management 

Improved  credit  quality,  continued  loan  balance  run-off  and 

sales across the consumer portfolio drove a $2.6 billion decrease 

in the consumer allowance for loan and lease losses in 2015 to 

$7.4  billion  at  December 31,  2015.  For  additional  information, 

process and are used in part to assist in making both new and 

see Allowance for Credit Losses on page 86.

ongoing  credit  decisions,  as  well  as  portfolio  management 

strategies,  including  authorizations  and  line  management, 

collection  practices  and  strategies,  and  determination  of  the 

allowance for loan and lease losses and allocated capital for credit 

risk.

During 2015, we completed approximately 51,300 customer 

loan modifications with a total unpaid principal balance of $8.4 

billion, including approximately 21,200 permanent modifications, 

under the U.S. government’s Making Home Affordable Program. 

Of the loan modifications completed in 2015, in terms of both the 

volume  of  modifications  and  the  unpaid  principal  balance 

associated with the underlying loans, more than half were in the 

Corporation’s  held-for-investment  (HFI)  portfolio.  For  modified 

loans on our balance sheet, these modification types are generally 

considered  troubled  debt  restructurings 

(TDR).  For  more 

information on TDRs and portfolio impacts, see Consumer Portfolio 

Credit  Risk  Management  –  Nonperforming  Consumer  Loans, 

Leases and Foreclosed Properties Activity on page 73 and Note 4 

–  Outstanding  Loans  and  Leases  to  the  Consolidated  Financial 

For  more  information  on  our  accounting  policies  regarding 

delinquencies, nonperforming status, charge-offs and TDRs for the 

consumer  portfolio,  see  Note  1  –  Summary  of  Significant 

Accounting Principles to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

For more information on representations and warranties related 

to our residential mortgage and home equity portfolios, see Off-

Balance  Sheet  Arrangements  and  Contractual  Obligations  – 

Representations  and  Warranties  on  page  44  and  Note  7  – 

Representations  and  Warranties  Obligations  and  Corporate 

Guarantees to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Table 22 presents our outstanding consumer loans and leases, 

and  the  PCI  loan  portfolio.  In  addition  to  being  included  in  the 

“Outstandings” columns in Table 22, PCI loans are also shown 

separately  in  the  “Purchased  Credit-impaired  Loan  Portfolio” 

columns. The impact of the PCI loan portfolio on certain credit 

statistics is reported where appropriate. For more information on 

PCI  loans,  see  Consumer  Portfolio  Credit  Risk  Management  – 

Purchased Credit-impaired Loan Portfolio on page 71 and Note 4 

–  Outstanding  Loans  and  Leases  to  the  Consolidated  Financial 

Statements.

Statements.

Table 22 Consumer Loans and Leases

(Dollars in millions)

Residential mortgage (1)

Home equity

U.S. credit card

Non-U.S. credit card

Direct/Indirect consumer (2)

Other consumer (3)

Loans accounted for under the fair value option (4)

Total consumer loans and leases

December 31

Outstandings

Purchased Credit-impaired 

Loan Portfolio

2015

2014

2015

2014

$ 

187,911

$

216,197

$

12,066

$ 

15,152

4,619

5,617

75,948

89,602

9,975

88,795

2,067

454,298

1,871

85,725

91,879

10,465

80,381

1,846

486,493

2,077

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

$ 

456,169

$

488,570

$

16,685

$ 

20,769

Consumer loans excluding loans accounted for under the fair value option

16,685

20,769

(1)  Outstandings include pay option loans of $2.3 billion and $3.2 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014. We no longer originate pay option loans.

(2)  Outstandings include auto and specialty lending loans of $42.6 billion and $37.7 billion, unsecured consumer lending loans of $886 million and $1.5 billion, U.S. securities-based lending loans of 

$39.8 billion and $35.8 billion, non-U.S. consumer loans of $3.9 billion and $4.0 billion, student loans of $564 million and $632 million and other consumer loans of $1.0 billion and $761 million 

(3)  Outstandings include consumer finance loans of $564 million and $676 million, consumer leases of $1.4 billion and $1.0 billion and consumer overdrafts of $146 million and $162 million at 

(4)  Consumer loans accounted for under the fair value option include residential mortgage loans of $1.6 billion and $1.9 billion and home equity loans of $250 million and $196 million at December 

31, 2015 and 2014. For more information on the fair value option, see Note 21 – Fair Value Option to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

December 31, 2015 and 2014.

n/a = not applicable

Table 23 presents consumer nonperforming loans and accruing 
consumer loans past due 90 days or more. Nonperforming loans 
do  not  include  past  due  consumer  credit  card  loans,  other 
unsecured loans and in general, consumer non-real estate-secured 
loans (loans discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy are included) as 
these loans are typically charged off no later than the end of the 
month in which the loan becomes 180 days past due. Real estate-
secured past due consumer loans that are insured by the FHA or 
individually  insured  under  long-term  standby  agreements  with 

FNMA and FHLMC (collectively, the fully-insured loan portfolio) are 
reported  as  accruing  as  opposed  to  nonperforming  since  the 
principal  repayment  is  insured.  Fully-insured  loans  included  in 
accruing  past  due  90  days  or  more  are  primarily  from  our 
repurchases  of  delinquent  FHA  loans  pursuant  to  our  servicing 
agreements  with  GNMA.  Additionally,  nonperforming  loans  and 
accruing balances past due 90 days or more do not include the 
PCI loan portfolio or loans accounted for under the fair value option 
even though the customer may be contractually past due.

Consumer Credit Quality

(Dollars in millions)

Residential mortgage (1)
Home equity 
U.S. credit card
Non-U.S. credit card
Direct/Indirect consumer
Other consumer

Total (2)

Consumer loans and leases as a percentage of outstanding consumer loans and leases (2)
Consumer loans and leases as a percentage of outstanding loans and leases, excluding PCI and fully-

December 31

Nonperforming

Accruing Past Due 
90 Days or More

2015

2014

2015

2014

$ 

$ 

4,803
3,337
n/a
n/a
24
1
8,165

$ 

$ 

6,889
3,901
n/a
n/a
28
1
10,819

$ 

$ 

7,150
—
789
76
39
3
8,057

$ 

$ 

11,407
—
866
95
64
1
12,433

1.80%

2.22%

1.77%

2.56%

insured loan portfolios (2)

2.04

2.70

0.23

0.26

(1)  Residential mortgage loans accruing past due 90 days or more are fully-insured loans. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, residential mortgage included $4.3 billion and $7.3 billion of loans on which 
interest has been curtailed by the FHA, and therefore are no longer accruing interest, although principal is still insured, and $2.9 billion and $4.1 billion of loans on which interest was still accruing.
(2)  Balances exclude consumer loans accounted for under the fair value option. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, $293 million and $392 million of loans accounted for under the fair value option were 

past due 90 days or more and not accruing interest.

n/a = not applicable

Table 24 presents net charge-offs and related ratios for consumer loans and leases.

Consumer Net Charge-offs and Related Ratios

(Dollars in millions)

Residential mortgage
Home equity
U.S. credit card
Non-U.S. credit card
Direct/Indirect consumer
Other consumer

Total

Net Charge-offs (1) 

Net Charge-off Ratios (1, 2)

2015

2014

2015

2014

$

$ 

473
636
2,314
188
112
193
3,916

$ 

$ 

(114)
907
2,638
242
169
229
4,071

0.24%
0.79
2.62
1.86
0.13
9.96
0.84

(0.05)%
1.01
2.96
2.10
0.20
11.27
0.80

(1)  Net charge-offs exclude write-offs in the PCI loan portfolio. For more information on PCI write-offs, see Consumer Portfolio Credit Risk Management – Purchased Credit-impaired Loan Portfolio on 

page 71.

(2)  Net charge-off ratios are calculated as net charge-offs divided by average outstanding loans and leases excluding loans accounted for under the fair value option.

Net charge-off ratios, excluding the PCI and fully-insured loan 
portfolios, were 0.35 percent and (0.08) percent for residential 
mortgage,  0.84  percent  and  1.09  percent  for  home  equity  and 
0.54 percent and 1.00 percent for the total consumer portfolio 
for  2015  and  2014,  respectively.  These  are  the  only  product 
classifications that include PCI and fully-insured loans.

Net charge-offs, as shown in Tables 24 and 25, exclude write-
offs in the PCI loan portfolio of $634 million and $545 million in 

residential mortgage and $174 million and $265 million in home 
equity for 2015 and 2014. Net charge-off ratios including the PCI 
write-offs  were  0.56  percent  and  0.18  percent  for  residential 
mortgage and 1.00 percent and 1.31 percent for home equity in 
2015  and  2014.  For  more  information  on  PCI  write-offs,  see 
Consumer Portfolio Credit Risk Management – Purchased Credit-
impaired Loan Portfolio on page 71.

64     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     65

 
 
Table 25 presents outstandings, nonperforming balances, net charge-offs, allowance for loan and lease losses and provision for 
loan and lease losses for the Core portfolio and the Legacy Assets & Servicing portfolio within the consumer real estate portfolio. For 
more information on the Legacy Assets & Servicing portfolio, see LAS on page 40.

Table 25 Consumer Real Estate Portfolio (1)

(Dollars in millions)

Core portfolio

Residential mortgage
Home equity

Total Core portfolio

Legacy Assets & Servicing portfolio

Residential mortgage
Home equity

Total Legacy Assets & Servicing portfolio

Consumer real estate portfolio

Residential mortgage
Home equity

Total consumer real estate portfolio

Core portfolio

Residential mortgage
Home equity

Total Core portfolio

Legacy Assets & Servicing portfolio

Residential mortgage
Home equity

Total Legacy Assets & Servicing portfolio

Consumer real estate portfolio

December 31

Outstandings

Nonperforming

Net Charge-offs (2)

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

$ 145,845
48,264
194,109

$ 162,220
51,887
214,107

$

42,066
27,684
69,750

53,977
33,838
87,815

187,911
75,948
$ 263,859

216,197
85,725
$ 301,922

$

$

1,845
1,354
3,199

2,958
1,983
4,941

4,803
3,337
8,140

$

$

2,398
1,496
3,894

4,491
2,405
6,896

$

128
219
347

345
417
762

6,889
3,901
10,790

$

$

473
636
1,109

$

140
275
415

(254)
632
378

(114)
907
793

December 31

Allowance for Loan 
and Lease Losses

Provision for Loan 
and Lease Losses

2015

2014

2015

2014

$

418
639
1,057

1,082
1,775
2,857

593
702
1,295

2,307
2,333
4,640

$

(47) $
153
106

(247)
71
(176)

(47)
3
(44)

(696)
(236)
(932)

Residential mortgage
Home equity

(743)
(233)
(976)
(1)  Outstandings and nonperforming loans exclude loans accounted for under the fair value option. Consumer loans accounted for under the fair value option include residential mortgage loans of $1.6 
billion and $1.9 billion and home equity loans of $250 million and $196 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014. For more information on the fair value option, see Note 21 – Fair Value Option to 
the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Total consumer real estate portfolio

(294)
224
(70) $

2,900
3,035
5,935

1,500
2,414
3,914

$

$

$

(2)  Net charge-offs exclude write-offs in the PCI loan portfolio. For more information on PCI write-offs, see Consumer Portfolio Credit Risk Management – Purchased Credit-impaired Loan Portfolio on 

page 71.

We  believe  that  the  presentation  of  information  adjusted  to 
exclude the impact of the PCI loan portfolio, the fully-insured loan 
portfolio and loans accounted for under the fair value option is 
more representative of the ongoing operations and credit quality 
of the business. As a result, in the following discussions of the 
residential  mortgage  and  home  equity  portfolios,  we  provide 
information that excludes the impact of the PCI loan portfolio, the 
fully-insured loan portfolio and loans accounted for under the fair 
value  option  in  certain  credit  quality  statistics.  We  separately 
disclose information on the PCI loan portfolio on page 71.

Residential Mortgage
The  residential  mortgage  portfolio  makes  up  the  largest 
percentage  of  our  consumer  loan  portfolio  at  41 percent  of 
consumer loans and leases at December 31, 2015. Approximately 
58 percent of the residential mortgage portfolio is in All Other and 
is  comprised  of  originated  loans,  purchased  loans  used  in  our 
overall ALM activities, delinquent FHA loans repurchased pursuant 
to  our  servicing  agreements  with  GNMA  as  well  as  loans 
repurchased  related  to  our  representations  and  warranties. 
Approximately 30 percent of the residential mortgage portfolio is 

66     Bank of America 2015

in GWIM and represents residential mortgages originated for the 
home purchase and refinancing needs of our wealth management 
clients and the remaining portion of the portfolio is primarily in 
Consumer Banking.

Outstanding  balances  in  the  residential  mortgage  portfolio, 
excluding  loans  accounted  for  under  the  fair  value  option, 
decreased $28.3 billion during 2015 due to loan sales of $24.2 
billion and runoff outpacing the retention of new originations. Loan 
sales  primarily  included  $16.4  billion  of  loans  with  standby 
insurance  agreements,  $3.1  billion  of  nonperforming  and  other 
delinquent loans and $4.5 billion of loans in consolidated agency 
residential mortgage securitization vehicles. 

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the residential mortgage 
portfolio included $37.1 billion and $65.0 billion of outstanding 
fully-insured  loans.  On  this  portion  of  the  residential  mortgage 
portfolio, we are protected against principal loss as a result of 
either FHA insurance or long-term standby agreements that provide 
for the transfer of credit risk to FNMA and FHLMC. At December 
31,  2015  and  2014,  $33.4  billion  and  $47.8  billion  had  FHA 
insurance  with  the  remainder  protected  by  long-term  standby 
agreements. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, $11.2 billion and 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table 25 presents outstandings, nonperforming balances, net charge-offs, allowance for loan and lease losses and provision for 

loan and lease losses for the Core portfolio and the Legacy Assets & Servicing portfolio within the consumer real estate portfolio. For 

more information on the Legacy Assets & Servicing portfolio, see LAS on page 40.

Table 25 Consumer Real Estate Portfolio (1)

$15.9 billion of the FHA-insured loan population were repurchases 
of delinquent FHA loans pursuant to our servicing agreements with 
GNMA.

Table  26  presents  certain  residential  mortgage  key  credit 
statistics on both a reported basis excluding loans accounted for 
under the fair value option, and excluding the PCI loan portfolio, 
our fully-insured loan portfolio and loans accounted for under the 
fair value option. Additionally, in the “Reported Basis” columns in 

the table below, accruing balances past due and nonperforming 
loans do not include the PCI loan portfolio, in accordance with our 
accounting  policies,  even  though  the  customer  may  be 
contractually past due. As such, the following discussion presents 
the residential mortgage portfolio excluding the PCI loan portfolio, 
the fully-insured loan portfolio and loans accounted for under the 
fair value option. For more information on the PCI loan portfolio, 
see page 71.

Table 26 Residential Mortgage – Key Credit Statistics

Total consumer real estate portfolio

$ 263,859

$ 301,922

$

$

10,790

$

1,109

$

(Dollars in millions)

Outstandings
Accruing past due 30 days or more
Accruing past due 90 days or more
Nonperforming loans
Percent of portfolio

Refreshed LTV greater than 90 but less than or equal to 100
Refreshed LTV greater than 100
Refreshed FICO below 620
2006 and 2007 vintages (2)

December 31

Excluding Purchased
Credit-impaired and
Fully-insured Loans

Reported Basis (1)

2015
$ 187,911
11,423
7,150
4,803

2014
$ 216,197
16,485
11,407
6,889

2015
$ 138,768
1,568
 —
4,803

2014
$ 136,075
1,868
 —
6,889

7%
8
13
17
0.24

9%

12
16
19
(0.05)

5%
4
6
17
0.35

6%
7
8
22
(0.08)

Net charge-off ratio (3)
(1)  Outstandings, accruing past due, nonperforming loans and percentages of portfolio exclude loans accounted for under the fair value option. 
(2)  These vintages of loans account for $1.6 billion, or 34 percent, and $2.8 billion, or 41 percent, of nonperforming residential mortgage loans at December 31, 2015 and 2014. Additionally, these 

vintages accounted for net charge-offs of $136 million to residential mortgage net charge-offs in 2015 and net recoveries of $233 million to residential mortgage net recoveries in 2014.

(3)  Net charge-off ratios are calculated as net charge-offs divided by average outstanding loans excluding loans accounted for under the fair value option.

Nonperforming  residential  mortgage  loans  decreased  $2.1 
billion in 2015 including sales of $1.5 billion, partially offset by a 
$261 million net increase related to the DoJ Settlement for those 
loans  that  are  no  longer  fully  insured.  Excluding  these  items, 
nonperforming residential mortgage loans decreased as outflows, 
including the transfers of certain qualifying borrowers discharged 
in  a  Chapter  7  bankruptcy  to  performing  status,  outpaced  new 
inflows.  Of  the  nonperforming  residential  mortgage  loans  at 
December 31, 2015, $1.6 billion, or 34 percent, were current on 
contractual payments. Nonperforming loans that are contractually 
current primarily consist of collateral-dependent TDRs, including 
those that have been discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, as well 
as loans that have not yet demonstrated a sustained period of 
payment performance following a TDR. In addition, $2.0 billion, or 
43 percent of nonperforming residential mortgage loans were 180 
days or more past due and had been written down to the estimated 
fair value of the collateral, less costs to sell. Accruing loans that 
were 30 days or more past due decreased $300 million in 2015.
Net  charge-offs  increased  $587  million  to  $473  million  in 
2015, or 0.35 percent of total average residential mortgage loans, 
compared to a net recovery of $114 million, or (0.08) percent, in 
2014. This increase in net charge-offs was primarily driven by $402 
million of charge-offs during 2015 related to the consumer relief 
portion of the DoJ Settlement. In addition, net charge-offs included 
recoveries  of  $127  million  related  to  nonperforming  loan  sales 
during 2015 compared to $407 million in 2014. Excluding these 
items, net charge-offs declined driven by favorable portfolio trends 
and decreased write-downs on loans greater than 180 days past 
due, which were written down to the estimated fair value of the 
collateral, less costs to sell, due in part to improvement in home 
prices and the U.S. economy.

Residential mortgage loans with a greater than 90 percent but 
less than or equal to 100 percent refreshed loan-to-value (LTV) 

represented  five  percent  and  six  percent  of  the  residential 
mortgage portfolio at December 31, 2015 and 2014. Loans with 
a refreshed LTV greater than 100 percent represented four percent 
and seven percent of the residential mortgage loan portfolio at 
December 31, 2015 and 2014. Of the loans with a refreshed LTV 
greater  than  100  percent,  98  percent  and  96  percent  were 
performing  at  December  31,  2015  and  2014.  Loans  with  a 
refreshed LTV greater than 100 percent reflect loans where the 
outstanding carrying value of the loan is greater than the most 
recent valuation of the property securing the loan. The majority of 
these  loans  have  a  refreshed  LTV  greater  than  100  percent 
primarily  due  to  home  price  deterioration  since  2006,  partially 
offset  by  subsequent  appreciation.  Loans  to  borrowers  with 
refreshed  FICO  scores  below  620  represented  six  percent  and 
eight percent of the residential mortgage portfolio at December 
31, 2015 and 2014.

Of  the  $138.8  billion  in  total  residential  mortgage  loans 
outstanding  at  December 31,  2015,  as  shown  in  Table  27,  39 
percent  were originated  as interest-only  loans. The  outstanding 
balance  of  interest-only  residential  mortgage  loans  that  have 
entered the amortization period was $12.0 billion, or 22 percent 
at  December 31,  2015.  Residential  mortgage  loans  that  have 
entered  the  amortization  period  generally  have  experienced  a 
higher rate of early stage delinquencies and nonperforming status 
compared  to  the  residential  mortgage  portfolio  as  a  whole.  At 
December 31, 2015, $214 million, or two percent of outstanding 
interest-only  residential  mortgages  that  had  entered  the 
amortization  period  were  accruing  past  due  30  days  or  more 
compared to $1.6 billion, or one percent for the entire residential 
mortgage  portfolio.  In  addition,  at  December 31,  2015,  $712 
million,  or  six  percent  of  outstanding  interest-only  residential 
mortgage  loans  that  had  entered  the  amortization  period  were 
nonperforming, of which $348 million were contractually current, 

Bank of America 2015     67

(Dollars in millions)

Core portfolio

Residential mortgage

Home equity

Total Core portfolio

Residential mortgage

Home equity

Legacy Assets & Servicing portfolio

Total Legacy Assets & Servicing portfolio

Consumer real estate portfolio

Residential mortgage

Home equity

Core portfolio

Residential mortgage

Home equity

Total Core portfolio

Residential mortgage

Home equity

Legacy Assets & Servicing portfolio

Total Legacy Assets & Servicing portfolio

Consumer real estate portfolio

Residential mortgage

Home equity

Total consumer real estate portfolio

the Consolidated Financial Statements.

page 71.

December 31

Outstandings

Nonperforming

Net Charge-offs (2)

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

$ 145,845

$ 162,220

$

$

$

$

48,264

194,109

51,887

214,107

42,066

27,684

69,750

53,977

33,838

87,815

187,911

75,948

216,197

85,725

1,845

1,354

3,199

2,958

1,983

4,941

4,803

3,337

8,140

418

639

1,057

1,082

1,775

2,857

1,500

2,414

3,914

2,398

1,496

3,894

4,491

2,405

6,896

6,889

3,901

593

702

1,295

2,307

2,333

4,640

2,900

3,035

5,935

128

219

347

345

417

762

473

636

153

106

(247)

71

(176)

(294)

224

140

275

415

(254)

632

378

(114)

907

793

(47)

3

(44)

(696)

(236)

(932)

(743)

(233)

(976)

December 31

Allowance for Loan 

and Lease Losses

Provision for Loan 

and Lease Losses

2015

2014

2015

2014

$

$

$

(47) $

(1)  Outstandings and nonperforming loans exclude loans accounted for under the fair value option. Consumer loans accounted for under the fair value option include residential mortgage loans of $1.6 

billion and $1.9 billion and home equity loans of $250 million and $196 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014. For more information on the fair value option, see Note 21 – Fair Value Option to 

$

$

$

(70) $

(2)  Net charge-offs exclude write-offs in the PCI loan portfolio. For more information on PCI write-offs, see Consumer Portfolio Credit Risk Management – Purchased Credit-impaired Loan Portfolio on 

We  believe  that  the  presentation  of  information  adjusted  to 

in GWIM and represents residential mortgages originated for the 

exclude the impact of the PCI loan portfolio, the fully-insured loan 

home purchase and refinancing needs of our wealth management 

portfolio and loans accounted for under the fair value option is 

clients and the remaining portion of the portfolio is primarily in 

more representative of the ongoing operations and credit quality 

Consumer Banking.

of the business. As a result, in the following discussions of the 

Outstanding  balances  in  the  residential  mortgage  portfolio, 

residential  mortgage  and  home  equity  portfolios,  we  provide 

excluding  loans  accounted  for  under  the  fair  value  option, 

information that excludes the impact of the PCI loan portfolio, the 

decreased $28.3 billion during 2015 due to loan sales of $24.2 

fully-insured loan portfolio and loans accounted for under the fair 

billion and runoff outpacing the retention of new originations. Loan 

value  option  in  certain  credit  quality  statistics.  We  separately 

sales  primarily  included  $16.4  billion  of  loans  with  standby 

disclose information on the PCI loan portfolio on page 71.

insurance  agreements,  $3.1  billion  of  nonperforming  and  other 

Residential Mortgage

The  residential  mortgage  portfolio  makes  up  the  largest 

percentage  of  our  consumer  loan  portfolio  at  41 percent  of 

consumer loans and leases at December 31, 2015. Approximately 

58 percent of the residential mortgage portfolio is in All Other and 

is  comprised  of  originated  loans,  purchased  loans  used  in  our 

overall ALM activities, delinquent FHA loans repurchased pursuant 

to  our  servicing  agreements  with  GNMA  as  well  as  loans 

repurchased  related  to  our  representations  and  warranties. 

Approximately 30 percent of the residential mortgage portfolio is 

66     Bank of America 2015

delinquent loans and $4.5 billion of loans in consolidated agency 

residential mortgage securitization vehicles. 

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the residential mortgage 

portfolio included $37.1 billion and $65.0 billion of outstanding 

fully-insured  loans.  On  this  portion  of  the  residential  mortgage 

portfolio, we are protected against principal loss as a result of 

either FHA insurance or long-term standby agreements that provide 

for the transfer of credit risk to FNMA and FHLMC. At December 

31,  2015  and  2014,  $33.4  billion  and  $47.8  billion  had  FHA 

insurance  with  the  remainder  protected  by  long-term  standby 

agreements. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, $11.2 billion and 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
compared to $4.8 billion, or three percent for the entire residential 
mortgage portfolio, of which $1.6 billion were contractually current. 
Loans that have yet to enter the amortization period in our interest-
only residential mortgage portfolio are primarily well-collateralized 
loans to our wealth management clients and have an interest-only 
period of three to ten years. Approximately 75 percent of these 
loans that have yet to enter the amortization period will not be 
required to make a fully-amortizing payment until 2019 or later.

Table 27 presents outstandings, nonperforming loans and net 
charge-offs  by  certain  state  concentrations  for  the  residential 
mortgage  portfolio.  The  Los  Angeles-Long  Beach-Santa  Ana 

Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) within California represented 
14 percent and 13 percent of outstandings at December 31, 2015 
and 2014. Loans within this MSA contributed net recoveries of 
$13  million  and  $81  million  within  the  residential  mortgage 
portfolio during 2015 and 2014. In the New York area, the New 
York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island MSA made up 11 percent 
of  outstandings  at  both  December  31,  2015  and  2014.  Loans 
within this MSA contributed net charge-offs of $101 million and 
$27 million within the residential mortgage portfolio during 2015 
and 2014.

Table 27 Residential Mortgage State Concentrations

(Dollars in millions)

California
New York (3)
Florida (3)
Texas
Virginia
Other U.S./Non-U.S.

Residential mortgage loans (4)

Fully-insured loan portfolio
Purchased credit-impaired residential mortgage loan portfolio (5)

Total residential mortgage loan portfolio

December 31

Outstandings (1)

Nonperforming (1)

Net Charge-offs (2)

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

$

48,865
12,696
10,001
6,208
4,097
56,901
$ 138,768
37,077
12,066
$ 187,911

$

45,496
11,826
10,116
6,635
4,402
57,600
$ 136,075
64,970
15,152
$ 216,197

$

$

977
399
534
185
164
2,544
4,803

$

$

1,459
477
858
269
244
3,582
6,889

$

$

(49) $
57
53
10
20
382
473

$

(280)
15
(43)
1
4
189
(114)

(1)  Outstandings and nonperforming loans exclude loans accounted for under the fair value option.
(2)  Net charge-offs exclude $634 million of write-offs in the residential mortgage PCI loan portfolio in 2015 compared to $545 million in 2014. For additional information, see Consumer Portfolio Credit 

Risk Management – Purchased Credit-impaired Loan Portfolio on page 71.
In these states, foreclosure requires a court order following a legal proceeding (judicial states).

(3) 

(4)  Amounts exclude the PCI residential mortgage and fully-insured loan portfolios.
(5)  Forty-seven percent and 45 percent of PCI residential mortgage loans were in California at December 31, 2015 and 2014. There were no other significant single state concentrations.

The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) encourages banks to 
meet the credit needs of their communities for housing and other 
purposes,  particularly  in  neighborhoods  with  low  or  moderate 
incomes. Our CRA portfolio was $8.0 billion and $9.0 billion at 
December 31, 2015 and 2014, or six percent and seven percent 
of the residential mortgage portfolio. The CRA portfolio included 
$552  million  and  $986 million  of  nonperforming  loans  at 
December  31,  2015  and  2014,  representing  11  percent  and 
14 percent of total nonperforming residential mortgage loans. In 
2015, net charge-offs in the CRA portfolio were $85 million of the 
$473  million  total  net  charge-offs  for  the  residential  mortgage 
portfolio. In 2014, net charge-offs in the CRA portfolio were $52 
million  compared  to  net  recoveries  of  $114  million  for  the 
residential mortgage portfolio.

Home Equity
At  December 31,  2015,  the  home  equity  portfolio  made  up  17 
percent of the consumer portfolio and is comprised of home equity 
lines  of  credit  (HELOCs),  home  equity  loans  and  reverse 
mortgages.

At  December 31,  2015,  our  HELOC  portfolio  had  an 
outstanding balance of $66.1 billion, or 87 percent of the total 
home equity portfolio compared to $74.2 billion, or 87 percent, 
at  December 31,  2014.  HELOCs  generally  have  an  initial  draw 
period of 10 years and the borrowers typically are only required to 
pay the interest due on the loans on a monthly basis. After the 
initial  draw  period  ends,  the  loans  generally  convert  to  15-year 
amortizing loans.

At December 31, 2015, our home equity loan portfolio had an 
outstanding balance of $7.9 billion, or 10 percent of the total home 

68     Bank of America 2015

equity  portfolio  compared  to  $9.8  billion,  or  11  percent,  at 
December 31, 2014. Home equity loans are almost all fixed-rate 
loans with amortizing payment terms of 10 to 30 years and of the 
$7.9 billion at December 31, 2015, 54 percent have 25- to 30-
year terms. At December 31, 2015, our reverse mortgage portfolio 
had an outstanding balance, excluding loans accounted for under 
the fair value option, of $2.0 billion, or three percent of the total 
home equity portfolio compared to $1.7 billion, or two percent, at 
December 31, 2014. We no longer originate reverse mortgages. 
At December 31, 2015, approximately 56 percent of the home 
equity  portfolio  was  included  in  Consumer  Banking,  34  percent 
was included in LAS and the remainder of the portfolio was primarily 
in  GWIM.  Outstanding  balances  in  the  home  equity  portfolio, 
excluding  loans  accounted  for  under  the  fair  value  option, 
decreased  $9.8  billion  in  2015  primarily  due  to  paydowns  and 
charge-offs outpacing new originations and draws on existing lines. 
Of the total home equity portfolio at December 31, 2015 and 2014, 
$20.3  billion  and  $20.6  billion,  or  27  percent  and  24  percent, 
were in first-lien positions (28 percent and 26 percent excluding 
the PCI home equity portfolio). At December 31, 2015, outstanding 
balances in the home equity portfolio that were in a second-lien 
or more junior-lien position and where we also held the first-lien 
loan totaled $12.9 billion, or 18 percent of our total home equity 
portfolio excluding the PCI loan portfolio.

Unused  HELOCs  totaled  $50.3  billion  and  $53.7  billion  at 
December 31, 2015 and 2014. The decrease was primarily due 
to  customers  choosing  to  close  accounts,  as  well  as  accounts 
reaching  the  end  of  their  draw  period,  which  automatically 
eliminates  open  line  exposure.  Both  of  these  more  than  offset 
customer paydowns of principal balances and the impact of new 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
compared to $4.8 billion, or three percent for the entire residential 

Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) within California represented 

mortgage portfolio, of which $1.6 billion were contractually current. 

14 percent and 13 percent of outstandings at December 31, 2015 

Loans that have yet to enter the amortization period in our interest-

and 2014. Loans within this MSA contributed net recoveries of 

only residential mortgage portfolio are primarily well-collateralized 

$13  million  and  $81  million  within  the  residential  mortgage 

loans to our wealth management clients and have an interest-only 

portfolio during 2015 and 2014. In the New York area, the New 

period of three to ten years. Approximately 75 percent of these 

York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island MSA made up 11 percent 

loans that have yet to enter the amortization period will not be 

of  outstandings  at  both  December  31,  2015  and  2014.  Loans 

required to make a fully-amortizing payment until 2019 or later.

within this MSA contributed net charge-offs of $101 million and 

Table 27 presents outstandings, nonperforming loans and net 

$27 million within the residential mortgage portfolio during 2015 

charge-offs  by  certain  state  concentrations  for  the  residential 

and 2014.

mortgage  portfolio.  The  Los  Angeles-Long  Beach-Santa  Ana 

Table 27 Residential Mortgage State Concentrations

(Dollars in millions)

California

New York (3)

Florida (3)

Texas

Virginia

Other U.S./Non-U.S.

Residential mortgage loans (4)

Fully-insured loan portfolio

December 31

Outstandings (1)

Nonperforming (1)

Net Charge-offs (2)

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

$

$

45,496

$

$

1,459

$

(49) $

977

399

534

185

164

477

858

269

244

57

53

10

20

382

473

$

(280)

15

(43)

1

4

189

(114)

$ 138,768

$ 136,075

$

2,544

4,803

$

3,582

6,889

$

48,865

12,696

10,001

6,208

4,097

56,901

37,077

12,066

11,826

10,116

6,635

4,402

57,600

64,970

15,152

Purchased credit-impaired residential mortgage loan portfolio (5)

Total residential mortgage loan portfolio

$ 187,911

$ 216,197

(1)  Outstandings and nonperforming loans exclude loans accounted for under the fair value option.

Risk Management – Purchased Credit-impaired Loan Portfolio on page 71.

(3) 

In these states, foreclosure requires a court order following a legal proceeding (judicial states).

(4)  Amounts exclude the PCI residential mortgage and fully-insured loan portfolios.

(2)  Net charge-offs exclude $634 million of write-offs in the residential mortgage PCI loan portfolio in 2015 compared to $545 million in 2014. For additional information, see Consumer Portfolio Credit 

(5)  Forty-seven percent and 45 percent of PCI residential mortgage loans were in California at December 31, 2015 and 2014. There were no other significant single state concentrations.

The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) encourages banks to 

equity  portfolio  compared  to  $9.8  billion,  or  11  percent,  at 

meet the credit needs of their communities for housing and other 

December 31, 2014. Home equity loans are almost all fixed-rate 

purposes,  particularly  in  neighborhoods  with  low  or  moderate 

loans with amortizing payment terms of 10 to 30 years and of the 

incomes. Our CRA portfolio was $8.0 billion and $9.0 billion at 

$7.9 billion at December 31, 2015, 54 percent have 25- to 30-

December 31, 2015 and 2014, or six percent and seven percent 

year terms. At December 31, 2015, our reverse mortgage portfolio 

of the residential mortgage portfolio. The CRA portfolio included 

had an outstanding balance, excluding loans accounted for under 

$552  million  and  $986 million  of  nonperforming  loans  at 

the fair value option, of $2.0 billion, or three percent of the total 

December  31,  2015  and  2014,  representing  11  percent  and 

home equity portfolio compared to $1.7 billion, or two percent, at 

14 percent of total nonperforming residential mortgage loans. In 

December 31, 2014. We no longer originate reverse mortgages. 

2015, net charge-offs in the CRA portfolio were $85 million of the 

At December 31, 2015, approximately 56 percent of the home 

$473  million  total  net  charge-offs  for  the  residential  mortgage 

equity  portfolio  was  included  in  Consumer  Banking,  34  percent 

portfolio. In 2014, net charge-offs in the CRA portfolio were $52 

was included in LAS and the remainder of the portfolio was primarily 

million  compared  to  net  recoveries  of  $114  million  for  the 

in  GWIM.  Outstanding  balances  in  the  home  equity  portfolio, 

residential mortgage portfolio.

Home Equity

mortgages.

At  December 31,  2015,  the  home  equity  portfolio  made  up  17 

percent of the consumer portfolio and is comprised of home equity 

lines  of  credit  (HELOCs),  home  equity  loans  and  reverse 

At  December 31,  2015,  our  HELOC  portfolio  had  an 

outstanding balance of $66.1 billion, or 87 percent of the total 

home equity portfolio compared to $74.2 billion, or 87 percent, 

at  December 31,  2014.  HELOCs  generally  have  an  initial  draw 

period of 10 years and the borrowers typically are only required to 

pay the interest due on the loans on a monthly basis. After the 

initial  draw  period  ends,  the  loans  generally  convert  to  15-year 

amortizing loans.

At December 31, 2015, our home equity loan portfolio had an 

outstanding balance of $7.9 billion, or 10 percent of the total home 

68     Bank of America 2015

excluding  loans  accounted  for  under  the  fair  value  option, 

decreased  $9.8  billion  in  2015  primarily  due  to  paydowns  and 

charge-offs outpacing new originations and draws on existing lines. 

Of the total home equity portfolio at December 31, 2015 and 2014, 

$20.3  billion  and  $20.6  billion,  or  27  percent  and  24  percent, 

were in first-lien positions (28 percent and 26 percent excluding 

the PCI home equity portfolio). At December 31, 2015, outstanding 

balances in the home equity portfolio that were in a second-lien 

or more junior-lien position and where we also held the first-lien 

loan totaled $12.9 billion, or 18 percent of our total home equity 

portfolio excluding the PCI loan portfolio.

Unused  HELOCs  totaled  $50.3  billion  and  $53.7  billion  at 

December 31, 2015 and 2014. The decrease was primarily due 

to  customers  choosing  to  close  accounts,  as  well  as  accounts 

reaching  the  end  of  their  draw  period,  which  automatically 

eliminates  open  line  exposure.  Both  of  these  more  than  offset 

customer paydowns of principal balances and the impact of new 

production.  The  HELOC  utilization  rate  was  57  percent  and  58 
percent at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Table  28  presents  certain  home  equity  portfolio  key  credit 
statistics on both a reported basis excluding loans accounted for 
under the fair value option, and excluding the PCI loan portfolio 
and loans accounted for under the fair value option. Additionally, 
in  the  “Reported  Basis”  columns  in  the  table  below,  accruing 

balances past due 30 days or more and nonperforming loans do 
not  include  the  PCI  loan  portfolio,  in  accordance  with  our 
accounting  policies,  even  though  the  customer  may  be 
contractually past due. As such, the following discussion presents 
the home equity portfolio excluding the PCI loan portfolio and loans 
accounted for under the fair value option. For more information on 
the PCI loan portfolio, see page 71.

Table 28 Home Equity – Key Credit Statistics

(Dollars in millions)

Outstandings
Accruing past due 30 days or more (2)
Nonperforming loans (2)
Percent of portfolio

Refreshed CLTV greater than 90 but less than or equal to 100
Refreshed CLTV greater than 100
Refreshed FICO below 620
2006 and 2007 vintages (3)

December 31

Reported Basis (1)

Excluding Purchased 
Credit-impaired Loans

2015

2014

2015

2014

$ 

75,948
613
3,337

$ 

85,725
640
3,901

$

71,329
613
3,337

$ 

80,108
640
3,901

6%

8%

6%

7%

12
7
43
0.79

16
8
46
1.01

11
7
41
0.84

14
7
43
1.09

Net charge-off ratio (4)
(1)  Outstandings, accruing past due, nonperforming loans and percentages of the portfolio exclude loans accounted for under the fair value option.
(2)  Accruing past due 30 days or more includes $89 million and $98 million and nonperforming loans include $396 million and $505 million of loans where we serviced the underlying first-lien at 

December 31, 2015 and 2014.

(3)  These vintages of loans have higher refreshed combined LTV ratios and accounted for 45 percent and 47 percent of nonperforming home equity loans at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and 54 

percent and 59 percent of net charge-offs in 2015 and 2014.

(4)  Net charge-off ratios are calculated as net charge-offs divided by average outstanding loans excluding loans accounted for under the fair value option.

Nonperforming  outstanding  balances  in  the  home  equity 
portfolio decreased $564 million in 2015 as outflows, including 
sales  of  $154  million  and  the  transfer  of  certain  qualifying 
borrowers  discharged  in  a  Chapter  7  bankruptcy  to  performing 
status, outpaced new inflows. Of the nonperforming home equity 
portfolio at December 31, 2015, $1.4 billion, or 42 percent, were 
current on contractual payments. Nonperforming loans that are 
contractually  current  primarily  consist  of  collateral-dependent 
TDRs,  including  those  that  have  been  discharged  in  Chapter  7 
bankruptcy, junior-lien loans where the underlying first-lien is 90 
days  or  more  past  due,  as  well  as  loans  that  have  not  yet 
demonstrated  a  sustained  period  of  payment  performance 
following  a  TDR.  In  addition,  $1.3  billion,  or  38  percent  of 
nonperforming home equity loans, were 180 days or more past 
due and had been written down to the estimated fair value of the 
collateral, less costs to sell. Accruing loans that were 30 days or 
more past due decreased $27 million in 2015.

In some cases, the junior-lien home equity outstanding balance 
that we hold is performing, but the underlying first-lien is not. For 
outstanding balances in the home equity portfolio on which we 
service the first-lien loan, we are able to track whether the first-
lien loan is in default. For loans where the first-lien is serviced by 
a  third  party,  we  utilize  credit  bureau  data  to  estimate  the 
delinquency status of the first-lien. Given that the credit bureau 
database  we  use  does  not  include  a  property  address  for  the 
mortgages,  we  are  unable  to  identify  with  certainty  whether  a 
reported  delinquent  first-lien  mortgage  pertains  to  the  same 
property for which we hold a junior-lien loan. For certain loans, we 
utilize  a  third-party  vendor  to  combine  credit  bureau  and  public 
record data to better link a junior-lien loan with the underlying first-
lien  mortgage.  At  December 31,  2015,  we  estimate  that  $1.2 
billion of current and $157 million of 30 to 89 days past due junior-
lien loans were behind a delinquent first-lien loan. We service the 
first-lien loans on $193 million of these combined amounts, with 

the remaining $1.1 billion serviced by third parties. Of the $1.3 
billion of current to 89 days past due junior-lien loans, based on 
available credit bureau data and our own internal servicing data, 
we  estimate  that  $484  million  had  first-lien  loans  that  were 
90 days or more past due. 

Net  charge-offs  decreased  $271  million  to  $636  million,  or 
0.84 percent of the total average home equity portfolio in 2015, 
compared to $907 million, or 1.09 percent, in 2014. The decrease 
in net charge-offs was primarily driven by favorable portfolio trends 
due in part to improvement in home prices and the U.S. economy, 
and lower charge-offs related to the consumer relief portion of the 
DoJ Settlement, partially offset by lower recoveries.

Outstanding balances in the home equity portfolio with greater 
than 90 percent but less than or equal to 100 percent refreshed 
combined loan-to-value (CLTV) comprised six percent and seven 
percent of the home equity portfolio at December 31, 2015 and 
2014. Outstanding balances with refreshed CLTV greater than 100 
percent comprised 11 percent and 14 percent of the home equity 
portfolio at December 31, 2015 and 2014. Outstanding balances 
in the home equity portfolio with a refreshed CLTV greater than 
100  percent  reflect  loans  where  our  loan  and  available  line  of 
credit  combined  with  any  outstanding  senior  liens  against  the 
property are equal to or greater than the most recent valuation of 
the  property  securing  the  loan.  Depending  on  the  value  of  the 
property, there may be collateral in excess of the first-lien that is 
available to reduce the severity of loss on the second-lien. Of those 
outstanding  balances  with  a  refreshed  CLTV  greater  than 
100 percent, 96 percent of the customers were current on their 
home  equity  loan  and  92  percent  of  second-lien  loans  with  a 
refreshed  CLTV  greater  than  100  percent  were  current  on  both 
their second-lien and underlying first-lien loans at December 31, 
2015.  Outstanding  balances  in  the  home  equity  portfolio  to 
borrowers  with  a  refreshed  FICO  score  below  620  represented 

Bank of America 2015     69

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
seven percent of the home equity portfolio at both December 31, 
2015 and 2014.

Of the $71.3 billion in total home equity portfolio outstandings 
at December 31, 2015, as shown in Table 29, 66 percent were 
interest-only  loans,  almost  all  of  which  were  HELOCs.  The 
outstanding balance of HELOCs that have entered the amortization 
period  was  $9.7  billion,  or  15  percent  of  total  HELOCs  at 
December 31,  2015.  The  HELOCs  that  have  entered  the 
amortization period have experienced a higher percentage of early 
stage delinquencies and nonperforming status when compared to 
the  HELOC  portfolio  as  a  whole.  At  December 31,  2015,  $226 
million, or two percent of outstanding HELOCs that had entered 
the amortization period were accruing past due 30 days or more 
compared to $561 million, or one percent for the entire HELOC 
portfolio. In addition, at December 31, 2015, $1.3 billion, or 14 
percent of outstanding HELOCs that had entered the amortization 
period  were  nonperforming,  of  which  $507  million  were 
contractually current, compared to $3.1 billion, or five percent for 
the entire HELOC portfolio, of which $1.2 billion were contractually 
current. Loans in our HELOC portfolio generally have an initial draw 
period of 10 years and 44 percent of these loans will enter the 
amortization period in 2016 and 2017 and will be required to make 
fully-amortizing  payments.  We  communicate  to  contractually 
current customers more than a year prior to the end of their draw 

period  to  inform  them  of  the  potential  change  to  the  payment 
structure  before  entering  the  amortization  period,  and  provide 
payment options to customers prior to the end of the draw period.
Although we do not actively track how many of our home equity 
customers pay only the minimum amount due on their home equity 
loans and lines, we can infer some of this information through a 
review of our HELOC portfolio that we service and that is still in 
its revolving period (i.e., customers may draw on and repay their 
line of credit, but are generally only required to pay interest on a 
monthly basis). During 2015, approximately 39 percent of these 
customers with an outstanding balance did not pay any principal 
on their HELOCs.

Table 29 presents outstandings, nonperforming balances and 
net charge-offs by certain state concentrations for the home equity 
portfolio. In the New York area, the New York-Northern New Jersey-
Long  Island  MSA  made  up  13  percent  and  12  percent  of  the 
outstanding  home  equity  portfolio  at  December  31,  2015  and 
2014.  Loans  within  this  MSA  contributed  13  percent  and  14 
percent  of  net  charge-offs  in  2015  and  2014  within  the  home 
equity  portfolio.  The  Los  Angeles-Long  Beach-Santa  Ana  MSA 
within  California  made  up  12  percent  of  the  outstanding  home 
equity  portfolio  at  both  December  31,  2015  and  2014.  Loans 
within this MSA contributed two percent and four percent of net 
charge-offs in 2015 and 2014 within the home equity portfolio.

Table 29 Home Equity State Concentrations

(Dollars in millions)

California
Florida (3)
New Jersey (3)
New York (3)
Massachusetts
Other U.S./Non-U.S.

Home equity loans (4)

Purchased credit-impaired home equity portfolio (5)

$

$

December 31

Outstandings (1)

Nonperforming (1)

Net Charge-offs (2)

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

$

$

20,356
8,474
5,570
5,249
3,378
28,302
71,329
4,619
75,948

23,250
9,633
5,883
5,671
3,655
32,016
80,108
5,617
85,725

$

$

902
518
230
316
115
1,256
3,337

$

$

1,012
574
299
387
148
1,481
3,901

$

$

57
128
51
61
17
322
636

$

$

118
170
68
81
30
440
907

Total home equity loan portfolio

$
(1)  Outstandings and nonperforming loans exclude loans accounted for under the fair value option.
(2)  Net charge-offs exclude $174 million of write-offs in the home equity PCI loan portfolio in 2015 compared to $265 million in 2014. For more information on PCI write-offs, see Consumer Portfolio 

$

Credit Risk Management – Purchased Credit-impaired Loan Portfolio on page 71.
In these states, foreclosure requires a court order following a legal proceeding (judicial states). 

(3) 

(4)  Amount excludes the PCI home equity portfolio.
(5)  Twenty-nine percent of PCI home equity loans were in California at both December 31, 2015 and 2014. There were no other significant single state concentrations.

70     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
seven percent of the home equity portfolio at both December 31, 

period  to  inform  them  of  the  potential  change  to  the  payment 

2015 and 2014.

structure  before  entering  the  amortization  period,  and  provide 

Of the $71.3 billion in total home equity portfolio outstandings 

payment options to customers prior to the end of the draw period.

at December 31, 2015, as shown in Table 29, 66 percent were 

Although we do not actively track how many of our home equity 

interest-only  loans,  almost  all  of  which  were  HELOCs.  The 

customers pay only the minimum amount due on their home equity 

outstanding balance of HELOCs that have entered the amortization 

loans and lines, we can infer some of this information through a 

period  was  $9.7  billion,  or  15  percent  of  total  HELOCs  at 

review of our HELOC portfolio that we service and that is still in 

December 31,  2015.  The  HELOCs  that  have  entered  the 

its revolving period (i.e., customers may draw on and repay their 

amortization period have experienced a higher percentage of early 

line of credit, but are generally only required to pay interest on a 

stage delinquencies and nonperforming status when compared to 

monthly basis). During 2015, approximately 39 percent of these 

the  HELOC  portfolio  as  a  whole.  At  December 31,  2015,  $226 

customers with an outstanding balance did not pay any principal 

million, or two percent of outstanding HELOCs that had entered 

on their HELOCs.

the amortization period were accruing past due 30 days or more 

Table 29 presents outstandings, nonperforming balances and 

compared to $561 million, or one percent for the entire HELOC 

net charge-offs by certain state concentrations for the home equity 

portfolio. In addition, at December 31, 2015, $1.3 billion, or 14 

portfolio. In the New York area, the New York-Northern New Jersey-

percent of outstanding HELOCs that had entered the amortization 

Long  Island  MSA  made  up  13  percent  and  12  percent  of  the 

period  were  nonperforming,  of  which  $507  million  were 

outstanding  home  equity  portfolio  at  December  31,  2015  and 

contractually current, compared to $3.1 billion, or five percent for 

2014.  Loans  within  this  MSA  contributed  13  percent  and  14 

the entire HELOC portfolio, of which $1.2 billion were contractually 

percent  of  net  charge-offs  in  2015  and  2014  within  the  home 

current. Loans in our HELOC portfolio generally have an initial draw 

equity  portfolio.  The  Los  Angeles-Long  Beach-Santa  Ana  MSA 

period of 10 years and 44 percent of these loans will enter the 

within  California  made  up  12  percent  of  the  outstanding  home 

amortization period in 2016 and 2017 and will be required to make 

equity  portfolio  at  both  December  31,  2015  and  2014.  Loans 

fully-amortizing  payments.  We  communicate  to  contractually 

within this MSA contributed two percent and four percent of net 

current customers more than a year prior to the end of their draw 

charge-offs in 2015 and 2014 within the home equity portfolio.

Table 29 Home Equity State Concentrations

(Dollars in millions)

California

Florida (3)

New Jersey (3)

New York (3)

Massachusetts

Other U.S./Non-U.S.

Home equity loans (4)

December 31

Outstandings (1)

Nonperforming (1)

Net Charge-offs (2)

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

$

20,356

$

23,250

$

$

1,012

$

902

518

230

316

115

574

299

387

148

57

128

51

61

17

322

636

$

$

118

170

68

81

30

440

907

32,016

80,108

$

1,256

3,337

$

1,481

3,901

$

8,474

5,570

5,249

3,378

28,302

71,329

4,619

75,948

$

$

9,633

5,883

5,671

3,655

$

$

5,617

85,725

(2)  Net charge-offs exclude $174 million of write-offs in the home equity PCI loan portfolio in 2015 compared to $265 million in 2014. For more information on PCI write-offs, see Consumer Portfolio 

Purchased credit-impaired home equity portfolio (5)

Total home equity loan portfolio

(1)  Outstandings and nonperforming loans exclude loans accounted for under the fair value option.

Credit Risk Management – Purchased Credit-impaired Loan Portfolio on page 71.

(3) 

In these states, foreclosure requires a court order following a legal proceeding (judicial states). 

(4)  Amount excludes the PCI home equity portfolio.

(5)  Twenty-nine percent of PCI home equity loans were in California at both December 31, 2015 and 2014. There were no other significant single state concentrations.

Purchased Credit-impaired Loan Portfolio
Loans acquired with evidence of credit quality deterioration since 
origination and for which it is probable at purchase that we will be 
unable to collect all contractually required payments are accounted 
for under the accounting guidance for PCI loans, which addresses 
accounting for differences between contractual and expected cash 
flows  to  be  collected  from  the  purchaser’s  initial  investment  in 
loans if those differences are attributable, at least in part, to credit 

quality. For more information on PCI loans, see Note 1 – Summary 
of Significant Accounting Principles to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements.

Table 30 presents the unpaid principal balance, carrying value, 
related  valuation  allowance  and  the  net  carrying  value  as  a 
percentage  of  the  unpaid  principal  balance  for  the  PCI  loan 
portfolio.

Table 30 Purchased Credit-impaired Loan Portfolio

(Dollars in millions)

Residential mortgage
Home equity

Total purchased credit-impaired loan portfolio

Residential mortgage
Home equity

Total purchased credit-impaired loan portfolio

December 31, 2015

Unpaid
Principal
Balance

Gross
Carrying
Value

Related
Valuation
Allowance

Carrying
Value Net of
Valuation
Allowance

Percent of
Unpaid
Principal
Balance

$

$

$

$

12,350
4,650
17,000

15,726
5,605
21,331

$

$

$

$

12,066
4,619
16,685

$

$

338
466
804

$

$

11,728
4,153
15,881

December 31, 2014
$

$

880
772
1,652

$

$

15,152
5,617
20,769

14,272
4,845
19,117

94.96%
89.31
93.42

90.75%
86.44
89.62

The total PCI unpaid principal balance decreased $4.3 billion, 
or 20 percent, in 2015 primarily driven by sales, payoffs, paydowns 
and write-offs. During 2015, we sold PCI loans with a carrying value 
of $1.4 billion compared to sales of $1.9 billion in 2014.

Of  the  unpaid  principal  balance  of  $17.0  billion  at 
December 31,  2015,  $14.7  billion,  or  86  percent,  was  current 
based on the contractual terms, $1.2 billion, or seven percent, 
was in early stage delinquency, and $800 million was 180 days 
or more past due, including $707 million of first-lien mortgages 
and $93 million of home equity loans.

During 2015, we recorded a provision benefit of $40 million 
for the PCI loan portfolio which included an expense of $92 million 
for residential mortgage and a benefit of $132 million for home 
equity. This compared to a total provision benefit of $31 million 
in  2014.  The  provision  benefit  in  2015  was  primarily  driven  by 
lower default estimates. 

The PCI valuation allowance declined $848 million during 2015 
due  to  write-offs  in  the  PCI  loan  portfolio  of  $634  million  in 
residential mortgage and $174 million in home equity, combined 
with a provision benefit of $40 million.

Purchased Credit-impaired Residential Mortgage Loan 
Portfolio
The PCI residential mortgage loan portfolio represented 72 percent 
of the total PCI loan portfolio at December 31, 2015. Those loans 
to borrowers with a refreshed FICO score below 620 represented 
31  percent  of  the  PCI  residential  mortgage  loan  portfolio  at 
December 31,  2015.  Loans  with  a  refreshed  LTV  greater  than 
90 percent,  after  consideration  of  purchase  accounting 
adjustments and the related valuation allowance, represented 28 
percent  of  the  PCI  residential  mortgage  loan  portfolio  and  33 
percent based on the unpaid principal balance at December 31, 
2015. 

Pay option adjustable-rate mortgages, which are included in the 
PCI residential mortgage portfolio, have interest rates that adjust 
monthly  and  minimum  required  payments  that  adjust  annually. 
During  an  initial  five-  or  ten-year  period,  minimum  required 

payments may increase by no more than 7.5 percent. If payments 
are insufficient to pay all of the monthly interest charges, unpaid 
interest is added to the loan balance (i.e., negative amortization) 
until the loan balance increases to a specified limit, at which time 
a new monthly payment amount adequate to repay the loan over 
its remaining contractual life is established.

At  December 31,  2015,  the  unpaid  principal  balance  of  pay 
option loans was $2.4 billion, with a carrying value of $2.3 billion. 
The  total  unpaid  principal  balance  of  pay  option  loans  with 
accumulated  negative  amortization  was  $503  million,  including 
$28 million of negative amortization. We believe the majority of 
borrowers that are now making scheduled payments are able to 
do so primarily because the low rate environment has caused the 
fully indexed rates to be affordable to more borrowers. We continue 
to  evaluate  our  exposure  to  payment  resets  on  the  acquired 
negative-amortizing  loans  and  have  taken  into  consideration 
several assumptions including prepayment and default rates. Of 
the loans in the pay option portfolio at December 31, 2015 that 
have  not  already  experienced  a  payment  reset,  54  percent  are 
expected to reset in 2016 and 22 percent are expected to reset 
thereafter. In addition, four percent are expected to prepay and 
approximately 20 percent are expected to default prior to being 
reset, most of which were severely delinquent as of December 31, 
2015. We no longer originate pay option loans.

Purchased Credit-impaired Home Equity Loan Portfolio
The PCI home equity portfolio represented 28 percent of the total 
PCI  loan  portfolio  at  December 31,  2015.  Those  loans  with  a 
refreshed FICO score below 620 represented 16 percent of the 
PCI home equity portfolio at December 31, 2015. Loans with a 
refreshed  CLTV  greater  than  90  percent,  after  consideration  of 
purchase  accounting  adjustments  and  the  related  valuation 
allowance, represented 57 percent of the PCI home equity portfolio 
and  60  percent  based  on  the  unpaid  principal  balance  at 
December 31, 2015. 

70     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     71

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Credit Card
At December 31, 2015, 97 percent of the U.S. credit card portfolio 
was managed in Consumer Banking with the remainder managed 
in GWIM. Outstandings in the U.S. credit card portfolio decreased 
$2.3 billion in 2015 due to portfolio divestitures. Net charge-offs 
decreased  $324  million  to  $2.3  billion  in  2015  due  to 
improvements in delinquencies and bankruptcies as a result of 
an improved economic environment and the impact of higher credit 
quality originations. U.S. credit card loans 30 days or more past 
due and still accruing interest decreased $126 million while loans 
90 days or more past due and still accruing interest decreased 
$77 million in 2015 as a result of the factors mentioned above 
that contributed to lower net charge-offs. 

Unused lines of credit for U.S. credit card totaled $312.5 billion 
and $305.9 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014. The $6.6 
billion increase was driven by account growth and line of credit 
increases.

Table 32 U.S. Credit Card State Concentrations

Table 31 presents certain key credit statistics for the U.S. credit 

card portfolio.

Table 31 U.S. Credit Card – Key Credit Statistics

(Dollars in millions)

Outstandings
Accruing past due 30 days or more
Accruing past due 90 days or more

December 31

2015
$ 89,602
1,575
789

2014
$ 91,879
1,701
866

2015

2014

Net charge-offs
Net charge-off ratios (1)
(1)  Net charge-off ratios are calculated as net charge-offs divided by average outstanding loans.

2.62%

2,638

2,314

2.96%

$

$

Table  32  presents  certain  state  concentrations  for  the  U.S. 

credit card portfolio.

(Dollars in millions)

California
Florida
Texas
New York
Washington
Other U.S.

Total U.S. credit card portfolio

December 31

Outstandings

Accruing Past Due
90 Days or More

Net Charge-offs

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

$

$

13,658
7,420
6,620
5,547
3,907
52,450
89,602

$

$

13,682
7,530
6,586
5,655
3,907
54,519
91,879

$

$

115
81
58
57
19
459
789

$

$

127
89
58
59
22
511
866

$

$

358
244
157
162
59
1,334
2,314

$

$

414
278
177
174
71
1,524
2,638

Non-U.S. Credit Card
Outstandings  in  the  non-U.S.  credit  card  portfolio,  which  are 
recorded in All Other, decreased $490 million in 2015 due to a 
weakening of the British Pound against the U.S. Dollar. Net charge-
offs  decreased  $54  million  to  $188  million  in  2015  due  to 
improvement in delinquencies as a result of higher credit quality 
originations and an improved economic environment. 

Unused lines of credit for non-U.S. credit card totaled $27.9 
billion and $28.2 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014. The 
$271  million  decrease  was  driven  by  weakening  of  the  British 
Pound against the U.S. Dollar, partially offset by account growth 
and lines of credit increases.

Table 33 presents certain key credit statistics for the non-U.S. 

credit card portfolio.

Table 33 Non-U.S. Credit Card – Key Credit Statistics

(Dollars in millions)

Outstandings
Accruing past due 30 days or more
Accruing past due 90 days or more

December 31

$

2015

9,975
146
76

2014
$ 10,465
183
95

2015

2014

Net charge-offs
Net charge-off ratios (1)
(1) Net charge-off ratios are calculated as net charge-offs divided by average outstanding loans.

188
1.86%

242
2.10%

$

$

72     Bank of America 2015

 
U.S. Credit Card

Table 31 presents certain key credit statistics for the U.S. credit 

At December 31, 2015, 97 percent of the U.S. credit card portfolio 

card portfolio.

was managed in Consumer Banking with the remainder managed 

in GWIM. Outstandings in the U.S. credit card portfolio decreased 

$2.3 billion in 2015 due to portfolio divestitures. Net charge-offs 

decreased  $324  million  to  $2.3  billion  in  2015  due  to 

improvements in delinquencies and bankruptcies as a result of 

an improved economic environment and the impact of higher credit 

quality originations. U.S. credit card loans 30 days or more past 

due and still accruing interest decreased $126 million while loans 

90 days or more past due and still accruing interest decreased 

$77 million in 2015 as a result of the factors mentioned above 

that contributed to lower net charge-offs. 

Unused lines of credit for U.S. credit card totaled $312.5 billion 

and $305.9 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014. The $6.6 

billion increase was driven by account growth and line of credit 

increases.

Table 32 U.S. Credit Card State Concentrations

(Dollars in millions)

California

Florida

Texas

New York

Washington

Other U.S.

Non-U.S. Credit Card

Outstandings  in  the  non-U.S.  credit  card  portfolio,  which  are 

recorded in All Other, decreased $490 million in 2015 due to a 

weakening of the British Pound against the U.S. Dollar. Net charge-

offs  decreased  $54  million  to  $188  million  in  2015  due  to 

improvement in delinquencies as a result of higher credit quality 

originations and an improved economic environment. 

Unused lines of credit for non-U.S. credit card totaled $27.9 

billion and $28.2 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014. The 

$271  million  decrease  was  driven  by  weakening  of  the  British 

Pound against the U.S. Dollar, partially offset by account growth 

and lines of credit increases.

Table 31 U.S. Credit Card – Key Credit Statistics

(Dollars in millions)

Outstandings

Accruing past due 30 days or more

Accruing past due 90 days or more

Net charge-offs

Net charge-off ratios (1)

December 31

2015

2014

$ 89,602

$ 91,879

1,575

789

1,701

866

2015

2014

$

2,314

$

2,638

2.62%

2.96%

(1)  Net charge-off ratios are calculated as net charge-offs divided by average outstanding loans.

Table  32  presents  certain  state  concentrations  for  the  U.S. 

credit card portfolio.

December 31

Outstandings

Net Charge-offs

Accruing Past Due

90 Days or More

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

$

13,658

$

13,682

$

115

$

127

$

$

7,420

6,620

5,547

3,907

52,450

89,602

$

7,530

6,586

5,655

3,907

54,519

81

58

57

19

459

789

358

244

157

162

59

414

278

177

174

71

1,334

2,314

$

1,524

2,638

$

89

58

59

22

511

866

Table 33 presents certain key credit statistics for the non-U.S. 

credit card portfolio.

Table 33 Non-U.S. Credit Card – Key Credit Statistics

(Dollars in millions)

Outstandings

Accruing past due 30 days or more

Accruing past due 90 days or more

Net charge-offs

Net charge-off ratios (1)

December 31

2015

2014

$

9,975

$ 10,465

146

76

183

95

2015

2014

$

188

$

1.86%

242

2.10%

(1) Net charge-off ratios are calculated as net charge-offs divided by average outstanding loans.

Total U.S. credit card portfolio

$

91,879

$

$

Direct/Indirect Consumer
At December 31, 2015, approximately 50 percent of the direct/
indirect  portfolio  was  included  in  GWIM  (principally  securities-
based  lending  loans),  49  percent  was  included  in  Consumer 
Banking  (consumer  auto  and  specialty  lending  –  automotive, 
marine, aircraft, recreational vehicle loans and consumer personal 
loans) and the remainder was primarily student loans in All Other.
Outstandings  in  the  direct/indirect  portfolio  increased  $8.4 
billion in 2015 as growth in the consumer auto portfolio and growth 
in  securities-based  lending  were  partially  offset  by  lower 
outstandings in the unsecured consumer lending portfolio. 

Net charge-offs decreased $57 million to $112 million in 2015, 
or 0.13 percent of total average direct/indirect loans, compared 

Table 34 Direct/Indirect State Concentrations

to $169 million, or 0.20 percent, in 2014. This decrease in net 
charge-offs was primarily driven by improvements in delinquencies 
and bankruptcies in the unsecured consumer lending portfolio as 
a result of an improved economic environment as well as reduced 
outstandings in this portfolio.

Direct/indirect loans that were past due 90 days or more and 
still accruing interest declined $25 million to $39 million in 2015 
due  to  decreases  in  the  unsecured  consumer  lending,  and 
consumer auto and specialty lending portfolios.

Table 34 presents certain state concentrations for the direct/

indirect consumer loan portfolio.

(Dollars in millions)

California
Florida
Texas
New York
Illinois
Other U.S./Non-U.S.

Total direct/indirect loan portfolio

December 31

Outstandings

Accruing Past Due
90 Days or More

Net Charge-offs

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

$

$

10,735
8,835
8,514
5,077
2,906
52,728
88,795

$

$

9,770
7,930
7,741
4,458
2,550
47,932
80,381

$

$

3
3
4
1
1
27
39

$

$

5
5
5
2
2
45
64

$

$

8
20
17
3
3
61
112

$

$

18
27
19
9
5
91
169

Other Consumer
At  December 31,  2015,  approximately  66  percent  of  the  $2.1 
billion  other  consumer  portfolio  was  consumer  auto  leases 
included  in  Consumer  Banking.  The  remainder  is  primarily 
associated  with  certain  consumer  finance  businesses  that  we 
previously exited.

Nonperforming Consumer Loans, Leases and Foreclosed 
Properties Activity
Table  35  presents  nonperforming  consumer  loans,  leases  and 
foreclosed  properties  activity  during  2015  and  2014. 
Nonperforming LHFS are excluded from nonperforming loans as 
they are recorded at either fair value or the lower of cost or fair 
value.  Nonperforming  loans  do  not  include  past  due  consumer 
credit card loans, other unsecured loans and in general, consumer 
non-real  estate-secured  loans  (loans  discharged  in  Chapter  7 
bankruptcy are included) as these loans are typically charged off 
no later than the end of the month in which the loan becomes 
180 days past due. The charge-offs on these loans have no impact 
on nonperforming activity and, accordingly, are excluded from this 
table.  The  fully-insured  loan  portfolio  is  not  reported  as 
nonperforming  as  principal  repayment  is  insured.  Additionally, 
nonperforming loans do not include the PCI loan portfolio or loans 
accounted for under the fair value option. For more information on 
nonperforming  loans,  see  Note  1  –  Summary  of  Significant 
Accounting Principles to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 
During 2015, nonperforming consumer loans declined $2.7 billion 
to $8.2 billion and included the impact of sales of $1.7 billion, 
partially offset by a net increase of $186 million related to the 
impact of the consumer relief portion of the DoJ Settlement for 
those  loans  that  are  no  longer  fully  insured.  Excluding  these, 
nonperforming loans declined as outflows, including the transfer 

of  certain  qualifying  borrowers  discharged  in  a  Chapter  7 
bankruptcy to performing status, outpaced new inflows.

The outstanding balance of a real estate-secured loan that is 
in  excess  of  the  estimated  property  value  less  costs  to  sell  is 
charged off no later than the end of the month in which the loan 
becomes 180 days past due unless repayment of the loan is fully 
insured.  At  December 31,  2015,  $3.8  billion,  or  44  percent  of 
nonperforming  consumer  real  estate  loans  and  foreclosed 
properties had been written down to their estimated property value 
less costs to sell, including $3.3 billion of nonperforming loans 
180 days  or  more  past  due  and  $444  million  of  foreclosed 
properties. In addition, at December 31, 2015, $3.0 billion, or 35 
percent of nonperforming consumer loans were modified and are 
now  current  after  successful  trial  periods,  or  are  current  loans 
classified as nonperforming loans in accordance with applicable 
policies.

Foreclosed  properties  decreased  $186  million  in  2015  as 
liquidations  outpaced  additions.  PCI  loans  are  excluded  from 
nonperforming loans as these loans were written down to fair value 
at the acquisition date; however, once the underlying real estate 
is acquired by the Corporation upon foreclosure of the delinquent 
PCI  loan,  it  is  included  in  foreclosed  properties.  PCI-related 
foreclosed properties increased $39 million in 2015. Not included 
in foreclosed properties at December 31, 2015 was $1.4 billion 
of  real  estate  that  was  acquired  upon  foreclosure  of  certain 
delinquent government-guaranteed loans (principally FHA-insured 
loans). We exclude these amounts from our nonperforming loans 
and  foreclosed  properties  activity  as  we  expect  we  will  be 
reimbursed  once  the  property  is  conveyed  to  the  guarantor  for 
principal  and,  up  to  certain  limits,  costs  incurred  during  the 
foreclosure  process  and  interest  incurred  during  the  holding 
period. 

72     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     73

 
Restructured Loans
Nonperforming loans also include certain loans that have been 
modified in TDRs where economic concessions have been granted 
to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties. These concessions 
typically result from the Corporation’s loss mitigation activities and 
could include reductions in the interest rate, payment extensions, 

forgiveness  of  principal,  forbearance  or  other  actions.  Certain 
TDRs are classified as nonperforming at the time of restructuring 
and may only be returned to performing status after considering 
the borrower’s sustained repayment performance for a reasonable 
period, generally six months. Nonperforming TDRs, excluding those 
modified loans in the PCI loan portfolio, are included in Table 35.

Table 35 Nonperforming Consumer Loans, Leases and Foreclosed Properties Activity (1)

(Dollars in millions)

Nonperforming loans and leases, January 1
Additions to nonperforming loans and leases:

New nonperforming loans and leases

Reductions to nonperforming loans and leases:

Paydowns and payoffs
Sales
Returns to performing status (2)
Charge-offs
Transfers to foreclosed properties (3)
Transfers to loans held-for-sale

Total net reductions to nonperforming loans and leases
Total nonperforming loans and leases, December 31 (4)

Foreclosed properties, January 1
Additions to foreclosed properties:
New foreclosed properties (3)

Reductions to foreclosed properties:

Sales
Write-downs

Total net additions (reductions) to foreclosed properties
Total foreclosed properties, December 31 (5)
Nonperforming consumer loans, leases and foreclosed properties, December 31

Nonperforming consumer loans and leases as a percentage of outstanding consumer loans and leases (6)
Nonperforming consumer loans, leases and foreclosed properties as a percentage of outstanding consumer loans, leases and 

foreclosed properties (6)

2015

2014

$

10,819

$

15,840

4,949

7,077

(1,018)
(1,674)
(2,710)
(1,769)
(432)
—
(2,654)
8,165
630

(1,625)
(4,129)
(3,277)
(2,187)
(672)
(208)
(5,021)
10,819
533

606

1,011

(686)
(106)
(186)
444
8,609

$

(829)
(85)
97
630
11,449

1.80%

2.22%

1.89

2.35

$

(1)  Balances do not include nonperforming LHFS of $5 million and $7 million and nonaccruing TDRs removed from the PCI loan portfolio prior to January 1, 2010 of $38 million and $102 million at 
December 31, 2015 and 2014 as well as loans accruing past due 90 days or more as presented in Table 23 and Note 4 – Outstanding Loans and Leases to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2)  Consumer loans may be returned to performing status when all principal and interest is current and full repayment of the remaining contractual principal and interest is expected, or when the loan 

otherwise becomes well-secured and is in the process of collection.

(3)  New foreclosed properties represents transfers of nonperforming loans to foreclosed properties net of charge-offs taken during the first 90 days after transfer of a loan to foreclosed properties. New 
foreclosed properties also includes properties obtained upon foreclosure of delinquent PCI loans, properties repurchased due to representations and warranties exposure and properties acquired 
with newly consolidated subsidiaries.

(4)  At December 31, 2015, 41 percent of nonperforming loans were 180 days or more past due.
(5)  Foreclosed property balances do not include properties insured by certain government-guaranteed loans, principally FHA-insured loans, of $1.4 billion and $1.1 billion at December 31, 2015 and 

2014. 

(6)  Outstanding consumer loans and leases exclude loans accounted for under the fair value option.

Our policy is to record any losses in the value of foreclosed 
properties as a reduction in the allowance for loan and lease losses 
during  the  first  90 days  after  transfer  of  a  loan  to  foreclosed 
properties. Thereafter, further losses in value as well as gains and 
losses  on  sale  are  recorded  in  noninterest  expense.  New 
foreclosed properties included in Table 35 are net of $162 million 
and $191 million of charge-offs and write-offs of PCI loans in 2015 
and 2014, recorded during the first 90 days after transfer. 

We  classify  junior-lien  home  equity  loans  as  nonperforming 
when  the  first-lien  loan  becomes  90  days  past  due  even  if  the 
junior-lien loan is performing. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, 
$484  million  and  $800  million  of  such  junior-lien  home  equity 
loans  were  included  in  nonperforming  loans  and  leases.  This 
decline was driven by overall portfolio improvement as well as $75 
million of charge-offs related to the consumer relief portion of the 
DoJ Settlement.

74     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restructured Loans

forgiveness  of  principal,  forbearance  or  other  actions.  Certain 

Table 36 presents TDRs for the consumer real estate portfolio. Performing TDR balances are excluded from nonperforming loans 

Nonperforming loans also include certain loans that have been 

TDRs are classified as nonperforming at the time of restructuring 

modified in TDRs where economic concessions have been granted 

and may only be returned to performing status after considering 

to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties. These concessions 

the borrower’s sustained repayment performance for a reasonable 

typically result from the Corporation’s loss mitigation activities and 

period, generally six months. Nonperforming TDRs, excluding those 

could include reductions in the interest rate, payment extensions, 

modified loans in the PCI loan portfolio, are included in Table 35.

Table 35 Nonperforming Consumer Loans, Leases and Foreclosed Properties Activity (1)

(Dollars in millions)

Nonperforming loans and leases, January 1

Additions to nonperforming loans and leases:

New nonperforming loans and leases

Reductions to nonperforming loans and leases:

Paydowns and payoffs

Sales

Returns to performing status (2)

Charge-offs

Transfers to foreclosed properties (3)

Transfers to loans held-for-sale

Total net reductions to nonperforming loans and leases

Total nonperforming loans and leases, December 31 (4)

Foreclosed properties, January 1

Additions to foreclosed properties:

New foreclosed properties (3)

Reductions to foreclosed properties:

Sales

Write-downs

Total net additions (reductions) to foreclosed properties

Total foreclosed properties, December 31 (5)

2015

2014

$

10,819

$

15,840

4,949

7,077

(1,018)

(1,674)

(2,710)

(1,769)

(432)

—

(2,654)

8,165

630

(686)

(106)

(186)

444

(1,625)

(4,129)

(3,277)

(2,187)

(672)

(208)

(5,021)

10,819

533

(829)

(85)

97

630

606

1,011

Nonperforming consumer loans, leases and foreclosed properties, December 31

Nonperforming consumer loans and leases as a percentage of outstanding consumer loans and leases (6)

Nonperforming consumer loans, leases and foreclosed properties as a percentage of outstanding consumer loans, leases and 

foreclosed properties (6)

$

8,609

$

11,449

1.80%

2.22%

1.89

2.35

(1)  Balances do not include nonperforming LHFS of $5 million and $7 million and nonaccruing TDRs removed from the PCI loan portfolio prior to January 1, 2010 of $38 million and $102 million at 

December 31, 2015 and 2014 as well as loans accruing past due 90 days or more as presented in Table 23 and Note 4 – Outstanding Loans and Leases to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

(2)  Consumer loans may be returned to performing status when all principal and interest is current and full repayment of the remaining contractual principal and interest is expected, or when the loan 

otherwise becomes well-secured and is in the process of collection.

(3)  New foreclosed properties represents transfers of nonperforming loans to foreclosed properties net of charge-offs taken during the first 90 days after transfer of a loan to foreclosed properties. New 

foreclosed properties also includes properties obtained upon foreclosure of delinquent PCI loans, properties repurchased due to representations and warranties exposure and properties acquired 

with newly consolidated subsidiaries.

(4)  At December 31, 2015, 41 percent of nonperforming loans were 180 days or more past due.

2014. 

(6)  Outstanding consumer loans and leases exclude loans accounted for under the fair value option.

(5)  Foreclosed property balances do not include properties insured by certain government-guaranteed loans, principally FHA-insured loans, of $1.4 billion and $1.1 billion at December 31, 2015 and 

Our policy is to record any losses in the value of foreclosed 

We  classify  junior-lien  home  equity  loans  as  nonperforming 

properties as a reduction in the allowance for loan and lease losses 

when  the  first-lien  loan  becomes  90  days  past  due  even  if  the 

during  the  first  90 days  after  transfer  of  a  loan  to  foreclosed 

junior-lien loan is performing. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, 

properties. Thereafter, further losses in value as well as gains and 

$484  million  and  $800  million  of  such  junior-lien  home  equity 

losses  on  sale  are  recorded  in  noninterest  expense.  New 

loans  were  included  in  nonperforming  loans  and  leases.  This 

foreclosed properties included in Table 35 are net of $162 million 

decline was driven by overall portfolio improvement as well as $75 

and $191 million of charge-offs and write-offs of PCI loans in 2015 

million of charge-offs related to the consumer relief portion of the 

and 2014, recorded during the first 90 days after transfer. 

DoJ Settlement.

74     Bank of America 2015

and leases in Table 35.

Table 36 Consumer Real Estate Troubled Debt Restructurings

(Dollars in millions)

Residential mortgage (1, 2)
Home equity (3)

Total consumer real estate troubled debt restructurings

December 31

Total

18,372
2,686
21,058

$

$

2015
Nonperforming
3,284
$
1,649
4,933

$

$

$

Performing

Total

15,088
1,037
16,125

$

$

23,270
2,358
25,628

2014
Nonperforming
4,529
$
1,595
6,124

$

$

$

Performing

18,741
763
19,504

(1)  Residential mortgage TDRs deemed collateral dependent totaled $4.9 billion and $5.8 billion, and included $2.7 billion and $3.6 billion of loans classified as nonperforming and $2.2 billion and 

$2.2 billion of loans classified as performing at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

(2)  Residential mortgage performing TDRs included $8.7 billion and $11.9 billion of loans that were fully-insured at December 31, 2015 and 2014.
(3)  Home equity TDRs deemed collateral dependent totaled $1.6 billion and $1.6 billion, and included $1.3 billion and $1.4 billion of loans classified as nonperforming and $290 million and $178 

million of loans classified as performing at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

In addition to modifying consumer real estate loans, we work 
with  customers  who  are  experiencing  financial  difficulty  by 
modifying credit card and other consumer loans. Credit card and 
other consumer loan modifications generally involve a reduction 
in  the  customer’s  interest  rate  on  the  account  and  placing  the 
customer on a fixed payment plan not exceeding 60 months, all 
of which are considered TDRs (the renegotiated TDR portfolio). In 
addition, the accounts of non-U.S. credit card customers who do 
not qualify for a fixed payment plan may have their interest rates 
reduced,  as  required  by  certain  local  jurisdictions.  These 
modifications,  which  are  also  TDRs,  tend  to  experience  higher 
payment default rates given that the borrowers may lack the ability 
to repay even with the interest rate reduction. In all cases, the 
customer’s available line of credit is canceled.

Modifications  of  credit  card  and  other  consumer  loans  are 
primarily made through internal renegotiation programs utilizing 
direct customer contact, but may also utilize external renegotiation 
programs. The renegotiated TDR portfolio is excluded in large part 
from Table 35 as substantially all of the loans remain on accrual 
status  until  either  charged  off  or  paid  in  full.  At  December  31, 
2015 and 2014, our renegotiated TDR portfolio was $779 million 
and  $1.1  billion,  of  which  $635  million  and  $907  million  were 
current or less than 30 days past due under the modified terms. 
The decline in the renegotiated TDR portfolio was primarily driven 
by paydowns and charge-offs as well as lower program enrollments. 
For more information on the renegotiated TDR portfolio, see Note 
4 – Outstanding Loans and Leases to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements.

Commercial Portfolio Credit Risk Management
Credit risk management for the commercial portfolio begins with 
an  assessment  of  the  credit  risk  profile  of  the  borrower  or 
counterparty based on an analysis of its financial position. As part 
of  the  overall  credit  risk  assessment,  our  commercial  credit 
exposures are assigned a risk rating and are subject to approval 
based on defined credit approval standards. Subsequent to loan 
origination, risk ratings are monitored on an ongoing basis, and if 
necessary, adjusted to reflect changes in the financial condition, 
cash flow, risk profile or outlook of a borrower or counterparty. In 
making credit decisions, we consider risk rating, collateral, country, 
industry and single name concentration limits while also balancing 
this  with  the  total  borrower  or  counterparty  relationship.  Our 
business and risk management personnel use a variety of tools 
to continuously monitor the ability of a borrower or counterparty 
to perform under its obligations. We use risk rating aggregations 
to  measure  and  evaluate  concentrations  within  portfolios.  In 

addition,  risk  ratings  are  a  factor  in  determining  the  level  of 
allocated capital and the allowance for credit losses.

As part of our ongoing risk mitigation initiatives, we attempt to 
work with clients experiencing financial difficulty to modify their 
loans to terms that better align with their current ability to pay. In 
situations where an economic concession has been granted to a 
borrower experiencing financial difficulty, we identify these loans 
as TDRs. For more information on our accounting policies regarding 
delinquencies, nonperforming status and net charge-offs for the 
commercial  portfolio,  see  Note  1  –  Summary  of  Significant 
Accounting Principles to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Management of Commercial Credit Risk 
Concentrations
Commercial credit risk is evaluated and managed with the goal 
that concentrations of credit exposure do not result in undesirable 
levels of risk. We review, measure and manage concentrations of 
credit  exposure  by  industry,  product,  geography,  customer 
relationship and loan size. We also review, measure and manage 
commercial real estate loans by geographic location and property 
type.  In  addition,  within  our  non-U.S.  portfolio,  we  evaluate 
exposures  by region and by country. Tables  41,  46, 52 and 53 
summarize  our  concentrations.  We  also  utilize  syndications  of 
exposure  to  third  parties,  loan  sales,  hedging  and  other  risk 
mitigation techniques to manage the size and risk profile of the 
commercial credit portfolio. For more information on our industry 
concentrations, including our utilized exposure to the energy sector 
which was two percent of total loans and leases at December 31, 
2015,  see  Commercial  Portfolio  Credit  Risk  Management  – 
Industry Concentrations on page 81 and Table 46.

We  account  for  certain  large  corporate  loans  and  loan 
commitments,  including  issued  but  unfunded  letters  of  credit 
which are considered utilized for credit risk management purposes, 
that exceed our single name credit risk concentration guidelines 
under the fair value option. Lending commitments, both funded 
and  unfunded,  are  actively  managed  and  monitored,  and  as 
appropriate,  credit  risk  for  these  lending  relationships  may  be 
mitigated  through  the  use  of  credit  derivatives,  with  the 
Corporation’s credit view and market perspectives determining the 
size and timing of the hedging activity. In addition, we purchase 
credit  protection  to  cover  the  funded  portion  as  well  as  the 
unfunded portion of certain other credit exposures. To lessen the 
cost  of  obtaining  our  desired  credit  protection  levels,  credit 
exposure  may  be  added  within  an  industry,  borrower  or 
counterparty group by selling protection. These credit derivatives 
do not meet the requirements for treatment as accounting hedges. 

Bank of America 2015     75

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
They are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recorded 
in other income (loss).

In addition, the Corporation is a member of various securities 
and derivative exchanges and clearinghouses, both in the U.S. and 
other countries. As a member, the Corporation may be required to 
pay  a  pro-rata  share  of  the  losses  incurred  by  some  of  these 
organizations as a result of another member default and under 
other loss scenarios. For additional information, see Note 12 – 
Commitments  and  Contingencies  to  the  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements.

Commercial Credit Portfolio
During  2015,  credit  quality  among  large  corporate  borrowers 
remained stable except in the energy sector which experienced 
some deterioration due to the sustained drop in oil prices. Credit 
quality of commercial real estate borrowers continued to improve 
as property valuations increased and vacancy rates remained low.
Outstanding  commercial  loans  and  leases  increased  $54.0 
billion,  primarily  in  U.S.  commercial,  non-U.S.  commercial  and 

Table 37 Commercial Loans and Leases

commercial  real  estate.  Nonperforming  commercial  loans  and 
leases  increased  $112  million  during  2015.  Nonperforming 
commercial loans and leases as a percentage of outstanding loans 
and  leases,  excluding  loans  accounted  for  under  the  fair  value 
option, decreased during 2015 to 0.27 percent from 0.29 percent 
at December 31, 2014. Reservable criticized balances increased 
$4.9 billion to $16.5 billion during 2015 as a result of downgrades 
outpacing  paydowns  and  upgrades.  The  increase  in  reservable 
criticized balances was primarily due to our energy exposure as 
the  credit  quality  of  certain  borrowers  was  impacted  by  the 
sustained  drop  in  oil  prices.  The  allowance  for  loan  and  lease 
losses for the commercial portfolio increased $412 million to $4.8 
billion at December 31, 2015 compared to December 31, 2014. 
For  additional  information,  see  Allowance  for  Credit  Losses  on 
page 86.

Table 37 presents our commercial loans and leases portfolio, 
and related credit quality information at December 31, 2015 and 
2014.

(Dollars in millions)

U.S. commercial
Commercial real estate (1)
Commercial lease financing
Non-U.S. commercial

U.S. small business commercial (2)

Commercial loans excluding loans accounted for under the fair value option

Loans accounted for under the fair value option (3)

Total commercial loans and leases

December 31

Outstandings

Nonperforming

Accruing Past Due
90 Days or More

2015
$ 252,771
57,199
27,370
91,549
428,889
12,876
441,765
5,067
$ 446,832

2014
$ 220,293
47,682
24,866
80,083
372,924
13,293
386,217
6,604
$ 392,821

$

$

2015

2014

2015

2014

867
93
12
158
1,130
82
1,212
13
1,225

$

$

701
321
3
1
1,026
87
1,113
—
1,113

$

$

113
3
17
1
134
61
195
—
195

$

$

110
3
41
—
154
67
221
—
221

(1) 

(2) 

Includes U.S. commercial real estate loans of $53.6 billion and $45.2 billion and non-U.S. commercial real estate loans of $3.5 billion and $2.5 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014.
Includes card-related products.

(3)  Commercial loans accounted for under the fair value option include U.S. commercial loans of $2.3 billion and $1.9 billion and non-U.S. commercial loans of $2.8 billion and $4.7 billion at December 

31, 2015 and 2014. For more information on the fair value option, see Note 21 – Fair Value Option to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Table 38 presents net charge-offs and related ratios for our commercial loans and leases for 2015 and 2014. The increase in net 
charge-offs of $110 million in 2015 was primarily related to higher recoveries in commercial real estate in 2014 and higher energy 
sector related losses in 2015.

Table 38 Commercial Net Charge-offs and Related Ratios

(Dollars in millions)

U.S. commercial
Commercial real estate
Commercial lease financing
Non-U.S. commercial

U.S. small business commercial

Total commercial

Net Charge-offs

Net Charge-off Ratios (1)

2015

2014

2015

2014

$

$

139
(5)
9
54
197
225
422

$

$

88
(83)
(9)
34
30
282
312

0.06%
(0.01)
0.04
0.06
0.05
1.71
0.10

0.04%
(0.18)
(0.04)
0.04
0.01
2.10
0.08

(1)  Net charge-off ratios are calculated as net charge-offs divided by average outstanding loans and leases excluding loans accounted for under the fair value option.

76     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
They are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recorded 

commercial  real  estate.  Nonperforming  commercial  loans  and 

in other income (loss).

leases  increased  $112  million  during  2015.  Nonperforming 

In addition, the Corporation is a member of various securities 

commercial loans and leases as a percentage of outstanding loans 

and derivative exchanges and clearinghouses, both in the U.S. and 

and  leases,  excluding  loans  accounted  for  under  the  fair  value 

other countries. As a member, the Corporation may be required to 

option, decreased during 2015 to 0.27 percent from 0.29 percent 

pay  a  pro-rata  share  of  the  losses  incurred  by  some  of  these 

at December 31, 2014. Reservable criticized balances increased 

organizations as a result of another member default and under 

$4.9 billion to $16.5 billion during 2015 as a result of downgrades 

other loss scenarios. For additional information, see Note 12 – 

outpacing  paydowns  and  upgrades.  The  increase  in  reservable 

Commitments  and  Contingencies  to  the  Consolidated  Financial 

criticized balances was primarily due to our energy exposure as 

Statements.

Table  39  presents  commercial  credit  exposure  by  type  for 
utilized, unfunded and total binding committed credit exposure. 
Commercial utilized credit exposure includes SBLCs and financial 
guarantees,  bankers’  acceptances  and  commercial  letters  of 
credit  for  which  we  are  legally  bound  to  advance  funds  under 
prescribed  conditions,  during  a  specified  time  period.  Although 
funds  have  not  yet  been  advanced,  these  exposure  types  are 
considered utilized for credit risk management purposes. 

Table 39 Commercial Credit Exposure by Type

Total  commercial  utilized  credit  exposure  increased  $52.9 
billion in 2015 primarily driven by growth in loans and leases. The 
utilization  rate  for  loans  and  leases,  SBLCs  and  financial 
guarantees, commercial letters of credit and bankers acceptances, 
in the aggregate, was 56 percent and 57 percent at December 31, 
2015 and 2014.

(Dollars in millions)

Loans and leases
Derivative assets (4)
Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees
Debt securities and other investments
Loans held-for-sale
Commercial letters of credit
Bankers’ acceptances
Foreclosed properties and other

Total

Commercial 
Utilized (1)

December 31

Commercial 
Unfunded (2, 3)

Total Commercial
Committed

2015
$ 446,832
49,990
33,236
21,709
5,456
1,725
298
317
$ 559,563

2014
$ 392,821
52,682
33,550
17,301
7,036
2,037
255
960
$ 506,642

2015
$ 376,478
—
690
4,173
1,203
390
—
—
$ 382,934

2014
$ 317,258
—
745
5,315
2,315
126
—
—
$ 325,759

2015
$ 823,310
49,990
33,926
25,882
6,659
2,115
298
317
$ 942,497

2014
$ 710,079
52,682
34,295
22,616
9,351
2,163
255
960
$ 832,401

(1)  Total commercial utilized exposure includes loans of $5.1 billion and $6.6 billion and issued letters of credit with a notional amount of $290 million and $535 million accounted for under the fair 

value option at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

(2)  Total commercial unfunded exposure includes loan commitments accounted for under the fair value option with a notional amount of $10.6 billion and $9.4 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014.
(3)  Excludes unused business card lines which are not legally binding.
(4)  Derivative assets are carried at fair value, reflect the effects of legally enforceable master netting agreements and have been reduced by cash collateral of $41.9 billion and $47.3 billion at December 
31, 2015 and 2014. Not reflected in utilized and committed exposure is additional non-cash derivative collateral held of $23.3 billion and $23.8 billion which consists primarily of other marketable 
securities.

Table  40  presents  commercial  utilized  reservable  criticized 
exposure  by  loan  type.  Criticized  exposure  corresponds  to  the 
Special Mention, Substandard and Doubtful asset categories as 
defined  by  regulatory  authorities.  Total  commercial  utilized 
reservable  criticized  exposure  increased  $4.9  billion,  or  43 

percent,  in  2015  driven  by  downgrades  primarily  related  to  our 
energy  exposure  outpacing  paydowns  and  upgrades. 
Approximately 78 percent and 87 percent of commercial utilized 
reservable criticized exposure was secured at December 31, 2015 
and 2014.

Table 40 Commercial Utilized Reservable Criticized Exposure

December 31

2015

2014

Commercial Credit Portfolio

During  2015,  credit  quality  among  large  corporate  borrowers 

remained stable except in the energy sector which experienced 

some deterioration due to the sustained drop in oil prices. Credit 

quality of commercial real estate borrowers continued to improve 

as property valuations increased and vacancy rates remained low.

Outstanding  commercial  loans  and  leases  increased  $54.0 

billion,  primarily  in  U.S.  commercial,  non-U.S.  commercial  and 

page 86.

2014.

Table 37 Commercial Loans and Leases

the  credit  quality  of  certain  borrowers  was  impacted  by  the 

sustained  drop  in  oil  prices.  The  allowance  for  loan  and  lease 

losses for the commercial portfolio increased $412 million to $4.8 

billion at December 31, 2015 compared to December 31, 2014. 

For  additional  information,  see  Allowance  for  Credit  Losses  on 

Table 37 presents our commercial loans and leases portfolio, 

and related credit quality information at December 31, 2015 and 

(Dollars in millions)

U.S. commercial

Commercial real estate (1)

Commercial lease financing

Non-U.S. commercial

December 31

Outstandings

Nonperforming

Accruing Past Due

90 Days or More

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

$ 252,771

$ 220,293

$

867

$

$

113

$

110

57,199

27,370

91,549

428,889

12,876

441,765

5,067

47,682

24,866

80,083

372,924

13,293

386,217

6,604

93

12

158

1,130

1,212

82

13

701

321

3

1

1,026

1,113

87

—

3

17

1

134

61

195

—

3

41

—

154

67

221

—

221

U.S. small business commercial (2)

Commercial loans excluding loans accounted for under the fair value option

Loans accounted for under the fair value option (3)

Total commercial loans and leases

(1) 

(2) 

Includes card-related products.

Includes U.S. commercial real estate loans of $53.6 billion and $45.2 billion and non-U.S. commercial real estate loans of $3.5 billion and $2.5 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

$ 446,832

$ 392,821

$

1,225

$

1,113

$

195

$

(3)  Commercial loans accounted for under the fair value option include U.S. commercial loans of $2.3 billion and $1.9 billion and non-U.S. commercial loans of $2.8 billion and $4.7 billion at December 

31, 2015 and 2014. For more information on the fair value option, see Note 21 – Fair Value Option to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Table 38 presents net charge-offs and related ratios for our commercial loans and leases for 2015 and 2014. The increase in net 

charge-offs of $110 million in 2015 was primarily related to higher recoveries in commercial real estate in 2014 and higher energy 

sector related losses in 2015.

Table 38 Commercial Net Charge-offs and Related Ratios

(Dollars in millions)

U.S. commercial

Commercial real estate

Commercial lease financing

Non-U.S. commercial

U.S. small business commercial

Total commercial

(1)  Net charge-off ratios are calculated as net charge-offs divided by average outstanding loans and leases excluding loans accounted for under the fair value option.

$

139

$

(5)

9

54

197

225

422

$

$

88

(83)

(9)

34

30

282

312

0.06%

(0.01)

0.04

0.06

0.05

1.71

0.10

0.04%

(0.18)

(0.04)

0.04

0.01

2.10

0.08

(1)  Total commercial utilized reservable criticized exposure includes loans and leases of $15.1 billion and $10.2 billion and commercial letters of credit of $1.4 billion and $1.3 billion at December 31, 

2015 and 2014.

(2)  Percentages are calculated as commercial utilized reservable criticized exposure divided by total commercial utilized reservable exposure for each exposure category.

U.S. Commercial
At December 31, 2015, 70 percent of the U.S. commercial loan 
portfolio,  excluding  small  business,  was  managed  in  Global 
Banking,  17  percent  in  Global  Markets,  10  percent  in  GWIM 
(generally business-purpose loans for high net worth clients) and 
the  remainder  primarily  in  Consumer  Banking.  U.S.  commercial 

loans, excluding loans accounted for under the fair value option, 
increased $32.5 billion, or 15 percent, during 2015 due to growth 
across  all  of  the  commercial  businesses.  Nonperforming  loans 
and leases increased $166 million, or 24 percent, in 2015, largely 
related  to  our  energy  exposure.  Net  charge-offs  increased  $51 
million to $139 million during 2015.

76     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     77

(Dollars in millions)

U.S. commercial 
Commercial real estate
Commercial lease financing
Non-U.S. commercial

Net Charge-offs

Net Charge-off Ratios (1)

2015

2014

2015

2014

U.S. small business commercial

Total commercial utilized reservable criticized exposure

Amount (1)
9,965
$
513
1,320
3,944
15,742
766
16,508

$

Percent (2)

3.07%
2.24
4.16
1.03
2.60
7.10
2.74

Amount (1)
7,597
1,108
1,034
887
10,626
944
$ 11,570

3.56% $
0.87
4.82
4.04
3.39
5.95
3.46

Percent (2)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate
Commercial real estate primarily includes commercial loans and 
leases  secured  by  non-owner-occupied  real  estate  and  is 
dependent on the sale or lease of the real estate as the primary 
source  of  repayment.  The  portfolio  remains  diversified  across 
property types and geographic regions. California represented the 
largest state concentration at 21 percent and 22 percent of the 
commercial 
leases  portfolio  at 
December 31,  2015  and  2014.  The  commercial  real  estate 
portfolio is predominantly managed in Global Banking and consists 
of  loans  made  primarily  to  public  and  private  developers,  and 
commercial real estate firms. Outstanding loans increased $9.5 
billion, or 20 percent, during 2015 due to new originations primarily 
in major metropolitan markets.

real  estate 

loans  and 

During  2015,  we  continued  to  see  improvements  in  credit 
quality in both the residential and non-residential portfolios. We 

Table 41 Outstanding Commercial Real Estate Loans

(Dollars in millions)

By Geographic Region 

California
Northeast
Southwest
Southeast
Midwest
Florida
Illinois
Midsouth
Northwest
Non-U.S. 
Other (1)

Total outstanding commercial real estate loans

By Property Type
Non-residential

Office
Multi-family rental
Shopping centers/retail
Industrial/warehouse
Hotels/motels
Multi-use
Unsecured
Land and land development
Other

Total non-residential

Residential

Total outstanding commercial real estate loans

use  a  number  of  proactive  risk  mitigation  initiatives  to  reduce 
adversely rated exposure in the commercial real estate portfolio 
including transfers of deteriorating exposures to management by 
independent  special  asset  officers  and  the  pursuit  of  loan 
restructurings or asset sales to achieve the best results for our 
customers and the Corporation.

Nonperforming commercial real estate loans and foreclosed 
properties decreased $280 million, or 72 percent, and reservable 
criticized balances decreased $595 million, or 54 percent, during 
2015. The decrease in reservable criticized balances was primarily 
due  to  loan  resolutions  and  strong  commercial  real  estate 
fundamentals throughout the year. Net recoveries were $5 million 
in 2015 compared to net recoveries of $83 million in 2014.

Table 41 presents outstanding commercial real estate loans 
by  geographic  region,  based  on  the  geographic  location  of  the 
collateral, and by property type.

December 31

2015

2014

$

$

$

$

12,063
10,292
7,789
6,066
3,780
3,330
2,536
2,435
2,327
3,549
3,032
57,199

15,246
8,956
8,594
5,501
5,415
3,003
2,056
539
5,791
55,101
2,098
57,199

$ 10,352
8,781
6,570
5,495
2,867
2,520
2,785
1,724
2,151
2,494
1,943
$ 47,682

$ 13,306
8,382
7,969
4,550
3,578
1,943
1,194
490
4,560
45,972
1,710
$ 47,682

(1) 

Includes unsecured loans to real estate investment trusts and national home builders whose portfolios of properties span multiple geographic regions and properties in the states of Colorado, Utah, 
Hawaii, Wyoming and Montana.

78     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Real Estate

Commercial real estate primarily includes commercial loans and 

leases  secured  by  non-owner-occupied  real  estate  and  is 

dependent on the sale or lease of the real estate as the primary 

source  of  repayment.  The  portfolio  remains  diversified  across 

use  a  number  of  proactive  risk  mitigation  initiatives  to  reduce 

adversely rated exposure in the commercial real estate portfolio 

including transfers of deteriorating exposures to management by 

independent  special  asset  officers  and  the  pursuit  of  loan 

restructurings or asset sales to achieve the best results for our 

property types and geographic regions. California represented the 

customers and the Corporation.

largest state concentration at 21 percent and 22 percent of the 

commercial 

real  estate 

loans  and 

leases  portfolio  at 

December 31,  2015  and  2014.  The  commercial  real  estate 

portfolio is predominantly managed in Global Banking and consists 

of  loans  made  primarily  to  public  and  private  developers,  and 

commercial real estate firms. Outstanding loans increased $9.5 

Nonperforming commercial real estate loans and foreclosed 

properties decreased $280 million, or 72 percent, and reservable 

criticized balances decreased $595 million, or 54 percent, during 

2015. The decrease in reservable criticized balances was primarily 

due  to  loan  resolutions  and  strong  commercial  real  estate 

fundamentals throughout the year. Net recoveries were $5 million 

billion, or 20 percent, during 2015 due to new originations primarily 

in 2015 compared to net recoveries of $83 million in 2014.

in major metropolitan markets.

Table 41 presents outstanding commercial real estate loans 

During  2015,  we  continued  to  see  improvements  in  credit 

by  geographic  region,  based  on  the  geographic  location  of  the 

quality in both the residential and non-residential portfolios. We 

collateral, and by property type.

Table 41 Outstanding Commercial Real Estate Loans

Total outstanding commercial real estate loans

(Dollars in millions)

By Geographic Region 

California

Northeast

Southwest

Southeast

Midwest

Florida

Illinois

Midsouth

Northwest

Non-U.S. 

Other (1)

By Property Type

Non-residential

Office

Multi-family rental

Shopping centers/retail

Industrial/warehouse

Hotels/motels

Multi-use

Unsecured

Land and land development

Other

Residential

Total non-residential

Hawaii, Wyoming and Montana.

December 31

2015

2014

$

12,063

$ 10,352

$

57,199

$ 47,682

$

15,246

$ 13,306

10,292

7,789

6,066

3,780

3,330

2,536

2,435

2,327

3,549

3,032

8,956

8,594

5,501

5,415

3,003

2,056

539

5,791

55,101

2,098

8,781

6,570

5,495

2,867

2,520

2,785

1,724

2,151

2,494

1,943

8,382

7,969

4,550

3,578

1,943

1,194

490

4,560

45,972

1,710

Total outstanding commercial real estate loans

$

57,199

$ 47,682

(1) 

Includes unsecured loans to real estate investment trusts and national home builders whose portfolios of properties span multiple geographic regions and properties in the states of Colorado, Utah, 

Tables 42 and 43 present commercial real estate credit quality 
data  by  non-residential  and  residential  property  types.  The 
residential portfolio presented in Tables 41, 42 and 43 includes 

condominiums and other residential real estate. Other property 
types in Tables 41, 42 and 43 primarily include special purpose, 
nursing/retirement homes, medical facilities and restaurants.

Table 42 Commercial Real Estate Credit Quality Data

(Dollars in millions)

Non-residential

Office
Multi-family rental
Shopping centers/retail
Industrial/warehouse
Hotels/motels
Multi-use
Unsecured
Land and land development
Other

Total non-residential

Residential

Total commercial real estate

December 31

Nonperforming Loans and
Foreclosed Properties (1)

Utilized Reservable
Criticized Exposure (2)

2015

2014

2015

2014

$

$

14
18
12
6
18
15
1
2
8
94
14
108

$

$

177
21
46
42
3
11
1
51
14
366
22
388

$

$

110
69
183
16
16
42
4
3
59
502
11
513

$

$

235
125
350
67
26
55
14
63
145
1,080
28
1,108

(1) 

(2) 

Includes commercial foreclosed properties of $15 million and $67 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014.
Includes loans, SBLCs and bankers’ acceptances and excludes loans accounted for under the fair value option.

Table 43 Commercial Real Estate Net Charge-offs and Related Ratios

(Dollars in millions)

Non-residential

Net Charge-offs

Net Charge-off Ratios (1)

2015

2014

2015

2014

$

Office
Multi-family rental
Shopping centers/retail
Industrial/warehouse
Hotels/motels
Multi-use
Unsecured
Land and land development
Other

3
1
1
(1)
5
(4)
(4)
(9)
1
(7)
2
(5) $
(1)  Net charge-off ratios are calculated as net charge-offs divided by average outstanding loans excluding loans accounted for under the fair value option.

Total commercial real estate

Total non-residential

Residential

$

$

(4)
(22)
4
(1)
(3)
(9)
(22)
(2)
(16)
(75)
(8)
(83)

0.02%
0.01
0.01
(0.02)
0.12
(0.19)
(0.20)
(1.60)
0.01
(0.01)
0.08
(0.01)

(0.04)%
(0.25)
0.06
(0.03)
(0.07)
(0.49)
(1.37)
(0.31)
(0.37)
(0.16)
(0.47)
(0.18)

At  December 31,  2015,  total  committed  non-residential 
exposure  was  $81.0  billion  compared  to  $67.7  billion  at 
December 31, 2014, of which $55.1 billion and $46.0 billion were 
funded loans. Non-residential nonperforming loans and foreclosed 
properties declined $272 million, or 74 percent, to $94 million 
during 2015 primarily due to a decrease in office property. The 
non-residential  nonperforming  loans  and  foreclosed  properties 
represented 0.17 percent and 0.79 percent of total non-residential 
loans and foreclosed properties at December 31, 2015 and 2014. 
Non-residential utilized reservable criticized exposure decreased 
$578  million,  or  54  percent,  to  $502  million  at  December 31, 
2015  compared  to  $1.1  billion  at  December 31,  2014,  which 
represented  0.89  percent  and  2.27  percent  of  non-residential 
utilized reservable exposure. For the non-residential portfolio, net 
recoveries decreased $68 million to $7 million in 2015 compared 
to 2014.

At December 31, 2015, total committed residential exposure 
was $4.1 billion compared to $3.6 billion at December 31, 2014, 

of which $2.1 billion and $1.7 billion were funded secured loans. 
Residential  nonperforming  loans  and  foreclosed  properties 
decreased  $8  million,  or  36  percent,  and  residential  utilized 
reservable  criticized  exposure  decreased  $17  million,  or  61 
percent,  during  2015.  The  nonperforming  loans,  leases  and 
foreclosed properties and the utilized reservable criticized ratios 
for the residential portfolio were 0.66 percent and 0.52 percent 
at  December 31,  2015  compared  to  1.28  percent  and  1.51 
percent at December 31, 2014. 

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the commercial real estate 
loan  portfolio  included  $7.6  billion  and  $6.7  billion  of  funded 
construction and land development loans that were originated to 
fund  the  construction  and/or  rehabilitation  of  commercial 
properties.  Reservable  criticized  construction  and 
land 
development loans totaled $108 million and $164 million, and 
nonperforming  construction  and  land  development  loans  and 
foreclosed  properties  totaled  $44  million  and  $80  million  at 
December 31, 2015 and 2014. During a property’s construction 

78     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     79

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
phase, interest income is typically paid from interest reserves that 
are established at the inception of the loan. As construction is 
completed  and  the  property  is  put  into  service,  these  interest 
reserves are depleted and interest payments from operating cash 
flows begin. We do not recognize interest income on nonperforming 
loans regardless of the existence of an interest reserve.

in small business card loan delinquencies, a reduction in higher 
risk vintages and increased recoveries from the sale of previously 
charged-off  loans.  Of  the  U.S.  small  business  commercial  net 
charge-offs, 81 percent and 73 percent were credit card-related 
products in 2015 and 2014.

Non-U.S. Commercial
At December 31, 2015, 74 percent of the non-U.S. commercial 
loan portfolio was managed in Global Banking and 26 percent in 
Global Markets. Outstanding loans, excluding loans accounted for 
under  the  fair  value  option,  increased  $11.5  billion  in  2015 
primarily due to growth in securitization finance on consumer loans 
and increased corporate demand. Net charge-offs increased $20 
million to $54 million in 2015. For more information on the non-
U.S. commercial portfolio, see Non-U.S. Portfolio on page 84.

U.S. Small Business Commercial
The U.S. small business commercial loan portfolio is comprised 
of small business card loans and small business loans managed 
in Consumer Banking. Credit card-related products were 45 percent 
and 43 percent of the U.S. small business commercial portfolio 
at December 31, 2015 and 2014. Net charge-offs decreased $57 
million to $225 million in 2015 primarily driven by improvement 

Nonperforming Commercial Loans, Leases and 
Foreclosed Properties Activity
Table 44 presents the nonperforming commercial loans, leases 
and  foreclosed  properties  activity  during  2015  and  2014. 
Nonperforming loans do not include loans accounted for under the 
fair value option. During 2015, nonperforming commercial loans 
and leases increased $99 million to $1.2 billion primarily due to 
energy  sector  related  exposure.  The  decline  in  foreclosed 
properties of $52 million in 2015 was primarily due to the sale of 
properties.  Approximately  88 
commercial 
nonperforming  loans,  leases  and  foreclosed  properties  were 
secured and approximately 69 percent were contractually current. 
Commercial  nonperforming  loans  were  carried  at  approximately 
85 percent of their unpaid principal balance before consideration 
of the allowance for loan and lease losses as the carrying value 
of these loans has been reduced to the estimated property value 
less costs to sell.

percent 

of 

Table 44 Nonperforming Commercial Loans, Leases and Foreclosed Properties Activity (1, 2)

(Dollars in millions)

Nonperforming loans and leases, January 1
Additions to nonperforming loans and leases:

New nonperforming loans and leases
Advances

Reductions to nonperforming loans and leases:

Paydowns
Sales
Returns to performing status (3)
Charge-offs
Transfers to foreclosed properties (4)

Total net additions (reductions) to nonperforming loans and leases
Total nonperforming loans and leases, December 31

Foreclosed properties, January 1
Additions to foreclosed properties:
New foreclosed properties (4)

Reductions to foreclosed properties:

Sales
Write-downs

Total net reductions to foreclosed properties
Total foreclosed properties, December 31
Nonperforming commercial loans, leases and foreclosed properties, December 31

Nonperforming commercial loans and leases as a percentage of outstanding commercial loans and leases (5)
Nonperforming commercial loans, leases and foreclosed properties as a percentage of outstanding commercial loans, leases and foreclosed 

properties (5)

2015

2014

$

1,113

$

1,309

1,367
36

(491)
(108)
(130)
(362)
(213)
99
1,212
67

1,228
48

(717)
(149)
(261)
(332)
(13)
(196)
1,113
90

207

11

(256)
(3)
(52)
15
1,227

(26)
(8)
(23)
67
1,180

$

0.27%

0.29%

$

0.28

0.31

(1)  Balances do not include nonperforming LHFS of $220 million and $212 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014.
(2) 

Includes U.S. small business commercial activity. Small business card loans are excluded as they are not classified as nonperforming.

(3)  Commercial loans and leases may be returned to performing status when all principal and interest is current and full repayment of the remaining contractual principal and interest is expected, or 
when the loan otherwise becomes well-secured and is in the process of collection. TDRs are generally classified as performing after a sustained period of demonstrated payment performance.
(4)  New foreclosed properties represents transfers of nonperforming loans to foreclosed properties net of charge-offs recorded during the first 90 days after transfer of a loan to foreclosed properties.
(5)  Outstanding commercial loans exclude loans accounted for under the fair value option.

80     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
phase, interest income is typically paid from interest reserves that 

in small business card loan delinquencies, a reduction in higher 

are established at the inception of the loan. As construction is 

risk vintages and increased recoveries from the sale of previously 

completed  and  the  property  is  put  into  service,  these  interest 

charged-off  loans.  Of  the  U.S.  small  business  commercial  net 

reserves are depleted and interest payments from operating cash 

charge-offs, 81 percent and 73 percent were credit card-related 

Table 45 presents our commercial TDRs by product type and 
performing  status.  U.S.  small  business  commercial  TDRs  are 
comprised of renegotiated small business card loans and small 
business loans. The renegotiated small business card loans are 

not classified as nonperforming as they are charged off no later 
than the end of the month in which the loan becomes 180 days 
past due. For more information on TDRs, see Note 4 – Outstanding 
Loans and Leases to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

flows begin. We do not recognize interest income on nonperforming 

products in 2015 and 2014.

loans regardless of the existence of an interest reserve.

Non-U.S. Commercial

At December 31, 2015, 74 percent of the non-U.S. commercial 

loan portfolio was managed in Global Banking and 26 percent in 

Global Markets. Outstanding loans, excluding loans accounted for 

under  the  fair  value  option,  increased  $11.5  billion  in  2015 

primarily due to growth in securitization finance on consumer loans 

and increased corporate demand. Net charge-offs increased $20 

million to $54 million in 2015. For more information on the non-

U.S. commercial portfolio, see Non-U.S. Portfolio on page 84.

U.S. Small Business Commercial

The U.S. small business commercial loan portfolio is comprised 

of small business card loans and small business loans managed 

in Consumer Banking. Credit card-related products were 45 percent 

and 43 percent of the U.S. small business commercial portfolio 

at December 31, 2015 and 2014. Net charge-offs decreased $57 

million to $225 million in 2015 primarily driven by improvement 

Nonperforming Commercial Loans, Leases and 

Foreclosed Properties Activity

Table 44 presents the nonperforming commercial loans, leases 

and  foreclosed  properties  activity  during  2015  and  2014. 

Nonperforming loans do not include loans accounted for under the 

fair value option. During 2015, nonperforming commercial loans 

and leases increased $99 million to $1.2 billion primarily due to 

energy  sector  related  exposure.  The  decline  in  foreclosed 

properties of $52 million in 2015 was primarily due to the sale of 

properties.  Approximately  88 

percent 

of 

commercial 

nonperforming  loans,  leases  and  foreclosed  properties  were 

secured and approximately 69 percent were contractually current. 

Commercial  nonperforming  loans  were  carried  at  approximately 

85 percent of their unpaid principal balance before consideration 

of the allowance for loan and lease losses as the carrying value 

of these loans has been reduced to the estimated property value 

less costs to sell.

Table 44 Nonperforming Commercial Loans, Leases and Foreclosed Properties Activity (1, 2)

(Dollars in millions)

Nonperforming loans and leases, January 1

Additions to nonperforming loans and leases:

New nonperforming loans and leases

Reductions to nonperforming loans and leases:

Advances

Paydowns

Sales

Charge-offs

Returns to performing status (3)

Foreclosed properties, January 1

Additions to foreclosed properties:

New foreclosed properties (4)

Reductions to foreclosed properties:

Sales

Write-downs

Total net reductions to foreclosed properties

Total foreclosed properties, December 31

Transfers to foreclosed properties (4)

Total net additions (reductions) to nonperforming loans and leases

Total nonperforming loans and leases, December 31

2015

2014

$

1,113

$

1,309

1,367

36

(491)

(108)

(130)

(362)

(213)

1,212

99

67

207

(256)

(3)

(52)

15

1,228

48

(717)

(149)

(261)

(332)

(13)

(196)

1,113

90

11

(26)

(8)

(23)

67

Nonperforming commercial loans, leases and foreclosed properties, December 31

Nonperforming commercial loans and leases as a percentage of outstanding commercial loans and leases (5)

Nonperforming commercial loans, leases and foreclosed properties as a percentage of outstanding commercial loans, leases and foreclosed 

properties (5)

$

1,227

$

1,180

0.27%

0.29%

0.28

0.31

(1)  Balances do not include nonperforming LHFS of $220 million and $212 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

(2) 

Includes U.S. small business commercial activity. Small business card loans are excluded as they are not classified as nonperforming.

(3)  Commercial loans and leases may be returned to performing status when all principal and interest is current and full repayment of the remaining contractual principal and interest is expected, or 

when the loan otherwise becomes well-secured and is in the process of collection. TDRs are generally classified as performing after a sustained period of demonstrated payment performance.

(4)  New foreclosed properties represents transfers of nonperforming loans to foreclosed properties net of charge-offs recorded during the first 90 days after transfer of a loan to foreclosed properties.

(5)  Outstanding commercial loans exclude loans accounted for under the fair value option.

Table 45 Commercial Troubled Debt Restructurings

(Dollars in millions)

U.S. commercial
Commercial real estate
Non-U.S. commercial
U.S. small business commercial

Total commercial troubled debt restructurings

Total

1,225
118
363
29
1,735

$

$

2015
Nonperforming
394
$
27
136
10
567

$

December 31

Performing
831
$
91
227
19
1,168

$

Total

1,096
456
43
35
1,630

$

$

2014
Nonperforming
308
$
234
—
—
542

$

Performing
788
$
222
43
35
1,088

$

Industry Concentrations
Table  46  presents  commercial  committed  and  utilized  credit 
exposure by industry and the total net credit default protection 
purchased to cover the funded and unfunded portions of certain 
credit exposures. Our commercial credit exposure is diversified 
across a broad range of industries. Total commercial committed 
credit exposure increased $110.1 billion, or 13 percent, in 2015 
to $942.5 billion. Increases in commercial committed exposure 
were concentrated in diversified financials, technology hardware 
and  equipment,  real  estate,  food,  beverage  and  tobacco  and 
retailing.

Industry  limits  are  used  internally  to  manage  industry 
concentrations and are based on committed exposures and capital 
usage that are allocated on an industry-by-industry basis. A risk 
management framework is in place to set and approve industry 
limits as well as to provide ongoing monitoring.

Diversified financials, our largest industry concentration with 
committed exposure of $128.4 billion, increased $24.9 billion, or 
24 percent, in 2015. The increase was primarily driven by growth 
in exposure to asset managers, acquisition financing and certain 
asset-backed lending products.

Real  estate,  our  second  largest  industry  concentration  with 
committed exposure of $87.7 billion, increased $11.5 billion, or 
15  percent,  in  2015.  The  increase  was  primarily  due  to  strong 

demand  for  quality  core  assets  in  major  metropolitan  markets. 
Real  estate  construction  and  land  development  exposure 
represented 14 percent and 13 percent of the total real estate 
industry committed exposure at December 31, 2015 and 2014. 
For more information on the commercial real estate and related 
portfolios, see Commercial Portfolio Credit Risk Management – 
Commercial Real Estate on page 78.

During 2015, committed exposure to the technology hardware 
and equipment industry increased $12.4 billion, or 100 percent, 
food, beverages and tobacco increased $8.7 billion, or 25 percent, 
and  retailing  industry  increased  $5.9  billion,  or  10  percent, 
primarily driven by bridge financing for acquisitions and increased 
client activity.

The  significant  decline  in  oil  prices  since  June  2014  has 
impacted and may continue to impact the financial performance 
of  energy  producers  as  well  as  energy  equipment  and  service 
providers within the energy sector. At December 31, 2015, these 
two subsectors comprised 39 percent of our overall utilized energy 
exposure. While we experienced modest credit losses in our energy 
portfolio through December 31, 2015, the magnitude of the impact 
over  time  will  depend  upon  the  level  and  duration  of  future  oil 
prices.  Our  energy-related  exposure  decreased  $3.9  billion  in 
2015 to $43.8 billion driven by paydowns from large clients.

80     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     81

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our committed state and municipal exposure of $43.4 billion 
at December 31, 2015 consisted of $35.9 billion of commercial 
utilized exposure (including $20.0 billion of funded loans, $6.4 
billion of SBLCs and $2.2 billion of derivative assets) and $7.5 
billion of unfunded commercial exposure (primarily unfunded loan 
commitments  and  letters  of  credit)  and  is  reported  in  the 
government and public education industry in Table 46. With the 
U.S.  economy  gradually  strengthening,  most  state  and  local 

governments are experiencing improved fiscal circumstances and 
continue  to  honor  debt  obligations  as  agreed.  While  historical 
default rates have been low, as part of our overall and ongoing 
risk  management  processes,  we  continually  monitor  these 
exposures through a rigorous review process. Additionally, internal 
communications are regularly circulated such that exposure levels 
are  maintained  in  compliance  with  established  concentration 
guidelines.

Table 46 Commercial Credit Exposure by Industry (1)

December 31

Commercial 
Utilized

Total Commercial
Committed

(Dollars in millions)

Diversified financials
Real estate (2)
Retailing
Capital goods
Healthcare equipment and services
Banking
Government and public education
Materials
Energy
Food, beverage and tobacco
Consumer services
Commercial services and supplies
Utilities
Transportation
Technology hardware and equipment
Media
Individuals and trusts
Software and services
Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology
Automobiles and components
Consumer durables and apparel
Insurance, including monolines
Telecommunication services
Food and staples retailing
Religious and social organizations
Other 

2015

$

79,496
61,759
37,675
30,790
35,134
45,952
44,835
24,012
21,257
18,316
24,084
19,552
11,396
19,369
6,337
12,833
17,992
6,617
6,302
4,804
6,053
5,095
4,717
4,351
4,526
6,309
$ 559,563

2014
$ 63,306
53,834
33,683
29,028
32,923
42,330
42,095
23,664
23,830
16,131
21,657
17,997
9,399
17,538
5,489
11,128
16,749
5,927
5,707
4,114
6,111
5,204
3,814
3,848
4,881
6,255
$ 506,642

2015
$ 128,436
87,650
63,975
58,583
57,901
53,825
53,133
46,013
43,811
43,164
37,058
32,045
27,849
27,371
24,734
24,194
23,176
18,362
16,472
11,329
11,165
10,728
10,645
9,439
5,929
15,510
$ 942,497

2014
$ 103,528
76,153
58,043
54,653
52,450
48,353
49,937
45,821
47,667
34,465
33,269
30,451
25,235
24,541
12,350
21,502
21,195
14,071
13,493
9,683
10,613
11,252
9,295
7,418
6,548
10,415
$ 832,401
(7,302)

Total commercial credit exposure by industry
Net credit default protection purchased on total commitments (3)
Includes U.S. small business commercial exposure.
Industries are viewed from a variety of perspectives to best isolate the perceived risks. For purposes of this table, the real estate industry is defined based on the borrowers’ or counterparties’ 
primary business activity using operating cash flows and primary source of repayment as key factors.

(6,677) $

  $

(1) 

(2) 

(3)  Represents net notional credit protection purchased. For additional information, see Commercial Portfolio Credit Risk Management – Risk Mitigation on page 82.

Risk Mitigation
We purchase credit protection to cover the funded portion as well 
as the unfunded portion of certain credit exposures. To lower the 
cost of obtaining our desired credit protection levels, we may add 
credit exposure within an industry, borrower or counterparty group 
by selling protection. 

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, net notional credit default 
protection purchased in our credit derivatives portfolio to hedge 
our funded and unfunded exposures for which we elected the fair 
value option, as well as certain other credit exposures, was $6.7 
billion and $7.3 billion. We recorded net gains of $150 million in 
2015 compared to net losses of $50 million in 2014 on these 
positions. The gains and losses on these instruments were offset 
by gains and losses on the related exposures. The Value-at-Risk 
(VaR) results for these exposures are included in the fair value 
option portfolio information in Table 56. For additional information, 
see Trading Risk Management on page 91.

82     Bank of America 2015

Tables 47 and 48 present the maturity profiles and the credit 
exposure debt ratings of the net credit default protection portfolio 
at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Table 47 Net Credit Default Protection by Maturity

Less than or equal to one year
Greater than one year and less than or equal to five

years

Greater than five years

Total net credit default protection

December 31

2015

2014

39%

43%

59

2
100%

55

2
100%

 
 
 
 
 
Our committed state and municipal exposure of $43.4 billion 

governments are experiencing improved fiscal circumstances and 

at December 31, 2015 consisted of $35.9 billion of commercial 

continue  to  honor  debt  obligations  as  agreed.  While  historical 

utilized exposure (including $20.0 billion of funded loans, $6.4 

default rates have been low, as part of our overall and ongoing 

billion of SBLCs and $2.2 billion of derivative assets) and $7.5 

risk  management  processes,  we  continually  monitor  these 

billion of unfunded commercial exposure (primarily unfunded loan 

exposures through a rigorous review process. Additionally, internal 

commitments  and  letters  of  credit)  and  is  reported  in  the 

communications are regularly circulated such that exposure levels 

government and public education industry in Table 46. With the 

are  maintained  in  compliance  with  established  concentration 

U.S.  economy  gradually  strengthening,  most  state  and  local 

guidelines.

Table 46 Commercial Credit Exposure by Industry (1)

(Dollars in millions)

Diversified financials

Real estate (2)

Retailing

Capital goods

Healthcare equipment and services

Government and public education

Banking

Materials

Energy

Food, beverage and tobacco

Consumer services

Commercial services and supplies

Technology hardware and equipment

Utilities

Transportation

Media

Individuals and trusts

Software and services

Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology

Automobiles and components

Consumer durables and apparel

Insurance, including monolines

Telecommunication services

Food and staples retailing

Religious and social organizations

December 31

Commercial 

Utilized

Total Commercial

Committed

2015

2014

2015

2014

$

79,496

$ 63,306

$ 128,436

$ 103,528

61,759

37,675

30,790

35,134

45,952

44,835

24,012

21,257

18,316

24,084

19,552

11,396

19,369

6,337

12,833

17,992

6,617

6,302

4,804

6,053

5,095

4,717

4,351

4,526

6,309

53,834

33,683

29,028

32,923

42,330

42,095

23,664

23,830

16,131

21,657

17,997

9,399

17,538

5,489

11,128

16,749

5,927

5,707

4,114

6,111

5,204

3,814

3,848

4,881

6,255

87,650

63,975

58,583

57,901

53,825

53,133

46,013

43,811

43,164

37,058

32,045

27,849

27,371

24,734

24,194

23,176

18,362

16,472

11,329

11,165

10,728

10,645

9,439

5,929

15,510

76,153

58,043

54,653

52,450

48,353

49,937

45,821

47,667

34,465

33,269

30,451

25,235

24,541

12,350

21,502

21,195

14,071

13,493

9,683

10,613

11,252

9,295

7,418

6,548

10,415

$ 559,563

$ 506,642

$ 942,497

$ 832,401

  $

(6,677) $

(7,302)

Industries are viewed from a variety of perspectives to best isolate the perceived risks. For purposes of this table, the real estate industry is defined based on the borrowers’ or counterparties’ 

primary business activity using operating cash flows and primary source of repayment as key factors.

(3)  Represents net notional credit protection purchased. For additional information, see Commercial Portfolio Credit Risk Management – Risk Mitigation on page 82.

Other 

(1) 

(2) 

Total commercial credit exposure by industry

Net credit default protection purchased on total commitments (3)

Includes U.S. small business commercial exposure.

Risk Mitigation

We purchase credit protection to cover the funded portion as well 

as the unfunded portion of certain credit exposures. To lower the 

cost of obtaining our desired credit protection levels, we may add 

credit exposure within an industry, borrower or counterparty group 

by selling protection. 

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, net notional credit default 

protection purchased in our credit derivatives portfolio to hedge 

billion and $7.3 billion. We recorded net gains of $150 million in 

2015 compared to net losses of $50 million in 2014 on these 

positions. The gains and losses on these instruments were offset 

by gains and losses on the related exposures. The Value-at-Risk 

(VaR) results for these exposures are included in the fair value 

option portfolio information in Table 56. For additional information, 

see Trading Risk Management on page 91.

82     Bank of America 2015

Tables 47 and 48 present the maturity profiles and the credit 

exposure debt ratings of the net credit default protection portfolio 

at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Table 47 Net Credit Default Protection by Maturity

our funded and unfunded exposures for which we elected the fair 

Less than or equal to one year

value option, as well as certain other credit exposures, was $6.7 

Greater than one year and less than or equal to five

years

Greater than five years

Total net credit default protection

December 31

2015

2014

39%

43%

59

2

55

2

100%

100%

Table 48 Net Credit Default Protection by Credit

Exposure Debt Rating

December 31

2015

2014

Net
Notional (1)

Percent of
Total

Net
Notional (1)

Percent of
Total

$

—
(752)
(3,030)
(2,090)
(634)
(139)
(32)

—% $

11.3
45.4
31.3
9.5
2.1
0.4

(30)
(660)
(4,401)
(1,527)
(610)
(42)
(32)

0.4%
9.0
60.3
20.9
8.4
0.6
0.4

$

(6,677)

100.0% $

(7,302)

100.0%

(Dollars in millions)

Ratings (2, 3)
AA
A
BBB
BB
B
CCC and below
NR (4)

Total net credit

default protection

(1)  Represents net credit default protection (purchased) sold.
(2)  Ratings are refreshed on a quarterly basis.
(3)  Ratings of BBB- or higher are considered to meet the definition of investment grade.
(4)  NR is comprised of index positions held and any names that have not been rated.

In  addition  to  our  net  notional  credit  default  protection 
purchased to cover the funded and unfunded portion of certain 
credit exposures, credit derivatives are used for market-making 
activities for clients and establishing positions intended to profit 
from directional or relative value changes. We execute the majority 
of  our  credit  derivative  trades  in  the  OTC  market  with  large, 
multinational financial institutions, including broker-dealers and, 

to a lesser degree, with a variety of other investors. Because these 
transactions are executed in the OTC market, we are subject to 
settlement risk. We are also subject to credit risk in the event that 
these  counterparties  fail  to  perform  under  the  terms  of  these 
contracts.  In  most  cases,  credit  derivative  transactions  are 
executed  on  a  daily  margin  basis.  Therefore,  events  such  as  a 
credit  downgrade,  depending  on  the  ultimate  rating  level,  or  a 
breach of credit covenants would typically require an increase in 
the  amount  of  collateral  required  by  the  counterparty,  where 
applicable, and/or allow us to take additional protective measures 
such as early termination of all trades.

Table 49 presents the total contract/notional amount of credit 
derivatives outstanding and includes both purchased and written 
credit derivatives. The credit risk amounts are measured as net 
asset  exposure  by  counterparty,  taking  into  consideration  all 
contracts with the counterparty. For more information on our written 
credit derivatives, see Note 2 – Derivatives to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

The  credit  risk  amounts  discussed  above  and  presented  in 
Table 49 take into consideration the effects of legally enforceable 
master netting agreements while amounts disclosed in Note 2 – 
Derivatives to the Consolidated Financial Statements are shown 
on a gross basis. Credit risk reflects the potential benefit from 
offsetting exposure to non-credit derivative products with the same 
counterparties that may be netted upon the occurrence of certain 
events, thereby reducing our overall exposure.

Table 49 Credit Derivatives

(Dollars in millions)

Purchased credit derivatives:

Credit default swaps
Total return swaps/other

Total purchased credit derivatives

Written credit derivatives:
Credit default swaps
Total return swaps/other

Total written credit derivatives

n/a = not applicable

Counterparty Credit Risk Valuation Adjustments
We  record  counterparty  credit  risk  valuation  adjustments  on 
certain derivative assets, including our credit default protection 
purchased,  in  order  to  properly  reflect  the  credit  risk  of  the 
counterparty, as presented in Table 50. We calculate CVA based 
on a modeled expected exposure that incorporates current market 
risk factors including changes in market spreads and non-credit 
related market factors that affect the value of a derivative. The 
exposure also takes into consideration credit mitigants such as 
legally enforceable master netting agreements and collateral. For 
additional information, see Note 2 – Derivatives to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

We  enter  into  risk  management  activities  to  offset  market 
driven exposures. We often hedge the counterparty spread risk in 

December 31

2015

2014

Contract/
Notional

Credit Risk

Contract/
Notional

Credit Risk

$

$

$

$

928,300
26,427
954,727

$

$

3,677
1,596
5,273

$ 1,094,796
44,333
$ 1,139,129

$

$

3,833
510
4,343

924,143
39,658
963,801

n/a
n/a
n/a

$ 1,073,101
61,031
$ 1,134,132

n/a
n/a
n/a

CVA with credit default swaps (CDS). We hedge other market risks 
in CVA primarily with currency and interest rate swaps. In certain 
instances, the net-of-hedge amounts in the table below move in 
the  same  direction  as  the  gross  amount  or  may  move  in  the 
opposite  direction.  This  is  a  consequence  of  the  complex 
interaction of the risks being hedged resulting in limitations in the 
ability to perfectly hedge all of the market exposures at all times.

Table 50 Credit Valuation Gains and Losses

Gains (Losses)
(Dollars in millions)

2015
Hedge

Net

Gross

Credit valuation

$

255 $

(28) $

227

Gross
$

2014
Hedge

Net

(22) $ 213 $ 191

Bank of America 2015     83

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-U.S. Portfolio
Our non-U.S. credit and trading portfolios are subject to country 
risk. We define country risk as the risk of loss from unfavorable 
economic  and  political  conditions,  currency  fluctuations,  social 
instability and changes in government policies. A risk management 
framework  is  in  place  to  measure,  monitor  and  manage  non-
U.S. risk  and  exposures.  In  addition  to  the  direct  risk  of  doing 
business in a country, we also are exposed to indirect country risks 
(e.g.,  related  to  the  collateral  received  on  secured  financing 
transactions or related to client clearing activities). These indirect 
exposures are managed in the normal course of business through 
credit, market and operational risk governance, rather than through 
country risk governance.

Table  51  presents  our  total  non-U.S.  exposure  by  region  at 
December 31, 2015 and 2014. Non-U.S. exposure is presented 
on an internal risk management basis and includes sovereign and 
non-sovereign credit exposure, securities and other investments 
issued by or domiciled in countries other than the U.S. The risk 
assignments by country can be adjusted for external guarantees 
and certain collateral types. Exposures that are subject to external 
guarantees  are  reported  under  the  country  of  the  guarantor. 
Exposures  with  tangible  collateral  are  reflected  in  the  country 
where  the  collateral  is  held.  For  securities  received,  other  than 
cross-border resale agreements, outstandings are assigned to the 
domicile of the issuer of the securities.

Table 51 Total Non-U.S. Exposure by Region

December 31

2015

2014

(Dollars in millions)

Europe
Asia Pacific
Latin America
Middle East and Africa
Other (1)
Total

Amount

$ 140,836
75,446
25,478
11,516
18,035
$ 271,311

Percent of
Total

52%
28
9
4
7
100%

Amount

$ 129,573
78,792
23,403
10,801
22,701
$ 265,270

Percent of
Total

49%
30
9
4
8
100%

(1)  Other includes Canada exposure of $16.6 billion and $20.4 billion at December 31, 2015 and 

2014.

Our 

increase  of  $6.0  billion 

total  non-U.S.  exposure  was  $271.3  billion  at 
from 
December 31,  2015,  an 
December 31, 2014. The increase in non-U.S. exposure was driven 
by growth in Europe, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa 
exposures, partially offset by a reduction in Asia Pacific and Other. 
Our  non-U.S.  exposure  remained  concentrated  in  Europe  which 
accounted  for  $140.8  billion,  or  52  percent  of  total  non-U.S. 

exposure. The European exposure was mostly in Western Europe 
and was distributed across a variety of industries.

Table 52 presents our 20 largest non-U.S. country exposures. 
These exposures accounted for 86 percent and 88 percent of our 
total  non-U.S.  exposure  at  December 31,  2015  and  2014.  Net 
country exposure for these 20 countries increased $6.1 billion in 
2015 primarily driven by increases in the United Kingdom, Belgium 
and  Australia,  partially  offset  by  reductions  in  Canada,  Japan, 
China, France and Hong Kong. On a product basis, the increase 
was  driven  by  higher  funded  loans  and  loan  equivalents  in  the 
United Kingdom, Germany, Australia and India and higher unfunded 
commitments  in  Belgium  and  the  United  Kingdom.  These 
increases were partially offset by reductions in securities in the 
United Kingdom, Canada, India and France.

Funded loans and loan equivalents include loans, leases, and 
other extensions of credit and funds, including letters of credit and 
due from placements, which have not been reduced by collateral, 
hedges  or  credit  default  protection.  Funded  loans  and  loan 
equivalents  are  reported  net  of  charge-offs  but  prior  to  any 
allowance for loan and lease losses. Unfunded commitments are 
the  undrawn  portion  of  legally  binding  commitments  related  to 
loans and loan equivalents.

Net counterparty exposure includes the fair value of derivatives, 
including the counterparty risk associated with CDS, and secured 
financing transactions. Derivatives exposures are presented net 
of collateral, which is predominantly cash, pledged under legally 
enforceable  master  netting  agreements.  Secured  financing 
transaction  exposures  are  presented  net  of  eligible  cash  or 
securities pledged as collateral.

Securities and other investments are carried at fair value and 
long securities exposures are netted against short exposures with 
the same underlying issuer to, but not below, zero (i.e., negative 
issuer exposures are reported as zero). Other investments include 
our GPI portfolio and strategic investments.

Net country exposure represents country exposure less hedges 
and  credit  default  protection  purchased,  net  of  credit  default 
protection sold. We hedge certain of our country exposures with 
credit default protection primarily in the form of single-name, as 
well as indexed and tranched CDS. The exposures associated with 
these hedges represent the amount that would be realized upon 
the isolated default of an individual issuer in the relevant country 
assuming a zero recovery rate for that individual issuer, and are 
calculated based on the CDS notional amount adjusted for any 
fair value receivable or payable. Changes in the assumption of an 
isolated  default  can  produce  different  results  in  a  particular 
tranche.

84     Bank of America 2015

 
Non-U.S. Portfolio

Our non-U.S. credit and trading portfolios are subject to country 

risk. We define country risk as the risk of loss from unfavorable 

economic  and  political  conditions,  currency  fluctuations,  social 

instability and changes in government policies. A risk management 

framework  is  in  place  to  measure,  monitor  and  manage  non-

U.S. risk  and  exposures.  In  addition  to  the  direct  risk  of  doing 

business in a country, we also are exposed to indirect country risks 

(e.g.,  related  to  the  collateral  received  on  secured  financing 

transactions or related to client clearing activities). These indirect 

exposures are managed in the normal course of business through 

credit, market and operational risk governance, rather than through 

country risk governance.

Table  51  presents  our  total  non-U.S.  exposure  by  region  at 

December 31, 2015 and 2014. Non-U.S. exposure is presented 

on an internal risk management basis and includes sovereign and 

non-sovereign credit exposure, securities and other investments 

issued by or domiciled in countries other than the U.S. The risk 

assignments by country can be adjusted for external guarantees 

and certain collateral types. Exposures that are subject to external 

guarantees  are  reported  under  the  country  of  the  guarantor. 

Exposures  with  tangible  collateral  are  reflected  in  the  country 

where  the  collateral  is  held.  For  securities  received,  other  than 

cross-border resale agreements, outstandings are assigned to the 

domicile of the issuer of the securities.

Table 51 Total Non-U.S. Exposure by Region

December 31

2015

2014

Percent of

Total

Percent of

Total

(Dollars in millions)

Europe

Asia Pacific

Latin America

Middle East and Africa

Amount

$ 140,836

75,446

25,478

11,516

18,035

Amount

$ 129,573

78,792

23,403

10,801

22,701

52%

28

9

4

7

49%

30

9

4

8

(1)  Other includes Canada exposure of $16.6 billion and $20.4 billion at December 31, 2015 and 

$ 271,311

100%

$ 265,270

100%

Other (1)

Total

2014.

Our 

total  non-U.S.  exposure  was  $271.3  billion  at 

December 31,  2015,  an 

increase  of  $6.0  billion 

from 

December 31, 2014. The increase in non-U.S. exposure was driven 

by growth in Europe, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa 

exposures, partially offset by a reduction in Asia Pacific and Other. 

Our  non-U.S.  exposure  remained  concentrated  in  Europe  which 

accounted  for  $140.8  billion,  or  52  percent  of  total  non-U.S. 

exposure. The European exposure was mostly in Western Europe 

and was distributed across a variety of industries.

Table 52 presents our 20 largest non-U.S. country exposures. 

These exposures accounted for 86 percent and 88 percent of our 

total  non-U.S.  exposure  at  December 31,  2015  and  2014.  Net 

country exposure for these 20 countries increased $6.1 billion in 

2015 primarily driven by increases in the United Kingdom, Belgium 

and  Australia,  partially  offset  by  reductions  in  Canada,  Japan, 

China, France and Hong Kong. On a product basis, the increase 

was  driven  by  higher  funded  loans  and  loan  equivalents  in  the 

United Kingdom, Germany, Australia and India and higher unfunded 

commitments  in  Belgium  and  the  United  Kingdom.  These 

increases were partially offset by reductions in securities in the 

United Kingdom, Canada, India and France.

Funded loans and loan equivalents include loans, leases, and 

other extensions of credit and funds, including letters of credit and 

due from placements, which have not been reduced by collateral, 

hedges  or  credit  default  protection.  Funded  loans  and  loan 

equivalents  are  reported  net  of  charge-offs  but  prior  to  any 

allowance for loan and lease losses. Unfunded commitments are 

the  undrawn  portion  of  legally  binding  commitments  related  to 

loans and loan equivalents.

Net counterparty exposure includes the fair value of derivatives, 

including the counterparty risk associated with CDS, and secured 

financing transactions. Derivatives exposures are presented net 

of collateral, which is predominantly cash, pledged under legally 

enforceable  master  netting  agreements.  Secured  financing 

transaction  exposures  are  presented  net  of  eligible  cash  or 

securities pledged as collateral.

Securities and other investments are carried at fair value and 

long securities exposures are netted against short exposures with 

the same underlying issuer to, but not below, zero (i.e., negative 

issuer exposures are reported as zero). Other investments include 

our GPI portfolio and strategic investments.

Net country exposure represents country exposure less hedges 

and  credit  default  protection  purchased,  net  of  credit  default 

protection sold. We hedge certain of our country exposures with 

credit default protection primarily in the form of single-name, as 

well as indexed and tranched CDS. The exposures associated with 

these hedges represent the amount that would be realized upon 

the isolated default of an individual issuer in the relevant country 

assuming a zero recovery rate for that individual issuer, and are 

calculated based on the CDS notional amount adjusted for any 

fair value receivable or payable. Changes in the assumption of an 

isolated  default  can  produce  different  results  in  a  particular 

tranche.

Table 52 Top 20 Non-U.S. Countries Exposure

(Dollars in millions)

United Kingdom
Brazil
Canada
Japan
Germany
China
India
Australia
France
Netherlands
Hong Kong
South Korea
Switzerland
Belgium
Italy
Mexico
Singapore
Turkey
Spain
United Arab Emirates

Total top 20 non-U.S.
countries exposure

Funded Loans
and Loan
Equivalents

Unfunded
Loan
Commitments

Net
Counterparty
Exposure

Securities/
Other
Investments

Country
Exposure at
December 31
2015

Hedges and
Credit Default
Protection

Net Country
Exposure at
December 31
2015

Increase
(Decrease) from
December 31
2014

$

$

30,268
9,981
5,522
13,381
7,373
9,207
7,045
5,061
2,822
3,329
5,850
4,351
3,337
648
2,933
2,708
2,297
2,996
1,847
2,008

$

15,086
401
6,695
532
6,389
627
238
2,390
4,795
3,283
273
749
2,947
4,749
1,062
1,327
167
172
677
56

$

8,923
902
2,279
1,145
2,604
739
363
705
1,392
879
788
674
707
149
1,544
141
481
30
231
1,027

$

4,194
4,593
2,097
718
1,991
748
2,880
1,737
3,816
1,631
701
1,751
650
185
1,563
1,209
1,843
49
940
37

$

58,471
15,877
16,593
15,776
18,357
11,321
10,526
9,893
12,825
9,122
7,612
7,525
7,641
5,731
7,102
5,385
4,788
3,247
3,695
3,128

(5,225) $
(227)
(1,861)
(1,412)
(4,953)
(847)
(172)
(348)
(4,139)
(1,488)
(23)
(667)
(1,378)
(263)
(1,794)
(331)
(59)
(107)
(632)
(102)

$

53,246
15,650
14,732
14,364
13,404
10,474
10,354
9,545
8,686
7,634
7,589
6,858
6,263
5,468
5,308
5,054
4,729
3,140
3,063
3,026

7,699
666
(3,808)
(2,370)
845
(1,818)
(232)
1,872
(1,752)
(501)
(1,019)
409
(268)
4,260
(91)
783
725
652
(553)
619

$

122,964

$

52,615

$

25,703

$

33,333

$

234,615

$

(26,028) $

208,587

$

6,118

Weakening  of  commodity  prices,  signs  of  slowing  growth  in 
China and a recession in Brazil are driving risk aversion in emerging 
markets.  Net  exposure  to  China  decreased  to  $10.5  billion  at 
December 31,  2015,  concentrated 
large  state-owned 
companies,  subsidiaries  of  multinational  corporations  and 
commercial  banks.  Net  exposure  to  Brazil  was  $15.7  billion, 
concentrated in sovereign securities, oil and gas companies and 
commercial banks.

in 

Russian intervention in Ukraine initiated in 2014 significantly 
increased  regional  geopolitical  tensions.  The  Russian  economy 
continues to slow due to the negative impacts of weak oil prices, 
ongoing economic sanctions and high interest rates resulting from 
Russian central bank actions taken to counter ruble depreciation. 
Net  exposure  to  Russia  was  reduced  to  $2.2  billion  at 
December 31, 2015, concentrated in oil and gas companies and 
commercial  banks.  Our  exposure  to  Ukraine  at  December 31, 
2015  was  minimal.  In  response  to  Russian  actions,  U.S.  and 
European  governments  have  imposed  sanctions  on  a  limited 
number of Russian individuals and business entities. Geopolitical 
and  economic  conditions  remain  fluid  with  potential  for  further 
escalation  of  tensions,  increased  severity  of  sanctions  against 
Russian  interests,  sustained  low  oil  prices  and  rating  agency 
downgrades.

Certain European countries, including Italy, Spain, Ireland and 
Portugal, have experienced varying degrees of financial stress in 
recent years. While market conditions have improved in Europe, 
policymakers  continue  to  address  fundamental  challenges  of 
competitiveness,  growth,  deflation  and  high  unemployment.  A 
return of political stress or financial instability in these countries 

could disrupt financial markets and have a detrimental impact on 
global economic conditions and sovereign and non-sovereign debt 
in these countries. Net exposure at December 31, 2015 to Italy 
and Spain was $5.3 billion and $3.1 billion as presented in Table 
52. Net exposure at December 31, 2015 to Ireland and Portugal 
was $1.0 billion and $54 million. We expect to continue to support 
client activities in the region and our exposures may vary over time 
as we monitor the situation and manage our risk profile.

Table 53 presents countries where total cross-border exposure 
exceeded one percent of our total assets. At December 31, 2015, 
the United Kingdom and France were the only countries where total 
cross-border exposure exceeded one percent of our total assets. 
At  December 31,  2015,  Canada  and  Germany  had  total  cross-
border exposure of $18.3 billion and $16.5 billion representing 
0.85  percent  and  0.77  percent  of  our  total  assets.  No  other 
countries  had  total  cross-border  exposure  that  exceeded  0.75 
percent of our total assets at December 31, 2015.

Cross-border exposures in Table 53 are calculated using Federal 
Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) guidelines and 
not our internal risk management view; therefore, exposures are 
not  comparable  between  Tables  52  and  53.  Exposure  includes 
cross-border  claims  by  our  non-U.S.  offices  including  loans, 
acceptances,  time  deposits  placed,  trading  account  assets, 
securities, derivative assets, other interest-earning investments 
and  other  monetary  assets.  Amounts  also  include  unfunded 
commitments, letters of credit and financial guarantees, and the 
notional  amount  of  cash  loaned  under  secured  financing 
transactions. Sector definitions are consistent with FFIEC reporting 
requirements for preparing the Country Exposure Report.

84     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     85

 
Table 53 Total Cross-border Exposure Exceeding One Percent of Total Assets

(Dollars in millions)

United Kingdom

France

December 31

Public Sector

Banks

Private Sector

Cross-border
Exposure

Exposure as a
Percent of
Total Assets

$

2015
2014
2015
2014

$

3,264
11
3,343
4,479

$

5,104
2,056
1,766
2,631

$

38,576
34,595
17,099
14,368

46,944
36,662
22,208
21,478

2.19%
1.74
1.04
1.02

Provision for Credit Losses
The  provision  for  credit  losses  increased  $886  million  to  $3.2 
billion in 2015 compared to 2014. The provision for credit losses 
was $1.2 billion lower than net charge-offs for 2015, resulting in 
a reduction in the allowance for credit losses. This compared to 
a reduction of $2.1 billion in the allowance for credit losses in 
2014.  As  we  look  at  2016,  reserve  releases  are  expected  to 
decrease  from  2015  levels.  All  else  equal,  this  would  result  in 
increased  provision  expense,  assuming  sustained  stability  in 
underlying asset quality. 

The  provision  for  credit  losses  for  the  consumer  portfolio 
increased $726 million to $2.2 billion in 2015 compared to 2014. 
The provision for credit losses in 2014 included $400 million of 
additional costs associated with the consumer relief portion of 
the  DoJ  Settlement.  Excluding  these  additional  costs,  the 
consumer provision for credit losses increased due to a slower 
pace of portfolio improvement than in 2014, and also due to a 
lower level of recoveries on nonperforming loan sales and other 
recoveries in 2015. Included in the provision is a benefit of $40 
million related to the PCI loan portfolio for 2015 compared to a 
benefit of $31 million in 2014. 

The  provision  for  credit  losses  for  the  commercial  portfolio, 
including unfunded lending commitments, increased $160 million 
to $953 million in 2015 compared to 2014 driven by energy sector 
exposure and higher unfunded balances.

Allowance for Credit Losses

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses
The  allowance  for  loan  and  lease  losses  is  comprised  of  two 
first  component  covers  nonperforming 
components.  The 
commercial loans and TDRs. The second component covers loans 
and leases on which there are incurred losses that are not yet 
individually identifiable, as well as incurred losses that may not 
be  represented  in  the  loss  forecast  models.  We  evaluate  the 
adequacy of the allowance for loan and lease losses based on the 
total of these two components, each of which is described in more 
detail below. The allowance for loan and lease losses excludes 
LHFS and loans accounted for under the fair value option as the 
fair value reflects a credit risk component.

The first component of the allowance for loan and lease losses 
covers both nonperforming commercial loans and all TDRs within 
the consumer and commercial portfolios. These loans are subject 
to  impairment  measurement  based  on  the  present  value  of 
projected  future  cash  flows  discounted  at  the  loan’s  original 
effective  interest  rate,  or  in  certain  circumstances,  impairment 
may  also  be  based  upon  the  collateral  value  or  the  loan’s 
observable market price if available. Impairment measurement for 
the renegotiated consumer credit card, small business credit card 
and unsecured consumer TDR portfolios is based on the present 

86     Bank of America 2015

value  of  projected  cash  flows  discounted  using  the  average 
portfolio contractual interest rate, excluding promotionally priced 
loans, in effect prior to restructuring. For purposes of computing 
this  specific  loss  component  of  the  allowance,  larger  impaired 
loans are evaluated individually and smaller impaired loans are 
evaluated as a pool using historical experience for the respective 
product types and risk ratings of the loans.

The  second  component  of  the  allowance  for  loan  and  lease 
losses covers the remaining consumer and commercial loans and 
leases  that  have  incurred  losses  that  are  not  yet  individually 
identifiable.  The  allowance 
for  consumer  and  certain 
homogeneous commercial loan and lease products is based on 
aggregated portfolio evaluations, generally by product type. Loss 
forecast  models  are  utilized  that  consider  a  variety  of  factors 
including, but not limited to, historical loss experience, estimated 
defaults or foreclosures based on portfolio trends, delinquencies, 
economic trends and credit scores. Our consumer real estate loss 
forecast  model  estimates  the  portion  of  loans  that  will  default 
based on individual loan attributes, the most significant of which 
are refreshed LTV or CLTV, and borrower credit score as well as 
vintage and geography, all of which are further broken down into 
current  delinquency  status.  Additionally,  we  incorporate  the 
delinquency status of underlying first-lien loans on our junior-lien 
home  equity  portfolio  in  our  allowance  process.  Incorporating 
refreshed LTV and CLTV into our probability of default allows us to 
factor the impact of changes in home prices into our allowance 
for loan and lease losses. These loss forecast models are updated 
on  a  quarterly  basis  to  incorporate  information  reflecting  the 
current economic environment. As of December 31, 2015, the loss 
forecast process resulted  in  reductions  in  the  allowance  for all 
major consumer portfolios compared to December 31, 2014.

and 

trends, 

geographic 

performance 

The  allowance  for  commercial  loan  and  lease  losses  is 
established  by  product  type  after  analyzing  historical  loss 
experience,  internal  risk  rating,  current  economic  conditions, 
industry 
obligor 
concentrations  within  each  portfolio  and  any  other  pertinent 
information.  The  statistical  models  for  commercial  loans  are 
generally updated annually and utilize our historical database of 
actual defaults and other data, including external default data. The 
loan  risk  ratings  and  composition  of  the  commercial  portfolios 
used  to  calculate  the  allowance  are  updated  quarterly  to 
incorporate the most recent data reflecting the current economic 
environment.  For  risk-rated  commercial  loans,  we  estimate  the 
probability  of  default  and  the  LGD  based  on  our  historical 
experience of defaults and credit losses. Factors considered when 
assessing the internal risk rating include the value of the underlying 
collateral, if applicable, the industry in which the obligor operates, 
the  obligor’s  liquidity  and  other  financial  indicators,  and  other 
quantitative and qualitative factors relevant to the obligor’s credit 
risk. As of December 31, 2015, the allowance increased for the 

Table 53 Total Cross-border Exposure Exceeding One Percent of Total Assets

(Dollars in millions)

United Kingdom

France

December 31

Public Sector

Banks

Private Sector

$

3,264

$

5,104

$

38,576

$

2015

2014

2015

2014

11

3,343

4,479

2,056

1,766

2,631

34,595

17,099

14,368

Cross-border

Exposure

Exposure as a

Percent of

Total Assets

46,944

36,662

22,208

21,478

2.19%

1.74

1.04

1.02

Provision for Credit Losses

The  provision  for  credit  losses  increased  $886  million  to  $3.2 

billion in 2015 compared to 2014. The provision for credit losses 

was $1.2 billion lower than net charge-offs for 2015, resulting in 

a reduction in the allowance for credit losses. This compared to 

a reduction of $2.1 billion in the allowance for credit losses in 

2014.  As  we  look  at  2016,  reserve  releases  are  expected  to 

decrease  from  2015  levels.  All  else  equal,  this  would  result  in 

increased  provision  expense,  assuming  sustained  stability  in 

underlying asset quality. 

The  provision  for  credit  losses  for  the  consumer  portfolio 

increased $726 million to $2.2 billion in 2015 compared to 2014. 

The provision for credit losses in 2014 included $400 million of 

additional costs associated with the consumer relief portion of 

the  DoJ  Settlement.  Excluding  these  additional  costs,  the 

consumer provision for credit losses increased due to a slower 

pace of portfolio improvement than in 2014, and also due to a 

lower level of recoveries on nonperforming loan sales and other 

recoveries in 2015. Included in the provision is a benefit of $40 

million related to the PCI loan portfolio for 2015 compared to a 

benefit of $31 million in 2014. 

The  provision  for  credit  losses  for  the  commercial  portfolio, 

including unfunded lending commitments, increased $160 million 

to $953 million in 2015 compared to 2014 driven by energy sector 

exposure and higher unfunded balances.

Allowance for Credit Losses

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

The  allowance  for  loan  and  lease  losses  is  comprised  of  two 

components.  The 

first  component  covers  nonperforming 

commercial loans and TDRs. The second component covers loans 

and leases on which there are incurred losses that are not yet 

individually identifiable, as well as incurred losses that may not 

be  represented  in  the  loss  forecast  models.  We  evaluate  the 

adequacy of the allowance for loan and lease losses based on the 

total of these two components, each of which is described in more 

detail below. The allowance for loan and lease losses excludes 

LHFS and loans accounted for under the fair value option as the 

fair value reflects a credit risk component.

The first component of the allowance for loan and lease losses 

covers both nonperforming commercial loans and all TDRs within 

the consumer and commercial portfolios. These loans are subject 

to  impairment  measurement  based  on  the  present  value  of 

projected  future  cash  flows  discounted  at  the  loan’s  original 

effective  interest  rate,  or  in  certain  circumstances,  impairment 

may  also  be  based  upon  the  collateral  value  or  the  loan’s 

observable market price if available. Impairment measurement for 

the renegotiated consumer credit card, small business credit card 

and unsecured consumer TDR portfolios is based on the present 

86     Bank of America 2015

value  of  projected  cash  flows  discounted  using  the  average 

portfolio contractual interest rate, excluding promotionally priced 

loans, in effect prior to restructuring. For purposes of computing 

this  specific  loss  component  of  the  allowance,  larger  impaired 

loans are evaluated individually and smaller impaired loans are 

evaluated as a pool using historical experience for the respective 

product types and risk ratings of the loans.

The  second  component  of  the  allowance  for  loan  and  lease 

losses covers the remaining consumer and commercial loans and 

leases  that  have  incurred  losses  that  are  not  yet  individually 

identifiable.  The  allowance 

for  consumer  and  certain 

homogeneous commercial loan and lease products is based on 

aggregated portfolio evaluations, generally by product type. Loss 

forecast  models  are  utilized  that  consider  a  variety  of  factors 

including, but not limited to, historical loss experience, estimated 

defaults or foreclosures based on portfolio trends, delinquencies, 

economic trends and credit scores. Our consumer real estate loss 

forecast  model  estimates  the  portion  of  loans  that  will  default 

based on individual loan attributes, the most significant of which 

are refreshed LTV or CLTV, and borrower credit score as well as 

vintage and geography, all of which are further broken down into 

current  delinquency  status.  Additionally,  we  incorporate  the 

delinquency status of underlying first-lien loans on our junior-lien 

home  equity  portfolio  in  our  allowance  process.  Incorporating 

refreshed LTV and CLTV into our probability of default allows us to 

factor the impact of changes in home prices into our allowance 

for loan and lease losses. These loss forecast models are updated 

on  a  quarterly  basis  to  incorporate  information  reflecting  the 

current economic environment. As of December 31, 2015, the loss 

forecast process resulted  in reductions  in  the  allowance  for  all 

major consumer portfolios compared to December 31, 2014.

The  allowance  for  commercial  loan  and  lease  losses  is 

established  by  product  type  after  analyzing  historical  loss 

experience,  internal  risk  rating,  current  economic  conditions, 

industry 

performance 

trends, 

geographic 

and 

obligor 

concentrations  within  each  portfolio  and  any  other  pertinent 

information.  The  statistical  models  for  commercial  loans  are 

generally updated annually and utilize our historical database of 

actual defaults and other data, including external default data. The 

loan  risk  ratings  and  composition  of  the  commercial  portfolios 

used  to  calculate  the  allowance  are  updated  quarterly  to 

incorporate the most recent data reflecting the current economic 

environment.  For  risk-rated  commercial  loans,  we  estimate  the 

probability  of  default  and  the  LGD  based  on  our  historical 

experience of defaults and credit losses. Factors considered when 

assessing the internal risk rating include the value of the underlying 

collateral, if applicable, the industry in which the obligor operates, 

the  obligor’s  liquidity  and  other  financial  indicators,  and  other 

quantitative and qualitative factors relevant to the obligor’s credit 

risk. As of December 31, 2015, the allowance increased for the 

U.S.  commercial,  non-U.S.  commercial  and  commercial  lease 
financing portfolios compared to December 31, 2014.

Also included within the second component of the allowance 
for loan and lease losses are reserves to cover losses that are 
incurred  but,  in  our  assessment,  may  not  be  adequately 
represented in the historical loss data used in the loss forecast 
models.  For  example,  factors  that  we  consider  include,  among 
others, changes in lending policies and procedures, changes in 
economic and business conditions, changes in the nature and size 
of the portfolio, changes in portfolio concentrations, changes in 
the volume and severity of past due loans and nonaccrual loans, 
the effect of external factors such as competition, and legal and 
regulatory  requirements.  We  also  consider  factors  that  are 
applicable to unique portfolio segments. For example, we consider 
the risk of uncertainty in our loss forecasting models related to 
junior-lien home equity loans that are current, but have first-lien 
loans that we do not service that are 30 days or more past due. 
In addition, we consider the increased risk of default associated 
with our interest-only loans that have yet to enter the amortization 
period.  Further,  we  consider  the 
in 
mathematical models that are built upon historical data.

inherent  uncertainty 

During 2015, the factors that impacted the allowance for loan 
and  lease  losses  included  overall  improvements  in  the  credit 
quality of the portfolios driven by continuing improvements in the 
U.S. economy and labor markets, continuing proactive credit risk 
management  initiatives  and  the  impact  of  recent  higher  credit 
quality  originations.  Additionally,  the  resolution  of  uncertainties 
through current recognition of net charge-offs has impacted the 
amount  of  reserve  needed  in  certain  portfolios.  Evidencing  the 
improvements in the U.S. economy and labor markets are modest 
growth  in  consumer  spending,  improvements  in  unemployment 
levels, increases in home prices and a decrease in the absolute 
level  and  our  share  of  national  consumer  bankruptcy  filings.  In 
addition to these improvements, in the consumer portfolio, returns 
to performing status, charge-offs, sales, paydowns and transfers 
to  foreclosed  properties  continued  to  outpace  new  nonaccrual 
loans. Also impacting the allowance for loan and lease losses in 
the commercial portfolio were growth in loan balances and higher 
reservable criticized levels, particularly in the energy sector due 
primarily to lower oil prices.

We monitor differences between estimated and actual incurred 
loan and lease losses. This monitoring process includes periodic 
assessments by senior management of loan and lease portfolios 
and  the  models  used  to  estimate  incurred  losses  in  those 
portfolios.

Additions to, or reductions of, the allowance for loan and lease 
losses generally are recorded through charges or credits to the 
provision  for  credit  losses.  Credit  exposures  deemed  to  be 
uncollectible are charged against the allowance for loan and lease 
losses. Recoveries of previously charged off amounts are credited 
to the allowance for loan and lease losses.

The  allowance  for  loan  and  lease  losses  for  the  consumer 
portfolio,  as  presented  in  Table  55,  was  $7.4  billion  at 
December 31,  2015,  a  decrease  of  $2.6  billion 
from 
December 31, 2014. The decrease was primarily in the residential 
mortgage, home equity and credit card portfolios. Reductions in 
the residential mortgage and home equity portfolios were due to 
improved  home  prices  and  lower  delinquencies,  a  decrease  in 
consumer  loan  balances,  as  well  as  the  utilization  of  reserves 
recorded as a part of the DoJ Settlement. Further, the residential 
mortgage and home equity allowance declined due to write-offs in 
our PCI loan portfolio.

The decrease in the allowance related to the U.S. credit card 
and unsecured consumer lending portfolios in Consumer Banking 
was  primarily  due  to  improvement  in  delinquencies  and  more 
generally in unemployment levels. For example, in the U.S. credit 
card portfolio, accruing loans 30 days or more past due decreased 
to $1.6 billion at December 31, 2015 from $1.7 billion (to 1.76 
percent from 1.85 percent of outstanding U.S. credit card loans) 
at December 31, 2014, and accruing loans 90 days or more past 
due decreased to $789 million at December 31, 2015 from $866 
million (to  0.88  percent  from 0.94 percent  of  outstanding  U.S. 
credit card loans) at December 31, 2014. See Tables 23, 24, 31 
and 33 for additional details on key credit statistics for the credit 
card and other unsecured consumer lending portfolios.

increase  of  $412  million 

The allowance for loan and lease losses for the commercial 
portfolio,  as  presented  in  Table  55,  was  $4.8  billion  at 
December 31,  2015,  an 
from 
December 31, 2014 with the increase attributable to loan growth 
and  higher  reservable  criticized  levels.  Commercial  utilized 
reservable  criticized  exposure  increased  to  $16.5  billion  at 
December 31, 2015 from $11.6 billion (to 3.46 percent from 2.74 
percent  of  total  commercial  utilized  reservable  exposure)  at 
December 31,  2014,  largely  due  to  downgrades  in  the  energy 
portfolio. Nonperforming commercial loans increased $99 million 
from December 31, 2014 to $1.2 billion (to 0.27 percent from 
0.29 percent of outstanding commercial loans) at December 31, 
2015 largely in the energy sector. Commercial loans and leases 
outstanding increased to $446.8 billion at December 31, 2015 
from $392.8 billion at December 31, 2014. See Tables 37, 38 
and 40 for additional details on key commercial credit statistics.
The allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of 
total  loans  and  leases  outstanding  was  1.37  percent  at 
December 31, 2015 compared to 1.65 percent at December 31, 
2014. The decrease in the ratio was primarily due to improved 
credit quality driven by improved economic conditions, write-offs 
in the PCI loan portfolio and utilization of reserves related to the 
DoJ Settlement. The December 31, 2015 and 2014 ratios above 
include the PCI loan portfolio. Excluding the PCI loan portfolio, the 
allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total loans 
and  leases  outstanding  was  1.30  percent  and  1.50  percent at 
December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Bank of America 2015     87

Table 54 presents a rollforward of the allowance for credit losses, which includes the allowance for loan and lease losses and the 

reserve for unfunded lending commitments, for 2015 and 2014.

Table 54 Allowance for Credit Losses

(Dollars in millions)

Allowance for loan and lease losses, January 1
Loans and leases charged off

Residential mortgage
Home equity
U.S. credit card
Non-U.S. credit card
Direct/Indirect consumer
Other consumer

Total consumer charge-offs

U.S. commercial (1)
Commercial real estate
Commercial lease financing
Non-U.S. commercial

Total commercial charge-offs
Total loans and leases charged off

Recoveries of loans and leases previously charged off

Residential mortgage
Home equity
U.S. credit card
Non-U.S. credit card
Direct/Indirect consumer
Other consumer

Total consumer recoveries

U.S. commercial (2)
Commercial real estate
Commercial lease financing
Non-U.S. commercial

Total commercial recoveries
Total recoveries of loans and leases previously charged off
Net charge-offs
Write-offs of PCI loans
Provision for loan and lease losses
Other (3)

Allowance for loan and lease losses, December 31
Reserve for unfunded lending commitments, January 1
Provision for unfunded lending commitments

Reserve for unfunded lending commitments, December 31
Allowance for credit losses, December 31

(1) 

(2) 

Includes U.S. small business commercial charge-offs of $282 million and $345 million in 2015 and 2014.
Includes U.S. small business commercial recoveries of $57 million and $63 million in 2015 and 2014.

(3)  Primarily represents the net impact of portfolio sales, consolidations and deconsolidations, and foreign currency translation adjustments.

2015

2014

$

14,419

$

17,428

(866)
(975)
(2,738)
(275)
(383)
(224)
(5,461)
(536)
(30)
(19)
(59)
(644)
(6,105)

393
339
424
87
271
31
1,545
172
35
10
5
222
1,767
(4,338)
(808)
3,043
(82)
12,234
528
118
646
12,880

$

(855)
(1,364)
(3,068)
(357)
(456)
(268)
(6,368)
(584)
(29)
(10)
(35)
(658)
(7,026)

969
457
430
115
287
39
2,297
214
112
19
1
346
2,643
(4,383)
(810)
2,231
(47)
14,419
484
44
528
14,947

$

88     Bank of America 2015

Table 54 presents a rollforward of the allowance for credit losses, which includes the allowance for loan and lease losses and the 

reserve for unfunded lending commitments, for 2015 and 2014.

Table 54 Allowance for Credit Losses (continued)

Table 54 Allowance for Credit Losses

(Dollars in millions)

Allowance for loan and lease losses, January 1

Total commercial charge-offs

Total loans and leases charged off

Recoveries of loans and leases previously charged off

Loans and leases charged off

Residential mortgage

Home equity

U.S. credit card

Non-U.S. credit card

Direct/Indirect consumer

Other consumer

Total consumer charge-offs

U.S. commercial (1)

Commercial real estate

Commercial lease financing

Non-U.S. commercial

Residential mortgage

Home equity

U.S. credit card

Non-U.S. credit card

Direct/Indirect consumer

Other consumer

Total consumer recoveries

U.S. commercial (2)

Commercial real estate

Commercial lease financing

Non-U.S. commercial

Total commercial recoveries

Net charge-offs

Write-offs of PCI loans

Provision for loan and lease losses

Other (3)

Total recoveries of loans and leases previously charged off

Allowance for loan and lease losses, December 31

Reserve for unfunded lending commitments, January 1

Provision for unfunded lending commitments

Reserve for unfunded lending commitments, December 31

Allowance for credit losses, December 31

(1) 

(2) 

Includes U.S. small business commercial charge-offs of $282 million and $345 million in 2015 and 2014.

Includes U.S. small business commercial recoveries of $57 million and $63 million in 2015 and 2014.

(3)  Primarily represents the net impact of portfolio sales, consolidations and deconsolidations, and foreign currency translation adjustments.

2015

2014

$

14,419

$

17,428

(866)

(975)

(2,738)

(275)

(383)

(224)

(5,461)

(536)

(30)

(19)

(59)

(644)

(6,105)

393

339

424

87

271

31

1,545

172

35

10

5

222

1,767

(4,338)

(808)

3,043

(82)

528

118

646

(855)

(1,364)

(3,068)

(357)

(456)

(268)

(6,368)

(584)

(29)

(10)

(35)

(658)

(7,026)

969

457

430

115

287

39

214

112

19

1

346

2,297

2,643

(4,383)

(810)

2,231

(47)

484

44

528

12,234

14,419

$

12,880

$

14,947

(Dollars in millions)

Loan and allowance ratios:

Loans and leases outstanding at December 31 (4)
Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total loans and leases outstanding at December 31 (4)
Consumer allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total consumer loans and leases outstanding at December 31 (5)
Commercial allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total commercial loans and leases outstanding at December 31 (6)
Average loans and leases outstanding (4)
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans and leases outstanding (4, 7)
Net charge-offs and PCI write-offs as a percentage of average loans and leases outstanding (4)
Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total nonperforming loans and leases at December 31 (4, 8)
Ratio of the allowance for loan and lease losses at December 31 to net charge-offs (7)
Ratio of the allowance for loan and lease losses at December 31 to net charge-offs and PCI write-offs
Amounts included in allowance for loan and lease losses for loans and leases that are excluded from nonperforming loans and leases at 

December 31 (9)

2015

2014

$ 896,063

$ 872,710

1.37%
1.63
1.10
$ 874,461

1.65%
2.05
1.15
$ 894,001

0.50%
0.59
130
2.82
2.38

0.49%
0.58
121
3.29
2.78

$

4,518

$

5,944

Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total nonperforming loans and leases, excluding the allowance for loan and lease 

losses for loans and leases that are excluded from nonperforming loans and leases at December 31 (4, 9)

82%

71%

Loan and allowance ratios excluding PCI loans and the related valuation allowance: (10)

Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total loans and leases outstanding at December 31 (4)
Consumer allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total consumer loans and leases outstanding at December 31 (5)
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans and leases outstanding (4)
Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total nonperforming loans and leases at December 31 (4, 8)
Ratio of the allowance for loan and lease losses at December 31 to net charge-offs

1.30%
1.50
0.51
122
2.64

1.50%
1.79
0.50
107
2.91

(4)  Outstanding loan and lease balances and ratios do not include loans accounted for under the fair value option of $6.9 billion and $8.7 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014. Average loans 

accounted for under the fair value option were $7.7 billion and $9.9 billion in 2015 and 2014.

(5)  Excludes consumer loans accounted for under the fair value option of $1.9 billion and $2.1 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014.
(6)  Excludes commercial loans accounted for under the fair value option of $5.1 billion and $6.6 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014.
(7)  Net charge-offs exclude $808 million and $810 million of write-offs in the PCI loan portfolio in 2015 and 2014. For more information on PCI write-offs, see Consumer Portfolio Credit Risk Management 

– Purchased Credit-impaired Loan Portfolio on page 71.

(8)  For more information on our definition of nonperforming loans, see pages 73 and 80.
(9)  Primarily includes amounts allocated to U.S. credit card and unsecured consumer lending portfolios in Consumer Banking, PCI loans and the non-U.S. credit card portfolio in All Other.
(10)  For more information on the PCI loan portfolio and the valuation allowance for PCI loans, see Note 4 – Outstanding Loans and Leases and Note 5 – Allowance for Credit Losses to the Consolidated 

Financial Statements.

For reporting purposes, we allocate the allowance for credit losses across products. However, the allowance is generally available 

to absorb any credit losses without restriction. Table 55 presents our allocation by product type.

Table 55 Allocation of the Allowance for Credit Losses by Product Type

(Dollars in millions)

Allowance for loan and lease losses

Residential mortgage
Home equity
U.S. credit card
Non-U.S. credit card
Direct/Indirect consumer
Other consumer

Total consumer
U.S. commercial (2)
Commercial real estate
Commercial lease financing
Non-U.S. commercial
Total commercial (3)
Allowance for loan and lease losses (4)
Reserve for unfunded lending commitments

Allowance for credit losses

December 31, 2015

December 31, 2014

Amount

Percent of
Total

Percent of
Loans and
Leases
Outstanding (1)

Amount

Percent of
Total

Percent of
Loans and
Leases
Outstanding (1)

$

$

1,500
2,414
2,927
274
223
47
7,385
2,964
967
164
754
4,849
12,234
646
12,880

12.26%
19.73
23.93
2.24
1.82
0.38
60.36
24.23
7.90
1.34
6.17
39.64
100.00%

0.80% $
3.18
3.27
2.75
0.25
2.27
1.63
1.12
1.69
0.60
0.82
1.10
1.37

$

2,900
3,035
3,320
369
299
59
9,982
2,619
1,016
153
649
4,437
14,419
528
14,947

20.11%
21.05
23.03
2.56
2.07
0.41
69.23
18.16
7.05
1.06
4.50
30.77
100.00%

1.34%
3.54
3.61
3.53
0.37
3.15
2.05
1.12
2.13
0.62
0.81
1.15
1.65

(1)  Ratios are calculated as allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of loans and leases outstanding excluding loans accounted for under the fair value option. Consumer loans accounted 
for under the fair value option included residential mortgage loans of $1.6 billion and $1.9 billion and home equity loans of $250 million and $196 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014. 
Commercial loans accounted for under the fair value option included U.S. commercial loans of $2.3 billion and $1.9 billion and non-U.S. commercial loans of $2.8 billion and $4.7 billion at December 
31, 2015 and 2014.
Includes allowance for loan and lease losses for U.S. small business commercial loans of $507 million and $536 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014.
Includes allowance for loan and lease losses for impaired commercial loans of $217 million and $159 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014.
Includes $804 million and $1.7 billion of valuation allowance presented with the allowance for loan and lease losses related to PCI loans at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

(4) 

(2) 

(3) 

88     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     89

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
losses 

related 

to  unfunded 

Reserve for Unfunded Lending Commitments
In addition to the allowance for loan and lease losses, we also 
estimate  probable 
lending 
commitments  such  as  letters  of  credit,  financial  guarantees, 
unfunded bankers’ acceptances and binding loan commitments, 
excluding commitments accounted for under the fair value option. 
Unfunded  lending  commitments  are  subject  to  the  same 
assessment as funded loans, including estimates of probability 
of default and LGD. Due to the nature of unfunded commitments, 
the estimate of probable losses must also consider utilization. To 
estimate the portion of these undrawn commitments that is likely 
to be drawn by a borrower at the time of estimated default, analyses 
of  the  Corporation’s  historical  experience  are  applied  to  the 
unfunded commitments to estimate the funded EAD. The expected 
loss  for  unfunded  lending  commitments  is  the  product  of  the 
probability  of  default,  the  LGD  and  the  EAD,  adjusted  for  any 
qualitative  factors  including  economic  uncertainty  and  inherent 
imprecision in models.

The  reserve  for  unfunded  lending  commitments  was  $646 
million at December 31, 2015, an increase of $118 million from 
December 31,  2014  with  the  increase  attributable  primarily  to 
higher unfunded commitments.

Market Risk Management
Market  risk  is  the  risk  that  changes  in  market  conditions  may 
adversely impact the value of assets or liabilities, or otherwise 
negatively impact earnings. This risk is inherent in the financial 
instruments associated with our operations, primarily within our 
Global Markets segment. We are also exposed to these risks in 
other areas of the Corporation  (e.g.,  our  ALM  activities).  In  the 
event of market stress, these risks could have a material impact 
on the results of the Corporation. For additional information, see 
Interest Rate Risk Management for Non-trading Activities on page 
95.

Our  traditional  banking  loan  and  deposit  products  are  non-
trading positions and are generally reported at amortized cost for 
assets or the amount owed for liabilities (historical cost). However, 
these  positions  are  still  subject  to  changes  in  economic  value 
based on varying market conditions, with one of the primary risks 
being changes in the levels of interest rates. The risk of adverse 
changes in the economic value of our non-trading positions arising 
from  changes  in  interest  rates  is  managed  through  our  ALM 
activities.  We  have  elected  to  account  for  certain  assets  and 
liabilities under the fair value option.

Our trading positions are reported at fair value with changes 
reflected  in  income.  Trading  positions  are  subject  to  various 
changes in market-based risk factors. The majority of this risk is 
generated by our activities in the interest rate, foreign exchange, 
credit, equity and commodities markets. In addition, the values of 
assets  and  liabilities  could  change  due  to  market  liquidity, 
correlations across markets and expectations of market volatility. 
We  seek  to  manage  these  risk  exposures  by  using  a  variety  of 
techniques 
financial 
instruments. The key risk management techniques are discussed 
in more detail in the Trading Risk Management section.

that  encompass  a  broad 

range  of 

Global  Risk  Management  is  responsible  for  providing  senior 
management with a clear and comprehensive understanding of 
the  trading  risks  to  which  the  Corporation  is  exposed.  These 
responsibilities include ownership of market risk policy, developing 
and maintaining quantitative risk models, calculating aggregated 
risk  measures,  establishing  and  monitoring  position  limits 

90     Bank of America 2015

consistent with risk appetite, conducting daily reviews and analysis 
of trading inventory, approving material risk exposures and fulfilling 
regulatory  requirements.  Market  risks  that  impact  businesses 
outside  of  Global  Markets  are  monitored  and  governed  by  their 
respective governance functions.

Quantitative  risk  models,  such  as  VaR,  are  an  essential 
component  in  evaluating  the  market  risks  within  a  portfolio.  A 
subcommittee  of  the  Management  Risk  Committee  (MRC)  is 
responsible for providing management oversight and approval of 
model risk management and governance (Risk Management, or 
RM  subcommittee).  The  RM  subcommittee  defines  model  risk 
standards, consistent with the Corporation’s risk framework and 
risk  appetite,  prevailing  regulatory  guidance  and  industry  best 
practice. Models must meet certain validation criteria, including 
effective  challenge  of  the  model  development  process  and  a 
sufficient demonstration of developmental evidence incorporating 
a  comparison  of  alternative  theories  and  approaches.  The  RM 
subcommittee  ensures  model  standards  are  consistent  with 
model risk requirements and monitors the effective challenge in 
the model validation process across the Corporation. In addition, 
the relevant stakeholders must agree on any required actions or 
restrictions  to  the  models  and  maintain  a  stringent  monitoring 
process to ensure continued compliance.

For more information on the fair value of certain financial assets 
and  liabilities,  see  Note  20  –  Fair Value  Measurements  to  the 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

Interest Rate Risk
Interest  rate  risk  represents  exposures  to  instruments  whose 
values  vary  with  the  level  or  volatility  of  interest  rates.  These 
instruments include, but are not limited to, loans, debt securities, 
certain trading-related assets and liabilities, deposits, borrowings 
and derivatives. Hedging instruments used to mitigate these risks 
include derivatives such as options, futures, forwards and swaps.

Foreign Exchange Risk
Foreign  exchange  risk  represents  exposures  to  changes  in  the 
values of current holdings and future cash flows denominated in 
currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. The types of instruments 
exposed to this risk include investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries, 
foreign  currency-denominated  loans  and  securities,  future  cash 
flows  in  foreign  currencies  arising  from  foreign  exchange 
transactions,  foreign  currency-denominated  debt  and  various 
foreign exchange derivatives whose values fluctuate with changes 
in  the  level  or  volatility  of  currency  exchange  rates  or  non-
U.S. interest rates. Hedging instruments used to mitigate this risk 
include  foreign  exchange  options,  currency  swaps,  futures, 
forwards, and foreign currency-denominated debt and deposits.

Mortgage Risk
Mortgage risk represents exposures to changes in the values of 
mortgage-related instruments. The values of these instruments 
are sensitive to prepayment rates, mortgage rates, agency debt 
ratings,  default,  market  liquidity,  government  participation  and 
interest rate volatility. Our exposure to these instruments takes 
several  forms.  First,  we  trade  and  engage  in  market-making 
activities in a variety of mortgage securities including whole loans, 
pass-through 
and 
collateralized  mortgage  obligations  including  collateralized  debt 
obligations  (CDO)  using  mortgages  as  underlying  collateral. 
Second,  we  originate  a  variety  of  MBS  which  involves  the 

commercial  mortgages 

certificates, 

Reserve for Unfunded Lending Commitments

In addition to the allowance for loan and lease losses, we also 

estimate  probable 

losses 

related 

to  unfunded 

lending 

commitments  such  as  letters  of  credit,  financial  guarantees, 

unfunded bankers’ acceptances and binding loan commitments, 

excluding commitments accounted for under the fair value option. 

Unfunded  lending  commitments  are  subject  to  the  same 

assessment as funded loans, including estimates of probability 

of default and LGD. Due to the nature of unfunded commitments, 

the estimate of probable losses must also consider utilization. To 

estimate the portion of these undrawn commitments that is likely 

to be drawn by a borrower at the time of estimated default, analyses 

of  the  Corporation’s  historical  experience  are  applied  to  the 

unfunded commitments to estimate the funded EAD. The expected 

loss  for  unfunded  lending  commitments  is  the  product  of  the 

probability  of  default,  the  LGD  and  the  EAD,  adjusted  for  any 

qualitative  factors  including  economic  uncertainty  and  inherent 

imprecision in models.

The  reserve  for  unfunded  lending  commitments  was  $646 

million at December 31, 2015, an increase of $118 million from 

December 31,  2014  with  the  increase  attributable  primarily  to 

higher unfunded commitments.

Market Risk Management

Market  risk  is  the  risk  that  changes  in  market  conditions  may 

adversely impact the value of assets or liabilities, or otherwise 

negatively impact earnings. This risk is inherent in the financial 

instruments associated with our operations, primarily within our 

Global Markets segment. We are also exposed to these risks in 

other areas of the  Corporation (e.g.,  our  ALM  activities).  In  the 

event of market stress, these risks could have a material impact 

on the results of the Corporation. For additional information, see 

Interest Rate Risk Management for Non-trading Activities on page 

95.

Our  traditional  banking  loan  and  deposit  products  are  non-

trading positions and are generally reported at amortized cost for 

assets or the amount owed for liabilities (historical cost). However, 

these  positions  are  still  subject  to  changes  in  economic  value 

based on varying market conditions, with one of the primary risks 

being changes in the levels of interest rates. The risk of adverse 

changes in the economic value of our non-trading positions arising 

from  changes  in  interest  rates  is  managed  through  our  ALM 

activities.  We  have  elected  to  account  for  certain  assets  and 

liabilities under the fair value option.

Our trading positions are reported at fair value with changes 

reflected  in  income.  Trading  positions  are  subject  to  various 

changes in market-based risk factors. The majority of this risk is 

generated by our activities in the interest rate, foreign exchange, 

credit, equity and commodities markets. In addition, the values of 

assets  and  liabilities  could  change  due  to  market  liquidity, 

correlations across markets and expectations of market volatility. 

We  seek  to  manage  these  risk  exposures  by  using  a  variety  of 

techniques 

that  encompass  a  broad 

range  of 

financial 

instruments. The key risk management techniques are discussed 

in more detail in the Trading Risk Management section.

Global  Risk  Management  is  responsible  for  providing  senior 

management with a clear and comprehensive understanding of 

the  trading  risks  to  which  the  Corporation  is  exposed.  These 

responsibilities include ownership of market risk policy, developing 

and maintaining quantitative risk models, calculating aggregated 

risk  measures,  establishing  and  monitoring  position  limits 

90     Bank of America 2015

consistent with risk appetite, conducting daily reviews and analysis 

of trading inventory, approving material risk exposures and fulfilling 

regulatory  requirements.  Market  risks  that  impact  businesses 

outside  of  Global  Markets  are  monitored  and  governed  by  their 

respective governance functions.

Quantitative  risk  models,  such  as  VaR,  are  an  essential 

component  in  evaluating  the  market  risks  within  a  portfolio.  A 

subcommittee  of  the  Management  Risk  Committee  (MRC)  is 

responsible for providing management oversight and approval of 

model risk management and governance (Risk Management, or 

RM  subcommittee).  The  RM  subcommittee  defines  model  risk 

standards, consistent with the Corporation’s risk framework and 

risk  appetite,  prevailing  regulatory  guidance  and  industry  best 

practice. Models must meet certain validation criteria, including 

effective  challenge  of  the  model  development  process  and  a 

sufficient demonstration of developmental evidence incorporating 

a  comparison  of  alternative  theories  and  approaches.  The  RM 

subcommittee  ensures  model  standards  are  consistent  with 

model risk requirements and monitors the effective challenge in 

the model validation process across the Corporation. In addition, 

the relevant stakeholders must agree on any required actions or 

restrictions  to  the  models  and  maintain  a  stringent  monitoring 

process to ensure continued compliance.

For more information on the fair value of certain financial assets 

and  liabilities,  see  Note  20  –  Fair Value  Measurements  to  the 

Consolidated Financial Statements.

Interest Rate Risk

Interest  rate  risk  represents  exposures  to  instruments  whose 

values  vary  with  the  level  or  volatility  of  interest  rates.  These 

instruments include, but are not limited to, loans, debt securities, 

certain trading-related assets and liabilities, deposits, borrowings 

and derivatives. Hedging instruments used to mitigate these risks 

include derivatives such as options, futures, forwards and swaps.

Foreign Exchange Risk

Foreign  exchange  risk  represents  exposures  to  changes  in  the 

values of current holdings and future cash flows denominated in 

currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. The types of instruments 

exposed to this risk include investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries, 

foreign  currency-denominated  loans  and  securities,  future  cash 

flows  in  foreign  currencies  arising  from  foreign  exchange 

transactions,  foreign  currency-denominated  debt  and  various 

foreign exchange derivatives whose values fluctuate with changes 

in  the  level  or  volatility  of  currency  exchange  rates  or  non-

U.S. interest rates. Hedging instruments used to mitigate this risk 

include  foreign  exchange  options,  currency  swaps,  futures, 

forwards, and foreign currency-denominated debt and deposits.

Mortgage Risk

Mortgage risk represents exposures to changes in the values of 

mortgage-related instruments. The values of these instruments 

are sensitive to prepayment rates, mortgage rates, agency debt 

ratings,  default,  market  liquidity,  government  participation  and 

interest rate volatility. Our exposure to these instruments takes 

several  forms.  First,  we  trade  and  engage  in  market-making 

activities in a variety of mortgage securities including whole loans, 

pass-through 

certificates, 

commercial  mortgages 

and 

collateralized  mortgage  obligations  including  collateralized  debt 

obligations  (CDO)  using  mortgages  as  underlying  collateral. 

Second,  we  originate  a  variety  of  MBS  which  involves  the 

accumulation of mortgage-related loans in anticipation of eventual 
securitization. Third, we may hold positions in mortgage securities 
and residential mortgage loans as part of the ALM portfolio. Fourth, 
we create MSRs as part of our mortgage origination activities. For 
more information on MSRs, see Note 1 – Summary of Significant 
Accounting Principles and Note 23 – Mortgage Servicing Rights to 
the Consolidated Financial Statements. Hedging instruments used 
to mitigate this risk include derivatives such as options, swaps, 
futures and forwards as well as securities including MBS and U.S. 
Treasury  securities.  For  additional  information,  see  Mortgage 
Banking Risk Management on page 97.

Equity Market Risk
Equity  market  risk  represents  exposures  to  securities  that 
represent an ownership interest in a corporation in the form of 
domestic  and  foreign  common  stock  or  other  equity-linked 
instruments. Instruments that would lead to this exposure include, 
but  are  not  limited  to,  the  following:  common  stock,  exchange-
traded funds, American Depositary Receipts, convertible bonds, 
listed equity options (puts and calls), OTC equity options, equity 
total return swaps, equity index futures and other equity derivative 
products. Hedging instruments used to mitigate this risk include 
options, futures, swaps, convertible bonds and cash positions.

Commodity Risk
Commodity  risk  represents  exposures  to  instruments  traded  in 
the  petroleum,  natural  gas,  power  and  metals  markets.  These 
instruments  consist  primarily  of  futures,  forwards,  swaps  and 
options. Hedging instruments used to mitigate this risk include 
options,  futures  and  swaps  in  the  same  or  similar  commodity 
product, as well as cash positions.

Issuer Credit Risk
Issuer  credit  risk  represents  exposures  to  changes  in  the 
creditworthiness of individual issuers or groups of issuers. Our 
portfolio is exposed to issuer credit risk where the value of an 
asset may be adversely impacted by changes in the levels of credit 
spreads, by credit migration or by defaults. Hedging instruments 
used  to  mitigate  this  risk  include  bonds,  CDS  and  other  credit 
fixed-income instruments.

Market Liquidity Risk
Market liquidity risk represents the risk that the level of expected 
market activity changes dramatically and, in certain cases, may 
even cease. This exposes us to the risk that we will not be able 
to  transact  business  and  execute  trades  in  an  orderly  manner 
which  may  impact  our  results.  This  impact  could  be  further 
exacerbated  if  expected  hedging  or  pricing  correlations  are 
compromised by disproportionate demand or lack of demand for 
certain instruments. We utilize various risk mitigating techniques 
as discussed in more detail in Trading Risk Management.

Trading Risk Management
To evaluate risk in our trading activities, we focus on the actual 
and  potential  volatility  of  revenues  generated  by  individual 
positions as well as portfolios of positions. Various techniques 
and  procedures  are  utilized  to  enable  the  most  complete 
understanding  of these  risks.  Quantitative measures  of  market 
risk are evaluated on a daily basis from a single position to the 
portfolio of the Corporation. These measures include sensitivities 

of positions to various market risk factors, such as the potential 
impact on revenue from a one basis point change in interest rates, 
and  statistical  measures  utilizing  both  actual  and  hypothetical 
market moves, such as VaR and stress testing. Periods of extreme 
market  stress  influence  the  reliability  of  these  techniques  to 
varying degrees. Qualitative evaluations of market risk utilize the 
suite of quantitative risk measures while understanding each of 
their 
risk  managers 
limitations.  Additionally, 
independently evaluate the risk of the portfolios under the current 
market environment and potential future environments.

respective 

VaR is a common statistic used to measure market risk as it 
allows the aggregation of market risk factors, including the effects 
of portfolio diversification. A VaR model simulates the value of a 
portfolio  under  a  range  of  scenarios  in  order  to  generate  a 
distribution of potential gains and losses. VaR represents the loss 
a portfolio is not expected to exceed more than a certain number 
of  times  per  period,  based  on  a  specified  holding  period, 
confidence level and window of historical data. We use one VaR 
model  consistently  across  the  trading  portfolios  and  it  uses  a 
historical simulation approach based on a three-year window of 
historical  data.  Our  primary  VaR  statistic  is  equivalent  to  a  99 
percent confidence level. This means that for a VaR with a one-
day holding period, there should not be losses in excess of VaR, 
on average, 99 out of 100 trading days.

Within  any  VaR  model,  there  are  significant  and  numerous 
assumptions  that  will  differ  from  company  to  company.  The 
accuracy of a VaR model depends on the availability and quality 
of historical data for each of the risk factors in the portfolio. A VaR 
model  may  require  additional  modeling  assumptions  for  new 
products that do not have the necessary historical market data or 
for  less  liquid  positions  for  which  accurate  daily  prices  are  not 
consistently  available.  For  positions  with  insufficient  historical 
data  for  the  VaR  calculation,  the  process  for  establishing  an 
appropriate proxy is based on fundamental and statistical analysis 
of the new product or less liquid position. This analysis identifies 
reasonable alternatives that replicate both the expected volatility 
and correlation to other market risk factors that the missing data 
would be expected to experience.

VaR  may  not  be  indicative  of  realized  revenue  volatility  as 
changes in market conditions or in the composition of the portfolio 
can  have  a  material  impact  on  the  results.  In  particular,  the 
historical data used for the VaR calculation might indicate higher 
or lower levels of portfolio diversification than will be experienced. 
In order for the VaR model to reflect current market conditions, we 
update the historical data underlying our VaR model on a weekly 
basis,  or  more  frequently  during  periods  of  market  stress,  and 
regularly review the assumptions underlying the model. A relatively 
minor  portion  of  risks  related  to  our  trading  positions  is  not 
included in VaR. These risks are reviewed as part of our ICAAP.

Global  Risk  Management  continually  reviews,  evaluates  and 
enhances our VaR model so that it reflects the material risks in 
our trading portfolio. Changes to the VaR model are reviewed and 
approved prior to implementation and any material changes are 
reported  to  management  through  the  appropriate  management 
committees.

Trading limits on quantitative risk measures, including VaR, are 
independently  set  by  Global  Markets  Risk  Management  and 
reviewed on a regular basis to ensure they remain relevant and 
within our overall risk appetite for market risks. Trading limits are 
reviewed in the context of market liquidity, volatility and strategic 
business priorities. Trading limits are set at both a granular level 
to ensure extensive coverage of risks as well as at aggregated 

Bank of America 2015     91

portfolios to account for correlations among risk factors. All trading 
limits are approved at least annually. Approved trading limits are 
stored and tracked in a centralized limits management system. 
Trading  limit  excesses  are  communicated  to  management  for 
risk  measures  and 
review.  Certain  quantitative  market 
corresponding  limits  have  been  identified  as  critical  in  the 
Corporation’s Risk Appetite Statement. These risk appetite limits 
are reported on a daily basis and are approved at least annually 
by the ERC and the Board.

In periods of market stress, Global Markets senior leadership 
communicates daily to discuss losses, key risk positions and any 
limit excesses. As a result of this process, the businesses may 
selectively reduce risk.

Table 56 presents the total market-based trading portfolio VaR 
which is the combination of the covered positions trading portfolio 
and  the  impact  from  less  liquid  trading  exposures.  Covered 
positions are defined by regulatory standards as trading assets 
and liabilities, both on- and off-balance sheet, that meet a defined 
set of specifications. These specifications identify the most liquid 
trading positions which are intended to be held for a short-term 
horizon and where the Corporation is able to hedge the material 
risk elements in a two-way market. Positions in less liquid markets, 

or where there are restrictions on the ability to trade the positions, 
typically do not qualify as covered positions. Foreign exchange and 
commodity  positions  are  always  considered  covered  positions, 
except for structural foreign currency positions that we choose to 
exclude  with  prior  regulatory  approval.  In  addition,  Table  56 
presents our fair value option portfolio, which includes the funded 
and unfunded exposures for which we elect the fair value option, 
and  their  corresponding  hedges.  The  fair  value  option  portfolio 
combined  with  the  total  market-based  trading  portfolio  VaR 
represents  the  Corporation’s  total  market-based  portfolio  VaR. 
Additionally, market risk VaR for trading activities as presented in 
Table 56 differs from VaR used for regulatory capital calculations 
due to the holding period being used. The holding period for VaR 
used for regulatory capital calculations is 10 days, while for the 
market risk VaR presented  below  it  is one  day. Both  measures 
utilize the same process and methodology.

The total market-based portfolio VaR results in Table 56 include 
market risk from all business segments to which the Corporation 
is exposed, excluding CVA and DVA. The majority of this portfolio 
is within the Global Markets segment.

Table 56 presents year-end, average, high and low daily trading 

VaR for 2015 and 2014 using a 99 percent confidence level.

Table 56 Market Risk VaR for Trading Activities

(Dollars in millions)

Foreign exchange
Interest rate
Credit
Equity
Commodity
Portfolio diversification

Total covered positions trading portfolio

Impact from less liquid exposures

Total market-based trading portfolio

Fair value option loans
Fair value option hedges
Fair value option portfolio diversification

Total fair value option portfolio

Portfolio diversification

Total market-based portfolio

2015

2014

Year
End

Average

High (1)

Low (1)

Year
End

Average

High (1)

Low (1)

$

$

10
17
32
18
4
(36)
45
3
48
35
17
(35)
17
(4)
61

$

$

10
25
35
16
5
(46)
45
8
53
26
14
(26)
14
(6)
61

$

$

42
42
46
33
8
—
66
—
74
36
22
—
19
—
85

$

$

5
14
27
9
3
—
26
—
31
17
8
—
10
—
41

$

$

13
24
43
16
8
(56)
48
7
55
35
21
(37)
19
(7)
67

$

$

16
34
52
17
8
(78)
49
7
56
31
14
(24)
21
(12)
65

$

$

24
60
82
32
10
—
86
—
101
40
23
—
28
—
120

$

$

8
19
32
11
6
—
33
—
38
21
8
—
15
—
44

(1)  The high and low for each portfolio may have occurred on different trading days than the high and low for the components. Therefore the impact from less liquid exposures and the amount of portfolio 

diversification, which is the difference between the total portfolio and the sum of the individual components, are not relevant.

The average total market-based trading portfolio VaR decreased during 2015 primarily due to reduced exposure to the credit and 

interest rate markets, partially offset by a reduction in portfolio diversification.

92     Bank of America 2015

 
i

i
l
l
i

m
n

s
r
a

l
l

o
D

150

125

100

75

50

25

0

by the ERC and the Board.

combined  with  the  total  market-based  trading  portfolio  VaR 

s
n
o

portfolios to account for correlations among risk factors. All trading 

or where there are restrictions on the ability to trade the positions, 

The graph below presents the daily total market-based trading portfolio VaR for 2015, corresponding to the data in Table 56.

Daily Total Market-based Trading Portfolio VaR History 

limits are approved at least annually. Approved trading limits are 

typically do not qualify as covered positions. Foreign exchange and 

stored and tracked in a centralized limits management system. 

commodity  positions  are  always  considered  covered  positions, 

Trading  limit  excesses  are  communicated  to  management  for 

except for structural foreign currency positions that we choose to 

review.  Certain  quantitative  market 

risk  measures  and 

exclude  with  prior  regulatory  approval.  In  addition,  Table  56 

corresponding  limits  have  been  identified  as  critical  in  the 

presents our fair value option portfolio, which includes the funded 

Corporation’s Risk Appetite Statement. These risk appetite limits 

and unfunded exposures for which we elect the fair value option, 

are reported on a daily basis and are approved at least annually 

and  their  corresponding  hedges.  The  fair  value  option  portfolio 

In periods of market stress, Global Markets senior leadership 

represents  the  Corporation’s  total  market-based  portfolio  VaR. 

communicates daily to discuss losses, key risk positions and any 

Additionally, market risk VaR for trading activities as presented in 

limit excesses. As a result of this process, the businesses may 

Table 56 differs from VaR used for regulatory capital calculations 

selectively reduce risk.

due to the holding period being used. The holding period for VaR 

Table 56 presents the total market-based trading portfolio VaR 

used for regulatory capital calculations is 10 days, while for the 

which is the combination of the covered positions trading portfolio 

market risk VaR presented  below it  is one  day. Both  measures 

and  the  impact  from  less  liquid  trading  exposures.  Covered 

utilize the same process and methodology.

positions are defined by regulatory standards as trading assets 

The total market-based portfolio VaR results in Table 56 include 

and liabilities, both on- and off-balance sheet, that meet a defined 

market risk from all business segments to which the Corporation 

set of specifications. These specifications identify the most liquid 

is exposed, excluding CVA and DVA. The majority of this portfolio 

trading positions which are intended to be held for a short-term 

is within the Global Markets segment.

horizon and where the Corporation is able to hedge the material 

Table 56 presents year-end, average, high and low daily trading 

risk elements in a two-way market. Positions in less liquid markets, 

VaR for 2015 and 2014 using a 99 percent confidence level.

Table 56 Market Risk VaR for Trading Activities

(Dollars in millions)

Foreign exchange

Interest rate

Credit

Equity

Commodity

Portfolio diversification

Total covered positions trading portfolio

Impact from less liquid exposures

Total market-based trading portfolio

Fair value option loans

Fair value option hedges

Fair value option portfolio diversification

Total fair value option portfolio

Portfolio diversification

Total market-based portfolio

2015

2014

Average

High (1)

Low (1)

Average

High (1)

Low (1)

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

(36)

(46)

(56)

(78)

Year

End

10

17

32

18

4

45

3

48

35

17

(35)

17

(4)

61

10

25

35

16

5

45

8

53

26

14

(26)

14

(6)

61

42

42

46

33

8

—

66

—

74

36

22

—

19

—

85

Year

End

13

24

43

16

8

48

7

55

35

21

(37)

19

(7)

67

5

14

27

9

3

—

26

—

31

17

8

—

10

—

41

16

34

52

17

8

49

7

56

31

14

(24)

21

(12)

24

60

82

32

10

—

86

—

40

23

—

28

—

101

8

19

32

11

6

—

33

—

38

21

8

—

15

—

44

(1)  The high and low for each portfolio may have occurred on different trading days than the high and low for the components. Therefore the impact from less liquid exposures and the amount of portfolio 

diversification, which is the difference between the total portfolio and the sum of the individual components, are not relevant.

$

$

$

$

$

$

65

$

120

$

The average total market-based trading portfolio VaR decreased during 2015 primarily due to reduced exposure to the credit and 

interest rate markets, partially offset by a reduction in portfolio diversification.

12/31/2014

3/31/2015

6/30/2015

9/30/2015

12/31/2015

Additional  VaR  statistics  produced  within  the  Corporation’s 
single VaR model are provided in Table 57 at the same level of 
detail  as  in  Table  56.  Evaluating  VaR  with  additional  statistics 
allows for an increased understanding of the risks in the portfolio 

as the historical market data used in the VaR calculation does not 
necessarily follow a predefined statistical distribution. Table 57 
presents  average  trading  VaR  statistics  for  99  percent  and  95 
percent confidence levels for 2015 and 2014.

Table 57 Average Market Risk VaR for Trading Activities – 99 percent and 95 percent VaR Statistics

(Dollars in millions)

Foreign exchange
Interest rate
Credit
Equity
Commodity
Portfolio diversification

Total covered positions trading portfolio

Impact from less liquid exposures

Total market-based trading portfolio

Fair value option loans
Fair value option hedges
Fair value option portfolio diversification

Total fair value option portfolio

Portfolio diversification

Total market-based portfolio

2015

2014

99 percent
10
$
25
35
16
5
(46)
45
8
53
26
14
(26)
14
(6)
61

$

95 percent
6
$
15
20
9
3
(31)
22
3
25
15
9
(16)
8
(5)
28

$

99 percent
16
$
34
52
17
8
(78)
49
7
56
31
14
(24)
21
(12)
65

$

95 percent

$

$

9
21
26
9
4
(43)
26
3
29
15
9
(14)
10
(8)
31

Backtesting
The accuracy of the VaR methodology is evaluated by backtesting, 
which compares the daily VaR results, utilizing a one-day holding 
period,  against  a  comparable  subset  of  trading  revenue.  A 
backtesting excess occurs when a trading loss exceeds the VaR 
for  the  corresponding  day.  These  excesses  are  evaluated  to 
understand the positions and market moves that produced the 
trading loss and to ensure that the VaR methodology accurately 
represents  those  losses.  As  our  primary  VaR  statistic  used  for 
backtesting is based on a 99 percent confidence level and a one-
day holding period, we expect one trading loss in excess of VaR 
every 100 days, or between two to three trading losses in excess 
of  VaR  over  the  course  of  a  year.  The  number  of  backtesting 
excesses  observed  can  differ  from  the  statistically  expected 
number  of  excesses  if  the  current  level  of  market  volatility  is 

materially different than the level of market volatility that existed 
during the three years of historical data used in the VaR calculation.
We conduct daily backtesting on our portfolios, ranging from 
the  total  market-based  portfolio  to  individual  trading  areas. 
Additionally, we conduct daily backtesting on the VaR results used 
for regulatory capital calculations as well as the VaR results for 
key  legal  entities,  regions  and  risk  factors.  These  results  are 
reported to senior market risk management. Senior management 
regularly reviews and evaluates the results of these tests.

The  trading  revenue  used  for  backtesting  is  defined  by 
regulatory  agencies in order  to  most closely  align  with the VaR 
component  of  the  regulatory  capital  calculation.  This  revenue 
differs from total trading-related revenue in that it excludes revenue 
from trading activities that either do not generate market risk or 
the market risk cannot be included in VaR. Some examples of the 

92     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     93

 
 
 
 
types of revenue excluded for backtesting are fees, commissions, 
reserves, net interest income and intraday trading revenues.

During  2015,  there  were  no  days  in  which  there  was  a 
backtesting  excess  for  our  total  market-based  portfolio  VaR, 
utilizing a one-day holding period.

Total Trading-related Revenue
Total trading-related revenue, excluding brokerage fees, and CVA 
and DVA related revenue, represents the total amount earned from 
trading  positions,  including  market-based  net  interest  income, 
which are taken in a diverse range of financial instruments and 
markets. Trading account assets and liabilities are reported at fair 
value. For more information on fair value, see Note 20 – Fair Value 
Measurements to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Trading-
related revenues can be volatile and are largely driven by general 

market  conditions  and  customer  demand.  Also,  trading-related 
revenues are dependent on the volume and type of transactions, 
the  level  of  risk  assumed,  and  the  volatility  of  price  and  rate 
movements  at  any  given  time  within  the  ever-changing  market 
environment. Significant daily revenues by business are monitored 
and the primary drivers of these are reviewed.

The histogram below is a graphic depiction of trading volatility 
and illustrates the daily level of trading-related revenue for 2015 
and  2014.  During  2015,  positive  trading-related  revenue  was 
recorded for 98 percent of the trading days, of which 77 percent 
were daily trading gains of over $25 million and the largest loss 
was $22 million. This compares to 2014 where positive trading-
related revenue was recorded for 95 percent of the trading days, 
of which 72 percent were daily trading gains of over $25 million 
and the largest loss was $17 million.

Histogram of Daily Trading-related Revenue 

s
y
a
D

f
o
r
e
b
m
u
N

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

greater than -100

-100 to -75

-75 to -50

-50 to -25

-25 to 0

0 to 25

25 to 50

50 to 75

75 to 100

greater than 100

Year Ended December 31, 2014

Year Ended December 31, 2015

Revenue (dollars in millions) 

Trading Portfolio Stress Testing
Because  the  very  nature  of  a  VaR  model  suggests  results  can 
exceed our estimates and it is dependent on a limited historical 
window, we also stress test our portfolio using scenario analysis. 
This  analysis  estimates  the  change  in  the  value  of  our  trading 
portfolio that may result from abnormal market movements.

A  set  of  scenarios,  categorized  as  either  historical  or 
hypothetical, are computed daily for the overall trading portfolio 
and  individual  businesses.  These  scenarios  include  shocks  to 
underlying market risk factors that may be well beyond the shocks 
found  in  the  historical  data  used  to  calculate  VaR.  Historical 
scenarios simulate the impact of the market moves that occurred 
during a period of extended historical market stress. Generally, a 
multi-week  period  representing  the  most  severe  point  during  a 
crisis  is  selected  for  each  historical  scenario.  Hypothetical 

scenarios provide simulations of the estimated portfolio impact 
from potential future market stress events. Scenarios are reviewed 
and updated in response to changing positions and new economic 
or political information. In addition, new or ad hoc scenarios are 
developed to address specific potential market events or particular 
vulnerabilities in the portfolio. The stress tests are reviewed on a 
regular basis and the results are presented to senior management.
Stress  testing  for  the  trading  portfolio  is  integrated  with 
enterprise-wide  stress  testing  and  incorporated  into  the  limits 
framework.  The  macroeconomic  scenarios  used  for  enterprise-
wide stress testing purposes differ from the typical trading portfolio 
scenarios in that they have a longer time horizon and the results 
are forecasted over multiple periods for use in consolidated capital 
and liquidity planning. For additional information, see Managing 
Risk – Corporation-wide Stress Testing on page 50.

94     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
s

y

a

D

f

o

r

e

b

m

u

N

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

types of revenue excluded for backtesting are fees, commissions, 

market  conditions  and  customer  demand.  Also,  trading-related 

reserves, net interest income and intraday trading revenues.

revenues are dependent on the volume and type of transactions, 

During  2015,  there  were  no  days  in  which  there  was  a 

the  level  of  risk  assumed,  and  the  volatility  of  price  and  rate 

backtesting  excess  for  our  total  market-based  portfolio  VaR, 

movements  at  any  given  time  within  the  ever-changing  market 

utilizing a one-day holding period.

Total Trading-related Revenue

Total trading-related revenue, excluding brokerage fees, and CVA 

and DVA related revenue, represents the total amount earned from 

trading  positions,  including  market-based  net  interest  income, 

which are taken in a diverse range of financial instruments and 

markets. Trading account assets and liabilities are reported at fair 

value. For more information on fair value, see Note 20 – Fair Value 

Measurements to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Trading-

related revenues can be volatile and are largely driven by general 

environment. Significant daily revenues by business are monitored 

and the primary drivers of these are reviewed.

The histogram below is a graphic depiction of trading volatility 

and illustrates the daily level of trading-related revenue for 2015 

and  2014.  During  2015,  positive  trading-related  revenue  was 

recorded for 98 percent of the trading days, of which 77 percent 

were daily trading gains of over $25 million and the largest loss 

was $22 million. This compares to 2014 where positive trading-

related revenue was recorded for 95 percent of the trading days, 

of which 72 percent were daily trading gains of over $25 million 

and the largest loss was $17 million.

Histogram of Daily Trading-related Revenue 

Interest Rate Risk Management for Non-trading 
Activities
The following discussion presents net interest income excluding 
the impact of trading-related activities.

Interest rate risk represents the most significant market risk 
exposure to our non-trading balance sheet. Interest rate risk is 
measured as the potential change in net interest income caused 
by  movements  in  market  interest  rates.  Client-facing  activities, 
primarily lending and deposit-taking, create interest rate sensitive 
positions on our balance sheet.

We prepare forward-looking forecasts of net interest income. 
The  baseline  forecast  takes  into  consideration  expected  future 
business growth, ALM positioning and the direction of interest rate 
movements  as  implied  by  the  market-based  forward  curve.  We 
then measure and evaluate the impact that alternative interest 
rate scenarios have on the baseline forecast in order to assess 
interest rate sensitivity under varied conditions. The net interest 
income forecast is frequently updated for changing assumptions 
and  differing  outlooks  based  on  economic  trends,  market 
conditions and business strategies. Thus, we continually monitor 
our balance sheet position in order to maintain an acceptable level 
of exposure to interest rate changes.

The interest rate scenarios that we analyze incorporate balance 
sheet assumptions such as loan and deposit growth and pricing, 
changes 
repricing  and  maturity 
characteristics. Our overall goal is to manage interest rate risk so 
that  movements  in  interest  rates  do  not  significantly  adversely 
affect earnings and capital.

funding  mix,  product 

in 

Table 58 presents the spot and 12-month forward rates used 

in our baseline forecasts at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Table 58 Forward Rates

December 31, 2015
Three-
month
LIBOR

10-Year
Swap

Federal
Funds

greater than -100

-100 to -75

-75 to -50

-50 to -25

-25 to 0

0 to 25

25 to 50

50 to 75

75 to 100

greater than 100

Year Ended December 31, 2014

Year Ended December 31, 2015

Revenue (dollars in millions) 

Trading Portfolio Stress Testing

Because  the  very  nature  of  a  VaR  model  suggests  results  can 

exceed our estimates and it is dependent on a limited historical 

window, we also stress test our portfolio using scenario analysis. 

This  analysis  estimates  the  change  in  the  value  of  our  trading 

portfolio that may result from abnormal market movements.

A  set  of  scenarios,  categorized  as  either  historical  or 

hypothetical, are computed daily for the overall trading portfolio 

and  individual  businesses.  These  scenarios  include  shocks  to 

underlying market risk factors that may be well beyond the shocks 

found  in  the  historical  data  used  to  calculate  VaR.  Historical 

scenarios simulate the impact of the market moves that occurred 

during a period of extended historical market stress. Generally, a 

multi-week  period  representing  the  most  severe  point  during  a 

crisis  is  selected  for  each  historical  scenario.  Hypothetical 

scenarios provide simulations of the estimated portfolio impact 

from potential future market stress events. Scenarios are reviewed 

and updated in response to changing positions and new economic 

or political information. In addition, new or ad hoc scenarios are 

developed to address specific potential market events or particular 

vulnerabilities in the portfolio. The stress tests are reviewed on a 

regular basis and the results are presented to senior management.

Stress  testing  for  the  trading  portfolio  is  integrated  with 

enterprise-wide  stress  testing  and  incorporated  into  the  limits 

framework.  The  macroeconomic  scenarios  used  for  enterprise-

wide stress testing purposes differ from the typical trading portfolio 

scenarios in that they have a longer time horizon and the results 

are forecasted over multiple periods for use in consolidated capital 

and liquidity planning. For additional information, see Managing 

Risk – Corporation-wide Stress Testing on page 50.

94     Bank of America 2015

Spot rates
12-month forward rates

Spot rates
12-month forward rates

0.50%
1.00

0.61%
1.22

2.19%
2.39

December 31, 2014

0.25%
0.75

0.26%
0.91

2.28%
2.55

Table  59  shows  the  pretax  dollar  impact  to  forecasted  net 
interest income over the next 12 months from December 31, 2015 
and 2014, resulting from instantaneous parallel and non-parallel 
shocks to the market-based forward curve. Periodically we evaluate 
the scenarios presented to ensure that they are meaningful in the 
context of the current rate environment. For more information on 
net  interest  income  excluding  the  impact  of  trading-related 
activities, see page 29.

During  2015,  the  asset  sensitivity  of  our  balance  sheet 
increased  due  to  higher  deposit  balances  and  lower  long-end 
interest rates. We continue to be asset sensitive to a parallel move 
in interest rates with the majority of that benefit coming from the 
short  end  of  the  yield  curve.  Additionally,  higher  interest  rates 
impact the fair value of debt securities and, accordingly, for debt 
securities  classified  as  AFS,  may  adversely  affect  accumulated 
OCI and thus capital levels under the Basel 3 capital rules. Under 
instantaneous  upward  parallel  shifts,  the  near-term  adverse 
impact to Basel 3 capital is reduced over time by offsetting positive 

impacts  to  net  interest  income.  For  more  information  on  the 
transition  provisions  of  Basel  3,  see  Capital  Management  – 
Regulatory Capital on page 52.

Table 59 Estimated Net Interest Income Excluding

Trading-related Net Interest Income

(Dollars in millions)

Curve Change
Parallel Shifts
+100 bps 

Short 
Rate (bps)

Long 
Rate (bps)

December 31

2015

2014

instantaneous shift

+100

+100

$

4,306

$

3,685

-50 bps 

instantaneous shift

-50

-50

(3,903)

(3,043)

Flatteners

Short-end 

instantaneous change

+100

Long-end 

instantaneous change

—

—

-50

2,417

1,966

(2,212)

(1,772)

Steepeners
Short-end 

instantaneous change

Long-end 

instantaneous change

-50

—

—

(1,671)

(1,261)

+100

1,919

1,782

The sensitivity analysis in Table 59 assumes that we take no 
action in response to these rate shocks and does not assume any 
change in other macroeconomic variables normally correlated with 
changes in interest rates. As part of our ALM activities, we use 
securities,  certain  residential  mortgages,  and  interest  rate  and 
foreign exchange derivatives in managing interest rate sensitivity.
The behavior of our deposit portfolio in the baseline forecast 
and in alternate interest rate scenarios is a key assumption in our 
projected estimates of net interest income. The sensitivity analysis 
in Table 59 assumes no change in deposit portfolio size or mix 
from the baseline forecast in alternate rate environments. In higher 
rate scenarios, any customer activity resulting in the replacement 
of  low-cost  or  noninterest-bearing  deposits  with  higher-yielding 
deposits or market-based funding would reduce the Corporation’s 
benefit in those scenarios.

Interest Rate and Foreign Exchange Derivative 
Contracts
Interest rate and foreign exchange derivative contracts are utilized 
in our ALM activities and serve as an efficient tool to manage our 
interest  rate  and  foreign  exchange  risk.  We  use  derivatives  to 
hedge the variability in cash flows or changes in fair value on our 
balance  sheet  due  to  interest  rate  and  foreign  exchange 
components. For more information on our hedging activities, see 
Note 2 – Derivatives to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Our interest rate contracts are generally non-leveraged generic 
interest rate and foreign exchange basis swaps, options, futures 
and  forwards.  In  addition,  we  use  foreign  exchange  contracts, 
including  cross-currency  interest  rate  swaps,  foreign  currency 
futures contracts, foreign currency forward contracts and options 
to  mitigate  the  foreign  exchange  risk  associated  with  foreign 
currency-denominated assets and liabilities.

Changes to the composition of our derivatives portfolio during 
2015 reflect actions taken for interest rate and foreign exchange 
rate risk management. The decisions to reposition our derivatives 
portfolio are based on the current assessment of economic and 
financial conditions including the interest rate and foreign currency 

Bank of America 2015     95

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
environments,  balance  sheet  composition  and  trends,  and  the 
relative mix of our cash and derivative positions.

Table  60  presents  derivatives  utilized  in  our  ALM  activities 
including those designated as accounting and economic hedging 
instruments and shows the notional amount, fair value, weighted-

average receive-fixed and pay-fixed rates, expected maturity and 
average  estimated  durations  of  our  open  ALM  derivatives  at 
December 31, 2015 and 2014. These amounts do not include 
derivative hedges on our MSRs.

Table 60 Asset and Liability Management Interest Rate and Foreign Exchange Contracts

December 31, 2015
Expected Maturity

(Dollars in millions, average estimated duration in
years)

Fair
Value

Receive-fixed interest rate swaps (1)

$

6,291

Total

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Thereafter

Notional amount
Weighted-average fixed-rate
Pay-fixed interest rate swaps (1)

Notional amount
Weighted-average fixed-rate
Same-currency basis swaps (2)

Notional amount

  $ 114,354

$ 15,339

$ 21,453

$ 21,850

$

9,783

$

7,015

$ 38,914

3.12%

3.12%

3.64%

3.20%

2.37%

2.13%

3.16%

(81)

  $ 12,131

$

1,025

$

1,527

$

5,668

$

1.70%

1.65%

1.84%

1.41%

$

600
1.59%

51
3.64%

$

3,260

2.15%

(70)

  $ 75,224

$ 15,692

$ 20,833

$ 11,026

$

6,786

$

1,180

$ 19,707

Foreign exchange basis swaps (1, 3, 4)

(3,968)

Notional amount
Option products (5)

Notional amount (6)

Foreign exchange contracts (1, 4, 7)

Notional amount (6)

Futures and forward rate contracts

Notional amount (6)

Net ALM contracts

57

2,345

(5)

$

4,569

144,446

25,762

27,441

19,319

12,226

10,572

49,126

752

737

—

—

—

(25,405)

(36,504)

5,380

(2,228)

2,123

200

200

—

—

—

—

52

—

15

5,772

—

December 31, 2014
Expected Maturity

(Dollars in millions, average estimated duration in
years)

Fair
Value

Receive-fixed interest rate swaps (1)

$

7,626

Total

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Thereafter

Notional amount
Weighted-average fixed-rate
Pay-fixed interest rate swaps (1)

Notional amount
Weighted-average fixed-rate
Same-currency basis swaps (2)

Notional amount

  $ 113,766

$ 11,785

$ 15,339

$ 21,453

$ 15,299

$ 10,233

$ 39,657

2.98%

3.56%

3.12%

3.64%

4.07%

0.49%

2.63%

(829)

  $ 14,668

$

2.27%

520
2.30%

$ 1,025

$ 1,527

$ 2,908

$

1.65%

1.84%

1.62%

425
0.09%

$ 8,263

2.77%

(74)

  $ 94,413

$ 18,881

$ 15,691

$ 21,068

$ 11,026

$ 6,787

$ 20,960

Foreign exchange basis swaps (1, 3, 4)

(2,352)

Notional amount
Option products (5)

Notional amount (6)

Foreign exchange contracts (1, 4, 7)

Notional amount (6)

Futures and forward rate contracts

Notional amount (6)

Net ALM contracts

11

3,700

(129)

$

7,953

161,196

27,629

26,118

27,026

14,255

12,359

53,809

980

964

—

—

—

—

16

(22,572)

(29,931)

(2,036)

6,134

(2,335)

2,359

3,237

(14,949)

(14,949)

—

—

—

—

—

Average
Estimated
Duration

4.98

3.98

Average
Estimated
Duration

4.34

8.05

(1)  Does not include basis adjustments on either fixed-rate debt issued by the Corporation or AFS debt securities, which are hedged using derivatives designated as fair value hedging instruments, that 

substantially offset the fair values of these derivatives.

(2)  At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the notional amount of same-currency basis swaps included $75.2 billion and $94.4 billion in both foreign currency and U.S. Dollar-denominated basis swaps in 

which both sides of the swap are in the same currency.

(3)  Foreign exchange basis swaps consisted of cross-currency variable interest rate swaps used separately or in conjunction with receive-fixed interest rate swaps.
(4)  Does not include foreign currency translation adjustments on certain non-U.S. debt issued by the Corporation that substantially offset the fair values of these derivatives.
(5)  The notional amount of option products of $752 million at December 31, 2015 was comprised of $737 million in foreign exchange options and $15 million in purchased caps/floors. Option products 

of $980 million at December 31, 2014 were comprised of $974 million in foreign exchange options, $16 million in purchased caps/floors and $(10) million in swaptions.

(6)  Reflects the net of long and short positions. Amounts shown as negative reflect a net short position.
(7)  The notional amount of foreign exchange contracts of $(25.4) billion at December 31, 2015 was comprised of $21.3 billion in foreign currency-denominated and cross-currency receive-fixed swaps, 
$(40.3) billion in net foreign currency forward rate contracts, $(7.6) billion in foreign currency-denominated pay-fixed swaps and $1.2 billion in net foreign currency futures contracts. Foreign exchange 
contracts of $(22.6) billion at December 31, 2014 were comprised of $21.0 billion in foreign currency-denominated and cross-currency receive-fixed swaps, $(36.4) billion in net foreign currency 
forward rate contracts, $(8.3) billion in foreign currency-denominated pay-fixed swaps and $1.1 billion in foreign currency futures contracts.

96     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
environments,  balance  sheet  composition  and  trends,  and  the 

average receive-fixed and pay-fixed rates, expected maturity and 

relative mix of our cash and derivative positions.

average  estimated  durations  of  our  open  ALM  derivatives  at 

Table  60  presents  derivatives  utilized  in  our  ALM  activities 

December 31, 2015 and 2014. These amounts do not include 

including those designated as accounting and economic hedging 

derivative hedges on our MSRs.

instruments and shows the notional amount, fair value, weighted-

Table 60 Asset and Liability Management Interest Rate and Foreign Exchange Contracts

(Dollars in millions, average estimated duration in

years)

Fair

Value

Receive-fixed interest rate swaps (1)

$

6,291

Foreign exchange basis swaps (1, 3, 4)

(3,968)

Notional amount

Weighted-average fixed-rate

Pay-fixed interest rate swaps (1)

Notional amount

Weighted-average fixed-rate

Same-currency basis swaps (2)

Notional amount

Notional amount

Option products (5)

Notional amount (6)

Foreign exchange contracts (1, 4, 7)

Notional amount (6)

Futures and forward rate contracts

Notional amount (6)

Net ALM contracts

Notional amount

Weighted-average fixed-rate

Pay-fixed interest rate swaps (1)

Notional amount

Weighted-average fixed-rate

Same-currency basis swaps (2)

Notional amount

Notional amount

Option products (5)

Notional amount (6)

Foreign exchange contracts (1, 4, 7)

Notional amount (6)

Futures and forward rate contracts

Notional amount (6)

Net ALM contracts

December 31, 2015

Expected Maturity

Total

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Thereafter

  $ 114,354

$ 15,339

$ 21,453

$ 21,850

$

9,783

$

7,015

$ 38,914

3.12%

3.12%

3.64%

3.20%

2.37%

2.13%

3.16%

  $ 12,131

$

1,025

$

1,527

$

5,668

$

600

$

51

$

3,260

1.70%

1.65%

1.84%

1.41%

1.59%

3.64%

2.15%

  $ 75,224

$ 15,692

$ 20,833

$ 11,026

$

6,786

$

1,180

$ 19,707

144,446

25,762

27,441

19,319

12,226

10,572

49,126

752

737

(25,405)

(36,504)

5,380

(2,228)

2,123

—

52

—

5,772

15

—

$

4,569

200

200

December 31, 2014

Expected Maturity

Total

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Thereafter

  $ 113,766

$ 11,785

$ 15,339

$ 21,453

$ 15,299

$ 10,233

$ 39,657

2.98%

3.56%

3.12%

3.64%

4.07%

0.49%

2.63%

  $ 14,668

$

520

$ 1,025

$ 1,527

$ 2,908

$

425

$ 8,263

2.27%

2.30%

1.65%

1.84%

1.62%

0.09%

2.77%

Average

Estimated

Duration

4.98

3.98

Average

Estimated

Duration

4.34

8.05

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

980

964

(14,949)

(14,949)

$

7,953

(22,572)

(29,931)

(2,036)

6,134

(2,335)

2,359

3,237

—

—

16

—

(81)

(70)

57

2,345

(5)

(829)

(74)

11

3,700

(129)

Foreign exchange basis swaps (1, 3, 4)

(2,352)

  $ 94,413

$ 18,881

$ 15,691

$ 21,068

$ 11,026

$ 6,787

$ 20,960

161,196

27,629

26,118

27,026

14,255

12,359

53,809

(Dollars in millions, average estimated duration in

years)

Fair

Value

Receive-fixed interest rate swaps (1)

$

7,626

(1)  Does not include basis adjustments on either fixed-rate debt issued by the Corporation or AFS debt securities, which are hedged using derivatives designated as fair value hedging instruments, that 

(2)  At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the notional amount of same-currency basis swaps included $75.2 billion and $94.4 billion in both foreign currency and U.S. Dollar-denominated basis swaps in 

substantially offset the fair values of these derivatives.

which both sides of the swap are in the same currency.

(3)  Foreign exchange basis swaps consisted of cross-currency variable interest rate swaps used separately or in conjunction with receive-fixed interest rate swaps.

(4)  Does not include foreign currency translation adjustments on certain non-U.S. debt issued by the Corporation that substantially offset the fair values of these derivatives.

(5)  The notional amount of option products of $752 million at December 31, 2015 was comprised of $737 million in foreign exchange options and $15 million in purchased caps/floors. Option products 

of $980 million at December 31, 2014 were comprised of $974 million in foreign exchange options, $16 million in purchased caps/floors and $(10) million in swaptions.

(6)  Reflects the net of long and short positions. Amounts shown as negative reflect a net short position.

(7)  The notional amount of foreign exchange contracts of $(25.4) billion at December 31, 2015 was comprised of $21.3 billion in foreign currency-denominated and cross-currency receive-fixed swaps, 

$(40.3) billion in net foreign currency forward rate contracts, $(7.6) billion in foreign currency-denominated pay-fixed swaps and $1.2 billion in net foreign currency futures contracts. Foreign exchange 

contracts of $(22.6) billion at December 31, 2014 were comprised of $21.0 billion in foreign currency-denominated and cross-currency receive-fixed swaps, $(36.4) billion in net foreign currency 

forward rate contracts, $(8.3) billion in foreign currency-denominated pay-fixed swaps and $1.1 billion in foreign currency futures contracts.

96     Bank of America 2015

We  use  interest  rate  derivative  instruments  to  hedge  the 
variability in the cash flows of our assets and liabilities and other 
forecasted  transactions  (collectively  referred  to  as  cash  flow 
hedges). The net losses on both open and terminated cash flow 
hedge derivative instruments recorded in accumulated OCI were 
$1.7 billion and $2.7 billion, on a pretax basis, at December 31, 
2015 and 2014. These net losses are expected to be reclassified 
into earnings in the same period as the hedged cash flows affect 
earnings and will decrease income or increase expense on the 
respective hedged cash flows. Assuming no change in open cash 
flow derivative hedge positions and no changes in prices or interest 
rates  beyond  what  is  implied  in  forward  yield  curves  at 
December 31,  2015,  the  pretax  net  losses  are  expected  to  be 
reclassified into earnings as follows: $563 million, or 33 percent 
within the next year, 37 percent in years two through five, and 20 
percent in years six through ten, with the remaining 10 percent 
thereafter. For more information on derivatives designated as cash 
flow hedges, see Note 2 – Derivatives to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements.

We hedge our net investment in non-U.S. operations determined 
to  have  functional  currencies  other  than  the  U.S.  Dollar  using 
forward foreign exchange contracts that typically settle in less than 
180  days,  cross-currency  basis  swaps  and  foreign  exchange 
options.  We  recorded  net  after-tax  losses  on  derivatives  in 
accumulated OCI associated with net investment hedges which 
were offset by gains on our net investments in consolidated non-
U.S. entities at December 31, 2015.

Mortgage Banking Risk Management
We originate, fund and service mortgage loans, which subject us 
to  credit,  liquidity  and  interest  rate  risks,  among  others.  We 
determine whether loans will be HFI or held-for-sale at the time of 
commitment and manage credit and liquidity risks by selling or 
securitizing a portion of the loans we originate.

Interest  rate  risk  and  market  risk  can  be  substantial  in  the 
mortgage business. Fluctuations in interest rates drive consumer 
demand for new mortgages and the level of refinancing activity, 
which  in  turn  affects  total  origination  and  servicing  income. 
Hedging  the  various  sources  of  interest  rate  risk  in  mortgage 
banking is a complex process that requires complex modeling and 
ongoing  monitoring.  Typically,  an  increase  in  mortgage  interest 
rates will lead to a decrease in mortgage originations and related 
fees. IRLCs and the related residential first mortgage LHFS are 
subject to interest rate risk between the date of the IRLC and the 
date the loans are sold to the secondary market, as an increase 
in mortgage interest rates will typically lead to a decrease in the 
value of these instruments.

MSRs  are  nonfinancial  assets  created  when  the  underlying 
mortgage loan is sold to investors and we retain the right to service 
the loan. Typically, an increase in mortgage rates will lead to an 
increase  in  the  value  of  the  MSRs  driven  by  lower  prepayment 
expectations. This increase in value from increases in mortgage 
rates is opposite of, and therefore offsets, the risk described for 
IRLCs  and  LHFS.  Because  the  interest  rate  risks  of  these  two 
hedged items offset, we combine them into one overall hedged 
item with one combined economic hedge portfolio.

Interest rate and certain market risks of IRLCs and residential 
mortgage  LHFS  are  economically  hedged  in  combination  with 
MSRs.  To  hedge  these  combined  assets,  we  use  certain 
derivatives  such  as  interest  rate  options,  interest  rate  swaps, 
forward sale commitments, eurodollar and U.S. Treasury futures, 

and mortgage TBAs, as well as other securities including agency 
MBS,  principal-only  and  interest-only  MBS  and  U.S.  Treasury 
securities. During 2015 and 2014, we recorded gains in mortgage 
banking income of $360 million and $357 million related to the 
change in fair value of the derivative contracts and other securities 
used to hedge the market risks of the MSRs, IRLCs and LHFS, net 
of gains and losses due to changes in fair value of these hedged 
items. For more information on MSRs, see Note 23 – Mortgage 
Servicing Rights to the Consolidated Financial Statements and for 
more  information  on  mortgage  banking  income,  see  Consumer 
Banking on page 31.

Compliance Risk Management
Compliance risk is the risk of legal or regulatory sanctions, material 
financial  loss  or  damage  to  the  reputation  of  the  Corporation 
arising  from  the  failure  of  the  Corporation  to  comply  with  the 
requirements  of  applicable  laws,  rules,  regulations  and  related 
self-regulatory  organizations’  standards  and  codes  of  conduct 
(collectively,  applicable  laws,  rules  and  regulations).  Global 
Compliance  independently  assesses  compliance  risk,  and 
evaluates FLUs and control functions for adherence to applicable 
laws,  rules  and  regulations,  including  identifying  compliance 
issues and risks, performing monitoring and independent testing, 
and  reporting  on  the  state  of  compliance  activities  across  the 
Corporation. Additionally, Global Compliance works with FLUs and 
control functions so that day-to-day activities operate in a compliant 
manner. For more information on FLUs and control functions, see 
Managing Risk on page 47.

The Corporation’s approach to the management of compliance 
risk  is  described  in  the  Global  Compliance  –  Enterprise  Policy, 
which  outlines  the  requirements  of  the  Corporation’s  global 
compliance program, and defines roles and responsibilities related 
to  the  implementation,  execution  and  management  of  the 
compliance program by Global Compliance. The requirements work 
together  to  drive  a  comprehensive  risk-based  approach  for  the 
proactive 
identification,  management  and  escalation  of 
compliance risks throughout the Corporation.

The  Global  Compliance  –  Enterprise  Policy  sets  the 
requirements  for  reporting  compliance  risk  information  to 
executive management as well as the Board or appropriate Board-
level  committees  with  an  outline  for  conducting  objective 
independent  oversight  of  the  Corporation’s  compliance  risk 
management  activities.  The  Board  provides  oversight  of 
compliance risk through its Audit Committee and ERC.

Operational Risk Management
The  Corporation  defines  operational  risk  as  the  risk  of  loss 
resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people and 
systems  or  from  external  events.  Operational  risk  may  occur 
anywhere  in  the  Corporation,  including  third-party  business 
processes, and is not limited to operations functions. Effects may 
extend beyond financial losses and may result in reputational risk 
impacts.  Operational  risk 
legal  risk.  Successful 
operational  risk  management  is  particularly  important  to 
diversified financial services companies because of the nature, 
volume  and  complexity  of  the  financial  services  business. 
Operational risk is a significant component in the calculation of 
total risk-weighted assets used in the Basel 3 capital calculation 
under the Advanced approaches. For more information on Basel 
3  Advanced  approaches,  see  Capital  Management  –  Advanced 
Approaches on page 53. 

includes 

Bank of America 2015     97

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
from 

risk  management 

We  approach  operational 

two 
perspectives  within  the  structure  of  the  Corporation:  (1)  at  the 
enterprise level to provide independent, integrated management 
of operational risk across the organization, and (2) at the business 
and control function levels to address operational risk in revenue 
producing and non-revenue producing units. The Operational Risk 
Management Program addresses the overarching processes for 
identifying, measuring, monitoring and controlling operational risk, 
and reporting operational risk information to management and the 
Board.  A  sound  internal  governance  structure  enhances  the 
effectiveness of the Corporation’s Operational Risk Management 
Program and is accomplished at the enterprise level through formal 
oversight  by  the  Board,  the  ERC,  the  CRO  and  a  variety  of 
management committees and risk oversight groups aligned to the 
Corporation’s overall risk governance framework and practices. Of 
these, the MRC oversees the Corporation’s policies and processes 
for sound operational risk management. The MRC also serves as 
an escalation point for critical operational risk matters within the 
Corporation.  The  MRC  reports  operational  risk  activities  to  the 
ERC.  The  independent  operational  risk  management  teams 
oversee  the  businesses  and  control  functions  to  monitor 
adherence  to  the  Operational  Risk  Management  Program  and 
advise and challenge operational risk exposures.

results 

Within  the  Global  Risk  Management  organization,  the 
Enterprise  Operational  Risk  team  develops  and  guides  the 
strategies,  enterprise-wide  policies,  practices,  controls  and 
monitoring  tools  for  assessing  and  managing  operational  risks 
across  the  organization.  The  Enterprise  Operational  Risk  team 
functions,  senior 
to  businesses,  control 
reports 
management, management committees, the ERC and the Board.
The  businesses  and  control  functions  are  responsible  for 
assessing, monitoring and managing all the risks within their units, 
including  operational  risks.  In  addition  to  enterprise  risk 
management tools such as loss reporting, scenario analysis and 
RCSAs,  operational  risk  executives,  working  in  conjunction  with 
senior  business  executives,  have  developed  key  tools  to  help 
identify, measure, monitor and control risk in each business and 
include  personnel 
control 
management practices; data management, data quality controls 
and  related  processes;  fraud  management  units;  cybersecurity 
controls,  processes  and  systems;  transaction  processing, 
monitoring  and  analysis;  business  recovery  planning;  and  new 
product  introduction  processes.  The  business  and  control 
functions are also responsible for consistently implementing and 
monitoring adherence to corporate practices.

function.  Examples  of 

these 

Business  and  control  function  management  uses  the 
enterprise  RCSA  process  to  capture  the  identification  and 
assessment of operational risk exposures and evaluate the status 
of  risk  and  control  issues  including  risk  mitigation  plans,  as 
appropriate.  The  goals  of  this  process  are  to  assess  changing 
market and business conditions, evaluate key risks impacting each 
business and control function, and assess the controls in place 
to mitigate the risks. Key operational risk indicators have been 
developed and are used to assist in identifying trends and issues 
on an enterprise, business and control function level. Independent 
review and challenge to the Corporation’s overall operational risk 
management framework is performed by the Corporate Operational 
Risk  Program  Adherence  Team  and  reported  through  the 
operational  risk  governance  committees  and  management 
routines.

Where  appropriate,  insurance  policies  are  purchased  to 
mitigate  the  impact  of  operational  losses.  These  insurance 

98     Bank of America 2015

policies  are  explicitly  incorporated  in  the  structural  features  of 
operational  risk  evaluation.  As  insurance  recoveries,  especially 
given  recent  market  events,  are  subject  to  legal  and  financial 
uncertainty, the inclusion of these insurance policies is subject to 
reductions in their expected mitigating benefits.

Reputational Risk Management
Reputational  risk  is  the  risk  that  negative  perceptions  of  the 
Corporation’s conduct or business practices will adversely affect 
its profitability or operations through an inability to establish new 
or maintain existing customer/client relationships. Reputational 
risk may result from many of the Corporation’s activities, including 
those  related  to  the  management  of  our  strategic,  operational, 
compliance and credit risks.

risk 

reputational 

The  Corporation  manages 

through 
established  policies  and  controls  in  its  businesses  and  risk 
management processes to mitigate reputational risks in a timely 
manner  and  through  proactive  monitoring  and  identification  of 
potential reputational risk events. The Corporation has processes 
and  procedures  in  place  to  respond  to  events  that  give  rise  to 
reputational risk, including educating individuals and organizations 
that influence public opinion, external communication strategies 
to mitigate the risk, and informing key stakeholders of potential 
reputational risks. 

The  Corporation’s  organization  and  governance  structure 
provides oversight of reputational risks, and key risk indicators are 
reported regularly and directly to management and the ERC, which 
provides primary oversight of reputational risk. In addition, each 
FLU  has  a  committee,  which  includes  representatives  from 
Compliance, Legal and Risk, that is responsible for the oversight 
of reputational risk. Such committees’ oversight includes providing 
approval  for  business  activities  that  present  elevated  levels  of 
reputational risks. 

Complex Accounting Estimates
Our  significant  accounting  principles,  as  described  in  Note  1  – 
Summary of Significant Accounting Principles to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements, are essential in understanding the MD&A. 
Many  of  our  significant  accounting  principles  require  complex 
judgments  to  estimate  the  values  of  assets  and  liabilities.  We 
have procedures and processes in place to facilitate making these 
judgments.

The more judgmental estimates are summarized in the following 
discussion. We have identified and described the development of 
the  variables  most  important  in  the  estimation  processes  that 
involve  mathematical  models  to  derive  the  estimates.  In  many 
cases, there are numerous alternative judgments that could be 
used in the process of determining the inputs to the models. Where 
alternatives  exist,  we  have  used  the  factors  that  we  believe 
represent  the  most  reasonable  value  in  developing  the  inputs. 
Actual  performance  that  differs  from  our  estimates  of  the  key 
variables could impact our results of operations. Separate from 
the possible future impact to our results of operations from input 
and model variables, the value of our lending portfolio and market-
sensitive  assets  and  liabilities  may  change  subsequent  to  the 
balance  sheet  date,  often  significantly,  due  to  the  nature  and 
magnitude of future credit and market conditions. Such credit and 
market conditions may change quickly and in unforeseen ways and 
the resulting volatility could have a significant, negative effect on 
future operating results. These fluctuations would not be indicative 
of deficiencies in our models or inputs.

We  approach  operational 

risk  management 

from 

two 

policies  are  explicitly  incorporated  in  the  structural  features  of 

perspectives  within  the  structure  of  the  Corporation:  (1)  at  the 

operational  risk  evaluation.  As  insurance  recoveries,  especially 

enterprise level to provide independent, integrated management 

given  recent  market  events,  are  subject  to  legal  and  financial 

of operational risk across the organization, and (2) at the business 

uncertainty, the inclusion of these insurance policies is subject to 

and control function levels to address operational risk in revenue 

reductions in their expected mitigating benefits.

producing and non-revenue producing units. The Operational Risk 

Management Program addresses the overarching processes for 

identifying, measuring, monitoring and controlling operational risk, 

and reporting operational risk information to management and the 

Board.  A  sound  internal  governance  structure  enhances  the 

effectiveness of the Corporation’s Operational Risk Management 

Program and is accomplished at the enterprise level through formal 

oversight  by  the  Board,  the  ERC,  the  CRO  and  a  variety  of 

management committees and risk oversight groups aligned to the 

Corporation’s overall risk governance framework and practices. Of 

these, the MRC oversees the Corporation’s policies and processes 

for sound operational risk management. The MRC also serves as 

an escalation point for critical operational risk matters within the 

Corporation.  The  MRC  reports  operational  risk  activities  to  the 

ERC.  The  independent  operational  risk  management  teams 

oversee  the  businesses  and  control  functions  to  monitor 

adherence  to  the  Operational  Risk  Management  Program  and 

advise and challenge operational risk exposures.

Within  the  Global  Risk  Management  organization,  the 

Enterprise  Operational  Risk  team  develops  and  guides  the 

strategies,  enterprise-wide  policies,  practices,  controls  and 

monitoring  tools  for  assessing  and  managing  operational  risks 

across  the  organization.  The  Enterprise  Operational  Risk  team 

reports 

results 

to  businesses,  control 

functions,  senior 

management, management committees, the ERC and the Board.

The  businesses  and  control  functions  are  responsible  for 

assessing, monitoring and managing all the risks within their units, 

including  operational  risks.  In  addition  to  enterprise  risk 

management tools such as loss reporting, scenario analysis and 

RCSAs,  operational  risk  executives,  working  in  conjunction  with 

senior  business  executives,  have  developed  key  tools  to  help 

identify, measure, monitor and control risk in each business and 

control 

function.  Examples  of 

these 

include  personnel 

management practices; data management, data quality controls 

and  related  processes;  fraud  management  units;  cybersecurity 

controls,  processes  and  systems;  transaction  processing, 

monitoring  and  analysis;  business  recovery  planning;  and  new 

monitoring adherence to corporate practices.

Business  and  control  function  management  uses  the 

enterprise  RCSA  process  to  capture  the  identification  and 

assessment of operational risk exposures and evaluate the status 

of  risk  and  control  issues  including  risk  mitigation  plans,  as 

appropriate.  The  goals  of  this  process  are  to  assess  changing 

market and business conditions, evaluate key risks impacting each 

business and control function, and assess the controls in place 

to mitigate the risks. Key operational risk indicators have been 

developed and are used to assist in identifying trends and issues 

on an enterprise, business and control function level. Independent 

review and challenge to the Corporation’s overall operational risk 

management framework is performed by the Corporate Operational 

Risk  Program  Adherence  Team  and  reported  through  the 

operational  risk  governance  committees  and  management 

routines.

Reputational Risk Management

Reputational  risk  is  the  risk  that  negative  perceptions  of  the 

Corporation’s conduct or business practices will adversely affect 

its profitability or operations through an inability to establish new 

or maintain existing customer/client relationships. Reputational 

risk may result from many of the Corporation’s activities, including 

those  related  to  the  management  of  our  strategic,  operational, 

compliance and credit risks.

The  Corporation  manages 

reputational 

risk 

through 

established  policies  and  controls  in  its  businesses  and  risk 

management processes to mitigate reputational risks in a timely 

manner  and  through  proactive  monitoring  and  identification  of 

potential reputational risk events. The Corporation has processes 

and  procedures  in  place  to  respond  to  events  that  give  rise  to 

reputational risk, including educating individuals and organizations 

that influence public opinion, external communication strategies 

to mitigate the risk, and informing key stakeholders of potential 

reputational risks. 

The  Corporation’s  organization  and  governance  structure 

provides oversight of reputational risks, and key risk indicators are 

reported regularly and directly to management and the ERC, which 

provides primary oversight of reputational risk. In addition, each 

FLU  has  a  committee,  which  includes  representatives  from 

Compliance, Legal and Risk, that is responsible for the oversight 

of reputational risk. Such committees’ oversight includes providing 

approval  for  business  activities  that  present  elevated  levels  of 

reputational risks. 

Complex Accounting Estimates

Our  significant  accounting  principles,  as  described  in  Note  1  – 

Summary of Significant Accounting Principles to the Consolidated 

Financial Statements, are essential in understanding the MD&A. 

Many  of  our  significant  accounting  principles  require  complex 

judgments  to  estimate  the  values  of  assets  and  liabilities.  We 

have procedures and processes in place to facilitate making these 

The more judgmental estimates are summarized in the following 

discussion. We have identified and described the development of 

the  variables  most  important  in  the  estimation  processes  that 

involve  mathematical  models  to  derive  the  estimates.  In  many 

cases, there are numerous alternative judgments that could be 

used in the process of determining the inputs to the models. Where 

alternatives  exist,  we  have  used  the  factors  that  we  believe 

represent  the  most  reasonable  value  in  developing  the  inputs. 

Actual  performance  that  differs  from  our  estimates  of  the  key 

variables could impact our results of operations. Separate from 

the possible future impact to our results of operations from input 

and model variables, the value of our lending portfolio and market-

sensitive  assets  and  liabilities  may  change  subsequent  to  the 

balance  sheet  date,  often  significantly,  due  to  the  nature  and 

magnitude of future credit and market conditions. Such credit and 

market conditions may change quickly and in unforeseen ways and 

the resulting volatility could have a significant, negative effect on 

future operating results. These fluctuations would not be indicative 

product  introduction  processes.  The  business  and  control 

judgments.

functions are also responsible for consistently implementing and 

Where  appropriate,  insurance  policies  are  purchased  to 

mitigate  the  impact  of  operational  losses.  These  insurance 

of deficiencies in our models or inputs.

98     Bank of America 2015

Allowance for Credit Losses
The allowance for credit losses, which includes the allowance for 
loan  and  lease  losses  and  the  reserve  for  unfunded  lending 
commitments,  represents  management’s  estimate  of  probable 
losses inherent in the Corporation’s loan portfolio excluding those 
loans accounted for under the fair value option. Our process for 
determining the allowance for credit losses is discussed in Note 
1  –  Summary  of  Significant  Accounting  Principles  to  the 
Consolidated Financial Statements. We evaluate our allowance at 
the  portfolio  segment  level  and  our  portfolio  segments  are 
Consumer  Real  Estate,  Credit  Card  and  Other  Consumer,  and 
Commercial. Due to the variability in the drivers of the assumptions 
used in this process, estimates of the portfolio’s inherent risks 
and  overall  collectability  change  with  changes  in  the  economy, 
individual  industries,  countries,  and  borrowers’  ability  and 
willingness  to  repay  their  obligations.  The  degree  to  which  any 
particular  assumption  affects  the  allowance  for  credit  losses 
depends on the severity of the change and its relationship to the 
other assumptions.

Key  judgments  used  in  determining  the  allowance  for  credit 
losses  include  risk  ratings  for  pools  of  commercial  loans  and 
leases,  market  and  collateral  values  and  discount  rates  for 
individually  evaluated  loans,  product  type  classifications  for 
consumer and commercial loans and leases, loss rates used for 
consumer and commercial loans and leases, adjustments made 
to address current events and conditions (e.g., the recent sharp 
drop in oil prices), considerations regarding domestic and global 
economic uncertainty, and overall credit conditions.

Our estimate for the allowance for loan and lease losses is 
sensitive  to  the  loss  rates  and  expected  cash  flows  from  our 
Consumer  Real  Estate  and  Credit  Card  and  Other  Consumer 
portfolio segments, as well as our U.S. small business commercial 
card portfolio within the Commercial portfolio segment. For each 
one-percent  increase  in  the  loss  rates  on  loans  collectively 
evaluated for impairment in our Consumer Real Estate portfolio 
segment,  excluding  PCI  loans,  coupled  with  a  one-percent 
decrease in the discounted cash flows on those loans individually 
evaluated  for  impairment  within  this  portfolio  segment,  the 
allowance for loan and lease losses at December 31, 2015 would 
have increased by $71 million. PCI loans within our Consumer Real 
Estate  portfolio  segment  are  initially  recorded  at  fair  value. 
Applicable accounting guidance prohibits carry-over or creation of 
valuation  allowances 
initial  accounting.  However, 
subsequent decreases in the expected cash flows from the date 
of acquisition result in a charge to the provision for credit losses 
and a corresponding increase to the allowance for loan and lease 
losses. We subject our PCI portfolio to stress scenarios to evaluate 
the potential impact given certain events. A one-percent decrease 
in  the  expected  cash  flows  could  result  in  a  $151  million 
impairment of the portfolio. For each one-percent increase in the 
loss rates on loans collectively evaluated for impairment within 
our Credit Card and Other Consumer portfolio segment and U.S. 
small  business  commercial  card  portfolio,  coupled  with  a  one-
percent  decrease  in  the  expected  cash  flows  on  those  loans 
individually evaluated for impairment within the Credit Card and 
Other Consumer portfolio segment and the U.S. small business 
commercial card portfolio, the allowance for loan and lease losses 
at December 31, 2015 would have increased by $38 million.

the 

in 

Our allowance for loan and lease losses is sensitive to the risk 
ratings  assigned  to  loans  and  leases  within  the  Commercial 
portfolio segment (excluding the U.S. small business commercial 
card portfolio). Assuming a downgrade of one level in the internal 

risk ratings for commercial loans and leases, except loans and 
leases  already  risk-rated  Doubtful  as  defined  by  regulatory 
authorities, the allowance for loan and lease losses would have 
increased by $3.2 billion at December 31, 2015.

The allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of 
total loans and leases at December 31, 2015 was 1.37 percent 
and these hypothetical increases in the allowance would raise the 
ratio to 1.75 percent.

These  sensitivity  analyses  do  not  represent  management’s 
expectations of the deterioration in risk ratings or the increases 
in loss rates but are provided as hypothetical scenarios to assess 
the  sensitivity  of  the  allowance  for  loan  and  lease  losses  to 
changes  in  key  inputs.  We  believe  the  risk  ratings  and  loss 
severities currently in use are appropriate and that the probability 
of the alternative scenarios outlined above occurring within a short 
period of time is remote.

The process of determining the level of the allowance for credit 
losses  requires  a  high  degree  of  judgment.  It  is  possible  that 
others, given the same information, may at any point in time reach 
different reasonable conclusions.

For  more  information  on  the  FASB’s  proposed  standard  on 
accounting for credit losses, see Note 1 – Summary of Significant 
Accounting Principles to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Mortgage Servicing Rights
MSRs are nonfinancial assets that are created when a mortgage 
loan is sold and we retain the right to service the loan. We account 
for  consumer  MSRs,  including  residential  mortgage  and  home 
equity  MSRs,  at  fair  value  with  changes  in  fair  value  primarily 
recorded  in  mortgage  banking  income  in  the  Consolidated 
Statement of Income.

We  determine  the  fair  value  of  our  consumer  MSRs  using  a 
valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated 
future net servicing income. The model incorporates key economic 
assumptions  including  estimates  of  prepayment  rates  and 
resultant  weighted-average  lives  of  the  MSRs,  and  the  option-
adjusted  spread  levels.  These  variables  can,  and  generally  do, 
change from quarter to quarter as market conditions and projected 
interest rates change. These assumptions are subjective in nature 
and  changes  in  these  assumptions  could  materially  affect  our 
operating  results.  For  example,  increasing  the  prepayment  rate 
assumption used in the valuation of our consumer MSRs by 10 
percent while keeping all other assumptions unchanged could have 
resulted in an estimated decrease of $163 million in both MSRs 
and  mortgage  banking  income  for  2015.  This  impact  does  not 
reflect any hedge strategies that may be undertaken to mitigate 
such risk.

We manage potential changes in the fair value of MSRs through 
a  comprehensive  risk  management  program.  The  intent  is  to 
mitigate the effects of changes in the fair value of MSRs through 
the use of risk management instruments. To reduce the sensitivity 
of  earnings  to  interest  rate  and  market  value  fluctuations, 
securities including MBS and U.S. Treasury securities, as well as 
certain derivatives such as options and interest rate swaps, may 
be used to hedge certain market risks of the MSRs, but are not 
designated as accounting hedges. These instruments are carried 
at  fair  value  with  changes  in  fair  value  primarily  recognized  in 
mortgage  banking  income.  For  additional  information,  see 
Mortgage Banking Risk Management on page 97.

Bank of America 2015     99

For  more  information  on  MSRs,  including  the  sensitivity  of 
weighted-average lives and the fair value of MSRs to changes in 
modeled assumptions, see Note 23 – Mortgage Servicing Rights 
to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments
We classify the fair values of financial instruments based on the 
fair  value  hierarchy  established  under  applicable  accounting 
guidance  which  requires  an  entity  to  maximize  the  use  of 
observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs 
when  measuring  fair  value.  Applicable  accounting  guidance 
establishes three levels of inputs used to measure fair value. We 
carry trading account assets and liabilities, derivative assets and 
liabilities, AFS debt and equity securities, other debt securities, 
consumer MSRs and certain other assets at fair value. Also, we 
account for certain loans and loan commitments, LHFS, short-term 
borrowings,  securities 
financing  agreements,  asset-backed 
secured financings, long-term deposits and long-term debt under 
the fair value option.

The  fair  values  of  assets  and  liabilities  may  include 
adjustments,  such  as  market  liquidity  and  credit  quality,  where 
appropriate.  Valuations  of  products  using  models  or  other 
techniques are sensitive to assumptions used for the significant 
inputs.  Where  market  data  is  available,  the  inputs  used  for 
valuation reflect that information as of our valuation date. Inputs 
to  valuation  models  are  considered  unobservable  if  they  are 
supported  by  little  or  no  market  activity.  In  periods  of  extreme 
volatility,  lessened  liquidity  or  in  illiquid  markets,  there  may  be 
more variability in market pricing or a lack of market data to use 
in the valuation process. In keeping with the prudent application 
of estimates and management judgment in determining the fair 
value of assets and liabilities, we have in place various processes 
and controls that include: a model validation policy that requires 
review and approval of quantitative models used for deal pricing, 
financial  statement 
risk 
quantification;  a  trading  product  valuation  policy  that  requires 
verification of all traded product valuations; and a periodic review 

value  determination  and 

fair 

and substantiation of daily profit and loss reporting for all traded 
products.  Primarily  through  validation  controls,  we  utilize  both 
broker and pricing service inputs which can and do include both 
market-observable and internally-modeled values and/or valuation 
inputs.  Our  reliance  on  this  information  is  affected  by  our 
understanding of how the broker and/or pricing service develops 
its data with a higher degree of reliance applied to those that are 
more  directly  observable  and  lesser  reliance  applied  to  those 
developed through their own internal modeling. Similarly, broker 
quotes that are executable are given a higher level of reliance than 
indicative  broker  quotes,  which  are  not  executable.  These 
processes  and  controls  are  performed  independently  of  the 
business.  For  additional  information,  see  Note  20  –  Fair Value 
Measurements and Note 21 – Fair Value Option to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements. 

In  2014,  we  implemented  an  FVA  into  valuation  estimates 
primarily to include funding costs on uncollateralized derivatives 
and derivatives where we are not permitted to use the collateral 
received. This change resulted in a pretax net FVA charge of $497 
million  at  the  time  of  implementation.  Significant  judgment  is 
required in modeling expected exposure profiles and in discounting 
for the funding risk premium inherent in these derivatives.

that 

inputs 

require 

techniques 

Level 3 Assets and Liabilities
Financial  assets  and  liabilities  where  values  are  based  on 
valuation 
that  are  both 
unobservable  and  are  significant  to  the  overall  fair  value 
measurement  are  classified  as  Level  3  under  the  fair  value 
hierarchy established in applicable accounting guidance. The Level 
3 financial assets and liabilities include certain loans, MBS, ABS, 
CDOs, CLOs and structured liabilities, highly structured, complex 
or long-dated derivative contracts and consumer MSRs. The fair 
value of these Level 3 financial assets and liabilities is determined 
using  pricing  models,  discounted  cash  flow  methodologies  or 
similar  techniques  for  which  the  determination  of  fair  value 
requires significant management judgment or estimation.

Table 61 Recurring Level 3 Asset and Liability Summary

(Dollars in millions)

Trading account assets
Derivative assets
AFS debt securities
Loans and leases
Mortgage servicing rights
All other Level 3 assets at fair value
Total Level 3 assets at fair value (1)

Derivative liabilities
Long-term debt
All other Level 3 liabilities at fair value
Total Level 3 liabilities at fair value (1)

2015

As a %
of Total
Level 3
Assets

31.13%
28.37
7.91
8.95
17.06
6.58
100.00%

As a %
of Total
Level 3
Liabilities

74.50%
20.22
5.28
100.00%

December 31

As a %
of Total
Assets

Level 3
Fair Value

0.26% $
0.24
0.07
0.08
0.14
0.05
0.84% $

6,259
6,851
2,555
1,983
3,530
1,084
22,262

As a %
of Total
Liabilities

Level 3
Fair Value

0.30% $
0.08
0.02
0.40% $

7,771
2,362
46
10,179

2014

As a %
of Total
Level 3
Assets

28.12%
30.77
11.48
8.91
15.86
4.86
100.00%

As a %
of Total
Level 3
Liabilities

76.34%
23.20
0.46
100.00%

As a %
of Total
Assets

0.30%
0.33
0.12
0.09
0.17
0.05
1.06%

As a %
of Total
Liabilities

0.42%
0.13
—
0.55%

Level 3
Fair Value

5,634
5,134
1,432
1,620
3,087
1,191
18,098

Level 3
Fair Value

5,575
1,513
395
7,483

$

$

$

$

(1)  Level 3 total assets and liabilities are shown before the impact of cash collateral and counterparty netting related to derivative positions.

100     Bank of America 2015

 
 
For  more  information  on  MSRs,  including  the  sensitivity  of 

and substantiation of daily profit and loss reporting for all traded 

weighted-average lives and the fair value of MSRs to changes in 

products.  Primarily  through  validation  controls,  we  utilize  both 

modeled assumptions, see Note 23 – Mortgage Servicing Rights 

broker and pricing service inputs which can and do include both 

to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

We classify the fair values of financial instruments based on the 

fair  value  hierarchy  established  under  applicable  accounting 

guidance  which  requires  an  entity  to  maximize  the  use  of 

observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs 

when  measuring  fair  value.  Applicable  accounting  guidance 

establishes three levels of inputs used to measure fair value. We 

carry trading account assets and liabilities, derivative assets and 

liabilities, AFS debt and equity securities, other debt securities, 

consumer MSRs and certain other assets at fair value. Also, we 

account for certain loans and loan commitments, LHFS, short-term 

borrowings,  securities 

financing  agreements,  asset-backed 

secured financings, long-term deposits and long-term debt under 

the fair value option.

The  fair  values  of  assets  and  liabilities  may  include 

adjustments,  such  as  market  liquidity  and  credit  quality,  where 

appropriate.  Valuations  of  products  using  models  or  other 

techniques are sensitive to assumptions used for the significant 

inputs.  Where  market  data  is  available,  the  inputs  used  for 

valuation reflect that information as of our valuation date. Inputs 

to  valuation  models  are  considered  unobservable  if  they  are 

supported  by  little  or  no  market  activity.  In  periods  of  extreme 

volatility,  lessened  liquidity  or  in  illiquid  markets,  there  may  be 

more variability in market pricing or a lack of market data to use 

in the valuation process. In keeping with the prudent application 

of estimates and management judgment in determining the fair 

value of assets and liabilities, we have in place various processes 

and controls that include: a model validation policy that requires 

review and approval of quantitative models used for deal pricing, 

financial  statement 

fair 

value  determination  and 

risk 

quantification;  a  trading  product  valuation  policy  that  requires 

verification of all traded product valuations; and a periodic review 

Table 61 Recurring Level 3 Asset and Liability Summary

market-observable and internally-modeled values and/or valuation 

inputs.  Our  reliance  on  this  information  is  affected  by  our 

understanding of how the broker and/or pricing service develops 

its data with a higher degree of reliance applied to those that are 

more  directly  observable  and  lesser  reliance  applied  to  those 

developed through their own internal modeling. Similarly, broker 

quotes that are executable are given a higher level of reliance than 

indicative  broker  quotes,  which  are  not  executable.  These 

processes  and  controls  are  performed  independently  of  the 

business.  For  additional  information,  see  Note  20  –  Fair Value 

Measurements and Note 21 – Fair Value Option to the Consolidated 

Financial Statements. 

In  2014,  we  implemented  an  FVA  into  valuation  estimates 

primarily to include funding costs on uncollateralized derivatives 

and derivatives where we are not permitted to use the collateral 

received. This change resulted in a pretax net FVA charge of $497 

million  at  the  time  of  implementation.  Significant  judgment  is 

required in modeling expected exposure profiles and in discounting 

for the funding risk premium inherent in these derivatives.

Level 3 Assets and Liabilities

Financial  assets  and  liabilities  where  values  are  based  on 

valuation 

techniques 

that 

require 

inputs 

that  are  both 

unobservable  and  are  significant  to  the  overall  fair  value 

measurement  are  classified  as  Level  3  under  the  fair  value 

hierarchy established in applicable accounting guidance. The Level 

3 financial assets and liabilities include certain loans, MBS, ABS, 

CDOs, CLOs and structured liabilities, highly structured, complex 

or long-dated derivative contracts and consumer MSRs. The fair 

value of these Level 3 financial assets and liabilities is determined 

using  pricing  models,  discounted  cash  flow  methodologies  or 

similar  techniques  for  which  the  determination  of  fair  value 

requires significant management judgment or estimation.

(Dollars in millions)

Trading account assets

Derivative assets

AFS debt securities

Loans and leases

Mortgage servicing rights

All other Level 3 assets at fair value

Total Level 3 assets at fair value (1)

Derivative liabilities

Long-term debt

All other Level 3 liabilities at fair value

Total Level 3 liabilities at fair value (1)

100     Bank of America 2015

2015

As a %

of Total

Level 3

Assets

31.13%

28.37

7.91

8.95

17.06

6.58

December 31

As a %

of Total

Assets

Level 3

Fair Value

0.24

0.07

0.08

0.14

0.05

6,259

6,851

2,555

1,983

3,530

1,084

2014

As a %

of Total

Level 3

Assets

30.77

11.48

8.91

15.86

4.86

As a %

of Total

Assets

0.33

0.12

0.09

0.17

0.05

0.26% $

28.12%

0.30%

Level 3

Fair Value

$

5,634

5,134

1,432

1,620

3,087

1,191

$

18,098

100.00%

0.84% $

22,262

100.00%

1.06%

As a %

of Total

Level 3

As a %

of Total

As a %

of Total

Level 3

As a %

of Total

Level 3

Fair Value

$

$

5,575

1,513

395

7,483

Level 3

Fair Value

Liabilities

Liabilities

Liabilities

Liabilities

74.50%

20.22

5.28

100.00%

0.30% $

0.08

0.02

7,771

2,362

46

76.34%

23.20

0.46

0.40% $

10,179

100.00%

0.42%

0.13

—

0.55%

(1)  Level 3 total assets and liabilities are shown before the impact of cash collateral and counterparty netting related to derivative positions.

Level 3 financial instruments may be hedged with derivatives 
classified as Level 1 or 2; therefore, gains or losses associated 
with Level 3 financial instruments may be offset by gains or losses 
associated with financial instruments classified in other levels of 
the fair value hierarchy. The Level 3 gains and losses recorded in 
earnings did not have a significant impact on our liquidity or capital. 
We conduct a review of our fair value hierarchy classifications on 
a quarterly basis. Transfers into or out of Level 3 are made if the 
significant inputs used in the financial models measuring the fair 
values  of  the  assets  and  liabilities  became  unobservable  or 
observable,  respectively,  in  the  current  marketplace.  These 
transfers are considered to be effective as of the beginning of the 
quarter in which they occur. For more information on the significant 
transfers into and out of Level 3 during 2015 and 2014, see Note 
20  –  Fair  Value  Measurements  to  the  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements.

Accrued Income Taxes and Deferred Tax Assets
Accrued income taxes, reported as a component of either other 
assets  or  accrued  expenses  and  other  liabilities  on  the 
Consolidated Balance Sheet, represent the net amount of current 
income taxes we expect to pay to or receive from various taxing 
jurisdictions attributable to our operations to date. We currently 
file income tax returns in more than 100 jurisdictions and consider 
many factors, including statutory, judicial and regulatory guidance, 
in  estimating  the  appropriate  accrued  income  taxes  for  each 
jurisdiction.

Consistent with the applicable accounting guidance, we monitor 
relevant  tax  authorities  and  change  our  estimate  of  accrued 
income  taxes  due  to  changes  in  income  tax  laws  and  their 
interpretation  by  the  courts  and  regulatory  authorities.  These 
revisions of our estimate of accrued income taxes, which also may 
result  from  our  income  tax  planning  and  from  the  resolution  of 
income tax controversies, may be material to our operating results 
for any given period.

Net  deferred  tax  assets,  reported  as  a  component  of  other 
assets  on  the  Consolidated  Balance  Sheet,  represent  the  net 
decrease in taxes expected to be paid in the future because of 
net operating loss (NOL) and tax credit carryforwards and because 
of future reversals of temporary differences in the bases of assets 
and liabilities as measured by tax laws and their bases as reported 
in the financial statements. NOL and tax credit carryforwards result 
in reductions to future tax liabilities, and many of these attributes 
can expire if not utilized within certain periods. We consider the 
need for valuation allowances to reduce net deferred tax assets 
to  the  amounts  that  we  estimate  are  more-likely-than-not  to  be 
realized.

While  we  have  established  valuation  allowances  for  certain 
state and non-U.S. deferred tax assets, we have concluded that 
no valuation allowance was necessary with respect to nearly all 
U.S. federal and U.K. deferred tax assets, including NOL and tax 
credit carryforwards. The majority of U.K. net deferred tax assets, 
which consist primarily of NOLs, are expected to be realized by 
certain  subsidiaries  over  an  extended  number  of  years. 
Management’s conclusion is supported by financial results and 
forecasts, the reorganization of certain business activities and the 
indefinite  period  to  carry  forward  NOLs.  However,  significant 
changes to our estimates, such as changes that would be caused 
by  substantial  and  prolonged  worsening  of  the  condition  of 
Europe’s capital markets, or to applicable tax laws, such as laws 
affecting  the  realizability  of  NOLs  or  other  deferred  tax  assets, 

could lead management to reassess its U.K. valuation allowance 
conclusions.  See  Note  19  –  Income Taxes  to  the  Consolidated 
Financial Statements for a table of significant tax attributes and 
additional information. For more information, see page 14 under 
Item 1A. Risk Factors of our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Background
The nature of and accounting for goodwill and intangible assets 
are  discussed  in  Note  1  –  Summary  of  Significant  Accounting 
Principles  and  Note  8  –  Goodwill  and  Intangible  Assets  to  the 
Consolidated  Financial  Statements.  Goodwill  is  reviewed  for 
potential impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis, 
which for the Corporation is as of June 30, and in interim periods 
if  events  or  circumstances  indicate  a  potential  impairment.  A 
reporting  unit  is  an  operating  segment  or  one  level  below.  As 
reporting units are determined after an acquisition or evolve with 
changes in business strategy, goodwill is assigned to reporting 
units  and  it  no  longer  retains  its  association  with  a  particular 
acquisition. All of the revenue streams and related activities of a 
reporting unit, whether acquired or organic, are available to support 
the value of the goodwill.

Effective January 1, 2015, the Corporation changed its basis 
of presentation related to its business segments. The realignment 
triggered a test for goodwill impairment, which was performed both 
immediately before and after the realignment. In performing the 
goodwill impairment test, the Corporation compared the fair value 
of  the  affected  reporting  units  with  their  carrying  value  as 
measured  by  allocated  equity.  The  fair  value  of  the  affected 
reporting units exceeded their carrying value and, accordingly, no 
goodwill impairment resulted from the realignment.

2015 Annual Impairment Test
Estimating the fair value of reporting units is a subjective process 
that  involves  the  use  of  estimates  and  judgments,  particularly 
related  to  cash  flows,  the  appropriate  discount  rates  and  an 
applicable control premium. We determined the fair values of the 
reporting  units  using  a  combination  of  valuation  techniques 
consistent with the market approach and the income approach 
and also utilized independent valuation specialists.

The market approach we used estimates the fair value of the 
individual reporting units by incorporating any combination of the 
tangible  capital,  book  capital  and  earnings  multiples  from 
comparable publicly-traded companies in industries similar to the 
reporting  unit.  The  relative  weight  assigned  to  these  multiples 
varies  among  the  reporting  units  based  on  qualitative  and 
quantitative  characteristics,  primarily  the  size  and  relative 
profitability of the reporting unit as compared to the comparable 
publicly-traded companies. Since the fair values determined under 
the  market  approach  are  representative  of  a  noncontrolling 
interest, we added a control premium to arrive at the reporting 
units’ estimated fair values on a controlling basis.

For  purposes  of  the  income  approach,  we  calculated 
discounted cash flows by taking the net present value of estimated 
future  cash  flows  and  an  appropriate  terminal  value.  Our 
discounted  cash  flow  analysis  employs  a  capital  asset  pricing 
model in estimating the discount rate (i.e., cost of equity financing) 
for each reporting unit. The inputs to this model include the risk-
free rate of return, beta, which is a measure of the level of non-
diversifiable risk associated with comparable companies for each 

Bank of America 2015     101

 
 
2014 Annual Impairment Test
We completed our annual goodwill impairment test as of June 30, 
2014  for  all  of  our  reporting  units  that  had  goodwill.  We  also 
evaluated the U.K. Card business within All Other, as the U.K. Card 
business  comprises  the  majority  of  the  goodwill  included  in  All 
Other. 

Based  on  the  results  of  step  one  of  the  annual  goodwill 
impairment test, we determined that step two was not required 
for  any  of  the  reporting  units  as  their  fair  value  exceeded  their 
carrying value indicating there was no impairment. 

Representations and Warranties Liability
The methodology used to estimate the liability for obligations under 
representations and warranties related to transfers of residential 
mortgage loans is a function of the type of representations and 
warranties provided in the sales contract and considers a variety 
of factors. Depending upon the counterparty, these factors include 
actual  defaults,  estimated  future  defaults,  historical  loss 
experience, estimated home prices, other economic conditions, 
estimated probability that we will receive a repurchase request, 
number of payments made by the borrower prior to default and 
estimated probability that we will be required to repurchase a loan. 
It also considers other relevant facts and circumstances, such as 
bulk  settlements  and  identity  of  the  counterparty  or  type  of 
counterparty,  as  appropriate.  The  estimate  of  the  liability  for 
obligations under representations and warranties is based upon 
currently available information, significant judgment, and a number 
of  factors,  including  those  set  forth  above,  that  are  subject  to 
change. Changes to any one of these factors could significantly 
impact the estimate of our liability.

The  representations  and  warranties  provision  may  vary 
significantly each period as the methodology used to estimate the 
expense continues to be refined based on the level and type of 
repurchase  requests  presented,  defects  identified,  the  latest 
experience gained on repurchase requests and other relevant facts 
and circumstances. The estimate of the liability for representations 
and warranties is sensitive to future defaults, loss severity and 
the net repurchase rate. An assumed simultaneous increase or 
decrease of 10 percent in estimated future defaults, loss severity 
and the net repurchase rate would result in an increase or decrease 
of  approximately  $300  million  in  the  representations  and 
warranties liability as of December 31, 2015. These sensitivities 
are hypothetical and are intended to provide an indication of the 
impact of a significant change in these key assumptions on the 
representations and warranties liability. In reality, changes in one 
assumption may result in changes in other assumptions, which 
may or may not counteract the sensitivity.

For  more  information  on  representations  and  warranties 
exposure and the corresponding estimated range of possible loss, 
see Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations 
– Representations and Warranties on page 44, as well as Note 7 
–  Representations  and  Warranties  Obligations  and  Corporate 
Guarantees and Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies to the 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

specific reporting unit, market equity risk premium and in certain 
cases  an  unsystematic  (company-specific)  risk  factor.  The 
unsystematic risk factor is the input that specifically addresses 
uncertainty  related  to  our  projections  of  earnings  and  growth, 
including the uncertainty related to loss expectations. We utilized 
discount  rates  that  we  believe  adequately  reflect  the  risk  and 
uncertainty in the financial markets generally and specifically in 
our internally developed forecasts. We estimated expected rates 
of equity returns based on historical market returns and risk/return 
rates  for  industries  similar  to  each  reporting  unit.  We  use  our 
internal forecasts to estimate future cash flows and actual results 
may differ from forecasted results.

We completed our annual goodwill impairment test as of June 
30,  2015  for  all  of  our  reporting  units  that  had  goodwill.  In 
performing  the  first  step  of  the  annual  goodwill  impairment 
analysis, we compared the fair value of each reporting unit to its 
estimated carrying value as measured by allocated equity, which 
includes goodwill. We also evaluated the U.K. Card business within 
All Other, as the U.K. Card business comprises substantially all 
of the goodwill included in All Other. To determine fair value, we 
utilized  a  combination  of  the  market  approach  and  the  income 
approach. Under the market approach, we compared earnings and 
equity multiples of the individual reporting units to multiples of 
public companies comparable to the individual reporting units. The 
control  premium  used  in  the  June 30,  2015  annual  goodwill 
impairment  test  was  30  percent,  based  upon  observed 
comparable premiums paid for change in control transactions for 
financial  institutions,  for  all  reporting  units.  The  discount  rates 
used in the June 30, 2015 annual goodwill impairment test ranged 
from 10.2 percent to 13.7 percent depending on the relative risk 
of a reporting unit. Growth rates developed by management for 
individual revenue and expense items in each reporting unit ranged 
from negative 3.5 percent to positive 8.0 percent. 

individual 

reporting  unit 

The  Corporation’s  market  capitalization  remained  below  our 
recorded book value during 2015. As none of our reporting units 
are  publicly-traded, 
fair  value 
determinations  may  not  directly  correlate  to  the  Corporation’s 
market  capitalization.  We  considered  the  comparison  of  the 
aggregate fair value of the reporting units with assigned goodwill 
to the Corporation’s market capitalization as of June 30, 2015. 
Although  we  believe  it  is  reasonable  to  conclude  that  market 
capitalization could be an indicator of fair value over time, we do 
not believe that our current market capitalization would reflect the 
aggregate fair value of our individual reporting units with assigned 
goodwill,  as  reporting  units  with  no  assigned  goodwill  have  not 
been valued and are excluded (e.g., LAS) from the comparison and 
our  market  capitalization  does  not  include  consideration  of 
individual reporting unit control premiums. Although the individual 
reporting units have considered the impact of recent regulatory 
changes in their forecasts and valuations, overall regulatory and 
market uncertainties persist that we believe further impact the 
Corporation’s stock price. 

Based  on  the  results  of  step  one  of  the  annual  goodwill 
impairment test, we determined that step two was not required 
for  any  of  the  reporting  units  as  their  fair  value  exceeded  their 
carrying value indicating there was no impairment.

102     Bank of America 2015

specific reporting unit, market equity risk premium and in certain 

2014 Annual Impairment Test

cases  an  unsystematic  (company-specific)  risk  factor.  The 

unsystematic risk factor is the input that specifically addresses 

uncertainty  related  to  our  projections  of  earnings  and  growth, 

including the uncertainty related to loss expectations. We utilized 

We completed our annual goodwill impairment test as of June 30, 

2014  for  all  of  our  reporting  units  that  had  goodwill.  We  also 

evaluated the U.K. Card business within All Other, as the U.K. Card 

business  comprises  the  majority  of  the  goodwill  included  in  All 

discount  rates  that  we  believe  adequately  reflect  the  risk  and 

Other. 

uncertainty in the financial markets generally and specifically in 

our internally developed forecasts. We estimated expected rates 

of equity returns based on historical market returns and risk/return 

Based  on  the  results  of  step  one  of  the  annual  goodwill 

impairment test, we determined that step two was not required 

for  any  of  the  reporting  units  as  their  fair  value  exceeded  their 

rates  for  industries  similar  to  each  reporting  unit.  We  use  our 

carrying value indicating there was no impairment. 

internal forecasts to estimate future cash flows and actual results 

may differ from forecasted results.

We completed our annual goodwill impairment test as of June 

30,  2015  for  all  of  our  reporting  units  that  had  goodwill.  In 

performing  the  first  step  of  the  annual  goodwill  impairment 

analysis, we compared the fair value of each reporting unit to its 

estimated carrying value as measured by allocated equity, which 

includes goodwill. We also evaluated the U.K. Card business within 

All Other, as the U.K. Card business comprises substantially all 

of the goodwill included in All Other. To determine fair value, we 

utilized  a  combination  of  the  market  approach  and  the  income 

approach. Under the market approach, we compared earnings and 

equity multiples of the individual reporting units to multiples of 

public companies comparable to the individual reporting units. The 

control  premium  used  in  the  June 30,  2015  annual  goodwill 

impairment  test  was  30  percent,  based  upon  observed 

comparable premiums paid for change in control transactions for 

financial  institutions,  for  all  reporting  units.  The  discount  rates 

used in the June 30, 2015 annual goodwill impairment test ranged 

from 10.2 percent to 13.7 percent depending on the relative risk 

of a reporting unit. Growth rates developed by management for 

individual revenue and expense items in each reporting unit ranged 

from negative 3.5 percent to positive 8.0 percent. 

The  Corporation’s  market  capitalization  remained  below  our 

recorded book value during 2015. As none of our reporting units 

are  publicly-traded, 

individual 

reporting  unit 

fair  value 

determinations  may  not  directly  correlate  to  the  Corporation’s 

market  capitalization.  We  considered  the  comparison  of  the 

aggregate fair value of the reporting units with assigned goodwill 

to the Corporation’s market capitalization as of June 30, 2015. 

Although  we  believe  it  is  reasonable  to  conclude  that  market 

capitalization could be an indicator of fair value over time, we do 

not believe that our current market capitalization would reflect the 

aggregate fair value of our individual reporting units with assigned 

goodwill,  as  reporting  units  with  no  assigned  goodwill  have  not 

been valued and are excluded (e.g., LAS) from the comparison and 

our  market  capitalization  does  not  include  consideration  of 

individual reporting unit control premiums. Although the individual 

reporting units have considered the impact of recent regulatory 

changes in their forecasts and valuations, overall regulatory and 

market uncertainties persist that we believe further impact the 

Corporation’s stock price. 

Based  on  the  results  of  step  one  of  the  annual  goodwill 

impairment test, we determined that step two was not required 

for  any  of  the  reporting  units  as  their  fair  value  exceeded  their 

carrying value indicating there was no impairment.

Representations and Warranties Liability

The methodology used to estimate the liability for obligations under 

representations and warranties related to transfers of residential 

mortgage loans is a function of the type of representations and 

warranties provided in the sales contract and considers a variety 

of factors. Depending upon the counterparty, these factors include 

actual  defaults,  estimated  future  defaults,  historical  loss 

experience, estimated home prices, other economic conditions, 

estimated probability that we will receive a repurchase request, 

number of payments made by the borrower prior to default and 

estimated probability that we will be required to repurchase a loan. 

It also considers other relevant facts and circumstances, such as 

bulk  settlements  and  identity  of  the  counterparty  or  type  of 

counterparty,  as  appropriate.  The  estimate  of  the  liability  for 

obligations under representations and warranties is based upon 

currently available information, significant judgment, and a number 

of  factors,  including  those  set  forth  above,  that  are  subject  to 

change. Changes to any one of these factors could significantly 

impact the estimate of our liability.

The  representations  and  warranties  provision  may  vary 

significantly each period as the methodology used to estimate the 

expense continues to be refined based on the level and type of 

repurchase  requests  presented,  defects  identified,  the  latest 

experience gained on repurchase requests and other relevant facts 

and circumstances. The estimate of the liability for representations 

and warranties is sensitive to future defaults, loss severity and 

the net repurchase rate. An assumed simultaneous increase or 

decrease of 10 percent in estimated future defaults, loss severity 

and the net repurchase rate would result in an increase or decrease 

of  approximately  $300  million  in  the  representations  and 

warranties liability as of December 31, 2015. These sensitivities 

are hypothetical and are intended to provide an indication of the 

impact of a significant change in these key assumptions on the 

representations and warranties liability. In reality, changes in one 

assumption may result in changes in other assumptions, which 

may or may not counteract the sensitivity.

For  more  information  on  representations  and  warranties 

exposure and the corresponding estimated range of possible loss, 

see Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations 

– Representations and Warranties on page 44, as well as Note 7 

–  Representations  and  Warranties  Obligations  and  Corporate 

Guarantees and Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies to the 

Consolidated Financial Statements.

Litigation Reserve
For  a  limited  number  of  the  matters  disclosed  in  Note  12  – 
Commitments  and  Contingencies  to  the  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements for which a loss is probable or reasonably possible in 
future periods, whether in excess of a related accrued liability or 
where there is no accrued liability, we are able to estimate a range 
of possible loss. In determining whether it is possible to provide 
an  estimate  of  loss  or  range  of  possible  loss,  the  Corporation 
reviews and evaluates its material litigation and regulatory matters 
on  an  ongoing  basis,  in  conjunction  with  any  outside  counsel 
handling the matter, in light of potentially relevant factual and legal 
developments. These may include information learned through the 
discovery  process,  rulings  on  dispositive  motions,  settlement 
discussions, and other rulings by courts, arbitrators or others. In 
cases in which the Corporation possesses sufficient information 
to  develop  an  estimate  of  loss  or  range  of  possible  loss,  that 
estimate is aggregated and disclosed in Note 12 – Commitments 
and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements. For 
other disclosed matters for which a loss is probable or reasonably 
possible,  such  an  estimate  is  not  possible.  Those  matters  for 
which  an  estimate  is  not  possible  are  not  included  within  this 
estimated range. Therefore, the estimated range of possible loss 
represents what we believe to be an estimate of possible loss only 
for certain matters meeting these criteria. It does not represent 
the Corporation’s maximum loss exposure. Information is provided 
in Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated 
Financial  Statements  regarding  the  nature  of  all  of  these 
contingencies  and,  where  specified,  the  amount  of  the  claim 
associated with these loss contingencies.

Consolidation and Accounting for Variable Interest 
Entities
In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, an entity that 
has a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity (VIE) 
is referred to as the primary beneficiary and consolidates the VIE. 
The Corporation is deemed to have a controlling financial interest 
and is the primary beneficiary of a VIE if it has both the power to 
direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the 
VIE’s economic performance and an obligation to absorb losses 
or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant 
to the VIE.

Determining  whether  an  entity  has  a  controlling  financial 
interest  in  a  VIE  requires  significant  judgment.  An  entity  must 
assess the purpose and design of the VIE, including explicit and 
implicit contractual arrangements, and the entity’s involvement in 
both the design of the VIE and its ongoing activities. The entity 
must  then  determine  which  activities  have  the  most  significant 
impact on the economic performance of the VIE and whether the 
entity has the power to direct such activities. For VIEs that hold 
financial  assets,  the  party  that  services  the  assets  or  makes 
investment management decisions may have the power to direct 
the most significant activities of a VIE. Alternatively, a third party 
that has the unilateral right to replace the servicer or investment 
manager or to liquidate the VIE may be deemed to be the party 
with power. If there are no significant ongoing activities, the party 
that was responsible for the design of the VIE may be deemed to 

have power. If the entity determines that it has the power to direct 
the  most  significant  activities  of  the  VIE,  then  the  entity  must 
determine if it has either an obligation to absorb losses or the 
right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the 
VIE. Such economic interests may include investments in debt or 
equity instruments issued by the VIE, liquidity commitments, and 
explicit and implicit guarantees.

On a quarterly basis, we reassess whether we have a controlling 
financial  interest  and  are  the  primary  beneficiary  of  a  VIE.  The 
quarterly  reassessment  process  considers  whether  we  have 
acquired or divested the power to direct the activities of the VIE 
through changes in governing documents or other circumstances. 
The reassessment also considers whether we have acquired or 
disposed of a financial interest that could be significant to the VIE, 
or whether an interest in the VIE has become significant or is no 
longer significant. The consolidation status of the VIEs with which 
we are involved may change as a result of such reassessments. 
Changes  in  consolidation  status  are  applied  prospectively,  with 
assets and liabilities of a newly consolidated VIE initially recorded 
at fair value. A gain or loss may be recognized upon deconsolidation 
of a VIE depending on the carrying values of deconsolidated assets 
and liabilities compared to the fair value of retained interests and 
ongoing contractual arrangements.

2014 Compared to 2013
The following discussion and analysis provide a comparison of our 
results of operations for 2014 and 2013. This discussion should 
be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements 
and  related  Notes.  Tables  8  and  9  contain  financial  data  to 
supplement this discussion.

Overview

Net Income
Net income was $4.8 billion in 2014 compared to $11.4 billion 
in  2013.  Including  preferred  stock  dividends,  net  income 
applicable to common shareholders was $3.8 billion, or $0.36 per 
diluted share in 2014 and $10.1 billion, or $0.90 per diluted share 
in 2013.

Net Interest Income
Net  interest  income  on  an  FTE  basis  decreased  $2.3  billion  to 
$40.8 billion in 2014 compared to 2013. The net interest yield 
on an FTE basis decreased 12 bps to 2.25 percent in 2014. These 
declines were primarily due to the acceleration of market-related 
premium amortization on debt securities as the decline in long-
term interest rates shortened the expected lives of the securities. 
Also  contributing  to  these  declines  were  lower  loan  yields  and 
consumer loan balances, lower net interest income from the ALM 
portfolio and a decrease in trading-related net interest income. 
Market-related  premium  amortization  was  an  expense  of  $1.2 
billion in 2014 compared to a benefit of $784 million in 2013. 
Partially  offsetting  these  declines  were  reductions  in  funding 
yields, lower long-term debt balances and commercial loan growth. 

102     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     103

Noninterest Income
Noninterest income was $44.3 billion in 2014, a decrease of $2.4 
billion compared to 2013.

Investment  and  brokerage  services  income  increased  $1.0 
billion  primarily  driven  by  increased  asset  management  fees 
driven by the impact of long-term AUM inflows and higher market 
levels.
Equity investment income decreased $1.8 billion to $1.1 billion 
in 2014 primarily due to a lower level of gains compared to 2013 
and the continued wind-down of GPI. 
Trading account profits decreased $747 million, which included 
a charge of $497 million in 2014 related to the implementation 
of an FVA in Global Markets and net DVA losses on derivatives 
of $150 million in 2014 compared to losses of $509 million in 
2013.
Mortgage  banking  income  decreased  $2.3  billion  primarily 
driven by lower servicing income and core production revenue, 
partially  offset  by  a  lower  representations  and  warranties 
provision.

  Other income (loss) improved $1.3 billion due to an increase of 
$1.1  billion  in  net  DVA  gains  on  structured  liabilities  as  our 
spreads  widened,  and  gains  associated  with  the  sales  of 
residential  mortgage  loans,  partially  offset  by  an  increase  in 
U.K. consumer PPI costs. Results for 2013 also included a write-
down of $450 million on a monoline receivable. 

Provision for Credit Losses
The provision for credit losses was $2.3 billion in 2014, a decrease 
of $1.3 billion compared to 2013. The provision for credit losses 
was $2.1 billion lower than net charge-offs for 2014, resulting in 
a reduction in the allowance for credit losses. The decrease in the 
provision from 2013 was driven by portfolio improvement, including 
increased home prices in the consumer real estate portfolio and 
lower unemployment levels driving improvement in the credit card 
portfolios, as well as improved asset quality in the commercial 
portfolio.  Partially  offsetting  this  decline  was  $400  million  of 
additional  costs  in  2014  associated  with  the  consumer  relief 
portion of the DoJ Settlement.

Net charge-offs totaled $4.4 billion, or 0.49 percent of average 
loans and leases in 2014 compared to $7.9 billion, or 0.87 percent 
in 2013. The decrease in net charge-offs was due to credit quality 
improvement  across  all  major  portfolios  and  the  impact  of 
increased recoveries primarily from nonperforming and delinquent 
loan sales.

Noninterest Expense
Noninterest expense was $75.1 billion in 2014, an increase of 
$5.9 billion compared to 2013. The increase was primarily driven 
by higher litigation expense. Litigation expense increased $10.3 
billion primarily as a result of charges related to the settlements 
with the DoJ and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). The 
increase in litigation expense was partially offset by a decrease 
of $3.2 billion in default-related staffing and other default-related 
servicing expenses in LAS.

Income Tax Expense
The income tax expense was $2.0 billion on pretax income of $6.9 
billion in 2014 compared to income tax expense of $4.7 billion in 
2013. The effective tax rate for 2014 was 29.5 percent and was 
driven  by  our  recurring  tax  preference  items,  the  resolution  of 
several  tax  examinations  and  tax  benefits  from  non-U.S. 

104     Bank of America 2015

restructurings, partially offset by the non-deductible treatment of 
certain litigation charges.

The effective tax rate for 2013 was 29.3 percent and was driven 
by our recurring tax preference items and by certain tax benefits 
related to non-U.S. operations, partially offset by the $1.1 billion 
negative impact from the U.K. 2013 Finance Act, enacted in July 
2013, which reduced the U.K. corporate income tax rate by three 
percent. The $1.1 billion charge resulted from remeasuring our 
U.K. net deferred tax assets, in the period of enactment, using 
the lower rates.

Business Segment Operations

Consumer Banking
Consumer Banking recorded net income of $6.4 billion in 2014 
compared to $6.3 billion in 2013 with the increase primarily driven 
by  lower  noninterest  expense  and  provision  for  credit  losses, 
partially offset by lower revenue. Net interest income decreased 
$442 million to $20.2 billion in 2014 due to lower average card 
loan balances and yields, partially offset by the beneficial impact 
of an increase in investable assets as a result of higher deposit 
balances. Noninterest income decreased $681 million to $10.6 
billion in 2014 primarily due to lower mortgage banking income 
and lower revenue from consumer protection products, partially 
offset by portfolio divestiture gains, and higher service charges 
and card income. The provision for credit losses decreased $486 
million to $2.7 billion in 2014 primarily as a result of improvements 
in credit quality. Noninterest expense decreased $1.0 billion to 
$17.9  billion  in  2014  primarily  driven  by  lower  personnel, 
operating, litigation and FDIC expenses.

Global Wealth & Investment Management
GWIM recorded net income of $3.0 billion in both 2014 and 2013 
as an increase in noninterest income and lower credit costs were 
offset  by  lower  net  interest  income  and  higher  noninterest 
expense.  Net  interest  income  decreased  $228  million  to  $5.8 
billion in 2014 as a result of the low rate environment, partially 
offset by the impact of loan growth. Noninterest income, primarily 
investment  and  brokerage  services,  increased  $842  million  to 
$12.6 billion in 2014 driven by increased asset management fees 
due to the impact of long-term AUM flows and higher market levels, 
partially  offset  by  lower  transactional  revenue.  Noninterest 
expense increased $615 million to $13.7 billion in 2014 primarily 
due to higher revenue-related incentive compensation and support 
expenses, partially offset by lower other expenses.

Global Banking
Global  Banking  recorded  net  income  of  $5.8  billion  in  2014 
compared to $5.2 billion in 2013 with the increase primarily driven 
by a reduction in the provision for credit losses and, to a lesser 
degree,  an  increase  in  revenue,  partially  offset  by  higher 
noninterest expense. Revenue increased $171 million to $17.6 
billion  in  2014  primarily  from  higher  net  interest  income.  The 
provision for credit losses decreased $820 million to $322 million 
in  2014  driven  by  improved  credit  quality,  and  2013  included 
increased  reserves  from  loan  growth.  Noninterest  expense 
increased  $119  million  to  $8.2  billion  in  2014  primarily  from 
additional  client-facing  personnel  expense  and  higher  litigation 
expense.

Noninterest Income

billion compared to 2013.

Noninterest income was $44.3 billion in 2014, a decrease of $2.4 

certain litigation charges.

Investment  and  brokerage  services  income  increased  $1.0 

billion  primarily  driven  by  increased  asset  management  fees 

driven by the impact of long-term AUM inflows and higher market 

levels.

Equity investment income decreased $1.8 billion to $1.1 billion 

in 2014 primarily due to a lower level of gains compared to 2013 

and the continued wind-down of GPI. 

Trading account profits decreased $747 million, which included 

a charge of $497 million in 2014 related to the implementation 

of an FVA in Global Markets and net DVA losses on derivatives 

of $150 million in 2014 compared to losses of $509 million in 

Mortgage  banking  income  decreased  $2.3  billion  primarily 

driven by lower servicing income and core production revenue, 

partially  offset  by  a  lower  representations  and  warranties 

2013.

provision.

  Other income (loss) improved $1.3 billion due to an increase of 

$1.1  billion  in  net  DVA  gains  on  structured  liabilities  as  our 

spreads  widened,  and  gains  associated  with  the  sales  of 

residential  mortgage  loans,  partially  offset  by  an  increase  in 

U.K. consumer PPI costs. Results for 2013 also included a write-

down of $450 million on a monoline receivable. 

Provision for Credit Losses

The provision for credit losses was $2.3 billion in 2014, a decrease 

of $1.3 billion compared to 2013. The provision for credit losses 

was $2.1 billion lower than net charge-offs for 2014, resulting in 

a reduction in the allowance for credit losses. The decrease in the 

provision from 2013 was driven by portfolio improvement, including 

increased home prices in the consumer real estate portfolio and 

lower unemployment levels driving improvement in the credit card 

portfolios, as well as improved asset quality in the commercial 

portfolio.  Partially  offsetting  this  decline  was  $400  million  of 

additional  costs  in  2014  associated  with  the  consumer  relief 

portion of the DoJ Settlement.

Net charge-offs totaled $4.4 billion, or 0.49 percent of average 

loans and leases in 2014 compared to $7.9 billion, or 0.87 percent 

in 2013. The decrease in net charge-offs was due to credit quality 

improvement  across  all  major  portfolios  and  the  impact  of 

increased recoveries primarily from nonperforming and delinquent 

loan sales.

Noninterest Expense

Noninterest expense was $75.1 billion in 2014, an increase of 

$5.9 billion compared to 2013. The increase was primarily driven 

by higher litigation expense. Litigation expense increased $10.3 

billion primarily as a result of charges related to the settlements 

with the DoJ and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). The 

increase in litigation expense was partially offset by a decrease 

of $3.2 billion in default-related staffing and other default-related 

servicing expenses in LAS.

Income Tax Expense

The income tax expense was $2.0 billion on pretax income of $6.9 

billion in 2014 compared to income tax expense of $4.7 billion in 

2013. The effective tax rate for 2014 was 29.5 percent and was 

driven  by  our  recurring  tax  preference  items,  the  resolution  of 

several  tax  examinations  and  tax  benefits  from  non-U.S. 

expense.

104     Bank of America 2015

restructurings, partially offset by the non-deductible treatment of 

The effective tax rate for 2013 was 29.3 percent and was driven 

by our recurring tax preference items and by certain tax benefits 

related to non-U.S. operations, partially offset by the $1.1 billion 

negative impact from the U.K. 2013 Finance Act, enacted in July 

2013, which reduced the U.K. corporate income tax rate by three 

percent. The $1.1 billion charge resulted from remeasuring our 

U.K. net deferred tax assets, in the period of enactment, using 

the lower rates.

Business Segment Operations

Consumer Banking

Consumer Banking recorded net income of $6.4 billion in 2014 

compared to $6.3 billion in 2013 with the increase primarily driven 

by  lower  noninterest  expense  and  provision  for  credit  losses, 

partially offset by lower revenue. Net interest income decreased 

$442 million to $20.2 billion in 2014 due to lower average card 

loan balances and yields, partially offset by the beneficial impact 

of an increase in investable assets as a result of higher deposit 

balances. Noninterest income decreased $681 million to $10.6 

billion in 2014 primarily due to lower mortgage banking income 

and lower revenue from consumer protection products, partially 

offset by portfolio divestiture gains, and higher service charges 

and card income. The provision for credit losses decreased $486 

million to $2.7 billion in 2014 primarily as a result of improvements 

in credit quality. Noninterest expense decreased $1.0 billion to 

$17.9  billion  in  2014  primarily  driven  by  lower  personnel, 

operating, litigation and FDIC expenses.

Global Wealth & Investment Management

GWIM recorded net income of $3.0 billion in both 2014 and 2013 

as an increase in noninterest income and lower credit costs were 

offset  by  lower  net  interest  income  and  higher  noninterest 

expense.  Net  interest  income  decreased  $228  million  to  $5.8 

billion in 2014 as a result of the low rate environment, partially 

offset by the impact of loan growth. Noninterest income, primarily 

investment  and  brokerage  services,  increased  $842  million  to 

$12.6 billion in 2014 driven by increased asset management fees 

due to the impact of long-term AUM flows and higher market levels, 

partially  offset  by  lower  transactional  revenue.  Noninterest 

expense increased $615 million to $13.7 billion in 2014 primarily 

due to higher revenue-related incentive compensation and support 

expenses, partially offset by lower other expenses.

Global Banking

Global  Banking  recorded  net  income  of  $5.8  billion  in  2014 

compared to $5.2 billion in 2013 with the increase primarily driven 

by a reduction in the provision for credit losses and, to a lesser 

degree,  an  increase  in  revenue,  partially  offset  by  higher 

noninterest expense. Revenue increased $171 million to $17.6 

billion  in  2014  primarily  from  higher  net  interest  income.  The 

provision for credit losses decreased $820 million to $322 million 

in  2014  driven  by  improved  credit  quality,  and  2013  included 

increased  reserves  from  loan  growth.  Noninterest  expense 

increased  $119  million  to  $8.2  billion  in  2014  primarily  from 

additional  client-facing  personnel  expense  and  higher  litigation 

Global Markets
Global  Markets  recorded  net  income  of  $2.7  billion  in  2014 
compared to $1.1 billion in 2013. In 2014, we implemented an 
FVA into valuation estimates resulting in an initial charge of $497 
million. Excluding net DVA/FVA and charges in 2013 related to the 
U.K. corporate income tax rate reduction, net income decreased 
$135 million to $2.9 billion in 2014 primarily driven by lower trading 
account  profits  and  net  interest  income,  partially  offset  by  a 
decrease  in  noninterest  expense,  a  $240  million  gain  in  2014 
related to the IPO of an equity investment and higher investment 
and brokerage services income. Net DVA/FVA losses were $240 
million  in  2014  compared  to  losses  of  $1.2  billion  in  2013. 
Noninterest expense decreased $232 million to $11.9 billion in 
2014  due  to  lower  litigation  expense  and  revenue-related 
incentives,  partially  offset  by  higher  technology  costs  and 
investments in infrastructure.

Legacy Assets & Servicing
LAS recorded a net loss of $13.1 billion in 2014 compared to a 
net loss of $4.9 billion in 2013 with the increase in the net loss 
primarily driven by significantly higher litigation expense, which is 
included in noninterest expense, as a result of the settlements 
with the DoJ and FHFA, a lower tax benefit rate resulting from the 
non-deductible treatment of a portion of the DoJ Settlement, lower 
mortgage banking income and higher provision for credit losses. 

Mortgage banking income decreased $1.6 billion to $1.0 billion 
in 2014 primarily due to lower servicing income, partially offset by 
a lower representations and warranties provision. The provision 
for credit losses increased $410 million to $127 million in 2014 
driven  by  additional  costs  associated  with  the  consumer  relief 
portion  of  the  DoJ  Settlement.  Noninterest  expense  increased 
$8.2  billion  to  $20.6  billion  in  2014  due  to  an  $11.4  billion 
increase  in  litigation  expense,  partially  offset  by  a  decline  in 
default-related  servicing  expenses,  including  mortgage-related 
assessments,  waivers  and  similar  costs  related  to  foreclosure 
delays.

All Other
All Other recorded net income of $64 million in 2014 compared 
to $717 million in 2013 with the decrease due to the negative 
impact  on  net  interest  income  of  market-related  premium 
amortization expense on debt securities of $1.2 billion in 2014 
compared to a benefit of $784 million in 2013, a decrease of $2.0 
billion in equity investment income and a $363 million increase 
in U.K. PPI costs. Partially offsetting these decreases were gains 
related to the sales of residential mortgage loans, a $313 million 
improvement  in  the  provision  (benefit)  for  credit  losses  and  a 
decrease of $1.8 billion in noninterest expense. The decrease in 
noninterest expense was primarily due to a decline in litigation 
expense. Also, the income tax benefit increased $547 million.

Bank of America 2015     105

Statistical Tables
Table of Contents

Table I – Average Balances and Interest Rates – FTE Basis

Table II – Analysis of Changes in Net Interest Income – FTE Basis

Table III – Preferred Stock Cash Dividend Summary

Table IV – Outstanding Loans and Leases

Table V – Allowance for Credit Losses

Table VI – Allocation of the Allowance for Credit Losses by Product Type

Table VII – Selected Loan Maturity Data

Table VIII – Non-exchange Traded Commodity Contracts

Table IX – Non-exchange Traded Commodity Contract Maturities

Table X – Selected Quarterly Financial Data

Table XI – Quarterly Average Balances and Interest Rates – FTE Basis

Table XII – Quarterly Supplemental Financial Data

Table XIII – Five-year Reconciliations to GAAP Financial Measures

Table XIV – Two-year Reconciliations to GAAP Financial Measures

Table XV – Quarterly Reconciliations to GAAP Financial Measures

Page

107

108

109

111

112

114

114

115

115

116

118

120

121

122

123

106     Bank of America 2015

Statistical Tables

Table of Contents

Table I – Average Balances and Interest Rates – FTE Basis

Table II – Analysis of Changes in Net Interest Income – FTE Basis

Table III – Preferred Stock Cash Dividend Summary

Table IV – Outstanding Loans and Leases

Table V – Allowance for Credit Losses

Table VI – Allocation of the Allowance for Credit Losses by Product Type

Table VII – Selected Loan Maturity Data

Table VIII – Non-exchange Traded Commodity Contracts

Table IX – Non-exchange Traded Commodity Contract Maturities

Table X – Selected Quarterly Financial Data

Table XI – Quarterly Average Balances and Interest Rates – FTE Basis

Table XII – Quarterly Supplemental Financial Data

Table XIII – Five-year Reconciliations to GAAP Financial Measures

Table XIV – Two-year Reconciliations to GAAP Financial Measures

Table XV – Quarterly Reconciliations to GAAP Financial Measures

Table I  Average Balances and Interest Rates – FTE Basis

(Dollars in millions)

Earning assets

2015

Interest
Income/
Expense

Average
Balance

Yield/
Rate

Average
Balance

2014

Interest
Income/
Expense

Yield/
Rate

Average
Balance

2013

Interest
Income/
Expense

Yield/
Rate

Page

107

108

109

111

112

114

114

115

115

116

118

120

121

122

123

Interest-bearing deposits with the Federal Reserve, non-U.S. 

central banks and other banks (1)

$ 136,391

$

Time deposits placed and other short-term investments

Federal funds sold and securities borrowed or purchased under

agreements to resell

Trading account assets

Debt securities (2)
Loans and leases (3):

Residential mortgage

Home equity

U.S. credit card

Non-U.S. credit card

Direct/Indirect consumer (4)
Other consumer (5)

Total consumer

U.S. commercial

Commercial real estate (6)
Commercial lease financing

Non-U.S. commercial

Total commercial

Total loans and leases

Other earning assets

Total earning assets (7)

Cash and due from banks

Other assets, less allowance for loan and lease losses

Total assets

Interest-bearing liabilities

U.S. interest-bearing deposits:

Savings

NOW and money market deposit accounts

Consumer CDs and IRAs

Negotiable CDs, public funds and other deposits

Total U.S. interest-bearing deposits

Non-U.S. interest-bearing deposits:

Banks located in non-U.S. countries

Governments and official institutions

Time, savings and other

Total non-U.S. interest-bearing deposits

Total interest-bearing deposits

Federal funds purchased, securities loaned or sold under
agreements to repurchase and short-term borrowings

Trading account liabilities

Long-term debt (8)

9,556

211,471

137,837
390,884

201,366

81,070

88,244

10,104
84,585

1,938

467,307

248,355
52,136

25,197

89,188

414,876

882,183

62,020

1,830,342

28,921

300,878

$ 2,160,141

$

46,498

$

543,133

54,679

29,976

674,286

4,473

1,492

54,767

60,732

735,018

246,295

76,772

240,059

369

147

988

4,547
9,374

6,967

2,984

8,085

1,051
2,040

56

21,183

6,883
1,521

799

2,008

11,211

32,394

2,890

50,709

7

273

162

95

537

31

5

288

324

861

2,387

1,343

5,958

Total interest-bearing liabilities (7)

1,298,144

10,549

0.27% $ 113,999

$

1.53

0.47

3.30
2.41

3.46

3.68

9.16

10.40
2.41

2.86

4.53

2.77
2.92

3.17

2.25

2.70

3.67

4.66

2.77

11,032

222,483

145,686
351,702

237,270

89,705

88,962

11,511
82,409

2,029

511,886

230,173
47,525

24,423

89,894

392,015

903,901

66,127

1,814,930

27,079

303,581

$ 2,145,590

308

170

1,039

4,716
8,062

8,462

3,340

8,313

1,200
2,099

139

23,553

6,630
1,432

838

2,196

11,096

34,649

2,811

51,755

0.01% $
0.05

0.30

0.32

0.08

0.70

0.33

0.53

0.53

0.12

0.97

1.75

2.48

0.81

46,270

$

518,893

66,797

31,507

663,467

8,744

1,740

60,729

71,213

3

316

264

108

691

61

2

326

389

734,680

1,080

257,678

87,152

253,607

2,578

1,576

5,700

1,333,117

10,934

182

187

1,229

4,879
9,779

9,315

3,835

8,792

1,271
2,370

72
25,655

6,811
1,391
851

2,083
11,136

36,791

2,832
55,879

22
413

472

117

1,024

69

3
300

372

0.27% $

72,574

$

1.54

0.47

3.24
2.28

3.57

3.72

9.34

10.42
2.55

6.86

4.60

2.88
3.01

3.43

2.44

2.83

3.83

4.25

2.85

16,066

224,331

168,998
337,953

256,534

100,264
90,369

10,861
82,907

1,807

542,742

218,875
42,345

23,863

90,816

375,899

918,641
80,985

1,819,548

36,440

307,525
$ 2,163,513

0.01% $

43,868

$

506,082
79,913

26,553

656,416

12,431

1,584
55,630

69,645

0.06

0.40

0.34

0.10

0.69

0.14

0.54

0.55

0.15

1.00

1.81

2.25

0.82

726,061

1,396

2,923

1,638

6,798
12,755

301,415

88,323

263,417
1,379,216

363,674

186,672

233,951
$ 2,163,513

0.25%

1.16

0.55

2.89
2.89

3.63

3.82

9.73

11.70
2.86

4.02

4.73

3.11
3.29

3.56

2.29

2.96

4.00

3.50

3.07

0.05%

0.08

0.59

0.44

0.16

0.56

0.18

0.54

0.54

0.19

0.97

1.85

2.58

0.92

2.15%

0.22

2.37%

Noninterest-bearing sources:

Noninterest-bearing deposits

Other liabilities

Shareholders’ equity

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

Net interest spread

Impact of noninterest-bearing sources

420,842

189,165

251,990

$ 2,160,141

389,527

184,464

238,482

$ 2,145,590

Net interest income/yield on earning assets

$

40,160

1.96%

0.24

2.20%

2.03%

0.22

2.25%

$

40,821

$

43,124

106     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     107

(1)  Beginning in 2014, interest-bearing deposits placed with the Federal Reserve and certain non-U.S. central banks are included in earning assets. In prior periods, these balances were included with 
cash and due from banks in the cash and cash equivalents line, consistent with the Consolidated Balance Sheet presentation. Prior periods have been reclassified to conform to current period 
presentation.

(2)  Yields on debt securities excluding the impact of market-related adjustments were 2.50 percent, 2.62 percent and 2.67 percent in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Yields on debt securities 
excluding the impact of market-related adjustments are a non-GAAP financial measure. The Corporation believes the use of this non-GAAP financial measure provides additional clarity in assessing 
its results. 

(3)  Nonperforming loans are included in the respective average loan balances. Income on these nonperforming loans is generally recognized on a cost recovery basis. PCI loans were recorded at fair 

(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

value upon acquisition and accrete interest income over the remaining life of the loan.
Includes non-U.S. consumer loans of $4.0 billion, $4.4 billion and $6.7 billion in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Includes consumer finance loans of $619 million, $1.1 billion and $1.3 billion; consumer leases of $1.2 billion, $819 million and $354 million; and consumer overdrafts of $156 million, $149 
million and $153 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Includes U.S. commercial real estate loans of $49.0 billion, $46.0 billion and $40.7 billion, and non-U.S. commercial real estate loans of $3.1 billion, $1.6 billion and $1.6 billion in 2015, 2014 
and 2013, respectively.
Interest income includes the impact of interest rate risk management contracts, which decreased interest income on the underlying assets by $59 million, $58 million and $205 million in 2015, 
2014 and 2013, respectively. Interest expense includes the impact of interest rate risk management contracts, which decreased interest expense on the underlying liabilities by $2.4 billion, $2.5 
billion and $2.4 billion in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. For additional information, see Interest Rate Risk Management for Non-trading Activities on page 95.

(8)  The yield on long-term debt excluding the $612 million adjustment on certain trust preferred securities was 2.23 percent for 2015. For more information, see Note 11 – Long-term Debt to the 

Consolidated Financial Statements. The yield on long-term debt excluding the adjustment is a non-GAAP financial measure. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table II  Analysis of Changes in Net Interest Income – FTE Basis

(Dollars in millions)

Increase (decrease) in interest income
Interest-bearing deposits with the Federal Reserve, non-U.S. central banks and other 

banks (2)

Time deposits placed and other short-term investments
Federal funds sold and securities borrowed or purchased under agreements to resell
Trading account assets
Debt securities
Loans and leases:

Residential mortgage
Home equity
U.S. credit card
Non-U.S. credit card
Direct/Indirect consumer
Other consumer

Total consumer
U.S. commercial
Commercial real estate
Commercial lease financing
Non-U.S. commercial
Total commercial
Total loans and leases

Other earning assets

Total interest income

Increase (decrease) in interest expense
U.S. interest-bearing deposits:

Savings
NOW and money market deposit accounts
Consumer CDs and IRAs
Negotiable CDs, public funds and other deposits

Total U.S. interest-bearing deposits

Non-U.S. interest-bearing deposits:

Banks located in non-U.S. countries
Governments and official institutions
Time, savings and other

Total non-U.S. interest-bearing deposits
Total interest-bearing deposits

Federal funds purchased, securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase and

From 2014 to 2015

From 2013 to 2014

Due to Change in (1)

Due to Change in (1)

Volume

Rate

Net
Change

Volume

Rate

Net
Change

$

60

$

1

$

61

$

103

$

23

$

126

(23)
(45)
(250)
850

(1,273)
(324)
(71)
(147)
58
(6)

523
137
26
(20)

(175)

—
(6)
81
462

(23)
(51)
(169)
1,312

(222)
(32)
(157)
(2)
(117)
(77)

(270)
(48)
(65)
(168)

(1,495)
(356)
(228)
(149)
(59)
(83)
(2,370)
253
89
(39)
(188)
115
(2,255)
79
  $ (1,046)

254

$

$

2
10
(45)
(6)

(30)
—
(30)

$

2
(53)
(57)
(7)

—
3
(8)

(115)

(76)

$

4
(43)
(102)
(13)
(154)

(30)
3
(38)
(65)
(219)

(191)

(59)
(5)
(669)
385

(702)
(408)
(136)
76
(13)
10

347
173
18
(24)

(518)

1
2
(78)
22

(20)
—
28

42
(185)
506
(2,102)

(17)
(190)
(163)
(1,717)

(151)
(87)
(343)
(147)
(258)
57

(528)
(132)
(31)
137

(853)
(495)
(479)
(71)
(271)
67
(2,102)
(181)
41
(13)
113
(40)
(2,142)
(21)
  $ (4,124)

497

$

(20) $
(99)
(130)
(31)

12
(1)
(2)

(19)
(97)
(208)
(9)
(333)

(8)
(1)
26
17
(316)

(345)

(424)

79

short-term borrowings
Trading account liabilities
Long-term debt

(62)
(1,098)
(1,821)
  $ (2,303)
(1)  The changes for each category of interest income and expense are divided between the portion of change attributable to the variance in volume and the portion of change attributable to the variance 

Total interest expense
Net decrease in net interest income

(233)
258
(385)
(661)

(26)
(255)

(36)
(843)

(186)
(299)

(47)
557

  $

in rate for that category. The unallocated change in rate or volume variance is allocated between the rate and volume variances.

(2)  Beginning in 2014, interest-bearing deposits placed with the Federal Reserve and certain non-U.S. central banks are included in earning assets. In prior periods, these balances were included with 
cash and due from banks in the cash and cash equivalents line, consistent with the Consolidated Balance Sheet presentation. Prior periods have been reclassified to conform to current period 
presentation.

108     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in millions)

Increase (decrease) in interest income

banks (2)

Interest-bearing deposits with the Federal Reserve, non-U.S. central banks and other 

Time deposits placed and other short-term investments

Federal funds sold and securities borrowed or purchased under agreements to resell

Trading account assets

Debt securities

Loans and leases:

Residential mortgage

Home equity

U.S. credit card

Non-U.S. credit card

Direct/Indirect consumer

Other consumer

Total consumer

U.S. commercial

Commercial real estate

Commercial lease financing

Non-U.S. commercial

Total commercial

Total loans and leases

Other earning assets

Total interest income

Increase (decrease) in interest expense

U.S. interest-bearing deposits:

Savings

NOW and money market deposit accounts

Consumer CDs and IRAs

Negotiable CDs, public funds and other deposits

Total U.S. interest-bearing deposits

Non-U.S. interest-bearing deposits:

Banks located in non-U.S. countries

Governments and official institutions

Time, savings and other

Total non-U.S. interest-bearing deposits

Total interest-bearing deposits

short-term borrowings

Trading account liabilities

Long-term debt

Total interest expense

From 2014 to 2015

From 2013 to 2014

Due to Change in (1)

Due to Change in (1)

Volume

Rate

Volume

Rate

Net

Change

Net

Change

$

60

$

1

$

61

$

103

$

$

(1,273)

(23)

(45)

(250)

850

(324)

(71)

(147)

58

(6)

523

137

26

(20)

2

10

(45)

(6)

(30)

—

(30)

(115)

(186)

(299)

—

(6)

81

462

(222)

(32)

(157)

(2)

(117)

(77)

(270)

(48)

(65)

(168)

(53)

(57)

(7)

—

3

(8)

(76)

(47)

557

(23)

(51)

(169)

1,312

(1,495)

(2,370)

(356)

(228)

(149)

(59)

(83)

253

89

(39)

(188)

115

(2,255)

79

(43)

(102)

(13)

(154)

(30)

3

(38)

(65)

(219)

(191)

(233)

258

(385)

(661)

(59)

(5)

(669)

385

(702)

(408)

(136)

76

(13)

10

347

173

18

(24)

1

2

(78)

22

(20)

—

28

(424)

(26)

(255)

(2,102)

(1,717)

23

42

(185)

506

(151)

(87)

(343)

(147)

(258)

57

(528)

(132)

(31)

137

(99)

(130)

(31)

12

(1)

(2)

79

(36)

(843)

126

(17)

(190)

(163)

(853)

(495)

(479)

(71)

(271)

67

(2,102)

(181)

41

(13)

113

(40)

(2,142)

(21)

(19)

(97)

(208)

(9)

(333)

(8)

(1)

26

17

(316)

(345)

(62)

(1,098)

(1,821)

  $ (2,303)

(175)

254

(518)

497

  $ (1,046)

  $ (4,124)

$

$

2

$

4

$

$

(20) $

Federal funds purchased, securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase and

Net decrease in net interest income

  $

(1)  The changes for each category of interest income and expense are divided between the portion of change attributable to the variance in volume and the portion of change attributable to the variance 

in rate for that category. The unallocated change in rate or volume variance is allocated between the rate and volume variances.

(2)  Beginning in 2014, interest-bearing deposits placed with the Federal Reserve and certain non-U.S. central banks are included in earning assets. In prior periods, these balances were included with 

cash and due from banks in the cash and cash equivalents line, consistent with the Consolidated Balance Sheet presentation. Prior periods have been reclassified to conform to current period 

presentation.

Table II  Analysis of Changes in Net Interest Income – FTE Basis

Table III  Preferred Stock Cash Dividend Summary (1)

December 31, 2015

Preferred Stock

Series B (2)

Series D (3)

Series E (3)

Series F

Series G

Series I (3)

Series K (4, 5)

Series L

Series M (4, 5)

Series T

Series U (4, 5)

Series V (4, 5)

Series W (3)

Series X (4, 5)

Series Y (3)

Series Z (4, 5)

Series AA (4, 5)

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Per Annum
Dividend Rate

Dividend Per
Share

7.00% $

7.00

7.00

7.00

7.00

6.204

6.204

6.204

6.204

Floating

Floating

Floating

Floating

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.75

0.38775

0.38775

0.38775

0.38775

0.38775

0.25556

0.25556

0.25556

0.24722

0.25556

Floating

Floating

Floating

Floating

1,011.11111

1,022.22222

1,022.22222
1,000.00

Adjustable

$ 1,011.11111

Adjustable

Adjustable

Adjustable

Adjustable

6.625% $

6.625

6.625

6.625

6.625

1,011.11111

1,022.22222

1,022.22222
1,000.00
0.4140625

0.4140625

0.4140625

0.4140625

0.4140625

Outstanding
Notional
Amount
(in millions)

1

Declaration Date

Record Date

Payment Date

January 21, 2016

October 22, 2015

July 23, 2015

April 16, 2015

February 10, 2015

April 11, 2016

January 11, 2016

October 9, 2015

July 10, 2015

April 10, 2015

April 25, 2016

January 25, 2016

October 23, 2015

July 24, 2015

April 24, 2015

654

January 11, 2016

February 29, 2016

March 14, 2016

6.204% $

October 9, 2015

November 30, 2015

December 14, 2015

July 9, 2015

April 13, 2015

January 9, 2015

February 27, 2015

August 31, 2015

September 14, 2015

May 29, 2015

June 15, 2015

March 16, 2015

317

January 11, 2016

October 9, 2015

July 9, 2015

April 13, 2015

October 30, 2015

November 16, 2015

July 31, 2015

April 30, 2015

August 17, 2015

May 15, 2015

January 9, 2015

January 30, 2015

February 17, 2015

January 29, 2016

February 16, 2016

Floating

$

141

January 11, 2016

February 29, 2016

March 15, 2016

Floating

$ 1,011.11111

October 9, 2015

November 30, 2015

December 15, 2015

July 9, 2015

April 13, 2015

January 9, 2015

January 11, 2016

August 31, 2015

September 15, 2015

May 29, 2015

February 27, 2015

February 29, 2016

June 15, 2015

March 16, 2015

March 15, 2016

October 9, 2015

November 30, 2015

December 15, 2015

August 31, 2015

September 15, 2015

October 9, 2015

December 15, 2015

July 9, 2015

September 15, 2015

May 29, 2015

February 27, 2015
March 15, 2016

June 15, 2015

March 15, 2015

June 15, 2015

March 16, 2015
April 1, 2016

January 4, 2016

October 1, 2015

July 1, 2015

April 1, 2015

July 9, 2015

April 13, 2015

January 9, 2015
January 11, 2016

April 13, 2015

January 9, 2015

January 11, 2016

July 9, 2015

December 18, 2015

September 18, 2015

June 19, 2015

March 18, 2015

October 9, 2015

April 13, 2015

January 21, 2016

January 15, 2016

February 1, 2016

Fixed-to-floating

$

July 15, 2015

July 30, 2015

Fixed-to-floating

January 9, 2015

January 15, 2015

January 30, 2015

Fixed-to-floating

January 1, 2016

October 1, 2015

July 1, 2015

April 1, 2015

February 1, 2016

October 30, 2015

July 30, 2015

April 30, 2015

7.25% $

7.25

7.25

7.25

October 31, 2015

November 16, 2015

Fixed-to-floating

$

April 30, 2015

March 26, 2016

October 22, 2015

December 26, 2015

July 23, 2015

September 25, 2015

April 16, 2015

February 10, 2015

June 25, 2015

March 26, 2015

May 15, 2015

Fixed-to-floating

April 11, 2016

January 11, 2016

October 13, 2015

July 10, 2015

April 10, 2015

6.00% $

6.00

6.00

6.00

6.00

October 9, 2015

November 15, 2015

December 1, 2015

Fixed-to-floating

April 13, 2015

May 15, 2015

June 1, 2015

Fixed-to-floating

October 9, 2015

December 1, 2015

December 17, 2015

Fixed-to-floating

April 13, 2015

June 1, 2015

June 17, 2015

Fixed-to-floating

$

$

October 9, 2015

November 15, 2015

December 9, 2015

August 15, 2015

September 9, 2015

July 9, 2015

April 13, 2015

January 9, 2015

January 11, 2016

May 15, 2015

February 15, 2015

February 15, 2016

June 9, 2015

March 9, 2015

March 7, 2016

Fixed-to-floating

$

6.625

6.625

6.625

6.625

July 9, 2015

August 15, 2015

September 8, 2015

Fixed-to-floating

January 9, 2015

February 15, 2015

March 5, 2015

Fixed-to-floating

December 18, 2015

September 18, 2015

June 19, 2015

March 18, 2015
September 18, 2015

March 18, 2015

January 11, 2016

January 1, 2016

October 1, 2015

July 1, 2015

April 1, 2015
October 1, 2015

April 1, 2015

March 1, 2016

January 27, 2016

October 27, 2015

July 27, 2015

April 27, 2015
October 23, 2015

6.50% $

6.50

6.50

$

$

6.50
Fixed-to-floating

April 23, 2015

Fixed-to-floating

March 17, 2016

Fixed-to-floating

40.00

40.00

40.00

18.125

18.125

18.125

18.125

40.625

40.625

1,500.00

1,500.00

1,500.00

1,500.00

1,500.00

26.00

26.00

25.625

25.625

0.4140625

0.4140625

0.4140625

0.4140625

31.25

31.25

31.25

0.40625

0.40625

0.40625

0.40625
32.50

32.50

30.50

30.50

January 11, 2016

February 15, 2016

March 9, 2016

6.625% $

0.4140625

493

365

1,544

3,080

1,310

5,000

1,000

1,500

1,100

2,000

1,100

1,400

1,900

For footnotes see page 110.

July 9, 2015

September 1, 2015

September 17, 2015

Fixed-to-floating

108     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     109

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table III  Preferred Stock Cash Dividend Summary (1) (continued)

Preferred Stock

Series 1 (6)

Series 2 (6)

Series 3 (6)

Series 4 (6)

Series 5 (6)

December 31, 2015

Outstanding
Notional
Amount
(in millions)

Declaration Date

Record Date

Payment Date

Per Annum
Dividend Rate

Dividend Per
Share

98

January 11, 2016

February 15, 2016

February 29, 2016

Floating

$

$

$

$

$

$

October 9, 2015

November 15, 2015

November 30, 2015

July 9, 2015

April 13, 2015

January 9, 2015

January 11, 2016

August 15, 2015

May 15, 2015

February 15, 2015

February 15, 2016

August 28, 2015

May 28, 2015

February 27, 2015

February 29, 2016

October 9, 2015

November 15, 2015

November 30, 2015

July 9, 2015

April 13, 2015

January 9, 2015

January 11, 2016

August 15, 2015

May 15, 2015

February 15, 2015

February 15, 2016

August 28, 2015

May 28, 2015

February 27, 2015

February 29, 2016

October 9, 2015

November 15, 2015

November 30, 2015

July 9, 2015

April 13, 2015

January 9, 2015
January 11, 2016

August 15, 2015

May 15, 2015

February 15, 2015
February 15, 2016

August 28, 2015

May 28, 2015

March 2, 2015
February 29, 2016

October 9, 2015

November 15, 2015

November 30, 2015

299

653

210

July 9, 2015

April 13, 2015

August 15, 2015

May 15, 2015

January 9, 2015

February 15, 2015

422

January 11, 2016

February 1, 2016

August 28, 2015

May 28, 2015

February 27, 2015

February 22, 2016

October 9, 2015

November 1, 2015

November 23, 2015

July 9, 2015

April 13, 2015

August 1, 2015

May 1, 2015

August 21, 2015

May 21, 2015

January 9, 2015

February 1, 2015

February 23, 2015

Floating

Floating

Floating

Floating

Floating

$

Floating

Floating

Floating

Floating

6.375

6.375

6.375

6.375
Floating

Floating

Floating

Floating

Floating

Floating

$

Floating

Floating

Floating

Floating

0.18750

0.18750

0.18750

0.18750

0.18750

0.19167

0.19167

0.19167

0.18542

0.19167

0.25556

0.25556

0.24722

0.25556

0.25556

0.25556

0.25556

0.24722

0.25556

6.375% $

0.3984375

0.3984375

0.3984375

0.3984375

0.3984375
0.25556

$

(1)  Preferred stock cash dividend summary is as of February 24, 2016. 
(2)  Dividends are cumulative.
(3)  Dividends per depositary share, each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of preferred stock.
(4) 

Initially pays dividends semi-annually.

(5)  Dividends per depositary share, each representing a 1/25th interest in a share of preferred stock.
(6)  Dividends per depositary share, each representing a 1/1,200th interest in a share of preferred stock.

110     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table III  Preferred Stock Cash Dividend Summary (1) (continued)

Table IV  Outstanding Loans and Leases

Preferred Stock

Series 1 (6)

Series 2 (6)

Series 3 (6)

Series 4 (6)

December 31, 2015

Outstanding

Notional

Amount

(in millions)

$

$

$

$

$

299

653

210

Declaration Date

Record Date

Payment Date

Per Annum

Dividend Rate

Dividend Per

Share

98

January 11, 2016

February 15, 2016

February 29, 2016

Floating

$

October 9, 2015

November 15, 2015

November 30, 2015

October 9, 2015

November 15, 2015

November 30, 2015

Floating

$

October 9, 2015

November 15, 2015

November 30, 2015

6.375% $

0.3984375

July 9, 2015

April 13, 2015

January 9, 2015

January 11, 2016

July 9, 2015

April 13, 2015

January 9, 2015

January 11, 2016

July 9, 2015

April 13, 2015

January 9, 2015

January 11, 2016

August 15, 2015

May 15, 2015

February 15, 2015

February 15, 2016

August 15, 2015

May 15, 2015

February 15, 2015

February 15, 2016

August 15, 2015

May 15, 2015

February 15, 2015

February 15, 2016

July 9, 2015

April 13, 2015

August 15, 2015

May 15, 2015

January 9, 2015

February 15, 2015

August 28, 2015

May 28, 2015

February 27, 2015

February 29, 2016

August 28, 2015

May 28, 2015

February 27, 2015

February 29, 2016

August 28, 2015

May 28, 2015

March 2, 2015

August 28, 2015

May 28, 2015

February 27, 2015

February 22, 2016

October 9, 2015

November 1, 2015

November 23, 2015

July 9, 2015

April 13, 2015

August 1, 2015

May 1, 2015

August 21, 2015

May 21, 2015

January 9, 2015

February 1, 2015

February 23, 2015

Floating

Floating

Floating

Floating

Floating

Floating

Floating

Floating

6.375

6.375

6.375

6.375

Floating

Floating

Floating

Floating

Floating

Floating

Floating

Floating

0.18750

0.18750

0.18750

0.18750

0.18750

0.19167

0.19167

0.19167

0.18542

0.19167

0.3984375

0.3984375

0.3984375

0.3984375

0.25556

0.25556

0.25556

0.24722

0.25556

0.25556

0.25556

0.25556

0.24722

0.25556

October 9, 2015

November 15, 2015

November 30, 2015

February 29, 2016

Floating

$

(Dollars in millions)

Consumer

Residential mortgage (1) 
Home equity
U.S. credit card
Non-U.S. credit card
Direct/Indirect consumer (2)
Other consumer (3)

Total consumer loans excluding loans accounted for under the fair value option

Consumer loans accounted for under the fair value option (4)

Total consumer

Commercial

U.S. commercial (5)
Commercial real estate (6)
Commercial lease financing
Non-U.S. commercial

Total commercial loans excluding loans accounted for under the fair value option

Commercial loans accounted for under the fair value option (4)

Total commercial
Total loans and leases

2015

2014

December 31
2013

2012

2011

$ 187,911
75,948
89,602
9,975
88,795
2,067
454,298
1,871
456,169

265,647
57,199
27,370
91,549
441,765
5,067
446,832
$ 903,001

$ 216,197
85,725
91,879
10,465
80,381
1,846
486,493
2,077
488,570

233,586
47,682
24,866
80,083
386,217
6,604
392,821
$ 881,391

$ 248,066
93,672
92,338
11,541
82,192
1,977
529,786
2,164
531,950

225,851
47,893
25,199
89,462
388,405
7,878
396,283
$ 928,233

$ 252,929
108,140
94,835
11,697
83,205
1,628
552,434
1,005
553,439

209,719
38,637
23,843
74,184
346,383
7,997
354,380
$ 907,819

$ 273,228
124,856
102,291
14,418
89,713
2,688
607,194
2,190
609,384

193,199
39,596
21,989
55,418
310,202
6,614
316,816
$ 926,200

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

Includes pay option loans of $2.3 billion, $3.2 billion, $4.4 billion, $6.7 billion and $9.9 billion, and non-U.S. residential mortgage loans of $2 million, $2 million, $0, $93 million and $85 million at 
December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Corporation no longer originates pay option loans.
Includes auto and specialty lending loans of $42.6 billion, $37.7 billion, $38.5 billion, $35.9 billion and $43.0 billion, unsecured consumer lending loans of $886 million, $1.5 billion, $2.7 billion, 
$4.7 billion and $8.0 billion, U.S. securities-based lending loans of $39.8 billion, $35.8 billion, $31.2 billion, $28.3 billion and $23.6 billion, non-U.S. consumer loans of $3.9 billion, $4.0 billion, 
$4.7 billion, $8.3 billion and $7.6 billion, student loans of $564 million, $632 million, $4.1 billion, $4.8 billion and $6.0 billion, and other consumer loans of $1.0 billion, $761 million, $1.0 billion, 
$1.2 billion and $1.5 billion at December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Includes consumer finance loans of $564 million, $676 million, $1.2 billion, $1.4 billion and $1.7 billion, consumer leases of $1.4 billion, $1.0 billion, $606 million, $34 million and $0, consumer 
overdrafts of $146 million, $162 million, $176 million, $177 million and $103 million, and other non-U.S. consumer loans of $4 million, $3 million, $5 million, $5 million and $929 million at 
December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Series 5 (6)

422

January 11, 2016

February 1, 2016

Floating

$

(4)  Consumer loans accounted for under the fair value option were residential mortgage loans of $1.6 billion, $1.9 billion, $2.0 billion, $1.0 billion and $2.2 billion, and home equity loans of $250 
million, $196 million, $147 million, $0 and $0 at December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Commercial loans accounted for under the fair value option were U.S. commercial 
loans of $2.3 billion, $1.9 billion, $1.5 billion, $2.3 billion and $2.2 billion, and non-U.S. commercial loans of $2.8 billion, $4.7 billion, $6.4 billion, $5.7 billion and $4.4 billion at December 31, 
2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. 
Includes U.S. small business commercial loans, including card-related products, of $12.9 billion, $13.3 billion, $13.3 billion, $12.6 billion and $13.3 billion at December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 
2012 and 2011, respectively.
Includes U.S. commercial real estate loans of $53.6 billion, $45.2 billion, $46.3 billion, $37.2 billion and $37.8 billion, and non-U.S. commercial real estate loans of $3.5 billion, $2.5 billion, $1.6 
billion, $1.5 billion and $1.8 billion at December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

(5) 

(6) 

(1)  Preferred stock cash dividend summary is as of February 24, 2016. 

(2)  Dividends are cumulative.

(3)  Dividends per depositary share, each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of preferred stock.

(4) 

Initially pays dividends semi-annually.

(5)  Dividends per depositary share, each representing a 1/25th interest in a share of preferred stock.

(6)  Dividends per depositary share, each representing a 1/1,200th interest in a share of preferred stock.

110     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     111

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table V  Allowance for Credit Losses

(Dollars in millions)

Allowance for loan and lease losses, January 1
Loans and leases charged off

Residential mortgage
Home equity
U.S. credit card
Non-U.S. credit card
Direct/Indirect consumer
Other consumer

Total consumer charge-offs

U.S. commercial (1)
Commercial real estate
Commercial lease financing
Non-U.S. commercial

Total commercial charge-offs
Total loans and leases charged off

Recoveries of loans and leases previously charged off

Residential mortgage
Home equity
U.S. credit card
Non-U.S. credit card
Direct/Indirect consumer
Other consumer

Total consumer recoveries

U.S. commercial (2)
Commercial real estate
Commercial lease financing
Non-U.S. commercial

Total commercial recoveries
Total recoveries of loans and leases previously charged off
Net charge-offs
Write-offs of PCI loans
Provision for loan and lease losses
Other (3)

Allowance for loan and lease losses, December 31
Reserve for unfunded lending commitments, January 1
Provision for unfunded lending commitments
Other (4)

Reserve for unfunded lending commitments, December 31
Allowance for credit losses, December 31

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

$

14,419

$

17,428

$

24,179

$

33,783

$

41,885

(866)
(975)
(2,738)
(275)
(383)
(224)
(5,461)
(536)
(30)
(19)
(59)
(644)
(6,105)

(855)
(1,364)
(3,068)
(357)
(456)
(268)
(6,368)
(584)
(29)
(10)
(35)
(658)
(7,026)

(1,508)
(2,258)
(4,004)
(508)
(710)
(273)
(9,261)
(774)
(251)
(4)
(79)
(1,108)
(10,369)

(3,276)
(4,573)
(5,360)
(835)
(1,258)
(274)
(15,576)
(1,309)
(719)
(32)
(36)
(2,096)
(17,672)

393
339
424
87
271
31
1,545
172
35
10
5
222
1,767
(4,338)
(808)
3,043
(82)
12,234
528
118
—
646
12,880

969
457
430
115
287
39
2,297
214
112
19
1
346
2,643
(4,383)
(810)
2,231
(47)
14,419
484
44
—
528
14,947

424
455
628
109
365
39
2,020
287
102
29
34
452
2,472
(7,897)
(2,336)
3,574
(92)
17,428
513
(18)
(11)
484
17,912

165
331
728
254
495
42
2,015
368
335
38
8
749
2,764
(14,908)
(2,820)
8,310
(186)
24,179
714
(141)
(60)
513
24,692

(4,294)
(4,997)
(8,114)
(1,691)
(2,190)
(252)
(21,538)
(1,690)
(1,298)
(61)
(155)
(3,204)
(24,742)

377
517
838
522
714
50
3,018
500
351
37
3
891
3,909
(20,833)
—
13,629
(898)
33,783
1,188
(219)
(255)
714
34,497

$
Includes U.S. small business commercial charge-offs of $282 million, $345 million, $457 million, $799 million and $1.1 billion in 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Includes U.S. small business commercial recoveries of $57 million, $63 million, $98 million, $100 million and $106 million in 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

$

$

$

$

(1) 

(2) 

(3)  Primarily represents the net impact of portfolio sales, consolidations and deconsolidations, and foreign currency translation adjustments. In addition, the 2011 amount includes a $449 million 

reduction in the allowance for loan and lease losses related to Canadian consumer card loans that were transferred to LHFS. 

(4)  Primarily represents accretion of the Merrill Lynch purchase accounting adjustment and the impact of funding previously unfunded positions.

112     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
Table V  Allowance for Credit Losses

(Dollars in millions)

Allowance for loan and lease losses, January 1

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

$

14,419

$

17,428

$

24,179

$

33,783

$

41,885

(Dollars in millions)

Loan and allowance ratios:

Table V  Allowance for Credit Losses (continued)

Loans and leases outstanding at December 31 (5)
Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total loans and leases 

outstanding at December 31 (5)

Consumer allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total consumer loans 

and leases outstanding at December 31 (6)

Commercial allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total commercial 

loans and leases outstanding at December 31 (7)

Average loans and leases outstanding (5)
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans and leases outstanding (5, 8)
Net charge-offs and PCI write-offs as a percentage of average loans and leases 

outstanding (5, 9)

Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total nonperforming loans and 

leases at December 31 (5, 10)

Ratio of the allowance for loan and lease losses at December 31 to net charge-offs (8)
Ratio of the allowance for loan and lease losses at December 31 to net charge-offs and 

PCI write-offs (9)

Amounts included in allowance for loan and lease losses for loans and leases that are 

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

$ 896,063

$ 872,710

$ 918,191

$ 898,817

$ 917,396

1.37%

1.65%

1.90%

2.69%

3.68%

1.63

1.10

2.05

1.15

2.53

1.03

3.81

0.90

4.88

1.33

$ 874,461

$ 894,001

$ 909,127

$ 890,337

$ 929,661

0.50%

0.49%

0.87%

1.67%

2.24%

0.59

130

2.82

2.38

0.58

121

3.29

2.78

1.13

102

2.21

1.70

1.99

107

1.62

1.36

2.24

135

1.62

1.62

2,297

2,020

2,015

3,018

Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total loans and leases 

excluded from nonperforming loans and leases at December 31 (11)

$

4,518

$

5,944

$

7,680

$

12,021

$

17,490

Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total nonperforming loans and 

leases, excluding the allowance for loan and lease losses for loans and leases that are 
excluded from nonperforming loans and leases at December 31 (5, 11)

Loan and allowance ratios excluding PCI loans and the related valuation allowance: (12)

82%

71%

57%

54%

65%

outstanding at December 31 (5)

1.30%

1.50%

1.67%

2.14%

2.86%

Consumer allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total consumer loans 

and leases outstanding at December 31 (6)

Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans and leases outstanding (5)
Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total nonperforming loans and 

leases at December 31 (5, 10)

Ratio of the allowance for loan and lease losses at December 31 to net charge-offs

1.50

0.51

122

2.64

1.79

0.50

107

2.91

2.17

0.90

87

1.89

2.95

1.73

82

1.25

3.68

2.32

101

1.22

(5)  Outstanding loan and lease balances and ratios do not include loans accounted for under the fair value option of $6.9 billion, $8.7 billion, $10.0 billion, $9.0 billion and $8.8 billion at December 31, 
2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Average loans accounted for under the fair value option were $7.7 billion, $9.9 billion, $9.5 billion, $8.4 billion and $8.4 billion in 2015, 2014, 
2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

(6)  Excludes consumer loans accounted for under the fair value option of $1.9 billion, $2.1 billion, $2.2 billion, $1.0 billion and $2.2 billion at December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, 

respectively.

(7)  Excludes commercial loans accounted for under the fair value option of $5.1 billion, $6.6 billion, $7.9 billion, $8.0 billion and $6.6 billion at December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, 

respectively. 

(8)  Net charge-offs exclude $808 million, $810 million, $2.3 billion and $2.8 billion of write-offs in the PCI loan portfolio in 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012. For more information on PCI write-offs, see 

Consumer Portfolio Credit Risk Management – Purchased Credit-impaired Loan Portfolio on page 71.

(9)  There were no write-offs of PCI loans in 2011.
(10)  For more information on our definition of nonperforming loans, see pages 73 and 80.
(11)  Primarily includes amounts allocated to U.S. credit card and unsecured lending portfolios in Consumer Banking, PCI loans and the non-U.S. credit portfolio in All Other.
(12)  For more information on the PCI loan portfolio and the valuation allowance for PCI loans, see Note 4 – Outstanding Loans and Leases and Note 5 – Allowance for Credit Losses to the Consolidated 

(1) 

(2) 

Includes U.S. small business commercial charge-offs of $282 million, $345 million, $457 million, $799 million and $1.1 billion in 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Includes U.S. small business commercial recoveries of $57 million, $63 million, $98 million, $100 million and $106 million in 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

(3)  Primarily represents the net impact of portfolio sales, consolidations and deconsolidations, and foreign currency translation adjustments. In addition, the 2011 amount includes a $449 million 

Financial Statements.

reduction in the allowance for loan and lease losses related to Canadian consumer card loans that were transferred to LHFS. 

(4)  Primarily represents accretion of the Merrill Lynch purchase accounting adjustment and the impact of funding previously unfunded positions.

Total commercial charge-offs

Total loans and leases charged off

Recoveries of loans and leases previously charged off

(658)

(7,026)

(1,108)

(10,369)

(2,096)

(17,672)

Loans and leases charged off

Residential mortgage

Home equity

U.S. credit card

Non-U.S. credit card

Direct/Indirect consumer

Other consumer

Total consumer charge-offs

U.S. commercial (1)

Commercial real estate

Commercial lease financing

Non-U.S. commercial

Residential mortgage

Home equity

U.S. credit card

Non-U.S. credit card

Direct/Indirect consumer

Other consumer

Total consumer recoveries

U.S. commercial (2)

Commercial real estate

Commercial lease financing

Non-U.S. commercial

Total commercial recoveries

Total recoveries of loans and leases previously charged off

Net charge-offs

Write-offs of PCI loans

Provision for loan and lease losses

Allowance for loan and lease losses, December 31

Reserve for unfunded lending commitments, January 1

Provision for unfunded lending commitments

Other (3)

Other (4)

Reserve for unfunded lending commitments, December 31

Allowance for credit losses, December 31

(866)

(975)

(2,738)

(275)

(383)

(224)

(5,461)

(536)

(30)

(19)

(59)

(644)

(6,105)

393

339

424

87

271

31

1,545

172

35

10

5

222

1,767

(4,338)

(808)

3,043

(82)

528

118

—

646

(855)

(1,364)

(3,068)

(357)

(456)

(268)

(6,368)

(584)

(29)

(10)

(35)

969

457

430

115

287

39

214

112

19

1

346

2,643

(4,383)

(810)

2,231

(47)

484

44

—

528

(1,508)

(2,258)

(4,004)

(9,261)

(508)

(710)

(273)

(774)

(251)

(4)

(79)

424

455

628

109

365

39

287

102

29

34

452

2,472

(7,897)

(2,336)

3,574

(92)

513

(18)

(11)

484

(3,276)

(4,573)

(5,360)

(835)

(1,258)

(274)

(15,576)

(1,309)

(719)

(32)

(36)

165

331

728

254

495

42

368

335

38

8

749

2,764

(2,820)

8,310

(186)

24,179

714

(141)

(60)

513

(4,294)

(4,997)

(8,114)

(1,691)

(2,190)

(252)

(21,538)

(1,690)

(1,298)

(61)

(155)

(3,204)

(24,742)

377

517

838

522

714

50

500

351

37

3

891

3,909

—

13,629

(898)

33,783

1,188

(219)

(255)

714

(14,908)

(20,833)

12,234

14,419

17,428

$

12,880

$

14,947

$

17,912

$

24,692

$

34,497

112     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     113

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table VI  Allocation of the Allowance for Credit Losses by Product Type

(Dollars in millions)

Allowance for loan and lease losses

Residential mortgage
Home equity
U.S. credit card
Non-U.S. credit card
Direct/Indirect consumer
Other consumer

Total consumer
U.S. commercial (1)
Commercial real estate
Commercial lease financing
Non-U.S. commercial
Total commercial (2)
Allowance for loan and lease losses (3)
Reserve for unfunded lending commitments

Allowance for credit losses

2015

2014

December 31
2013

2012

2011

Amount

Percent
of Total

Amount

Percent
of Total

Amount

Percent
of Total

Amount

Percent
of Total

Amount

Percent
of Total

$ 1,500
2,414
2,927
274
223
47
7,385
2,964
967
164
754
4,849
12,234
646
$ 12,880

12.26% $ 2,900
19.73
3,035
23.93
3,320
2.24
369
1.82
299
0.38
59
60.36
9,982
24.23
2,619
7.90
1,016
1.34
153
6.17
649
39.64
4,437
100.00%
14,419
528
$ 14,947

20.11% $ 4,084
4,434
21.05
3,930
23.03
459
2.56
417
2.07
99
0.41
13,423
69.23
2,394
18.16
917
7.05
118
1.06
576
4.50
4,005
30.77
17,428
100.00%
484
  $ 17,912

23.43% $ 7,088
7,845
25.44
4,718
22.55
600
2.63
718
2.39
104
0.58
21,073
77.02
1,885
13.74
846
5.26
78
0.68
297
3.30
3,106
22.98
24,179
100.00%
513
$ 24,692

29.31% $ 7,985
13,094
32.45
6,322
19.51
946
2.48
1,153
2.97
148
0.43
29,648
87.15
2,441
7.80
1,349
3.50
92
0.32
253
1.23
4,135
12.85
33,783
100.00%
714
$ 34,497

23.64%
38.76
18.71
2.80
3.41
0.44
87.76
7.23
3.99
0.27
0.75
12.24
100.00%

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

Includes allowance for loan and lease losses for U.S. small business commercial loans of $507 million, $536 million, $462 million, $642 million and $893 million at December 31, 2015, 2014, 
2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Includes allowance for loan and lease losses for impaired commercial loans of $217 million, $159 million, $277 million, $475 million and $545 million at December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 
and 2011, respectively. 
Includes $804 million, $1.7 billion, $2.5 billion, $5.5 billion and $8.5 billion of valuation allowance presented with the allowance for loan and lease losses related to PCI loans at December 31, 
2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Table VII  Selected Loan Maturity Data (1, 2)

(Dollars in millions)

U.S. commercial
U.S. commercial real estate
Non-U.S. and other (3)

Total selected loans

Percent of total
Sensitivity of selected loans to changes in interest rates for loans due after one year:

Fixed interest rates
Floating or adjustable interest rates

Total

(1)  Loan maturities are based on the remaining maturities under contractual terms.
(2) 

Includes loans accounted for under the fair value option.

(3)  Loan maturities include non-U.S. commercial and commercial real estate loans.

December 31, 2015

Due in One
Year or Less

$

$

74,624
10,417
64,078
149,119

Due After
One Year
Through
Five Years

$

$

149,456
39,495
27,646
216,597

36%

51%

  $

  $

16,216
200,381
216,597

$

$

$

$

Due After
Five Years

43,837
3,738
6,171
53,746

$

$

Total

267,917
53,650
97,895
419,462

13%

100%

27,338
26,408
53,746

114     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table VI  Allocation of the Allowance for Credit Losses by Product Type

Table VIII  Non-exchange Traded Commodity Contracts

$ 1,500

12.26% $ 2,900

20.11% $ 4,084

23.43% $ 7,088

29.31% $ 7,985

23.64%

Gross fair value of contracts outstanding, January 1, 2015

(Dollars in millions)

Net fair value of contracts outstanding, January 1, 2015
Effect of legally enforceable master netting agreements

Contracts realized or otherwise settled
Fair value of new contracts
Other changes in fair value

Gross fair value of contracts outstanding, December 31, 2015

Less: Legally enforceable master netting agreements

87.15

29,648

87.76

Net fair value of contracts outstanding, December 31, 2015

Table IX  Non-exchange Traded Commodity Contract Maturities

(Dollars in millions)

Less than one year
Greater than or equal to one year and less than three years
Greater than or equal to three years and less than five years
Greater than or equal to five years

Gross fair value of contracts outstanding

Less: Legally enforceable master netting agreements

Net fair value of contracts outstanding

(Dollars in millions)

Amount

Amount

Amount

Amount

Amount

2015

2014

Percent

of Total

Percent

of Total

December 31

2013

Percent

of Total

2012

2011

Percent

of Total

Percent

of Total

Allowance for loan and lease losses

Residential mortgage

Home equity

U.S. credit card

Non-U.S. credit card

Direct/Indirect consumer

Other consumer

Total consumer

U.S. commercial (1)

Commercial real estate

Commercial lease financing

Non-U.S. commercial

Total commercial (2)

2,414

2,927

274

223

47

7,385

2,964

967

164

754

19.73

23.93

2.24

1.82

0.38

60.36

24.23

7.90

1.34

6.17

3,035

3,320

369

299

59

9,982

2,619

1,016

153

649

21.05

23.03

2.56

2.07

0.41

69.23

18.16

7.05

1.06

4.50

25.44

22.55

2.63

2.39

0.58

77.02

13.74

5.26

0.68

3.30

7,845

4,718

600

718

104

21,073

1,885

846

78

297

32.45

19.51

2.48

2.97

0.43

7.80

3.50

0.32

1.23

13,094

6,322

946

1,153

148

2,441

1,349

92

253

38.76

18.71

2.80

3.41

0.44

7.23

3.99

0.27

0.75

4,434

3,930

459

417

99

13,423

2,394

917

118

576

484

Allowance for loan and lease losses (3)

12,234

100.00%

14,419

100.00%

17,428

100.00%

24,179

100.00%

33,783

100.00%

Reserve for unfunded lending commitments

Allowance for credit losses

646

$ 12,880

528

$ 14,947

  $ 17,912

513

$ 24,692

714

$ 34,497

(1) 

Includes allowance for loan and lease losses for U.S. small business commercial loans of $507 million, $536 million, $462 million, $642 million and $893 million at December 31, 2015, 2014, 

4,849

39.64

4,437

30.77

4,005

22.98

3,106

12.85

4,135

12.24

(2) 

Includes allowance for loan and lease losses for impaired commercial loans of $217 million, $159 million, $277 million, $475 million and $545 million at December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 

(3) 

Includes $804 million, $1.7 billion, $2.5 billion, $5.5 billion and $8.5 billion of valuation allowance presented with the allowance for loan and lease losses related to PCI loans at December 31, 

2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

and 2011, respectively. 

2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Table VII  Selected Loan Maturity Data (1, 2)

(Dollars in millions)

U.S. commercial

U.S. commercial real estate

Non-U.S. and other (3)

Total selected loans

Percent of total

Fixed interest rates

Floating or adjustable interest rates

Total

Sensitivity of selected loans to changes in interest rates for loans due after one year:

(1)  Loan maturities are based on the remaining maturities under contractual terms.

(2) 

Includes loans accounted for under the fair value option.

(3)  Loan maturities include non-U.S. commercial and commercial real estate loans.

December 31, 2015

Due After

One Year

Through

Five Years

Due After

Five Years

Total

Due in One

Year or Less

74,624

10,417

64,078

$

$

149,456

$

43,837

$

267,917

39,495

27,646

3,738

6,171

53,650

97,895

$

149,119

$

216,597

$

53,746

$

419,462

36%

51%

13%

100%

  $

16,216

200,381

216,597

  $

$

$

27,338

26,408

53,746

2015

Asset
Positions

Liability
Positions

$

$

8,052
5,506
13,558
(8,262)
4,624
1,623
11,543
(3,244)
8,299

$

$

8,593
5,506
14,099
(9,114)
4,250
1,322
10,557
(3,244)
7,313

2015

Asset
Positions

Liability
Positions

$

$

5,420
2,619
723
2,781
11,543
(3,244)
8,299

$

$

5,853
2,121
671
1,912
10,557
(3,244)
7,313

114     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     115

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table X  Selected Quarterly Financial Data

(In millions, except per share information)
Income statement

Net interest income

Noninterest income

Total revenue, net of interest expense

Provision for credit losses

Noninterest expense

Income (loss) before income taxes

Income tax expense (benefit)

Net income (loss)

Net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders

Average common shares issued and outstanding

Average diluted common shares issued and outstanding (2)

Performance ratios

Return on average assets

Four quarter trailing return on average assets (3)
Return on average common shareholders’ equity

Return on average tangible common shareholders’ equity (4)

Return on average tangible shareholders’ equity (4)
Total ending equity to total ending assets

Total average equity to total average assets

Dividend payout

Per common share data

Earnings (loss)

Diluted earnings (loss) (2)

Dividends paid

Book value

Tangible book value (4)

Market price per share of common stock

Closing

High closing

Low closing

Market capitalization

$

$

$

2015 Quarters (1)

2014 Quarters

Fourth

Third

Second

First

Fourth

Third

Second

First

9,801

9,727

19,528

810

13,871

4,847

1,511

3,336

3,006

10,399
11,153

$

9,511

$

10,488

$

9,451

$

10,870

20,381

806

13,808

5,767

1,446

4,321

3,880

10,444
11,197

11,328

21,816

780

13,818

7,218

2,084

5,134

4,804

10,488
11,238

11,331

20,782

765

15,695

4,322

1,225

3,097

2,715

10,519
11,267

9,635

9,090

18,725

219

14,196

4,310

1,260

3,050

2,738

10,516
11,274

0.61%
0.74

0.79%
0.73

0.96%
0.52

0.59%
0.38

0.57%
0.23

5.08

7.32
7.15

11.95

11.79

17.27

0.29

0.28

0.05

22.54

15.62

16.83

17.95

15.38

6.65

9.65
9.43

11.89

11.71

13.43

0.37

0.35

0.05

22.41

15.50

15.58

18.45

15.26

8.42

12.31
11.51

11.71

11.67

10.90

0.46

0.43

0.05

21.91

15.02

17.02

17.67

15.41

$

$

4.88

7.19
7.24

11.67

11.49

19.38

0.26

0.25

0.05

21.66

14.79

15.39

17.90

15.15

$

$

$

$

4.84

7.15
7.08

11.57

11.39

19.21

0.26

0.25

0.05

21.32

14.43

17.89

18.13

15.76

$

$

$

$

$

10,219

$

10,013

$

10,085

10,990

21,209

636

20,142

431

663

(232)

(470)

10,516
10,516

n/m
0.24%

n/m

n/m
n/m

11.24

11.14

n/m

(0.04)

(0.04)

0.05

20.99

14.09

17.05

17.18

14.98

$

$

11,734

21,747

411

18,541

2,795

504

2,291

2,035

10,519
11,265

0.42%
0.37

3.68

5.47
5.64

10.94

10.87

5.16

0.19

0.19

0.01

21.16

14.24

15.37

17.34

14.51

$

$

12,481

22,566

1,009

22,238

(681)

(405)

(276)

(514)

10,561
10,561

n/m
0.45%

n/m

n/m
n/m

10.79

11.06

n/m

(0.05)

(0.05)

0.01

20.75

13.81

17.20

17.92

16.10

$ 174,700

$ 162,457

$ 178,231

$ 161,909

$ 188,141

$ 179,296

$ 161,628

$ 181,117

(1)  The results for 2015 were impacted by the early adoption of new accounting guidance on recognition and measurement of financial instruments. For additional information, see Executive Summary 

– Recent Events on page 20.

(2)  The diluted earnings (loss) per common share excluded the effect of any equity instruments that are antidilutive to earnings per share. There were no potential common shares that were dilutive in 

the third and first quarters of 2014 because of the net loss applicable to common shareholders.

(3)  Calculated as total net income (loss) for four consecutive quarters divided by annualized average assets for four consecutive quarters.
(4)  Tangible equity ratios and tangible book value per share of common stock are non-GAAP financial measures. Other companies may define or calculate these measures differently. For more information 

on these ratios, see Supplemental Financial Data on page 28, and for corresponding reconciliations to GAAP financial measures, see Statistical Table XV.

(5)  For more information on the impact of the PCI loan portfolio on asset quality, see Consumer Portfolio Credit Risk Management on page 64. 
(6) 

Includes the allowance for loan and lease losses and the reserve for unfunded lending commitments.

(7)  Balances and ratios do not include loans accounted for under the fair value option. For additional exclusions from nonperforming loans, leases and foreclosed properties, see Consumer Portfolio 
Credit Risk Management – Nonperforming Consumer Loans, Leases and Foreclosed Properties Activity on page 73 and corresponding Table 35, and Commercial Portfolio Credit Risk Management – 
Nonperforming Commercial Loans, Leases and Foreclosed Properties Activity on page 80 and corresponding Table 44.

(8)  Primarily includes amounts allocated to the U.S. credit card and unsecured consumer lending portfolios in Consumer Banking, PCI loans and the non-U.S. credit card portfolio in All Other.
(9)  Net charge-offs exclude $82 million, $148 million, $290 million and $288 million of write-offs in the PCI loan portfolio in the fourth, third, second and first quarters of 2015, respectively, and $13 
million, $246 million, $160 million and $391 million in the fourth, third, second and first quarters of 2014, respectively. For more information on PCI write-offs, see Consumer Portfolio Credit Risk 
Management – Purchased Credit-impaired Loan Portfolio on page 71.

(10)  Capital ratios reported under Advanced approaches in the fourth quarter of 2015. Prior to fourth quarter of 2015, we were required to report regulatory capital ratios under the Standardized approach 

only. For additional information, see Capital Management on page 51.

n/m = not meaningful

116     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table X  Selected Quarterly Financial Data

Table X  Selected Quarterly Financial Data (continued)

(In millions, except per share information)

Fourth

Third

Second

First

Fourth

Third

Second

First

2015 Quarters (1)

2014 Quarters

Income statement

Net interest income

Noninterest income

Total revenue, net of interest expense

Provision for credit losses

Noninterest expense

Income (loss) before income taxes

Income tax expense (benefit)

Net income (loss)

Net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders

Average common shares issued and outstanding

Average diluted common shares issued and outstanding (2)

Performance ratios

Return on average assets

Four quarter trailing return on average assets (3)

Return on average common shareholders’ equity

Return on average tangible common shareholders’ equity (4)

Return on average tangible shareholders’ equity (4)

Total ending equity to total ending assets

Total average equity to total average assets

Dividend payout

Per common share data

Earnings (loss)

Diluted earnings (loss) (2)

Dividends paid

Book value

Tangible book value (4)

Closing

High closing

Low closing

Market capitalization

– Recent Events on page 20.

Market price per share of common stock

0.61%

0.79%

0.96%

0.59%

0.57%

0.42%

$

$

9,511

$

10,488

$

9,451

$

$

10,219

$

10,013

$

10,085

9,801

9,727

19,528

810

13,871

4,847

1,511

3,336

3,006

10,399

11,153

0.74

5.08

7.32

7.15

11.95

11.79

17.27

0.29

0.28

0.05

22.54

15.62

16.83

17.95

15.38

10,870

20,381

806

13,808

5,767

1,446

4,321

3,880

10,444

11,197

0.73

6.65

9.65

9.43

11.89

11.71

13.43

0.37

0.35

0.05

22.41

15.50

15.58

18.45

15.26

11,328

21,816

780

13,818

7,218

2,084

5,134

4,804

10,488

11,238

0.52

8.42

12.31

11.51

11.71

11.67

10.90

0.46

0.43

0.05

21.91

15.02

17.02

17.67

15.41

11,331

20,782

765

15,695

4,322

1,225

3,097

2,715

10,519

11,267

0.38

4.88

7.19

7.24

11.67

11.49

19.38

0.26

0.25

0.05

21.66

14.79

15.39

17.90

15.15

9,635

9,090

18,725

219

14,196

4,310

1,260

3,050

2,738

10,516

11,274

0.23

4.84

7.15

7.08

11.57

11.39

19.21

0.26

0.25

0.05

21.32

14.43

17.89

18.13

15.76

10,990

21,209

636

20,142

431

663

(232)

(470)

10,516

10,516

n/m

0.24%

n/m

n/m

n/m

11.24

11.14

n/m

(0.04)

(0.04)

0.05

20.99

14.09

17.05

17.18

14.98

11,734

21,747

411

18,541

2,795

504

2,291

2,035

10,519

11,265

0.37

3.68

5.47

5.64

10.94

10.87

5.16

0.19

0.19

0.01

21.16

14.24

15.37

17.34

14.51

12,481

22,566

1,009

22,238

(681)

(405)

(276)

(514)

10,561

10,561

n/m

0.45%

n/m

n/m

n/m

10.79

11.06

n/m

(0.05)

(0.05)

0.01

20.75

13.81

17.20

17.92

16.10

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

(1)  The results for 2015 were impacted by the early adoption of new accounting guidance on recognition and measurement of financial instruments. For additional information, see Executive Summary 

$ 174,700

$ 162,457

$ 178,231

$ 161,909

$ 188,141

$ 179,296

$ 161,628

$ 181,117

(2)  The diluted earnings (loss) per common share excluded the effect of any equity instruments that are antidilutive to earnings per share. There were no potential common shares that were dilutive in 

the third and first quarters of 2014 because of the net loss applicable to common shareholders.

(3)  Calculated as total net income (loss) for four consecutive quarters divided by annualized average assets for four consecutive quarters.

(4)  Tangible equity ratios and tangible book value per share of common stock are non-GAAP financial measures. Other companies may define or calculate these measures differently. For more information 

on these ratios, see Supplemental Financial Data on page 28, and for corresponding reconciliations to GAAP financial measures, see Statistical Table XV.

(5)  For more information on the impact of the PCI loan portfolio on asset quality, see Consumer Portfolio Credit Risk Management on page 64. 

(6) 

Includes the allowance for loan and lease losses and the reserve for unfunded lending commitments.

(7)  Balances and ratios do not include loans accounted for under the fair value option. For additional exclusions from nonperforming loans, leases and foreclosed properties, see Consumer Portfolio 

Credit Risk Management – Nonperforming Consumer Loans, Leases and Foreclosed Properties Activity on page 73 and corresponding Table 35, and Commercial Portfolio Credit Risk Management – 

Nonperforming Commercial Loans, Leases and Foreclosed Properties Activity on page 80 and corresponding Table 44.

(8)  Primarily includes amounts allocated to the U.S. credit card and unsecured consumer lending portfolios in Consumer Banking, PCI loans and the non-U.S. credit card portfolio in All Other.

(9)  Net charge-offs exclude $82 million, $148 million, $290 million and $288 million of write-offs in the PCI loan portfolio in the fourth, third, second and first quarters of 2015, respectively, and $13 

million, $246 million, $160 million and $391 million in the fourth, third, second and first quarters of 2014, respectively. For more information on PCI write-offs, see Consumer Portfolio Credit Risk 

(10)  Capital ratios reported under Advanced approaches in the fourth quarter of 2015. Prior to fourth quarter of 2015, we were required to report regulatory capital ratios under the Standardized approach 

Management – Purchased Credit-impaired Loan Portfolio on page 71.

only. For additional information, see Capital Management on page 51.

n/m = not meaningful

(Dollars in millions)
Average balance sheet

Total loans and leases

Total assets

Total deposits

Long-term debt

Common shareholders’ equity

Total shareholders’ equity

Asset quality (5)

2015 Quarters (1)

2014 Quarters

Fourth

Third

Second

First

Fourth

Third

Second

First

$ 891,861

$ 882,841

$ 881,415

$ 872,393

$ 884,733

$ 899,241

$ 912,580

$ 919,482

2,180,472

1,186,051

237,384

234,851

257,125

2,168,993

2,151,966

2,138,574

2,137,551

2,136,109

2,169,555

2,139,266

1,159,231

1,146,789

1,130,726

1,122,514

1,127,488

1,128,563

1,118,178

240,520

231,620

253,893

242,230

228,780

251,054

240,127

225,357

245,744

249,221

224,479

243,454

251,772

222,374

238,040

259,825

222,221

235,803

253,678

223,207

236,559

Allowance for credit losses (6)
Nonperforming loans, leases and foreclosed properties (7)

$ 12,880
9,836

$ 13,318
10,336

$ 13,656
11,565

$ 14,213
12,101

$ 14,947
12,629

$ 15,635
14,232

$ 16,314
15,300

$ 17,127
17,732

Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total loans 

and leases outstanding (7)

1.37%

1.44%

1.49%

1.57%

1.65%

1.71%

1.75%

1.84%

Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total 

nonperforming loans and leases (7)

Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total 

nonperforming loans and leases, excluding the PCI loan portfolio (7)

Amounts included in allowance for loan and lease losses for loans and 

130

122

129

120

122

111

122

110

121

107

112

100

108

95

97

85

leases that are excluded from nonperforming loans and leases (8)

$

4,518

$

4,682

$

5,050

$

5,492

$

5,944

$

6,013

$

6,488

$

7,143

Allowance for loan and lease losses as a percentage of total 

nonperforming loans and leases, excluding the allowance for loan 
and lease losses for loans and leases that are excluded from 
nonperforming loans and leases (7, 8)

82%

81%

75%

73%

71%

67%

64%

55%

Net charge-offs (9)

$

1,144

$

932

$

1,068

$

1,194

$

879

$

1,043

$

1,073

$

1,388

Annualized net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans and 

leases outstanding (7, 9)

Annualized net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans and 

leases outstanding, excluding the PCI loan portfolio (7)

Annualized net charge-offs and PCI write-offs as a percentage of 

average loans and leases outstanding (7)

Nonperforming loans and leases as a percentage of total loans and 

leases outstanding (7)

Nonperforming loans, leases and foreclosed properties as a 

percentage of total loans, leases and foreclosed properties (7)

Ratio of the allowance for loan and lease losses at period end to 

annualized net charge-offs (9)

Ratio of the allowance for loan and lease losses at period end to

annualized net charge-offs, excluding the PCI loan portfolio

Ratio of the allowance for loan and lease losses at period end to

annualized net charge-offs and PCI write-offs

Capital ratios at period end (10)

Risk-based capital:

Common equity tier 1 capital

Tier 1 capital

Total capital

Tier 1 leverage

Tangible equity (4)

Tangible common equity (4)

For footnotes see page 116.

0.51%

0.42%

0.49%

0.56%

0.40%

0.46%

0.48%

0.62%

0.52

0.55

1.05

1.10

2.70

2.52

2.52

10.2%

11.3

13.2

8.6

8.9

7.8

0.43

0.49

1.11

1.17

3.42

3.18

2.95

11.6%

12.9

15.8

8.5

8.8

7.8

0.50

0.62

1.22

1.31

3.05

2.79

2.40

11.2%

12.5

15.5

8.5

8.6

7.6

0.57

0.70

1.29

1.39

2.82

2.55

2.28

11.1%

12.3

15.3

8.4

8.6

7.5

0.41

0.40

1.37

1.45

4.14

3.66

4.08

12.3%

13.4

16.5

8.2

8.4

7.5

0.48

0.57

1.53

1.61

3.65

3.27

2.95

12.0%

12.8

15.8

7.9

8.1

7.2

0.49

0.55

1.63

1.70

3.67

3.25

3.20

12.0%

12.5

15.3

7.7

7.8

7.1

0.64

0.79

1.89

1.96

2.95

2.58

2.30

11.8%

11.9

14.8

7.4

7.6

7.0

116     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     117

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table XI  Quarterly Average Balances and Interest Rates – FTE Basis

(Dollars in millions)

Earning assets

Fourth Quarter 2015

Third Quarter 2015

Average
Balance

Interest
Income/
Expense

Yield/
Rate

Average
Balance

Interest
Income/
Expense

Yield/
Rate

Interest-bearing deposits with the Federal Reserve, non-U.S. central banks and other banks

$ 148,102

$

0.29% $ 145,174
1.62
11,503

$

Time deposits placed and other short-term investments

Federal funds sold and securities borrowed or purchased under agreements to resell

Trading account assets

Debt securities (1)
Loans and leases (2):

Residential mortgage

Home equity

U.S. credit card

Non-U.S. credit card

Direct/Indirect consumer (3)
Other consumer (4)
Total consumer

U.S. commercial

Commercial real estate (5)

Commercial lease financing

Non-U.S. commercial

Total commercial

Total loans and leases

Other earning assets

Total earning assets (6)

Cash and due from banks

Other assets, less allowance for loan and lease losses

Total assets

Interest-bearing liabilities

U.S. interest-bearing deposits:

Savings

NOW and money market deposit accounts

Consumer CDs and IRAs

Negotiable CDs, public funds and other deposits

Total U.S. interest-bearing deposits

Non-U.S. interest-bearing deposits:

Banks located in non-U.S. countries

Governments and official institutions

Time, savings and other

Total non-U.S. interest-bearing deposits

Total interest-bearing deposits

Federal funds purchased, securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase and short-term

borrowings

Trading account liabilities

Long-term debt (7)

Total interest-bearing liabilities (6)

Noninterest-bearing sources:

Noninterest-bearing deposits

Other liabilities

Shareholders’ equity

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

Net interest spread

Impact of noninterest-bearing sources

Net interest income/yield on earning assets

10,120

207,585

134,797
399,423

189,650

77,109

88,623

10,155
87,858
2,039

455,434

261,727

56,126

26,127

92,447

436,427

891,861

61,070

108

42

214

1,141
2,541

1,644

715

2,045

258
530
11

5,203

1,790

408

204

530

2,932

8,135

748

1,852,958

12,929

29,503

298,011

$ 2,180,472

1

68

37

25

131

7

2

71

80

211

519

272

1,895

2,897

$

46,094

$

558,441

51,107

30,546

686,188

3,997

1,687

55,965

61,649

747,837

231,650

73,139

237,384

1,290,010

438,214

195,123

257,125

$ 2,180,472

96

38
275

1,170
1,853

1,690
730

2,033
267
515

15

5,250

1,743
384

199

514

2,840

8,090
716

2

67

38

26
133

7

1

73

81
214

597

342

1,343

2,496

1,847,396

12,238

27,730

293,867
$ 2,168,993

0.01% $
0.05

0.41

3.37
2.55

3.47

3.69

9.15

10.07
2.40
2.09

4.55

2.72

2.89

3.12

2.27

2.67

3.63

4.87

2.78

0.29

0.32

0.08

0.69

0.37

0.51

0.52

0.11

0.89

1.48

3.18

0.89

210,127

140,484
394,420

193,791
79,715

88,201

10,244
85,975

1,980

459,906

251,908
53,605

25,425

91,997

422,935

882,841
62,847

46,297

$

545,741
53,174

30,631

675,843

4,196

1,654
53,793

59,643

735,486

257,323

77,443

240,520
1,310,772

423,745

180,583

253,893
$ 2,168,993

1.89%

0.27

2.16%

$

10,032

$

9,742

0.26%

1.33

0.52

3.31
1.88

3.49

3.64

9.15

10.34
2.38
3.01

4.54

2.75

2.84

3.12

2.22

2.67

3.64

4.52

2.64

0.02%

0.05

0.29

0.33

0.08

0.71

0.33

0.53

0.54

0.12

0.92

1.75

2.22

0.76

1.88%

0.22

2.10%

(1)  Yields on debt securities excluding the impact of market-related adjustments were 2.47 percent, 2.50 percent, 2.48 percent and 2.54 percent in the fourth, third, second and first quarters of 2015, 
respectively, and 2.53 percent in the fourth quarter of 2014. Yields on debt securities excluding the impact of market-related adjustments are a non-GAAP financial measure. The Corporation believes 
the use of this non-GAAP financial measure provides additional clarity in assessing its results.

(2)  Nonperforming loans are included in the respective average loan balances. Income on these nonperforming loans is generally recognized on a cost recovery basis. PCI loans were recorded at fair 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

value upon acquisition and accrete interest income over the remaining life of the loan.
Includes non-U.S. consumer loans of $4.0 billion for each of the quarters of 2015 and $4.2 billion in the fourth quarter of 2014.
Includes consumer finance loans of $578 million, $605 million, $632 million and $661 million in the fourth, third, second and first quarters of 2015, respectively, and $907 million in the fourth 
quarter of 2014; consumer leases of $1.3 billion, $1.2 billion, $1.1 billion and $1.0 billion in the fourth, third, second and first quarters of 2015, respectively, and $965 million in the fourth quarter 
of 2014; and consumer overdrafts of $174 million, $177 million, $131 million and $141 million in the fourth, third, second and first quarters of 2015, respectively, and $156 million in the fourth 
quarter of 2014.
Includes U.S. commercial real estate loans of $52.8 billion, $49.8 billion, $47.6 billion and $45.6 billion in the fourth, third, second and first quarters of 2015, respectively, and $45.1 billion in the 
fourth quarter of 2014; and non-U.S. commercial real estate loans of $3.3 billion, $3.8 billion, $2.8 billion and $2.7 billion in the fourth, third, second and first quarters of 2015, respectively, and 
$1.9 billion in the fourth quarter of 2014.
Interest income includes the impact of interest rate risk management contracts, which decreased interest income on the underlying assets by $32 million, $8 million, $8 million and $11 million in 
the fourth, third, second and first quarters of 2015, respectively, and $10 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. Interest expense includes the impact of interest rate risk management contracts, 
which decreased interest expense on the underlying liabilities by $681 million, $590 million, $509 million and $582 million in the fourth, third, second and first quarters of 2015, respectively, and 
$659 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. For additional information, see Interest Rate Risk Management for Non-trading Activities on page 95.

(7)  The yield on long-term debt excluding the $612 million adjustment on certain trust preferred securities was 2.15 percent for the fourth quarter of 2015. For more information, see Note 11 – Long-

term Debt to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The yield on long-term debt excluding the adjustment is a non-GAAP financial measure. 

118     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table XI  Quarterly Average Balances and Interest Rates – FTE Basis

Table XI  Quarterly Average Balances and Interest Rates – FTE Basis (continued)

Fourth Quarter 2015

Third Quarter 2015

Average

Balance

Interest

Income/

Expense

Yield/

Rate

Average

Balance

Interest

Income/

Expense

Yield/

Rate

(Dollars in millions)

Earning assets

Second Quarter 2015

First Quarter 2015

Fourth Quarter 2014

Average
Balance

Interest
Income/
Expense

Yield/
Rate

Average
Balance

Interest
Income/
Expense

Yield/
Rate

Average
Balance

Interest
Income/
Expense

Yield/
Rate

Interest-bearing deposits with the Federal Reserve, non-U.S. central banks and other banks

$ 148,102

$

0.29% $ 145,174

$

Time deposits placed and other short-term investments

Federal funds sold and securities borrowed or purchased under agreements to resell

Interest-bearing deposits with the Federal Reserve, non-U.S.

central banks and other banks

$ 125,762

$

Time deposits placed and other short-term investments 

8,183

Federal funds sold and securities borrowed or purchased under

agreements to resell

Trading account assets

Debt securities (1)
Loans and leases (2):

Residential mortgage

Home equity

U.S. credit card

Non-U.S. credit card

Direct/Indirect consumer (3)

Other consumer (4)

Total consumer

U.S. commercial

Commercial real estate (5)
Commercial lease financing

Non-U.S. commercial

Total commercial

Total loans and leases

Other earning assets

Total earning assets (6)

Cash and due from banks

Other assets, less allowance for loan and lease losses

Total assets

Interest-bearing liabilities

U.S. interest-bearing deposits:

Savings

NOW and money market deposit accounts

Consumer CDs and IRAs

Negotiable CDs, public funds and other deposits

Total U.S. interest-bearing deposits

Non-U.S. interest-bearing deposits:

Banks located in non-U.S. countries

Governments and official institutions

Time, savings and other

Total non-U.S. interest-bearing deposits

Total interest-bearing deposits

Federal funds purchased, securities loaned or sold under
agreements to repurchase and short-term borrowings

Trading account liabilities

Long-term debt (7)

Total interest-bearing liabilities (6)

Noninterest-bearing sources:

Noninterest-bearing deposits

Other liabilities

Shareholders’ equity

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

Net interest spread

Impact of noninterest-bearing sources

0.26% $ 126,189

$

0.27% $ 109,042

$

74

41

0.27%

1.73

81

34

268

1,114
3,082

1,782

769

1,980

264

504

15

5,314

1,705
382

180

479

2,746

8,060

721

1.64

0.50

3.25
3.21

3.44

3.73

9.08

10.56

2.42

3.14

4.50

2.80
3.03

2.92

2.17

2.70

3.67

4.60

2.95

8,379

213,931

138,946
383,120

215,030

84,915

88,695

10,002

80,713

1,847

481,202

234,907
48,234

24,495

83,555

391,191

872,393

61,441

84

33

231

1,122
1,898

1,851

770

2,027

262

491

15

5,416

1,645
347

216

485

2,693

8,109

705

1.61

0.44

3.26
2.01

3.45

3.66

9.27

10.64

2.47

3.29

4.54

2.84
2.92

3.53

2.35

2.79

3.75

4.66

2.73

214,326

137,137
386,357

207,356

82,640

87,460

10,012

83,698

1,885

473,051

244,540
50,478

24,723

88,623

408,364

881,415

62,712

9,339

217,982

144,147
371,014

223,132
86,825

89,381

10,950

83,121

2,031

495,440

231,215
46,996

24,238

86,844

389,293

884,733
65,864

237

1,142
1,687

1,946
808

2,087
280

522

85

5,728

1,648
360

199

527

2,734

8,462
739

1,815,892

13,360

30,751

305,323

$ 2,151,966

2

71

42

22

137

9

1

69

79

216

686

335

1,407

2,644

$

47,381

$

536,201

55,832

29,904

669,318

5,162

1,239

55,030

61,431

730,749

252,088

77,772

242,230

1,302,839

416,040

182,033

251,054

$ 2,151,966

1,804,399

12,182

27,695

306,480

$ 2,138,574

1,802,121

12,382

27,590

307,840
$ 2,137,551

2

67

45

22

136

8

1

75

84

220

585

394

1,313

2,512

0.02% $

46,224

$

0.05

0.30

0.30

0.08

0.67

0.38

0.51

0.52

0.12

1.09

1.73

2.33

0.81

531,827

58,704

28,796

665,551

4,544

1,382

54,276

60,202

725,753

244,134

78,787

240,127

1,288,801

404,973

199,056

245,744

$ 2,138,574

1

76

52

22
151

9

1

76

86
237

615

350

1,315

2,517

0.02% $

45,621

$

0.05

0.31

0.31

0.08

0.74

0.21

0.55

0.56

0.12

0.97

2.03

2.20

0.79

515,995
61,880

30,950

654,446

5,415

1,647
57,029

64,091

718,537

251,432

78,174

249,221
1,297,364

403,977

192,756

243,454
$ 2,137,551

2.14%

0.23

2.37%

1.94%

0.23

2.17%

$

9,670

$

9,865

0.43

3.15
1.82

3.49

3.70

9.26

10.14

2.49

16.75

4.60

2.83
3.04

3.28

2.41

2.79

3.80

4.46

2.73

0.01%

0.06

0.33

0.29

0.09

0.63

0.18

0.53

0.53

0.13

0.97

1.78

2.10

0.77

1.96%

0.22

2.18%

Net interest income/yield on earning assets 

$

10,716

For footnotes see page 118.

(Dollars in millions)

Earning assets

Trading account assets

Debt securities (1)

Loans and leases (2):

Residential mortgage

Home equity

U.S. credit card

Non-U.S. credit card

Direct/Indirect consumer (3)

Other consumer (4)

Total consumer

U.S. commercial

Commercial real estate (5)

Commercial lease financing

Non-U.S. commercial

Total commercial

Total loans and leases

Other earning assets

Total earning assets (6)

Cash and due from banks

Total assets

Interest-bearing liabilities

U.S. interest-bearing deposits:

Savings

Other assets, less allowance for loan and lease losses

NOW and money market deposit accounts

Consumer CDs and IRAs

Negotiable CDs, public funds and other deposits

Total U.S. interest-bearing deposits

Non-U.S. interest-bearing deposits:

Banks located in non-U.S. countries

Governments and official institutions

Time, savings and other

Total non-U.S. interest-bearing deposits

Total interest-bearing deposits

borrowings

Trading account liabilities

Long-term debt (7)

Total interest-bearing liabilities (6)

Noninterest-bearing sources:

Noninterest-bearing deposits

Other liabilities

Shareholders’ equity

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

Net interest spread

Impact of noninterest-bearing sources

Net interest income/yield on earning assets

1,852,958

12,929

1,847,396

12,238

$

46,094

$

0.01% $

46,297

$

0.02%

10,120

207,585

134,797

399,423

189,650

77,109

88,623

10,155

87,858

2,039

455,434

261,727

56,126

26,127

92,447

436,427

891,861

61,070

29,503

298,011

$ 2,180,472

558,441

51,107

30,546

686,188

3,997

1,687

55,965

61,649

747,837

231,650

73,139

237,384

1,290,010

438,214

195,123

257,125

$ 2,180,472

108

42

214

1,141

2,541

1,644

715

2,045

258

530

11

5,203

1,790

408

204

530

2,932

8,135

748

1

68

37

25

131

7

2

71

80

211

519

272

1,895

2,897

1.62

0.41

3.37

2.55

3.47

3.69

9.15

10.07

2.40

2.09

4.55

2.72

2.89

3.12

2.27

2.67

3.63

4.87

2.78

0.05

0.29

0.32

0.08

0.69

0.37

0.51

0.52

0.11

0.89

1.48

3.18

0.89

11,503

210,127

140,484

394,420

193,791

79,715

88,201

10,244

85,975

1,980

459,906

251,908

53,605

25,425

91,997

422,935

882,841

62,847

27,730

293,867

$ 2,168,993

545,741

53,174

30,631

675,843

4,196

1,654

53,793

59,643

735,486

257,323

77,443

240,520

1,310,772

423,745

180,583

253,893

$ 2,168,993

96

38

275

1,170

1,853

1,690

730

2,033

267

515

15

5,250

1,743

384

199

514

2,840

8,090

716

2

67

38

26

133

7

1

73

81

214

597

342

1,343

2,496

0.26%

1.33

0.52

3.31

1.88

3.49

3.64

9.15

10.34

2.38

3.01

4.54

2.75

2.84

3.12

2.22

2.67

3.64

4.52

2.64

0.05

0.29

0.33

0.08

0.71

0.33

0.53

0.54

0.12

0.92

1.75

2.22

0.76

1.88%

0.22

2.10%

Federal funds purchased, securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase and short-term

1.89%

0.27

2.16%

$

10,032

$

9,742

(1)  Yields on debt securities excluding the impact of market-related adjustments were 2.47 percent, 2.50 percent, 2.48 percent and 2.54 percent in the fourth, third, second and first quarters of 2015, 

respectively, and 2.53 percent in the fourth quarter of 2014. Yields on debt securities excluding the impact of market-related adjustments are a non-GAAP financial measure. The Corporation believes 

the use of this non-GAAP financial measure provides additional clarity in assessing its results.

(2)  Nonperforming loans are included in the respective average loan balances. Income on these nonperforming loans is generally recognized on a cost recovery basis. PCI loans were recorded at fair 

value upon acquisition and accrete interest income over the remaining life of the loan.

Includes non-U.S. consumer loans of $4.0 billion for each of the quarters of 2015 and $4.2 billion in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Includes consumer finance loans of $578 million, $605 million, $632 million and $661 million in the fourth, third, second and first quarters of 2015, respectively, and $907 million in the fourth 

quarter of 2014; consumer leases of $1.3 billion, $1.2 billion, $1.1 billion and $1.0 billion in the fourth, third, second and first quarters of 2015, respectively, and $965 million in the fourth quarter 

of 2014; and consumer overdrafts of $174 million, $177 million, $131 million and $141 million in the fourth, third, second and first quarters of 2015, respectively, and $156 million in the fourth 

(3) 

(4) 

quarter of 2014.

(5) 

Includes U.S. commercial real estate loans of $52.8 billion, $49.8 billion, $47.6 billion and $45.6 billion in the fourth, third, second and first quarters of 2015, respectively, and $45.1 billion in the 

fourth quarter of 2014; and non-U.S. commercial real estate loans of $3.3 billion, $3.8 billion, $2.8 billion and $2.7 billion in the fourth, third, second and first quarters of 2015, respectively, and 

$1.9 billion in the fourth quarter of 2014.

(6) 

Interest income includes the impact of interest rate risk management contracts, which decreased interest income on the underlying assets by $32 million, $8 million, $8 million and $11 million in 

the fourth, third, second and first quarters of 2015, respectively, and $10 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. Interest expense includes the impact of interest rate risk management contracts, 

which decreased interest expense on the underlying liabilities by $681 million, $590 million, $509 million and $582 million in the fourth, third, second and first quarters of 2015, respectively, and 

$659 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. For additional information, see Interest Rate Risk Management for Non-trading Activities on page 95.

(7)  The yield on long-term debt excluding the $612 million adjustment on certain trust preferred securities was 2.15 percent for the fourth quarter of 2015. For more information, see Note 11 – Long-

term Debt to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The yield on long-term debt excluding the adjustment is a non-GAAP financial measure. 

118     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     119

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table XII  Quarterly Supplemental Financial Data

(Dollars in millions, except per share information)

Fully taxable-equivalent basis data (1)

Net interest income 
Total revenue, net of interest expense (2)
Net interest yield 
Efficiency ratio (2)

2015 Quarters

2014 Quarters

Fourth

Third

Second

First

Fourth

Third

Second

First

$ 10,032
19,759

$ 9,742
20,612

$ 10,716
22,044

$ 9,670
21,001

$ 9,865
18,955

$ 10,444
21,434

$ 10,226
21,960

$ 10,286
22,767

2.16%

2.10%

2.37%

2.17%

2.18%

2.29%

2.22%

2.29%

66.99
(1)  FTE basis is a non-GAAP financial measure. FTE basis is a performance measure used by management in operating the business that management believes provides investors with a more accurate 
picture of the interest margin for comparative purposes. For more information on these performance measures and ratios, see Supplemental Financial Data on page 28 and for corresponding 
reconciliations to GAAP financial measures, see Statistical Table XV.

74.73

84.43

93.97

74.90

62.69

97.68

70.20

(2)  The results for 2015 were impacted by the early adoption of new accounting guidance on recognition and measurement of financial instruments. For additional information, see Executive Summary 

– Recent Events on page 20.

120     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)  FTE basis is a non-GAAP financial measure. FTE basis is a performance measure used by management in operating the business that management believes provides investors with a more accurate 

picture of the interest margin for comparative purposes. For more information on these performance measures and ratios, see Supplemental Financial Data on page 28 and for corresponding 

$ 10,032

19,759

$ 9,742

$ 10,716

$ 9,670

$ 9,865

$ 10,444

$ 10,226

$ 10,286

20,612

22,044

21,001

18,955

21,434

21,960

22,767

2.16%

70.20

2.10%

66.99

2.37%

62.69

2.17%

74.73

2.18%

74.90

2.29%

93.97

2.22%

84.43

2.29%

97.68

(Dollars in millions, except per share information)

Fully taxable-equivalent basis data (1)

Net interest income 

Total revenue, net of interest expense (2)

Net interest yield 

Efficiency ratio (2)

reconciliations to GAAP financial measures, see Statistical Table XV.

– Recent Events on page 20.

Table XII  Quarterly Supplemental Financial Data

Table XIII  Five-year Reconciliations to GAAP Financial Measures (1)

2015 Quarters

2014 Quarters

Fourth

Third

Second

First

Fourth

Third

Second

First

(Dollars in millions, shares in thousands)
Reconciliation of net interest income to net interest income on a fully taxable-equivalent basis

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

(2)  The results for 2015 were impacted by the early adoption of new accounting guidance on recognition and measurement of financial instruments. For additional information, see Executive Summary 

Reconciliation of total noninterest expense to total noninterest expense, excluding goodwill impairment

Net interest income

Fully taxable-equivalent adjustment

Net interest income on a fully taxable-equivalent basis

Reconciliation of total revenue, net of interest expense to total revenue, net of interest expense on a fully

taxable-equivalent basis

Total revenue, net of interest expense

Fully taxable-equivalent adjustment

Total revenue, net of interest expense on a fully taxable-equivalent basis

charges

Total noninterest expense

Goodwill impairment charges

Total noninterest expense, excluding goodwill impairment charges

Reconciliation of income tax expense (benefit) to income tax expense (benefit) on a fully taxable-equivalent

basis

Income tax expense (benefit)

Fully taxable-equivalent adjustment

Income tax expense (benefit) on a fully taxable-equivalent basis

Reconciliation of net income to net income, excluding goodwill impairment charges

Net income

Goodwill impairment charges

Net income, excluding goodwill impairment charges

Reconciliation of net income applicable to common shareholders to net income applicable to common

shareholders, excluding goodwill impairment charges

Net income applicable to common shareholders

Goodwill impairment charges

Net income applicable to common shareholders, excluding goodwill impairment charges

Reconciliation of average common shareholders’ equity to average tangible common shareholders’ equity

Common shareholders’ equity

Goodwill

Intangible assets (excluding MSRs)

Related deferred tax liabilities

Tangible common shareholders’ equity

Reconciliation of average shareholders’ equity to average tangible shareholders’ equity

Shareholders’ equity

Goodwill

Intangible assets (excluding MSRs)

Related deferred tax liabilities

Tangible shareholders’ equity

Reconciliation of year-end common shareholders’ equity to year-end tangible common shareholders’ equity

Common shareholders’ equity

Goodwill

Intangible assets (excluding MSRs)

Related deferred tax liabilities

Tangible common shareholders’ equity

Reconciliation of year-end shareholders’ equity to year-end tangible shareholders’ equity

Shareholders’ equity

Goodwill

Intangible assets (excluding MSRs)

Related deferred tax liabilities

Tangible shareholders’ equity

Reconciliation of year-end assets to year-end tangible assets

Assets

Goodwill

Intangible assets (excluding MSRs)

Related deferred tax liabilities

Tangible assets

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

39,251

909

40,160

82,507

909

83,416

57,192

—

57,192

6,266

909
7,175

15,888

—

15,888

14,405

—

14,405

230,182

(69,772)

(4,201)

1,852

158,061

251,990

(69,772)

(4,201)

1,852

179,869

233,932

(69,761)

(3,768)

1,716

162,119

256,205

(69,761)

(3,768)

1,716

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

39,952

869

40,821

84,247

869

85,116

75,117

—

75,117

2,022

869

2,891

4,833

—

4,833

3,789

—

3,789

223,072

(69,809)

(5,109)

2,090

150,244

238,482

(69,809)

(5,109)

2,090

165,654

224,162

(69,777)

(4,612)

1,960

151,733

243,471

(69,777)

(4,612)

1,960

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

42,265
859

43,124

88,942
859

89,801

69,214

—

69,214

4,741
859

5,600

11,431

—

11,431

10,082

—

10,082

218,468

(69,910)

(6,132)

2,328

144,754

233,951

(69,910)

(6,132)

2,328

160,237

219,333

(69,844)

(5,574)

2,166

146,081

232,685

(69,844)

(5,574)

2,166

40,656

901

41,557

83,334

901

84,235

72,093

—
72,093

$

$

$

$

$

$

(1,116) $
901

(215) $

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

4,188

—

4,188

2,760

—

2,760

216,996

(69,974)

(7,366)

2,593

142,249

235,677

(69,974)

(7,366)

2,593

160,930

218,188

(69,976)

(6,684)

2,428

143,956

236,956

(69,976)

(6,684)

2,428

44,616

972

45,588

93,454

972

94,426

80,274
(3,184)
77,090

(1,676)
972
(704)

1,446

3,184

4,630

85
3,184

3,269

211,709
(72,334)
(9,180)
2,898

133,093

229,095
(72,334)
(9,180)
2,898

150,479

211,704
(69,967)
(8,021)
2,702

136,418

230,101
(69,967)
(8,021)
2,702

$

184,392

$

171,042

$

159,433

$

162,724

$

154,815

$ 2,144,316

$ 2,104,534

$ 2,102,273

(69,761)

(3,768)

1,716

(69,777)

(4,612)

1,960

(69,844)

(5,574)

2,166

$ 2,072,503

$ 2,032,105

$ 2,029,021

$ 2,209,974
(69,976)

(6,684)

2,428
$ 2,135,742

$ 2,129,046
(69,967)
(8,021)
2,702
$ 2,053,760

(1)  Presents reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial measures. We believe the use of these non-GAAP financial measures provides additional clarity in assessing the results 
of the Corporation. Other companies may define or calculate these measures differently. For more information on non-GAAP financial measures and ratios we use in assessing the results of the 
Corporation, see Supplemental Financial Data on page 28.

120     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     121

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table XIV  Two-year Reconciliations to GAAP Financial Measures (1, 2) 

(Dollars in millions)

Consumer Banking

Reported net income
Adjustment related to intangibles (3)

Adjusted net income

Average allocated equity (4)
Adjustment related to goodwill and a percentage of intangibles

Average allocated capital

Deposits

Reported net income
Adjustment related to intangibles (3)

Adjusted net income

Average allocated equity (4)
Adjustment related to goodwill and a percentage of intangibles

Average allocated capital

Consumer Lending

Reported net income
Adjustment related to intangibles (3)

Adjusted net income

Average allocated equity (4)
Adjustment related to goodwill and a percentage of intangibles

Average allocated capital

Global Wealth & Investment Management

Reported net income
Adjustment related to intangibles (3)

Adjusted net income

Average allocated equity (4)
Adjustment related to goodwill and a percentage of intangibles

Average allocated capital

Global Banking

Reported net income
Adjustment related to intangibles (3)

Adjusted net income

Average allocated equity (4)
Adjustment related to goodwill and a percentage of intangibles

Average allocated capital

Global Markets

Reported net income
Adjustment related to intangibles (3)

Adjusted net income

Average allocated equity (4)
Adjustment related to goodwill and a percentage of intangibles

Average allocated capital

2015

2014

6,739
4
6,743

59,319
(30,319)
29,000

2,685
—
2,685

30,420
(18,420)
12,000

4,054
4
4,058

28,900
(11,900)
17,000

2,609
11
2,620

22,130
(10,130)
12,000

5,273
1
5,274

58,935
(23,935)
35,000

2,496
10
2,506

40,392
(5,392)
35,000

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

6,436
4
6,440

60,398
(30,398)
30,000

2,415
—
2,415

29,432
(18,432)
11,000

4,021
4
4,025

30,966
(11,966)
19,000

2,969
13
2,982

22,214
(10,214)
12,000

5,769
2
5,771

57,429
(23,929)
33,500

2,705
9
2,714

39,394
(5,394)
34,000

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

(1)  Presents reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial measures. We believe the use of these non-GAAP financial measures provides additional clarity in assessing the results 
of the Corporation and our segments. Other companies may define or calculate these measures differently. For more information on non-GAAP financial measures and ratios we use in assessing the 
results of the Corporation, see Supplemental Financial Data on page 28.

(2)  There are no adjustments to reported net income (loss) or average allocated equity for LAS.
(3)  Represents cost of funds, earnings credits and certain expenses related to intangibles.
(4)  Average allocated equity is comprised of average allocated capital plus capital for the portion of goodwill and intangibles specifically assigned to the business segment. For more information on 

allocated capital, see Business Segment Operations on page 30 and Note 8 – Goodwill and Intangible Assets to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

122     Bank of America 2015

 
 
Adjustment related to goodwill and a percentage of intangibles

Adjustment related to goodwill and a percentage of intangibles

Adjustment related to goodwill and a percentage of intangibles

Average allocated capital

Adjustment related to goodwill and a percentage of intangibles

(Dollars in millions)

Consumer Banking

Reported net income

Adjustment related to intangibles (3)

Adjusted net income

Average allocated equity (4)

Average allocated capital

Deposits

Reported net income

Adjustment related to intangibles (3)

Adjusted net income

Average allocated equity (4)

Average allocated capital

Consumer Lending

Reported net income

Adjustment related to intangibles (3)

Adjusted net income

Average allocated equity (4)

Global Wealth & Investment Management

Reported net income

Adjustment related to intangibles (3)

Adjusted net income

Average allocated equity (4)

Average allocated capital

Global Banking

Reported net income

Adjustment related to intangibles (3)

Adjusted net income

Average allocated equity (4)

Average allocated capital

Global Markets

Reported net income

Adjustment related to intangibles (3)

Adjusted net income

Average allocated equity (4)

Adjustment related to goodwill and a percentage of intangibles

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

6,739

4

6,743

59,319

(30,319)

29,000

2,685

—

2,685

30,420

(18,420)

12,000

4,054

4

4,058

28,900

(11,900)

17,000

2,609

11

2,620

22,130

(10,130)

12,000

5,273

1

5,274

58,935

(23,935)

35,000

2,496

10

2,506

40,392

(5,392)

35,000

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

6,436

4

6,440

60,398

(30,398)

30,000

2,415

—

2,415

29,432

(18,432)

11,000

4,021

4

4,025

30,966

(11,966)

19,000

2,969

13

2,982

22,214

(10,214)

12,000

5,769

2

5,771

57,429

(23,929)

33,500

2,705

9

2,714

39,394

(5,394)

34,000

Table XIV  Two-year Reconciliations to GAAP Financial Measures (1, 2) 

Table XV  Quarterly Reconciliations to GAAP Financial Measures (1)

2015

2014

2015 Quarters

2014 Quarters

(Dollars in millions)

Fourth

Third

Second

First

Fourth

Third

Second

First

Reconciliation of net interest income to net interest income on a fully

taxable-equivalent basis

Net interest income

Fully taxable-equivalent adjustment

Net interest income on a fully taxable-equivalent basis

Reconciliation of total revenue, net of interest expense to total revenue,

net of interest expense on a fully taxable-equivalent basis

$

$

9,801

231

10,032

$

$

9,511
231

9,742

$

$

10,488

228

10,716

$

$

9,451

219

9,670

$

$

9,635

230

9,865

$

$

10,219

225

10,444

$

$

10,013

213

10,226

$

$

10,085

201

10,286

Total revenue, net of interest expense (2)
Fully taxable-equivalent adjustment

$

19,528

$

231

20,381
231

$

21,816

$

20,782

$

18,725

$

21,209

$

21,747

$

22,566

228

219

230

225

213

201

Total revenue, net of interest expense on a fully taxable-equivalent

basis

$

19,759

$

20,612

$

22,044

$

21,001

$

18,955

$

21,434

$

21,960

$

22,767

Reconciliation of income tax expense (benefit) to income tax expense

(benefit) on a fully taxable-equivalent basis

Income tax expense (benefit) (2)
Fully taxable-equivalent adjustment

Income tax expense (benefit) on a fully taxable-equivalent basis

Reconciliation of average common shareholders’ equity to average

tangible common shareholders’ equity

Common shareholders’ equity

Goodwill

Intangible assets (excluding MSRs)

Related deferred tax liabilities

$

$

1,511

231

1,742

$

$

1,446
231

1,677

$

$

2,084

228

2,312

$

$

1,225

219

1,444

$

$

1,260

230

1,490

$

$

663

225

888

$

$

504

213

717

$

$

(405)
201
(204)

$ 234,851

$ 231,620

$ 228,780

$ 225,357

$ 224,479

$ 222,374

$ 222,221

(69,761)

(3,888)

1,753

(69,774)

(69,775)

(69,776)

(69,782)

(69,792)

(69,822)

(4,099)

1,811

(4,307)

1,885

(4,518)

1,959

(4,747)

2,019

(4,992)

2,077

(5,235)

2,100

Tangible common shareholders’ equity

$ 162,955

$ 159,558

$ 156,583

$ 153,022

$ 151,969

$ 149,667

$ 149,264

Reconciliation of average shareholders’ equity to average tangible

shareholders’ equity

Shareholders’ equity

Goodwill

Intangible assets (excluding MSRs)

Related deferred tax liabilities

Tangible shareholders’ equity

Reconciliation of period-end common shareholders’ equity to period-end

tangible common shareholders’ equity

Common shareholders’ equity

Goodwill

Intangible assets (excluding MSRs)

Related deferred tax liabilities

$ 257,125

$ 253,893

$ 251,054

$ 245,744

$ 243,454

$ 238,040

$ 235,803

(69,761)

(3,888)

1,753

(69,774)

(69,775)

(69,776)

(69,782)

(69,792)

(69,822)

(4,099)

1,811

(4,307)

1,885

(4,518)

1,959

(4,747)

2,019

(4,992)

2,077

(5,235)

2,100

$ 185,229

$ 181,831

$ 178,857

$ 173,409

$ 170,944

$ 165,333

$ 162,846

$ 233,932

$ 233,632

$ 229,386

$ 227,915

$ 224,162

$ 220,768

$ 222,565

(69,761)

(3,768)

1,716

(69,761)

(69,775)

(69,776)

(69,777)

(69,784)

(69,810)

(3,973)

1,762

(4,188)

1,813

(4,391)

1,900

(4,612)

1,960

(4,849)

2,019

(5,099)

2,078

Tangible common shareholders’ equity

$ 162,119

$ 161,660

$ 157,236

$ 155,648

$ 151,733

$ 148,154

$ 149,734

Reconciliation of period-end shareholders’ equity to period-end tangible

shareholders’ equity

Shareholders’ equity

Goodwill

Intangible assets (excluding MSRs)

Related deferred tax liabilities

Tangible shareholders’ equity

Reconciliation of period-end assets to period-end tangible assets

Assets

Goodwill

Intangible assets (excluding MSRs)

Related deferred tax liabilities

Tangible assets

$ 256,205

$ 255,905

$ 251,659

$ 250,188

$ 243,471

$ 238,681

$ 237,411

(69,761)

(3,768)

1,716

(69,761)

(69,775)

(69,776)

(69,777)

(69,784)

(69,810)

(3,973)

1,762

(4,188)

1,813

(4,391)

1,900

(4,612)

1,960

(4,849)

2,019

(5,099)

2,078

$ 184,392

$ 183,933

$ 179,509

$ 177,921

$ 171,042

$ 166,067

$ 164,580

$ 2,144,316

$2,153,006

$2,149,034

$2,143,545

$2,104,534

$2,123,613

(69,761)

(3,768)

1,716

(69,761)

(69,775)

(69,776)

(69,777)

(69,784)

(3,973)

1,762

(4,188)

1,813

(4,391)

1,900

(4,612)

1,960

(4,849)

2,019

$ 2,072,503

$2,081,034

$2,076,884

$2,071,278

$2,032,105

$2,050,999

$2,170,557
(69,810)

(5,099)

2,078
$2,097,726

$2,149,851
(69,842)
(5,337)
2,100
$2,076,772

$ 223,207
(69,842)
(5,474)
2,165
$ 150,056

$ 236,559
(69,842)
(5,474)
2,165
$ 163,408

$ 218,536
(69,842)
(5,337)
2,100
$ 145,457

$ 231,888
(69,842)
(5,337)
2,100
$ 158,809

(1)  Presents reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial measures. We believe the use of these non-GAAP financial measures provides additional clarity in assessing the results 

of the Corporation and our segments. Other companies may define or calculate these measures differently. For more information on non-GAAP financial measures and ratios we use in assessing the 

Adjustment related to goodwill and a percentage of intangibles

Average allocated capital

results of the Corporation, see Supplemental Financial Data on page 28.

(2)  There are no adjustments to reported net income (loss) or average allocated equity for LAS.

(3)  Represents cost of funds, earnings credits and certain expenses related to intangibles.

(4)  Average allocated equity is comprised of average allocated capital plus capital for the portion of goodwill and intangibles specifically assigned to the business segment. For more information on 

allocated capital, see Business Segment Operations on page 30 and Note 8 – Goodwill and Intangible Assets to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

(1)  Presents reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial measures. We believe the use of these non-GAAP financial measures provides additional clarity in assessing the results 
of the Corporation. Other companies may define or calculate these measures differently. For more information on non-GAAP financial measures and ratios we use in assessing the results of the 
Corporation, see Supplemental Financial Data on page 28.

(2)  The results for 2015 were impacted by the early adoption of new accounting guidance on recognition and measurement of financial instruments. For additional information, see Executive Summary 

– Recent Events on page 20.

122     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     123

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Glossary

Alt-A Mortgage – A type of U.S. mortgage that, for various reasons, 
is considered riskier than A-paper, or “prime,” and less risky than 
“subprime,” the riskiest category. Alt-A interest rates, which are 
determined by credit risk, therefore tend to be between those of 
prime and subprime consumer real estate loans. Typically, Alt-A 
mortgages  are  characterized  by  borrowers  with  less  than  full 
documentation, lower credit scores and higher LTVs.

Assets  in  Custody  –  Consist  largely  of  custodial  and  non-
discretionary 
trust  assets  excluding  brokerage  assets 
administered for clients. Trust assets encompass a broad range 
of asset types including real estate, private company ownership 
interest, personal property and investments.

obligations.  The  nature  of  a  credit  event  is  established  by  the 
protection purchaser and the protection seller at the inception of 
the transaction, and such events generally include bankruptcy or 
insolvency of the referenced credit entity, failure to meet payment 
obligations when due, as well as acceleration of indebtedness and 
payment repudiation or moratorium. The purchaser of the credit 
derivative  pays  a  periodic  fee  in  return  for  a  payment  by  the 
protection seller upon the occurrence, if any, of such a credit event. 
A credit default swap is a type of a credit derivative.

Credit Valuation Adjustment (CVA) – A portfolio adjustment required 
to properly reflect the counterparty credit risk exposure as part of 
the fair value of derivative instruments. 

Assets  Under  Management  (AUM)  –  The  total  market  value  of 
assets under the investment advisory and/or discretion of GWIM 
which generate asset management fees based on a percentage 
of  the  assets’  market  values.  AUM  reflects  assets  that  are 
generally  managed  for  institutional,  high  net  worth  and  retail 
clients, and are distributed through various investment products 
including mutual funds, other commingled vehicles and separate 
accounts. AUM is classified in two categories, Liquidity AUM and 
Long-term  AUM.  Liquidity  AUM  are  assets  under  advisory  and 
discretion of GWIM in which the investment strategy seeks current 
income, while maintaining liquidity and capital preservation. The 
duration of these strategies is primarily less than one year. Long-
term AUM are assets under advisory and/or discretion of GWIM 
in which the duration of investment strategy is longer than one 
year.

Carrying Value (with respect to loans) – The amount at which a loan 
is recorded on the balance sheet. For loans recorded at amortized 
cost,  carrying  value  is  the  unpaid  principal  balance  net  of 
unamortized  deferred  loan  origination  fees  and  costs,  and 
unamortized purchase premium or discount. For loans that are or 
have been on nonaccrual status, the carrying value is also reduced 
by any net charge-offs that have been recorded and the amount 
of interest payments applied as a reduction of principal under the 
cost recovery method. For PCI loans, the carrying value equals fair 
value upon acquisition adjusted for subsequent cash collections 
and yield accreted to date. For credit card loans, the carrying value 
also includes interest that has been billed to the customer. For 
loans  classified  as  held-for-sale,  carrying  value  is  the  lower  of 
carrying value as described in the sentences above, or fair value. 
For  loans  for  which  we  have  elected  the  fair  value  option,  the 
carrying value is fair value.

Client Brokerage Assets – Include client assets which are held in 
brokerage  accounts.  This  includes  non-discretionary  brokerage 
and fee-based assets which generate brokerage income and asset 
management fee revenue.

Committed  Credit  Exposure  –  Includes  any  funded  portion  of  a 
facility plus the unfunded portion of a facility on which the lender 
is legally bound to advance funds during a specified period under 
prescribed conditions.

Credit  Derivatives  –  Contractual  agreements  that  provide 
protection  against  a  credit  event  on  one  or  more  referenced 

124     Bank of America 2015

Debit Valuation Adjustment (DVA) – A portfolio adjustment required 
to properly reflect the Corporation’s own credit risk exposure as 
part of the fair value of derivative instruments and/or structured 
liabilities.

Funding  Valuation  Adjustment  (FVA)  –  A  portfolio  adjustment 
required to include funding costs on uncollateralized derivatives 
and derivatives where the Corporation is not permitted to use the 
collateral it receives. 

Interest Rate Lock Commitment (IRLC) – Commitment with a loan 
applicant in which the loan terms, including interest rate and price, 
are guaranteed for a designated period of time subject to credit 
approval.

Letter of Credit – A document issued on behalf of a customer to 
a third party promising to pay the third party upon presentation of 
specified documents. A letter of credit effectively substitutes the 
issuer’s credit for that of the customer. 

Loan-to-value (LTV) – A commonly used credit quality metric that 
is  reported  in  terms  of  ending  and  average  LTV.  Ending  LTV  is 
calculated as the outstanding carrying value of the loan at the end 
of  the  period  divided  by  the  estimated  value  of  the  property 
securing the loan. An additional metric related to LTV is combined 
loan-to-value (CLTV) which is similar to the LTV metric, yet combines 
the outstanding balance on the residential mortgage loan and the 
outstanding carrying value on the home equity loan or available 
line  of  credit,  both  of  which  are  secured  by  the  same  property, 
divided by the estimated value of the property. A LTV of 100 percent 
reflects a loan that is currently secured by a property valued at an 
amount exactly equal to the carrying value or available line of the 
loan. Estimated property values are generally determined through 
the use of automated valuation models (AVMs) or the CoreLogic 
Case-Shiller Index. An AVM is a tool that estimates the value of a 
property by reference to large volumes of market data including 
sales of comparable properties and price trends specific to the 
MSA in which the property being valued is located. CoreLogic Case-
Shiller is a widely used index based on data from repeat sales of 
single family homes. CoreLogic Case-Shiller indexed-based values 
are reported on a three-month or one-quarter lag.

Margin  Receivable  –  An  extension  of  credit  secured  by  eligible 
securities in certain brokerage accounts.

Glossary

Alt-A Mortgage – A type of U.S. mortgage that, for various reasons, 

obligations.  The  nature  of  a  credit  event  is  established  by  the 

is considered riskier than A-paper, or “prime,” and less risky than 

protection purchaser and the protection seller at the inception of 

“subprime,” the riskiest category. Alt-A interest rates, which are 

the transaction, and such events generally include bankruptcy or 

determined by credit risk, therefore tend to be between those of 

insolvency of the referenced credit entity, failure to meet payment 

prime and subprime consumer real estate loans. Typically, Alt-A 

obligations when due, as well as acceleration of indebtedness and 

mortgages  are  characterized  by  borrowers  with  less  than  full 

payment repudiation or moratorium. The purchaser of the credit 

documentation, lower credit scores and higher LTVs.

derivative  pays  a  periodic  fee  in  return  for  a  payment  by  the 

protection seller upon the occurrence, if any, of such a credit event. 

A credit default swap is a type of a credit derivative.

Assets  in  Custody  –  Consist  largely  of  custodial  and  non-

discretionary 

trust  assets  excluding  brokerage  assets 

administered for clients. Trust assets encompass a broad range 

Credit Valuation Adjustment (CVA) – A portfolio adjustment required 

of asset types including real estate, private company ownership 

to properly reflect the counterparty credit risk exposure as part of 

interest, personal property and investments.

the fair value of derivative instruments. 

Assets  Under  Management  (AUM)  –  The  total  market  value  of 

Debit Valuation Adjustment (DVA) – A portfolio adjustment required 

assets under the investment advisory and/or discretion of GWIM 

to properly reflect the Corporation’s own credit risk exposure as 

which generate asset management fees based on a percentage 

part of the fair value of derivative instruments and/or structured 

of  the  assets’  market  values.  AUM  reflects  assets  that  are 

liabilities.

generally  managed  for  institutional,  high  net  worth  and  retail 

clients, and are distributed through various investment products 

including mutual funds, other commingled vehicles and separate 

accounts. AUM is classified in two categories, Liquidity AUM and 

Long-term  AUM.  Liquidity  AUM  are  assets  under  advisory  and 

discretion of GWIM in which the investment strategy seeks current 

income, while maintaining liquidity and capital preservation. The 

duration of these strategies is primarily less than one year. Long-

term AUM are assets under advisory and/or discretion of GWIM 

in which the duration of investment strategy is longer than one 

year.

Carrying Value (with respect to loans) – The amount at which a loan 

is recorded on the balance sheet. For loans recorded at amortized 

cost,  carrying  value  is  the  unpaid  principal  balance  net  of 

unamortized  deferred  loan  origination  fees  and  costs,  and 

unamortized purchase premium or discount. For loans that are or 

have been on nonaccrual status, the carrying value is also reduced 

by any net charge-offs that have been recorded and the amount 

of interest payments applied as a reduction of principal under the 

cost recovery method. For PCI loans, the carrying value equals fair 

value upon acquisition adjusted for subsequent cash collections 

and yield accreted to date. For credit card loans, the carrying value 

also includes interest that has been billed to the customer. For 

loans  classified  as  held-for-sale,  carrying  value  is  the  lower  of 

carrying value as described in the sentences above, or fair value. 

For  loans  for  which  we  have  elected  the  fair  value  option,  the 

carrying value is fair value.

Client Brokerage Assets – Include client assets which are held in 

brokerage  accounts.  This  includes  non-discretionary  brokerage 

and fee-based assets which generate brokerage income and asset 

management fee revenue.

Committed  Credit  Exposure  –  Includes  any  funded  portion  of  a 

facility plus the unfunded portion of a facility on which the lender 

is legally bound to advance funds during a specified period under 

prescribed conditions.

Credit  Derivatives  –  Contractual  agreements  that  provide 

protection  against  a  credit  event  on  one  or  more  referenced 

124     Bank of America 2015

Funding  Valuation  Adjustment  (FVA)  –  A  portfolio  adjustment 

required to include funding costs on uncollateralized derivatives 

and derivatives where the Corporation is not permitted to use the 

collateral it receives. 

Interest Rate Lock Commitment (IRLC) – Commitment with a loan 

applicant in which the loan terms, including interest rate and price, 

are guaranteed for a designated period of time subject to credit 

approval.

Letter of Credit – A document issued on behalf of a customer to 

a third party promising to pay the third party upon presentation of 

specified documents. A letter of credit effectively substitutes the 

issuer’s credit for that of the customer. 

Loan-to-value (LTV) – A commonly used credit quality metric that 

is  reported  in  terms  of  ending  and  average  LTV.  Ending  LTV  is 

calculated as the outstanding carrying value of the loan at the end 

of  the  period  divided  by  the  estimated  value  of  the  property 

securing the loan. An additional metric related to LTV is combined 

loan-to-value (CLTV) which is similar to the LTV metric, yet combines 

the outstanding balance on the residential mortgage loan and the 

outstanding carrying value on the home equity loan or available 

line  of  credit,  both  of  which  are  secured  by  the  same  property, 

divided by the estimated value of the property. A LTV of 100 percent 

reflects a loan that is currently secured by a property valued at an 

amount exactly equal to the carrying value or available line of the 

loan. Estimated property values are generally determined through 

the use of automated valuation models (AVMs) or the CoreLogic 

Case-Shiller Index. An AVM is a tool that estimates the value of a 

property by reference to large volumes of market data including 

sales of comparable properties and price trends specific to the 

MSA in which the property being valued is located. CoreLogic Case-

Shiller is a widely used index based on data from repeat sales of 

single family homes. CoreLogic Case-Shiller indexed-based values 

are reported on a three-month or one-quarter lag.

Margin  Receivable  –  An  extension  of  credit  secured  by  eligible 

securities in certain brokerage accounts.

Market-related  Adjustments  –  Include  adjustments  to  premium 
amortization  or  discount  accretion  on  debt  securities  when  a 
decrease in long-term rates shortens (or an increase extends) the 
estimated lives of mortgage-related debt securities. Also included 
in  market-related  adjustments  is  hedge  ineffectiveness  that 
impacts net interest income.

Matched Book – Repurchase and resale agreements and securities 
borrowed and loaned transactions entered into to accommodate 
customers and earn interest rate spreads.

Mortgage Servicing Right (MSR) – The right to service a mortgage 
loan  when  the  underlying  loan  is  sold  or  securitized.  Servicing 
includes collections for principal, interest and escrow payments 
from  borrowers  and  accounting  for  and  remitting  principal  and 
interest payments to investors.

Net Interest Yield – Net interest income divided by average total 
interest-earning assets.

Nonperforming Loans and Leases – Include loans and leases that 
have  been  placed  on  nonaccrual  status,  including  nonaccruing 
loans whose contractual terms have been restructured in a manner 
that  grants  a  concession  to  a  borrower  experiencing  financial 
difficulties (TDRs). Loans accounted for under the fair value option, 
PCI loans and LHFS are not reported as nonperforming loans and 
leases.  Consumer  credit  card  loans,  business  card  loans, 
consumer loans secured by personal property (except for certain 
secured consumer loans, including those that have been modified 
in a TDR), and consumer loans secured by real estate that are 
insured  by  the  FHA  or  through  long-term  credit  protection 
agreements with FNMA and FHLMC (fully-insured loan portfolio) 
are  not  placed  on  nonaccrual  status  and  are,  therefore,  not 
reported as nonperforming loans and leases.

Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) – A framework established by the 
U.S. banking regulators requiring banks to maintain certain levels 
of  regulatory  capital  ratios,  comprised  of  five  categories  of 
capitalization:  “well  capitalized,”  “adequately  capitalized,” 
“undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized,” and “critically 
undercapitalized.” Insured depository institutions that fail to meet 
these capital levels are subject to increasingly strict limits on their 
activities, including their ability to make capital distributions, pay 
management compensation, grow assets and take other actions. 

Purchased Credit-impaired (PCI) Loan – A loan purchased as an 
individual loan, in a portfolio of loans or in a business combination 

with evidence of deterioration in credit quality since origination for 
which  it  is  probable,  upon  acquisition,  that  the  investor  will  be 
unable to collect all contractually required payments. These loans 
are recorded at fair value upon acquisition.

Subprime  Loans  –  Although  a  standard  industry  definition  for 
subprime  loans  (including  subprime  mortgage  loans)  does  not 
exist, the Corporation defines subprime loans as specific product 
offerings for higher risk borrowers, including individuals with one 
or  a  combination  of  high  credit  risk  factors,  such  as  low  FICO 
scores, high debt to income ratios and inferior payment history.

Troubled Debt Restructurings (TDRs) – Loans whose contractual 
terms have been restructured in a manner that grants a concession 
to a borrower experiencing financial difficulties. Certain consumer 
loans for which a binding offer to restructure has been extended 
are also classified as TDRs. Concessions could include a reduction 
in  the  interest  rate  to  a  rate  that  is  below  market  on the  loan, 
payment extensions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance, loans 
discharged in bankruptcy or other actions intended to maximize 
collection. Secured consumer loans that have been discharged in 
Chapter 7 bankruptcy and have not been reaffirmed by the borrower 
are classified as TDRs at the time of discharge from bankruptcy. 
TDRs are generally reported as nonperforming loans and leases 
while on nonaccrual status. Nonperforming TDRs may be returned 
to accrual status when, among other criteria, payment in full of all 
amounts due under the restructured terms is expected and the 
borrower  has  demonstrated  a  sustained  period  of  repayment 
performance, generally six months. TDRs that are on accrual status 
are reported as performing TDRs through the end of the calendar 
year in which the restructuring occurred or the year in which they 
are returned to accrual status. In addition, if accruing TDRs bear 
less than a market rate of interest at the time of modification, they 
are reported as performing TDRs throughout their remaining lives 
unless and until they cease to perform in accordance with their 
modified contractual terms, at which time they would be placed 
on nonaccrual status and reported as nonperforming TDRs.

Value-at-Risk (VaR) – VaR is a model that simulates the value of 
a  portfolio  under  a  range  of  hypothetical  scenarios  in  order  to 
generate  a  distribution  of  potential  gains  and  losses.  VaR 
represents the loss the portfolio is expected to experience with a 
given confidence level based on historical data. A VaR model is 
an effective tool in estimating ranges of potential gains and losses 
on our trading portfolios. 

Bank of America 2015     125

Acronyms

ABS
AFS
ALM
ARM
AUM
BHC
CCAR
CDO
CGA
CLO
CRA
CVA
DVA
EAD
ERC
FDIC
FHA
FHFA
FHLB
FHLMC
FICC
FICO
FLUs
FNMA
FTE
FVA
GAAP

GM&CA
GNMA
GSE
HELOC

Asset-backed securities
Available-for-sale
Asset and liability management
Adjustable-rate mortgage
Assets under management
Bank holding company
Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review
Collateralized debt obligation
Corporate General Auditor
Collateralized loan obligation
Community Reinvestment Act
Credit valuation adjustment
Debit valuation adjustment
Exposure at default
Enterprise Risk Committee
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Federal Housing Administration
Federal Housing Finance Agency
Federal Home Loan Bank
Freddie Mac
Fixed-income, currencies and commodities
Fair Isaac Corporation (credit score)
Front line units
Fannie Mae
Fully taxable-equivalent
Funding valuation adjustment
Accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America
Global Marketing and Corporate Affairs
Government National Mortgage Association
Government-sponsored enterprise
Home equity lines of credit

HFI
HQLA
HUD

IRM
LCR
LGD
LHFS
LIBOR
LTV
MD&A

MI
MRC
MSA
MSR
NSFR
OCC
OCI
OTC
OTTI
PCA
PCI
PPI
RCSAs
RMBS
SBLCs
SEC
SLR
TDR
TLAC
VIE

Held-for-investment
High Quality Liquid Assets
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development
Independent risk management
Liquidity Coverage Ratio
Loss-given default
Loans held-for-sale
London InterBank Offered Rate
Loan-to-value
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Mortgage insurance
Management Risk Committee
Metropolitan statistical area
Mortgage servicing right
Net Stable Funding Ratio
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Other comprehensive income
Over-the-counter
Other-than-temporary impairment
Prompt Corrective Action
Purchased credit-impaired
Payment protection insurance
Risk and Control Self Assessments
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Standby letters of credit
Securities and Exchange Commission
Supplementary leverage ratio
Troubled debt restructurings
Total Loss-Absorbing Capacity
Variable interest entity

126     Bank of America 2015

 
CCAR

Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review

Asset-backed securities

Available-for-sale

Asset and liability management

Adjustable-rate mortgage

Assets under management

Bank holding company

Collateralized debt obligation

Corporate General Auditor

Collateralized loan obligation

Community Reinvestment Act

Credit valuation adjustment

Debit valuation adjustment

Exposure at default

Enterprise Risk Committee

Acronyms

ABS

AFS

ALM

ARM

AUM

BHC

CDO

CGA

CLO

CRA

CVA

DVA

EAD

ERC

FDIC

FHA

FHFA

FHLB

FICC

FICO

FLUs

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

Federal Housing Administration

Federal Housing Finance Agency

Federal Home Loan Bank

FHLMC

Freddie Mac

Fixed-income, currencies and commodities

Fair Isaac Corporation (credit score)

Front line units

FNMA

Fannie Mae

FTE

FVA

GAAP

GM&CA

GNMA

GSE

HELOC

Fully taxable-equivalent

Funding valuation adjustment

Accounting principles generally accepted in the

United States of America

Global Marketing and Corporate Affairs

Government National Mortgage Association

Government-sponsored enterprise

Home equity lines of credit

HFI

HQLA

HUD

IRM

LCR

LGD

LHFS

LIBOR

LTV

MD&A

MI

MRC

MSA

MSR

NSFR

OCC

OCI

OTC

OTTI

PCA

PCI

PPI

RCSAs

RMBS

SBLCs

SEC

SLR

TDR

TLAC

VIE

Held-for-investment

High Quality Liquid Assets

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban

Development

Independent risk management

Liquidity Coverage Ratio

Loss-given default

Loans held-for-sale

London InterBank Offered Rate

Loan-to-value

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of

Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Mortgage insurance

Management Risk Committee

Metropolitan statistical area

Mortgage servicing right

Net Stable Funding Ratio

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

Other comprehensive income

Over-the-counter

Other-than-temporary impairment

Prompt Corrective Action

Purchased credit-impaired

Payment protection insurance

Risk and Control Self Assessments

Residential mortgage-backed securities

Standby letters of credit

Securities and Exchange Commission

Supplementary leverage ratio

Troubled debt restructurings

Total Loss-Absorbing Capacity

Variable interest entity

Financial Statements and Notes
Table of Contents

Consolidated Statement of Income
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Principles
Note 2 – Derivatives
Note 3 – Securities
Note 4 – Outstanding Loans and Leases
Note 5 – Allowance for Credit Losses
Note 6 – Securitizations and Other Variable Interest Entities
Note 7 – Representations and Warranties Obligations and Corporate Guarantees
Note 8 – Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Note 9 – Deposits
Note 10 – Federal Funds Sold or Purchased, Securities Financing Agreements and Short-term Borrowings
Note 11 – Long-term Debt
Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies
Note 13 – Shareholders’ Equity
Note 14 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Note 15 – Earnings Per Common Share
Note 16 – Regulatory Requirements and Restrictions
Note 17 – Employee Benefit Plans
Note 18 – Stock-based Compensation Plans
Note 19 – Income Taxes
Note 20 – Fair Value Measurements
Note 21 – Fair Value Option
Note 22 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Note 23 – Mortgage Servicing Rights
Note 24 – Business Segment Information
Note 25 – Parent Company Information
Note 26 – Performance by Geographical Area

Page
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131
132
134
135
136
147
157
162
177
179
185
189
190
190
193
196
204
208
210
211
213
220
221
224
238
241
242
243
247
249

126     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     127

 
Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

based on the framework set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control – 
Integrated  Framework  (2013).  Based  on  that  assessment, 
management  concluded  that,  as  of  December 31,  2015,  the 
Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting is effective.
The Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of 
December 31, 
by 
has 
PricewaterhouseCoopers,  LLP,  an  independent  registered  public 
accounting  firm,  as  stated  in  their  accompanying  report  which 
expresses  an  unqualified  opinion  on  the  effectiveness  of  the 
Corporation’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of 
December 31, 2015.

audited 

2015 

been 

Brian T. Moynihan
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President

Paul M. Donofrio
Chief Financial Officer

Bank of America Corporation and Subsidiaries

The management of Bank of America Corporation is responsible 
for  establishing  and  maintaining  adequate  internal  control  over 
financial reporting.

The Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting is a 
process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the 
reliability  of  financial  reporting  and  the  preparation  of  financial 
statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting 
principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The 
Corporation’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  includes 
those policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance 
of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect 
the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Corporation; 
(ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded 
as  necessary  to  permit  preparation  of  financial  statements  in 
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the 
United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of 
the  Corporation  are  being  made  only  in  accordance  with 
authorizations of management and directors of the Corporation; 
and  (iii)  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  prevention  or 
timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition 
of the Corporation’s assets that could have a material effect on 
the financial statements.

Because  of  its  inherent  limitations,  internal  control  over 
financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, 
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are 
subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because 
of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with 
the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Corporation’s 
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 

128     Bank of America 2015

Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Bank of America Corporation and Subsidiaries

Bank of America Corporation and Subsidiaries

The management of Bank of America Corporation is responsible 

based on the framework set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring 

for  establishing  and  maintaining  adequate  internal  control  over 

Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control – 

financial reporting.

Integrated  Framework  (2013).  Based  on  that  assessment, 

The Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting is a 

management  concluded  that,  as  of  December 31,  2015,  the 

process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the 

Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting is effective.

reliability  of  financial  reporting  and  the  preparation  of  financial 

The Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of 

statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting 

December 31, 

2015 

has 

been 

audited 

by 

principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The 

PricewaterhouseCoopers,  LLP,  an  independent  registered  public 

Corporation’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  includes 

accounting  firm,  as  stated  in  their  accompanying  report  which 

those policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance 

expresses  an  unqualified  opinion  on  the  effectiveness  of  the 

of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect 

Corporation’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of 

the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Corporation; 

December 31, 2015.

(ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded 

as  necessary  to  permit  preparation  of  financial  statements  in 

accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the 

United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of 

the  Corporation  are  being  made  only  in  accordance  with 

authorizations of management and directors of the Corporation; 

and  (iii)  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  prevention  or 

timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition 

of the Corporation’s assets that could have a material effect on 

the financial statements.

Because  of  its  inherent  limitations,  internal  control  over 

financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, 

projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are 

subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because 

of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with 

the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Corporation’s 

internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 

Brian T. Moynihan

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President

Paul M. Donofrio

Chief Financial Officer

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Bank 
of America Corporation:
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and 
the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive 
income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows present 
fairly,  in  all  material  respects,  the  financial  position  of  Bank  of 
America Corporation and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2015 
and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows 
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 
in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the 
United  States  of  America.  Also  in  our  opinion,  the  Corporation 
maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over 
financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria 
established  in  Internal  Control  –  Integrated  Framework  (2013) 
issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the 
Treadway Commission (COSO). The Corporation’s management is 
responsible  for  these  financial  statements,  for  maintaining 
effective  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  and  for  its 
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial 
reporting, included in the accompanying Report of Management 
on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is 
to  express  opinions  on  these  financial  statements  and  on  the 
Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting based on our 
integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the 
standards  of  the  Public  Company  Accounting  Oversight  Board 
(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform 
the  audits  to  obtain  reasonable  assurance  about  whether  the 
financial  statements  are  free  of  material  misstatement  and 
whether  effective  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  was 
maintained  in  all  material  respects.  Our  audits  of  the  financial 
statements  included  examining,  on  a  test  basis,  evidence 
supporting  the  amounts  and  disclosures  in  the  financial 
statements,  assessing  the  accounting  principles  used  and 
significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the 
overall  financial  statement  presentation.  Our  audit  of  internal 
control  over 
included  obtaining  an 
reporting 
understanding  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting, 
assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing 

financial 

and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal 
control  based  on  the  assessed  risk.  Our  audits  also  included 
performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in 
the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable 
basis for our opinions.

A  company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  is  a 
process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the 
reliability  of  financial  reporting  and  the  preparation  of  financial 
statements  for  external  purposes  in  accordance  with  generally 
accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over 
financial  reporting  includes  those  policies  and  procedures  that 
(i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, 
accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of 
the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that 
transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of 
financial  statements  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted 
accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the 
company are being made only in accordance with authorizations 
of  management  and  directors  of  the  company;  and  (iii)  provide 
reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of 
unauthorized  acquisition,  use,  or  disposition  of  the  company’s 
assets  that  could  have  a  material  effect  on  the  financial 
statements.

Because  of  its  inherent  limitations,  internal  control  over 
financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, 
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are 
subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because 
of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with 
the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Charlotte, North Carolina
February 24, 2016

128     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     129

Bank of America Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statement of Income

(Dollars in millions, except per share information)

Interest income

Loans and leases
Debt securities
Federal funds sold and securities borrowed or purchased under agreements to resell
Trading account assets
Other interest income

Total interest income

Interest expense

Deposits
Short-term borrowings
Trading account liabilities
Long-term debt

Total interest expense
Net interest income

Noninterest income

Card income
Service charges
Investment and brokerage services
Investment banking income
Equity investment income
Trading account profits
Mortgage banking income
Gains on sales of debt securities
Other income (loss)

Total noninterest income
Total revenue, net of interest expense

Provision for credit losses

Noninterest expense

Personnel
Occupancy
Equipment
Marketing
Professional fees
Amortization of intangibles
Data processing
Telecommunications
Other general operating

Total noninterest expense
Income before income taxes

Income tax expense
Net income

Preferred stock dividends

Net income applicable to common shareholders

Per common share information

Earnings
Diluted earnings
Dividends paid

Average common shares issued and outstanding (in thousands)
Average diluted common shares issued and outstanding (in thousands)

2015

2014

2013

$

32,070
9,319
988
4,397
3,026
49,800

861
2,387
1,343
5,958
10,549
39,251

5,959
7,381
13,337
5,572
261
6,473
2,364
1,091
818
43,256
82,507

$

34,307
8,021
1,039
4,561
2,958
50,886

1,080
2,578
1,576
5,700
10,934
39,952

5,944
7,443
13,284
6,065
1,130
6,309
1,563
1,354
1,203
44,295
84,247

36,470
9,749
1,229
4,706
2,866
55,020

1,396
2,923
1,638
6,798
12,755
42,265

5,826
7,390
12,282
6,126
2,901
7,056
3,874
1,271
(49)
46,677
88,942

3,161

2,275

3,556

32,868
4,093
2,039
1,811
2,264
834
3,115
823
9,345
57,192
22,154
6,266
15,888
1,483
14,405

$

$

33,787
4,260
2,125
1,829
2,472
936
3,144
1,259
25,305
75,117
6,855
2,022
4,833
1,044
3,789

$

$

34,719
4,475
2,146
1,834
2,884
1,086
3,170
1,593
17,307
69,214
16,172
4,741
11,431
1,349
10,082

$

$

$

$

1.38
1.31
0.20
10,462,282
11,213,992

$

0.36
0.36
0.12
10,527,818
10,584,535

$

0.94
0.90
0.04
10,731,165
11,491,418

130     Bank of America 2015

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bank of America Corporation and Subsidiaries

Bank of America Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statement of Income

(Dollars in millions, except per share information)

2015

2014

2013

(Dollars in millions)

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

Federal funds sold and securities borrowed or purchased under agreements to resell

$

32,070

$

34,307

$

36,470

49,800

50,886

55,020

Net income
Other comprehensive income (loss), net-of-tax:

Net change in available-for-sale debt and marketable equity securities
Net change in debit valuation adjustments
Net change in derivatives
Employee benefit plan adjustments
Net change in foreign currency translation adjustments

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Comprehensive income

2015

2014

2013

$

15,888

$

4,833

$

11,431

(1,598)
615
584
394
(123)
(128)
15,760

$

4,621
—
616
(943)
(157)
4,137
8,970

$

(8,166)
—
592
2,049
(135)
(5,660)
5,771

$

Interest income

Loans and leases

Debt securities

Trading account assets

Other interest income

Total interest income

Interest expense

Deposits

Short-term borrowings

Trading account liabilities

Long-term debt

Total interest expense

Net interest income

Noninterest income

Card income

Service charges

Investment and brokerage services

Investment banking income

Equity investment income

Trading account profits

Mortgage banking income

Gains on sales of debt securities

Other income (loss)

Total noninterest income

Total revenue, net of interest expense

Provision for credit losses

Noninterest expense

Personnel

Occupancy

Equipment

Marketing

Professional fees

Amortization of intangibles

Data processing

Telecommunications

Other general operating

Total noninterest expense

Income before income taxes

Income tax expense

Net income

Preferred stock dividends

Per common share information

Earnings

Diluted earnings

Dividends paid

Net income applicable to common shareholders

9,319

988

4,397

3,026

861

2,387

1,343

5,958

10,549

39,251

5,959

7,381

13,337

5,572

261

6,473

2,364

1,091

818

43,256

82,507

4,093

2,039

1,811

2,264

834

3,115

823

9,345

57,192

22,154

6,266

15,888

1,483

14,405

1.38

1.31

0.20

8,021

1,039

4,561

2,958

1,080

2,578

1,576

5,700

10,934

39,952

5,944

7,443

13,284

6,065

1,130

6,309

1,563

1,354

1,203

44,295

84,247

4,260

2,125

1,829

2,472

936

3,144

1,259

25,305

75,117

6,855

2,022

4,833

1,044

3,789

0.36

0.36

0.12

9,749

1,229

4,706

2,866

1,396

2,923

1,638

6,798

12,755

42,265

5,826

7,390

12,282

6,126

2,901

7,056

3,874

1,271

(49)

46,677

88,942

4,475

2,146

1,834

2,884

1,086

3,170

1,593

17,307

69,214

16,172

4,741

11,431

1,349

10,082

0.94

0.90

0.04

3,161

2,275

3,556

32,868

33,787

34,719

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Average common shares issued and outstanding (in thousands)

Average diluted common shares issued and outstanding (in thousands)

10,462,282

10,527,818

10,731,165

11,213,992

10,584,535

11,491,418

130     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     131

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bank of America Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheet

(Dollars in millions)

Assets
Cash and due from banks
Interest-bearing deposits with the Federal Reserve, non-U.S. central banks and other banks

Cash and cash equivalents

Time deposits placed and other short-term investments
Federal funds sold and securities borrowed or purchased under agreements to resell (includes $55,143 and $62,182 measured at fair 

value)

Trading account assets (includes $105,135 and $110,620 pledged as collateral)
Derivative assets
Debt securities:

Carried at fair value (includes $29,810 and $32,741 pledged as collateral)
Held-to-maturity, at cost (fair value – $84,046 and $59,641; $9,074 and $15,432 pledged as collateral)

Total debt securities

Loans and leases (includes $6,938 and $8,681 measured at fair value and $37,767 and $52,959 pledged as collateral)
Allowance for loan and lease losses

Loans and leases, net of allowance

Premises and equipment, net
Mortgage servicing rights (includes $3,087 and $3,530 measured at fair value)
Goodwill
Intangible assets
Loans held-for-sale (includes $4,818 and $6,801 measured at fair value)
Customer and other receivables
Other assets (includes $14,320 and $13,873 measured at fair value)

Total assets

Assets of consolidated variable interest entities included in total assets above (isolated to settle the liabilities of the variable interest entities)
Trading account assets
Loans and leases
Allowance for loan and lease losses

Loans and leases, net of allowance

Loans held-for-sale
All other assets

Total assets of consolidated variable interest entities

December 31

2015

2014

$

31,265
128,088
159,353
7,744

192,482

176,527
49,990

322,380
84,625
407,005
903,001
(12,234)
890,767
9,485
3,087
69,761
3,768
7,453
58,312
108,582
$ 2,144,316

$

33,118
105,471
138,589
7,510

191,823

191,785
52,682

320,695
59,766
380,461
881,391
(14,419)
866,972
10,049
3,530
69,777
4,612
12,836
61,845
112,063
$ 2,104,534

$

$

6,344
72,946
(1,320)
71,626
284
1,530
79,784

$

6,890
95,187
(1,968)
93,219
1,822
2,769
$ 104,700

132     Bank of America 2015

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
 
 
 
 
Bank of America Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheet

(Dollars in millions)

Assets

Cash and due from banks

value)

Derivative assets

Debt securities:

Interest-bearing deposits with the Federal Reserve, non-U.S. central banks and other banks

Cash and cash equivalents

Time deposits placed and other short-term investments

Federal funds sold and securities borrowed or purchased under agreements to resell (includes $55,143 and $62,182 measured at fair 

Trading account assets (includes $105,135 and $110,620 pledged as collateral)

Carried at fair value (includes $29,810 and $32,741 pledged as collateral)

Held-to-maturity, at cost (fair value – $84,046 and $59,641; $9,074 and $15,432 pledged as collateral)

Loans and leases (includes $6,938 and $8,681 measured at fair value and $37,767 and $52,959 pledged as collateral)

Total debt securities

Allowance for loan and lease losses

Loans and leases, net of allowance

Premises and equipment, net

Mortgage servicing rights (includes $3,087 and $3,530 measured at fair value)

Goodwill

Intangible assets

Total assets

Loans held-for-sale (includes $4,818 and $6,801 measured at fair value)

Customer and other receivables

Other assets (includes $14,320 and $13,873 measured at fair value)

Assets of consolidated variable interest entities included in total assets above (isolated to settle the liabilities of the variable interest entities)

Trading account assets

Loans and leases

Allowance for loan and lease losses

Loans and leases, net of allowance

Loans held-for-sale

All other assets

Total assets of consolidated variable interest entities

December 31

2015

2014

$

31,265

$

33,118

128,088

159,353

7,744

192,482

176,527

49,990

322,380

84,625

407,005

903,001

(12,234)

890,767

9,485

3,087

69,761

3,768

7,453

58,312

108,582

105,471

138,589

7,510

191,823

191,785

52,682

320,695

59,766

380,461

881,391

(14,419)

866,972

10,049

3,530

69,777

4,612

12,836

61,845

112,063

$ 2,144,316

$ 2,104,534

$

6,344

$

72,946

(1,320)

71,626

284

1,530

6,890

95,187

(1,968)

93,219

1,822

2,769

$

79,784

$ 104,700

Bank of America Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheet (continued)

(Dollars in millions)

Liabilities
Deposits in U.S. offices:
Noninterest-bearing
Interest-bearing (includes $1,116 and $1,469 measured at fair value)

Deposits in non-U.S. offices:

Noninterest-bearing
Interest-bearing
Total deposits

Federal funds purchased and securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase (includes $24,574 and $35,357 measured at fair 

value)

Trading account liabilities
Derivative liabilities
Short-term borrowings (includes $1,325 and $2,697 measured at fair value)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities (includes $13,899 and $12,055 measured at fair value and $646 and $528 of reserve for 

unfunded lending commitments)

Long-term debt (includes $30,097 and $36,404 measured at fair value)

Total liabilities

Commitments and contingencies (Note 6 – Securitizations and Other Variable Interest Entities, Note 7 – Representations and Warranties 

Obligations and Corporate Guarantees and Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies)

Shareholders’ equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; authorized – 100,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding – 3,767,790 and 3,647,790 shares
Common stock and additional paid-in capital, $0.01 par value; authorized – 12,800,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding – 

10,380,265,063 and 10,516,542,476 shares

Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

Total shareholders’ equity
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

Liabilities of consolidated variable interest entities included in total liabilities above
Short-term borrowings
Long-term debt (includes $11,304 and $11,943 of non-recourse debt)
All other liabilities (includes $20 and $84 of non-recourse liabilities)

Total liabilities of consolidated variable interest entities

December 31

2015

2014

$

422,237
703,761

$ 393,102
660,161

9,916
61,345
1,197,259

7,230
58,443
1,118,936

174,291

201,277

66,963
38,450
28,098

74,192
46,909
31,172

146,286

145,438

236,764
1,888,111

243,139
1,861,063

22,273

19,309

151,042

153,458

88,564
(5,674)
256,205
$ 2,144,316

75,024
(4,320)
243,471
$ 2,104,534

$

$

681
14,073
21
14,775

$

$

1,032
13,307
138
14,477

132     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     133

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bank of America Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

(Dollars in millions, shares in thousands)

Balance, December 31, 2012
Net income
Net change in available-for-sale debt and marketable equity securities
Net change in derivatives
Employee benefit plan adjustments
Net change in foreign currency translation adjustments
Dividends paid:
Common
Preferred

Issuance of preferred stock
Redemption of preferred stock
Common stock issued under employee plans and related tax effects
Common stock repurchased
Other
Balance, December 31, 2013
Net income
Net change in available-for-sale debt and marketable equity securities
Net change in derivatives
Employee benefit plan adjustments
Net change in foreign currency translation adjustments
Dividends paid:
Common
Preferred

Issuance of preferred stock
Common stock issued under employee plans and related tax effects
Common stock repurchased
Balance, December 31, 2014
Cumulative adjustment for accounting change related to debit

valuation adjustments

Net income
Net change in available-for-sale debt and marketable equity securities
Net change in debit valuation adjustments
Net change in derivatives
Employee benefit plan adjustments
Net change in foreign currency translation adjustments
Dividends paid:
Common
Preferred

Issuance of preferred stock
Common stock issued under employee plans and related tax effects
Common stock repurchased
Balance, December 31, 2015

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

Total
Shareholders’
Equity

Preferred
Stock

Common Stock and
Additional Paid-in
Capital

Shares

Amount

$ 18,768

10,778,264

$

158,142

$

Retained
Earnings

62,843
11,431

1,008
(6,461)

37
13,352

45,288
(231,744)

371
(3,220)

10,591,808

155,293

(428)
(1,249)

(100)

72,497
4,833

(1,262)
(1,044)

$

(2,797) $

(8,166)
592
2,049
(135)

(8,457)

4,621
616
(943)
(157)

5,957

19,309

25,866
(101,132)
10,516,542

(160)
(1,675)
153,458

75,024

(4,320)

(1,226)

(1,598)
615
584
394
(123)

1,226

15,888

(2,091)
(1,483)

2,964

$

22,273

4,054
(140,331)
10,380,265

$

(42)
(2,374)
151,042

$

88,564

$

(5,674) $

236,956
11,431
(8,166)
592
2,049
(135)

(428)
(1,249)
1,008
(6,561)
371
(3,220)
37
232,685
4,833
4,621
616
(943)
(157)

(1,262)
(1,044)
5,957
(160)
(1,675)
243,471

—

15,888
(1,598)
615
584
394
(123)

(2,091)
(1,483)
2,964
(42)
(2,374)
256,205

134     Bank of America 2015

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bank of America Corporation and Subsidiaries

Bank of America Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

Preferred

Stock

Common Stock and

Additional Paid-in

Capital

Shares

Amount

Accumulated

Other

Total

Retained

Earnings

Comprehensive

Shareholders’

Income (Loss)

Equity

$ 18,768

10,778,264

$

158,142

$

62,843

$

(2,797) $

236,956

Common stock issued under employee plans and related tax effects

45,288

(231,744)

371

(3,220)

1,008

(6,461)

37

13,352

10,591,808

155,293

(8,457)

232,685

Issuance of preferred stock

5,957

Common stock issued under employee plans and related tax effects

25,866

(101,132)

(160)

(1,675)

19,309

10,516,542

153,458

75,024

(4,320)

243,471

(Dollars in millions, shares in thousands)

Balance, December 31, 2012

Net income

Net change in available-for-sale debt and marketable equity securities

Net change in derivatives

Employee benefit plan adjustments

Net change in foreign currency translation adjustments

Dividends paid:

Common

Preferred

Issuance of preferred stock

Redemption of preferred stock

Common stock repurchased

Balance, December 31, 2013

Other

Net income

Dividends paid:

Common

Preferred

Common stock repurchased

Balance, December 31, 2014

valuation adjustments

Net income

Dividends paid:

Common

Preferred

Common stock repurchased

Balance, December 31, 2015

Net change in available-for-sale debt and marketable equity securities

Net change in derivatives

Employee benefit plan adjustments

Net change in foreign currency translation adjustments

Cumulative adjustment for accounting change related to debit

Net change in available-for-sale debt and marketable equity securities

Net change in debit valuation adjustments

Net change in derivatives

Employee benefit plan adjustments

Net change in foreign currency translation adjustments

11,431

(428)

(1,249)

(100)

72,497

4,833

(1,262)

(1,044)

1,226

15,888

(2,091)

(1,483)

(8,166)

592

2,049

(135)

4,621

616

(943)

(157)

(1,226)

(1,598)

615

584

394

(123)

11,431

(8,166)

592

2,049

(135)

(428)

(1,249)

1,008

(6,561)

371

(3,220)

37

4,833

4,621

616

(943)

(157)

(1,262)

(1,044)

5,957

(160)

(1,675)

—

15,888

(1,598)

615

584

394

(123)

(2,091)

(1,483)

2,964

(42)

(2,374)

Issuance of preferred stock

2,964

Common stock issued under employee plans and related tax effects

4,054

(140,331)

(42)

(2,374)

$

22,273

10,380,265

$

151,042

$

88,564

$

(5,674) $

256,205

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

(Dollars in millions)

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

Provision for credit losses
Gains on sales of debt securities
Fair value adjustments on structured liabilities
Depreciation and premises improvements amortization
Amortization of intangibles
Net amortization of premium/discount on debt securities
Deferred income taxes

Loans held-for-sale:

Originations and purchases
Proceeds from sales and paydowns of loans originally classified as held-for-sale

Net change in:

Trading and derivative instruments
Other assets
Accrued expenses and other liabilities

Other operating activities, net

Net cash provided by operating activities

Investing activities
Net change in:

Time deposits placed and other short-term investments
Federal funds sold and securities borrowed or purchased under agreements to resell

Debt securities carried at fair value:

Proceeds from sales
Proceeds from paydowns and maturities
Purchases

Held-to-maturity debt securities:

Proceeds from paydowns and maturities
Purchases

Loans and leases:

Proceeds from sales
Purchases
Other changes in loans and leases, net
Proceeds from sales of equity investments
Other investing activities, net

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

Financing activities
Net change in:
Deposits
Federal funds purchased and securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase
Short-term borrowings

Long-term debt:

Proceeds from issuance
Retirement of long-term debt

Preferred stock:

Proceeds from issuance
Redemption

Common stock repurchased
Cash dividends paid
Excess tax benefits on share-based payments
Other financing activities, net

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at January 1

Cash and cash equivalents at December 31

Supplemental cash flow disclosures
Interest paid
Income taxes paid
Income taxes refunded

2015

2014

2013

$

15,888

$

4,833

$

11,431

3,161
(1,091)
633
1,555
834
2,472
3,108

2,275
(1,354)
(407)
1,586
936
2,688
726

(38,675)
36,204

(40,113)
38,528

3,292
2,458
730
(2,839)
27,730

6,621
5,828
9,702
(1,714)
30,135

3,556
(1,271)
649
1,597
1,086
1,577
3,262

(65,688)
77,707

33,870
35,154
(12,919)
2,806
92,817

50
(659)

4,030
(1,495)

7,154
29,596

145,079
84,988
(219,412)

126,399
79,704
(247,902)

103,743
85,554
(160,744)

12,872
(36,575)

22,316
(12,629)
(52,626)
333
1,309
(54,954)

78,347
(26,986)
(3,074)

43,670
(40,365)

2,964
—
(2,374)
(3,574)
16
(39)
48,585
(597)
20,764
138,589
159,353

7,889
(13,274)

28,765
(10,609)
19,239
1,577
(1,923)
(7,600)

(335)
3,171
(14,827)

51,573
(53,749)

8,472
(14,388)

12,331
(16,734)
(34,256)
4,818
(488)
25,058

14,010
(95,153)
16,009

45,658
(65,602)

5,957
—
(1,675)
(2,306)
34
(44)
(12,201)
(3,067)
7,267
131,322
$ 138,589

1,008
(6,461)
(3,220)
(1,677)
12
(26)
(95,442)
(1,863)
20,570
110,752
$ 131,322

$

10,623
2,326
(151)

$

11,082
2,558
(144)

12,912
1,559
(244)

$

$

134     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     135

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bank of America Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE 1 Summary of Significant Accounting 
Principles
Bank  of  America  Corporation  (together  with  its  consolidated 
subsidiaries, the Corporation), a bank holding company (BHC) and 
a financial holding company, provides a diverse range of financial 
services  and  products  throughout  the  U.S.  and  in  certain 
international markets. The term “the Corporation” as used herein 
may  refer  to  Bank  of  America  Corporation  individually,  Bank  of 
America Corporation  and its  subsidiaries,  or  certain  of  Bank of 
America Corporation’s subsidiaries or affiliates.

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of 
the  Corporation  and  its  majority-owned  subsidiaries,  and  those 
variable  interest  entities  (VIEs)  where  the  Corporation  is  the 
primary beneficiary. Intercompany accounts and transactions have 
been eliminated. Results of operations of acquired companies are 
included from the dates of acquisition and for VIEs, from the dates 
that the Corporation became the primary beneficiary. Assets held 
in  an  agency  or  fiduciary  capacity  are  not  included  in  the 
Consolidated Financial Statements. The Corporation accounts for 
investments in companies for which it owns a voting interest and 
for which it has the ability to exercise significant influence over 
operating  and  financing  decisions  using  the  equity  method  of 
accounting. These investments are included in other assets. Equity 
method  investments  are  subject  to  impairment  testing  and  the 
Corporation’s proportionate share of income or loss is included in 
equity investment income.

The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in 
conformity  with  accounting  principles  generally  accepted  in  the 
United States of America (GAAP) requires management to make 
estimates  and  assumptions  that  affect  reported  amounts  and 
disclosures.  Realized  results  could  differ  from  those  estimates 
and assumptions.

New Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on 
recognition and measurement of financial instruments. The new 
guidance  makes  targeted  changes  to  existing  GAAP  including, 
among other provisions, requiring certain equity investments to 
be measured at fair value with changes in fair value reported in 
earnings and requiring changes in instrument-specific credit risk 
(i.e.,  debit  valuation  adjustments  (DVA))  for  financial  liabilities 
recorded at fair value under the fair value option to be reported in 
other comprehensive income (OCI). The accounting for DVA related 
to  other  financial  liabilities,  for  example,  derivatives,  does  not 
change. The new guidance is effective on January 1, 2018, with 
early adoption permitted for the provisions related to DVA. 

The  Corporation  early  adopted,  retrospective  to  January  1, 
2015, the provisions of this new accounting guidance related to 
DVA on financial liabilities accounted for under the fair value option. 
The  impact  of  the  adoption  was  to  reclassify,  as  of  January  1, 
2015, unrealized DVA losses of $1.2 billion after tax ($2.0 billion 
pretax) from January 1, 2015 retained earnings to accumulated 
OCI. Further, pretax unrealized DVA gains of $301 million, $301 
million and $420 million were reclassified from other income to 
accumulated OCI for the three months ended September 30, 2015, 

136     Bank of America 2015

June 30, 2015 and March 31, 2015, respectively. This had the 
effect  of  reducing  net  income  as  previously  reported  for  the 
aforementioned quarters by $187 million, $186 million and $260 
million, or approximately $0.02 per share in each quarter. This 
change is reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Income and 
the  Global  Markets  segment  results.  Financial  statements  for 
2014  and  2013  were  not  subject  to  restatement  under  the 
provisions  of  this  new  accounting  guidance.  For  additional 
information,  see  Note  14  –  Accumulated  Other  Comprehensive 
Income (Loss) and Note 21 – Fair Value Option. The Corporation 
does not expect the provisions of this new accounting guidance 
other than those related to DVA, as described above, to have a 
material impact on its consolidated financial position or results of 
operations.

In February 2015, the FASB issued new accounting guidance 
that  amends  the  criteria  for  determining  whether  limited 
partnerships and similar entities are VIEs, clarifies when a general 
partner  or  asset  manager  should  consolidate  an  entity  and 
eliminates  the  indefinite  deferral  of  certain  aspects  of  VIE 
accounting guidance for investments in certain investment funds. 
Money market funds registered under Rule 2a-7 of the Investment 
Company  Act  and  similar  funds  are  exempt  from  consolidation 
under the new guidance. The new accounting guidance is effective 
on  January  1,  2016.  The  Corporation  does  not  expect  the  new 
guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial 
position or results of operations.

In  May  2014,  the  FASB  issued  new  accounting  guidance  to 
clarify the principles for recognizing revenue from contracts with 
customers. The new accounting guidance, which does not apply 
to  financial  instruments,  is  effective  on  January  1,  2018.  The 
Corporation does not expect the new guidance to have a material 
impact  on  its  consolidated  financial  position  or  results  of 
operations.

In December 2012, the FASB issued a proposed standard on 
accounting  for  credit  losses.  It  would  replace  multiple  existing 
impairment models, including an “incurred loss” model for loans, 
with an “expected loss” model. The FASB has indicated a tentative 
effective date of January 1, 2019, and final guidance is expected 
to be issued in the second quarter of 2016. The final standard 
may materially reduce retained earnings in the period of adoption.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, cash items in 
the process of collection, cash segregated under federal and other 
brokerage  regulations,  and  amounts  due  from  correspondent 
banks,  the  Federal  Reserve  Bank  and  certain  non-U.S.  central 
banks.

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
In the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 
December  31,  2014  as  included  herein,  the  Corporation  made 
certain  corrections  related  to  non-cash  activity  which  are  not 
material  to  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  taken  as  a 
whole, do not impact the Consolidated Statement of Income or 
Consolidated  Balance  Sheet,  and  have  no  impact  on  the 
Corporation’s  cash  and  cash  equivalents  balance.  Certain  non-
cash transactions involving the sale of loans and receipt of debt 
securities  as  proceeds  were incorrectly  classified  between 

Bank of America Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE 1 Summary of Significant Accounting 

Principles

Bank  of  America  Corporation  (together  with  its  consolidated 

subsidiaries, the Corporation), a bank holding company (BHC) and 

a financial holding company, provides a diverse range of financial 

services  and  products  throughout  the  U.S.  and  in  certain 

international markets. The term “the Corporation” as used herein 

may  refer  to  Bank  of  America  Corporation  individually,  Bank  of 

America Corporation  and  its  subsidiaries,  or  certain  of  Bank  of 

America Corporation’s subsidiaries or affiliates.

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of 

the  Corporation  and  its  majority-owned  subsidiaries,  and  those 

variable  interest  entities  (VIEs)  where  the  Corporation  is  the 

primary beneficiary. Intercompany accounts and transactions have 

been eliminated. Results of operations of acquired companies are 

included from the dates of acquisition and for VIEs, from the dates 

that the Corporation became the primary beneficiary. Assets held 

in  an  agency  or  fiduciary  capacity  are  not  included  in  the 

Consolidated Financial Statements. The Corporation accounts for 

investments in companies for which it owns a voting interest and 

for which it has the ability to exercise significant influence over 

operating  and  financing  decisions  using  the  equity  method  of 

accounting. These investments are included in other assets. Equity 

method  investments  are  subject  to  impairment  testing  and  the 

Corporation’s proportionate share of income or loss is included in 

equity investment income.

The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in 

conformity  with  accounting  principles  generally  accepted  in  the 

United States of America (GAAP) requires management to make 

estimates  and  assumptions  that  affect  reported  amounts  and 

operations.

disclosures.  Realized  results  could  differ  from  those  estimates 

and assumptions.

to  other  financial  liabilities,  for  example,  derivatives,  does  not 

banks.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on 

recognition and measurement of financial instruments. The new 

guidance  makes  targeted  changes  to  existing  GAAP  including, 

among other provisions, requiring certain equity investments to 

be measured at fair value with changes in fair value reported in 

earnings and requiring changes in instrument-specific credit risk 

(i.e.,  debit  valuation  adjustments  (DVA))  for  financial  liabilities 

recorded at fair value under the fair value option to be reported in 

other comprehensive income (OCI). The accounting for DVA related 

change. The new guidance is effective on January 1, 2018, with 

early adoption permitted for the provisions related to DVA. 

The  Corporation  early  adopted,  retrospective  to  January  1, 

2015, the provisions of this new accounting guidance related to 

DVA on financial liabilities accounted for under the fair value option. 

The  impact  of  the  adoption  was  to  reclassify,  as  of  January  1, 

2015, unrealized DVA losses of $1.2 billion after tax ($2.0 billion 

pretax) from January 1, 2015 retained earnings to accumulated 

OCI. Further, pretax unrealized DVA gains of $301 million, $301 

million and $420 million were reclassified from other income to 

accumulated OCI for the three months ended September 30, 2015, 

136     Bank of America 2015

June 30, 2015 and March 31, 2015, respectively. This had the 

effect  of  reducing  net  income  as  previously  reported  for  the 

aforementioned quarters by $187 million, $186 million and $260 

million, or approximately $0.02 per share in each quarter. This 

change is reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Income and 

the  Global  Markets  segment  results.  Financial  statements  for 

2014  and  2013  were  not  subject  to  restatement  under  the 

provisions  of  this  new  accounting  guidance.  For  additional 

information,  see  Note  14  –  Accumulated  Other  Comprehensive 

Income (Loss) and Note 21 – Fair Value Option. The Corporation 

does not expect the provisions of this new accounting guidance 

other than those related to DVA, as described above, to have a 

material impact on its consolidated financial position or results of 

operations.

In February 2015, the FASB issued new accounting guidance 

that  amends  the  criteria  for  determining  whether  limited 

partnerships and similar entities are VIEs, clarifies when a general 

partner  or  asset  manager  should  consolidate  an  entity  and 

eliminates  the  indefinite  deferral  of  certain  aspects  of  VIE 

accounting guidance for investments in certain investment funds. 

Money market funds registered under Rule 2a-7 of the Investment 

Company  Act  and  similar  funds  are  exempt  from  consolidation 

under the new guidance. The new accounting guidance is effective 

on  January  1,  2016.  The  Corporation  does  not  expect  the  new 

guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial 

position or results of operations.

In  May  2014,  the  FASB  issued  new  accounting  guidance  to 

clarify the principles for recognizing revenue from contracts with 

customers. The new accounting guidance, which does not apply 

to  financial  instruments,  is  effective  on  January  1,  2018.  The 

Corporation does not expect the new guidance to have a material 

impact  on  its  consolidated  financial  position  or  results  of 

In December 2012, the FASB issued a proposed standard on 

accounting  for  credit  losses.  It  would  replace  multiple  existing 

impairment models, including an “incurred loss” model for loans, 

with an “expected loss” model. The FASB has indicated a tentative 

effective date of January 1, 2019, and final guidance is expected 

to be issued in the second quarter of 2016. The final standard 

may materially reduce retained earnings in the period of adoption.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, cash items in 

the process of collection, cash segregated under federal and other 

brokerage  regulations,  and  amounts  due  from  correspondent 

banks,  the  Federal  Reserve  Bank  and  certain  non-U.S.  central 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

In the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 

December  31,  2014  as  included  herein,  the  Corporation  made 

certain  corrections  related  to  non-cash  activity  which  are  not 

material  to  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  taken  as  a 

whole, do not impact the Consolidated Statement of Income or 

Consolidated  Balance  Sheet,  and  have  no  impact  on  the 

Corporation’s  cash  and  cash  equivalents  balance.  Certain  non-

cash transactions involving the sale of loans and receipt of debt 

securities  as  proceeds  were incorrectly  classified  between 

operating  activities  and  investing  activities.  The  corrections 
resulted in a $3.4 billion increase in net cash provided by operating 
activities,  offset  by  a  $3.4  billion  increase  in  net  cash  used  in 
investing activities when compared to the Consolidated Statement 
of Cash Flows in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 
2014.

The  Consolidated  Statement  of  Cash  Flows  included  in  the 
previously-filed Form 10-Qs for the quarterly periods ended March 
31, 2015 and June 30, 2015 also incorrectly reported this type 
of  non-cash  activity  by  $4.8  billion  and  $9.3  billion,  where  an 
increase in net cash provided by operating activities was offset by 
an increase in net cash used in investing activities. The incorrectly 
reported amounts in these 2015 quarterly periods also were not 
material  to  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  taken  as  a 
whole, did not impact the Consolidated Statements of Income or 
Consolidated Balance Sheets and had no impact on cash and cash 
equivalents for those periods. 

For  information  on  certain  non-cash  transactions,  which  are 
not reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, see 
Note 4 – Outstanding Loans and Leases and Note 6 – Securitizations 
and Other Variable Interest Entities. 

Securities Financing Agreements
The  Corporation  enters  into  securities  borrowed  or  purchased 
under agreements to resell and securities loaned or sold under 
agreements  to  repurchase  (securities  financing  agreements)  to 
accommodate  customers  (also  referred  to  as  “matched-book 
transactions”), obtain securities to cover short positions, and to 
finance inventory positions. Securities financing agreements are 
treated as collateralized financing transactions except in instances 
where the transaction is required to be accounted for as individual 
sale and purchase transactions. Generally, these agreements are 
recorded at the amounts at which the securities were acquired or 
sold plus accrued interest, except for certain securities financing 
agreements that the Corporation accounts for under the fair value 
option.  Changes  in  the  fair  value  of  securities  financing 
agreements that are accounted for under the fair value option are 
recorded in trading account profits in the Consolidated Statement 
of Income.

The Corporation’s policy is to obtain possession of collateral 
with a market value equal to or in excess of the principal amount 
loaned under resale agreements. To ensure that the market value 
of  the  underlying  collateral  remains  sufficient,  collateral  is 
generally  valued  daily  and 
require 
counterparties  to  deposit  additional  collateral  or  may  return 
collateral  pledged  when  appropriate.  Securities 
financing 
agreements give rise to negligible credit risk as a result of these 
collateral provisions and, accordingly, no allowance for loan losses 
is considered necessary.

the  Corporation  may 

In transactions where the Corporation acts as the lender in a 
securities lending agreement and receives securities that can be 
pledged  or  sold  as  collateral,  it  recognizes  an  asset  on  the 
Consolidated  Balance  Sheet  at  fair  value,  representing  the 
securities received, and a liability, representing the obligation to 
return those securities.

Collateral
The Corporation accepts securities as collateral that it is permitted 
by contract or custom to sell or repledge. At December 31, 2015 
and 2014, the fair value of this collateral was $458.9 billion and 
$508.7  billion,  of  which  $383.5  billion  and  $419.3  billion  was 
sold or repledged. The primary source of this collateral is securities 
borrowed or purchased under agreements to resell. 

The Corporation also pledges company-owned securities and 
loans  as  collateral  in  transactions  that  include  repurchase 
agreements,  securities  loaned,  public  and  trust  deposits,  U.S. 
Treasury  tax  and  loan  notes,  and  short-term  borrowings.  This 
collateral, which in some cases can be sold or repledged by the 
counterparties to the transactions, is parenthetically disclosed on 
the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

In  certain  cases,  the  Corporation  has  transferred  assets  to 
consolidated  VIEs  where  those  restricted  assets  serve  as 
collateral for the interests issued by the VIEs. These assets are 
included  on  the  Consolidated  Balance  Sheet  in  Assets  of 
Consolidated VIEs.

In  addition,  the  Corporation  obtains  collateral  in  connection 
with  its  derivative  contracts.  Required  collateral  levels  vary 
depending on the credit risk rating and the type of counterparty. 
Generally, the Corporation accepts collateral in the form of cash, 
U.S. Treasury securities and other marketable securities. Based 
on  provisions  contained  in  master  netting  agreements,  the 
Corporation  nets  cash  collateral  received  against  derivative 
assets.  The  Corporation  also  pledges  collateral  on  its  own 
derivative  positions  which  can  be  applied  against  derivative 
liabilities.

Trading Instruments
Financial instruments utilized in trading activities are carried at 
fair value. Fair value is generally based on quoted market prices 
or quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities. If these 
market prices are not available, fair values are estimated based 
on  dealer  quotes,  pricing  models,  discounted  cash  flow 
methodologies, or similar techniques where the determination of 
fair  value  may  require  significant  management  judgment  or 
estimation. Realized gains and losses are recorded on a trade-
date  basis.  Realized  and  unrealized  gains  and  losses  are 
recognized in trading account profits.

Derivatives and Hedging Activities
Derivatives are entered into on behalf of customers, for trading or 
to  support  risk  management  activities.  Derivatives  used  in  risk 
that  are  both 
management  activities 
designated  in  qualifying  accounting  hedge  relationships  and 
derivatives used to hedge market risks in relationships that are 
not  designated  in  qualifying  accounting  hedge  relationships 
(referred  to  as  other  risk  management  activities).  Derivatives 
utilized  by  the  Corporation  include  swaps,  financial  futures  and 
forward settlement contracts, and option contracts.

include  derivatives 

Bank of America 2015     137

All derivatives are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet 
at  fair  value,  taking  into  consideration  the  effects  of  legally 
enforceable master netting agreements that allow the Corporation 
to settle positive and negative positions and offset cash collateral 
held with the same counterparty on a net basis. For exchange-
traded contracts, fair value is based on quoted market prices in 
active or inactive markets or is derived from observable market- 
based  pricing  parameters,  similar  to  those  applied  to  over-the-
counter (OTC) derivatives. For non-exchange traded contracts, fair 
value is based on dealer quotes, pricing models, discounted cash 
flow  methodologies  or  similar  techniques 
for  which  the 
determination of fair value may require significant management 
judgment or estimation.

Valuations of derivative assets and liabilities reflect the value 
of the instrument including counterparty credit risk. These values 
also take into account the Corporation’s own credit standing.

Trading Derivatives and Other Risk Management 
Activities
Derivatives  held  for  trading  purposes  are  included  in  derivative 
assets or derivative liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet 
with changes in fair value included in trading account profits.

Derivatives  used  for  other  risk  management  activities  are 
included in derivative assets or derivative liabilities. Derivatives 
used in other risk management activities have not been designated 
in a qualifying accounting hedge relationship because they did not 
qualify or the risk that is being mitigated pertains to an item that 
is  reported  at  fair  value  through  earnings  so  that  the  effect  of 
measuring the derivative instrument and the asset or liability to 
which the risk exposure pertains will offset in the Consolidated 
Statement of Income to the extent effective. The changes in the 
fair  value  of  derivatives  that  serve  to  mitigate  certain  risks 
associated with mortgage servicing rights (MSRs), interest rate 
lock commitments (IRLCs) and first mortgage loans held-for-sale 
(LHFS)  that  are  originated  by  the  Corporation  are  recorded  in 
mortgage banking income. Changes in the fair value of derivatives 
that serve to mitigate interest rate risk and foreign currency risk 
are  included  in  other  income  (loss).  Credit  derivatives  are  also 
used by the Corporation to mitigate the risk associated with various 
credit exposures. The changes in the fair value of these derivatives 
are included in other income (loss).

Derivatives Used For Hedge Accounting Purposes 
(Accounting Hedges)
For  accounting  hedges,  the  Corporation  formally  documents  at 
inception  all  relationships  between  hedging  instruments  and 
hedged  items,  as  well  as  the  risk  management  objectives  and 
strategies for undertaking various accounting hedges. Additionally, 
the Corporation primarily uses regression analysis at the inception 
of  a  hedge  and  for  each  reporting  period  thereafter  to  assess 
whether the derivative used in an accounting hedge transaction is 
expected to be and has been highly effective in offsetting changes 
in  the  fair  value  or  cash  flows  of  a  hedged  item  or  forecasted 
transaction. The Corporation discontinues hedge accounting when 
it  is  determined  that  a  derivative  is  not  expected  to  be  or  has 
ceased to be highly effective as a hedge, and then reflects changes 
in fair value of the derivative in earnings after termination of the 
hedge relationship.

The Corporation uses its accounting hedges as either fair value 
hedges, cash flow hedges or hedges of net investments in foreign 
operations.  The  Corporation  manages  interest  rate  and  foreign 
currency exchange rate sensitivity predominantly through the use 
of derivatives. 

Fair value hedges are used to protect against changes in the 
fair  value  of  the  Corporation’s  assets  and  liabilities  that  are 
attributable to interest rate or foreign exchange volatility. Changes 
in the fair value of derivatives designated as fair value hedges are 
recorded in earnings, together and in the same income statement 
line item with changes in the fair value of the related hedged item. 
If a derivative instrument in a fair value hedge is terminated or the 
hedge  designation  removed,  the  previous  adjustments  to  the 
carrying value of the hedged asset or liability are subsequently 
accounted for in the same manner as other components of the 
carrying value of that asset or liability. For interest-earning assets 
and interest-bearing liabilities, such adjustments are amortized to 
earnings over the remaining life of the respective asset or liability.
Cash flow hedges are used primarily to minimize the variability 
in cash flows of assets or liabilities, or forecasted transactions 
caused by interest rate or foreign exchange fluctuations. Changes 
in the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are 
recorded in accumulated OCI and are reclassified into the line item 
in the income statement in which the hedged item is recorded in 
the  same  period  the  hedged  item  affects  earnings.  Hedge 
ineffectiveness  and  gains  and  losses  on  the  component  of  a 
derivative excluded in assessing hedge effectiveness are recorded 
in the same income statement line item. The Corporation records 
changes in the fair value of derivatives used as hedges of the net 
investment  in  foreign  operations,  to  the  extent  effective,  as  a 
component  of  accumulated  OCI.  If  a  derivative  instrument  in  a 
cash flow hedge is terminated or the hedge designation is removed, 
related amounts in accumulated OCI are reclassified into earnings 
in the same period or periods during which the hedged forecasted 
transaction  affects  earnings.  If  it  becomes  probable  that  a 
forecasted  transaction  will  not  occur,  any  related  amounts  in 
accumulated OCI are reclassified into earnings in that period.

Interest Rate Lock Commitments
The Corporation enters into IRLCs in connection with its mortgage 
banking activities to fund residential mortgage loans at specified 
times in the future. IRLCs that relate to the origination of mortgage 
loans  that  will  be  classified  as  held-for-sale  are  considered 
derivative instruments under applicable accounting guidance. As 
such, these IRLCs are recorded at fair value with changes in fair 
value recorded in mortgage banking income, typically resulting in 
recognition of a gain when the Corporation enters into IRLCs.

In estimating the fair value of an IRLC, the Corporation assigns 
a probability that the loan commitment will be exercised and the 
loan will be funded. The fair value of the commitments is derived 
from the fair value of related mortgage loans which is based on 
observable market data and includes the expected net future cash 
flows related to servicing of the loans. Changes in the fair value 
of IRLCs are recognized based on interest rate changes, changes 
in the probability that the commitment will be exercised and the 
passage of time. Changes from the expected future cash flows 
related  to  the  customer  relationship  are  excluded  from  the 
valuation of IRLCs.

138     Bank of America 2015

All derivatives are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet 

The Corporation uses its accounting hedges as either fair value 

at  fair  value,  taking  into  consideration  the  effects  of  legally 

hedges, cash flow hedges or hedges of net investments in foreign 

enforceable master netting agreements that allow the Corporation 

operations.  The  Corporation  manages  interest  rate  and  foreign 

to settle positive and negative positions and offset cash collateral 

currency exchange rate sensitivity predominantly through the use 

held with the same counterparty on a net basis. For exchange-

of derivatives. 

traded contracts, fair value is based on quoted market prices in 

Fair value hedges are used to protect against changes in the 

active or inactive markets or is derived from observable market- 

fair  value  of  the  Corporation’s  assets  and  liabilities  that  are 

based  pricing  parameters,  similar  to  those  applied  to  over-the-

attributable to interest rate or foreign exchange volatility. Changes 

counter (OTC) derivatives. For non-exchange traded contracts, fair 

in the fair value of derivatives designated as fair value hedges are 

value is based on dealer quotes, pricing models, discounted cash 

recorded in earnings, together and in the same income statement 

flow  methodologies  or  similar  techniques 

for  which  the 

line item with changes in the fair value of the related hedged item. 

determination of fair value may require significant management 

If a derivative instrument in a fair value hedge is terminated or the 

judgment or estimation.

hedge  designation  removed,  the  previous  adjustments  to  the 

Valuations of derivative assets and liabilities reflect the value 

carrying value of the hedged asset or liability are subsequently 

of the instrument including counterparty credit risk. These values 

accounted for in the same manner as other components of the 

also take into account the Corporation’s own credit standing.

carrying value of that asset or liability. For interest-earning assets 

Trading Derivatives and Other Risk Management 

Activities

Derivatives  held  for  trading  purposes  are  included  in  derivative 

assets or derivative liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet 

with changes in fair value included in trading account profits.

Derivatives  used  for  other  risk  management  activities  are 

included in derivative assets or derivative liabilities. Derivatives 

used in other risk management activities have not been designated 

in a qualifying accounting hedge relationship because they did not 

qualify or the risk that is being mitigated pertains to an item that 

is  reported  at  fair  value  through  earnings  so  that  the  effect  of 

measuring the derivative instrument and the asset or liability to 

which the risk exposure pertains will offset in the Consolidated 

Statement of Income to the extent effective. The changes in the 

fair  value  of  derivatives  that  serve  to  mitigate  certain  risks 

associated with mortgage servicing rights (MSRs), interest rate 

lock commitments (IRLCs) and first mortgage loans held-for-sale 

(LHFS)  that  are  originated  by  the  Corporation  are  recorded  in 

mortgage banking income. Changes in the fair value of derivatives 

that serve to mitigate interest rate risk and foreign currency risk 

are  included  in  other  income  (loss).  Credit  derivatives  are  also 

used by the Corporation to mitigate the risk associated with various 

are included in other income (loss).

Derivatives Used For Hedge Accounting Purposes 

(Accounting Hedges)

For  accounting  hedges,  the  Corporation  formally  documents  at 

inception  all  relationships  between  hedging  instruments  and 

hedged  items,  as  well  as  the  risk  management  objectives  and 

strategies for undertaking various accounting hedges. Additionally, 

the Corporation primarily uses regression analysis at the inception 

of  a  hedge  and  for  each  reporting  period  thereafter  to  assess 

whether the derivative used in an accounting hedge transaction is 

expected to be and has been highly effective in offsetting changes 

in  the  fair  value  or  cash  flows  of  a  hedged  item  or  forecasted 

transaction. The Corporation discontinues hedge accounting when 

it  is  determined  that  a  derivative  is  not  expected  to  be  or  has 

ceased to be highly effective as a hedge, and then reflects changes 

in fair value of the derivative in earnings after termination of the 

hedge relationship.

and interest-bearing liabilities, such adjustments are amortized to 

earnings over the remaining life of the respective asset or liability.

Cash flow hedges are used primarily to minimize the variability 

in cash flows of assets or liabilities, or forecasted transactions 

caused by interest rate or foreign exchange fluctuations. Changes 

in the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are 

recorded in accumulated OCI and are reclassified into the line item 

in the income statement in which the hedged item is recorded in 

the  same  period  the  hedged  item  affects  earnings.  Hedge 

ineffectiveness  and  gains  and  losses  on  the  component  of  a 

derivative excluded in assessing hedge effectiveness are recorded 

in the same income statement line item. The Corporation records 

changes in the fair value of derivatives used as hedges of the net 

investment  in  foreign  operations,  to  the  extent  effective,  as  a 

component  of  accumulated  OCI.  If  a  derivative  instrument  in  a 

cash flow hedge is terminated or the hedge designation is removed, 

related amounts in accumulated OCI are reclassified into earnings 

in the same period or periods during which the hedged forecasted 

transaction  affects  earnings.  If  it  becomes  probable  that  a 

forecasted  transaction  will  not  occur,  any  related  amounts  in 

accumulated OCI are reclassified into earnings in that period.

Interest Rate Lock Commitments

banking activities to fund residential mortgage loans at specified 

times in the future. IRLCs that relate to the origination of mortgage 

loans  that  will  be  classified  as  held-for-sale  are  considered 

derivative instruments under applicable accounting guidance. As 

such, these IRLCs are recorded at fair value with changes in fair 

value recorded in mortgage banking income, typically resulting in 

recognition of a gain when the Corporation enters into IRLCs.

In estimating the fair value of an IRLC, the Corporation assigns 

a probability that the loan commitment will be exercised and the 

loan will be funded. The fair value of the commitments is derived 

from the fair value of related mortgage loans which is based on 

observable market data and includes the expected net future cash 

flows related to servicing of the loans. Changes in the fair value 

of IRLCs are recognized based on interest rate changes, changes 

in the probability that the commitment will be exercised and the 

passage of time. Changes from the expected future cash flows 

related  to  the  customer  relationship  are  excluded  from  the 

valuation of IRLCs.

credit exposures. The changes in the fair value of these derivatives 

The Corporation enters into IRLCs in connection with its mortgage 

Outstanding IRLCs expose the Corporation to the risk that the 
price of the loans underlying the commitments might decline from 
inception of the rate lock to funding of the loan. To manage this 
risk, the Corporation utilizes forward loan sales commitments and 
other  derivative  instruments,  including  interest  rate  swaps  and 
options, to economically hedge the risk of potential changes in 
the value of the loans that would result from the commitments. 
The changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recorded in 
mortgage banking income.

Securities
Debt securities are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet 
as of their trade date. Debt securities bought principally with the 
intent to buy and sell in the short term as part of the Corporation’s 
trading  activities  are  reported  at  fair  value  in  trading  account 
assets  with  unrealized  gains  and  losses  included  in  trading 
account  profits.  Debt  securities  purchased  for  longer  term 
investment purposes, as part of asset and liability management 
(ALM) and other strategic activities are generally reported at fair 
value  as  available-for-sale  (AFS)  securities  with  net  unrealized 
gains and losses net-of-tax included in accumulated OCI. Certain 
other  debt  securities  purchased  for  ALM  and  other  strategic 
purposes  are  reported  at  fair  value  with  unrealized  gains  and 
losses reported in other income (loss). These are referred to as 
other debt securities carried at fair value. AFS securities and other 
debt securities carried at fair value are reported in debt securities 
on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Corporation may hedge 
these other debt securities with risk management derivatives with 
the  unrealized  gains  and  losses  also  reported  in  other  income 
(loss). The debt securities are carried at fair value with unrealized 
gains  and  losses  reported  in  other  income  (loss)  to  mitigate 
accounting asymmetry with the risk management derivatives and 
to  achieve  operational  simplifications.  Debt  securities  which 
management  has  the  intent  and  ability  to  hold  to  maturity  are 
reported at amortized cost. Certain debt securities purchased for 
use in other risk management activities, such as hedging certain 
market risks related to MSRs, are reported in other assets at fair 
value with unrealized gains and losses reported in the same line 
item as the item being hedged.

The  Corporation  regularly  evaluates  each  AFS  and  held-to-
maturity (HTM) debt security where the value has declined below 
amortized cost to assess whether the decline in fair value is other 
than temporary. In determining whether an impairment is other 
than  temporary,  the  Corporation  considers  the  severity  and 
duration of the decline in fair value, the length of time expected 
for  recovery,  the  financial  condition  of  the  issuer,  and  other 
qualitative factors, as well as whether the Corporation either plans 
to sell the security or it is more-likely-than-not that it will be required 
to sell the security before recovery of the amortized cost. If the 
impairment of the AFS or HTM debt security is credit-related, an 
other-than-temporary  impairment  (OTTI)  loss  is  recorded  in 
earnings.  For  AFS  debt  securities,  the  non-credit  related 
impairment  loss  is  recognized  in  accumulated  OCI.  If  the 
Corporation intends to sell an AFS debt security or believes it will 
more-likely-than-not be required to sell a security, the Corporation 
records the full amount of the impairment loss as an OTTI loss.

Interest on debt securities, including amortization of premiums 
and  accretion  of  discounts,  is  included  in  interest  income. 
Premiums and discounts are amortized to interest income over 
the  estimated  lives  of  the  securities.  Prepayment  experience, 
which is primarily driven by interest rates, is continually evaluated 

to determine the estimated lives of the securities. When a change 
is  made  to  the  estimated  lives  of  the  securities,  the  related 
premium or discount is adjusted, with a corresponding charge or 
credit to interest income, to the appropriate amount had the current 
estimated  lives  been  applied  since  the  acquisition  of  the 
securities.  Realized  gains  and  losses  from  the  sales  of  debt 
securities are determined using the specific identification method.
Marketable  equity  securities  are  classified  based  on 
management’s intention on the date of purchase and recorded on 
the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of the trade date. Marketable 
equity  securities  that  are  bought  and  held  principally  for  the 
purpose of resale in the near term are classified as trading and 
are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included 
in trading account profits. Other marketable equity securities are 
accounted  for  as  AFS  and  classified  in  other  assets.  All  AFS 
marketable  equity  securities  are  carried  at  fair  value  with  net 
unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated OCI, net-of-
tax. If there is an other-than-temporary decline in the fair value of 
any individual AFS marketable equity security, the cost basis is 
reduced  and  the  Corporation  reclassifies  the  associated  net 
unrealized  loss  out  of  accumulated  OCI  with  a  corresponding 
charge  to  equity  investment  income.  Dividend  income  on  AFS 
marketable  equity  securities  is  included  in  equity  investment 
income.  Realized  gains  and  losses  on  the  sale  of  all  AFS 
marketable  equity  securities,  which  are  recorded  in  equity 
investment 
the  specific 
identification method.
Certain  equity 

investments  held  by  Global  Principal 
Investments, the Corporation’s diversified equity investor in private 
equity, real estate and other alternative investments, are subject 
to investment company accounting under applicable accounting 
guidance and, accordingly, are carried at fair value with changes 
in  fair  value  reported  in  equity  investment  income.  These 
investments are included in other assets. Initially, the transaction 
price  of  the  investment  is  generally  considered  to  be  the  best 
indicator of fair value. Thereafter, valuation of direct investments 
is based on an assessment of each individual investment using 
methodologies that include publicly-traded comparables derived 
by multiplying a key performance metric of the portfolio company 
by  the  relevant  valuation  multiple  observed  for  comparable 
companies,  acquisition  comparables,  entry  level  multiples  and 
discounted  cash  flow  analyses,  and  are  subject  to  appropriate 
discounts for lack of liquidity or marketability. For fund investments, 
the Corporation generally records the fair value of its proportionate 
interest in the fund’s capital as reported by the respective fund 
managers.

income,  are  determined  using 

Loans and Leases
Loans, with the exception of loans accounted for under the fair 
value option, are measured at historical cost and reported at their 
outstanding  principal  balances  net  of  any  unearned  income, 
charge-offs, unamortized deferred fees and costs on originated 
loans, and for purchased loans, net of any unamortized premiums 
or discounts. Loan origination fees and certain direct origination 
costs  are  deferred  and  recognized  as  adjustments  to  interest 
income  over  the  lives  of  the  related  loans.  Unearned  income, 
discounts and premiums are amortized to interest income using 
a level yield methodology. The Corporation elects to account for 
certain consumer and commercial loans under the fair value option 
with changes in fair value reported in other income (loss).

138     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     139

Under applicable accounting guidance, for reporting purposes, 
the loan and lease portfolio is categorized by portfolio segment 
and,  within  each  portfolio  segment,  by  class  of  financing 
receivables. A portfolio segment is defined as the level at which 
an entity develops and documents a systematic methodology to 
determine the allowance for credit losses, and a class of financing 
receivables is defined as the level of disaggregation of portfolio 
segments  based  on  the  initial  measurement  attribute,  risk 
characteristics and methods for assessing risk. The Corporation’s 
three portfolio segments are Consumer Real Estate, Credit Card 
and  Other  Consumer,  and  Commercial.  The  classes  within  the 
Consumer  Real  Estate  portfolio  segment  are  core  portfolio 
residential  mortgage,  Legacy  Assets  &  Servicing  residential 
mortgage,  core  portfolio  home  equity  and  Legacy  Assets  & 
Servicing  home  equity.  The  classes  within  the  Credit  Card  and 
Other Consumer portfolio segment are U.S. credit card, non-U.S. 
credit  card,  direct/indirect  consumer  and  other  consumer.  The 
classes  within  the  Commercial  portfolio  segment  are  U.S. 
commercial, commercial real estate, commercial lease financing, 
non-U.S. commercial and U.S. small business commercial.

Purchased Credit-impaired Loans
Purchased loans with evidence of credit quality deterioration as 
of the purchase date for which it is probable that the Corporation 
will not receive all contractually required payments receivable are 
accounted for as purchased credit-impaired (PCI) loans. Evidence 
of credit quality deterioration since origination may include past 
due  status,  refreshed  credit  scores  and  refreshed  loan-to-value 
(LTV) ratios. At acquisition, PCI loans are recorded at fair value 
with no allowance for credit losses, and accounted for individually 
or aggregated in pools based on similar risk characteristics such 
as credit risk, collateral type and interest rate risk. The Corporation 
estimates the amount and timing of expected cash flows for each 
loan or pool of loans. The expected cash flows in excess of the 
amount paid for the loans is referred to as the accretable yield 
and is recorded as interest income over the remaining estimated 
life  of  the  loan  or  pool  of  loans.  The  excess  of  the  PCI  loans’ 
contractual principal and interest over the expected cash flows is 
referred to as the nonaccretable difference. Over the life of the 
PCI loans, the expected cash flows continue to be estimated using 
models  that  incorporate  management’s  estimate  of  current 
assumptions such as default rates, loss severity and prepayment 
speeds. 
the  Corporation 
determines it is probable that the present value of the expected 
cash  flows  has  decreased,  a  charge  to  the  provision  for  credit 
losses is recorded with a corresponding increase in the allowance 
for credit losses. If it is probable that there is a significant increase 
in  the  present  value  of  expected  cash  flows,  the  allowance  for 
credit losses is reduced or, if there is no remaining allowance for 
credit losses related to these PCI loans, the accretable yield is 
from  nonaccretable 
increased 
difference, resulting in a prospective increase in interest income. 
Reclassifications  to  or  from  nonaccretable  difference  can  also 
occur for changes in the PCI loans’ estimated lives. If a loan within 
a PCI pool is sold, foreclosed, forgiven or the expectation of any 
future proceeds is remote, the loan is removed from the pool at 
its proportional carrying value. If the loan’s recovery value is less 
than the loan’s carrying value, the difference is first applied against 

If,  upon  subsequent  valuation, 

reclassification 

through  a 

the  PCI  pool’s  nonaccretable  difference  and  then  against  the 
allowance for credit losses.

Leases
The Corporation provides equipment financing to its customers 
through a variety of lease arrangements. Direct financing leases 
are carried at the aggregate of lease payments receivable plus 
estimated  residual  value  of  the  leased  property  less  unearned 
income. Leveraged leases, which are a form of financing leases, 
are  reported  net  of  non-recourse  debt.  Unearned  income  on 
leveraged  and  direct  financing  leases  is  accreted  to  interest 
income over the lease terms using methods that approximate the 
interest method.

Allowance for Credit Losses
The allowance for credit losses, which includes the allowance for 
loan  and  lease  losses  and  the  reserve  for  unfunded  lending 
commitments,  represents  management’s  estimate  of  probable 
losses  inherent  in  the  Corporation’s  lending  activities.  The 
allowance for loan and lease losses and the reserve for unfunded 
lending commitments exclude amounts for loans and unfunded 
lending commitments accounted for under the fair value option as 
the fair values of these instruments reflect a credit component. 
The allowance for loan and lease losses does not include amounts 
related to accrued interest receivable, other than billed interest 
and fees on credit card receivables, as accrued interest receivable 
is  reversed  when  a  loan  is  placed  on  nonaccrual  status.  The 
allowance  for  loan  and  lease  losses  represents  the  estimated 
probable credit losses on funded consumer and commercial loans 
and leases while the reserve for unfunded lending commitments, 
including standby letters of credit (SBLCs) and binding unfunded 
loan commitments, represents estimated probable credit losses 
on  these  unfunded  credit  instruments  based  on  utilization 
assumptions.  Lending-related  credit  exposures  deemed  to  be 
uncollectible, excluding loans carried at fair value, are charged off 
against these accounts. Write-offs on PCI loans on which there is 
a  valuation  allowance  are  recorded  against  the  valuation 
allowance.  For  additional  information,  see  Purchased  Credit-
impaired Loans in this Note. Cash recovered on previously charged-
off  amounts  is  recorded  as  a  recovery  to  these  accounts. 
Management evaluates the adequacy of the allowance for credit 
losses based on the combined total of the allowance for loan and 
lease losses and the reserve for unfunded lending commitments.
The  Corporation  performs  periodic  and  systematic  detailed 
reviews  of  its  lending  portfolios  to  identify  credit  risks  and  to 
assess the overall collectability of those portfolios. The allowance 
on  certain  homogeneous  consumer  loan  portfolios,  which 
generally  consist  of  consumer  real  estate  within  the  Consumer 
Real  Estate  portfolio  segment  and  credit  card  loans  within  the 
Credit Card and Other Consumer portfolio segment, is based on 
aggregated  portfolio  segment  evaluations  generally  by  product 
type. Loss forecast models are utilized for these portfolios which 
consider a variety of factors including, but not limited to, historical 
loss  experience,  estimated  defaults  or  foreclosures  based  on 
portfolio 
trends,  delinquencies,  bankruptcies,  economic 
conditions and credit scores.

140     Bank of America 2015

Under applicable accounting guidance, for reporting purposes, 

the  PCI  pool’s  nonaccretable  difference  and  then  against  the 

the loan and lease portfolio is categorized by portfolio segment 

allowance for credit losses.

and,  within  each  portfolio  segment,  by  class  of  financing 

receivables. A portfolio segment is defined as the level at which 

an entity develops and documents a systematic methodology to 

determine the allowance for credit losses, and a class of financing 

receivables is defined as the level of disaggregation of portfolio 

segments  based  on  the  initial  measurement  attribute,  risk 

characteristics and methods for assessing risk. The Corporation’s 

three portfolio segments are Consumer Real Estate, Credit Card 

and  Other  Consumer,  and  Commercial.  The  classes  within  the 

Consumer  Real  Estate  portfolio  segment  are  core  portfolio 

residential  mortgage,  Legacy  Assets  &  Servicing  residential 

mortgage,  core  portfolio  home  equity  and  Legacy  Assets  & 

Servicing  home  equity.  The  classes  within  the  Credit  Card  and 

Other Consumer portfolio segment are U.S. credit card, non-U.S. 

credit  card,  direct/indirect  consumer  and  other  consumer.  The 

classes  within  the  Commercial  portfolio  segment  are  U.S. 

commercial, commercial real estate, commercial lease financing, 

non-U.S. commercial and U.S. small business commercial.

Purchased Credit-impaired Loans

Purchased loans with evidence of credit quality deterioration as 

of the purchase date for which it is probable that the Corporation 

will not receive all contractually required payments receivable are 

accounted for as purchased credit-impaired (PCI) loans. Evidence 

of credit quality deterioration since origination may include past 

due  status,  refreshed  credit  scores  and  refreshed  loan-to-value 

(LTV) ratios. At acquisition, PCI loans are recorded at fair value 

with no allowance for credit losses, and accounted for individually 

or aggregated in pools based on similar risk characteristics such 

as credit risk, collateral type and interest rate risk. The Corporation 

estimates the amount and timing of expected cash flows for each 

loan or pool of loans. The expected cash flows in excess of the 

amount paid for the loans is referred to as the accretable yield 

and is recorded as interest income over the remaining estimated 

life  of  the  loan  or  pool  of  loans.  The  excess  of  the  PCI  loans’ 

contractual principal and interest over the expected cash flows is 

referred to as the nonaccretable difference. Over the life of the 

PCI loans, the expected cash flows continue to be estimated using 

models  that  incorporate  management’s  estimate  of  current 

assumptions such as default rates, loss severity and prepayment 

speeds. 

If,  upon  subsequent  valuation, 

the  Corporation 

determines it is probable that the present value of the expected 

cash  flows  has  decreased,  a  charge  to  the  provision  for  credit 

losses is recorded with a corresponding increase in the allowance 

for credit losses. If it is probable that there is a significant increase 

in  the  present  value  of  expected  cash  flows,  the  allowance  for 

credit losses is reduced or, if there is no remaining allowance for 

credit losses related to these PCI loans, the accretable yield is 

increased 

through  a 

reclassification 

from  nonaccretable 

difference, resulting in a prospective increase in interest income. 

Reclassifications  to  or  from  nonaccretable  difference  can  also 

occur for changes in the PCI loans’ estimated lives. If a loan within 

a PCI pool is sold, foreclosed, forgiven or the expectation of any 

future proceeds is remote, the loan is removed from the pool at 

its proportional carrying value. If the loan’s recovery value is less 

than the loan’s carrying value, the difference is first applied against 

140     Bank of America 2015

Leases

The Corporation provides equipment financing to its customers 

through a variety of lease arrangements. Direct financing leases 

are carried at the aggregate of lease payments receivable plus 

estimated  residual  value  of  the  leased  property  less  unearned 

income. Leveraged leases, which are a form of financing leases, 

are  reported  net  of  non-recourse  debt.  Unearned  income  on 

leveraged  and  direct  financing  leases  is  accreted  to  interest 

income over the lease terms using methods that approximate the 

interest method.

Allowance for Credit Losses

The allowance for credit losses, which includes the allowance for 

loan  and  lease  losses  and  the  reserve  for  unfunded  lending 

commitments,  represents  management’s  estimate  of  probable 

losses  inherent  in  the  Corporation’s  lending  activities.  The 

allowance for loan and lease losses and the reserve for unfunded 

lending commitments exclude amounts for loans and unfunded 

lending commitments accounted for under the fair value option as 

the fair values of these instruments reflect a credit component. 

The allowance for loan and lease losses does not include amounts 

related to accrued interest receivable, other than billed interest 

and fees on credit card receivables, as accrued interest receivable 

is  reversed  when  a  loan  is  placed  on  nonaccrual  status.  The 

allowance  for  loan  and  lease  losses  represents  the  estimated 

probable credit losses on funded consumer and commercial loans 

and leases while the reserve for unfunded lending commitments, 

including standby letters of credit (SBLCs) and binding unfunded 

loan commitments, represents estimated probable credit losses 

on  these  unfunded  credit  instruments  based  on  utilization 

assumptions.  Lending-related  credit  exposures  deemed  to  be 

uncollectible, excluding loans carried at fair value, are charged off 

against these accounts. Write-offs on PCI loans on which there is 

a  valuation  allowance  are  recorded  against  the  valuation 

allowance.  For  additional  information,  see  Purchased  Credit-

impaired Loans in this Note. Cash recovered on previously charged-

off  amounts  is  recorded  as  a  recovery  to  these  accounts. 

Management evaluates the adequacy of the allowance for credit 

losses based on the combined total of the allowance for loan and 

lease losses and the reserve for unfunded lending commitments.

The  Corporation  performs  periodic  and  systematic  detailed 

reviews  of  its  lending  portfolios  to  identify  credit  risks  and  to 

assess the overall collectability of those portfolios. The allowance 

on  certain  homogeneous  consumer  loan  portfolios,  which 

generally  consist  of  consumer  real  estate  within  the  Consumer 

Real  Estate  portfolio  segment  and  credit  card  loans  within  the 

Credit Card and Other Consumer portfolio segment, is based on 

aggregated  portfolio  segment  evaluations  generally  by  product 

type. Loss forecast models are utilized for these portfolios which 

consider a variety of factors including, but not limited to, historical 

loss  experience,  estimated  defaults  or  foreclosures  based  on 

portfolio 

trends,  delinquencies,  bankruptcies,  economic 

conditions and credit scores.

The Corporation’s Consumer Real Estate portfolio segment is 
comprised primarily of large groups of homogeneous consumer 
loans secured by residential real estate. The amount of losses 
incurred in the homogeneous loan pools is estimated based on 
the number of loans that will default and the loss in the event of 
default. Using modeling methodologies, the Corporation estimates 
the number of homogeneous loans that will default based on the 
individual loan attributes aggregated into pools of homogeneous 
loans  with  similar  attributes.  The  attributes  that  are  most 
significant to the probability of default and are used to estimate 
defaults include refreshed LTV or, in the case of a subordinated 
lien, refreshed combined LTV, borrower credit score, months since 
origination (referred to as vintage) and geography, all of which are 
further broken down by present collection status (whether the loan 
is current, delinquent, in default or in bankruptcy). This estimate 
is based on the Corporation’s historical experience with the loan 
portfolio. The estimate is adjusted to reflect an assessment of 
environmental  factors  not  yet  reflected  in  the  historical  data 
underlying  the  loss  estimates,  such  as  changes  in  real  estate 
values, local and national economies, underwriting standards and 
the regulatory environment. The probability of default on a loan is 
based on an analysis of the movement of loans with the measured 
attributes from either current or any of the delinquency categories 
to default over a 12-month period. On home equity loans where 
the Corporation holds only a second-lien position and foreclosure 
is not the best alternative, the loss severity is estimated at 100 
percent.

The allowance on certain commercial loans (except business 
card and certain small business loans) is calculated using loss 
rates delineated by risk rating and product type. Factors considered 
when  assessing  loss  rates  include  the  value  of  the  underlying 
collateral, if applicable, the industry of the obligor, and the obligor’s 
liquidity and other financial indicators along with certain qualitative 
factors. These statistical models are updated regularly for changes 
in economic and business conditions. Included in the analysis of 
consumer and commercial loan portfolios are reserves which are 
maintained  to  cover  uncertainties  that  affect  the  Corporation’s 
estimate  of  probable  losses  including  domestic  and  global 
economic uncertainty and large single-name defaults.

The remaining portfolios, including nonperforming commercial 
loans, as well as consumer and commercial loans modified in a 
troubled debt restructuring (TDR), are reviewed in accordance with 
applicable accounting guidance on impaired loans and TDRs. If 
necessary, a specific allowance is established for these loans if 
they are deemed to be impaired. A loan is considered impaired 
when, based on current information and events, it is probable that 
the Corporation will be unable to collect all amounts due, including 
principal and/or interest, in accordance with the contractual terms 
of the agreement, or the loan has been modified in a TDR. Once 
a loan has been identified as impaired, management measures 
impairment  primarily  based  on  the  present  value  of  payments 
expected to be received, discounted at the loans’ original effective 
contractual interest rates, or discounted at the portfolio average 
contractual annual percentage rate, excluding promotionally priced 
loans, in effect prior to restructuring. Impaired loans and TDRs 
may also be measured based on observable market prices, or for 
loans that are solely dependent on the collateral for repayment, 
the estimated fair value of the collateral less costs to sell. If the 
recorded  investment  in  impaired  loans  exceeds  this  amount,  a 
specific allowance is established as a component of the allowance 
for  loan  and  lease  losses  unless  these  are  secured  consumer 
loans that are solely dependent on the collateral for repayment, 

in  which  case  the  amount  that  exceeds  the  fair  value  of  the 
collateral is charged off.

Generally,  when  determining  the  fair  value  of  the  collateral 
securing  consumer  real  estate-secured  loans  that  are  solely 
dependent on the collateral for repayment, prior to performing a 
detailed property valuation including a walk-through of a property, 
the Corporation initially estimates the fair value of the collateral 
securing  these  consumer  loans  using  an  automated  valuation 
model (AVM). An AVM is a tool that estimates the value of a property 
by  reference  to  market  data  including  sales  of  comparable 
properties and price trends specific to the Metropolitan Statistical 
Area in which the property being valued is located. In the event 
that  an  AVM  value  is  not  available,  the  Corporation  utilizes 
publicized  indices  or  if  these  methods  provide  less  reliable 
valuations,  the  Corporation  uses  appraisals  or  broker  price 
opinions to estimate the fair value of the collateral. While there is 
inherent imprecision in these valuations, the Corporation believes 
that they are representative of the portfolio in the aggregate.

In  addition  to  the  allowance  for  loan  and  lease  losses,  the 
Corporation also estimates probable losses related to unfunded 
lending  commitments,  such  as  letters  of  credit  and  financial 
guarantees, and binding unfunded loan commitments. The reserve 
for  unfunded  lending  commitments  excludes  commitments 
accounted  for  under  the  fair  value  option.  Unfunded  lending 
commitments are subject to individual reviews and are analyzed 
and segregated by risk according to the Corporation’s internal risk 
rating  scale.  These  risk  classifications,  in  conjunction  with  an 
analysis  of  historical  loss  experience,  utilization  assumptions, 
current  economic  conditions,  performance  trends  within  the 
portfolio  and  any  other  pertinent  information,  result  in  the 
estimation of the reserve for unfunded lending commitments.

The allowance for credit losses related to the loan and lease 
portfolio is reported separately on the Consolidated Balance Sheet 
whereas  the  reserve  for  unfunded  lending  commitments  is 
reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet in accrued expenses 
and other liabilities. The provision for credit losses related to the 
loan and lease portfolio and unfunded lending commitments is 
reported in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Nonperforming Loans and Leases, Charge-offs and 
Delinquencies
Nonperforming  loans  and  leases  generally  include  loans  and 
leases  that  have  been  placed  on  nonaccrual  status,  including 
nonaccruing 
terms  have  been 
restructured in a manner that grants a concession to a borrower 
experiencing financial difficulties. Loans accounted for under the 
fair  value  option,  PCI  loans  and  LHFS  are  not  reported  as 
nonperforming.

loans  whose  contractual 

In accordance with the Corporation’s policies, consumer real 
estate-secured loans, including residential mortgages and home 
equity  loans,  are  generally  placed  on  nonaccrual  status  and 
classified as nonperforming at 90 days past due unless repayment 
of the loan is insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) 
or through individually insured long-term standby agreements with 
Fannie  Mae  (FNMA)  or  Freddie  Mac  (FHLMC)  (the  fully-insured 
portfolio). Residential mortgage loans in the fully-insured portfolio 
are  not  placed  on  nonaccrual  status  and,  therefore,  are  not 
reported  as  nonperforming.  Junior-lien  home  equity  loans  are 
placed on nonaccrual status and classified as nonperforming when 
the underlying first-lien mortgage loan becomes 90 days past due 
even if the junior-lien loan is current. Accrued interest receivable 

Bank of America 2015     141

is reversed when a consumer loan is placed on nonaccrual status. 
Interest collections on nonaccruing consumer loans for which the 
ultimate collectability of principal is uncertain are generally applied 
as principal reductions; otherwise, such collections are credited 
to interest income when received. These loans may be restored 
to accrual status when all principal and interest is current and full 
repayment of the remaining contractual principal and interest is 
expected, or when the loan otherwise becomes well-secured and 
is in the process of collection. The outstanding balance of real 
estate-secured loans that is in excess of the estimated property 
value less costs to sell is charged off no later than the end of the 
month in which the loan becomes 180 days past due unless the 
loan is fully insured. The estimated property value less costs to 
sell  is  determined  using  the  same  process  as  described  for 
impaired loans in Allowance for Credit Losses in this Note.

Consumer loans secured by personal property, credit card loans 
and other unsecured consumer loans are not placed on nonaccrual 
status  prior  to  charge-off  and,  therefore,  are  not  reported  as 
nonperforming loans, except for certain secured consumer loans, 
including  those  that  have  been  modified  in  a  TDR.  Personal 
property-secured loans are charged off to collateral value no later 
than the end of the month in which the account becomes 120 
days past due or, for loans in bankruptcy, 60 days past due. Credit 
card and other unsecured consumer loans are charged off no later 
than the end of the month in which the account becomes 180 
days  past  due  or  within  60  days  after  receipt  of  notification  of 
death or bankruptcy.

Commercial loans and leases, excluding business card loans, 
that are past due 90 days or more as to principal or interest, or 
where reasonable doubt exists as to timely collection, including 
loans  that  are  individually  identified  as  being  impaired,  are 
generally  placed  on  nonaccrual  status  and  classified  as 
nonperforming  unless  well-secured  and  in  the  process  of 
collection.

Accrued interest receivable is reversed when commercial loans 
and leases are placed on nonaccrual status. Interest collections 
on  nonaccruing  commercial  loans  and  leases  for  which  the 
ultimate  collectability  of  principal  is  uncertain  are  applied  as 
principal reductions; otherwise, such collections are credited to 
income  when  received.  Commercial  loans  and  leases  may  be 
restored to accrual status when all principal and interest is current 
and  full  repayment  of  the  remaining  contractual  principal  and 
interest is expected, or when the loan otherwise becomes well-
secured and is in the process of collection. Business card loans 
are charged off no later than the end of the month in which the 
account becomes 180 days past due or 60 days after receipt of 
notification of death or bankruptcy. These loans are not placed on 
nonaccrual  status  prior  to  charge-off  and,  therefore,  are  not 
reported  as  nonperforming  loans.  Other  commercial  loans  and 
leases  are  generally  charged  off  when  all  or  a  portion  of  the 
principal amount is determined to be uncollectible.

The entire balance of a consumer loan or commercial loan or 
lease is contractually delinquent if the minimum payment is not 
received  by  the  specified  due  date  on  the  customer’s  billing 
statement. Interest and fees continue to accrue on past due loans 
and leases until the date the loan is placed on nonaccrual status, 
if applicable.

PCI loans are recorded at fair value at the acquisition date. 
Although  the  PCI  loans  may  be  contractually  delinquent,  the 
Corporation does not classify these loans as nonperforming as 
the loans were written down to fair value at the acquisition date 
and the accretable yield is recognized in interest income over the 

142     Bank of America 2015

remaining  life  of  the  loan.  In  addition,  reported  net  charge-offs 
exclude write-offs on PCI loans as the fair value already considers 
the estimated credit losses.

Troubled Debt Restructurings
Consumer and commercial loans and leases whose contractual 
terms have been restructured in a manner that grants a concession 
to a borrower experiencing financial difficulties are classified as 
TDRs. Concessions could include a reduction in the interest rate 
to a rate that is below market on the loan, payment extensions, 
forgiveness of principal, forbearance or other actions designed to 
maximize collections. Loans  classified  as  TDRs  are  considered 
impaired loans. Loans that are carried at fair value, LHFS and PCI 
loans are not classified as TDRs.

if  there 

Consumer and commercial loans and leases whose contractual 
terms have been modified in a TDR and are current at the time of 
restructuring  may  remain  on  accrual  status 
is 
demonstrated performance prior to the restructuring and payment 
in full under the restructured terms is expected. Otherwise, the 
loans  are  placed  on  nonaccrual  status  and  reported  as 
nonperforming, except for fully-insured consumer real estate loans, 
until there is sustained repayment performance for a reasonable 
period, generally six months. If accruing TDRs cease to perform 
in  accordance  with  their  modified  contractual  terms,  they  are 
placed on nonaccrual status and reported as nonperforming TDRs. 
Generally,  TDRs  are  reported  as  performing  or  nonperforming 
TDRs, depending on nonaccrual status, throughout their remaining 
lives. Accruing TDRs that bear a market rate of interest are reported 
as performing TDRs through the end of the calendar year in which 
the loans are returned to accrual status.

Secured consumer loans that have been discharged in Chapter 
7 bankruptcy and have not been reaffirmed by the borrower are 
classified as TDRs at the time of discharge. Such loans are placed 
on nonaccrual status and written down to the estimated collateral 
value less costs to sell no later than at the time of discharge. If 
these  loans  are  contractually  current,  interest  collections  are 
generally recorded in interest income on a cash basis. Consumer 
real estate-secured loans for which a binding offer to restructure 
has been extended are also classified as TDRs. Credit card and 
other unsecured consumer loans that have been renegotiated in 
a TDR are not placed on nonaccrual status. Credit card and other 
unsecured  consumer  loans  that  have  been  renegotiated  and 
placed on a fixed payment plan after July 1, 2012 are generally 
charged off no later than the end of the month in which the account 
becomes 120 days past due.

A  loan  that  had  previously  been  modified  in  a  TDR  and  is 
subsequently refinanced under current underwriting standards at 
a market rate with no concessionary terms is accounted for as a 
new loan and is no longer reported as a TDR.

Loans Held-for-sale
Loans  that  are  intended  to  be  sold  in  the  foreseeable  future, 
including residential mortgages, loan syndications, and to a lesser 
degree, commercial real estate, consumer finance and other loans, 
are reported as LHFS and are carried at the lower of aggregate 
cost  or  fair  value.  The  Corporation  accounts  for  certain  LHFS, 
including residential mortgage LHFS, under the fair value option. 
Loan  origination  costs  related  to  LHFS  that  the  Corporation 
accounts  for  under  the  fair  value  option  are  recognized  in 
noninterest  expense  when  incurred.  Loan  origination  costs  for 
LHFS carried at the lower of cost or fair value are capitalized as 

is reversed when a consumer loan is placed on nonaccrual status. 

remaining  life  of  the  loan.  In  addition,  reported  net  charge-offs 

Interest collections on nonaccruing consumer loans for which the 

exclude write-offs on PCI loans as the fair value already considers 

ultimate collectability of principal is uncertain are generally applied 

the estimated credit losses.

as principal reductions; otherwise, such collections are credited 

to interest income when received. These loans may be restored 

to accrual status when all principal and interest is current and full 

repayment of the remaining contractual principal and interest is 

expected, or when the loan otherwise becomes well-secured and 

is in the process of collection. The outstanding balance of real 

estate-secured loans that is in excess of the estimated property 

value less costs to sell is charged off no later than the end of the 

month in which the loan becomes 180 days past due unless the 

loan is fully insured. The estimated property value less costs to 

sell  is  determined  using  the  same  process  as  described  for 

impaired loans in Allowance for Credit Losses in this Note.

Consumer loans secured by personal property, credit card loans 

and other unsecured consumer loans are not placed on nonaccrual 

status  prior  to  charge-off  and,  therefore,  are  not  reported  as 

nonperforming loans, except for certain secured consumer loans, 

including  those  that  have  been  modified  in  a  TDR.  Personal 

property-secured loans are charged off to collateral value no later 

than the end of the month in which the account becomes 120 

days past due or, for loans in bankruptcy, 60 days past due. Credit 

card and other unsecured consumer loans are charged off no later 

than the end of the month in which the account becomes 180 

days  past  due  or  within  60  days  after  receipt  of  notification  of 

death or bankruptcy.

Commercial loans and leases, excluding business card loans, 

that are past due 90 days or more as to principal or interest, or 

where reasonable doubt exists as to timely collection, including 

loans  that  are  individually  identified  as  being  impaired,  are 

generally  placed  on  nonaccrual  status  and  classified  as 

nonperforming  unless  well-secured  and  in  the  process  of 

collection.

Accrued interest receivable is reversed when commercial loans 

and leases are placed on nonaccrual status. Interest collections 

on  nonaccruing  commercial  loans  and  leases  for  which  the 

ultimate  collectability  of  principal  is  uncertain  are  applied  as 

principal reductions; otherwise, such collections are credited to 

income  when  received.  Commercial  loans  and  leases  may  be 

restored to accrual status when all principal and interest is current 

and  full  repayment  of  the  remaining  contractual  principal  and 

interest is expected, or when the loan otherwise becomes well-

secured and is in the process of collection. Business card loans 

are charged off no later than the end of the month in which the 

account becomes 180 days past due or 60 days after receipt of 

notification of death or bankruptcy. These loans are not placed on 

nonaccrual  status  prior  to  charge-off  and,  therefore,  are  not 

reported  as  nonperforming  loans.  Other  commercial  loans  and 

leases  are  generally  charged  off  when  all  or  a  portion  of  the 

principal amount is determined to be uncollectible.

The entire balance of a consumer loan or commercial loan or 

lease is contractually delinquent if the minimum payment is not 

received  by  the  specified  due  date  on  the  customer’s  billing 

statement. Interest and fees continue to accrue on past due loans 

and leases until the date the loan is placed on nonaccrual status, 

if applicable.

PCI loans are recorded at fair value at the acquisition date. 

Although  the  PCI  loans  may  be  contractually  delinquent,  the 

Corporation does not classify these loans as nonperforming as 

the loans were written down to fair value at the acquisition date 

and the accretable yield is recognized in interest income over the 

142     Bank of America 2015

Troubled Debt Restructurings

Consumer and commercial loans and leases whose contractual 

terms have been restructured in a manner that grants a concession 

to a borrower experiencing financial difficulties are classified as 

TDRs. Concessions could include a reduction in the interest rate 

to a rate that is below market on the loan, payment extensions, 

forgiveness of principal, forbearance or other actions designed to 

maximize collections. Loans  classified  as  TDRs  are  considered 

impaired loans. Loans that are carried at fair value, LHFS and PCI 

loans are not classified as TDRs.

Consumer and commercial loans and leases whose contractual 

terms have been modified in a TDR and are current at the time of 

restructuring  may  remain  on  accrual  status 

if  there 

is 

demonstrated performance prior to the restructuring and payment 

in full under the restructured terms is expected. Otherwise, the 

loans  are  placed  on  nonaccrual  status  and  reported  as 

nonperforming, except for fully-insured consumer real estate loans, 

until there is sustained repayment performance for a reasonable 

period, generally six months. If accruing TDRs cease to perform 

in  accordance  with  their  modified  contractual  terms,  they  are 

placed on nonaccrual status and reported as nonperforming TDRs. 

Generally,  TDRs  are  reported  as  performing  or  nonperforming 

TDRs, depending on nonaccrual status, throughout their remaining 

lives. Accruing TDRs that bear a market rate of interest are reported 

as performing TDRs through the end of the calendar year in which 

the loans are returned to accrual status.

Secured consumer loans that have been discharged in Chapter 

7 bankruptcy and have not been reaffirmed by the borrower are 

classified as TDRs at the time of discharge. Such loans are placed 

on nonaccrual status and written down to the estimated collateral 

value less costs to sell no later than at the time of discharge. If 

these  loans  are  contractually  current,  interest  collections  are 

generally recorded in interest income on a cash basis. Consumer 

real estate-secured loans for which a binding offer to restructure 

has been extended are also classified as TDRs. Credit card and 

other unsecured consumer loans that have been renegotiated in 

a TDR are not placed on nonaccrual status. Credit card and other 

unsecured  consumer  loans  that  have  been  renegotiated  and 

placed on a fixed payment plan after July 1, 2012 are generally 

charged off no later than the end of the month in which the account 

becomes 120 days past due.

A  loan  that  had  previously  been  modified  in  a  TDR  and  is 

subsequently refinanced under current underwriting standards at 

a market rate with no concessionary terms is accounted for as a 

new loan and is no longer reported as a TDR.

Loans Held-for-sale

Loans  that  are  intended  to  be  sold  in  the  foreseeable  future, 

including residential mortgages, loan syndications, and to a lesser 

degree, commercial real estate, consumer finance and other loans, 

are reported as LHFS and are carried at the lower of aggregate 

cost  or  fair  value.  The  Corporation  accounts  for  certain  LHFS, 

including residential mortgage LHFS, under the fair value option. 

Loan  origination  costs  related  to  LHFS  that  the  Corporation 

accounts  for  under  the  fair  value  option  are  recognized  in 

noninterest  expense  when  incurred.  Loan  origination  costs  for 

LHFS carried at the lower of cost or fair value are capitalized as 

part of the carrying value of the loans and recognized as a reduction 
of noninterest income upon the sale of such loans. LHFS that are 
on  nonaccrual  status  and  are  reported  as  nonperforming,  as 
defined  in  the  policy  herein,  are  reported  separately  from 
nonperforming loans and leases.

Premises and Equipment
Premises  and  equipment  are  carried  at  cost  less  accumulated 
depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are 
recognized  using  the  straight-line  method  over  the  estimated 
useful lives of the assets. Estimated lives range up to 40 years 
for buildings, up to 12 years for furniture and equipment, and the 
shorter  of  lease  term  or  estimated  useful  life  for  leasehold 
improvements.

Internally-developed Software
The  Corporation  capitalizes  the  costs  associated  with  certain 
internally-developed software, and amortizes the costs over the 
expected useful life. Direct project costs of internally-developed 
software are capitalized when it is probable that the project will 
be  completed  and  the  software  will  be  used  for  its  intended 
function.

for  consumer  MSRs, 

Mortgage Servicing Rights
The  Corporation  accounts 
including 
residential  mortgage  and  home  equity  MSRs,  at  fair  value  with 
changes in fair value recorded in mortgage banking income. To 
reduce the volatility of earnings related to interest rate and market 
value  fluctuations,  U.S.  Treasury  securities,  mortgage-backed 
securities and derivatives such as options and interest rate swaps 
may be used to hedge certain market risks of the MSRs. Such 
derivatives are not designated as qualifying accounting hedges. 
These instruments are carried at fair value with changes in fair 
value  recognized  in  mortgage  banking  income.  The  Corporation 
estimates the fair value of consumer MSRs using a valuation model 
that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing 
income  and,  when  available,  quoted  prices  from  independent 
parties. 

Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill is the purchase premium after adjusting for the fair value 
of net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but is reviewed 
for potential impairment on an annual basis, or when events or 
circumstances indicate a potential impairment, at the reporting 
unit level. A reporting unit, as defined under applicable accounting 
guidance, is a business segment or one level below a business 
segment. The goodwill impairment analysis is a two-step test. The 
first step of the goodwill impairment test involves comparing the 
fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying value, including 
In  certain 
goodwill,  as  measured  by  allocated  equity. 
circumstances, the first step may be performed using a qualitative 
assessment.  If  the  fair  value  of  the  reporting  unit  exceeds  its 
carrying  value,  goodwill  of  the  reporting  unit  is  considered  not 
impaired;  however,  if  the  carrying  value  of  the  reporting  unit 
exceeds  its  fair  value,  the  second  step  must  be  performed  to 
measure potential impairment.

The second step involves calculating an implied fair value of 
goodwill for each reporting unit for which the first step indicated 
possible  impairment.  The  implied  fair  value  of  goodwill  is 
determined  in  the  same  manner  as  the  amount  of  goodwill 

recognized in a business combination, which is the excess of the 
fair value of the reporting unit, as determined in the first step, over 
the aggregate fair values of the assets, liabilities and identifiable 
intangibles as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business 
combination. Measurement of the fair values of the assets and 
liabilities of a reporting unit is consistent with the requirements 
of the fair value measurements accounting guidance, as described 
in Fair Value in this Note. The adjustments to measure the assets, 
liabilities  and  intangibles  at  fair  value  are  for  the  purpose  of 
measuring the implied fair value of goodwill and such adjustments 
are not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. If the implied 
fair value of goodwill exceeds the goodwill assigned to the reporting 
unit, there is no impairment. If the goodwill assigned to a reporting 
unit  exceeds  the  implied  fair  value  of  goodwill,  an  impairment 
charge is recorded for the excess. An impairment loss recognized 
cannot exceed the amount of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit. 
An impairment loss establishes a new basis in the goodwill and 
subsequent  reversals  of  goodwill  impairment  losses  are  not 
permitted under applicable accounting guidance.

For intangible assets subject to amortization, an impairment 
loss is recognized if the carrying value of the intangible asset is 
not recoverable and exceeds fair value. The carrying value of the 
intangible asset is considered not recoverable if it exceeds the 
sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the 
use  of  the  asset.  Intangible  assets  deemed  to  have  indefinite 
useful lives are not subject to amortization. An impairment loss 
is recognized if the carrying value of the intangible asset with an 
indefinite life exceeds its fair value.

Variable Interest Entities
A  VIE  is  an  entity  that  lacks  equity  investors  or  whose  equity 
investors do not have a controlling financial interest in the entity 
through their equity investments. The entity that has a controlling 
financial interest in a VIE is referred to as the primary beneficiary 
and consolidates the VIE. The Corporation is deemed to have a 
controlling financial interest and is the primary beneficiary of a VIE 
if it has both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most 
significantly  impact  the  VIE’s  economic  performance  and  an 
obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that 
could potentially be significant to the VIE. On a quarterly basis, 
the Corporation reassesses whether it has a controlling financial 
interest in and is the primary beneficiary of a VIE. The quarterly 
reassessment  process  considers  whether  the  Corporation  has 
acquired or divested the power to direct the activities of the VIE 
through changes in governing documents or other circumstances. 
The reassessment also considers whether the Corporation has 
acquired or disposed of a financial interest that could be significant 
to the VIE, or whether an interest in the VIE has become significant 
or is no longer significant. The consolidation status of the VIEs 
with which the Corporation is involved may change as a result of 
such reassessments. Changes in consolidation status are applied 
prospectively, with assets and liabilities of a newly consolidated 
VIE initially recorded at fair value. A gain or loss may be recognized 
upon deconsolidation of a VIE depending on the carrying values 
of deconsolidated assets and liabilities compared to the fair value 
of retained interests and ongoing contractual arrangements.

The  Corporation  primarily  uses  VIEs  for  its  securitization 
activities, in which the Corporation transfers whole loans or debt 
securities into a trust or other vehicle such that the assets are 
legally isolated from the creditors of the Corporation. Assets held 
in a trust can only be used to settle obligations of the trust. The 

Bank of America 2015     143

creditors  of  these  trusts  typically  have  no  recourse  to  the 
Corporation  except 
in  accordance  with  the  Corporation’s 
obligations under standard representations and warranties.

When the Corporation is the servicer of whole loans held in a 
securitization trust, including non-agency residential mortgages, 
home  equity  loans,  credit  cards,  automobile  loans  and  student 
loans, the Corporation has the power to direct the most significant 
activities of the trust. The Corporation generally does not have the 
power  to  direct  the  most  significant  activities  of  a  residential 
mortgage agency trust except in certain circumstances in which 
the Corporation holds substantially all of the issued securities and 
has the unilateral right to liquidate the trust. The power to direct 
the  most  significant  activities  of  a  commercial  mortgage 
securitization trust is typically held by the special servicer or by 
the  party  holding  specific  subordinate  securities  which  embody 
certain controlling rights. The Corporation consolidates a whole-
loan  securitization  trust  if  it  has  the  power  to  direct  the  most 
significant activities and also holds securities issued by the trust 
or  has  other  contractual  arrangements,  other  than  standard 
representations  and  warranties,  that  could  potentially  be 
significant to the trust.

The Corporation may also transfer trading account securities 
and AFS securities into municipal bond or resecuritization trusts. 
The Corporation consolidates a municipal bond or resecuritization 
trust if it has control over the ongoing activities of the trust such 
as the remarketing of the trust’s liabilities or, if there are no ongoing 
activities, sole discretion over the design of the trust, including 
the identification of securities to be transferred in and the structure 
of  securities  to  be  issued,  and  also  retains  securities  or  has 
liquidity or other commitments that could potentially be significant 
to  the  trust.  The  Corporation  does  not  consolidate  a  municipal 
bond or resecuritization trust if one or a limited number of third-
party investors share responsibility for the design of the trust or 
have  control  over  the  significant  activities  of  the  trust  through 
liquidation or other substantive rights.

Other VIEs used by the Corporation include collateralized debt 
obligations  (CDOs),  investment  vehicles  created  on  behalf  of 
customers and other investment vehicles. The Corporation does 
not routinely serve as collateral manager for CDOs and, therefore, 
does not typically have the power to direct the activities that most 
significantly impact the economic performance of a CDO. However, 
following an event of default, if the Corporation is a majority holder 
of senior securities issued by a CDO and acquires the power to 
manage the assets of the CDO, the Corporation consolidates the 
CDO.

The Corporation consolidates a customer or other investment 
vehicle  if  it  has  control  over  the  initial  design  of  the  vehicle  or 
manages the assets in the vehicle and also absorbs potentially 
significant gains or losses through an investment in the vehicle, 
derivative contracts or other arrangements. The Corporation does 
not consolidate an investment vehicle if a single investor controlled 
the  initial  design  of  the  vehicle  or  manages  the  assets  in  the 
vehicles or if the Corporation does not have a variable interest 
that could potentially be significant to the vehicle.

Retained interests in securitized assets are initially recorded 
at  fair  value.  In  addition,  the  Corporation  may  invest  in  debt 
securities issued by unconsolidated VIEs. Fair values of these debt 
securities, which are classified as trading account assets, debt 
securities carried at fair value or held-to-maturity securities, are 
based  primarily  on  quoted  market  prices  in  active  or  inactive 
markets.  Generally,  quoted  market  prices  for  retained  residual 
interests are not available; therefore, the Corporation estimates 

144     Bank of America 2015

fair values based on the present value of the associated expected 
future cash flows. This may require management to estimate credit 
losses, prepayment speeds, forward interest yield curves, discount 
rates and other factors that impact the value of retained interests. 
Retained residual interests in unconsolidated securitization trusts 
are  classified  in  trading  account  assets  or  other  assets  with 
changes in fair value recorded in earnings. The Corporation may 
also  enter  into  derivatives  with  unconsolidated  VIEs,  which  are 
carried at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in earnings.

Fair Value
The  Corporation  measures  the  fair  values  of  its  assets  and 
liabilities,  where  applicable,  in  accordance  with  accounting 
guidance that requires an entity to base fair value on exit price. A 
three-level  hierarchy,  provided  in  the  applicable  accounting 
guidance,  for  inputs  is  utilized  in  measuring  fair  value  which 
maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of 
unobservable inputs by requiring that observable inputs be used 
to  determine  the  exit  price  when  available.  Under  applicable 
accounting  guidance,  the  Corporation  categorizes  its  financial 
instruments,  based  on  the  priority  of  inputs  to  the  valuation 
technique,  into  this  three-level  hierarchy,  as  described  below. 
Trading  account  assets  and  liabilities,  derivative  assets  and 
liabilities,  AFS  debt  and  equity  securities,  other  debt  securities 
carried at fair value, consumer MSRs and certain other assets are 
carried  at  fair  value  in  accordance  with  applicable  accounting 
guidance. The Corporation has also elected to account for certain 
assets and liabilities under the fair value option, including certain 
commercial and consumer loans and loan commitments, LHFS, 
short-term borrowings, securities financing agreements, long-term 
deposits and long-term debt. The following describes the three-
level hierarchy.

Level 1  Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical 
assets or liabilities. Level 1 assets and liabilities include 
debt and equity securities and derivative contracts that 
are  traded  in  an  active  exchange  market,  as  well  as 
certain U.S. Treasury securities that are highly liquid and 
are actively traded in OTC markets.

than  exchange-traded 

Level 2  Observable  inputs  other  than  Level  1  prices,  such  as 
quoted  prices  for  similar  assets  or  liabilities,  quoted 
prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that 
are  observable  or  can  be  corroborated  by  observable 
market data for substantially the full term of the assets 
or liabilities. Level 2 assets and liabilities include debt 
securities  with  quoted  prices  that  are  traded  less 
frequently 
instruments  and 
derivative contracts where fair value is determined using 
a pricing model with inputs that are observable in the 
market or can be derived principally from or corroborated 
by  observable  market  data.  This  category  generally 
includes U.S. government and agency mortgage-backed 
and  asset-backed  securities  (ABS),  corporate  debt 
securities, derivative contracts, certain loans and LHFS.
Level 3  Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no 
market activity and that are significant to the overall fair 
value  of  the  assets  or  liabilities.  Level  3  assets  and 
liabilities  include  financial  instruments  for  which  the 
determination  of 
requires  significant 
management judgment or estimation. The fair value for 
such assets and liabilities is generally determined using 

fair  value 

creditors  of  these  trusts  typically  have  no  recourse  to  the 

fair values based on the present value of the associated expected 

Corporation  except 

in  accordance  with  the  Corporation’s 

future cash flows. This may require management to estimate credit 

obligations under standard representations and warranties.

losses, prepayment speeds, forward interest yield curves, discount 

When the Corporation is the servicer of whole loans held in a 

rates and other factors that impact the value of retained interests. 

securitization trust, including non-agency residential mortgages, 

Retained residual interests in unconsolidated securitization trusts 

home  equity  loans,  credit  cards,  automobile  loans  and  student 

are  classified  in  trading  account  assets  or  other  assets  with 

loans, the Corporation has the power to direct the most significant 

changes in fair value recorded in earnings. The Corporation may 

activities of the trust. The Corporation generally does not have the 

also  enter  into  derivatives  with  unconsolidated  VIEs,  which  are 

power  to  direct  the  most  significant  activities  of  a  residential 

carried at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in earnings.

mortgage agency trust except in certain circumstances in which 

the Corporation holds substantially all of the issued securities and 

has the unilateral right to liquidate the trust. The power to direct 

the  most  significant  activities  of  a  commercial  mortgage 

securitization trust is typically held by the special servicer or by 

the  party  holding  specific  subordinate  securities  which  embody 

certain controlling rights. The Corporation consolidates a whole-

loan  securitization  trust  if  it  has  the  power  to  direct  the  most 

significant activities and also holds securities issued by the trust 

or  has  other  contractual  arrangements,  other  than  standard 

representations  and  warranties,  that  could  potentially  be 

significant to the trust.

The Corporation may also transfer trading account securities 

and AFS securities into municipal bond or resecuritization trusts. 

The Corporation consolidates a municipal bond or resecuritization 

trust if it has control over the ongoing activities of the trust such 

as the remarketing of the trust’s liabilities or, if there are no ongoing 

activities, sole discretion over the design of the trust, including 

the identification of securities to be transferred in and the structure 

of  securities  to  be  issued,  and  also  retains  securities  or  has 

liquidity or other commitments that could potentially be significant 

to  the  trust.  The  Corporation  does  not  consolidate  a  municipal 

bond or resecuritization trust if one or a limited number of third-

party investors share responsibility for the design of the trust or 

have  control  over  the  significant  activities  of  the  trust  through 

liquidation or other substantive rights.

Other VIEs used by the Corporation include collateralized debt 

obligations  (CDOs),  investment  vehicles  created  on  behalf  of 

customers and other investment vehicles. The Corporation does 

not routinely serve as collateral manager for CDOs and, therefore, 

does not typically have the power to direct the activities that most 

significantly impact the economic performance of a CDO. However, 

following an event of default, if the Corporation is a majority holder 

of senior securities issued by a CDO and acquires the power to 

manage the assets of the CDO, the Corporation consolidates the 

CDO.

The Corporation consolidates a customer or other investment 

vehicle  if  it  has  control  over  the  initial  design  of  the  vehicle  or 

manages the assets in the vehicle and also absorbs potentially 

significant gains or losses through an investment in the vehicle, 

derivative contracts or other arrangements. The Corporation does 

not consolidate an investment vehicle if a single investor controlled 

the  initial  design  of  the  vehicle  or  manages  the  assets  in  the 

vehicles or if the Corporation does not have a variable interest 

that could potentially be significant to the vehicle.

Retained interests in securitized assets are initially recorded 

at  fair  value.  In  addition,  the  Corporation  may  invest  in  debt 

securities issued by unconsolidated VIEs. Fair values of these debt 

securities, which are classified as trading account assets, debt 

securities carried at fair value or held-to-maturity securities, are 

based  primarily  on  quoted  market  prices  in  active  or  inactive 

markets.  Generally,  quoted  market  prices  for  retained  residual 

interests are not available; therefore, the Corporation estimates 

144     Bank of America 2015

Fair Value

The  Corporation  measures  the  fair  values  of  its  assets  and 

liabilities,  where  applicable,  in  accordance  with  accounting 

guidance that requires an entity to base fair value on exit price. A 

three-level  hierarchy,  provided  in  the  applicable  accounting 

guidance,  for  inputs  is  utilized  in  measuring  fair  value  which 

maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of 

unobservable inputs by requiring that observable inputs be used 

to  determine  the  exit  price  when  available.  Under  applicable 

accounting  guidance,  the  Corporation  categorizes  its  financial 

instruments,  based  on  the  priority  of  inputs  to  the  valuation 

technique,  into  this  three-level  hierarchy,  as  described  below. 

Trading  account  assets  and  liabilities,  derivative  assets  and 

liabilities,  AFS  debt  and  equity  securities,  other  debt  securities 

carried at fair value, consumer MSRs and certain other assets are 

carried  at  fair  value  in  accordance  with  applicable  accounting 

guidance. The Corporation has also elected to account for certain 

assets and liabilities under the fair value option, including certain 

commercial and consumer loans and loan commitments, LHFS, 

short-term borrowings, securities financing agreements, long-term 

deposits and long-term debt. The following describes the three-

level hierarchy.

Level 1  Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical 

assets or liabilities. Level 1 assets and liabilities include 

debt and equity securities and derivative contracts that 

are  traded  in  an  active  exchange  market,  as  well  as 

certain U.S. Treasury securities that are highly liquid and 

are actively traded in OTC markets.

Level 2  Observable  inputs  other  than  Level  1  prices,  such  as 

quoted  prices  for  similar  assets  or  liabilities,  quoted 

prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that 

are  observable  or  can  be  corroborated  by  observable 

market data for substantially the full term of the assets 

or liabilities. Level 2 assets and liabilities include debt 

securities  with  quoted  prices  that  are  traded  less 

frequently 

than  exchange-traded 

instruments  and 

derivative contracts where fair value is determined using 

a pricing model with inputs that are observable in the 

market or can be derived principally from or corroborated 

by  observable  market  data.  This  category  generally 

includes U.S. government and agency mortgage-backed 

and  asset-backed  securities  (ABS),  corporate  debt 

securities, derivative contracts, certain loans and LHFS.

Level 3  Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no 

market activity and that are significant to the overall fair 

value  of  the  assets  or  liabilities.  Level  3  assets  and 

liabilities  include  financial  instruments  for  which  the 

determination  of 

fair  value 

requires  significant 

management judgment or estimation. The fair value for 

such assets and liabilities is generally determined using 

pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies or 
similar techniques that incorporate the assumptions a 
market  participant  would  use  in  pricing  the  asset  or 
liability.  This  category  generally  includes  retained 
residual  interests  in  securitizations,  consumer  MSRs, 
certain  ABS,  highly  structured,  complex  or  long-dated 
derivative contracts, certain loans and LHFS, IRLCs and 
certain  CDOs  where  independent  pricing  information 
cannot  be  obtained  for  a  significant  portion  of  the 
underlying assets.

Income Taxes
There are two components of income tax expense: current and 
deferred. Current income tax expense reflects taxes to be paid or 
refunded  for  the  current  period.  Deferred  income  tax  expense 
results from changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities between 
periods. These gross deferred tax assets and liabilities represent 
decreases or increases in taxes expected to be paid in the future 
because of future reversals of temporary differences in the bases 
of assets and liabilities as measured by tax laws and their bases 
as reported in the financial statements. Deferred tax assets are 
also  recognized  for  tax  attributes  such  as  net  operating  loss 
carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards. Valuation allowances 
are  recorded  to  reduce  deferred  tax  assets  to  the  amounts 
management concludes are more-likely-than-not to be realized.

Income tax benefits are recognized and measured based upon 
a two-step model: first, a tax position must be more-likely-than-not 
to be sustained based solely on its technical merits in order to be 
recognized, and second, the benefit is measured as the largest 
dollar  amount  of  that  position  that  is  more-likely-than-not  to  be 
sustained upon settlement. The difference between the benefit 
recognized and the tax benefit claimed on a tax return is referred 
to as an unrecognized tax benefit. The Corporation records income 
tax-related interest and penalties, if applicable, within income tax 
expense.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
The Corporation records the following in accumulated OCI, net-of-
tax:  unrealized  gains  and  losses  on  AFS  debt  and  marketable 
equity securities, unrealized gains or losses on DVA on financial 
liabilities recorded at fair value under the fair value option, gains 
and  losses  on  cash  flow  accounting  hedges,  certain  employee 
benefit  plan  adjustments,  and  foreign  currency  translation 
adjustments  and  related  hedges  of  net  investments  in  foreign 
operations.  Unrealized  gains  and  losses  on  AFS  debt  and 
marketable equity securities are reclassified to earnings as the 
gains or losses are realized upon sale of the securities. Unrealized 
losses on AFS securities deemed to represent OTTI are reclassified 
to earnings at the time of the impairment charge. For AFS debt 
securities that the Corporation does not intend to sell or it is not 
more-likely-than-not that it will be required to sell, only the credit 
component  of  an  unrealized  loss  is  reclassified  to  earnings. 
Realized gains or losses on DVA are reclassified to earnings upon 
derecognition  of  the  liability.  Gains  or  losses  on  derivatives 
accounted for as cash flow hedges are reclassified to earnings 
when the hedged transaction affects earnings. Translation gains 

or  losses  on  foreign  currency  translation  adjustments  are 
reclassified to earnings upon the substantial sale or liquidation 
of investments in foreign operations. 

Revenue Recognition
The following summarizes the Corporation’s revenue recognition 
policies as they relate to certain noninterest income line items in 
the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Card income includes fees such as interchange, cash advance, 
annual, late, over-limit and other miscellaneous fees, which are 
recorded as revenue when earned. Uncollected fees are included 
in  the  customer  card  receivables  balances  with  an  amount 
recorded in the allowance for loan and lease losses for estimated 
uncollectible  card  receivables.  Uncollected  fees  are  written  off 
when a card receivable reaches 180 days past due.

Service charges include fees for insufficient funds, overdrafts 
and  other  banking  services  and  are  recorded  as  revenue  when 
earned.  Uncollected  fees  are  included  in  outstanding  loan 
balances  with  an  amount  recorded  for  estimated  uncollectible 
service fees receivable. Uncollected fees are written off when a 
fee receivable reaches 60 days past due.

Investment and brokerage services revenue consists primarily 
of  asset  management  fees  and  brokerage  income  that  are 
recognized  over  the  period  the  services  are  provided  or  when 
commissions  are  earned.  Asset  management  fees  consist 
primarily of fees for investment management and trust services 
and are generally based on the dollar amount of the assets being 
managed. Brokerage income generally includes commissions and 
fees earned on the sale of various financial products.

Investment banking income consists primarily of advisory and 
underwriting fees that are recognized in income as the services 
are provided and no contingencies exist. Revenues are generally 
recognized net of any direct expenses. Non-reimbursed expenses 
are recorded as noninterest expense.

Earnings Per Common Share
Earnings  per  common  share  (EPS)  is  computed  by  dividing  net 
income (loss) allocated to common shareholders by the weighted-
average  common  shares  outstanding,  except  that  it  does  not 
include  unvested  common  shares  subject  to  repurchase  or 
cancellation. Net income (loss) allocated to common shareholders 
represents net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders 
which is net income (loss) adjusted for preferred stock dividends 
including dividends declared, accretion of discounts on preferred 
stock  including  accelerated  accretion  when  preferred  stock  is 
repaid  early,  and  cumulative  dividends  related  to  the  current 
dividend period that have not been declared as of period end, less 
income allocated to participating securities (see below for more 
information). Diluted EPS is computed by dividing income (loss) 
allocated  to  common  shareholders  plus  dividends  on  dilutive 
convertible  preferred  stock  and  preferred  stock  that  can  be 
tendered to exercise warrants, by the weighted-average common 
shares outstanding plus amounts representing the dilutive effect 
of  stock  options  outstanding,  restricted  stock,  restricted  stock 
units,  outstanding  warrants  and  the  dilution  resulting  from  the 
conversion of convertible preferred stock, if applicable.

Bank of America 2015     145

Unvested  share-based  payment  awards 

that  contain 
nonforfeitable rights to dividends are participating securities that 
are included in computing EPS using the two-class method. The 
two-class method is an earnings allocation formula under which 
EPS is calculated for common stock and participating securities 
according  to  dividends  declared  and  participating  rights  in 
undistributed  earnings.  Under  this  method,  all  earnings, 
distributed  and  undistributed,  are  allocated  to  participating 
securities and common shares based on their respective rights to 
receive dividends.

In  an  exchange  of  non-convertible  preferred  stock,  income 
allocated to common shareholders is adjusted for the difference 
between the carrying value of the preferred stock and the fair value 
of  the  consideration  exchanged.  In  an  induced  conversion  of 
convertible  preferred  stock,  income  allocated  to  common 
shareholders  is  reduced  by  the  excess  of  the  fair  value  of  the 
consideration exchanged over the fair value of the common stock 
that would have been issued under the original conversion terms.

Foreign Currency Translation
Assets,  liabilities  and  operations  of  foreign  branches  and 
subsidiaries are recorded based on the functional currency of each 
entity. For certain of the foreign operations, the functional currency 
is  the  local  currency,  in  which  case  the  assets,  liabilities  and 
operations  are  translated,  for  consolidation  purposes,  from the 
local currency to the U.S. Dollar reporting currency at period-end 
rates for assets and liabilities and generally at average rates for 
results of operations. The resulting unrealized gains or losses, as 
well as gains and losses from certain hedges, are reported as a 
component  of  accumulated  OCI,  net-of-tax.  When  the  foreign 
entity’s functional currency is determined to be the U.S. Dollar, the 

resulting  remeasurement  gains  or  losses  on  foreign  currency-
denominated assets or liabilities are included in earnings.

Credit Card and Deposit Arrangements

Endorsing Organization Agreements
The Corporation contracts with other organizations to obtain their 
endorsement of the Corporation’s loan and deposit products. This 
endorsement may provide to the Corporation exclusive rights to 
market to the organization’s members or to customers on behalf 
of the Corporation. These organizations endorse the Corporation’s 
loan and deposit products and provide the Corporation with their 
mailing lists and marketing activities. These agreements generally 
have terms that range five or more years. The Corporation typically 
pays royalties in exchange for the endorsement. Compensation 
costs related to the credit card agreements are recorded as contra-
revenue in card income.

Cardholder Reward Agreements
The Corporation offers reward programs that allow its cardholders 
to earn points that can be redeemed for a broad range of rewards 
including cash, travel and gift cards. The Corporation establishes 
a rewards liability based upon the points earned that are expected 
to be redeemed and the average cost per point redeemed. The 
points to be redeemed are estimated based on past redemption 
behavior, card product type, account transaction activity and other 
historical card performance. The liability is reduced as the points 
are  redeemed.  The  estimated  cost  of  the  rewards  programs  is 
recorded as contra-revenue in card income.

146     Bank of America 2015

are included in computing EPS using the two-class method. The 

two-class method is an earnings allocation formula under which 

EPS is calculated for common stock and participating securities 

according  to  dividends  declared  and  participating  rights  in 

undistributed  earnings.  Under  this  method,  all  earnings, 

distributed  and  undistributed,  are  allocated  to  participating 

securities and common shares based on their respective rights to 

receive dividends.

In  an  exchange  of  non-convertible  preferred  stock,  income 

allocated to common shareholders is adjusted for the difference 

between the carrying value of the preferred stock and the fair value 

of  the  consideration  exchanged.  In  an  induced  conversion  of 

convertible  preferred  stock,  income  allocated  to  common 

shareholders  is  reduced  by  the  excess  of  the  fair  value  of  the 

consideration exchanged over the fair value of the common stock 

that would have been issued under the original conversion terms.

Foreign Currency Translation

Assets,  liabilities  and  operations  of  foreign  branches  and 

subsidiaries are recorded based on the functional currency of each 

entity. For certain of the foreign operations, the functional currency 

is  the  local  currency,  in  which  case  the  assets,  liabilities  and 

operations  are  translated,  for  consolidation  purposes,  from  the 

local currency to the U.S. Dollar reporting currency at period-end 

rates for assets and liabilities and generally at average rates for 

results of operations. The resulting unrealized gains or losses, as 

component  of  accumulated  OCI,  net-of-tax.  When  the  foreign 

entity’s functional currency is determined to be the U.S. Dollar, the 

Credit Card and Deposit Arrangements

Endorsing Organization Agreements

The Corporation contracts with other organizations to obtain their 

endorsement of the Corporation’s loan and deposit products. This 

endorsement may provide to the Corporation exclusive rights to 

market to the organization’s members or to customers on behalf 

of the Corporation. These organizations endorse the Corporation’s 

loan and deposit products and provide the Corporation with their 

mailing lists and marketing activities. These agreements generally 

have terms that range five or more years. The Corporation typically 

pays royalties in exchange for the endorsement. Compensation 

costs related to the credit card agreements are recorded as contra-

revenue in card income.

Cardholder Reward Agreements

The Corporation offers reward programs that allow its cardholders 

to earn points that can be redeemed for a broad range of rewards 

including cash, travel and gift cards. The Corporation establishes 

a rewards liability based upon the points earned that are expected 

to be redeemed and the average cost per point redeemed. The 

points to be redeemed are estimated based on past redemption 

behavior, card product type, account transaction activity and other 

historical card performance. The liability is reduced as the points 

are  redeemed.  The  estimated  cost  of  the  rewards  programs  is 

well as gains and losses from certain hedges, are reported as a 

recorded as contra-revenue in card income.

Unvested  share-based  payment  awards 

that  contain 

resulting  remeasurement  gains  or  losses  on  foreign  currency-

nonforfeitable rights to dividends are participating securities that 

denominated assets or liabilities are included in earnings.

NOTE 2 Derivatives

Derivative Balances
Derivatives are entered into on behalf of customers, for trading, 
or to support risk management activities. Derivatives used in risk 
management activities include derivatives that may or may not be 
designated 
relationships. 
Derivatives that are not designated in qualifying hedge accounting 
relationships are referred to as other risk management derivatives. 
For more information on the Corporation’s derivatives and hedging 

in  qualifying  hedge  accounting 

activities,  see  Note  1  –  Summary  of  Significant  Accounting 
Principles.  The  following  tables  present  derivative  instruments 
included on the Consolidated Balance Sheet in derivative assets 
and  liabilities  at  December  31,  2015  and  2014.  Balances  are 
presented on a gross basis, prior to the application of counterparty 
and cash collateral netting. Total derivative assets and liabilities 
are adjusted on an aggregate basis to take into consideration the 
effects of legally enforceable master netting agreements and have 
been reduced by the cash collateral received or paid.

Gross Derivative Assets

Gross Derivative Liabilities

December 31, 2015

(Dollars in billions)

Interest rate contracts

Swaps
Futures and forwards
Written options
Purchased options

Foreign exchange contracts

Swaps
Spot, futures and forwards
Written options
Purchased options

Equity contracts

Swaps
Futures and forwards
Written options
Purchased options
Commodity contracts

Swaps
Futures and forwards
Written options
Purchased options

Credit derivatives

Purchased credit derivatives:

Credit default swaps
Total return swaps/other

Written credit derivatives:
Credit default swaps
Total return swaps/other

Trading and
Other Risk
Management
Derivatives

Qualifying
Accounting
Hedges

Contract/
Notional (1)

Trading and
Other Risk
Management
Derivatives

Qualifying
Accounting
Hedges

Total

$

$ 21,706.8
7,259.7
1,322.4
1,403.3

$

439.6
1.1
—
58.9

$

$

447.0
1.1
—
58.9

$

440.7
1.3
57.7
—

7.4
—
—
—

0.9
1.2
—
—

—
—
—
—

—
—
—
—

—
—

50.1
47.2
—
10.2

3.3
2.1
—
23.8

4.7
3.8
—
5.3

14.4
0.2

—
—
9.5

$

  $

$

15.3
2.3
689.7
(597.8)
(41.9)
50.0

52.2
45.8
10.6
—

3.8
1.2
21.1
—

7.1
0.7
5.5
—

14.8
1.9

13.1
0.4
677.9

$

Total

$

441.9
1.3
57.7
—

55.0
46.1
10.6
—

3.8
1.2
21.1
—

7.1
0.7
5.5
—

14.8
1.9

1.2
—
—
—

2.8
0.3
—
—

—
—
—
—

—
—
—
—

—
—

—
—
4.3

$

  $

13.1
0.4
682.2
(597.8)
(45.9)
38.5

2,149.9
4,104.4
467.2
439.9

201.2
74.0
352.8
325.4

47.0
268.7
58.7
65.7

928.3
26.4

924.1
39.7

49.2
46.0
—
10.2

3.3
2.1
—
23.8

4.7
3.8
—
5.3

14.4
0.2

15.3
2.3
680.2

$

Gross derivative assets/liabilities

  $

Less: Legally enforceable master netting agreements
Less: Cash collateral received/paid

Total derivative assets/liabilities

(1)  Represents the total contract/notional amount of derivative assets and liabilities outstanding.

146     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     147

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in billions)

Interest rate contracts

Swaps
Futures and forwards
Written options
Purchased options

Foreign exchange contracts

Swaps
Spot, futures and forwards
Written options
Purchased options

Equity contracts

Swaps
Futures and forwards
Written options
Purchased options
Commodity contracts

Swaps
Futures and forwards
Written options
Purchased options

Credit derivatives

Purchased credit derivatives:

Credit default swaps
Total return swaps/other

Written credit derivatives:
Credit default swaps
Total return swaps/other

Gross Derivative Assets

Gross Derivative Liabilities

December 31, 2014

Trading and
Other Risk
Management
Derivatives

Qualifying
Accounting
Hedges

Contract/
Notional (1)

Trading and
Other Risk
Management
Derivatives

Qualifying
Accounting
Hedges

Total

$

$ 29,445.4
10,159.4
1,725.2
1,739.8

$

658.5
1.7
—
85.6

$

$

667.0
1.7
—
85.6

$

658.2
2.0
85.4
—

8.5
—
—
—

0.8
1.5
—
—

—
—
—
—

—
—
—
—

—
—

52.3
70.4
—
15.1

3.2
2.1
—
27.9

5.8
4.5
—
10.7

13.3
0.2

2,159.1
4,226.4
600.7
584.6

193.7
69.5
341.0
318.4

74.3
376.5
129.5
141.3

1,094.8
44.3

1,073.1
61.0

51.5
68.9
—
15.1

3.2
2.1
—
27.9

5.8
4.5
—
10.7

13.3
0.2

24.5
0.5
974.0

Total

$

658.7
2.0
85.4
—

56.5
72.6
16.0
—

4.0
1.8
26.0
—

8.5
1.8
11.5
—

23.4
1.4

0.5
—
—
—

1.9
0.2
—
—

—
—
—
—

—
—
—
—

—
—

—
—
2.6

$

  $

11.9
0.3
981.8
(884.8)
(50.1)
46.9

54.6
72.4
16.0
—

4.0
1.8
26.0
—

8.5
1.8
11.5
—

23.4
1.4

11.9
0.3
979.2

$

Gross derivative assets/liabilities

  $

Less: Legally enforceable master netting agreements
Less: Cash collateral received/paid

Total derivative assets/liabilities

—
—
10.8

$

$

  $

24.5
0.5
984.8
(884.8)
(47.3)
52.7

$

(1)  Represents the total contract/notional amount of derivative assets and liabilities outstanding.

Offsetting of Derivatives
The Corporation enters into International Swaps and Derivatives 
Association,  Inc.  (ISDA)  master  netting  agreements  or  similar 
agreements with substantially all of the Corporation’s derivative 
counterparties. Where legally enforceable, these master netting 
agreements give the Corporation, in the event of default by the 
counterparty, the right to liquidate securities held as collateral and 
to offset receivables and payables with the same counterparty. 
For purposes of the Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Corporation 
offsets derivative assets and liabilities and cash collateral held 
with the same counterparty where it has such a legally enforceable 
master netting agreement.

The  Offsetting  of  Derivatives  table  presents  derivative 
instruments  included  in  derivative  assets  and  liabilities  on  the 
Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2015 and 2014 by 
primary  risk  (e.g.,  interest  rate  risk)  and  the  platform,  where 
applicable, on which these derivatives are transacted. Exchange-
traded  derivatives  include  listed  options  transacted  on  an 
exchange. OTC derivatives include bilateral transactions between 
the  Corporation  and  a  particular  counterparty.  OTC-cleared 
derivatives include bilateral transactions between the Corporation 
and  a  counterparty  where  the  transaction  is  cleared  through  a 
clearinghouse. Balances are presented on a gross basis, prior to 

148     Bank of America 2015

the application of counterparty and cash collateral netting. Total 
gross derivative assets and liabilities are adjusted on an aggregate 
basis to take into consideration the effects of legally enforceable 
master netting agreements which includes reducing the balance 
for counterparty netting and cash collateral received or paid.

Other  gross  derivative  assets  and  liabilities  in  the  table 
represent  derivatives  entered 
into  under  master  netting 
agreements where uncertainty exists as to the enforceability of 
these  agreements  under  bankruptcy  laws  in  some  countries  or 
industries  and,  accordingly,  receivables  and  payables  with 
counterparties in these countries or industries are reported on a 
gross basis.

Also included in the table is financial instruments collateral 
related  to  legally  enforceable  master  netting  agreements  that 
represents securities collateral received or pledged and customer 
cash collateral held at third-party custodians. These amounts are 
not offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheet but are shown as 
a reduction to total derivative assets and liabilities in the table to 
derive net derivative assets and liabilities.

For  more  information  on  offsetting  of  securities  financing 
agreements,  see  Note  10  –  Federal  Funds  Sold  or  Purchased, 
Securities Financing Agreements and Short-term Borrowings.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in billions)

Interest rate contracts

Swaps

Futures and forwards

Written options

Purchased options

Foreign exchange contracts

Swaps

Spot, futures and forwards

Written options

Purchased options

Equity contracts

Swaps

Futures and forwards

Written options

Purchased options

Commodity contracts

Swaps

Futures and forwards

Written options

Purchased options

Credit derivatives

Purchased credit derivatives:

Credit default swaps

Total return swaps/other

Written credit derivatives:

Credit default swaps

Total return swaps/other

Trading and

Other Risk

Management

Derivatives

Qualifying

Accounting

Hedges

Contract/

Notional (1)

Trading and

Other Risk

Management

Derivatives

Qualifying

Accounting

Hedges

Total

Total

$ 29,445.4

$

658.5

$

8.5

$

667.0

$

658.2

$

0.5

$

658.7

10,159.4

1,725.2

1,739.8

2,159.1

4,226.4

600.7

584.6

193.7

69.5

341.0

318.4

74.3

376.5

129.5

141.3

1,094.8

44.3

1,073.1

61.0

1.7

—

85.6

51.5

68.9

—

15.1

3.2

2.1

—

27.9

5.8

4.5

—

10.7

13.3

0.2

24.5

0.5

—

—

—

0.8

1.5

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1.7

—

85.6

52.3

70.4

—

15.1

3.2

2.1

—

27.9

5.8

4.5

—

10.7

13.3

0.2

24.5

0.5

2.0

85.4

—

54.6

72.4

16.0

—

4.0

1.8

26.0

—

8.5

1.8

11.5

—

23.4

1.4

11.9

0.3

—

—

—

1.9

0.2

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

2.0

85.4

—

56.5

72.6

16.0

—

4.0

1.8

26.0

—

8.5

1.8

11.5

—

23.4

1.4

11.9

0.3

Gross derivative assets/liabilities

  $

974.0

$

10.8

$

984.8

$

979.2

$

2.6

$

Less: Legally enforceable master netting agreements

Less: Cash collateral received/paid

Total derivative assets/liabilities

(1)  Represents the total contract/notional amount of derivative assets and liabilities outstanding.

(884.8)

(47.3)

52.7

  $

981.8

(884.8)

(50.1)

46.9

  $

Offsetting of Derivatives

The Corporation enters into International Swaps and Derivatives 

Association,  Inc.  (ISDA)  master  netting  agreements  or  similar 

agreements with substantially all of the Corporation’s derivative 

counterparties. Where legally enforceable, these master netting 

agreements give the Corporation, in the event of default by the 

counterparty, the right to liquidate securities held as collateral and 

to offset receivables and payables with the same counterparty. 

For purposes of the Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Corporation 

offsets derivative assets and liabilities and cash collateral held 

with the same counterparty where it has such a legally enforceable 

master netting agreement.

The  Offsetting  of  Derivatives  table  presents  derivative 

instruments  included  in  derivative  assets  and  liabilities  on  the 

Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2015 and 2014 by 

primary  risk  (e.g.,  interest  rate  risk)  and  the  platform,  where 

applicable, on which these derivatives are transacted. Exchange-

traded  derivatives  include  listed  options  transacted  on  an 

exchange. OTC derivatives include bilateral transactions between 

the  Corporation  and  a  particular  counterparty.  OTC-cleared 

derivatives include bilateral transactions between the Corporation 

and  a  counterparty  where  the  transaction  is  cleared  through  a 

clearinghouse. Balances are presented on a gross basis, prior to 

the application of counterparty and cash collateral netting. Total 

gross derivative assets and liabilities are adjusted on an aggregate 

basis to take into consideration the effects of legally enforceable 

master netting agreements which includes reducing the balance 

for counterparty netting and cash collateral received or paid.

Other  gross  derivative  assets  and  liabilities  in  the  table 

represent  derivatives  entered 

into  under  master  netting 

agreements where uncertainty exists as to the enforceability of 

these  agreements  under  bankruptcy  laws  in  some  countries  or 

industries  and,  accordingly,  receivables  and  payables  with 

counterparties in these countries or industries are reported on a 

gross basis.

Also included in the table is financial instruments collateral 

related  to  legally  enforceable  master  netting  agreements  that 

represents securities collateral received or pledged and customer 

cash collateral held at third-party custodians. These amounts are 

not offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheet but are shown as 

a reduction to total derivative assets and liabilities in the table to 

derive net derivative assets and liabilities.

For  more  information  on  offsetting  of  securities  financing 

agreements,  see  Note  10  –  Federal  Funds  Sold  or  Purchased, 

Securities Financing Agreements and Short-term Borrowings.

Gross Derivative Assets

Gross Derivative Liabilities

December 31, 2014

Offsetting of Derivatives

(Dollars in billions)

Interest rate contracts
Over-the-counter
Exchange-traded
Over-the-counter cleared
Foreign exchange contracts

Over-the-counter
Over-the-counter cleared

Equity contracts

Over-the-counter
Exchange-traded
Commodity contracts
Over-the-counter
Exchange-traded
Over-the-counter cleared

Credit derivatives
Over-the-counter
Over-the-counter cleared

Total gross derivative assets/liabilities, before netting

Over-the-counter
Exchange-traded
Over-the-counter cleared

Less: Legally enforceable master netting agreements and cash collateral received/paid

Over-the-counter
Exchange-traded
Over-the-counter cleared

Derivative assets/liabilities, after netting
Other gross derivative assets/liabilities

Total derivative assets/liabilities

Less: Financial instruments collateral (1)

December 31, 2015

December 31, 2014

Derivative 
Assets

Derivative
Liabilities

Derivative 
Assets

Derivative
Liabilities

$

$

309.3
—
197.0

103.2
0.1

16.6
10.0

7.3
2.9
0.1

24.6
6.5

461.0
12.9
203.7

(426.6)
(9.8)
(203.3)
37.9
12.1
50.0
(13.9)
36.1

297.2
—
201.7

107.5
0.1

14.0
9.2

8.9
2.9
0.1

22.9
6.4

450.5
12.1
208.3

(425.7)
(9.8)
(208.2)
27.2
11.3
38.5
(6.5)
32.0

$

$

386.6
0.1
365.7

133.0
—

19.5
8.6

10.2
7.4
0.1

30.8
7.0

580.1
16.1
372.8

(545.7)
(13.9)
(372.5)
36.9
15.8
52.7
(13.3)
39.4

$

$

373.2
0.1
368.7

139.9
—

16.7
7.8

11.9
7.7
0.6

30.2
6.8

571.9
15.6
376.1

(545.5)
(13.9)
(375.5)
28.7
18.2
46.9
(8.9)
38.0

Total net derivative assets/liabilities
(1)  These amounts are limited to the derivative asset/liability balance and, accordingly, do not include excess collateral received/pledged.

$

$

ALM and Risk Management Derivatives
The Corporation’s ALM and risk management activities include the 
use  of  derivatives  to  mitigate  risk  to  the  Corporation  including 
derivatives  designated 
in  qualifying  hedge  accounting 
relationships  and  derivatives  used  in  other  risk  management 
activities. Interest rate, foreign exchange, equity, commodity and 
credit  contracts  are  utilized  in  the  Corporation’s  ALM  and  risk 
management activities.

The  Corporation  maintains  an  overall  interest  rate  risk 
management strategy that incorporates the use of interest rate 
contracts, which are generally non-leveraged generic interest rate 
and  basis  swaps,  options,  futures  and  forwards,  to  minimize 
significant  fluctuations  in  earnings  caused  by  interest  rate 
volatility.  The  Corporation’s  goal  is  to  manage  interest  rate 
sensitivity and volatility so that movements in interest rates do 
not significantly adversely affect earnings or capital. As a result 
of interest rate fluctuations, hedged fixed-rate assets and liabilities 
appreciate  or  depreciate  in  fair  value.  Gains  or  losses  on  the 
derivative  instruments  that  are  linked  to  the  hedged  fixed-rate 
assets  and  liabilities  are  expected  to  substantially  offset  this 
unrealized appreciation or depreciation.

Market risk, including interest rate risk, can be substantial in 
the  mortgage  business.  Market  risk  is  the  risk  that  values  of 
mortgage assets or revenues will be adversely affected by changes 
in market conditions such as interest rate movements. To mitigate 
the interest rate risk in mortgage banking production income, the 

Corporation  utilizes  forward  loan  sale  commitments  and  other 
derivative instruments, including purchased options, and certain 
debt securities. The Corporation also utilizes derivatives such as 
interest  rate  options,  interest  rate  swaps,  forward  settlement 
contracts and eurodollar futures to hedge certain market risks of 
MSRs. For more information on MSRs, see Note 23 – Mortgage 
Servicing Rights.

The Corporation uses foreign exchange contracts to manage 
the foreign exchange risk associated with certain foreign currency-
denominated assets and liabilities, as well as the Corporation’s 
investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries. Foreign exchange contracts, 
which include spot and forward contracts, represent agreements 
to exchange the currency of one country for the currency of another 
country  at  an  agreed-upon  price  on  an  agreed-upon  settlement 
date. Exposure to loss on these contracts will increase or decrease 
over their respective lives as currency exchange and interest rates 
fluctuate.

The  Corporation  enters  into  derivative  commodity  contracts 
such  as  futures,  swaps,  options  and  forwards  as  well  as  non-
derivative commodity contracts to provide price risk management 
services to customers or to manage price risk associated with its 
physical  and  financial  commodity  positions.  The  non-derivative 
commodity  contracts  and  physical  inventories  of  commodities 
expose the Corporation to earnings volatility. Fair value accounting 
hedges provide a method to mitigate a portion of this earnings 
volatility.

148     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     149

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Corporation purchases credit derivatives to manage credit 
risk  related  to  certain  funded  and  unfunded  credit  exposures. 
Credit derivatives include credit default swaps (CDS), total return 
swaps  and  swaptions.  These  derivatives  are  recorded  on  the 
Consolidated Balance Sheet at fair value with changes in fair value 
recorded in other income.

Derivatives Designated as Accounting Hedges
The Corporation uses various types of interest rate, commodity 
and  foreign  exchange  derivative  contracts  to  protect  against 
changes  in  the  fair  value  of  its  assets  and  liabilities  due  to 
fluctuations  in  interest  rates,  commodity  prices  and  exchange 
rates (fair value hedges). The Corporation also uses these types 
of contracts and equity derivatives to protect against changes in 
the cash flows of its assets and liabilities, and other forecasted 
transactions (cash flow hedges). The Corporation hedges its net 
investment  in  consolidated  non-U.S.  operations  determined  to 

have functional currencies other than the U.S. Dollar using forward 
exchange  contracts  and  cross-currency  basis  swaps,  and  by 
issuing  foreign  currency-denominated  debt  (net  investment 
hedges).

Fair Value Hedges
The  table  below  summarizes  information  related  to  fair  value 
hedges for 2015, 2014 and 2013, including hedges of interest 
rate risk on long-term debt that were acquired as part of a business 
combination and redesignated at that time. At redesignation, the 
fair value of the derivatives was positive. As the derivatives mature, 
the fair value will approach zero. As a result, ineffectiveness will 
occur and the fair value changes in the derivatives and the long-
term debt being hedged may be directionally the same in certain 
scenarios.  Based  on  a  regression  analysis,  the  derivatives 
continue  to  be  highly  effective  at  offsetting  changes  in  the  fair 
value of the long-term debt attributable to interest rate risk.

Derivatives Designated as Fair Value Hedges

Gains (Losses)

(Dollars in millions)

Interest rate risk on long-term debt (1)
Interest rate and foreign currency risk on long-term debt (1)
Interest rate risk on available-for-sale securities (2)
Price risk on commodity inventory (3)

Total

Interest rate risk on long-term debt (1)
Interest rate and foreign currency risk on long-term debt (1)
Interest rate risk on available-for-sale securities (2)
Price risk on commodity inventory (3)

Total

Interest rate risk on long-term debt (1)
Interest rate and foreign currency risk on long-term debt (1)
Interest rate risk on available-for-sale securities (2)
Price risk on commodity inventory (3)

Total

(1)  Amounts are recorded in interest expense on long-term debt and in other income (loss).
(2)  Amounts are recorded in interest income on debt securities.
(3)  Amounts relating to commodity inventory are recorded in trading account profits.

Derivative

2015
Hedged
Item

Hedge
Ineffectiveness

$

$

$

$

$

$

(718) $

(1,898)
105
15
(2,496) $

$

2,144
(2,212)
(35)
21
(82) $

(4,704) $
(1,291)
839
(13)
(5,169) $

(77) $

1,812
(127)
(11)
1,597

$

2014

(2,935) $
2,120
3
(15)

(827) $

2013

3,925
1,085
(840)
11
4,181

$

$

(795)
(86)
(22)
4
(899)

(791)
(92)
(32)
6
(909)

(779)
(206)
(1)
(2)
(988)

150     Bank of America 2015

 
 
The Corporation purchases credit derivatives to manage credit 

have functional currencies other than the U.S. Dollar using forward 

risk  related  to  certain  funded  and  unfunded  credit  exposures. 

exchange  contracts  and  cross-currency  basis  swaps,  and  by 

Credit derivatives include credit default swaps (CDS), total return 

issuing  foreign  currency-denominated  debt  (net  investment 

swaps  and  swaptions.  These  derivatives  are  recorded  on  the 

hedges).

Consolidated Balance Sheet at fair value with changes in fair value 

recorded in other income.

Derivatives Designated as Accounting Hedges

The Corporation uses various types of interest rate, commodity 

and  foreign  exchange  derivative  contracts  to  protect  against 

changes  in  the  fair  value  of  its  assets  and  liabilities  due  to 

fluctuations  in  interest  rates,  commodity  prices  and  exchange 

rates (fair value hedges). The Corporation also uses these types 

of contracts and equity derivatives to protect against changes in 

the cash flows of its assets and liabilities, and other forecasted 

transactions (cash flow hedges). The Corporation hedges its net 

investment  in  consolidated  non-U.S.  operations  determined  to 

Fair Value Hedges

The  table  below  summarizes  information  related  to  fair  value 

hedges for 2015, 2014 and 2013, including hedges of interest 

rate risk on long-term debt that were acquired as part of a business 

combination and redesignated at that time. At redesignation, the 

fair value of the derivatives was positive. As the derivatives mature, 

the fair value will approach zero. As a result, ineffectiveness will 

occur and the fair value changes in the derivatives and the long-

term debt being hedged may be directionally the same in certain 

scenarios.  Based  on  a  regression  analysis,  the  derivatives 

continue  to  be  highly  effective  at  offsetting  changes  in  the  fair 

value of the long-term debt attributable to interest rate risk.

Derivatives Designated as Fair Value Hedges

Gains (Losses)

(Dollars in millions)

Interest rate risk on long-term debt (1)

Interest rate and foreign currency risk on long-term debt (1)

Interest rate risk on available-for-sale securities (2)

Price risk on commodity inventory (3)

Interest rate risk on long-term debt (1)

Interest rate and foreign currency risk on long-term debt (1)

Interest rate risk on available-for-sale securities (2)

Price risk on commodity inventory (3)

Total

Total

Total

Interest rate risk on long-term debt (1)

Interest rate and foreign currency risk on long-term debt (1)

Interest rate risk on available-for-sale securities (2)

Price risk on commodity inventory (3)

(1)  Amounts are recorded in interest expense on long-term debt and in other income (loss).

(2)  Amounts are recorded in interest income on debt securities.

(3)  Amounts relating to commodity inventory are recorded in trading account profits.

Derivative

2015

Hedged

Item

Hedge

Ineffectiveness

$

$

$

$

$

$

(718) $

(1,898)

105

15

(77) $

1,812

(127)

(11)

(2,496) $

1,597

$

2014

2,144

$

(2,935) $

(2,212)

(35)

21

2,120

3

(15)

(82) $

(827) $

(4,704) $

(1,291)

839

(13)

2013

$

3,925

1,085

(840)

11

(5,169) $

4,181

$

(795)

(86)

(22)

4

(899)

(791)

(92)

(32)

6

(909)

(779)

(206)

(1)

(2)

(988)

Cash Flow and Net Investment Hedges
The table below summarizes certain information related to cash 
flow hedges and net investment hedges for 2015, 2014 and 2013. 
Of the $1.1 billion net loss (after-tax) on derivatives in accumulated 
OCI for 2015, $563 million ($352 million after-tax) is expected to 
be reclassified into earnings in the next 12 months. These net 
losses reclassified into earnings are expected to primarily reduce 

net  interest  income  related  to  the  respective  hedged  items. 
Amounts  related  to  price  risk  on  restricted  stock  awards 
reclassified  from  accumulated  OCI  are  recorded  in  personnel 
expense. For terminated cash flow hedges, the time period over 
which substantially all of the forecasted transactions are hedged 
is approximately seven years, with a maximum length of time for 
certain forecasted transactions of 20 years.

Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow and Net Investment Hedges

(Dollars in millions, amounts pretax)

Cash flow hedges

Interest rate risk on variable-rate portfolios
Price risk on restricted stock awards (2)

Total

Net investment hedges
Foreign exchange risk

Cash flow hedges

Interest rate risk on variable-rate portfolios
Price risk on restricted stock awards (2)

Total

Net investment hedges
Foreign exchange risk

Cash flow hedges

Interest rate risk on variable-rate portfolios
Price risk on restricted stock awards (2)

Total

Net investment hedges
Foreign exchange risk

2015

Gains (Losses)
Recognized in
Accumulated OCI
on Derivatives

Gains (Losses)
in Income
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI

Hedge
Ineffectiveness and
Amounts Excluded
from Effectiveness
Testing (1)

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

95
(40)
55

3,010

68
127
195

3,021

$

$

$

$

$

$

(974) $
91
(883) $

(2)
—
(2)

153

$

(298)

(1,119) $
359
(760) $

(4)
—
(4)

21

$

(503)

2014

2013

(321) $
477
156

$

(1,102) $
329
(773) $

—
—
—

1,024

$

(355) $

(134)

(1)  Amounts related to cash flow hedges represent hedge ineffectiveness and amounts related to net investment hedges represent amounts excluded from effectiveness testing.
(2)  The hedge gain (loss) recognized in accumulated OCI is primarily related to the change in the Corporation’s stock price for the period.

150     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     151

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Risk Management Derivatives
Other risk management derivatives are used by the Corporation to reduce certain risk exposures. These derivatives are not qualifying 
accounting hedges because either they did not qualify for or were not designated as accounting hedges. The table below presents 
gains (losses) on these derivatives for 2015, 2014 and 2013. These gains (losses) are largely offset by the income or expense that 
is recorded on the hedged item.

Other Risk Management Derivatives

Gains (Losses)

(Dollars in millions)

2015

2014

2013

(619)
Interest rate risk on mortgage banking income (1)
(47)
Credit risk on loans (2)
2,501
Interest rate and foreign currency risk on ALM activities (3)
865
Price risk on restricted stock awards (4)
(19)
Other
(1)  Net gains (losses) on these derivatives are recorded in mortgage banking income as they are used to mitigate the interest rate risk related to MSRs, IRLCs and mortgage loans held-for-sale, all of 
which are measured at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in mortgage banking income. The net gains on IRLCs related to the origination of mortgage loans that are held-for-sale, which 
are not included in the table but are considered derivative instruments, were $714 million, $776 million and $927 million for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

1,017
16
(3,683)
600
(9)

254
(22)
(222)
(267)
11

$

$

$

(2)  Primarily related to derivatives that are economic hedges of credit risk on loans. Net gains (losses) on these derivatives are recorded in other income.
(3)  Primarily related to hedges of debt securities carried at fair value and hedges of foreign currency-denominated debt. Gains (losses) on these derivatives and the related hedged items are recorded 

in other income.

(4)  Gains (losses) on these derivatives are recorded in personnel expense.

Transfers of Financial Assets with Risk Retained 
through Derivatives
The  Corporation  enters  into  certain  transactions  involving  the 
transfer of financial assets that are accounted for as sales where 
substantially  all  of  the  economic  exposure  to  the  transferred 
financial assets is retained by the Corporation through a derivative 
agreement  with  the  initial  transferee.  These  transactions  are 
accounted for as sales because the Corporation does not retain 
control over the assets transferred.

Through December 31, 2015, the Corporation transferred $7.9 
billion  of  primarily  non-U.S.  government-guaranteed  mortgage-
backed  securities  (MBS)  to  a  third-party  trust.  The  Corporation 
received gross cash proceeds of $7.9 billion at the transfer dates. 
At December 31, 2015, the fair value of these securities was $7.2 
billion.  The  Corporation  simultaneously  entered  into  derivatives 
with  those  counterparties  whereby  the  Corporation  retained 
certain economic exposures to those securities (e.g., interest rate 
and/or credit risk). A derivative asset of $24 million and a liability 
of  $29  million  were  recorded  at  December 31,  2015  and  are 
included in credit derivatives in the derivative instruments table 
on page 147. The economic exposure retained by the Corporation 
is  typically  hedged  with  interest  rate  swaps  and  interest  rate 
swaptions.

Sales and Trading Revenue
The Corporation enters into trading derivatives to facilitate client 
transactions and to manage risk exposures arising from trading 
account  assets  and  liabilities.  It  is  the  Corporation’s  policy  to 
include these derivative instruments in its trading activities which 

include  derivatives  and  non-derivative  cash  instruments.  The 
resulting  risk  from  these  derivatives  is  managed  on  a  portfolio 
basis  as  part  of  the  Corporation’s  Global  Markets  business 
segment. The related sales and trading revenue generated within 
Global Markets is recorded in various income statement line items 
including trading account profits and net interest income as well 
as other revenue categories.

Sales and trading revenue includes changes in the fair value 
and realized gains and losses on the sales of trading and other 
assets, net interest income, and fees primarily from commissions 
on equity securities. Revenue is generated by the difference in the 
client price for an instrument and the price at which the trading 
desk  can  execute  the  trade  in  the  dealer  market.  For  equity 
securities,  commissions  related  to  purchases  and  sales  are 
recorded in the “Other” column in the Sales and Trading Revenue 
table. Changes in the fair value of these securities are included 
in trading account profits. For debt securities, revenue, with the 
exception  of  interest  associated  with  the  debt  securities,  is 
typically included in trading account profits. Unlike commissions 
for equity securities, the initial revenue related to broker-dealer 
services for debt securities is typically included in the pricing of 
the instrument rather  than being  charged  through  separate fee 
arrangements.  Therefore,  this  revenue  is  recorded  in  trading 
account  profits  as  part  of  the  initial  mark  to  fair  value.  For 
derivatives, the majority of revenue is included in trading account 
profits. In transactions where the Corporation acts as agent, which 
include exchange-traded futures and options, fees are recorded in 
other income.

152     Bank of America 2015

Other Risk Management Derivatives

Other risk management derivatives are used by the Corporation to reduce certain risk exposures. These derivatives are not qualifying 

accounting hedges because either they did not qualify for or were not designated as accounting hedges. The table below presents 

gains (losses) on these derivatives for 2015, 2014 and 2013. These gains (losses) are largely offset by the income or expense that 

is recorded on the hedged item.

Other Risk Management Derivatives

Gains (Losses)

(Dollars in millions)

Interest rate risk on mortgage banking income (1)

Credit risk on loans (2)

Interest rate and foreign currency risk on ALM activities (3)

Price risk on restricted stock awards (4)

Other

2015

2014

2013

$

254

$

1,017

$

(22)

(222)

(267)

11

16

(3,683)

600

(9)

(619)

(47)

2,501

865

(19)

(1)  Net gains (losses) on these derivatives are recorded in mortgage banking income as they are used to mitigate the interest rate risk related to MSRs, IRLCs and mortgage loans held-for-sale, all of 

which are measured at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in mortgage banking income. The net gains on IRLCs related to the origination of mortgage loans that are held-for-sale, which 

are not included in the table but are considered derivative instruments, were $714 million, $776 million and $927 million for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

(2)  Primarily related to derivatives that are economic hedges of credit risk on loans. Net gains (losses) on these derivatives are recorded in other income.

(3)  Primarily related to hedges of debt securities carried at fair value and hedges of foreign currency-denominated debt. Gains (losses) on these derivatives and the related hedged items are recorded 

in other income.

(4)  Gains (losses) on these derivatives are recorded in personnel expense.

Transfers of Financial Assets with Risk Retained 

through Derivatives

The  Corporation  enters  into  certain  transactions  involving  the 

transfer of financial assets that are accounted for as sales where 

substantially  all  of  the  economic  exposure  to  the  transferred 

financial assets is retained by the Corporation through a derivative 

agreement  with  the  initial  transferee.  These  transactions  are 

accounted for as sales because the Corporation does not retain 

control over the assets transferred.

Through December 31, 2015, the Corporation transferred $7.9 

billion  of  primarily  non-U.S.  government-guaranteed  mortgage-

backed  securities  (MBS)  to  a  third-party  trust.  The  Corporation 

received gross cash proceeds of $7.9 billion at the transfer dates. 

At December 31, 2015, the fair value of these securities was $7.2 

billion.  The  Corporation  simultaneously  entered  into  derivatives 

with  those  counterparties  whereby  the  Corporation  retained 

certain economic exposures to those securities (e.g., interest rate 

and/or credit risk). A derivative asset of $24 million and a liability 

of  $29  million  were  recorded  at  December 31,  2015  and  are 

included in credit derivatives in the derivative instruments table 

on page 147. The economic exposure retained by the Corporation 

is  typically  hedged  with  interest  rate  swaps  and  interest  rate 

swaptions.

Sales and Trading Revenue

The Corporation enters into trading derivatives to facilitate client 

transactions and to manage risk exposures arising from trading 

account  assets  and  liabilities.  It  is  the  Corporation’s  policy  to 

include these derivative instruments in its trading activities which 

include  derivatives  and  non-derivative  cash  instruments.  The 

resulting  risk  from  these  derivatives  is  managed  on  a  portfolio 

basis  as  part  of  the  Corporation’s  Global  Markets  business 

segment. The related sales and trading revenue generated within 

Global Markets is recorded in various income statement line items 

including trading account profits and net interest income as well 

as other revenue categories.

Sales and trading revenue includes changes in the fair value 

and realized gains and losses on the sales of trading and other 

assets, net interest income, and fees primarily from commissions 

on equity securities. Revenue is generated by the difference in the 

client price for an instrument and the price at which the trading 

desk  can  execute  the  trade  in  the  dealer  market.  For  equity 

securities,  commissions  related  to  purchases  and  sales  are 

recorded in the “Other” column in the Sales and Trading Revenue 

table. Changes in the fair value of these securities are included 

in trading account profits. For debt securities, revenue, with the 

exception  of  interest  associated  with  the  debt  securities,  is 

typically included in trading account profits. Unlike commissions 

for equity securities, the initial revenue related to broker-dealer 

services for debt securities is typically included in the pricing of 

the instrument rather  than being  charged  through  separate  fee 

arrangements.  Therefore,  this  revenue  is  recorded  in  trading 

account  profits  as  part  of  the  initial  mark  to  fair  value.  For 

derivatives, the majority of revenue is included in trading account 

profits. In transactions where the Corporation acts as agent, which 

include exchange-traded futures and options, fees are recorded in 

other income.

The  table  below,  which  includes  both  derivatives  and  non-
derivative  cash  instruments,  identifies  the  amounts  in  the 
respective  income  statement  line  items  attributable  to  the 
Corporation’s  sales  and  trading  revenue  in  Global  Markets, 
categorized  by  primary  risk,  for  2015,  2014  and  2013.  The 
difference between total trading account profits in the table below 
and in the Consolidated Statement of Income represents trading 
activities in business segments other than Global Markets. This 
table includes DVA and funding valuation adjustment (FVA) gains 
(losses). Global Markets results in Note 24 – Business Segment 

Information are presented on a fully taxable-equivalent (FTE) basis. 
The table below is not presented on an FTE basis. 

The results for 2015 were impacted by the early adoption of 
new  accounting  guidance  on  recognition  and  measurement  of 
financial instruments. As such, amounts in the "Other" column for 
2015  exclude  unrealized  DVA  resulting  from  changes  in  the 
Corporation’s own credit spreads on liabilities accounted for under 
the fair value option. Amounts for 2014 and 2013 include such 
amounts. For more information on the new accounting guidance, 
see Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Principles.

Sales and Trading Revenue

(Dollars in millions)

Interest rate risk
Foreign exchange risk
Equity risk
Credit risk
Other risk

Total sales and trading revenue

Interest rate risk
Foreign exchange risk
Equity risk
Credit risk
Other risk

Total sales and trading revenue

Interest rate risk
Foreign exchange risk
Equity risk
Credit risk
Other risk

Total sales and trading revenue

2015

Trading
Account
Profits

Net
Interest
Income

Other (1)

Total

$

$

$

$

$

$

1,251
1,322
2,115
901
481
6,070

962
1,177
1,954
1,396
508
5,997

1,217
1,169
1,994
1,966
388
6,734

$

$

$

$

$

$

1,457
(10)
56
2,360
(80)
3,783

$

$

(319) $
(117)
2,146
452
61
2,223

$

2,389
1,195
4,317
3,713
462
12,076

2014
$

1,097
7
(79)
2,563
(123)
3,465

1,158
6
112
2,647
(217)
3,706

2013
$

$

$

401
(128)
2,307
617
106
3,303

$

2,460
1,056
4,182
4,576
491
$ 12,765

(290) $
(100)
2,066
77
69
1,822

2,085
1,075
4,172
4,690
240
$ 12,262

(1)  Represents amounts in investment and brokerage services and other income that are recorded in Global Markets and included in the definition of sales and trading revenue. Includes investment and 

brokerage services revenue of $2.2 billion, $2.2 billion and $2.1 billion for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Credit Derivatives
The Corporation enters into credit derivatives primarily to facilitate 
client transactions and to manage credit risk exposures. Credit 
derivatives  derive  value  based  on  an  underlying  third-party 
referenced obligation or a portfolio of referenced obligations and 
generally require the Corporation, as the seller of credit protection, 
to make payments to a buyer upon the occurrence of a pre-defined 
credit event. Such credit events generally include bankruptcy of 
the referenced credit entity and failure to pay under the obligation, 
as well as acceleration of indebtedness and payment repudiation 
or  moratorium.  For  credit  derivatives  based  on  a  portfolio  of 
referenced credits or credit indices, the Corporation may not be 
required to make payment until a specified amount of loss has 

occurred and/or may only be required to make payment up to a 
specified amount.

Credit  derivative  instruments  where  the  Corporation  is  the 
seller of credit protection and their expiration at December 31, 
2015  and  2014  are  summarized  in  the  table  below.  These 
instruments  are  classified  as  investment  and  non-investment 
grade  based  on  the  credit  quality  of  the  underlying  referenced 
obligation. The Corporation considers ratings of BBB- or higher as 
investment grade. Non-investment grade includes non-rated credit 
derivative  instruments.  The  Corporation  discloses  internal 
categorizations  of  investment  grade  and  non-investment  grade 
consistent with how risk is managed for these instruments.

152     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     153

 
 
December 31, 2015
Carrying Value

Less than
One Year

One to
Three Years

Three to
Five Years

Over Five
Years

Total

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

84
672
756

5
171
176
932

267
61
328

149,177
81,596
230,773

9,758
20,917
30,675
261,448

100
916
1,016

24
64
88
1,104

2
5
7

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

481
3,035
3,516

—
236
236
3,752

$

$

2,203
2,386
4,589

—
8
8
4,597

$

$

$

$

57
118
175
Maximum Payout/Notional

444
117
561

$

$

680
3,583
4,263

—
2
2
4,265

2,203
1,264
3,467

280,658
135,850
416,508

—
6,989
6,989
423,497

$

$

178,990
53,299
232,289

—
1,371
1,371
233,660

$

$

26,352
18,221
44,573

—
623
623
45,196

December 31, 2014
Carrying Value

714
2,107
2,821

—
247
247
3,068

$

$

1,455
1,338
2,793

—
2
2
2,795

$

$

$

$

365
141
506
Maximum Payout/Notional

568
85
653

$

$

939
4,301
5,240

—
—
—
5,240

2,634
1,443
4,077

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

3,448
9,676
13,124

5
417
422
13,546

2,971
1,560
4,531

635,177
288,966
924,143

9,758
29,900
39,658
963,801

3,208
8,662
11,870

24
313
337
12,207

3,569
1,674
5,243

$ 132,974
54,326
187,300

$ 342,914
170,580
513,494

$ 242,728
80,011
322,739

22,645
23,839
46,484
$ 233,784

—
10,792
10,792
$ 524,286

—
3,268
3,268
$ 326,007

$

$

28,982
20,586
49,568

$ 747,598
325,503
1,073,101

—
487
487
50,055

22,645
38,386
61,031
$ 1,134,132

Credit Derivative Instruments

(Dollars in millions)

Credit default swaps:
Investment grade
Non-investment grade

Total

Total return swaps/other:

Investment grade
Non-investment grade

Total
Total credit derivatives

Credit-related notes:
Investment grade
Non-investment grade

Total credit-related notes

Credit default swaps:
Investment grade
Non-investment grade

Total

Total return swaps/other:

Investment grade
Non-investment grade

Total
Total credit derivatives

Credit default swaps:
Investment grade
Non-investment grade

Total

Total return swaps/other:

Investment grade
Non-investment grade

Total
Total credit derivatives

Credit-related notes:
Investment grade
Non-investment grade

Total credit-related notes

Credit default swaps:
Investment grade
Non-investment grade

Total

Total return swaps/other:

Investment grade
Non-investment grade

Total
Total credit derivatives

154     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit Derivative Instruments

(Dollars in millions)

Credit default swaps:

Investment grade

Non-investment grade

Total return swaps/other:

Investment grade

Non-investment grade

Total

Total

Total credit derivatives

Credit-related notes:

Investment grade

Non-investment grade

Total credit-related notes

Credit default swaps:

Investment grade

Non-investment grade

Total return swaps/other:

Investment grade

Non-investment grade

Total

Total

Total credit derivatives

Credit default swaps:

Investment grade

Non-investment grade

Total return swaps/other:

Investment grade

Non-investment grade

Total

Total

Total credit derivatives

Credit-related notes:

Investment grade

Non-investment grade

Total credit-related notes

Credit default swaps:

Investment grade

Non-investment grade

Total return swaps/other:

Investment grade

Non-investment grade

Total

Total

Total credit derivatives

December 31, 2015

Carrying Value

Less than

One Year

One to

Three Years

Three to

Five Years

Over Five

Years

Total

$

84

$

481

$

$

680

$

3,752

4,597

4,265

13,546

672

756

5

171

176

932

267

61

328

$

$

$

3,035

3,516

—

236

236

57

118

175

Maximum Payout/Notional

$

149,177

$

280,658

$

178,990

$

$

635,177

81,596

230,773

135,850

416,508

53,299

232,289

9,758

20,917

30,675

—

6,989

6,989

—

1,371

1,371

$

261,448

$

423,497

$

233,660

$

45,196

$

963,801

December 31, 2014

Carrying Value

$

714

$

$

939

$

2,203

2,386

4,589

—

8

8

444

117

561

1,455

1,338

2,793

—

2

2

568

85

653

$

$

$

$

$

$

3,583

4,263

—

2

2

2,203

1,264

3,467

26,352

18,221

44,573

—

623

623

4,301

5,240

—

—

—

2,634

1,443

4,077

3,448

9,676

13,124

5

417

422

2,971

1,560

4,531

288,966

924,143

9,758

29,900

39,658

3,208

8,662

11,870

24

313

337

3,569

1,674

5,243

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

100

916

1,016

24

64

88

2

5

7

$

$

$

2,107

2,821

—

247

247

365

141

506

1,104

3,068

2,795

5,240

12,207

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Maximum Payout/Notional

$ 132,974

$ 342,914

$ 242,728

$

28,982

$ 747,598

54,326

187,300

170,580

513,494

80,011

322,739

20,586

49,568

325,503

1,073,101

22,645

23,839

46,484

—

10,792

10,792

—

3,268

3,268

—

487

487

22,645

38,386

61,031

$ 233,784

$ 524,286

$ 326,007

$

50,055

$ 1,134,132

The notional amount represents the maximum amount payable 
by  the  Corporation  for  most  credit  derivatives.  However,  the 
Corporation  does  not  monitor  its  exposure  to  credit  derivatives 
based solely on the notional amount because this measure does 
not take into consideration the probability of occurrence. As such, 
the notional amount is not a reliable indicator of the Corporation’s 
exposure to these contracts. Instead, a risk framework is used to 
define  risk  tolerances  and  establish  limits  to  help  ensure  that 
certain  credit  risk-related  losses  occur  within  acceptable, 
predefined limits.

The Corporation manages its market risk exposure to credit 
derivatives  by  entering  into  a  variety  of  offsetting  derivative 
contracts and security positions. For example, in certain instances, 
the  Corporation  may  purchase  credit  protection  with  identical 
underlying referenced names to offset its exposure. The carrying 
value and notional amount of written credit derivatives for which 
the Corporation held purchased credit derivatives with identical 
underlying  referenced  names  and  terms  were  $8.2  billion  and 
$706.0 billion at December 31, 2015 and $5.7 billion and $880.6 
billion at December 31, 2014.

Credit-related  notes  in  the  table  on  page  154  include 
investments  in  securities  issued  by  CDO,  collateralized  loan 
obligation (CLO) and credit-linked note vehicles. These instruments 
are primarily classified as trading securities. The carrying value of 
these instruments equals the Corporation’s maximum exposure 
to loss. The Corporation is not obligated to make any payments 
to the entities under the terms of the securities owned.

Credit-related Contingent Features and Collateral
The Corporation executes the majority of its derivative contracts 
in the OTC market with large, international financial institutions, 
including broker-dealers and, to a lesser degree, with a variety of 
non-financial  companies.  A significant  majority of  the  derivative 
transactions  are  executed  on  a  daily  margin  basis.  Therefore, 
events  such  as  a  credit  rating  downgrade  (depending  on  the 
ultimate rating level) or a breach of credit covenants would typically 
require  an  increase  in  the  amount  of  collateral  required  of  the 
counterparty, where applicable, and/or allow the Corporation to 
take additional protective measures such as early termination of 
all  trades.  Further,  as  previously  discussed  on  page  147,  the 
Corporation  enters  into  legally  enforceable  master  netting 
agreements  which  reduce  risk  by  permitting  the  closeout  and 
netting  of  transactions  with  the  same  counterparty  upon  the 
occurrence of certain events.

A  majority  of  the  Corporation’s  derivative  contracts  contain 
credit risk-related contingent features, primarily in the form of ISDA 
master netting agreements and credit support documentation that 
enhance the creditworthiness of these instruments compared to 
other  obligations  of  the  respective  counterparty  with  whom  the 
Corporation has transacted. These contingent features may be for 
the benefit of the Corporation as well as its counterparties with 
respect to changes in the Corporation’s creditworthiness and the 
mark-to-market  exposure  under  the  derivative  transactions.  At 
December 31,  2015  and 2014,  the  Corporation  held  cash  and 
securities collateral of $78.9 billion and $82.0 billion, and posted 
cash and securities collateral of $62.7 billion and $67.9 billion in 
the normal course of business under derivative agreements. This 

excludes cross-product margining agreements where clients are 
permitted to margin on a net basis for both derivative and secured 
financing arrangements.

In connection with certain OTC derivative contracts and other 
trading agreements, the Corporation can be required to provide 
additional  collateral  or  to  terminate  transactions  with  certain 
counterparties  in  the  event  of  a  downgrade  of  the  senior  debt 
ratings of the Corporation or certain subsidiaries. The amount of 
additional  collateral  required  depends  on  the  contract  and  is 
usually a fixed incremental amount and/or the market value of the 
exposure.

At December 31, 2015, the amount of collateral, calculated 
based  on  the  terms  of  the  contracts,  that  the  Corporation  and 
certain subsidiaries could be required to post to counterparties 
but had not yet posted to counterparties was approximately $2.9 
billion, including $1.6 billion for Bank of America, N.A. (BANA).

Some  counterparties  are  currently  able  to  unilaterally 
terminate  certain  contracts,  or  the  Corporation  or  certain 
subsidiaries may be required to take other action such as find a 
suitable  replacement  or  obtain  a  guarantee.  At  December 31, 
2015, the current liability recorded for these derivative contracts 
was $69 million.

The table below presents the amount of additional collateral 
that would have been contractually required by derivative contracts 
and other trading agreements at December 31, 2015 if the rating 
agencies had downgraded their long-term senior debt ratings for 
the Corporation or certain subsidiaries by one incremental notch 
and by an additional second incremental notch.

Additional Collateral Required to be Posted Upon
Downgrade

(Dollars in millions)

Bank of America Corporation
Bank of America, N.A. and subsidiaries (1)
(1) 

Included in Bank of America Corporation collateral requirements in this table.

December 31, 2015
Second
One 
incremental 
incremental 
notch
notch

$

1,011 $
762

1,948
1,474

The table below presents the derivative liabilities that would 
be  subject  to  unilateral  termination  by  counterparties  and  the 
amounts of collateral that would have been contractually required 
at December 31, 2015 if the long-term senior debt ratings for the 
Corporation  or  certain  subsidiaries  had  been  lower  by  one 
incremental notch and by an additional second incremental notch.

Derivative Liabilities Subject to Unilateral Termination
Upon Downgrade

(Dollars in millions)

Derivative liabilities
Collateral posted

December 31, 2015
Second
One 
incremental 
incremental 
notch
notch

$

879 $
501

2,792
2,269

154     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     155

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Valuation Adjustments on Derivatives
The  Corporation  records  credit  risk  valuation  adjustments  on 
derivatives  in  order  to  properly  reflect  the  credit  quality  of  the 
counterparties  and  its  own  credit  quality.  The  Corporation 
calculates  valuation  adjustments  on  derivatives  based  on  a 
modeled expected exposure that incorporates current market risk 
factors.  The  exposure  also  takes  into  consideration  credit 
mitigants  such  as  enforceable  master  netting  agreements  and 
collateral.  CDS  spread  data  is  used  to  estimate  the  default 
probabilities  and  severities  that  are  applied  to  the  exposures. 
Where  no  observable  credit  default  data  is  available  for 
counterparties,  the  Corporation  uses  proxies  and  other  market 
data to estimate default probabilities and severity.

Valuation adjustments on derivatives are affected by changes 
in  market  spreads,  non-credit  related  market  factors  such  as 
interest  rate  and  currency  changes  that  affect  the  expected 
exposure,  and  other 
in  collateral 
arrangements and partial payments. Credit spreads and non-credit 
factors can move independently. For example, for an interest rate 
swap,  changes  in  interest  rates  may  increase  the  expected 
exposure, which would increase the counterparty credit valuation 
adjustment (CVA). Independently, counterparty credit spreads may 
tighten, which would result in an offsetting decrease to CVA.

like  changes 

factors 

The  Corporation  early  adopted,  retrospective  to  January  1, 
2015, the provision of new accounting guidance issued in January 
2016  that  requires  the  Corporation  to  record  unrealized  DVA 
resulting from changes in the Corporation’s own credit spreads on 
liabilities accounted for under the fair value option in accumulated 
OCI.  This  new  accounting  guidance  had  no  impact  on  the 
accounting for DVA on derivatives. For additional information, see 
New  Accounting  Pronouncements  in  Note  1  –  Summary  of 
Significant Accounting Principles.

In  2014,  the  Corporation  implemented  a  funding  valuation 
adjustment  (FVA)  into  valuation  estimates  primarily  to  include 

Valuation Adjustments on Derivatives

Gains (Losses)

(Dollars in millions)

funding costs on uncollateralized derivatives and derivatives where 
the Corporation is not permitted to use the collateral it receives. 
The  change  in  estimate  resulted  in  a  net  pretax  FVA  charge  of 
$497 million, at the time of implementation, including a charge of 
$632 million related to funding costs, partially offset by a funding 
benefit of $135 million, both related to derivative asset exposures. 
The  net  FVA  charge  was  recorded  as  a  reduction  to  sales  and 
trading revenue in Global Markets. The Corporation calculates this 
valuation  adjustment  based  on  modeled  expected  exposure 
profiles discounted for the funding risk premium inherent in these 
derivatives. FVA related to derivative assets and liabilities is the 
effect of funding costs on the fair value of these derivatives.

The  Corporation  enters  into  risk  management  activities  to 
offset market driven exposures. The Corporation often hedges the 
counterparty spread risk in CVA with CDS. The Corporation hedges 
other market risks in both CVA and DVA primarily with currency and 
interest rate swaps. In certain instances, the net-of-hedge amounts 
in the table below move in the same direction as the gross amount 
or may move in the opposite direction. This is a consequence of 
the  complex  interaction  of  the  risks  being  hedged  resulting  in 
limitations  in  the  ability  to  perfectly  hedge  all  of  the  market 
exposures at all times.

The table below presents CVA, DVA and FVA gains (losses) on 
derivatives,  which  are  recorded  in  trading  account  profits,  on  a 
gross and net of hedge basis for 2015, 2014 and 2013. CVA gains 
reduce the cumulative CVA thereby increasing the derivative assets 
balance.  DVA  gains  increase  the  cumulative  DVA  thereby 
decreasing the derivative liabilities balance. CVA and DVA losses 
have the opposite impact. FVA gains related to derivative assets 
reduce the cumulative FVA thereby increasing the derivative assets 
balance.  FVA  gains  related  to  derivative  liabilities  increase  the 
cumulative  FVA  thereby  decreasing  the  derivative  liabilities 
balance.

2015

2014

2013

Gross

Net

Gross

Net

Gross

Net

Derivative assets (CVA) (1)
Derivative assets (FVA) (2)
Derivative liabilities (DVA) (3)
Derivative liabilities (FVA) (2)
(1)  At December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the cumulative CVA reduced the derivative assets balance by $1.4 billion, $1.6 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively.
(2)  FVA was adopted in 2014 and the cumulative FVA reduced the net derivatives balance by $481 million and $497 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014.
(3)  At December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the cumulative DVA reduced the derivative liabilities balance by $750 million, $769 million and $803 million, respectively.
n/a = not applicable

255 $
(34)
(18)
50

227
(34)
(153)
50

(632)
(28)
135

(22) $

$

191
(632)
(150)
135

$

$

738 $
n/a
(39)
n/a

(96)
n/a
(75)
n/a

156     Bank of America 2015

Valuation Adjustments on Derivatives

The  Corporation  records  credit  risk  valuation  adjustments  on 

derivatives  in  order  to  properly  reflect  the  credit  quality  of  the 

counterparties  and  its  own  credit  quality.  The  Corporation 

calculates  valuation  adjustments  on  derivatives  based  on  a 

modeled expected exposure that incorporates current market risk 

factors.  The  exposure  also  takes  into  consideration  credit 

mitigants  such  as  enforceable  master  netting  agreements  and 

collateral.  CDS  spread  data  is  used  to  estimate  the  default 

probabilities  and  severities  that  are  applied  to  the  exposures. 

Where  no  observable  credit  default  data  is  available  for 

counterparties,  the  Corporation  uses  proxies  and  other  market 

data to estimate default probabilities and severity.

Valuation adjustments on derivatives are affected by changes 

in  market  spreads,  non-credit  related  market  factors  such  as 

interest  rate  and  currency  changes  that  affect  the  expected 

exposure,  and  other 

factors 

like  changes 

in  collateral 

arrangements and partial payments. Credit spreads and non-credit 

factors can move independently. For example, for an interest rate 

swap,  changes  in  interest  rates  may  increase  the  expected 

exposure, which would increase the counterparty credit valuation 

adjustment (CVA). Independently, counterparty credit spreads may 

tighten, which would result in an offsetting decrease to CVA.

The  Corporation  early  adopted,  retrospective  to  January  1, 

2015, the provision of new accounting guidance issued in January 

2016  that  requires  the  Corporation  to  record  unrealized  DVA 

resulting from changes in the Corporation’s own credit spreads on 

liabilities accounted for under the fair value option in accumulated 

OCI.  This  new  accounting  guidance  had  no  impact  on  the 

accounting for DVA on derivatives. For additional information, see 

New  Accounting  Pronouncements  in  Note  1  –  Summary  of 

Significant Accounting Principles.

funding costs on uncollateralized derivatives and derivatives where 

the Corporation is not permitted to use the collateral it receives. 

The  change  in  estimate  resulted  in  a  net  pretax  FVA  charge  of 

$497 million, at the time of implementation, including a charge of 

$632 million related to funding costs, partially offset by a funding 

benefit of $135 million, both related to derivative asset exposures. 

The  net  FVA  charge  was  recorded  as  a  reduction  to  sales  and 

trading revenue in Global Markets. The Corporation calculates this 

valuation  adjustment  based  on  modeled  expected  exposure 

profiles discounted for the funding risk premium inherent in these 

derivatives. FVA related to derivative assets and liabilities is the 

effect of funding costs on the fair value of these derivatives.

The  Corporation  enters  into  risk  management  activities  to 

offset market driven exposures. The Corporation often hedges the 

counterparty spread risk in CVA with CDS. The Corporation hedges 

other market risks in both CVA and DVA primarily with currency and 

interest rate swaps. In certain instances, the net-of-hedge amounts 

in the table below move in the same direction as the gross amount 

or may move in the opposite direction. This is a consequence of 

the  complex  interaction  of  the  risks  being  hedged  resulting  in 

limitations  in  the  ability  to  perfectly  hedge  all  of  the  market 

exposures at all times.

The table below presents CVA, DVA and FVA gains (losses) on 

derivatives,  which  are  recorded  in  trading  account  profits,  on  a 

gross and net of hedge basis for 2015, 2014 and 2013. CVA gains 

reduce the cumulative CVA thereby increasing the derivative assets 

balance.  DVA  gains  increase  the  cumulative  DVA  thereby 

decreasing the derivative liabilities balance. CVA and DVA losses 

have the opposite impact. FVA gains related to derivative assets 

reduce the cumulative FVA thereby increasing the derivative assets 

balance.  FVA  gains  related  to  derivative  liabilities  increase  the 

cumulative  FVA  thereby  decreasing  the  derivative  liabilities 

In  2014,  the  Corporation  implemented  a  funding  valuation 

balance.

adjustment  (FVA)  into  valuation  estimates  primarily  to  include 

Valuation Adjustments on Derivatives

Gains (Losses)

(Dollars in millions)

Derivative assets (CVA) (1)

Derivative assets (FVA) (2)

Derivative liabilities (DVA) (3)

Derivative liabilities (FVA) (2)

n/a = not applicable

(1)  At December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the cumulative CVA reduced the derivative assets balance by $1.4 billion, $1.6 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively.

(2)  FVA was adopted in 2014 and the cumulative FVA reduced the net derivatives balance by $481 million and $497 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

(3)  At December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the cumulative DVA reduced the derivative liabilities balance by $750 million, $769 million and $803 million, respectively.

2015

2014

2013

Gross

Net

Gross

Net

Gross

Net

$

255 $

227

$

(22) $

191

$

738 $

(34)

(18)

50

(34)

(153)

50

(632)

(28)

135

(632)

(150)

135

n/a

(39)

n/a

(96)

n/a

(75)

n/a

NOTE 3 Securities
The table below presents the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of AFS debt securities, other debt 
securities carried at fair value, HTM debt securities and AFS marketable equity securities at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Debt Securities and Available-for-Sale Marketable Equity Securities

(Dollars in millions)

Available-for-sale debt securities
Mortgage-backed securities:

Agency
Agency-collateralized mortgage obligations
Commercial
Non-agency residential (1)

Total mortgage-backed securities
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
Non-U.S. securities
Corporate/Agency bonds
Other taxable securities, substantially all asset-backed securities

Total taxable securities

Tax-exempt securities

Total available-for-sale debt securities

Other debt securities carried at fair value

Total debt securities carried at fair value (2)

Held-to-maturity debt securities, substantially all U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities

Total debt securities

Available-for-sale marketable equity securities (3)

Available-for-sale debt securities
Mortgage-backed securities:

December 31, 2015
Gross
Gross
Unrealized
Unrealized
Losses
Gains

Fair 
Value

Amortized
Cost

$

$
$

229,847
10,930
7,176
3,031
250,984
25,075
5,743
243
10,238
292,283
13,978
306,261
16,678
322,939
84,625
407,564
326

$

$
$

788
126
50
218
1,182
211
27
3
50
1,473
63
1,536
103
1,639
271
1,910
99

$

$
$

(1,688) $
(71)
(61)
(70)
(1,890)
(9)
(3)
(3)
(86)
(1,991)
(33)
(2,024)
(174)
(2,198)
(850)
(3,048) $
— $

228,947
10,985
7,165
3,179
250,276
25,277
5,767
243
10,202
291,765
14,008
305,773
16,607
322,380
84,046
406,426
425

December 31, 2014

$

$

$

Total taxable securities

Agency
Agency-collateralized mortgage obligations
Commercial
Non-agency residential (1)

Total mortgage-backed securities
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
Non-U.S. securities
Corporate/Agency bonds
Other taxable securities, substantially all asset-backed securities

165,039
14,248
4,000
4,454
187,741
69,595
6,230
368
10,791
274,725
9,549
284,274
36,421
320,695
59,641
380,336
Available-for-sale marketable equity securities (3)
363
(1)  At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the underlying collateral type included approximately 71 percent and 76 percent prime, 15 percent and 14 percent Alt-A, and 14 percent and 10 percent subprime.
(2)  The Corporation had debt securities from FNMA and FHLMC that each exceeded 10 percent of shareholders’ equity, with an amortized cost of $146.2 billion and $53.4 billion, and a fair value of 
$145.5 billion and $53.2 billion at December 31, 2015. Debt securities from FNMA and FHLMC that exceeded 10 percent of shareholders’ equity had an amortized cost of $130.7 billion and $28.3 
billion, and a fair value of $131.4 billion and $28.6 billion at December 31, 2014.

(593) $
(79)
—
(77)
(749)
(32)
(11)
(2)
(22)
(816)
(19)
(835)
(364)
(1,199)
(611)
(1,810) $
— $

163,592
14,175
3,931
4,244
185,942
69,267
6,208
361
10,774
272,552
9,556
282,108
36,524
318,632
59,766
378,398
336

2,040
152
69
287
2,548
360
33
9
39
2,989
12
3,001
261
3,262
486
3,748
27

Held-to-maturity debt securities, substantially all U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities

Total debt securities carried at fair value (2)

Other debt securities carried at fair value

Total available-for-sale debt securities

Tax-exempt securities

Total debt securities

$
$

$
$

$
$

(3)  Classified in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

At December 31, 2015, the accumulated net unrealized loss on AFS debt securities included in accumulated OCI was $300 million, 
net of the related income tax benefit of $188 million. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Corporation had nonperforming AFS debt 
securities of $188 million and $161 million.

156     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     157

 
 
 
 
 
The  gross  realized  gains  and  losses  on  sales  of  AFS  debt 
securities for 2015, 2014 and 2013 are presented in the table 
below.

Gains and Losses on Sales of AFS Debt Securities

(Dollars in millions)

Gross gains
Gross losses

Net gains on sales of AFS debt securities

Income tax expense attributable to realized
net gains on sales of AFS debt securities

2015
$ 1,118
(27)
$ 1,091

2014
$ 1,366
(12)
$ 1,354

2013
$ 1,302
(31)
$ 1,271

$

415

$

515

$

470

The  table  below  presents  the  components  of  other  debt 
securities carried at fair value where the changes in fair value are 
reported  in  other  income.  In  2015,  the  Corporation  recorded 
unrealized mark-to-market net gains of $43 million and realized 
net losses of $313 million, compared to unrealized mark-to-market 
net gains of $1.2 billion and realized net gains of $275 million in 
2014. These amounts exclude hedge results.

Other Debt Securities Carried at Fair Value

(Dollars in millions)

Mortgage-backed securities:

Agency
Agency-collateralized mortgage obligations
Non-agency residential

$

Total mortgage-backed securities
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
Non-U.S. securities (1)
Other taxable securities, substantially all

asset-backed securities

Total

December 31

2015

2014

— $
7
3,490
3,497
—
12,843

15,704
—
3,745
19,449
1,541
15,132

267

299

$

16,607

$

36,421

(1)  These  securities  are  primarily  used  to  satisfy  certain  international  regulatory  liquidity 

requirements.

158     Bank of America 2015

The  table  below  presents  the  components  of  other  debt 

The  gross  realized  gains  and  losses  on  sales  of  AFS  debt 

The table below presents the fair value and the associated gross unrealized losses on AFS debt securities and whether these 

securities carried at fair value where the changes in fair value are 

securities for 2015, 2014 and 2013 are presented in the table 

securities have had gross unrealized losses for less than 12 months or for 12 months or longer at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Gains and Losses on Sales of AFS Debt Securities

(Dollars in millions)

Gross gains

Gross losses

2015

2014

2013

$ 1,118

$ 1,366

$ 1,302

(27)

(12)

(31)

Net gains on sales of AFS debt securities

$ 1,091

$ 1,354

$ 1,271

Income tax expense attributable to realized

net gains on sales of AFS debt securities

$

415

$

515

$

470

reported  in  other  income.  In  2015,  the  Corporation  recorded 

below.

unrealized mark-to-market net gains of $43 million and realized 

net losses of $313 million, compared to unrealized mark-to-market 

net gains of $1.2 billion and realized net gains of $275 million in 

2014. These amounts exclude hedge results.

Other Debt Securities Carried at Fair Value

(Dollars in millions)

Mortgage-backed securities:

Agency

Agency-collateralized mortgage obligations

Non-agency residential

Total mortgage-backed securities

U.S. Treasury and agency securities

Non-U.S. securities (1)

Other taxable securities, substantially all

asset-backed securities

Total

requirements.

December 31

2015

2014

$

— $

15,704

7

3,490

3,497

—

12,843

—

3,745

19,449

1,541

15,132

267

299

$

16,607

$

36,421

(1)  These  securities  are  primarily  used  to  satisfy  certain  international  regulatory  liquidity 

Temporarily Impaired and Other-than-temporarily Impaired AFS Debt Securities

(Dollars in millions)

Temporarily impaired AFS debt securities

Mortgage-backed securities:

Agency
Agency-collateralized mortgage obligations
Commercial
Non-agency residential

Total mortgage-backed securities
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
Non-U.S. securities
Corporate/Agency bonds
Other taxable securities, substantially all asset-backed securities

Total taxable securities

Tax-exempt securities

Total temporarily impaired AFS debt securities
Other-than-temporarily impaired AFS debt securities (1)
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities

Total temporarily impaired and other-than-temporarily impaired 

  Less than Twelve Months

Fair 
Value

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

December 31, 2015
Twelve Months or Longer

Fair 
Value

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Total

Fair 
Value

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

$

$

$ 131,511
1,271
4,066
553
137,401
1,172
—
107
5,071
143,751
4,400
148,151

(1,245) $
(9)
(61)
(5)
(1,320)
(5)
—
(3)
(69)
(1,397)
(12)
(1,409)

14,895
1,637
—
723
17,255
190
134
—
792
18,371
1,877
20,248

$

(443) $ 146,406
2,908
4,066
1,276
154,656
1,362
134
107
5,863
162,122
6,277
168,399

(62)
—
(32)
(537)
(4)
(3)
—
(17)
(561)
(21)
(582)

(1,688)
(71)
(61)
(37)
(1,857)
(9)
(3)
(3)
(86)
(1,958)
(33)
(1,991)

481

(19)

98

(14)

579

(33)

AFS debt securities

$ 148,632

$

(1,428) $

20,346

$

(596) $ 168,978

$

(2,024)

Temporarily impaired AFS debt securities

Mortgage-backed securities:

Agency
Agency-collateralized mortgage obligations
Non-agency residential

Total mortgage-backed securities
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
Non-U.S. securities
Corporate/Agency bonds
Other taxable securities, substantially all asset-backed securities

Total taxable securities

Tax-exempt securities

Total temporarily impaired AFS debt securities
Other-than-temporarily impaired AFS debt securities (1)
Non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities

December 31, 2014

$

1,366
2,242
307
3,915
10,121
157
43
575
14,811
980
15,791

555

$

(8) $

(19)
(3)
(30)
(22)
(9)
(1)
(3)
(65)
(1)
(66)

(33)

43,118
3,075
809
47,002
667
32
93
1,080
48,874
680
49,554

$

(585) $

(60)
(41)
(686)
(10)
(2)
(1)
(19)
(718)
(18)
(736)

$

44,484
5,317
1,116
50,917
10,788
189
136
1,655
63,685
1,660
65,345

(593)
(79)
(44)
(716)
(32)
(11)
(2)
(22)
(783)
(19)
(802)

—

—

555

(33)

Total temporarily impaired and other-than-temporarily impaired 

AFS debt securities

$

16,346

$

(99) $

49,554

$

(736) $

65,900

$

(835)

(1) 

Includes other-than-temporarily impaired AFS debt securities on which an OTTI loss, primarily related to changes in interest rates, remains in accumulated OCI.

158     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     159

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Corporation recorded OTTI losses on AFS debt securities 
in 2015, 2014 and 2013 as presented in the Net Credit-related 
Impairment Losses Recognized in Earnings table. Substantially all 
OTTI losses in 2015, 2014 and 2013 consisted of credit losses 
on non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) and 
were recorded in other income in the Consolidated Statement of 
Income. The credit losses on the RMBS in 2015 were driven by 
decreases in the estimated RMBS cash flows primarily due to a 
model change resulting in the refinement of expected cash flows. 
A debt security is impaired when its fair value is less than its 
amortized cost. If the Corporation intends or will more-likely-than-
not be required to sell a debt security prior to recovery, the entire 
impairment  loss  is  recorded  in  the  Consolidated  Statement  of 
Income. For AFS debt securities the Corporation does not intend 
or will not more-likely-than-not be required to sell, an analysis is 
performed to determine if any of the impairment is due to credit 
or whether it is due to other factors (e.g., interest rate). Credit 
losses  are  considered  unrecoverable  and  are  recorded  in  the 
Consolidated Statement of Income with the remaining unrealized 
losses recorded in OCI. In certain instances, the credit loss on a 

debt security may exceed the total impairment, in which case, the 
excess of the credit loss over the total impairment is recorded as 
an unrealized gain in OCI.

Net Credit-related Impairment Losses Recognized in
Earnings

(Dollars in millions)

Total OTTI losses
Less: non-credit portion of total OTTI

losses recognized in OCI
Net credit-related impairment losses

2015

2014

2013

$

(111) $

(30) $

(21)

30

14

1

recognized in earnings

$

(81) $

(16) $

(20)

The  table  below  presents  a  rollforward  of  the  credit  losses 
recognized  in  earnings  in  2015,  2014  and  2013  on  AFS  debt 
securities that the Corporation does not have the intent to sell or 
will not more-likely-than-not be required to sell.

Rollforward of OTTI Credit Losses Recognized

(Dollars in millions)

Balance, January 1

Additions for credit losses recognized on AFS debt securities that had no previous impairment losses
Additions for credit losses recognized on AFS debt securities that had previously incurred impairment losses
Reductions for AFS debt securities matured, sold or intended to be sold

Balance, December 31

2015

2014

2013

$

$

200
52
29
(15)
266

$

$

184
14
2
—
200

$

$

243
6
14
(79)
184

The Corporation estimates the portion of a loss on a security 
that is attributable to credit using a discounted cash flow model 
and estimates the expected cash flows of the underlying collateral 
using  internal  credit,  interest  rate  and  prepayment  risk  models 
that  incorporate  management’s  best  estimate  of  current  key 
assumptions such as default rates, loss severity and prepayment 
rates. Assumptions used for the underlying loans that support the 
MBS can vary widely from loan to loan and are influenced by such 
factors as loan interest rate, geographic location of the borrower, 
borrower  characteristics  and  collateral  type.  Based  on  these 
assumptions, the Corporation then determines how the underlying 
collateral cash flows will be distributed to each MBS issued from 
the  applicable  special  purpose  entity.  Expected  principal  and 
interest  cash  flows  on  an  impaired  AFS  debt  security  are 
discounted using the effective yield of each individual impaired 
AFS debt security.

160     Bank of America 2015

Significant assumptions used in estimating the expected cash 
flows for measuring credit losses on non-agency RMBS were as 
follows at December 31, 2015.

Significant Assumptions

Range (1)

Weighted-
average

10th 
Percentile (2)

90th 
Percentile (2)

Prepayment speed
Loss severity
Life default rate
(1)  Represents the range of inputs/assumptions based upon the underlying collateral.
(2)  The value of a variable below which the indicated percentile of observations will fall.

12.6%
32.6
26.0

12.9
0.8

3.8%

25.5%
34.8
86.1

Constant  prepayment  speed  and  loss  severity  rates  are 
projected  considering  collateral  characteristics  such  as  LTV, 
creditworthiness  of  borrowers  as  measured  using  FICO  scores, 
and geographic concentrations. The weighted-average severity by 
collateral type was 29.2 percent for prime, 31.4 percent for Alt-A 
and  42.9  percent  for  subprime  at  December 31,  2015. 
Additionally, default rates are projected by considering collateral 
characteristics  including,  but  not  limited  to,  LTV,  FICO  and 
geographic concentration. Weighted-average life default rates by 
collateral type were 16.1 percent for prime, 28.0 percent for Alt-
A and 27.2 percent for subprime at December 31, 2015.

 
 
 
OTTI losses in 2015, 2014 and 2013 consisted of credit losses 

on non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) and 

were recorded in other income in the Consolidated Statement of 

Income. The credit losses on the RMBS in 2015 were driven by 

decreases in the estimated RMBS cash flows primarily due to a 

model change resulting in the refinement of expected cash flows. 

A debt security is impaired when its fair value is less than its 

Earnings

(Dollars in millions)

Total OTTI losses

Less: non-credit portion of total OTTI

not be required to sell a debt security prior to recovery, the entire 

Net credit-related impairment losses

recognized in earnings

$

(81) $

(16) $

(20)

impairment  loss  is  recorded  in  the  Consolidated  Statement  of 

Income. For AFS debt securities the Corporation does not intend 

or will not more-likely-than-not be required to sell, an analysis is 

performed to determine if any of the impairment is due to credit 

or whether it is due to other factors (e.g., interest rate). Credit 

losses  are  considered  unrecoverable  and  are  recorded  in  the 

Consolidated Statement of Income with the remaining unrealized 

losses recorded in OCI. In certain instances, the credit loss on a 

The  table  below  presents  a  rollforward  of  the  credit  losses 

recognized  in  earnings  in  2015,  2014  and  2013  on  AFS  debt 

securities that the Corporation does not have the intent to sell or 

will not more-likely-than-not be required to sell.

Rollforward of OTTI Credit Losses Recognized

(Dollars in millions)

Balance, January 1

Additions for credit losses recognized on AFS debt securities that had no previous impairment losses

Additions for credit losses recognized on AFS debt securities that had previously incurred impairment losses

Reductions for AFS debt securities matured, sold or intended to be sold

Balance, December 31

2015

2014

2013

$

200

$

184

$

52

29

(15)

14

2

—

$

266

$

200

$

243

6

14

(79)

184

The Corporation estimates the portion of a loss on a security 

that is attributable to credit using a discounted cash flow model 

and estimates the expected cash flows of the underlying collateral 

using  internal  credit,  interest  rate  and  prepayment  risk  models 

that  incorporate  management’s  best  estimate  of  current  key 

assumptions such as default rates, loss severity and prepayment 

rates. Assumptions used for the underlying loans that support the 

MBS can vary widely from loan to loan and are influenced by such 

factors as loan interest rate, geographic location of the borrower, 

borrower  characteristics  and  collateral  type.  Based  on  these 

assumptions, the Corporation then determines how the underlying 

collateral cash flows will be distributed to each MBS issued from 

the  applicable  special  purpose  entity.  Expected  principal  and 

interest  cash  flows  on  an  impaired  AFS  debt  security  are 

discounted using the effective yield of each individual impaired 

AFS debt security.

Significant assumptions used in estimating the expected cash 

flows for measuring credit losses on non-agency RMBS were as 

follows at December 31, 2015.

Significant Assumptions

Prepayment speed

Loss severity

Life default rate

Range (1)

Weighted-

average

10th 

90th 

Percentile (2)

Percentile (2)

12.6%

32.6

26.0

3.8%

12.9

0.8

25.5%

34.8

86.1

(1)  Represents the range of inputs/assumptions based upon the underlying collateral.

(2)  The value of a variable below which the indicated percentile of observations will fall.

Constant  prepayment  speed  and  loss  severity  rates  are 

projected  considering  collateral  characteristics  such  as  LTV, 

creditworthiness  of  borrowers  as  measured  using  FICO  scores, 

and geographic concentrations. The weighted-average severity by 

collateral type was 29.2 percent for prime, 31.4 percent for Alt-A 

and  42.9  percent  for  subprime  at  December 31,  2015. 

Additionally, default rates are projected by considering collateral 

characteristics  including,  but  not  limited  to,  LTV,  FICO  and 

geographic concentration. Weighted-average life default rates by 

collateral type were 16.1 percent for prime, 28.0 percent for Alt-

A and 27.2 percent for subprime at December 31, 2015.

The Corporation recorded OTTI losses on AFS debt securities 

debt security may exceed the total impairment, in which case, the 

in 2015, 2014 and 2013 as presented in the Net Credit-related 

excess of the credit loss over the total impairment is recorded as 

Impairment Losses Recognized in Earnings table. Substantially all 

an unrealized gain in OCI.

The expected maturity distribution and yields of the Corporation’s debt securities carried at fair value and HTM debt securities at 
December 31, 2015 are summarized in the table below. Actual maturities may differ from the contractual or expected maturities since 
borrowers may have the right to prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties.

amortized cost. If the Corporation intends or will more-likely-than-

losses recognized in OCI

30

14

1

Amortized cost of debt securities carried at fair value

Net Credit-related Impairment Losses Recognized in

Maturities of Debt Securities Carried at Fair Value and Held-to-maturity Debt Securities

2015

2014

2013

$

(111) $

(30) $

(21)

(Dollars in millions)

Amount

Yield (1)

Amount

Yield (1)

Amount

Yield (1)

Amount

Yield (1)

Amount

Yield (1)

Due in One
Year or Less

Due after One Year
through Five Years

December 31, 2015

Due after Five Years
through Ten Years

Due after 
Ten Years

Total

Mortgage-backed securities:

Agency

Agency-collateralized mortgage obligations

Commercial

Non-agency residential

Total mortgage-backed securities

U.S. Treasury and agency securities

Non-U.S. securities

Corporate/Agency bonds

Other taxable securities, substantially all asset-backed

securities

Total taxable securities

Tax-exempt securities

Total amortized cost of debt securities carried at fair

value

Amortized cost of HTM debt securities (2)

Debt securities carried at fair value

Mortgage-backed securities:

Agency

Agency-collateralized mortgage obligations

Commercial

Non-agency residential

Total mortgage-backed securities

U.S. Treasury and agency securities

Non-U.S. securities

Corporate/Agency bonds

Other taxable securities, substantially all asset-backed

securities

Total taxable securities

Tax-exempt securities

Total debt securities carried at fair value

Fair value of HTM debt securities (2)

$

57

157

205

320

739

516

16,707

40

2,918

20,920

836

$ 21,756

$

568

$

59

157

223

354

793

516

16,720

41

3,102

21,172

836

$ 22,008

$

569

4.40% $ 28,943

2.40% $197,797

2.80% $

3,050

2.90% $229,847

2.75%

1.10

2.16

5.00

3.31

0.19

0.82

3.97

1.11

0.94

1.27

0.95

0.01

3,077

615

1,123

33,758

23,103

1,864

69

4,596

63,390

5,127

$ 68,517

$ 18,325

2.20

2.10

4.99

2.46

1.70

3.08

4.20

1.28

2.13

1.31

2.06

2.30

7,702

6,356

1,165

213,020

1,454

6

131

2,268

216,879

5,879

$ 222,758

$ 62,978

2.80

2.70

4.18

2.80

3.14

2.79

3.41

2.38

2.81

1.35

2.77

2.50

—

—

3,989

7,039

2

—

3

728

7,772

2,136

$

$

9,908

2,754

—

—

7.90

5.73

4.57

—

3.67

3.96

5.57

1.55

4.70

2.82

10,936

7,176

6,597

254,556

25,075

18,577

243

10,510

308,961

13,978

$ 322,939

$ 84,625

2.61

2.63

6.60

3.03

1.75

1.04

3.93

1.67

2.61

1.36

2.56

2.45

$ 29,150

$196,720

$

3,018

$228,947

3,056

618

1,102

33,926

23,266

1,884

70

4,349

63,495

5,161

$ 68,656

$ 18,356

7,779

6,324

1,263

212,086

1,493

6

128

2,296

216,009

5,882

$ 221,891

$ 62,360

—

—

3,950

6,968

2

—

4

722

7,696

2,129

9,825

2,761

$

$

10,992

7,165

6,669

253,773

25,277

18,610

243

10,469

308,372

14,008

$ 322,380

$ 84,046

(1)  Average yield is computed using the effective yield of each security at the end of the period, weighted based on the amortized cost of each security. The effective yield considers the contractual 

coupon, amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, and excludes the effect of related hedging derivatives.

(2)  Substantially all U.S. agency MBS.

Certain Corporate and Strategic Investments
The Corporation’s 49 percent investment in a merchant services 
joint venture, which is recorded in other assets on the Consolidated 
Balance Sheet and in All Other, had a carrying value of $3.0 billion 
and $3.1 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014. For additional 
information, see Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies.

In 2013, the Corporation sold its remaining investment in China 
Construction Bank Corporation (CCB) and realized a pretax gain 
of $753 million in All Other reported in equity investment income 
in the Consolidated Statement of Income. The strategic assistance 
agreement  between  the  Corporation  and  CCB,  which  includes 
cooperation in specific business areas, extends through 2016.

The  Corporation  holds  investments  in  partnerships  that 
construct, own and operate real estate projects that qualify for low 
income  housing  tax  credits.  The  Corporation  earns  a  return 
primarily through the receipt of tax credits allocated to the real 
estate projects. 

Total  low  income  housing  tax  credit  investments  were  $7.1 
billion and $6.6 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014. These 
investments  are  reported  in  other  assets  on  the  Consolidated 
Balance Sheet. The Corporation had unfunded commitments to 
provide  capital  contributions  of  $2.4  billion  and  $2.2  billion  to 
these partnerships at December 31, 2015 and 2014, which are 
expected to be paid over the next five years. These commitments 
are  reported  in  accrued  expenses  and  other  liabilities  on  the 
Consolidated  Balance  Sheet.  During  2015  and  2014,  the 
Corporation  recognized  tax  credits  and  other  tax  benefits  from 
investments in affordable housing partnerships of $928 million 
and $920 million, partially offset by pretax losses recognized in 
other income of $629 million and $601 million.

160     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     161

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 4 Outstanding Loans and Leases
The following tables present total outstanding loans and leases and an aging analysis for the Consumer Real Estate, Credit Card and 
Other Consumer, and Commercial portfolio segments, by class of financing receivables, at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Total
Outstandings

$ 145,845
48,264

42,066
27,684

89,602
9,975
88,795
2,067
454,298

1,871

456,169

252,771
57,199
27,370
91,549
12,876
441,765

(Dollars in millions)

Consumer real estate

Core portfolio

Residential mortgage
Home equity

Legacy Assets & Servicing portfolio

Residential mortgage (5)
Home equity

Credit card and other consumer

U.S. credit card
Non-U.S. credit card
Direct/Indirect consumer (6)
Other consumer (7)
Total consumer

Consumer loans accounted for under the 

fair value option (8)

30-59 Days 
Past Due (1)

60-89 Days 
Past Due (1)

90 Days or
More
Past Due (2)

$

$

1,603
225

1,656
310

454
39
227
18
4,532

645
104

890
163

332
31
62
3
2,230

$

3,834
719

6,019
1,030

789
76
42
4
12,513

December 31, 2015
Total 
Current or 
Less Than 
30 Days 
Past Due (3)

Total Past
Due 30 
Days
or More

Loans
Accounted
for Under
the Fair
Value Option

Purchased
Credit-
impaired (4)

$

6,082
1,048

$ 139,763
47,216

8,565
1,503

1,575
146
331
25
19,275

21,435
21,562

$

12,066
4,619

88,027
9,829
88,464
2,042
418,338

16,685

  $

1,871

1,871

Total consumer loans and leases

4,532

2,230

12,513

19,275

418,338

16,685

Commercial

U.S. commercial
Commercial real estate (9)
Commercial lease financing
Non-U.S. commercial
U.S. small business commercial

Total commercial

Commercial loans accounted for under 

the fair value option (8)

444
36
169
6
83
738

148
11
32
1
41
233

332
82
22
1
72
509

924
129
223
8
196
1,480

251,847
57,070
27,147
91,541
12,680
440,285

5,067

5,067

Total commercial loans and leases
Total loans and leases
100.00%
Percentage of outstandings
(1)  Consumer real estate loans 30-59 days past due includes fully-insured loans of $1.7 billion and nonperforming loans of $379 million. Consumer real estate loans 60-89 days past due includes fully-

446,832
$ 903,001

440,285
$ 858,623

1,480
20,755

509
13,022

738
5,270

233
2,463

5,067
6,938

95.08%

16,685

0.77%

2.30%

1.85%

0.59%

1.44%

0.27%

$

$

$

$

$

$

insured loans of $1.0 billion and nonperforming loans of $297 million.

(2)  Consumer real estate includes fully-insured loans of $7.2 billion.
(3)  Consumer real estate includes $3.0 billion and direct/indirect consumer includes $21 million of nonperforming loans.
(4)  PCI loan amounts are shown gross of the valuation allowance.
(5)  Total outstandings includes pay option loans of $2.3 billion. The Corporation no longer originates this product.
(6)  Total outstandings includes auto and specialty lending loans of $42.6 billion, unsecured consumer lending loans of $886 million, U.S. securities-based lending loans of $39.8 billion, non-U.S. 

consumer loans of $3.9 billion, student loans of $564 million and other consumer loans of $1.0 billion.

(7)  Total outstandings includes consumer finance loans of $564 million, consumer leases of $1.4 billion and consumer overdrafts of $146 million.
(8)  Consumer loans accounted for under the fair value option were residential mortgage loans of $1.6 billion and home equity loans of $250 million. Commercial loans accounted for under the fair value 
option were U.S. commercial loans of $2.3 billion and non-U.S. commercial loans of $2.8 billion. For additional information, see Note 20 – Fair Value Measurements and Note 21 – Fair Value Option.

(9)  Total outstandings includes U.S. commercial real estate loans of $53.6 billion and non-U.S. commercial real estate loans of $3.5 billion.

162     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 4 Outstanding Loans and Leases

The following tables present total outstanding loans and leases and an aging analysis for the Consumer Real Estate, Credit Card and 

Other Consumer, and Commercial portfolio segments, by class of financing receivables, at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

December 31, 2015

90 Days or

More

Past Due (2)

Total Past

Due 30 

Days

or More

Total 

Current or 

Less Than 

30 Days 

Purchased

Credit-

Loans

Accounted

for Under

the Fair

Total

Past Due (3)

impaired (4)

Value Option

Outstandings

30-59 Days 

Past Due (1)

60-89 Days 

Past Due (1)

$

1,603

$

$

3,834

$

6,082

1,048

$ 139,763

47,216

$ 145,845

48,264

(Dollars in millions)

Consumer real estate

Core portfolio

Residential mortgage

Home equity

Legacy Assets & Servicing portfolio

Residential mortgage (5)

Home equity

Credit card and other consumer

U.S. credit card

Non-U.S. credit card

Direct/Indirect consumer (6)

Other consumer (7)

Total consumer

Consumer loans accounted for under the 

fair value option (8)

Commercial

U.S. commercial

Commercial real estate (9)

Commercial lease financing

Non-U.S. commercial

U.S. small business commercial

Total commercial

Commercial loans accounted for under 

the fair value option (8)

225

1,656

310

454

39

227

18

444

36

169

6

83

738

645

104

890

163

332

31

62

3

148

11

32

1

41

233

719

6,019

1,030

789

76

42

4

332

82

22

1

72

509

21,435

21,562

$

12,066

4,619

8,565

1,503

1,575

146

331

25

88,027

9,829

88,464

2,042

924

129

223

8

196

251,847

57,070

27,147

91,541

12,680

1,480

440,285

4,532

2,230

12,513

19,275

418,338

16,685

Total consumer loans and leases

4,532

2,230

12,513

19,275

418,338

16,685

  $

1,871

1,871

Total commercial loans and leases

738

233

509

1,480

440,285

Total loans and leases

$

5,270

$

2,463

$

13,022

$

20,755

$ 858,623

$

16,685

$

$ 903,001

Percentage of outstandings

0.59%

0.27%

1.44%

2.30%

95.08%

1.85%

0.77%

100.00%

(1)  Consumer real estate loans 30-59 days past due includes fully-insured loans of $1.7 billion and nonperforming loans of $379 million. Consumer real estate loans 60-89 days past due includes fully-

5,067

5,067

6,938

insured loans of $1.0 billion and nonperforming loans of $297 million.

(2)  Consumer real estate includes fully-insured loans of $7.2 billion.

(3)  Consumer real estate includes $3.0 billion and direct/indirect consumer includes $21 million of nonperforming loans.

(4)  PCI loan amounts are shown gross of the valuation allowance.

(5)  Total outstandings includes pay option loans of $2.3 billion. The Corporation no longer originates this product.

(6)  Total outstandings includes auto and specialty lending loans of $42.6 billion, unsecured consumer lending loans of $886 million, U.S. securities-based lending loans of $39.8 billion, non-U.S. 

consumer loans of $3.9 billion, student loans of $564 million and other consumer loans of $1.0 billion.

(7)  Total outstandings includes consumer finance loans of $564 million, consumer leases of $1.4 billion and consumer overdrafts of $146 million.

(8)  Consumer loans accounted for under the fair value option were residential mortgage loans of $1.6 billion and home equity loans of $250 million. Commercial loans accounted for under the fair value 

option were U.S. commercial loans of $2.3 billion and non-U.S. commercial loans of $2.8 billion. For additional information, see Note 20 – Fair Value Measurements and Note 21 – Fair Value Option.

(9)  Total outstandings includes U.S. commercial real estate loans of $53.6 billion and non-U.S. commercial real estate loans of $3.5 billion.

42,066

27,684

89,602

9,975

88,795

2,067

454,298

1,871

456,169

252,771

57,199

27,370

91,549

12,876

441,765

5,067

446,832

December 31, 2014

90 Days or
More
Past Due (2)

Total Past
Due 30
Days
or More

Total 
Current or
Less Than 
30 Days
Past Due (3)

Loans
Accounted 
for Under
the Fair 
Value Option

Purchased
Credit-
impaired (4)

30-59 Days
Past Due (1)

60-89 Days 
Past Due (1)

$

1,847
218

2,008
374

494
49
245
11
5,246

$

$

700
105

5,561
744

$

8,108
1,067

$ 154,112
50,820

1,060
174

341
39
71
2
2,492

10,513
1,166

866
95
65
2
19,012

13,581
1,714

1,701
183
381
15
26,750

25,244
26,507

$

15,152
5,617

90,178
10,282
80,000
1,831
438,974

20,769

(Dollars in millions)

Consumer real estate

Core portfolio

Residential mortgage
Home equity

Legacy Assets & Servicing portfolio

Residential mortgage (5)
Home equity

Credit card and other consumer

U.S. credit card
Non-U.S. credit card
Direct/Indirect consumer (6)
Other consumer (7)
Total consumer

Consumer loans accounted for under the 

fair value option (8)

Total consumer loans and leases

5,246

2,492

19,012

26,750

438,974

20,769

Commercial

U.S. commercial
Commercial real estate (9)
Commercial lease financing
Non-U.S. commercial
U.S. small business commercial

Total commercial

Commercial loans accounted for under 

the fair value option (8)

320
138
121
5
88
672

151
16
41
4
45
257

318
288
42
—
94
742

789
442
204
9
227
1,671

219,504
47,240
24,662
80,074
13,066
384,546

Total
Outstandings

  $ 162,220
51,887

53,977
33,838

91,879
10,465
80,381
1,846
486,493

2,077

488,570

220,293
47,682
24,866
80,083
13,293
386,217

6,604

6,604

$

2,077

2,077

Total commercial loans and leases
Total loans and leases
Percentage of outstandings
100.00%
(1)  Consumer real estate loans 30-59 days past due includes fully-insured loans of $2.1 billion and nonperforming loans of $392 million. Consumer real estate loans 60-89 days past due includes fully-

392,821
$ 881,391

384,546
$ 823,520

742
19,754

1,671
28,421

6,604
8,681

672
5,918

257
2,749

93.44%

20,769

0.67%

2.36%

0.98%

2.24%

3.22%

0.31%

$

$

$

$

$

$

insured loans of $1.1 billion and nonperforming loans of $332 million.

(2)  Consumer real estate includes fully-insured loans of $11.4 billion.
(3)  Consumer real estate includes $3.6 billion and direct/indirect consumer includes $27 million of nonperforming loans.
(4)  PCI loan amounts are shown gross of the valuation allowance.
(5)  Total outstandings includes pay option loans of $3.2 billion. The Corporation no longer originates this product.
(6)  Total outstandings includes auto and specialty lending loans of $37.7 billion, unsecured consumer lending loans of $1.5 billion, U.S. securities-based lending loans of $35.8 billion, non-U.S. consumer 

loans of $4.0 billion, student loans of $632 million and other consumer loans of $761 million.

(7)  Total outstandings includes consumer finance loans of $676 million, consumer leases of $1.0 billion and consumer overdrafts of $162 million.
(8)  Consumer loans accounted for under the fair value option were residential mortgage loans of $1.9 billion and home equity loans of $196 million. Commercial loans accounted for under the fair value 
option were U.S. commercial loans of $1.9 billion and non-U.S. commercial loans of $4.7 billion. For additional information, see Note 20 – Fair Value Measurements and Note 21 – Fair Value Option.

(9)  Total outstandings includes U.S. commercial real estate loans of $45.2 billion and non-U.S. commercial real estate loans of $2.5 billion.

The Corporation has entered into long-term credit protection 
agreements with FNMA and FHLMC on loans totaling $3.7 billion 
and $17.2 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014, providing full 
credit  protection  on  residential  mortgage  loans  that  become 
severely delinquent. All of these loans are individually insured and 
therefore the Corporation does not record an allowance for credit 
losses related to these loans.

Nonperforming Loans and Leases
The  Corporation  classifies  junior-lien  home  equity  loans  as 
nonperforming when the first-lien loan becomes 90 days past due 
even if the junior-lien loan is performing. At December 31, 2015 
and 2014, $484 million and $800 million of such junior-lien home 
equity loans were included in nonperforming loans. 

The  Corporation  classifies  consumer  real  estate  loans  that 
have been discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy and not reaffirmed 

by  the  borrower  as  TDRs,  irrespective  of  payment  history  or 
delinquency status, even if the repayment terms for the loan have 
not been otherwise modified. The Corporation continues to have 
a  lien  on  the  underlying  collateral.  At  December 31,  2015, 
nonperforming loans discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy with no 
change  in  repayment  terms  were  $785  million  of  which  $457 
million  were  current  on  their  contractual  payments,  while  $285 
million were 90 days or more past due. Of the contractually current 
nonperforming loans, more than 80 percent were discharged in 
Chapter 7 bankruptcy more than 12 months ago, and more than 
60  percent  were  discharged  24  months  or  more  ago.  As 
subsequent cash payments are received on these nonperforming 
loans that are contractually current, the interest component of the 
payments is generally recorded as interest income on a cash basis 
and  the  principal  component  is  recorded  as  a  reduction  in  the 
carrying value of the loan. 

162     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     163

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
During 2015, the Corporation sold nonperforming and other 
delinquent  consumer  real  estate  loans  with  a  carrying  value  of 
$3.2 billion, including $1.4 billion of PCI loans, compared to $6.7 
billion, including $1.9 billion of PCI loans, in 2014. The Corporation 
recorded recoveries related to these sales of $133 million and 
$407 million during 2015 and 2014. Gains related to these sales 
of $173 million and $247 million were recorded in other income 
in the Consolidated Statement of Income during 2015 and 2014.

The  table  below  presents  the  Corporation’s  nonperforming 
loans  and  leases  including  nonperforming  TDRs,  and  loans 
accruing past due 90 days or more at December 31, 2015 and 
2014.  Nonperforming  LHFS  are  excluded  from  nonperforming 
loans and leases as they are recorded at either fair value or the 
lower of cost or fair value. For more information on the criteria for 
classification  as  nonperforming,  see  Note  1  –  Summary  of 
Significant Accounting Principles.

Credit Quality

(Dollars in millions)

Consumer real estate

Core portfolio

Residential mortgage (1)
Home equity

Legacy Assets & Servicing portfolio

Residential mortgage (1)
Home equity

Credit card and other consumer

U.S. credit card
Non-U.S. credit card
Direct/Indirect consumer
Other consumer

Total consumer

Commercial

U.S. commercial
Commercial real estate
Commercial lease financing
Non-U.S. commercial
U.S. small business commercial

Total commercial
Total loans and leases

December 31

Nonperforming Loans
and Leases

Accruing Past Due
90 Days or More

2015

2014

2015

2014

$

$

1,845
1,354

$

2,398
1,496

$

2,645
—

3,942
—

2,958
1,983

n/a
n/a
24
1
8,165

867
93
12
158
82
1,212
9,377

4,491
2,405

n/a
n/a
28
1
10,819

701
321
3
1
87
1,113
$ 11,932

$

4,505
—

789
76
39
3
8,057

113
3
17
1
61
195
8,252

7,465
—

866
95
64
1
12,433

110
3
41
—
67
221
$ 12,654

$

(1)  Residential mortgage loans in the Core and Legacy Assets & Servicing portfolios accruing past due 90 days or more are fully-insured loans. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, residential mortgage 
includes $4.3 billion and $7.3 billion of loans on which interest has been curtailed by the FHA, and therefore are no longer accruing interest, although principal is still insured, and $2.9 billion and 
$4.1 billion of loans on which interest is still accruing.

n/a = not applicable

Credit Quality Indicators
The Corporation monitors credit quality within its Consumer Real 
Estate, Credit Card and Other Consumer, and Commercial portfolio 
segments  based  on  primary  credit  quality  indicators.  For  more 
information on the portfolio segments, see Note 1 – Summary of 
Significant Accounting Principles. Within the Consumer Real Estate 
portfolio  segment,  the  primary  credit  quality  indicators  are 
refreshed LTV and refreshed FICO score. Refreshed LTV measures 
the carrying value of the loan as a percentage of the value of the 
property securing the loan, refreshed quarterly. Home equity loans 
are  evaluated  using  combined  loan-to-value  (CLTV)  which 
measures the carrying value of the Corporation’s loan and available 
line of credit combined with any outstanding senior liens against 
the property as a percentage of the value of the property securing 
the 
loan,  refreshed  quarterly.  FICO  score  measures  the 
creditworthiness of the borrower based on the financial obligations 
of the borrower and the borrower’s credit history. At a minimum, 

FICO  scores  are  refreshed  quarterly,  and  in  many  cases,  more 
frequently. FICO scores are also a primary credit quality indicator 
for the Credit Card and Other Consumer portfolio segment and the 
business card portfolio within U.S. small business commercial. 
Within  the  Commercial  portfolio  segment,  loans  are  evaluated 
using  the  internal  classifications  of  pass  rated  or  reservable 
criticized  as  the  primary  credit  quality  indicators.  The  term 
reservable  criticized  refers  to  those  commercial  loans  that  are 
internally classified or listed by the Corporation as Special Mention, 
Substandard  or  Doubtful,  which  are  asset  quality  categories 
defined by regulatory authorities. These assets have an elevated 
level of risk and may have a high probability of default or total loss. 
Pass rated refers to all loans not considered reservable criticized. 
In  addition  to  these  primary  credit  quality  indicators,  the 
Corporation uses other credit quality indicators for certain types 
of loans.

164     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
During 2015, the Corporation sold nonperforming and other 

The  table  below  presents  the  Corporation’s  nonperforming 

The following tables present certain credit quality indicators for the Corporation’s Consumer Real Estate, Credit Card and Other 

delinquent  consumer  real  estate  loans  with  a  carrying  value  of 

loans  and  leases  including  nonperforming  TDRs,  and  loans 

Consumer, and Commercial portfolio segments, by class of financing receivables, at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

$3.2 billion, including $1.4 billion of PCI loans, compared to $6.7 

accruing past due 90 days or more at December 31, 2015 and 

billion, including $1.9 billion of PCI loans, in 2014. The Corporation 

2014.  Nonperforming  LHFS  are  excluded  from  nonperforming 

recorded recoveries related to these sales of $133 million and 

loans and leases as they are recorded at either fair value or the 

$407 million during 2015 and 2014. Gains related to these sales 

lower of cost or fair value. For more information on the criteria for 

of $173 million and $247 million were recorded in other income 

classification  as  nonperforming,  see  Note  1  –  Summary  of 

in the Consolidated Statement of Income during 2015 and 2014.

Significant Accounting Principles.

Credit Quality

(Dollars in millions)

Consumer real estate

Core portfolio

Residential mortgage (1)

Home equity

Legacy Assets & Servicing portfolio

Residential mortgage (1)

Home equity

Credit card and other consumer

U.S. credit card

Non-U.S. credit card

Direct/Indirect consumer

Other consumer

Total consumer

Commercial

U.S. commercial

Commercial real estate

Commercial lease financing

Non-U.S. commercial

U.S. small business commercial

Total commercial

Total loans and leases

December 31

Nonperforming Loans

and Leases

Accruing Past Due

90 Days or More

2015

2014

2015

2014

$

$

1,845

1,354

2,398

1,496

$

2,645

$

3,942

—

—

2,958

1,983

4,491

2,405

4,505

—

7,465

—

8,165

10,819

8,057

12,433

n/a

n/a

24

1

867

93

12

158

82

n/a

n/a

28

1

701

321

3

1

87

789

76

39

3

113

3

17

1

61

195

866

95

64

1

110

3

41

—

67

221

1,212

9,377

$

1,113

$ 11,932

$

8,252

$ 12,654

(1)  Residential mortgage loans in the Core and Legacy Assets & Servicing portfolios accruing past due 90 days or more are fully-insured loans. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, residential mortgage 

includes $4.3 billion and $7.3 billion of loans on which interest has been curtailed by the FHA, and therefore are no longer accruing interest, although principal is still insured, and $2.9 billion and 

$4.1 billion of loans on which interest is still accruing.

n/a = not applicable

Credit Quality Indicators

The Corporation monitors credit quality within its Consumer Real 

Estate, Credit Card and Other Consumer, and Commercial portfolio 

segments  based  on  primary  credit  quality  indicators.  For  more 

information on the portfolio segments, see Note 1 – Summary of 

Significant Accounting Principles. Within the Consumer Real Estate 

portfolio  segment,  the  primary  credit  quality  indicators  are 

refreshed LTV and refreshed FICO score. Refreshed LTV measures 

the carrying value of the loan as a percentage of the value of the 

property securing the loan, refreshed quarterly. Home equity loans 

are  evaluated  using  combined  loan-to-value  (CLTV)  which 

measures the carrying value of the Corporation’s loan and available 

line of credit combined with any outstanding senior liens against 

the property as a percentage of the value of the property securing 

the 

loan,  refreshed  quarterly.  FICO  score  measures  the 

creditworthiness of the borrower based on the financial obligations 

of the borrower and the borrower’s credit history. At a minimum, 

FICO  scores  are  refreshed  quarterly,  and  in  many  cases,  more 

frequently. FICO scores are also a primary credit quality indicator 

for the Credit Card and Other Consumer portfolio segment and the 

business card portfolio within U.S. small business commercial. 

Within  the  Commercial  portfolio  segment,  loans  are  evaluated 

using  the  internal  classifications  of  pass  rated  or  reservable 

criticized  as  the  primary  credit  quality  indicators.  The  term 

reservable  criticized  refers  to  those  commercial  loans  that  are 

internally classified or listed by the Corporation as Special Mention, 

Substandard  or  Doubtful,  which  are  asset  quality  categories 

defined by regulatory authorities. These assets have an elevated 

level of risk and may have a high probability of default or total loss. 

Pass rated refers to all loans not considered reservable criticized. 

In  addition  to  these  primary  credit  quality  indicators,  the 

Corporation uses other credit quality indicators for certain types 

of loans.

Consumer Real Estate – Credit Quality Indicators (1) 

(Dollars in millions)

Refreshed LTV (4)

December 31, 2015

Core Portfolio 
Residential
Mortgage (2)

Legacy Assets 
& Servicing 
Residential
Mortgage (2)

Residential 
Mortgage PCI (3)

Core Portfolio 
Home Equity (2)

Legacy Assets 
& Servicing 
Home Equity (2)

Home 
Equity PCI

Less than or equal to 90 percent

$

109,869

$

16,646

$

8,655

$

44,006

$

15,666

$

Greater than 90 percent but less than or equal to 100 percent

Greater than 100 percent

Fully-insured loans (5)

Total consumer real estate

Refreshed FICO score

Less than 620

Greater than or equal to 620 and less than 680

Greater than or equal to 680 and less than 740

Greater than or equal to 740

Fully-insured loans (5)

Total consumer real estate

$

$

4,251

2,783

28,942

145,845

3,465

5,792

22,017

85,629

28,942

$

$

$

$

2,007

3,212

8,135

30,000

4,408

3,438

5,605

8,414

8,135

$

$

1,403

2,008

—

12,066

3,798

2,586

3,187

2,495

—

$

$

1,652

2,606

—

48,264

1,898

3,242

9,203

33,921

—

$

$

2,382

5,017

—

23,065

2,785

3,817

6,527

9,936

—

$

145,845

$

30,000

$

12,066

$

48,264

$

23,065

$

2,003

852

1,764

—

4,619

729

825

1,356

1,709

—

4,619

(1)  Excludes $1.9 billion of loans accounted for under the fair value option.
(2)  Excludes PCI loans.
(3) 

Includes $2.0 billion of pay option loans. The Corporation no longer originates this product.

(4)  Refreshed LTV percentages for PCI loans are calculated using the carrying value net of the related valuation allowance.
(5)  Credit quality indicators are not reported for fully-insured loans as principal repayment is insured.

Credit Card and Other Consumer – Credit Quality Indicators

(Dollars in millions)

Refreshed FICO score

Less than 620

Greater than or equal to 620 and less than 680

Greater than or equal to 680 and less than 740

Greater than or equal to 740

Other internal credit metrics (2, 3, 4)

Total credit card and other consumer

December 31, 2015

U.S. Credit
Card

Non-U.S.
Credit Card

Direct/Indirect
Consumer

Other
Consumer (1)

$

4,196

$

— $

1,244

$

11,857

34,270

39,279

—

—

—

—

9,975

1,698

10,955

29,581

45,317

$

89,602

$

9,975

$

88,795

$

217

214

337

1,149

150

2,067

(1)  Twenty-seven percent of the other consumer portfolio is associated with portfolios from certain consumer finance businesses that the Corporation previously exited.
(2)  Other internal credit metrics may include delinquency status, geography or other factors.
(3)  Direct/indirect consumer includes $43.7 billion of securities-based lending which is overcollateralized and therefore has minimal credit risk and $567 million of loans the Corporation no longer 

originates, primarily student loans.

(4)  Non-U.S. credit card represents the U.K. credit card portfolio which is evaluated using internal credit metrics, including delinquency status. At December 31, 2015, 98 percent of this portfolio was 

current or less than 30 days past due, one percent was 30-89 days past due and one percent was 90 days or more past due.

Commercial – Credit Quality Indicators (1)

(Dollars in millions)

Risk ratings

Pass rated

Reservable criticized

Refreshed FICO score (3)

Less than 620

Greater than or equal to 620 and less than 680

Greater than or equal to 680 and less than 740

Greater than or equal to 740

Other internal credit metrics (3, 4)

Total commercial

December 31, 2015

U.S.
Commercial

Commercial
Real Estate

Commercial
Lease
Financing

Non-U.S.
Commercial

U.S. Small
Business
Commercial (2)

$

243,922

$

56,688

$

26,050

$

87,905

$

8,849

511

1,320

3,644

571

96

184

543

1,627

3,027

6,828

$

252,771

$

57,199

$

27,370

$

91,549

$

12,876

(1)  Excludes $5.1 billion of loans accounted for under the fair value option.
(2)  U.S. small business commercial includes $670 million of criticized business card and small business loans which are evaluated using refreshed FICO scores or internal credit metrics, including 

delinquency status, rather than risk ratings. At December 31, 2015, 98 percent of the balances where internal credit metrics are used was current or less than 30 days past due.

(3)  Refreshed FICO score and other internal credit metrics are applicable only to the U.S. small business commercial portfolio.
(4)  Other internal credit metrics may include delinquency status, application scores, geography or other factors.

164     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     165

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer Real Estate – Credit Quality Indicators (1)

(Dollars in millions)

Refreshed LTV (4)

December 31, 2014

Core Portfolio 
Residential
Mortgage (2)

Legacy Assets 
& Servicing 
Residential
Mortgage (2)

Residential 
Mortgage PCI (3)

Core Portfolio 
Home Equity (2)

Legacy Assets 
& Servicing 
Home Equity (2)

Home 
Equity PCI

Less than or equal to 90 percent

$

100,255

$

18,499

$

9,972

$

45,414

$

17,453

$

Greater than 90 percent but less than or equal to 100 percent

Greater than 100 percent

Fully-insured loans (5)

Total consumer real estate

Refreshed FICO score

Less than 620

Greater than or equal to 620 and less than 680

Greater than or equal to 680 and less than 740

Greater than or equal to 740

Fully-insured loans (5)

Total consumer real estate

$

$

4,958

4,017

52,990

162,220

4,184

6,272

21,946

76,828

52,990

$

$

$

$

3,081

5,265

11,980

38,825

6,313

4,032

6,463

10,037

11,980

$

$

2,005

3,175

—

15,152

6,109

3,014

3,310

2,719

—

$

$

2,442

4,031

—

51,887

2,169

3,683

10,231

35,804

—

$

$

3,272

7,496

—

28,221

3,470

4,529

7,905

12,317

—

$

162,220

$

38,825

$

15,152

$

51,887

$

28,221

$

2,046

1,048

2,523

—

5,617

864

995

1,651

2,107

—

5,617

(1)  Excludes $2.1 billion of loans accounted for under the fair value option.
(2)  Excludes PCI loans.
(3) 

Includes $2.8 billion of pay option loans. The Corporation no longer originates this product.

(4)  Refreshed LTV percentages for PCI loans are calculated using the carrying value net of the related valuation allowance.
(5)  Credit quality indicators are not reported for fully-insured loans as principal repayment is insured.

Credit Card and Other Consumer – Credit Quality Indicators

(Dollars in millions)

Refreshed FICO score

Less than 620

Greater than or equal to 620 and less than 680

Greater than or equal to 680 and less than 740

Greater than or equal to 740

Other internal credit metrics (2, 3, 4)

Total credit card and other consumer

December 31, 2014

U.S. Credit
Card

Non-U.S.
Credit Card

Direct/Indirect
Consumer

Other
Consumer (1)

$

4,467

$

— $

1,296

$

12,177

34,986

40,249

—

—

—

—

10,465

1,892

10,749

25,279

41,165

266

227

307

881

165

$

91,879

$

10,465

$

80,381

$

1,846

(1)  Thirty-seven percent of the other consumer portfolio is associated with portfolios from certain consumer finance businesses that the Corporation previously exited.
(2)  Other internal credit metrics may include delinquency status, geography or other factors.
(3)  Direct/indirect consumer includes $39.7 billion of securities-based lending which is overcollateralized and therefore has minimal credit risk and $632 million of loans the Corporation no longer 

originates, primarily student loans.

(4)  Non-U.S. credit card represents the U.K. credit card portfolio which is evaluated using internal credit metrics, including delinquency status. At December 31, 2014, 98 percent of this portfolio was 

current or less than 30 days past due, one percent was 30-89 days past due and one percent was 90 days or more past due.

Commercial – Credit Quality Indicators (1) 

(Dollars in millions)

Risk ratings

Pass rated

Reservable criticized

Refreshed FICO score (3)

Less than 620

Greater than or equal to 620 and less than 680

Greater than or equal to 680 and less than 740

Greater than or equal to 740

Other internal credit metrics (3, 4)

Total commercial

December 31, 2014

U.S.
Commercial

Commercial
Real Estate

Commercial
Lease
Financing

Non-U.S.
Commercial

U.S. Small
Business
Commercial (2)

$

213,839

$

46,632

$

23,832

$

79,367

$

6,454

1,050

1,034

716

751

182

184

529

1,591

2,910

7,146

$

220,293

$

47,682

$

24,866

$

80,083

$

13,293

(1)  Excludes $6.6 billion of loans accounted for under the fair value option.
(2)  U.S. small business commercial includes $762 million of criticized business card and small business loans which are evaluated using refreshed FICO scores or internal credit metrics, including 

delinquency status, rather than risk ratings. At December 31, 2014, 98 percent of the balances where internal credit metrics are used was current or less than 30 days past due.

(3)  Refreshed FICO score and other internal credit metrics are applicable only to the U.S. small business commercial portfolio.
(4)  Other internal credit metrics may include delinquency status, application scores, geography or other factors.

166     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer Real Estate – Credit Quality Indicators (1)

Less than or equal to 90 percent

$

100,255

$

18,499

$

9,972

$

45,414

$

17,453

$

Greater than 90 percent but less than or equal to 100 percent

December 31, 2014

Core Portfolio 

Residential

Mortgage (2)

Legacy Assets 

& Servicing 

Residential

Mortgage (2)

Residential 

Mortgage PCI (3)

Core Portfolio 

Home Equity (2)

Legacy Assets 

& Servicing 

Home Equity (2)

Home 

Equity PCI

$

$

4,958

4,017

52,990

162,220

4,184

6,272

21,946

76,828

52,990

$

$

$

$

3,081

5,265

11,980

38,825

6,313

4,032

6,463

10,037

11,980

$

$

2,005

3,175

—

15,152

6,109

3,014

3,310

2,719

—

$

$

2,442

4,031

—

51,887

2,169

3,683

10,231

35,804

—

$

$

3,272

7,496

—

28,221

3,470

4,529

7,905

12,317

—

$

162,220

$

38,825

$

15,152

$

51,887

$

28,221

$

(1)  Excludes $2.1 billion of loans accounted for under the fair value option.

(2)  Excludes PCI loans.

(3) 

Includes $2.8 billion of pay option loans. The Corporation no longer originates this product.

(4)  Refreshed LTV percentages for PCI loans are calculated using the carrying value net of the related valuation allowance.

(5)  Credit quality indicators are not reported for fully-insured loans as principal repayment is insured.

Credit Card and Other Consumer – Credit Quality Indicators

(Dollars in millions)

Refreshed LTV (4)

Greater than 100 percent

Fully-insured loans (5)

Total consumer real estate

Refreshed FICO score

Less than 620

Greater than or equal to 620 and less than 680

Greater than or equal to 680 and less than 740

Greater than or equal to 740

Fully-insured loans (5)

Total consumer real estate

(Dollars in millions)

Refreshed FICO score

Less than 620

Greater than or equal to 620 and less than 680

Greater than or equal to 680 and less than 740

Greater than or equal to 740

Other internal credit metrics (2, 3, 4)

Total credit card and other consumer

December 31, 2014

U.S. Credit

Card

Non-U.S.

Credit Card

Direct/Indirect

Consumer

Other

Consumer (1)

$

4,467

$

— $

1,296

$

12,177

34,986

40,249

—

—

—

—

10,465

1,892

10,749

25,279

41,165

266

227

307

881

165

$

91,879

$

10,465

$

80,381

$

1,846

(1)  Thirty-seven percent of the other consumer portfolio is associated with portfolios from certain consumer finance businesses that the Corporation previously exited.

(2)  Other internal credit metrics may include delinquency status, geography or other factors.

(3)  Direct/indirect consumer includes $39.7 billion of securities-based lending which is overcollateralized and therefore has minimal credit risk and $632 million of loans the Corporation no longer 

originates, primarily student loans.

(4)  Non-U.S. credit card represents the U.K. credit card portfolio which is evaluated using internal credit metrics, including delinquency status. At December 31, 2014, 98 percent of this portfolio was 

current or less than 30 days past due, one percent was 30-89 days past due and one percent was 90 days or more past due.

Commercial – Credit Quality Indicators (1) 

(Dollars in millions)

Risk ratings

Pass rated

Reservable criticized

Refreshed FICO score (3)

Less than 620

Greater than or equal to 620 and less than 680

Greater than or equal to 680 and less than 740

Greater than or equal to 740

Other internal credit metrics (3, 4)

Total commercial

December 31, 2014

U.S.

Commercial

Commercial

Real Estate

Commercial

Lease

Financing

Non-U.S.

Commercial

U.S. Small

Business

Commercial (2)

$

213,839

$

46,632

$

23,832

$

79,367

$

6,454

1,050

1,034

716

(1)  Excludes $6.6 billion of loans accounted for under the fair value option.

(2)  U.S. small business commercial includes $762 million of criticized business card and small business loans which are evaluated using refreshed FICO scores or internal credit metrics, including 

delinquency status, rather than risk ratings. At December 31, 2014, 98 percent of the balances where internal credit metrics are used was current or less than 30 days past due.

(3)  Refreshed FICO score and other internal credit metrics are applicable only to the U.S. small business commercial portfolio.

(4)  Other internal credit metrics may include delinquency status, application scores, geography or other factors.

$

220,293

$

47,682

$

24,866

$

80,083

$

13,293

2,046

1,048

2,523

—

5,617

864

995

1,651

2,107

—

5,617

751

182

184

529

1,591

2,910

7,146

Impaired Loans and Troubled Debt Restructurings
A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information, 
it  is  probable  that  the  Corporation  will  be  unable  to  collect  all 
amounts due from the borrower in accordance with the contractual 
terms  of  the  loan.  Impaired  loans  include  nonperforming 
commercial  loans  and  all  consumer  and  commercial  TDRs. 
Impaired  loans  exclude  nonperforming  consumer  loans  and 
nonperforming commercial leases unless they are classified as 
TDRs. Loans accounted for under the fair value option are also 
excluded. PCI loans are excluded and reported separately on page 
176.  For  additional  information,  see  Note  1  –  Summary  of 
Significant Accounting Principles.

Consumer Real Estate
Impaired consumer real estate loans within the Consumer Real 
Estate portfolio segment consist entirely of TDRs. Excluding PCI 
loans, most modifications of consumer real estate loans meet the 
definition of TDRs when a binding offer is extended to a borrower. 
Modifications  of  consumer  real  estate  loans  are  done  in 
accordance  with  the  government’s  Making  Home  Affordable 
Program  (modifications  under  government  programs)  or  the 
Corporation’s  proprietary  programs 
(modifications  under 
proprietary programs). These modifications are considered to be 
TDRs if concessions have been granted to borrowers experiencing 
financial  difficulties.  Concessions  may  include  reductions  in 
interest rates, capitalization of past due amounts, principal and/
or  interest  forbearance,  payment  extensions,  principal  and/or 
interest forgiveness, or combinations thereof.

Prior  to  permanently  modifying  a  loan,  the  Corporation  may 
enter  into  trial  modifications  with  certain  borrowers  under  both 
government and proprietary programs. Trial modifications generally 
represent a three- to four-month period during which the borrower 
makes monthly payments under the anticipated modified payment 
terms.  Upon  successful  completion  of  the  trial  period,  the 
Corporation and the borrower enter into a permanent modification. 
Binding trial modifications are classified as TDRs when the trial 
offer is made and continue to be classified as TDRs regardless of 
whether the borrower enters into a permanent modification.

Consumer  real  estate  loans  that  have  been  discharged  in 
Chapter 7 bankruptcy with no change in repayment terms and not 
reaffirmed by the borrower of $1.8 billion were included in TDRs 
at December 31, 2015, of which $785 million were classified as 
nonperforming and $765 million were loans fully-insured by the 
FHA.  For  more  information  on  loans  discharged  in  Chapter  7 
bankruptcy, see Nonperforming Loans and Leases in this Note.

A consumer real estate loan, excluding PCI loans which are 
reported separately, is not classified as impaired unless it is a 
TDR. Once such a loan has been designated as a TDR, it is then 
individually assessed for impairment. Consumer real estate TDRs 
are  measured  primarily  based  on  the  net  present  value  of  the 
estimated cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective 
interest  rate,  as  discussed  in  the  following  paragraph.  If  the 
carrying value of a TDR exceeds this amount, a specific allowance 
is recorded as a component of the allowance for loan and lease 
losses.  Alternatively,  consumer  real  estate  TDRs  that  are 

considered to be dependent solely on the collateral for repayment 
(e.g., due to the lack of income verification) are measured based 
on the estimated fair value of the collateral and a charge-off is 
recorded  if  the  carrying  value  exceeds  the  fair  value  of  the 
collateral. Consumer real estate loans that reached 180 days past 
due prior to modification had been charged off to their net realizable 
value, less costs to sell, before they were modified as TDRs in 
accordance  with  established  policy.  Therefore,  modifications  of 
consumer real estate loans that are 180 or more days past due 
as  TDRs  do  not  have  an  impact  on  the  allowance  for  loan  and 
lease losses nor are additional charge-offs required at the time of 
modification. Subsequent declines in the fair value of the collateral 
after a loan has reached 180 days past due are recorded as charge-
offs. Fully-insured loans are protected against principal loss, and 
therefore, the Corporation does not record an allowance for loan 
and lease losses on the outstanding principal balance, even after 
they have been modified in a TDR.

The  net  present  value  of  the  estimated  cash  flows  used  to 
measure  impairment  is  based  on  model-driven  estimates  of 
projected payments, prepayments, defaults and loss-given-default 
(LGD). Using statistical modeling methodologies, the Corporation 
estimates the probability that a loan will default prior to maturity 
based on the attributes of each loan. The factors that are most 
relevant to the probability of default are the refreshed LTV, or in 
the case of a subordinated lien, refreshed CLTV, borrower credit 
score, months since origination (i.e., vintage) and geography. Each 
of these factors is further broken down by present collection status 
(whether  the  loan  is  current,  delinquent,  in  default  or  in 
bankruptcy). Severity (or LGD) is estimated based on the refreshed 
LTV  for  first  mortgages  or  CLTV  for  subordinated  liens.  The 
estimates are based on the Corporation’s historical experience as 
adjusted to reflect an assessment of environmental factors that 
may not be reflected in the historical data, such as changes in 
real  estate  values,  local  and  national  economies,  underwriting 
standards  and  the  regulatory  environment.  The  probability  of 
incorporate 
default  models  also 
recent  experience  with 
modification  programs 
including  redefaults  subsequent  to 
modification, a loan’s default history prior to modification and the 
change in borrower payments post-modification.

foreclosure  proceedings  were 

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, remaining commitments to 
lend additional funds to debtors whose terms have been modified 
in a consumer real estate TDR were immaterial. Consumer real 
estate foreclosed properties totaled $444 million and $630 million 
at December 31, 2015 and 2014. The carrying value of consumer 
real estate loans, including fully-insured and PCI loans, for which 
formal 
in  process  as  of 
December 31, 2015 was $5.8 billion. During 2015 and 2014, the 
Corporation reclassified $2.1 billion and $1.9 billion of consumer 
real  estate  loans  to  foreclosed  properties  or,  for  properties 
acquired upon foreclosure of certain government-guaranteed loans 
(principally  FHA-insured 
to  other  assets.  The 
loans), 
reclassifications  represent  non-cash  investing  activities  and, 
accordingly, are not reflected on the Consolidated Statement of 
Cash Flows.

166     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     167

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The table below provides the unpaid principal balance, carrying 
value and related allowance at December 31, 2015 and 2014, 
and the average carrying value and interest income recognized for 
2015,  2014  and  2013  for  impaired  loans  in  the  Corporation’s 
Consumer Real Estate portfolio segment, and includes primarily 

loans  managed  by  Legacy  Assets  &  Servicing  (LAS).  Certain 
impaired  consumer  real  estate  loans  do  not  have  a  related 
allowance  as  the  current  valuation  of  these  impaired  loans 
exceeded the carrying value, which is net of previously recorded 
charge-offs.

Impaired Loans – Consumer Real Estate

(Dollars in millions)

With no recorded allowance

Residential mortgage
Home equity

With an allowance recorded

Residential mortgage
Home equity

Total

Residential mortgage
Home equity

With no recorded allowance

Residential mortgage
Home equity

With an allowance recorded

Residential mortgage
Home equity

Total

December 31, 2015

December 31, 2014

Unpaid
Principal
Balance

Carrying
Value

Related
Allowance

Unpaid
Principal
Balance

Carrying
Value

Related
Allowance

$

$

$

$

$

11,901
1,775

6,471
911

18,372
2,686

14,888
3,545

6,624
1,047

21,512
4,592

$

$

$

2015

Average
Carrying
Value

Interest
Income
Recognized (1)

13,867
1,777

7,290
785

$

$

403
89

236
24

$

$

$

$

$

— $
—

19,710
3,540

7,861
852

27,571
4,392

$

$

399
235

399
235

2014

Average
Carrying
Value

Interest
Income
Recognized (1)

15,065
1,486

10,826
743

$

$

490
87

411
25

$

$

$

$

$

15,605
1,630

7,665
728

23,270
2,358

$

$

$

2013

—
—

531
196

531
196

Average
Carrying
Value

Interest
Income
Recognized (1)

16,625
1,245

13,926
912

$

$

621
76

616
41

Residential mortgage
Home equity
Interest income recognized includes interest accrued and collected on the outstanding balances of accruing impaired loans as well as interest cash collections on nonaccruing impaired loans for 
which the principal is considered collectible. 

25,891
2,229

30,551
2,157

21,157
2,562

1,237
117

901
112

639
113

$

$

$

$

$

$

(1) 

168     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The table below provides the unpaid principal balance, carrying 

loans  managed  by  Legacy  Assets  &  Servicing  (LAS).  Certain 

value and related allowance at December 31, 2015 and 2014, 

impaired  consumer  real  estate  loans  do  not  have  a  related 

and the average carrying value and interest income recognized for 

allowance  as  the  current  valuation  of  these  impaired  loans 

2015,  2014  and  2013  for  impaired  loans  in  the  Corporation’s 

exceeded the carrying value, which is net of previously recorded 

Consumer Real Estate portfolio segment, and includes primarily 

charge-offs.

The table below presents the December 31, 2015, 2014 and 
2013 unpaid principal balance, carrying value, and average pre- 
and post-modification interest rates on consumer real estate loans 
that were modified in TDRs during 2015, 2014 and 2013, and net 
charge-offs recorded during the period in which the modification 

occurred. The following Consumer Real Estate portfolio segment 
tables include loans that were initially classified as TDRs during 
the period and also loans that had previously been classified as 
TDRs and were modified again during the period. These TDRs are 
primarily managed by LAS.

Impaired Loans – Consumer Real Estate

Consumer Real Estate – TDRs Entered into During 2015, 2014 and 2013 (1)

(Dollars in millions)

With no recorded allowance

Residential mortgage

Home equity

With an allowance recorded

Residential mortgage

Home equity

Total

Residential mortgage

Home equity

With no recorded allowance

Residential mortgage

Home equity

With an allowance recorded

Residential mortgage

Home equity

Total

Residential mortgage

Home equity

December 31, 2015

December 31, 2014

Unpaid

Principal

Balance

Carrying

Value

Related

Allowance

Carrying

Value

Related

Allowance

Unpaid

Principal

Balance

14,888

$

11,901

$

— $

19,710

$

15,605

$

3,545

6,624

1,047

1,775

911

$

6,471

$

3,540

1,630

7,861

$

7,665

$

852

728

21,512

$

18,372

$

4,592

2,686

27,571

$

23,270

$

4,392

2,358

—

399

235

399

235

$

$

2015

2014

2013

Average

Carrying

Value

Interest

Income

Recognized (1)

Average

Carrying

Value

Interest

Income

Recognized (1)

Average

Carrying

Value

Interest

Income

Recognized (1)

13,867

$

1,777

7,290

$

785

21,157

$

2,562

$

$

$

403

89

236

24

639

113

1,486

743

15,065

$

490

$

16,625

$

10,826

$

411

$

13,926

$

1,245

912

87

25

901

112

25,891

$

2,229

$

30,551

$

2,157

1,237

117

—

—

531

196

531

196

621

76

616

41

$

$

$

$

$

$

(1) 

Interest income recognized includes interest accrued and collected on the outstanding balances of accruing impaired loans as well as interest cash collections on nonaccruing impaired loans for 

which the principal is considered collectible. 

(Dollars in millions)

Residential mortgage
Home equity

Total

Residential mortgage
Home equity

Total

Residential mortgage
Home equity

$

$

$

$

$

December 31, 2015

2015

Unpaid
Principal
Balance

Carrying 
Value

Pre-
Modification
Interest Rate

Post-
Modification 
Interest Rate (2)

Net 
Charge-offs (3)

$

$

$

$

$

2,986
1,019
4,005

5,940
863
6,803

11,233
878
12,111

2,655
775
3,430

December 31, 2014

5,120
592
5,712

4.98%
3.54
4.61

5.28%
4.00
5.12

4.43% $
3.17
4.11

$

4.93% $
3.33
4.73

$

97
84
181

72
99
171

2014

December 31, 2013

2013

10,016
521
10,537

5.30%
5.29
5.30

4.27% $
3.92
4.24

235
192
427

Total

$
(1)  During 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Corporation forgave principal of $396 million, $53 million and $467 million, respectively, related to residential mortgage loans in connection with TDRs.
(2)  The post-modification interest rate reflects the interest rate applicable only to permanently completed modifications, which exclude loans that are in a trial modification period.
(3)  Net charge-offs include amounts recorded on loans modified during the period that are no longer held by the Corporation at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 due to sales and other dispositions.

$

$

168     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     169

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The table below presents the December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 carrying value for consumer real estate loans that were modified 

in a TDR during 2015, 2014 and 2013, by type of modification.

Consumer Real Estate – Modification Programs

TDRs Entered into During 2015

Residential
Mortgage

Home 
Equity

Total Carrying
Value

$

$

$

$

$

$

408
4
46
458

191
69
124
34
418
1,516
263
2,655

$

$

23
7
—
30

28
10
44
95
177
452
116
775

$

$

TDRs Entered into During 2014

$

643
16
98
757

244
71
66
40
421
3,421
521
5,120

$

56
18
1
75

22
2
75
47
146
182
189
592

$

$

TDRs Entered into During 2013

1,815
35
100
1,950

2,799
132
469
105
3,505
3,410
1,151
10,016

$

$

48
24
—
72

40
2
17
25
84
87
278
521

$

$

431
11
46
488

219
79
168
129
595
1,968
379
3,430

699
34
99
832

266
73
141
87
567
3,603
710
5,712

1,863
59
100
2,022

2,839
134
486
130
3,589
3,497
1,429
10,537

(Dollars in millions)

Modifications under government programs

Contractual interest rate reduction
Principal and/or interest forbearance
Other modifications (1)

Total modifications under government programs

Modifications under proprietary programs

Contractual interest rate reduction
Capitalization of past due amounts
Principal and/or interest forbearance
Other modifications (1)

Total modifications under proprietary programs

Trial modifications
Loans discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy (2)

Total modifications

Modifications under government programs

Contractual interest rate reduction
Principal and/or interest forbearance
Other modifications (1)

Total modifications under government programs

Modifications under proprietary programs

Contractual interest rate reduction
Capitalization of past due amounts
Principal and/or interest forbearance
Other modifications (1)

Total modifications under proprietary programs

Trial modifications
Loans discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy (2)

Total modifications

Modifications under government programs

Contractual interest rate reduction
Principal and/or interest forbearance
Other modifications (1)

Total modifications under government programs

Modifications under proprietary programs

Contractual interest rate reduction
Capitalization of past due amounts
Principal and/or interest forbearance
Other modifications (1)

Total modifications under proprietary programs

Trial modifications
Loans discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy (2)

Total modifications

(1) 

(2) 

Includes other modifications such as term or payment extensions and repayment plans.
Includes loans discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy with no change in repayment terms that are classified as TDRs.

170     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
The table below presents the December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 carrying value for consumer real estate loans that were modified 

in a TDR during 2015, 2014 and 2013, by type of modification.

Consumer Real Estate – Modification Programs

The table below presents the carrying value of consumer real 
estate loans that entered into payment default during 2015, 2014 
and  2013  that  were  modified  in  a  TDR  during  the  12  months 
preceding payment default. A payment default for consumer real 
estate  TDRs  is  recognized  when  a  borrower  has  missed  three 

(not  necessarily  consecutively)  since 
monthly  payments 
modification. Payment defaults on a trial modification where the 
borrower has not yet met the terms of the agreement are included 
in the table below if the borrower is 90 days or more past due 
three months after the offer to modify is made.

Consumer Real Estate – TDRs Entering Payment Default That Were Modified During the Preceding 12 Months

(Dollars in millions)

Modifications under government programs
Modifications under proprietary programs
Loans discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy (2)
Trial modifications (3)
Total modifications

Modifications under government programs
Modifications under proprietary programs
Loans discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy (2)
Trial modifications

Total modifications

Modifications under government programs
Modifications under proprietary programs
Loans discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy (2)
Trial modifications

 Residential
Mortgage

2015

Home 
Equity

Total Carrying 
Value (1)

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

452
263
238
2,997
3,950

696
714
481
2,231
4,122

454
1,117
964
4,376
6,911

$

$

$

$

$

5
24
47
181
257

4
12
70
56
142

2014

2013

2
4
30
14
50

457
287
285
3,178
4,207

700
726
551
2,287
4,264

456
1,121
994
4,390
6,961

(Dollars in millions)

Modifications under government programs

Contractual interest rate reduction

Principal and/or interest forbearance

Other modifications (1)

Total modifications under government programs

Modifications under proprietary programs

Contractual interest rate reduction

Capitalization of past due amounts

Principal and/or interest forbearance

Other modifications (1)

Total modifications under proprietary programs

Trial modifications

Loans discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy (2)

Total modifications

Modifications under government programs

Contractual interest rate reduction

Principal and/or interest forbearance

Other modifications (1)

Total modifications under government programs

Modifications under proprietary programs

Contractual interest rate reduction

Capitalization of past due amounts

Principal and/or interest forbearance

Other modifications (1)

Total modifications under proprietary programs

Trial modifications

Loans discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy (2)

Total modifications

Modifications under government programs

Contractual interest rate reduction

Principal and/or interest forbearance

Other modifications (1)

Total modifications under government programs

Modifications under proprietary programs

Contractual interest rate reduction

Capitalization of past due amounts

Principal and/or interest forbearance

Other modifications (1)

Total modifications under proprietary programs

Trial modifications

Loans discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy (2)

Total modifications

TDRs Entered into During 2014

TDRs Entered into During 2015

Residential

Mortgage

Home 

Equity

Total Carrying

Value

$

408

$

$

$

$

$

$

4

46

458

191

69

124

34

418

16

98

757

244

71

66

40

1,516

263

2,655

$

643

$

421

3,421

521

5,120

$

1,815

$

35

100

1,950

2,799

132

469

105

3,505

3,410

1,151

23

7

—

30

28

10

44

95

177

452

116

775

56

18

1

75

22

2

75

47

146

182

189

592

48

24

—

72

40

2

17

25

84

87

278

521

$

$

$

$

431

11

46

488

219

79

168

129

595

1,968

379

3,430

699

34

99

832

266

73

141

87

567

3,603

710

5,712

1,863

59

100

2,022

2,839

134

486

130

3,589

3,497

1,429

TDRs Entered into During 2013

(1) 

(2) 

Includes other modifications such as term or payment extensions and repayment plans.

Includes loans discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy with no change in repayment terms that are classified as TDRs.

$

10,016

$

$

10,537

Total modifications
Includes loans with a carrying value of $1.8 billion, $2.0 billion and $2.4 billion that entered into payment default during 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, but were no longer held by the Corporation 
as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 due to sales and other dispositions.
Includes loans discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy with no change in repayment terms that are classified as TDRs.
Includes $1.7 billion of trial modification offers made in connection with the 2014 settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice to which the customer has not responded for 2015.

$

$

$

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

Credit Card and Other Consumer
Impaired loans within the Credit Card and Other Consumer portfolio 
segment consist entirely of loans that have been modified in TDRs 
(the renegotiated credit card and other consumer TDR portfolio, 
collectively  referred  to  as  the  renegotiated  TDR  portfolio).  The 
Corporation  seeks  to  assist  customers  that  are  experiencing 
financial difficulty by modifying loans while ensuring compliance 
with federal, local and international laws and guidelines. Credit 
card  and  other  consumer  loan  modifications  generally  involve 
reducing the interest rate on the account and placing the customer 
on a fixed payment plan not exceeding 60 months, all of which are 
considered TDRs. In addition, the accounts of non-U.S. credit card 
customers who do not qualify for a fixed payment plan may have 
their  interest  rates  reduced,  as  required  by  certain  local 
jurisdictions. These modifications, which are also TDRs, tend to 
experience higher payment default rates given that the borrowers 
may lack the ability to repay even with the interest rate reduction. 
In substantially all cases, the customer’s available line of credit 
is  canceled.  The  Corporation  makes  loan  modifications  directly 
with  borrowers  for  debt  held  only  by  the  Corporation  (internal 
programs). Additionally, the Corporation makes loan modifications 
for borrowers working with third-party renegotiation agencies that 
provide solutions to customers’ entire unsecured debt structures 
(external  programs).  The  Corporation  classifies  other  secured 

consumer  loans  that  have  been  discharged  in  Chapter  7 
bankruptcy as TDRs which are written down to collateral value and 
placed on nonaccrual status no later than the time of discharge. 
For  more  information  on  the  regulatory  guidance  on  loans 
discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, see Nonperforming Loans and 
Leases in this Note.

All credit card and substantially all other consumer loans that 
have been modified in TDRs remain on accrual status until the 
loan is either paid in full or charged off, which occurs no later than 
the end of the month in which the loan becomes 180 days past 
due or generally at 120 days past due for a loan that has been 
placed on a fixed payment plan.

The  allowance  for  impaired  credit  card  and  substantially  all 
other consumer loans is based on the present value of projected 
cash  flows,  which  incorporates  the  Corporation’s  historical 
payment  default  and  loss  experience  on  modified  loans, 
discounted using the portfolio’s average contractual interest rate, 
excluding  promotionally  priced 
to 
restructuring. Credit card and other consumer loans are included 
in  homogeneous  pools  which  are  collectively  evaluated  for 
impairment. For these portfolios, loss forecast models are utilized 
that  consider  a  variety  of  factors  including,  but  not  limited  to, 
historical loss experience, delinquency status, economic trends 
and credit scores.

in  effect  prior 

loans, 

170     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     171

 
 
 
The table below provides the unpaid principal balance, carrying value and related allowance at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and 
the average carrying value and interest income recognized for 2015, 2014 and 2013 on the Corporation’s renegotiated TDR portfolio 
in the Credit Card and Other Consumer portfolio segment.

Impaired Loans – Credit Card and Other Consumer – Renegotiated TDRs

(Dollars in millions)

With no recorded allowance
Direct/Indirect consumer
With an allowance recorded

U.S. credit card
Non-U.S. credit card
Direct/Indirect consumer

Total

U.S. credit card
Non-U.S. credit card
Direct/Indirect consumer

With no recorded allowance
Direct/Indirect consumer
Other consumer

With an allowance recorded

U.S. credit card
Non-U.S. credit card
Direct/Indirect consumer
Other consumer

Total

December 31, 2015

December 31, 2014

Unpaid
Principal
Balance

Carrying
Value (1)

Related
Allowance

Unpaid
Principal
Balance

Carrying
Value (1)

Related
Allowance

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

50

598
109
17

598
109
67

$

$

$

21

611
126
21

611
126
42

— $

$

$

176
70
4

176
70
4

$

$

$

59

804
132
76

804
132
135

$

$

$

25

856
168
92

856
168
117

—

207
108
24

207
108
24

2015

2014

2013

Average
Carrying
Value

Interest
Income
Recognized (2)

Average
Carrying
Value

Interest
Income
Recognized (2)

Average
Carrying
Value

Interest
Income
Recognized (2)

$

$

22
—

749
145
51
—

— $
—

$

43
4
3
—

$

$

27
33

1,148
210
180
23

— $
2

$

71
6
9
1

$

$

42
34

2,144
266
456
28

—
2

134
7
24
2

U.S. credit card
Non-U.S. credit card
Direct/Indirect consumer
Other consumer
Includes accrued interest and fees.
Interest income recognized includes interest accrued and collected on the outstanding balances of accruing impaired loans as well as interest cash collections on nonaccruing impaired loans for 
which the principal is considered collectible.

2,144
266
498
62

1,148
210
207
56

134
7
24
4

749
145
73
—

71
6
9
3

43
4
3
—

$

$

$

$

$

$

(1) 

(2) 

The table below provides information on the Corporation’s primary modification programs for the renegotiated TDR portfolio at 

December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Credit Card and Other Consumer – Renegotiated TDRs by Program Type

Internal Programs

External Programs

Other (1)

Total

Percent of Balances Current or
Less Than 30 Days Past Due

(Dollars in millions)

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

U.S. credit card
Non-U.S. credit card
Direct/Indirect consumer
Total renegotiated TDRs

$

$

313
21
11
345

$

$

450
41
50
541

$

$

296
10
7
313

$

$

397
16
34
447

$

$

2
95
24
121

$

$

9
111
33
153

$

$

611
126
42
779

$

856
168
117
$ 1,141

88.74%
44.25
89.12
81.55

84.99%
47.56
85.21
79.51

(1)  Other TDRs for non-U.S. credit card include modifications of accounts that are ineligible for a fixed payment plan.

December 31

172     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The table below provides the unpaid principal balance, carrying value and related allowance at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and 

the average carrying value and interest income recognized for 2015, 2014 and 2013 on the Corporation’s renegotiated TDR portfolio 

in the Credit Card and Other Consumer portfolio segment.

The table below provides information on the Corporation’s renegotiated TDR portfolio including the December 31, 2015, 2014 and 
2013 unpaid principal balance, carrying value, and average pre- and post-modification interest rates of loans that were modified in 
TDRs during 2015, 2014 and 2013, and net charge-offs recorded during the period in which the modification occurred.

Impaired Loans – Credit Card and Other Consumer – Renegotiated TDRs

Credit Card and Other Consumer – Renegotiated TDRs Entered into During 2015, 2014 and 2013

(Dollars in millions)

U.S. credit card
Non-U.S. credit card
Direct/Indirect consumer

Total

U.S. credit card
Non-U.S. credit card
Direct/Indirect consumer

Total

U.S. credit card
Non-U.S. credit card
Direct/Indirect consumer
Other consumer

Total
Includes accrued interest and fees.

(1) 

Unpaid
Principal
Balance

December 31, 2015
Pre-
Modification
Interest Rate

Carrying 
Value (1)

Post-
Modification
Interest Rate

2015

Net 
Charge-offs

$

$

$

$

$

$

205
74
19
298

276
91
27
394

299
134
47
8
488

$

$

$

$

$

$

218
86
12
316

17.07%
24.05
5.95
18.58

5.08% $
0.53
5.19
3.84

$

December 31, 2014

2014

301
106
19
426

16.64%
24.90
8.66
18.32

5.15% $
0.68
4.90
4.03

$

December 31, 2013

2013

329
147
38
8
522

16.84%
25.90
11.53
9.28
18.89

5.84% $
0.95
4.74
5.25
4.37

$

26
63
9
98

37
91
14
142

30
138
15
—
183

The table below provides information on the Corporation’s primary modification programs for the renegotiated TDR portfolio for 

loans that were modified in TDRs during 2015, 2014 and 2013.

Credit Card and Other Consumer – Renegotiated TDRs Entered into During the Period by Program Type

(Dollars in millions)

With no recorded allowance

Direct/Indirect consumer

With an allowance recorded

U.S. credit card

Non-U.S. credit card

Direct/Indirect consumer

Total

U.S. credit card

Non-U.S. credit card

Direct/Indirect consumer

With no recorded allowance

Direct/Indirect consumer

Other consumer

With an allowance recorded

U.S. credit card

Non-U.S. credit card

Direct/Indirect consumer

Other consumer

Total

U.S. credit card

Non-U.S. credit card

Direct/Indirect consumer

Other consumer

December 31, 2015

December 31, 2014

Unpaid

Principal

Balance

Carrying

Value (1)

Related

Allowance

Carrying

Value (1)

Related

Allowance

Unpaid

Principal

Balance

2015

2014

2013

Average

Carrying

Value

Interest

Income

Recognized (2)

Average

Carrying

Value

Interest

Income

Recognized (2)

Average

Carrying

Value

Interest

Income

Recognized (2)

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

50

598

109

17

598

109

67

22

—

749

145

51

—

749

145

73

—

$

$

$

21

611

126

21

611

126

42

— $

176

$

70

4

70

4

176

$

$

$

$

59

804

132

76

804

132

135

$

$

$

25

856

168

92

856

168

117

— $

—

$

27

33

— $

$

42

34

43

$

1,148

$

71

$

2,144

$

4

3

—

4

3

—

210

180

23

210

207

56

2

6

9

1

6

9

3

266

456

28

266

498

62

43

$

1,148

$

71

$

2,144

$

—

207

108

24

207

108

24

—

2

134

7

24

2

134

7

24

4

2015

Internal
Programs

External
Programs

Other (1)

Total

Interest income recognized includes interest accrued and collected on the outstanding balances of accruing impaired loans as well as interest cash collections on nonaccruing impaired loans for 

The table below provides information on the Corporation’s primary modification programs for the renegotiated TDR portfolio at 

Includes accrued interest and fees.

(1) 

(2) 

which the principal is considered collectible.

December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Credit Card and Other Consumer – Renegotiated TDRs by Program Type

(Dollars in millions)

U.S. credit card

Non-U.S. credit card

Direct/Indirect consumer

Total renegotiated TDRs

$

$

Internal Programs

External Programs

Other (1)

Total

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

313

$

450

$

296

$

397

$

$

9

$

$

Percent of Balances Current or

Less Than 30 Days Past Due

2

95

24

111

33

153

611

126

42

779

856

168

117

88.74%

44.25

89.12

81.55

84.99%

47.56

85.21

79.51

21

11

41

50

10

7

16

34

(1)  Other TDRs for non-U.S. credit card include modifications of accounts that are ineligible for a fixed payment plan.

345

$

541

$

313

$

447

$

121

$

$

$ 1,141

December 31

(Dollars in millions)

U.S. credit card
Non-U.S. credit card
Direct/Indirect consumer
Total renegotiated TDRs

U.S. credit card
Non-U.S. credit card
Direct/Indirect consumer
Total renegotiated TDRs

U.S. credit card
Non-U.S. credit card
Direct/Indirect consumer
Other consumer

Total renegotiated TDRs

(1)  Other TDRs for non-U.S. credit card include modifications of accounts that are ineligible for a fixed payment plan.

$

$

$

$

$

$

134
3
1
138

196
6
4
206

192
16
15
8
231

$

$

$

$

$

$

84
4
—
88

$

$

2014
$

105
6
2
113

137
9
8
—
154

2013
$

$

$

— $
79
11
90

$

— $
94
13
107

$

— $

122
15
—
137

$

218
86
12
316

301
106
19
426

329
147
38
8
522

172     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     173

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(below  market) 

opportunity  to  work  through  financial  difficulties,  often  to  avoid 
foreclosure or bankruptcy. Each modification is unique and reflects 
the individual circumstances of the borrower. Modifications that 
result  in  a  TDR  may  include  extensions  of  maturity  at  a 
interest,  payment 
concessionary 
forbearances or other actions designed to benefit the customer 
while  mitigating  the  Corporation’s  risk  exposure.  Reductions  in 
interest  rates  are  rare.  Instead,  the  interest  rates  are  typically 
increased, although the increased rate may not represent a market 
rate  of  interest.  Infrequently,  concessions  may  also  include 
principal forgiveness in connection with foreclosure, short sale or 
other settlement agreements leading to termination or sale of the 
loan.

rate  of 

At the time of restructuring, the loans are remeasured to reflect 
the  impact,  if  any,  on  projected  cash  flows  resulting  from  the 
modified terms. If there was no forgiveness of principal and the 
interest rate was not decreased, the modification may have little 
or no impact on the allowance established for the loan. If a portion 
of  the  loan  is  deemed  to  be  uncollectible,  a  charge-off  may  be 
recorded  at  the  time  of  restructuring.  Alternatively,  a  charge-off 
may have already been recorded in a previous period such that no 
charge-off  is  required  at  the  time  of  modification.  For  more 
information  on  modifications  for  the  U.S.  small  business 
commercial portfolio, see Credit Card and Other Consumer in this 
Note.

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, remaining commitments to 
lend additional funds to debtors whose terms have been modified 
in a commercial loan TDR were immaterial. Commercial foreclosed 
properties totaled $15 million and $67 million at December 31, 
2015 and 2014.

Credit  card  and  other  consumer  loans  are  deemed  to  be  in 
payment default during the quarter in which a borrower misses the 
second of two consecutive payments. Payment defaults are one 
of the factors considered when projecting future cash flows in the 
calculation of the allowance for loan and lease losses for impaired 
credit  card  and  other  consumer  loans.  Based  on  historical 
experience, the Corporation estimates that 14 percent of new U.S. 
credit card TDRs, 88 percent of new non-U.S. credit card TDRs and 
12  percent  of  new  direct/indirect  consumer  TDRs  may  be  in 
payment default within 12 months after modification. Loans that 
entered into payment default during 2015, 2014 and 2013 that 
had been modified in a TDR during the preceding 12 months were 
$43 million, $56 million and $61 million for U.S. credit card, $152 
million, $200 million and $236 million for non-U.S. credit card, 
and  $3  million,  $5  million  and  $12  million  for  direct/indirect 
consumer.

Commercial Loans
Impaired  commercial  loans,  which  include  nonperforming  loans 
and  TDRs  (both  performing  and  nonperforming),  are  primarily 
measured based on the present value of payments expected to 
be  received,  discounted  at  the  loan’s  original  effective  interest 
rate. Commercial impaired loans may also be measured based on 
observable market prices or, for loans that are solely dependent 
on  the  collateral  for  repayment,  the  estimated  fair  value  of 
collateral, less costs to sell. If the carrying value of a loan exceeds 
this amount, a specific allowance is recorded as a component of 
the allowance for loan and lease losses.

Modifications  of  loans  to  commercial  borrowers  that  are 
experiencing  financial  difficulty  are  designed  to  reduce  the 
Corporation’s loss exposure while providing the borrower with an 

174     Bank of America 2015

Credit  card  and  other  consumer  loans  are  deemed  to  be  in 

opportunity  to  work  through  financial  difficulties,  often  to  avoid 

payment default during the quarter in which a borrower misses the 

foreclosure or bankruptcy. Each modification is unique and reflects 

second of two consecutive payments. Payment defaults are one 

the individual circumstances of the borrower. Modifications that 

of the factors considered when projecting future cash flows in the 

result  in  a  TDR  may  include  extensions  of  maturity  at  a 

calculation of the allowance for loan and lease losses for impaired 

concessionary 

(below  market) 

rate  of 

interest,  payment 

credit  card  and  other  consumer  loans.  Based  on  historical 

forbearances or other actions designed to benefit the customer 

experience, the Corporation estimates that 14 percent of new U.S. 

while  mitigating  the  Corporation’s  risk  exposure.  Reductions  in 

credit card TDRs, 88 percent of new non-U.S. credit card TDRs and 

interest  rates  are  rare.  Instead,  the  interest  rates  are  typically 

12  percent  of  new  direct/indirect  consumer  TDRs  may  be  in 

increased, although the increased rate may not represent a market 

payment default within 12 months after modification. Loans that 

rate  of  interest.  Infrequently,  concessions  may  also  include 

entered into payment default during 2015, 2014 and 2013 that 

principal forgiveness in connection with foreclosure, short sale or 

had been modified in a TDR during the preceding 12 months were 

other settlement agreements leading to termination or sale of the 

$43 million, $56 million and $61 million for U.S. credit card, $152 

loan.

million, $200 million and $236 million for non-U.S. credit card, 

At the time of restructuring, the loans are remeasured to reflect 

and  $3  million,  $5  million  and  $12  million  for  direct/indirect 

the  impact,  if  any,  on  projected  cash  flows  resulting  from  the 

consumer.

Commercial Loans

Impaired  commercial  loans,  which  include  nonperforming  loans 

and  TDRs  (both  performing  and  nonperforming),  are  primarily 

measured based on the present value of payments expected to 

be  received,  discounted  at  the  loan’s  original  effective  interest 

rate. Commercial impaired loans may also be measured based on 

observable market prices or, for loans that are solely dependent 

on  the  collateral  for  repayment,  the  estimated  fair  value  of 

Note.

collateral, less costs to sell. If the carrying value of a loan exceeds 

this amount, a specific allowance is recorded as a component of 

the allowance for loan and lease losses.

Modifications  of  loans  to  commercial  borrowers  that  are 

experiencing  financial  difficulty  are  designed  to  reduce  the 

Corporation’s loss exposure while providing the borrower with an 

modified terms. If there was no forgiveness of principal and the 

interest rate was not decreased, the modification may have little 

or no impact on the allowance established for the loan. If a portion 

of  the  loan  is  deemed  to  be  uncollectible,  a  charge-off  may  be 

recorded  at  the  time  of  restructuring.  Alternatively,  a  charge-off 

may have already been recorded in a previous period such that no 

charge-off  is  required  at  the  time  of  modification.  For  more 

information  on  modifications  for  the  U.S.  small  business 

commercial portfolio, see Credit Card and Other Consumer in this 

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, remaining commitments to 

lend additional funds to debtors whose terms have been modified 

in a commercial loan TDR were immaterial. Commercial foreclosed 

properties totaled $15 million and $67 million at December 31, 

2015 and 2014.

The table below provides the unpaid principal balance, carrying value and related allowance at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and 
the average carrying value and interest income recognized for 2015, 2014 and 2013 for impaired loans in the Corporation’s Commercial 
loan portfolio segment. Certain impaired commercial loans do not have a related allowance as the valuation of these impaired loans 
exceeded the carrying value, which is net of previously recorded charge-offs.

Impaired Loans – Commercial

(Dollars in millions)

With no recorded allowance

U.S. commercial
Commercial real estate
Non-U.S. commercial

With an allowance recorded

U.S. commercial
Commercial real estate
Non-U.S. commercial
U.S. small business commercial (1)

Total

U.S. commercial
Commercial real estate
Non-U.S. commercial
U.S. small business commercial (1)

With no recorded allowance

U.S. commercial
Commercial real estate
Non-U.S. commercial

With an allowance recorded

U.S. commercial
Commercial real estate
Non-U.S. commercial
U.S. small business commercial (1)

Total

December 31, 2015

December 31, 2014

Unpaid
Principal
Balance

Carrying
Value

Related
Allowance

Unpaid
Principal
Balance

Carrying
Value

Related
Allowance

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

566
82
4

1,350
328
531
105

1,916
410
535
105

541
77
4

1,157
107
381
101

1,698
184
385
101

2015

Average
Carrying
Value

Interest
Income
Recognized (2)

$

$

688
75
29

953
216
125
109

14
1
1

48
7
7
1

$

$

$

$

$

— $
—
—

$

$

115
11
56
35

115
11
56
35

668
60
—

1,139
678
47
133

1,807
738
47
133

2014

Average
Carrying
Value

Interest
Income
Recognized (2)

$

$

546
166
15

1,198
632
52
151

12
3
—

51
16
3
3

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

650
48
—

839
495
44
122

1,489
543
44
122

—
—
—

75
48
1
35

75
48
1
35

2013

Average
Carrying
Value

Interest
Income
Recognized (2)

$

$

442
269
28

1,553
1,148
109
236

6
3
—

47
28
5
6

U.S. commercial
Commercial real estate
Non-U.S. commercial
U.S. small business commercial (1)
Includes U.S. small business commercial renegotiated TDR loans and related allowance.
Interest income recognized includes interest accrued and collected on the outstanding balances of accruing impaired loans as well as interest cash collections on nonaccruing impaired loans for 
which the principal is considered collectible.

1,744
798
67
151

1,995
1,417
137
236

1,641
291
154
109

63
19
3
3

53
31
5
6

62
8
8
1

$

$

$

$

$

$

(1) 

(2) 

174     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     175

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchased Credit-impaired Loans
PCI  loans  are  acquired  loans  with  evidence  of  credit  quality 
deterioration since origination for which it is probable at purchase 
date that the Corporation will be unable to collect all contractually 
required payments. 

The following table shows activity for the accretable yield on 
PCI  loans,  which  include  the  Countrywide  Financial  Corporation 
(Countrywide) portfolio and loans repurchased in connection with 
the 2013 settlement with FNMA. The amount of accretable yield 
is affected by changes in credit outlooks, including metrics such 
as default rates and loss severities, prepayment speeds, which 
can  change  the  amount  and  period  of  time  over  which  interest 
payments are expected to be received, and the interest rates on 
variable  rate  loans.  The  reclassifications  from  nonaccretable 
difference  during  2015  and  2014  were  primarily  due  to  lower 
expected loss rates and a decrease in the forecasted prepayment 
speeds.  Changes  in  the  prepayment  assumption  affect  the 
expected remaining life of the portfolio which results in a change 
to the amount of future interest cash flows.

Rollforward of Accretable Yield

(Dollars in millions)

Accretable yield, January 1, 2014

Accretion
Disposals/transfers
Reclassifications from nonaccretable difference

Accretable yield, December 31, 2014

Accretion
Disposals/transfers
Reclassifications from nonaccretable difference

Accretable yield, December 31, 2015

$

$

6,694
(1,061)
(506)
481
5,608
(861)
(465)
287
4,569

During 2015, the Corporation sold PCI loans with a carrying 
value of $1.4 billion, which excludes the related allowance of $234 
million. For more information on PCI loans, see Note 1 – Summary 
of Significant Accounting Principles, and for the carrying value and 
valuation allowance for PCI loans, see Note 5 – Allowance for Credit 
Losses.

Loans Held-for-sale
The  Corporation  had  LHFS  of  $7.5  billion  and  $12.8  billion  at 
December 31, 2015 and 2014. Cash and non-cash proceeds from 
sales and paydowns of loans originally classified as LHFS were 
$41.2 billion, $40.1 billion and $81.0 billion for 2015, 2014 and 
2013, respectively. Cash used for originations and purchases of 
LHFS  totaled  $38.7  billion,  $40.1  billion  and  $65.7  billion  for 
2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The table below presents the December 31, 2015, 2014 and 
2013 unpaid principal balance and carrying value of commercial 
loans that were modified as TDRs during 2015, 2014 and 2013, 
and net charge-offs that were recorded during the period in which 
the  modification  occurred.  The  table  below  includes  loans  that 
were initially classified as TDRs during the period and also loans 
that had previously been classified as TDRs and were modified 
again during the period.

Commercial – TDRs Entered into During 2015, 2014 and
2013

(Dollars in millions)

U.S. commercial
Commercial real estate
Non-U.S. commercial
U.S. small business commercial (1)

Total

U.S. commercial
Commercial real estate
Non-U.S. commercial
U.S. small business commercial (1)

Total

U.S. commercial
Commercial real estate
Non-U.S. commercial
U.S. small business commercial (1)

$

$

$

$

$

December 31, 2015
Unpaid
Principal
Balance

Carrying
Value

2015

Net
Charge-offs

853
42
329
14
1,238

$

$

779
42
326
11
1,158

December 31, 2014

818
346
44
3
1,211

$

$

785
346
43
3
1,177

December 31, 2013

$

926
483
61
8
1,478

910
425
44
9
1,388

$

$

$

$

$

28
—
—
3
31

49
8
—
—
57

2014

2013

33
3
7
1
44

Total

$
(1)  U.S. small business commercial TDRs are comprised of renegotiated small business card loans.

$

$

A commercial TDR is generally deemed to be in payment default 
when the loan is 90 days or more past due, including delinquencies 
that  were  not  resolved  as  part  of  the  modification.  U.S.  small 
business commercial TDRs are deemed to be in payment default 
during the quarter in which a borrower misses the second of two 
consecutive payments. Payment defaults are one of the factors 
considered  when  projecting  future  cash  flows,  along  with 
observable market prices or fair value of collateral when measuring 
the allowance for loan and lease losses. TDRs that were in payment 
default had a carrying value of $105 million, $103 million and $55 
million  for  U.S.  commercial  and  $25  million,  $211  million  and 
$128 million for commercial real estate at December 31, 2015, 
2014 and 2013, respectively.

176     Bank of America 2015

 
 
The table below presents the December 31, 2015, 2014 and 

2013 unpaid principal balance and carrying value of commercial 

loans that were modified as TDRs during 2015, 2014 and 2013, 

and net charge-offs that were recorded during the period in which 

the  modification  occurred.  The  table  below  includes  loans  that 

were initially classified as TDRs during the period and also loans 

that had previously been classified as TDRs and were modified 

again during the period.

Commercial – TDRs Entered into During 2015, 2014 and

2013

(Dollars in millions)

U.S. commercial

Commercial real estate

Non-U.S. commercial

U.S. small business commercial (1)

Total

$

1,238

$

1,158

$

December 31, 2014

2014

December 31, 2015

2015

Unpaid

Principal

Balance

Carrying

Value

Net

Charge-offs

$

853

$

779

$

42

329

14

818

346

44

3

926

483

61

8

$

$

42

326

11

785

346

43

3

910

425

44

9

$

$

December 31, 2013

2013

28

—

—

3

31

49

8

—

—

57

33

3

7

1

44

U.S. commercial

Commercial real estate

Non-U.S. commercial

U.S. small business commercial (1)

U.S. commercial

Commercial real estate

Non-U.S. commercial

U.S. small business commercial (1)

$

$

Total

$

1,478

$

1,388

$

(1)  U.S. small business commercial TDRs are comprised of renegotiated small business card loans.

A commercial TDR is generally deemed to be in payment default 

when the loan is 90 days or more past due, including delinquencies 

that  were  not  resolved  as  part  of  the  modification.  U.S.  small 

business commercial TDRs are deemed to be in payment default 

during the quarter in which a borrower misses the second of two 

consecutive payments. Payment defaults are one of the factors 

considered  when  projecting  future  cash  flows,  along  with 

observable market prices or fair value of collateral when measuring 

the allowance for loan and lease losses. TDRs that were in payment 

default had a carrying value of $105 million, $103 million and $55 

million  for  U.S.  commercial  and  $25  million,  $211  million  and 

$128 million for commercial real estate at December 31, 2015, 

2014 and 2013, respectively.

Purchased Credit-impaired Loans

PCI  loans  are  acquired  loans  with  evidence  of  credit  quality 

deterioration since origination for which it is probable at purchase 

date that the Corporation will be unable to collect all contractually 

required payments. 

The following table shows activity for the accretable yield on 

PCI  loans,  which  include  the  Countrywide  Financial  Corporation 

(Countrywide) portfolio and loans repurchased in connection with 

the 2013 settlement with FNMA. The amount of accretable yield 

is affected by changes in credit outlooks, including metrics such 

as default rates and loss severities, prepayment speeds, which 

can  change  the  amount  and  period  of  time  over  which  interest 

payments are expected to be received, and the interest rates on 

variable  rate  loans.  The  reclassifications  from  nonaccretable 

difference  during  2015  and  2014  were  primarily  due  to  lower 

expected loss rates and a decrease in the forecasted prepayment 

speeds.  Changes  in  the  prepayment  assumption  affect  the 

expected remaining life of the portfolio which results in a change 

to the amount of future interest cash flows.

Rollforward of Accretable Yield

(Dollars in millions)

Accretable yield, January 1, 2014

Accretion

Disposals/transfers

Accretable yield, December 31, 2014

Accretion

Disposals/transfers

$

6,694

(1,061)

(506)

481

5,608

(861)

(465)

287

Reclassifications from nonaccretable difference

Accretable yield, December 31, 2015

$

4,569

During 2015, the Corporation sold PCI loans with a carrying 

value of $1.4 billion, which excludes the related allowance of $234 

million. For more information on PCI loans, see Note 1 – Summary 

of Significant Accounting Principles, and for the carrying value and 

valuation allowance for PCI loans, see Note 5 – Allowance for Credit 

Losses.

Loans Held-for-sale

The  Corporation  had  LHFS  of  $7.5  billion  and  $12.8  billion  at 

December 31, 2015 and 2014. Cash and non-cash proceeds from 

sales and paydowns of loans originally classified as LHFS were 

$41.2 billion, $40.1 billion and $81.0 billion for 2015, 2014 and 

2013, respectively. Cash used for originations and purchases of 

LHFS  totaled  $38.7  billion,  $40.1  billion  and  $65.7  billion  for 

2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Total

$

1,211

$

1,177

$

Reclassifications from nonaccretable difference

NOTE 5 Allowance for Credit Losses
The table below summarizes the changes in the allowance for credit losses by portfolio segment for 2015, 2014 and 2013.

(Dollars in millions)

Allowance for loan and lease losses, January 1

Loans and leases charged off
Recoveries of loans and leases previously charged off

Net charge-offs

Write-offs of PCI loans
Provision for loan and lease losses
Other (1)

Allowance for loan and lease losses, December 31
Reserve for unfunded lending commitments, January 1

Provision for unfunded lending commitments

Reserve for unfunded lending commitments, December 31
Allowance for credit losses, December 31

Allowance for loan and lease losses, January 1

Loans and leases charged off
Recoveries of loans and leases previously charged off

Net charge-offs

Write-offs of PCI loans
Provision for loan and lease losses
Other (1)

Allowance for loan and lease losses, December 31
Reserve for unfunded lending commitments, January 1

Provision for unfunded lending commitments

Reserve for unfunded lending commitments, December 31
Allowance for credit losses, December 31

Allowance for loan and lease losses, January 1

Loans and leases charged off
Recoveries of loans and leases previously charged off

Net charge-offs

Write-offs of PCI loans
Provision for loan and lease losses
Other (1)

Allowance for loan and lease losses, December 31
Reserve for unfunded lending commitments, January 1

Provision for unfunded lending commitments
Other

Reserve for unfunded lending commitments, December 31
Allowance for credit losses, December 31

2015

Consumer
Real Estate

Credit Card
and Other
Consumer

Commercial

Total 
Allowance

$

$

$

$

$

$

5,935
(1,841)
732
(1,109)
(808)
(70)
(34)
3,914
—
—
—
3,914

8,518
(2,219)
1,426
(793)
(810)
(976)
(4)
5,935
—
—
—
5,935

14,933
(3,766)
879
(2,887)
(2,336)
(1,124)
(68)
8,518
—
—
—
—
8,518

$

$

$

$

$

$

4,047
(3,620)
813
(2,807)
—
2,278
(47)
3,471
—
—
—
3,471

$

$

2014
$

4,905
(4,149)
871
(3,278)
—
2,458
(38)
4,047
—
—
—
4,047

6,140
(5,495)
1,141
(4,354)
—
3,139
(20)
4,905
—
—
—
—
4,905

$

2013
$

$

4,437
(644)
222
(422)
—
835
(1)
4,849
528
118
646
5,495

4,005
(658)
346
(312)
—
749
(5)
4,437
484
44
528
4,965

3,106
(1,108)
452
(656)
—
1,559
(4)
4,005
513
(18)
(11)
484
4,489

$

$

$

$

$

$

14,419
(6,105)
1,767
(4,338)
(808)
3,043
(82)
12,234
528
118
646
12,880

17,428
(7,026)
2,643
(4,383)
(810)
2,231
(47)
14,419
484
44
528
14,947

24,179
(10,369)
2,472
(7,897)
(2,336)
3,574
(92)
17,428
513
(18)
(11)
484
17,912

(1)  Primarily represents the net impact of portfolio sales, consolidations and deconsolidations, and foreign currency translation adjustments.

In  2015,  2014  and  2013,  for  the  PCI  loan  portfolio,  the 
Corporation recorded a provision benefit of $40 million, $31 million 
and $707 million, respectively. Write-offs in the PCI loan portfolio 
totaled $808 million, $810 million and $2.3 billion during 2015, 
2014  and  2013,  respectively.  Write-offs  included  $234  million, 
$317  million and $414 million associated  with  the  sale  of  PCI 
loans  during  2015,  2014  and  2013,  respectively.  Write-offs  in 

2013 also included certain PCI loans that were ineligible for the 
National Mortgage Settlement, but had characteristics similar to 
the eligible loans, and the expectation of future cash proceeds 
was considered remote. The valuation allowance associated with 
the  PCI  loan  portfolio  was  $804  million,  $1.7  billion  and  $2.5 
billion at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

176     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     177

 
 
The table below presents the allowance and the carrying value of outstanding loans and leases by portfolio segment at December 

31, 2015 and 2014.

Allowance and Carrying Value by Portfolio Segment

(Dollars in millions)

Impaired loans and troubled debt restructurings (1)

Allowance for loan and lease losses (2)
Carrying value (3)
Allowance as a percentage of carrying value

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment

Allowance for loan and lease losses
Carrying value (3, 4)
Allowance as a percentage of carrying value (4)

Purchased credit-impaired loans

Valuation allowance
Carrying value gross of valuation allowance
Valuation allowance as a percentage of carrying value

Total

Allowance for loan and lease losses
Carrying value (3, 4)
Allowance as a percentage of carrying value (4)

Impaired loans and troubled debt restructurings (1)

Allowance for loan and lease losses (2)
Carrying value (3)
Allowance as a percentage of carrying value

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment

Allowance for loan and lease losses
Carrying value (3, 4)
Allowance as a percentage of carrying value (4)

Purchased credit-impaired loans

Valuation allowance
Carrying value gross of valuation allowance
Valuation allowance as a percentage of carrying value

Total

December 31, 2015

Consumer
Real Estate

Credit Card
and Other
Consumer

Commercial

Total

$

634
21,058

$

3.01%

$

250
779
32.09%

217
2,368

9.16%

$

1,101
24,205

4.55%

$

2,476
226,116

$

3,221
189,660

$

4,632
439,397

$ 10,329
855,173

1.10%

1.70%

1.05%

1.21%

$

804
16,685

4.82%

n/a
n/a
n/a

n/a
n/a
n/a

$

804
16,685

4.82%

$

3,914
263,859

$

3,471
190,439

$

4,849
441,765

$ 12,234
896,063

1.48%

1.82%

1.10%

1.37%

December 31, 2014

$

727
25,628

$

2.84%

$

339
1,141
29.71%

159
2,198

7.23%

$

1,225
28,967

4.23%

$

3,556
255,525

$

3,708
183,430

$

4,278
384,019

$ 11,542
822,974

1.39%

2.02%

1.11%

1.40%

$

1,652
20,769

7.95%

n/a
n/a
n/a

n/a
n/a
n/a

$

1,652
20,769

7.95%

Allowance for loan and lease losses
Carrying value (3, 4)
Allowance as a percentage of carrying value (4)
1.65%
Impaired loans include nonperforming commercial loans and all TDRs, including both commercial and consumer TDRs. Impaired loans exclude nonperforming consumer loans unless they are TDRs, 
and all consumer and commercial loans accounted for under the fair value option.

$ 14,419
872,710

4,437
386,217

4,047
184,571

5,935
301,922

2.19%

1.97%

1.15%

$

$

$

(1) 

(2)  Allowance for loan and lease losses includes $35 million related to impaired U.S. small business commercial at both December 31, 2015 and 2014.
(3)  Amounts are presented gross of the allowance for loan and lease losses.
(4)  Outstanding loan and lease balances and ratios do not include loans accounted for under the fair value option of $6.9 billion and $8.7 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014.
n/a = not applicable

178     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The table below presents the allowance and the carrying value of outstanding loans and leases by portfolio segment at December 

31, 2015 and 2014.

Allowance and Carrying Value by Portfolio Segment

December 31, 2015

Consumer

Real Estate

Credit Card

and Other

Consumer

Commercial

Total

$

634

$

$

217

$

1,101

21,058

3.01%

32.09%

2,368

9.16%

24,205

4.55%

250

779

$

2,476

$

3,221

$

4,632

$ 10,329

226,116

189,660

439,397

855,173

1.10%

1.70%

1.05%

1.21%

$

804

16,685

4.82%

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

$

804

16,685

4.82%

$

3,914

$

3,471

$

4,849

$ 12,234

263,859

190,439

441,765

896,063

1.48%

1.82%

1.10%

1.37%

December 31, 2014

$

727

$

339

$

159

$

1,225

25,628

2.84%

1,141

29.71%

2,198

7.23%

28,967

4.23%

$

3,556

$

3,708

$

4,278

$ 11,542

255,525

183,430

384,019

822,974

1.39%

2.02%

1.11%

1.40%

$

1,652

20,769

7.95%

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

$

1,652

20,769

7.95%

$

5,935

$

4,047

$

4,437

$ 14,419

301,922

184,571

386,217

872,710

1.97%

2.19%

1.15%

1.65%

NOTE 6 Securitizations and Other Variable 
Interest Entities
The  Corporation  utilizes  variable  interest  entities  (VIEs)  in  the 
ordinary course of business to support its own and its customers’ 
investing  needs.  The  Corporation  routinely 
financing  and 
securitizes loans and debt securities using VIEs as a source of 
funding for the Corporation and as a means of transferring the 
economic risk of the loans or debt securities to third parties. The 
assets are transferred into a trust or other securitization vehicle 
such that the assets are legally isolated from the creditors of the 
Corporation and are not available to satisfy its obligations. These 
assets can only be used to settle obligations of the trust or other 
securitization  vehicle.  The  Corporation  also  administers, 
structures  or  invests  in  other  VIEs  including  CDOs,  investment 
vehicles  and  other  entities.  For  more  information  on  the 
Corporation’s  utilization  of  VIEs,  see  Note  1  –  Summary  of 
Significant Accounting Principles.

The tables in this Note present the assets and liabilities of 
consolidated and unconsolidated VIEs at December 31, 2015 and 
2014,  in  situations  where  the  Corporation  has  continuing 
involvement with transferred assets or if the Corporation otherwise 
has  a  variable  interest  in  the  VIE.  The  tables  also  present  the 
Corporation’s maximum loss exposure at December 31, 2015 and 
2014 resulting from its involvement with consolidated VIEs and 
unconsolidated  VIEs  in  which  the  Corporation  holds  a  variable 
interest. The Corporation’s maximum loss exposure is based on 
the  unlikely  event  that  all  of  the  assets  in  the  VIEs  become 
worthless and incorporates not only potential losses associated 
with assets recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet but also 
potential losses associated with off-balance sheet commitments 
such  as  unfunded  liquidity  commitments  and  other  contractual 
arrangements. The Corporation’s maximum loss exposure does 
not include losses previously recognized through write-downs of 
assets.

The Corporation invests in ABS issued by third-party VIEs with 
which it has no other form of involvement and enters into certain 
commercial lending arrangements that may also incorporate the 
use  of  VIEs  to  hold  collateral.  These  securities  and  loans  are 

First-lien Mortgage Securitizations

included in Note 3 – Securities or Note 4 – Outstanding Loans and 
Leases.  In  addition,  the  Corporation  uses  VIEs  such  as  trust 
preferred securities trusts in connection with its funding activities. 
For  additional  information,  see  Note  11  –  Long-term  Debt.  The 
Corporation uses VIEs, such as cash funds managed within Global 
Wealth & Investment Management (GWIM), to provide investment 
opportunities for clients. These VIEs, which are not consolidated 
by the Corporation, are not included in the tables in this Note.

Except  as  described  below,  the  Corporation  did  not  provide 
financial support to consolidated or unconsolidated VIEs during 
2015 or 2014 that it was not previously contractually required to 
provide, nor does it intend to do so.

First-lien Mortgage Securitizations

First-lien Mortgages
As  part  of  its  mortgage  banking  activities,  the  Corporation 
securitizes a portion of the first-lien residential mortgage loans it 
originates or purchases from third parties, generally in the form 
of RMBS guaranteed by government-sponsored enterprises, FNMA 
and  FHLMC  (collectively  the  GSEs),  or  Government  National 
Mortgage Association (GNMA) primarily in the case of FHA-insured 
and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)-guaranteed mortgage 
loans. Securitization usually occurs in conjunction with or shortly 
after  origination  or  purchase  and  the  Corporation  may  also 
securitize  loans  held  in  its  residential  mortgage  portfolio.  In 
addition,  the  Corporation  may,  from  time  to  time,  securitize 
commercial  mortgages  it  originates  or  purchases  from  other 
entities. The Corporation typically services the loans it securitizes. 
Further,  the  Corporation  may  retain  beneficial  interests  in  the 
securitization trusts including senior and subordinate securities 
and  equity  tranches  issued  by  the  trusts.  Except  as  described 
below and in Note 7 – Representations and Warranties Obligations 
and  Corporate  Guarantees,  the  Corporation  does  not  provide 
guarantees  or  recourse  to  the  securitization  trusts  other  than 
standard representations and warranties.

The table below summarizes select information related to first-

lien mortgage securitizations for 2015 and 2014.

n/a = not applicable

(Dollars in millions)

Residential Mortgage

Agency

2015

2014

Non-agency - Subprime
2015
2014

Commercial Mortgage
2015
2014

(1) 

Impaired loans include nonperforming commercial loans and all TDRs, including both commercial and consumer TDRs. Impaired loans exclude nonperforming consumer loans unless they are TDRs, 

and all consumer and commercial loans accounted for under the fair value option.

(2)  Allowance for loan and lease losses includes $35 million related to impaired U.S. small business commercial at both December 31, 2015 and 2014.

(3)  Amounts are presented gross of the allowance for loan and lease losses.

(4)  Outstanding loan and lease balances and ratios do not include loans accounted for under the fair value option of $6.9 billion and $8.7 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Cash proceeds from new securitizations (1)
Gain on securitizations (2)
(1)  The Corporation transfers residential mortgage loans to securitizations sponsored by the GSEs or GNMA in the normal course of business and receives RMBS in exchange which may then be sold 

27,164 $
894

7,945 $
49

36,905
371

5,710
68

— $
—

809
49

$

$

$

into the market to third-party investors for cash proceeds.

(2)  A majority of the first-lien residential and commercial mortgage loans securitized are initially classified as LHFS and accounted for under the fair value option. Gains recognized on these LHFS prior 

to securitization, which totaled $750 million and $715 million, net of hedges, during 2015 and 2014, are not included in the table above.

In addition to cash proceeds as reported in the table above, 
the  Corporation  received  securities  with  an  initial  fair  value  of 
$22.3 billion and $5.4 billion in connection with first-lien mortgage 
securitizations in 2015 and 2014. The receipt of these securities 
represents  non-cash  operating  and  investing  activities  and, 
accordingly, is not reflected on the Consolidated Statement of Cash 
Flows. All of these securities were initially classified as Level 2 
assets within the fair value hierarchy. During 2015 and 2014, there 
were no changes to the initial classification.

The Corporation recognizes consumer MSRs from the sale or 
securitization  of  first-lien  mortgage  loans.  Servicing  fee  and 
ancillary  fee  income  on  consumer  mortgage  loans  serviced, 

including  securitizations  where  the  Corporation  has  continuing 
involvement, were $1.4 billion and $1.8 billion in 2015 and 2014. 
Servicing  advances  on  consumer  mortgage  loans,  including 
securitizations where the Corporation has continuing involvement, 
were $7.8 billion and $10.4 billion at December 31, 2015 and 
2014.  The  Corporation  may  have  the  option  to  repurchase 
delinquent loans out of securitization trusts, which reduces the 
amount of servicing advances it is required to make. During 2015 
and 2014, $3.7 billion and $5.2 billion of loans were repurchased 
from  first-lien  securitization  trusts  primarily  as  a  result  of  loan 
delinquencies or to perform modifications. The majority of these 
loans  repurchased  were  FHA-insured  mortgages  collateralizing 

Bank of America 2015     179

(Dollars in millions)

Impaired loans and troubled debt restructurings (1)

Allowance for loan and lease losses (2)

Carrying value (3)

Allowance as a percentage of carrying value

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment

Allowance for loan and lease losses

Carrying value (3, 4)

Allowance as a percentage of carrying value (4)

Purchased credit-impaired loans

Valuation allowance

Carrying value gross of valuation allowance

Valuation allowance as a percentage of carrying value

Total

Allowance for loan and lease losses

Carrying value (3, 4)

Allowance as a percentage of carrying value (4)

Impaired loans and troubled debt restructurings (1)

Allowance for loan and lease losses (2)

Carrying value (3)

Allowance as a percentage of carrying value

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment

Allowance for loan and lease losses

Carrying value (3, 4)

Allowance as a percentage of carrying value (4)

Purchased credit-impaired loans

Valuation allowance

Carrying value gross of valuation allowance

Valuation allowance as a percentage of carrying value

Total

Allowance for loan and lease losses

Carrying value (3, 4)

Allowance as a percentage of carrying value (4)

178     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GNMA securities. For more information on MSRs, see Note 23 – 
Mortgage Servicing Rights. 

liquidate the vehicles. Gains on sale of $287 million were recorded 
in other income in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

During  2015, 

the  Corporation  deconsolidated  agency 
residential mortgage securitization vehicles with total assets of 
$4.5 billion following the sale of retained interests to third parties, 
after which the Corporation no longer had the unilateral ability to 

The table below summarizes select information related to first-
lien mortgage securitization trusts in which the Corporation held 
a variable interest at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

First-lien Mortgage VIEs

(Dollars in millions)

Unconsolidated VIEs
Maximum loss exposure (1)
On-balance sheet assets

Senior securities held (2):
Trading account assets
Debt securities carried at fair value
Held-to-maturity securities
Subordinate securities held (2):

Trading account assets
Debt securities carried at fair value
Held-to-maturity securities

Residual interests held
All other assets (3)

Total retained positions

Principal balance outstanding (4)

Consolidated VIEs
Maximum loss exposure (1)
On-balance sheet assets

Trading account assets
Loans and leases
Allowance for loan and lease losses
All other assets
Total assets

On-balance sheet liabilities

Long-term debt
All other liabilities
Total liabilities

$

$

$
$

$

$

$

$

$

Residential Mortgage

Agency

December 31

Prime

Non-agency

Subprime

December 31

Alt-A

Commercial
Mortgage

December 31

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

28,188 $

14,918

$

1,027 $ 1,288

$

2,905 $ 3,167

$

622 $

710

$

326 $

352

1,297 $

24,369
2,507

584
13,473
837

$

42 $

613
—

3
816
—

$

94 $

2,479
—

14
2,811
—

$

99 $

340
—

$

81
383
—

59 $
—
37

54
76
42

—
—
—
—
15
28,188 $

—
—
—
—
24
14,918
313,613 $ 397,055

1
12
—
—
40
708 $

—
12
—
10
56
$
897
$ 16,087 $ 20,167

37
3
—
—
—

—
5
—
—
1
$
2,613 $ 2,831
$ 27,854 $ 32,592

2
28
—
—
153
622 $

1
—
—
—
245
$
710
$ 40,848 $ 50,054

22
54
13
48
—
233 $

58
58
15
22
—
$
325
$ 34,243 $ 20,593

26,878 $

38,345

1,101 $

25,328
—
449
26,878 $

1,538
36,187
(2)
623
38,346

— $
1
1 $

1
—
1

$

$

$

$

$

65 $

77

$

232 $

206

— $

111
—
—
111 $

46 $
—
46 $

— $

130
—
6
136

56
3
59

$

$

$

188 $
675
—
54
917 $

840 $
—
840 $

30
768
—
15
813

770
13
783

$

$

$

$

$

— $

— $

— $

— $
—
—
—
— $

— $
—
— $

— $
—
—
—
— $

— $
—
— $

— $
—
—
—
— $

— $
—
— $

—

—
—
—
—
—

—
—
—

(1)  Maximum loss exposure includes obligations under loss-sharing reinsurance and other arrangements for non-agency residential mortgage and commercial mortgage securitizations, but excludes the 
liability for representations and warranties obligations and corporate guarantees and also excludes servicing advances and other servicing rights and obligations. For additional information, see Note 
7 – Representations and Warranties Obligations and Corporate Guarantees and Note 23 – Mortgage Servicing Rights.

(2)  As a holder of these securities, the Corporation receives scheduled principal and interest payments. During 2015 and 2014, there were no OTTI losses recorded on those securities classified as 

AFS debt securities.

(3)  Not included in the table above are all other assets of $222 million and $635 million, representing the unpaid principal balance of mortgage loans eligible for repurchase from unconsolidated 
residential mortgage securitization vehicles, principally guaranteed by GNMA, and all other liabilities of $222 million and $635 million, representing the principal amount that would be payable to the 
securitization vehicles if the Corporation was to exercise the repurchase option, at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

(4)  Principal balance outstanding includes loans the Corporation transferred with which it has continuing involvement, which may include servicing the loans.

180     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GNMA securities. For more information on MSRs, see Note 23 – 

liquidate the vehicles. Gains on sale of $287 million were recorded 

Mortgage Servicing Rights. 

in other income in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

During  2015, 

the  Corporation  deconsolidated  agency 

The table below summarizes select information related to first-

residential mortgage securitization vehicles with total assets of 

lien mortgage securitization trusts in which the Corporation held 

$4.5 billion following the sale of retained interests to third parties, 

a variable interest at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

after which the Corporation no longer had the unilateral ability to 

Other Asset-backed Securitizations
The table below summarizes select information related to home equity loan, credit card and other asset-backed VIEs in which the 
Corporation held a variable interest at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Home Equity Loan, Credit Card and Other Asset-backed VIEs

First-lien Mortgage VIEs

(Dollars in millions)

Unconsolidated VIEs

Maximum loss exposure (1)

On-balance sheet assets

Senior securities held (2):

Trading account assets

Debt securities carried at fair value

Held-to-maturity securities

Subordinate securities held (2):

Trading account assets

Debt securities carried at fair value

Held-to-maturity securities

Residual interests held

All other assets (3)

24,369

2,507

13,473

837

—

—

—

—

15

—

—

—

—

24

613

—

1

12

—

—

40

816

—

—

12

—

10

56

—

37

3

—

—

—

2,479

2,811

Agency

December 31

Residential Mortgage

Non-agency

Subprime

December 31

Prime

Alt-A

Commercial

Mortgage

December 31

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

28,188 $

14,918

$

1,027 $ 1,288

$

2,905 $ 3,167

$

622 $

710

$

326 $

352

1,297 $

584

$

42 $

3

$

94 $

14

$

99 $

81

$

59 $

340

—

2

28

—

—

153

383

—

1

—

—

—

245

710

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

37

22

54

13

48

—

—

—

—

—

—

5

—

—

1

30

768

—

15

770

13

783

$

$

$

$

$

54

76

42

58

58

15

22

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

26,878 $

38,345

65 $

77

$

232 $

206

— $

— $

— $

1,101 $

25,328

1,538

36,187

— $

— $

188 $

— $

— $

— $

$

$

$

$

$

(2)

623

1

—

1

—

449

— $

1

1 $

111

—

—

46 $

—

46 $

130

—

6

56

3

59

$

$

$

675

—

54

840 $

—

840 $

26,878 $

38,346

111 $

136

917 $

813

— $

— $

— $

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Total retained positions

28,188 $

14,918

$

708 $

897

$

2,613 $ 2,831

$

622 $

$

233 $

325

Principal balance outstanding (4)

313,613 $ 397,055

$ 16,087 $ 20,167

$ 27,854 $ 32,592

$ 40,848 $ 50,054

$ 34,243 $ 20,593

Allowance for loan and lease losses

Consolidated VIEs

Maximum loss exposure (1)

On-balance sheet assets

Trading account assets

Loans and leases

All other assets

Total assets

On-balance sheet liabilities

Long-term debt

All other liabilities

Total liabilities

AFS debt securities.

7 – Representations and Warranties Obligations and Corporate Guarantees and Note 23 – Mortgage Servicing Rights.

(2)  As a holder of these securities, the Corporation receives scheduled principal and interest payments. During 2015 and 2014, there were no OTTI losses recorded on those securities classified as 

(3)  Not included in the table above are all other assets of $222 million and $635 million, representing the unpaid principal balance of mortgage loans eligible for repurchase from unconsolidated 

residential mortgage securitization vehicles, principally guaranteed by GNMA, and all other liabilities of $222 million and $635 million, representing the principal amount that would be payable to the 

securitization vehicles if the Corporation was to exercise the repurchase option, at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

(4)  Principal balance outstanding includes loans the Corporation transferred with which it has continuing involvement, which may include servicing the loans.

(Dollars in millions)

Unconsolidated VIEs
Maximum loss exposure
On-balance sheet assets

Senior securities held (4, 5):
Trading account assets
Debt securities carried at fair value
Held-to-maturity securities

Subordinate securities held (4, 5):

Trading account assets
Debt securities carried at fair value

All other assets

Total retained positions

Total assets of VIEs (6)

Consolidated VIEs
Maximum loss exposure
On-balance sheet assets
Trading account assets
Loans and leases
Allowance for loan and lease losses
Loans held-for-sale
All other assets
Total assets

On-balance sheet liabilities
Short-term borrowings
Long-term debt
All other liabilities
Total liabilities

  Home Equity Loan (1)

Credit Card (2, 3)

Resecuritization
Trusts

December 31

Municipal Bond
Trusts

Automobile and Other
Securitization Trusts

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

$

3,988 $ 4,801

$

— $

— $ 13,043 $ 8,569

$

1,572 $ 2,100

$

63 $

77

— $
—
—

12
—
—

—
57
—
57 $

2
39
—
53
5,883 $ 6,362

$

$
$

— $
—
—

—
—
—
— $
— $

— $
—
—

1,248 $
4,341
7,367

767
6,945
740

17
44
—
70
73
—
—
—
—
— $ 13,043 $ 8,569
— $ 35,362 $ 28,065

231 $

991

$ 32,678 $ 43,139

$

354 $

654

— $

321
(18)
—
20
323 $

— $

— $

— $

1,014
(56)
—
33
991

43,194
(1,293)
—
342

53,068
(1,904)
—
392
$ 42,243 $ 51,556

$

771 $ 1,295
—
—
—
—
771 $ 1,295

—
—
—
—

$

$
$

$

$

$

2 $
—
—

25
—
—

—
—
—
2 $

—
—
—
25
2,518 $ 3,314

1,973 $ 2,440

1,984 $ 2,452
—
—
—
—
1,985 $ 2,452

—
—
—
1

$

$
$

$

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

$

$

— $
53
—

—
—
10
63 $
314 $

6
61
—

—
—
10
77
1,276

— $

92

— $
—
—
—
—
— $

—
—
—
555
54
609

— $
—
—
— $

—
516
1
517

8,401
16
9,565 $ 8,417
(1)  For unconsolidated home equity loan VIEs, the maximum loss exposure includes outstanding trust certificates issued by trusts in rapid amortization, net of recorded reserves. For both consolidated 
and unconsolidated home equity loan VIEs, the maximum loss exposure excludes the liability for representations and warranties obligations and corporate guarantees. For additional information, 
see Note 7 – Representations and Warranties Obligations and Corporate Guarantees.

1,076
—
183 $ 1,076

417
—
417 $

641
—
641

9,550
15

183
—

12
—

$

$

$

$

$

681 $ 1,032
12
—
693 $ 1,044

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

(1)  Maximum loss exposure includes obligations under loss-sharing reinsurance and other arrangements for non-agency residential mortgage and commercial mortgage securitizations, but excludes the 

liability for representations and warranties obligations and corporate guarantees and also excludes servicing advances and other servicing rights and obligations. For additional information, see Note 

(5)  The retained senior and subordinate securities were valued using quoted market prices or observable market inputs (Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy).
(6)  Total assets include loans the Corporation transferred with which it has continuing involvement, which may include servicing the loan.

— $

—

— $

— $

—

— $

— $

—

— $

(2)  At December 31, 2015 and 2014, loans and leases in the consolidated credit card trust included $24.7 billion and $36.9 billion of seller’s interest.
(3)  At December 31, 2015 and 2014, all other assets in the consolidated credit card trust included restricted cash, certain short-term investments, and unbilled accrued interest and fees.
(4)  As a holder of these securities, the Corporation receives scheduled principal and interest payments. During 2015 and 2014, there were no OTTI losses recorded on those securities classified as 

AFS or HTM debt securities.

180     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     181

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home Equity Loans
The  Corporation  retains  interests  in  home  equity  securitization 
trusts to which it transferred home equity loans. These retained 
interests include senior and subordinate securities and residual 
interests. In addition, the Corporation may be obligated to provide 
subordinate funding to the trusts during a rapid amortization event. 
The Corporation typically services the loans in the trusts. Except 
as described below and in Note 7 – Representations and Warranties 
Obligations and Corporate Guarantees, the Corporation does not 
provide guarantees or recourse to the securitization trusts other 
than  standard  representations  and  warranties.  There  were  no 
securitizations of home equity loans during 2015 and 2014, and 
all of the home equity trusts that hold revolving home equity lines 
of credit (HELOCs) have entered the rapid amortization phase.

The maximum loss exposure in the table above includes the 
Corporation’s  obligation  to  provide  subordinate  funding  to  the 
consolidated and unconsolidated home equity loan securitizations 
that have entered a rapid amortization phase. During this period, 
cash  payments  from  borrowers  are  accumulated  to  repay 
outstanding debt securities and the Corporation continues to make 
advances to borrowers when they draw on their lines of credit. At 
December 31, 2015 and 2014, home equity loan securitizations 
in rapid amortization for which the Corporation has a subordinate 
and 
funding 
unconsolidated trusts, had $4.0 billion and $5.8 billion of trust 
certificates outstanding. This amount is significantly greater than 
the amount the Corporation expects to fund. The charges that will 
ultimately be recorded as a result of the rapid amortization events 
depend on the undrawn available credit on the home equity lines, 
which totaled $7 million and $39 million at December 31, 2015 
and 2014, as well as performance of the loans, the amount of 
subsequent draws and the timing of related cash flows.

consolidated 

obligation, 

including 

both 

During  2015,  the  Corporation  deconsolidated  several  home 
equity line of credit trusts with total assets of $488 million and 
total  liabilities  of  $611  million  as  its  obligation  to  provide 
subordinated funding is no longer considered to be a potentially 
significant variable interest in the trusts following a decline in the 
amount of credit available to be drawn by borrowers. In connection 
with  deconsolidation,  the  Corporation  recorded  a  gain  of  $123 
million in other income in the Consolidated Statement of Income. 
The derecognition of assets and liabilities  represents  non-cash 
investing and financing activities and, accordingly, is not reflected 
on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

Credit Card Securitizations
The Corporation securitizes originated and purchased credit card 
loans.  The  Corporation’s  continuing  involvement  with  the 
securitization trust includes servicing the receivables, retaining an 
undivided interest (seller’s interest) in the receivables, and holding 
certain  retained  interests  including  senior  and  subordinate 
securities, subordinate interests in accrued interest and fees on 
the  securitized  receivables,  and  cash  reserve  accounts.  The 
seller’s interest in the trust, which is pari passu to the investors’ 
interest, is classified in loans and leases.

During 2015, $2.3 billion of new senior debt securities were 
issued to third-party investors from the credit card securitization 
trust compared to $4.1 billion issued during 2014.

The  Corporation  held  subordinate  securities  issued  by  the 
credit card securitization trust with a notional principal amount of 
$7.5 billion and $7.4 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014. 
These securities serve as a form of credit enhancement to the 
senior  debt  securities  and  have  a  stated  interest  rate  of  zero 

182     Bank of America 2015

percent. There were $371 million of these subordinate securities 
issued during 2015 and $662 million issued during 2014.

Resecuritization Trusts
The Corporation transfers existing securities, typically MBS, into 
resecuritization  vehicles  at  the  request  of  customers  seeking 
securities with specific characteristics. The Corporation may also 
resecuritize securities within its investment portfolio for purposes 
of improving liquidity and capital, and managing credit or interest 
rate  risk.  Generally,  there  are  no  significant  ongoing  activities 
performed in a resecuritization trust and no single investor has 
the unilateral ability to liquidate the trust.

The Corporation resecuritized $30.7 billion and $14.4 billion 
of  securities  in  2015  and  2014.  Resecuritizations  in  2014 
included $1.5 billion of AFS debt securities, and gains on sale of 
$71 million were recorded. There were no resecuritizations of AFS 
debt  securities  during  2015.  Other  securities  transferred  into 
resecuritization vehicles during 2015 and 2014 were measured 
at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in trading account 
profits or other income prior to the resecuritization and no gain or 
loss  on  sale  was  recorded.  Resecuritization  proceeds  included 
securities with an initial fair value of $9.8 billion and $4.6 billion, 
including $6.9 billion and $747 million which were subsequently 
classified as HTM during 2015 and 2014. All of these securities 
were classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Municipal Bond Trusts
The Corporation administers municipal bond trusts that hold highly-
rated,  long-term,  fixed-rate  municipal  bonds.  The  trusts  obtain 
financing by issuing floating-rate trust certificates that reprice on 
a  weekly  or  other  short-term  basis  to  third-party  investors.  The 
Corporation may transfer assets into the trusts and may also serve 
as remarketing agent and/or liquidity provider for the trusts. The 
floating-rate investors have the right to tender the certificates at 
specified dates. Should the Corporation be unable to remarket the 
tendered certificates, it may be obligated to purchase them at par 
under  standby  liquidity  facilities.  The  Corporation  also  provides 
credit enhancement to investors in certain municipal bond trusts 
whereby the Corporation guarantees the payment of interest and 
principal on floating-rate certificates issued by these trusts in the 
event of default by the issuer of the underlying municipal bond.

The  Corporation’s  liquidity  commitments  to  unconsolidated 
municipal bond trusts, including those for which the Corporation 
was  transferor,  totaled  $1.6  billion  and  $2.1  billion  at 
December 31, 2015 and 2014. The weighted-average remaining 
life of bonds held in the trusts at December 31, 2015 was 7.4 
years. There were no material write-downs or downgrades of assets 
or issuers during 2015 and 2014.

Automobile and Other Securitization Trusts
The  Corporation  transfers  automobile  and  other  loans  into 
securitization trusts, typically to improve liquidity or manage credit 
risk. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Corporation serviced 
assets or otherwise had continuing involvement with automobile 
and other securitization trusts with outstanding balances of $314 
million  and  $1.9  billion,  including  trusts  collateralized  by 
automobile loans of $125 million and $400 million, other loans 
of $189 million and $876 million, and student loans of $0 and 
$609 million.

During 2015, the Corporation deconsolidated a student loan 
trust with total assets of $515 million and total liabilities of $449 

Home Equity Loans

percent. There were $371 million of these subordinate securities 

The  Corporation  retains  interests  in  home  equity  securitization 

issued during 2015 and $662 million issued during 2014.

trusts to which it transferred home equity loans. These retained 

interests include senior and subordinate securities and residual 

interests. In addition, the Corporation may be obligated to provide 

subordinate funding to the trusts during a rapid amortization event. 

The Corporation typically services the loans in the trusts. Except 

as described below and in Note 7 – Representations and Warranties 

Obligations and Corporate Guarantees, the Corporation does not 

provide guarantees or recourse to the securitization trusts other 

than  standard  representations  and  warranties.  There  were  no 

securitizations of home equity loans during 2015 and 2014, and 

all of the home equity trusts that hold revolving home equity lines 

of credit (HELOCs) have entered the rapid amortization phase.

The maximum loss exposure in the table above includes the 

Corporation’s  obligation  to  provide  subordinate  funding  to  the 

consolidated and unconsolidated home equity loan securitizations 

that have entered a rapid amortization phase. During this period, 

cash  payments  from  borrowers  are  accumulated  to  repay 

outstanding debt securities and the Corporation continues to make 

advances to borrowers when they draw on their lines of credit. At 

December 31, 2015 and 2014, home equity loan securitizations 

in rapid amortization for which the Corporation has a subordinate 

funding 

obligation, 

including 

both 

consolidated 

and 

unconsolidated trusts, had $4.0 billion and $5.8 billion of trust 

certificates outstanding. This amount is significantly greater than 

the amount the Corporation expects to fund. The charges that will 

ultimately be recorded as a result of the rapid amortization events 

depend on the undrawn available credit on the home equity lines, 

which totaled $7 million and $39 million at December 31, 2015 

and 2014, as well as performance of the loans, the amount of 

subsequent draws and the timing of related cash flows.

During  2015,  the  Corporation  deconsolidated  several  home 

equity line of credit trusts with total assets of $488 million and 

total  liabilities  of  $611  million  as  its  obligation  to  provide 

subordinated funding is no longer considered to be a potentially 

significant variable interest in the trusts following a decline in the 

amount of credit available to be drawn by borrowers. In connection 

with  deconsolidation,  the  Corporation  recorded  a  gain  of  $123 

million in other income in the Consolidated Statement of Income. 

The derecognition  of  assets and liabilities  represents  non-cash 

investing and financing activities and, accordingly, is not reflected 

on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

Credit Card Securitizations

The Corporation securitizes originated and purchased credit card 

loans.  The  Corporation’s  continuing  involvement  with  the 

securitization trust includes servicing the receivables, retaining an 

undivided interest (seller’s interest) in the receivables, and holding 

certain  retained  interests  including  senior  and  subordinate 

securities, subordinate interests in accrued interest and fees on 

the  securitized  receivables,  and  cash  reserve  accounts.  The 

seller’s interest in the trust, which is pari passu to the investors’ 

interest, is classified in loans and leases.

During 2015, $2.3 billion of new senior debt securities were 

issued to third-party investors from the credit card securitization 

trust compared to $4.1 billion issued during 2014.

The  Corporation  held  subordinate  securities  issued  by  the 

credit card securitization trust with a notional principal amount of 

$7.5 billion and $7.4 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014. 

These securities serve as a form of credit enhancement to the 

senior  debt  securities  and  have  a  stated  interest  rate  of  zero 

182     Bank of America 2015

Resecuritization Trusts

The Corporation transfers existing securities, typically MBS, into 

resecuritization  vehicles  at  the  request  of  customers  seeking 

securities with specific characteristics. The Corporation may also 

resecuritize securities within its investment portfolio for purposes 

of improving liquidity and capital, and managing credit or interest 

rate  risk.  Generally,  there  are  no  significant  ongoing  activities 

performed in a resecuritization trust and no single investor has 

the unilateral ability to liquidate the trust.

The Corporation resecuritized $30.7 billion and $14.4 billion 

of  securities  in  2015  and  2014.  Resecuritizations  in  2014 

included $1.5 billion of AFS debt securities, and gains on sale of 

$71 million were recorded. There were no resecuritizations of AFS 

debt  securities  during  2015.  Other  securities  transferred  into 

resecuritization vehicles during 2015 and 2014 were measured 

at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in trading account 

profits or other income prior to the resecuritization and no gain or 

loss  on  sale  was  recorded.  Resecuritization  proceeds  included 

securities with an initial fair value of $9.8 billion and $4.6 billion, 

including $6.9 billion and $747 million which were subsequently 

classified as HTM during 2015 and 2014. All of these securities 

were classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Municipal Bond Trusts

The Corporation administers municipal bond trusts that hold highly-

rated,  long-term,  fixed-rate  municipal  bonds.  The  trusts  obtain 

financing by issuing floating-rate trust certificates that reprice on 

a  weekly  or  other  short-term  basis  to  third-party  investors.  The 

Corporation may transfer assets into the trusts and may also serve 

as remarketing agent and/or liquidity provider for the trusts. The 

floating-rate investors have the right to tender the certificates at 

specified dates. Should the Corporation be unable to remarket the 

tendered certificates, it may be obligated to purchase them at par 

under  standby  liquidity  facilities.  The  Corporation  also  provides 

credit enhancement to investors in certain municipal bond trusts 

whereby the Corporation guarantees the payment of interest and 

principal on floating-rate certificates issued by these trusts in the 

event of default by the issuer of the underlying municipal bond.

The  Corporation’s  liquidity  commitments  to  unconsolidated 

municipal bond trusts, including those for which the Corporation 

was  transferor,  totaled  $1.6  billion  and  $2.1  billion  at 

December 31, 2015 and 2014. The weighted-average remaining 

life of bonds held in the trusts at December 31, 2015 was 7.4 

years. There were no material write-downs or downgrades of assets 

or issuers during 2015 and 2014.

Automobile and Other Securitization Trusts

The  Corporation  transfers  automobile  and  other  loans  into 

securitization trusts, typically to improve liquidity or manage credit 

risk. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Corporation serviced 

assets or otherwise had continuing involvement with automobile 

and other securitization trusts with outstanding balances of $314 

million  and  $1.9  billion,  including  trusts  collateralized  by 

automobile loans of $125 million and $400 million, other loans 

of $189 million and $876 million, and student loans of $0 and 

$609 million.

During 2015, the Corporation deconsolidated a student loan 

trust with total assets of $515 million and total liabilities of $449 

million  following  the  transfer  of  servicing  and  sale  of  retained 
interests to third parties. No gain or loss was recorded as a result 
of the deconsolidation. The derecognition of assets and liabilities 
represents  non-cash  investing  and  financing  activities  and, 
accordingly, is not reflected on the Consolidated Statement of Cash 
Flows.

Other Variable Interest Entities
The table below summarizes select information related to other 
VIEs  in  which  the  Corporation  held  a  variable  interest  at 
December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Other VIEs

(Dollars in millions)

Maximum loss exposure
On-balance sheet assets
Trading account assets
Debt securities carried at fair value
Loans and leases
Allowance for loan and lease losses
Loans held-for-sale
All other assets

Total

On-balance sheet liabilities

Long-term debt (1)
All other liabilities

Total

Total assets of VIEs
(1) 

2015
Unconsolidated
12,916
$

December 31

Total

Consolidated

19,211

2,666
126
6,706
(32)
1,309
7,589
18,364

3,025
2,702
5,727
47,450

$

$

$

$

$
$

7,981

1,575
—
4,020
(6)
1,267
1,646
8,502

1,834
105
1,939
8,502

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

$

366
126
3,389
(23)
1,025
6,925
11,808

— $

2,697
2,697
40,894

$
$

Consolidated

$

$

$

$

$
$

6,295

2,300
—
3,317
(9)
284
664
6,556

3,025
5
3,030
6,556

$

$

$

$
$

2014
Unconsolidated
12,391
$

$

$

$

355
483
2,693
—
814
6,658
11,003

— $

2,643
2,643
41,467

$
$

Total

20,372

1,930
483
6,713
(6)
2,081
8,304
19,505

1,834
2,748
4,582
49,969

Includes $2.8 billion and $1.4 billion of long-term debt at December 31, 2015 and 2014 issued by other consolidated VIEs, which has recourse to the general credit of the Corporation.

During 2015, the Corporation consolidated certain customer 
vehicles after redeeming long-term debt owed to the vehicles and 
acquiring  a  controlling  financial  interest  in  the  vehicles.  The 
Corporation  also  deconsolidated  certain  investment  vehicles 
following  the  sale  or  disposition  of  variable  interests.  These 
actions resulted in a net decrease in long-term debt of $1.2 billion 
which represents a non-cash financing activity and, accordingly, is 
not reflected on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. No 
gain  or  loss  was  recorded  as  a  result  of  the  consolidation  or 
deconsolidation of these VIEs.

Customer Vehicles
Customer  vehicles 
include  credit-linked,  equity-linked  and 
commodity-linked note vehicles, repackaging vehicles, and asset 
acquisition  vehicles,  which  are  typically  created  on  behalf  of 
customers  who  wish  to  obtain  market  or  credit  exposure  to  a 
specific company, index, commodity or financial instrument. The 
Corporation may transfer assets to and invest in securities issued 
by  these  vehicles.  The  Corporation  typically  enters  into  credit, 
equity, interest rate, commodity or foreign currency derivatives to 
synthetically create or alter the investment profile of the issued 
securities.

The Corporation’s maximum loss exposure to consolidated and 
unconsolidated customer vehicles totaled $3.9 billion and $4.7 
billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014, including the notional 
amount of derivatives to which the Corporation is a counterparty, 

net  of  losses  previously  recorded,  and  the  Corporation’s 
investment,  if  any,  in  securities  issued  by  the  vehicles.  The 
maximum loss exposure has not been reduced to reflect the benefit 
of offsetting swaps with the customers or collateral arrangements. 
The Corporation also had liquidity commitments, including written 
put  options  and  collateral  value  guarantees,  with  certain 
unconsolidated  vehicles  of  $691  million  and  $658  million  at 
December 31,  2015  and  2014,  that  are  included  in  the  table 
above.

Collateralized Debt Obligation Vehicles
The Corporation receives fees for structuring CDO vehicles, which 
hold diversified pools of fixed-income securities, typically corporate 
debt  or  ABS,  which  the  CDO  vehicles  fund  by  issuing  multiple 
tranches of debt and equity securities. Synthetic CDOs enter into 
a portfolio of CDS to synthetically create exposure to fixed-income 
securities. CLOs, which are a subset of CDOs, hold pools of loans, 
typically  corporate  loans.  CDOs  are  typically  managed  by  third-
party  portfolio  managers.  The  Corporation  typically  transfers 
assets to these CDOs, holds securities issued by the CDOs and 
may be a derivative counterparty to the CDOs, including a CDS 
counterparty for synthetic CDOs. The Corporation has also entered 
into total return swaps with certain CDOs whereby the Corporation 
absorbs the economic returns generated by specified assets held 
by the CDO.

Bank of America 2015     183

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Corporation’s maximum loss exposure to consolidated and 
unconsolidated CDOs totaled $543 million and $780 million at 
December 31, 2015 and 2014. This exposure is calculated on a 
gross  basis  and  does  not  reflect  any  benefit  from  insurance 
purchased from third parties.

At December 31, 2015, the Corporation had $922 million of 
aggregate liquidity exposure, included in the Other VIEs table net 
of previously recorded losses, to unconsolidated CDOs which hold 
senior  CDO  debt  securities  or  other  debt  securities  on  the 
Corporation’s  behalf.  For  additional  information,  see  Note  12  – 
Commitments and Contingencies.

Investment Vehicles
The Corporation sponsors, invests in or provides financing, which 
may  be  in  connection  with  the  sale  of  assets,  to  a  variety  of 
investment vehicles that hold loans, real estate, debt securities 
or  other  financial  instruments  and  are  designed  to  provide  the 
desired  investment  profile  to  investors  or  the  Corporation.  At 
December 31,  2015  and  2014,  the  Corporation’s  consolidated 
investment vehicles had total assets of $397 million and $1.1 
billion. The Corporation also held investments in unconsolidated 
vehicles  with  total  assets  of  $14.7  billion  and  $11.2  billion  at 
December 31, 2015 and 2014. The Corporation’s maximum loss 
exposure associated with both consolidated and unconsolidated 
investment  vehicles  totaled  $5.1  billion  at  both  December 31, 
2015 and 2014 comprised primarily of on-balance sheet assets 
less non-recourse liabilities.

The Corporation transferred servicing advance receivables to 
independent third parties in connection with the sale of MSRs. 
Portions of the receivables were transferred into unconsolidated 
securitization trusts. The Corporation retained senior interests in 
such  receivables  with  a  maximum  loss  exposure  and  funding 
obligation of $150 million and $660 million, including a funded 

balance of $122 million and $431 million at December 31, 2015 
and 2014, which were classified in other debt securities carried 
at fair value.

Leveraged Lease Trusts
The Corporation’s net investment in consolidated leveraged lease 
trusts totaled $2.8 billion and $3.3 billion at December 31, 2015 
and 2014. The trusts hold long-lived equipment such as rail cars, 
power  generation  and  distribution  equipment,  and  commercial 
aircraft.  The  Corporation  structures  the  trusts  and  holds  a 
significant residual interest. The net investment represents the 
Corporation’s maximum loss exposure to the trusts in the unlikely 
event  that  the  leveraged  lease  investments  become  worthless. 
Debt issued by the leveraged lease trusts is non-recourse to the 
Corporation.

Real Estate Vehicles
The Corporation held investments in unconsolidated real estate 
vehicles  with  total  assets  of  $6.6  billion  and  $6.2  billion  at 
December 31,  2015  and  2014,  which  primarily  consisted  of 
investments in unconsolidated limited partnerships that construct, 
own and operate affordable rental housing and commercial real 
estate projects. An unrelated third party is typically the general 
partner  and  has  control  over  the  significant  activities  of  the 
partnership. The Corporation earns a return primarily through the 
receipt  of  tax  credits  allocated  to  the  real  estate  projects.  The 
Corporation’s risk of loss is mitigated by policies requiring that the 
project  qualify  for  the  expected  tax  credits  prior  to  making  its 
investment. The Corporation may from time to time be asked to 
invest  additional  amounts  to  support  a  troubled  project.  Such 
additional investments have not been and are not expected to be 
significant.

184     Bank of America 2015

The Corporation’s maximum loss exposure to consolidated and 

balance of $122 million and $431 million at December 31, 2015 

unconsolidated CDOs totaled $543 million and $780 million at 

and 2014, which were classified in other debt securities carried 

December 31, 2015 and 2014. This exposure is calculated on a 

at fair value.

gross  basis  and  does  not  reflect  any  benefit  from  insurance 

purchased from third parties.

At December 31, 2015, the Corporation had $922 million of 

aggregate liquidity exposure, included in the Other VIEs table net 

of previously recorded losses, to unconsolidated CDOs which hold 

senior  CDO  debt  securities  or  other  debt  securities  on  the 

Corporation’s  behalf.  For  additional  information,  see  Note  12  – 

Commitments and Contingencies.

Leveraged Lease Trusts

The Corporation’s net investment in consolidated leveraged lease 

trusts totaled $2.8 billion and $3.3 billion at December 31, 2015 

and 2014. The trusts hold long-lived equipment such as rail cars, 

power  generation  and  distribution  equipment,  and  commercial 

aircraft.  The  Corporation  structures  the  trusts  and  holds  a 

significant residual interest. The net investment represents the 

Corporation’s maximum loss exposure to the trusts in the unlikely 

event  that  the  leveraged  lease  investments  become  worthless. 

Investment Vehicles

The Corporation sponsors, invests in or provides financing, which 

Debt issued by the leveraged lease trusts is non-recourse to the 

may  be  in  connection  with  the  sale  of  assets,  to  a  variety  of 

Corporation.

investment vehicles that hold loans, real estate, debt securities 

or  other  financial  instruments  and  are  designed  to  provide  the 

desired  investment  profile  to  investors  or  the  Corporation.  At 

December 31,  2015  and  2014,  the  Corporation’s  consolidated 

investment vehicles had total assets of $397 million and $1.1 

billion. The Corporation also held investments in unconsolidated 

vehicles  with  total  assets  of  $14.7  billion  and  $11.2  billion  at 

December 31, 2015 and 2014. The Corporation’s maximum loss 

exposure associated with both consolidated and unconsolidated 

investment  vehicles  totaled  $5.1  billion  at  both  December 31, 

2015 and 2014 comprised primarily of on-balance sheet assets 

less non-recourse liabilities.

The Corporation transferred servicing advance receivables to 

independent third parties in connection with the sale of MSRs. 

Portions of the receivables were transferred into unconsolidated 

securitization trusts. The Corporation retained senior interests in 

such  receivables  with  a  maximum  loss  exposure  and  funding 

obligation of $150 million and $660 million, including a funded 

Real Estate Vehicles

The Corporation held investments in unconsolidated real estate 

vehicles  with  total  assets  of  $6.6  billion  and  $6.2  billion  at 

December 31,  2015  and  2014,  which  primarily  consisted  of 

investments in unconsolidated limited partnerships that construct, 

own and operate affordable rental housing and commercial real 

estate projects. An unrelated third party is typically the general 

partner  and  has  control  over  the  significant  activities  of  the 

partnership. The Corporation earns a return primarily through the 

receipt  of  tax  credits  allocated  to  the  real  estate  projects.  The 

Corporation’s risk of loss is mitigated by policies requiring that the 

project  qualify  for  the  expected  tax  credits  prior  to  making  its 

investment. The Corporation may from time to time be asked to 

invest  additional  amounts  to  support  a  troubled  project.  Such 

additional investments have not been and are not expected to be 

significant.

NOTE 7 Representations and Warranties 
Obligations and Corporate Guarantees

legacy 

companies  made 

Background
The Corporation securitizes first-lien residential mortgage loans 
generally in the form of RMBS guaranteed by the GSEs or by GNMA 
in  the  case  of  FHA-insured,  VA-guaranteed  and  Rural  Housing 
Service-guaranteed mortgage loans, and sells pools of first-lien 
residential mortgage loans in the form of whole loans. In addition, 
in  prior  years,  legacy  companies  and  certain  subsidiaries  sold 
pools of first-lien residential mortgage loans and home equity loans 
as private-label securitizations (in certain of these securitizations, 
monoline insurers or other financial guarantee providers insured 
all  or  some  of  the  securities)  or  in  the  form  of  whole  loans.  In 
connection with these transactions, the Corporation or certain of 
its  subsidiaries  or 
various 
representations  and  warranties.  These  representations  and 
warranties, as set forth in the agreements, related to, among other 
things, the ownership of the loan, the validity of the lien securing 
the  loan,  the  absence  of  delinquent  taxes  or  liens  against  the 
property securing the loan, the process used to select the loan 
for  inclusion  in  a  transaction,  the  loan’s  compliance  with  any 
applicable loan criteria, including underwriting standards, and the 
loan’s compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws. 
Breaches of these representations and warranties have resulted 
in and may continue to result in the requirement to repurchase 
mortgage  loans  or  to  otherwise  make  whole  or  provide  other 
remedies  to  the  GSEs,  U.S.  Department  of  Housing  and  Urban 
Development (HUD) with respect to FHA-insured loans, VA, whole-
loan  investors,  securitization  trusts,  monoline  insurers  or  other 
financial guarantors as applicable (collectively, repurchases). In 
all  such  cases,  subsequent  to  repurchasing  the  loan,  the 
Corporation  would  be  exposed  to  any  credit  loss  on  the 
repurchased mortgage loans after accounting for any mortgage 
insurance  (MI)  or  mortgage  guarantee  payments  that  it  may 
receive.

The liability for representations and warranties exposures and 
the  corresponding  estimated  range  of  possible  loss  are  based 
upon currently available information, significant judgment, and a 
number of factors and assumptions, including those discussed in 
Liability  for  Representations  and  Warranties  and  Corporate 
Guarantees in this Note, that are subject to change. Changes to 
any one of these factors could significantly impact the liability for 
representations and warranties exposures and the corresponding 
estimated  range  of  possible  loss  and  could  have  a  material 
adverse impact on the Corporation’s results of operations for any 
particular period. Given that these factors vary by counterparty, 
the  Corporation  analyzes 
representations  and  warranties 
obligations  based  on  the  specific  counterparty,  or  type  of 
counterparty, with whom the sale was made.

Settlement Actions
The  Corporation  has  vigorously  contested  any  request  for 
repurchase  where  it  has  concluded  that  a  valid  basis  for 
repurchase does not exist and will continue to do so in the future. 
However, in an effort to resolve legacy mortgage-related issues, 
the Corporation has reached bulk settlements, including various 

settlements  with  the  GSEs,  and  including  settlement  amounts 
which have been significant, with counterparties in lieu of a loan-
by-loan review process. These bulk settlements generally did not 
cover  all  transactions  with  the  relevant  counterparties  or  all 
potential  claims  that  may  arise,  including  in  some  instances 
securities law, fraud and servicing claims, which may be addressed 
separately.  The  Corporation’s  liability  in  connection  with  the 
transactions and claims not covered by these settlements could 
be material to the Corporation’s results of operations or liquidity 
for any particular reporting period. The Corporation may reach other 
settlements in the future if opportunities arise on terms it believes 
to be advantageous. However, there can be no assurance that the 
Corporation will reach future settlements or, if it does, that the 
terms of past settlements can be relied upon to predict the terms 
of future settlements. The following provides a summary of the 
settlement with The Bank of New York Mellon (BNY Mellon); the 
conditions of the settlement have now been fully satisfied.

Settlement with the Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee
On April 22, 2015, the New York County Supreme Court entered 
final judgment approving the BNY Mellon Settlement. In October 
2015, BNY Mellon obtained certain state tax opinions and an IRS 
private letter ruling confirming that the settlement will not impact 
the  real  estate  mortgage  investment  conduit  tax  status  of  the 
trusts. The final conditions of the settlement have been satisfied 
and, accordingly, the Corporation made the settlement payment 
to BNY Mellon of $8.5 billion in February 2016. Pursuant to the 
settlement  agreement,  allocation  and  distribution  of  the  $8.5 
billion  settlement  payment  is  the  responsibility  of  the  RMBS 
trustee, BNY Mellon. On February 5, 2016, BNY Mellon filed an 
Article  77  proceeding  in  the  New  York  County  Supreme  Court 
asking  the  court  for  instruction  with  respect  to  certain  issues 
concerning the distribution of each trust’s allocable share of the 
settlement payment and asking that the settlement payment be 
ordered to be held in escrow pending the outcome of this Article 
77 proceeding. The Corporation is not a party to this proceeding. 

Unresolved Repurchase Claims
Unresolved  representations  and  warranties  repurchase  claims 
represent  the  notional  amount  of  repurchase  claims  made  by 
counterparties, typically the outstanding principal balance or the 
unpaid principal balance at the time of default. In the case of first-
lien mortgages, the claim amount is often significantly greater than 
the expected loss amount due to the benefit of collateral and, in 
some cases, MI or mortgage guarantee payments. Claims received 
from a counterparty remain outstanding until the underlying loan 
is  repurchased,  the  claim  is  rescinded  by  the  counterparty,  the 
Corporation determines that the applicable statute of limitations 
has expired, or representations and warranties claims with respect 
to the applicable trust are settled, and fully and finally released. 
When a claim is denied and the Corporation does not receive a 
response  from  the  counterparty,  the  claim  remains  in  the 
unresolved repurchase claims balance until resolution in one of 
the ways described above. Certain of the claims that have been 
received are duplicate claims which represent more than one claim 
outstanding related to a particular loan, typically as the result of 
bulk claims submitted without individual file reviews.

184     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     185

The  table  below  presents  unresolved  repurchase  claims  at 
December 31, 2015 and 2014. The unresolved repurchase claims 
include  only  claims  where  the  Corporation  believes  that  the 
counterparty  has  the  contractual  right  to  submit  claims.  The 
unresolved repurchase claims predominantly relate to subprime 
and pay option first-lien loans and home equity loans. For additional 
information,  see  Private-label  Securitizations  and  Whole-loan 
Sales Experience in this Note and Note 12 – Commitments and 
Contingencies.

Government-sponsored Enterprises Experience
As  a  result  of  various  bulk  settlements  with  the  GSEs,  the 
Corporation  has  resolved  substantially  all  outstanding  and 
potential  representations  and  warranties  repurchase  claims  on 
whole loans sold by legacy Bank of America and Countrywide to 
FNMA and FHLMC through June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2009, 
respectively. As of December 31, 2015, the notional amount of 
unresolved repurchase claims submitted by the GSEs was $14 
million for loans originated prior to 2009.

Unresolved Repurchase Claims by Counterparty, net of
duplicate claims

(Dollars in millions)

By counterparty

Private-label securitization trustees, whole-loan 
investors, including third-party securitization 
sponsors and other (2, 3)

Monolines (4)
GSEs

December 31

2015

2014 (1)

$ 16,748

$ 21,276

1,599
17

1,511
59

Total unresolved repurchase claims by counterparty,

net of duplicate claims

$ 18,364

$ 22,846

(1)  The December 31, 2014 amounts have been updated to reflect additional claims submitted in 
the fourth quarter of 2014 from a single monoline, currently pursuing litigation, and addressed 
by the Corporation in 2015 pursuant to an existing litigation schedule. For more information on 
bond insurance litigation, see Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies.
Includes $11.9 billion and $13.8 billion of claims based on individual file reviews and $4.8 
billion and $7.5 billion of claims submitted without individual file reviews at December 31, 2015 
and 2014.

(2) 

(3)  The total notional amount of unresolved repurchase claims does not include repurchase claims 

related to the trusts covered by the BNY Mellon Settlement.

(4)  At December 31, 2015, substantially all of the unresolved monoline claims are currently the 
subject of litigation with a single monoline insurer and predominately pertain to second-lien 
loans.

During  2015,  the  Corporation  received  $3.7  billion  in  new 
repurchase  claims  including  $2.9  billion  of  claims  submitted 
without individual loan file reviews. During 2015, $8.1 billion in 
claims  were  resolved,  including  $7.4  billion  which  are  deemed 
resolved as a result of the New York Court of Appeals decision in 
Ace  Securities  Corp.  v.  DB  Structure  Products,  Inc.  (ACE).  Of  the 
remaining  unresolved  monoline  claims,  substantially  all  of  the 
claims pertain to second-lien loans and are currently the subject 
of litigation with a single monoline insurer. There may be additional 
claims or file requests in the future.

In  addition  to  the  unresolved  repurchase  claims  in  the 
Unresolved Repurchase Claims by Counterparty, net of duplicate 
claims  table,  the  Corporation  has  received  notifications  from 
sponsors of third-party securitizations with whom the Corporation 
engaged in whole-loan transactions indicating that the Corporation 
may have indemnity obligations with respect to loans for which the 
Corporation  has  not  received  a  repurchase  request.  These 
outstanding notifications totaled $1.4 billion and $2.0 billion at 
December 31, 2015 and 2014.
receives 
from 
The  Corporation  also 
correspondence  purporting 
representations  and 
to 
warranties breach issues from entities that do not have contractual 
standing or ability to bring such claims. The Corporation believes 
such  communications  to  be  procedurally  and/or  substantively 
invalid, and generally does not respond. 

raise 

time 

time 

to 

The presence of repurchase claims on a given trust, receipt of 
notices  of  indemnification  obligations  and  receipt  of  other 
communications, as discussed above, are all factors that inform 
the Corporation’s liability for representations and warranties and 
the corresponding estimated range of possible loss.

186     Bank of America 2015

legacy 

companies  made 

Private-label Securitizations and Whole-loan Sales 
Experience
Prior  to  2009,  legacy  companies  and  certain  subsidiaries  sold 
pools of first-lien residential mortgage loans and home equity loans 
as private-label securitizations or in the form of whole loans. In 
connection with these transactions, the Corporation or certain of 
its  subsidiaries  or 
various 
representations and warranties. When the Corporation provided 
representations  and  warranties  in  connection  with  the  sale  of 
whole loans, the whole-loan investors may retain the right to make 
repurchase claims even when the loans were aggregated with other 
collateral into private-label securitizations sponsored by the whole-
loan investors. In other third-party securitizations, the whole-loan 
investors’  rights  to  enforce  the  representations  and  warranties 
were  transferred  to  the  securitization  trustees.  Private-label 
securitization investors generally do not have the contractual right 
to demand repurchase of loans directly or the right to access loan 
files directly.

In private-label securitizations, the applicable contracts provide 
that  investors  meet  certain  presentation  thresholds  to  issue  a 
binding  direction  to  a  trustee  to  assert  repurchase  claims. 
However, in certain circumstances, the Corporation believes that 
trustees  have  presented  repurchase  claims  without  requiring 
investors to meet contractual voting rights thresholds. New private-
label claims are primarily related to repurchase requests received 
from  trustees  for  private-label  securitization  transactions  not 
included in the BNY Mellon Settlement.

On June 11, 2015, the New York Court of Appeals, New York’s 
highest appellate court, issued its opinion in the ACE case, holding 
that, under New York law the six-year statute of limitations starts 
to run at the time the representations and warranties are made, 
not the date when the repurchase demand was denied. In addition, 
the Court of Appeals held that compliance with the contractual 
notice and cure period was a pre-condition to filing suit, and claims 
that did not comply with such contractual requirements prior to 
the expiration of the statute of limitations period were invalid. While 
no entity affiliated with the Corporation was a party to this litigation, 
the  vast  majority  of  the  private-label  RMBS  trusts  into  which 
entities  affiliated  with  the  Corporation  sold  loans  and  made 
representations and warranties are governed by New York law, and 
the ACE decision should therefore apply to representations and 
warranties claims and litigation brought on those RMBS trusts. A 
significant number of representations and warranties claims and 
lawsuits  brought  against  the  Corporation  have  involved  claims 
where the statute of limitations has expired under the ACE decision 
and are therefore time-barred. The Corporation treats time-barred 
claims as resolved and no longer outstanding; however, while post-
ACE case law is in early stages, investors or trustees have sought 
to distinguish certain aspects of the ACE decision or to assert 
other claims against other RMBS counterparties seeking to avoid 
or  circumvent  the  impact  of  the  ACE  decision.  For  example, 

 
 
 
The  table  below  presents  unresolved  repurchase  claims  at 

December 31, 2015 and 2014. The unresolved repurchase claims 

include  only  claims  where  the  Corporation  believes  that  the 

counterparty  has  the  contractual  right  to  submit  claims.  The 

unresolved repurchase claims predominantly relate to subprime 

and pay option first-lien loans and home equity loans. For additional 

information,  see  Private-label  Securitizations  and  Whole-loan 

Sales Experience in this Note and Note 12 – Commitments and 

Contingencies.

Government-sponsored Enterprises Experience

As  a  result  of  various  bulk  settlements  with  the  GSEs,  the 

Corporation  has  resolved  substantially  all  outstanding  and 

potential  representations  and  warranties  repurchase  claims  on 

whole loans sold by legacy Bank of America and Countrywide to 

FNMA and FHLMC through June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2009, 

respectively. As of December 31, 2015, the notional amount of 

unresolved repurchase claims submitted by the GSEs was $14 

million for loans originated prior to 2009.

institutional investors have filed lawsuits against trustees based 
upon alleged contractual, statutory and tort theories of liability and 
alleging failure to pursue representations and warranties claims 
and servicer defaults. The potential impact on the Corporation, if 
any,  of  such  alternative  legal  theories  or  assertions,  judicial 
limitations on the ACE decision, or claims seeking to distinguish 
or  avoid  the  ACE  decision  is  unclear  at  this  time.  For  more 
information on repurchase demands, see Unresolved Repurchase 
Claims in this Note.

Unresolved Repurchase Claims by Counterparty, net of

Private-label Securitizations and Whole-loan Sales 

duplicate claims

Experience

Private-label securitization trustees, whole-loan 

investors, including third-party securitization 

sponsors and other (2, 3)

(Dollars in millions)

By counterparty

Monolines (4)

GSEs

December 31

2015

2014 (1)

$ 16,748

$ 21,276

1,599

17

1,511

59

Total unresolved repurchase claims by counterparty,

net of duplicate claims

$ 18,364

$ 22,846

(1)  The December 31, 2014 amounts have been updated to reflect additional claims submitted in 

the fourth quarter of 2014 from a single monoline, currently pursuing litigation, and addressed 

by the Corporation in 2015 pursuant to an existing litigation schedule. For more information on 

bond insurance litigation, see Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies.

(2) 

Includes $11.9 billion and $13.8 billion of claims based on individual file reviews and $4.8 

billion and $7.5 billion of claims submitted without individual file reviews at December 31, 2015 

(3)  The total notional amount of unresolved repurchase claims does not include repurchase claims 

related to the trusts covered by the BNY Mellon Settlement.

(4)  At December 31, 2015, substantially all of the unresolved monoline claims are currently the 

subject of litigation with a single monoline insurer and predominately pertain to second-lien 

files directly.

and 2014.

loans.

During  2015,  the  Corporation  received  $3.7  billion  in  new 

repurchase  claims  including  $2.9  billion  of  claims  submitted 

without individual loan file reviews. During 2015, $8.1 billion in 

claims  were  resolved,  including  $7.4  billion  which  are  deemed 

resolved as a result of the New York Court of Appeals decision in 

Ace  Securities  Corp.  v.  DB  Structure  Products,  Inc.  (ACE).  Of  the 

remaining  unresolved  monoline  claims,  substantially  all  of  the 

claims pertain to second-lien loans and are currently the subject 

of litigation with a single monoline insurer. There may be additional 

claims or file requests in the future.

In  addition  to  the  unresolved  repurchase  claims  in  the 

Unresolved Repurchase Claims by Counterparty, net of duplicate 

claims  table,  the  Corporation  has  received  notifications  from 

sponsors of third-party securitizations with whom the Corporation 

engaged in whole-loan transactions indicating that the Corporation 

may have indemnity obligations with respect to loans for which the 

Corporation  has  not  received  a  repurchase  request.  These 

outstanding notifications totaled $1.4 billion and $2.0 billion at 

December 31, 2015 and 2014.

The  Corporation  also 

from 

time 

to 

time 

receives 

correspondence  purporting 

to 

raise 

representations  and 

warranties breach issues from entities that do not have contractual 

standing or ability to bring such claims. The Corporation believes 

such  communications  to  be  procedurally  and/or  substantively 

invalid, and generally does not respond. 

The presence of repurchase claims on a given trust, receipt of 

notices  of  indemnification  obligations  and  receipt  of  other 

communications, as discussed above, are all factors that inform 

the Corporation’s liability for representations and warranties and 

the corresponding estimated range of possible loss.

186     Bank of America 2015

Prior  to  2009,  legacy  companies  and  certain  subsidiaries  sold 

pools of first-lien residential mortgage loans and home equity loans 

as private-label securitizations or in the form of whole loans. In 

connection with these transactions, the Corporation or certain of 

its  subsidiaries  or 

legacy 

companies  made 

various 

representations and warranties. When the Corporation provided 

representations  and  warranties  in  connection  with  the  sale  of 

whole loans, the whole-loan investors may retain the right to make 

repurchase claims even when the loans were aggregated with other 

collateral into private-label securitizations sponsored by the whole-

loan investors. In other third-party securitizations, the whole-loan 

investors’  rights  to  enforce  the  representations  and  warranties 

were  transferred  to  the  securitization  trustees.  Private-label 

securitization investors generally do not have the contractual right 

to demand repurchase of loans directly or the right to access loan 

In private-label securitizations, the applicable contracts provide 

that  investors  meet  certain  presentation  thresholds  to  issue  a 

binding  direction  to  a  trustee  to  assert  repurchase  claims. 

However, in certain circumstances, the Corporation believes that 

trustees  have  presented  repurchase  claims  without  requiring 

investors to meet contractual voting rights thresholds. New private-

label claims are primarily related to repurchase requests received 

from  trustees  for  private-label  securitization  transactions  not 

included in the BNY Mellon Settlement.

On June 11, 2015, the New York Court of Appeals, New York’s 

highest appellate court, issued its opinion in the ACE case, holding 

that, under New York law the six-year statute of limitations starts 

to run at the time the representations and warranties are made, 

not the date when the repurchase demand was denied. In addition, 

the Court of Appeals held that compliance with the contractual 

notice and cure period was a pre-condition to filing suit, and claims 

that did not comply with such contractual requirements prior to 

the expiration of the statute of limitations period were invalid. While 

no entity affiliated with the Corporation was a party to this litigation, 

the  vast  majority  of  the  private-label  RMBS  trusts  into  which 

entities  affiliated  with  the  Corporation  sold  loans  and  made 

representations and warranties are governed by New York law, and 

the ACE decision should therefore apply to representations and 

warranties claims and litigation brought on those RMBS trusts. A 

significant number of representations and warranties claims and 

lawsuits  brought  against  the  Corporation  have  involved  claims 

where the statute of limitations has expired under the ACE decision 

and are therefore time-barred. The Corporation treats time-barred 

claims as resolved and no longer outstanding; however, while post-

ACE case law is in early stages, investors or trustees have sought 

to distinguish certain aspects of the ACE decision or to assert 

other claims against other RMBS counterparties seeking to avoid 

or  circumvent  the  impact  of  the  ACE  decision.  For  example, 

than 

the  ability 

The private-label securitization agreements generally require 
that  counterparties  have 
to  both  assert  a 
representations and warranties claim and to actually prove that a 
loan has an actionable defect under the applicable contracts. While 
the  Corporation  believes  the  agreements  for  private-label 
securitizations generally contain less rigorous representations and 
warranties  and  place  higher  burdens  on  claimants  seeking 
repurchases 
the  express  provisions  of  comparable 
agreements with the GSEs, the agreements generally include a 
representation  that  underwriting  practices  were  prudent  and 
customary. In the case of private-label securitization trustees and 
third-party sponsors, there is currently no established process in 
place for the parties to reach a conclusion on an individual loan 
if there is a disagreement on the resolution of the claim. Private-
label securitization investors generally do not have the contractual 
right to demand repurchase of loans directly or the right to access 
loan files directly. For more information on repurchase demands, 
see Unresolved Repurchase Claims in this Note.

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, for loans originated between 
2004 and 2008, the notional amount of unresolved repurchase 
claims,  net  of  duplicated  claims,  submitted  by  private-label 
securitization trustees, whole-loan investors, including third-party 
securitization sponsors, and others was $16.7 billion and $21.2 
billion. These repurchase claims at December 31, 2015 exclude 
claims in the amount of $7.4 billion where the statute of limitations 
has expired without litigation being commenced. At December 31, 
2014,  time-barred  claims  of  $5.2  billion  were  included  in 
unresolved repurchase claims. The notional amount of unresolved 
repurchase claims at both December 31, 2015 and 2014 includes 
$3.5  billion  of  claims  related  to  loans  in  specific  private-label 
securitization  groups  or  tranches  where  the  Corporation  owns 
substantially all of the outstanding securities.

The  overall  decrease  in  the  notional  amount  of  outstanding 
unresolved  repurchase  claims  in  2015  is  primarily  due  to  the 
impact  of  time-barred  claims  under  the  ACE  decision,  partially 
offset  by  new  claims  from  private-label  securitization  trustees. 
Outstanding repurchase claims remain unresolved primarily due 
to (1) the level of detail, support and analysis accompanying such 
claims, which impact overall claim quality and, therefore, claims 
resolution and (2) the lack of an established process to resolve 
disputes related to these claims.

The Corporation reviews properly presented repurchase claims 
on a loan-by-loan basis. Claims that are time-barred are treated 
as resolved. If, after the Corporation’s review of timely claims, it 
does not believe a claim is valid, it will deny the claim and generally 
indicate a reason for the denial. When the counterparty agrees 
with the Corporation’s denial of the claim, the counterparty may 
rescind the claim. When there is disagreement as to the resolution 
of  the  claim,  meaningful  dialogue  and  negotiation  between  the 
parties  are  generally  necessary  to  reach  a  resolution  on  an 
individual  claim.  When  a  claim  has  been  denied  and  the 
Corporation does not hear from the counterparty for six months, 
the  Corporation  views  these  claims  as  inactive;  however,  they 
remain in the outstanding claims balance until resolution in one 
of  the  manners  described  above.  In  the  case  of  private-label 
securitization trustees and third-party sponsors, there is currently 
no  established  process  in  place  for  the  parties  to  reach  a 
conclusion on an individual loan if there is a disagreement on the 
resolution of the claim. The Corporation has performed an initial 
review  with  respect  to  substantially  all  of  these  claims  and, 
although  the  Corporation  does  not  believe  a  valid  basis  for 
repurchase  has  been  established  by  the  claimant,  it  considers 
such  claims  activity  in  the  computation  of  its  liability  for 
representations and warranties.

limited 

the  Corporation  had 

Monoline Insurers Experience
During  2015, 
loan-level 
representations and warranties repurchase claims experience with 
the monoline insurers due to settlements with several monoline 
insurers and ongoing litigation with a single monoline insurer. To 
the extent the Corporation received repurchase claims from the 
monolines that were properly presented, it generally reviewed them 
on a loan-by-loan basis. Where the Corporation agrees that there 
has been a breach of representations and warranties given by the 
Corporation  or  subsidiaries  or  legacy  companies  that  meets 
contractual requirements for repurchase, settlement is generally 
reached as to that loan within 60 to 90 days. For more information 
related  to  the  monolines,  see  Note  12  –  Commitments  and 
Contingencies.

Liability for Representations and Warranties and 
Corporate Guarantees
The  liability  for  representations  and  warranties  and  corporate 
guarantees is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities 
on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and the related provision is 
included  in  mortgage  banking  income  in  the  Consolidated 
Statement  of  Income.  The  liability  for  representations  and 
warranties  is  established  when  those  obligations  are  both 
probable and reasonably estimable.

Bank of America 2015     187

 
 
 
range  of  possible 

The Corporation’s representations and warranties liability and 
the  corresponding  estimated 
loss  at 
December 31,  2015  considers,  among  other  things,  implied 
repurchase  experience  based  on  the  BNY  Mellon  Settlement, 
adjusted to reflect differences between the trusts covered by the 
settlement and the remainder of the population of private-label 
securitizations where the statute of limitations for representations 
and warranties claims has not expired. Since the securitization 
trusts that were included in the BNY Mellon Settlement differ from 
those that were not included in the BNY Mellon Settlement, the 
Corporation  adjusted  the  repurchase  experience  implied  in  the 
settlement  in  order  to  determine  the  representations  and 
warranties  liability  and  the  corresponding  estimated  range  of 
possible loss.

The  table  below  presents  a  rollforward  of  the  liability  for 

representations and warranties and corporate guarantees.

Representations and Warranties and Corporate
Guarantees

(Dollars in millions)

Liability for representations and warranties and

corporate guarantees, January 1

Additions for new sales
Net reductions
Provision (benefit)

2015

2014

$ 12,081

$ 13,282

6
(722)
(39)

8
(1,892)
683

Liability for representations and warranties and 

corporate guarantees, December 31 (1)

$ 11,326

$ 12,081

(1) 

In February 2016, the Corporation made an $8.5 billion settlement payment to BNY Mellon as 
part of the BNY Mellon Settlement.

The  representations  and  warranties  liability  represents  the 
Corporation’s  estimate  of  probable  incurred  losses  as  of 
December 31, 2015. However, it is reasonably possible that future 
representations and warranties losses may occur in excess of the 
amounts recorded for these exposures.

Estimated Range of Possible Loss
The  Corporation  currently  estimates  that  the  range  of  possible 
loss for representations and warranties exposures could be up to 
$2  billion  over  existing  accruals  at  December 31,  2015.  The 
Corporation  treats  claims  that  are  time-barred  as  resolved  and 
does not consider such claims in the estimated range of possible 
loss.  The  estimated  range  of  possible  loss  reflects  principally 
exposures related to loans in private-label securitization trusts. It 

represents a reasonably possible loss, but does not represent a 
probable  loss,  and  is  based  on  currently  available  information, 
significant judgment and a number of assumptions that are subject 
to change.

The liability for representations and warranties exposures and 
the  corresponding  estimated  range  of  possible  loss  do  not 
consider certain losses related to servicing (except as such losses 
are included as potential costs of the BNY Mellon Settlement), 
including foreclosure and related costs, fraud, indemnity, or claims 
(including  for  RMBS)  related  to  securities  law  or  monoline 
insurance litigation. Losses with respect to one or more of these 
matters  could  be  material  to  the  Corporation’s  results  of 
operations or liquidity for any particular reporting period.

from 

Future  provisions  and/or  ranges  of  possible  loss  for 
representations and warranties may be significantly impacted if 
actual  experiences  are  different 
the  Corporation’s 
assumptions  in  predictive  models,  including,  without  limitation, 
the actual repurchase rates on loans in trusts not settled as part 
of  the  BNY  Mellon  settlement  which  may  be  different  than  the 
implied  repurchase  experience,  estimated  MI  rescission  rates, 
economic  conditions,  estimated  home  prices,  consumer  and 
counterparty  behavior,  the  applicable  statute  of  limitations, 
potential  indemnity  obligations  to  third  parties  to  whom  the 
Corporation  has  sold  loans  subject  to  representations  and 
warranties  and  a  variety  of  other  judgmental  factors.  Adverse 
developments  with  respect  to  one  or  more  of  the  assumptions 
underlying the liability for representations and warranties and the 
corresponding  estimated  range  of  possible  loss  could  result  in 
significant  increases  to  future  provisions  and/or  the  estimated 
range of possible loss.

Cash Payments
During  2015  and  2014,  excluding  amounts  paid  in  bulk 
settlements,  the  Corporation  made  loan  repurchases  and 
indemnification payments totaling $229 million and $496 million, 
respectively for first-lien and home equity loan repurchases and 
indemnification payments to reimburse investors or securitization 
trusts. The payments resulted in realized losses of $128 million 
and $334 million in 2015 and 2014 on unpaid principal amounts 
of $587 million and $857 million, respectively. 

In  February  2016,  the  Corporation  made  an  $8.5  billion 
settlement  payment  to  BNY  Mellon  as  part  of  the  BNY  Mellon 
Settlement.

188     Bank of America 2015

The Corporation’s representations and warranties liability and 

represents a reasonably possible loss, but does not represent a 

the  corresponding  estimated 

range  of  possible 

loss  at 

probable  loss,  and  is  based  on  currently  available  information, 

December 31,  2015  considers,  among  other  things,  implied 

significant judgment and a number of assumptions that are subject 

repurchase  experience  based  on  the  BNY  Mellon  Settlement, 

to change.

adjusted to reflect differences between the trusts covered by the 

The liability for representations and warranties exposures and 

settlement and the remainder of the population of private-label 

the  corresponding  estimated  range  of  possible  loss  do  not 

securitizations where the statute of limitations for representations 

consider certain losses related to servicing (except as such losses 

and warranties claims has not expired. Since the securitization 

are included as potential costs of the BNY Mellon Settlement), 

trusts that were included in the BNY Mellon Settlement differ from 

including foreclosure and related costs, fraud, indemnity, or claims 

those that were not included in the BNY Mellon Settlement, the 

(including  for  RMBS)  related  to  securities  law  or  monoline 

Corporation  adjusted  the  repurchase  experience  implied  in  the 

insurance litigation. Losses with respect to one or more of these 

settlement  in  order  to  determine  the  representations  and 

matters  could  be  material  to  the  Corporation’s  results  of 

warranties  liability  and  the  corresponding  estimated  range  of 

operations or liquidity for any particular reporting period.

possible loss.

Future  provisions  and/or  ranges  of  possible  loss  for 

The  table  below  presents  a  rollforward  of  the  liability  for 

representations and warranties may be significantly impacted if 

representations and warranties and corporate guarantees.

actual  experiences  are  different 

from 

the  Corporation’s 

(1) 

In February 2016, the Corporation made an $8.5 billion settlement payment to BNY Mellon as 

significant  increases  to  future  provisions  and/or  the  estimated 

part of the BNY Mellon Settlement.

$ 11,326

$ 12,081

corresponding  estimated  range  of  possible  loss  could  result  in 

Representations and Warranties and Corporate

Guarantees

(Dollars in millions)

Liability for representations and warranties and

corporate guarantees, January 1

Additions for new sales

Net reductions

Provision (benefit)

Liability for representations and warranties and 

corporate guarantees, December 31 (1)

2015

2014

$ 12,081

$ 13,282

6

(722)

(39)

8

(1,892)

683

The  representations  and  warranties  liability  represents  the 

Corporation’s  estimate  of  probable  incurred  losses  as  of 

December 31, 2015. However, it is reasonably possible that future 

representations and warranties losses may occur in excess of the 

amounts recorded for these exposures.

Estimated Range of Possible Loss

The  Corporation  currently  estimates  that  the  range  of  possible 

loss for representations and warranties exposures could be up to 

$2  billion  over  existing  accruals  at  December 31,  2015.  The 

Corporation  treats  claims  that  are  time-barred  as  resolved  and 

does not consider such claims in the estimated range of possible 

loss.  The  estimated  range  of  possible  loss  reflects  principally 

exposures related to loans in private-label securitization trusts. It 

assumptions  in  predictive  models,  including,  without  limitation, 

the actual repurchase rates on loans in trusts not settled as part 

of  the  BNY  Mellon  settlement  which  may  be  different  than  the 

implied  repurchase  experience,  estimated  MI  rescission  rates, 

economic  conditions,  estimated  home  prices,  consumer  and 

counterparty  behavior,  the  applicable  statute  of  limitations, 

potential  indemnity  obligations  to  third  parties  to  whom  the 

Corporation  has  sold  loans  subject  to  representations  and 

warranties  and  a  variety  of  other  judgmental  factors.  Adverse 

developments  with  respect  to  one  or  more  of  the  assumptions 

underlying the liability for representations and warranties and the 

range of possible loss.

Cash Payments

During  2015  and  2014,  excluding  amounts  paid  in  bulk 

settlements,  the  Corporation  made  loan  repurchases  and 

indemnification payments totaling $229 million and $496 million, 

respectively for first-lien and home equity loan repurchases and 

indemnification payments to reimburse investors or securitization 

trusts. The payments resulted in realized losses of $128 million 

and $334 million in 2015 and 2014 on unpaid principal amounts 

of $587 million and $857 million, respectively. 

In  February  2016,  the  Corporation  made  an  $8.5  billion 

settlement  payment  to  BNY  Mellon  as  part  of  the  BNY  Mellon 

Settlement.

188     Bank of America 2015

NOTE 8 Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill
The table below presents goodwill balances by business segment 
at December 31, 2015 and 2014. The reporting units utilized for 
goodwill impairment testing are the operating segments or one 
level below.

Goodwill (1)

(Dollars in millions)

Consumer Banking
Global Wealth & Investment Management
Global Banking
Global Markets
All Other

$

Total goodwill

$
(1)  There was no goodwill in LAS at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

December 31

2015

30,123
9,698
23,923
5,197
820
69,761

2014
$ 30,123
9,698
23,923
5,197
836
$ 69,777

For purposes of goodwill impairment testing, the Corporation 
utilizes  allocated  equity  as  a  proxy  for  the  carrying  value  of  its 
reporting units. Allocated equity in the reporting units is comprised 
of  allocated  capital  plus  capital  for  the  portion  of  goodwill  and 
intangibles specifically assigned to the reporting unit. The goodwill 
impairment test involves comparing the fair value of each reporting 
unit  to  its  carrying  value,  including  goodwill,  as  measured  by 
allocated equity. 

Annual Impairment Tests
The Corporation completed its annual goodwill impairment tests 
as of June 30, 2015 and 2014 for all applicable reporting units. 
Based on the results of the annual goodwill impairment test, the 
Corporation determined there was no impairment.

Effective January 1, 2015, the Corporation changed its basis 
of presentation related to its business segments. The realignment 
triggered a test for goodwill impairment, which was performed both 
immediately before and after the realignment. The fair value of the 
affected  reporting  units  exceeded  their  carrying  value  and, 
accordingly, no goodwill impairment resulted from the realignment.

Intangible Assets
The table below presents the gross and net carrying values and accumulated amortization for intangible assets at December 31, 2015 
and 2014.

Intangible Assets (1, 2)

(Dollars in millions)

Purchased credit card relationships
Core deposit intangibles
Customer relationships
Affinity relationships
Other intangibles (3) 

Total intangible assets

2015

December 31

Gross
Carrying Value

Accumulated
Amortization

Net
Carrying Value

Gross
Carrying Value

2014
Accumulated
Amortization

Net
Carrying Value

$

$

5,450
1,779
3,927
1,556
2,143
14,855

$

$

4,755
1,505
2,990
1,356
481
11,087

$

$

695
274
937
200
1,662
3,768

$

$

5,504
1,779
4,025
1,565
2,045
14,918

$

$

4,527
1,382
2,648
1,283
466
10,306

$

$

977
397
1,377
282
1,579
4,612

(1)  Excludes fully amortized intangible assets.
(2)  At December 31, 2015 and 2014, none of the intangible assets were impaired.
(3) 

Includes intangible assets associated with trade names that have an indefinite life and, accordingly, are not amortized. 

The tables below present intangible asset amortization expense for 2015, 2014 and 2013, and estimated future intangible asset 

amortization expense as of December 31, 2015.

Amortization Expense

(Dollars in millions)

Purchased credit card and affinity relationships
Core deposit intangibles
Customer relationships
Other intangibles

Total amortization expense

Estimated Future Amortization Expense

(Dollars in millions)

Purchased credit card and affinity relationships
Core deposit intangibles
Customer relationships
Other intangibles

Total estimated future amortization expense

2015

2014

2013

$

$

2016

2017

2018

$

$

298
104
325
10
737

$

$

237
90
310
6
643

$

$

356
122
340
16
834

179
80
302
4
565

$

$

$

$

415
140
355
26
936

121
—
—
2
123

$

$

$

$

475
197
371
43
1,086

2020

60
—
—
—
60

2019

Bank of America 2015     189

 
 
 
NOTE 9 Deposits
The Corporation had U.S. certificates of deposit and other U.S. 
time deposits of $100  thousand or more totaling  $28.3  billion 
and  $32.4  billion  at  December 31,  2015  and  2014.  Non-U.S. 
certificates of deposit and other non-U.S. time deposits of $100 
thousand  or  more  totaled  $14.1  billion  and  $14.0  billion  at 
December 31,  2015  and  2014.  The  Corporation  also  had 

aggregate time deposits of $14.2 billion in denominations that 
met or exceeded the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) 
insurance limit at December 31, 2015. The table below presents 
the contractual maturities for time deposits of $100 thousand or 
more at December 31, 2015.

Time Deposits of $100 Thousand or More

(Dollars in millions)

U.S. certificates of deposit and other time deposits
Non-U.S. certificates of deposit and other time deposits

Three Months
or Less

Over Three
Months to
Twelve Months

Thereafter

Total

$

12,836
12,352

$

12,834
1,517

$

$

2,677
277

28,347
14,146

The scheduled contractual maturities for total time deposits at December 31, 2015 are presented in the table below.

Contractual Maturities of Total Time Deposits

(Dollars in millions)

Due in 2016
Due in 2017
Due in 2018
Due in 2019
Due in 2020
Thereafter

Total time deposits

U.S.

Non-U.S.

Total

$

$

51,319
4,166
937
874
1,380
683
59,359

$

$

14,248
103
1
5
258
—
14,615

$

$

65,567
4,269
938
879
1,638
683
73,974

NOTE 10 Federal Funds Sold or Purchased, Securities Financing Agreements and Short-term 
Borrowings
The  table  below  presents  federal  funds  sold  or  purchased,  securities  financing  agreements,  which  include  securities  borrowed  or 
purchased under agreements to resell and securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase, and short-term borrowings. The 
Corporation elects to account for certain securities financing agreements and short-term borrowings under the fair value option. For 
more information on the election of the fair value option, see Note 21 – Fair Value Option.

(Dollars in millions)

Federal funds sold and securities borrowed or purchased under agreements to resell

At December 31
Average during year
Maximum month-end balance during year

Federal funds purchased and securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase

At December 31
Average during year
Maximum month-end balance during year

Short-term borrowings
At December 31
Average during year
Maximum month-end balance during year

n/a = not applicable

2015

2014

Amount

Rate

Amount

Rate

$ 192,482
211,471
226,502

0.44% $ 191,823
0.47
222,483
n/a
240,122

174,291
213,497
235,232

28,098
32,798
40,110

0.82
0.89
n/a

1.61
1.49
n/a

201,277
215,792
240,154

31,172
41,886
51,409

0.47%
0.47
n/a

0.98
0.99
n/a

1.47
1.08
n/a

Bank of America, N.A. maintains a global program to offer up 
to a maximum of $75 billion outstanding at any one time, of bank 
notes with fixed or floating rates and maturities of at least seven 
days from the date of issue. Short-term bank notes outstanding 
under  this  program  totaled  $16.8  billion  and  $14.6  billion  at 

December  31,  2015  and  2014.  These  short-term  bank  notes, 
along  with  Federal  Home  Loan  Bank  (FHLB)  advances,  U.S. 
Treasury tax and loan notes, and term federal funds purchased, 
are included in short-term borrowings on the Consolidated Balance 
Sheet.

190     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Offsetting of Securities Financing Agreements
Substantially all of the Corporation’s securities financing activities 
are  transacted  under  legally  enforceable  master  repurchase 
agreements  or  legally  enforceable  master  securities  lending 
agreements that give the Corporation, in the event of default by 
the counterparty, the right to liquidate securities held and to offset 
receivables  and  payables  with  the  same  counterparty.  The 
Corporation  offsets  securities  financing  transactions  with  the 
same counterparty on the Consolidated Balance Sheet where it 
has such a legally enforceable master netting agreement and the 
transactions have the same maturity date. 

The Securities Financing Agreements table presents securities 
financing agreements included on the Consolidated Balance Sheet 
in federal funds sold and securities borrowed or purchased under 
agreements  to  resell,  and  in  federal  funds  purchased  and 
securities  loaned  or  sold  under  agreements  to  repurchase  at 
December 31, 2015 and 2014. Balances are presented on a gross 
basis, prior to the application of counterparty netting. Gross assets 
and  liabilities  are  adjusted  on  an  aggregate  basis  to  take  into 
consideration  the  effects  of  legally  enforceable  master  netting 
agreements. For more information on the offsetting of derivatives, 
see Note 2 – Derivatives.

Securities Financing Agreements

The  “Other”  amount  in  the  table,  which  is  included  on  the 
Consolidated  Balance  Sheet  in  accrued  expenses  and  other 
liabilities, relates to transactions where the Corporation acts as 
the  lender  in  a  securities  lending  agreement  and  receives 
securities  that  can  be  pledged  as  collateral  or  sold.  In  these 
transactions, the Corporation recognizes an asset at fair value, 
representing the securities received, and a liability, representing 
the obligation to return those securities.

Gross assets and liabilities in the table include activity where 
uncertainty exists as to the enforceability of certain master netting 
agreements under bankruptcy laws in some countries or industries 
and, accordingly, these are reported on a gross basis.

The column titled “Financial Instruments” in the table includes 
securities  collateral  received  or  pledged  under  repurchase  or 
securities lending agreements where there is a legally enforceable 
master netting agreement. These amounts are not offset on the 
Consolidated Balance Sheet, but are shown as a reduction to the 
net balance sheet amount in this table to derive a net asset or 
liability. Securities collateral received or pledged where the legal 
enforceability of the master netting agreements is not certain is 
not included.

NOTE 10 Federal Funds Sold or Purchased, Securities Financing Agreements and Short-term 

The  table  below  presents  federal  funds  sold  or  purchased,  securities  financing  agreements,  which  include  securities  borrowed  or 

purchased under agreements to resell and securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase, and short-term borrowings. The 

Corporation elects to account for certain securities financing agreements and short-term borrowings under the fair value option. For 

more information on the election of the fair value option, see Note 21 – Fair Value Option.

$

59,359

$

14,615

$

(Dollars in millions)

Securities borrowed or purchased under agreements to resell (1)

Securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase
Other

Total

Securities borrowed or purchased under agreements to resell (1)

Securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase
Other

Total

December 31, 2015

Gross Assets/
Liabilities

Amounts
Offset

Net Balance
Sheet Amount

Financial
Instruments

Net Assets/
Liabilities

$

$

$

$

$

$

347,281

329,078
13,235
342,313

316,567

326,007
11,641
337,648

$

$

$

$

$

$

(154,799) $

192,482

(154,799) $

—

(154,799) $

174,279
13,235
187,514

December 31, 2014

(124,744) $

191,823

(124,744) $

—

(124,744) $

201,263
11,641
212,904

$

$

$

$

$

$

(144,332) $

48,150

(135,737) $
(13,235)
(148,972) $

38,542
—
38,542

(145,573) $

46,250

(164,306) $

(11,641)

(175,947) $

36,957
—
36,957

Federal funds sold and securities borrowed or purchased under agreements to resell

(1)  Excludes repurchase activity of $9.3 billion and $5.6 billion reported in loans and leases on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

NOTE 9 Deposits

The Corporation had U.S. certificates of deposit and other U.S. 

aggregate time deposits of $14.2 billion in denominations that 

time deposits of $100  thousand or more totaling  $28.3  billion 

met or exceeded the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) 

and  $32.4  billion  at  December 31,  2015  and  2014.  Non-U.S. 

insurance limit at December 31, 2015. The table below presents 

certificates of deposit and other non-U.S. time deposits of $100 

the contractual maturities for time deposits of $100 thousand or 

thousand  or  more  totaled  $14.1  billion  and  $14.0  billion  at 

more at December 31, 2015.

December 31,  2015  and  2014.  The  Corporation  also  had 

The scheduled contractual maturities for total time deposits at December 31, 2015 are presented in the table below.

Three Months

Over Three

Months to

or Less

Twelve Months

Thereafter

Total

$

12,836

$

12,834

$

2,677

$

12,352

1,517

277

28,347

14,146

Time Deposits of $100 Thousand or More

(Dollars in millions)

U.S. certificates of deposit and other time deposits

Non-U.S. certificates of deposit and other time deposits

Contractual Maturities of Total Time Deposits

(Dollars in millions)

Due in 2016

Due in 2017

Due in 2018

Due in 2019

Due in 2020

Thereafter

Total time deposits

Borrowings

Maximum month-end balance during year

Federal funds purchased and securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase

(Dollars in millions)

At December 31

Average during year

At December 31

Average during year

Short-term borrowings

At December 31

Average during year

Maximum month-end balance during year

Maximum month-end balance during year

n/a = not applicable

Bank of America, N.A. maintains a global program to offer up 

December  31,  2015  and  2014.  These  short-term  bank  notes, 

to a maximum of $75 billion outstanding at any one time, of bank 

along  with  Federal  Home  Loan  Bank  (FHLB)  advances,  U.S. 

notes with fixed or floating rates and maturities of at least seven 

Treasury tax and loan notes, and term federal funds purchased, 

days from the date of issue. Short-term bank notes outstanding 

are included in short-term borrowings on the Consolidated Balance 

under  this  program  totaled  $16.8  billion  and  $14.6  billion  at 

Sheet.

U.S.

Non-U.S.

Total

$

51,319

$

14,248

$

4,166

937

874

1,380

683

103

1

5

258

—

65,567

4,269

938

879

1,638

683

73,974

2015

2014

Amount

Rate

Amount

Rate

$ 192,482

0.44% $ 191,823

211,471

226,502

174,291

213,497

235,232

28,098

32,798

40,110

0.47

n/a

0.82

0.89

n/a

1.61

1.49

n/a

222,483

240,122

201,277

215,792

240,154

31,172

41,886

51,409

0.47%

0.47

n/a

0.98

0.99

n/a

1.47

1.08

n/a

190     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     191

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Repurchase Agreements and Securities Loaned 
Transactions Accounted for as Secured Borrowings
The  tables  below  present  securities  sold  under  agreements  to 
repurchase and securities loaned by remaining contractual term 
to maturity and class of collateral pledged. Included in “Other” are 
transactions  where  the  Corporation  acts  as  the  lender  in  a 
securities lending agreement and receives securities that can be 

Remaining Contractual Maturity

pledged as collateral or sold. Certain agreements contain a right 
to substitute collateral and/or terminate the agreement prior to 
maturity at the option of the Corporation or the counterparty. Such 
agreements are included in the table below based on the remaining 
contractual  term  to  maturity.  At  December 31,  2015,  the 
Corporation 
repurchase-to-maturity 
outstanding 
transactions. 

had 

no 

(Dollars in millions)

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
Securities loaned
Other

Total

(1)  No agreements have maturities greater than three years.

Class of Collateral Pledged

(Dollars in millions)

U.S. government and agency securities
Corporate securities, trading loans and other
Equity securities
Non-U.S. sovereign debt
Mortgage trading loans and ABS

Total

Overnight and
Continuous

30 Days or
Less

December 31, 2015
After 30 Days
Through 90
Days

Greater than 
90 Days (1)

$

$

126,694
39,772
13,235
179,701

$

$

86,879
363
—
87,242

$

$

43,216
2,352
—
45,568

$

$

27,514
2,288
—
29,802

$

$

Total

284,303
44,775
13,235
342,313

December 31, 2015

Securities
Sold Under
Agreements
to Repurchase

$

$

142,572
11,767
32,323
87,849
9,792
284,303

$

$

Securities
Loaned

— $

265
13,350
31,160
—
44,775

$

Other

Total

27
278
12,929
1
—
13,235

$

$

142,599
12,310
58,602
119,010
9,792
342,313

The Corporation is required to post collateral with a market 
value equal to or in excess of the principal amount borrowed under 
repurchase agreements. For securities loaned transactions, the 
Corporation receives collateral in the form of cash, letters of credit 
or  other  securities.  To  ensure  that  the  market  value  of  the 
underlying  collateral  remains  sufficient,  collateral  is  generally 
valued  daily  and  the  Corporation  may  be  required  to  deposit 

additional  collateral  or  may  receive  or  return  collateral  pledged 
when appropriate. Repurchase agreements and securities loaned 
transactions  are  generally  either  overnight,  continuous  (i.e.,  no 
stated term) or short-term. The Corporation manages liquidity risks 
related to these agreements by sourcing funding from a diverse 
group of counterparties, providing a range of securities collateral 
and pursuing longer durations, when appropriate.

192     Bank of America 2015

Repurchase Agreements and Securities Loaned 

Transactions Accounted for as Secured Borrowings

The  tables  below  present  securities  sold  under  agreements  to 

repurchase and securities loaned by remaining contractual term 

to maturity and class of collateral pledged. Included in “Other” are 

transactions  where  the  Corporation  acts  as  the  lender  in  a 

securities lending agreement and receives securities that can be 

pledged as collateral or sold. Certain agreements contain a right 

to substitute collateral and/or terminate the agreement prior to 

maturity at the option of the Corporation or the counterparty. Such 

agreements are included in the table below based on the remaining 

contractual  term  to  maturity.  At  December 31,  2015,  the 

Corporation 

had 

no 

outstanding 

repurchase-to-maturity 

transactions. 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

$

126,694

$

86,879

$

43,216

$

27,514

$

284,303

Overnight and

30 Days or

Continuous

Less

Greater than 

90 Days (1)

Total

December 31, 2015

After 30 Days

Through 90

Days

39,772

13,235

363

—

2,352

—

2,288

—

44,775

13,235

$

179,701

$

87,242

$

45,568

$

29,802

$

342,313

December 31, 2015

Securities

Sold Under

Agreements

to Repurchase

Securities

Loaned

$

142,572

$

— $

$

142,599

11,767

32,323

87,849

9,792

265

13,350

31,160

—

Other

Total

27

278

12,929

1

—

12,310

58,602

119,010

9,792

$

284,303

$

44,775

$

13,235

$

342,313

The Corporation is required to post collateral with a market 

additional  collateral  or  may  receive  or  return  collateral  pledged 

value equal to or in excess of the principal amount borrowed under 

when appropriate. Repurchase agreements and securities loaned 

repurchase agreements. For securities loaned transactions, the 

transactions  are  generally  either  overnight,  continuous  (i.e.,  no 

Corporation receives collateral in the form of cash, letters of credit 

stated term) or short-term. The Corporation manages liquidity risks 

or  other  securities.  To  ensure  that  the  market  value  of  the 

related to these agreements by sourcing funding from a diverse 

underlying  collateral  remains  sufficient,  collateral  is  generally 

group of counterparties, providing a range of securities collateral 

valued  daily  and  the  Corporation  may  be  required  to  deposit 

and pursuing longer durations, when appropriate.

Remaining Contractual Maturity

(Dollars in millions)

Securities loaned

Other

Total

(1)  No agreements have maturities greater than three years.

Class of Collateral Pledged

(Dollars in millions)

U.S. government and agency securities

Corporate securities, trading loans and other

Equity securities

Non-U.S. sovereign debt

Mortgage trading loans and ABS

Total

NOTE 11 Long-term Debt
Long-term debt consists of borrowings having an original maturity of one year or more. The table below presents the balance of long-
term debt at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related contractual rates and maturity dates as of December 31, 2015.

(Dollars in millions)

Notes issued by Bank of America Corporation
Senior notes:

Fixed, with a weighted-average rate of 4.55%, ranging from 1.25% to 8.40%, due 2016 to 2045
Floating, with a weighted-average rate of 1.38%, ranging from 0.11% to 5.07%, due 2016 to 2044

Senior structured notes
Subordinated notes:

Fixed, with a weighted-average rate of 5.19%, ranging from 2.40% to 8.57%, due 2016 to 2045
Floating, with a weighted-average rate of 0.94%, ranging from 0.43% to 2.68%, due 2016 to 2026

Junior subordinated notes (related to trust preferred securities):

Fixed, with a weighted-average rate of 6.78%, ranging from 5.25% to 8.05%, due 2027 to 2067
Floating, with a weighted-average rate of 1.08%, ranging from 0.87% to 1.53%, due 2027 to 2056

Total notes issued by Bank of America Corporation

Notes issued by Bank of America, N.A.
Senior notes:

Fixed, with a weighted-average rate of 1.57%, ranging from 1.13% to 2.05%, due 2016 to 2018
Floating, with a weighted-average rate of 1.13%, ranging from 0.43% to 3.30%, due 2016 to 2041

Subordinated notes:

Fixed, with a weighted-average rate of 5.68%, ranging from 5.30% to 6.10%, due 2016 to 2036
Floating, with a weighted-average rate of 0.80%, ranging from 0.79% to 0.81%, due 2016 to 2019

Advances from Federal Home Loan Banks:

Fixed, with a weighted-average rate of 5.34%, ranging from 0.01% to 7.72%, due 2016 to 2034
Floating, with a weighted-average rate of 0.41%, ranging from 0.35% to 0.63%, due 2016

Securitizations and other BANA VIEs
Other

Total notes issued by Bank of America, N.A.

Other debt
Senior notes:

Fixed, with a rate of 5.50%, due 2017 to 2021
Floating

Structured liabilities
Junior subordinated notes (related to trust preferred securities):

Fixed
Floating

Nonbank VIEs
Other

Total other debt
Total long-term debt

December 31

2015

2014

$ 109,861
13,900
17,548

$ 113,037
14,590
22,168

27,216
5,029

23,246
5,455

5,295
553
179,402

6,722
553
185,771

7,483
4,942

4,815
1,401

172
6,000
9,756
2,985
37,554

30
—
14,974

—
—

2,740
3,028

4,921
1,401

183
10,500
9,882
2,811
35,466

1
21
15,971

340
66

4,317
487
19,808
$ 236,764

3,425
2,078
21,902
$ 243,139

Bank  of  America  Corporation  and  Bank  of  America,  N.A. 
maintain various U.S. and non-U.S. debt programs to offer both 
senior and subordinated notes. The notes may be denominated 
in U.S. Dollars or foreign currencies. At December 31, 2015 and 
2014, the amount of foreign currency-denominated debt translated 
into U.S. Dollars included in total long-term debt was $46.4 billion 
and  $51.9  billion.  Foreign  currency  contracts  may  be  used  to 
convert  certain  foreign  currency-denominated  debt  into  U.S. 
Dollars.

At December 31, 2015, long-term debt of consolidated VIEs in 
the table above included debt of credit card, home equity and all 
other  VIEs  of  $9.6  billion,  $183  million  and  $4.3  billion, 
respectively. Long-term debt of VIEs is collateralized by the assets 
of the VIEs. For additional information, see Note 6 – Securitizations 
and Other Variable Interest Entities.

The weighted-average effective interest rates for total long-term 
debt (excluding senior structured notes), total fixed-rate debt and 
total floating-rate debt were 3.80 percent, 4.61 percent and 0.96 
percent, respectively, at December 31, 2015 and 3.81 percent, 
4.83  percent  and  0.80  percent,  respectively,  at  December 31, 

2014. The Corporation’s ALM activities maintain an overall interest 
rate  risk  management  strategy  that  incorporates  the  use  of 
interest rate contracts to manage fluctuations in earnings that are 
caused  by  interest  rate  volatility.  The  Corporation’s  goal  is  to 
manage  interest  rate  sensitivity  so  that  movements  in  interest 
rates do not significantly  adversely affect earnings  and capital. 
The weighted-average rates are the contractual interest rates on 
the debt and do not reflect the impacts of derivative transactions.
Certain senior structured notes and structured liabilities are 
accounted for under the fair value option. For more information on 
these notes, see Note 21 – Fair Value Option.

The table below shows the carrying value for aggregate annual 
contractual maturities of long-term debt as of December 31, 2015. 
Included in the table are certain structured notes issued by the 
Corporation that contain provisions whereby the borrowings are 
redeemable at the option of the holder (put options) at specified 
dates  prior  to  maturity.  Other  structured  notes  have  coupon  or 
repayment  terms  linked  to  the  performance  of  debt  or  equity 
securities, indices, currencies or commodities, and the maturity 
may be accelerated based on the value of a referenced index or 

192     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     193

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
security. In both cases, the Corporation or a subsidiary may be 
required to settle the obligation for cash or other securities prior 
to the contractual maturity date. These borrowings are reflected 
in the table as maturing at their contractual maturity date.

During  2015,  the  Corporation  had  total  long-term  debt 
maturities  and  redemptions  in  the  aggregate  of  $40.4  billion 

consisting of $25.3 billion for Bank of America Corporation, $6.6 
billion for Bank of America, N.A. and $8.5 billion of other debt. 
During 2014, the Corporation had total long-term debt maturities 
and redemptions in the aggregate of $53.7 billion consisting of 
$33.9 billion for Bank of America Corporation, $8.9 billion for Bank 
of America, N.A. and $10.9 billion of other debt.

Long-term Debt by Maturity

(Dollars in millions)

Bank of America Corporation

Senior notes
Senior structured notes
Subordinated notes
Junior subordinated notes

Total Bank of America Corporation

Bank of America, N.A.

Senior notes
Subordinated notes
Advances from Federal Home Loan Banks
Securitizations and other Bank VIEs (1)
Other

Total Bank of America, N.A.

Other debt

Senior notes
Structured liabilities
Nonbank VIEs (1)
Other

Total other debt
Total long-term debt

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Thereafter

Total

$ 16,777
4,230
4,861
—
25,868

$ 18,303
2,352
4,885
—
25,540

$ 20,211
1,942
2,677
—
24,830

$ 16,820
1,374
1,479
—
19,673

$ 11,351
955
3
—
12,309

$ 40,299
6,695
18,340
5,848
71,182

$ 123,761
17,548
32,245
5,848
179,402

3,048
1,056
6,003
1,290
53
11,450

—
3,110
2,506
400
6,016
43,334

$

3,648
3,447
10
3,550
2,713
13,368

1
2,029
240
57
2,327
41,235

$

5,709
—
10
2,300
76
8,095

—
1,175
42
—
1,217
34,142

$

—
1
15
2,450
85
2,551

—
882
22
—
904
23,128

$

—
—
12
—
30
42

—
1,034
—
—
1,034
13,385

$

$

20
1,712
122
166
28
2,048

29
6,744
1,507
30
8,310
81,540

12,425
6,216
6,172
9,756
2,985
37,554

30
14,974
4,317
487
19,808
$ 236,764

(1)  Represents the total long-term debt included in the liabilities of consolidated VIEs on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Trust Preferred and Hybrid Securities
Trust preferred securities (Trust Securities) are primarily issued by 
trust companies (the Trusts) that are not consolidated. These Trust 
Securities  are  mandatorily 
redeemable  preferred  security 
obligations of the Trusts. The sole assets of the Trusts generally 
are  junior  subordinated  deferrable  interest  notes  of  the 
Corporation or its subsidiaries (the Notes). The Trusts generally 
are 100 percent-owned finance subsidiaries of the Corporation. 
Obligations associated with the Notes are included in the long-
term debt table on page 193.

Certain of the Trust Securities were issued at a discount and 
may be redeemed prior to maturity at the option of the Corporation. 
The  Trusts  generally  have  invested  the  proceeds  of  such  Trust 
Securities in the Notes. Each issue of the Notes has an interest 
rate equal to the corresponding Trust Securities distribution rate. 
The Corporation has the right to defer payment of interest on the 
Notes at any time or from time to time for a period not exceeding 
five years provided that no extension period may extend beyond 
the  stated  maturity  of  the  relevant  Notes.  During  any  such 
extension period, distributions on the Trust Securities will also be 
deferred  and  the  Corporation’s  ability  to  pay  dividends  on  its 
common and preferred stock will be restricted.

The  Trust  Securities  generally  are  subject  to  mandatory 
redemption upon repayment of the related Notes at their stated 

maturity dates or their earlier redemption at a redemption price 
equal to their liquidation amount plus accrued distributions to the 
date  fixed  for  redemption  and  the  premium,  if  any,  paid  by  the 
Corporation upon concurrent repayment of the related Notes.

Periodic  cash  payments  and  payments  upon  liquidation  or 
redemption with respect to Trust Securities are guaranteed by the 
Corporation or its subsidiaries to the extent of funds held by the 
Trusts  (the  Preferred  Securities  Guarantee).  The  Preferred 
Securities Guarantee, when taken together with the Corporation’s 
other  obligations  including  its  obligations  under  the  Notes, 
generally will constitute a full and unconditional guarantee, on a 
subordinated basis, by the Corporation of payments due on the 
Trust Securities.

On December 29, 2015, the Corporation provided notice of the 
redemption,  which  settled  on  January  29,  2016,  of  all  trust 
preferred  securities  of  Merrill  Lynch  Preferred  Capital  Trust  III, 
Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital Trust IV and Merrill Lynch Preferred 
Capital Trust V with a total carrying value in the aggregate of $2.0 
billion. In connection with the Corporation’s acquisition of Merrill 
Lynch & Co., Inc. (Merrill Lynch) in 2009, the Corporation recorded 
a  discount  to  par  value  as  purchase  accounting  adjustments 
associated with these Trust Preferred Securities. The Corporation 
recorded a charge to net interest income of $612 million in 2015 
related to the discount on the securities.

194     Bank of America 2015

security. In both cases, the Corporation or a subsidiary may be 

consisting of $25.3 billion for Bank of America Corporation, $6.6 

The Trust Securities Summary table details the outstanding Trust Securities and the related Notes previously issued which remained 

required to settle the obligation for cash or other securities prior 

billion for Bank of America, N.A. and $8.5 billion of other debt. 

outstanding at December 31, 2015.

to the contractual maturity date. These borrowings are reflected 

During 2014, the Corporation had total long-term debt maturities 

in the table as maturing at their contractual maturity date.

and redemptions in the aggregate of $53.7 billion consisting of 

During  2015,  the  Corporation  had  total  long-term  debt 

$33.9 billion for Bank of America Corporation, $8.9 billion for Bank 

maturities  and  redemptions  in  the  aggregate  of  $40.4  billion 

of America, N.A. and $10.9 billion of other debt.

Long-term Debt by Maturity

(Dollars in millions)

Bank of America Corporation

Senior notes

Senior structured notes

Subordinated notes

Junior subordinated notes

Bank of America, N.A.

Senior notes

Subordinated notes

Other

Other debt

Senior notes

Structured liabilities

Nonbank VIEs (1)

Other

Total other debt

Total long-term debt

Total Bank of America Corporation

25,868

25,540

24,830

19,673

12,309

Advances from Federal Home Loan Banks

Securitizations and other Bank VIEs (1)

2,300

2,450

Total Bank of America, N.A.

11,450

13,368

8,095

2,551

2,048

37,554

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Thereafter

Total

$ 16,777

$ 18,303

$ 20,211

$ 16,820

$ 11,351

$ 40,299

$ 123,761

4,230

4,861

—

3,048

1,056

6,003

1,290

53

—

3,110

2,506

400

6,016

2,352

4,885

—

3,648

3,447

10

3,550

2,713

1

2,029

240

57

2,327

1,942

2,677

—

5,709

—

10

76

—

42

—

1,175

1,217

1,374

1,479

—

—

1

15

85

—

882

22

—

904

955

3

—

—

—

12

—

30

42

—

—

—

1,034

1,034

6,695

18,340

5,848

71,182

17,548

32,245

5,848

179,402

20

1,712

122

166

28

29

6,744

1,507

30

8,310

12,425

6,216

6,172

9,756

2,985

30

14,974

4,317

487

19,808

$

43,334

$

41,235

$

34,142

$

23,128

$

13,385

$

81,540

$ 236,764

(1)  Represents the total long-term debt included in the liabilities of consolidated VIEs on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Trust Preferred and Hybrid Securities

Trust preferred securities (Trust Securities) are primarily issued by 

trust companies (the Trusts) that are not consolidated. These Trust 

Securities  are  mandatorily 

redeemable  preferred  security 

obligations of the Trusts. The sole assets of the Trusts generally 

are  junior  subordinated  deferrable  interest  notes  of  the 

Corporation or its subsidiaries (the Notes). The Trusts generally 

are 100 percent-owned finance subsidiaries of the Corporation. 

Obligations associated with the Notes are included in the long-

term debt table on page 193.

Certain of the Trust Securities were issued at a discount and 

may be redeemed prior to maturity at the option of the Corporation. 

The  Trusts  generally  have  invested  the  proceeds  of  such  Trust 

Securities in the Notes. Each issue of the Notes has an interest 

rate equal to the corresponding Trust Securities distribution rate. 

The Corporation has the right to defer payment of interest on the 

Notes at any time or from time to time for a period not exceeding 

five years provided that no extension period may extend beyond 

the  stated  maturity  of  the  relevant  Notes.  During  any  such 

extension period, distributions on the Trust Securities will also be 

deferred  and  the  Corporation’s  ability  to  pay  dividends  on  its 

common and preferred stock will be restricted.

The  Trust  Securities  generally  are  subject  to  mandatory 

redemption upon repayment of the related Notes at their stated 

maturity dates or their earlier redemption at a redemption price 

equal to their liquidation amount plus accrued distributions to the 

date  fixed  for  redemption  and  the  premium,  if  any,  paid  by  the 

Corporation upon concurrent repayment of the related Notes.

Periodic  cash  payments  and  payments  upon  liquidation  or 

redemption with respect to Trust Securities are guaranteed by the 

Corporation or its subsidiaries to the extent of funds held by the 

Trusts  (the  Preferred  Securities  Guarantee).  The  Preferred 

Securities Guarantee, when taken together with the Corporation’s 

other  obligations  including  its  obligations  under  the  Notes, 

generally will constitute a full and unconditional guarantee, on a 

subordinated basis, by the Corporation of payments due on the 

Trust Securities.

On December 29, 2015, the Corporation provided notice of the 

redemption,  which  settled  on  January  29,  2016,  of  all  trust 

preferred  securities  of  Merrill  Lynch  Preferred  Capital  Trust  III, 

Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital Trust IV and Merrill Lynch Preferred 

Capital Trust V with a total carrying value in the aggregate of $2.0 

billion. In connection with the Corporation’s acquisition of Merrill 

Lynch & Co., Inc. (Merrill Lynch) in 2009, the Corporation recorded 

a  discount  to  par  value  as  purchase  accounting  adjustments 

associated with these Trust Preferred Securities. The Corporation 

recorded a charge to net interest income of $612 million in 2015 

related to the discount on the securities.

Trust Securities Summary
(Dollars in millions)

December 31, 2015

Aggregate
Principal
Amount
of Trust
Securities

Aggregate
Principal
Amount
of the
Notes

Stated Maturity
of the Trust 
Securities

Issuance Date

Per Annum Interest
Rate of the Notes

Interest Payment
Dates

Redemption Period

March 2005

$

August 2005

August 2005

May 2006

May 2007

February 1997

January 1997

December 1998

June 1997

June 1998

January 1997

June 1997

April 2003

November 2006

December 2006

May 2007

August 2007

27

6

524

658

1

131

103

79

53

102

70

200

500

1,495

1,050

950

750

$

27

7

540

678

1

March 2035

August 2035

August 2035

May 2036

June 2056

5.63%

5.25

6.00

6.63

Semi-Annual

Semi-Annual

Any time

Any time

Quarterly

On or after 8/25/10

Semi-Annual

Any time

3-mo. LIBOR + 80 bps

Quarterly

On or after 6/01/37

136

January 2027

3-mo. LIBOR + 55 bps

Quarterly

On or after 1/15/07

106

January 2027

3-mo. LIBOR + 57 bps

Quarterly

On or after 1/15/02

82

December 2028

3-mo. LIBOR + 100 bps

Quarterly

On or after 12/18/03

55

106

June 2027

June 2028

3-mo. LIBOR + 75 bps

3-mo. LIBOR + 60 bps

Quarterly

Quarterly

On or after 6/15/07

On or after 6/08/03

73

February 2027

3-mo. LIBOR + 80 bps

Quarterly

On or after 2/01/07

206

515

June 2027

April 2033

1,496

November 2036

1,051

December 2066

951

751

June 2067

September 2067

8.05

6.75

7.00

6.45

6.45

7.375

Semi-Annual

Only under special event

Quarterly

Quarterly

Quarterly

Quarterly

Quarterly

On or after 4/11/08

On or after 11/01/11

On or after 12/11

On or after 6/12

On or after 9/12

$

6,699

$

6,781

Issuer

Bank of America

Capital Trust VI

Capital Trust VII (1)

Capital Trust VIII

Capital Trust XI

Capital Trust XV

NationsBank

Capital Trust III

BankAmerica

Capital III

Fleet

Capital Trust V

BankBoston

Capital Trust III

Capital Trust IV

MBNA

Capital Trust B

Countrywide

Capital III

Capital IV

Capital V

Merrill Lynch (2)

Capital Trust I

Capital Trust II

Capital Trust III

Total

(1)  Notes are denominated in British Pound. Presentation currency is U.S. Dollar.
(2)  Call notices for Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital Trust III, IV and V were sent on December 29, 2015 and settled on January 29, 2016.

194     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     195

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 12 Commitments and Contingencies
In the normal course of business, the Corporation enters into a 
number of off-balance sheet commitments. These commitments 
expose the Corporation to varying degrees of credit and market 
risk and are subject to the same credit and market risk limitation 
reviews  as  those  instruments  recorded  on  the  Consolidated 
Balance Sheet.

Credit Extension Commitments
The Corporation enters into commitments to extend credit such 
as loan commitments, SBLCs and commercial letters of credit to 
meet  the  financing  needs  of  its  customers.  The  table  below 
includes the notional amount of unfunded legally binding lending 
commitments net of amounts distributed (e.g., syndicated) to other 
financial  institutions  of  $14.3  billion  and  $15.7  billion  at 
December 31,  2015  and  2014.  At  December 31,  2015,  the 
carrying  value  of  these  commitments,  excluding  commitments 

Credit Extension Commitments

accounted  for  under  the  fair  value  option,  was  $664  million, 
including  deferred  revenue  of  $18  million  and  a  reserve  for 
unfunded lending commitments of $646 million. At December 31, 
2014, the comparable amounts were $546 million, $18 million 
and  $528  million,  respectively.  The  carrying  value  of  these 
commitments  is  classified  in  accrued  expenses  and  other 
liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The  table  below  also  includes  the  notional  amount  of 
commitments of $10.9 billion and $9.9 billion at December 31, 
2015 and 2014 that are accounted for under the fair value option. 
However,  the  table  below  excludes  cumulative  net  fair  value  of 
$658 million and $405 million on these commitments, which is 
classified  in  accrued  expenses  and  other  liabilities.  For  more 
information  regarding  the  Corporation’s  loan  commitments 
accounted for under the fair value option, see Note 21 – Fair Value 
Option.

(Dollars in millions)

Notional amount of credit extension commitments

Loan commitments
Home equity lines of credit
Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees (1)
Letters of credit

Legally binding commitments

Credit card lines (2)

Total credit extension commitments

Notional amount of credit extension commitments

Loan commitments
Home equity lines of credit
Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees (1)
Letters of credit

Legally binding commitments

Credit card lines (2)

Total credit extension commitments

December 31, 2015

Expire After
One
Year Through
Three Years

Expire After
Three
Years Through
Five Years

Expire After
Five
Years

Expire in One
Year or Less

$

$

$

$

87,873
7,074
19,584
1,650
116,181
370,127
486,308

79,897
6,292
19,259
1,883
107,331
363,989
471,320

$

$

$

$

119,272
18,438
9,903
165
147,778
—
147,778

$

$

158,920
5,126
3,385
258
167,689
—
167,689

December 31, 2014

97,583
19,679
9,106
157
126,525
—
126,525

$

$

146,743
12,319
4,519
35
163,616
—
163,616

$

$

$

$

37,112
19,697
1,218
54
58,081
—
58,081

18,942
15,417
1,807
88
36,254
—
36,254

$

$

$

$

Total

403,177
50,335
34,090
2,127
489,729
370,127
859,856

343,165
53,707
34,691
2,163
433,726
363,989
797,715

(1)   The notional amounts of SBLCs and financial guarantees classified as investment grade and non-investment grade based on the credit quality of the underlying reference name within the instrument 
were $25.5 billion and $8.4 billion at December 31, 2015, and $26.1 billion and $8.2 billion at December 31, 2014. Amounts in the table include consumer SBLCs of $164 million and $396 million 
at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

(2)   Includes business card unused lines of credit.

Legally binding commitments to extend credit generally have 
specified rates and maturities. Certain of these commitments have 
adverse  change  clauses  that  help  to  protect  the  Corporation 
against deterioration in the borrower’s ability to pay.

Other Commitments
At  December  31,  2015  and  2014,  the  Corporation  had 
commitments to purchase loans (e.g., residential mortgage and 
commercial real estate) of $729 million and $1.8 billion, which 
upon settlement will be included in loans or LHFS.

At  December  31,  2015  and  2014,  the  Corporation  had 
commitments to purchase commodities, primarily liquefied natural 
gas of $1.9 billion and $241 million, which upon settlement will 
be included in trading account assets.

196     Bank of America 2015

At  December  31,  2015  and  2014,  the  Corporation  had 
commitments  to  enter  into  forward-dated  resale  and  securities 
borrowing  agreements  of  $92.6  billion  and  $73.2  billion,  and 
commitments  to  enter  into  forward-dated  repurchase  and 
securities lending agreements of $59.2 billion and $55.8 billion. 
These commitments expire within the next 12 months.

The Corporation is a party to operating leases for certain of its 
premises and equipment. Commitments under these leases are 
approximately $2.5 billion, $2.1 billion, $1.7 billion, $1.5 billion 
and $1.3 billion for 2016 through 2020, respectively, and $4.6 
billion in the aggregate for all years thereafter.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 12 Commitments and Contingencies

In the normal course of business, the Corporation enters into a 

number of off-balance sheet commitments. These commitments 

expose the Corporation to varying degrees of credit and market 

risk and are subject to the same credit and market risk limitation 

reviews  as  those  instruments  recorded  on  the  Consolidated 

Balance Sheet.

Credit Extension Commitments

The Corporation enters into commitments to extend credit such 

as loan commitments, SBLCs and commercial letters of credit to 

meet  the  financing  needs  of  its  customers.  The  table  below 

includes the notional amount of unfunded legally binding lending 

commitments net of amounts distributed (e.g., syndicated) to other 

financial  institutions  of  $14.3  billion  and  $15.7  billion  at 

December 31,  2015  and  2014.  At  December 31,  2015,  the 

carrying  value  of  these  commitments,  excluding  commitments 

Credit Extension Commitments

accounted  for  under  the  fair  value  option,  was  $664  million, 

including  deferred  revenue  of  $18  million  and  a  reserve  for 

unfunded lending commitments of $646 million. At December 31, 

2014, the comparable amounts were $546 million, $18 million 

and  $528  million,  respectively.  The  carrying  value  of  these 

commitments  is  classified  in  accrued  expenses  and  other 

liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The  table  below  also  includes  the  notional  amount  of 

commitments of $10.9 billion and $9.9 billion at December 31, 

2015 and 2014 that are accounted for under the fair value option. 

However,  the  table  below  excludes  cumulative  net  fair  value  of 

$658 million and $405 million on these commitments, which is 

classified  in  accrued  expenses  and  other  liabilities.  For  more 

information  regarding  the  Corporation’s  loan  commitments 

accounted for under the fair value option, see Note 21 – Fair Value 

Option.

Total credit extension commitments

$

486,308

$

147,778

$

167,689

$

58,081

$

(Dollars in millions)

Notional amount of credit extension commitments

Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees (1)

Loan commitments

Home equity lines of credit

Letters of credit

Legally binding commitments

Credit card lines (2)

Notional amount of credit extension commitments

Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees (1)

Loan commitments

Home equity lines of credit

Letters of credit

Legally binding commitments

Credit card lines (2)

at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

(2)   Includes business card unused lines of credit.

December 31, 2015

Expire After

Expire After

One

Year Through

Three Years

Three

Expire After

Years Through

Five Years

Five

Years

Expire in One

Year or Less

$

87,873

$

119,272

$

158,920

$

37,112

$

403,177

7,074

19,584

1,650

116,181

370,127

18,438

9,903

165

147,778

—

5,126

3,385

258

167,689

—

December 31, 2014

6,292

19,259

1,883

107,331

363,989

19,679

9,106

157

126,525

—

12,319

4,519

163,616

35

—

19,697

1,218

58,081

54

—

15,417

1,807

36,254

88

—

$

79,897

$

97,583

$

146,743

$

18,942

$

343,165

Total

50,335

34,090

2,127

489,729

370,127

859,856

53,707

34,691

2,163

433,726

363,989

797,715

Total credit extension commitments

$

471,320

$

126,525

$

163,616

$

36,254

$

(1)   The notional amounts of SBLCs and financial guarantees classified as investment grade and non-investment grade based on the credit quality of the underlying reference name within the instrument 

were $25.5 billion and $8.4 billion at December 31, 2015, and $26.1 billion and $8.2 billion at December 31, 2014. Amounts in the table include consumer SBLCs of $164 million and $396 million 

Legally binding commitments to extend credit generally have 

At  December  31,  2015  and  2014,  the  Corporation  had 

specified rates and maturities. Certain of these commitments have 

commitments  to  enter  into  forward-dated  resale  and  securities 

adverse  change  clauses  that  help  to  protect  the  Corporation 

borrowing  agreements  of  $92.6  billion  and  $73.2  billion,  and 

against deterioration in the borrower’s ability to pay.

Other Commitments

At  December  31,  2015  and  2014,  the  Corporation  had 

commitments to purchase loans (e.g., residential mortgage and 

commercial real estate) of $729 million and $1.8 billion, which 

upon settlement will be included in loans or LHFS.

At  December  31,  2015  and  2014,  the  Corporation  had 

commitments to purchase commodities, primarily liquefied natural 

gas of $1.9 billion and $241 million, which upon settlement will 

be included in trading account assets.

commitments  to  enter  into  forward-dated  repurchase  and 

securities lending agreements of $59.2 billion and $55.8 billion. 

These commitments expire within the next 12 months.

The Corporation is a party to operating leases for certain of its 

premises and equipment. Commitments under these leases are 

approximately $2.5 billion, $2.1 billion, $1.7 billion, $1.5 billion 

and $1.3 billion for 2016 through 2020, respectively, and $4.6 

billion in the aggregate for all years thereafter.

Other Guarantees

Bank-owned Life Insurance Book Value Protection
The Corporation sells products that offer book value protection to 
insurance  carriers  who  offer  group  life  insurance  policies  to 
corporations,  primarily  banks.  The  book  value  protection  is 
provided  on  portfolios  of  intermediate  investment-grade  fixed-
income  securities  and  is  intended  to  cover  any  shortfall  in  the 
event that policyholders surrender their policies and market value 
is below book value. These guarantees are recorded as derivatives 
and carried at fair value in the trading portfolio. At December 31, 
2015 and 2014, the notional amount of these guarantees totaled 
$13.8 billion and $13.6 billion. At both December 31, 2015 and 
2014,  the  Corporation’s  maximum  exposure  related  to  these 
guarantees  totaled  $3.1  billion  with  estimated  maturity  dates 
between  2031  and  2039.  The  net  fair  value  including  the  fee 
receivable associated with these guarantees was $12 million and 
$25 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and reflects the 
probability of surrender as well as the multiple structural protection 
features in the contracts.

Indemnifications
In the ordinary course of business, the Corporation enters into 
various  agreements  that  contain  indemnifications,  such  as  tax 
indemnifications, whereupon payment may become due if certain 
external  events  occur,  such  as  a  change  in  tax  law.  The 
indemnification clauses are often standard contractual terms and 
were entered into in the normal course of business based on an 
assessment  that  the  risk  of  loss  would  be  remote.  These 
agreements  typically  contain  an  early  termination  clause  that 
permits the Corporation to exit the agreement upon these events. 
The  maximum  potential  future  payment  under  indemnification 
agreements is difficult to assess for several reasons, including 
the occurrence of an external event, the inability to predict future 
changes in tax and other laws, the difficulty in determining how 
such  laws  would  apply  to  parties  in  contracts,  the  absence  of 
exposure limits contained in standard contract language and the 
timing of the early termination clause. Historically, any payments 
made  under  these  guarantees  have  been  de  minimis.  The 
Corporation  has  assessed  the  probability  of  making  such 
payments in the future as remote.

Merchant Services
In  accordance  with  credit  and  debit  card  association  rules,  the 
Corporation sponsors merchant processing servicers that process 
credit and debit card transactions on behalf of various merchants. 
In connection with these services, a liability may arise in the event 
of a billing dispute between the merchant and a cardholder that 
is  ultimately  resolved  in  the  cardholder’s  favor.  If  the  merchant 
defaults  on  its  obligation  to  reimburse  the  cardholder,  the 
cardholder, through its issuing bank, generally has until six months 
after the date of the transaction to present a chargeback to the 
merchant  processor,  which  is  primarily  liable  for  any  losses  on 
covered transactions. However, if the merchant processor fails to 

meet  its  obligation  to  reimburse  the  cardholder  for  disputed 
transactions, then the Corporation, as the sponsor, could be held 
liable for the disputed amount. In 2015 and 2014, the sponsored 
entities processed and settled $669.0 billion and $647.1 billion 
of transactions and recorded losses of $22 million and $16 million. 
A significant portion of this activity was processed by a joint venture 
in  which  the  Corporation  holds  a  49  percent  ownership.  At 
December  31,  2015  and  2014,  the  sponsored  merchant 
processing  servicers  held  as  collateral  $181  million  and  $130 
million of merchant escrow deposits which may be used to offset 
amounts due from the individual merchants.

The Corporation believes the maximum potential exposure for 
chargebacks  would  not  exceed  the  total  amount  of  merchant 
transactions processed through Visa and MasterCard for the last 
six months, which represents the claim period for the cardholder, 
plus  any  outstanding  delayed-delivery  transactions.  As  of 
December 31, 2015 and 2014, the maximum potential exposure 
for  sponsored  transactions  totaled  $277.1  billion  and  $269.3 
billion.  However,  the  Corporation  believes  that  the  maximum 
potential  exposure  is  not  representative  of  the  actual  potential 
loss exposure and does not expect to make material payments in 
connection with these guarantees.

Exchange and Clearing House Member Guarantees
The Corporation is a member of various securities and derivative 
exchanges  and  clearinghouses,  both  in  the  U.S.  and  other 
countries. As a member, the Corporation may be required to pay 
a  pro-rata  share  of  the  losses  incurred  by  some  of  these 
organizations as a result of another member default and under 
other loss scenarios. The Corporation’s potential obligations may 
be  limited  to  its  membership  interests  in  such  exchanges  and 
clearinghouses, to the amount (or multiple) of the Corporation’s 
contribution to the guarantee fund or, in limited instances, to the 
full  pro-rata  share  of  the  residual  losses  after  applying  the 
guarantee fund. The Corporation’s maximum potential exposure 
under  these  membership  agreements  is  difficult  to  estimate; 
however, the potential for the Corporation to be required to make 
these payments is remote.

Prime Brokerage and Securities Clearing Services 
In connection with its prime brokerage and clearing businesses, 
the  Corporation  performs  securities  clearance  and  settlement 
services with other brokerage firms and clearinghouses on behalf 
of its clients. Under these arrangements, the Corporation stands 
ready to meet the obligations of its clients with respect to securities 
transactions.  The  Corporation’s  obligations  in  this  respect  are 
secured by the assets in the clients’ accounts and the accounts 
of their customers as well as by any proceeds received from the 
transactions cleared and settled by the firm on behalf of clients 
or their customers. The Corporation’s maximum potential exposure 
under these arrangements is difficult to estimate; however, the 
potential for the Corporation to incur material losses pursuant to 
these arrangements is remote.

196     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     197

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Derivative Contracts
The Corporation funds selected assets, including securities issued 
by  CDOs  and  CLOs,  through  derivative  contracts,  typically  total 
return swaps, with third parties and VIEs that are not consolidated 
by the Corporation. The total notional amount of these derivative 
contracts  was  $371  million  and  $527  million  with  commercial 
banks and $921 million and $1.2 billion with VIEs at December 
31, 2015 and 2014. The underlying securities are senior securities 
and substantially all of the Corporation’s exposures are insured. 
Accordingly, the Corporation’s exposure to loss consists principally 
of  counterparty  risk  to  the  insurers.  In  certain  circumstances, 
generally as a result of ratings downgrades, the Corporation may 
be required to purchase the underlying assets, which would not 
result in additional gain or loss to the Corporation as such exposure 
is already reflected in the fair value of the derivative contracts.

Other Guarantees
The Corporation has entered into additional guarantee agreements 
and commitments, including sold risk participation swaps, liquidity 
facilities, 
lease-end  obligation  agreements,  partial  credit 
guarantees on certain leases, real estate joint venture guarantees, 
divested business commitments and sold put options that require 
gross settlement. The maximum potential future payment under 
these agreements was approximately $6.0 billion and $6.2 billion 
at December 31, 2015 and 2014. The estimated maturity dates 
of these obligations extend up to 2040. The Corporation has made 
no material payments under these guarantees.

In the normal course of business, the Corporation periodically 
guarantees  the  obligations  of  its  affiliates  in  a  variety  of 
transactions  including  ISDA-related  transactions  and  non-ISDA 
related  transactions  such  as  commodities  trading,  repurchase 
agreements, prime brokerage agreements and other transactions.

Payment Protection Insurance Claims Matter
In the U.K., the Corporation previously sold payment protection 
insurance (PPI) through its international card services business 
to credit card customers and consumer loan customers. PPI covers 
a consumer’s loan or debt repayment if certain events occur such 
as  loss  of  job  or  illness.  In  response  to  an  elevated  level  of 
customer  complaints  across  the  industry,  heightened  media 
coverage  and  pressure  from  consumer  advocacy  groups,  the 
Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority 
(FCA)  investigated  and  raised  concerns  about  the  way  some 
companies have handled complaints related to the sale of these 
insurance policies. In November 2015, the FCA issued proposed 
guidance on the treatment of certain PPI claims.

The  reserve  was  $360  million  and  $378  million  at 
December 31, 2015 and 2014. The Corporation recorded expense 
of $319 million and $621 million in 2015 and 2014. It is possible 
that the Corporation will incur additional expense related to PPI 
claims; however, the amount of such additional expense cannot 
be reasonably estimated.

Litigation and Regulatory Matters
In  the  ordinary  course  of  business,  the  Corporation  and  its 
subsidiaries are routinely defendants in or parties to many pending 
and  threatened  legal,  regulatory  and  governmental  actions  and 
proceedings.

In view of the inherent difficulty of predicting the outcome of 
such matters, particularly where the claimants seek very large or 
indeterminate damages or where the matters present novel legal 

198     Bank of America 2015

theories  or  involve  a  large  number  of  parties,  the  Corporation 
generally cannot predict what the eventual outcome of the pending 
matters will be, what the timing of the ultimate resolution of these 
matters will be, or what the eventual loss, fines or penalties related 
to each pending matter may be.

In  accordance  with  applicable  accounting  guidance,  the 
Corporation establishes an accrued liability when those matters 
present loss contingencies that are both probable and estimable. 
In such cases, there may be an exposure to loss in excess of any 
amounts  accrued.  As  a  matter  develops,  the  Corporation,  in 
conjunction  with  any  outside  counsel  handling  the  matter, 
evaluates on an ongoing basis whether such matter presents a 
loss contingency that is probable and estimable. Once the loss 
contingency is deemed to be both probable and estimable, the 
Corporation  will  establish  an  accrued  liability  and  record  a 
litigation-related  expense.  The 
corresponding  amount  of 
Corporation  continues  to  monitor  the  matter 
further 
developments that could affect the amount of the accrued liability 
that  has  been  previously  established.  Excluding  expenses  of 
internal  and  external  legal  service  providers,  litigation-related 
expense  of  $1.2  billion  was  recognized  for  2015  compared  to 
$16.4 billion for 2014.

for 

For a limited number of the matters disclosed in this Note, for 
which a loss, whether in excess of a related accrued liability or 
where there is no accrued liability, is reasonably possible in future 
periods, the Corporation is able to estimate a range of possible 
loss. In determining whether it is possible to estimate a range of 
possible loss, the Corporation reviews and evaluates its matters 
on  an  ongoing  basis,  in  conjunction  with  any  outside  counsel 
handling the matter, in light of potentially relevant factual and legal 
developments.  In  cases  in  which  the  Corporation  possesses 
sufficient appropriate information to estimate a range of possible 
loss, that estimate is aggregated and disclosed below. There may 
be  other  disclosed  matters  for  which  a  loss  is  probable  or 
reasonably possible but such an estimate of the range of possible 
loss may not be possible. For those matters where an estimate 
of the range of possible loss is possible, management currently 
estimates the aggregate range of possible loss is $0 to $2.4 billion 
in excess of the accrued liability (if any) related to those matters. 
This  estimated  range  of  possible  loss  is  based  upon  currently 
available information and is subject to significant judgment and a 
variety of assumptions, and known and unknown uncertainties. 
The matters underlying the estimated range will change from time 
to time, and actual results may vary significantly from the current 
estimate.  Therefore,  this  estimated  range  of  possible  loss 
represents  what  the  Corporation  believes  to  be  an  estimate  of 
possible loss only for certain matters meeting these criteria. It 
does not represent the Corporation’s maximum loss exposure.

Information  is  provided  below  regarding  the  nature  of  all  of 
these contingencies and, where specified, the amount of the claim 
associated  with  these  loss  contingencies.  Based  on  current 
knowledge, management does not believe that loss contingencies 
arising  from  pending  matters,  including  the  matters  described 
herein,  will  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  the  consolidated 
financial position or liquidity of the Corporation. However, in light 
of the inherent uncertainties involved in these matters, some of 
which are beyond the Corporation’s control, and the very large or 
indeterminate  damages  sought  in  some  of  these  matters,  an 
adverse outcome in one or more of these matters could be material 
to  the  Corporation’s  results  of  operations  or  liquidity  for  any 
particular reporting period.

Other Derivative Contracts

The Corporation funds selected assets, including securities issued 

by  CDOs  and  CLOs,  through  derivative  contracts,  typically  total 

return swaps, with third parties and VIEs that are not consolidated 

theories  or  involve  a  large  number  of  parties,  the  Corporation 

generally cannot predict what the eventual outcome of the pending 

matters will be, what the timing of the ultimate resolution of these 

matters will be, or what the eventual loss, fines or penalties related 

by the Corporation. The total notional amount of these derivative 

to each pending matter may be.

contracts  was  $371  million  and  $527  million  with  commercial 

banks and $921 million and $1.2 billion with VIEs at December 

31, 2015 and 2014. The underlying securities are senior securities 

and substantially all of the Corporation’s exposures are insured. 

Accordingly, the Corporation’s exposure to loss consists principally 

of  counterparty  risk  to  the  insurers.  In  certain  circumstances, 

generally as a result of ratings downgrades, the Corporation may 

be required to purchase the underlying assets, which would not 

result in additional gain or loss to the Corporation as such exposure 

is already reflected in the fair value of the derivative contracts.

Other Guarantees

The Corporation has entered into additional guarantee agreements 

and commitments, including sold risk participation swaps, liquidity 

facilities, 

lease-end  obligation  agreements,  partial  credit 

guarantees on certain leases, real estate joint venture guarantees, 

divested business commitments and sold put options that require 

gross settlement. The maximum potential future payment under 

these agreements was approximately $6.0 billion and $6.2 billion 

at December 31, 2015 and 2014. The estimated maturity dates 

of these obligations extend up to 2040. The Corporation has made 

no material payments under these guarantees.

In the normal course of business, the Corporation periodically 

guarantees  the  obligations  of  its  affiliates  in  a  variety  of 

transactions  including  ISDA-related  transactions  and  non-ISDA 

related  transactions  such  as  commodities  trading,  repurchase 

agreements, prime brokerage agreements and other transactions.

Payment Protection Insurance Claims Matter

In the U.K., the Corporation previously sold payment protection 

insurance (PPI) through its international card services business 

to credit card customers and consumer loan customers. PPI covers 

a consumer’s loan or debt repayment if certain events occur such 

as  loss  of  job  or  illness.  In  response  to  an  elevated  level  of 

customer  complaints  across  the  industry,  heightened  media 

coverage  and  pressure  from  consumer  advocacy  groups,  the 

Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority 

(FCA)  investigated  and  raised  concerns  about  the  way  some 

companies have handled complaints related to the sale of these 

insurance policies. In November 2015, the FCA issued proposed 

guidance on the treatment of certain PPI claims.

The  reserve  was  $360  million  and  $378  million  at 

December 31, 2015 and 2014. The Corporation recorded expense 

of $319 million and $621 million in 2015 and 2014. It is possible 

that the Corporation will incur additional expense related to PPI 

claims; however, the amount of such additional expense cannot 

be reasonably estimated.

Litigation and Regulatory Matters

In  the  ordinary  course  of  business,  the  Corporation  and  its 

subsidiaries are routinely defendants in or parties to many pending 

and  threatened  legal,  regulatory  and  governmental  actions  and 

proceedings.

In view of the inherent difficulty of predicting the outcome of 

such matters, particularly where the claimants seek very large or 

indeterminate damages or where the matters present novel legal 

198     Bank of America 2015

In  accordance  with  applicable  accounting  guidance,  the 

Corporation establishes an accrued liability when those matters 

present loss contingencies that are both probable and estimable. 

In such cases, there may be an exposure to loss in excess of any 

amounts  accrued.  As  a  matter  develops,  the  Corporation,  in 

conjunction  with  any  outside  counsel  handling  the  matter, 

evaluates on an ongoing basis whether such matter presents a 

loss contingency that is probable and estimable. Once the loss 

contingency is deemed to be both probable and estimable, the 

Corporation  will  establish  an  accrued  liability  and  record  a 

corresponding  amount  of 

litigation-related  expense.  The 

Corporation  continues  to  monitor  the  matter 

for 

further 

developments that could affect the amount of the accrued liability 

that  has  been  previously  established.  Excluding  expenses  of 

internal  and  external  legal  service  providers,  litigation-related 

expense  of  $1.2  billion  was  recognized  for  2015  compared  to 

$16.4 billion for 2014.

For a limited number of the matters disclosed in this Note, for 

which a loss, whether in excess of a related accrued liability or 

where there is no accrued liability, is reasonably possible in future 

periods, the Corporation is able to estimate a range of possible 

loss. In determining whether it is possible to estimate a range of 

possible loss, the Corporation reviews and evaluates its matters 

on  an  ongoing  basis,  in  conjunction  with  any  outside  counsel 

handling the matter, in light of potentially relevant factual and legal 

developments.  In  cases  in  which  the  Corporation  possesses 

sufficient appropriate information to estimate a range of possible 

loss, that estimate is aggregated and disclosed below. There may 

be  other  disclosed  matters  for  which  a  loss  is  probable  or 

reasonably possible but such an estimate of the range of possible 

loss may not be possible. For those matters where an estimate 

of the range of possible loss is possible, management currently 

estimates the aggregate range of possible loss is $0 to $2.4 billion 

in excess of the accrued liability (if any) related to those matters. 

This  estimated  range  of  possible  loss  is  based  upon  currently 

available information and is subject to significant judgment and a 

variety of assumptions, and known and unknown uncertainties. 

The matters underlying the estimated range will change from time 

to time, and actual results may vary significantly from the current 

estimate.  Therefore,  this  estimated  range  of  possible  loss 

represents  what  the  Corporation  believes  to  be  an  estimate  of 

possible loss only for certain matters meeting these criteria. It 

does not represent the Corporation’s maximum loss exposure.

Information  is  provided  below  regarding  the  nature  of  all  of 

these contingencies and, where specified, the amount of the claim 

associated  with  these  loss  contingencies.  Based  on  current 

knowledge, management does not believe that loss contingencies 

arising  from  pending  matters,  including  the  matters  described 

herein,  will  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  the  consolidated 

financial position or liquidity of the Corporation. However, in light 

of the inherent uncertainties involved in these matters, some of 

which are beyond the Corporation’s control, and the very large or 

indeterminate  damages  sought  in  some  of  these  matters,  an 

adverse outcome in one or more of these matters could be material 

to  the  Corporation’s  results  of  operations  or  liquidity  for  any 

particular reporting period.

Bond Insurance Litigation

Ambac Countrywide Litigation
The Corporation, Countrywide and other Countrywide entities are 
named as defendants in an action filed on September 29, 2010, 
and  as  amended  on  May  28,  2013,  by  Ambac  Assurance 
Corporation  and  the  Segregated  Account  of  Ambac  Assurance 
Corporation 
(together,  Ambac),  entitled  Ambac  Assurance 
Corporation  and  The  Segregated  Account  of  Ambac  Assurance 
Corporation  v.  Countrywide  Home  Loans,  Inc.,  et  al.  This  action, 
currently  pending  in  New  York  Supreme  Court,  relates  to  bond 
insurance policies provided by Ambac on certain securitized pools 
of  second-lien  (and  in  one  pool,  first-lien)  HELOCs,  first-lien 
subprime home equity loans and fixed-rate second-lien mortgage 
loans. Plaintiffs allege that they have paid claims as a result of 
defaults in the underlying loans and assert that the Countrywide 
defendants misrepresented the characteristics of the underlying 
loans  and  breached  certain  contractual  representations  and 
warranties regarding the underwriting and servicing of the loans. 
Plaintiffs  also  allege  that  the  Corporation  is  liable  based  on 
successor  liability  theories. Damages  claimed  by  Ambac  are  in 
excess of $2.2 billion and include the amount of payments for 
current and future claims it has paid or claims it will be obligated 
to pay under the policies, increasing over time as it pays claims 
under relevant policies, plus unspecified punitive damages.

On October 22, 2015, the New York Supreme Court granted in 
part  and  denied  in  part  Countrywide’s  motion  for  summary 
judgment  and  Ambac’s  motion  for  partial  summary  judgment. 
Among  other  things,  the  court  granted  summary  judgment 
dismissing  Ambac’s  claim  for  rescissory  damages  and  denied 
summary judgment regarding Ambac’s claims for fraud and breach 
of  the  insurance  agreements.  The  court  also  denied  the 
Corporation’s motion for summary judgment and granted in part 
Ambac’s  motion  for  partial  summary  judgment  on  Ambac’s 
successor-liability claims with respect to a single element of its 
de facto merger claim. The court denied summary judgment on 
the other elements of Ambac’s de facto merger claim and the other 
successor-liability  claims.  Ambac  filed  its  notice  of  appeal  on 
October 27, 2015. The Corporation filed its notice of appeal on 
November 16, 2015. Countrywide filed its notice of cross-appeal 
on November 18, 2015.

On December 30, 2014, Ambac filed a second complaint in 
the same New York Supreme Court against the same defendants, 
entitled Ambac Assurance Corporation and The Segregated Account 
of Ambac Assurance Corporation v. Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., 
et al., claiming fraudulent inducement against Countrywide, and 
successor and vicarious liability against the Corporation relating 
to eight partially Ambac-insured RMBS transactions that closed 
between 2005 and 2007, all backed by negative amortization pay 
option adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) loans that were originated 
in  whole  or  in  part  by  Countrywide.  Seven  of  the  eight 
securitizations were issued and underwritten by non-parties to the 
litigation.  Ambac  claims  damages  in  excess  of  $600  million 
consisting of all alleged past and future claims against its policies, 
plus other unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.

Also  on  December  30,  2014,  Ambac  filed  a  third  action  in 
Wisconsin Circuit Court, Dane County, against Countrywide Home 
Loans, Inc., entitled The Segregated Account of Ambac Assurance 

Corporation  and  Ambac  Assurance  Corporation  v.  Countrywide 
Home Loans, Inc., claiming that Ambac was fraudulently induced 
to insure portions of five securitizations issued and underwritten 
in 2005 by a non-party that included Countrywide-originated first-
lien negative amortization pay option ARM loans. The complaint 
seeks damages in excess of $350 million for all alleged past and 
future  Ambac  insured  claims  payment  obligations,  plus  other 
unspecified  compensatory  and  punitive damages. Countrywide 
filed a motion to dismiss the complaint on February 20, 2015. On 
July 2, 2015, the court dismissed the complaint for lack of personal 
jurisdiction. Ambac appealed the dismissal to the Court of Appeals 
of Wisconsin, District IV, on July 21, 2015. The appeal remains 
under consideration.

On  July  21,  2015,  Ambac  filed  a  fourth  action  in  New  York 
Supreme  Court  against  Countrywide  Home  Loans,  Inc., entitled 
Ambac  Assurance  Corporation  and  The  Segregated  Account  of 
Ambac Assurance  Corporation  v.  Countrywide  Home  Loans,  Inc. 
asserting the same claims for fraudulent inducement that were 
asserted  in  the  Wisconsin  complaint. Ambac  simultaneously 
moved to stay the action pending resolution of its appeal in the 
Wisconsin action. Countrywide opposed the motion to stay and on 
August 10, 2015, moved to dismiss the complaint. The court heard 
argument on the motions on November 18, 2015. Both motions 
remain under consideration.

Ambac First Franklin Litigation
On April 16, 2012, Ambac sued First Franklin Financial Corporation 
(First Franklin), BANA, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc. 
(MLPF&S), Merrill Lynch Mortgage Lending, Inc. (MLML), and Merrill 
Lynch Mortgage Investors, Inc. (MLMI) in New York Supreme Court. 
Ambac’s claims relate to guaranty insurance Ambac provided on 
a First Franklin securitization (Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 
2007-FFC).  MLML  sponsored  and  Ambac  insured  certain 
certificates  in  the  securitization.  The  complaint  alleges  that 
defendants breached representations and warranties concerning, 
among  other  things,  First  Franklin’s  lending  practices,  the 
characteristics of the underlying mortgage loans, the underwriting 
guidelines  followed  in  originating  those  loans,  and  the  due 
diligence conducted with respect to those loans. The complaint 
asserts  claims  for  fraudulent  inducement,  breach  of  contract, 
indemnification and attorneys’ fees. Ambac also asserts breach 
of contract claims against BANA based upon its servicing of the 
loans in the securitization. The complaint alleges that Ambac has 
paid hundreds of millions of dollars in claims and has accrued and 
continues to accrue tens of millions of dollars in additional claims, 
and Ambac seeks as damages the total claims it has paid and its 
projected future claims payment obligations, as well as specific 
performance of defendants’ contractual repurchase obligations.

On  July  19,  2013,  the  court  denied  defendants’  motion  to 
dismiss  Ambac’s  contract  and  fraud  causes  of  action  but 
dismissed Ambac’s indemnification cause of action. In addition, 
the court denied defendants’ motion to dismiss Ambac’s claims 
for attorneys’ fees and punitive damages. On September 17, 2015, 
the court denied Ambac’s motion to strike defendants’ affirmative 
defense of in pari delicto and granted Ambac’s motion to strike 
defendants’ affirmative defense of unclean hands.

Bank of America 2015     199

European Commission - Credit Default Swaps Antitrust 
Investigation
On  July  1,  2013,  the  European  Commission  (Commission) 
announced that it had addressed a Statement of Objections (SO) 
to  the  Corporation,  BANA  and  Banc  of  America  Securities  LLC 
(together, the Bank of America Entities), a number of other financial 
institutions,  Markit  Group  Limited,  and  the  International  Swaps 
and  Derivatives  Association  (together,  the  Parties).  The  SO  set 
forth  the  Commission’s  preliminary  conclusion  that  the  Parties 
infringed  European  Union  competition  law  by  participating  in 
alleged collusion to prevent exchange trading of CDS and futures. 
According to the SO, the conduct of the Bank of America Entities 
took place between August 2007 and April 2009. On December 
4,  2015,  the  Commission  announced  that  it  was  closing  its 
investigation against the Bank of America Entities and the other 
financial institutions involved in the investigation. 

Interchange and Related Litigation
In  2005,  a  group  of  merchants  filed  a  series  of  putative  class 
actions  and  individual  actions  directed  at  interchange  fees 
associated with Visa and MasterCard payment card transactions. 
These actions, which were consolidated in the U.S. District Court 
for the Eastern District of New York under the caption In Re Payment 
Card Interchange Fee and Merchant Discount Anti-Trust Litigation 
(Interchange),  named  Visa,  MasterCard  and  several  banks  and 
BHCs, including the Corporation, as defendants. Plaintiffs allege 
that defendants conspired to fix the level of default interchange 
rates  and  that  certain  rules  of  Visa  and  MasterCard  related  to 
merchant acceptance of payment cards at the point of sale were 
unreasonable  restraints  of  trade.  Plaintiffs  sought  unspecified 
damages and injunctive relief. On October 19, 2012, defendants 
settled the matter.

The settlement provided for, among other things, (i) payments 
by  defendants  to  the  class  and  individual  plaintiffs  totaling 
approximately  $6.6  billion,  allocated  proportionately  to  each 
defendant  based  upon  various  loss-sharing  agreements;  (ii) 
distribution to class merchants of an amount equal to 10 basis 
points (bps) of default interchange across all Visa and MasterCard 
credit card transactions for a period of eight consecutive months, 
which  otherwise  would  have  been  paid  to  issuers  and  which 
effectively reduces credit interchange for that period of time; and 
(iii) modifications to certain Visa and MasterCard rules regarding 
merchant point of sale practices.

The  court  granted  final  approval  of  the  class  settlement 
agreement  on  December  13,  2013.  Several  class  members 
appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and 
the court held oral argument on September 28, 2015.

On July 28, 2015, certain objectors to the class settlement 
filed motions asking the district court to vacate or set aside its 
final judgment approving the settlement, or in the alternative, to 
grant further discovery, in light of communications between one 
of  MasterCard’s  former  lawyers  and  one  of  the  lawyers  for  the 
class  plaintiffs. The  defendants  and  the  class  plaintiffs  filed 
responses to the motions on August 18, 2015 and the objectors 
filed replies on September 2, 2015. The court has not set oral 
argument.

Following  approval  of  the  class  settlement  agreement,  a 
number of class members opted out of the settlement. As a result 
of  various  loss-sharing  agreements  from  the  main  Interchange 
litigation,  the  Corporation  remains  liable  for  any  settlement  or 
judgment in opt-out suits where it is not named as a defendant. 

200     Bank of America 2015

The Corporation has pending one opt-out suit, as well as an action 
brought by cardholders. All of the opt-out suits filed to date have 
been consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District 
of New York. On July 18, 2014, the court denied defendants’ motion 
to dismiss opt-out complaints filed by merchants, and on November 
26, 2014, the court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss the 
Sherman Act claim in the cardholder complaint. In the cardholder 
action, the parties have moved for reconsideration of the court’s 
November 26, 2014 decision dismissing the Sherman Act claim, 
and have also appealed the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals 
for the Second Circuit.

LIBOR, Other Reference Rate and Foreign Exchange 
(FX) Inquiries and Litigation
Government  authorities  in  the  Americas,  Europe  and  the  Asia 
Pacific  region  continue  to conduct  investigations  and  make 
inquiries  of  a  significant  number  of  FX  market  participants, 
including  the  Corporation,  regarding  FX  market  participants’ 
conduct  and  systems  and  controls.  Government  authorities  in 
these regions also continue to conduct investigations concerning 
submissions made by panel banks in connection with the setting 
of LIBOR and other reference rates. The Corporation is responding 
to and cooperating with these investigations. 

In addition, the Corporation, BANA and certain Merrill Lynch 
affiliates have been named as defendants along with most of the 
other  LIBOR  panel  banks  in  a  series  of  individual  and  putative 
class  actions  relating  to  defendants’  U.S.  Dollar  LIBOR 
contributions. All cases naming the Corporation and its affiliates 
relating to U.S. Dollar LIBOR have been or are in the process of 
being consolidated for pre-trial purposes in the U.S. District Court 
for  the  Southern  District  of  New  York  by  the  Judicial  Panel  on 
Multidistrict  Litigation.  The  Corporation  expects  that  any  future 
U.S. Dollar LIBOR cases naming it or its affiliates will similarly be 
consolidated for pre-trial purposes. Plaintiffs allege that they held 
or transacted in U.S. Dollar LIBOR-based financial instruments and 
sustained  losses  as  a  result  of  collusion  or  manipulation  by 
defendants regarding the setting of U.S. Dollar LIBOR. Plaintiffs 
assert a variety of claims, including antitrust, Commodity Exchange 
Act (CEA), Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO), 
common  law  fraud,  and  breach  of  contract  claims,  and  seek 
compensatory, treble and punitive damages, and injunctive relief. 
In a series of rulings, the court dismissed antitrust, RICO and 
certain state law claims, and substantially limited the scope of 
CEA and various other claims. As to the Corporation and BANA, 
the court also dismissed manipulation claims based on alleged 
trader conduct. Some claims against the Corporation, BANA and 
certain Merrill Lynch affiliates remain pending, however, and the 
court is continuing to consider motions regarding them. Certain 
plaintiffs are also pursuing an appeal in the Second Circuit of the 
dismissal of their antitrust claims.

In  addition,  in  a  consolidated  amended  complaint  filed  on 
March  31,  2014,  the  Corporation  and  BANA  were  named  as 
defendants along with other FX market participants in a putative 
class action filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District 
of  New  York  on  behalf  of  plaintiffs  and  a  putative  class  who 
allegedly  transacted  in  FX  and  are  domiciled  in  the  U.S.  or 
transacted  in  FX  in  the  U.S.  The  complaint  alleges  that  class 
members sustained losses as a result of the defendants’ alleged 
conspiracy  to  manipulate  the  WM/Reuters  Closing  Spot  Rates. 
Plaintiffs assert a single claim for violations of Sections 1 and 3 

for the Eastern District of New York under the caption In Re Payment 

to and cooperating with these investigations. 

European Commission - Credit Default Swaps Antitrust 

Investigation

On  July  1,  2013,  the  European  Commission  (Commission) 

announced that it had addressed a Statement of Objections (SO) 

to  the  Corporation,  BANA  and  Banc  of  America  Securities  LLC 

(together, the Bank of America Entities), a number of other financial 

institutions,  Markit  Group  Limited,  and  the  International  Swaps 

and  Derivatives  Association  (together,  the  Parties).  The  SO  set 

forth  the  Commission’s  preliminary  conclusion  that  the  Parties 

infringed  European  Union  competition  law  by  participating  in 

alleged collusion to prevent exchange trading of CDS and futures. 

According to the SO, the conduct of the Bank of America Entities 

took place between August 2007 and April 2009. On December 

4,  2015,  the  Commission  announced  that  it  was  closing  its 

investigation against the Bank of America Entities and the other 

financial institutions involved in the investigation. 

Interchange and Related Litigation

In  2005,  a  group  of  merchants  filed  a  series  of  putative  class 

actions  and  individual  actions  directed  at  interchange  fees 

associated with Visa and MasterCard payment card transactions. 

These actions, which were consolidated in the U.S. District Court 

Card Interchange Fee and Merchant Discount Anti-Trust Litigation 

(Interchange),  named  Visa,  MasterCard  and  several  banks  and 

BHCs, including the Corporation, as defendants. Plaintiffs allege 

that defendants conspired to fix the level of default interchange 

rates  and  that  certain  rules  of  Visa  and  MasterCard  related  to 

merchant acceptance of payment cards at the point of sale were 

unreasonable  restraints  of  trade.  Plaintiffs  sought  unspecified 

damages and injunctive relief. On October 19, 2012, defendants 

settled the matter.

The settlement provided for, among other things, (i) payments 

by  defendants  to  the  class  and  individual  plaintiffs  totaling 

approximately  $6.6  billion,  allocated  proportionately  to  each 

defendant  based  upon  various  loss-sharing  agreements;  (ii) 

distribution to class merchants of an amount equal to 10 basis 

points (bps) of default interchange across all Visa and MasterCard 

credit card transactions for a period of eight consecutive months, 

which  otherwise  would  have  been  paid  to  issuers  and  which 

effectively reduces credit interchange for that period of time; and 

(iii) modifications to certain Visa and MasterCard rules regarding 

merchant point of sale practices.

The  court  granted  final  approval  of  the  class  settlement 

agreement  on  December  13,  2013.  Several  class  members 

appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and 

the court held oral argument on September 28, 2015.

On July 28, 2015, certain objectors to the class settlement 

filed motions asking the district court to vacate or set aside its 

grant further discovery, in light of communications between one 

of  MasterCard’s  former  lawyers  and  one  of  the  lawyers  for  the 

class  plaintiffs. The  defendants  and  the  class  plaintiffs  filed 

responses to the motions on August 18, 2015 and the objectors 

filed replies on September 2, 2015. The court has not set oral 

argument.

Following  approval  of  the  class  settlement  agreement,  a 

number of class members opted out of the settlement. As a result 

of  various  loss-sharing  agreements  from  the  main  Interchange 

litigation,  the  Corporation  remains  liable  for  any  settlement  or 

judgment in opt-out suits where it is not named as a defendant. 

200     Bank of America 2015

The Corporation has pending one opt-out suit, as well as an action 

brought by cardholders. All of the opt-out suits filed to date have 

been consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District 

of New York. On July 18, 2014, the court denied defendants’ motion 

to dismiss opt-out complaints filed by merchants, and on November 

26, 2014, the court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss the 

Sherman Act claim in the cardholder complaint. In the cardholder 

action, the parties have moved for reconsideration of the court’s 

November 26, 2014 decision dismissing the Sherman Act claim, 

and have also appealed the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals 

for the Second Circuit.

LIBOR, Other Reference Rate and Foreign Exchange 

(FX) Inquiries and Litigation

Government  authorities  in  the  Americas,  Europe  and  the  Asia 

Pacific  region  continue  to conduct  investigations  and  make 

inquiries  of  a  significant  number  of  FX  market  participants, 

including  the  Corporation,  regarding  FX  market  participants’ 

conduct  and  systems  and  controls.  Government  authorities  in 

these regions also continue to conduct investigations concerning 

submissions made by panel banks in connection with the setting 

of LIBOR and other reference rates. The Corporation is responding 

In addition, the Corporation, BANA and certain Merrill Lynch 

affiliates have been named as defendants along with most of the 

other  LIBOR  panel  banks  in  a  series  of  individual  and  putative 

class  actions  relating  to  defendants’  U.S.  Dollar  LIBOR 

contributions. All cases naming the Corporation and its affiliates 

relating to U.S. Dollar LIBOR have been or are in the process of 

being consolidated for pre-trial purposes in the U.S. District Court 

for  the  Southern  District  of  New  York  by  the  Judicial  Panel  on 

Multidistrict  Litigation.  The  Corporation  expects  that  any  future 

U.S. Dollar LIBOR cases naming it or its affiliates will similarly be 

consolidated for pre-trial purposes. Plaintiffs allege that they held 

or transacted in U.S. Dollar LIBOR-based financial instruments and 

sustained  losses  as  a  result  of  collusion  or  manipulation  by 

defendants regarding the setting of U.S. Dollar LIBOR. Plaintiffs 

assert a variety of claims, including antitrust, Commodity Exchange 

Act (CEA), Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO), 

common  law  fraud,  and  breach  of  contract  claims,  and  seek 

compensatory, treble and punitive damages, and injunctive relief. 

In a series of rulings, the court dismissed antitrust, RICO and 

certain state law claims, and substantially limited the scope of 

CEA and various other claims. As to the Corporation and BANA, 

the court also dismissed manipulation claims based on alleged 

trader conduct. Some claims against the Corporation, BANA and 

certain Merrill Lynch affiliates remain pending, however, and the 

court is continuing to consider motions regarding them. Certain 

plaintiffs are also pursuing an appeal in the Second Circuit of the 

In  addition,  in  a  consolidated  amended  complaint  filed  on 

March  31,  2014,  the  Corporation  and  BANA  were  named  as 

defendants along with other FX market participants in a putative 

class action filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District 

of  New  York  on  behalf  of  plaintiffs  and  a  putative  class  who 

allegedly  transacted  in  FX  and  are  domiciled  in  the  U.S.  or 

transacted  in  FX  in  the  U.S.  The  complaint  alleges  that  class 

members sustained losses as a result of the defendants’ alleged 

conspiracy  to  manipulate  the  WM/Reuters  Closing  Spot  Rates. 

Plaintiffs assert a single claim for violations of Sections 1 and 3 

final judgment approving the settlement, or in the alternative, to 

dismissal of their antitrust claims.

of the Sherman Act and seek compensatory and treble damages, 
as well as declaratory and injunctive relief.

On January 28, 2015, the court denied defendants’ motion to 
dismiss. In April 2015, the Corporation and BANA agreed to settle 
the  class  action  for  $180  million.  On  September  21,  2015, 
plaintiffs filed a second consolidated amended complaint, in which 
they  named  additional  defendants,  including  MLPF&S,  added 
claims for violations of the CEA, and expanded the scope of the 
FX transactions purportedly affected by the alleged conspiracy to 
include  additional  over-the-counter  FX  transactions  and  FX 
transactions on an exchange. On October 1, 2015, the Corporation, 
BANA and MLPF&S executed a final settlement agreement, which 
included  the  previously-referenced  $180  million  settlement  for 
persons who transacted in FX over-the-counter and a $7.5 million 
settlement for persons who transacted in FX on an exchange only. 
The settlement is subject to final court approval.

Montgomery
The Corporation, several current and former officers and directors, 
Banc  of  America  Securities  LLC  (BAS),  MLPF&S  and  other 
unaffiliated  underwriters  have  been  named  as  defendants  in  a 
putative class action filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern 
District of New York entitled Montgomery v. Bank of America, et al. 
Plaintiff filed an amended complaint on January 14, 2011. Plaintiff 
seeks  to  represent  all  persons  who  acquired  certain  series  of 
preferred  stock  offered  by  the  Corporation  pursuant  to  a  shelf 
registration statement dated May 5, 2006. Plaintiff’s claims arise 
from three offerings dated January 24, 2008, January 28, 2008 
and May 20, 2008, from which the Corporation allegedly received 
proceeds of $15.8 billion. The amended complaint asserts claims 
under Sections 11, 12(a)(2) and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, 
and alleges that the prospectus supplements associated with the 
offerings: (i) failed to disclose that the Corporation’s loans, leases, 
CDOs and commercial MBS were impaired to a greater extent than 
disclosed; (ii) misrepresented the extent of the impaired assets 
by failing to establish adequate reserves or properly record losses 
for its impaired assets; (iii) misrepresented the adequacy of the 
Corporation’s internal controls in light of the alleged impairment 
of its assets; (iv) misrepresented the Corporation’s capital base 
and  Tier  1  leverage  ratio  for  risk-based  capital  in  light  of  the 
allegedly 
the 
thoroughness and adequacy of the Corporation’s due diligence in 
connection  with  its  acquisition  of  Countrywide.  The  amended 
complaint seeks rescission, compensatory and other damages. 
On  March  16,  2012,  the  court  granted  defendants’  motion  to 
dismiss the first amended complaint. On December 3, 2013, the 
court denied plaintiffs’ motion to file a second amended complaint.
On June 15, 2015, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second 
Circuit affirmed the district court’s denial of plaintiff’s motion to 
amend. On June 29, 2015, plaintiff filed a petition for rehearing 
en banc.

impaired  assets;  and 

(v)  misrepresented 

On July 31, 2015, the U.S. Court of Appeals denied plaintiff’s 
petition  for  rehearing  en  banc.  On  January  11,  2016,  the  U.S. 
Supreme Court denied plaintiff’s petition for a writ of certiorari, 
thereby exhausting plaintiff’s appellate options.

and/or controlling entity in MBS offerings, pursuant to which the 
MBS investors were entitled to a portion of the cash flow from the 
underlying  pools  of  mortgages.  These  cases  generally  include 
purported  class  action  suits  and  actions  by  individual  MBS 
purchasers. Although the allegations vary by lawsuit, these cases 
generally  allege  that  the  registration  statements,  prospectuses 
and  prospectus  supplements 
issued  by 
securitization trusts contained material misrepresentations and 
omissions, in violation of the Securities Act of 1933 and/or state 
securities laws and other state statutory and common laws.

for  securities 

These  cases  generally  involve  allegations  of  false  and 
misleading  statements  regarding:  (i)  the  process  by  which  the 
properties  that  served  as  collateral  for  the  mortgage  loans 
underlying the MBS were appraised; (ii) the percentage of equity 
that mortgage borrowers had in their homes; (iii) the borrowers’ 
ability to repay their mortgage loans; (iv) the underwriting practices 
by  which  those  mortgage  loans  were  originated;  (v)  the  ratings 
given to the different tranches of MBS by rating agencies; and (vi) 
the  validity  of  each  issuing  trust’s  title  to  the  mortgage  loans 
comprising  the  pool  for  that  securitization  (collectively,  MBS 
Claims).  Plaintiffs  in  these  cases  generally  seek  unspecified 
compensatory damages, unspecified costs and legal fees and, in 
some instances, seek rescission.

The Corporation, Countrywide, Merrill Lynch and their affiliates 
may have claims for or may be subject to claims for contractual 
indemnification in connection with their various roles in regard to 
MBS. Certain  of  these  entities  have  received  claims  for 
indemnification related to MBS securities actions, including claims 
from underwriters of MBS that were issued by these entities, and 
from underwriters and issuers of MBS backed by loans originated 
by these entities.

FHLB Seattle Litigation
On December 23, 2009, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle 
(FHLB  Seattle)  filed  four  separate  complaints,  each  against 
different defendants, including the Corporation and its affiliates, 
Countrywide and its affiliates, and MLPF&S and its affiliates, as 
well  as  certain  other  defendants,  in  the  Superior  Court  of 
Washington for King County entitled Federal Home Loan Bank of 
Seattle v. UBS Securities LLC, et al.; Federal Home Loan Bank of 
Seattle v. Countrywide Securities Corp., et al.; Federal Home Loan 
Bank of Seattle v. Banc of America Securities LLC, et al. and Federal 
Home Loan Bank of Seattle v. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, 
Inc., et al. FHLB Seattle asserts certain MBS Claims pertaining to 
its  alleged  purchases  in  12  MBS  offerings  between  2005  and 
2007.  In  those  complaints,  FHLB  Seattle  seeks,  among  other 
relief,  unspecified  damages  under  the  Securities  Act  of 
Washington. On July 19, 2011, the Court denied the defendants’ 
motions to dismiss the complaints. In November 2015, the Court 
denied motions for summary judgment filed by all defendants that 
addressed  certain  common  issues,  including  the  method  for 
calculating pre-judgment interest in the event an award of interest 
is ultimately made under the Securities Act of Washington. Motions 
for  summary  judgment  filed  by  defendants  addressing  issues 
specific to each complaint and defendant, as well as additional 
issues common to all defendants, remain pending.

Mortgage-backed Securities Litigation
The Corporation and its affiliates, Countrywide entities and their 
affiliates, and Merrill Lynch entities and their affiliates have been 
named as defendants in a number of cases relating to their various 
roles as issuer, originator, seller, depositor, sponsor, underwriter 

Luther Class Action Litigation and Related Actions
Beginning in 2007, a number of pension funds and other investors 
filed putative class action lawsuits alleging certain MBS Claims 
against  Countrywide,  several  of  its  affiliates,  MLPF&S,  the 

Bank of America 2015     201

Corporation,  NB  Holdings  Corporation  and  certain  other 
defendants. Those class action lawsuits concerned a total of 429 
MBS offerings involving over $350 billion in securities issued by 
subsidiaries of Countrywide between 2005 and 2007. The actions, 
entitled Luther v. Countrywide Financial Corporation, et al., Maine 
State Retirement System v. Countrywide Financial Corporation, et 
al.,  Western  Conference  of  Teamsters  Pension  Trust  Fund  v. 
Countrywide  Financial  Corporation,  et  al.,  and  Putnam  Bank  v. 
Countrywide Financial Corporation, et al., were all assigned to the 
Countrywide RMBS MDL court. On December 6, 2013, the court 
granted  final  approval  to  a  settlement  of  these  actions  in  the 
amount of $500 million. Beginning on January 14, 2014, a number 
of class members appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 
Ninth Circuit. Oral argument is expected to be held in the second 
quarter of 2016.

Mortgage Repurchase Litigation

U.S. Bank Litigation
On August 29, 2011, U.S. Bank, National Association (U.S. Bank), 
as trustee for the HarborView Mortgage Loan Trust 2005-10 (the 
Trust), a mortgage pool backed by loans originated by Countrywide 
Home Loans, Inc. (CHL), filed a complaint in New York Supreme 
Court, in a case entitled U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee 
for HarborView Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2005-10 v. Countrywide 
Home  Loans,  Inc.  (dba  Bank  of America  Home  Loans),  Bank  of 
America Corporation, Countrywide Financial Corporation, Bank of 
America, N.A. and NB Holdings Corporation. U.S. Bank asserts that, 
as a result of alleged misrepresentations by CHL in connection 
with  its  sale  of  the  loans,  defendants  must  repurchase  all  the 
loans in the pool, or in the alternative that it must repurchase a 
subset  of  those  loans  as  to  which  U.S.  Bank  alleges  that 
defendants have refused specific repurchase demands. U.S. Bank 
asserts  claims  for  breach  of  contract  and  seeks  specific 
performance of defendants’ alleged obligation to repurchase the 
entire pool of loans (alleged to have an original aggregate principal 
balance  of  $1.75  billion)  or  alternatively  the  aforementioned 
subset (alleged to have an aggregate principal balance of “over 
$100  million”),  together  with  reimbursement  of  costs  and 
expenses and other unspecified relief. On May 29, 2013, the New 
York Supreme Court dismissed U.S. Bank’s claim for repurchase 
of all the mortgage loans in the Trust. The court granted U.S. Bank 
leave to amend this claim. On June 18, 2013, U.S. Bank filed its 
second  amended  complaint  seeking  to  replead  its  claim  for 
repurchase of all loans in the Trust.

On February 13, 2014, the court granted defendants’ motion 
to dismiss the repleaded claim seeking repurchase of all mortgage 
loans in the Trust; plaintiff appealed that order. On November 13, 
2014, the court granted U.S. Bank’s motion for leave to amend 
the  complaint;  defendants  appealed  that  order.  The  amended 
complaint  alleges  breach  of  contract  based  upon  defendants’ 
failure  to  repurchase  loans  that  were  the  subject  of  specific 
repurchase demands and also alleges breach of contract based 
upon defendants’ discovery, during origination and servicing, of 
loans with material breaches of representations and warranties.

On September 16, 2015, defendants (i) withdrew the appeal 
that  had  been  noticed,  but  not  briefed,  regarding  the  court’s 
November 13, 2014 order that had granted U.S. Bank’s motion 
for  leave  to  amend,  and  (ii)  moved,  on  the  ground  of  failure  to 
perfect,  for  dismissal  of  U.S.  Bank’s  appeal  from  the  court’s 
February  13,  2014  order  that  had  dismissed  a  claim  seeking 

202     Bank of America 2015

repurchase of all mortgage loans and sought clarification of a prior 
dismissal order. On September 30, 2015, U.S. Bank advised the 
court  that  it  did  not  oppose  dismissal  of  its  appeal  from  the 
February 13, 2014 order. On December 15, 2015, defendants’ 
motion to dismiss U.S. Bank’s appeal was granted.

U.S. Bank Summonses with Notice
On August 29, 2014 and September 2, 2014, U.S. Bank National 
Association (U.S. Bank), solely in its capacity as Trustee for seven 
securitization trusts (the Trusts), served seven summonses with 
notice  commencing  actions  against  First  Franklin  Financial 
Corporation,  Merrill  Lynch  Mortgage  Lending,  Inc.,  Merrill  Lynch 
Mortgage Investors, Inc. (MLMI), and Ownit Mortgage Solutions 
Inc. in New York Supreme Court. The summonses advance breach 
of  contract  claims  alleging 
that  defendants  breached 
representations and warranties related to loans securitized in the 
Trusts.  The  summonses  allege  that  defendants  failed  to 
repurchase breaching mortgage loans from the Trusts, and seek 
specific  performance  of  defendants’  alleged  obligation  to 
repurchase breaching loans, declaratory judgment, compensatory, 
rescissory and other damages, and indemnity. 

U.S. Bank has served complaints on four of the seven Trusts. 
On December 7, 2015, the court granted in part and denied in 
part  defendants’  motion  to  dismiss  the  complaints.  The  court 
dismissed  claims  for  breach  of  representations  and  warranties 
against  MLMI,  dismissed  U.S.  Bank’s  claims  for  indemnity  and 
attorneys’  fees,  and  deferred  a  ruling  regarding  defendants’ 
alleged  failure  to  provide  notice  of  alleged  representation  and 
warranty breaches, but upheld the complaints in all other respects. 
Defendants have until June 8, 2016 to demand complaints relating 
to the remaining three Trusts.

O’Donnell Litigation
On February 24, 2012, Edward O’Donnell filed a sealed qui tam 
complaint  under  the  False  Claims  Act  against  the  Corporation, 
individually,  and  as  successor  to  Countrywide,  CHL  and  a 
Countrywide business division known as Full Spectrum Lending. 
On October 24, 2012, the Department of Justice filed a complaint-
in-intervention to join the matter, adding a claim under the Financial 
Institutions  Reform,  Recovery  and  Enforcement  Act  of  1989 
(FIRREA) and adding BANA as a defendant. The action is entitled 
United States of America, ex rel, Edward O’Donnell, appearing Qui 
Tam v. Bank of America Corp., et al., and was filed in the U.S. District 
Court  for  the  Southern  District  of  New  York.  The  complaint-in-
intervention asserted certain fraud claims in connection with the 
sale of loans to FNMA and FHLMC by Full Spectrum Lending and 
by  the  Corporation  and  BANA.  On  January  11,  2013,  the 
government filed an amended complaint which added Countrywide 
Bank,  FSB  (CFSB)  and  a  former  officer  of  the  Corporation  as 
defendants. The court dismissed False Claims Act counts on May 
8, 2013. On September 6, 2013, the government filed a second 
amended  complaint  alleging  claims  under  FIRREA  concerning 
allegedly fraudulent loan sales to the GSEs between August 2007 
and  May  2008.  On  September  24,  2013,  the  government 
dismissed the Corporation as a defendant. Following a trial, on 
October 23, 2013, a verdict of liability was returned against CHL, 
CFSB, BANA and the former officer. On July 30, 2014, the court 
imposed a civil penalty of $1.3 billion on BANA. On February 3, 
2015, the court denied the Corporation’s motions for judgment as 
a matter of law, or in the alternative, a new trial. 

Corporation,  NB  Holdings  Corporation  and  certain  other 

repurchase of all mortgage loans and sought clarification of a prior 

defendants. Those class action lawsuits concerned a total of 429 

dismissal order. On September 30, 2015, U.S. Bank advised the 

MBS offerings involving over $350 billion in securities issued by 

court  that  it  did  not  oppose  dismissal  of  its  appeal  from  the 

subsidiaries of Countrywide between 2005 and 2007. The actions, 

February 13, 2014 order. On December 15, 2015, defendants’ 

entitled Luther v. Countrywide Financial Corporation, et al., Maine 

motion to dismiss U.S. Bank’s appeal was granted.

State Retirement System v. Countrywide Financial Corporation, et 

al.,  Western  Conference  of  Teamsters  Pension  Trust  Fund  v. 

Countrywide  Financial  Corporation,  et  al.,  and  Putnam  Bank  v. 

Countrywide Financial Corporation, et al., were all assigned to the 

Countrywide RMBS MDL court. On December 6, 2013, the court 

granted  final  approval  to  a  settlement  of  these  actions  in  the 

amount of $500 million. Beginning on January 14, 2014, a number 

of class members appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 

Ninth Circuit. Oral argument is expected to be held in the second 

quarter of 2016.

Mortgage Repurchase Litigation

U.S. Bank Litigation

On August 29, 2011, U.S. Bank, National Association (U.S. Bank), 

as trustee for the HarborView Mortgage Loan Trust 2005-10 (the 

Trust), a mortgage pool backed by loans originated by Countrywide 

Home Loans, Inc. (CHL), filed a complaint in New York Supreme 

Court, in a case entitled U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee 

for HarborView Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2005-10 v. Countrywide 

Home  Loans,  Inc.  (dba  Bank  of America  Home  Loans),  Bank  of 

America Corporation, Countrywide Financial Corporation, Bank of 

America, N.A. and NB Holdings Corporation. U.S. Bank asserts that, 

as a result of alleged misrepresentations by CHL in connection 

with  its  sale  of  the  loans,  defendants  must  repurchase  all  the 

loans in the pool, or in the alternative that it must repurchase a 

subset  of  those  loans  as  to  which  U.S.  Bank  alleges  that 

defendants have refused specific repurchase demands. U.S. Bank 

asserts  claims  for  breach  of  contract  and  seeks  specific 

performance of defendants’ alleged obligation to repurchase the 

entire pool of loans (alleged to have an original aggregate principal 

balance  of  $1.75  billion)  or  alternatively  the  aforementioned 

subset (alleged to have an aggregate principal balance of “over 

$100  million”),  together  with  reimbursement  of  costs  and 

expenses and other unspecified relief. On May 29, 2013, the New 

York Supreme Court dismissed U.S. Bank’s claim for repurchase 

of all the mortgage loans in the Trust. The court granted U.S. Bank 

leave to amend this claim. On June 18, 2013, U.S. Bank filed its 

second  amended  complaint  seeking  to  replead  its  claim  for 

repurchase of all loans in the Trust.

On February 13, 2014, the court granted defendants’ motion 

to dismiss the repleaded claim seeking repurchase of all mortgage 

loans in the Trust; plaintiff appealed that order. On November 13, 

2014, the court granted U.S. Bank’s motion for leave to amend 

the  complaint;  defendants  appealed  that  order.  The  amended 

complaint  alleges  breach  of  contract  based  upon  defendants’ 

failure  to  repurchase  loans  that  were  the  subject  of  specific 

repurchase demands and also alleges breach of contract based 

upon defendants’ discovery, during origination and servicing, of 

loans with material breaches of representations and warranties.

On September 16, 2015, defendants (i) withdrew the appeal 

that  had  been  noticed,  but  not  briefed,  regarding  the  court’s 

November 13, 2014 order that had granted U.S. Bank’s motion 

for  leave  to  amend,  and  (ii)  moved,  on  the  ground  of  failure  to 

perfect,  for  dismissal  of  U.S.  Bank’s  appeal  from  the  court’s 

February  13,  2014  order  that  had  dismissed  a  claim  seeking 

202     Bank of America 2015

U.S. Bank Summonses with Notice

On August 29, 2014 and September 2, 2014, U.S. Bank National 

Association (U.S. Bank), solely in its capacity as Trustee for seven 

securitization trusts (the Trusts), served seven summonses with 

notice  commencing  actions  against  First  Franklin  Financial 

Corporation,  Merrill  Lynch  Mortgage  Lending,  Inc.,  Merrill  Lynch 

Mortgage Investors, Inc. (MLMI), and Ownit Mortgage Solutions 

Inc. in New York Supreme Court. The summonses advance breach 

of  contract  claims  alleging 

that  defendants  breached 

representations and warranties related to loans securitized in the 

Trusts.  The  summonses  allege  that  defendants  failed  to 

repurchase breaching mortgage loans from the Trusts, and seek 

specific  performance  of  defendants’  alleged  obligation  to 

repurchase breaching loans, declaratory judgment, compensatory, 

rescissory and other damages, and indemnity. 

U.S. Bank has served complaints on four of the seven Trusts. 

On December 7, 2015, the court granted in part and denied in 

part  defendants’  motion  to  dismiss  the  complaints.  The  court 

dismissed  claims  for  breach  of  representations  and  warranties 

against  MLMI,  dismissed  U.S.  Bank’s  claims  for  indemnity  and 

attorneys’  fees,  and  deferred  a  ruling  regarding  defendants’ 

alleged  failure  to  provide  notice  of  alleged  representation  and 

warranty breaches, but upheld the complaints in all other respects. 

Defendants have until June 8, 2016 to demand complaints relating 

to the remaining three Trusts.

O’Donnell Litigation

On February 24, 2012, Edward O’Donnell filed a sealed qui tam 

complaint  under  the  False  Claims  Act  against  the  Corporation, 

individually,  and  as  successor  to  Countrywide,  CHL  and  a 

Countrywide business division known as Full Spectrum Lending. 

On October 24, 2012, the Department of Justice filed a complaint-

in-intervention to join the matter, adding a claim under the Financial 

Institutions  Reform,  Recovery  and  Enforcement  Act  of  1989 

(FIRREA) and adding BANA as a defendant. The action is entitled 

United States of America, ex rel, Edward O’Donnell, appearing Qui 

Tam v. Bank of America Corp., et al., and was filed in the U.S. District 

Court  for  the  Southern  District  of  New  York.  The  complaint-in-

intervention asserted certain fraud claims in connection with the 

sale of loans to FNMA and FHLMC by Full Spectrum Lending and 

by  the  Corporation  and  BANA.  On  January  11,  2013,  the 

government filed an amended complaint which added Countrywide 

Bank,  FSB  (CFSB)  and  a  former  officer  of  the  Corporation  as 

defendants. The court dismissed False Claims Act counts on May 

8, 2013. On September 6, 2013, the government filed a second 

amended  complaint  alleging  claims  under  FIRREA  concerning 

allegedly fraudulent loan sales to the GSEs between August 2007 

and  May  2008.  On  September  24,  2013,  the  government 

dismissed the Corporation as a defendant. Following a trial, on 

October 23, 2013, a verdict of liability was returned against CHL, 

CFSB, BANA and the former officer. On July 30, 2014, the court 

imposed a civil penalty of $1.3 billion on BANA. On February 3, 

2015, the court denied the Corporation’s motions for judgment as 

a matter of law, or in the alternative, a new trial. 

On February 20, 2015, CHL, CFSB and BANA filed an appeal. 
The Second Circuit held oral argument on December 16, 2015, 
but has not issued a decision on the appeal.

Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement 
System
The  Corporation  and  several  current  and  former  officers  were 
named as defendants in a putative class action filed in the U.S. 
District  Court  for  the  Southern  District  of  New  York  entitled 
Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System v. Bank 
of America, et al.

Following the filing of a complaint on February 2, 2011, plaintiff 
subsequently filed an amended complaint on September 23, 2011 
in  which  plaintiff  sought  to  sue  on  behalf  of  all  persons  who 
acquired the Corporation’s common stock between February 27, 
2009 and October 19, 2010 and “Common Equivalent Securities” 
sold  in  a  December  2009  offering.  The  amended  complaint 
asserted claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934 and Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities 
Act of 1933, and alleged that the Corporation’s public statements: 
(i)  concealed  problems  in  the  Corporation’s  mortgage  servicing 
business  resulting  from  the  widespread  use  of  the  Mortgage 
the 
Electronic  Recording  System; 
Corporation’s  exposure  to  mortgage  repurchase  claims;  (iii) 
misrepresented the adequacy of internal controls; and (iv) violated 
certain Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. The amended 
complaint sought unspecified damages.

to  disclose 

failed 

(ii) 

On July 11, 2012, the court granted in part and denied in part 
defendants’ motions to dismiss the amended complaint. All claims 
under the Securities Act were dismissed against all defendants, 
with  prejudice.  The  motion  to  dismiss  the  claim  against  the 
Corporation under Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act was denied. 
All  claims  under  the  Exchange  Act  against  the  officers  were 
dismissed, with leave to replead. Defendants moved to dismiss a 
second amended complaint in which plaintiff sought to replead 
claims against certain current and former officers under Sections 
10(b) and 20(a). On April 17, 2013, the court granted in part and 

denied in part the motion to dismiss, sustaining Sections 10(b) 
and 20(a) claims against the current and former officers.

On August 12, 2015, the parties agreed to settle the claims 
for $335 million. The agreement is subject to final documentation 
and court approval.

Takefuji Litigation
In April 2010, Takefuji Corporation (Takefuji) filed a claim against 
Merrill  Lynch  International  and  Merrill  Lynch  Japan  Securities 
(MLJS)  in  Tokyo  District  Court.  The  claim  concerns  Takefuji’s 
purchase in 2007 of  credit-linked  notes  structured and sold  by 
defendants  that  resulted  in  a  loss  to  Takefuji  of  approximately 
JPY29.0 billion (approximately $270 million) following an event of 
default.  Takefuji  alleges  that  defendants  failed  to  meet  certain 
disclosure obligations concerning the notes.

On July 19, 2013, the Tokyo District Court issued a judgment 
in  defendants’  favor,  a  decision  that  Takefuji  subsequently 
appealed to the Tokyo High Court. On August 27, 2014, the Tokyo 
High Court vacated the decision of the District Court and issued 
a judgment awarding Takefuji JPY14.5 billion (approximately $135 
million) in damages, plus interest at a rate of five percent from 
March 18, 2008. On September 10, 2014, defendants filed an 
appeal  with  the  Japanese  Supreme  Court.  The  appeal  hearing 
occurred  on  February  16,  2016.  The  Corporation  expects  a 
judgment to be issued in the coming months.

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) 
Investigations
The SEC has been conducting investigations of the Corporation’s 
U.S. broker-dealer subsidiary, MLPF&S, regarding compliance with 
SEC  Rule  15c3-3.  The  Corporation  is  cooperating  with  these 
investigations and is in discussions with the SEC regarding the 
possibility of resolving these matters. There can be no assurances 
that these discussions will lead to a resolution or whether the SEC 
will  institute  administrative  or  civil  proceedings.  The  timing, 
amount and impact of these matters is uncertain.

Bank of America 2015     203

NOTE 13 Shareholders’ Equity

Common Stock

Declared Quarterly Cash Dividends on Common Stock (1)

Declaration Date

Record Date

Payment Date

Dividend
Per Share

January 21, 2016
October 22, 2015
July 23, 2015
April 16, 2015
February 10, 2015
(1) 

March 4, 2016
December 4, 2015
September 4, 2015
June 5, 2015
March 6, 2015
In 2015 and through February 24, 2016.

$

March 25, 2016
December 24, 2015
September 25, 2015
June 26, 2015
March 27, 2015

0.05
0.05
0.05
0.05
0.05

On  March  11,  2015,  the  Corporation  announced  that  the 
Federal  Reserve  completed  its  2015  Comprehensive  Capital 
Analysis and Review (CCAR) and advised that it did not object to 
the 2015 capital plan but gave a conditional non-objection under 
which the Corporation was required to resubmit its CCAR capital 
plan by September 30, 2015 and address certain weaknesses the 
Federal  Reserve  identified  in  the  Corporation’s  capital  planning 
process.  The  requested  capital  actions  included  a  request  to 
repurchase  $4.0  billion  of  common  stock  over  five  quarters 
beginning  in  the  second  quarter  of  2015,  and  to  maintain  the 
quarterly common stock dividend at the current rate of $0.05 per 
share.  The  Corporation  resubmitted  its  CCAR  capital  plan  on 
September  30,  2015  and  on  December  10,  2015,  the  Federal 
Reserve announced that it did not object to the resubmitted CCAR 
capital plan. 

In 2015, the Corporation repurchased and retired 140.3 million 
shares of common stock in connection with the 2015 capital plan, 
which reduced shareholders’ equity by $2.4 billion. In 2014 and 
2013, the Corporation repurchased and retired 101.1 million and 
231.7  million  shares  of  common  stock,  which  reduced 
shareholders’ equity by $1.7 billion and $3.2 billion.

At  December 31,  2015,  the  Corporation  had  warrants 
outstanding and exercisable to purchase 121.8 million shares of 

its common stock at an exercise price of $30.79 per share expiring 
on October 28, 2018, and warrants outstanding and exercisable 
to purchase 150.4 million shares of common stock at an exercise 
price of $13.107 per share expiring on January 16, 2019. These 
warrants were originally issued in connection with preferred stock 
issuances to the U.S. Department of the Treasury in 2009 and 
2008, and are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The exercise 
price of the warrants expiring on January 16, 2019 is subject to 
continued adjustment each time the quarterly cash dividend is in 
excess of $0.01 per common share to compensate the holders 
of the warrants for dilution resulting from an increased dividend. 
The Corporation had cash dividends of $0.05 per share per quarter, 
or $0.20 per share for the year, in 2015 resulting in an adjustment 
to the exercise price of these warrants in each quarter. As a result 
of the Corporation’s 2015 dividends of $0.20 per common share, 
the exercise price of these warrants was adjusted to $13.107. 
The warrants expiring on October 28, 2018 also contain this anti-
dilution provision except the adjustment is triggered only when the 
Corporation declares quarterly dividends at a level greater than 
$0.32 per common share.

In  connection  with  the  issuance  of  the  Corporation’s  6% 
Cumulative  Perpetual  Preferred  Stock,  Series  T  (the  Series  T 
Preferred Stock), the Corporation issued a warrant to purchase 
700  million  shares  of  the  Corporation’s  common  stock.  The 
warrant is exercisable at the holder’s option at any time, in whole 
or  in  part,  until  September  1,  2021,  at  an  exercise  price  of 
$7.142857  per  share  of  common  stock.  The  warrant  may  be 
settled in cash or by exchanging all or a portion of the Series T 
Preferred Stock. For more information on the Series T Preferred 
Stock, see Preferred Stock in this Note.

In  connection  with  employee  stock  plans,  in  2015,  the 
Corporation 
issued  approximately  7  million  shares  and 
repurchased approximately 3 million shares of its common stock 
to satisfy tax withholding obligations. At December 31, 2015, the 
Corporation had reserved 1.6 billion unissued shares of common 
stock for future issuances under employee stock plans, common 
stock warrants, convertible notes and preferred stock.

204     Bank of America 2015

NOTE 13 Shareholders’ Equity

Common Stock

Declared Quarterly Cash Dividends on Common Stock (1)

Declaration Date

Record Date

Payment Date

January 21, 2016

March 4, 2016

March 25, 2016

$

October 22, 2015

December 4, 2015

December 24, 2015

July 23, 2015

April 16, 2015

September 4, 2015

September 25, 2015

June 5, 2015

June 26, 2015

February 10, 2015

March 6, 2015

March 27, 2015

(1) 

In 2015 and through February 24, 2016.

Dividend

Per Share

0.05

0.05

0.05

0.05

0.05

its common stock at an exercise price of $30.79 per share expiring 

on October 28, 2018, and warrants outstanding and exercisable 

to purchase 150.4 million shares of common stock at an exercise 

price of $13.107 per share expiring on January 16, 2019. These 

warrants were originally issued in connection with preferred stock 

issuances to the U.S. Department of the Treasury in 2009 and 

2008, and are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The exercise 

price of the warrants expiring on January 16, 2019 is subject to 

continued adjustment each time the quarterly cash dividend is in 

excess of $0.01 per common share to compensate the holders 

of the warrants for dilution resulting from an increased dividend. 

The Corporation had cash dividends of $0.05 per share per quarter, 

or $0.20 per share for the year, in 2015 resulting in an adjustment 

to the exercise price of these warrants in each quarter. As a result 

of the Corporation’s 2015 dividends of $0.20 per common share, 

On  March  11,  2015,  the  Corporation  announced  that  the 

the exercise price of these warrants was adjusted to $13.107. 

Federal  Reserve  completed  its  2015  Comprehensive  Capital 

The warrants expiring on October 28, 2018 also contain this anti-

Analysis and Review (CCAR) and advised that it did not object to 

dilution provision except the adjustment is triggered only when the 

the 2015 capital plan but gave a conditional non-objection under 

Corporation declares quarterly dividends at a level greater than 

which the Corporation was required to resubmit its CCAR capital 

$0.32 per common share.

plan by September 30, 2015 and address certain weaknesses the 

In  connection  with  the  issuance  of  the  Corporation’s  6% 

Federal  Reserve  identified  in  the  Corporation’s  capital  planning 

Cumulative  Perpetual  Preferred  Stock,  Series  T  (the  Series  T 

process.  The  requested  capital  actions  included  a  request  to 

Preferred Stock), the Corporation issued a warrant to purchase 

repurchase  $4.0  billion  of  common  stock  over  five  quarters 

700  million  shares  of  the  Corporation’s  common  stock.  The 

beginning  in  the  second  quarter  of  2015,  and  to  maintain  the 

warrant is exercisable at the holder’s option at any time, in whole 

quarterly common stock dividend at the current rate of $0.05 per 

or  in  part,  until  September  1,  2021,  at  an  exercise  price  of 

share.  The  Corporation  resubmitted  its  CCAR  capital  plan  on 

$7.142857  per  share  of  common  stock.  The  warrant  may  be 

September  30,  2015  and  on  December  10,  2015,  the  Federal 

settled in cash or by exchanging all or a portion of the Series T 

Reserve announced that it did not object to the resubmitted CCAR 

Preferred Stock. For more information on the Series T Preferred 

capital plan. 

Stock, see Preferred Stock in this Note.

In 2015, the Corporation repurchased and retired 140.3 million 

In  connection  with  employee  stock  plans,  in  2015,  the 

shares of common stock in connection with the 2015 capital plan, 

Corporation 

issued  approximately  7  million  shares  and 

which reduced shareholders’ equity by $2.4 billion. In 2014 and 

repurchased approximately 3 million shares of its common stock 

2013, the Corporation repurchased and retired 101.1 million and 

to satisfy tax withholding obligations. At December 31, 2015, the 

231.7  million  shares  of  common  stock,  which  reduced 

Corporation had reserved 1.6 billion unissued shares of common 

shareholders’ equity by $1.7 billion and $3.2 billion.

stock for future issuances under employee stock plans, common 

At  December 31,  2015,  the  Corporation  had  warrants 

stock warrants, convertible notes and preferred stock.

outstanding and exercisable to purchase 121.8 million shares of 

Preferred Stock
The cash dividends declared on preferred stock were $1.5 billion, 
$1.0  billion  and  $1.2  billion  for  2015,  2014  and  2013, 
respectively.

On January 29, 2016, the Corporation issued 44,000 shares 
of its 6.200% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series CC for $1.1 
billion.  Dividends  are  paid  quarterly  commencing  on  April  29, 
2016. Series CC preferred stock has a liquidation preference of 
$25,000 per share and is subject to certain restrictions in the 
event that the Corporation fails to declare and pay full dividends.
On January 27, 2015, the Corporation issued 44,000 shares 
of its 6.500% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series Y for $1.1 
billion.  Dividends  are  paid  quarterly  commencing  on  April  27, 
2015. On March 17, 2015, the corporation issued 76,000 shares 
of  its  Fixed-to-Floating  Rate  Non-Cumulative  Preferred  Stock, 
Series  AA  for  $1.9  billion.  Dividends  are  paid  semi-annually 
commencing on September 17, 2015. Series Y and AA preferred 
stock have a liquidation preference of $25,000 per share and are 
subject to certain restrictions in the event that the Corporation 
fails to declare and pay full dividends.

At the Corporation’s annual meeting of stockholders on May 
7, 2014, the stockholders approved an amendment to the Series 
T Preferred Stock such that it qualifies as Tier 1 capital, and the 
amendment became effective in the three months ended June 30, 
2014. The more significant changes to the terms of the Series T 
Preferred Stock in the amendment were: (1) dividends are no longer 
cumulative;  (2)  the  dividend  rate  is  fixed  at  6%;  and  (3)  the 

Corporation may redeem the Series T Preferred Stock only after 
the fifth anniversary of the effective date of the amendment. 

In 2014, the Corporation issued $6.0 billion of its Preferred 
Stock, Series V, X, W and Z. On June 17, 2014, the Corporation 
issued 60,000 shares of its Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative 
Preferred Stock, Series V for $1.5 billion. Dividends are paid semi-
annually commencing on December 17, 2014. On September 5, 
2014,  the  Corporation  issued  80,000  shares  of  its  Fixed-to-
Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series X for $2.0 
billion. Dividends are paid semi-annually commencing on March 
5, 2015. On September 9, 2014, the Corporation issued 44,000 
shares of its 6.625% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series W 
for  $1.1  billion.  Dividends  are  paid  quarterly  commencing  on 
December 9, 2014. On October 23, 2014, the Corporation issued 
56,000  shares  of  its  Fixed-to-Floating  Rate  Non-Cumulative 
Preferred Stock, Series Z for $1.4 billion. Dividends are paid semi-
annually  commencing  on  April  23,  2015.  Series  V,  X,  W  and  Z 
preferred stock have a liquidation preference of $25,000 per share 
and  are  subject  to  certain  restrictions  in  the  event  that  the 
Corporation fails to declare and pay full dividends.

In 2013, the Corporation redeemed for $6.6 billion its Non-
Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series H, J, 6, 7 and 8. The $100 
million difference between the carrying value of $6.5 billion and 
the  redemption  price  of  the  preferred  stock  was  recorded  as  a 
preferred stock dividend. In addition, the Corporation issued $1.0 
billion  of  its  Fixed-to-Floating  Rate  Semi-annual  Non-Cumulative 
Preferred Stock, Series U.

204     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     205

The table below presents a summary of perpetual preferred stock outstanding at December 31, 2015.

Preferred Stock Summary

(Dollars in millions, except as noted)

Series

Description

Series B

7% Cumulative
Redeemable

Series D (3)

6.204% Non-Cumulative

Series E (3)

Series F

Series G

Floating Rate Non-
Cumulative

Floating Rate Non-
Cumulative

Adjustable Rate Non-
Cumulative

Series I (3)

6.625% Non-Cumulative

Series K (5)

Series L

Series M (5)

Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-
Cumulative

7.25% Non-Cumulative
Perpetual Convertible

Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-
Cumulative

Series T

6% Non-Cumulative

Series U (5)

Series V (5)

Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-
Cumulative

Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-
Cumulative

Series W (3)

6.625% Non-Cumulative

Series X (5)

Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-
Cumulative

Series Y (3)

6.500% Non-Cumulative

Series Z (5)

Series AA (5)

Series 1 (6)

Series 2 (6)

Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-
Cumulative

Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-
Cumulative

Floating Rate Non-
Cumulative

Floating Rate Non-
Cumulative

Series 3 (6)

6.375% Non-Cumulative

Series 4 (6)

Series 5 (6)

Total

Floating Rate Non-
Cumulative

Floating Rate Non-
Cumulative

Initial
Issuance
Date

June
1997

September
2006

November
2006

March
2012

March
2012

September
2007

January
2008

January
2008

April
2008

September
2011

May
2013

June
2014

September
2014

September
2014

January 
2015

October 
2014

March 
2015

November
2004

March
2005

November
2005

November
2005

March
2007

Total
Shares
Outstanding

Liquidation
Preference
per Share
(in dollars)

Carrying
Value (1)

Per Annum
Dividend Rate

Redemption Period (2)

7,571

$

100

$

1

26,174

25,000

12,691

25,000

1,409

100,000

4,926

100,000

14,584

25,000

654

317

141

493

365

61,773

25,000

1,544

7.00%

6.204%

3-mo. LIBOR + 35 bps (4)

3-mo. LIBOR + 40 bps (4)

3-mo. LIBOR + 40 bps (4)

6.625%

8.00% to, but excluding, 1/30/18; 
3-mo. LIBOR + 363 bps thereafter

3,080,182

1,000

3,080

7.25%

52,399

25,000

1,310

8.125% to, but excluding, 5/15/18;
3-mo. LIBOR + 364 bps thereafter

n/a

On or after
September 14, 2011

On or after
November 15, 2011

On or after
March 15, 2012

On or after
March 15, 2012

On or after
October 1, 2017

On or after
January 30, 2018

n/a

On or after
May 15, 2018

6.00%

See description in 
Preferred Stock in this Note

50,000

100,000

2,918

40,000

25,000

1,000

60,000

25,000

1,500

5.2% to, but excluding, 6/1/23;
3-mo. LIBOR + 313.5 bps thereafter

5.125% to, but excluding, 6/17/19;
3-mo. LIBOR + 338.7 bps thereafter

44,000

25,000

1,100

6.625%

80,000

25,000

2,000

6.250% to, but excluding, 9/5/24;
3-mo. LIBOR + 370.5 bps thereafter

44,000

25,000

1,100

6.500%

56,000

25,000

1,400

76,000

25,000

1,900

6.500% to, but excluding, 10/23/24;
3-mo. LIBOR + 417.4 bps thereafter

6.100% to, but excluding, 3/17/25;
3-mo. LIBOR + 389.8 bps thereafter

3,275

30,000

9,967

30,000

21,773

30,000

7,010

30,000

14,056

3,767,790

30,000

98

299

653

210

422

$

22,505

3-mo. LIBOR + 75 bps (7)

3-mo. LIBOR + 65 bps (7)

6.375%

3-mo. LIBOR + 75 bps (4)

3-mo. LIBOR + 50 bps (4)

On or after
June 1, 2023

On or after
June 17, 2019

On or after
September 9, 2019

On or after
September 5, 2024

On or after
January 27, 2020

On or after
October 23, 2024

On or after
March 17, 2025

On or after
November 28, 2009

On or after
November 28, 2009

On or after
November 28, 2010

On or after
November 28, 2010

On or after
May 21, 2012

(1)  Amounts shown are before third-party issuance costs and certain book value adjustments of $232 million.
(2)  The Corporation may redeem series of preferred stock on or after the redemption date, in whole or in part, at its option, at the liquidation preference plus declared and unpaid dividends. Series B 

and Series L Preferred Stock do not have early redemption/call rights.

(3)  Ownership is held in the form of depositary shares, each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of preferred stock, paying a quarterly cash dividend, if and when declared.
(4)  Subject to 4.00% minimum rate per annum.
(5)  Ownership is held in the form of depositary shares, each representing a 1/25th interest in a share of preferred stock, paying a semi-annual cash dividend, if and when declared, until the first 

redemption date at which time, it adjusts to a quarterly cash dividend, if and when declared, thereafter.

(6)  Ownership is held in the form of depositary shares, each representing a 1/1,200th interest in a share of preferred stock, paying a quarterly cash dividend, if and when declared.
(7)  Subject to 3.00% minimum rate per annum.
n/a = not applicable

206     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
The  7.25%  Non-Cumulative  Perpetual  Convertible  Preferred 
Stock, Series L (Series L Preferred Stock) listed in the Preferred 
Stock Summary table does not have early redemption/call rights. 
Each share of the Series L Preferred Stock may be converted at 
any  time,  at  the  option  of  the  holder,  into  20  shares  of  the 
Corporation’s common stock plus cash in lieu of fractional shares. 
The Corporation may cause some or all of the Series L Preferred 
Stock, at its option, at any time or from time to time, to be converted 
into shares of common stock at the then-applicable conversion 
rate if, for 20 trading days during any period of 30 consecutive 
trading  days,  the  closing  price  of  common  stock  exceeds  130 
percent  of  the  then-applicable  conversion  price  of  the  Series  L 
Preferred Stock. If a conversion of Series L Preferred Stock occurs 
at the option of the holder, subsequent to a dividend record date 
but prior to the dividend payment date, the Corporation will still 
pay any accrued dividends payable.

All series of preferred stock in the Preferred Stock Summary 
table have a par value of $0.01 per share, are not subject to the 
operation of a sinking fund, have no participation rights, and with 
the exception of the Series L Preferred Stock, are not convertible. 

The holders of the Series B Preferred Stock and Series 1 through 
5 Preferred Stock have general voting rights, and the holders of 
the other series included in the table have no general voting rights. 
All outstanding series of preferred stock of the Corporation have 
preference over the Corporation’s common stock with respect to 
the  payment  of  dividends  and  distribution  of  the  Corporation’s 
assets  in  the  event  of  a  liquidation  or  dissolution.  With  the 
exception of the Series B, F, G and T Preferred Stock, if any dividend 
payable on these series is in arrears for three or more semi-annual 
or six or more quarterly dividend periods, as applicable (whether 
consecutive  or  not),  the  holders  of  these  series  and  any  other 
class or series of preferred stock ranking equally as to payment 
of dividends and upon which equivalent voting rights have been 
conferred and are exercisable (voting as a single class) will be 
entitled to vote for the election of two additional directors. These 
voting  rights  terminate  when  the  Corporation  has  paid  in  full 
dividends  on  these  series  for  at  least  two  semi-annual  or  four 
quarterly dividend periods, as applicable, following the dividend 
arrearage.

The table below presents a summary of perpetual preferred stock outstanding at December 31, 2015.

Series I (3)

6.625% Non-Cumulative

14,584

25,000

6.625%

Series

Description

Carrying

Value (1)

Per Annum

Dividend Rate

Redemption Period (2)

Total

Shares

Outstanding

Liquidation

Preference

per Share

(in dollars)

7,571

$

100

$

1

7.00%

Series D (3)

6.204% Non-Cumulative

26,174

25,000

6.204%

September 14, 2011

12,691

25,000

3-mo. LIBOR + 35 bps (4)

November 15, 2011

Preferred Stock Summary

(Dollars in millions, except as noted)

7% Cumulative

Redeemable

Floating Rate Non-

Cumulative

Floating Rate Non-

Cumulative

Adjustable Rate Non-

Cumulative

Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-

Cumulative

7.25% Non-Cumulative

Perpetual Convertible

Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-

Cumulative

Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-

Cumulative

Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-

Cumulative

Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-

Cumulative

Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-

Cumulative

Floating Rate Non-

Cumulative

Floating Rate Non-

Cumulative

Floating Rate Non-

Cumulative

Floating Rate Non-

Cumulative

Initial

Issuance

Date

June

1997

September

2006

November

2006

March

2012

March

2012

September

2007

January

2008

January

2008

April

2008

2011

May

2013

June

2014

September

September

2014

September

2014

January 

2015

October 

2014

March 

2015

November

2004

March

2005

November

2005

November

2005

March

2007

Series B

Series E (3)

Series F

Series G

Series K (5)

Series L

Series M (5)

Series U (5)

Series V (5)

Series Z (5)

Series AA (5)

Series 1 (6)

Series 2 (6)

Series 4 (6)

Series 5 (6)

Total

1,409

100,000

3-mo. LIBOR + 40 bps (4)

4,926

100,000

3-mo. LIBOR + 40 bps (4)

61,773

25,000

1,544

3-mo. LIBOR + 363 bps thereafter

8.00% to, but excluding, 1/30/18; 

3,080,182

1,000

3,080

7.25%

52,399

25,000

1,310

3-mo. LIBOR + 364 bps thereafter

8.125% to, but excluding, 5/15/18;

40,000

25,000

1,000

3-mo. LIBOR + 313.5 bps thereafter

5.2% to, but excluding, 6/1/23;

60,000

25,000

1,500

3-mo. LIBOR + 338.7 bps thereafter

5.125% to, but excluding, 6/17/19;

Series T

6% Non-Cumulative

50,000

100,000

2,918

6.00%

Preferred Stock in this Note

See description in 

Series W (3)

6.625% Non-Cumulative

44,000

25,000

1,100

6.625%

September 9, 2019

Series X (5)

Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-

Cumulative

80,000

25,000

2,000

3-mo. LIBOR + 370.5 bps thereafter

September 5, 2024

6.250% to, but excluding, 9/5/24;

On or after

Series Y (3)

6.500% Non-Cumulative

44,000

25,000

1,100

6.500%

56,000

25,000

1,400

3-mo. LIBOR + 417.4 bps thereafter

6.500% to, but excluding, 10/23/24;

76,000

25,000

1,900

3-mo. LIBOR + 389.8 bps thereafter

6.100% to, but excluding, 3/17/25;

3,275

30,000

3-mo. LIBOR + 75 bps (7)

November 28, 2009

9,967

30,000

3-mo. LIBOR + 65 bps (7)

November 28, 2009

Series 3 (6)

6.375% Non-Cumulative

21,773

30,000

6.375%

November 28, 2010

7,010

30,000

3-mo. LIBOR + 75 bps (4)

November 28, 2010

14,056

3,767,790

$

22,505

30,000

3-mo. LIBOR + 50 bps (4)

(1)  Amounts shown are before third-party issuance costs and certain book value adjustments of $232 million.

(2)  The Corporation may redeem series of preferred stock on or after the redemption date, in whole or in part, at its option, at the liquidation preference plus declared and unpaid dividends. Series B 

and Series L Preferred Stock do not have early redemption/call rights.

(4)  Subject to 4.00% minimum rate per annum.

(3)  Ownership is held in the form of depositary shares, each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of preferred stock, paying a quarterly cash dividend, if and when declared.

(5)  Ownership is held in the form of depositary shares, each representing a 1/25th interest in a share of preferred stock, paying a semi-annual cash dividend, if and when declared, until the first 

redemption date at which time, it adjusts to a quarterly cash dividend, if and when declared, thereafter.

(6)  Ownership is held in the form of depositary shares, each representing a 1/1,200th interest in a share of preferred stock, paying a quarterly cash dividend, if and when declared.

(7)  Subject to 3.00% minimum rate per annum.

n/a = not applicable

n/a

On or after

On or after

On or after

March 15, 2012

On or after

March 15, 2012

On or after

October 1, 2017

On or after

January 30, 2018

n/a

On or after

May 15, 2018

On or after

June 1, 2023

On or after

June 17, 2019

On or after

On or after

January 27, 2020

On or after

October 23, 2024

On or after

March 17, 2025

On or after

On or after

On or after

On or after

On or after

May 21, 2012

654

317

141

493

365

98

299

653

210

422

206     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     207

 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 14 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The table below presents the changes in accumulated OCI after-tax for 2013, 2014 and 2015.

(Dollars in millions)

Available-for-
Sale Debt
Securities

Available-for-
Sale Marketable
Equity Securities

Debit Valuation 
Adjustments (1)

Derivatives

Employee
Benefit Plans

Foreign
Currency (2)

Total

$

$

$

Net change

Net change

Balance, December 31, 2012

Balance, December 31, 2013

Balance, December 31, 2014

462
(466)
(4)
21
17
— $
45
62
Balance, December 31, 2015
(1)  For information on the impact of early adoption of new accounting guidance on recognition and measurement of financial instruments, see Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Principles.
(2)  The net change in fair value represents the impact of changes in spot foreign exchange rates on the Corporation’s net investment in non-U.S. operations and related hedges.
n/a = not applicable

(2,869) $
592
(2,277) $
616
(1,661) $
—
584
(1,077) $

(4,456) $
2,049
(2,407) $
(943)
(3,350) $
—
394
(2,956) $

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
(1,226)
615
(611) $

Cumulative adjustment for accounting change
Net change

4,443
(7,700)
(3,257) $
4,600
1,343
—
(1,643)

(377) $
(135)
(512) $
(157)
(669) $
—
(123)
(792) $

(2,797)
(5,660)
(8,457)
4,137
(4,320)
(1,226)
(128)
(5,674)

(300) $

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

The table below presents the net change in fair value recorded in accumulated OCI, net realized gains and losses reclassified into 

earnings and other changes for each component of OCI before- and after-tax for 2015, 2014 and 2013.

Changes in OCI Components Before- and After-tax

(Dollars in millions)

Available-for-sale debt securities:

Net increase (decrease) in fair value
Net realized gains reclassified into earnings

Net change

Available-for-sale marketable equity securities:

Net increase in fair value
Net realized gains reclassified into earnings

Net change

Debit valuation adjustments:
Net increase in fair value
Net realized losses reclassified into earnings

Net change

Derivatives:

Net increase in fair value
Net realized losses reclassified into earnings

Net change
Employee benefit plans:

Net increase (decrease) in fair value
Net realized losses reclassified into earnings
Settlements, curtailments and other

Net change
Foreign currency:

Before-tax

2015
Tax effect

After-tax

Before-tax

2014
Tax effect

After-tax

Before-tax

2013
Tax effect

After-tax

$ (1,644) $
(1,010)
(2,654)

627
384
1,011

$ (1,017) $
(626)
(1,643)

8,698
(1,338)
7,360

$ (3,268) $ 5,430
(830)
4,600

508
(2,760)

$ (10,989) $ 4,077
463
4,540

(1,251)
(12,240)

$ (6,912)
(788)
(7,700)

72
—
72

436
556
992

55
883
938

408
169
1
578

(27)
—
(27)

(166)
(211)
(377)

(22)
(332)
(354)

(121)
(62)
(1)
(184)

45
—
45

270
345
615

33
551
584

287
107
—
394

34
—
34

n/a
n/a
n/a

195
760
955

(1,629)
55
(1)
(1,575)

(13)
—
(13)

n/a
n/a
n/a

(54)
(285)
(339)

614
(23)
41
632

21
—
21

n/a
n/a
n/a

141
475
616

32
(771)
(739)

n/a
n/a
n/a

156
773
929

(12)
285
273

n/a
n/a
n/a

(51)
(286)
(337)

20
(486)
(466)

n/a
n/a
n/a

105
487
592

(1,015)
32
40
(943)

2,985
237
46
3,268

(1,128)
(79)
(12)
(1,219)

1,857
158
34
2,049

Net decrease in fair value
Net realized losses reclassified into earnings

Net change
Total other comprehensive income (loss)

$

600
(38)
562
488

$

(723)
38
(685)
(616) $ (128) $

(123)
—
(123)

714
20
734
7,508

(879)
(12)
(891)

(165)
8
(157)
$ (3,371) $ 4,137

244
138
382

(384)
(133)
(517)
$ (8,400) $ 2,740

(140)
5
(135)
$ (5,660)

n/a = not applicable

208     Bank of America 2015

The table below presents impacts on net income of significant amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated OCI 

before- and after-tax for 2015, 2014 and 2013.

Reclassifications Out of Accumulated OCI

(Dollars in millions)

Accumulated OCI Components
Available-for-sale debt securities:

Income Statement Line Item Impacted

2015

2014

2013

(1)  For information on the impact of early adoption of new accounting guidance on recognition and measurement of financial instruments, see Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Principles.

(2)  The net change in fair value represents the impact of changes in spot foreign exchange rates on the Corporation’s net investment in non-U.S. operations and related hedges.

$

(611) $

(1,077) $

(2,956) $

(792) $

Available-for-sale marketable equity securities:

The table below presents the net change in fair value recorded in accumulated OCI, net realized gains and losses reclassified into 

earnings and other changes for each component of OCI before- and after-tax for 2015, 2014 and 2013.

Debit valuation adjustments:

Derivatives:

Interest rate contracts
Commodity contracts
Interest rate contracts
Equity compensation contracts

Employee benefit plans:

Prior service cost
Net actuarial losses
Settlements and curtailments

Foreign currency:

Total reclassification adjustments

n/a = not applicable

Gains on sales of debt securities
Other loss
Income before income taxes
Income tax expense
Reclassification to net income

Equity investment income
Income before income taxes
Income tax expense
Reclassification to net income

Other loss
Loss before income taxes
Income tax benefit
Reclassification to net income

Net interest income
Trading account losses
Other income
Personnel
Loss before income taxes
Income tax benefit
Reclassification to net income

Personnel
Personnel
Personnel
Loss before income taxes
Income tax benefit
Reclassification to net income

Other income (loss)
Income (loss) before income taxes
Income tax expense (benefit)
Reclassification to net income

$

$

$

1,091
(81)
1,010
384
626

1,354
(16)
1,338
508
830

1,271
(20)
1,251
463
788

—
—
—
—

(556)
(556)
(211)
(345)

(974)
—
—
91
(883)
(332)
(551)

(5)
(164)
—
(169)
(62)
(107)

38
38
38
—
(377) $

$

—
—
—
—

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

(1,119)
—
—
359
(760)
(285)
(475)

(5)
(50)
—
(55)
(23)
(32)

(20)
(20)
(12)
(8)
315

$

771
771
285
486

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

(1,119)
(1)
18
329
(773)
(286)
(487)

(4)
(225)
(8)
(237)
(79)
(158)

(138)
(138)
(133)
(5)
624

NOTE 14 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The table below presents the changes in accumulated OCI after-tax for 2013, 2014 and 2015.

(Dollars in millions)

Balance, December 31, 2012

Balance, December 31, 2013

Net change

Net change

Balance, December 31, 2014

Net change

Balance, December 31, 2015

n/a = not applicable

Cumulative adjustment for accounting change

Available-for-

Available-for-

Sale Debt

Securities

Sale Marketable

Debit Valuation 

Employee

Foreign

Equity Securities

Adjustments (1)

Derivatives

Benefit Plans

Currency (2)

Total

$

$

$

$

4,443

$

(7,700)

(3,257) $

$

4,600

1,343

—

(1,643)

(300) $

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

$

$

$

(2,869) $

(4,456) $

(377) $

(2,277) $

(2,407) $

(512) $

(1,661) $

(3,350) $

(669) $

592

616

—

584

2,049

(943)

—

394

(135)

(157)

—

(123)

— $

(1,226)

615

462

(466)

(4)

21

17

45

62

(2,797)

(5,660)

(8,457)

4,137

(4,320)

(1,226)

(128)

(5,674)

Changes in OCI Components Before- and After-tax

2015

2014

2013

Before-tax

Tax effect

After-tax

Before-tax

Tax effect

After-tax

Before-tax

Tax effect

After-tax

Net increase (decrease) in fair value

$ (1,644) $

$ (1,017) $

8,698

$ (3,268) $ 5,430

$ (10,989) $ 4,077

$ (6,912)

(1,010)

(2,654)

627

384

1,011

(626)

(1,643)

(1,338)

7,360

508

(830)

(1,251)

(2,760)

4,600

(12,240)

463

4,540

(788)

(7,700)

(Dollars in millions)

Available-for-sale debt securities:

Net realized gains reclassified into earnings

Net change

Available-for-sale marketable equity securities:

Net increase in fair value

Net realized gains reclassified into earnings

Net realized losses reclassified into earnings

Net change

Debit valuation adjustments:

Net increase in fair value

Net change

Derivatives:

Net increase in fair value

Net change

Employee benefit plans:

Net realized losses reclassified into earnings

Net increase (decrease) in fair value

Net realized losses reclassified into earnings

Settlements, curtailments and other

Net decrease in fair value

Net realized losses reclassified into earnings

Net change

Foreign currency:

Net change

n/a = not applicable

72

—

72

436

556

992

55

883

938

408

169

1

578

600

(38)

562

488

(27)

—

(27)

(166)

(211)

(377)

(22)

(332)

(354)

(121)

(62)

(1)

(184)

(723)

38

(685)

45

—

45

270

345

615

33

551

584

287

107

—

394

(123)

—

(123)

34

—

34

n/a

n/a

n/a

195

760

955

(1,629)

55

(1)

(1,575)

714

20

734

(13)

—

(13)

n/a

n/a

n/a

(54)

(285)

(339)

614

(23)

41

632

(879)

(12)

(891)

21

—

21

n/a

n/a

n/a

141

475

616

32

40

(165)

8

(157)

32

(771)

(739)

n/a

n/a

n/a

156

773

929

237

46

244

138

382

(12)

285

273

n/a

n/a

n/a

(51)

(286)

(337)

(79)

(12)

(384)

(133)

(517)

20

(486)

(466)

n/a

n/a

n/a

105

487

592

158

34

(140)

5

(135)

(1,015)

2,985

(1,128)

1,857

(943)

3,268

(1,219)

2,049

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

$

$

(616) $ (128) $

7,508

$ (3,371) $ 4,137

$ (8,400) $ 2,740

$ (5,660)

208     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     209

NOTE 15 Earnings Per Common Share
The calculation of earnings per common share (EPS) and diluted EPS for 2015, 2014 and 2013 is presented below. For more information 
on the calculation of EPS, see Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Principles.

(Dollars in millions, except per share information; shares in thousands)

2015

2014

2013

Earnings per common share
Net income
Preferred stock dividends

Net income applicable to common shareholders

Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities

Net income allocated to common shareholders
Average common shares issued and outstanding
Earnings per common share

Diluted earnings per common share
Net income applicable to common shareholders
Add preferred stock dividends due to assumed conversions
Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities

Net income allocated to common shareholders
Average common shares issued and outstanding
Dilutive potential common shares (1)

Total diluted average common shares issued and outstanding

Diluted earnings per common share
(1) 

Includes incremental dilutive shares from restricted stock units, restricted stock, stock options and warrants.

$

$

$

$

$

$

15,888
(1,483)
14,405
—
14,405
10,462,282
1.38

14,405
300
—
14,705
10,462,282
751,710
11,213,992
1.31

$

$

$

$

$

$

4,833
(1,044)
3,789
—
3,789
10,527,818
0.36

3,789
—
—
3,789
10,527,818
56,717
10,584,535
0.36

$

$

$

$

$

$

11,431
(1,349)
10,082
(2)
10,080
10,731,165
0.94

10,082
300
(2)
10,380
10,731,165
760,253
11,491,418
0.90

The Corporation previously issued a warrant to purchase 700 
million shares of the Corporation’s common stock to the holder of 
the Series T Preferred Stock. The warrant may be exercised, at the 
option of the holder, through tendering the Series T Preferred Stock 
or paying cash. For 2015 and 2013, the 700 million average dilutive 
potential common shares were included in the diluted share count 
under  the  “if-converted”  method.  For  2014,  the  700  million 
average dilutive potential common shares were not included in the 
diluted  share  count  because  the  result  would  have  been 
antidilutive  under  the  “if-converted”  method.  For  additional 
information, see Note 13 – Shareholders’ Equity.

For 2015, 2014 and 2013, 62 million average dilutive potential 
common shares associated with the Series L Preferred Stock were 
not included in the diluted share count because the result would 
have been antidilutive under the “if-converted” method. For 2015, 

2014 and 2013, average options to purchase 66 million, 91 million 
and  126  million  shares  of  common  stock,  respectively,  were 
outstanding but not included in the computation of EPS because 
the result would have been antidilutive under the treasury stock 
method. For 2015 and 2014, average warrants to purchase 122 
million shares of common stock were outstanding but not included 
in the computation of EPS because the result would have been 
antidilutive  under  the  treasury  stock  method  compared  to  272 
million shares for 2013. For 2015 and 2014, average warrants to 
purchase 150 million shares of common stock were included in 
the diluted EPS calculation under the treasury stock method.

In connection with the preferred stock actions described in Note 
13 – Shareholders’ Equity, the Corporation recorded a $100 million 
non-cash preferred stock dividend in 2013, which is included in 
the calculation of net income allocated to common shareholders.

210     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 15 Earnings Per Common Share

The calculation of earnings per common share (EPS) and diluted EPS for 2015, 2014 and 2013 is presented below. For more information 

on the calculation of EPS, see Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Principles.

(Dollars in millions, except per share information; shares in thousands)

2015

2014

2013

Earnings per common share

Net income

Preferred stock dividends

Net income applicable to common shareholders

Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities

Net income allocated to common shareholders

Average common shares issued and outstanding

Earnings per common share

Diluted earnings per common share

Net income applicable to common shareholders

Add preferred stock dividends due to assumed conversions

Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities

Net income allocated to common shareholders

Average common shares issued and outstanding

Dilutive potential common shares (1)

Total diluted average common shares issued and outstanding

Diluted earnings per common share

$

15,888

$

4,833

$

(1,483)

14,405

—

14,405

$

$

(1,044)

3,789

—

3,789

$

$

10,462,282

10,527,818

10,731,165

1.38

0.36

0.94

11,431

(1,349)

10,082

(2)

10,080

14,405

$

3,789

$

10,082

300

—

—

—

300

(2)

14,705

$

3,789

$

10,380

10,462,282

10,527,818

10,731,165

751,710

56,717

760,253

11,213,992

10,584,535

11,491,418

1.31

$

0.36

$

0.90

$

$

$

$

$

(1) 

Includes incremental dilutive shares from restricted stock units, restricted stock, stock options and warrants.

The Corporation previously issued a warrant to purchase 700 

2014 and 2013, average options to purchase 66 million, 91 million 

million shares of the Corporation’s common stock to the holder of 

and  126  million  shares  of  common  stock,  respectively,  were 

the Series T Preferred Stock. The warrant may be exercised, at the 

outstanding but not included in the computation of EPS because 

option of the holder, through tendering the Series T Preferred Stock 

the result would have been antidilutive under the treasury stock 

or paying cash. For 2015 and 2013, the 700 million average dilutive 

method. For 2015 and 2014, average warrants to purchase 122 

potential common shares were included in the diluted share count 

million shares of common stock were outstanding but not included 

under  the  “if-converted”  method.  For  2014,  the  700  million 

in the computation of EPS because the result would have been 

average dilutive potential common shares were not included in the 

antidilutive  under  the  treasury  stock  method  compared  to  272 

diluted  share  count  because  the  result  would  have  been 

million shares for 2013. For 2015 and 2014, average warrants to 

antidilutive  under  the  “if-converted”  method.  For  additional 

purchase 150 million shares of common stock were included in 

information, see Note 13 – Shareholders’ Equity.

the diluted EPS calculation under the treasury stock method.

For 2015, 2014 and 2013, 62 million average dilutive potential 

In connection with the preferred stock actions described in Note 

common shares associated with the Series L Preferred Stock were 

13 – Shareholders’ Equity, the Corporation recorded a $100 million 

not included in the diluted share count because the result would 

non-cash preferred stock dividend in 2013, which is included in 

have been antidilutive under the “if-converted” method. For 2015, 

the calculation of net income allocated to common shareholders.

NOTE 16 Regulatory Requirements and 
Restrictions
The  Federal  Reserve,  Office  of  the  Comptroller  of  the  Currency 
(OCC)  and  FDIC  (collectively,  U.S.  banking  regulators)  jointly 
establish regulatory capital adequacy guidelines for U.S. banking 
organizations. As a financial holding company, the Corporation is 
subject to capital adequacy rules issued by the Federal Reserve, 
and  its  banking  entity  affiliates,  including  BANA  and  Bank  of 
America  California,  N.A.,  are  subject  to  capital  adequacy  rules 
issued by their respective primary regulators.

On January 1, 2014, the Corporation and its affiliates became 
subject to Basel 3, which includes  certain transition provisions 
through January 1, 2019. The Corporation and its primary banking 
entity affiliate, BANA, are Advanced approaches institutions under 
Basel 3.

Basel 3 updated the composition of capital and established a 
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio. Common equity tier 1 capital 
primarily 
includes  common  stock,  retained  earnings  and 
accumulated  OCI.  Basel  3  revised  minimum  capital  ratios  and 
buffer requirements, added a supplementary leverage ratio, and 
addressed  the  adequately  capitalized  minimum  requirements 
under the PCA framework. Finally, Basel 3 established two methods 

Regulatory Capital under Basel 3 – Transition (1)

of calculating risk-weighted assets, the Standardized approach and 
the Advanced approaches. 

As  an  Advanced  approaches  institution,  under  Basel  3,  the 
Corporation  was  required  to  complete  a  qualification  period 
(parallel  run)  to  demonstrate  compliance  with  the  Basel  3 
Advanced  approaches  to  the  satisfaction  of  U.S.  banking 
regulators. The Corporation received approval to begin using the 
Advanced approaches capital framework to determine risk-based 
capital requirements in the fourth quarter of 2015. Having exited 
parallel run on October 1, 2015, the Corporation is required to 
report regulatory risk-based capital ratios and risk-weighted assets 
under  both  the  Standardized  and  Advanced  approaches.  The 
approach  that  yields  the  lower  ratio  is  used  to  assess  capital 
adequacy  including  under  the  PCA  framework,  and  was  the 
Advanced approaches in the fourth quarter of 2015. Prior to the 
fourth quarter of 2015, the Corporation was required to report its 
capital adequacy under the Standardized approach only.

The table below presents capital ratios and related information 
in  accordance  with  Basel  3  Standardized  and  Advanced 
approaches – Transition as measured at December 31, 2015 and 
2014 for the Corporation and BANA. 

(Dollars in millions)

Risk-based capital metrics:

Common equity tier 1 capital
Tier 1 capital
Total capital (3)
Risk-weighted assets (in billions)
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio
Tier 1 capital ratio
Total capital ratio

Bank of America Corporation

Bank of America, N.A.

Standardized
Approach

Advanced
Approaches

Regulatory
Minimum

Well-
capitalized (2)

Standardized
Approach

Advanced
Approaches

Regulatory
Minimum

Well-
capitalized (2)

December 31, 2015

$ 163,026
180,778
220,676
1,403

$ 163,026
180,778
210,912
1,602

$ 144,869
144,869
159,871
1,183

$ 144,869
144,869
150,624
1,104

11.6%
12.9
15.7

10.2%
11.3
13.2

4.5%
6.0
8.0

n/a
6.0%

10.0

12.2%
12.2
13.5

13.1%
13.1
13.6

4.5%
6.0
8.0

6.5%
8.0
10.0

Leverage-based metrics:

Adjusted quarterly average assets (in billions) (4) $
Tier 1 leverage ratio

2,103

$

2,103

$

1,575

$

1,575

8.6%

8.6%

4.0

n/a

9.2%

9.2%

4.0

5.0

Risk-based capital metrics:

Common equity tier 1 capital
Tier 1 capital
Total capital (3)
Risk-weighted assets (in billions)
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio
Tier 1 capital ratio
Total capital ratio

$ 155,361
168,973
208,670
1,262

12.3%
13.4
16.5

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

December 31, 2014

  $ 145,150
145,150
161,623
1,105

4.0%
5.5
8.0

n/a
6.0%

10.0

13.1%
13.1
14.6

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

4.0%
5.5
8.0

n/a
6.0%

10.0

Leverage-based metrics:

Adjusted quarterly average assets (in billions) (4) $
Tier 1 leverage ratio

2,060

$

2,060

$

1,509

$

1,509

8.2%

8.2%

4.0

n/a

9.6%

9.6%

4.0

5.0

(1)  The Corporation received approval to begin using the Advanced approaches capital framework to determine risk-based capital requirements in the fourth quarter of 2015. With the approval to exit 
parallel run, the Corporation is required to report regulatory capital risk-weighted assets and ratios under both the Standardized and Advanced approaches. The approach that yields the lower ratio 
is to be used to assess capital adequacy and was the Advanced approaches at December 31, 2015. Prior to exiting parallel run, the Corporation was required to report regulatory capital risk-weighted 
assets and ratios under the Standardized approach only. As previously disclosed, with the approval to exit parallel run, U.S. banking regulators requested modifications to certain internal analytical 
models including the wholesale (e.g., commercial) credit models which increased the Corporation’s risk-weighted assets in the fourth quarter of 2015.

(2)  To be “well capitalized” under the current U.S. banking regulatory agency definitions, a bank holding company or national bank must maintain these or higher ratios and not be subject to a Federal 

Reserve order or directive to maintain higher capital levels.

(3)  Total capital under the Advanced approaches differs from the Standardized approach due to differences in the amount permitted in Tier 2 capital related to the qualifying allowance for credit losses.
(4)  Reflects adjusted average assets for the three months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.
n/a = not applicable

210     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     211

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  capital  adequacy  rules  issued  by  the  U.S.  banking 
regulators require institutions to meet the established minimums 
outlined in the Regulatory Capital under Basel 3 – Transition table. 
Failure  to  meet  the  minimum  requirements  can  lead  to  certain 
mandatory and discretionary actions by regulators that could have 
a material adverse impact on the Corporation’s financial position. 
At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Corporation and its banking 
entity affiliates were "well capitalized."

Other Regulatory Matters
On February 18, 2014, the Federal Reserve approved a final rule 
implementing  certain  enhanced  supervisory  and  prudential 
requirements established under the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street 
Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The final rule formalizes risk 
management  requirements  primarily  related  to  governance  and 
liquidity  risk  management  and  reiterates  the  provisions  of 
previously  issued  final  rules  related  to  risk-based  and  leverage 
capital and stress test requirements. Also, a debt-to-equity limit 
may be enacted for an individual BHC if it is determined to pose 
a grave threat to the financial stability of the U.S. Such limit is at 
the discretion of the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) 
or the Federal Reserve on behalf of the FSOC. 

The  Federal  Reserve  requires  the  Corporation’s  banking 
subsidiaries  to  maintain  reserve  requirements  based  on  a 

percentage of certain deposits. The average daily reserve balance 
requirements,  in  excess  of  vault  cash,  maintained  by  the 
Corporation with the Federal Reserve were $9.8 billion and $9.1 
billion for 2015 and 2014. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the 
Corporation  had  cash  in  the  amount  of  $12.1  billion  and  $7.7 
billion, and securities with a fair value of $17.5 billion and $19.2 
billion  that  were  segregated  in  compliance  with  securities 
regulations or deposited with clearing organizations.

The  primary  sources  of  funds  for  cash  distributions  by  the 
Corporation to its shareholders are capital distributions received 
from  its  banking  subsidiaries,  BANA  and  Bank  of  America 
California,  N.A.  In  2015,  the  Corporation  received  dividends  of 
$18.8 billion from BANA and none from Bank of America California, 
N.A. The amount of dividends that a subsidiary bank may declare 
in a calendar year is the subsidiary bank’s net profits for that year 
combined with its retained net profits for the preceding two years. 
Retained net profits, as defined by the OCC, consist of net income 
less  dividends  declared  during  the  period.  In  2016,  BANA  can 
declare  and  pay  dividends  of  approximately  $5.0  billion  to  the 
Corporation plus an additional amount equal to its retained net 
profits for 2016 up to the date of any such dividend declaration. 
Bank of America California, N.A. can pay dividends of $895 million 
in 2016 plus an additional amount equal to its retained net profits 
for 2016 up to the date of any such dividend declaration.

212     Bank of America 2015

The  capital  adequacy  rules  issued  by  the  U.S.  banking 

percentage of certain deposits. The average daily reserve balance 

regulators require institutions to meet the established minimums 

requirements,  in  excess  of  vault  cash,  maintained  by  the 

outlined in the Regulatory Capital under Basel 3 – Transition table. 

Corporation with the Federal Reserve were $9.8 billion and $9.1 

Failure  to  meet  the  minimum  requirements  can  lead  to  certain 

billion for 2015 and 2014. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the 

mandatory and discretionary actions by regulators that could have 

Corporation  had  cash  in  the  amount  of  $12.1  billion  and  $7.7 

a material adverse impact on the Corporation’s financial position. 

billion, and securities with a fair value of $17.5 billion and $19.2 

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Corporation and its banking 

billion  that  were  segregated  in  compliance  with  securities 

entity affiliates were "well capitalized."

Other Regulatory Matters

On February 18, 2014, the Federal Reserve approved a final rule 

implementing  certain  enhanced  supervisory  and  prudential 

requirements established under the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street 

Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The final rule formalizes risk 

management  requirements  primarily  related  to  governance  and 

liquidity  risk  management  and  reiterates  the  provisions  of 

previously  issued  final  rules  related  to  risk-based  and  leverage 

capital and stress test requirements. Also, a debt-to-equity limit 

may be enacted for an individual BHC if it is determined to pose 

a grave threat to the financial stability of the U.S. Such limit is at 

the discretion of the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) 

or the Federal Reserve on behalf of the FSOC. 

The  Federal  Reserve  requires  the  Corporation’s  banking 

subsidiaries  to  maintain  reserve  requirements  based  on  a 

regulations or deposited with clearing organizations.

The  primary  sources  of  funds  for  cash  distributions  by  the 

Corporation to its shareholders are capital distributions received 

from  its  banking  subsidiaries,  BANA  and  Bank  of  America 

California,  N.A.  In  2015,  the  Corporation  received  dividends  of 

$18.8 billion from BANA and none from Bank of America California, 

N.A. The amount of dividends that a subsidiary bank may declare 

in a calendar year is the subsidiary bank’s net profits for that year 

combined with its retained net profits for the preceding two years. 

Retained net profits, as defined by the OCC, consist of net income 

less  dividends  declared  during  the  period.  In  2016,  BANA  can 

declare  and  pay  dividends  of  approximately  $5.0  billion  to  the 

Corporation plus an additional amount equal to its retained net 

profits for 2016 up to the date of any such dividend declaration. 

Bank of America California, N.A. can pay dividends of $895 million 

in 2016 plus an additional amount equal to its retained net profits 

for 2016 up to the date of any such dividend declaration.

NOTE 17 Employee Benefit Plans

Pension and Postretirement Plans
The  Corporation  sponsors  a  qualified  noncontributory  trusteed 
pension plan, a number of noncontributory nonqualified pension 
plans, and postretirement health and life plans that cover eligible 
employees. Non-U.S. pension plans sponsored by the Corporation 
vary based on the country and local practices.

In  2013,  the  Corporation  merged  a  defined  benefit  pension 
plan,  which  covered  eligible  employees  of  certain  legacy 
companies,  into  the  legacy  Bank  of  America  Pension  Plan  (the 
Pension Plan). This merged plan is referred to as the Qualified 
Pension  Plan.  The  merger  resulted  in  a  remeasurement  of  the 
qualified pension obligations and plan assets at fair value as of 
the merger date which increased accumulated OCI by $2.0 billion, 
net-of-tax. The benefit structures under the merged legacy plans 
have not changed and remain intact in the Qualified Pension Plan. 
Benefits earned under the Qualified Pension Plan have been 
frozen.  Thereafter,  the  cash  balance  accounts  continue  to  earn 
investment credits or interest credits in accordance with the terms 
of the plan document.

It  is  the  policy  of  the  Corporation  to  fund  no  less  than  the 
minimum funding amount required by the Employee Retirement 
Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

The Pension Plan has a balance guarantee feature for account 
balances with participant-selected earnings, applied at the time a 
benefit payment is made from the plan that effectively provides 
principal  protection  for  participant  balances  transferred  and 
certain compensation credits. The Corporation is responsible for 
funding any shortfall on the guarantee feature.

The Corporation has an annuity contract that guarantees the 
payment of benefits vested under a terminated U.S. pension plan 
(the Other Pension Plan). The Corporation, under a supplemental 
agreement,  may  be  responsible  for,  or  benefit  from  actual 
experience  and  investment  performance  of  the  annuity  assets. 
The  Corporation  made  no  contribution  under  this  agreement  in 
2015 or 2014. Contributions may be required in the future under 
this agreement.

The Corporation’s noncontributory, nonqualified pension plans 
are unfunded and provide supplemental defined pension benefits 
to certain eligible employees.

In  addition  to  retirement  pension  benefits,  certain  benefits 
eligible to employees may become eligible to continue participation 
as retirees in health care and/or life insurance plans sponsored 
by the Corporation. Based on the other provisions of the individual 
plans, certain retirees may also have the cost of these benefits 
partially paid by the Corporation. These plans are referred to as 
the Postretirement Health and Life Plans.

The Pension and Postretirement Plans table summarizes the 
changes in the fair value of plan assets, changes in the projected 
benefit  obligation  (PBO),  the  funded  status  of  both  the 
accumulated  benefit  obligation  (ABO)  and  the  PBO,  and  the 
weighted-average  assumptions  used  to  determine  benefit 
obligations  for  the  pension  plans  and  postretirement  plans  at 
December 31, 2015 and 2014. Amounts recognized at December 
31, 2015 and 2014 are reflected in other assets, and in accrued 
expenses and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. 
The estimate of the Corporation’s PBO associated with these plans 
considers various actuarial assumptions, including assumptions 
for mortality rates and discount rates. As of December 31, 2014, 
the Corporation adopted mortality assumptions published by the 
Society of Actuaries in October 2014, adjusted to reflect observed 
and anticipated future mortality experience of the participants in 
the Corporation’s U.S. plans. The adoption of the new mortality 
assumptions resulted in an increase of the PBO of approximately 
$580  million  at  December 31,  2014.  The  discount  rate 
assumptions are derived from a cash flow matching technique that 
utilizes rates that are based on Aa-rated corporate bonds with cash 
flows that match estimated benefit payments of each of the plans. 
The  increase  in  the  weighted-average  discount  rates  in  2015 
resulted in a decrease to the PBO of approximately $930 million 
at  December 31,  2015.  The  decrease  in  the  weighted-average 
discount  rates  in  2014  resulted  in  an  increase  to  the  PBO  of 
approximately $1.9 billion at December 31, 2014.

212     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     213

The Corporation’s best estimate of its contributions to be made to the Non-U.S. Pension Plans, Nonqualified and Other Pension 
Plans, and Postretirement Health and Life Plans in 2016 is $50 million, $103 million and $108 million, respectively. The Corporation 
does not expect to make a contribution to the Qualified Pension Plan in 2016.

Pension and Postretirement Plans

(Dollars in millions)

Change in fair value of plan assets
Fair value, January 1

Actual return on plan assets
Company contributions
Plan participant contributions
Settlements and curtailments
Benefits paid
Federal subsidy on benefits paid
Foreign currency exchange rate changes

Fair value, December 31

Change in projected benefit obligation
Projected benefit obligation, January 1

Service cost
Interest cost
Plan participant contributions
Plan amendments
Settlements and curtailments
Actuarial loss (gain)
Benefits paid
Federal subsidy on benefits paid
Foreign currency exchange rate changes

Projected benefit obligation, December 31
Amount recognized, December 31

Funded status, December 31

Accumulated benefit obligation
Overfunded (unfunded) status of ABO
Provision for future salaries
Projected benefit obligation

Weighted-average assumptions, December 31

Discount rate
Rate of compensation increase

Qualified
Pension Plan (1)

Non-U.S.
Pension Plans (1)

Nonqualified
and Other
Pension Plans (1)

Postretirement
Health and Life 
Plans (1)

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

$ 18,614
199
—
—
—
(851)
n/a
n/a
$ 17,962

$ 15,508
—
621
—
—
—
(817)
(851)
n/a
n/a
$ 14,461
3,501
$

$ 18,276
1,261
—
—
—
(923)
n/a
n/a
$ 18,614

$ 14,145
—
665
—
—
—
1,621
(923)
n/a
n/a
$ 15,508
3,106
$

$ 14,461
3,501
—
14,461

$ 15,508
3,106
—
15,508

$

$

$

$
$

$

2,564
342
58
1
(7)
(78)
n/a
(142)
2,738

2,688
27
93
1
(1)
(7)
(2)
(78)
n/a
(141)
2,580
158

2,479
259
101
2,580

$

$

$

$
$

$

2,457
256
84
1
(5)
(68)
n/a
(161)
2,564

2,580
29
109
1
1
(6)
208
(68)
n/a
(166)
2,688
(124)

2,582
(18)
106
2,688

$

$

$

$
$

$

2,927
14
97
—
—
(233)
n/a
n/a
2,805

3,329
—
122
—
—
—
(165)
(233)
n/a
n/a
3,053
(248)

3,052
(247)
1
3,053

$

$

$

$
$

$

2,720
336
97
—
—
(226)
n/a
n/a
2,927

3,070
1
133
—
—
—
351
(226)
n/a
n/a
3,329
(402)

3,329
(402)
—
3,329

$

$

$

28
—
79
127
—
(247)
13
n/a
— $

72
6
53
129
—
(248)
16
n/a
28

$

1,346
8
48
127
—
—
(141)
(247)
13
(2)
$
1,152
$ (1,152)

$

1,356
8
58
129
—
—
29
(248)
16
(2)
1,346
$
$ (1,318)

n/a
n/a
n/a
1,152

n/a
n/a
n/a
1,346

$

$

4.51%
n/a

4.12%
n/a

3.59%
4.64

3.56%
4.70

4.34%
4.00

3.80%
4.00

4.32%
n/a

3.75%
n/a

(1)  The measurement date for the Qualified Pension Plan, Non-U.S. Pension Plans, Nonqualified and Other Pension Plans, and Postretirement Health and Life Plans was December 31 of each year 

reported.

n/a = not applicable

Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are presented in the table below.

Amounts Recognized on Consolidated Balance Sheet

Qualified
Pension Plan

Non-U.S.
Pension Plans

Nonqualified
and Other
Pension Plans

Postretirement
Health and Life
Plans

(Dollars in millions)

Other assets
Accrued expenses and other liabilities

Net amount recognized at December 31

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

$

$

3,501
—
3,501

$

$

3,106
—
3,106

$

$

548
(390)
158

$

$

$

252
(376)
(124) $

825
(1,073)

$

$

786
(1,188)

(248) $

(402) $

— $

(1,152)
(1,152) $

—
(1,318)
(1,318)

214     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value, December 31

$ 17,962

$ 18,614

$ 15,508

$ 14,145

2,688

— $

$

$

1,346

$

1,356

Qualified

Pension Plan (1)

Non-U.S.

Pension Plans (1)

Nonqualified

and Other

Pension Plans (1)

Postretirement

Health and Life 

Plans (1)

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

$ 18,614

$ 18,276

$

2,564

$

2,457

$

2,927

$

2,720

$

$

199

—

—

—

(851)

n/a

n/a

—

621

—

—

—

(817)

(851)

n/a

n/a

1,261

—

—

—

(923)

n/a

n/a

—

665

—

—

—

1,621

(923)

n/a

n/a

342

58

1

(7)

(78)

n/a

(142)

2,738

27

93

1

(1)

(7)

(2)

(78)

n/a

(141)

2,580

158

2,479

259

101

2,580

256

84

1

(5)

(68)

n/a

(161)

2,564

2,580

29

109

1

1

(6)

208

(68)

n/a

(166)

2,688

(124)

2,582

(18)

106

2,688

$

$

$

$

$

14

97

—

—

(233)

n/a

n/a

2,805

3,329

—

122

—

—

—

(165)

(233)

n/a

n/a

3,053

(248)

3,052

(247)

1

3,053

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

336

97

—

—

(226)

n/a

n/a

2,927

3,070

1

133

—

—

—

351

(226)

n/a

n/a

3,329

(402)

—

$

$

$

$

$

$ 14,461

$

3,501

$ 15,508

$

3,106

$ 14,461

$ 15,508

3,501

—

14,461

3,106

—

15,508

28

—

79

127

—

(247)

13

n/a

8

48

127

—

—

(141)

(247)

13

(2)

n/a

n/a

n/a

72

6

53

129

—

(248)

16

n/a

28

8

58

129

—

—

29

(248)

16

(2)

n/a

n/a

n/a

(Dollars in millions)

Change in fair value of plan assets

Fair value, January 1

Actual return on plan assets

Company contributions

Plan participant contributions

Settlements and curtailments

Benefits paid

Federal subsidy on benefits paid

Foreign currency exchange rate changes

Change in projected benefit obligation

Projected benefit obligation, January 1

Service cost

Interest cost

Plan participant contributions

Plan amendments

Settlements and curtailments

Actuarial loss (gain)

Benefits paid

Federal subsidy on benefits paid

Foreign currency exchange rate changes

Projected benefit obligation, December 31

Amount recognized, December 31

Funded status, December 31

Accumulated benefit obligation

Overfunded (unfunded) status of ABO

Provision for future salaries

Projected benefit obligation

Weighted-average assumptions, December 31

Discount rate

Rate of compensation increase

reported.

n/a = not applicable

(1)  The measurement date for the Qualified Pension Plan, Non-U.S. Pension Plans, Nonqualified and Other Pension Plans, and Postretirement Health and Life Plans was December 31 of each year 

4.51%

n/a

4.12%

n/a

3.59%

4.64

3.56%

4.70

4.34%

4.00

3.80%

4.00

4.32%

n/a

3.75%

n/a

Amounts recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are presented in the table below.

Amounts Recognized on Consolidated Balance Sheet

Qualified

Pension Plan

Non-U.S.

Pension Plans

Nonqualified

and Other

Pension Plans

Postretirement

Health and Life

Plans

(Dollars in millions)

Other assets

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

Net amount recognized at December 31

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

$

$

3,501

—

3,501

$

$

3,106

—

3,106

$

$

548

(390)

158

$

$

252

$

825

$

786

$

— $

—

(376)

(1,073)

(1,188)

(1,152)

(124) $

(248) $

(402) $

(1,152) $

(1,318)

(1,318)

The Corporation’s best estimate of its contributions to be made to the Non-U.S. Pension Plans, Nonqualified and Other Pension 

Plans, and Postretirement Health and Life Plans in 2016 is $50 million, $103 million and $108 million, respectively. The Corporation 

does not expect to make a contribution to the Qualified Pension Plan in 2016.

Pension Plans with ABO and PBO in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are presented in the table below. 
For the non-qualified plans not subject to ERISA or non-U.S. pension plans, funding strategies vary due to legal requirements and local 
practices.

Pension and Postretirement Plans

Plans with PBO and ABO in Excess of Plan Assets

(Dollars in millions)

PBO
ABO
Fair value of plan assets

Non-U.S.
Pension Plans

Nonqualified
and Other
Pension Plans

2015

2014

2015

2014

$

$

574
551
183

$

583
563
206

$

1,075
1,074
1

1,190
1,190
2

Net periodic benefit cost of the Corporation’s plans for 2015, 2014 and 2013 included the following components.

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

(Dollars in millions)

Components of net periodic benefit cost (income)

Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of prior service cost
Amortization of net actuarial loss
Recognized loss (gain) due to settlements and curtailments

Net periodic benefit cost (income)

3,329

$

1,152

$

1,346

(402)

$ (1,152)

$ (1,318)

Discount rate
Expected return on plan assets
Rate of compensation increase

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net cost for years ended December 31

3,329

$

1,152

$

1,346

Components of net periodic benefit cost (income)

(Dollars in millions)

Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of prior service cost
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain)
Recognized loss due to settlements and curtailments

Net periodic benefit cost (income)

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net cost for years ended December 31

Discount rate
Expected return on plan assets
Rate of compensation increase

n/a = not applicable

Qualified Pension Plan
2014

2013

2015

Non-U.S. Pension Plans
2014

2013

2015

$

— $

— $

— $

621
(1,045)
—
170
—
(254)

$

665
(1,018)
—
111
—
(242)

$

623
(1,024)
—
242
17
(142)

$

$

4.12%
6.00
n/a

4.85%
6.00
n/a

4.00%
6.50
n/a

$

$

27
93
(133)
1
6
—
(6)

3.56%
5.27
4.70

$

$

29
109
(137)
1
3
2
7

4.30%
5.52
4.91

32
98
(121)
—
2
(7)
4

4.23%
5.50
4.37

Nonqualified and
Other Pension Plans

Postretirement Health
and Life Plans

2015

2014

2013

2015

2014

2013

$

— $

122
(92)
—
34
—
64

3.80%
3.26
4.00

$

$

$

$

1
133
(124)
—
25
—
35

4.55%
4.60
4.00

$

$

1
120
(109)
—
25
2
39

3.65%
3.75
4.00

8
48
(1)
4
(46)
—
13

$

$

8
58
(4)
4
(89)
—
(23)

$

$

9
54
(5)
4
(42)
6
26

3.75%
6.00
n/a

4.50%
6.00
n/a

3.65%
6.50
n/a

214     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     215

The  asset  valuation  method  used  to  calculate  the  expected 
return on plan assets component of net period benefit cost for the 
Qualified Pension Plan recognizes 60 percent of the prior year’s 
market gains or losses at the next measurement date with the 
remaining  40  percent  spread  equally  over  the  subsequent  four 
years.

Net  periodic  postretirement  health  and  life  expense  was 
determined  using  the  “projected  unit  credit”  actuarial  method. 
Gains and losses for all benefit plans except postretirement health 
care are recognized in accordance with the standard amortization 
provisions  of  the  applicable  accounting  guidance.  For  the 
Postretirement Health Care Plans, 50 percent of the unrecognized 
gain or loss at the beginning of the fiscal year (or at subsequent 
remeasurement) is recognized on a level basis during the year.

Assumed health care cost trend rates affect the postretirement 
benefit obligation and benefit cost reported for the Postretirement 
Health and Life Plans. The assumed health care cost trend rate 
used  to  measure  the  expected  cost  of  benefits  covered  by  the 
Postretirement Health and Life Plans is 7.00 percent for 2016, 
reducing in steps to 5.00 percent in 2021 and later years. A one-
percentage-point increase in assumed health care cost trend rates 
would  have  increased  the  service  and  interest  costs,  and  the 
benefit obligation by $2 million and $34 million in 2015. A one-
percentage-point  decrease  in  assumed  health  care  cost  trend 
rates would have lowered the service and interest costs, and the 
benefit obligation by $2 million and $29 million in 2015.

The Corporation’s net periodic benefit cost (income) recognized 
for the plans is sensitive to the discount rate and expected return 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
on plan assets. With all other assumptions held constant, a 25 
basis point (bp) decline in the discount rate and expected return 
on plan asset assumptions would have resulted in an increase in 
the  net  periodic  benefit  cost  for  the  Qualified  Pension  Plan 
recognized in 2015 of approximately $9 million and $44 million, 
and to be recognized in 2016 of approximately $9 million and $43 
million.  For  the  Postretirement  Health  and  Life  Plans,  a  25  bp 
decline in the discount rate would have resulted in an increase in 
the net periodic benefit cost recognized in 2015 of approximately 

$9  million,  and  to  be  recognized  in  2016  of  approximately  $8 
million. For the Non-U.S. Pension Plans and the Nonqualified and 
Other Pension Plans, a 25 bp decline in discount rates would not 
have a significant impact on the net periodic benefit cost for 2015 
and 2016.

Pretax  amounts  included  in  accumulated  OCI  for  employee 
benefit plans at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are presented in 
the table below.

Pretax Amounts Included in Accumulated OCI

(Dollars in millions)

Net actuarial loss (gain)
Prior service cost (credits)

Amounts recognized in accumulated OCI

Qualified
Pension Plan

Non-U.S.
Pension Plans

Nonqualified
and Other
Pension Plans

Postretirement
Health and
Life Plans

Total

2015
$ 3,920
—
$ 3,920

2014
$ 4,061
—
$ 4,061

2015

$

$

137
(10)
127

2014
$ 355
(9)
$ 346

2015

$

$

848
—
848

2014
$ 968
—
$ 968

2015

2014

2015

$ (150) $
16
$ (134) $

(56) $ 4,755
6
20
(36) $ 4,761

2014
$ 5,328
11
$ 5,339

Pretax amounts recognized in OCI for employee benefit plans in 2015 included the following components.

Pretax Amounts Recognized in OCI

(Dollars in millions)

Current year actuarial loss (gain)
Amortization of actuarial gain (loss)
Current year prior service cost (credit)
Amortization of prior service cost
Amounts recognized in OCI

Qualified
Pension Plan

Non-U.S.
Pension Plans

Nonqualified
and Other
Pension Plans

Postretirement
Health and
Life Plans

Total

$

2015

2014
$ 1,378
(111)
—
—
$ (141) $ 1,267

29
(170)
—
—

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

$ (211) $

(6)
(1)
(1)

$ (219) $

87
(3)
1
(1)
84

$

(86) $ 138
(34)
(25)
—
—
—
—
$ (120) $ 113

$ (140) $
46
—
(4)

26
89
—
(4)
(98) $ 111

$

$ (408) $ 1,629
(50)
1
(5)
$ (578) $ 1,575

(164)
(1)
(5)

The estimated pretax amounts that will be amortized from accumulated OCI into expense in 2016 are presented in the table below.

Estimated Pretax Amounts Amortized from Accumulated OCI into Period Cost in 2016

(Dollars in millions)

Net actuarial loss (gain)
Prior service cost

Total amounts amortized from accumulated OCI

Qualified
Pension Plan

Non-U.S.
Pension Plans

Nonqualified
and Other
Pension Plans

Postretirement
Health and
Life Plans

$

$

136
—
136

$

$

6
1
7

$

$

25
—
25

$

$

(67) $

4

(63) $

Total

100
5
105

Plan Assets
The Qualified Pension Plan has been established as a retirement 
vehicle  for  participants,  and  trusts  have  been  established  to 
secure benefits promised under the Qualified Pension Plan. The 
Corporation’s  policy  is  to  invest  the  trust  assets  in  a  prudent 
manner  for  the  exclusive  purpose  of  providing  benefits  to 
participants and defraying reasonable expenses of administration. 
The  Corporation’s  investment  strategy  is  designed  to  provide  a 
total return that, over the long term, increases the ratio of assets 
to liabilities. The strategy attempts to maximize the investment 
return  on  assets  at  a  level  of  risk  deemed  appropriate  by  the 
Corporation  while  complying  with  ERISA  and  any  applicable 
regulations  and  laws.  The  investment  strategy  utilizes  asset 
allocation  as  a  principal  determinant  for  establishing  the  risk/
return  profile  of  the  assets.  Asset  allocation  ranges  are 
established, periodically reviewed and adjusted as funding levels 

and liability characteristics change. Active and passive investment 
managers are employed to help enhance the risk/return profile of 
the assets. An additional aspect of the investment strategy used 
to  minimize  risk  (part  of  the  asset  allocation  plan)  includes 
matching the equity exposure of participant-selected investment 
measures. For example, the common stock of the Corporation held 
in the trust is maintained as an offset to the exposure related to 
participants who elected to receive an investment measure based 
on the return performance of common stock of the Corporation. 
No plan assets are expected to be returned to the Corporation 
during 2016.

The  assets  of  the  Non-U.S.  Pension  Plans  are  primarily 
attributable to a U.K. pension plan. This U.K. pension plan’s assets 
are invested prudently so that the benefits promised to members 
are provided with consideration given the nature and the duration 
of the plan’s liabilities. The current investment strategy was set 
following  an  asset-liability  study  and  advice  from  the  trustee’s 

216     Bank of America 2015

 
on plan assets. With all other assumptions held constant, a 25 

$9  million,  and  to  be  recognized  in  2016  of  approximately  $8 

basis point (bp) decline in the discount rate and expected return 

million. For the Non-U.S. Pension Plans and the Nonqualified and 

on plan asset assumptions would have resulted in an increase in 

Other Pension Plans, a 25 bp decline in discount rates would not 

the  net  periodic  benefit  cost  for  the  Qualified  Pension  Plan 

have a significant impact on the net periodic benefit cost for 2015 

recognized in 2015 of approximately $9 million and $44 million, 

and 2016.

and to be recognized in 2016 of approximately $9 million and $43 

Pretax  amounts  included  in  accumulated  OCI  for  employee 

million.  For  the  Postretirement  Health  and  Life  Plans,  a  25  bp 

benefit plans at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are presented in 

decline in the discount rate would have resulted in an increase in 

the table below.

the net periodic benefit cost recognized in 2015 of approximately 

Pretax Amounts Included in Accumulated OCI

(Dollars in millions)

Net actuarial loss (gain)

Prior service cost (credits)

Amounts recognized in accumulated OCI

Qualified

Pension Plan

Non-U.S.

Pension Plans

Nonqualified

and Other

Pension Plans

Postretirement

Health and

Life Plans

Total

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

$ 3,920

$ 4,061

—

—

$ 3,920

$ 4,061

$

$

137

(10)

127

$ 355

848

$ 968

$ (150) $

(56) $ 4,755

$ 5,328

(9)

—

—

16

20

6

11

$ 346

848

$ 968

$ (134) $

(36) $ 4,761

$ 5,339

$

$

Pretax amounts recognized in OCI for employee benefit plans in 2015 included the following components.

Pretax Amounts Recognized in OCI

(Dollars in millions)

Current year actuarial loss (gain)

Amortization of actuarial gain (loss)

Current year prior service cost (credit)

Amortization of prior service cost

Amounts recognized in OCI

Qualified

Pension Plan

Non-U.S.

Pension Plans

Nonqualified

and Other

Pension Plans

Postretirement

Health and

Life Plans

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

$

29

$ 1,378

$ (211) $

87

$

(86) $ 138

$ (140) $

$ (408) $ 1,629

(170)

(111)

—

—

—

—

(6)

(1)

(1)

(3)

1

(1)

(34)

—

—

(25)

—

—

46

—

(4)

26

89

—

(4)

(164)

(1)

(5)

(50)

1

(5)

$ (141) $ 1,267

$ (219) $

84

$ (120) $ 113

$

(98) $ 111

$ (578) $ 1,575

The estimated pretax amounts that will be amortized from accumulated OCI into expense in 2016 are presented in the table below.

Estimated Pretax Amounts Amortized from Accumulated OCI into Period Cost in 2016

(Dollars in millions)

Net actuarial loss (gain)

Prior service cost

Plan Assets

Total amounts amortized from accumulated OCI

The Qualified Pension Plan has been established as a retirement 

vehicle  for  participants,  and  trusts  have  been  established  to 

secure benefits promised under the Qualified Pension Plan. The 

Corporation’s  policy  is  to  invest  the  trust  assets  in  a  prudent 

manner  for  the  exclusive  purpose  of  providing  benefits  to 

participants and defraying reasonable expenses of administration. 

The  Corporation’s  investment  strategy  is  designed  to  provide  a 

total return that, over the long term, increases the ratio of assets 

to liabilities. The strategy attempts to maximize the investment 

return  on  assets  at  a  level  of  risk  deemed  appropriate  by  the 

Corporation  while  complying  with  ERISA  and  any  applicable 

regulations  and  laws.  The  investment  strategy  utilizes  asset 

allocation  as  a  principal  determinant  for  establishing  the  risk/

return  profile  of  the  assets.  Asset  allocation  ranges  are 

established, periodically reviewed and adjusted as funding levels 

216     Bank of America 2015

Qualified

Non-U.S.

Pension Plan

Pension Plans

Nonqualified

and Other

Pension Plans

Postretirement

Health and

Life Plans

$

$

136

—

136

$

$

6

1

7

$

$

25

—

25

$

$

(67) $

4

(63) $

Total

100

5

105

and liability characteristics change. Active and passive investment 

managers are employed to help enhance the risk/return profile of 

the assets. An additional aspect of the investment strategy used 

to  minimize  risk  (part  of  the  asset  allocation  plan)  includes 

matching the equity exposure of participant-selected investment 

measures. For example, the common stock of the Corporation held 

in the trust is maintained as an offset to the exposure related to 

participants who elected to receive an investment measure based 

on the return performance of common stock of the Corporation. 

No plan assets are expected to be returned to the Corporation 

during 2016.

The  assets  of  the  Non-U.S.  Pension  Plans  are  primarily 

attributable to a U.K. pension plan. This U.K. pension plan’s assets 

are invested prudently so that the benefits promised to members 

are provided with consideration given the nature and the duration 

of the plan’s liabilities. The current investment strategy was set 

following  an  asset-liability  study  and  advice  from  the  trustee’s 

investment  advisors.  The  selected  asset  allocation  strategy  is 
designed to achieve a higher return than the lowest risk strategy 
while  maintaining  a  prudent  approach  to  meeting  the  plan’s 
liabilities.

The expected return on plan assets assumption was developed 
through analysis of historical market returns, historical asset class 
volatility and correlations, current market conditions, anticipated 
future  asset  allocations,  the  funds’  past  experience,  and 
expectations  on  potential  future  market  returns.  The  expected 
return  on  plan  assets  assumption  is  determined  using  the 
calculated market-related value for the Qualified Pension Plan and 
the Other Pension Plan and the fair value for the Non-U.S. Pension 
Plans  and  Postretirement  Health  and  Life  Plans.  The  expected 

return on plan assets assumption represents a long-term average 
view of the performance of the assets in the Qualified Pension 
Plan,  the  Non-U.S.  Pension  Plans,  the  Other  Pension  Plan,  and 
Postretirement Health and Life Plans, a return that may or may not 
be achieved during any one calendar year. The terminated Other 
U.S. Pension Plan is invested solely in an annuity contract which 
is primarily invested in fixed-income securities structured such that 
asset maturities match the duration of the plan’s obligations.

The  target  allocations  for  2016  by  asset  category  for  the 
Qualified Pension Plan, Non-U.S. Pension Plans, Nonqualified and 
Other Pension Plans, and Postretirement Health and Life Plans are 
presented in the table below.

2016 Target Allocation

Asset Category

Equity securities
Debt securities
Real estate
Other

Percentage

Qualified
Pension Plan

Non-U.S.
Pension Plans

20 - 60
40 - 80
0 - 10
0 - 5

10 - 35
40 - 80
0 - 15
0 - 15

Nonqualified
and Other
Pension Plans

0 - 5
95 - 100
0 - 5
0 - 5

Total

percent of total plan assets) and $215 million (1.15 percent of total plan assets) at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Equity securities for the Qualified Pension Plan include common stock of the Corporation in the amounts of $189 million (1.05 

Bank of America 2015     217

 
Fair Value Measurements
For information on fair value measurements, including descriptions of Level 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy and the valuation 
methods employed by the Corporation, see Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Principles and Note 20 – Fair Value Measurements.
Combined plan investment assets measured at fair value by level and in total at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are summarized in 

the Fair Value Measurements table.

Fair Value Measurements

(Dollars in millions)

Cash and short-term investments

Money market and interest-bearing cash
Cash and cash equivalent commingled/mutual funds

Fixed income

U.S. government and agency securities
Corporate debt securities
Asset-backed securities
Non-U.S. debt securities
Fixed income commingled/mutual funds

Equity

Common and preferred equity securities
Equity commingled/mutual funds
Public real estate investment trusts

Real estate

Private real estate
Real estate commingled/mutual funds

Limited partnerships
Other investments (1)

Total plan investment assets, at fair value

Cash and short-term investments

Money market and interest-bearing cash
Cash and cash equivalent commingled/mutual funds

Fixed income

U.S. government and agency securities
Corporate debt securities
Asset-backed securities
Non-U.S. debt securities
Fixed income commingled/mutual funds

Equity

Common and preferred equity securities
Equity commingled/mutual funds
Public real estate investment trusts

Real estate

Private real estate
Real estate commingled/mutual funds

Limited partnerships
Other investments (1)

Total plan investment assets, at fair value

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

December 31, 2015

$

$

3,061
—

— $
4

— $
—

2,723
—
—
632
551

6,735
3
138

—
—
—
—
13,843

3,814
—

2,004
—
—
627
101

6,628
16
124

$

$

—
—
—
1
13,315

$

881
1,795
1,939
662
1,421

—
1,503
—

—
12
121
287
8,625

11
—
—
—
—

—
—
—

144
731
49
102
1,037

$

$

December 31, 2014

— $
4

— $
—

2,151
1,454
1,930
487
1,397

—
1,817
—

—
4
122
490
9,856

$

11
—
—
—
—

—
—
—

127
632
65
127
962

$

$

$

$

3,061
4

3,615
1,795
1,939
1,294
1,972

6,735
1,506
138

144
743
170
389
23,505

3,814
4

4,166
1,454
1,930
1,114
1,498

6,628
1,833
124

127
636
187
618
24,133

(1)  Other investments include interest rate swaps of $114 million and $297 million, participant loans of $58 million and $78 million, commodity and balanced funds of $165 million and $178 million 

and other various investments of $52 million and $65 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

218     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements

For information on fair value measurements, including descriptions of Level 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy and the valuation 

methods employed by the Corporation, see Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Principles and Note 20 – Fair Value Measurements.

Combined plan investment assets measured at fair value by level and in total at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are summarized in 

the Fair Value Measurements table.

Fair Value Measurements

(Dollars in millions)

Cash and short-term investments

Money market and interest-bearing cash

Cash and cash equivalent commingled/mutual funds

Fixed income

U.S. government and agency securities

Corporate debt securities

Asset-backed securities

Non-U.S. debt securities

Fixed income commingled/mutual funds

Equity

Common and preferred equity securities

Equity commingled/mutual funds

Public real estate investment trusts

Real estate

Private real estate

Limited partnerships

Other investments (1)

Real estate commingled/mutual funds

Cash and short-term investments

Money market and interest-bearing cash

Cash and cash equivalent commingled/mutual funds

Fixed income

U.S. government and agency securities

Corporate debt securities

Asset-backed securities

Non-U.S. debt securities

Fixed income commingled/mutual funds

Equity

Common and preferred equity securities

Equity commingled/mutual funds

Public real estate investment trusts

Real estate

Private real estate

Limited partnerships

Other investments (1)

Real estate commingled/mutual funds

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

December 31, 2015

$

3,061

$

— $

— $

4

—

2,723

—

—

632

551

6,735

3

138

—

—

—

—

—

2,004

—

—

627

101

6,628

16

124

—

—

—

1

881

1,795

1,939

662

1,421

1,503

—

—

—

12

121

287

2,151

1,454

1,930

487

1,397

1,817

—

—

—

4

122

490

3,061

4

3,615

1,795

1,939

1,294

1,972

6,735

1,506

138

144

743

170

389

4

4,166

1,454

1,930

1,114

1,498

6,628

1,833

124

127

636

187

618

—

11

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

144

731

49

102

—

11

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

127

632

65

127

962

Total plan investment assets, at fair value

$

13,843

$

8,625

$

1,037

$

23,505

$

3,814

$

— $

3,814

December 31, 2014

— $

4

The Level 3 Fair Value Measurements table presents a reconciliation of all plan investment assets measured at fair value using 

significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during 2015, 2014 and 2013.

Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

(Dollars in millions)

Fixed income

U.S. government and agency securities

Real estate

Private real estate
Real estate commingled/mutual funds

Limited partnerships
Other investments

Total

Fixed income

U.S. government and agency securities
Non-U.S. debt securities

Real estate

Private real estate
Real estate commingled/mutual funds

Limited partnerships
Other investments

Total

Fixed income

U.S. government and agency securities
Non-U.S. debt securities

Real estate

Private real estate
Real estate commingled/mutual funds

Limited partnerships
Other investments

Total

Actual Return on
Plan Assets Still
Held at the
Reporting Date

Balance
January 1

2015

Purchases,
Sales and
Settlements

Transfers
out of Level 3

Balance
December 31

11

$

— $

— $

— $

11

127
632
65
127
962

12
6

119
462
145
135
879

13
10

110
324
231
129
817

$

$

$

$

$

14
37
(1)
(5)
45

$

— $
—

5
20
5
1
31

$

— $
(2)

4
15
8
(6)
19

$

2014

2013

3
62
(15)
(20)
30

$

(1) $
(2)

3
150
(85)
(9)
56

$

(1) $
(2)

5
123
(66)
12
71

$

—
—
—
—
— $

— $
(4)

—
—
—
—
(4) $

— $
—

—
—
(28)
—
(28) $

144
731
49
102
1,037

11
—

127
632
65
127
962

12
6

119
462
145
135
879

$

$

$

$

$

$

Projected Benefit Payments
Benefit payments projected to be made from the Qualified Pension Plan, Non-U.S. Pension Plans, Nonqualified and Other Pension Plans, 
and Postretirement Health and Life Plans are presented in the table below.

Projected Benefit Payments

Postretirement Health and Life Plans

Total plan investment assets, at fair value

$

13,315

$

9,856

$

$

24,133

(1)  Other investments include interest rate swaps of $114 million and $297 million, participant loans of $58 million and $78 million, commodity and balanced funds of $165 million and $178 million 

and other various investments of $52 million and $65 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

(Dollars in millions)

Qualified
Pension Plan (1)

Non-U.S.
Pension Plans (2)

Nonqualified
and Other
Pension Plans (2)

Net Payments (3)

$

2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021 - 2025
(1)  Benefit payments expected to be made from the plan’s assets.
(2)  Benefit payments expected to be made from a combination of the plans’ and the Corporation’s assets.
(3)  Benefit payments (net of retiree contributions) expected to be made from a combination of the plans’ and the Corporation’s assets.

915
900
902
894
903
4,409

56
59
62
68
71
463

$

$

$

246
238
240
237
236
1,110

121
115
111
105
101
450

Medicare
Subsidy

$

13
13
13
12
12
52

218     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     219

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Defined Contribution Plans
The  Corporation  maintains  qualified  defined  contribution 
retirement plans and nonqualified defined contribution retirement 
plans.  The  Corporation  recorded  expense  of  $1.0  billion,  $1.0 
billion  and  $1.1  billion  in  2015,  2014  and  2013,  respectively, 
related to the qualified defined contribution plans. At December 
31, 2015 and 2014, 236 million and 238 million shares of the 
Corporation’s common stock were held by these plans. Payments 
to the plans for dividends on common stock were $48 million, $29 
million and $10 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Certain  non-U.S.  employees  are  covered  under  defined 
contribution  pension  plans  that  are  separately  administered  in 
accordance with local laws.

NOTE 18 Stock-based Compensation Plans
The  Corporation  administers  a  number  of  equity  compensation 
plans, with awards being granted predominantly from the Bank of 
America  Corporation  2003  Key  Associate  Stock  Plan  (KASP). 
Grants  in  2015  from  the  KASP  included  restricted  stock  units 
(RSUs)  which  generally  vest  in  three  equal  annual  installments 
beginning one year from the grant date, and awards which will vest 
subject to the attainment of specified performance criteria. During 
2015,  the  Corporation  issued  131  million  RSUs  to  certain 
employees  under  the  KASP.  RSUs  may  be  settled  in  cash  or  in 
shares of common stock depending on the terms of the applicable 
award. In 2015, two million of these RSUs were authorized to be 
settled in shares of common stock with the remainder in cash. 
Certain awards contain cancellation and clawback provisions which 
permit the Corporation to cancel or recoup all or a portion of the 
award under specified circumstances. The compensation cost for 
these awards is accrued over the vesting period and adjusted to 
fair  value  based  upon  changes  in  the  share  price  of  the 
Corporation’s common stock.

For most awards, expense is generally recognized ratably over 
the  vesting  period  net  of  estimated  forfeitures,  unless  the 
employee meets certain retirement eligibility criteria. For awards 
to  employees  that  meet  retirement  eligibility  criteria,  the 
Corporation records the expense upon grant. For employees that 
become  retirement  eligible  during  the  vesting  period,  the 
Corporation recognizes expense from the grant date to the date 
on  which  the  employee  becomes  retirement  eligible,  net  of 
estimated forfeitures. The compensation cost for the stock-based 

plans was $2.17 billion, $2.30 billion and $2.28 billion in 2015, 
2014 and 2013, respectively. The related income tax benefit was 
$824 million, $854 million and $842 million for 2015, 2014 and 
2013, respectively.

From time to time, the Corporation enters into equity total return 
swaps to hedge a portion of RSUs granted to certain employees 
as part of their compensation in prior periods in order to minimize 
the change in the expense to the Corporation driven by fluctuations 
in  the  fair  value  of  the  RSUs.  Certain  of  these  derivatives  are 
designated as cash flow hedges of unrecognized unvested awards 
with the changes in fair value of the hedge recorded in accumulated 
OCI and reclassified into earnings in the same period as the RSUs 
affect earnings. The remaining derivatives are used to hedge the 
price risk of cash-settled awards with changes in fair value recorded 
in personnel expense. For information on amounts recognized on 
equity  total  return  swaps  used  to  hedge  the  Corporation’s 
outstanding RSUs, see Note 2 – Derivatives.

On May 6, 2015, Bank of America shareholders approved the 
amendment and restatement of the KASP, and renamed it the Bank 
of America Corporation Key Employee Equity Plan (KEEP). Under 
the amendment and restatement of the KEEP, 450 million shares 
of  the  Corporation’s  common  stock  and  any  shares  that  were 
subject to an award as of December 31, 2014 under the KASP, if 
such award is canceled, terminates, expires, lapses or is settled 
in  cash  for  any  reason  from  and  after  January  1,  2015,  are 
authorized to be used for grants of awards.

Restricted Stock/Units
The table below presents the status at December 31, 2015 of the 
share-settled restricted stock/units and changes during 2015.

Stock-settled Restricted Stock/Units

Outstanding at January 1, 2015
Granted
Vested
Canceled

Outstanding at December 31, 2015

Shares/Units

Weighted-
average Grant 
Date Fair Value

29,882,769
2,079,667
(8,750,921)
(655,497)
22,556,018

$

$

9.30
16.60
11.43
9.52
9.14

220     Bank of America 2015

Defined Contribution Plans

The  Corporation  maintains  qualified  defined  contribution 

retirement plans and nonqualified defined contribution retirement 

plans.  The  Corporation  recorded  expense  of  $1.0  billion,  $1.0 

billion  and  $1.1  billion  in  2015,  2014  and  2013,  respectively, 

related to the qualified defined contribution plans. At December 

31, 2015 and 2014, 236 million and 238 million shares of the 

Corporation’s common stock were held by these plans. Payments 

to the plans for dividends on common stock were $48 million, $29 

million and $10 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Certain  non-U.S.  employees  are  covered  under  defined 

contribution  pension  plans  that  are  separately  administered  in 

accordance with local laws.

NOTE 18 Stock-based Compensation Plans

The  Corporation  administers  a  number  of  equity  compensation 

plans, with awards being granted predominantly from the Bank of 

America  Corporation  2003  Key  Associate  Stock  Plan  (KASP). 

Grants  in  2015  from  the  KASP  included  restricted  stock  units 

(RSUs)  which  generally  vest  in  three  equal  annual  installments 

beginning one year from the grant date, and awards which will vest 

subject to the attainment of specified performance criteria. During 

2015,  the  Corporation  issued  131  million  RSUs  to  certain 

employees  under  the  KASP.  RSUs  may  be  settled  in  cash  or  in 

shares of common stock depending on the terms of the applicable 

award. In 2015, two million of these RSUs were authorized to be 

settled in shares of common stock with the remainder in cash. 

Certain awards contain cancellation and clawback provisions which 

permit the Corporation to cancel or recoup all or a portion of the 

award under specified circumstances. The compensation cost for 

these awards is accrued over the vesting period and adjusted to 

fair  value  based  upon  changes  in  the  share  price  of  the 

Corporation’s common stock.

For most awards, expense is generally recognized ratably over 

the  vesting  period  net  of  estimated  forfeitures,  unless  the 

employee meets certain retirement eligibility criteria. For awards 

to  employees  that  meet  retirement  eligibility  criteria,  the 

Corporation records the expense upon grant. For employees that 

become  retirement  eligible  during  the  vesting  period,  the 

Corporation recognizes expense from the grant date to the date 

on  which  the  employee  becomes  retirement  eligible,  net  of 

estimated forfeitures. The compensation cost for the stock-based 

plans was $2.17 billion, $2.30 billion and $2.28 billion in 2015, 

2014 and 2013, respectively. The related income tax benefit was 

$824 million, $854 million and $842 million for 2015, 2014 and 

2013, respectively.

From time to time, the Corporation enters into equity total return 

swaps to hedge a portion of RSUs granted to certain employees 

as part of their compensation in prior periods in order to minimize 

the change in the expense to the Corporation driven by fluctuations 

in  the  fair  value  of  the  RSUs.  Certain  of  these  derivatives  are 

designated as cash flow hedges of unrecognized unvested awards 

with the changes in fair value of the hedge recorded in accumulated 

OCI and reclassified into earnings in the same period as the RSUs 

affect earnings. The remaining derivatives are used to hedge the 

price risk of cash-settled awards with changes in fair value recorded 

in personnel expense. For information on amounts recognized on 

equity  total  return  swaps  used  to  hedge  the  Corporation’s 

outstanding RSUs, see Note 2 – Derivatives.

On May 6, 2015, Bank of America shareholders approved the 

amendment and restatement of the KASP, and renamed it the Bank 

of America Corporation Key Employee Equity Plan (KEEP). Under 

the amendment and restatement of the KEEP, 450 million shares 

of  the  Corporation’s  common  stock  and  any  shares  that  were 

subject to an award as of December 31, 2014 under the KASP, if 

such award is canceled, terminates, expires, lapses or is settled 

in  cash  for  any  reason  from  and  after  January  1,  2015,  are 

authorized to be used for grants of awards.

Restricted Stock/Units

The table below presents the status at December 31, 2015 of the 

share-settled restricted stock/units and changes during 2015.

Stock-settled Restricted Stock/Units

Outstanding at January 1, 2015

Granted

Vested

Canceled

Outstanding at December 31, 2015

22,556,018

$

Shares/Units

29,882,769

$

2,079,667

(8,750,921)

(655,497)

Weighted-

average Grant 

Date Fair Value

9.30

16.60

11.43

9.52

9.14

The table below presents the status at December 31, 2015 of 
the cash-settled RSUs granted under the KASP and changes during 
2015.

NOTE 19 Income Taxes
The components of income tax expense for 2015, 2014 and 2013 
are presented in the table below.

Cash-settled Restricted Units

Outstanding at January 1, 2015
Granted
Vested
Canceled

Outstanding at December 31, 2015

Units
316,956,435
128,748,571
(176,407,854)
(13,942,138)
255,355,014

Income Tax Expense

(Dollars in millions)

Current income tax expense

U.S. federal
U.S. state and local
Non-U.S. 

Total current expense

2015

2014

2013

$

$

2,387
210
561
3,158

1,992
519
597
3,108
6,266

$

$

443
340
513
1,296

583
85
58
726
2,022

$

$

180
786
513
1,479

2,056
(94)
1,300
3,262
4,741

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

U.S. federal
U.S. state and local
Non-U.S. 

Total deferred expense
Total income tax expense

Total income tax expense does not reflect the tax effects of 
items  that  are  included  in  accumulated  OCI.  For  additional 
information,  see  Note  14  –  Accumulated  Other  Comprehensive 
Income (Loss). These tax effects resulted in an expense of $616 
million in 2015 and $3.4 billion in 2014, and a benefit of $2.7 
billion  in  2013,  recorded  in  accumulated  OCI.  In  addition,  total 
income tax expense does not reflect tax effects associated with 
the Corporation’s employee stock plans which decreased common 
stock and additional paid-in capital $44 million, $35 million and 
$128 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

At December 31, 2015, there was an estimated $1.2 billion of 
total  unrecognized  compensation  cost  related  to  certain  share-
based  compensation  awards  that  is  expected  to  be  recognized 
over a period of up to four years, with a weighted-average period 
of 1.7 years. The total fair value of restricted stock vested in 2015, 
2014 and 2013 was $145 million, $704 million and $906 million, 
respectively. In 2015, 2014 and 2013, the amount of cash paid 
to settle equity-based awards for all equity compensation plans 
was $3.0 billion, $2.7 billion and $1.7 billion, respectively.

Stock Options
The  table  below  presents  the  status  of  all  option  plans  at 
December 31, 2015 and changes during 2015. 

Stock Options

Weighted-
average
Exercise Price

Options

Outstanding at January 1, 2015
Forfeited

Outstanding at December 31, 2015

$

88,087,054
(24,211,579)
63,875,475

48.96
48.38
49.18

All options outstanding as of December 31, 2015 were vested 
and  exercisable  with  a  weighted-average  remaining  contractual 
term of 1.1 years and have no aggregate intrinsic value. No options 
have been granted since 2008.

220     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     221

 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax expense for 2015, 2014 and 2013 varied from the amount computed by applying the statutory income tax rate to income 
before income taxes. A reconciliation of the expected U.S. federal income tax expense, calculated by applying the federal statutory tax 
rate of 35 percent, to the Corporation’s actual income tax expense, and the effective tax rates for 2015, 2014 and 2013 are presented 
in the table below.

Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense

(Dollars in millions)

Expected U.S. federal income tax expense
 Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
State tax expense, net of federal benefit
Affordable housing credits/other credits
Non-U.S. tax rate differential
Tax-exempt income, including dividends
Changes in prior period UTBs, including interest
Non-U.S. tax law changes
Nondeductible expenses
Other

Total income tax expense

2015

2014

2013

Amount

Percent

Amount

Percent

Amount

Percent

$

7,754

35.0% $

2,399

35.0% $

5,660

35.0%

474
(1,087)
(559)
(539)
(85)
289
40
(21)
6,266

$

2.1
(4.9)
(2.5)
(2.4)
(0.4)
1.3
0.2
(0.1)
28.3% $

276
(950)
(507)
(533)
(741)
—
1,982
96
2,022

4.0
(13.8)
(7.4)
(7.8)
(10.8)
—
28.9
1.4

29.5% $

450
(863)
(940)
(524)
(255)
1,133
104
(24)
4,741

2.8
(5.3)
(5.8)
(3.2)
(1.6)
7.0
0.6
(0.2)
29.3%

The reconciliation of the beginning unrecognized tax benefits (UTB) balance to the ending balance is presented in the table below.

Reconciliation of the Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits

(Dollars in millions)

Balance, January 1

Increases related to positions taken during the current year
Increases related to positions taken during prior years (1)
Decreases related to positions taken during prior years (1)
Settlements
Expiration of statute of limitations

Balance, December 31

2015

2014

2013

$

$

1,068
36
187
(177)
(1)
(18)
1,095

$

$

3,068
75
519
(973)
(1,594)
(27)
1,068

$

$

3,677
98
254
(508)
(448)
(5)
3,068

(1)  The sum per year of positions taken during prior years differs from the $85 million, $741 million and $255 million in the Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense table due to temporary items, state 

items and jurisdictional offsets, as well as the inclusion of interest in the Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense table.

At December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the balance of the 
Corporation’s  UTBs  which  would,  if  recognized,  affect  the 
Corporation’s effective tax rate was $0.7 billion, $0.7 billion and 
$2.5 billion, respectively. Included in the UTB balance are some 
items the recognition of which would not affect the effective tax 
rate, such as the tax effect of certain temporary differences, the 
portion of gross state UTBs that would be offset by the tax benefit 
of the associated federal deduction and the portion of gross non-
U.S.  UTBs  that  would  be  offset  by  tax  reductions  in  other 
jurisdictions.

The Corporation files income tax returns in more than 100 state 
and  non-U.S.  jurisdictions  each  year.  The  IRS  and  other  tax 
authorities in countries and states in which the Corporation has 
significant business operations examine tax returns periodically 
(continuously in some jurisdictions). The Tax Examination Status 
table  summarizes  the  status  of  significant  examinations  (U.S. 
federal unless otherwise noted) for the Corporation and various 
subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015.

Tax Examination Status

U.S.
U.S.
New York
U.K.

Years under
Examination

2010 – 2011
2012 – 2013
2008 – 2014
2012

Status at
December 31
2015

IRS Appeals
Field examination
Field examination
Field examination

During 2015, the Corporation and IRS Appeals arrived at final 
agreement on the audit of Bank of America Corporation for the 
2010 through 2011 tax years. While subject to review by the Joint 
Committee  on  Taxation  of  the  U.S.  Congress,  the  Corporation 
expects this examination will be concluded early in 2016.

222     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
Income tax expense for 2015, 2014 and 2013 varied from the amount computed by applying the statutory income tax rate to income 

before income taxes. A reconciliation of the expected U.S. federal income tax expense, calculated by applying the federal statutory tax 

rate of 35 percent, to the Corporation’s actual income tax expense, and the effective tax rates for 2015, 2014 and 2013 are presented 

in the table below.

Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense

(Dollars in millions)

Expected U.S. federal income tax expense

 Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:

State tax expense, net of federal benefit

Affordable housing credits/other credits

Non-U.S. tax rate differential

Tax-exempt income, including dividends

Changes in prior period UTBs, including interest

Non-U.S. tax law changes

Nondeductible expenses

Other

Total income tax expense

2015

2014

2013

Amount

Percent

Amount

Percent

Amount

Percent

$

7,754

35.0% $

2,399

35.0% $

5,660

35.0%

474

(1,087)

(559)

(539)

(85)

289

40

(21)

2.1

(4.9)

(2.5)

(2.4)

(0.4)

1.3

0.2

(0.1)

276

(950)

(507)

(533)

(741)

—

1,982

96

4.0

(13.8)

(7.4)

(7.8)

(10.8)

—

28.9

1.4

450

(863)

(940)

(524)

(255)

1,133

104

(24)

$

6,266

28.3% $

2,022

29.5% $

4,741

2.8

(5.3)

(5.8)

(3.2)

(1.6)

7.0

0.6

(0.2)

29.3%

The reconciliation of the beginning unrecognized tax benefits (UTB) balance to the ending balance is presented in the table below.

(1)  The sum per year of positions taken during prior years differs from the $85 million, $741 million and $255 million in the Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense table due to temporary items, state 

items and jurisdictional offsets, as well as the inclusion of interest in the Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense table.

Reconciliation of the Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits

(Dollars in millions)

Balance, January 1

Increases related to positions taken during the current year

Increases related to positions taken during prior years (1)

Decreases related to positions taken during prior years (1)

Settlements

Expiration of statute of limitations

Balance, December 31

At December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the balance of the 

Corporation’s  UTBs  which  would,  if  recognized,  affect  the 

Corporation’s effective tax rate was $0.7 billion, $0.7 billion and 

$2.5 billion, respectively. Included in the UTB balance are some 

items the recognition of which would not affect the effective tax 

rate, such as the tax effect of certain temporary differences, the 

portion of gross state UTBs that would be offset by the tax benefit 

of the associated federal deduction and the portion of gross non-

U.S.  UTBs  that  would  be  offset  by  tax  reductions  in  other 

jurisdictions.

The Corporation files income tax returns in more than 100 state 

and  non-U.S.  jurisdictions  each  year.  The  IRS  and  other  tax 

authorities in countries and states in which the Corporation has 

significant business operations examine tax returns periodically 

(continuously in some jurisdictions). The Tax Examination Status 

table  summarizes  the  status  of  significant  examinations  (U.S. 

federal unless otherwise noted) for the Corporation and various 

subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015.

2015

2014

2013

$

1,068

$

3,068

$

3,677

36

187

(177)

(1)

(18)

75

519

(973)

(1,594)

(27)

98

254

(508)

(448)

(5)

$

1,095

$

1,068

$

3,068

Tax Examination Status

U.S.

U.S.

U.K.

New York

Years under

Examination

Status at

December 31

2015

2010 – 2011

IRS Appeals

2012 – 2013

Field examination

2008 – 2014

Field examination

2012

Field examination

During 2015, the Corporation and IRS Appeals arrived at final 

agreement on the audit of Bank of America Corporation for the 

2010 through 2011 tax years. While subject to review by the Joint 

Committee  on  Taxation  of  the  U.S.  Congress,  the  Corporation 

expects this examination will be concluded early in 2016.

It is reasonably possible that the UTB balance may decrease 
by  as  much  as  $0.1  billion  during  the  next  12  months,  since 
resolved  items  will  be  removed  from  the  balance  whether  their 
resolution results in payment or recognition.

The Corporation recognized benefits of $82 million during 2015 
and $196 million in 2014, and an expense of $127 million in 2013 
for interest and penalties, net-of-tax, in income tax expense. At 
December  31,  2015  and  2014,  the  Corporation’s  accrual  for 
interest and penalties that related to income taxes, net of taxes 
and remittances, was $288 million and $455 million.

Significant components of the Corporation’s net deferred tax 
assets  and  liabilities  at  December  31,  2015  and  2014  are 
presented in the table below.

Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

(Dollars in millions)

Deferred tax assets

Net operating loss carryforwards
Accrued expenses
Allowance for credit losses
Security, loan and debt valuations
Employee compensation and retirement benefits
Tax credit carryforwards
Available-for-sale securities
Other

Gross deferred tax assets

Valuation allowance

Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation

allowance

Deferred tax liabilities

Equipment lease financing
Intangibles
Fee income
Mortgage servicing rights
Long-term borrowings
Available-for-sale securities
Other

Gross deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax assets, net of valuation

allowance

December 31

2015

2014

$

9,494
6,340
4,649
4,084
3,585
2,707
152
2,333
33,344
(1,149)

$ 10,955
6,309
5,478
5,385
3,899
5,614
—
1,800
39,440
(1,111)

32,195

38,329

3,016
1,306
864
466
327
—
1,752
7,731

3,105
1,513
881
1,094
630
828
2,024
10,075

$

24,464

$ 28,254

The  table  below  summarizes  the  deferred  tax  assets  and 
related valuation allowances recognized for the net operating loss 
(NOL) and tax credit carryforwards at December 31, 2015.

Net Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carryforward Deferred
Tax Assets

(Dollars in millions)

Deferred
Tax Asset

Valuation
Allowance

Net
Deferred
Tax Asset

First Year
Expiring

Net operating losses – U.S.  $ 2,507
Net operating losses – U.K.
5,657
Net operating losses –

$

— $
—

2,507
5,657

After 2027
None (1)

other non-U.S. 

Net operating losses – U.S. 

states (2)

432

898

(323)

(405)

109

493

Various

Various

General business credits
Foreign tax credits
(1)  The U.K. net operating losses may be carried forward indefinitely.
(2)  The net operating losses and related valuation allowances for U.S. states before considering 

After 2031
n/a

2,635
72

2,635
—

—
(72)

the benefit of federal deductions were $1.4 billion and $623 million.

n/a = not applicable

Management  concluded  that  no  valuation  allowance  was 
necessary to reduce the U.K. NOL carryforwards and U.S. NOL and 
general  business  credit  carryforwards  since  estimated  future 
taxable income will be sufficient to utilize these assets prior to 
their expiration. The majority of the Corporation’s U.K. net deferred 
tax assets, which consist primarily of NOLs, are expected to be 
realized by certain subsidiaries over an extended number of years. 
Management’s conclusion is supported by financial results and 
forecasts, the reorganization of certain business activities and the 
indefinite  period  to  carry  forward  NOLs.  However,  significant 
changes  to  those  estimates,  such  as  changes  that  would  be 
caused by a substantial and prolonged worsening of the condition 
of Europe’s capital markets, or a change in applicable laws, could 
lead  management  to  reassess  its  U.K.  valuation  allowance 
conclusions.

At December 31, 2015, U.S. federal income taxes had not been 
provided  on  $18.0  billion  of  undistributed  earnings  of  non-U.S. 
subsidiaries  that  management  has  determined  have  been 
reinvested for an indefinite period of time. If the Corporation were 
to  record  a  deferred  tax  liability  associated  with  these 
undistributed earnings, the amount would be approximately $5.0 
billion at December 31, 2015.

222     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     223

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 20 Fair Value Measurements
Under applicable accounting guidance, fair value is defined as the 
exchange  price  that  would  be  received  for  an  asset  or  paid  to 
transfer  a  liability  (an  exit  price)  in  the  principal  or  most 
advantageous  market  for  the  asset  or  liability  in  an  orderly 
transaction  between  market  participants  on  the  measurement 
date. The Corporation determines the fair values of its financial 
instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established under 
applicable  accounting  guidance  which  requires  an  entity  to 
maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of 
unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. There are three 
levels  of  inputs  used  to  measure  fair  value.  The  Corporation 
conducts a review of its fair value hierarchy classifications on a 
quarterly  basis.  Transfers  into  or  out  of  fair  value  hierarchy 
classifications  are  made  if  the  significant  inputs  used  in  the 
financial  models  measuring  the  fair  values  of  the  assets  and 
liabilities became unobservable or observable, respectively, in the 
current  marketplace.  These  transfers  are  considered  to  be 
effective as of the beginning of the quarter in which they occur. 
For more information regarding the fair value hierarchy and how 
the Corporation measures fair value, see Note 1 – Summary of 
Significant  Accounting  Principles.  The  Corporation  accounts  for 
certain  financial  instruments  under  the  fair  value  option.  For 
additional information, see Note 21 – Fair Value Option.

Valuation Processes and Techniques
The Corporation has various processes and controls in place to 
ensure that fair value is reasonably estimated. A model validation 
policy governs the use and control of valuation models used to 
estimate  fair  value.  This  policy  requires  review  and  approval  of 
models by personnel who are independent of the front office, and 
periodic  reassessments  of  models  to  ensure  that  they  are 
continuing to perform as designed. In addition, detailed reviews 
of  trading  gains  and  losses  are  conducted  on  a  daily  basis  by 
personnel  who  are  independent  of  the  front  office.  A  price 
verification group, which is also independent of the front office, 
utilizes  available  market  information  including  executed  trades, 
market prices and market-observable valuation model inputs to 
ensure that fair values are reasonably estimated. The Corporation 
performs due diligence procedures over third-party pricing service 
providers in order to support their use in the valuation process. 
Where  market  information  is  not  available  to  support  internal 
valuations, independent reviews of the valuations are performed 
and any material exposures are escalated through a management 
review process.

While  the  Corporation  believes  its  valuation  methods  are 
appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use 
of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair 
value of certain financial instruments could result in a different 
estimate of fair value at the reporting date.

During  2015,  there  were  no  changes  to  the  valuation 
techniques that had, or are expected to have, a material impact 
on the Corporation’s consolidated financial position or results of 
operations.

Level 1, 2 and 3 Valuation Techniques
Financial instruments are considered Level 1 when the valuation 
is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets 
or liabilities. Level 2 financial instruments are valued using quoted 
prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets 
that are not active, or models using inputs that are observable or 

224     Bank of America 2015

can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially 
the full term of the assets or liabilities. Financial instruments are 
considered Level 3 when their values are determined using pricing 
models,  discounted  cash 
flow  methodologies  or  similar 
techniques, and at least one significant model assumption or input 
is unobservable and when determination of the fair value requires 
significant management judgment or estimation.

Trading Account Assets and Liabilities and Debt Securities
The fair values of trading account assets and liabilities are primarily 
based on actively traded markets where prices are based on either 
direct market quotes or observed transactions. The fair values of 
debt securities are generally based on quoted market prices or 
market prices for similar assets. Liquidity is a significant factor in 
the determination of the fair values of trading account assets and 
liabilities  and  debt  securities.  Market  price  quotes  may  not  be 
readily available for some positions, or positions within a market 
sector where trading activity has slowed significantly or ceased. 
Some of these instruments are valued using a discounted cash 
flow model, which estimates the fair value of the securities using 
internal credit risk, interest rate and prepayment risk models that 
incorporate  management’s  best  estimate  of  current  key 
assumptions such as default rates, loss severity and prepayment 
rates. Principal and interest cash flows are discounted using an 
observable discount rate for similar instruments with adjustments 
that management believes a market participant would consider in 
determining fair value for the specific security. Other instruments 
are valued using a net asset value approach which considers the 
value of the underlying securities. Underlying assets are valued 
using external pricing services, where available, or matrix pricing 
based on the vintages and ratings. Situations of illiquidity generally 
are  triggered  by  the  market’s  perception  of  credit  uncertainty 
regarding a single company or a specific market sector. In these 
instances,  fair  value  is  determined  based  on  limited  available 
market information and other factors, principally from reviewing 
the  issuer’s  financial  statements  and  changes  in  credit  ratings 
made by one or more rating agencies.

Derivative Assets and Liabilities
The fair values of derivative assets and liabilities traded in the 
OTC market are determined using quantitative models that utilize 
multiple market inputs including interest rates, prices and indices 
to generate continuous yield or pricing curves and volatility factors 
to value the position. The majority of market inputs are actively 
quoted and can be validated through external sources, including 
brokers,  market  transactions  and  third-party  pricing  services. 
When  third-party  pricing  services  are  used,  the  methods  and 
assumptions are reviewed by the Corporation. Estimation risk is 
greater for derivative asset and liability positions that are either 
option-based  or  have  longer  maturity  dates  where  observable 
market inputs are less readily available, or are unobservable, in 
which  case,  quantitative-based  extrapolations  of  rate,  price  or 
index scenarios are used in determining fair values. The fair values 
of derivative assets and liabilities include adjustments for market 
liquidity, counterparty credit quality and other instrument-specific 
the  Corporation 
factors,  where  appropriate. 
incorporates within its fair value measurements of OTC derivatives 
a valuation adjustment to reflect the credit risk associated with 
the  net  position.  Positions  are  netted  by  counterparty,  and  fair 
value for net long exposures is adjusted for counterparty credit 
risk while the fair value for net short exposures is adjusted for the 

In  addition, 

NOTE 20 Fair Value Measurements

Under applicable accounting guidance, fair value is defined as the 

exchange  price  that  would  be  received  for  an  asset  or  paid  to 

transfer  a  liability  (an  exit  price)  in  the  principal  or  most 

advantageous  market  for  the  asset  or  liability  in  an  orderly 

transaction  between  market  participants  on  the  measurement 

date. The Corporation determines the fair values of its financial 

instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established under 

applicable  accounting  guidance  which  requires  an  entity  to 

maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of 

unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. There are three 

levels  of  inputs  used  to  measure  fair  value.  The  Corporation 

conducts a review of its fair value hierarchy classifications on a 

quarterly  basis.  Transfers  into  or  out  of  fair  value  hierarchy 

classifications  are  made  if  the  significant  inputs  used  in  the 

financial  models  measuring  the  fair  values  of  the  assets  and 

liabilities became unobservable or observable, respectively, in the 

current  marketplace.  These  transfers  are  considered  to  be 

effective as of the beginning of the quarter in which they occur. 

For more information regarding the fair value hierarchy and how 

the Corporation measures fair value, see Note 1 – Summary of 

Significant  Accounting  Principles.  The  Corporation  accounts  for 

certain  financial  instruments  under  the  fair  value  option.  For 

additional information, see Note 21 – Fair Value Option.

Valuation Processes and Techniques

The Corporation has various processes and controls in place to 

ensure that fair value is reasonably estimated. A model validation 

policy governs the use and control of valuation models used to 

estimate  fair  value.  This  policy  requires  review  and  approval  of 

models by personnel who are independent of the front office, and 

periodic  reassessments  of  models  to  ensure  that  they  are 

continuing to perform as designed. In addition, detailed reviews 

of  trading  gains  and  losses  are  conducted  on  a  daily  basis  by 

personnel  who  are  independent  of  the  front  office.  A  price 

verification group, which is also independent of the front office, 

utilizes  available  market  information  including  executed  trades, 

market prices and market-observable valuation model inputs to 

ensure that fair values are reasonably estimated. The Corporation 

performs due diligence procedures over third-party pricing service 

providers in order to support their use in the valuation process. 

Where  market  information  is  not  available  to  support  internal 

valuations, independent reviews of the valuations are performed 

and any material exposures are escalated through a management 

review process.

While  the  Corporation  believes  its  valuation  methods  are 

appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use 

of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair 

value of certain financial instruments could result in a different 

estimate of fair value at the reporting date.

During  2015,  there  were  no  changes  to  the  valuation 

techniques that had, or are expected to have, a material impact 

on the Corporation’s consolidated financial position or results of 

operations.

Level 1, 2 and 3 Valuation Techniques

Financial instruments are considered Level 1 when the valuation 

is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets 

or liabilities. Level 2 financial instruments are valued using quoted 

prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets 

that are not active, or models using inputs that are observable or 

224     Bank of America 2015

can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially 

the full term of the assets or liabilities. Financial instruments are 

considered Level 3 when their values are determined using pricing 

models,  discounted  cash 

flow  methodologies  or  similar 

techniques, and at least one significant model assumption or input 

is unobservable and when determination of the fair value requires 

significant management judgment or estimation.

Trading Account Assets and Liabilities and Debt Securities

The fair values of trading account assets and liabilities are primarily 

based on actively traded markets where prices are based on either 

direct market quotes or observed transactions. The fair values of 

debt securities are generally based on quoted market prices or 

market prices for similar assets. Liquidity is a significant factor in 

the determination of the fair values of trading account assets and 

liabilities  and  debt  securities.  Market  price  quotes  may  not  be 

readily available for some positions, or positions within a market 

sector where trading activity has slowed significantly or ceased. 

Some of these instruments are valued using a discounted cash 

flow model, which estimates the fair value of the securities using 

internal credit risk, interest rate and prepayment risk models that 

incorporate  management’s  best  estimate  of  current  key 

assumptions such as default rates, loss severity and prepayment 

rates. Principal and interest cash flows are discounted using an 

observable discount rate for similar instruments with adjustments 

that management believes a market participant would consider in 

determining fair value for the specific security. Other instruments 

are valued using a net asset value approach which considers the 

value of the underlying securities. Underlying assets are valued 

using external pricing services, where available, or matrix pricing 

based on the vintages and ratings. Situations of illiquidity generally 

are  triggered  by  the  market’s  perception  of  credit  uncertainty 

regarding a single company or a specific market sector. In these 

instances,  fair  value  is  determined  based  on  limited  available 

market information and other factors, principally from reviewing 

the  issuer’s  financial  statements  and  changes  in  credit  ratings 

made by one or more rating agencies.

Derivative Assets and Liabilities

The fair values of derivative assets and liabilities traded in the 

OTC market are determined using quantitative models that utilize 

multiple market inputs including interest rates, prices and indices 

to generate continuous yield or pricing curves and volatility factors 

to value the position. The majority of market inputs are actively 

quoted and can be validated through external sources, including 

brokers,  market  transactions  and  third-party  pricing  services. 

When  third-party  pricing  services  are  used,  the  methods  and 

assumptions are reviewed by the Corporation. Estimation risk is 

greater for derivative asset and liability positions that are either 

option-based  or  have  longer  maturity  dates  where  observable 

market inputs are less readily available, or are unobservable, in 

which  case,  quantitative-based  extrapolations  of  rate,  price  or 

index scenarios are used in determining fair values. The fair values 

of derivative assets and liabilities include adjustments for market 

liquidity, counterparty credit quality and other instrument-specific 

factors,  where  appropriate. 

In  addition, 

the  Corporation 

incorporates within its fair value measurements of OTC derivatives 

a valuation adjustment to reflect the credit risk associated with 

the  net  position.  Positions  are  netted  by  counterparty,  and  fair 

value for net long exposures is adjusted for counterparty credit 

risk while the fair value for net short exposures is adjusted for the 

Corporation’s own credit risk. The Corporation also incorporates 
FVA within its fair value measurements to include funding costs 
on  uncollateralized  derivatives  and  derivatives  where  the 
Corporation is not permitted to use the collateral it receives. An 
estimate of severity of loss is also used in the determination of 
fair value, primarily based on market data.

Loans and Loan Commitments
The  fair  values  of  loans  and  loan  commitments  are  based  on 
market prices, where available, or discounted cash flow analyses 
using  market-based  credit  spreads  of  comparable  debt 
instruments  or  credit  derivatives  of  the  specific  borrower  or 
comparable borrowers. Results of discounted cash flow analyses 
may be adjusted, as appropriate, to reflect other market conditions 
or the perceived credit risk of the borrower.

Mortgage Servicing Rights
The fair values of MSRs are determined using models that rely on 
estimates  of  prepayment  rates,  the  resultant  weighted-average 
lives of the MSRs and the option-adjusted spread levels. For more 
information on MSRs, see Note 23 – Mortgage Servicing Rights.

Loans Held-for-sale
The fair values of LHFS are based on quoted market prices, where 
available, or are determined by discounting estimated cash flows 
using  interest  rates  approximating  the  Corporation’s  current 
origination rates for similar loans adjusted to reflect the inherent 
credit risk. The borrower-specific credit risk is embedded within 
the  quoted  market  prices  or  is  implied  by  considering  loan 
performance when selecting comparables.

Private Equity Investments
Private equity investments consist of direct investments and fund 
investments which are initially valued at their transaction price. 
Thereafter,  the  fair  value  of  direct  investments  is  based  on  an 
assessment of each individual investment using methodologies 
that include publicly-traded comparables derived by multiplying a 
key  performance  metric  (e.g.,  earnings  before  interest,  taxes, 
depreciation  and  amortization)  of  the  portfolio  company  by  the 
relevant valuation multiple observed for comparable companies, 
acquisition  comparables,  entry  level  multiples  and  discounted 
cash flow analyses, and are subject to appropriate discounts for 
lack of liquidity or marketability. After initial recognition, the fair 
value  of  fund  investments  is  based  on  the  Corporation’s 
proportionate  interest  in  the  fund’s  capital  as  reported  by  the 
respective fund managers.

Short-term Borrowings and Long-term Debt
The Corporation issues structured liabilities that have coupons or 
repayment  terms  linked  to  the  performance  of  debt  or  equity 
securities, indices, currencies or commodities. The fair values of 
these  structured  liabilities  are  estimated  using  quantitative 
models for the combined derivative and debt portions of the notes. 
These  models  incorporate  observable  and,  in  some  instances, 
unobservable inputs including security prices, interest rate yield 
curves, option volatility, currency, commodity or equity rates and 
correlations among these inputs. The Corporation also considers 
the impact of its own credit spreads in determining the discount 
rate used to value these liabilities. The credit spread is determined 
by reference to observable spreads in the secondary bond market.

Securities Financing Agreements
The  fair  values  of  certain  reverse  repurchase  agreements, 
repurchase agreements and securities borrowed transactions are 
determined using quantitative models, including discounted cash 
flow models that require the use of multiple market inputs including 
interest rates and spreads to generate continuous yield or pricing 
curves, and volatility factors. The majority of market inputs are 
actively  quoted  and  can  be  validated  through  external  sources, 
including  brokers,  market  transactions  and  third-party  pricing 
services.

Deposits
The  fair  values  of  deposits  are  determined  using  quantitative 
models, including discounted cash flow models that require the 
use of multiple market inputs including interest rates and spreads 
to generate continuous yield or pricing curves, and volatility factors. 
The  majority  of  market  inputs  are  actively  quoted  and  can  be 
validated  through  external  sources,  including  brokers,  market 
transactions  and  third-party  pricing  services.  The  Corporation 
considers the impact of its own credit spreads in the valuation of 
these  liabilities.  The  credit  risk  is  determined  by  reference  to 
observable credit spreads in the secondary cash market.

Asset-backed Secured Financings
The fair values of asset-backed secured financings are based on 
external  broker  bids,  where  available,  or  are  determined  by 
rates 
discounting  estimated  cash 
approximating  the  Corporation’s  current  origination  rates  for 
similar loans adjusted to reflect the inherent credit risk.

flows  using 

interest 

Bank of America 2015     225

Recurring Fair Value
Assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2015 and 2014, including financial instruments which 
the Corporation accounts for under the fair value option, are summarized in the following tables.

(Dollars in millions)

Assets

Federal funds sold and securities borrowed or purchased under

agreements to resell

Trading account assets:

U.S. government and agency securities (2)
Corporate securities, trading loans and other
Equity securities
Non-U.S. sovereign debt
Mortgage trading loans and ABS

Total trading account assets
Derivative assets (3)
AFS debt securities:

U.S. Treasury and agency securities
Mortgage-backed securities:

Agency
Agency-collateralized mortgage obligations
Non-agency residential
Commercial

Non-U.S. securities
Corporate/Agency bonds
Other taxable securities
Tax-exempt securities
Total AFS debt securities
Other debt securities carried at fair value:

Mortgage-backed securities:

Agency-collateralized mortgage obligations
Non-agency residential

Non-U.S. securities
Other taxable securities

Total other debt securities carried at fair value
Loans and leases
Mortgage servicing rights
Loans held-for-sale
Other assets (4)

Total assets

Liabilities

Interest-bearing deposits in U.S. offices
Federal funds purchased and securities loaned or sold under

$

$

agreements to repurchase

Trading account liabilities:

U.S. government and agency securities
Equity securities
Non-U.S. sovereign debt
Corporate securities and other

Total trading account liabilities
Derivative liabilities (3)
Short-term borrowings
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Long-term debt

Fair Value Measurements

December 31, 2015

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Netting 
Adjustments (1)

Assets/Liabilities
at Fair Value

$

— $

55,143

$

— $

— $

55,143

33,034
325
41,735
15,651
—
90,745
5,149

23,374

—
—
—
—
2,768
—
—
—
26,142

15,501
22,738
20,887
12,915
8,107
80,148
679,458

1,903

228,947
10,985
3,073
7,165
2,999
243
9,445
13,439
278,199

—
—
11,691
—
11,691
—
—
—
11,923
145,650

$

7
3,460
1,152
267
4,886
5,318
—
4,031
2,023
1,109,206

— $

1,116

$

$

—
2,838
407
521
1,868
5,634
5,134

—

—
—
106
—
—
—
757
569
1,432

—
30
—
—
30
1,620
3,087
787
374
18,098

—
—
—
—
—
—
(639,751)

—

—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

$

(639,751) $

48,535
25,901
63,029
29,087
9,975
176,527
49,990

25,277

228,947
10,985
3,179
7,165
5,767
243
10,202
14,008
305,773

7
3,490
12,843
267
16,607
6,938
3,087
4,818
14,320
633,203

— $

— $

1,116

—

24,239

335

—

24,574

14,803
27,898
13,589
193
56,483
4,941
—
11,656
—
73,080

169
2,392
1,951
5,947
10,459
671,613
1,295
2,234
28,584
739,540

—
—
—
21
21
5,575
30
9
1,513
7,483

—
—
—
—
—
(643,679)
—
—
—

(643,679) $

14,972
30,290
15,540
6,161
66,963
38,450
1,325
13,899
30,097
176,424

Total liabilities

$
(1)  Amounts represent the impact of legally enforceable master netting agreements and also cash collateral held or placed with the same counterparties.
(2) 

Includes $14.8 billion of government-sponsored enterprise obligations.

$

$

$

(3)  During 2015, $6.6 billion of derivative assets and $6.7 billion of derivative liabilities were transferred from Level 1 to Level 2 based on inputs used to measure fair value. Additionally, $6.4 billion 
of derivative assets and $6.2 billion of derivative liabilities were transferred from Level 2 to Level 1 due to additional information related to certain options. For further disaggregation of derivative 
assets and liabilities, see Note 2 – Derivatives.

(4)  During 2015, approximately $327 million of assets were transferred from Level 2 to Level 1 due to a restriction that was lifted for an equity investment.

226     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recurring Fair Value

Assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2015 and 2014, including financial instruments which 

the Corporation accounts for under the fair value option, are summarized in the following tables.

(Dollars in millions)

Assets

agreements to resell

Trading account assets:

Federal funds sold and securities borrowed or purchased under

Fair Value Measurements

December 31, 2015

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Adjustments (1)

at Fair Value

Netting 

Assets/Liabilities

$

— $

55,143

$

— $

— $

55,143

U.S. government and agency securities (2)

Corporate securities, trading loans and other

Equity securities

Non-U.S. sovereign debt

Mortgage trading loans and ABS

Total trading account assets

Derivative assets (3)

AFS debt securities:

U.S. Treasury and agency securities

Mortgage-backed securities:

Agency

Agency-collateralized mortgage obligations

Non-agency residential

Commercial

Non-U.S. securities

Corporate/Agency bonds

Other taxable securities

Tax-exempt securities

Total AFS debt securities

Other debt securities carried at fair value:

Mortgage-backed securities:

Agency-collateralized mortgage obligations

Non-agency residential

Non-U.S. securities

Other taxable securities

Total other debt securities carried at fair value

Loans and leases

Mortgage servicing rights

Loans held-for-sale

Other assets (4)

Total assets

Liabilities

agreements to repurchase

Trading account liabilities:

U.S. government and agency securities

Equity securities

Non-U.S. sovereign debt

Corporate securities and other

Total trading account liabilities

Derivative liabilities (3)

Short-term borrowings

Long-term debt

Total liabilities

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

33,034

325

41,735

15,651

—

90,745

5,149

23,374

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

2,768

26,142

11,691

11,691

11,923

14,803

27,898

13,589

193

56,483

4,941

11,656

—

—

15,501

22,738

20,887

12,915

8,107

80,148

679,458

1,903

228,947

10,985

3,073

7,165

2,999

243

9,445

13,439

278,199

7

3,460

1,152

267

4,886

5,318

—

4,031

2,023

169

2,392

1,951

5,947

10,459

671,613

1,295

2,234

28,584

—

2,838

407

521

1,868

5,634

5,134

—

—

—

—

—

—

106

757

569

1,432

—

30

—

—

30

1,620

3,087

787

374

—

—

—

21

21

30

9

1,513

7,483

(639,751)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

48,535

25,901

63,029

29,087

9,975

176,527

49,990

25,277

228,947

10,985

3,179

7,165

5,767

243

10,202

14,008

305,773

7

3,490

12,843

267

16,607

6,938

3,087

4,818

14,320

633,203

24,574

14,972

30,290

15,540

6,161

66,963

38,450

1,325

13,899

30,097

5,575

(643,679)

Interest-bearing deposits in U.S. offices

— $

1,116

— $

— $

1,116

145,650

$

1,109,206

18,098

$

(639,751) $

$

$

$

$

Federal funds purchased and securities loaned or sold under

—

24,239

335

(Dollars in millions)

Assets

Federal funds sold and securities borrowed or purchased under

agreements to resell

Trading account assets:

U.S. government and agency securities (2)
Corporate securities, trading loans and other
Equity securities
Non-U.S. sovereign debt
Mortgage trading loans and ABS

Total trading account assets
Derivative assets (3)
AFS debt securities:

U.S. Treasury and agency securities
Mortgage-backed securities:

Agency
Agency-collateralized mortgage obligations
Non-agency residential
Commercial

Non-U.S. securities
Corporate/Agency bonds
Other taxable securities
Tax-exempt securities
Total AFS debt securities
Other debt securities carried at fair value:
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
Mortgage-backed securities:

Agency
Non-agency residential

Non-U.S. securities
Other taxable securities

Total other debt securities carried at fair value
Loans and leases
Mortgage servicing rights
Loans held-for-sale
Other assets (4)

Total assets

Liabilities

Interest-bearing deposits in U.S. offices
Federal funds purchased and securities loaned or sold under

agreements to repurchase

Trading account liabilities:

U.S. government and agency securities
Equity securities
Non-U.S. sovereign debt
Corporate securities and other

Total trading account liabilities
Derivative liabilities (3)
Short-term borrowings
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Long-term debt

Fair Value Measurements

December 31, 2014

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Netting 
Adjustments (1)

Assets/Liabilities
at Fair Value

$

— $

62,182

$

— $

— $

62,182

33,470
243
33,518
20,348
—
87,579
4,957

67,413

—
—
—
—
3,191
—
20
—
70,624

1,541

—
—
13,270
—
14,811
—
—
—
11,581
189,552

$

17,549
31,699
22,488
15,332
10,879
97,947
972,977

2,182

165,039
14,248
4,175
4,000
3,029
368
9,104
8,950
211,095

—

15,704
3,745
1,862
299
21,610
6,698
—
6,628
1,381
1,380,518

— $

1,469

$

$

$

$

—
3,270
352
574
2,063
6,259
6,851

—

—
—
279
—
10
—
1,667
599
2,555

—

—
—
—
—
—
1,983
3,530
173
911
22,262

—
—
—
—
—
—
(932,103)

—

—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

—

—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

$

(932,103) $

51,019
35,212
56,358
36,254
12,942
191,785
52,682

69,595

165,039
14,248
4,454
4,000
6,230
368
10,791
9,549
284,274

1,541

15,704
3,745
15,132
299
36,421
8,681
3,530
6,801
13,873
660,229

— $

— $

1,469

—

35,357

—

—

35,357

18,514
24,679
16,089
189
59,471
4,493
—
10,795
—
74,759

446
3,670
3,625
6,944
14,685
969,502
2,697
1,250
34,042
1,059,002

—
—
—
36
36
7,771
—
10
2,362
10,179

—
—
—
—
—
(934,857)
—
—
—

(934,857) $

18,960
28,349
19,714
7,169
74,192
46,909
2,697
12,055
36,404
209,083

Total liabilities

$
(1)  Amounts represent the impact of legally enforceable master netting agreements and also cash collateral held or placed with the same counterparties.
(2) 

Includes $17.2 billion of government-sponsored enterprise obligations.

$

$

$

(1)  Amounts represent the impact of legally enforceable master netting agreements and also cash collateral held or placed with the same counterparties.

(2) 

Includes $14.8 billion of government-sponsored enterprise obligations.

(3)  During 2015, $6.6 billion of derivative assets and $6.7 billion of derivative liabilities were transferred from Level 1 to Level 2 based on inputs used to measure fair value. Additionally, $6.4 billion 

of derivative assets and $6.2 billion of derivative liabilities were transferred from Level 2 to Level 1 due to additional information related to certain options. For further disaggregation of derivative 

assets and liabilities, see Note 2 – Derivatives.

(4)  During 2015, approximately $327 million of assets were transferred from Level 2 to Level 1 due to a restriction that was lifted for an equity investment.

$

73,080

$

739,540

$

$

(643,679) $

176,424

(3)  For further disaggregation of derivative assets and liabilities, see Note 2 – Derivatives.
(4)  During 2014, the Corporation reclassified certain assets and liabilities within its fair value hierarchy based on a review of its inputs used to measure fair value. Accordingly, approximately $4.1 billion 
of assets related to U.S. government and agency securities, non-U.S. government securities and equity derivatives, and $570 million of liabilities related to equity derivatives were transferred from 
Level 1 to Level 2.

226     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     227

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following tables present a reconciliation of all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant 
unobservable inputs (Level 3) during 2015, 2014 and 2013, including net realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings 
and accumulated OCI.

Level 3 – Fair Value Measurements (1)

Balance
January 1
2015

Gains
(Losses)
in Earnings

Gains
(Losses)
in OCI (2)

Purchases

Sales

Issuances

Settlements

Gross
Transfers
into
Level 3 

Gross
Transfers
out of
Level 3 

Balance
December 31
2015

2015

Gross

(Dollars in millions)

Trading account assets:

Corporate securities, trading loans and

other

$ 3,270 $

(31) $

(11) $

1,540 $ (1,616) $

— $

(1,122) $

1,570 $

(762) $

2,838

407
521
1,868
5,634
(441)

106
—
757
569
1,432

30

1,620
3,087
787
374

(335)

(21)

(30)
(9)
(1,513)

9
114
154
246
1,335

—
(179)
1
(189)
(7)

49
185
1,250
3,024
273

(11)
(1)
(1,117)
(2,745)
(863)

(11)
(145)
(493)
(1,771)
(261)

41
—
50
1,661
(40)

Equity securities
Non-U.S. sovereign debt
Mortgage trading loans and ABS

Total trading account assets
Net derivative assets (3)
AFS debt securities:

Non-agency residential MBS
Non-U.S. securities
Other taxable securities
Tax-exempt securities
Total AFS debt securities
Other debt securities carried at fair value – 
Non-agency residential MBS

Loans and leases (4, 5)
Mortgage servicing rights (5)
Loans held-for-sale (4)
Other assets (6)

Federal funds purchased and securities 
loaned or sold under agreements to 
repurchase (4)

Trading account liabilities – Corporate

securities and other

352
574
2,063
6,259
(920)

279
10
1,667
599
2,555

—

1,983
3,530
173
911

(12)
—
—
—
(12)

(3)

(23)
187
(51)
(55)

—
—
—
—
—

—

(4)
(393)
(203)
(130)

—
—
—
—
—

—

—
—
(8)
—

—

—

134
—
189
—
323

33

—
—
771
11

—

30

—

(11)

(36)

19

Short-term borrowings (4)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Long-term debt (4)
(1)  Assets (liabilities). For assets, increase (decrease) to Level 3 and for liabilities, (increase) decrease to Level 3.
(2) 

—
(10)
(2,362)

17
1
287

—
—
616

—
—
19

—
—
—
—
—

—
—
—
—
—

—

57
637
61
—

(425)
(10)
(160)
(30)
(625)

—

(237)
(874)
(61)
(51)

217

—

10
—
273

—

(131)

(34)

—
—
—

—

(52)
—
(188)

(411)

—

(24)
—
(1,592)

1

—

19
—
1,434

(22)
(27)
(40)
(851)
42

(37)
—
(939)
—
(976)

—

(300)
—
(98)
(322)

167
—
—
—
167

—

144
—
203
10

Includes unrealized gains (losses) on AFS debt securities, foreign currency translation adjustments and the impact on structured liabilities of changes in the Corporation’s credit spreads. For more 
information, see Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Principles.

(3)  Net derivatives include derivative assets of $5.1 billion and derivative liabilities of $5.6 billion.
(4)  Amounts represent instruments that are accounted for under the fair value option.
(5) 

Issuances represent loan originations and MSRs retained following securitizations or whole-loan sales.

(6)  Other assets is primarily comprised of certain private equity investments.

Significant transfers into Level 3, primarily due to decreased 

price observability, during 2015 included:

$1.7 billion of trading account assets
$167 million of AFS debt securities
$144 million of loans and leases
$203 million of LHFS
$411  million  of  federal  funds  purchased  and  securities 
loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase
$1.6 billion of long-term debt. Transfers occur on a regular 
basis for these long-term debt instruments due to changes 
in the impact of unobservable inputs on the value of the 
embedded  derivative  in  relation  to  the  instrument  as  a 
whole.

Significant transfers out of Level 3, primarily due to increased 
price observability unless otherwise noted, during 2015 included:
$851 million of trading account assets, primarily the result 
of increased market liquidity
$976 million of AFS debt securities
$300 million of loans and leases
$322 million of other assets
$1.4 billion of long-term debt

228     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following tables present a reconciliation of all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant 

unobservable inputs (Level 3) during 2015, 2014 and 2013, including net realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings 

Level 3 – Fair Value Measurements (1)

Balance

January 1

Gains

(Losses)

2015

in Earnings

Gains

(Losses)

in OCI (2)

Purchases

Sales

Issuances

Settlements

Level 3 

Gross

Transfers

into

Gross

Transfers

out of

Level 3 

Balance

December 31

2015

$ 3,270 $

(31) $

(11) $

1,540 $ (1,616) $

— $

(1,122) $

1,570 $

(762) $

2,838

(179)

—

1

(189)

(7)

49

185

1,250

3,024

273

(11)

(1)

(1,117)

(2,745)

(863)

(11)

(145)

(493)

(1,771)

(261)

41

—

50

1,661

(40)

(920)

1,335

and accumulated OCI.

Level 3 – Fair Value Measurements (1)

(Dollars in millions)

Trading account assets:

Corporate securities, trading loans and

other

Equity securities

Non-U.S. sovereign debt

Mortgage trading loans and ABS

Total trading account assets

Net derivative assets (3)

AFS debt securities:

Non-agency residential MBS

Non-U.S. securities

Other taxable securities

Tax-exempt securities

Total AFS debt securities

Other debt securities carried at fair value – 

Non-agency residential MBS

Loans and leases (4, 5)

Mortgage servicing rights (5)

Loans held-for-sale (4)

Other assets (6)

Federal funds purchased and securities 

loaned or sold under agreements to 

repurchase (4)

Trading account liabilities – Corporate

securities and other

Short-term borrowings (4)

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

Long-term debt (4)

352

574

2,063

6,259

279

10

1,667

599

2,555

—

1,983

3,530

173

911

(36)

—

(10)

(2,362)

9

114

154

246

(12)

—

—

—

(12)

(3)

(23)

187

(51)

(55)

19

17

1

287

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(8)

—

—

—

—

—

19

134

—

189

—

323

33

—

—

771

11

—

30

—

—

616

2015

Gross

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

57

637

61

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(4)

(393)

(203)

(130)

(425)

(10)

(160)

(30)

(625)

—

(237)

(874)

(61)

(51)

167

—

—

—

167

—

144

—

203

10

(22)

(27)

(40)

(851)

42

(37)

—

(939)

—

(976)

—

(300)

—

(98)

(322)

1

—

19

—

407

521

1,868

5,634

(441)

106

—

757

569

1,432

30

1,620

3,087

787

374

(335)

(21)

(30)

(9)

—

(11)

—

(131)

217

(411)

(34)

—

—

—

—

(52)

—

(188)

—

10

—

—

(24)

—

273

(1,592)

1,434

(1,513)

(1)  Assets (liabilities). For assets, increase (decrease) to Level 3 and for liabilities, (increase) decrease to Level 3.

(2) 

Includes unrealized gains (losses) on AFS debt securities, foreign currency translation adjustments and the impact on structured liabilities of changes in the Corporation’s credit spreads. For more 

information, see Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Principles.

(3)  Net derivatives include derivative assets of $5.1 billion and derivative liabilities of $5.6 billion.

(4)  Amounts represent instruments that are accounted for under the fair value option.

(5) 

Issuances represent loan originations and MSRs retained following securitizations or whole-loan sales.

(6)  Other assets is primarily comprised of certain private equity investments.

Significant transfers into Level 3, primarily due to decreased 

Significant transfers out of Level 3, primarily due to increased 

price observability unless otherwise noted, during 2015 included:

$851 million of trading account assets, primarily the result 

price observability, during 2015 included:

$1.7 billion of trading account assets

$167 million of AFS debt securities

$144 million of loans and leases

$203 million of LHFS

$411  million  of  federal  funds  purchased  and  securities 

loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase

$1.6 billion of long-term debt. Transfers occur on a regular 

basis for these long-term debt instruments due to changes 

in the impact of unobservable inputs on the value of the 

embedded  derivative  in  relation  to  the  instrument  as  a 

whole.

of increased market liquidity

$976 million of AFS debt securities

$300 million of loans and leases

$322 million of other assets

$1.4 billion of long-term debt

(Dollars in millions)

Trading account assets:

U.S. government and agency securities
Corporate securities, trading loans and

other

Equity securities
Non-U.S. sovereign debt
Mortgage trading loans and ABS

Total trading account assets
Net derivative assets (2)
AFS debt securities:

Non-agency residential MBS
Non-U.S. securities
Corporate/Agency bonds
Other taxable securities
Tax-exempt securities
Total AFS debt securities
Loans and leases (3, 4)
Mortgage servicing rights (4)
Loans held-for-sale (4)
Other assets (5)
Trading account liabilities – Corporate

securities and other

2014

Gross

Balance
January 1
2014

Gains
(Losses)
in Earnings

Gains
(Losses)
in OCI

Purchases

Sales

Issuances

Settlements

Gross
Transfers
into
Level 3 

Gross
Transfers
out of 
Level 3 

Balance
December 31
2014

$

— $

— $

— $

87 $

(87) $

— $

— $

— $

— $

—

3,559

386
468
4,631
9,044
(224)

—
107
—
3,847
806
4,760
3,057
5,042
929
1,669

180

—
30
199
409
463

(2)
(7)
—
9
8
8
69
(1,231)
45
(98)

(35)

1

—

—
—
—
—
—

—
(11)
—
(8)
—
(19)
—
—
—
—

—

1,675

104
120
1,643
3,629
823

(857)

(86)
(34)
(1,259)
(2,323)
(1,738)

11
241
—
154
—
406
—
—
59
—

10

—
—
—
—
(16)
(16)
(3)
(61)
(725)
(430)

(13)

—
—

—

—
—
—
—
—

—
—
—
—
—
—
699
707
23
—

(938)

(16)
(19)
(585)
(1,558)
(432)

—
(147)
—
(1,381)
(235)
(1,763)
(1,591)
(927)
(216)
(245)

1,275

146
11
39
1,471
28

270
—
93
—
36
399
25
—
83
39

—

(3)
(615)

—

—
540

(9)

—
(1,581)

(1,624)

(182)
(2)
(2,605)
(4,413)
160

—
(173)
(93)
(954)
—
(1,220)
(273)
—
(25)
(24)

10

1
1,066

3,270

352
574
2,063
6,259
(920)

279
10
—
1,667
599
2,555
1,983
3,530
173
911

(36)

(10)
(2,362)

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Long-term debt (3)
(1)  Assets (liabilities). For assets, increase (decrease) to Level 3 and for liabilities, (increase) decrease to Level 3.
(2)  Net derivatives include derivative assets of $6.9 billion and derivative liabilities of $7.8 billion.
(3)  Amounts represent instruments that are accounted for under the fair value option.
(4) 

Issuances represent loan originations and MSRs retained following securitizations or whole-loan sales.

(10)
(1,990)

—
169

2
49

—
—

(5)  Other assets is primarily comprised of certain long-term fixed-rate margin loans that are accounted for under the fair value option and certain private equity investments.

Significant transfers into Level 3, primarily due to decreased 

price observability, during 2014 included:

$1.5 billion of trading account assets
$399 million of AFS debt securities
$1.6 billion of long-term debt. Transfers occur on a regular 
basis for these long-term debt instruments due to changes 
in the impact of unobservable inputs on the value of the 
embedded  derivative  in  relation  to  the  instrument  as  a 
whole.

Significant transfers out of Level 3, primarily due to increased 
price observability unless otherwise noted, during 2014 included:
$4.4 billion of trading account assets, primarily the result 
of increased market liquidity
$160 million of net derivative assets
$1.2 billion of AFS debt securities
$273 million of loans and leases
$1.1 billion of long-term debt

228     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     229

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Level 3 – Fair Value Measurements (1)

Balance
January 1
2013

Gains
(Losses) 
in Earnings

Gains
(Losses) 
in OCI

Purchases

Sales

Issuances

Settlements

Gross 
Transfers 
into 
Level 3

Gross 
Transfers
out of
Level 3 

Balance
December 31
2013

2013

Gross

(Dollars in millions)

Trading account assets:

Corporate securities, trading loans and

other

$ 3,726 $

242 $

— $ 3,848 $ (3,110) $

59 $

(651) $

890 $ (1,445) $

3,559

Equity securities
Non-U.S. sovereign debt
Mortgage trading loans and ABS

Total trading account assets
Net derivative assets (2)
AFS debt securities:
Commercial MBS
Non-U.S. securities
Corporate/Agency bonds
Other taxable securities
Tax-exempt securities
Total AFS debt securities
Loans and leases (3, 4)
Mortgage servicing rights (4)
Loans held-for-sale (3)
Other assets (5)
Trading account liabilities – Corporate

securities and other

545
353
4,935
9,559
1,468

10
—
92
3,928
1,061
5,091
2,287
5,716
2,733
3,129

74
50
53
419
(304)

—
5
—
9
3
17
98
1,941
62
(288)

(64)

10

—
—
—
—
—

—
2
4
15
19
40
—
—
—
—

—

96
122
2,514
6,580
824

—
1
—
1,055
—
1,056
310
—
8
46

43

Accrued expenses and other liabilities (3)
Long-term debt (3)
(1)  Assets (liabilities). For assets, increase (decrease) to Level 3 and for liabilities, (increase) decrease to Level 3.
(2)  Net derivatives include derivative assets of $7.3 billion and derivative liabilities of $7.5 billion.
(3)  Amounts represent instruments that are accounted for under the fair value option.
(4) 

Issuances represent loan originations and MSRs retained following securitizations or whole-loan sales.

(15)
(2,301)

—
358

30
13

—
—

(175)
(18)
(1,993)
(5,296)
(1,467)

—
(1)
—
—
—
(1)
(128)
(2,044)
(402)
(383)

—
—
—
59
—

—
—
—
—
—
—
1,252
472
4
—

(100)
(36)
(868)
(1,655)
(1,362)

(10)
—
—
(1,155)
(109)
(1,274)
(757)
(1,043)
(1,507)
(1,019)

70
2
20
982
(10)

—
100
—
—
—
100
19
—
34
239

(124)
(5)
(30)
(1,604)
627

—
—
(96)
(5)
(168)
(269)
(24)
—
(3)
(55)

(54)

—
(4)

(5)

(751)
(172)

—

724
258

(9)

(1)
(1,331)

44

3
1,189

386
468
4,631
9,044
(224)

—
107
—
3,847
806
4,760
3,057
5,042
929
1,669

(35)

(10)
(1,990)

(5)  Other assets is primarily comprised of certain long-term fixed-rate margin loans that are accounted for under the fair value option and certain private equity investments.

Significant transfers into Level 3, primarily due to decreased 

price observability, during 2013 included:

Significant transfers out of Level 3, primarily due to increased 
price observability unless otherwise noted, during 2013 included:

$982 million of trading account assets
$100 million of AFS debt securities
$239 million of other assets
$1.3 billion of long-term debt. Transfers occur on a regular 
basis for these long-term debt instruments due to changes 
in the impact of unobservable inputs on the value of the 
embedded  derivative  in  relation  to  the  instrument  as  a 
whole.

$1.6 billion of trading account assets
$627 million of net derivative assets
$269  million  of  AFS  debt  securities,  primarily  due  to 
increased market liquidity
$1.2 billion of long-term debt

230     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
Level 3 – Fair Value Measurements (1)

(Dollars in millions)

Trading account assets:

Corporate securities, trading loans and

other

Equity securities

Non-U.S. sovereign debt

Mortgage trading loans and ABS

Total trading account assets

Net derivative assets (2)

AFS debt securities:

Commercial MBS

Non-U.S. securities

Corporate/Agency bonds

Other taxable securities

Tax-exempt securities

Total AFS debt securities

Loans and leases (3, 4)

Mortgage servicing rights (4)

Loans held-for-sale (3)

Other assets (5)

Trading account liabilities – Corporate

securities and other

Accrued expenses and other liabilities (3)

Long-term debt (3)

Balance

January 1

2013

Gains

(Losses) 

in Earnings

Gains

(Losses) 

in OCI

Purchases

Sales

Issuances

Settlements

Gross 

Transfers 

into 

Level 3

Gross 

Transfers

out of

Level 3 

Balance

December 31

2013

2013

Gross

$ 3,726 $

242 $

— $ 3,848 $ (3,110) $

59 $

(651) $

890 $ (1,445) $

3,559

545

353

4,935

9,559

1,468

10

—

92

3,928

1,061

5,091

2,287

5,716

2,733

3,129

(64)

(15)

(2,301)

74

50

53

419

(304)

—

5

—

9

3

17

98

10

30

13

1,941

62

(288)

—

—

—

—

—

—

2

4

15

19

40

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

96

122

2,514

6,580

824

—

1

—

—

1,055

1,056

310

—

8

46

43

—

358

(175)

(18)

(1,993)

(5,296)

(1,467)

—

(1)

—

—

—

(1)

(2,044)

(402)

(383)

(54)

—

(4)

—

—

—

59

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

472

4

—

(5)

(751)

(172)

(100)

(36)

(868)

(1,655)

(1,362)

(10)

—

—

(1,155)

(109)

(1,274)

(757)

(1,043)

(1,507)

(1,019)

—

724

258

(128)

1,252

70

2

20

982

(10)

—

100

100

—

—

—

19

—

34

239

(9)

(1)

(124)

(5)

(30)

(1,604)

627

—

—

(96)

(5)

(168)

(269)

(24)

—

(3)

(55)

44

3

386

468

4,631

9,044

(224)

—

107

—

3,847

806

4,760

3,057

5,042

929

1,669

(35)

(10)

(1)  Assets (liabilities). For assets, increase (decrease) to Level 3 and for liabilities, (increase) decrease to Level 3.

(2)  Net derivatives include derivative assets of $7.3 billion and derivative liabilities of $7.5 billion.

(3)  Amounts represent instruments that are accounted for under the fair value option.

(4) 

Issuances represent loan originations and MSRs retained following securitizations or whole-loan sales.

(5)  Other assets is primarily comprised of certain long-term fixed-rate margin loans that are accounted for under the fair value option and certain private equity investments.

Significant transfers into Level 3, primarily due to decreased 

Significant transfers out of Level 3, primarily due to increased 

price observability, during 2013 included:

price observability unless otherwise noted, during 2013 included:

$982 million of trading account assets

$100 million of AFS debt securities

$239 million of other assets

$1.3 billion of long-term debt. Transfers occur on a regular 

basis for these long-term debt instruments due to changes 

in the impact of unobservable inputs on the value of the 

embedded  derivative  in  relation  to  the  instrument  as  a 

whole.

$1.6 billion of trading account assets

$627 million of net derivative assets

$269  million  of  AFS  debt  securities,  primarily  due  to 

increased market liquidity

$1.2 billion of long-term debt

The following tables summarize gains (losses) due to changes in fair value, including both realized and unrealized gains (losses), 
recorded in earnings for Level 3 assets and liabilities during 2015, 2014 and 2013. These amounts include gains (losses) on loans, 
LHFS, loan commitments and structured liabilities that are accounted for under the fair value option.

Level 3 – Total Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings

(Dollars in millions)

Trading account assets:

Corporate securities, trading loans and other
Equity securities
Non-U.S. sovereign debt
Mortgage trading loans and ABS

Total trading account assets
Net derivative assets
AFS debt securities – Non-agency residential MBS
Other debt securities carried at fair value – Non-agency residential MBS
Loans and leases (2)
Mortgage servicing rights
Loans held-for-sale (2)
Other assets
Federal funds purchased and securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase (2)
Trading account liabilities – Corporate securities and other
Short-term borrowings (2)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Long-term debt (2)

(1,331)

1,189

(1,990)

Total

Trading account assets:

Corporate securities, trading loans and other
Non-U.S. sovereign debt
Mortgage trading loans and ABS

Total trading account assets
Net derivative assets
AFS debt securities:

Non-agency residential MBS
Non-U.S. securities
Other taxable securities
Tax-exempt securities
Total AFS debt securities
Loans and leases (2)
Mortgage servicing rights
Loans held-for-sale (2)
Other assets
Trading account liabilities – Corporate securities and other
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Long-term debt (2)

Total

(1)  Mortgage banking income (loss) does not reflect the impact of Level 1 and Level 2 hedges on MSRs.
(2)  Amounts represent instruments that are accounted for under the fair value option.

2015

Trading
Account
Profits
(Losses)

Mortgage
Banking
Income
(Loss) (1)

Other

Total

$

(31) $

9
114
154
246
508
—
—
(8)
73
(58)
—
(11)
19
17
—
339
1,125

180
30
199
409
(475)

$

$

— $
—
—
—
—
765
—
—
—
114
—
(66)
—
—
—
—
—
813

$

2014

— $
—
—
—
834

—
—
—
—
—
—
(6)
(14)
—
1
—
78
(7) $

—
—
—
—
—
—
(1,225)
—
(79)
—
—
—
(470) $

$

$

$

— $
—
—
—
—
62
(12)
(3)
(15)
—
7
11
—
—
—
1
(52)

(1) $

— $
—
—
—
104

(2)
(7)
9
8
8
69
—
59
(19)
—
2
(29)
194

$

(31)
9
114
154
246
1,335
(12)
(3)
(23)
187
(51)
(55)
(11)
19
17
1
287
1,937

180
30
199
409
463

(2)
(7)
9
8
8
69
(1,231)
45
(98)
1
2
49
(283)

230     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     231

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Level 3 – Total Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings (continued)

(Dollars in millions)

Trading account assets:

Corporate securities, trading loans and other
Equity securities
Non-U.S. sovereign debt
Mortgage trading loans and ABS

Total trading account assets
Net derivative assets
AFS debt securities:
Non-U.S. securities
Other taxable securities
Tax-exempt securities
Total AFS debt securities
Loans and leases (2)
Mortgage servicing rights
Loans held-for-sale (2)
Other assets
Trading account liabilities – Corporate securities and other
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Long-term debt (2)

Total

(1)  Mortgage banking income (loss) does not reflect the impact of Level 1 and Level 2 hedges on MSRs.
(2)  Amounts represent instruments that are accounted for under the fair value option.

2013

Trading
Account
Profits
(Losses)

Mortgage
Banking
Income
(Loss) (1)

Other

Total

$

$

242
74
50
53
419
(1,224)

—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
10
—
45

$

(750) $

— $
—
—
—
—
927

—
—
—
—
(38)
1,941
2
122
—
30
—
2,984

$

— $
—
—
—
—
(7)

5
9
3
17
136
—
60
(410)
—
—
(32)
(236) $

242
74
50
53
419
(304)

5
9
3
17
98
1,941
62
(288)
10
30
13
1,998

232     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Level 3 – Total Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings (continued)

Corporate securities, trading loans and other

$

242

$

— $

— $

(Dollars in millions)

Trading account assets:

Equity securities

Non-U.S. sovereign debt

Mortgage trading loans and ABS

Total trading account assets

Net derivative assets

AFS debt securities:

Non-U.S. securities

Other taxable securities

Tax-exempt securities

Total AFS debt securities

Loans and leases (2)

Mortgage servicing rights

Loans held-for-sale (2)

Other assets

Long-term debt (2)

Total

Trading account liabilities – Corporate securities and other

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

(1)  Mortgage banking income (loss) does not reflect the impact of Level 1 and Level 2 hedges on MSRs.

(2)  Amounts represent instruments that are accounted for under the fair value option.

2013

Trading

Account

Profits

(Losses)

Mortgage

Banking

Income

(Loss) (1)

Other

Total

419

(1,224)

74

50

53

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

10

—

45

927

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

2

122

—

30

—

(38)

1,941

—

—

—

—

(7)

5

9

3

17

136

—

60

(410)

—

—

(32)

242

74

50

53

419

(304)

5

9

3

17

98

62

10

30

13

1,941

(288)

The table below summarizes changes in unrealized gains (losses) recorded in earnings during 2015, 2014 and 2013 for Level 3 
assets and liabilities that were still held at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. These amounts include changes in fair value on 
loans, LHFS, loan commitments and structured liabilities that are accounted for under the fair value option.

Level 3 – Changes in Unrealized Gains (Losses) Relating to Assets and Liabilities Still Held at Reporting Date

(Dollars in millions)

Trading account assets:

Corporate securities, trading loans and other
Equity securities
Non-U.S. sovereign debt
Mortgage trading loans and ABS

Total trading account assets
Net derivative assets
Loans and leases (2)
Mortgage servicing rights
Loans held-for-sale (2)
Other assets
Trading account liabilities – Corporate securities and other
Short-term borrowings (2)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Long-term debt (2)

$

(750) $

2,984

$

(236) $

1,998

Total

Trading account assets:

Corporate securities, trading loans and other
Equity securities
Non-U.S. sovereign debt
Mortgage trading loans and ABS

Total trading account assets
Net derivative assets
Loans and leases (2)
Mortgage servicing rights
Loans held-for-sale (2)
Other assets
Trading account liabilities – Corporate securities and other
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Long-term debt (2)

Total

Trading account assets:

Corporate securities, trading loans and other
Equity securities
Non-U.S. sovereign debt
Mortgage trading loans and ABS

Total trading account assets
Net derivative assets
Loans and leases (2)
Mortgage servicing rights
Loans held-for-sale (2)
Other assets
Long-term debt (2)

Total

(1)  Mortgage banking income (loss) does not reflect the impact of Level 1 and Level 2 hedges on MSRs.
(2)  Amounts represent instruments that are accounted for under the fair value option.

2015

Trading
Account
Profits
(Losses)

Mortgage
Banking
Income
(Loss) (1)

Other

Total

$

$

$

$

$

$

(123) $
3
74
(93)
(139)
507
(3)
73
(1)
—
(3)
1
—
277
712

$

$

69
(8)
31
79
171
(276)
—
(6)
(14)
—
1
—
29
(95) $

(130) $

40
80
(174)
(184)
(1,375)
—
—
—
—
(4)
(1,563) $

— $
—
—
—
—
36
—
(158)
—
(41)
—
—
—
—
(163) $

2014

— $
—
—
—
—
85
—
(1,747)
—
(50)
—
—
—
(1,712) $

2013

— $
—
—
—
—
42
(34)
1,541
6
166
—
1,721

$

— $
—
—
—
—
62
16
—
(38)
(20)
—
—
1
(22)

(1) $

— $
—
—
—
—
104
76
—
10
102
—
1
(37)
256

$

— $
—
—
—
—
(7)
152
—
57
14
(32)
184

$

(123)
3
74
(93)
(139)
605
13
(85)
(39)
(61)
(3)
1
1
255
548

69
(8)
31
79
171
(87)
76
(1,753)
(4)
52
1
1
(8)
(1,551)

(130)
40
80
(174)
(184)
(1,340)
118
1,541
63
180
(36)
342

232     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     233

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following tables present information about significant unobservable inputs related to the Corporation’s material categories of 

Level 3 financial assets and liabilities at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2015

(Dollars in millions)

Inputs

Loans and Securities (1)

Financial Instrument

Fair 
Value

Valuation 
Technique

Significant Unobservable 
Inputs

Ranges of 
Inputs

Weighted
Average

Instruments backed by residential real estate assets

$

2,017

Trading account assets – Mortgage trading loans and ABS

Loans and leases

Loans held-for-sale

Instruments backed by commercial real estate assets

$

Trading account assets – Mortgage trading loans and ABS

Loans held-for-sale

400

1,520

97

852

162

690

Discounted cash flow,
Market comparables

Discounted cash flow,
Market comparables

Commercial loans, debt securities and other

$

4,558

Trading account assets – Corporate securities, trading loans and other

Trading account assets – Non-U.S. sovereign debt

Trading account assets – Mortgage trading loans and ABS

AFS debt securities – Other taxable securities

Loans and leases

Auction rate securities

Trading account assets – Corporate securities, trading loans and other

AFS debt securities – Other taxable securities

AFS debt securities – Tax-exempt securities

2,503

521

1,306

128

100

$

1,533

335

629

569

Discounted cash flow,
Market comparables

Discounted cash flow,
Market comparables

Yield

Prepayment speed

Default rate

Loss severity

Yield

Price

Yield

Prepayment speed

Default rate

Loss severity

Duration

Price

Price

Structured liabilities

Long-term debt

Net derivative assets

Credit derivatives

Equity derivatives

Commodity derivatives

$ (1,513)

Industry standard 
derivative pricing (2, 3)

Equity correlation

Long-dated equity volatilities

$

(75)

Discounted cash flow,
Stochastic recovery
correlation model

$ (1,037)

$

169

Industry standard 
derivative pricing (2)

Discounted cash flow, 
Industry standard 
derivative pricing (2)

Yield

Upfront points

Credit spreads

Credit correlation

Prepayment speed

Default rate

Loss severity

Equity correlation

Long-dated equity volatilities

0% to 25%

0% to 27% CPR

0% to 10% CDR

0% to 90%

0% to 25%

$0 to $100

0% to 37%

5% to 20%

2% to 5%

25% to 50%

6%

11%

4%

40%

8%

$73

13%

16%

4%

37%

0 to 5 years

3 years

$0 to $258

$10 to $100

$64

$94

25% to 100%

4% to 101%

6% to 25%

67%

28%

16%

0 to 100 points

60 points

0 bps to 447 bps

111 bps

31% to 99%

10% to 20% CPR

1% to 4% CDR

35% to 40%

25% to 100%

4% to 101%

38%

19%

3%

35%

67%

28%

Natural gas forward price

$1/MMBtu to $6/MMBtu

$4/MMBtu

Propane forward price

$0/Gallon to $1/Gallon

$1/Gallon

Correlation

Volatilities

Correlation (IR/IR)

Correlation (FX/IR)

Long-dated inflation rates

Long-dated inflation volatilities

66% to 93%

18% to 125%

17% to 99%

-15% to 40%

0% to 7%

0% to 2%

84%

39%

48%

-9%

3%

1%

Interest rate derivatives

$

502

Industry standard 
derivative pricing (3)

Total net derivative assets

$

(441)

(1)  The categories are aggregated based upon product type which differs from financial statement classification. The following is a reconciliation to the line items in the table on page 228: Trading 
account assets – Corporate securities, trading loans and other of $2.8 billion, Trading account assets – Non-U.S. sovereign debt of $521 million, Trading account assets – Mortgage trading loans 
and ABS of $1.9 billion, AFS debt securities – Other taxable securities of $757 million, AFS debt securities – Tax-exempt securities of $569 million, Loans and leases of $1.6 billion and LHFS of 
$787 million.
Includes models such as Monte Carlo simulation and Black-Scholes.
Includes models such as Monte Carlo simulation, Black-Scholes and other methods that model the joint dynamics of interest, inflation and foreign exchange rates.

(2) 

(3) 

CPR = Constant Prepayment Rate
CDR = Constant Default Rate
MMBtu = Million British thermal units
IR = Interest Rate
FX = Foreign Exchange

234     Bank of America 2015

Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2015

(Dollars in millions)

Inputs

Fair 

Value

Valuation 

Technique

Significant Unobservable 

Inputs

Ranges of 

Inputs

Weighted

Average

Loans and Securities (1)

Financial Instrument

Instruments backed by residential real estate assets

$

2,017

Trading account assets – Mortgage trading loans and ABS

Loans and leases

Loans held-for-sale

Loans held-for-sale

Instruments backed by commercial real estate assets

$

Trading account assets – Mortgage trading loans and ABS

Trading account assets – Non-U.S. sovereign debt

Trading account assets – Mortgage trading loans and ABS

AFS debt securities – Other taxable securities

Loans and leases

Auction rate securities

Trading account assets – Corporate securities, trading loans and other

AFS debt securities – Other taxable securities

AFS debt securities – Tax-exempt securities

Commercial loans, debt securities and other

$

4,558

Trading account assets – Corporate securities, trading loans and other

Prepayment speed

Yield

Prepayment speed

Default rate

Loss severity

Yield

Price

Yield

Default rate

Loss severity

Duration

Price

Price

Yield

Upfront points

Credit spreads

Credit correlation

Prepayment speed

Default rate

Loss severity

Equity correlation

Discounted cash flow,

Market comparables

Discounted cash flow,

Market comparables

Discounted cash flow,

Market comparables

400

1,520

97

852

162

690

2,503

521

1,306

128

100

335

629

569

$

1,533

Discounted cash flow,

Market comparables

$

(75)

Discounted cash flow,

Stochastic recovery

correlation model

$ (1,037)

$

169

Industry standard 

derivative pricing (2)

Discounted cash flow, 

Industry standard 

derivative pricing (2)

Industry standard 

derivative pricing (3)

$ (1,513)

Equity correlation

Industry standard 

derivative pricing (2, 3)

Long-dated equity volatilities

Correlation

Volatilities

Correlation (IR/IR)

Correlation (FX/IR)

Long-dated inflation rates

Long-dated inflation volatilities

0% to 25%

0% to 27% CPR

0% to 10% CDR

0% to 90%

0% to 25%

$0 to $100

0% to 37%

5% to 20%

2% to 5%

25% to 50%

$0 to $258

$10 to $100

25% to 100%

4% to 101%

6% to 25%

31% to 99%

10% to 20% CPR

1% to 4% CDR

35% to 40%

25% to 100%

4% to 101%

66% to 93%

18% to 125%

17% to 99%

-15% to 40%

0% to 7%

0% to 2%

6%

11%

4%

40%

8%

$73

13%

16%

4%

37%

$64

$94

67%

28%

16%

38%

19%

3%

35%

67%

28%

84%

39%

48%

-9%

3%

1%

0 to 100 points

60 points

0 bps to 447 bps

111 bps

Long-dated equity volatilities

Natural gas forward price

$1/MMBtu to $6/MMBtu

$4/MMBtu

Propane forward price

$0/Gallon to $1/Gallon

$1/Gallon

Interest rate derivatives

$

502

Total net derivative assets

$

(441)

(1)  The categories are aggregated based upon product type which differs from financial statement classification. The following is a reconciliation to the line items in the table on page 228: Trading 

account assets – Corporate securities, trading loans and other of $2.8 billion, Trading account assets – Non-U.S. sovereign debt of $521 million, Trading account assets – Mortgage trading loans 

and ABS of $1.9 billion, AFS debt securities – Other taxable securities of $757 million, AFS debt securities – Tax-exempt securities of $569 million, Loans and leases of $1.6 billion and LHFS of 

Includes models such as Monte Carlo simulation and Black-Scholes.

Includes models such as Monte Carlo simulation, Black-Scholes and other methods that model the joint dynamics of interest, inflation and foreign exchange rates.

$787 million.

(2) 

(3) 

CPR = Constant Prepayment Rate

CDR = Constant Default Rate

MMBtu = Million British thermal units

IR = Interest Rate

FX = Foreign Exchange

Structured liabilities

Long-term debt

Net derivative assets

Credit derivatives

Equity derivatives

Commodity derivatives

The following tables present information about significant unobservable inputs related to the Corporation’s material categories of 

Level 3 financial assets and liabilities at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014

(Dollars in millions)

Inputs

Fair
Value

Valuation
Technique

Significant Unobservable
Inputs

Ranges of
Inputs

Weighted
Average

Financial Instrument

Loans and Securities (1)

Instruments backed by residential real estate assets

Trading account assets – Mortgage trading loans and ABS

Loans and leases

Loans held-for-sale

Commercial loans, debt securities and other

Trading account assets – Corporate securities, trading loans and other

Trading account assets – Non-U.S. sovereign debt

Trading account assets – Mortgage trading loans and ABS

AFS debt securities – Other taxable securities

Loans and leases

Auction rate securities

0 to 5 years

3 years

Trading account assets – Corporate securities, trading loans and other

AFS debt securities – Other taxable securities

AFS debt securities – Tax-exempt securities

Structured liabilities

Long-term debt

Net derivative assets

Credit derivatives

Equity derivatives

Commodity derivatives

Interest rate derivatives

$

2,030

483

1,374

173

$

7,203

3,224

574

1,580

1,216

609

$

1,096

46

451

599

Discounted cash flow,
Market comparables

Discounted cash flow,
Market comparables

Discounted cash flow,
Market comparables

Yield

Prepayment speed

Default rate

Loss severity

Yield

Enterprise value/EBITDA multiple

Prepayment speed

Default rate

Loss severity

Duration

Price

Price

$ (2,362)

Equity correlation

Industry standard 
derivative pricing (2, 3)

Long-dated equity volatilities

Long-dated volatilities (IR)

Yield

Upfront points

Spread to index

Credit correlation

Prepayment speed

Default rate

Loss severity

Equity correlation

Long-dated equity volatilities

$

22

Discounted cash flow,
Stochastic recovery
correlation model

$ (1,560)

$

141

$

477

Industry standard 
derivative pricing (2)

Discounted cash flow, 
Industry standard 
derivative pricing (2)

Industry standard 
derivative pricing (3)

0% to 25%

0% to 35% CPR

2% to 15% CDR

26% to 100%

0% to 40%

0x to 30x

1% to 30%

1% to 5%

25% to 40%

6%

14%

7%

34%

9%

6x

12%

4%

38%

0 to 5 years

3 years

$0 to $107

$60 to $100

$76

$95

20% to 98%

6% to 69%

0% to 2%

0% to 25%

65%

24%

1%

14%

0 to 100 points

65 points

25 bps to 450 bps

119 bps

24% to 99%

3% to 20% CPR

4% CDR

35%

20% to 98%

6% to 69%

51%

11%

n/a

n/a

65%

24%

Natural gas forward price

$2/MMBtu to $7/MMBtu $5/MMBtu

Correlation

Volatilities

Correlation (IR/IR)

Correlation (FX/IR)

Long-dated inflation rates

Long-dated inflation volatilities

82% to 93%

16% to 98%

11% to 99%

-48% to 40%

0% to 3%

0% to 2%

90%

35%

55%

-5%

1%

1%

Total net derivative assets

$

(920)

(1)  The categories are aggregated based upon product type which differs from financial statement classification. The following is a reconciliation to the line items in the table on page 229: Trading 
account assets – Corporate securities, trading loans and other of $3.3 billion, Trading account assets – Non-U.S. sovereign debt of $574 million, Trading account assets – Mortgage trading loans 
and ABS of $2.1 billion, AFS debt securities – Other taxable securities of $1.7 billion, AFS debt securities – Tax-exempt securities of $599 million, Loans and leases of $2.0 billion and LHFS of $173 
million.
Includes models such as Monte Carlo simulation and Black-Scholes.
Includes models such as Monte Carlo simulation, Black-Scholes and other methods that model the joint dynamics of interest, inflation and foreign exchange rates.

(3) 

(2) 

CPR = Constant Prepayment Rate
CDR = Constant Default Rate
EBITDA = Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization
MMBtu = Million British thermal units
IR = Interest Rate
FX = Foreign Exchange
n/a = not applicable

234     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     235

In  the  tables  above,  instruments  backed  by  residential  and 
commercial  real  estate  assets  include  RMBS,  commercial 
mortgage-backed  securities,  whole  loans  and  mortgage  CDOs. 
Commercial  loans,  debt  securities  and  other  include  corporate 
CLOs  and  CDOs,  commercial  loans  and  bonds,  and  securities 
backed by non-real estate assets. Structured liabilities primarily 
include equity-linked notes that are accounted for under the fair 
value option.

The Corporation uses multiple market approaches in valuing 
certain of its Level 3 financial instruments. For example, market 
comparables and discounted cash flows are used together. For a 
given  product,  such  as  corporate  debt  securities,  market 
comparables may be used to estimate some of the unobservable 
inputs and then these inputs are incorporated into a discounted 
cash flow model. Therefore, the balances disclosed encompass 
both of these techniques.

The  level  of  aggregation  and  diversity  within  the  products 
disclosed  in  the tables  result  in  certain  ranges  of inputs  being 
wide and unevenly distributed across asset and liability categories. 
For more information on the inputs and techniques used in the 

valuation of MSRs, see Note 23 – Mortgage Servicing Rights.

Sensitivity of Fair Value Measurements to Changes in 
Unobservable Inputs

Loans and Securities
For  instruments  backed  by  residential  real  estate  assets, 
commercial  real  estate  assets  and  commercial  loans,  debt 
securities and other, a significant increase in market yields, default 
rates,  loss  severities  or  duration  would  result  in  a  significantly 
lower  fair  value  for  long  positions.  Short  positions  would  be 
impacted in a directionally opposite way. The impact of changes 
in prepayment speeds would have differing impacts depending on 
the seniority of the instrument and, in the case of CLOs, whether 
prepayments can be reinvested.

For auction rate securities, a significant increase in price would 

result in a significantly higher fair value.

Structured Liabilities and Derivatives
For  credit  derivatives,  a  significant  increase  in  market  yield, 
including spreads to indices, upfront points (i.e., a single upfront 
payment made by a protection buyer at inception), credit spreads, 
default rates or loss severities would result in a significantly lower 
fair value for protection sellers and higher fair value for protection 
buyers. The impact of changes in prepayment speeds would have 
differing impacts depending on the seniority of the instrument and, 
in the case of CLOs, whether prepayments can be reinvested.

Structured credit derivatives, which include tranched portfolio 
CDS and derivatives with derivative product company (DPC) and 
monoline  counterparties,  are  impacted  by  credit  correlation, 
including default and wrong-way correlation. Default correlation is 
a  parameter  that  describes  the  degree  of  dependence  among 
credit default rates within a credit portfolio that underlies a credit 
derivative instrument. The sensitivity of this input on the fair value 
varies depending on the level of subordination of the tranche. For 
senior tranches that are net purchases of protection, a significant 
increase in default correlation would result in a significantly higher 
fair value. Net short protection positions would be impacted in a 
directionally opposite way. Wrong-way correlation is a parameter 
that describes the probability that as exposure to a counterparty 
increases,  the  credit  quality  of  the  counterparty  decreases.  A 
significantly higher degree of wrong-way correlation between a DPC 
counterparty and underlying derivative exposure would result in a 
significantly lower fair value.

For  equity  derivatives,  commodity  derivatives,  interest  rate 
derivatives and structured liabilities, a significant change in long-
dated rates and volatilities and correlation inputs (e.g., the degree 
of correlation between an equity security and an index, between 
two different commodities, between two different interest rates, 
or between interest rates and foreign exchange rates) would result 
in a significant impact to the fair value; however, the magnitude 
and direction of the impact depends on whether the Corporation 
is long or short the exposure.

236     Bank of America 2015

In  the  tables  above,  instruments  backed  by  residential  and 

Structured Liabilities and Derivatives

commercial  real  estate  assets  include  RMBS,  commercial 

For  credit  derivatives,  a  significant  increase  in  market  yield, 

mortgage-backed  securities,  whole  loans  and  mortgage  CDOs. 

including spreads to indices, upfront points (i.e., a single upfront 

Commercial  loans,  debt  securities  and  other  include  corporate 

payment made by a protection buyer at inception), credit spreads, 

CLOs  and  CDOs,  commercial  loans  and  bonds,  and  securities 

default rates or loss severities would result in a significantly lower 

backed by non-real estate assets. Structured liabilities primarily 

fair value for protection sellers and higher fair value for protection 

include equity-linked notes that are accounted for under the fair 

buyers. The impact of changes in prepayment speeds would have 

value option.

differing impacts depending on the seniority of the instrument and, 

The Corporation uses multiple market approaches in valuing 

in the case of CLOs, whether prepayments can be reinvested.

certain of its Level 3 financial instruments. For example, market 

Structured credit derivatives, which include tranched portfolio 

comparables and discounted cash flows are used together. For a 

CDS and derivatives with derivative product company (DPC) and 

given  product,  such  as  corporate  debt  securities,  market 

monoline  counterparties,  are  impacted  by  credit  correlation, 

comparables may be used to estimate some of the unobservable 

including default and wrong-way correlation. Default correlation is 

inputs and then these inputs are incorporated into a discounted 

a  parameter  that  describes  the  degree  of  dependence  among 

cash flow model. Therefore, the balances disclosed encompass 

credit default rates within a credit portfolio that underlies a credit 

both of these techniques.

derivative instrument. The sensitivity of this input on the fair value 

The  level  of  aggregation  and  diversity  within  the  products 

varies depending on the level of subordination of the tranche. For 

disclosed  in  the tables  result  in  certain  ranges  of  inputs  being 

senior tranches that are net purchases of protection, a significant 

wide and unevenly distributed across asset and liability categories. 

increase in default correlation would result in a significantly higher 

For more information on the inputs and techniques used in the 

fair value. Net short protection positions would be impacted in a 

valuation of MSRs, see Note 23 – Mortgage Servicing Rights.

Sensitivity of Fair Value Measurements to Changes in 

Unobservable Inputs

Loans and Securities

For  instruments  backed  by  residential  real  estate  assets, 

commercial  real  estate  assets  and  commercial  loans,  debt 

securities and other, a significant increase in market yields, default 

rates,  loss  severities  or  duration  would  result  in  a  significantly 

lower  fair  value  for  long  positions.  Short  positions  would  be 

impacted in a directionally opposite way. The impact of changes 

in prepayment speeds would have differing impacts depending on 

the seniority of the instrument and, in the case of CLOs, whether 

prepayments can be reinvested.

For auction rate securities, a significant increase in price would 

result in a significantly higher fair value.

directionally opposite way. Wrong-way correlation is a parameter 

that describes the probability that as exposure to a counterparty 

increases,  the  credit  quality  of  the  counterparty  decreases.  A 

significantly higher degree of wrong-way correlation between a DPC 

counterparty and underlying derivative exposure would result in a 

significantly lower fair value.

For  equity  derivatives,  commodity  derivatives,  interest  rate 

derivatives and structured liabilities, a significant change in long-

dated rates and volatilities and correlation inputs (e.g., the degree 

of correlation between an equity security and an index, between 

two different commodities, between two different interest rates, 

or between interest rates and foreign exchange rates) would result 

in a significant impact to the fair value; however, the magnitude 

and direction of the impact depends on whether the Corporation 

is long or short the exposure.

Nonrecurring Fair Value
The  Corporation  holds  certain  assets  that  are  measured  at  fair  value,  but  only  in  certain  situations  (e.g.,  impairment)  and  these 
measurements are referred to herein as nonrecurring. The amounts below represent assets still held as of the reporting date for which 
a nonrecurring fair value adjustment was recorded during 2015, 2014 and 2013.

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

(Dollars in millions)

Assets

Loans held-for-sale
Loans and leases (1)
Foreclosed properties (2, 3)
Other assets

Assets

December 31

2015

2014

Level 2

Level 3

Level 2

Level 3

$

$

9
—
—
54

$

33
2,739
172
—

156
5
—
13

$

30
4,636
208
—

Gains (Losses)
2014

2015

2013

Loans held-for-sale
(1,132)
Loans and leases (1)
(66)
Foreclosed properties (2, 3)
(6)
Other assets
Includes $174 million of losses on loans that were written down to a collateral value of zero during 2015 compared to losses of $370 million and $365 million in 2014 and 2013. 

(980)
(57)
(15)

(8) $

$

(19) $

(1) 

(71)
(1,104)
(63)
(20)

(2)  Amounts are included in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and represent the carrying value of foreclosed properties that were written down subsequent to their initial classification 

as foreclosed properties. Losses on foreclosed properties include losses taken during the first 90 days after transfer of a loan to foreclosed properties.

(3)  Excludes $1.4 billion and $1.1 billion of properties acquired upon foreclosure of certain government-guaranteed loans (principally FHA-insured loans) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.

The table below presents information about significant unobservable inputs related to the Corporation’s nonrecurring Level 3 financial 
assets and liabilities at December 31, 2015 and 2014. Instruments backed by residential real estate assets represent residential 
mortgages where the loan has been written down to the fair value of the underlying collateral.

Quantitative Information about Nonrecurring Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

(Dollars in millions)

December 31, 2015

Inputs

Financial Instrument

Fair
Value

Valuation 
Technique

Significant Unobservable 
Inputs

Ranges of 
Inputs

Weighted
Average

Loans and leases backed by residential real estate assets

$ 2,739 Market comparables OREO discount

Cost to sell

December 31, 2014

Loans and leases backed by residential real estate assets

$ 4,636 Market comparables OREO discount

Cost to sell

7% to 55%
8% to 45%

0% to 28%
7% to 14%

20%
10%

8%
8%

236     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     237

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 21 Fair Value Option

Loans and Loan Commitments
The Corporation elects to account for certain commercial loans 
and loan commitments that exceed the Corporation’s single name 
credit risk concentration guidelines  under  the fair  value  option. 
Lending  commitments,  both  funded  and  unfunded,  are  actively 
managed and monitored and, as appropriate, credit risk for these 
lending relationships may be mitigated through the use of credit 
derivatives,  with  the  Corporation’s  public  side  credit  view  and 
market perspectives determining the size and timing of the hedging 
activity. These credit derivatives do not meet the requirements for 
designation as accounting hedges and therefore are carried at fair 
value with changes in fair value recorded in other income (loss). 
Electing the fair value option allows the Corporation to carry these 
loans and loan commitments at fair value, which is more consistent 
with  management’s  view  of  the  underlying  economics  and  the 
manner in which they are managed. In addition, election of the fair 
value  option  allows  the  Corporation  to  reduce  the  accounting 
volatility that would otherwise result from the asymmetry created 
by accounting for the financial instruments at historical cost and 
the credit derivatives at fair value. The Corporation also elected 
the fair value option for certain loans held in consolidated VIEs. 

Loans Held-for-sale
The Corporation elects to account for residential mortgage LHFS, 
commercial mortgage LHFS and certain other LHFS under the fair 
value option with interest income on these LHFS recorded in other 
interest income. These loans are actively managed and monitored 
and,  as  appropriate,  certain  market  risks  of  the  loans  may  be 
mitigated  through  the  use  of  derivatives.  The  Corporation  has 
elected not to designate the derivatives as qualifying accounting 
hedges and therefore they are carried at fair value with changes 
in fair value recorded in other income (loss). The changes in fair 
value of the loans are largely offset by changes in the fair value 
of  the  derivatives.  Election  of  the  fair  value  option  allows  the 
Corporation  to  reduce  the  accounting  volatility  that  would 
otherwise result from the asymmetry created by accounting for the 
financial  instruments  at  the  lower  of  cost  or  fair  value  and  the 
derivatives at fair value. The Corporation has not elected to account 
for certain other LHFS under the fair value option primarily because 
these  loans  are  floating-rate  loans  that  are  not  hedged  using 
derivative instruments. 

Loans Reported as Trading Account Assets
The Corporation elects to account for certain loans that are held 
for the purpose of trading and are risk-managed on a fair value 
basis under the fair value option.

Other Assets
The  Corporation  elects  to  account  for  certain  private  equity 
investments that are not in an investment company under the fair 
value  option  as  this  measurement  basis  is  consistent  with 
applicable accounting guidance for similar investments that are 
in an investment company. The Corporation also elects to account 
for certain long-term fixed-rate margin loans that are hedged with 
derivatives under the fair value option. Election of the fair value 
option allows the Corporation to reduce the accounting volatility 
that  would  otherwise  result  from  the  asymmetry  created  by 
accounting for the financial instruments at historical cost and the 
derivatives at fair value.

Securities Financing Agreements
The Corporation elects to account for certain securities financing 
agreements, including resale and repurchase agreements, under 
the fair value option based on the tenor of the agreements, which 
reflects the magnitude of the interest rate risk. The majority of 
securities financing agreements collateralized by U.S. government 
securities  are  not  accounted  for  under  the  fair  value  option  as 
these  contracts  are  generally  short-dated  and  therefore  the 
interest rate risk is not significant.

Long-term Deposits
The Corporation elects to account for certain long-term fixed-rate 
and rate-linked deposits that are hedged with derivatives that do 
not  qualify  for  hedge  accounting  under  the  fair  value  option. 
Election of the fair value option allows the Corporation to reduce 
the  accounting  volatility  that  would  otherwise  result  from  the 
asymmetry created by accounting for the financial instruments at 
historical cost and the derivatives at fair value. The Corporation 
has  not  elected  to  carry  other  long-term  deposits  at  fair  value 
because they were not hedged using derivatives.

Short-term Borrowings
The  Corporation  elects  to  account  for  certain  short-term 
borrowings,  primarily  short-term  structured  liabilities,  under  the 
fair value option because this debt is risk-managed on a fair value 
basis.

The  Corporation  elects  to  account  for  certain  asset-backed 
secured  financings,  which  are  also  classified  in  short-term 
borrowings, under the fair value option. Election of the fair value 
option allows the Corporation to reduce the accounting volatility 
that  would  otherwise  result  from  the  asymmetry  created  by 
accounting for the asset-backed secured financings at historical 
cost  and  the  corresponding  mortgage  LHFS  securing  these 
financings at fair value.

Long-term Debt
The  Corporation  elects  to  account  for  certain  long-term  debt, 
primarily structured liabilities, under the fair value option. This long-
term debt is either risk-managed on a fair value basis or the related 
hedges do not qualify for hedge accounting.

238     Bank of America 2015

Short-term borrowings
Unfunded loan commitments
Long-term debt (2)
(1)  A significant portion of the loans reported as trading account assets are distressed loans which trade and were purchased at a deep discount to par, and the remainder are loans with a fair value 

The table below provides information about the fair value carrying amount and the contractual principal outstanding of assets and 

liabilities accounted for under the fair value option at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Fair Value Option Elections

(Dollars in millions)

Federal funds sold and securities borrowed or purchased under

agreements to resell

Loans reported as trading account assets (1)
Trading inventory – other
Consumer and commercial loans
Loans held-for-sale
Other assets
Long-term deposits
Federal funds purchased and securities loaned or sold under

agreements to repurchase

2015

2014

December 31

Fair Value
Carrying
Amount

Contractual
Principal
Outstanding

Fair Value
Carrying
Amount Less
Unpaid
Principal

Fair Value
Carrying
Amount

Contractual
Principal
Outstanding

Fair Value
Carrying
Amount Less
Unpaid
Principal

$

55,143

$

54,999

$

144

$

62,182

$

61,902

$

4,995
8,149
6,938
4,818
275
1,116

9,214
n/a
7,293
6,157
270
1,021

(4,219)
n/a
(355)
(1,339)
5
95

4,607
6,865
8,681
6,801
253
1,469

8,487
n/a
8,925
8,072
270
1,361

280

(3,880)
n/a
(244)
(1,271)
(17)
108

24,574

24,718

(144)

35,357

35,332

25

activity. These credit derivatives do not meet the requirements for 

derivatives at fair value.

NOTE 21 Fair Value Option

Loans and Loan Commitments

The Corporation elects to account for certain commercial loans 

and loan commitments that exceed the Corporation’s single name 

credit risk concentration guidelines  under  the fair  value  option. 

Lending  commitments,  both  funded  and  unfunded,  are  actively 

managed and monitored and, as appropriate, credit risk for these 

lending relationships may be mitigated through the use of credit 

derivatives,  with  the  Corporation’s  public  side  credit  view  and 

market perspectives determining the size and timing of the hedging 

designation as accounting hedges and therefore are carried at fair 

value with changes in fair value recorded in other income (loss). 

Electing the fair value option allows the Corporation to carry these 

loans and loan commitments at fair value, which is more consistent 

with  management’s  view  of  the  underlying  economics  and  the 

manner in which they are managed. In addition, election of the fair 

value  option  allows  the  Corporation  to  reduce  the  accounting 

volatility that would otherwise result from the asymmetry created 

by accounting for the financial instruments at historical cost and 

the credit derivatives at fair value. The Corporation also elected 

the fair value option for certain loans held in consolidated VIEs. 

Loans Held-for-sale

The Corporation elects to account for residential mortgage LHFS, 

commercial mortgage LHFS and certain other LHFS under the fair 

value option with interest income on these LHFS recorded in other 

interest income. These loans are actively managed and monitored 

and,  as  appropriate,  certain  market  risks  of  the  loans  may  be 

mitigated  through  the  use  of  derivatives.  The  Corporation  has 

elected not to designate the derivatives as qualifying accounting 

hedges and therefore they are carried at fair value with changes 

in fair value recorded in other income (loss). The changes in fair 

value of the loans are largely offset by changes in the fair value 

of  the  derivatives.  Election  of  the  fair  value  option  allows  the 

Corporation  to  reduce  the  accounting  volatility  that  would 

otherwise result from the asymmetry created by accounting for the 

financial  instruments  at  the  lower  of  cost  or  fair  value  and  the 

derivatives at fair value. The Corporation has not elected to account 

basis.

for certain other LHFS under the fair value option primarily because 

these  loans  are  floating-rate  loans  that  are  not  hedged  using 

derivative instruments. 

Loans Reported as Trading Account Assets

The Corporation elects to account for certain loans that are held 

for the purpose of trading and are risk-managed on a fair value 

basis under the fair value option.

Other Assets

The  Corporation  elects  to  account  for  certain  private  equity 

investments that are not in an investment company under the fair 

value  option  as  this  measurement  basis  is  consistent  with 

applicable accounting guidance for similar investments that are 

in an investment company. The Corporation also elects to account 

for certain long-term fixed-rate margin loans that are hedged with 

derivatives under the fair value option. Election of the fair value 

option allows the Corporation to reduce the accounting volatility 

that  would  otherwise  result  from  the  asymmetry  created  by 

accounting for the financial instruments at historical cost and the 

Securities Financing Agreements

The Corporation elects to account for certain securities financing 

agreements, including resale and repurchase agreements, under 

the fair value option based on the tenor of the agreements, which 

reflects the magnitude of the interest rate risk. The majority of 

securities financing agreements collateralized by U.S. government 

securities  are  not  accounted  for  under  the  fair  value  option  as 

these  contracts  are  generally  short-dated  and  therefore  the 

interest rate risk is not significant.

Long-term Deposits

The Corporation elects to account for certain long-term fixed-rate 

and rate-linked deposits that are hedged with derivatives that do 

not  qualify  for  hedge  accounting  under  the  fair  value  option. 

Election of the fair value option allows the Corporation to reduce 

the  accounting  volatility  that  would  otherwise  result  from  the 

asymmetry created by accounting for the financial instruments at 

historical cost and the derivatives at fair value. The Corporation 

has  not  elected  to  carry  other  long-term  deposits  at  fair  value 

because they were not hedged using derivatives.

Short-term Borrowings

The  Corporation  elects  to  account  for  certain  short-term 

borrowings,  primarily  short-term  structured  liabilities,  under  the 

fair value option because this debt is risk-managed on a fair value 

The  Corporation  elects  to  account  for  certain  asset-backed 

secured  financings,  which  are  also  classified  in  short-term 

borrowings, under the fair value option. Election of the fair value 

option allows the Corporation to reduce the accounting volatility 

that  would  otherwise  result  from  the  asymmetry  created  by 

accounting for the asset-backed secured financings at historical 

cost  and  the  corresponding  mortgage  LHFS  securing  these 

financings at fair value.

Long-term Debt

The  Corporation  elects  to  account  for  certain  long-term  debt, 

primarily structured liabilities, under the fair value option. This long-

term debt is either risk-managed on a fair value basis or the related 

hedges do not qualify for hedge accounting.

near contractual principal outstanding.
Includes structured liabilities with a fair value of $29.0 billion and $35.3 billion, and contractual principal outstanding of $29.4 billion and $34.6 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

(2) 

n/a = not applicable

238     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     239

2,697
n/a
35,815

2,697
405
36,404

1,325
n/a
30,593

1,325
658
30,097

—
n/a
(496)

—
n/a
589

 
 
The following tables provide information about where changes in the fair value of assets and liabilities accounted for under the fair 

value option are included in the Consolidated Statement of Income for 2015, 2014 and 2013.

Gains (Losses) Relating to Assets and Liabilities Accounted for Under the Fair Value Option

(Dollars in millions)

Federal funds sold and securities borrowed or purchased under agreements to resell
Loans reported as trading account assets
Trading inventory – other (1)
Consumer and commercial loans
Loans held-for-sale (2)
Other assets
Long-term deposits
Federal funds purchased and securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase
Short-term borrowings
Unfunded loan commitments
Long-term debt (3, 4)

Total

Federal funds sold and securities borrowed or purchased under agreements to resell
Loans reported as trading account assets
Trading inventory – other (1)
Consumer and commercial loans
Loans held-for-sale (2)
Long-term deposits
Federal funds purchased and securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase
Short-term borrowings
Unfunded loan commitments
Long-term debt (3)

Total

Federal funds sold and securities borrowed or purchased under agreements to resell
Loans reported as trading account assets
Trading inventory – other (1)
Consumer and commercial loans
Loans held-for-sale (2)
Other assets
Long-term deposits
Federal funds purchased and securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase
Asset-backed secured financings
Short-term borrowings
Unfunded loan commitments
Long-term debt (3)

Total

2015

Trading
Account
Profits
(Losses)

Mortgage 
Banking 
Income 
(Loss)

Other 
Income 
(Loss)

Total

$

$

$

$

$

$

(195) $
(199)
1,284
52
(36)
—
1
33
3
—
2,107
3,050

$

(114) $

(87)
1,091
(24)
(56)
23
4
52
—
239
1,128

$

(44) $
83
1,355
(28)
7
—
30
(36)
—
(70)
—
(602)
695

$

— $
—
—
—
673
—
—
—
—
—
—
673

$

2014
— $
—
—
—
798
—
—
—
—
—
798

$

2013
— $
—
—
(38)
966
—
—
—
(91)
—
—
—
837

$

— $
—
—
(295)
63
10
13
—
—
(210)
(633)
(1,052) $

— $
—
—
69
83
(26)
—
—
(64)
407
469

$

— $
—
—
240
75
(77)
84
—
—
—
180
(649)
(147) $

(195)
(199)
1,284
(243)
700
10
14
33
3
(210)
1,474
2,671

(114)
(87)
1,091
45
825
(3)
4
52
(64)
646
2,395

(44)
83
1,355
174
1,048
(77)
114
(36)
(91)
(70)
180
(1,251)
1,385

(1)   The gains (losses) in trading account profits (losses) are primarily offset by gains (losses) on trading liabilities that hedge these assets.
(2)  Includes the value of IRLCs on funded loans, including those sold during the period.
(3)  The majority of the net gains (losses) in trading account profits relate to the embedded derivative in structured liabilities and are offset by gains (losses) on derivatives and securities that hedge 
these liabilities. In connection with the implementation of new accounting guidance relating to DVA on structured liabilities accounted for at fair value under the fair value option, unrealized DVA gains 
(losses) in 2015 are recorded in accumulated OCI while realized gains (losses) are recorded in other income (loss); for years prior to 2015, the realized and unrealized gains (losses) are reflected 
in other income (loss). For more information on the implementation of new accounting guidance, see Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Principles.

(4)  For the cumulative impact of changes in the Corporation’s credit spreads and the amount recognized in OCI, see Note 14 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). For more information on 

how the Corporation’s own credit spread is determined, see Note 20 – Fair Value Measurements. 

Gains (Losses) Related to Borrower-specific Credit Risk for Assets Accounted for Under the Fair Value Option

(Dollars in millions)

Loans reported as trading account assets
Consumer and commercial loans
Loans held-for-sale

240     Bank of America 2015

2015

$

December 31
2014

2013

$

37
(200)
37

$

28
32
84

56
148
225

 
 
 
The following tables provide information about where changes in the fair value of assets and liabilities accounted for under the fair 

value option are included in the Consolidated Statement of Income for 2015, 2014 and 2013.

Gains (Losses) Relating to Assets and Liabilities Accounted for Under the Fair Value Option

Federal funds sold and securities borrowed or purchased under agreements to resell

$

(195) $

— $

— $

Federal funds purchased and securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase

Federal funds sold and securities borrowed or purchased under agreements to resell

673

$

(1,052) $

2014

— $

— $

Federal funds purchased and securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase

Federal funds sold and securities borrowed or purchased under agreements to resell

1,128

$

798

$

$

2,395

2013

— $

— $

2015

Trading

Account

Profits

(Losses)

Mortgage 

Banking 

Income 

(Loss)

Other 

Income 

(Loss)

Total

(199)

1,284

52

(36)

—

1

33

3

—

2,107

3,050

$

(114) $

(87)

1,091

(24)

(56)

23

4

52

—

239

(28)

7

—

30

(36)

—

(70)

—

(44) $

83

1,355

$

$

$

$

$

673

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

798

(38)

966

(91)

(295)

—

—

63

10

13

—

—

(210)

(633)

—

—

69

83

(26)

—

—

(64)

407

469

—

—

240

75

(77)

84

—

—

—

180

(649)

(195)

(199)

1,284

(243)

700

10

14

33

3

(210)

1,474

2,671

(114)

(87)

1,091

45

825

(3)

4

52

(64)

646

(44)

83

1,355

174

1,048

(77)

114

(36)

(91)

(70)

180

(1,251)

1,385

Federal funds purchased and securities loaned or sold under agreements to repurchase

(1)   The gains (losses) in trading account profits (losses) are primarily offset by gains (losses) on trading liabilities that hedge these assets.

(2)  Includes the value of IRLCs on funded loans, including those sold during the period.

(3)  The majority of the net gains (losses) in trading account profits relate to the embedded derivative in structured liabilities and are offset by gains (losses) on derivatives and securities that hedge 

these liabilities. In connection with the implementation of new accounting guidance relating to DVA on structured liabilities accounted for at fair value under the fair value option, unrealized DVA gains 

(losses) in 2015 are recorded in accumulated OCI while realized gains (losses) are recorded in other income (loss); for years prior to 2015, the realized and unrealized gains (losses) are reflected 

in other income (loss). For more information on the implementation of new accounting guidance, see Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Principles.

(4)  For the cumulative impact of changes in the Corporation’s credit spreads and the amount recognized in OCI, see Note 14 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). For more information on 

how the Corporation’s own credit spread is determined, see Note 20 – Fair Value Measurements. 

(602)

695

$

837

$

(147) $

Gains (Losses) Related to Borrower-specific Credit Risk for Assets Accounted for Under the Fair Value Option

December 31

2015

2014

2013

$

37

$

(200)

37

$

28

32

84

56

148

225

(Dollars in millions)

Loans reported as trading account assets

Trading inventory – other (1)

Consumer and commercial loans

Loans held-for-sale (2)

Other assets

Long-term deposits

Short-term borrowings

Unfunded loan commitments

Long-term debt (3, 4)

Total

Loans reported as trading account assets

Trading inventory – other (1)

Consumer and commercial loans

Loans held-for-sale (2)

Long-term deposits

Short-term borrowings

Unfunded loan commitments

Long-term debt (3)

Total

Loans reported as trading account assets

Trading inventory – other (1)

Consumer and commercial loans

Loans held-for-sale (2)

Other assets

Long-term deposits

Asset-backed secured financings

Short-term borrowings

Unfunded loan commitments

Long-term debt (3)

Total

(Dollars in millions)

Loans reported as trading account assets

Consumer and commercial loans

Loans held-for-sale

240     Bank of America 2015

NOTE 22 Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Financial instruments are classified within the fair value hierarchy 
using  the  methodologies  described  in  Note  20  –  Fair  Value 
Measurements.  The  following  disclosures  include  financial 
instruments  where  only  a  portion  of  the  ending  balance  at 
December 31, 2015 and 2014 was carried at fair value on the 
Consolidated Balance Sheet.

value  of  non-U.S.  time  deposits  approximates  fair  value.  For 
deposits  with  no  stated  maturities,  the  carrying  value  was 
considered  to  approximate  fair  value  and  does  not  take  into 
account the significant value of the cost advantage and stability 
of the Corporation’s long-term relationships with depositors. The 
Corporation  accounts  for  certain  long-term  fixed-rate  deposits 
under the fair value option.

Short-term Financial Instruments
The carrying value of short-term financial instruments, including 
cash and cash equivalents, time deposits placed and other short-
term  investments,  federal  funds  sold  and  purchased,  certain 
resale  and  repurchase  agreements,  customer  and  other 
receivables,  customer  payables  (within  accrued  expenses  and 
other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet), and short-
term borrowings approximates the fair value of these instruments. 
These financial instruments generally expose the Corporation to 
limited credit risk and have no stated maturities or have short-
term maturities and carry interest rates that approximate market. 
The  Corporation  elected  to  account  for  certain  resale  and 
repurchase agreements under the fair value option.

Under the fair value hierarchy, cash and cash equivalents are 
classified as Level 1. Time deposits placed and other short-term 
investments, such as U.S. government securities and short-term 
commercial paper, are classified as Level 1 and Level 2. Federal 
funds sold and purchased are classified as Level 2. Resale and 
repurchase agreements are classified as Level 2 because they 
are  generally  short-dated  and/or  variable-rate  instruments 
collateralized by U.S. government or agency securities. Customer 
and other receivables primarily consist of margin loans, servicing 
advances  and  other  accounts  receivable  and  are  classified  as 
Level 2 and Level 3. Customer payables and short-term borrowings 
are classified as Level 2.

Held-to-maturity Debt Securities
HTM debt securities, which consist primarily of U.S. agency debt 
securities, are classified as Level 2 using the same methodologies 
as AFS U.S. agency debt securities. For more information on HTM 
debt securities, see Note 3 – Securities.

Loans
The fair values for commercial and consumer loans are generally 
determined by discounting both principal and interest cash flows 
expected  to  be  collected  using  a  discount  rate  for  similar 
instruments  with  adjustments  that  the  Corporation  believes  a 
market participant would consider in determining fair value. The 
Corporation  estimates  the  cash  flows  expected  to  be  collected 
using internal credit risk, interest rate and prepayment risk models 
that  incorporate  the  Corporation’s  best  estimate  of  current  key 
assumptions, such as default rates, loss severity and prepayment 
speeds  for  the  life  of  the  loan.  The  carrying  value  of  loans  is 
presented  net  of  the  applicable  allowance  for  loan  losses  and 
excludes leases. The Corporation accounts for certain commercial 
loans and residential mortgage loans under the fair value option.

Deposits
The  fair  value  for  certain  deposits  with  stated  maturities  was 
determined by discounting contractual cash flows using current 
market rates for instruments with similar maturities. The carrying 

Long-term Debt
The  Corporation  uses  quoted  market  prices,  when  available,  to 
estimate  fair  value  for  its  long-term  debt.  When  quoted  market 
prices are not available, fair value is estimated based on current 
market interest rates and credit spreads for debt with similar terms 
and maturities. The Corporation accounts for certain structured 
liabilities under the fair value option.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying values and fair values by fair value hierarchy of certain 
financial instruments where only a portion of the ending balance 
was carried at fair value at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are 
presented in the table below.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

December 31, 2015

Fair Value

Carrying
Value

Level 2

Level 3

Total

(Dollars in millions)

Financial assets

Loans
Loans held-for-sale

$ 863,561
7,453

$

70,223
5,347

$ 805,371
2,106

$ 875,594
7,453

Financial liabilities

Deposits
Long-term debt

Financial assets

1,197,259
236,764

1,197,577
239,596

— 1,197,577
241,109

1,513

December 31, 2014

Loans
Loans held-for-sale

$ 842,259
12,836

$

87,174
12,236

$ 776,370
618

$ 863,544
12,854

Financial liabilities

Deposits
Long-term debt

1,118,936
243,139

1,119,427
249,692

— 1,119,427
252,054

2,362

Commercial Unfunded Lending Commitments
Fair values  were  generally  determined  using  a  discounted cash 
flow valuation approach which is applied using market-based CDS 
or internally developed benchmark credit curves. The Corporation 
accounts for certain loan commitments under the fair value option.
The  carrying  values  and  fair  values  of  the  Corporation’s 
commercial unfunded lending commitments were $1.3 billion and 
$6.3 billion at December 31, 2015, and $932 million and $3.8 
billion  at  December 31,  2014.  Commercial  unfunded  lending 
commitments are primarily classified as Level 3. The carrying value 
of these commitments is classified in accrued expenses and other 
liabilities.

The Corporation does not estimate the fair values of consumer 
unfunded lending commitments because, in many instances, the 
Corporation can reduce or cancel these commitments by providing 
notice to the borrower. For more information on commitments, see 
Note 12 – Commitments and Contingencies.

Bank of America 2015     241

 
 
 
 
 
Significant economic assumptions in estimating the fair value 
of MSRs at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are presented below. 
The change in fair value as a result of changes in OAS rates is 
included within “Model and other cash flow assumption changes” 
in the Rollforward of Mortgage Servicing Rights table. The weighted-
average life is not an input in the valuation model but is a product 
of both changes in market rates of interest and changes in model 
and  other  cash  flow  assumptions.  The  weighted-average  life 
represents the average period of time that the MSRs’ cash flows 
are expected to be received. Absent other changes, an increase 
(decrease) to the weighted-average life would generally result in 
an increase (decrease) in the fair value of the MSRs.

Significant Economic Assumptions

Weighted-average OAS
Weighted-average life, in years

December 31

2015

2014

Fixed

4.62%
4.46

Adjustable
7.61%
3.43

Fixed

4.52%
4.53

Adjustable
7.61%
2.95

The  table  below  presents  the  sensitivity  of  the  weighted-
average  lives  and  fair  value  of  MSRs  to  changes  in  modeled 
assumptions. These sensitivities are hypothetical and should be 
used with caution. As the amounts indicate, changes in fair value 
based  on  variations  in  assumptions  generally  cannot  be 
extrapolated because the relationship of the change in assumption 
to the change in fair value may not be linear. Also, the effect of a 
variation in a particular assumption on the fair value of MSRs that 
continue  to  be  held  by  the  Corporation  is  calculated  without 
changing any other assumption. In reality, changes in one factor 
may result in changes in another, which might magnify or counteract 
the sensitivities. The below sensitivities do not reflect any hedge 
strategies that may be undertaken to mitigate such risk.

Sensitivity Impacts

(Dollars in millions)

Prepayment rates

December 31, 2015

Change in
Weighted-average Lives

Fixed

Adjustable

Change in
Fair Value

Impact of 10% decrease
Impact of 20% decrease

0.30 years
0.64

0.26 years
0.55

$

183
389

Impact of 10% increase
Impact of 20% increase

(0.26)
(0.50)

(0.23)
(0.43)

OAS level

Impact of 100 bps decrease
Impact of 200 bps decrease

Impact of 100 bps increase
Impact of 200 bps increase

  $

(163)
(310)

124
259

(115)
(221)

NOTE 23 Mortgage Servicing Rights
The Corporation accounts for consumer MSRs at fair value with 
changes  in  fair  value  primarily  recorded  in  mortgage  banking 
income in the Consolidated Statement of Income. The Corporation 
manages the risk in these MSRs with derivatives such as options 
and interest rate swaps, which are not designated as accounting 
hedges,  as  well  as  securities  including  MBS  and  U.S.  Treasury 
securities. The securities used to manage the risk in the MSRs 
are classified in other assets with changes in the fair value of the 
securities and the related interest income recorded in mortgage 
banking income.

The table below presents activity for residential mortgage and 

home equity MSRs for 2015 and 2014. 

Rollforward of Mortgage Servicing Rights

(Dollars in millions)

Balance, January 1

Additions
Sales
Amortization of expected cash flows (1)
Impact of changes in interest rates and other market 

factors (2)

Model and other cash flow assumption changes: (3)

Projected cash flows, including changes in costs

$

2015

3,530
637
(393)
(874)

2014
$ 5,042
707
(61)
(927)

41

(1,191)

to service loans

100

(163)

Impact of changes in the Home Price Index
Impact of changes to the prepayment model
Other model changes (4)

Balance, December 31 (5)

(13)
(10)
69
3,087
394

(25)
243
(95)
$ 3,530
490
$

$
$

Mortgage loans serviced for investors (in billions)
(1)  Represents the net change in fair value of the MSR asset due to the recognition of modeled 

cash flows.

(2)  These amounts reflect the changes in modeled MSR fair value primarily due to observed changes 
in  interest  rates,  volatility,  spreads  and  the  shape  of  the  forward  swap  curve  and  periodic 
adjustments to valuation based on third-party discovery.

(3)  These amounts reflect periodic adjustments to the valuation model to reflect changes in the 
modeled  relationship  between  inputs  and  their  impact  on  projected  cash  flows  as  well  as 
changes in certain cash flow assumptions such as cost to service and ancillary income per 
loan.

(4)  These amounts include the impact of periodic recalibrations of the model to reflect changes in 
the relationship between market interest rate spreads and projected cash flows. Also included 
is  a  decrease  of  $127  million  for  2014  due  to  changes  in  option-adjusted  spread  rate 
assumptions.

(5)  At December 31, 2015, includes $2.7 billion of U.S. and $407 million of non-U.S. consumer 

MSR balances compared to $3.3 billion and $259 million at December 31, 2014.

The  Corporation  primarily  uses  an  option-adjusted  spread 
(OAS)  valuation  approach  which  factors  in  prepayment  risk  to 
determine  the  fair  value  of  MSRs.  This  approach  consists  of 
projecting  servicing  cash  flows  under  multiple  interest  rate 
scenarios and discounting these cash flows using risk-adjusted 
discount  rates.  In  addition  to  updating  the  valuation  model  for 
interest, discount and prepayment rates, periodic adjustments are 
made to recalibrate the valuation model for factors used to project 
cash  flows.  The  changes  to  the  factors  capture  the  effect  of 
variances related to actual versus estimated servicing proceeds.

242     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 23 Mortgage Servicing Rights

The Corporation accounts for consumer MSRs at fair value with 

changes  in  fair  value  primarily  recorded  in  mortgage  banking 

income in the Consolidated Statement of Income. The Corporation 

manages the risk in these MSRs with derivatives such as options 

and interest rate swaps, which are not designated as accounting 

hedges,  as  well  as  securities  including  MBS  and  U.S.  Treasury 

securities. The securities used to manage the risk in the MSRs 

are classified in other assets with changes in the fair value of the 

securities and the related interest income recorded in mortgage 

banking income.

The table below presents activity for residential mortgage and 

home equity MSRs for 2015 and 2014. 

Rollforward of Mortgage Servicing Rights

(Dollars in millions)

Balance, January 1

Additions

Sales

Amortization of expected cash flows (1)

Impact of changes in interest rates and other market 

factors (2)

Model and other cash flow assumption changes: (3)

Projected cash flows, including changes in costs

to service loans

Impact of changes in the Home Price Index

Impact of changes to the prepayment model

Other model changes (4)

Balance, December 31 (5)

Mortgage loans serviced for investors (in billions)

2015

2014

$

3,530

$ 5,042

637

(393)

(874)

707

(61)

(927)

41

(1,191)

100

(13)

(10)

69

(163)

(25)

243

(95)

$

$

3,087

$ 3,530

394

$

490

cash flows.

loan.

assumptions.

(1)  Represents the net change in fair value of the MSR asset due to the recognition of modeled 

(2)  These amounts reflect the changes in modeled MSR fair value primarily due to observed changes 

in  interest  rates,  volatility,  spreads  and  the  shape  of  the  forward  swap  curve  and  periodic 

adjustments to valuation based on third-party discovery.

(3)  These amounts reflect periodic adjustments to the valuation model to reflect changes in the 

modeled  relationship  between  inputs  and  their  impact  on  projected  cash  flows  as  well  as 

changes in certain cash flow assumptions such as cost to service and ancillary income per 

(4)  These amounts include the impact of periodic recalibrations of the model to reflect changes in 

the relationship between market interest rate spreads and projected cash flows. Also included 

is  a  decrease  of  $127  million  for  2014  due  to  changes  in  option-adjusted  spread  rate 

(5)  At December 31, 2015, includes $2.7 billion of U.S. and $407 million of non-U.S. consumer 

MSR balances compared to $3.3 billion and $259 million at December 31, 2014.

Significant economic assumptions in estimating the fair value 

of MSRs at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are presented below. 

The change in fair value as a result of changes in OAS rates is 

included within “Model and other cash flow assumption changes” 

in the Rollforward of Mortgage Servicing Rights table. The weighted-

average life is not an input in the valuation model but is a product 

of both changes in market rates of interest and changes in model 

and  other  cash  flow  assumptions.  The  weighted-average  life 

represents the average period of time that the MSRs’ cash flows 

are expected to be received. Absent other changes, an increase 

(decrease) to the weighted-average life would generally result in 

an increase (decrease) in the fair value of the MSRs.

Significant Economic Assumptions

December 31

2015

2014

Fixed

Adjustable

Fixed

Adjustable

Weighted-average OAS

Weighted-average life, in years

4.62%

4.46

7.61%

3.43

4.52%

4.53

7.61%

2.95

The  table  below  presents  the  sensitivity  of  the  weighted-

average  lives  and  fair  value  of  MSRs  to  changes  in  modeled 

assumptions. These sensitivities are hypothetical and should be 

used with caution. As the amounts indicate, changes in fair value 

based  on  variations  in  assumptions  generally  cannot  be 

extrapolated because the relationship of the change in assumption 

to the change in fair value may not be linear. Also, the effect of a 

variation in a particular assumption on the fair value of MSRs that 

continue  to  be  held  by  the  Corporation  is  calculated  without 

changing any other assumption. In reality, changes in one factor 

may result in changes in another, which might magnify or counteract 

the sensitivities. The below sensitivities do not reflect any hedge 

strategies that may be undertaken to mitigate such risk.

Sensitivity Impacts

The  Corporation  primarily  uses  an  option-adjusted  spread 

(OAS)  valuation  approach  which  factors  in  prepayment  risk  to 

determine  the  fair  value  of  MSRs.  This  approach  consists  of 

projecting  servicing  cash  flows  under  multiple  interest  rate 

scenarios and discounting these cash flows using risk-adjusted 

discount  rates.  In  addition  to  updating  the  valuation  model  for 

(Dollars in millions)

Prepayment rates

Impact of 10% decrease

Impact of 20% decrease

Impact of 10% increase

Impact of 20% increase

interest, discount and prepayment rates, periodic adjustments are 

OAS level

made to recalibrate the valuation model for factors used to project 

cash  flows.  The  changes  to  the  factors  capture  the  effect  of 

variances related to actual versus estimated servicing proceeds.

Impact of 100 bps decrease

Impact of 200 bps decrease

Impact of 100 bps increase

Impact of 200 bps increase

December 31, 2015

Change in

Weighted-average Lives

Fixed

Adjustable

Change in

Fair Value

0.30 years

0.26 years

$

0.64

(0.26)

(0.50)

0.55

(0.23)

(0.43)

  $

183

389

(163)

(310)

124

259

(115)

(221)

NOTE 24 Business Segment Information
The  Corporation  reports  its  results  of  operations  through  the 
following  five  business  segments:  Consumer  Banking,  Global 
Wealth & Investment Management (GWIM), Global Banking, Global 
Markets and Legacy Assets & Servicing (LAS), with the remaining 
operations recorded in All Other.

Consumer Banking
Consumer Banking offers a diversified range of credit, banking and 
investment  products  and  services  to  consumers  and  small 
businesses.  Consumer  Banking  product  offerings 
include 
traditional savings accounts, money market savings accounts, CDs 
and  IRAs,  noninterest-  and  interest-bearing  checking  accounts, 
investment  accounts  and  products,  as  well  as  credit  and  debit 
cards, residential mortgages and home equity loans, and direct 
and indirect loans to consumers and small businesses in the U.S. 
Customers and clients have access to a franchise network that 
stretches  coast  to  coast  through  33  states  and  the  District  of 
Columbia. The franchise  network includes  approximately  4,700 
financial  centers,  16,000  ATMs,  nationwide  call  centers,  and 
online and mobile platforms.

Global Wealth & Investment Management
GWIM provides a high-touch client experience through a network 
of  financial  advisors  focused  on  clients  with  over  $250,000  in 
total  investable  assets,  including  tailored  solutions  to  meet 
clients’  needs  through  a  full  set  of  investment  management, 
brokerage, banking and retirement products. GWIM also provides 
comprehensive wealth management solutions targeted to high net 
worth  and  ultra  high  net  worth  clients,  as  well  as  customized 
solutions  to  meet  clients’  wealth  structuring,  investment 
management, trust and banking needs, including specialty asset 
management services.

Global Banking
Global Banking provides a wide range of lending-related products 
and services, integrated working capital management and treasury 
solutions  to  clients,  and  underwriting  and  advisory  services 
through the Corporation’s network of offices and client relationship 
teams.  Global  Banking’s  lending  products  and  services  include 
commercial loans, leases, commitment facilities, trade finance, 
real  estate  lending  and  asset-based  lending.  Global  Banking’s 
treasury  solutions  business  includes  treasury  management, 
foreign exchange and short-term investing options. Global Banking 
also provides investment banking products to clients such as debt 
and equity underwriting and distribution, and merger-related and 
other  advisory  services.  The  economics  of  most  investment 
banking and underwriting activities are shared primarily between 
Global  Banking  and  Global  Markets  based  on  the  activities 
performed  by  each  segment.  Global  Banking  clients  generally 
include middle-market companies, commercial real estate firms, 

large  global 
auto  dealerships,  not-for-profit  companies, 
corporations, financial institutions, leasing clients, and mid-sized 
U.S.-based  businesses  requiring  customized  and  integrated 
financial advice and solutions.

Global Markets
Global  Markets  offers  sales  and  trading  services,  including 
research,  to  institutional  clients  across  fixed-income,  credit, 
currency,  commodity  and  equity  businesses.  Global  Markets 
product coverage includes securities and derivative products in 
both the primary and secondary markets. Global Markets provides 
market-making,  financing,  securities  clearing,  settlement  and 
custody services globally to institutional investor clients in support 
of their investing and trading activities. Global Markets also works 
with commercial and corporate clients to provide risk management 
products using interest rate, equity, credit, currency and commodity 
derivatives, foreign exchange, fixed-income and mortgage-related 
products. As a result of market-making activities in these products, 
Global Markets may be required to manage risk in a broad range 
of financial products including government securities, equity and 
equity-linked securities, high-grade and high-yield corporate debt 
securities,  syndicated  loans,  MBS,  commodities  and  ABS.  In 
addition,  the  economics  of  most  investment  banking  and 
underwriting activities are shared primarily between Global Markets 
and  Global  Banking  based  on  the  activities  performed  by  each 
segment.

Legacy Assets & Servicing
LAS  is  responsible  for  mortgage  servicing  activities  related  to 
residential  first  mortgage  and  home  equity  loans  serviced  for 
others and loans held by the Corporation, including loans that have 
been designated as the LAS Portfolios, and manages certain legacy 
exposures  related  to  mortgage  origination,  sales  and  servicing 
activities  (e.g.,  litigation,  representations  and  warranties).  LAS 
also includes the results of MSR activities, including net hedge 
results. Home equity loans are held on the balance sheet of LAS, 
and residential mortgage loans are included as part of All Other. 
The financial results of the on-balance sheet loans are reported 
in the segment that owns the loans or in All Other.

All Other
All  Other  consists  of  ALM  activities,  equity  investments,  the 
international  consumer  card  business,  liquidating  businesses, 
residual expense allocations and other. ALM activities encompass 
certain residential mortgages, debt securities, interest rate and 
foreign currency risk management activities including the residual 
net  interest  income  allocation,  the  impact  of  certain  allocation 
methodologies and accounting hedge ineffectiveness. The results 
of certain ALM activities are allocated to the business segments. 
Additionally, certain residential mortgage loans that are managed 
by LAS are held in All Other. 

242     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     243

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basis of Presentation
The  management  accounting  and  reporting  process  derives 
segment  and  business 
results  by  utilizing  allocation 
methodologies for revenue and expense. The net income derived 
for the businesses is dependent upon revenue and cost allocations 
using an activity-based costing model, funds transfer pricing, and 
other methodologies and assumptions management believes are 
appropriate to reflect the results of the business.

Total revenue, net of interest expense, includes net interest 
income on an FTE basis and noninterest income. The adjustment 
of net interest income to an FTE basis results in a corresponding 
increase in income tax expense. The segment results also reflect 
certain revenue and expense methodologies that are utilized to 
determine net income. The net interest income of the businesses 
includes  the  results  of  a  funds  transfer  pricing  process  that 
matches assets and liabilities with similar interest rate sensitivity 
and  maturity  characteristics.  In  segments  where  the  total  of 
liabilities and equity exceeds assets, which are generally deposit-
taking  segments,  the  Corporation  allocates  assets  to  match 
liabilities.  Net  interest  income  of  the  business  segments  also 
includes an allocation of net interest income generated by certain 
of the Corporation’s ALM activities. Further, net interest income 
on an FTE basis includes market-related adjustments, which are 
adjustments to net interest income to reflect the impact of changes 
in  long-term  interest  rates  on  the  estimated  lives  of  mortgage-
related debt securities thereby impacting premium amortization. 
Also 
is  hedge 
ineffectiveness that impacts net interest income. 

in  market-related  adjustments 

included 

In  addition,  the  business  segments  are  impacted  by  the 
migration  of  customers  and  clients  and  their  deposit,  loan  and 
brokerage balances between businesses. Subsequent to the date 
of  migration,  the  associated  net  interest  income,  noninterest 
income and noninterest expense are recorded in the business to 
which the customers or clients migrated.

The Corporation’s ALM activities include an overall interest rate 
risk  management  strategy  that  incorporates  the  use  of  various 
derivatives  and  cash  instruments  to  manage  fluctuations  in 
earnings and capital that are caused by interest rate volatility. The 
Corporation’s goal is to manage interest rate sensitivity so that 
movements in interest rates do not significantly adversely affect 
earnings and capital. The results of a majority of the Corporation’s 
ALM  activities  are  allocated  to  the  business  segments  and 
fluctuate based on the performance of the ALM activities. ALM 
activities  include  external  product  pricing  decisions  including 
deposit pricing strategies, the effects of the Corporation’s internal 
funds transfer pricing process and the net effects of other ALM 
activities.

Certain  expenses  not  directly  attributable  to  a  specific 
business  segment  are  allocated  to  the  segments.  The  most 
significant of these expenses include data and item processing 
costs and certain centralized or shared functions. Data processing 
costs are allocated to the segments based on equipment usage. 
Item processing costs are allocated to the segments based on 
the volume of items processed for each segment. The costs of 
certain other centralized or shared functions are allocated based 
on methodologies that reflect utilization.

244     Bank of America 2015

Basis of Presentation

The  management  accounting  and  reporting  process  derives 

segment  and  business 

results  by  utilizing  allocation 

methodologies for revenue and expense. The net income derived 

for the businesses is dependent upon revenue and cost allocations 

using an activity-based costing model, funds transfer pricing, and 

other methodologies and assumptions management believes are 

appropriate to reflect the results of the business.

Total revenue, net of interest expense, includes net interest 

income on an FTE basis and noninterest income. The adjustment 

of net interest income to an FTE basis results in a corresponding 

increase in income tax expense. The segment results also reflect 

certain revenue and expense methodologies that are utilized to 

determine net income. The net interest income of the businesses 

includes  the  results  of  a  funds  transfer  pricing  process  that 

matches assets and liabilities with similar interest rate sensitivity 

and  maturity  characteristics.  In  segments  where  the  total  of 

liabilities and equity exceeds assets, which are generally deposit-

taking  segments,  the  Corporation  allocates  assets  to  match 

liabilities.  Net  interest  income  of  the  business  segments  also 

includes an allocation of net interest income generated by certain 

of the Corporation’s ALM activities. Further, net interest income 

on an FTE basis includes market-related adjustments, which are 

adjustments to net interest income to reflect the impact of changes 

in  long-term  interest  rates  on  the  estimated  lives  of  mortgage-

related debt securities thereby impacting premium amortization. 

Also 

included 

in  market-related  adjustments 

is  hedge 

ineffectiveness that impacts net interest income. 

In  addition,  the  business  segments  are  impacted  by  the 

migration  of  customers  and  clients  and  their  deposit,  loan  and 

brokerage balances between businesses. Subsequent to the date 

of  migration,  the  associated  net  interest  income,  noninterest 

income and noninterest expense are recorded in the business to 

which the customers or clients migrated.

The Corporation’s ALM activities include an overall interest rate 

risk  management  strategy  that  incorporates  the  use  of  various 

derivatives  and  cash  instruments  to  manage  fluctuations  in 

earnings and capital that are caused by interest rate volatility. The 

Corporation’s goal is to manage interest rate sensitivity so that 

movements in interest rates do not significantly adversely affect 

earnings and capital. The results of a majority of the Corporation’s 

ALM  activities  are  allocated  to  the  business  segments  and 

fluctuate based on the performance of the ALM activities. ALM 

activities  include  external  product  pricing  decisions  including 

deposit pricing strategies, the effects of the Corporation’s internal 

funds transfer pricing process and the net effects of other ALM 

activities.

Certain  expenses  not  directly  attributable  to  a  specific 

business  segment  are  allocated  to  the  segments.  The  most 

significant of these expenses include data and item processing 

costs and certain centralized or shared functions. Data processing 

costs are allocated to the segments based on equipment usage. 

Item processing costs are allocated to the segments based on 

the volume of items processed for each segment. The costs of 

certain other centralized or shared functions are allocated based 

on methodologies that reflect utilization.

The table below presents net income (loss) and the components thereto (with net interest income on an FTE basis) for 2015, 2014 

and 2013, and total assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014 for each business segment, as well as All Other.

Results for Business Segments and All Other

At and for the Year Ended December 31

Total Corporation (1)

Consumer Banking

Global Wealth & 
Investment Management

2015

2014

2013

2015

2014

2013

40,160 $
43,256
83,416
3,161
57,192
23,063
7,175
15,888 $

40,821 $ 43,124
46,677
44,295
89,801
85,116
3,556
2,275
69,214
75,117
17,031
7,724
5,600
2,891
4,833 $ 11,431

$
$ 2,144,316 $ 2,104,534

2015

2013

2014
$ 19,844 $ 20,177 $ 20,619
11,313
31,932
3,166
18,865
9,901
3,630
6,271

10,774
30,618
2,524
17,485
10,609
3,870
6,739 $
  $ 636,464 $588,878

10,632
30,809
2,680
17,865
10,264
3,828
6,436 $

$

$

5,499 $

5,836 $

12,502
18,001
51
13,843
4,107
1,498
2,609 $
  $ 296,139 $274,887

12,568
18,404
14
13,654
4,736
1,767
2,969 $

$

(Dollars in millions)

Net interest income (FTE basis)
Noninterest income

$

Total revenue, net of interest expense (FTE basis)

Provision for credit losses
Noninterest expense

Income before income taxes (FTE basis)

Income tax expense (FTE basis)

Net income

Year-end total assets

Net interest income (FTE basis)
Noninterest income

Total revenue, net of interest expense (FTE basis)

Provision for credit losses
Noninterest expense

Income before income taxes (FTE basis)

Income tax expense (FTE basis)

Net income

Year-end total assets

Net interest income (FTE basis)
Noninterest income

Total revenue, net of interest expense (FTE basis)

Provision for credit losses
Noninterest expense

Loss before income taxes (FTE basis)

Income tax benefit (FTE basis)

Net income (loss)
Year-end total assets
(1)  There were no material intersegment revenues.

6,064
11,726
17,790
56
13,039
4,695
1,722
2,973

2013

4,237
11,221
15,458
140
12,094
3,224
2,090
1,134

Global Banking
2014

2015

2013

2015

Global Markets
2014

$

9,254 $
7,665
16,919
685
7,888
8,346
3,073
5,273 $

9,810 $
7,797
17,607
322
8,170
9,115
3,346
5,769 $

$
$ 382,043 $353,637

9,692
7,744
17,436
1,142
8,051
8,243
3,024
5,219

$

4,338 $

4,004 $

10,729
15,067
99
11,310
3,658
1,162
2,496 $
  $ 551,587 $579,594

12,184
16,188
110
11,862
4,216
1,511
2,705 $

$

Legacy Assets & Servicing
2014

2015

2013

2015

All Other
2014

2013

$

$

1,573 $
1,857
3,430
144
4,451
(1,165)
(425)
(740) $ (13,110) $ (4,883) $

1,520 $
1,156
2,676
127
20,633
(18,084)
(4,974)

1,552
2,872
4,424
(283)
12,416
(7,709)
(2,826)

(348) $
(271)
(619)
(342)
2,215
(2,492)
(2,003)

(526) $
(42)
(568)
(978)
2,933
(2,523)
(2,587)

960
1,801
2,761
(665)
4,749
(1,323)
(2,040)
717

$
$ 47,292 $ 45,957

(489) $
  $ 230,791 $261,581

64 $

244     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     245

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The table below presents a reconciliation of the five business segments’ total revenue, net of interest expense, on an FTE basis, 
and net income to the Consolidated Statement of Income, and total assets to the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The adjustments 
presented in the table below include consolidated income, expense and asset amounts not specifically allocated to individual business 
segments.

Business Segment Reconciliations

(Dollars in millions)

Segments’ total revenue, net of interest expense (FTE basis)
Adjustments:

ALM activities
Equity investment income
Liquidating businesses and other
FTE basis adjustment

Consolidated revenue, net of interest expense

Segments’ total net income
Adjustments, net-of-taxes:

ALM activities
Equity investment income
Liquidating businesses and other

Consolidated net income

Segments’ total assets
Adjustments:

ALM activities, including securities portfolio
Equity investments
Liquidating businesses and other
Elimination of segment asset allocations to match liabilities

Consolidated total assets

2015

2014

2013

$

84,035

$

85,684

$

87,040

237
—
(856)
(909)
82,507
16,377

(305)
—
(184)
15,888

$
$

$

(804)
727
(491)
(869)
84,247
4,769

(343)
454
(47)
4,833

$
$

$

(545)
2,737
569
(859)
88,942
10,714

(929)
1,724
(78)
11,431

$
$

$

December 31

2015
$ 1,913,525

2014
$ 1,842,953

681,876
4,297
63,465
(518,847)
$ 2,144,316

658,319
4,871
73,008
(474,617)
$ 2,104,534

246     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
segments.

(Dollars in millions)

Adjustments:

ALM activities

Business Segment Reconciliations

Segments’ total revenue, net of interest expense (FTE basis)

Consolidated revenue, net of interest expense

Equity investment income

Liquidating businesses and other

FTE basis adjustment

Segments’ total net income

Adjustments, net-of-taxes:

ALM activities

Equity investment income

Liquidating businesses and other

Consolidated net income

Segments’ total assets

Adjustments:

ALM activities, including securities portfolio

Equity investments

Liquidating businesses and other

Elimination of segment asset allocations to match liabilities

Consolidated total assets

2015

2014

2013

$

84,035

$

85,684

$

87,040

$

$

82,507

16,377

$

$

84,247

4,769

$

$

88,942

10,714

237

—

(856)

(909)

(305)

—

(184)

(804)

727

(491)

(869)

(343)

454

(47)

(545)

2,737

569

(859)

(929)

1,724

(78)

$

15,888

$

4,833

$

11,431

December 31

2015

2014

$ 1,913,525

$ 1,842,953

681,876

4,297

63,465

658,319

4,871

73,008

(518,847)

(474,617)

$ 2,144,316

$ 2,104,534

The table below presents a reconciliation of the five business segments’ total revenue, net of interest expense, on an FTE basis, 

and net income to the Consolidated Statement of Income, and total assets to the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The adjustments 

presented in the table below include consolidated income, expense and asset amounts not specifically allocated to individual business 

NOTE 25 Parent Company Information
The following tables present the Parent Company-only financial information. This financial information is presented in accordance with 
bank regulatory reporting requirements.

Condensed Statement of Income

(Dollars in millions)

Income
Dividends from subsidiaries:

Bank holding companies and related subsidiaries
Nonbank companies and related subsidiaries

Interest from subsidiaries
Other income (loss)
Total income

Expense
Interest on borrowed funds from related subsidiaries
Other interest expense
Noninterest expense
Total expense
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries

Income tax benefit
Income (loss) before equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
Equity in undistributed earnings (losses) of subsidiaries:

Bank holding companies and related subsidiaries
Nonbank companies and related subsidiaries

Total equity in undistributed earnings (losses) of subsidiaries
Net income

Condensed Balance Sheet

(Dollars in millions)

Assets
Cash held at bank subsidiaries (1)
Securities
Receivables from subsidiaries:

Bank holding companies and related subsidiaries
Banks and related subsidiaries
Nonbank companies and related subsidiaries

Investments in subsidiaries:

Bank holding companies and related subsidiaries
Nonbank companies and related subsidiaries

Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Short-term borrowings
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Payables to subsidiaries:

Banks and related subsidiaries
Nonbank companies and related subsidiaries

Long-term debt

Total liabilities
Shareholders’ equity

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

(1)  Balance includes third-party cash held of $28 million and $29 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

2015

2014

2013

$

$

18,970
53
2,004
(623)
20,404

1,169
5,098
4,747
11,014
9,390
(3,574)
12,964

3,120
(196)
2,924
15,888

$

$ 12,400
149
1,836
72
14,457

1,661
5,552
4,471
11,684
2,773
(4,079)
6,852

8,532
357
2,087
233
11,209

1,730
6,379
10,938
19,047
(7,838)
(7,227)
(611)

3,613
(5,632)
(2,019)
4,833

14,150
(2,108)
12,042
$ 11,431

$

December 31

2015

2014

$

98,024
937

$ 100,304
932

23,594
569
56,426

23,356
2,395
52,251

272,596
2,402
9,360
$ 463,908

270,441
2,139
14,599
$ 466,417

$

15
13,900

$

46
16,872

465
13,921
179,402
207,703
256,205
$ 463,908

2,559
17,698
185,771
222,946
243,471
$ 466,417

246     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     247

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Condensed Statement of Cash Flows

(Dollars in millions)

Operating activities
Net income
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

Equity in undistributed (earnings) losses of subsidiaries
Other operating activities, net

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

Investing activities
Net sales (purchases) of securities
Net payments from (to) subsidiaries
Other investing activities, net

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

Financing activities
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings
Net increase (decrease) in other advances
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
Retirement of long-term debt
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock
Redemption of preferred stock
Common stock repurchased
Cash dividends paid

Net cash used in financing activities

Net increase (decrease) in cash held at bank subsidiaries
Cash held at bank subsidiaries at January 1

Cash held at bank subsidiaries at December 31

2015

2014

2013

$

15,888

$

4,833

$ 11,431

(2,924)
(2,509)
10,455

15
(7,944)
70
(7,859)

(221)
(770)
26,492
(27,393)
2,964
—
(2,374)
(3,574)
(4,876)
(2,280)
100,304
98,024

$

2,019
2,143
8,995

(142)
(5,902)
19
(6,025)

(12,042)
(10,422)
(11,033)

459
39,336
3
39,798

(55)
1,264
29,324
(33,854)
5,957
—
(1,675)
(2,306)
(1,345)
1,625
98,679
$ 100,304

178
(14,378)
30,966
(39,320)
1,008
(6,461)
(3,220)
(1,677)
(32,904)
(4,139)
102,818
$ 98,679

248     Bank of America 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

Condensed Statement of Cash Flows

(Dollars in millions)

Operating activities

Net income

Equity in undistributed (earnings) losses of subsidiaries

Other operating activities, net

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

Investing activities

Net sales (purchases) of securities

Net payments from (to) subsidiaries

Other investing activities, net

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

Financing activities

Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings

Net increase (decrease) in other advances

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

Retirement of long-term debt

Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock

Redemption of preferred stock

Common stock repurchased

Cash dividends paid

Net cash used in financing activities

Net increase (decrease) in cash held at bank subsidiaries

Cash held at bank subsidiaries at January 1

Cash held at bank subsidiaries at December 31

2015

2014

2013

$

15,888

$

4,833

$ 11,431

(7,859)

(6,025)

39,798

(2,924)

(2,509)

10,455

(7,944)

15

70

(221)

(770)

26,492

(27,393)

2,964

—

(2,374)

(3,574)

(4,876)

(2,280)

100,304

2,019

2,143

8,995

(142)

(5,902)

19

(55)

1,264

29,324

(33,854)

5,957

—

(1,675)

(2,306)

(1,345)

1,625

98,679

(12,042)

(10,422)

(11,033)

459

39,336

3

178

(14,378)

30,966

(39,320)

1,008

(6,461)

(3,220)

(1,677)

(32,904)

(4,139)

102,818

NOTE 26 Performance by Geographical Area
Since the Corporation’s operations are highly integrated, certain asset, liability, income and expense amounts must be allocated to 
arrive at total assets, total revenue, net of interest expense, income before income taxes and net income (loss) by geographic area. 
The Corporation identifies its geographic performance based on the business unit structure used to manage the capital or expense 
deployed in the region as applicable. This requires certain judgments related to the allocation of revenue so that revenue can be 
appropriately matched with the related capital or expense deployed in the region.

(Dollars in millions)

U.S. (3)

Asia (4)

Europe, Middle East and Africa

Latin America and the Caribbean

Total Non-U.S. 

$

98,024

$ 100,304

$ 98,679

Total Consolidated

December 31

Year Ended December 31

Total Assets (1)

Total Revenue, 
Net of Interest 
Expense (2)

Income Before
Income Taxes

Net Income
(Loss)

$

1,849,128
1,792,719

$

86,994
92,005

178,899
190,365

29,295
29,445

295,188
311,815

$

2,144,316
2,104,534

$

$

$

71,659
72,960
76,612
3,524
3,605
4,442
6,081
6,409
6,353
1,243
1,273
1,535
10,848
11,287
12,330
82,507
84,247
88,942

$

$

20,148
4,643
13,221
726
759
1,382
938
1,098
1,003
342
355
566
2,006
2,212
2,951
22,154
6,855
16,172

14,689
3,305
10,588
457
473
887
516
813
(403)
226
242
359
1,199
1,528
843
15,888
4,833
11,431

Year

2015
2014
2013
2015
2014
2013
2015
2014
2013
2015
2014
2013
2015
2014
2013
2015
2014
2013

(1)  Total assets include long-lived assets, which are primarily located in the U.S.
(2)  There were no material intercompany revenues between geographic regions for any of the periods presented.
(3)  Substantially reflects the U.S.
(4)  Amounts include pretax gains of $753 million ($474 million net-of-tax) on the sale of common shares of CCB during 2013.

248     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     249

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Bank of America Corporation and Subsidiaries

As of the end of the period covered by this report and pursuant to 
Rule 13a-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange 
Act), Bank of America’s management, including the Chief Executive 
Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the 
effectiveness  and  design  of  our  disclosure  controls  and 
procedures  (as  that  term  is  defined  in  Rule  13a-15(e)  of  the 
Exchange  Act).  Based  upon  that  evaluation,  Bank  of  America’s 
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that 

Bank  of  America’s  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  were 
effective, as of the end of the period covered by this report, in 
recording,  processing,  summarizing  and  reporting  information 
required to be disclosed by the Corporation in reports that it files 
or  submits  under  the  Exchange  Act,  within  the  time  periods 
specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and 
forms.

250     Bank of America 2015

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Bank of America Corporation and Subsidiaries

Executive Management Team and Board of Directors
Executive Management Team and Board of Directors
Bank of America Corporation
Bank of America Corporation

Bank of America — 2015 Annual Report 

 022210  

 BAC_AR15_Financials_v15  

 03/02/16  

 page 267

As of the end of the period covered by this report and pursuant to 

Bank  of  America’s  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  were 

Rule 13a-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange 

effective, as of the end of the period covered by this report, in 

Act), Bank of America’s management, including the Chief Executive 

recording,  processing,  summarizing  and  reporting  information 

Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the 

required to be disclosed by the Corporation in reports that it files 

effectiveness  and  design  of  our  disclosure  controls  and 

or  submits  under  the  Exchange  Act,  within  the  time  periods 

procedures  (as  that  term  is  defined  in  Rule  13a-15(e)  of  the 

specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and 

Exchange  Act).  Based  upon  that  evaluation,  Bank  of  America’s 

forms.

Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that 

Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Brian T. Moynihan 
Brian T. Moynihan 
Chairman of the Board and  
Chairman of the Board and  
Chief Executive Officer  
Chief Executive Officer  
Bank of America Corporation
Bank of America Corporation

Jack O. Bovender, Jr. 
Jack O. Bovender, Jr. 
Lead Independent Director  
Lead Independent Director  
Bank of America Corporation
Bank of America Corporation 
Former Chairman and  
Former Chairman and  
Chief Executive Officer  
Chief Executive Officer  
HCA, Inc.
HCA, Inc.

Sharon L. Allen 
Sharon L. Allen 
Former Chairman 
Former Chairman 
Deloitte LLP
Deloitte LLP

Susan S. Bies 
Susan S. Bies 
Former Member  
Former Member  
Board of Governors of the  
Board of Governors of the  
Federal Reserve System
Federal Reserve System

Frank P. Bramble, Sr. 
Frank P. Bramble, Sr. 
Former Executive Officer 
Former Executive Officer 
MBNA Corporation
MBNA Corporation

Pierre J. P. de Weck 
Pierre J. P. de Weck 
Former Chairman and Global Head  
Former Chairman and Global Head  
of Private Wealth Management  
of Private Wealth Management  
Deutsche Bank AG
Deutsche Bank AG

Arnold W. Donald 
Arnold W. Donald 
President and Chief Executive Officer  
President and Chief Executive Officer  
Carnival Corporation and Carnival plc
Carnival Corporation and Carnival plc

Charles K. Gifford** 
Charles K. Gifford** 
Former Chairman of the Board  
Former Chairman of the Board  
Bank of America Corporation
Bank of America Corporation

Linda P. Hudson 
Linda P. Hudson 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer  
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer  
The Cardea Group, LLC
The Cardea Group, LLC
Former President and  
Former President and  
Chief Executive Officer  
Chief Executive Officer  
BAE Systems, Inc.
BAE Systems, Inc.

Monica C. Lozano 
Monica C. Lozano 
Former Chairman  
Former Chairman  
US Hispanic Media Inc.
US Hispanic Media Inc.

Thomas J. May 
Thomas J. May 
Chairman, President and  
Chairman, President and  
Chief Executive Officer 
Chief Executive Officer 
Eversource Energy
Eversource Energy

Lionel L. Nowell, III 
Lionel L. Nowell, III 
Former Senior Vice President  
Former Senior Vice President  
and Treasurer 
and Treasurer 
PepsiCo, Inc.
PepsiCo, Inc.

R. David Yost 
R. David Yost 
Former Chief Executive Officer 
Former Chief Executive Officer 
Amerisource Bergen Corporation
Amerisource Bergen Corporation

Executive Management Team
Executive Management Team
Brian T. Moynihan* 
Brian T. Moynihan* 
Chairman of the Board and  
Chairman of the Board and  
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Executive Officer

Dean C. Athanasia* 
Dean C. Athanasia* 
President, Preferred and  
President, Preferred and  
Small Business Banking and  
Small Business Banking and  
Co-head —  Consumer Banking
Co-head —  Consumer Banking

Catherine P. Bessant* 
Catherine P. Bessant* 
Chief Operations and Technology Officer
Chief Operations and Technology Officer

Sheri B. Bronstein 
Sheri B. Bronstein 
Global Human Resources Executive
Global Human Resources Executive

Paul M. Donofrio* 
Paul M. Donofrio* 
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Financial Officer

Anne M. Finucane 
Anne M. Finucane 
Vice Chairman
Vice Chairman

Geoffrey S. Greener* 
Geoffrey S. Greener* 
Chief Risk Officer
Chief Risk Officer

Christine P. Katziff 
Christine P. Katziff 
Corporate General Auditor
Corporate General Auditor

Terrence P. Laughlin* 
Terrence P. Laughlin* 
Vice Chairman, Global Wealth and 
Vice Chairman, Head of Global Wealth  
Investment Management
and Investment Management

David G. Leitch* 
David G. Leitch* 
Global General Counsel
Global General Counsel

Gary G. Lynch 
Gary G. Lynch 
Vice Chairman
Vice Chairman

Thomas K. Montag* 
Thomas K. Montag* 
Chief Operating Officer
Chief Operating Officer

Thong M. Nguyen* 
Thong M. Nguyen* 
President, Retail Banking and  
President, Retail Banking and  
Co-head —  Consumer Banking
Co-head —  Consumer Banking

Andrea B. Smith* 
Andrea B. Smith* 
Chief Administrative Officer
Chief Administrative Officer

Bruce R. Thompson 
Bruce R. Thompson 
Vice Chairman
Vice Chairman

250     Bank of America 2015

Bank of America 2015     

251
267

  * Executive Officer
  * Executive Officer

 ** Not standing for reelection at the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
 ** Not standing for reelection at the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

BAC_AR15_Financials_v15.indd   267

3/2/16   6:26 PM

Corporate Information
Bank of America Corporation

Headquarters
The principal executive offices of Bank of America Corporation 
(the Corporation) are located in the Bank of America Corporate 
Center, 100 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28255.

Stock Listing
The Corporation’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock 
Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol BAC. The Corporation’s 
common stock is also listed on the London Stock Exchange, and 
certain shares are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The stock 
is typically listed as BankAm in newspapers. As of February 12, 
2016, there were 193,594 registered holders of the Corporation’s 
common stock.

Investor Relations
Analysts, portfolio managers and other investors seeking 
additional information about Bank of America stock should 
contact our Equity Investor Relations group at 1.704.386.5681 
or i_r@bankofamerica.com. For additional information about 
Bank of America from a credit perspective, including debt and 
preferred securities, contact our Fixed Income Investor Relations 
group at 1.866.607.1234 or fixedincomeir@bankofamerica.com. 
Visit the Investor Relations area of the Bank of America website, 
http://investor.bankofamerica.com, for stock and dividend 
information, financial news releases, links to Bank of America 
SEC filings, electronic versions of our annual reports and other 
items of interest to the Corporation’s shareholders.

Customers
For assistance with Bank of America products and services, 
call 1.800.432.1000, or visit the Bank of America website at 
www.bankofamerica.com. Additional toll-free numbers for 
specific products and services are listed on our website at 
www.bankofamerica.com/contact.

News Media
News media seeking information should visit our online 
newsroom at www.bankofamerica.com/newsroom for news 
releases, speeches and other items relating to the Corporation, 
including a complete list of the Corporation’s media relations 
specialists grouped by business specialty or geography.

Annual Report on Form 10-K
The Corporation’s 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K is available 
at http://investor.bankofamerica.com. The Corporation also will 
provide a copy of the 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K (without 
exhibits) upon written request addressed to:

Bank of America Corporation 
Office of the Corporate Secretary 
NC1-027-18-05 
Hearst Tower, 214 North Tryon Street 
Charlotte, NC 28255

Shareholder Inquiries
For inquiries concerning dividend checks, electronic deposit of 
dividends, dividend reinvestment, tax statements, electronic 
delivery, transferring ownership, address changes or lost or 
stolen stock certificates, contact Bank of America Shareholder 
Services at Computershare Trust Company, N.A. via the Internet 
at www.computershare.com/bac; call 1.800.642.9855; or write 
to P.O. Box 43078, Providence, RI 02940-3078. For general 
shareholder information, contact Bank of America Office of the 
Corporate Secretary at 1.800.521.3984. Shareholders outside of 
the United States and Canada may call 1.781.575.2621.

Electronic Delivery
As part of our ongoing commitment to reduce paper 
consumption, we offer electronic methods for customer 
communications and transactions. Customers can sign up to 
receive online statements through their Bank of America or 
Merrill Lynch account website. In 2012, we adopted the SEC’s 
Notice and Access rule, which allows certain issuers to inform 
shareholders of the electronic availability of Proxy materials, 
including the Annual Report, which significantly reduced the 
number of printed copies we produce and mail to shareholders. 
Shareholders still receiving printed copies can join our efforts 
by electing to receive an electronic copy of the Annual Report 
and Proxy materials. If you have an account maintained in your 
name at Computershare Investor Services, you may sign up for 
this service at www.computershare.com/bac. If your shares are 
held by a broker, bank or other nominee, you may elect to receive 
electronic delivery of the Annual Report and Proxy materials 
online at www.proxyvote.com, or contact your broker.

252     Bank of America 2015

A Note of Introduction from Lead 
Independent Director, Jack Bovender

To our shareholders:

On behalf of the directors of your company, I join our CEO and the management 
team in thanking you for choosing to invest in Bank of America. 

I also want to take this opportunity to add to Brian’s letter, which highlights  
the Board’s independent oversight of management and our focus on building 
long-term shareholder value. 

You are represented by a strong independent Board. As a steward of the 
company on your behalf, the Board is focused on the active and independent 
oversight of management. The Board oversees risk management, our 
governance, and carries out other important duties in coordination with Board 
committees that have strong, experienced chairs and members. To enhance 
the Board’s effectiveness, we conduct intensive and thoughtful annual self-
assessments, regularly evaluate our leadership structure, and review feedback 
from shareholders. We have strengthened our director recruiting process to 
deepen our diversity of thought and experience, broaden our demographic, 
and bring on fresh perspectives that invigorate our discourse with management 
and with each other. We are committed to engaging with shareholders, and 
we have made enhancements to our corporate governance practices that are 
informed by the feedback from our engagement. 

The Board also regularly evaluates the company’s strategy, operating 
environment, performance, and the progress your company is making  
toward its goals. Over several days each fall, in anticipation of the coming  
year, we engage in a thorough review with management of the company’s 
multi-year strategy. We assess how the company has performed against 
the prior year’s plan. We examine how well the businesses are delivering for 
our customers and clients under the strategic plan, as well as the processes 
the company has in place to increase revenue, manage risk and expenses, 
and grow. We also consider the operating environment and management 
assumptions about how the environment will affect the company’s results  
and returns. During our regular meetings throughout the year, we further 
monitor and evaluate shorter-term issues and how they may impact the 
company’s execution of its strategy and its progress toward building  
long-term shareholder value. 

Throughout 2015, I had the pleasure of continuing to meet with our 
shareholders to discuss our strategic planning process and corporate 
governance practices. Hearing directly from these shareholders, as well as 
from regulators with whom we regularly visit, provides me and the other 
independent Board members important perspective. I look forward to more 
meetings in 2016. 

I encourage you to carefully review this report, our 2016 proxy statement, our 
forthcoming Business Standards Report, and the other materials the company 
makes available to shareholders to better understand the opportunities and 
challenges ahead and the company’s work to execute its strategy. 

We remain committed to building long-term value in the company and returning 
value to you, our shareholders.

Sincerely, 

Jack O. Bovender, Jr. 
Lead Independent Director

Responsible Growth

When we look at where we 
stand today, our company is 
stronger, simpler, and better 
positioned to deliver long-
term value to our shareholders, 
thanks to the straightforward 
way in which we serve our 
customers and clients. The 
path forward is clearly one  
of responsible growth.

Responsible growth has  
four pillars:

  Grow and Win in the 

Market — No Excuses  

Page 4 

  Grow With Our  

Customer-Focused 
Strategy Page 7 

  Grow Within Our Risk 
Framework Page 8 

  Grow in a Sustainable 

Manner Page 11

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Investment products: 

Are Not FDIC Insured

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

May Lose Value

Global Wealth & Investment Management is a division of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). Merrill Lynch, 
Merrill Edge™, and U.S. Trust, are affiliated sub- divisions within Global Wealth & Investment Management.

Merrill Lynch and The Private Banking and Investment Group, make available products and services offered by 
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S”) and other subsidiaries of BofA Corp. Merrill Edge  
is available through MLPF&S, and consists of the Merrill Edge Advisory Center (investment guidance) and  
self- directed online investing.

U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management operates through Bank of America, N.A., and other 
subsidiaries of BofA Corp.

Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N.A., and affiliated banks, Members FDIC and wholly owned 
subsidiaries of BofA Corp.

Please recycle. The annual report is printed on 30% post-consumer waste (PCW) recycled paper.

© 2016 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bank of America Corporation
2015 Annual Report

© 2016 Bank of America Corporation
00-04-1373B 

3/2016

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Bank of America Corporation
2015 Annual Report

To our  
shareholders,

Thank you for investing in  

Bank of America. In 2015, your 

company earned nearly $16 billion 

and returned nearly $4.5 billion  

in capital. This progress is the  

result of continued strong 

business performance, no longer 

clouded over by heavy mortgage 

and crisis-related litigation and 

operating costs. 

Over the past several years, we’ve 

followed a strategy to simplify the 

company, rebuild our capital and 

liquidity, invest in our company  

and our capabilities, and pursue  

a straightforward model focused  

on responsible growth. 

At the Core of our strategy is the  
commitment we made to a clear 
purpose: to make financial lives 
better by connecting those we  
serve to the resources and expertise 
they need to achieve their goals. 
This is what drives us. 