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The Bank of New York Mellon

bk · NYSE Financial Services
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Industry Asset Management
Employees 10,000+
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FY2016 Annual Report · The Bank of New York Mellon
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2016 BNY MELLON ANNUAL REPORT

A New Era

The investments world is dynamic and transforming. New business realities  

informed by ongoing regulatory change and structural adjustments to address 

demographic and investment shifts are reshaping our clients’ needs. This new  

world demands a new set of standards and solutions, with technology powering 

innovation and driving what we do to improve our clients’ success. 

Alive with Possibility

It’s an era alive with possibility for those who are forward-thinking and who  

embrace change.

The transformative power of digitization allows us to fundamentally rethink every 

aspect of our operations and to revolutionize all phases of investing. The emergence 

of fintech companies has set a high bar for innovation and established a pipeline of 

sophisticated new applications with the potential to turbocharge our progress. 

With BNY Mellon at the Forefront

As the Investments Company for the World, we believe we have a running start. 

While the landscape is shifting, we are working closely with our clients and 

collaborating on new strategies and applications to enhance investment  

performance in an evolving world. 

We have a bold technology strategy guiding us.

We have made early progress in digitizing our business and harnessing  

emerging technologies. 

We have made investments in new solutions and capabilities, many cutting edge.

We are beginning to give our clients a glimpse of some of the ways we are  
positioned to reinvent the future for them and more powerfully improve lives  

through investing. Already, BNY Mellon has made it easier to access the insights  

and information clients need to navigate today’s financial marketplace. 

It is an incredibly exciting time for BNY Mellon’s 50,000-plus professionals  

focused on powering our clients’ success and driving shareholder value. 

Dear Fellow 
Shareholders, 
Clients and 
Employees,

Our clients rightly 
expect us to be the 
very best.

Our clients drive and guide us. We are fortunate to have a client base that is the envy 

of the industry, including many of the world’s financial leaders who help make the 

markets function and global economies prosper. Our clients rightly expect us to be 

the very best. It is an enormous responsibility that energizes us every day and that 

we take extremely seriously. 

We were early among our industry peers to commit to a profound cultural, structural 

and operational transformation designed to navigate regulatory change and 

transform our company into a more digital, data-driven, global financial services 

powerhouse that delivers top performance for our clients and shareholders through 

all environments.

Our journey began by analyzing the forces reshaping the world of investments.  

We looked at our financial services industry peers but we also looked beyond them 

to learn what digital native companies were doing and how we could benefit. We 

cultivated business leaders with technology knowledge and technology leaders with 

business knowledge to create a blueprint for the future of our systems architecture. 

We welcomed fresh perspectives and aggressively challenged conventional thinking 

and ways of doing business across our company. BNY Mellon is today a very different 

company than we were just a few years ago. And we are still evolving and growing.

Our goal is to deliver better insights and solutions to our clients while  

consistently attaining the highest levels of investment performance, service, 

expertise, resiliency and reliability. Our current performance in some of these  

areas is best in class while, in others, such as the reliability of certain applications 

and the consistency of the client experience, there is more work to be done. We are 

redoubling our efforts to reach the high standards expected of us. Clients have told 

us they have seen changes in how we think, operate and approach our work – with 

improved agility, innovation, collaboration and a laser focus on clients’ needs.

I

Our success in incorporating new solutions for our clients’ benefit and in evolving our 

culture for the new marketplace has placed us at the leading edge of technological 

innovation. The investments we have made to digitize our company are reducing our 

operating costs, funding regulatory initiatives and, most importantly, strengthening 

the client experience and our overall value proposition. With many of the consequential 

benefits of our investments still to come, the Investments Company for the World is  

just beginning to redefine what is possible. 

Delivering Against 
Our Performance Goals

Our efforts have already helped improve our financial performance. Since we shared 

our three-year strategic plan in October 2014, we have delivered eight quarters of solid 

performance against these goals despite the relative lack of industry and market catalysts. 

The revenue environment in 2016 remained challenging across our industry, though post 

the U.S. election, markets have strengthened. Our financial performance reflects the 

benefits of our well-diversified, lower-risk business model and our ability to manage 

through all environments. Our strategy is working and our aspiration to become best in 

class across the investment lifecycle spectrum remains intact.

Investor Day Goals

OPERATING BASIS: 2015 - 2017

FLAT
RATE SCENARIO

NORMALIZING
RATE SCENARIO

Progress Toward 
Our 3-Year Goals

2015 - 2016
PERFORMANCE

ADJUSTED REVENUE GROWTHi

3.5-4.5%

6-8%

OPERATING EPS GROWTHi

7-9%

12-15%

ADJUSTED RETURN ON 
TANGIBLE COMMON EQUITYi

17-19%

20-22%

2%

15%

21%

Note: Please refer to the assumptions included on pages 107 and 109 in our October 28, 2014, Investor Day presentation.

II

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EARNINGS PER SHARE i

$10,237

$10,453

NONINTEREST EXPENSEi
($ IN MILLIONS)

$3.17

$2.85

OUR
RESULTS

20.7%

21.2%

PRE-TAX 
OPERATING MARGINi

bps

31%

33%

RETURN ON TANGIBLE 
COMMON EQUITY i

INCREASED EARNINGS 
PER SHARE: 

REDUCED
EXPENSES:

On a GAAP basis, we 
earned $3.15 per share 
in 2016, up 16 percent 
compared to 2015.  
On an adjusted basis, we 
earned $3.17 per share,  
up 11 percent from last 
year’s adjusted EPS.i 

On a GAAP basis, we 
reduced expenses by  
3 percent compared to 
2015. On an adjusted basis, 
expenses were 2 percent 
lower.i Our business 
improvement process and 
cost discipline more than 
offset continued strategic 
investments to improve 
the client experience, 
digitize our company, 
enhance our resolvability 
and strengthen our risk 
management, compliance 
and control functions. 

2015          2016

INCREASED RETURN 
ON TANGIBLE COMMON 
EQUITY (ROTCE):  

We achieved an adjusted 
ROTCE of 21.4 percent, up 
from 20.7 percent in 2015.i 
ROTCE is a good measure 
of the value we are creating 
from the investments we 
are making.  

INCREASED PRE-TAX 
OPERATING MARGIN:  

On a GAAP basis, our  
pre-tax operating margin 
was 31 percent. Our 
adjusted pre-tax operating 
margin was 33 percent, 
up 180 basis points versus 
2015, and we generated 
274 basis points of positive 
operating leverage.i

III

(2%)+11%21% +180     
Executing on Our Proven Strategy

We are executing on a clear set of strategic priorities essential to sustain long-term 

growth and value creation for our clients and shareholders. 

OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

Attracting, developing  
and retaining top talent

Driving profitable revenue  
growth and enhancing the  
client experience

Generating excess capital 
and deploying it effectively

Executing on our business 
improvement process

Being a strong, safe, 
trusted counterparty

IV

DRIVING PROFITABLE REVENUE GROWTH AND ENHANCING THE CLIENT EXPERIENCE

We are creating new sources of value for our clients, and revenue opportunities for us, by anticipating and  

capitalizing on the emerging trends within the financial sector.

Capitalizing on Forces Reshaping Client Demand 

To position us to be our clients’ partner of the future, we have many growth initiatives at different 

stages of maturity that leverage our scale and expertise. Executed well, they should benefit clients 

and shareholders. Here are some examples of where we are making strategic investments:

•  With market and regulatory trends driving investable 

•  Collateral management optimization is an area where 

assets toward lower-fee products and pressuring 

we are investing in capabilities with upside potential and 

margins, asset managers of all types and sizes are 

where our business model gives us many competitive 

looking to lower and variabilize their structural costs and 

advantages. We have been providing collateral 

focus more of their resources on investment returns.  

management services to large sell-side institutions for 

In our Investment Services business, we are building 

decades and have leveraged these capabilities to assist 

best-in-class technology and operations to deliver 

buy-side investment managers. New regulatory demands 

middle-office services that asset managers historically 

require the posting of collateral for a wide range of 

provided for themselves, enabling them to leverage our 

transactions across the globe. We are at the forefront  

scale and expertise while we manage our technology 

of this market development, having developed  

platforms efficiently to achieve our profit objectives. 

cutting-edge collateral optimization engines that 

We are also further investing in exchange-traded funds 

improve the efficient use of collateral, thus providing  

servicing to capitalize on the trend of retail investors 

real value to all market participants. 

increasing allocations to passive investment strategies.

•  Alternative investments are among the fastest-growing 

•  Shifting investor appetites have led us to revitalize our 

investment classes. The servicing opportunity for us 

Investment Management capabilities to capitalize on 

is significant. The capabilities we have built to address 

established and emerging investment trends. With many 

the administration needs of three major asset manager 

active equity managers struggling to generate significant 

segments – real estate, private equity and single-

above-benchmark returns and interest rates stubbornly 

manager hedge funds – have enabled us to attract 

low, but beginning to rise, we are focusing on cash 

significant new business. We have been consolidating  

management, liability-driven investments, alternative 

strategies and other high-conviction and income-related 

all alternative servicing solutions onto a single global 
platform and leveraging our NEXEN® ecosystem to 

strategies that are in highest demand and central to our 

increase our scale, deliver seamless global capabilities 

active asset management businesses. The strength and 

and improve our clients’ experience. 

diversity of our investment solutions from our multi-

boutique model continue to position us as a partner 

of choice in providing tailored investment solutions to 

meet the goals of our clients across a wide spectrum of 

investment opportunities. And our recent investments 

in our Wealth Management franchise serving high-

net-worth individuals and the focus on supporting the 

investment needs of leading third-party intermediary 

institutional advisors are helping us to capitalize on the 

growth in demand from individual investors. 

We are creating new sources  
of value for our clients.

V

Creating a Distinctive Client Experience

The quality of the client experience we deliver will  

continue to improve – everything from the ease and 

sophistication of the technology tools our clients use to 

the knowledge and responsiveness of our investments 

professionals. We proactively seek client feedback and,  

as a result, we are implementing numerous enhancements  

to our service delivery, which are becoming increasingly 

visible to our clients. 

•  NEXEN, our application programming interface-enabled 

digital ecosystem, is one of the most transformational 

of our investments. NEXEN is creating a platform where 

we can integrate the best data and predictive analytics 

services in the marketplace to offer solutions not 

Evidence-Based Management 
Fueled by Big Data

Digital Pulse is the component of the NEXEN 

previously possible. We are developing our own services 

ecosystem that captures data elements that allow 

but also co-developing software with our clients and 

us to make better, evidence-based decisions. 

Our centralized Digital Pulse Big Data analytics 

and visualization platform captures, stores and 

analyzes more than 1.4 billion events per month, 

creating predictive analytics and actionable 

insights that help our business leaders improve 

business performance.

For example, we are using Digital Pulse to 

increase straight-through processing rates by 

understanding why there are breaks or “fails” 

in operations. There can be many reasons why a 

transaction does not flow through our systems 

seamlessly, which can cause delays in processing. 

Digital Pulse creates visualizations of our 

processing, allowing us to track trends over  

time so we can work with clients to prevent  

future fails. The result is an improved client 

experience, higher straight-through processing 

rates and lower costs for all. 

fintech firms to meet specific marketplace needs. We 

see ourselves as being a great platform company that 

integrates the best of what we and others have to offer  

for the benefit of our clients. Our clients are just beginning 

to experience the ease with which they can connect to us 

at their desktops or on their mobile devices. While it is  

still early, we are confident in our future as we continue  

to invest, innovate and transform into a more digital,  

data-driven global financial services powerhouse. 

•  We are evolving our relationship management and client 

service delivery teams companywide to provide a common 

discipline and an approach that further improves how 

we interact with and service our clients. Through service 

excellence training, the adoption of common standards, 

processes and metrics, and stronger alignment between 

the technology, service and relationship management 

components, we are strengthening and improving the 

quality, timeliness and accuracy of our service delivery. 

•  Our use of cognitive technologies is leading edge. During 

2016, we successfully expanded our adoption of robotics 

and machine learning to reduce risk and enable our people 

to switch their focus from repetitive work to providing  

value-added services for our clients. Transformation  

efforts are underway to address common client pain  

points through digitization and workflow changes. 

VI

 
Silicon Valley-Style Creativity 

Our Global Innovation Centers – in nine locations now, with more in 

development – combine the creativity and energy of Silicon Valley with  

the investments acumen of our global market centers. 

Through these digital innovation hubs, we are bringing together business  

and technology expertise, connecting to fintech firms and involving  

clients in collaborating and providing feedback on solutions. Our goal  

is to develop breakthrough financial services technologies.

Our Global Innovation Centers embody our intellectually rich culture and 

encourage the collaboration that results in cutting-edge solutions. They are 

proving an effective means to attract and retain talent. They are also exposing 

us to new digital methodologies and cultivating the agile start-up culture  

needed to remain on the leading edge of innovation. 

EXECUTING ON OUR BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT PROCESS

Our success in meeting or exceeding our business improvement process goals  

has been paying off. It is creating efficiency and quality benefits for our clients and 

reducing technology, operations and structural costs for us. These savings have  
helped us meet or, in some quarters, exceed our operating margini goals while reducing 

risk and enabling us to fund our growth, new client solutions, and important risk and 

regulatory compliance initiatives. 

Here are some examples of our business improvement process at work: 

Substantially 
completed the 
move to one 
U.S. custody 
platform

Completed 
client conversions 
to our new 
broker-dealer 
clearing platform

Reduced our 
real estate portfolio 
by 5% and the 
number of locations 
where we 
operate by 7

Applied 
robotics process 
automation to 
125+ tasks

Enhanced our 
vendor management 
practices, eliminating 
unnecessary 
spending

Closed 
non-strategic, 
low-performing 
businesses

VII

STRONG, SAFE, TRUSTED COUNTERPARTY

•  Enhanced cybersecurity and conducted exercises, 

Our reputation as a strong, safe, trusted counterparty 

reflects our success in building a solid balance sheet and 

robust risk culture. Our strategy is one of not incurring 

outsized risk to reach for returns. We have maintained 

among the highest credit ratings in the industry and our 

capital and liquidity positions remain strong.

Actions to increase our safety and soundness:

•  Strengthened our capital adequacy process

•  Expanded our operational risk management  

capabilities and control functions 

•  Shifted our resolution strategy to become more 

resolvable and made other investments in our  

resolution and recovery plans 

simulations and scenarios to ensure operational and 

technological readiness and resiliency

•  Strengthened our risk identification and operational  

risk control processes

GENERATING EXCESS CAPITAL AND  
DEPLOYING IT EFFECTIVELY

We remain focused on maintaining a great balance sheet, 

including strong capital and liquidity positions, while at the 

same time returning significant value to our shareholders. 

In 2016, we returned nearly $3.2 billion to shareholders 

in the form of share repurchases and dividends while 

increasing our capital to meet new higher regulatory 

requirements. Our payout ratio in 2016 was 92 percent  
on an adjusted basisi. Over the last five years, on a  

•  Streamlined and rationalized governance structures  

gross basis, we have repurchased approximately  

for better decision making

$8.6 billion or 20 percent of our shares outstanding. 

Our holistic people strategy aims 
to provide opportunities for diverse 
talent across our company.

At year-end, we either met or exceeded all minimum 

The fact that the Anita Borg Institute once again named 

regulatory capital requirements, including the Liquidity 

BNY Mellon to its Top Companies for Women Technologists 

Coverage Ratio and the fully phased-in Supplementary 

Leadership Index is one of many indicators that we are on 

Leverage Ratio required as a U.S. G-SIB.

the right path. Our employees are more engaged than ever 

in supporting our mission and delivering for our clients. 

ATTRACTING, DEVELOPING AND  
RETAINING TOP TALENT

People are our ultimate competitive advantage, and we 

are invested in attracting, developing and retaining truly 

outstanding talent. During 2016, we continued to strengthen 

our team by adding new talent with valuable experience and 

outside perspectives while providing more opportunities 

to stretch and grow our existing professionals. Our holistic 

people strategy aims to provide outstanding opportunities 

for the diverse talent across our company to grow personally 

and professionally. 

Invested in Improving Lives

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) supports our  

We collectively touch so many lives in positive ways. 

vision of improving lives through investing. As an engine 

This year, our total employee, foundation and company 

for the financial markets, we help drive global growth and 

contribution to charities in communities around the world 

prosperity. And we’re committed to creating an inclusive, 

reached approximately $37 million. Employees volunteered 

sustainable world that encourages people to succeed  

more than 100,000 hours of their personal time again this 

year. Approximately 30 percent of the hours are considered 

skills-based, where our employees use their business skills 

and expertise to deliver an even greater impact.  

Further demonstrating our track record of excellence in 

CSR, our company is the only U.S. diversified financial 

firm named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index 

(DJSI World), one of the most highly regarded global 

sustainability indices, for the past three years running. 

and economies to thrive.

We focus on three CSR strategic pillars: 

•  Our Markets: As the Investments Company for the World, 

we take our responsibility as a key market infrastructure 

provider and investment manager of client assets very 

seriously. Trust and integrity are central to why clients 

choose us. We must never violate that trust.

•  Our People: We launched our first-ever digital People 

Report, which, through the voices and perspectives of 

our employees, tells the story of how we are invested in 

our people and building a winning culture. 

•  Our World: We contribute solutions to some of our  

world’s greatest challenges. We are leaders in  

addressing climate change in our own firm – we are 

carbon neutral and have been named to CDP’s global 

Climate “A” List since 2013.

IX

Looking Forward

We are committed to delivering increasing and compelling 

Allow me to also thank our Board of Directors for  

value to our clients and shareholders. 

keeping the bar high and offering the strategic counsel  

While we continue to execute on the financial goals we 

outlined in 2014, we are refreshing our strategic plan with 

updated financial priorities and goals that will extend 

until 2020. We plan to share our updated plan at our 

Investor Day in the fall.  

we need to reach it. My special thanks to Catherine A. Rein, 

who will not stand for re-election after serving on our  

board for more than 35 years, and Karen B. Peetz, who  

has retired as President after nearly two decades with  

our company. Both have served with distinction and 

passion and kept our focus squarely on our clients. We 

As we look ahead, we are encouraged by the optimism 

welcome to our board Linda Z. Cook, Jennifer B. Morgan 

we see for a growing economy. Many investors are 

and Elizabeth E. Robinson, whose combined leadership 

anticipating a more favorable interest rate, regulatory 

experience and business and technology expertise will 

and tax environment, which has been fueling the equity 

benefit our company immensely going forward.

markets. Should any or all of these materialize, we 

stand to benefit. We are investing for the future in our 

core areas of strength – technology platforms and 

applications, innovative solutions to help our clients 

be successful, improving our business processes and 

ensuring we have the talent it takes to execute our 

agenda. We are confident in our strategy and optimistic 

about our future.

I am grateful to our extended BNY Mellon team for  

sharing my passion for excellence and to my Executive 

Committee partners for accepting the challenge to  

remake our company for the new era. 

Finally, thank you to my fellow shareholders for  

recognizing our unique value proposition and entrusting  

our global team to execute. We have never been stronger 

and we stand ready to deliver even more value to our  

clients and shareholders. 

Gerald L. Hassell
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

i For a reconciliation and explanation of these non-GAAP measures, see pages 121-126 in our 2016 Annual Report.

X

About BNY Mellon

WHO WE ARE

BNY Mellon is a global investments company. We service 

opportunities to service and advise clients to enable  

and manage much of the world’s financial assets. Our 

their investment success. There are some trends on  

business model is driven by twin engines of growth that 

which we are well positioned to capitalize:

span the entire investment lifecycle: Investment Services 

and Investment Management. We hold a unique position 

in the financial services industry due to the breadth and 

depth of the services we offer, equipping us with insights 

that provide us and the clients we serve with distinct 

competitive advantages. 

We service financial assets on both the buy side and sell 

side through Investment Services. We also manage assets 

through our 13 investment management boutiques within 

Investment Management and provide investment advice 

through our Wealth Management offices located in the 

fastest-growing wealth markets in the U.S.

This broad and diverse set of capabilities is centered on 

a simple idea – that over time, financial asset growth will 

exceed economic growth, creating the opportunity for  

•  The shift from active to passive investing and  

to alternatives such as real estate, private equity  

and hedge funds, is expected to continue and  

potentially accelerate. 

•  The new generation of investors – digital natives  

largely without pension safety nets and with outlooks 

shaped by the financial crisis – has different attitudes 

toward investing and expectations of how to engage. 

•  Evolving regulatory requirements and complexities  

are creating a need for resources and business  

model changes.

•  The rate of technological change is accelerating 

significantly, altering how investors and financial  

firms interact with one another.

top-quartile risk-adjusted returns for our shareholders. 

•  Technological and regulatory complexities are  

Given our global scale and diversity, we see more, and can 

driving increased outsourcing of investment 

deliver more, placing us in a strong position competitively.  

management services.

Our business model is largely fee-based, with fees 

representing nearly 80 percent of our revenues. The vast 

majority of those fees are recurring revenue streams.  

Our credit ratings, capital generation and payout ratio  

are each among the highest of our U.S. G-SIB peers.

LONG-TERM TRENDS FUEL OUR GROWTH

We are a global leader in almost every aspect of  

servicing financial assets. Our broad set of capabilities  

and advanced technology platforms enable speed to 

market and drive innovative, cost-effective solutions  

and growth opportunities unique to BNY Mellon.

We also have a comprehensive array of investment 

management strategies for virtually every risk profile,  

Our businesses benefit from the global growth in financial 

strategy and asset class. We have become the  

assets, the globalization of the investment process, 

seventh largest investment manager in the world by 

changes in demographics and the continued evolution 

offering timely, insightful strategies and attractive 

of the regulatory landscape – each providing us with 

investment performance. 

XI

Our clients include more than  
three-quarters of all Fortune 500 
companies, central banks that hold 
more than 80 percent of all reserves 
and 85 percent of the top 100 pension 
and employee benefit funds.

OUR CLIENTS 

As a result of our leading and broad-based positions in both 

Investment Services and Investment Management, our 

clients comprise financial market leaders – buy side, sell 

side, governments and market infrastructure providers. Our 

clients include more than three-quarters of all Fortune 500 

companies, central banks that hold more than 80 percent 

of all reserves and 85 percent of the top 100 pension and 

employee benefit funds. Most of our clients utilize many of 

our major business lines, giving us multiple revenue streams 

from them. 

We are collaborating with our clients to develop solutions to 

better manage their risk positions and make better-informed 

investment decisions. 

Our client coverage model is organized around the needs of 

key client segments. We have full-service teams focused on 

the needs of investment managers; insurance companies; 

banks, broker-dealers and advisors; corporate and public

 
finance; and alternative asset managers. This alignment positions 

us to develop more sophisticated and innovative solutions for them.

The breadth of our capabilities and the diverse clients we serve 

give us exceptional insights into the evolving needs of a significant 

portion of the world’s capital markets. We leverage our insight and 

expertise to continually create new sources of value for clients  

and shareholders. 

HOW WE EMPOWER SUCCESS

Our 50,000-plus investments professionals leverage our 

competitive strengths, which are rooted in our expertise and  

scale, the quality of our client experience and the trust we have 

built over time, to deliver data-driven insights and investment 

excellence to our clients and attain technological leadership,  

all of which drives long-term value for our shareholders. 

XIII

Financial Highlights

The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (and its subsidiaries)
(dollar amounts in millions, except per common share amounts and unless otherwise noted)

2016

2015

FINANCIAL RESULTS

Net income applicable to shareholders of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation
Preferred stock dividends

$        3,547
(122)

$        3,158
(105)

Net income applicable to common shareholders of The Bank of New York 
Mellon Corporation 

Earnings per common share – diluted (a) 

$       3,425
$          3.15

$       3,053
$          2.71

KEY DATA
Total revenue (b) 
Total noninterest expense 
Fee revenue as a percentage of total revenue 
Percentage of non-U.S. total revenue 
Assets under management at year end (in billions) (c) 
Assets under custody and/or administration at year end (in trillions) (d)

BALANCE SHEET AT DECEMBER 31

$     15,237
10,523

$     15,194
10,799

79%
34%

79%
36%

$        1,648
$          29.9

$        1,625
$          28.9

Total assets
Total deposits 
Total The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation common shareholders’ equity 

  $  333,469
221,490
35,269

  $  393,780
279,610
35,485

CAPITAL RATIOS AT DECEMBER 31
Consolidated regulatory capital ratios: (e)
Common equity Tier 1 (“CET1”) ratio 
Tier 1 capital ratio 
Total (Tier 1 plus Tier 2) capital ratio 
Leverage capital ratio
Supplementary leverage ratio (“SLR”)

BNY Mellon common shareholders’ equity to total assets ratio (f) 

Selected regulatory capital ratios – fully phased-in – Non-GAAP: (g)
CET1 ratio:

Standardized Approach 
Advanced Approach 

SLR  

10.6%
12.6%
13.0%
6.6%
6.0%

10.6%

11.3%
9.7%
5.6%

10.8%
12.3%
12.5%
6.0%
5.4%

9.0%

10.2%
9.5%
4.9%

(a) 

(b) 
(c) 
(d) 
(e) 

(f) 
(g) 

Diluted earnings per share under the two-class method are determined on the net income applicable to common shareholders of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation reported 
on the income statement less earnings allocated to participating securities. 
Includes fee and other revenue, net interest revenue and income from consolidated investment management funds. 
Excludes securities lending cash management assets and assets managed in the Investment Services business.
Includes the assets under custody and/or administration of CIBC Mellon Global Securities Services Company, a joint venture.
The CET1, Tier 1 and Total risk-based regulatory capital ratios are based on Basel III components of capital, as phased-in, and credit risk asset risk-weightings using the U.S. capital rules’  
advanced approaches framework (the “Advanced Approach”).  The leverage capital ratio is based on Tier 1 capital, as phased-in, and quarterly average assets.  The SLR is based on Tier 1  
capital, as phased-in, and quarterly average assets and certain off-balance sheet exposures.  For additional information on these ratios, see “Capital” beginning on page 53.
See “Supplemental Information – Explanation of GAAP and Non-GAAP financial measures” beginning on page 121 for a reconciliation of these ratios.
The estimated fully phased-in CET1 and SLR ratios (Non-GAAP) are based on our interpretation of U.S. capital rules, which are being gradually phased in over a multi-year period.  
For additional information on these Non-GAAP ratios, see “Capital” beginning on page 53.

XIV

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Section

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON CORPORATION
2016 Annual Report
Table of Contents 

Financial Summary

Page
2

Financial Statements:

Page

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial

Condition and Results of Operations:

Results of Operations:

General
Overview
Key 2016 events
Summary of financial highlights
Fee and other revenue
Net interest revenue
Noninterest expense
Income taxes
Review of businesses
International operations
Critical accounting estimates
Consolidated balance sheet review
Liquidity and dividends
Commitments and obligations
Off-balance sheet arrangements
Capital
Trading activities and risk management
Asset/liability management

Risk Management
Supervision and Regulation
Risk Factors
Recent Accounting Developments
Business Continuity
Supplemental Information (unaudited):

Explanation of GAAP and Non-GAAP financial 

measures (unaudited)

Rate/volume analysis (unaudited)
Selected Quarterly Data (unaudited)
Forward-looking Statements
Acronyms
Glossary

Report of Management on Internal Control Over 

Financial Reporting

Report of Independent Registered Public 

Accounting Firm

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Consolidated Income Statement
Consolidated Comprehensive Income Statement
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements:

Note 1 - Summary of significant accounting and 

reporting policies

Note 2 - Acquisitions and dispositions
Note 3 - Securities
Note 4 - Loans and asset quality
Note 5 - Goodwill and intangible assets
Note 6 - Other assets
Note 7 - Deposits
Note 8 - Net interest revenue
Note 9 - Noninterest expense
Note 10 - Income taxes
Note 11 - Long-term debt
Note 12 - Securitizations and variable interest 

entities

Note 13 - Shareholders’ equity
Note 14 - Other comprehensive income (loss)
Note 15 - Stock-based compensation
Note 16 - Employee benefit plans
Note 17 - Company financial information (Parent 

Corporation)

Note 18 - Fair value measurement
Note 19 - Fair value option
Note 20 - Commitments and contingent liabilities
Note 21 - Derivative instruments
Note 22 - Lines of business
Note 23 - International operations
Note 24 - Supplemental information to the 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Report of Independent Registered Public 

Accounting Firm

Directors, Executive Committee and Other 

Executive Officers

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Performance Graph
Corporate Information

220
Inside back cover

 
 
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (and its subsidiaries)

Financial Summary

(dollar amounts in millions, except per common share
amounts and unless otherwise noted)
Year ended Dec. 31
Fee and other revenue
Income from consolidated investment management funds
Net interest revenue
Total revenue
Provision for credit losses
Noninterest expense

Income before income taxes

Provision for income taxes

Net income

Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests (a)

Net income applicable to shareholders of The Bank of New York Mellon

Corporation
Preferred stock dividends

Net income applicable to common shareholders of The Bank of New York Mellon

Corporation

Earnings per share applicable to common shareholders of The Bank of New York

Mellon Corporation:

Basic
Diluted

Average common shares and equivalents outstanding (in thousands):

Basic
Diluted

At Dec. 31
Interest-earning assets
Assets of operations
Total assets
Deposits
Long-term debt
Preferred stock
Total The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation common shareholders’ equity
At Dec. 31
Assets under management (in billions) (b)
Assets under custody and/or administration (in trillions) (c)
Market value of securities on loan (in billions) (d)
Return on common equity (e)
Adjusted return on common equity – Non-GAAP (e)(f)
Return on tangible common equity – Non-GAAP (e)(f)(g)
Adjusted return on tangible common equity – Non-GAAP (e)(f)(g)
Return on average assets
Pre-tax operating margin (f)
Adjusted pre-tax operating margin – Non-GAAP (e)(f)
Fee revenue as a percentage of total revenue
Percentage of non-U.S. total revenue
Net interest margin (on a fully taxable equivalent basis)

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

$

12,073
26
3,138
15,237
(11)
10,523
4,725
1,177
3,548
(1)

3,547

(122)

$

12,082
86
3,026
15,194
160
10,799
4,235
1,013
3,222
(64)

3,158

(105)

$

12,649
163
2,880
15,692
(48)
12,177
3,563
912
2,651
(84)

2,567

(73)

$

11,856
183
3,009
15,048
(35)
11,306
3,777
1,592
2,185
(81)

2,104

(64)

11,448
189
2,973
14,610
(80)
11,333
3,357
842
2,515
(78)

2,437

(18)

3,425

$

3,053

$

2,494

$

2,040

$

2,419

3.16
3.15

$
$

2.73
2.71

$
$

2.17
2.15

$
$

1.74
1.73

$
$

2.03
2.03

$

$

$
$

1,066,286
1,072,013

1,104,719
1,112,511

1,129,897
1,137,480

1,150,689
1,154,441

1,176,485
1,178,430

$ 280,332
332,238
333,469
221,490
24,463
3,542
35,269

$ 338,955
392,379
393,780
279,610
21,547
2,552
35,485

$ 317,646
376,021
385,303
265,869
20,264
1,562
35,879

$ 305,169
363,244
374,516
261,129
19,864
1,562
35,935

$ 292,887
347,745
359,226
246,095
18,530
1,068
35,346

$

$

1,648
29.9
296
9.6%

10.2
21.2
21.4
0.96
31
33
79
34
1.05

$

1,625
28.9
277
8.6%
9.5
19.7
20.7
0.82
28
31
79
36
0.98

$

1,686
28.5
289
6.8%
8.1
16.0
17.6
0.67
23
28
80
38
0.97

$

1,557
27.6
235
5.9%
8.3
15.3
19.7
0.60
25
28
78
37
1.13

1,349
26.3
237
7.0%
8.8
19.3
21.8
0.77
23
29
77
36
1.21

(a)  Primarily attributable to noncontrolling interests related to consolidated investment management funds. 
(b)  Excludes securities lending cash management assets and assets managed in the Investment Services business and the Other segment.
(c) 

Includes the assets under custody and/or administration of CIBC Mellon Global Securities Services Company (“CIBC Mellon”), a joint venture with the 
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, of $1.2 trillion at Dec. 31, 2016, $1.0 trillion at Dec. 31, 2015, $1.1 trillion at Dec. 31, 2014, $1.2 trillion at Dec. 
31, 2013 and $1.1 trillion at Dec. 31, 2012.

(d)  Represents the total amount of securities on loan managed by the Investment Services business.  Excludes securities for which BNY Mellon acts as an 

agent, beginning in  2013, on behalf of CIBC Mellon clients, which totaled $63 billion at Dec. 31, 2016, $55 billion at Dec. 31, 2015, $65 billion at Dec. 
31, 2014 and $62 billion at Dec. 31, 2013. 

(e)  See “Supplemental information – Explanation of GAAP and Non-GAAP financial measures” beginning on page 121 for the reconciliation of Non-GAAP 

measures.

(f)  Non-GAAP information for all periods presented excludes net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of consolidated investment management 

funds, amortization of intangible assets and merger and integration (“M&I”), litigation and restructuring charges.  Non-GAAP information for 2016 also 
excludes a recovery of the previously impaired loan to Sentinel Management Group, Inc. (“Sentinel”).  Non-GAAP information for 2015 also excludes the 
impairment charge related to a court decision regarding Sentinel.  Non-GAAP information for 2014 also excludes the gains on the sales of our investment 
in Wing Hang Bank Limited (“Wing Hang”) and our One Wall Street building, the benefit primarily related to a tax carryback claim, and the charge 
related to investment management funds, net of incentives.  Non-GAAP information for 2013 also excludes the charge related to investment management 
funds, net of incentives and the net charge related to the disallowance of certain foreign tax credits.

(g)  Tangible common equity excludes goodwill and intangible assets and related deferred tax liabilities for all periods presented.

 2 BNY Mellon

 
 
 
 
 
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (and its subsidiaries)

Financial Summary (continued)

(dollar amounts in millions, except per common share
amounts and unless otherwise noted)

Cash dividends per common share
Common dividend payout ratio
Common dividend yield
Closing stock price per common share
Market capitalization (in billions)
Book value per common share – GAAP (b)
Tangible book value per common share – Non-GAAP (b)(c)(d)
Full-time employees
Year-end common shares outstanding (in thousands)
Average total equity to average total assets
Capital ratios at Dec. 31
Consolidated regulatory capital ratios: (e)(f)

Standardized:
CET1 ratio
Tier 1 capital ratio
Total (Tier 1 plus Tier 2) capital ratio

Advanced:

CET1 ratio
Tier 1 capital ratio
Total (Tier 1 plus Tier 2) capital ratio

Leverage capital ratio (f)
Supplementary leverage ratio (f)

BNY Mellon shareholders’ equity to total assets ratio – GAAP (b)
BNY Mellon common shareholders’ equity to total assets

ratio – GAAP (b)

BNY Mellon tangible common shareholders’ equity to tangible assets of 

operations ratio – Non-GAAP (b)(d)

Selected regulatory capital ratios - fully phased-in – Non-GAAP (g):
Estimated CET1 ratio (e):

Standardized Approach
Advanced Approach

Estimated SLR

2016

2015

$

0.72

$

0.68

$

23%
1.5%

25 %
1.6 %

2014

0.66

2013

0.58

$

$

31% (a)
1.6%

34% (a)
1.7%

2012

0.52

26%
2.0%

$
$
$
$

47.38
49.6
33.67
16.19
52,000
1,047,488

$
$
$
$

41.22
44.7
32.69
15.27
51,200
1,085,343

$
$
$
$

40.57
45.4
32.09
14.70
50,300
1,118,228

$
$
$
$

34.94
39.9
31.46
13.95
51,100
1,142,250

$
$
$
$

25.70
29.9
30.38
12.81
49,500
1,163,490

10.7%

10.2 %

10.2%

10.6%

11.0%

12.3%
14.5
15.2

11.5 %
13.1
13.5

15.0%
16.3
16.9

14.5%
16.2
17.0

13.5%
15.0
16.3

10.6
12.6
13.0
6.6
6.0

11.6

10.6

6.7

11.3
9.7
5.6

10.8
12.3
12.5
6.0
5.4

9.7

9.0

6.5

10.2
9.5
4.9

11.2
12.2
12.5
5.6
N/A

9.7

9.3

6.5

10.6
9.8
4.4

N/A
N/A
N/A
5.4
N/A

10.0

9.6

6.8

10.6
11.3
N/A

N/A
N/A
N/A
5.3
N/A

10.1

9.8

6.3

N/A
9.8
N/A

(a)  The common dividend payout ratio was 25% for 2014 after adjusting for increased litigation expense, and 26% for 2013 after adjusting for the net impact 

of the U.S. Tax Court’s decisions regarding certain foreign tax credits.

(b)  See “Supplemental information – Explanation of GAAP and Non-GAAP financial measures” beginning on page 121 for the reconciliation of Non-GAAP 

measures.

(c)  Non-GAAP information for all periods presented excludes net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of consolidated investment management 

funds, amortization of intangible assets and M&I, litigation and restructuring charges.  Non-GAAP information for 2016 also excludes a recovery of the 
previously impaired loan to Sentinel.  Non-GAAP information for 2015 also excludes the impairment charge related to a court decision regarding 
Sentinel.  Non-GAAP information for 2014 also excludes the gains on the sales of our investment in Wing Hang and our One Wall Street building, the 
benefit primarily related to a tax carryback claim, and the charge related to investment management funds, net of incentives.  Non-GAAP information for 
2013 also excludes the charge related to investment management funds, net of incentives, and the net charge related to the disallowance of certain foreign 
tax credits.

(d)  Tangible book value and tangible common shareholders’ equity exclude goodwill and intangible assets and related deferred tax liabilities for all periods 

presented.  Tangible assets of operations exclude goodwill, intangible assets, assets of consolidated investment management funds and cash deposited 
with the Federal Reserve and other central banks for all periods presented.

(e)  Risk-based capital ratios at Dec. 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2015 reflect the adoption of new accounting guidance related to Consolidations (ASU 2015-02).   
At Dec. 31, 2014, risk-based capital ratios include the net impact of the total consolidated assets of certain consolidated investment management funds in 
risk-weighted assets.  These assets were not included in prior periods’ risk-based ratios.  The leverage capital ratio was not impacted. 

(f)  At Dec. 31, 2016, Dec. 31. 2015 and Dec. 31, 2014, the Common Equity Tier 1 (“CET1”), Tier 1 and Total risk-based consolidated regulatory capital 

ratios are based on Basel III components of capital, as phased-in, and credit risk asset risk-weightings using the U.S. capital rules’ advanced approaches 
framework (the “Advanced Approach”).  The leverage capital ratio is based on Basel III’s definition of Tier 1 capital, as phased-in, and quarterly 
average assets.  The supplementary leverage ratio (“SLR”) is based on Tier 1 capital, as phased-in, and quarterly average assets and certain off-balance 
sheet exposures.  The capital ratios prior to Dec. 31, 2014 are based on Basel I rules (including Basel I Tier 1 common in the case of the CET1 ratio).  
For additional information on these ratios, see “Capital” beginning on page 53.  

(g)  The estimated fully phased-in CET1 and SLR ratios (Non-GAAP) are based on our interpretation of the U.S. capital rules, which are being gradually 

phased-in over a multi-year period.  For additional information on these Non-GAAP ratios, see “Capital” beginning on page 53.

BNY Mellon 3 

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

Results of Operations

General

In this Annual Report, references to “our,” “we,” 
“us,” “BNY Mellon,” the “Company” and similar 
terms refer to The Bank of New York Mellon 
Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.  The 
term “Parent” refers to The Bank of New York 
Mellon Corporation but not its subsidiaries.

BNY Mellon’s actual results of future operations may 
differ from those estimated or anticipated in certain 
forward-looking statements contained herein for 
reasons which are discussed below and under the 
heading “Forward-looking Statements.”  When used 
in this Annual Report, words such as “estimate,” 
“forecast,” “project,” “anticipate,” “likely,” “target,” 
“expect,” “intend,” “continue,” “seek,” “believe,” 
“plan,” “goal,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “may,” 
“will,” “strategy,” “synergies,” “opportunities,” 
“trends” and words of similar meaning may signify 
forward-looking statements. 

Certain business terms and commonly used acronyms 
used in this Annual Report are defined in the 
Glossary and Acronyms sections. 

The following should be read in conjunction with the 
Consolidated Financial Statements included in this 
report.  Investors should also read the section titled 
“Forward-looking Statements.” 

How we reported results

Throughout this Annual Report, certain measures, 
which are noted as “Non-GAAP financial measures,” 
exclude certain items or otherwise include 
components that differ from U.S. generally accepted 
accounting principles (“GAAP”).  BNY Mellon 
believes that these measures are useful to investors 
because they permit a focus on period-to-period 
comparisons using measures that relate to our ability 
to enhance revenues and limit expenses in 
circumstances where such matters are within our 
control or because they provide additional 
information about our ability to meet fully phased-in 
capital requirements.  See “Supplemental information 
- Explanation of GAAP and Non-GAAP financial 
measures” beginning on page 121 for a reconciliation 
of financial measures presented in accordance with 
GAAP to adjusted Non-GAAP financial measures.  

 4 BNY Mellon

See “Capital” beginning on page 53 for information 
on our fully phased-in capital requirements.

We also present net interest revenue and net interest 
margin on a fully taxable equivalent (“FTE”) basis.  
We believe that this presentation allows for 
comparisons of amounts arising from both taxable 
and tax-exempt sources and is consistent with 
industry practice.  The adjustment to an FTE basis 
has no impact on net income.  

Overview

The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation was the 
first company listed on the New York Stock 
Exchange (NYSE symbol: BK).  With a rich history 
of maintaining our financial strength and stability 
through all business cycles, BNY Mellon is a global 
investments company dedicated to improving lives 
through investing. 

We manage and service assets for financial 
institutions, corporations and individual investors in 
35 countries and more than 100 markets.  As of Dec. 
31, 2016, BNY Mellon had $29.9 trillion in assets 
under custody and/or administration (“AUC/A”), and 
$1.6 trillion in assets under management (“AUM”).  

BNY Mellon is focused on enhancing our clients’ 
experience by leveraging our scale and expertise to 
deliver innovative and strategic solutions for our 
clients, building trusted relationships that drive value.  
We hold a unique position in the global financial 
services industry.  We service both the buy-side and 
sell-side, providing us with distinctive marketplace 
insights that enable us to support our clients’ success. 

BNY Mellon’s businesses benefit from global growth 
in financial assets, the globalization of the investment 
process, changes in demographics and the continued 
evolution of the regulatory landscape—each 
providing us with opportunities to advise and service 
clients.  

Strategy and priorities

Our strategy is designed to differentiate our services 
to create competitive advantages that will deliver 
value to our clients and shareholders, thereby creating 
economic value. 

Results of Operations (continued)

In late 2014, we shared our three-year strategic plan, 
including financial goals, at our Investor Day—a plan 
designed to set us on a path of continuous 
improvement as we transform our organization to 
drive growth across the enterprise and power 
investment success for our clients.  

Even with geopolitical instability, emerging market 
weakness, higher regulatory compliance requirements 
and low interest rates during 2016,  we again 
demonstrated that our strategic plan has positioned us 
to perform well, delivering 16% growth, or 11% 
growth on an adjusted basis (Non-GAAP), in diluted 
earnings per share year-over-year. 

With technological change accelerating, regulatory 
complexities continuing and investor appetites 
shifting, our plan is poised to continue to deliver 
increasing and compelling value to our clients. 

With NEXEN®, our next generation digital 
technology ecosystem, we are leading the digital 
transformation of BNY Mellon and the services we 
provide to our clients.  NEXEN® should provide us 
with many competitive advantages.  It is creating 
internal efficiencies while reducing costs and 
increasing speed of delivery, enhancing our clients’ 
experience and driving revenue opportunities as we 
continue to onboard clients to our new digital 
platform.  We are collaborating with clients and 
leading financial technology startups, or fintechs, to 
develop and integrate new solutions and services, and 
attracting top information technology talent through 
our Innovation Centers worldwide. 

Importantly, NEXEN® is making it easier for clients 
to do business with us by providing a gateway that 
will enable access to all of BNY Mellon’s services on 
desktops and mobile devices, anywhere, anytime. 

Our top priorities, as outlined in our strategic plan, 
include: 

• 

driving profitable revenue growth and enhancing 
the client experience.  We are leveraging our 
expertise and scale, making it easier to do 
business with us across our digital enterprise, and 
offering broad-based, innovative solutions to our 
clients;  

• 

executing our business improvement processes to 
increase productivity and effectiveness while 

controlling expenses, enhancing our efficiency 
and continuing to rationalize our portfolio of 
businesses and services;  

being a strong, trusted counterparty by 
maintaining our safety and soundness, low-risk 
business model and strong liquidity and capital 
positions; 

generating excess capital and deploying it 
effectively; and 

• 

• 

• 

attracting, developing and retaining top talent. 

In 2016, we continued to execute against these 
priorities and deliver on our three-year plan. 

Our key growth initiatives include driving profitable 
revenue growth by expanding middle-office 
outsourcing, growing our alternatives servicing 
business and developing our collateral management 
services, as well as lowering costs and reducing risks. 
These efforts will extend into the foreseeable future 
as we continue to leverage our strengths and unique 
capabilities while we transform our company to 
remain a global leader in investment services and 
investment management. 

Increasing Safety and Soundness 

As we execute our strategy, we are continuing to 
drive efficient regulatory compliance for us and for 
our clients globally.  Excellence in risk management 
is essential, and we continue to invest in systems and 
capabilities to comply with evolving global 
regulations.  

Maintaining our strong capital position is a priority as 
we seek to maintain our balance sheet strength and 
deploy our capital efficiently to fuel future growth 
and to return value to shareholders.  In 2016, we 
returned $3.2 billion to our shareholders consisting of 
$778 million in common stock dividends and $2.4 
billion in share repurchases. 

With respect to our capital ratios, we expect the CET1 
ratio to remain at least 100 basis points above the 
regulatory minimum requirement plus the applicable 
buffers.  As a U.S. G-SIB, we are also subject to the 
SLR.  We currently expect to maintain an SLR ratio 
of at least 50 basis points above the regulatory 
minimum requirement plus the applicable buffer. 

BNY Mellon 5 

Results of Operations (continued)

Key 2016 events 

Resolution plan 

In April 2016, the Federal Deposit Insurance 
Corporation (the “FDIC”) and the Board of 
Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the 
“Federal Reserve”) jointly announced determinations 
and provided firm-specific feedback on the 2015 
resolution plans of eight systemically important 
domestic banking institutions, including BNY 
Mellon.  The agencies determined that the Company’s 
2015 resolution plan was not credible or would not 
facilitate an orderly resolution under the U.S. 
Bankruptcy Code, the statutory standard established 
in the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer 
Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), and 
issued a joint notice of deficiencies and shortcomings 
regarding the Company’s plan and the actions that 
must be taken to address them, which we responded 
to in an Oct. 1, 2016 submission.  In December 2016, 
the agencies jointly determined that our Oct. 1, 2016 
submission adequately remedied the identified 
deficiencies.  We have devoted significant resources 
to continue to strengthen our resolvability and our 
resolution plan, and will deploy additional resources 
to further that objective in consultation with our 
regulators.  We estimate that our resolution planning 
may require us to issue incremental unsecured long-
term debt above our typical funding requirements to 
satisfy resource needs in a time of distress.  This 
estimate is subject to change as we further refine our 
strategy and related assumptions.  Currently 
additional debt is not expected to have a material 
impact to our financial statements.

Capital plan, share repurchase program, preferred 
stock issuance and increase in cash dividend on 
common stock 

In June 2016, BNY Mellon received confirmation that 
the Federal Reserve did not object to its 2016 capital 
plan submitted to the Federal Reserve in connection 
with its Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review 
(“CCAR”).  The board of directors subsequently 
approved the total repurchase of $2.7 billion worth of 
common stock over a four-quarter period beginning 
in the third quarter of 2016 and continuing through 
the second quarter of 2017.  In connection with our 
capital plan, in August 2016, BNY Mellon issued $1 
billion of noncumulative perpetual preferred stock.  
This new share repurchase plan replaces all 
previously authorized share repurchase plans. 

 6 BNY Mellon

We repurchased 30.0 million common shares for $1.3 
billion during the second half of 2016 under the 
current program, including employee benefit plan 
repurchases.  We expect to continue to repurchase 
shares in the first half of 2017 under the 2016 capital 
plan. 

Also included in the 2016 capital plan was a 12% 
increase in the quarterly cash dividend on common 
stock, from $0.17 to $0.19 per share.  The first 
payment of the increased quarterly cash dividend was 
Aug. 12, 2016. 

Acquisition of Atherton Lane Advisers, LLC

In April 2016, BNY Mellon completed the acquisition 
of the assets of Menlo Park, CA-based Atherton Lane 
Advisers, LLC, an investment manager with 
approximately $2.45 billion in AUM and servicer for 
approximately 700 high net worth clients.

Summary of financial highlights

We reported net income applicable to common 
shareholders of $3.4 billion, or $3.15 per diluted 
common share, in 2016, or $3.5 billion, or $3.17 per 
diluted common share, adjusted for M&I, litigation 
and restructuring charges and the recovery related to 
Sentinel (Non-GAAP).  In 2015, net income 
applicable to common shareholders was $3.1 billion, 
or $2.71 per diluted common share, or $3.2 billion, or 
$2.85 per diluted common share, adjusted for the 
impairment charge related to Sentinel, litigation and 
restructuring charges (Non-GAAP).  See 
“Supplemental information - Explanation of GAAP 
and Non-GAAP financial measures” beginning on 
page 121 for the reconciliation of Non-GAAP 
measures.

Highlights of 2016 results

•  AUC/A totaled $29.9 trillion at Dec. 31, 2016 
compared with $28.9 trillion at Dec. 31, 2015.  
The increase of 3% primarily reflects higher 
market values, partially offset by the unfavorable 
impact of a stronger U.S. dollar.  (See 
“Investment Services business” beginning on 
page 22.)

•  AUM totaled $1.65 trillion at Dec. 31, 2016 

compared with $1.63 trillion at Dec. 31, 2015.  
The increase of 1% primarily resulted from 
higher market values offset by the unfavorable 
impact of a stronger U.S. dollar (principally 

Results of Operations (continued)

• 

• 

versus the British pound).  AUM excludes 
securities lending cash management assets and 
assets managed in the Investment Services 
business.  (See “Investment Management 
business” beginning on page 18.)

Investment services fees totaled $7.2 billion in 
2016, an increase of 2% compared with $7.1 
billion in 2015 primarily reflecting higher money 
market fees and securities lending revenue, 
partially offset by the impact to clearing services 
of lost business, the impact of a stronger U.S. 
dollar and downsizing the UK retail transfer 
agency business.  (See “Investment Services 
business” beginning on page 22.)

Investment management and performance fees 
totaled $3.35 billion in 2016 compared with 
$3.44 billion in 2015, a decrease of 3%, due to 
the unfavorable impact of a stronger U.S. dollar 
(principally versus the British pound), net 
outflows of AUM and lower performance fees, 
partially offset by higher market values and 
money market fees.  (See “Investment 
Management business” beginning on page 18.)

•  Foreign exchange and other trading revenue 

totaled $701 million in 2016 compared with $768 
million in 2015.  Foreign exchange revenue 
totaled $687 million in 2016, a decrease of 8% 
compared with $743 million in 2015.  The 
decrease in foreign exchange revenue primarily 
reflects the continued trend of clients migrating to 
lower margin products and lower volumes.  (See 
“Fee and other revenue” beginning on page 9.)

•  Financing-related fees totaled $219 million in 

2016 compared with $220 million in 2015.  (See 
“Fee and other revenue” beginning on page 9.)

•  Net interest revenue totaled $3.1 billion in 2016 

compared with $3.0 billion in 2015.  The increase 
was primarily driven by an increase in interest 
rates, partially offset by lower interest-earning 
assets.  Net interest margin (FTE) was 1.05% in 
2016 compared with 0.98% in 2015.  The 
increase primarily reflects higher yields on 
interest-earning assets, partially offset by higher 
rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities.  (See 
“Net interest revenue” beginning on page 12.)

•  The provision for credit losses was a credit of $11 
million in 2016 and a provision of $160 million 
in 2015.  The provision in 2015 was primarily 
driven by an impairment charge related to a court 
decision regarding Sentinel.  (See “Asset quality 

and allowance for credit losses” beginning on 
page 43.)

•  Noninterest expense totaled $10.5 billion in 2016 

compared with $10.8 billion in 2015.  The 
decrease primarily reflects lower expenses in 
nearly all categories, except distribution and 
servicing and software expenses, primarily driven 
by the favorable impact of a stronger U.S. dollar, 
lower staff, litigation and legal expenses and the 
continued benefit of the business improvement 
process.  (See “Noninterest expense” beginning 
on page 15.)

•  The provision for income taxes was $1.2 billion 

(24.9% effective tax rate) in 2016.  (See “Income 
taxes” on page 16.)

•  The net unrealized pre-tax loss on the investment 
securities portfolio was $221 million at Dec. 31, 
2016, compared with a pre-tax gain of $357 
million at Dec. 31, 2015.  The decrease was 
primarily driven by higher market interest rates.  
(See “Investment securities” beginning on page 
37.)

•  Our CET1 ratio determined under the Advanced 

Approach was 10.6% at Dec. 31, 2016 and 10.8% 
at Dec. 31, 2015.  The decrease reflects lower 
regulatory capital primarily due to common stock 
repurchases, foreign currency translation, defined 
benefit plan adjustments and unrealized losses on 
securities, partially offset by earnings retention.  
(See “Capital” beginning on page 53.)

•  Our estimated CET1 ratio (Non-GAAP) 

calculated under the Advanced Approach on a 
fully phased-in basis was 9.7% at Dec. 31, 2016 
and 9.5% at Dec. 31, 2015.  Our estimated CET1 
ratio (Non-GAAP) calculated under the 
Standardized Approach on a fully phased-in basis 
was 11.3% at Dec. 31, 2016 and 10.2% at Dec. 
31, 2015.  (See “Capital” beginning on page 53.)

Results for 2015

In 2015, we reported net income applicable to 
common shareholders of BNY Mellon of $3.1 billion, 
or $2.71 per diluted common share.  These results 
were primarily driven by:

• 

Investment services fees totaled $7.1 billion in 
2015, an increase of 2% compared with $6.9 
billion in 2014.  Higher asset servicing fees, 
reflecting growth in collateral, broker-dealer and 
other asset services, and higher clearing services 

BNY Mellon 7 

Results of Operations (continued)

• 

fees, primarily driven by higher mutual fund fees, 
were partially offset by lower treasury services 
fees.

Investment management and performance fees 
totaled $3.4 billion in 2015, a 2% decrease 
compared with $3.5 billion in 2014.  The 
decrease primarily reflects the impact of the July 
2015 sale of Meriten Investment Management 
GmbH (“Meriten”) and lower performance fees, 
partially offset by the impact of the January 2015 
acquisition of Cutwater Asset Management 
(“Cutwater”) and strategic initiatives and higher 
money market fees and equity market values.

•  Foreign exchange and other trading revenue 
totaled $768 million in 2015, compared with 
$570 million in 2014.  The increase primarily 
reflects lower volumes in standing instruction 
programs, which were more than offset by higher 
volumes in the other trading programs, higher 
volatility and the impact of hedging activity for 
foreign currency placements.

•  The provision for credit losses was $160 million 
in 2015 compared with a credit of $48 million in 
2014.  The provision in 2015 was primarily 
driven by an impairment charge related to a court 
decision regarding Sentinel. 

•  Noninterest expense totaled $10.8 billion in 2015 

compared with $12.2 billion in 2014.  The 
decrease primarily reflects lower expenses in 
nearly all categories, except distribution and 
servicing and software expenses.  The lower 
expenses were primarily driven by the favorable 
impact of a stronger U.S. dollar, lower staff, 
litigation and legal expenses and the continued 
benefit of the business improvement process 
which focuses on reducing structural costs.

•  The provision for income taxes was $1.0 billion 

(23.9% effective tax rate) in 2015. 

Results for 2014

In 2014, we reported net income applicable to 
common shareholders of BNY Mellon of $2.5 billion, 
or $2.15 per diluted common share.  These results 
were primarily driven by:

• 

• 

Investment services fees totaled $6.9 billion 
primarily reflecting higher asset servicing fees, 
driven by organic growth, higher market values, 
higher collateral management fees and net new 
business, as well as higher clearing services fees, 
primarily driven by higher mutual fund and asset-
based fees, partially offset by lower Corporate 
Trust fees and lower corporate actions and 
dividend fees in Depositary Receipts.

Investment management and performance fees 
totaled $3.5 billion primarily driven by higher 
equity market values, net new business and the 
favorable impact of a weaker U.S. dollar, 
partially offset by higher money market fee 
waivers and lower performance fees.

•  Foreign exchange and other trading revenue 

totaled $570 million primarily reflecting lower 
volatility, partially offset by higher volumes.

• 

Investment and other income totaled $1.2 billion 
primarily reflecting the gains on the sales of our 
equity investment in Wing Hang and the One 
Wall Street building, partially offset by lower 
equity investment revenue.

•  Noninterest expense totaled $12.2 billion 

primarily reflecting higher litigation expense and 
restructuring charges, partially offset by lower 
staff expense.

•  The provision for income taxes was $912 million 
(25.6% effective tax rate) including a net benefit 
primarily related to litigation expense and the 
approval of a tax carryback claim, offset by the 
sales of our investment in Wing Hang and our 
One Wall Street building.

 8 BNY Mellon

Results of Operations (continued)

Fee and other revenue

Fee and other revenue

(dollars in millions, unless otherwise noted)
Investment services fees:
Asset servicing (a)
Clearing services
Issuer services
Treasury services

Total investment services fees

Investment management and performance fees
Foreign exchange and other trading revenue
Financing-related fees
Distribution and servicing
Investment and other income
Total fee revenue

Net securities gains

Total fee and other revenue

2016

2015

2014

$ 4,244
1,404
1,026
547
7,221
3,350
701
219
166
341
11,998
75
$ 12,073

$

4,187
1,375
978
555
7,095
3,438
768
220
162
316
11,999
83
$ 12,082

$

4,075
1,335
968
564
6,942
3,492
570
169
173
1,212
12,558
91
$ 12,649

2016
vs.
2015

1 %
2
5
(1)
2
(3)
(9)
—
2
8
—
(10)
— %

2015
vs.
2014

3 %
3
1
(2)
2
(2)
35
30
(6)
N/M
(4)
(9)
(4)%

Fee revenue as a percentage of total revenue

79%

79%

80%

1 %
AUM at period end (in billions) (b)
3 %
AUC/A at period end (in trillions) (c)
(a)  Asset servicing fees include securities lending revenue of $207 million in 2016, $176 million in 2015 and $158 million in 2014.
(b)  Excludes securities lending cash management assets and assets managed in the Investment Services business and the Other segment. 
(c)  Includes the AUC/A of CIBC Mellon of $1.2 trillion at Dec. 31, 2016, $1.0 trillion at Dec. 31, 2015 and $1.1 trillion at Dec. 31, 2014.

$ 1,648
29.9
$

1,686
28.5

1,625
28.9

$
$

$
$

(4)%
1 %

Fee and other revenue totaled $12.07 billion in 2016, 
a slight decrease compared with $12.08 billion in 
2015.  The decrease primarily reflects lower 
investment management and performance fees and 
foreign exchange and other trading revenue, partially 
offset by higher investment services fees and 
investment and other income.

Investment services fees

Investment services fees were impacted by the 
following compared with 2015:

•  Asset servicing fees increased 1%, primarily 
reflecting higher money market fees and 
securities lending revenue, partially offset by the 
unfavorable impact of a stronger U.S. dollar and 
downsizing of the UK retail transfer agency 
business. 

•  Clearing services fees increased 2%, primarily 
driven by higher money market fees, partially 
offset by the impact of lost business and client 
business exits related to the broker-dealer 
industry consolidations. 

• 

Issuer services fees increased 5%, primarily 
reflecting higher money market fees in Corporate 
Trust and higher fees in Depositary Receipts.  

•  Treasury services fees decreased 1%, primarily 
reflecting higher compensating balance credits 
provided to clients, which reduced fee revenue 
and increased net interest revenue, partially offset 
by higher payments and banking transaction 
services volumes. 

See the “Investment Services business” in “Review of 
businesses” for additional details.

Investment management and performance fees 

Investment management and performance fees totaled 
$3.4 billion in 2016, a decrease of 3% compared with 
2015.  The decrease primarily reflects the unfavorable 
impact of a stronger U.S. dollar (principally versus 
the British pound), net outflows of AUM and lower 
performance fees, partially offset by higher market 
values and money market fees.  Performance fees 
were $60 million in 2016 and $97 million in 2015.

BNY Mellon 9 

Results of Operations (continued)

Total AUM for the Investment Management business 
was $1.65 trillion at Dec. 31, 2016, an increase of 1% 
compared with $1.63 trillion at Dec. 31, 2015.  The 
increase primarily reflects higher market values offset 
by the unfavorable impact of a stronger U.S. dollar 
(principally versus the British pound).  Net long-term 
outflows of $14 billion in 2016 were a combination 
of $17 billion of inflows into actively managed 
strategies and $31 billion of outflows from index 
strategies.  Net short-term outflows totaled $9 billion 
in 2016.

See the “Investment Management business” in 
“Review of businesses” for additional details 
regarding the drivers of investment management and 
performance fees.

Foreign exchange and other trading revenue

Foreign exchange and other trading revenue
2016
(in millions)
Foreign exchange
Other trading revenue (loss)

14

2014
2015
$ 687 $ 743 $ 578
(8)

25

Total foreign exchange and other
trading revenue

$ 701 $ 768 $ 570

Foreign exchange and other trading revenue totaled 
$701 million in 2016, a decrease of 9%, compared 
with $768 million in 2015.

Foreign exchange revenue is primarily driven by the 
volume of client transactions and the spread realized 
on these transactions, both of which are impacted by 
market volatility, and the impact of foreign currency 
hedging activities.  In 2016, foreign exchange 
revenue totaled $687 million, a decrease of 8% 
compared with 2015.  The decrease primarily reflects 
the continued trend of clients migrating to lower 
margin products and lower volumes.  Foreign 
exchange revenue is primarily reported in the 
Investment Services business and, to a lesser extent, 
the Investment Management and the Other segment.  

Our custody clients may enter into foreign exchange 
transactions in a number of ways, including through 
our standing instruction programs.  A shift by custody 

 10 BNY Mellon

clients from our standing instruction programs to 
other trading options combined with competitive 
market pressures on the foreign exchange business is 
negatively impacting our foreign exchange revenue.  
For the year ended Dec. 31, 2016, our total revenue 
for all types of foreign exchange trading transactions 
was $687 million, or 5% of our total revenue, and 
approximately 30% of our foreign exchange revenue 
was generated by transactions in our standing 
instruction programs, compared with 33% in 2015 
and 35% in 2014.

Total other trading revenue was $14 million in 2016, 
compared with $25 million in 2015.  The decrease 
primarily reflects lower results from equity and credit 
derivatives trading, partially offset by higher fixed 
income trading.  Other trading revenue is reported in 
all three business segments.

Financing-related fees

Financing-related fees, which are primarily reported 
in the Investment Services business and the Other 
segment, include capital markets fees, loan 
commitment fees and credit-related fees.  Financing-
related fees totaled $219 million in 2016, compared 
with $220 million in 2015, as lower fees on standby 
letters of credit were essentially offset by higher fees 
related to secured intraday credit provided to dealers 
in connection with their tri-party repo activity.

Distribution and servicing fees

Distribution and servicing fees earned from mutual 
funds are primarily based on average assets in the 
funds and the sales of funds that we manage or 
administer and are primarily reported in the 
Investment Management business.  These fees, which 
include 12b-1 fees, fluctuate with the overall level of 
net sales, the relative mix of sales between share 
classes, the funds’ market values and money market 
fee waivers.

Distribution and servicing fees were $166 million in 
2016 compared with $162 million in 2015.  The 
increase primarily reflects higher money market fees, 
partially offset by fees paid to introducing brokers.

Results of Operations (continued)

Investment and other income

Net securities gains

Investment and other income
(in millions)
Corporate/bank-owned life insurance
Expense reimbursements from joint
venture
Seed capital gains (a)
Lease-related gains
Asset-related gains
Equity investment (losses) income
Other income

Total investment and other income

2016

2014
2015
$ 149 $ 139 $ 131

67
44
38
10
(10)
43

55
63
20
35
45
49
— 872
1
(19)
84
53
$ 341 $ 316 $1,212

(a)  Does not include the gain on seed capital investments in 

consolidated investment management funds which are 
reflected in operations of consolidated investment 
management funds, net of noncontrolling interests.  The gain 
on seed capital investments in consolidated investment 
management funds was $16 million in 2016, $18 million in 
2015 and $79 million in 2014.

Investment and other income includes corporate and 
bank-owned life insurance contracts, expense 
reimbursements from our CIBC Mellon joint venture, 
and gains or losses from seed capital, leases, equity 
investments and other assets, as well as other income.  
Expense reimbursements from our CIBC Mellon joint 
venture relate to expenses incurred by BNY Mellon 
on behalf of the CIBC Mellon joint venture.  Asset-
related gains include real estate, loan and other asset 
dispositions.  Other income primarily includes 
foreign currency remeasurement gain (loss), other 
investments and various miscellaneous revenues.  
Investment and other income was $341 million in 
2016 compared with $316 million in 2015.  The 
increase primarily reflects foreign currency 
remeasurement gains, higher income from corporate/
bank-owned life insurance, asset-related gains, seed 
capital gains and lower losses on equity investments, 
partially offset by lower other income driven by 
lower dividends on Federal Reserve Bank stock, 
termination fees in our clearing business recorded in 
2015 and the impact of increased investments in 
renewable energy.  Investments in renewable energy 
generate losses in other income that are more than 
offset by benefits recorded to the provision for 
income taxes.  As a result of increased investments in 
renewable energy in 2016, we expect investment and 
other income to be negatively impacted in future 
periods.

Net securities gains totaled $75 million in 2016 and 
$83 million in 2015.

2015 compared with 2014

Fee and other revenue totaled $12.1 billion in 2015 
compared with $12.6 billion in 2014.  The decrease 
primarily reflects the gains on the sales of our equity 
investment in Wing Hang and our One Wall Street 
building, both recorded in 2014, and lower 
investment management and performance fees, 
partially offset by higher foreign exchange and other 
trading revenue, investment services fees and 
financing-related fees.  

The increase in investment services fees primarily 
reflects higher asset servicing fees driven by growth 
in global collateral services, broker-dealer services 
and asset servicing, and higher clearing services fees 
driven by higher mutual fund and asset-based fees, 
partially offset by the unfavorable impact of a 
stronger U.S. dollar and lost business.

The decrease in investment management and 
performance fees primarily reflects the unfavorable 
impact of a stronger U.S. dollar (principally versus 
the British pound), the impact of the July 2015 sale of 
Meriten and lower performance fees, partially offset 
by the impact of the January 2015 acquisition of 
Cutwater, strategic initiatives and higher money 
market fees and equity market values.

The increase in foreign exchange and other trading 
revenue primarily reflects lower volumes in standing 
instruction programs, which were more than offset by 
higher volumes in the other trading programs, higher 
volatility, the impact of hedging activity for foreign 
currency placements and higher fixed income trading 
and losses on hedging activities within a boutique 
recorded in 2014.  

The increase in financing-related fees primarily 
reflects fees related to secured intraday credit 
provided to dealers in connection with their tri-party 
repo activity and higher underwriting fees.

BNY Mellon 11 

Results of Operations (continued)

Net interest revenue 

Net interest revenue

(dollars in millions)
Net interest revenue (non-FTE)
Tax equivalent adjustment

Net interest revenue (FTE)
Average interest-earning assets
Net interest margin (FTE)

Net interest revenue totaled $3.1 billion in 2016, an 
increase of $112 million, compared with 2015.  The 
increase was primarily driven by an increase in 
interest rates, partially offset by lower interest-
earning assets. 

The net interest margin (FTE) was 1.05% in 2016, 
compared with 0.98% in 2015.  The increase 
primarily reflects higher yields on interest-earning 
assets, partially offset by higher rates paid on interest-
bearing liabilities. 

Effective Oct. 1, 2016, we changed our accounting 
method for the amortization of premiums and 
accretion of discounts on mortgage-backed securities 
from the prepayment method (also referred to as the 
retrospective method) to the contractual method.  The 
impact of this change was not considered material to 
prior periods and, as a result, the cumulative effect of 
the change of approximately $15 million was 
reflected as a positive adjustment to net interest 
revenue in the fourth quarter of 2016.  For additional 
information on the change in accounting 
methodology, see Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

2016

2015

2014

$

3,138
51
$
3,189
$303,379

$

3,026
58
$
3,084
$ 313,763

$

2,880
62
$
2,942
$ 303,991

1.05%

0.98%

0.97%

2016
vs.
2015
4%

(12)

3%
(3)%
7 bps

2015
vs.
2014
5%
(6)
5%
3%
1 bps

Average interest-earning assets were $303 billion in 
2016 compared with $314 billion in 2015.  The 
decrease primarily reflects lower average interest-
bearing deposits with banks, Federal Reserve and 
other central banks.  The lower asset levels reflect a 
decrease in customer deposits, primarily interest 
bearing deposits in non-U.S. offices.

Average non-U.S. dollar deposits comprised 
approximately 20% of our average total deposits in 
2016, compared with approximately 25% in 2015.  
Approximately 40% of the average non-U.S. dollar 
deposits in 2016, compared with approximately half 
of the average non-U.S. dollar deposits in 2015, were 
euro-denominated.

2015 compared with 2014

Net interest revenue totaled $3.0 billion in 2015, an 
increase of $146 million, compared with 2014 
primarily resulting from the shift out of cash and into 
securities and loans, lower interest expense on 
deposits and higher average interest-earning assets 
driven by higher deposits, partially offset by lower 
accretion.  The net interest margin (FTE) was 0.98% 
in 2015, compared with 0.97% in 2014.  The increase 
in the net interest margin (FTE) reflects lower interest 
rates on deposits.

 12 BNY Mellon

Results of Operations (continued)

Average balances and interest rates

(dollar amounts in millions, presented on an FTE basis)

Assets
Interest-earning assets:

Interest-bearing deposits with banks (primarily foreign banks)
Interest-bearing deposits held at the Federal Reserve and other central banks
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements
Margin loans
Non-margin loans:
Domestic offices:

Consumer
Commercial
Foreign offices

Total non-margin loans

Securities:

U.S. government obligations
U.S. government agency obligations
State and political subdivisions – tax-exempt
Other securities:

Domestic offices
Foreign offices

Total other securities

Trading securities (primarily domestic)

Total securities
Total interest-earning assets

Allowance for loan losses
Cash and due from banks
Other assets
Assets of consolidated investment management funds

Total assets

Liabilities
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing deposits:

Domestic offices:

Money market rate accounts
Savings
Demand deposits
Time deposits

Total domestic offices

Foreign offices:

Banks
Government and official institutions
Other

Total foreign offices
Total interest-bearing deposits

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements
Trading liabilities
Other borrowed funds:
Domestic offices
Foreign offices

Total other borrowed funds

Commercial paper
Payables to customers and broker-dealers
Long-term debt

Total interest-bearing liabilities

Total noninterest-bearing deposits
Other liabilities
Liabilities and obligations of consolidated investment management funds

Total liabilities

Temporary equity
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
Permanent equity
Total BNY Mellon shareholders’ equity
Noncontrolling interests

Total permanent equity

Total liabilities, temporary equity and permanent equity

Net interest margin (FTE)
Percentage of assets attributable to foreign offices (c)
Percentage of liabilities attributable to foreign offices
Note: 
(a) 

Average
balance

2016

Interest

Average
rates

$

$

$

$

104
198
233
265

259
417
197
873

378
986
110

210
206
416
63
1,953
3,626

(a)

(b)

4
4
7
26
41

12
—
(37)
(25)
16
36
6

4
4
8
5
12
354
437

$

$

$

$

$

$

14,704
80,593
25,767
18,201

8,483
21,820
13,177
43,480

25,074
56,384
3,703

12,326
20,664
32,990
2,483
120,634
303,379
(158)
4,308
49,799
1,149
358,477

7,780
1,191
2,520
43,056
54,547

13,130
4,159
85,110
102,399
156,946
14,489
711

93
753
846
1,337
16,925
23,334
214,588
82,712
21,683
245
319,228

182

38,489
578
39,067
358,477

29%
36

0.70%
0.25
0.91
1.46

3.05
1.91
1.50
2.01

1.51
1.75
2.96

1.71
1.00
1.26
2.56
1.62
1.20%

0.06%
0.37
0.28
0.06
0.08

0.09
0.01
(0.04)
(0.02)
0.01
0.25
0.89

4.15
0.51
0.91
0.37
0.07
1.52
0.20%

1.05%

Interest and average rates were calculated on a taxable equivalent basis using dollar amounts in thousands and actual number of days in the year. 
Includes fees of $10 million in 2016.  Non-accrual loans are included in average loans; the associated income, which was recognized on a cash basis, is 
included in interest income.

(b)  The tax equivalent adjustment was $51 million in 2016, and was based on the applicable tax rate (35%).
(c) 

Includes the Cayman Islands branch office.

BNY Mellon 13 

Results of Operations (continued)

Average balances and interest rates (continued)

(dollar amounts in millions, presented on an FTE basis)

Average
balance

2015

Interest

Average
rates

Average
balance

2014

Interest

Average
rates

Assets
Interest-earning assets:

Interest-bearing deposits with banks (primarily foreign banks)
Interest-bearing deposits held at the Federal Reserve and other central

banks

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements
Margin loans
Non-margin loans:
Domestic offices:

Consumer
Commercial
Foreign offices

Total non-margin loans

Securities:

U.S. government obligations
U.S. government agency obligations
State and political subdivisions – tax-exempt
Other securities:

Domestic offices
Foreign offices

Total other securities

Trading securities (primarily domestic)

Total securities
Total interest-earning assets

Allowance for loan losses
Cash and due from banks
Other assets
Assets of consolidated investment management funds

Total assets

Liabilities
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing deposits:

Domestic offices:

Money market rate accounts
Savings
Demand deposits
Time deposits

Total domestic office

Foreign offices:

Banks
Government and official institutions
Other

Total foreign offices
Total interest-bearing deposits

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase

agreements

Trading liabilities
Other borrowed funds:
Domestic offices
Foreign offices

Total other borrowed funds

Commercial paper
Payables to customers and broker-dealers
Long-term debt

Total interest-bearing liabilities

Total noninterest-bearing deposits
Other liabilities
Liabilities and obligations of consolidated investment management funds

Total liabilities

Temporary equity
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
Permanent equity
Total BNY Mellon shareholders’ equity
Noncontrolling interests

Total permanent equity

Total liabilities, temporary equity and permanent equity

Net interest margin (FTE)
Percentage of assets attributable to foreign offices (c)
Percentage of liabilities attributable to foreign offices
Note: 
(a) 

$ 20,531

$

104

0.51% $ 35,588

$

238

0.67%

207

86
182

199
328
170
697 (a)

310
781
154

235
283
518
123
1,886

$ 3,296 (b)

$

$

7
3
4
15
29

31
—
23
54
83

(13)

25

2
4
6
2
9
242
354

0.24

0.59
1.04

3.08
1.93
1.28
1.90

1.51
1.72
2.56

1.56
1.36
1.44
2.43
1.67
1.08%

0.12%
0.28
0.14
0.04
0.06

0.42
0.01
0.02
0.05
0.05

(0.07)

1.12

1.32
0.45
0.61
0.08
0.09
1.17
0.16%

83,029

23,384
19,917

7,145
19,647
13,963
40,755

25,904
55,044
4,712

14,644
22,889
37,533
2,954
126,147
$ 313,763
(186)
6,180
50,320
2,110
$ 372,187

$

7,272
1,312
2,792
44,162
55,538

16,626
5,591
87,341
109,558
165,096

16,452

634

162
652
814
1,549
11,649
20,832
$ 217,026
86,338
29,127
832
333,323

240

37,812
812
38,624
$ 372,187

170

147
207

217
346
164
727 (a)

378
967
128

302
176
478
78
2,029

$ 3,384 (b)

$

$

6
4
6
14
30

10
—
(3)
7
37

(6)

9

4
5
9
2
7
242
300

0.20

0.63
1.04

3.03
1.76
1.18
1.78

1.46
1.76
2.73

86,594

14,704
17,484

6,461
16,923
13,342
36,726

20,545
45,313
6,070

15,116
2.06
20,827
0.77
35,943
1.27
5,024
2.65
1.61
112,895
1.08% $ 303,991
(195)
5,472
52,648
10,650
$ 372,566

0.08% $
0.28
0.23
0.03
0.06

5,605
1,186
2,810
41,779
51,380

0.06
—
—
0.01
0.02

(0.04)

1.39

7,303
4,572
97,543
109,418
160,798

18,631

2,199

183
2.77
844
0.71
1,027
1.12
2,546
0.10
9,502
0.06
1.16
20,601
0.14% $ 215,304
81,741
26,912
9,315
333,272

242

38,180
872
39,052
$ 372,566

30%
37

31%
35

0.98%

0.97%

Interest and average rates were calculated on a taxable equivalent basis using dollar amounts in thousands and actual number of days in the year. 
Includes fees of $21 million in 2015 and $29 million in 2014.  Non-accrual loans are included in the average loans; the associated income, which was 
recognized on a cash basis, is included in interest income.

(b)  The tax equivalent adjustment was $58 million in 2015 and $62 million in 2014, and was based on the applicable tax rate (35%).
(c) 

Includes the Cayman Islands branch office.

 14 BNY Mellon

Results of Operations (continued)

Noninterest expense

Noninterest expense

(dollars in millions)
Staff
Professional, legal and other purchased services
Software
Net occupancy
Distribution and servicing
Furniture and equipment
Sub-custodian
Business development
Other
Amortization of intangible assets
M&I, litigation and restructuring charges
Total noninterest expense – GAAP

Staff expense as a percentage of total revenue

2016

2015

2014

$ 5,733
1,185
647
590
405
247
245
245
940
237
49
$ 10,523

$ 5,837
1,230
627
600
381
280
270
267
961
261
85
$ 10,799

$ 5,845
1,339
620
610
428
322
286
268
1,031
298
1,130
$ 12,177

38%

38 %

37 %

2016
vs.
2015
(2)%
(4)
3
(2)
6
(12)
(9)
(8)
(2)
(9)
N/M

2015
vs.
2014
— %
(8)
1
(2)
(11)
(13)
(6)
—
(7)
(12)
N/M

(3)% (11)%

Full-time employees at period end

52,000

51,200

50,300

2 %

2 %

Memo:
Adjusted total noninterest expense excluding amortization of intangible assets, 
M&I, litigation and restructuring charges and the charge related to investment 
management funds, net of incentives – Non-GAAP (a)

$ 10,237

$ 10,453

$ 10,645

(2)%

(2)%

(a)  The charge related to investment management funds, net of incentives, was $104 million in 2014.

Total noninterest expense was $10.5 billion in 2016, a 
decrease of 3% compared with $10.8 billion in 2015.  
The decrease primarily reflects lower expenses in 
nearly all categories, except distribution and servicing 
and software expenses, primarily driven by the 
favorable impact of a stronger U.S. dollar, lower staff, 
litigation and legal expenses and the continued 
benefit of the business improvement process.  
Excluding amortization of intangible assets and M&I, 
litigation and restructuring charges, noninterest 
expense, as adjusted (Non-GAAP), decreased 2% 
compared with 2015.

We continue to invest in our risk management, 
regulatory compliance and other control functions to 
improve our safety and soundness and in light of 
increasing global regulatory requirements.  We expect 
the run rate of the expenses relating to these functions 
to continue to increase.

Staff expense

Given our mix of fee-based businesses, which are 
staffed with high-quality professionals, staff expense 
comprised 54% of total noninterest expense in both 
2016 and 2015.

Staff expense consists of: 

•  compensation expense, which includes:

-  salary expense, primarily driven by headcount;
-  the cost of temporary services and overtime; and
-  severance expense;
incentive expense, which includes:
-  additional compensation earned under incentive 

• 

plans designed to reward a combination of 
individual, business unit and corporate 
performance goals; as well as,

-  stock-based compensation expense; and
•  employee benefit expense, primarily medical 
benefits, payroll taxes, pension and other 
retirement benefits.

Staff expense was $5.7 billion, a decrease of 2% 
compared with 2015.  The decrease primarily reflects 
the favorable impact of a stronger U.S. dollar and 
lower incentives and employee benefits expenses. 

Non-staff expense

Non-staff expense includes certain expenses that vary 
with the levels of business activity and levels of 
expensed business investments, fixed infrastructure 
costs and expenses associated with corporate 
activities related to technology, compliance, legal, 
productivity initiatives and business development.

BNY Mellon 15 

Results of Operations (continued)

Non-staff expense totaled $4.8 billion in 2016, a 
decrease of 3% compared with 2015.  The decrease 
primarily reflects lower expenses in nearly all 
categories.  The lower expenses are primarily driven 
by lower litigation, legal, furniture and equipment, 
sub-custodian and business development expenses.  
The decrease was partially offset by an increase in 
distribution and servicing and software expenses.  
Adjusted non-staff expense, excluding amortization 
of intangible assets and M&I, litigation and 
restructuring charges (Non-GAAP), totaled $4.5 
billion in 2016, a decrease of 2% compared with 
2015.  

We expect to continue to benefit from the business 
improvement process, including the impact from 
vendor renegotiations, implementation of robotics 
process automation to reduce manual intervention and 
improve straight-through processing, insourcing 
consultant and temporary resources, and the 
execution of additional real estate actions that will 
allow us to optimize our physical footprint and 
improve how our employees work. 

2015 compared with 2014

Noninterest expense totaled $10.8 billion in 2015, a 
decrease of $1.4 billion, or 11%, compared with 
$12.2 billion in 2014.  The lower expenses primarily 
reflect a decrease in litigation, the favorable impact of 
a stronger U.S. dollar, lower consulting and legal 
expenses and the benefit of the business improvement 
process. 

Income taxes

BNY Mellon recorded an income tax provision of 
$1.2 billion (24.9% effective tax rate) in 2016.  The 
income tax provision was $1.0 billion (23.9% 
effective tax rate) in 2015.  The income tax provision 
was $912 million (25.6% effective tax rate) in 2014 
including a net benefit primarily related to litigation 
expense and the approval of a tax carryback claim, 
offset by the sales of our investment in Wing Hang 
and our One Wall Street building.  For additional 
information, see Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

We expect the effective tax rate to be approximately 
25-26% in 2017 based on current income tax rates.  
Any legislation affecting income tax rates could have 
an impact on our future effective tax rate, the 
significance of which would depend on the timing, 

 16 BNY Mellon

nature and scope of any such legislation, as well as 
the level and composition of our earnings. 

Review of businesses

We have an internal information system that produces 
performance data along product and service lines for 
our two principal businesses and the Other segment.

Business accounting principles

Our business data has been determined on an internal 
management basis of accounting, rather than the 
generally accepted accounting principles used for 
consolidated financial reporting.  These measurement 
principles are designed so that reported results of the 
businesses will track their economic performance. 

For information on the accounting principles of our 
businesses, the primary types of revenue by business 
and how our businesses are presented and analyzed, 
see Note 22 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements.

Business results are subject to reclassification when 
organizational changes are made or when 
improvements are made in the measurement 
principles.  In 2016, BNY Mellon reclassified the 
results of our credit-related activities to the 
Investment Services segment from the Other 
segment.  This reclassification reflects our strategy to 
provide credit services to our Investment Services 
clients and did not impact the consolidated results.  
Also, concurrent with this reclassification, the 
provision for credit losses associated with the 
respective credit portfolios is now reflected in each 
business segment.  All prior periods have been 
restated.

Beginning in 2016, we revised the net interest 
revenue for our business to reflect adjustments to our 
transfer pricing methodology to better reflect the 
value of certain deposits.  Also in 2016, we refined 
the expense allocation process for indirect expenses 
to simplify the expenses recorded in the Other 
segment to include only expenses not directly 
attributable to the Investment Management and 
Investment Services operations.  These changes did 
not impact the consolidated results. 

The results of our businesses may be influenced by 
client and other activities that vary by quarter.  In the 
first quarter, incentive expense typically increases 

Results of Operations (continued)

reflecting the vesting of long-term stock awards for 
retirement eligible employees.  In the third quarter, 
Depositary Receipts revenue is typically higher due 
to an increased level of client dividend payments paid 
in the quarter.  Also in the third quarter, volume-
related fees may decline due to reduced client 
activity.  In the fourth quarter, we typically incur 
higher business development and marketing 
expenses.  In our Investment Management business, 
performance fees are typically higher in the fourth 
quarter, as the fourth quarter represents the end of the 
measurement period for many of the performance 
fee-eligible relationships. 

The results of our businesses may also be impacted 
by the translation of financial results denominated in 

foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar.  We are 
primarily impacted by activities denominated in the 
British pound and the euro.  On a consolidated basis 
and in our Investment Services business, we typically 
have more foreign currency denominated expenses 
than revenues.  However, our Investment 
Management business typically has more foreign 
currency denominated revenues than expenses.  
Overall, currency fluctuations impact the year-over-
year growth rate in the Investment Management 
business more than the Investment Services business.  
However, currency fluctuations, in isolation, are not 
expected to significantly impact net income on a 
consolidated basis.

The following table presents key market metrics at period end and on an average basis.

Key market metrics

Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) 500 Index (a)
S&P 500 Index – daily average
FTSE 100 Index (a)
FTSE 100 Index – daily average
MSCI EAFE (a)
MSCI EAFE – daily average
Barclays Capital Global Aggregate BondSM Index (a)(b)
NYSE and NASDAQ share volume (in billions)
JPMorgan G7 Volatility Index – daily average (c)
Average interest on excess reserves paid by the Federal Reserve
Foreign exchange rates vs. U.S. dollar:

British pound (a)
British pound – average rate
Euro (a)
Euro – average rate

2016

2239
2095
7143
6474
1684
1645
451
797
10.54
0.51%

2015

2044
2061
6242
6590
1716
1810
442
776
9.97
0.26%

2014

2059
1931
6566
6681
1775
1888
457
754
7.19
0.25%

$

$

1.23
1.35
1.05
1.11

$

1.48
1.53
1.09
1.11

1.56
1.65
1.22
1.33

(a)  Period end.
(b)  Unhedged in U.S. dollar terms.
(c)  The JPMorgan G7 Volatility Index is based on the implied volatility in 3-month currency options.

Increase (Decrease)
2016 vs.
2015
10 %
2
14
(2)
(2)
(9)
2
3
6

2015 vs.
2014
(1) %
7
(5)
(1)
(3)
(4)
(3)
3
39
1 bps

25 bps

(17) %
(12)
(4)
—

(5) %
(7)
(11)
(17)

Fee revenue in Investment Management, and to a 
lesser extent in Investment Services, is impacted by 
the value of market indices.  At Dec. 31, 2016, we 
estimate that a 5% change in global equity markets, 
spread evenly throughout the year, would impact fee 
revenue by less than 1% and diluted earnings per 
common share by $0.02 to $0.04. 

Fee waivers are highly sensitive to changes in the 
interest on excess reserves paid by the Federal 
Reserve.  Since 2014, the interest on excess reserves 
paid by the Federal Reserve increased 50 basis points.  

As a result of the increases, we recovered 
approximately 70% of the pre-tax income related to 
fee waivers.  With an additional 25 basis point 
increase in the interest on excess reserves paid by the 
Federal Reserve, we expect to recover nearly all of 
the fee waivers.  

See Note 22 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements for the consolidating schedules which 
show the contribution of our businesses to our overall 
profitability.

BNY Mellon 17 

Results of Operations (continued)

Investment Management business

(dollar amounts in millions)
Revenue:

Investment management fees:

Mutual funds
Institutional clients
Wealth management

Investment management fees (a)

Performance fees

Investment management and performance fees

Distribution and servicing
Other (a)

Total fee and other revenue (a)

Net interest revenue
Total revenue
Provision for credit losses
Noninterest expense (ex. amortization of intangible assets and the charge related
to investment management funds, net of incentives)

Amortization of intangible assets
Charge related to investment management funds, net of incentives

Total noninterest expense
Income before taxes
Income before taxes (ex. amortization of intangible assets and the charge 
related to investment management funds, net of incentives) – Non-GAAP

2016

2015

2014

2016
vs.
2015

2015
vs.
2014

$ 1,210
1,380
642
3,232
60
3,292
192
(60)
3,424
327
3,751
6

2,696
82
—
2,778
967

$

$ 1,049

$

$

$

1,208
1,425
630
3,263
97
3,360
152
75
3,587
319
3,906
(1)

2,762
97
—
2,859
1,048

1,145

$

$

$

1,231
1,466
624
3,321
111
3,432
157
68
3,657
274
3,931
—

2,817
118
104
3,039
892

1,114

— %
(3)
2
(1)
(38)
(2)
26
N/M
(5)
3
(4)
N/M

(2)
(15)
N/M
(3)
(8)%

(2)%
(3)
1
(2)
(13)
(2)
(3)
N/M
(2)
16
(1)
N/M

(2)
(18)
N/M
(6)
17 %

(8)%

3 %

Pre-tax operating margin
Adjusted pre-tax operating margin – Non-GAAP (b)

26%
32%

27%
32%

23%
32%

Average balances:
Average loans
Average deposits

$ 15,015
$ 15,650

$ 12,545
$ 15,160

$ 10,589
$ 14,154

20 %
3 %

18 %
7 %

(a)  Total fee and other revenue includes the impact of the consolidated investment management funds, net of noncontrolling interests.  See 

page 126 for a breakdown of the revenue line items in the Investment Management business impacted by the consolidated investment 
management funds.  Additionally, other revenue includes asset servicing, treasury services, foreign exchange and other trading revenue 
and investment and other income. 

(b)  Excludes amortization of intangible assets, provision for credit losses, the charge recorded in 2014 related to investment management 

funds, net of incentives and distribution and servicing expense.  See “Supplemental information – Explanation of GAAP and Non-GAAP 
financial measures” beginning on page 121 for the reconciliation of this Non-GAAP measure.

 18 BNY Mellon

Results of Operations (continued)

AUM trends (a)
(dollar amounts in billions)
AUM at period end, by product type:
Equity
Fixed income
Index
Liability-driven investments (b)
Alternative investments
Cash

Total AUM

AUM at period end, by client type:
Institutional
Mutual funds
Private client

Total AUM

Changes in AUM:
Beginning balance of AUM
Net inflows (outflows):

Long-term strategies:

Equity
Fixed income
Liability-driven investments (b)
Alternative investments

Total long-term active strategies inflows

Index

Total long-term strategies (outflows) inflows

Short term strategies:

Cash

Total net (outflows) inflows

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

228 $
214
316
553
69
268
1,648 $

1,182 $
381
85
1,648 $

224 $
216
329
514
63
279
1,625 $

1,127 $
420
78
1,625 $

260 $
204
356
504
65
297
1,686 $

1,164 $
438
84
1,686 $

272 $
200
322
403
61
299
1,557 $

1,047 $
426
84
1,557 $

232
188
239
329
59
302
1,349

864
410
75
1,349

1,625 $

1,686 $

1,557 $

1,349 $

1,226

$

$

$

$

$

(12)
(3)
26
6
17
(31)
(14)

(31)
(1)
35
7
10
(27)
(17)

(13)
4
46
6
43
5
48

—
11
65
2
78
20
98

—
20
25
3
48
9
57

Net market impact/other
Net currency impact
Acquisition
Ending balance of AUM
(a)  Excludes securities lending cash management assets and assets managed in the Investment Services business and the Other segment.
(b)  Includes currency overlay AUM.

$

(9)
(23)
181
(137)
2
1,648 $

(18)
(35)
(8)
(36)
18
1,625 $

—
48
122
(41)
—
1,686 $

5
103
94
11
—
1,557 $

(20)
37
73
13
—
1,349

Business description

With $1.65 trillion under management, our 
Investment Management business comprises the 
seventh largest global asset manager and the eighth 
largest U.S. wealth manager. 

Investment Management encompasses Wealth 
Management and 13 specialist investment boutiques 
that deliver a highly diversified portfolio of 
investment strategies independently, and through our 
global distribution network, to institutional and retail 
clients globally.  Each boutique follows its own 
independent investment approach to innovate and 
develop investment solutions designed to deliver 
performance returns and outcomes that meet the 
investing goals of an increasingly sophisticated client 
base.  Our multi-boutique model is designed to 
provide the best elements of investment focus and 
infrastructure at scale to benefit clients. 

The Investment Management boutiques offer a broad 
range of actively managed equity, fixed income, 
alternative and liability-driven investments, along 
with passive products and cash management.  In 
addition to the investment boutiques, Investment 
Management has multiple global distribution entities 
including BNY Mellon Investment Management 
EMEA Limited, BNY Mellon Investment 
Management Hong Kong, BNY Mellon Investment 
Management Korea, BNY Mellon Investment 
Management Australia and BNY Mellon Investment 
Management Singapore, which are responsible for 
distributing investment products manufactured by the 
investment boutiques.  In addition, the Dreyfus 
Corporation and its affiliate, the MBSC Securities 
Corporation, are responsible for U.S. investment 
management and distribution of retail mutual funds, 
and certain offshore funds. 

BNY Mellon 19 

Results of Operations (continued)

BNY Mellon Wealth Management provides 
investment management, custody, wealth and estate 
planning and private banking services, and conducts 
business through various operating subsidiaries of the 
Parent.  It was ranked the eighth largest U.S. wealth 
manager in 2016 by Barron’s.  We have more than 
two centuries of experience in providing services to 
clients who today include financially successful 
individuals and families, their family offices and 
business enterprises, planned giving programs, and 
endowments and foundations.  Client satisfaction 
rates are among the highest in our industry based on 
BNY Mellon Wealth Management’s 2016 Client 
Survey and Spectrem Group’s 2016 UHNW Investor 
Study.  In 2016, BNY Mellon Wealth Management 
was named by Family Wealth Report the top U.S. 
Private Bank and rated the Top Private Bank for 
Family Offices by Professional Wealth Management 
magazine.  BNY Mellon Wealth Management has 
more than $200 billion in total private client assets as 
of Dec. 31, 2016, and an extensive network of offices 
in the U.S. and internationally.  

The results of the Investment Management business 
are driven by the period end, average level and mix of 
assets managed and the level of activity in client 
accounts.  The overall level of AUM for a given 
period is determined by:

• 
• 

• 

the beginning level of AUM;
the net flows of new assets during the period 
resulting from new business wins and existing 
client enrichments, reduced by the loss of clients 
and withdrawals; and
the impact of market price appreciation or 
depreciation, acquisitions or divestitures and 
foreign exchange rates.

The mix of AUM is determined principally by client 
asset allocation decisions among equities, fixed 
income, passive, cash, liability-driven investments 
and alternative investments.

Managed equity assets typically generate higher 
percentage fees than liability-driven investments and 
fixed-income assets.  Also, actively managed assets 
typically generate higher management fees than 
indexed or passively managed assets of the same 
type.  

percent) charged for managing those assets.  
Management fees are typically subject to fee 
schedules based on the overall level of assets 
managed for a single client or by individual asset 
class and style.  This is most common for institutional 
assets where amounts we manage for individual 
clients are typically large.  

A key driver of organic growth in investment 
management and performance fees is the amount of 
net new AUM flows.  Overall market conditions are 
also key drivers, with a significant long-term 
economic driver being growth of global financial 
assets.  

Performance fees are generally calculated as a 
percentage of a portfolio’s performance in excess of a 
benchmark index or a peer group’s performance.  

Net interest revenue is determined by loan and 
deposit volumes and the interest rate spread between 
customer rates and internal funds transfer rates on 
loans and deposits.  Expenses in the Investment 
Management business are mainly driven by staffing 
costs, incentives and distribution and servicing 
expense.  

Review of financial results

AUM was $1.65 trillion at Dec. 31, 2016 compared 
with $1.63 trillion at Dec. 31, 2015, an increase of 
1%.  The increase primarily reflects higher market 
values offset by the unfavorable impact of a stronger 
U.S. dollar (principally versus the British pound). 

Net long-term outflows of $14 billion in 2016 were a 
combination of $17 billion of inflows into actively 
managed strategies, primarily liability-driven 
investments, and $31 billion of outflows from index 
strategies.  Net short-term outflows were $9 billion in 
2016.  Similar to other asset managers, Investment 
Management is experiencing a shift in client assets to 
lower fee products. 

Total revenue was $3.8 billion, a decrease of 4% 
compared with 2015.  The decrease primarily reflects 
the unfavorable impact of a stronger U.S. dollar and 
net outflows, partially offset by higher money market 
fees and higher market values. 

Investment management fees are dependent on the 
overall level and mix of AUM and the management 
fees expressed in basis points (one-hundredth of one 

Revenue generated in the Investment Management 
business included 41% from non-U.S. sources in 
2016, compared with 42% in 2015.

 20 BNY Mellon

Results of Operations (continued)

Investment management fees in the Investment 
Management business were $3.2 billion, a decrease of 
1% compared with 2015.  The decrease primarily 
reflects unfavorable impact of a stronger U.S. dollar 
and net outflows, partially offset by higher money 
market fees and higher market values.

Performance fees were $60 million in 2016 compared 
with $97 million in 2015.  The decrease primarily 
reflects the conservative positioning of a number of 
our strategies in the fourth quarter of 2016 versus the 
market.  As of year-end 2016, our largest performance 
fee strategies remain at or close to their high 
watermarks. 

Distribution and servicing fees were $192 million in 
2016 compared with $152 million in 2015.  The 
increase was primarily driven by higher money 
market fees, partially offset by net outflows.

Other revenue was a loss of $60 million in 2016 
compared with other revenue of $75 million in 2015.  
The decrease primarily reflects payments to 
Investment Services related to higher money market 
fees and losses on hedging activity.

Net interest revenue was $327 million in 2016 
compared with $319 million in 2015.  The increase 
primarily reflects higher average loans and higher 
rates on deposits, partially offset by the 2016 change 
in internal crediting rates.  Average loans increased 
20% in 2016 compared with 2015, while average 
deposits increased 3% in 2016 compared with 2015.  

Noninterest expense, excluding amortization of 
intangible assets, was $2.7 billion, a decrease of $66 
million, or 2%, compared with 2015.  The decrease 
compared with 2015 was primarily driven by the 
favorable impact of a stronger U.S. dollar and lower 
incentive expense, partially offset by higher 
distribution and servicing expense as a result of lower 
money market fee waivers.

2015 compared with 2014

Income before taxes totaled $1.048 billion in 2015 
compared with $892 million in 2014.  Income before 
taxes, excluding amortization of intangible assets and 
the charge related to investment management funds 
recorded in 2014, net of incentives (Non-GAAP), was 
$1,145 million in 2015, an increase of $31 million 
compared with 2014.  Fee and other revenue 
decreased $70 million in 2015, or 2%, compared with 
2014, primarily resulting from lower investment 
management and performance fees, driven by the 
unfavorable impact of a stronger U.S. dollar, partially 
offset by higher money market fees, the impact of the 
Cutwater acquisition and strategic initiatives.  Net 
interest revenue increased $45 million in 2015, or 
16%, compared with 2014, primarily due to higher 
average loans and deposits.  Noninterest expense, 
excluding amortization of intangible assets and the 
charge recorded in 2014 related to investment 
management funds, net of incentives, decreased $55 
million, or 2%, compared with 2014, primarily 
reflecting the favorable impact of a stronger U.S. 
dollar and lower incentives, partially offset by 
investments in strategic initiatives.

BNY Mellon 21 

Results of Operations (continued)

Investment Services business

(dollars in millions, unless otherwise noted)
Revenue:

Investment services fees:

Asset servicing
Clearing services
Issuer services
Treasury services
Total investment services fees

Foreign exchange and other trading revenue
Other (a)

Total fee and other revenue

Net interest revenue

Total revenue

$

Provision for credit losses
Noninterest expense (ex. amortization of intangible assets)
Amortization of intangible assets

Total noninterest expense
Income before taxes
Income before taxes (ex. amortization of intangible assets) – Non-GAAP

$
$

Pre-tax operating margin
Adjusted pre-tax operating margin (ex. provision for credit losses and 
amortization of intangible assets) – Non-GAAP

Investment services fees as a percentage of noninterest 
expense (ex. amortization of intangible assets)

2016
vs.
2015

2015
vs.
2014

1 %
2
5
(1)
2
(8)
14
1
7
3
N/M
(2)
(4)
(2)
15 %
14 %

3 %
3
1
(2)
2
12
15
4
6
4
N/M
(9)
(7)
(9)
53 %
49 %

2016

2015

2014

4,141
1,399
1,024
541
7,105
663
531
8,299
2,797
11,096
8
7,187
155
7,342
3,746
3,901

$

$
$

4,098
1,370
976
546
6,990
722
465
8,177
2,622
10,799
28
7,340
162
7,502
3,269
3,431

$

$
$

3,983
1,329
966
555
6,833
643
406
7,882
2,468
10,350
(21)
8,066
175
8,241
2,130
2,305

34%

35%

30 %

32 %

21 %

22 %

99%

95 %

85 %

Securities lending revenue

$

170

$

153

$

135

11 %

13 %

Metrics:
Average loans
Average deposits

AUC/A at period end (in trillions) (b)
Market value of securities on loan at period end (in billions) (c)

Asset servicing:
Estimated new business wins (AUC/A) (in billions)

Depositary Receipts:
Number of sponsored programs

Clearing services:
Average active clearing accounts (U.S. platform) (in thousands)
Average long-term mutual fund assets (U.S. platform)
Average investor margin loans (U.S. platform)

$ 44,740
$ 217,882

$ 45,743
$ 233,833

$ 40,137
$ 225,503

$
$

$

29.9
296

498

$
$

$

28.9
277

1,191

$
$

$

28.5
289

554

(2)%
(7)%

3 %
7 %

14 %
4 %

1 %
(4)%

1,062

1,145

1,279

(7)% (10)%

5,949
$ 431,937
$ 10,772

6,023
$ 451,924
$ 11,627

5,788
$ 434,959
9,687
$

(1)%
(4)%
(7)%

4 %
4 %
20 %

Broker-Dealer:
Average tri-party repo balances (in billions)
6 %
(a)  Other revenue includes investment management fees, financing-related fees, distribution and servicing revenue and investment and other 

2,156

2,042

2,183

1 %

$

$

$

income.

(b)  Includes the AUC/A of CIBC Mellon of $1.2 trillion at Dec. 31, 2016, $1.0 trillion at Dec. 31, 2015 and $1.1 trillion at Dec. 31, 2014.
(c)  Represents the total amount of securities on loan managed by the Investment Services business.  Excludes securities for which BNY 

Mellon acts as agent on behalf of CIBC Mellon clients, which totaled $63 billion at Dec. 31, 2016, $55 billion at Dec. 31, 2015 and $65 
billion at Dec. 31, 2014.

 22 BNY Mellon

Results of Operations (continued)

Business description

We are one of the leading global investment services 
providers with $29.9 trillion of AUC/A at Dec. 31, 
2016.  

•  We are a leader in both global and U.S. 

government securities clearance, settling 
securities transactions in over 100 markets.

•  We are a leader in servicing tri-party repo 
collateral with approximately $2.3 trillion 
serviced globally. 

•  We service approximately $1.5 trillion, or 

approximately 86%, of the $1.8 trillion tri-party 
repo market in the U.S.  

•  Our agency securities lending program is one of 

the largest lenders of U.S and non-U.S. securities, 
servicing a lendable asset pool of approximately 
$3.0 trillion in 33 separate markets. 

•  We serve as trustee and/or paying agent on more 

than 50,000 debt-related issues globally. 

•  As one of the largest providers of depositary 

receipts services in the world, we served as 
depositary for 1,062 sponsored American and 
global depositary receipt programs at Dec. 31, 
2016, acting in partnership with leading 
companies from 63 countries—an estimated 56% 
market share.

BNY Mellon Investment Services provides business 
and technology solutions across the investments 
process to financial institutions, corporations, 
foundations and endowments, public funds and 
government agencies. 

With NEXEN®, our next generation digital 
technology ecosystem, we are leading the digital 
transformation of BNY Mellon and the services we 
provide to our clients.  NEXEN® should provide us 
with many competitive advantages.  It is creating 
internal efficiencies while reducing costs and 
increasing speed of delivery, enhancing our clients’ 
experience and driving revenue opportunities as we 
continue to onboard clients to our new digital 
platform.  We are collaborating with clients and 
leading financial technology startups, or fintechs, to 
develop and integrate new solutions and services, and 
attracting top information technology talent through 
our Innovation Centers worldwide. 

We offer asset servicing, clearing services, issuer 
services and treasury services to our clients. 

BNY Mellon’s comprehensive suite of asset servicing 
solutions includes: global custody, foreign exchange, 
global fund services, securities finance, investment 
manager outsourcing, performance and risk analytics, 
alternative investment services, broker-dealer 
services, and collateral and liquidity services. 

As one of the largest fund accounting providers and a 
trusted partner, we offer services to ensure the 
safekeeping of assets in capital markets globally.  
These services include financial reporting, tax 
reporting services, calculating and reporting NAVs, 
computing yields, maintaining brokerage account 
records, and providing administrative support for the 
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and other 
compliance requirements. 

Our alternative investment services and structured 
products business provides a full range of solutions 
for alternative investment managers, including prime 
custody, fund accounting, client and regulatory 
reporting services; in 2016, we extended our 
capabilities to real estate and private equity 
investment managers.  We also support exchange-
traded funds and unit investment trusts, providing 
fund administration, custody, basket creation and 
dissemination, authorized participant interaction and 
order processing, among other services. 

Securities finance delivers solutions on both an 
agency and principal basis.  The principal finance 
program supports a diverse group of client segments, 
including hedge and liquid alternative funds and other 
institutional clients. 

In liquidity services, our market leading portal 
enables cash investments for institutional clients via 
money market funds, deposit products, and direct 
investments in money market securities, and includes 
fund research and analytics. 

Our broker-dealer services business clears and settles 
equity and fixed-income transactions globally and 
manages more than $2 trillion in collateral, including 
tri-party repo collateral, worldwide.  As a leader in 
the U.S. tri-party repo market, BNY Mellon led the 
way in reducing systemic risk through operational 
and technology enhancements. 

BNY Mellon 23 

Results of Operations (continued)

Clearing services, primarily Pershing and its 
affiliates, provides business and technology solutions 
to financial organizations globally, delivering 
dependable operational support, robust trading 
services, flexible technology, an expansive array of 
investment and retirement solutions, practice 
management support and service excellence. 

Our collateral services include collateral 
management, administration and segregation.  We 
offer innovative solutions, like new collateral types 
and transaction structures, automation and efficiency, 
access to global markets, and industry expertise, to 
help financial institutions and institutional investors 
mine opportunities from liquidity, financing, risk and 
balance sheet challenges. 

We are a leading provider to the debt capital markets, 
providing customized and market-driven solutions to 
investors, bondholders and lenders.  Our corporate 
trust business delivers a full range of issuer and 
related investor services, including trustee, paying 
agency, fiduciary, escrow, and other financial 
services. 

Our treasury services include customizable solutions 
and innovative technology that deliver high-quality 
cash management, payment and trade support for 
corporate and institutional global treasury needs. 

We also provide credit facilities and solutions to 
support our clients globally. 

Role of BNY Mellon, as a trustee, for mortgage-
backed securitizations

BNY Mellon acts as trustee and document custodian 
for certain mortgage-backed security (“MBS”) 
securitization trusts.  The role of trustee for MBS 
securitizations is limited; our primary role as trustee 
is to calculate and distribute monthly bond payments 
to bondholders.  As a document custodian, we hold 
the mortgage, note, and related documents provided 
to us by the loan originator or seller and provide 
periodic reporting to these parties.  BNY Mellon, 
either as document custodian or trustee, does not 
receive mortgage underwriting files (the files that 
contain information related to the creditworthiness of 
the borrower).  As trustee or custodian, we have no 
responsibility or liability for the quality of the 
portfolio; we are liable only for performance of our 
limited duties as described above and in the trust 
documents.  BNY Mellon is indemnified by the 

 24 BNY Mellon

servicers or directly from trust assets under the 
governing agreements.  BNY Mellon may appear as 
the named plaintiff in legal actions brought by 
servicers in foreclosure and other related proceedings 
because the trustee is the nominee owner of the 
mortgage loans within the trusts. 

BNY Mellon also has been named as a defendant in 
legal actions brought by MBS investors alleging that 
the trustee has expansive duties under the governing 
agreements, including to investigate and pursue 
claims against other parties to the MBS transaction.  
For additional information on our legal proceedings 
related to this matter, see Note 20 of the Notes to 
Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Review of financial results

AUC/A totaled $29.9 trillion, an increase from $28.9 
trillion at Dec. 31, 2015.  The increase was primarily 
driven by higher market values, partially offset by the 
unfavorable impact of a stronger U.S. dollar.  AUC/A 
consisted of 34% equity securities and 66% fixed 
income securities at Dec. 31, 2016 compared with 
36% equity securities and 64% fixed income 
securities at Dec. 31, 2015.

Investment services fees were $7.1 billion, an 
increase of 2%, compared with 2015, reflecting the 
following factors:

•  Asset servicing fees (global custody, accounting, 

broker-dealer services, securities lending, 
collateral and liquidity services) were $4.141 
billion compared with $4.098 billion in 2015.  
The increase primarily reflects higher money 
market fees and securities lending revenue, 
partially offset by the unfavorable impact of a 
stronger U.S. dollar and downsizing of the UK 
retail transfer agency business.

•  Clearing services fees were $1.399 billion 

compared with $1.370 billion in 2015.  The 
increase was primarily driven by higher money 
market fees, partially offset by the impact of lost 
business and client business exits related to the 
broker-dealer industry consolidations.

• 

Issuer services fees (Corporate Trust and 
Depositary Receipts) were $1.024 billion 
compared with $976 million in 2015.  The 
increase was driven by higher money market fees 
in Corporate Trust and higher fees in Depositary 
Receipts. 

Results of Operations (continued)

•  Treasury services fees (global payments, trade 

finance and cash management) were $541 million 
compared with $546 million in 2015.  The 
decrease reflects higher compensating balance 
credits provided to clients, which reduced fee 
revenue and increased net interest revenue, 
partially offset by higher payments and banking 
transaction services volumes.

Market and regulatory trends are driving investable 
assets toward investments in lower fee asset 
management products at reduced margins for our 
clients.  These dynamics are also negatively 
impacting our investment services fees.  However, at 
the same time, these trends are also providing 
additional outsourcing opportunities as clients and 
other market participants seek to comply with new 
regulations and reduce their operating costs. 

Foreign exchange and other trading revenue totaled 
$663 million compared with $722 million in 2015.  
The decrease primarily reflects the continued trend of 
clients migrating to lower margin products and lower 
volumes.

Other revenue was $531 million compared with $465 
million in 2015.  The increase primarily reflects 
higher payments from Investment Management 
related to higher money market fees and higher fees
related to secured intraday credit, partially offset by 
certain fees paid to introducing brokers.

Other segment

(in millions)
Revenue:

Fee and other revenue
Net interest revenue

Total revenue
Provision for credit losses
Noninterest expense (ex. amortization of intangible assets and M&I and restructuring charges

(recoveries))

Amortization of intangible assets
M&I and restructuring charges (recoveries)

Total noninterest expense

Income (loss) before taxes
Income (loss) before taxes (ex. amortization of 
intangible assets and M&I and restructuring charges (recoveries)) – Non-GAAP

Average loans and leases

Net interest revenue was $2.8 billion compared with 
$2.6 billion in 2015.  The increase primarily reflects 
the impact of changes in the internal crediting rates 
for deposits, partially offset by a decrease in average 
deposit balances.

Noninterest expense, excluding amortization of 
intangible assets, was $7.2 billion compared with 
$7.3 billion in 2015.  The decrease primarily reflects 
lower litigation, temporary services, sub-custodian, 
legal and other purchased services expenses, partially 
offset by higher bank assessment charges.

2015 compared with 2014

Income before taxes totaled $3.3 billion in 2015 
compared with $2.1 billion in 2014.  Income before 
taxes, excluding amortization of intangible assets 
(Non-GAAP), increased $1.1 billion, or 49%.  Fee 
and other revenue increased $295 million, or 4%, 
compared with 2014, primarily reflecting higher asset 
servicing fees, foreign exchange and other trading 
revenue and other revenue.  The $154 million, or 6%, 
increase in net interest revenue primarily reflects 
higher average deposits and loans, as well as higher 
internal crediting rates on deposits.  Noninterest 
expense, excluding intangible amortization, decreased 
$726 million, or 9%, compared with 2014, primarily 
due to lower litigation, consulting and occupancy 
expenses, partially offset by higher staff expense.

2016

2015

2014

366 $
14
380
(25)

390
—
4
394
11 $

336 $
85
421
133

434
2
(2)
434
(146) $

15 $

(146) $

1,189
138
1,327
(27)

715
5
177
897
457

639

1,926 $

2,384 $

3,484

$

$

$

$

BNY Mellon 25 

Results of Operations (continued)

Business description

The Other segment primarily includes:

• 
• 

• 
• 

• 

the leasing portfolio;
corporate treasury activities, including our 
investment securities portfolio;
derivatives and other trading activity;
corporate and bank-owned life insurance and 
renewable energy investments; and
business exits.

Revenue primarily reflects:

• 

• 

• 

• 

net interest revenue and lease-related gains 
(losses) from leasing operations;
net interest revenue from corporate treasury 
activity;
fee and other revenue from corporate and bank- 
owned life insurance and business exits; and
gains (losses) associated with the valuation of 
investment securities and other assets.

Expenses include:

•  M&I expenses;
• 

restructuring charges recorded relate to corporate-
level initiatives and were therefore recorded in 
the Other segment;
direct expenses supporting leasing, investing, and 
funding activities; and
expenses not directly attributable to the 
Investment Management and Investment Services 
operations.  

• 

• 

Review of financial results 

The Other segment had income before taxes of $11 
million in 2016 compared with a loss of $146 million 
in 2015.  

Total fee and other revenue increased $30 million 
compared with 2015.  The increase primarily reflects 
the positive impact of foreign currency hedging 
activity, partially offset by lower other income driven 
by the impact of increased investments in renewable 
energy. 

Net interest revenue decreased $71 million compared 
with 2015.  The decrease was primarily driven by the 
results of the leasing portfolio inclusive of changes to 
internal transfer pricing in the first quarter of 2016.

 26 BNY Mellon

The provision for credit losses was a credit of $25 
million in 2016 primarily reflecting a net recovery of 
$13 million recorded in the financial institutions 
portfolio.  The recovery reflects the receipt of trust 
assets from the bankruptcy proceedings of Sentinel in 
excess of the carrying value.

Noninterest expense, excluding amortization of 
intangible assets and M&I and restructuring charges 
(recoveries), decreased $44 million compared with 
2015.  The decrease primarily reflects lower 
equipment expense and professional, legal and other 
purchased services, partially offset by higher software 
expense. 

2015 compared with 2014

There was a loss before taxes in the Other segment of 
$146 million in 2015 compared with income of $457 
million in 2014.  Total revenue decreased $906 
million primarily reflecting the gains on the sales of 
our equity investment in Wing Hang and our One 
Wall Street building, both recorded in 2014, and the 
impact of the July 2015 sale of Meriten, partially 
offset by the impact of hedging activity for foreign 
currency placements.  The provision for credit losses 
was $133 million in 2015 reflecting the impairment 
charge related to Sentinel.  Noninterest expense, 
excluding amortization of intangible assets and M&I 
and restructuring charges (recoveries), decreased 
$281 million primarily reflecting lower litigation 
expense, the impact of curtailing the U.S. pension 
plan and the impact of the July 2015 sale of Meriten.

International operations

Our primary international activities consist of asset 
servicing and global payment services in our 
Investment Services business, and asset management 
in our Investment Management business.  

Our clients include central banks and sovereigns, 
financial institutions, asset managers, insurance 
companies, corporations, local authorities and high 
net worth individuals and family offices.  Through 
our global network of offices, we have developed a 
deep understanding of local requirements and cultural 
needs, and we pride ourselves on providing dedicated 
service through our multilingual sales, marketing and 
client service teams.

At Dec. 31, 2016, we had approximately 8,800 
employees in Europe, the Middle East and Africa 

Results of Operations (continued)

(“EMEA”), approximately 14,700 employees in the 
Asia-Pacific region (“APAC”) and approximately 700 
employees in other global locations, primarily Brazil. 

We are the seventh largest global asset manager.  At 
Dec. 31, 2016, our international operations managed 
49% of BNY Mellon’s AUM, compared with 46% at 
Dec. 31, 2015.  The increase in international AUM 
primarily resulted from higher market values and net 
inflows, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of 
a stronger U.S. dollar (principally versus the British 
pound).

In Europe, we maintain a significant presence in the 
Undertakings for Collective Investment in 
Transferable Securities Directives (“UCITS”) 
servicing field.  In Ireland, BNY Mellon is one of the 
largest administrators (by total net assets) for fund 
administration services across domiciled and non-
domiciled funds.  We offer a full range of tailored 
solutions for investment companies, financial 
institutions and institutional investors in Germany.  

We are a leader in both global and U.S. government 
securities clearance, settling securities transactions in 
over 100 markets.

As one of the largest providers of depositary receipts 
services in the world, we served as depositary for 
1,062 sponsored American and global depositary 
receipt programs at Dec. 31, 2016, acting in 
partnership with leading companies from 63 countries
—an estimated 56% market share.

We have over 50 years of experience providing trade 
and cash services to financial institutions and central 
banks outside of the U.S.  In addition, we offer a 
broad range of servicing and fiduciary products to 
financial institutions, corporations and central banks 
depending on the state of market development.  In 
emerging markets, we lead with global payments and 
issuer services, introducing other products as the 
markets mature.  For more established markets, our 
focus is on global investment services.

We are also a full-service global provider of foreign 
exchange services, actively trading in over 100 of the 
world’s currencies.  We serve clients from trading 
desks located in Europe, Asia and North America.

Our financial results, as well as our level of AUM and 
AUC/A, are impacted by the translation of financial 
results denominated in foreign currencies to the U.S. 

dollar.  We are primarily impacted by activities 
denominated in the British pound sterling and the 
euro.  If the U.S. dollar depreciates against these 
currencies, the translation impact is a higher level of 
fee revenue, net interest revenue, noninterest expense 
and AUM and AUC/A.  Conversely, if the U.S. dollar 
appreciates, the translated levels of fee revenue, net 
interest revenue, noninterest expense and AUM and 
AUC/A will be lower.

Foreign exchange rates
vs. U.S. dollar
Spot rate (at Dec. 31):
British pound
Euro

Yearly average rate:

British pound
Euro

2016

2015

2014

$ 1.2323 $ 1.4799 $ 1.5609
1.2155
1.0883

1.0538

$ 1.3548 $ 1.5282 $ 1.6475
1.3257
1.1100

1.1065

International clients accounted for 34% of revenues 
in 2016, compared with 36% in 2015 and 38% in 
2014.  Net income from international operations was 
$1.6 billion in 2016, compared with $1.7 billion in 
2015 and $1.8 billion in 2014.

In 2016, revenues from EMEA were $3.7 billion, 
compared with $3.9 billion in both 2015 and 2014.  
Revenues from EMEA decreased 5% in 2016 
compared with 2015, primarily reflecting lower 
revenue in the Investment Management business 
driven by the unfavorable impact of a stronger U.S. 
dollar, losses on hedging activity and lower 
performance fees, as well as lower revenue in the 
Investment Services business driven by lower asset 
servicing fees due to the unfavorable impact of a 
stronger U.S. dollar, the downsizing of the UK retail 
transfer agency business and lower fees in Corporate 
Trust.  Our Investment Services businesses generated 
68% and our Investment Management business 
generated 32% of EMEA revenues.  Net income from 
EMEA was $1.0 billion in 2016, compared with $1.2 
billion in 2015 and $775 million in 2014.

Revenues from APAC were $922 million in 2016 
compared with $904 million in 2015 and $1.4 billion 
in 2014.  Revenues from APAC increased 2% in 2016 
compared with 2015, primarily reflecting higher 
revenue in the Investment Services business driven 
by broker-dealer services and the Depositary Receipts 
business.  This increase was partially offset by lower 
revenue in the asset servicing and treasury services 
businesses, and lower revenue in the Investment 
Management business due to net outflows, lower 

BNY Mellon 27 

Results of Operations (continued)

market values and lower performance fees.  Our 
Investment Services businesses generated 80% and 
our Investment Management businesses generated 
20% of APAC revenues.  Net income from APAC was 
$389 million in 2016, compared with $365 million in 
2015 and $719 million in 2014.

For additional information regarding our International 
operations, including certain key subjective 
assumptions used in determining the results, see Note 
23 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Country risk exposure

We have exposure to certain countries and territories 
that have had a heightened focus in recent years. 
Exposure described below reflects the country of 
operations and risk of the immediate counterparty.  
We continue to monitor our exposure to these and 
other countries as part of our Risk Management 
process.  See “Risk management” for additional 
information on how our exposures are managed.

BNY Mellon has a limited economic interest in the 
performance of assets of consolidated investment 
management funds, and therefore they are excluded 
from this disclosure.

Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece

Over the past several years, there have been concerns 
about European sovereign debt and its impact on the 
European banking system, as a number of European 
countries, including Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece, 
experienced credit deterioration.  We had net 
exposure of $1.2 billion to Italy and $2.0 billion to 
Spain at Dec. 31, 2016.  We had net exposure of $1.6 
billion to Italy and $2.0 billion to Spain at Dec. 31, 
2015.  At both Dec. 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2015, 
exposure to Italy and Spain primarily consisted of 
investment grade sovereign debt.  Investment 
securities exposure totaled $1.1 billion in Italy and 
$1.8 billion in Spain at Dec. 31, 2016 and $1.4 billion 
in Italy and $2.0 billion in Spain at Dec. 31, 2015. At 
Dec. 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2015, we had exposure to 
Portugal of $2 million and less than $1 million, 
respectively.  At both Dec. 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 
2015, BNY Mellon had exposure of less than $1 
million to Greece.  

 28 BNY Mellon

Brazil

Current conditions in Brazil have resulted in 
increased focus on its economic and political stability.  
We have operations in Brazil providing investment 
services and investment management services.  In 
addition, at Dec. 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2015, we had 
total net exposure to Brazil of $1.3 billion and $2.2 
billion, respectively.  This included $1.3 billion and 
$2.1 billion, respectively, in loans, which are 
primarily short-term trade finance loans extended to 
large financial institutions.  At Dec. 31, 2016, we held 
$73 million of noninvestment grade sovereign debt 
and at Dec. 31, 2015, we held $95 million of 
investment grade sovereign debt. 

Other countries and territories 

Events in recent years have resulted in increased 
focus on exposures to Turkey, Russia and Puerto 
Rico.  Related to Turkey, we mainly provide treasury 
and issuer services, as well as foreign exchange 
products primarily to the top-10 largest financial 
institutions in the country.  As of Dec. 31, 2016, our 
exposure totaled $713 million, consisting primarily of 
syndicated credit facilities and trade finance loans.  
At Dec. 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2015, our exposure to 
Russia was $79 million and $63 million, respectively. 
Related to Puerto Rico, BNY Mellon had margin loan 
exposure that was collateralized with a concentration 
of Puerto Rican securities.  The margin loan exposure 
was approximately $45 million and $50 million, at 
Dec. 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2015, respectively.

Cross-border risk

Cross-border outstandings are based on the Federal 
Financial Institutions Examination Council’s 
(“FFIEC”) regulatory guidelines for reporting cross-
border risk.  Cross-border outstandings in the table 
below include loans, acceptances, interest-bearing 
deposits with other banks, other interest-bearing 
investments, and other monetary assets which are 
denominated in U.S. dollars or other non-local 
currencies.  Also included are local currency 
outstandings not hedged or funded by local 
borrowings.  Under the FFIEC guidelines, cross-
border outstandings are reported based on the 
domicile of the counterparty, issuer of collateral or 
guarantor.

Foreign assets are subject to the general risks 
attendant on the conduct of business in each foreign 

Results of Operations (continued)

country, including economic uncertainties and each 
foreign government’s regulations.  In addition, our 
foreign assets may be affected by changes in demand 
or pricing resulting from fluctuations in currency 
exchange rates or other factors.  

The table below shows our cross-border outstandings 
at Dec. 31 of each of the last three years where cross-
border exposure exceeds 1.00% of total assets 
(denoted with “*”) or exceeds 0.75% but less than or 
equal to 1.00% of total assets (denoted with “**”).

Cross-border outstandings

(in millions)
2016:

France*
Germany*
Canada*
United Kingdom**

2015:

United Kingdom*
France*
Germany**

2014:

France*
United Kingdom**
China**
Germany**
Netherlands**

Banks and 
other financial 
institutions (a)

$

$

$

1,662
2,398
2,199
1,325

1,732
968
1,882

410
2,583
3,459
1,207
526

$

$

$

Public
sector

2,559
1,408
1
1,584

569
2,855
1,666

3,770
544
—
1,505
1,737

Commercial, 
industrial 
and other

Total 
cross-border
outstandings (b)

$

$

$

109
357
1,211
405

2,265
120
363

183
655
30
569
664 (c)

$

$

$

4,330
4,163
3,411
3,314

4,566
3,943
3,911

4,363
3,782
3,489
3,281
2,927

(a)  Primarily short-term interest-bearing deposits with banks.  Also includes global trade finance loans.
(b)  Excludes assets of consolidated investment management funds.
(c)  Primarily European floating rate notes.

Emerging markets exposure

We determine our emerging markets exposures using 
the MSCI Emerging Markets (EM) IMI Index.  Our 
emerging markets exposures totaled $11 billion at 
Dec. 31, 2016, compared with $13 billion at Dec. 31, 
2015, primarily reflecting lower short-term trade 
finance loans extended to large financial institutions 
in Brazil and China, as well as lower interest-bearing 
deposits with banks in China.

Critical accounting estimates

Our significant accounting policies are described in 
Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements under “Summary of significant 
accounting and reporting policies”.  Our critical 
accounting estimates are those related to the 
allowance for loan losses and allowance for lending-
related commitments, fair value of financial 
instruments and derivatives, other-than-temporary 
impairment, goodwill and other intangibles, and 
pension accounting.  Further information on policies 
related to the allowance for loan losses and allowance 
for lending-related commitments can be found under 
“Summary of significant accounting and reporting 
policies” in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated 

Financial Statements.  Additionally, further 
information can be found in the Notes to 
Consolidated Financial Statements related to the 
following: the valuation of derivatives and securities 
where quoted market prices are not available can be 
found under “Fair value measurement” in Note 18; 
information on other-than-temporary impairment can 
be found in “Securities” in Note 3; policies related to 
goodwill and intangible assets can be found in 
“Goodwill and intangible assets” in Note 5; and 
information on pensions can be found in “Employee 
benefit plans” in Note 16.

Allowance for loan losses and allowance for 
lending-related commitments

The allowance for loan losses and allowance for 
lending-related commitments represent 
management’s estimate of losses inherent in our 
credit portfolio.  This evaluation process is subject to 
numerous estimates and judgments.  

We utilize a quantitative methodology and qualitative 
framework for determining the allowance for loan 
losses and the allowance for lending-related 
commitments.  Within this qualitative framework, 

BNY Mellon 29 

Results of Operations (continued)

management applies judgment when assessing 
internal risk factors and environmental factors to 
compute an additional allowance for each component 
of the loan portfolio. 

The three elements of the allowance for loan losses 
and the allowance for lending-related commitments 
include the qualitative allowance framework.  The 
three elements are:  

• 

• 

• 

an allowance for impaired credits of $1 million or 
greater;  
an allowance for higher risk-rated credits and 
pass-rated credits; and  
an allowance for residential mortgage loans. 

Our lending is primarily to institutional customers.  
As a result, our loans are generally larger than $1 
million.  Therefore, the first element, impaired 
credits, is based on individual analysis of all impaired 
loans of $1 million or greater.  The allowance is 
measured by the difference between the recorded 
value of impaired loans and their impaired value.  
Impaired value is either the present value of the 
expected future cash flows from the borrower, the 
market value of the loan, or the fair value of the 
collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent. 

The second element, higher risk-rated credits and 
pass-rated credits, is based on our incurred loss 
model.  Individual credit analyses are performed on 
such loans before being assigned a credit rating.  All 
borrowers are collectively evaluated based on their 
credit rating.  The loss inherent in each loan 
incorporates the borrower’s credit rating, facility 
rating and maturity.  The loss given default, derived 
from the facility rating, incorporates a recovery 
expectation and an estimate of the use of the facility 
at default (usage given default).  The borrower’s 
probability of default is derived from the associated 
credit rating.  Borrower ratings are reviewed at least 
annually and are periodically mapped to third-party 
databases, including rating agency and default and 
recovery databases, to ensure ongoing consistency 
and validity.  Higher risk-rated credits are reviewed 
quarterly. 

The third element, the allowance for residential 
mortgage loans, is determined by segregating six 
mortgage pools into delinquency periods, ranging 
from current through foreclosure.  Each of these 
delinquency periods is assigned a probability of 
default.  A specific loss given default is assigned for 

 30 BNY Mellon

each mortgage pool.  BNY Mellon assigns all 
residential mortgage pools, except home equity lines 
of credit, a probability of default and loss given 
default based on default and loss data derived from 
internal historical data related to our residential 
mortgage portfolio.  The resulting incurred loss factor 
(the probability of default multiplied by the loss given 
default) is applied against the loan balance to 
determine the allowance held for each pool.  For 
home equity lines of credit, probability of default and 
loss given default are based on external data from 
third-party databases due to the small size of the 
portfolio and insufficient internal data. 

The qualitative framework is used to determine an 
additional allowance for each portfolio based on the 
factors below: 

Internal risk factors: 

•  Nonperforming loans to total non-margin loans;  
•  Criticized assets to total loans and lending-related 

commitments; 

•  Borrower concentration; and  
•  Significant concentrations in high-risk industries 

and countries. 

Environmental risk factors:  

•  U.S. non-investment grade default rate;  
•  Unemployment rate; and  
•  Change in real gross domestic product. 

The objective of the qualitative framework is to 
capture incurred losses that may not have been fully 
captured in the quantitative reserve, which is based 
primarily on historical data.  Management determines 
the qualitative allowance each period based on 
judgment informed by consideration of internal and 
external risk factors and other considerations that 
may be deemed relevant during the period.  Once 
determined in the aggregate, our qualitative 
allowance is then allocated to each of our loan classes 
based on the respective classes’ quantitative 
allowance balances with the allocations adjusted, 
when necessary, for class specific risk factors.  

For each risk factor, we calculate the minimum and 
maximum values, and percentiles in-between, to 
evaluate the distribution of our historical experience.  
The distribution of historical experience is compared 
to the risk factor’s current quarter observed 
experience to assess the current risk inherent in the 

Results of Operations (continued)

portfolio and overall direction/trend of a risk factor 
relative to our historical experience.

Fair value - Securities

Based on this analysis, we assign a risk level–no 
impact, low, moderate, high and elevated–to each risk 
factor for the current quarter.  Management assesses 
the impact of each risk factor to determine an 
aggregate risk level.  We do not quantify the impact 
of any particular risk factor.  Management’s 
assessment of the risk factors, as well as the trend in 
the quantitative allowance, supports management’s 
judgment for the overall required qualitative 
allowance.  A smaller qualitative allowance may be 
required when our quantitative allowance has 
reflected incurred losses associated with the 
aggregate risk level.  A greater qualitative allowance 
may be required if our quantitative allowance does 
not yet reflect the incurred losses associated with the 
aggregate risk level. 

To the extent actual results differ from forecasts or 
management’s judgment, the allowance for credit 
losses may be greater or less than future charge-offs. 

The credit rating assigned to each credit is a 
significant variable in determining the allowance.  If 
each credit were rated one grade better, the allowance 
would have decreased by $67 million, while if each 
credit were rated one grade worse, the allowance 
would have increased by $119 million.  Similarly, if 
the loss given default were one rating worse, the 
allowance would have increased by $43 million, 
while if the loss given default were one rating better, 
the allowance would have decreased by $30 million.  
For impaired credits, if the net carrying value of the 
loans was 10% higher or lower, the allowance would 
have decreased or increased by less than $1 million, 
respectively.

Fair value of financial instruments and 
derivatives

The guidance included in Accounting Standards 
Codification (“ASC”) 820, Fair Value Measurement, 
defines fair value, establishes a framework for 
measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about 
assets and liabilities measured at fair value.  The 
standard also established a three-level hierarchy for 
fair value measurements based upon the transparency 
of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of 
the measurement date.  

Level 1 - Securities:  Recent quoted prices from 
exchange transactions are used for debt and equity 
securities that are actively traded on exchanges and 
for U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. government 
securities that are actively traded in highly liquid 
over-the-counter markets.

Level 2 - Securities:  For securities where quotes from 
recent transactions are not available for identical 
securities, we determine fair value primarily based on 
pricing sources with reasonable levels of price 
transparency.  The pricing sources employ financial 
models or obtain comparisons to similar instruments 
to arrive at “consensus” prices.

Specifically, the pricing sources obtain recent 
transactions for similar types of securities (e.g., 
vintage or position in the securitization structure) and 
ascertain variables such as discount rate and speed of 
prepayment for the type of transaction and apply such 
variables to similar types of bonds.  We view these as 
observable transactions in the current market place 
and classify such securities as Level 2.

In addition, we have significant investments in more 
actively traded agency RMBS and other types of 
securities such as sovereign debt.  The pricing sources 
derive the prices for these securities largely from 
quotes they obtain from three major inter-dealer 
brokers.  The pricing sources receive their daily 
observed trade price and other information feeds from 
the inter-dealer brokers.

We obtain prices for our Level 1 and Level 2 
securities from multiple pricing sources.  We have 
designed controls to develop an understanding of the 
pricing sources’ securities pricing methodology and 
have implemented specific internal controls over the 
valuation of securities. 

As appropriate, we review the quality control 
procedures and pricing methodologies used by the 
pricing sources, including the process for obtaining 
prices provided by the pricing sources, their valuation 
methodology and controls for each class of security. 

Prices received from pricing sources are subject to 
validation checks that help determine the 
completeness and accuracy of the prices.  These 
validation checks are reviewed by management and, 
based on the results, may be subject to additional 

BNY Mellon 31 

Results of Operations (continued)

review and investigation.  We also review securities 
with no price changes (stale prices) and securities 
with zero values.

We have a surveillance process in place to monitor 
the accuracy of prices provided by the pricing 
sources.  We utilize a hierarchy that compares 
security prices obtained from multiple pricing sources 
against established thresholds.  Discrepancies that fall 
outside of these thresholds are challenged with the 
pricing services and adjusted if necessary.  

If further research is required, we review and validate 
these prices with the pricing sources.  We also 
validate prices from pricing sources by comparing 
prices received to actual observed prices from actions 
such as purchases and sales, when possible.

At Dec. 31, 2016, more than 99% of our securities 
were valued by pricing sources with reasonable levels 
of price transparency.

Level 3 - Securities:  Where we have used our own 
cash flow models, which included a significant input 
into the model that was deemed unobservable, to 
estimate the value of securities, we classify them in 
Level 3 of the ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, 
hierarchy.  At both Dec. 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2015, 
we have no instruments included in Level 3 of the fair 
value hierarchy.

See Note 18 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements for details of our securities by ASC 820, 
Fair Value Measurement, hierarchy level.

Fair value - Derivative financial instruments

Level 1 - Derivative financial instruments:  Includes 
derivative financial instruments that are actively 
traded on exchanges, principally listed equity options.

Level 2 - Derivative financial instruments:  Includes 
the vast majority of our over-the-counter derivative 
financial instruments.  Derivatives classified as Level 
2 are valued utilizing discounted cash flow analysis 
and financial models for which the valuation inputs 
are observable or can be corroborated, directly or 
indirectly, for substantially the full term of the 
instrument.  Valuation inputs include interest rate 
yield curves, foreign exchange rates, equity prices, 
credit curves, option volatilities and other factors.  

 32 BNY Mellon

Where appropriate, valuation adjustments are made to 
account for various factors such as credit worthiness 
of the counterparty, credit worthiness of the Company 
and model and liquidity risks.  Level 2 over-the-
counter derivatives generally include interest rate 
swaps and options, foreign exchanges forwards, 
foreign exchange swaps and options, forward rate 
agreements, equity swaps and options, and credit 
default swaps.

Level 3 - Derivative financial instruments:  Level 3 
derivatives include derivatives for which valuations 
are based on inputs that are unobservable and 
significant to the overall fair value measurement, and 
may include certain long-dated or highly structured 
contracts.  At both Dec. 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2015, 
we have no derivatives included in Level 3 of the fair 
value hierarchy.

For details of our derivative financial instruments by 
level of the valuation hierarchy, see Note 18 of the 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Fair value option

ASC 825, Financial Instruments, provides the option 
to elect fair value as an alternative measurement basis 
for selected financial assets, financial liabilities, 
unrecognized firm commitments and written loan 
commitments which are not subject to fair value 
under other accounting standards.  Under ASC 825, 
Financial Instruments, fair value is used for both the 
initial and subsequent measurement of the designated 
assets, liabilities and commitments, with the changes 
in fair value recognized in income.  See Note 19 of 
the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for 
additional disclosure regarding the fair value option.

Fair value - Judgments

In times of illiquid markets and financial stress, 
actual prices and valuations may significantly diverge 
from results predicted by models.  In addition, other 
factors can affect our estimate of fair value, including 
market dislocations, incorrect model assumptions, 
and unexpected correlations.  These valuation 
methods could expose us to materially different 
results should the models used or underlying 
assumptions be inaccurate. See “Summary of 
significant accounting and reporting policies” in Note 
1 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Results of Operations (continued)

Other-than-temporary impairment

The guidance included in ASC 320, Investments - 
Debt and Equity Securities, defines the OTTI model 
for investments in debt securities.  Under this 
guidance, a debt security is considered impaired if its 
fair value is less than its amortized cost basis.  An 
OTTI is triggered if (1) the intent is to sell the 
security; (2) the security will more likely than not 
have to be sold before the impairment is recovered, or 
(3) the amortized cost basis is not expected to be 
recovered.  When an entity does not intend to sell the 
security before recovery of its cost basis, it will 
recognize the credit component of an OTTI of a debt 
security in earnings and the remaining portion in 
accumulated other comprehensive income.

The determination of whether a credit loss exists is 
based on best estimates of the present value of cash 
flows to be collected from the debt security.  
Generally, cash flows are discounted at the effective 
interest rate implicit in the debt security at the time of 
acquisition.  For debt securities that are beneficial 
interests in securitized financial assets and are not 
high credit quality, ASC 325, Investment - Other, 
provides that cash flows be discounted at the current 
yield used to accrete the beneficial interest.

For each security in the investment securities 
portfolio (including, but not limited to, those whose 
fair value is less than their amortized cost basis), an 
extensive, quarterly review is conducted to determine 
if an OTTI has occurred.  For example, to determine 
if an unrealized loss on non-agency RMBS is other-
than-temporary, we project total estimated defaults of 
the underlying assets (mortgages) and multiply that 
calculated amount by an estimate of realizable value 
upon sale of these assets in the marketplace (severity) 
in order to determine the projected collateral loss.  We 
also evaluate the current credit enhancement 
underlying the bond to determine the impact on cash 
flows.  If we determine that a given non-agency 
RMBS will be subject to a write-down or loss, we 
record the expected credit loss as a charge to 
earnings.

In recent years, improving home prices helped to 
stabilize the credit performance of non-agency RMBS 
transactions.  This in turn enabled us to maintain 
generally stable assumptions for these transactions 
with regard to estimated defaults and the amount we 
expect to receive to cover the value of the loans 
underlying the securities.  See Note 3 of the Notes to 

Consolidated Financial Statements for projected 
weighted-average default rates and loss severities at 
Dec. 31, 2016 and 2015 for the 2007, 2006 and 
late-2005 non-agency RMBS and the securities 
previously held in the Grantor Trust we established in 
connection with the restructuring of our investment 
securities portfolio in 2009.  If actual delinquencies, 
default rates and loss severity assumptions worsen, 
we would expect additional impairment losses to be 
recorded in future periods.

Net securities gains in 2016 were $75 million 
compared with $83 million in 2015. 

At Dec. 31, 2016, if we were to increase each of our 
projected loss severity and default rates by 100 basis 
points on each of the positions in our Alt-A, subprime 
and prime RMBS portfolios, including the securities 
previously held by the Grantor Trust, credit-related 
impairment charges on these securities would have 
increased by less than $1 million (pre-tax).  If we 
were to decrease each of our projected loss severity 
and default rates by 100 basis points on each of the 
positions, credit-related impairment charges on these 
securities would have decreased by less than $1 
million (pre-tax).

Goodwill and other intangibles

We initially record all assets and liabilities acquired 
in purchase acquisitions, including goodwill, 
indefinite-lived intangibles and other intangibles, in 
accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations.  
Goodwill, indefinite-lived intangibles and other 
intangibles are subsequently accounted for in 
accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles - Goodwill 
and Other.  The initial measurement of goodwill and 
intangibles requires judgment concerning estimates of 
the fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities.  
Goodwill ($17.3 billion at Dec. 31, 2016) and 
indefinite-lived intangible assets ($2.6 billion at Dec. 
31, 2016) are not amortized but subject to tests for 
impairment annually or more often if events or 
circumstances indicate it is more likely than not they 
may be impaired.  Other intangible assets are 
amortized over their estimated useful lives and are 
subject to impairment if events or circumstances 
indicate a possible inability to realize the carrying 
amount.

BNY Mellon’s three business segments include eight 
reporting units for which annual goodwill impairment 
testing is performed in accordance with ASC 350, 

BNY Mellon 33 

Results of Operations (continued)

Intangibles - Goodwill and Other.  The Investment 
Management segment is comprised of two reporting 
units; the Investment Services segment is comprised 
of five reporting units and one reporting unit is 
included in the Other segment.

The goodwill impairment test is performed in two 
steps.  The first step compares the estimated fair 
value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, 
including goodwill.  If the estimated fair value of the 
reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill 
of the reporting unit is considered not impaired.  
However, if the carrying amount of the reporting unit 
were to exceed its estimated fair value, a second step 
would be performed that would compare the implied 
fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the 
carrying amount of that goodwill.  An impairment 
loss would be recorded to the extent that the carrying 
amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value.  A 
substantial goodwill impairment charge would not 
have a significant impact on our financial condition, 
but could have an adverse impact on our results of 
operations.  In addition, due to regulatory restrictions, 
the Company’s subsidiary banks could be restricted 
from distributing available cash to the Parent, 
resulting in the Parent needing to issue additional 
long-term debt.

In the second quarter of 2016, we performed our 
annual goodwill test on all eight reporting units using 
an income approach to estimate the fair values of 
each reporting unit.  Estimated cash flows used in the 
income approach were based on management’s 
projections as of April 1, 2016.  The discount rate 
applied to these cash flows ranged from 10.0% to 
11.0% and incorporated a 7.0% market equity risk 
premium.  Estimated cash flows extend far into the 
future, and, by their nature, are difficult to estimate 
over such an extended time frame.  

As of the date of the annual test, the fair values of 
seven of the Company’s reporting units were 
substantially in excess of the respective reporting 
units’ carrying value.  The fair value of the Asset 
Management reporting unit, which is one of the two 
reporting units in the Investment Management 
segment, exceeded its carrying value by 11%.  The 
Asset Management reporting unit had $7.5 billion of 
allocated goodwill.  For the Asset Management 
reporting unit, in the future, small changes in the 
assumptions could produce a non-cash goodwill 
impairment, which would have no effect on our 
regulatory capital ratios.  In addition, certain money 

 34 BNY Mellon

market fee waiver practices and changes in the level 
of AUM could have an effect on Asset Management 
broadly, as well as the fair value of this reporting unit. 

Key judgments in accounting for intangibles include 
useful life and classification between goodwill and 
indefinite-lived intangibles or other intangibles 
requiring amortization.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets are evaluated for 
impairment at least annually by comparing their fair 
values, estimated using discounted cash flow 
analyses, to their carrying values.  Other amortizing 
intangible assets ($1.0 billion at Dec. 31, 2016) are 
evaluated for impairment if events and circumstances 
indicate a possible impairment.  Such evaluation of 
other intangible assets is initially based on 
undiscounted cash flow projections.

See Notes 1 and 5 of the Notes to Consolidated 
Financial Statements for additional information 
regarding goodwill, intangible assets and the annual 
and interim impairment testing.

Pension accounting

BNY Mellon has defined benefit pension plans 
covering approximately 13,900 U.S. employees and 
approximately 14,500 non-U.S. employees.

BNY Mellon has two qualified and several non-
qualified defined benefit pension plans in the U.S. 
and several pension plans overseas.  As of Dec. 31, 
2016, the U.S. plans accounted for 77% of the 
projected benefit obligation.  The pension credit for 
BNY Mellon plans was $44 million in 2016 
compared with a pension credit of $10 million in 
2015 and pension expense of $68 million in 2014.

Effective June 30, 2015, the benefit accruals under 
the U.S. qualified and nonqualified defined benefit 
plans were frozen.  This change resulted in no 
additional benefits being earned by participants in 
those plans based on service or pay after June 30, 
2015.  These plans were previously closed to new 
participants effective Dec. 31, 2010, at which time a 
non-elective contribution was added to the 
Company’s defined contribution plan for employees 
not eligible to join the pension plan.  Employees 
previously participating in the pension plan received 
this non-elective contribution starting July 1, 2015.  

Results of Operations (continued)

A total net pension credit of $30 million is expected 
to be recorded by BNY Mellon in 2017, assuming 
currency exchange rates at Dec. 31, 2016.  The 
expected decrease in the net pension credit in 2017 
compared to 2016 is primarily driven by an increase 
in pension costs due to lower discount rates and 
reductions in the expected long-term rate of return on 
plan assets for U.S. and certain foreign plans. 

A number of key assumptions and measurement date 
values determine pension expense.  The key elements 
include the long-term rate of return on plan assets, the 
discount rate, the market-related value of plan assets 
and the price used to value stock in the Employee 
Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”).  Since 2014, these 
key elements have varied as follows: 

(dollars in millions,
except per share
amounts)

Domestic plans:

Long-term rate of return

on plan assets
Discount rate (a)
Market-related value of 

plan assets (b)

ESOP stock price (b)
Net U.S. pension credit/

(expense)

All other net pension
credit/(expense)

Total net pension credit/

(expense)

2017

2016

2015

2014

6.625% 7.00% 7.25%

4.35% 4.48% 4.13%

7.25%

4.99%

$ 5,026

$ 4,830

$ 4,696

$ 4,430

$ 44.19

$ 41.66

$ 39.18

$ 32.81

N/A $

77

$

52

$

(34)

N/A

(33)

(42)

(34)

N/A $

44

$

10

$

(68)

(a)  As a result of the amendment to the U.S. pension plans, liabilities for 
2015 were re-measured as of Jan. 29, 2015 at a discount rate of 
3.73%. 

(b)  Market-related value of plan assets and ESOP stock price are for 
the beginning of the plan year.  See “Summary of significant 
accounting and reporting policies” in Note 1 of the Notes to 
Consolidated Financial Statements.  The market-related value of 
plan assets was $4,713 million as of the Jan. 29, 2015 re-
measurement. 

The discount rate for U.S. pension plans was 
determined after reviewing equivalent rates obtained 
by discounting the pension plans’ expected cash flows 
using various high-quality, long-term corporate bond 
yield curves.  We also reviewed the results of several 
models that matched bonds to our pension cash flows.  
After reviewing the various indices and models, we 
selected a discount rate of 4.35% as of Dec. 31, 2016.

The discount rates for foreign pension plans are based 
on high-quality corporate bond rates in countries that 
have an active corporate bond market.  In those 
countries with no active corporate bond market, 

discount rates are based on local government bond 
rates plus a credit spread. 

Our expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 
is based on anticipated returns for each applicable 
asset class.  Anticipated returns are weighted for the 
expected allocation for each asset class and are based 
on forecasts for prospective returns in the equity and 
fixed income markets, which should track the long-
term historical returns for these markets.  We also 
consider the growth outlook for U.S. and global 
economies, as well as current and prospective interest 
rates. 

The market-related value of plan assets also 
influences the level of pension expense.  Differences 
between expected and actual returns are recognized 
over five years to compute an actuarially derived 
market-related value of plan assets.

Unrecognized actuarial gains and losses are 
amortized over the future service period of active 
employees if they exceed a threshold amount.  As of 
Dec. 31, 2016, BNY Mellon had $1.5 billion of 
unrecognized losses which are being amortized.  As a 
result of the amendment to the U.S. pension plans 
described above, future unrecognized actuarial gains 
and losses for the U.S. plans that exceed a threshold 
amount will be amortized over the average future life 
expectancy of plan participants with a maximum of 
15 years.

The annual impacts of hypothetical changes in the 
key assumptions on pension costs are shown in the 
table below.

Pension expense
(dollar amounts in
millions, except per
share amounts)

Long-term rate of
return on plan
assets
Change in pension
expense
Discount rate
Change in pension
expense
Market-related
value of plan assets
Change in pension
expense
ESOP stock price
Change in pension
expense

Increase in
pension expense

(Decrease) in
pension expense

(100) bps 

(50) bps 

50 bps 

100 bps 

$ 60

$ 30

$ (30)

$ (60)

(50) bps 

(25) bps 

25 bps 

50 bps 

$ 29

$ 14

$ (14)

$ (27)

(20) %

(10) %

10 %

20 %

$ 170

$ (10)

$

6

$ 85

$ (5)

$

3

$ (84)

$

$

5

(3)

$(159)

$ 10

$

(6)

BNY Mellon 35 

Results of Operations (continued)

In addition to its pension plans, BNY Mellon has an 
ESOP.  Benefits payable under The Bank of New 
York Mellon Corporation Pension Plan are offset by 
the equivalent value of benefits earned under the 
ESOP for employees who participated in the legacy 
Retirement Plan of The Bank of New York Company, 
Inc.

Consolidated balance sheet review

One of our key risk management objectives is to 
maintain a balance sheet that remains strong 
throughout market cycles to meet the expectations of 
our major stakeholders, including our shareholders, 
clients, creditors and regulators. 

We also seek to ensure that the overall liquidity risk, 
including intra-day liquidity risk, that we undertake 
stays within our risk appetite.  In managing the 
balance sheet, appropriate consideration is given to 
balancing the competing needs to maintain sufficient 
levels of liquidity and complying with applicable 
regulations and supervisory expectations while 
optimizing profitability.  The objective of our balance 
sheet management strategy is to maintain a balance 
sheet that is characterized by strong liquidity and 
asset quality, ready access to external funding sources 
at competitive rates and a strong capital structure that 
supports our risk-taking activities and that is adequate 
to absorb potential losses. 

In 2016, we undertook a balance sheet strategy to 
meet competing objectives, including maintaining 
sufficient liquidity and complying with applicable 
regulations and supervisory expectations while 
optimizing profitability.  Specifically, we increased 
the SLR to 5.6% at Dec. 31, 2016 from 4.9% at Dec. 
31, 2015.  This is above the regulatory minimum of 
5.0%, which becomes effective Jan. 1, 2018.  We also 
took actions to increase the Liquidity coverage ratio  
(“LCR”) over the minimum requirement in 
anticipation of the regulatory minimum increasing 
from 90% to 100% at Jan. 1, 2017.  Finally, we 
opportunistically reduced lower-yielding non-HQLA 
to more effectively position the balance sheet to 
support our liquidity needs while also meeting our net 
interest income objectives. 

At Dec. 31, 2016, total assets were $333 billion 
compared with $394 billion at Dec. 31, 2015.  The 

 36 BNY Mellon

decrease in total assets was primarily driven by lower 
interest-bearing deposits with the Federal Reserve 
and other central banks, and to a lesser degree, lower 
securities.  The lower asset levels reflect a decrease in 
customer deposits, primarily interest-bearing deposits 
in non-U.S. offices.  Deposits totaled $221 billion at 
Dec. 31, 2016 and $280 billion at Dec. 31, 2015.  At 
Dec. 31, 2016, total interest-bearing deposits were 
51% of total interest-earning assets, compared with 
54% at Dec. 31, 2015.

At Dec. 31, 2016, we had $41 billion of liquid funds 
(which include interest-bearing deposits with banks 
and federal funds sold and securities purchased under 
resale agreements) and $63 billion of cash (including 
$58 billion of overnight deposits with the Federal 
Reserve and other central banks) for a total of $104 
billion of available funds.  This compares with 
available funds of $159 billion at Dec. 31, 2015.  
Total available funds as a percentage of total assets 
were 31% at Dec. 31, 2016 compared with 40% at 
Dec. 31, 2015.  For additional information on our 
liquid funds and available funds, see “Liquidity and 
dividends.”

Investment securities were $114.7 billion, or 34% of 
total assets, at Dec. 31, 2016, compared with $119.2 
billion, or 30% of total assets, at Dec. 31, 2015.  For 
additional information on our investment securities 
portfolio, see “Investment securities” and Note 3 of 
the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Loans were $64.5 billion, or 19% of total assets, at 
Dec. 31, 2016, compared with $63.7 billion, or 16% 
of total assets, at Dec. 31, 2015.  For additional 
information on our loan portfolio, see “Loans” and 
Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements.

Long-term debt totaled $24.5 billion at Dec. 31, 2016 
and $21.5 billion at Dec. 31, 2015.  For additional 
information on long-term debt, see “Liquidity and 
dividends” and Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation total 
shareholders’ equity increased to $38.8 billion from 
$38.0 billion at Dec. 31, 2015.  For additional 
information on our capital, see “Capital” and Note 13 
of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Results of Operations (continued)

Investment securities

In the discussion of our investment securities 
portfolio, we have included certain credit ratings 
information because the information can indicate the 
degree of credit risk to which we are exposed.  

Significant changes in ratings classifications for our 
investment securities portfolio could indicate 
increased credit risk for us and could be accompanied 
by a reduction in the fair value of our investment 
securities portfolio.  

The following table shows the distribution of our total investment securities portfolio.

Investment securities

portfolio

(dollars in millions)
Agency RMBS
U.S. Treasury
Sovereign debt/sovereign 

guaranteed (b)

Non-agency RMBS (c)
Non-agency RMBS
European floating rate 

notes (d)

Commercial MBS
State and political

subdivisions

Foreign covered bonds (e)
Corporate bonds
CLOs
U.S. government agencies
Consumer ABS
Other (f)

Total investment

securities

Dec. 31,
2015

 Fair
value

$ 49,464
23,920

16,708

1,789
914

1,345

5,826

4,065

2,242
1,752
2,351
1,810
2,893
3,700

2016
change in
unrealized
gain (loss)

$

(314) $
(147)

Dec. 31, 2016

Amortized
cost

Fair
value
48,150 $ 47,715
25,244
25,490

Fair value
as a % of 
amortized
cost (a)

Ratings

Unrealized
gain (loss)

AAA/
AA-

A+/
A-

BBB+/
BBB-

BB+
and
lower

Not
rated

99 % $
99

(435)
(246)

100 % — % — % — % — %
—
100 —

— —

80

(77)
6

13

(27)

(92)

(25)
(7)
17
16
14
(35)

14,159

14,373

1,080
698

717

8,106

3,411

2,200
1,391
2,593
1,955
1,729
2,822

1,357
718

706

8,037

3,396

2,216
1,396
2,598
1,964
1,727
2,833

102

80
94

98

99

100

101
100
100
101
100
100

214

277
20

(11)

(69)

(15)

16
5
5
9
(2)
11

75

—
8

68

98

80

5

1
4

24

2

17

100 —
18
67
100 —
100 —
4
90
83 —

20

2
15

8

—

—

—
15
—
—
5
14

— —

87
72

10
1

— —

— —

—

3

— —
— —
— —
— —
1 —
3
—

$ 118,779 (g) $

(578) $ 114,501 $ 114,280 (g)

99% $

(221) (g)(h)

93% 2%

3% 2% —%

(a)  Amortized cost before impairments.
(b)  Primarily consists of exposure to UK, France, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands.
(c)  These RMBS were included in the former Grantor Trust and were marked-to-market in 2009.  We believe these RMBS would receive higher credit ratings 

if these ratings incorporated, as additional credit enhancements, the difference between the written-down amortized cost and the current face amount of 
each of these securities.
Includes RMBS and commercial MBS.  Primarily consists of exposure to UK and the Netherlands.

(d) 
(e)  Primarily consists of exposure to Canada, UK, the Netherlands and Sweden.
(f) 

Includes commercial paper with a fair value of $1,900 million and $401 million and money market funds with a fair value of $886 million and $842 
million at Dec. 31, 2015 and Dec. 31, 2016, respectively.
Includes net unrealized losses on derivatives hedging securities available-for-sale of $292 million at Dec. 31, 2015 and $211 million at Dec. 31, 2016.

(g) 
(h)  Unrealized gains of $15 million at Dec. 31, 2016 related to available-for-sale securities, net of hedges.

The fair value of our total investment securities 
portfolio was $114.3 billion at Dec. 31, 2016, 
compared with $118.8 billion at Dec. 31, 2015.  The 
lower level of securities primarily reflects decreases 
in a majority of security types, partially offset by 
increases in commercial MBS and U.S. Treasury 
securities.

At Dec. 31, 2016, the total investment securities 
portfolio had a net unrealized pre-tax loss of $221 
million compared with a net unrealized pre-tax gain 
of $357 million at Dec. 31, 2015, including the 
impact of related hedges.  The decrease in the net 
unrealized pre-tax gain was primarily driven by an 
increase in market interest rates. 

The unrealized gain net of tax on our available-for-
sale investment securities portfolio included in 
accumulated other comprehensive income was $45 
million at Dec. 31, 2016, compared with $329 million 
at Dec. 31, 2015.

At Dec. 31, 2016, 93% of the securities in our 
portfolio were rated AAA/AA- compared with 90% at 
Dec. 31, 2015.  

We routinely test our investment securities for OTTI.  
See “Critical accounting estimates” for additional 
information regarding OTTI.

BNY Mellon 37 

Results of Operations (continued)

The following table presents the amortizable purchase premium (net of discount) related to the investment securities 
portfolio and accretable discount related to the 2009 restructuring of the investment securities portfolio.

Net premium amortization and discount accretion of investment securities (a)
(dollars in millions)
Amortizable purchase premium (net of discount) relating to investment securities:

Balance at period end
Estimated average life remaining at period end (in years)
Amortization

Accretable discount related to the prior restructuring of the investment securities portfolio:

2016

2015

2014

$

$

2,188 $
4.9
641 $

2,319 $
4.7
693 $

2,432
4.8
626

Balance at period end
Estimated average life remaining at period end (in years)
Accretion

413
5.9
163
(a)  Amortization of purchase premium decreases net interest revenue while accretion of discount increases net interest revenue.  Both were 

355 $
6.1
126 $

315 $
6.2
102 $

$

$

recorded on a level yield basis.

The following table presents pre-tax net securities 
gains by type.

Equity investments

Net securities gains
(in millions)
Agency RMBS
Foreign covered bonds
Non-agency RMBS
U.S. Treasury
Other

Total net securities gains

2016

2015

$

$

22 $
10
8
4
31
75 $

10 $
2
7
45
19
83 $

2014
13
3
17
25
33
91

The following table shows the fair value of the 
European floating rate notes by geographical location 
at Dec. 31, 2016.  The unrealized loss on these 
securities was $11 million at Dec. 31, 2016, 
compared with $24 million at Dec. 31, 2015.

European floating rate notes at Dec. 31, 2016 (a)

RMBS

(in millions)
United Kingdom
The Netherlands
Ireland

Total fair
value
402
247
57
706
$
(a)  Sixty-eight percent of these securities are in the AAA to AA- 

347 $
247
57
651 $

55 $
—
—
55 $

Total fair value

Other

$

ratings category.

See Note 18 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements for details of securities by level in the fair 
value hierarchy.

 38 BNY Mellon

Our equity in a joint venture and other investments 
are primarily categorized as other assets.  The 
following table presents the carrying values at Dec. 
31, 2016 and 2015.

Equity in joint venture and other
investments
(in millions)
Renewable energy investments
Equity in a joint venture and other
investments:
CIBC Mellon
Siguler Guff
ConvergEx
Other equity investments

Dec. 31,

2016
$ 1,282 $

2015
640

509
256
76
222

473
262
86
218

Total equity in a joint venture and other
investments

1,063

1,039

Tax-advantaged low-income housing
investments
Federal Reserve Bank stock
Seed capital
Private equity investments (a)

Total equity in a joint venture and
other investments

914
466
395
43

918
453
245
34

$ 4,163 $ 3,329

(a)  Represents investments in small business investment 

companies (“SBICs”), which are compliant with the Volcker 
Rule.

Renewable energy investments 

We invest in renewable energy projects to receive an 
expected after-tax return, which consists of allocated 
renewable energy tax credits, tax deductions and cash 
distributions based on the operations of the project.  
The pre-tax losses on these investments are recorded 
in investment and other income on the Income 
Statement.  The corresponding tax benefits and 
credits are recorded as a reduction to the provision for 

Results of Operations (continued)

income taxes on the Income Statement.  As a result of 
increased investments in renewable energy in 2016, 
we expect investment and other income to be 
negatively impacted in future periods. 

For additional information on the fair value of certain 
seed capital investments and our private equity 
investments, see Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

Loans 

Total exposure – consolidated

(in billions)
Non-margin loans:

Financial institutions
Commercial

Subtotal institutional

Wealth management loans and mortgages
Commercial real estate
Lease financings
Other residential mortgages
Overdrafts
Other

Subtotal non-margin loans

Margin loans
Total

Dec. 31, 2016
Unfunded
commitments

Loans

Total
exposure

Dec. 31, 2015
Unfunded
commitments

Loans

Total
exposure

$

$

14.7 $
2.6
17.3
15.6
4.7
1.7
0.9
5.5
1.2
46.9
17.6
64.5 $

33.7 $
17.5
51.2
1.3
3.2
—
—
—
—
55.7
0.1
55.8 $

48.4
20.1
68.5
16.9
7.9
1.7
0.9
5.5
1.2
102.6
17.7
120.3

$

$

15.9 $
2.3
18.2
13.3
3.9
1.9
1.1
4.5
1.2
44.1
19.6
63.7 $

36.0 $
18.2
54.2
1.6
3.3
—
—
—
—
59.1
0.6
59.7 $

51.9
20.5
72.4
14.9
7.2
1.9
1.1
4.5
1.2
103.2
20.2
123.4  

At Dec. 31, 2016, total exposures were $120.3 
billion, a decrease of 3% compared with Dec. 31, 
2015.  The decrease in total exposure primarily 
reflects lower exposure to financial institutions and 
lower margin loans, partially offset by higher wealth 
management loans and mortgages and overdrafts.  

Our financial institutions and commercial portfolios 
comprise our largest concentrated risk.  These 
portfolios comprised 57% of our total exposure at 
Dec. 31, 2016 and 59% at Dec. 31, 2015.  
Additionally, a substantial portion of our overdrafts 
relate to financial institutions.

Financial institutions

The financial institutions portfolio is shown below.

Financial institutions
portfolio exposure
(dollar amounts in billions)
Securities industry
Banks
Asset managers
Insurance
Government
Other

Total

Loans

Unfunded
commitments

% due
<1 yr.

Loans

Dec. 31, 2015
Unfunded
commitments

Dec. 31, 2016
Total
exposure
23.0
9.9
7.7
3.9
1.0
2.9
48.4

19.2 $
2.0
6.2
3.8
0.9
1.6
33.7 $

% Inv.
grade
99%
69
97
99
91
99
92%

99% $
95
82
25
40
32
84% $ 15.9 $

3.1 $
9.4
2.0
0.2
0.1
1.1

Total
exposure
23.7
11.5
7.6
4.7
2.0
2.4
51.9  

20.6 $
2.1
5.6
4.5
1.9
1.3
36.0 $

$

$

3.8 $
7.9
1.5
0.1
0.1
1.3
14.7 $

The financial institutions portfolio exposure was 
$48.4 billion at Dec. 31, 2016, compared with $51.9 
billion at Dec. 31, 2015.  The decrease primarily 
reflects lower exposure in the banks, government and 
insurance portfolios.

Financial institution exposures are high-quality, with 
92% of the exposures meeting the investment grade 
equivalent criteria of our internal credit rating 

classification at Dec. 31, 2016.  Each customer is 
assigned an internal credit rating, which is mapped to 
an equivalent external rating agency grade based 
upon a number of dimensions which are continually 
evaluated and may change over time.  The exposure 
to financial institutions is generally short-term.  Of 
these exposures, 84% expire within one year and 21% 
expire within 90 days.  In addition, 80% of the 
financial institutions exposure is secured.  For 

BNY Mellon 39 

Results of Operations (continued)

example, securities industry clients and asset 
managers often borrow against marketable securities 
held in custody.

For ratings of non-U.S. counterparties, our internal 
credit rating is generally capped at a rating equivalent 
to the sovereign rating of the country where the 
counterparty resides, regardless of the internal credit 
rating assigned to the counterparty or the underlying 
collateral.

At Dec. 31, 2016, the secured intraday credit 
provided to dealers in connection with their tri-party 
repo activity totaled $18.7 billion and was primarily 
included in the securities industry portfolio. Dealers 
secure the outstanding intraday credit with high-
quality liquid collateral having a market value in 
excess of the amount of the outstanding credit.

Commercial

The commercial portfolio is presented below.

Our bank exposure primarily relates to our global 
trade finance.  These exposures are short-term in 
nature, with 95% due in less than one year.  The 
investment grade percentage of our bank exposure 
was 69% at Dec. 31, 2016, compared with 86% at 
Dec. 31, 2015.  The decrease in the investment grade 
percentage reflects the impact of the downgrade in 
the sovereign rating of Brazil to noninvestment grade.  
Our exposure in Brazil includes $1.3 billion in loans, 
which are primarily short-term trade finance loans 
extended to large financial institutions. 

The asset manager portfolio exposures are high-
quality with 97% of the exposures meeting our 
investment grade equivalent ratings criteria as of Dec. 
31, 2016.  These exposures are generally short-term 
liquidity facilities, with the vast majority to regulated 
mutual funds. 

Commercial portfolio exposure

(dollar amounts in billions)
Manufacturing
Energy and utilities
Services and other
Media and telecom

Total

Loans

Unfunded
commitments

$

$

1.1 $
0.6
0.6
0.3
2.6 $

Dec. 31, 2016
Total
exposure
7.8
5.3
4.9
2.1
20.1

6.7 $
4.7
4.3
1.8
17.5 $

% Inv.
grade
94%
95
94
96
94%

% due
<1 yr.

Loans

Dec. 31, 2015
Unfunded
commitments

11% $
8
24
2
12% $

0.6 $
0.6
0.8
0.3
2.3 $

Total
exposure
6.9
5.5
6.3
1.8
20.5  

6.3 $
4.9
5.5
1.5
18.2 $

The commercial portfolio exposure decreased to 
$20.1 billion at Dec. 31, 2016, from $20.5 billion at 
Dec. 31, 2015, primarily reflecting a decrease in total 
exposure in the services and other portfolio, partially 
offset by an increase in exposure to the 
manufacturing portfolio.

Utilities-related exposure represents approximately 
three-quarters of the energy and utilities portfolio.  
The remaining exposure in the energy and utilities 
portfolio, which includes exposure to refining, 
integrated companies, exploration and production 
companies and pipelines, was 76% investment grade 
at Dec. 31, 2016, compared with 94% at Dec. 31, 
2015.

The following table summarizes the percentage of the 
financial institutions and commercial portfolio 
exposures that are investment grade.

 40 BNY Mellon

Percentage of the portfolios
that are investment grade
Financial institutions
Commercial

Dec. 31,
2015
96%
94%

2016
92%
94%

2014
93%
94%

Our credit strategy is to focus on investment grade 
clients that are active users of our non-credit services.  
The execution of our strategy has resulted in 92% of 
our financial institutions portfolio and 94% of our 
commercial portfolio rated as investment grade at 
Dec. 31, 2016. 

Wealth management loans and mortgages 

Our wealth management exposure was $16.9 billion 
at Dec. 31, 2016, compared with $14.9 billion at Dec. 
31, 2015.  Wealth management loans and mortgages 
primarily consist of loans to high net worth 
individuals, which are secured by marketable 
securities and/or residential property.  Wealth 

Results of Operations (continued)

management mortgages are primarily interest-only, 
adjustable-rate mortgages with a weighted-average 
loan-to-value ratio of 61% at origination.  In the 
wealth management portfolio, less than 1% of the 
mortgages were past due at Dec. 31, 2016.

At Dec. 31, 2016, the wealth management mortgage 
portfolio consisted of the following geographic 
concentrations:  California - 24%; New York - 19%;  
Massachusetts - 12%; Florida - 7%; and other - 38%.

Commercial real estate

Our income-producing commercial real estate 
facilities are focused on experienced owners and are 
structured with moderate leverage based on existing 
cash flows.  Our commercial real estate lending 
activities also include construction and renovation 
facilities.  Our client base consists of experienced 
developers and long-term holders of real estate assets.  
Loans are approved on the basis of existing or 
projected cash flows, and supported by appraisals and 
knowledge of local market conditions.  Development 
loans are structured with moderate leverage, and in 
many instances, involve some level of recourse to the 
developer.  Our commercial real estate exposure 
totaled $7.9 billion at Dec. 31, 2016, compared with 
$7.2 billion at Dec. 31, 2015.

At Dec. 31, 2016, 60% of our commercial real estate 
portfolio was secured.  The secured portfolio is 
diverse by project type, with 46% secured by 
residential buildings, 36% secured by office 
buildings, 12% secured by retail properties and 6% 
secured by other categories.  Approximately 97% of 
the unsecured portfolio consists of real estate 
investment trusts (“REITs”) and real estate operating 
companies, which are both predominantly investment 
grade.

At Dec. 31, 2016, our commercial real estate 
portfolio consists of the following concentrations: 
New York metro - 42%; REITs and real estate 
operating companies - 39%; and other - 19%.

Lease financings

The leasing portfolio exposure totaled $1.7 billion at 
Dec. 31, 2016, compared with $1.9 billion at Dec. 31, 
2015.  At Dec. 31, 2016, approximately 93% of the 
leasing portfolio exposure was investment grade, or 
investment grade equivalent.

At Dec. 31, 2016, the lease financing portfolio 
consisted of exposures backed by well-diversified 
assets, primarily large-ticket transportation 
equipment.  The largest component is rail, consisting 
of both passenger and freight train cars.  Assets are 
both domestic and foreign-based, with primary 
concentrations in the United States and Germany.  
Approximately 45% of this portfolio is additionally 
secured by highly rated securities and/or secured by 
letters of credit from investment grade issuers.  
Counterparty rating equivalents at Dec. 31, 2016 
were as follows:

• 
• 
• 

42% of the counterparties were A, or equivalent;
51% were BBB; and 
7% were non-investment grade.

Other residential mortgages

The other residential mortgages portfolio primarily 
consists of 1-4 family residential mortgage loans and 
totaled $0.9 billion at Dec. 31, 2016 and $1.1 billion 
at Dec. 31, 2015.  Included in this portfolio at Dec. 
31, 2016 are $221 million of mortgage loans 
purchased in 2005, 2006 and the first quarter of 2007 
that are predominantly prime mortgage loans, with a 
small portion of Alt-A loans.  As of Dec. 31, 2016, 
the purchased loans in this portfolio had a weighted-
average loan-to-value ratio of 76% at origination and 
14% of the serviced loan balance was at least 60 days 
delinquent.  The properties securing the prime and 
Alt-A mortgage loans were located (in order of 
concentration) in California, Florida, Virginia, the tri-
state area (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut) 
and Maryland.

To determine the projected loss on the prime and Alt-
A mortgage portfolios, we calculate the total 
estimated defaults of these mortgages and multiply 
that amount by an estimate of realizable value upon 
sale in the marketplace (severity).

Overdrafts

Overdrafts primarily relate to custody and securities 
clearance clients.  Overdrafts occur on a daily basis in 
the custody and securities clearance business and are 
generally repaid within two business days.

Other loans

Other loans primarily include loans to consumers that 
are fully collateralized with equities, mutual funds 
and fixed income securities.

BNY Mellon 41 

Results of Operations (continued)

Margin loans

Margin loans are collateralized with marketable 
securities, and borrowers are required to maintain a 
daily collateral margin in excess of 100% of the value 

Loans by category

of the loan.  Margin loans include $6.3 billion at Dec. 
31, 2016 and $7.8 billion at Dec. 31, 2015 related to a 
term loan program that offers fully collateralized 
loans to broker-dealers. 

The following table shows loans outstanding at year-end over the last five years.

Loans by category – at year-end
(in millions)
Domestic:

Financial institutions
Commercial
Wealth management loans and mortgages
Commercial real estate
Lease financings
Other residential mortgages
Overdrafts
Other
Margin loans

Total domestic

Foreign:

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

Dec. 31,

$

6,342 $
2,286
15,555
4,639
989
854
1,055
1,202
17,503
50,425

6,640 $
2,115
13,247
3,899
1,007
1,055
911
1,137
19,340
49,351

5,603 $
1,390
11,095
2,524
1,282
1,222
1,348
1,113
20,034
45,611

4,511 $
1,534
9,743
2,001
1,322
1,385
1,314
768
15,652
38,230

5,455
1,306
8,796
1,677
1,329
1,632
2,228
639
13,397
36,459

Financial institutions
Commercial
Wealth management loans and mortgages
Commercial real estate
Lease financings
Other (primarily overdrafts)
Margin loans

5,833
111
68
63
1,025
3,070
—
10,170
46,629
(a)  Net of unearned income of $527 million at Dec. 31, 2016, $674 million at Dec. 31, 2015, $866 million at Dec. 31, 2014, $1,020 million 

9,259
227
100
46
850
3,637
233
14,352
63,703 $

9,848
113
75
9
945
2,437
—
13,427
51,657 $

7,716
252
89
6
889
4,569
—
13,521
59,132 $

8,347
331
99
15
736
4,418
87
14,033
64,458 $

Total foreign
Total loans (a)

$

at Dec. 31, 2013 and $1,135 million at Dec. 31, 2012, primarily on domestic and foreign lease financings.

Foreign loans

Maturity of loan portfolio at Dec. 31, 2016 (a)

We have credit relationships in foreign markets, 
particularly in areas associated with our securities 
servicing and trade finance activities.  Excluding 
lease financings, these activities resulted in 
outstanding foreign loans of $13.3 billion at Dec. 31, 
2016 and $13.5 billion at Dec. 31, 2015.  The 
decrease primarily resulted from lower loans to 
financial institutions and margin loans, partially offset 
by higher other loans.

Maturity of loan portfolio

The following table shows the maturity structure of 
our loan portfolio at Dec. 31, 2016.

 42 BNY Mellon

(in millions)
Domestic:
Financial
institutions
Commercial
Commercial
real estate
Overdrafts
Other
Margin loans
Subtotal

Within
1 year

Between
1 and 5

years  

After
5 years  

Total

$ 5,120 $
314

837
1,972

$

385
—

$ 6,342
2,286

2,508
—
—
250
5,567
877

680
1,055
1,202
17,253
25,624
12,266

4,639
1,055
1,202
17,503
33,027
13,198
$ 37,890 $ 6,444 (b) $ 1,891 (b) $46,225
(a)  Excludes loans collateralized by residential properties, lease 
financings and wealth management loans and mortgages.
(b)  Variable rate loans due after one year totaled $8.3 billion 

1,451
—
—
—
1,836
55

Foreign

Total

and fixed rate loans totaled $69 million.

 
Results of Operations (continued)

Asset quality and allowance for credit losses

Over the past several years, we have improved our 
risk profile through greater focus on clients who are 
active users of our non-credit services.  Our primary 
exposure to the credit risk of a customer consists of 
funded loans, unfunded formal contractual 
commitments to lend, standby letters of credit and 
overdrafts associated with our custody and securities 
clearance businesses.

Allowance for credit losses activity
(dollar amounts in millions)
Margin loans
Non-margin loans
Total loans
Average loans outstanding

Balance, Jan. 1
Domestic
Foreign

Total allowance at Jan. 1

Charge-offs:

Commercial
Commercial real estate
Financial institutions
Wealth management loans and mortgages
Other residential mortgages
Foreign

Total charge-offs

Recoveries:

Commercial
Financial institutions
Other residential mortgages
Foreign

Total recoveries
Net recoveries (charge-offs)

Provision for credit losses
Balance, Dec. 31,
Domestic
Foreign

Total allowance, Dec. 31,

Allowance for loan losses
Allowance for lending-related commitments
Net (recoveries) charge-offs to average loans outstanding
Net (recoveries) charge-offs to total allowance for credit losses
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of non-margin loans
Total allowance for credit losses as a percentage of total loans
Total allowance for credit losses as a percentage of non-margin loans

The role of credit has shifted to one that complements 
our other services instead of as a lead product.  We 
believe credit solidifies customer relationships and, 
through a disciplined allocation of capital, we can 
earn acceptable rates of return as part of an overall 
relationship.

The following table details changes in our allowance 
for credit losses.

2016

$ 17,590
46,868
$ 64,458
$ 61,681

2015
$ 19,573
43,708
$ 63,281
$ 60,672

2014
$ 20,034
39,077
$ 59,111
$ 54,210

2013
$ 15,652
36,005
$ 51,657
$ 48,316

2012
$ 13,397
33,232
$ 46,629
$ 43,060

$

$
$

240
35
275

—
—
—
—
(2)
—
(2)

—
13
5
1
19
17
(11)

$

$

236
44
280

$

288
56
344

$

339
48
387

—
—
(170)
—
(2)
—
(172)

—
1
6
—
7
(165)
160

(12)
(2)
—
(1)
(2)
(3)
(20)

1
1
2
—
4
(16)
(48)

(4)
(1)
—
(1)
(8)
(3)
(17)

1
4
4
—
9
(8)
(35)

$
$

245
36
281
169
112
(0.03)%
(6.05)
0.26
0.36
0.44
0.60

$
$

240
35
275
157
118
0.27%
60.00
0.25
0.36
0.43
0.63

$
$

236
44
280
191
89
0.03%
5.71
0.32
0.49
0.47
0.72

$
$

288
56
344
210
134
0.02%
2.33
0.41
0.58
0.67
0.96

439
58
497

(2)
—
(13)
(1)
(22)
—
(38)

2
—
6
—
8
(30)
(80)

339
48
387
266
121
0.07%
7.75
0.57
0.80
0.83
1.16

Net recoveries of $17 million in 2016 were primarily 
reflected in the financial institutions portfolio. 
Recoveries primarily reflect the receipt of trust assets 
from the bankruptcy proceedings of Sentinel in 
excess of the carrying value of $171 million.  Net 
charge-offs of $165 million in 2015 were primarily 
reflected in the financial institutions portfolio and 
included a portion of the unsecured loan to Sentinel 

that was reestablished in December 2015.  Net 
charge-offs of $16 million in 2014 were primarily 
reflected in the commercial loan and foreign loan 
portfolios. 

The provision for credit losses was a credit of $11 
million in 2016, a provision of $160 million in 2015 
and a credit of $48 million in 2014.  The provision in 

BNY Mellon 43 

Results of Operations (continued)

2015 was primarily driven by an impairment charge 
related to a court decision regarding Sentinel.

The total allowance for credit losses was $281 million 
at Dec. 31, 2016, $275 million at Dec. 31, 2015 and 
$280 million at Dec. 31, 2014.  The ratio of the total 
allowance for credit losses to non-margin loans was 
0.60% at Dec. 31, 2016, 0.63% at Dec. 31, 2015 and 
0.72% at Dec. 31, 2014.  The ratio of the allowance 
for loan losses to non-margin loans was 0.36% at 
Dec. 31, 2016 compared with 0.36% at Dec. 31, 2015 
and 0.49% at Dec. 31, 2014.  The lower ratios at Dec. 
31, 2016 compared with Dec. 31, 2015 primarily 
reflect an improvement in the credit quality in the 
loan portfolio.

We had $17.6 billion of secured margin loans on our 
balance sheet at Dec. 31, 2016 compared with $19.6 
billion at Dec. 31, 2015 and $20.0 billion at Dec. 31, 
2014.  We have rarely suffered a loss on these types 
of loans and do not allocate any of our allowance for 
credit losses to them.  As a result, we believe that the 
ratio of total allowance for credit losses as a 
percentage of non-margin loans is a more appropriate 
metric to measure the adequacy of the reserve.

The allowance for loan losses and allowance for 
lending-related commitments represent 

Nonperforming assets

management’s estimate of losses inherent in our 
credit portfolio.  This evaluation process is subject to 
numerous estimates and judgments. 

Based on an evaluation of the allowance for credit 
losses as discussed in “Critical accounting estimates” 
and Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements, we have allocated our allowance for 
credit losses as follows.

Allocation of allowance

Commercial
Commercial real estate
Foreign
Other residential mortgages
Financial institutions
Wealth management (a)
Lease financing

2013

2015

Dec. 31,
2016
2012
2014
29% 30% 21% 24% 27%
26
18
13
16
10
14
9
11
8
8
5
12
100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

22
13
12
11
7
5

12
16
16
14
7
11

8
12
23
9
8
13

Total
Includes the allowance for wealth management mortgages.

(a) 

The allocation of the allowance for credit losses is 
inherently judgmental, and the entire allowance for 
credit losses is available to absorb credit losses 
regardless of the nature of the loss.  

The following table shows the distribution of nonperforming assets.

Nonperforming assets
(dollars in millions)
Nonperforming loans:

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

Dec. 31,

$

$

$

$

$

Other assets owned

Total nonperforming loans

Total nonperforming assets (a)

Other residential mortgages
Wealth management loans and mortgages
Lease financings
Financial institutions
Commercial real estate
Commercial
Foreign

158
30
—
3
18
27
9
245
4
249
0.53%
Nonperforming assets ratio
0.75
Nonperforming assets ratio, excluding margin loans
108.6
Allowance for loan losses/nonperforming loans
106.8
Allowance for loan losses/nonperforming assets
158.0
Total allowance for credit losses/nonperforming loans
155.4
Total allowance for credit losses/nonperforming assets
(a)  Loans of consolidated investment management funds are not part of BNY Mellon’s loan portfolio.  Included in the loans of consolidated 
investment management funds are nonperforming loans of $53 million at Dec. 31, 2014, $16 million at Dec. 31, 2013 and $174 million 
at Dec. 31, 2012.  These loans are recorded at fair value and therefore do not impact the provision for credit losses and allowance for 
loan losses, and accordingly are excluded from the nonperforming assets table above.  In the second quarter of 2015, BNY Mellon 
adopted the accounting guidance included in ASU 2015-02, Consolidations.  As a result, we deconsolidated substantially all of the loans 
of consolidated investment management funds retrospectively to Jan. 1, 2015.

91
8
4
—
—
—
—
103
4
107
0.17%
0.23
164.1
157.9
272.8
262.6

112
12
—
—
1
—
—
125
3
128
0.22%
0.33
152.8
149.2
224.0
218.8

117
11
—
—
4
15
6
153
3
156
0.30%
0.43
137.3
134.6
224.8
220.5

102
11
—
171
2
—
—
286
6
292
0.46%
0.67
54.9
53.8
96.2
94.2

$

$

$

$

$

 44 BNY Mellon

Results of Operations (continued)

Nonperforming assets activity
(in millions)
Balance at beginning of period

Additions
Return to accrual status
Charge-offs
Paydowns/sales

Balance at end of period

Dec. 31,
2016

$

$

292 $
20
(2)
(1)
(202)
107 $

Dec. 31,
2015
128
360
(3)
(172)
(21)
292

Nonperforming assets were $107 million at Dec. 31, 
2016, a decrease of $185 million compared with $292 
million at Dec. 31, 2015.  The decrease in 
nonperforming assets primarily reflects the receipt of 
trust assets from the bankruptcy proceedings of 
Sentinel. 

The nonperforming assets ratio was 0.17% at Dec. 
31, 2016, 0.46% at Dec. 31, 2015 and 0.22% at Dec. 
31, 2014.  The ratio of the allowance for loan losses 
to nonperforming loans was 164.1% at Dec. 31, 2016, 
54.9% at Dec. 31, 2015 and 152.8% at Dec. 31, 2014.  
The ratio of the total allowance for credit losses to 
nonperforming loans was 272.8% at Dec. 31, 2016, 
96.2% at Dec. 31, 2015 and 224.0% at Dec. 31, 2014.  
The changes in these ratios at Dec. 31, 2016 
compared with the prior year reflect the decrease in 
nonperforming assets as a result of the recovery 
related to Sentinel.

The following table shows loans past due 90 days or 
more and still accruing interest.

(in millions)
Domestic:

Consumer
Commercial
Total domestic
Foreign

$

Total past due loans $

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

7 $
—
7
—
7 $

5 $
—
5
—
5 $

6 $
—
6
—
6 $

7 $
—
7
—
7 $

6
—
6
—
6

Loans past due 90 days or more at Dec. 31, 2016 
primarily consisted of other residential mortgage 
loans.  See Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated 
Financial Statements for additional information on 
our past due loans.  See “Nonperforming assets” in 
Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements for our policy for placing loans on 
nonaccrual status.

Deposits

We receive client deposits through a variety of 
Investment Management and Investment Services 
businesses and we rely on those deposits as a low-
cost and stable source of funding.

Total deposits were $221 billion, a decrease of 21% 
compared with $280 billion at Dec. 31, 2015.  The 
decrease in deposits primarily reflects lower interest-
bearing deposits in non-U.S. offices primarily driven 
by lower client deposits in our Investment Services 
business.

Noninterest-bearing deposits were $78 billion at Dec. 
31, 2016 compared with $96 billion at Dec. 31, 2015.  
Interest-bearing deposits were $143 billion at Dec. 
31, 2016 compared with $183 billion at Dec. 31, 
2015.

The aggregate amount of deposits by foreign 
customers in domestic offices was $36 billion and 
$43 billion at Dec. 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2015, 
respectively.  The Dec. 31, 2015 amount was adjusted 
to reflect enhanced information.

Deposits in foreign offices totaled $99 billion at Dec. 
31, 2016 and $139 billion at Dec. 31, 2015.  The 
majority of these deposits were in amounts in excess 
of $100,000 and were primarily overnight foreign 
deposits.

The following table shows the maturity breakdown of 
domestic time deposits of $100,000 or more at Dec. 
31, 2016.

Certificates
of deposit

Other time
deposits

(in millions)
3 months or less
Between 3 and 6 months
Between 6 and 12 months
Over 12 months
Total

$

$

32 $
36
9
2
79 $

Total
36,728 $ 36,760
36
9
2
36,728 $ 36,807

—
—
—

BNY Mellon 45 

Results of Operations (continued)

Short-term borrowings

We fund ourselves primarily through deposits and, to 
a lesser extent, other short-term borrowings and long-
term debt.  Short-term borrowings consist of federal 
funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase 
agreements, payables to customers and broker-
dealers, commercial paper and other borrowed funds.  
Certain other borrowings, for example, securities sold 
under repurchase agreements, require the delivery of 
securities as collateral.

See “Liquidity and dividends” for a discussion of 
long-term debt and liquidity metrics that we monitor.

Information related to federal funds purchased and 
securities sold under repurchase agreements is 
presented below.

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under
repurchase agreements

2016

(dollars in millions)
Maximum month-end
balance during the year
Average daily balance
Weighted-average rate
during the year
Ending balance at Dec. 31 $ 9,989
Weighted-average rate at
Dec. 31

$ 25,995
$ 14,489

2015

2014

$ 30,160
$ 16,452

$ 24,422
$ 18,631

0.25% (0.04)%

(0.07)%

$ 15,002

$ 11,469

0.10 %

(0.02)%

0.38%

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under
repurchase agreements

Quarter ended
Sept. 30,
2016

Dec. 31,
2016

Dec. 31,
2015

(dollars in millions)
Maximum month-end
balance during the quarter $ 12,418
$ 11,567
Average daily balance
Weighted-average rate
during the quarter
Ending balance
Weighted-average rate at
period end

$

0.30%
9,989

0.38%

$ 11,184
$ 9,585

$30,160
$20,349

0.24% (0.03)%

$ 8,052

$15,002

0.25%

0.10 %

Fluctuations of federal funds purchased and securities 
sold under repurchase agreements between periods 
resulted from changes in overnight borrowing 
opportunities.  The increase in the weighted-average 
rates, compared to prior periods, primarily reflects 
increases in the Fed Funds effective rate. 

 46 BNY Mellon

Information related to payables to customers and 
broker-dealers is presented below.  

Payables to customers and broker-dealers

2016

(dollars in millions)
Maximum month-end
$ 22,327
balance during the year
Average daily balance (a) $ 21,149
Weighted-average rate 
during the year (a)
Ending balance at Dec. 31 $ 20,987
Weighted-average
rate at Dec. 31

0.07%

0.09%

2015

2014

$ 23,027
$ 22,062

$ 21,181
$ 17,950

0.06%

0.09%

$ 21,900

$ 21,181

0.07%

0.09%

(a)  The weighted-average rate is calculated based on, and is 
applied to, the average interest-bearing payables to 
customers and broker-dealers, which were $16,925 million 
in 2016, $11,649 million in 2015 and $9,502 million in 2014.

Payables to customers and broker-dealers

Quarter ended
Sept. 30,
2016

Dec. 31,
2016

Dec. 31,
2015

(dollars in millions)
Maximum month-end
balance during the quarter $ 21,082
$ 20,978
Average daily balance (a)
Weighted-average rate 
during the quarter (a)
Ending balance
Weighted-average rate at
period end

$ 20,987

0.07%

0.09%

$ 21,162
$ 20,616

$ 23,027
$ 22,654

0.07%

0.06%

$ 21,162

$ 21,900

0.07%

0.07%

(a)  The weighted-average rate is calculated based on, and is 
applied to, the average interest-bearing payables to 
customers and broker-dealers, which were $17,091 million 
in the fourth quarter of 2016, $16,873 million in the third 
quarter of 2016 and $12,904 million in the fourth quarter of 
2015.

Payables to customers and broker-dealers represent 
funds awaiting re-investment and short sale proceeds 
payable on demand.  Payables to customers and 
broker-dealers are driven by customer trading activity 
levels and market volatility.  

Information related to commercial paper is presented 
below.

Commercial paper

(dollars in millions)
Maximum month-end
balance during the year
Average daily balance
Weighted-average rate
during the year
Ending balance at Dec. 31 $
Weighted-average rate at
Dec. 31

2016

2015

2014

$ 4,950
$ 1,337

$
$

4,849
1,549

$
$

5,003
2,546

0.37%

0.10%

— $

— $

0.08%
—

—%

—%

—%

Results of Operations (continued)

Commercial paper

Quarter ended

Liquidity and dividends

(dollars in millions)
Maximum month-end
balance during the quarter $
$
Average daily balance
Weighted-average rate
during the quarter
Ending balance
Weighted-average rate at
period end

$

Dec. 31,
2016

Sept. 30,
2016

Dec. 31,
2015

1,239
383

$ 1,000
$ 1,173

$
$

0.34%

0.35%

— $

— $

—%

—%

—
—

—%
—

—%

The Parent’s commercial paper program was 
discontinued in August 2015.  In the first quarter of 
2016, The Bank of New York Mellon, our largest 
bank subsidiary, began issuing commercial paper that 
matures within 364 days from the date of issue and is 
not redeemable prior to maturity or subject to 
voluntary prepayment.

Information related to other borrowed funds is 
presented below. 

Other borrowed funds

(dollars in millions)
Maximum month-end
balance during the year
Average daily balance
Weighted-average rate
during the year
Ending balance at Dec. 31 $
Weighted-average rate at
Dec. 31

2016

2015

2014

$ 1,280
846
$

$
$

$

1,151
814

1.12%
523

$
$

$

1,723
1,027

0.61%
786

0.91%
754

0.89%

0.97%

1.15%

Other borrowed funds

(dollars in millions)
Maximum month-end
balance during the quarter $
$
Average daily balance
Weighted-average rate
during the quarter
Ending balance
Weighted-average rate at
period end

$

Quarter ended
Sept. 30,
2016

Dec. 31,
2016

Dec. 31,
2015

1,280
903

0.95%
754

$
$

$

993
874

0.76%
993

$
$

$

846
733

1.13%
523

0.89%

0.75%

0.97%

Other borrowed funds primarily include overdrafts of 
sub-custodian account balances in our Investment 
Services businesses and borrowings under lines of 
credit by our Pershing subsidiaries.  Overdrafts 
typically relate to timing differences for settlements.  
Fluctuations in other borrowed funds balances 
primarily reflect changes in overdrafts of sub-
custodian account balances in our Investment 
Services businesses.

BNY Mellon defines liquidity as the ability of the 
Parent and its subsidiaries to access funding or 
convert assets to cash quickly and efficiently, or to 
rollover or issue new debt, especially during periods 
of market stress and in order to meet its short-term 
(up to one year) obligations.  Liquidity risk is the risk 
that BNY Mellon cannot meet its cash and collateral 
obligations at a reasonable cost for both expected and 
unexpected cash flows without adversely affecting 
daily operations or our financial condition.  Liquidity 
risk can arise from cash flow mismatches, market 
constraints from the inability to convert assets to 
cash, the inability to raise cash in the markets, deposit 
run-off or contingent liquidity events.  We also 
manage liquidity risks on an intra-day basis, in a 
manner designed to ensure that we can access 
required funds during the business day to make 
payments or settle immediate obligations, often in 
real time.  Changes in economic conditions or 
exposure to credit, market, operational, legal and 
reputational risks also can affect BNY Mellon’s 
liquidity risk profile and are considered in our 
liquidity risk framework.

For additional information on our liquidity policy, see 
“Risk Management - Liquidity risk.”

Our overall approach to liquidity management is to 
ensure that sources of liquidity are sufficient in 
amount and diversity such that changes in funding 
requirements at the Parent and at our significant bank 
and broker-dealer subsidiaries can be accommodated 
routinely without material adverse impact on 
earnings, daily operations or our financial condition.

BNY Mellon seeks to maintain an adequate liquidity 
cushion in both normal and stressed environments 
and seeks to diversify funding sources by line of 
business, customer and market segment.  In addition, 
we monitor and control liquidity exposures and 
funding needs within and across significant legal 
entities, branches, currencies and business lines, 
taking into account, among other factors, any 
applicable restrictions on the transfer of liquidity 
among entities.

Additionally, we seek to maintain liquidity ratios 
within approved limits and liquidity risk tolerance, 
maintain a liquid asset buffer that can be liquidated, 
financed and/or pledged as necessary, and control the 
levels and sources of wholesale funds.  Moreover, 

BNY Mellon 47 

Results of Operations (continued)

BNY Mellon also manages potential intraday 
liquidity risks, which are the risks that the firm cannot 
fund or settle obligations during the business day.  
Sources of intraday liquidity risks include timing 
mismatches of inflows and outflows, the inability to 
hold or raise intraday cash, and unexpected market or 
idiosyncratic events.  We monitor and manage 
intraday liquidity against existing and expected 
intraday liquid resources (such as cash balances, 
remaining intraday credit capacity, intraday 
contingency funding and available collateral) to 
enable BNY Mellon to meet its obligations under 
normal and reasonably severe stressed conditions.

When monitoring liquidity, we evaluate multiple 
metrics in order to have sufficient liquidity for 
expected and unexpected events.  Metrics include 
cash flow mismatches, asset maturities, debt spreads, 
peer ratios, liquid assets, unencumbered collateral, 
funding sources and balance sheet liquidity ratios.  
We also maintain various internal liquidity limits as 
part of our standard analysis to monitor depositor and 
market funding concentration, liability maturity 

Available and liquid funds
(in millions)
Available funds:
Liquid funds:

profile and potential liquidity draws due to off-
balance sheet exposures. 

The Parent’s liquidity policy is to have sufficient 
unencumbered cash and cash equivalents on hand at 
each quarter-end to cover forecasted debt 
redemptions, net interest payments and net tax 
payments for the following 18-month period, and to 
provide sufficient collateral to satisfy transactions 
subject to Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act.  
As of Dec. 31, 2016, the Parent was in compliance 
with this policy. 

We define available funds for internal liquidity 
management purposes as liquid funds (which include 
interest-bearing deposits with banks and federal funds 
sold and securities purchased under resale 
agreements), cash and due from banks, and interest-
bearing deposits with the Federal Reserve and other 
central banks.  The following table presents our total 
available funds including liquid funds at period end 
and on an average basis.  

Dec. 31,
2016

Dec. 31,
2015

Average

2016

2015

2014

Interest-bearing deposits with banks
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements

Total liquid funds

Cash and due from banks
Interest-bearing deposits with the Federal Reserve and other central banks

Total available funds
Total available funds as a percentage of total assets

$ 15,086
25,801
40,887
4,822
58,041
$ 103,750

$ 15,146
24,373
39,519
6,537
113,203
$ 159,259

$ 14,704
25,767
40,471
4,308
80,593
$ 125,372

$ 20,531
23,384
43,915
6,180
83,029
$ 133,124

$ 35,588
14,704
50,292
5,472
86,594
$ 142,358

31%

40%

35%

36%

38%  

At Dec. 31, 2016, we had $41 billion of liquid funds, 
compared with $40 billion at Dec. 31, 2015.  Of the 
$41 billion in liquid funds held at Dec. 31, 2016, $15 
billion was placed in interest-bearing deposits with 
large, highly-rated global financial institutions with a 
weighted-average life to maturity of approximately 
31 days.  Of the $15 billion, $4 billion was placed 
with banks in the Eurozone.

Total available funds totaled $104 billion at Dec. 31, 
2016, compared with $159 billion at Dec. 31, 2015.  
The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in 
overnight deposits with the Federal Reserve and other 
central banks, which reflects a decrease of customer 
deposits, primarily interest bearing deposits in non-
U.S. offices. 

 48 BNY Mellon

On an average basis for 2016 and 2015, non-core 
sources of funds, such as money market rate 
accounts, federal funds purchased and securities sold 
under repurchase agreements, trading liabilities, 
commercial paper and other borrowings, were $25.2 
billion and $26.7 billion, respectively.  The decrease 
primarily reflects a decrease in securities sold under 
repurchase agreements, partially offset by an increase 
in money market rate accounts.  Average foreign 
deposits, primarily from our European-based 
Investment Services business, were $102.4 billion for 
2016 compared with $109.6 billion for 2015.  
Domestic savings, interest-bearing demand and time 
deposits averaged $46.8 billion for 2016 and $48.3 
billion for 2015.  The decrease primarily reflects 
lower time deposits.  Average payables to customers 
and broker-dealers were $16.9 billion for 2016 and 

Results of Operations (continued)

$11.6 billion for 2015.  Payables to customers and 
broker-dealers are driven by customer trading activity 
and market volatility.  Long-term debt averaged $23.3 
billion for 2016 and $20.8 billion for 2015.  Average 
noninterest-bearing deposits decreased to $82.7 
billion for 2016 from $86.3 billion for 2015, 
reflecting a decrease in client deposits.  

A significant reduction in our Investment Services 
business would reduce our access to deposits.  See 
“Asset/liability management” for additional factors 
that could impact our deposit balances.

Sources of liquidity

The Parent’s three major sources of liquidity are cash 
on hand, access to the debt and equity markets and 
dividends from its subsidiaries.

The Parent had cash of $8.7 billion at Dec. 31, 2016, 
compared with $9.1 billion at Dec. 31, 2015, a 
decrease of $337 million primarily reflecting long-
term debt maturities, common stock repurchases, 
dividends paid and a net decrease in loans from 
subsidiaries, partially offset by the issuance of long-
term debt and preferred stock.

Our ability to access the capital markets on favorable terms, or at all, is partially dependent on our credit ratings, 
which are as follows:

Credit ratings at Dec. 31, 2016

Parent:
Long-term senior debt
Subordinated debt
Preferred stock
Trust preferred securities
Outlook - Parent:

The Bank of New York Mellon:
Long-term senior debt
Subordinated debt
Long-term deposits
Short-term deposits
Commercial paper

BNY Mellon, N.A.:
Long-term senior debt
Long-term deposits
Short-term deposits

Outlook - Banks:
(a)  Represents senior debt issuer default rating.
NR - Not rated.

In October 2016, S&P stated that in light of the 
resubmissions by the eight U.S. global systemically 
important banks (“G-SIBs”) of their resolution plans, 
S&P will include the ramifications of structural 
changes resulting from those resolution plans in its 
evaluations of the U.S. G-SIBs’ credit profiles.  If 
S&P determines that such structural changes increase 
risks to our debtholders, our ratings could be 
negatively impacted. 

In October 2016, Moody’s noted that while the U.S. 
G-SIB resolution plans are likely to have moderately 
negative implications for creditors, Moody’s did not 

Moody’s

A1
A2
Baa1
A3
Stable

Aa2
Aa3
Aa1
P1
P1

Aa2
Aa1
P1

Stable

S&P

A
A-
BBB
BBB
Stable

AA-
A
AA-
A-1+
A-1+

AA-
AA-
A-1+

Stable

Fitch

AA-
A+
BBB
BBB+
Stable

AA
A+
AA+
F1+
F1+

AA  (a)

AA+
F1+

Stable

DBRS

AA (low)
A (high)
A (low)
A (high)
Stable

AA
NR
AA
R-1 (high)
R-1 (high)

AA
AA
R-1 (high)

Stable

believe that the specific disclosed features of the 
resolution plans would impact these issuers’ ratings. 

Long-term debt totaled $24.5 billion at Dec. 31, 2016 
and $21.5 billion at Dec. 31, 2015.  The increase 
reflects issuances of $6.25 billion, partially offset by 
maturities of $2.45 billion and a call of $500 million 
of long-term debt and a decrease in the fair value of 
hedged long term debt.  Additionally, the Parent has 
$750 million of long-term debt that will mature in 
2017.

The following table presents the long-term debt 
issued by the Parent in 2016.

BNY Mellon 49 

Results of Operations (continued)

Debt issuances
(in millions)
Senior notes:

2.50% senior notes due 2021
2.05% senior notes due 2021
2.20% senior notes due 2023
3-month LIBOR + 105 bps senior notes due 2023

2.45% senior notes due 2026
2.80% senior notes due 2026

Senior subordinated notes:

3.00% senior subordinated notes due 2028

Total debt issuances

2016

$ 1,000
1,250
1,250

750
750
750

500
$ 6,250

In January 2017, we announced that all outstanding 
trust preferred securities issued by Mellon Capital III 
will be redeemed on March 20, 2017.  The 
redemption price for the trust-preferred securities will 
be equal to the par value plus interest accrued up to 
and excluding the redemption date.  For additional 
information on our trust-preferred securities, see Note 
11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

In February 2017, we issued $1.25 billion of senior 
notes maturing in 2022 at an annual interest rate of 
2.6%, and $1.0 billion of fixed rate to floating rate 
callable senior notes maturing in 2028 at an annual 
interest rate of 3.442% for the first 10 years and at 3-
month LIBOR plus 106.9 basis points in the 
remaining year.

In conjunction with our 2016 capital plan, on Aug. 1, 
2016, we completed a $1 billion offering of preferred 
stock, which satisfied the contingency for the 
repurchase of up to $560 million of common stock.  
We issued 10,000 shares of Series F preferred stock, 
which have a liquidation preference of $100,000 per 
share.  Dividends on the Series F noncumulative 
perpetual preferred stock will be paid, if declared by 
our board of directors, at an annual rate equal to 
4.625% on each March 20 and September 20, 
commencing March 20, 2017, through and including 
Sept. 20, 2026; and a floating rate equal to three-
month LIBOR plus 3.131% on each March 20, June 
20, September 20 and December 20, commencing 
Dec. 20, 2026.  For additional information on our 
preferred stock, see Note 13 of the Notes to 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Bank of New York Mellon, our largest bank 
subsidiary, began issuing commercial paper in 2016.  
The commercial paper matures within 364 days from 
date of issue and is not redeemable prior to maturity 
or subject to voluntary prepayment.  The Parent’s 
commercial paper program was discontinued in 

 50 BNY Mellon

August 2015.  The average commercial paper 
borrowings were $1.3 billion (The Bank of New York 
Mellon) in 2016 and $1.5 billion (Parent) in 2015.  
There was no commercial paper outstanding at Dec. 
31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2015.

Subsequent to Dec. 31, 2016, our U.S. bank 
subsidiaries could declare dividends to the Parent of 
approximately $5.4 billion, without the need for a 
regulatory waiver.  Currently, The Bank of New York 
Mellon, our primary subsidiary, is no longer paying 
regular dividends to the Parent in order to increase its 
Tier 1 capital in advance of the SLR becoming 
effective.  In addition, at Dec. 31, 2016, non-bank 
subsidiaries of the Parent had liquid assets of 
approximately $1.3 billion.  Restrictions on our 
ability to obtain funds from our subsidiaries are 
discussed in more detail in “Supervision and 
Regulation - Capital Planning and Stress Testing - 
Payment of Dividends, Stock Repurchases and Other 
Capital Distributions” and in Note 17 of the Notes to 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

Pershing LLC, an indirect subsidiary of BNY Mellon, 
has uncommitted lines of credit in place for liquidity 
purposes which are guaranteed by the Parent.  
Pershing LLC has eight separate uncommitted lines 
of credit amounting to $1.5 billion in aggregate. 
Average daily borrowing under these lines was $5 
million, in aggregate, in 2016.  Pershing Limited, an 
indirect UK-based subsidiary of BNY Mellon, has 
two separate uncommitted lines of credit amounting 
to $250 million in aggregate in place for liquidity 
purposes, which are guaranteed by the Parent.  
Average borrowings under these lines were $87 
million, in aggregate, in 2016.

The double leverage ratio is the ratio of our equity 
investment in subsidiaries divided by our 
consolidated parent company equity, which includes 
our noncumulative perpetual preferred stock plus 
qualifying trust preferred securities.  In short, the 
double leverage ratio measures the extent to which 
equity in subsidiaries is financed by Parent company 
debt.  As the double leverage ratio increases, this can 
reflect greater demands on a company’s cash flows in 
order to service interest payments and debt maturities.  
BNY Mellon’s double leverage ratio is managed in a 
range considering the high level of unencumbered 
available liquid assets held in its principal 
subsidiaries (such as central bank deposits and 
government securities), the Company’s cash 
generating fee-based business model, with fees 
representing approximately 80% of revenue, and the 

Results of Operations (continued)

dividend capacity of our banking subsidiaries.  Our 
double leverage ratio was 119.1% at Dec. 31, 2016 
and 115.7% at Dec. 31, 2015, and within the range 
targeted by management.  

Uses of funds

The Parent’s major uses of funds are payment of 
dividends, repurchases of common stock, principal 
and interest payments on its borrowings, acquisitions 
and additional investments in, and loans to, its 
subsidiaries.

Included in the 2016 capital plan was a 12% increase 
in the quarterly cash dividend on common stock to 
$0.19 per share.  This increased quarterly cash 
dividend was paid beginning in the third quarter of 
2016.  Our common stock dividend payout ratio was 
23% for 2016.  The Federal Reserve’s instructions for 
the 2016 CCAR provided that, for large bank holding 
companies like us, dividend payout ratios exceeding 
30% of after-tax net income would receive 
particularly close scrutiny. 

In 2016, we repurchased 58.6 million common shares 
at an average price of $40.91 per common share for a 
total cost of $2.4 billion. 

Liquidity coverage ratio

U.S. regulators have established an LCR that requires 
certain banking organizations, including BNY 
Mellon, to maintain a minimum amount of 
unencumbered high quality liquid assets (“HQLA”) 
sufficient to withstand the net cash outflow under a 
hypothetical standardized acute liquidity stress 
scenario for a 30-day time horizon.   

The U.S. LCR rules became effective on Jan. 1, 2015, 
and require BNY Mellon and our affected domestic 
bank subsidiaries to meet an LCR of 100% since 
becoming fully phased-in on Jan. 1, 2017.  The LCR 
for BNY Mellon and our domestic bank subsidiaries 
was compliant with the fully phased-in requirements 
of the U.S. LCR as of Dec. 31, 2016.

For additional information on the LCR, see 
“Supervision and Regulation - Liquidity Standards - 
Basel III and U.S. Rules and Proposals.”

We also perform liquidity stress tests to ensure the 
Company maintains sufficient liquidity resources 
under multiple stress scenarios.  Stress tests are based 
on scenarios that measure liquidity risks under 
unlikely but plausible events.  We perform these tests 
under various time horizons ranging from one day to 
one year in a base case, as well as supplemental tests 
to determine whether the Company’s liquidity is 
sufficient for severe market events and firm-specific 
events.  Under our scenario testing program, the 
results of the tests indicate that the Company has 
sufficient liquidity.

Beginning on Jan. 1, 2015, Bank Holding Companies 
(“BHCs”) with total consolidated assets of $50 billion 
or more were subject to the Federal Reserve’s 
Enhanced Prudential Standards, which include 
liquidity standards, described under “Supervision and 
Regulation - Enhanced Prudential Standards and 
Large Exposures.”  BNY Mellon has taken actions to 
comply with these standards, including the adoption 
of various liquidity risk management standards and 
maintenance of a liquidity buffer of unencumbered 
highly liquid assets based on the results of internal 
liquidity stress testing.

The following table presents the Company’s 
consolidated HQLA and LCR as of Dec. 31, 2016.

Statement of cash flows

Consolidated HQLA and LCR
(in billions)
Securities (a)
Cash (b)

Total consolidated HQLA (c)

Liquidity coverage ratio

Dec. 31,
2016
104
52
156

$

$

114%

(a)  Primarily includes U.S. Treasury, U.S. agency, sovereign 
securities, securities of U.S. government-sponsored 
enterprises, investment-grade corporate debt and publicly 
traded common equity.

(b)  Primarily includes cash on deposit with central banks.
(c)  Consolidated HQLA presented before adjustments.  After 
haircuts and the impact of trapped liquidity, consolidated 
HQLA totaled $127 billion.

The following summarizes the activity reflected on 
the statement of cash flows.  While this information 
may be helpful to highlight certain macro trends and 
business strategies, the cash flow analysis may not be 
as relevant when analyzing changes in our net 
earnings and net assets.  We believe that in addition to 
the traditional cash flow analysis, the discussion 
related to liquidity and dividends and asset/liability 
management herein may provide more useful context 
in evaluating our liquidity position and related 
activity.

BNY Mellon 51 

Results of Operations (continued)

Cash provided by operating activities was $6.2 billion 
in 2016, compared with $4.1 billion in 2015 and $4.5 
billion in 2014.  In all three periods cash flows from 
operations were principally the result of earnings.  In 
2016 and 2014, cash flows from operations were also 
the result of changes in trading activities, partially 
offset by changes in accruals and other balances.  In 
2015, cash flows from operations were partially offset 
by both changes in trading activities and changes in 
accruals and other balances.

Cash provided by investing activities was $51.2 
billion in 2016, compared with cash used for 
investing activities of $19.8 billion in 2015 and $11.7 
billion in 2014.  In 2016, the decrease in interest-
bearing deposits with the Federal Reserve and other 
central banks and sales, paydowns and maturities of 
securities were significant sources of funds, partially 
offset by purchases of securities.  In 2015, purchases 
of securities, an increase in interest-bearing deposits 
with the Federal Reserve and other central banks, 
changes in loans and changes in federal funds sold 
and securities purchased under resale agreements 
were significant uses of funds, partially offset by 
sales, paydowns and maturities of securities and a 
decrease in interest bearing deposits with banks.  In 
2014, purchases of securities, changes in federal 
funds sold and securities purchased under resale 
agreements and an increase in loans were significant 
uses of funds, partially offset by sales, paydowns and 
maturities of securities and decreases in deposits with 
banks and with the Federal Reserve and other central 
banks.

Cash used for financing activities was $59.1 billion in 
2016, compared with cash provided by financing of 

$15.2 billion in 2015 and $7.8 billion in 2014.  In 
2016, a decrease in deposits, changes in federal funds 
purchased and securities sold under repurchase 
agreements, repayments of long-term debt and 
treasury stock repurchases were significant uses of 
funds, partially offset by proceeds from the issuance 
of long-term debt.  In 2015, an increase in deposits, 
proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt and 
changes in federal funds purchased and securities 
sold under repurchase agreements were significant 
sources of funds, partially offset by the repayment of 
long-term debt and treasury stock repurchases.  In 
2014, increases in payables to broker-dealers and the 
proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt were 
significant sources of funds, partially offset by the 
repayment of long-term debt and treasury stock 
repurchases. 

Commitments and obligations

We have contractual obligations to make fixed and 
determinable payments to third parties as indicated in 
the table below.  The table excludes certain 
obligations such as trade payables and trading 
liabilities, where the obligation is short-term or 
subject to valuation based on market factors.  In 
addition to the amounts shown in the table below, at 
Dec. 31, 2016, $146 million of unrecognized tax 
benefits have been recorded as liabilities in 
accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes.  Related to 
these unrecognized tax benefits, we have also 
recorded a liability for potential interest of $18 
million.  At this point, it is not possible to determine 
when these amounts will be settled or resolved.

Contractual obligations at Dec. 31, 2016

Payments due by period

(in millions)
Deposits without a stated maturity
Term deposits
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements
Payables to customers and broker-dealers
Other borrowed funds
Long-term debt (a)
Unfunded pension and post-retirement benefits
Capital leases
Investment commitments (b)

Total

Less than
1 year

$ 103,328 $ 103,328 $

39,820
9,989
20,987
754
27,875
302
36
369

39,816
9,989
20,987
754
1,385
35
22
152

Total contractual obligations

$ 203,460 $ 176,468 $

1-3 years

3-5 years

— $
3
—
—
—
9,002
76
14
200
9,295 $

— $
1
—
—
—
8,960
58
—
3
9,022 $

Over
5 years
—
—
—
—
—
8,528
133
—
14
8,675

(a)  Includes interest.
(b)  Includes Community Reinvestment Act commitments.

 52 BNY Mellon

Results of Operations (continued)

We have entered into fixed and determinable commitments as indicated in the table below:

Other commitments at Dec. 31, 2016

Amount of commitment expiration per period
Less than
1 year

3-5 years

(in millions)
Securities lending indemnifications (a)
Lending commitments
Standby letters of credit
Operating leases
Purchase obligations (b)
Commercial letters of credit
Private equity commitments (c)
Total commitments

Over
5 years
—
277
2
870
37
4
—
1,190
(a)  Excludes the indemnifications for securities booked at BNY Mellon beginning in late 2013 resulting from the CIBC Mellon joint venture 

13,378
277
419
80
—
20
14,174 $

8,760
1,227
506
359
—
24
10,876 $

28,855
2,679
334
557
335
2

51,270
4,185
2,129
1,033
339
46

$ 376,692 $ 350,452 $

$ 317,690 $ 317,690 $

1-3 years

— $

— $

Total

which totaled $61 billion at Dec. 31, 2016.

(b)  Purchase obligations are defined as agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding and specify all 

significant terms.

(c)  Related to SBIC investments, which are compliant with the Volcker Rule.

See “Liquidity and dividends” and Note 20 of the 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a 
further discussion of the source of funds for our 
commitments and obligations and known material 
trends in our capital resources.

Off-balance sheet arrangements

Off-balance sheet arrangements discussed in this 
section are limited to guarantees, retained or 
contingent interests and obligations arising out of 

Capital

unconsolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”).  
For BNY Mellon, these items include certain credit 
guarantees and securitizations.  Guarantees include 
lending-related guarantees issued as part of our 
corporate banking business and securities lending 
indemnifications issued as part of our Investment 
Services business.  See Note 20 of the Notes to 
Consolidated Financial Statements for a further 
discussion of our off-balance sheet arrangements.

Capital data
(dollar amounts in millions except per share amounts; common shares in thousands)
At period end:
BNY Mellon shareholders’ equity to total assets ratio – GAAP (a)
BNY Mellon common shareholders’ equity to total assets ratio – GAAP (a)
BNY Mellon tangible common shareholders’ equity to tangible assets of operations ratio – Non-GAAP (a)
Total BNY Mellon shareholders’ equity – GAAP
Total BNY Mellon common shareholders’ equity – GAAP
BNY Mellon tangible common shareholders’ equity – Non-GAAP (a)
Book value per common share – GAAP (a)
Tangible book value per common share – Non-GAAP (a)
Closing stock price per common share
Market capitalization
Common shares outstanding

2016

2015

11.6%
10.6%
6.7%

9.7%
9.0%
6.5%

$
$
$
$
$
$
$

38,811
35,269
16,957
33.67
16.19
47.38
49,630
1,047,488

$
$
$
$
$
$
$

38,037
35,485
16,574
32.69
15.27
41.22
44,738
1,085,343

Full-year:
Average common equity to average assets
Cash dividends per common share
25%
Common dividend payout ratio
1.6%
Common dividend yield
(a)  See “Supplemental information – Explanation of GAAP and Non-GAAP financial measures” beginning on page 121 for a reconciliation 

9.9%
0.72

9.6%
0.68

23%
1.5%

$

$

of GAAP to Non-GAAP.

BNY Mellon 53 

Results of Operations (continued)

The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation total 
shareholders’ equity increased to $38.8 billion at Dec. 
31, 2016 from $38.0 billion at Dec. 31, 2015.  The 
increase primarily reflects earnings retention, 
issuance of preferred stock and approximately $724 
million resulting from stock awards, the exercise of 
stock options and stock issued for employee benefit 
plans.  The increase was partially offset by share 
repurchases, foreign currency translation adjustments 
and a decrease in the unrealized gain on our 
investment securities portfolio. 

The unrealized gain net of tax on our investment 
securities portfolio recorded in accumulated other 
comprehensive income was $45 million at Dec. 31, 
2016 compared with $329 million at Dec. 31, 2015.  
The decrease in the unrealized gain, net of tax, was 
primarily driven by an increase in market interest 
rates.

BNY Mellon’s tangible common shareholders’ equity 
to tangible assets of operations ratio (Non-GAAP) 
was 6.7% at Dec. 31, 2016 and 6.5% at Dec. 31, 
2015. 

In conjunction with our 2016 capital plan, in August 
2016, BNY Mellon issued $1 billion of 
noncumulative perpetual preferred stock which 
satisfied the contingency for the repurchase of up to 
$560 million of common stock.  

We repurchased 30.0 million common shares for $1.3 
billion in 2016 under the current program, which 
began in the third quarter of 2016 and continues 
through the second quarter of 2017, including 
employee benefit plan repurchases.  We expect to 
continue to repurchase shares in the first half of 2017 
under the 2016 capital plan. 

Also included in the 2016 capital plan was a 12% 
increase in the quarterly cash dividend on common 
stock, from $0.17 to $0.19 per share.  The first 
payment of the increased quarterly cash dividend was 
Aug. 12, 2016. 

Capital adequacy

Regulators establish certain levels of capital for bank 
holding companies and banks, including BNY Mellon 
and our bank subsidiaries, in accordance with 
established quantitative measurements.  For the 
Parent to maintain its status as a financial holding 
company, our bank subsidiaries and BNY Mellon 

 54 BNY Mellon

must, among other things, qualify as “well 
capitalized.” 

As of Dec. 31, 2016, BNY Mellon and our U.S. bank 
subsidiaries were “well capitalized.”  As of Dec. 31, 
2015, BNY Mellon and our U.S. bank subsidiaries, 
with the exception of BNY Mellon, N.A., were “well 
capitalized.”  As of Dec. 31, 2015, BNY Mellon, N.A. 
was not “well capitalized” because its Total capital 
ratio was 9.89%, which was below the 10% “well 
capitalized” threshold.  With the filing of its March 
31, 2016 Call Report, BNY Mellon, N.A.’s Total 
capital ratio was 10.94%, which is above the 10% 
“well capitalized” threshold. 

Failure to satisfy regulatory standards, including 
“well capitalized” status or capital adequacy rules 
more generally, could result in limitations on our 
activities and adversely affect our financial condition.  
See the discussion of these matters in “Supervision 
and Regulation - Regulated Entities of BNY Mellon 
and Ancillary Regulatory Requirements” and “Risk 
Factors - Operational Risk - Failure to satisfy 
regulatory standards, including “well capitalized” and 
“well managed” status or capital adequacy and 
liquidity rules more generally, could result in 
limitations on our activities and adversely affect our 
business and financial condition.”

The “well capitalized” and other capital categories 
(where applicable), as established by applicable 
regulations for bank holding companies and 
depository institutions, have been established by 
those regulations solely for purposes of implementing 
their respective requirements (for example, eligibility 
for financial holding company status in the case of 
bank holding companies and prompt corrective action 
measures in the case of depository institutions).  A 
bank holding company’s or depository institution’s 
qualification for a capital category may not constitute 
an accurate representation of the entity’s overall 
financial condition or prospects. 

The U.S. banking agencies’ capital rules have been 
based on the framework adopted by the Basel 
Committee on Banking Supervision, as amended 
from time to time.  For additional information on 
these capital requirements, see “Supervision and 
Regulation.”  BNY Mellon is subject to the U.S. 
capital rules, which are being gradually phased-in 
over a multi-year period through 2018.

Results of Operations (continued)

Our estimated CET1 and SLR ratios on a fully 
phased-in basis are based on our current 
interpretation of the U.S. capital rules.  Our risk-
based capital adequacy is determined using the higher 
of risk-weighted assets (“RWAs”) determined using 
the Advanced Approach and Standardized Approach.  

The transitional capital ratios for Dec. 31, 2016 
included in the table below were negatively impacted 
by the additional phase-in requirements that became 
effective on Jan. 1, 2016. 

Consolidated and largest bank subsidiary regulatory capital
ratios

Well
capitalized

Dec. 31, 2016
Minimum
required

(a)

Capital
ratios

Dec. 31,
2015

Consolidated regulatory capital ratios: (b)

Standardized:
CET1 ratio
Tier 1 capital ratio
Total (Tier 1 plus Tier 2) capital ratio

Advanced:

CET1 ratio
Tier 1 capital ratio
Total (Tier 1 plus Tier 2) capital ratio

Leverage capital ratio (b)
SLR (d)

Selected regulatory capital ratios – fully phased-in – Non-
GAAP: (c)

Estimated CET1 ratio:

Standardized Approach
Advanced Approach

Estimated SLR (d)

The Bank of New York Mellon regulatory capital ratios: (b)

Advanced:

CET1 ratio
Tier 1 capital ratio
Total (Tier 1 plus Tier 2) capital ratio

Leverage capital ratio
SLR (d)

Selected regulatory capital ratios – fully phased-in – Non-

GAAP:
Estimated SLR (d)

N/A (c)
6%
10

N/A (c)
6%
10
N/A (c)

5

(c)(e)

8.5% (e)
8.5
(e)
5
(e)

6.5%
8
10
5
6

6%

5.5%
7
9

5.5%
7
9
4
3

5.5%
5.5
3

5.125%
6.625
8.625
4
3

12.3%
14.5
15.2

10.6%
12.6
13.0
6.6
6.0

11.3%
9.7
5.6

13.6%
13.9
14.2
7.2
6.5

11.5%
13.1
13.5

10.8%
12.3
12.5
6.0
5.4

10.2%
9.5
4.9

11.8%
12.3
12.5
5.9
5.3

3%

6.1%

4.8%

(a)  Minimum requirements for Dec. 31, 2016 include Basel III minimum thresholds plus then applicable buffers.  See page 57 for the 

minimum ratios with buffers phased-in to 2017 levels.

(b)  For our CET1, Tier 1 capital and Total capital ratios, our effective capital ratios under U.S. capital rules are the lower of the ratios as 
calculated under the Standardized and Advanced Approaches.  The leverage capital ratio is based on Tier 1 capital, as phased-in and 
quarterly average total assets.

(c)  The Federal Reserve’s regulations do not establish well capitalized thresholds for these measures for bank holding companies.
(d)  The SLR does not become a binding measure until the first quarter of 2018.  The SLR is based on Tier 1 capital, as phased-in, and 

average quarterly assets and certain off-balance sheet exposures.

(e)  Fully phased-in Basel III minimum with expected buffers.  See page 57 for the capital ratios with the phase-in of the capital conservation 

buffer and the U.S. G-SIB surcharge, as well as the introduction of the SLR buffer.

Our CET1 ratio determined under the Advanced 
Approach was 10.6% at Dec. 31, 2016 and 10.8% at 
Dec. 31, 2015.  The decrease reflects lower regulatory 
capital primarily due to common stock repurchases, 
foreign currency translation, defined benefit plan 
adjustments and unrealized losses on securities, 
partially offset by earnings retention. 

Our estimated CET1 ratio (Non-GAAP) calculated 
under the Advanced Approach on a fully phased-in 
basis was 9.7% at Dec. 31, 2016 and 9.5% at Dec. 31, 
2015.  Our estimated CET1 ratio (Non-GAAP) 
calculated under the Standardized Approach on a 
fully phased-in basis was 11.3% at Dec. 31, 2016 and 
10.2% at Dec. 31, 2015.

BNY Mellon 55 

Results of Operations (continued)

The estimated fully phased-in SLR (Non-GAAP) of 
5.6% at Dec. 31, 2016 and 4.9% at Dec. 31, 2015 was 
based on our interpretation of the U.S. capital rules, 
as supplemented by the Federal Reserve’s final rules 
on the SLR.  BNY Mellon will be subjected to an 
enhanced SLR, which will require a buffer in excess 
of 2% over the minimum SLR of 3%.  The insured 
depository institution subsidiaries of the U.S. G-SIBs, 
including those of BNY Mellon, must maintain a 6% 
SLR to be considered “well capitalized.” 

For additional information on the U.S. capital rules, 
see “Supervision and Regulation - Capital 
Requirements - Generally.”

The Basel III Advanced Approach capital ratios are 
significantly impacted by RWAs for operational risk.  
Our operational loss risk model is informed by 
external losses, including fines and penalties levied 
against institutions in the financial services industry, 
particularly those that relate to businesses in which 
we operate, and as a result external losses have 
impacted and could in the future impact the amount 
of capital that we are required to hold.

Management views the estimated fully phased-in 
CET1 and other risk-based capital ratios and SLR as 
key measures in monitoring BNY Mellon’s capital 
position and progress against future regulatory capital 
standards.  Additionally, the presentation of the 
estimated fully phased-in CET1 and other risk-based 
capital ratios and SLR are intended to allow investors 
to compare these ratios with estimates presented by 
other companies. 

Our capital ratios are necessarily subject to, among 
other things, anticipated compliance with all 
necessary enhancements to model calibration, 
approval by regulators of certain models used as part 
of RWA calculations, further implementation 
guidance from regulators, market practices and 
standards and any changes BNY Mellon may make to 
its businesses.  As a consequence of these factors, our 
capital ratios may materially change, and may be 
volatile over time and from period to period.

Minimum capital ratios and capital buffers

The U.S. capital rules include a series of buffers and 
surcharges over required minimums that apply to 
bank holding companies, including BNY Mellon, 
which are being phased-in over time.  Banking 

 56 BNY Mellon

organizations with a risk-based ratio or SLR above 
the minimum required level, but with a risk-based 
ratio or SLR below the minimum level with buffers 
will face constraints on dividends, equity repurchases 
and discretionary executive compensation based on 
the amount of the shortfall.  Different regulatory 
capital minimums, buffers and surcharges apply to 
our banking subsidiaries. 

The U.S. capital rules introduced a capital 
conservation buffer and countercyclical capital buffer 
that add to the minimum regulatory capital ratios.  
The capital conservation buffer–0.625% for 2016, 
1.25% for 2017 and 2.5% when fully phased-in on 
Jan. 1, 2019–is designed to absorb losses during 
periods of economic stress and applies to all banking 
organizations.  During periods of excessive growth, 
the capital conservation buffer may be expanded 
through the imposition of a countercyclical capital 
buffer that may be as high as an additional 2.5%.  The 
countercyclical capital buffer, when applicable, 
applies only to Advanced Approach banking 
organizations.  The countercyclical capital buffer is 
currently set to zero with respect to U.S. exposures, 
but it could increase if the banking agencies 
determine that systemic vulnerabilities are 
meaningfully above normal.

BNY Mellon is subject to an additional G-SIB 
surcharge, which is implemented as an extension of 
the capital conservation buffer and must be satisfied 
with CET1 capital.  For 2016, the G-SIB surcharge 
applicable to BNY Mellon was 0.375%, and for 2017 
it is 0.75%, and, when fully phased-in on Jan. 1, 2019 
as calculated, applying metrics as currently applicable 
to BNY Mellon, would be 1.5%. 

The following table presents the principal minimum 
capital ratio requirements with buffers and 
surcharges, as phased-in, applicable to the Parent and 
The Bank of New York Mellon.  This table does not 
include the imposition of a countercyclical capital 
buffer.  The U.S. capital rules also provide for 
transitional arrangements for qualifying instruments, 
deductions, and adjustments, which are not reflected 
in this table.  Buffers and surcharges are not 
applicable to the leverage capital ratio.  These buffers, 
other than the SLR buffer, and surcharge began to 
phase-in on Jan. 1, 2016 and will be fully 
implemented on Jan. 1, 2019. 

Results of Operations (continued)

Consolidated capital ratio requirements

Well
capitalized

Minimum
ratios

Capital conservation buffer (CET1)
U.S. G-SIB surcharge (CET1) (b)(c)

Consolidated:
CET1 ratio
Tier 1 capital ratio
Total capital ratio

Enhanced SLR buffer (Tier 1 capital)
SLR

Bank subsidiaries: (c)

CET1 ratio
Tier 1 capital ratio
Total capital ratio

SLR

N/A
6.0%
10.0%

N/A
N/A

6.5%
8.0%
10.0%

6.0%

4.5%
6.0%
8.0%

3.0%

4.5%
6.0%
8.0%

3.0%

Minimum ratios with buffers, as phased-in (a)

2016
0.625%
0.375%

5.5%
7.0%
9.0%

N/A
N/A

5.125%
6.625%
8.625%

N/A

2017
1.25%
0.75%

6.5%
8.0%
10.0%

N/A
N/A

5.75%
7.25%
9.25%

N/A

2018
1.875%
1.125%

7.5%
9.0%
11.0%

2.0%
5.0%

6.375%
7.875%
9.875%

2019
2.5%
1.5%

8.5%
10.0%
12.0%

2.0%
5.0%

7.0%
8.5%
10.5%

6.0% (d)

6.0% (d)

(a)  Countercyclical capital buffer currently set to 0%. 
(b)  The fully phased-in U.S. G-SIB surcharge of 1.5% applicable to BNY Mellon is subject to change. 
(c)  The U.S. G-SIB surcharge is not applicable to the regulatory capital ratios of the bank subsidiaries. 
(d)  Well capitalized threshold. 

The table below presents the factors that impacted the transitional and fully phased-in CET1 (Non-GAAP).

Estimated CET1 generation presented on a transitional and fully phased-in basis – Non-GAAP

(in millions)
CET1 – Beginning of period
Net income applicable to common shareholders of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation –
GAAP
Goodwill and intangible assets, net of related deferred tax liabilities

Gross CET1 generated

Capital deployed:

Common stock dividends
Common stock repurchased
Total capital deployed
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation
Unrealized loss on assets available-for-sale
Defined benefit plans
Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges
Total other comprehensive income

Additional paid-in capital (a)
Other additions (deductions):
Net pension fund assets
Deferred tax assets
Embedded goodwill
Other

Total other additions
Net CET1 generated
CET1 – End of period

Year ended Dec. 31, 2016
Transitional 
basis (b)

Fully phased-in 
Non-GAAP (c)
16,082

$

18,417 $

3,425
(19)
3,406

(778)
(2,398)
(3,176)

(819)
(109)
(289)
(5)
(1,222)
700

(8)
(11)
(17)
4
(32)
(324)
18,093 $

3,425
599
4,024

(778)
(2,398)
(3,176)

(819)
(291)
(51)
(4)
(1,165)
700

26
(12)
3
8
25
408
16,490

$

(a)  Primarily related to stock awards, the exercise of stock options and stock issued for employee benefit plans.
(b)  Reflects transitional adjustments to CET1 required under the U.S. capital rules.
(c)  Estimated.

BNY Mellon 57 

Results of Operations (continued)

The following table presents the components of our transitional and fully phased-in CET1, Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital, 
the RWAs determined under both the Standardized and Advanced Approaches, the average assets used for leverage 
capital purposes and the total leverage exposure for estimated SLR purposes. 

Capital components and ratios

(dollars in millions)
CET1:

Common shareholders’ equity
Goodwill and intangible assets
Net pension fund assets
Equity method investments
Deferred tax assets
Other

Total CET1

Other Tier 1 capital:

Preferred stock
Trust preferred securities
Deferred tax assets
Net pension fund assets
Other

Total Tier 1 capital

Tier 2 capital:

Trust preferred securities
Subordinated debt
Allowance for credit losses
Other

Total Tier 2 capital - Standardized Approach

Excess of expected credit losses
Less: Allowance for credit losses

Total Tier 2 capital - Advanced Approach

Total capital:

Standardized Approach
Advanced Approach

Risk-weighted assets:

Standardized Approach
Advanced Approach:

Credit Risk
Market Risk
Operational Risk

Total Advanced Approach

Standardized Approach:

CET1 ratio
Tier 1 capital ratio
Total (Tier 1 plus Tier 2) capital ratio

Advanced Approach:

CET1 ratio
Tier 1 capital ratio
Total (Tier 1 plus Tier 2) capital ratio

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Transitional
Approach (a)

Fully 
phased-in - 
Non-GAAP (b)

Transitional
Approach (a)

Fully 
phased-in - 
Non-GAAP (b)

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

$

35,794
(17,314)
(55)
(313)
(19)
—
18,093

3,542
—
(13)
(36)
(121)
21,465

148
550
281
(12)
967
50
281
736

22,432
22,201

147,671

97,659
2,836
70,000
170,495

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

$

12.3%
14.5
15.2

10.6%
12.6
13.0

35,269
(18,312)
(90)
(344)
(32)
(1)
16,490

3,542
—
—
—
(121)
19,911

$

$

— $
550
281
(11)
820
50
281
589

$

20,731
20,500

146,475

96,391
2,836
70,000
169,227

$
$

$

$

$

11.3%
13.6
14.2

9.7%
11.8
12.1

36,067
(17,295)
(46)
(296)
(8)
(5)
18,417

2,552
74
(12)
(70)
(25)
20,936

222
149
275
(12)
634
37
275
396

21,570
21,332

159,893

106,974
2,148
61,262
170,384

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

$

11.5%
13.1
13.5

10.8%
12.3
12.5

35,485
(18,911)
(116)
(347)
(20)
(9)
16,082

2,552
—
—
—
(22)
18,612

—
149
275
(12)
412
37
275
174

19,024
18,786

158,015

105,099
2,148
61,262
168,509

10.2%
11.8
12.0

9.5%
11.0
11.1

Average assets for leverage capital purposes
Total leverage exposure for SLR purposes
(a)  Reflects transitional adjustments to CET1, Tier 1 capital and Tier 2 capital required in 2016 and 2015 under the U.S. capital rules.
(b)  Estimated.

326,809

351,435

355,083

$

$

$

$

382,810

 58 BNY Mellon

Results of Operations (continued)

The following table presents the amount of capital by 
which BNY Mellon and our largest bank subsidiary, 
The Bank of New York Mellon, exceeded the capital 
thresholds determined under the transitional rules at 
Dec. 31, 2016.

At Dec. 31, 2016, we had $247 million of outstanding 
trust preferred securities, a portion of which is 
eligible for inclusion in Tier 2 capital.  In January 
2017, we announced that these trust preferred 
securities will be redeemed on March 20, 2017. 

Capital above thresholds at Dec. 31, 2016

Consolidated

(in millions)
CET1
Tier 1 capital
Total capital
Leverage capital
(a)  Based on minimum required standards, with applicable 

8,716 (a) $
9,530 (a)
5,152 (b)
8,393 (a)

$

The Bank of 
New York 
Mellon (b)
9,644
8,091
5,747
5,824

buffers.

(b)  Based on well capitalized standards.

The following table shows the impact on the 
consolidated capital ratios at Dec. 31, 2016 of a $100 
million increase or decrease in common equity, or a 
$1 billion increase or decrease in RWA, quarterly 
average assets or total leverage exposure.

Sensitivity of consolidated capital ratios at Dec. 31, 2016
Increase or decrease of

$100 million
in common 
equity

$1 billion in 
RWA, quarterly 
average assets 
or total leverage 
exposure

(in basis points)
CET1:

Standardized Approach
Advanced Approach

7 bps
6

8 bps
6

Tier 1 capital:

Standardized Approach
Advanced Approach

Total capital:

Standardized Approach
Advanced Approach

Leverage capital

SLR

Estimated CET1 ratio, fully
phased-in – Non-GAAP:
Standardized Approach
Advanced Approach

Estimated SLR, fully
phased-in – Non-GAAP

7
6

7
6

3

3

7
6

3

10
7

10
8

2

2

8
6

2

Capital ratios vary depending on the size of the 
balance sheet at quarter-end and the levels and types 
of investments in assets.  The balance sheet size 
fluctuates from quarter to quarter based on levels of 
customer and market activity.  In general, when 
servicing clients are more actively trading securities, 
deposit balances and the balance sheet as a whole are 
higher.  In addition, when markets experience 
significant volatility or stress, our balance sheet size 
may increase considerably as client deposit levels 
increase.

Supplementary Leverage Ratio

BNY Mellon has presented its consolidated and 
largest bank subsidiary’s estimated fully phased-in 
SLRs based on its interpretation of the U.S. capital 
rules, which are being gradually phased-in over a 
multi-year period and on the application of such rules 
to BNY Mellon’s businesses as currently conducted. 

BNY Mellon 59 

Results of Operations (continued)

The following table presents the components of our SLR on both the transitional and fully phased-in basis.

SLR

(dollars in millions)
Consolidated:
Total Tier 1 capital

Total leverage exposure:
Quarterly average total assets
Less: Amounts deducted from Tier 1 capital
Total on-balance sheet assets, as adjusted

Off-balance sheet exposures:

Potential future exposure for derivatives contracts (plus certain other items)
Repo-style transaction exposures
Credit-equivalent amount of other off-balance sheet exposures (less SLR
exclusions)

Total off-balance sheet exposures
Total leverage exposure

SLR - Consolidated

The Bank of New York Mellon, our largest bank subsidiary:
Tier 1 capital
Total leverage exposure

SLR - The Bank of New York Mellon
(a)  Estimated.

Issuer purchases of equity securities

Share repurchases - fourth quarter of 2016

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Transitional
basis

Fully 
phased-in 
Non-GAAP (a)

Transitional
basis

Fully 
phased-in 
Non-GAAP (a)

$ 21,465

$ 344,142
17,333
326,809

6,021
533

23,274
29,828
$ 356,637

6.0%

$ 19,011
$ 291,022

$

$

$

$
$

19,911

$

20,936

344,142
18,887
325,255

6,021
533

23,274
29,828
355,083

$ 368,590
17,650
350,940

7,158
440

26,025
33,623
$ 384,563

5.6%

5.4%

17,708
290,230

$
16,814
$ 316,812

$

$

$

$
$

18,612

368,590
19,403
349,187

7,158
440

26,025
33,623
382,810

4.9 %

15,142
316,270

6.5%

6.1%

5.3%

4.8 %

Maximum approximate dollar
value of shares that may yet
be purchased under the
publicly announced plans or
programs at Dec. 31, 2016
1,669
$
1,572
1,393
1,393 (b)
(a)  Includes 17 thousand shares repurchased at a purchase price of $1 million from employees, primarily in connection with the employees’ 

(dollars in millions, except per share
information; common shares in thousands)
October 2016
November 2016
December 2016

Total shares
repurchased as part
of a publicly
announced plan or
program
12,433
2,078
3,876
18,387

Average price
per share
46.02
46.70
46.03
46.10

Total shares
repurchased
12,433
2,078
3,876
18,387

Fourth quarter of 2016 (a)

$

$

$

payment of taxes upon the vesting of restricted stock.  The average price per share of open market purchases was $46.10.

(b)  Represents the maximum value of the shares authorized to be repurchased through the second quarter of 2017, including employee 

benefit plan repurchases, in connection with the Federal Reserve’s non-objection to our 2016 capital plan.

On June 29, 2016, in connection with the Federal 
Reserve’s non-objection to our 2016 capital plan, 
BNY Mellon announced a stock purchase program 
providing for the total repurchase of up to $2.7 billion 
of common stock.  The 2016 capital plan began in the 
third quarter of 2016 and continues through the 
second quarter of 2017.  Also, in connection with the 
2016 capital plan, in August 2016, BNY Mellon 

issued $1 billion of noncumulative perpetual 
preferred stock. 

Share repurchases may be executed through 
repurchase plans designed to comply with Rule 
10b5-1 and through derivative, accelerated share 
repurchase and other structured transactions.

 60 BNY Mellon

Results of Operations (continued)

Trading activities and risk management

Our trading activities are focused on acting as a 
market-maker for our customers and facilitating 
customer trades in compliance with the Volcker Rule.  
The risk from market-making activities for customers 
is managed by our traders and limited in total 
exposure through a system of position limits, value-
at-risk (“VaR”) methodology based on a Monte Carlo 
simulation and other market sensitivity measures.  
The calculation of our VaR used by management and 
presented below assumes a one-day holding period, 
utilizes a 99% confidence level, and incorporates the 
non-linear characteristics of options.  See Note 21 of 
the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for 
additional information on the VaR methodology.

The following tables indicate the calculated VaR 
amounts for the trading portfolio for the designated 
periods.

VaR (a)
(in millions)
Interest rate
Foreign exchange
Equity
Credit
Diversification
Overall portfolio

Average Minimum Maximum
$

8.9 $

2016

4.3 $
1.2
0.3
0.2
N/M
4.3

11.1
0.8
0.4
N/M
7.7

Dec. 31,
5.5
2.8
0.4
0.3
(3.7)
5.3  

6.3 $
2.9
0.6
0.3
(4.2)
5.9

2015

5.1 $
1.0
1.0
—
(1.9)
5.2

Average Minimum Maximum
$

VaR (a)
(in millions)
Interest rate
Foreign exchange
Equity
Credit
Diversification
Overall portfolio
(a)  VaR figures do not reflect the impact of the credit valuation 
adjustment (“CVA”) guidance in ASC 820, Fair Value 
Measurement.  This is consistent with the regulatory treatment.  
VaR exposure does not include the impact of the Company’s 
consolidated investment management funds and seed capital 
investments.

Dec. 31,
5.2
1.2
0.6
0.3
(2.2)
5.1

3.6 $
0.5
0.5
—
N/M
3.9

8.0 $
1.9
1.9
0.3
N/M
8.5

N/M - Because the minimum and maximum may occur on different 
days for different risk components, it is not meaningful to 
compute a minimum and maximum portfolio diversification 
effect.

The interest rate component of VaR represents 
instruments whose values predominantly vary with 
the level or volatility of interest rates.  These 

instruments include, but are not limited to: debt 
securities, mortgage-backed securities, swaps, 
swaptions, forward rate agreements, exchange-traded 
futures and options, and other interest rate derivative 
products.

The foreign exchange component of VaR represents 
instruments whose values predominantly vary with 
the level or volatility of currency exchange rates or 
interest rates.  These instruments include, but are not 
limited to: currency balances, spot and forward 
transactions, currency options, exchange-traded 
futures and options, and other currency derivative 
products.

The equity component of VaR consists of instruments 
that represent an ownership interest in the form of 
domestic and foreign common stock or other equity-
linked instruments.  These instruments include, but 
are not limited to: common stock, exchange-traded 
funds, Depositary Receipts, listed equity options (puts 
and calls), over-the-counter (“OTC”) equity options, 
equity total return swaps, equity index futures and 
other equity derivative products.

The credit component of VaR represents instruments 
whose values predominantly vary with the credit 
worthiness of counterparties.  These instruments 
include, but are not limited to, credit derivatives 
(credit default swaps and exchange-traded credit 
index instruments).  Credit derivatives are used to 
hedge various credit exposures.

The diversification component of VaR is the risk 
reduction benefit that occurs when combining 
portfolios and offsetting positions, and from the 
correlated behavior of risk factor movements.

During 2016, interest rate risk generated 63% of 
average gross VaR, foreign exchange risk generated 
29% of average gross VaR, equity risk accounted for 
5% of average gross VaR and credit risk generated 
3% of average gross VaR.  During 2016, our daily 
trading loss exceeded our calculated VaR amount of 
the overall portfolio on three occasions. 

The following table of total daily trading revenue or 
loss illustrates the number of trading days in which 
our trading revenue or loss fell within particular 
ranges during the past five quarters. 

BNY Mellon 61 

Results of Operations (continued)

Distribution of trading revenue (loss) (a)

(dollar amounts in millions)
Revenue range:

Less than $(2.5)
$(2.5) – $0
$0 – $2.5
$2.5 – $5.0
More than $5.0

Quarter ended

Dec. 31,
2016

Sept. 30,
2016

June 30,
2016

March 31,
2016

Dec. 31,
2015

Number of days

—
3
28
23
7

—
6
22
25
11

1
2
20
38
3

—
3
29
21
9

—
4
23
29
6

(a)  Trading revenue (loss) includes realized and unrealized gains and losses primarily related to spot and forward foreign exchange 

transactions, derivatives, and securities trades for our customers and excludes any associated commissions, underwriting fees and net 
interest revenue.

Trading assets include debt and equity instruments 
and derivative assets, primarily interest rate and 
foreign exchange contracts, not designated as hedging 
instruments.  Trading assets were $6 billion at Dec. 
31, 2016 and $7 billion at Dec. 31, 2015.  

Trading liabilities include debt and equity instruments 
and derivative liabilities, primarily interest rate and 
foreign exchange contracts, not designated as hedging 
instruments.  Trading liabilities were $4 billion at 
Dec. 31, 2016 and $5 billion at Dec. 31, 2015.

Under our fair value methodology for derivative 
contracts, an initial “risk-neutral” valuation is 
performed on each position assuming time-
discounting based on a AA credit curve.  In addition, 
we consider credit risk in arriving at the fair value of 
our derivatives.  

We reflect external credit ratings as well as 
observable credit default swap spreads for both 
ourselves and our counterparties when measuring the 
fair value of our derivative positions.  Accordingly, 
the valuation of our derivative positions is sensitive to 
the current changes in our own credit spreads, as well 
as those of our counterparties. 

At Dec. 31, 2016, our OTC derivative assets of $4.3 
billion included a CVA deduction of $38 million.  Our 
OTC derivative liabilities of $4.4 billion included a 

debit valuation adjustment (“DVA”) of $3 million 
related to our own credit spread.  Net of hedges, the 
CVA decreased by $16 million and the DVA 
decreased by $4 million in 2016.  The net impact of 
these adjustments increased foreign exchange and 
other trading revenue by $12 million in 2016.  During 
2016, no realized loss was charged off against CVA 
reserves. 

At Dec. 31, 2015, our OTC derivative assets of $4.7 
billion included a CVA deduction of $46 million.  Our 
OTC derivative liabilities of $4.3 billion included a 
DVA of $6 million related to our own credit spread.  
Net of hedges, the CVA increased by $2 million and 
the DVA increased $1 million in 2015.  The net 
impact of these adjustments decreased foreign 
exchange and other trading revenue by $1 million in 
2015.  During 2015, a $2 million realized loss was 
charged off against CVA reserves.

The table below summarizes the risk ratings for our 
foreign exchange and interest rate derivative 
counterparty credit exposure during the past five 
quarters.  This information indicates the degree of 
risk to which we are exposed.  Significant changes in 
ratings classifications for our foreign exchange and 
other trading activity could result in increased risk for 
us.

Foreign exchange and other trading counterparty risk rating profile (a)

Quarter ended

Rating:
AAA to AA-
A+ to A-
BBB+ to BBB-
Non-investment grade (BB+ and lower)

Total

(a)  Represents credit rating agency equivalent of internal credit ratings.

 62 BNY Mellon

Dec. 31,
2016

Sept. 30,
2016

June 30,
2016

March 31,
2016

Dec. 31,
2015

35%
39
22
4
100%

45%
32
19
4
100%

38%
40
18
4
100%

44%
37
14
5
100%

43%
42
13
2
100%

Results of Operations (continued)

Asset/liability management

Our diversified business activities include processing 
securities, accepting deposits, investing in securities, 
lending, raising money as needed to fund assets, and 
other transactions.  The market risks from these 
activities are interest rate risk and foreign exchange 
risk.  Our primary market risk is exposure to 
movements in U.S. dollar interest rates and certain 
foreign currency interest rates.  We actively manage 
interest rate sensitivity and use earnings simulation 
and discounted cash flow models to identify interest 
rate exposures. 

An earnings simulation model is the primary tool 
used to assess changes in pre-tax net interest revenue.  
The model incorporates management’s assumptions 
regarding interest rates, balance changes on core 
deposits, market spreads, changes in the prepayment 
behavior of loans and securities and the impact of 
derivative financial instruments used for interest rate 
risk management purposes.  These assumptions have 
been developed through a combination of historical 
analysis and future expected pricing behavior and are 
inherently uncertain.  As a result, the earnings 
simulation model cannot precisely estimate net 

interest revenue or the impact of higher or lower 
interest rates on net interest revenue.  Actual results 
may differ from projected results due to timing, 
magnitude and frequency of interest rate changes, and 
changes in market conditions and management’s 
strategies, among other factors. 

The table below relies on certain critical assumptions 
regarding the balance sheet and depositors’ behavior 
related to interest rate fluctuations and the 
prepayment and extension risk in certain of our 
assets.  Generally, there has been an inverse 
relationship between interest rates and client deposit 
levels.  To the extent that actual behavior is different 
from that assumed in the models, there could be a 
change in interest rate sensitivity. 

We evaluate the effect on earnings by running various 
interest rate ramp scenarios from a baseline scenario.  
The interest rate ramp scenarios are reviewed to 
examine the impact of large interest rate movements.  
In each scenario, all currencies interest rates are 
shifted higher or lower.  Interest rate sensitivity is 
quantified by calculating the change in pre-tax net 
interest revenue between the scenarios over a 12-
month measurement period.  

The following table shows net interest revenue sensitivity for BNY Mellon. 

Estimated changes in net interest revenue 
(dollars in millions)
up 200 bps parallel rate ramp vs. baseline (a)
up 100 bps parallel rate ramp vs. baseline (a)
Long-term up 50 bps, short-term unchanged (b)
Long-term down 50 bps, short-term unchanged (b)
(a)  In the parallel rate ramp, both short-term and long-term rates move in four equal quarterly increments.
(b)  Long-term is equal to or greater than one year.

62 $
147
116
(128)

Sept. 30,
2016

Dec. 31,
2016

145
81
(88)

6 $

$

June 30,
2016

March 31,
2016
103 $
189
104
(93)

Dec. 31,
2015
179
191
33
(91)

91 $
158
130
(96)

The baseline scenario used for the calculations in the 
estimated changes in net interest revenue table above 
as of Dec. 31, 2016 is based on our quarter-end 
balance sheet and the spot yield curve.  The baseline 
scenarios used for periods prior to Dec. 31, 2016 
were based on implied forward yield curves.  We 
revised the methodology as of Dec. 31, 2016 as we 
believe using the spot yield curve for the baseline 
scenario provides a more accurate reflection of net 
interest revenue sensitivity given the recent increase 
in short-term interest rates and the implied forward 
rates.  Because interest rates and the implied forward 
yield curves were lower in prior periods, the impact 
of using a flat yield curve versus an implied forward 
yield curve was not as significant.  The 100 basis 

point ramp scenario assumes rates increase 25 basis 
points above the yield curve in each of the next four 
quarters and the 200 basis point ramp scenario 
assumes a 50 basis point per quarter increase. 

Our net interest revenue sensitivity table above 
incorporates assumptions about the impact of changes 
in interest rates on depositor behavior based on 
historical experience.  Given the current historically 
low interest rate environment and the potential 
change to implementation of monetary policy, the 
impact of depositor behavior is highly uncertain.  The 
lower sensitivity in the ramp up 200 basis point 
scenario compared with the 100 basis point scenario 

BNY Mellon 63 

Results of Operations (continued)

is driven by the assumption of increased deposit 
runoff and forecasted changes in the deposit pricing.

Growth or contraction of deposits could also be 
affected by the following factors: 

•  Monetary policy; 
•  Global economic uncertainty; 
•  Our ratings relative to other financial institutions’ 

ratings; and 

•  Regulatory reform. 

Any of these events could change our assumptions 
about depositor behavior and have a significant 
impact on our balance sheet and net interest revenue. 

We also project future cash flows from our assets and 
liabilities over a long-term horizon and then discount 
these cash flows using instantaneous parallel shocks 
to prevailing interest rates.  This measure reflects the 
structural balance sheet interest rate sensitivity by 
discounting all future cash flows.  The aggregation of 
these discounted cash flows is the economic value of 
equity (“EVE”).  The following table shows how the 
EVE would change in response to changes in interest 
rates.  

Estimated changes in EVE

Rate change:

up 200 bps vs. baseline
up 100 bps vs. baseline

Dec. 31,
2016

(2.0)%
(0.7)%

The asymmetrical accounting treatment of the impact 
of a change in interest rates on our balance sheet may 
create a situation in which an increase in interest rates 
can adversely affect reported equity and regulatory 
capital, even though economically there may be no 
impact on our economic capital position.  For 
example, an increase in rates will result in a decline 
in the value of our available-for-sale securities 
portfolio, which will be reflected through a reduction 

in accumulated other comprehensive income in our 
shareholders’ equity thereby affecting our tangible 
common equity (“TCE”) ratios.  Under current 
accounting rules, to the extent the fair value option 
provided in ASC 825, Financial Instruments, is not 
applied, there is no corresponding change on our 
fixed liabilities, even though economically these 
liabilities are more valuable as rates rise.

We project the impact of this change using the same 
interest rate shock assumptions described earlier and 
compare the projected mark-to-market on the 
investment securities portfolio at Dec. 31, 2016, 
under the higher rate environments versus a stable 
rate scenario.  The table below shows the impact of a 
change in interest rates on the TCE ratio.

Estimated changes in TCE ratio
(in basis points)
up 200 bps vs. baseline
up 100 bps vs. baseline

Dec. 31,
2016
(73)
(36)

These results do not reflect strategies that 
management could employ to limit the impact as 
interest rate expectations change.

To manage foreign exchange risk, we fund foreign 
currency-denominated assets with liability 
instruments denominated in the same currency.  We 
utilize various foreign exchange contracts if a liability 
denominated in the same currency is not available or 
desired, and to minimize the earnings impact of 
translation gains or losses created by investments in 
foreign markets.  The foreign exchange risk related to 
the interest rate spread on foreign currency-
denominated asset/liability positions is managed as 
part of our trading activities.  We use forward foreign 
exchange contracts to protect the value of our net 
investment in foreign operations.  At Dec. 31, 2016, 
net investments in foreign operations totaled $12 
billion and were spread across 13 foreign currencies.  

 64 BNY Mellon

Risk Management

 Risk management overview

Governance 

Risk management and oversight begin with the board 
of directors and two key board committees: the Risk 
Committee and the Audit Committee. 

The Risk Committee is comprised entirely of 
independent directors and meets on a regular basis to 
review and assess the control processes with respect 
to the Company’s inherent risks.  It also reviews and 
assesses the risk management activities of the 
Company and the Company’s fiduciary risk policies 
and activities.  Policy formulation and day-to-day 
oversight of the Risk Management Framework is 
delegated to the Chief Risk Officer, who, together 
with the Chief Auditor and Chief Compliance Officer, 
helps ensure an effective risk management 
governance structure.  The roles and responsibilities 
of the Risk Committee are described in more detail in 
its charter, a copy of which is available on our 
website, www.bnymellon.com. 

The Audit Committee is also comprised entirely of 
independent directors, all of whom are financially 
literate within the meaning of the NYSE listing 
standards.  Two members of the Audit Committee 
have been determined to be audit committee financial 
experts as set out in the rules and regulations under 
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 
“Exchange Act”), with accounting or related financial 
management expertise within the meaning of the 
NYSE listing standards, and to have banking and 
financial management expertise within the meaning 
of the FDIC rules.  The Audit Committee meets on a 
regular basis to perform an oversight review of the 
integrity of the financial statements and financial 
reporting process, compliance with legal and 
regulatory requirements, our independent registered 
public accountant’s qualifications and independence, 
and the performance of our registered public 
accountant and internal audit function.  The Audit 
Committee also reviews management’s assessment of 
the adequacy of internal controls.  The functions of 
the Audit Committee are described in more detail in 
its charter, a copy of which is available on our 
website, www.bnymellon.com.  

The Senior Risk Management Committee (“SRMC”) 
is the most senior management body responsible for 
ensuring that emerging risks are weighed against the 
corporate risk appetite and that any material 
amendments to the risk appetite statement are 
properly vetted and recommended to the Executive 
Committee and the Board for approval.  The SRMC 
also reviews any material breaches to our risk 
appetite and approves action plans required to 
remediate the issue.  SRMC provides oversight for 
the risk management, compliance and ethics 
framework.  The Chief Executive Officer, Chief Risk 
Officer and Chief Financial Officer are among 
SRMC’s members. 

Primary risk types 

The understanding, identification and management of 
risk are essential elements for the successful 
management of BNY Mellon.  Our primary risk 
categories are: 

Credit

Market

Type of risk Description
Operational The risk of loss resulting from inadequate or
failed internal processes, human factors and
systems, breaches of technology and
information systems, or from external events.
Also includes fiduciary risk, reputational risk,
and litigation risk.
The risk of loss due to adverse changes in the 
financial markets.  Our market risks are 
primarily interest rate, foreign exchange, and 
equity risk.  Market risk particularly impacts 
our exposures that are marked-to-market such 
as the securities portfolio, trading book, and 
equity investments.
The risk of loss if any of our borrowers or
other counterparties were to default on their
obligations to us.  Credit risk is resident in the
majority of our assets, but primarily
concentrated in the loan and securities books,
as well as off-balance sheet exposures such as
lending commitments, letters of credit, and
securities lending indemnifications.
The risk that BNY Mellon cannot meet its cash
and collateral obligations at a reasonable cost
for both expected and unexpected cash flows,
without adversely affecting daily operations or
financial conditions.  Liquidity risk can arise
from cash flow mismatches, market constraints
from the inability to convert assets to cash, the
inability to raise cash in the markets, deposit
run-off, or contingent liquidity events.
The risk that BNY Mellon doesn’t effectively
manage and protect the firm’s market
positioning and stability.  This includes risks
associated with the inability to maintain a
strong understanding of clients’ needs, provide
suitable product offerings that are financially
viable and fit within the firm’s operating model
and adapt to transformational change in the
industry.

Liquidity

Strategic

BNY Mellon 65 

Risk Management (continued)

The following table presents the primary types of risk 
typically embedded in on- and off-balance sheet 
instruments.

Risks of our on- and off-balance sheet instruments
Assets:
Interest-bearing deposits with banks
Federal funds sold and securities
purchased under resale agreements
Securities
Trading assets
Loans
Goodwill
Intangible assets

credit
market, credit

market, credit, liquidity
market, credit, liquidity
credit, liquidity
operational, market
operational, market

Liabilities:
Deposits
Federal funds purchased and securities
sold under repurchase agreements
Trading liabilities
Payables to customers and broker-
dealers

liquidity
market, liquidity

market, liquidity
liquidity

Off-balance sheet instruments:
Lending commitments
Standby letters of credit
Commercial letters of credit
Securities lending indemnifications

credit, liquidity
credit, liquidity
credit, liquidity
market, credit

The following chart provides the economic capital 
allocated to our businesses.  Liquidity and strategic 
risks are managed on a stand-alone basis at the 
consolidated and bank levels.  Management of 
liquidity risk is the responsibility of Corporate 
Treasury, which is reported in the Other segment.  
The percentages below are based on the allocation of 
economic capital at Dec. 31, 2016 to protect against 
unexpected economic losses over a one-year period at 
a level consistent with the solvency of a target debt 
rating.

 66 BNY Mellon

Operational risk

In providing a comprehensive array of products and 
services, we may be exposed to operational risk.  
Operational risk may result from, but is not limited 
to, errors related to transaction processing, breaches 
of internal control systems and compliance 
requirements, fraud by employees or persons outside 
BNY Mellon or business interruption due to system 
failures or other events.  Operational risk may also 
include breaches of our technology and information 
systems resulting from unauthorized access to 
confidential information or from internal or external 
threats, such as cyberattacks.  Operational risk also 
includes potential legal or regulatory actions that 
could arise as a result of noncompliance with 
applicable laws and/or regulatory requirements.  In 
the case of an operational event, we could suffer a 
financial loss as well as reputational damage.  

To address these risks, we maintain comprehensive 
policies and procedures and an internal control 
framework designed to provide a sound operational 
environment.  These controls have been designed to 
manage operational risk at appropriate levels given 
our financial strength, the business environment and 
markets in which we operate, and the nature of our 
businesses, and considering factors such as 
competition and regulation.  Our internal auditors and 
internal control group monitor and test the overall 
effectiveness of our internal controls and financial 
reporting systems on an ongoing basis. 

We have also established procedures that are designed 
to ensure compliance with generally accepted 
conduct, ethics and business practices which are 
defined in our corporate policies.  These include 
training programs, such as for our “Code of Conduct” 
and “Know Your Customer” programs, and 
compliance training programs, such as those 
regarding information protection, suspicious activity 
reporting and operational risk. 

We have established operational risk management as 
an independent risk discipline.  The organizational 
framework for operational risk is based upon a strong 
risk culture that incorporates both governance and 
risk management activities comprising:

•  Board Oversight and Governance – The Risk 

Committee of the Board approves and oversees 
our operational risk management strategy in 
addition to credit and market risk.  The Risk 

Risk Management (continued)

Committee meets regularly to review operational 
risk management initiatives, discuss key risk 
issues and review the effectiveness of the risk 
management systems. 

•  Accountability of Businesses – Business 

managers are responsible for maintaining an 
effective system of internal controls 
commensurate with their risk profiles and in 
accordance with BNY Mellon policies and 
procedures. 

•  Corporate Operational Risk Management is 
responsible for developing risk management 
policies and tools for assessing, measuring, 
monitoring and managing operational risk for 
BNY Mellon.  The primary objectives of 
Corporate Operational Risk Management are to 
promote effective risk management, identify 
emerging risks, create incentives for generating 
continuous improvement in controls and to 
optimize capital.  

•  The Information Risk Management Group is 

responsible for developing policies, methods and 
tools for identifying, assessing, measuring, 
monitoring and governing information and 
technology risk for BNY Mellon.  The 
Information Risk Management Group partners 
with the businesses to help maintain and protect 
the confidentiality, integrity and availability of 
the firm’s information and technology assets from 
internal and external threats such as cyberattacks. 

Market risk

Outside of the exposure that our businesses have to 
capital markets generally, our business activity tends 
to minimize outright or direct exposure to market 
risk, with such risk primarily limited to market 
volatility from trading activity in support of clients. 
More significant direct market risk is assumed in the 
form of interest rate and credit spread risk within the 
investment portfolio both as a means for forward 
asset/liability management and net interest revenue 
generation.

In addition to the Risk Committee and SRMC, 
oversight of market risk is performed by certain 
committees and through executive review meetings.  
Detailed reviews of derivative trading positions and 
stress tests results are conducted during the Markets 
Weekly Risk Review.  Senior managers from Risk 

Management, Finance and Sales and Trading attend 
the review.  

Regarding the Corporate Treasury function, oversight 
is provided by the Treasury Risk Committee, bi-
weekly Portfolio Management Group risk meetings, 
Business Risk Committee and numerous portfolio 
reviews.  

The Collateral Margin Review Committee reviews 
and approves the standards for collateral received or 
paid in respect of collateralized derivative agreements 
and securities financing transactions.

The Business Risk Committee for the Markets 
business also provides a forum for market risk 
oversight.  The goal of the Business Risk Committee 
meeting, which is held at least quarterly, is to review 
key risk and control issues and related initiatives 
facing all lines of business, including Markets.  The 
following activities are also addressed during 
Business Risk Committee meetings:

•  Reporting of all new Monitoring Limits and 

changes to existing limits; and

•  Monitoring of trading exposures, VaR, market 

sensitivities and stress testing results.

Finally, the Risk Quantification Review Group 
reviews backtesting results for the Company’s VaR 
model.  

Credit risk  

The extension of credit is not considered a discrete 
product and is not, typically, attributable to a specific 
business, but instead is used as a means of supporting 
our clients and our business activity more holistically.  
Specifically, we extend direct credit in order to foster 
client relationships and as a method by which to 
generate interest income from the deposits that result 
from business activity.  We extend and incur intraday 
credit exposure in order to facilitate our various 
processing activities.

To balance the value of our activities with the credit 
risk incurred in pursuing them, we set and monitor 
internal credit limits for activities that entail credit 
risk, most often on the size of the exposure and the 
quality of the counterparty.  For credit exposures 
driven by changing market rates and prices, exposure 
measures include an add-on for such potential 
changes. 

BNY Mellon 67 

Risk Management (continued)

We manage credit risk at both the individual exposure 
level as well as the portfolio level.  Credit risk at the 
individual exposure level is managed through our 
credit approval system and involves four approval 
levels up to and including the Chief Risk Officer of 
the Company.  The requisite approvals are based upon 
the size and relative risk of the aggregate exposure 
under consideration.  The Credit Risk Group is 
responsible for approving the size, terms and maturity 
of all credit exposures as well as the ongoing 
monitoring of the creditworthiness of the 
counterparty.  In addition, they are responsible for 
assigning and maintaining the internal risk ratings on 
each exposure. 

Credit risk management at the portfolio level is 
supported by the Enterprise Capital Adequacy Group, 
within the Risk Management and Compliance Sector.  
The Enterprise Capital Adequacy Group is 
responsible for calculating two fundamental credit 
measures.  First, we project a statistically probable 
credit loss, used to help determine the appropriate 
loan loss reserve and to measure customer 
profitability.  Credit loss considers three basic 
components:  the estimated size of the exposure 
whenever default might occur, the probability of 
default before maturity and the severity of the loss we 
would incur, commonly called “loss given default.”  
For institutional lending, where most of our credit 
risk is created, unfunded commitments are assigned a 
usage given default percentage.  Borrowers/
Counterparties are assigned ratings by Credit 
Portfolio Managers on an 18-grade scale, which 
translate to a scaled probability of default.  
Additionally, transactions are assigned loss-given-
default ratings (on a 7-grade scale) that reflect the 
transactions’ structures including the effects of 
guarantees, collateral and relative seniority of 
position. 

The second fundamental measurement of credit risk 
calculated by the Enterprise Capital Adequacy Group 
is called economic capital.  Our economic capital 
model estimates the capital required to support the 
overall credit risk portfolio.  Using a Monte Carlo 
simulation engine and measures of correlation among 
borrower defaults, the economic capital model 
examines extreme and highly unlikely scenarios of 
portfolio credit loss in order to estimate credit-related 
capital, and then allocates that capital to individual 
borrowers and exposures.  The credit-related capital 
calculation supports a second tier of policy standards 
and limits by serving as an input to both profitability 

 68 BNY Mellon

analysis and concentration limits of capital at risk 
with any one borrower, industry or country. 

The Enterprise Capital Adequacy Group is 
responsible for the calculation methodologies and the 
estimates of the inputs used in those methodologies 
for the determination of expected loss and economic 
capital.  These methodologies and input estimates are 
regularly evaluated to ensure their appropriateness 
and accuracy.  As new techniques and data become 
available, the Enterprise Capital Adequacy Group 
attempts to incorporate, where appropriate, those 
techniques or data. 

Credit risk is intrinsic to much of the banking 
business.  However, BNY Mellon seeks to limit both 
on- and off-balance sheet credit risk through prudent 
underwriting and the use of capital only where risk-
adjusted returns warrant.  We seek to manage risk and 
improve our portfolio diversification through 
syndications, asset sales, credit enhancements, credit 
derivatives, and active collateralization and netting 
agreements.  In addition, we have a separate Credit 
Risk Review Group, which is part of Internal Audit, 
made up of experienced loan review officers who 
perform timely reviews of the loan files and credit 
ratings assigned to the loans. 

Liquidity risk

Access to global capital markets and financial market 
utilities are fundamental to both our operating model 
and overall strategy.  Without such access, it would be 
difficult if not impossible to process payments as well 
as settle and clear transactions on behalf of clients.  
Deterioration in our liquidity position, whether actual 
or perceived, can impact our market access by 
affecting participants’ willingness to transact with us.  
Changes to our liquidity can be caused by various 
factors, such as funding mismatches, market 
constraints limiting the ability to liquidate assets, 
inability to issue debt, run-off of core deposits and 
contingent liquidity events, such as additional 
collateral posting.  Changes in economic conditions 
or exposure to credit, market, operational, legal and 
reputational risks can also affect our liquidity.  Our 
liquidity risk management practices are designed to 
maintain a strong liquidity profile, by actively 
managing both the quality of the investment portfolio 
and intraday liquidity positions, and by having 
sufficient deposits and other funding to meet timely 
payment and settlement obligations under both 
normal and stressed conditions.

Risk Management (continued)

Our overall approach to liquidity management is to 
ensure that sources of liquidity are sufficient in 
amount and diversity such that changes in funding 
requirements at the Parent and at the various bank 
subsidiaries can be accommodated routinely without 
material adverse impact on earnings, daily operations 
or our financial condition.

The board of directors has the responsibility for 
oversight of liquidity risk management for the 
Company and approves the liquidity risk tolerances.  
The Asset Liability Committee (“ALCO”) is the 
senior management committee responsible for the 
oversight of liquidity management.  ALCO is 
responsible to ensure that board approved strategies, 
policies and procedures for managing liquidity are 
appropriately executed.  Senior management is also 
responsible for regularly reporting the liquidity 
position of the Company to the board of directors.  
The Treasury Risk Committee is responsible for 
reviewing liquidity stress tests and various liquidity 
metrics, including contractual cash flow gaps for 
liquidity, liquidity stress metrics and ratios, Liquidity 
Coverage Ratio, Net Stable Funding Ratio and client 
deposit concentration.  The Treasury Risk Committee 
approves and validates stress test methodologies and 
assumptions.

BNY Mellon seeks to maintain an adequate liquidity 
cushion in both normal and stressed environments 
and seeks to diversify funding sources by line of 
business, customer and market segment.  
Additionally, we seek to maintain liquidity ratios 
within approved limits and liquidity risk tolerance, 
maintain a liquid asset buffer that can be liquidated, 
financed and/or pledged as necessary, and control the 
levels and sources of wholesale funds.

Potential uses of liquidity include withdrawals of 
customer deposits and client drawdowns on unfunded 
credit or liquidity facilities.  We actively monitor 
unfunded lending-related commitments, thereby 
reducing unanticipated funding requirements.

depositor and market funding concentration, liability 
maturity profile and potential liquidity draws due to 
off-balance sheet exposure. 

We also perform liquidity stress tests to ensure the 
Company maintains sufficient liquidity resources 
under multiple stress scenarios, including stress tests 
required by rules adopted by the Federal Reserve 
under the Dodd-Frank Act.  Stress tests are based on 
scenarios that measure liquidity risks under unlikely 
but plausible events.  The Company performs these 
tests under various time horizons ranging from one 
day to one year in a base case, as well as 
supplemental tests to determine whether the 
Company’s liquidity is sufficient for severe market 
events and firm-specific events.  Under our scenario 
testing program, the results of the tests indicate that 
the Company has sufficient liquidity.

Strategic Risk

Our strategy includes expanding our client base, 
increasing product offerings and better aligning 
certain business activities with market demand.  
Successful realization of our strategy requires that we 
provide expertise and insight through market-leading 
solutions that drive economies of scale while 
developing highly talented people and protecting our 
financial strength and stability.  We understand and 
meet market and client expectations with suitable 
products and offerings that are financially viable and 
leverageable and that integrate into our business 
model.  

Markets, and the manner in which our clients interact 
and transact within markets, can evolve quickly, such 
as when new or disruptive technologies are 
introduced.  Failure to either anticipate or participate 
in transformational change within a given market 
could result in poor strategic positioning and potential 
negative financial impact.

Stress Testing

When monitoring liquidity, we evaluate multiple 
metrics to ensure ample liquidity for expected and 
unexpected events.  Metrics include cash flow 
mismatches, asset maturities, debt spreads, peer 
ratios, liquid assets, unencumbered collateral, funding 
sources and balance sheet liquidity ratios.  We 
monitor the LCR, as well as various internal liquidity 
limits as part of our standard analysis to monitor 

It is the policy of the Company to perform Enterprise-
wide Stress Testing at regular intervals as part of its 
Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process 
(“ICAAP”).  Additionally, the Company performs an 
analysis of capital adequacy in a stressed 
environment in its Enterprise-Wide Stress Test 
Framework, as required by the enhanced prudential 
standards issued pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act. 

BNY Mellon 69 

Risk Management (continued)

Enterprise-Wide Stress Testing performs analyses 
across the Company’s lines of business, products, 
geographic areas, and risk types incorporating the 
results from the different underlying models and 
projections given a certain stress-test scenario.  It is 
an important component of assessing the adequacy of 
capital as well as identifying any high risk touch 
points in business activities. Furthermore, by 
integrating enterprise-wide stress testing into the 
Company’s capital planning process, the results 
provide a forward-looking evaluation of the ability to 
complete planned capital actions in a more-adverse-
than-anticipated economic environment. 

Economic capital required

BNY Mellon has implemented a methodology to 
quantify economic capital.  We define economic 
capital as the capital required to protect against 
unexpected economic losses over a one-year period at 
a level consistent with the solvency of a target debt 
rating.  We quantify economic capital requirements 
for the risks inherent in our business activities using 
statistical modeling techniques and then aggregate 
them at the consolidated level.  A capital reduction, or 
diversification benefit, is applied to reflect the 
unlikely event of experiencing an extremely large loss 
in each type of risk at the same time.  Economic 
capital requirements are directly related to our risk 
profile.  As such, they have become a part of our 
ICAAP and, along with regulatory capital, are a key 
component to ensuring that the actual level of capital 
is commensurate with our risk profile and sufficient 
to provide the financial flexibility to undertake future 
strategic business initiatives. 

The framework and methodologies to quantify each 
of our risk types have been developed by the 
Enterprise Capital Adequacy Group and are designed 
to be consistent with our risk management principles.  
The framework has been approved by senior 
management and has been reviewed by the Risk 
Committee of the board of directors.  Due to the 
evolving nature of quantification techniques, we 
expect to continue to refine the methodologies used to 
estimate our economic capital requirements. 

 70 BNY Mellon

The following table presents our economic capital 
required at Dec. 31, 2016, on a consolidated basis.

Economic capital required at Dec. 31, 2016
(in millions)
Credit
Market
Operational
Other (a)

Economic capital required - consolidated

CET1

Capital cushion

(a)  Includes interest rate risk, reputational risk and 

diversification benefit.

$

$

$

$

4,680
3,388
5,545
853
14,466

18,093

3,627

Global compliance

Our global compliance function provides leadership, 
guidance and oversight to help our businesses 
identify applicable laws and regulations and 
implement effective measures to meet the specific 
requirements.  Compliance takes a proactive 
approach by anticipating evolving regulatory 
standards and remaining aware of industry best 
practices, legislative initiatives, competitive issues, 
and public expectations and perceptions.  The 
function uses its global reach to disseminate 
information about compliance-related matters 
throughout BNY Mellon.  The Chief Compliance and 
Ethics Officer reports to the Chief Risk Officer, is a 
member of key committees of BNY Mellon and 
provides regular updates to the Risk Committee of the 
board of directors.

Internal audit

Internal Audit is an independent, objective assurance 
function that reports directly to the Audit Committee 
of the Company’s Board of Directors.  It assists the 
Company in accomplishing its objectives by bringing 
a systematic, disciplined, risk-based approach to 
evaluate and improve the effectiveness of the 
Company’s risk management, control and governance 
processes.  The scope of Internal Audit’s work 
includes the review and evaluation of the adequacy, 
effectiveness and sustainability of risk management 
procedures, internal control systems, information 
systems and governance processes.

Supervision and Regulation

Evolving Regulatory Environment

BNY Mellon engages in banking, investment 
advisory and other financial activities in the U.S. and 
34 other countries, and is subject to extensive 
regulation in the jurisdictions in which it operates.  
Global supervisory authorities generally are charged 
with ensuring the safety and soundness of financial 
institutions, protecting the interests of customers, 
including depositors in banking entities and investors 
in mutual funds and other pooled vehicles, 
safeguarding the integrity of securities and other 
financial markets and promoting systemic resiliency 
and financial stability in the relevant country.  They 
are not, however, generally charged with protecting 
the interests of our shareholders or non-deposit 
creditors.  This discussion outlines the material 
elements of selected laws and regulations applicable 
to us.  Changes in these standards, or in their 
application, cannot be predicted, but may have a 
material effect on our businesses and results of 
operations.

The financial services industry has been the subject of 
enhanced regulatory scrutiny in recent years globally, 
and this trend may continue in the future.  Our 
businesses have been subject to a significant number 
of global reform measures.  In particular, the Dodd-
Frank Act and its implementing regulations have 
significantly restructured the financial regulatory 
regime in the United States and enhanced supervision 
and prudential standards for large BHCs like BNY 
Mellon.  The implications of the Dodd-Frank Act for 
our businesses depend to a large extent on the manner 
in which its implementing regulations continue to be 
established and interpreted by the primary U.S. 
financial regulatory agencies - the Federal Reserve, 
the FDIC, the OCC, the SEC and the Commodity 
Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”).  The 
implications are also dependent on continuing 
changes in market practices and structures in 
response to the requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act 
and financial reforms in other jurisdictions.  Certain 
aspects of the Dodd-Frank Act remain subject to 
further rulemaking, take effect over various transition 
periods, or contain other elements that make it 
difficult to precisely anticipate their full impact.  In 
addition, other national and global reform measures 
adopted by various policy makers or are being 
considered may materially impact us.  Recent 
political developments, including the change in 
presidential administrations in the U.S. and the UK 
referendum vote to leave the European Union, have 

resulted in greater uncertainty as to the 
implementation, scope and timing of regulatory 
reforms.

Enhanced Prudential Standards and Large Exposures

Sections 165 and 166 of the Dodd-Frank Act direct 
the Federal Reserve to enact heightened prudential 
standards and early remediation requirements 
applicable to BHCs with total consolidated assets of 
$50 billion or more, such as BNY Mellon, and certain 
designated nonbank financial companies (generally 
referred to as “SIFIs”).  The Dodd-Frank Act 
mandates that the requirements applicable to SIFIs be 
more stringent than those applicable to other financial 
companies.

The Federal Reserve has adopted rules (“Final SIFI 
Rules”) to implement the following aspects of 
Section 165:

• 
• 
• 

liquidity requirements;
stress testing of capital; and
overall risk management requirements.

BNY Mellon must comply with enhanced liquidity 
and overall risk management standards, which 
include maintenance of a buffer of highly liquid 
assets based on projected funding needs for 30 days.  
The liquidity buffer is in addition to the U.S. banking 
agencies’ rules regarding the LCR, discussed below, 
and is described by the Federal Reserve as being 
“complementary” to those liquidity standards.

The Final SIFI Rules do not address single-
counterparty credit limits or early remediation 
provisions.  On March 4, 2016, the Federal Reserve 
issued its re-proposal to limit credit exposures to 
single counterparties.  With respect to BNY Mellon, 
which is a “major covered company” as defined in 
the re-proposal, the re-proposal prohibits having 
aggregate net credit exposure in excess of 15% of its 
Tier 1 capital to a “major counterparty,” and 25% of 
its Tier 1 capital to any other counterparty.  A “major 
counterparty” is any counterparty that is (i) a U.S. G-
SIB; (ii) a foreign banking organization (“FBO”), that 
has the characteristics of a G-SIB under the BCBS G-
SIB methodology; (iii) an FBO with respect to which 
the Federal Reserve determines that the FBO would 
be a G-SIB or that the U.S. IHC of the FBO would be 
a G-SIB; or (iv) is a nonbank financial company 
supervised by the Federal Reserve.  The Federal 
Reserve’s re-proposal requires securities finance 

BNY Mellon 71 

Supervision and Regulation (continued)

transaction (SFT) exposures to be calculated using 
the “collateral haircut approach” in the Standardized 
Approach, described below.

The Basel Committee has also developed a 
framework for large exposures, which is scheduled to 
become effective on Jan. 1, 2019.  It will become 
binding on U.S. banking organizations only to the 
extent that the U.S. banking agencies implement the 
framework, including through the Federal Reserve’s 
adoption of final single counterparty credit limits.

Capital Planning and Stress Testing

Payment of Dividends, Stock Repurchases and Other 
Capital Distributions

The Parent is a legal entity separate and distinct from 
its banks and other subsidiaries.  Dividends and 
interest from its subsidiaries are the Parent’s principal 
sources of funds to make capital contributions or 
loans to its subsidiaries, to service its own debt, to 
honor its guarantees of debt issued by its subsidiaries 
or to make its own capital distributions.  Various 
federal and state laws and regulations limit the 
amount of dividends that may be paid to the Parent by 
our bank subsidiaries without regulatory consent.  If, 
in the opinion of the applicable federal regulatory 
agency, a depository institution under its jurisdiction 
is engaged in or is about to engage in an unsafe or 
unsound practice (which, depending on the financial 
condition of the bank, could include the payment of 
dividends), the regulator may require, after notice and 
hearing, that the bank cease and desist from such 
practice.  The OCC, the Federal Reserve and the 
FDIC have indicated that the payment of dividends 
would constitute an unsafe and unsound practice if 
the payment would reduce a depository institution’s 
capital to an inadequate level.  Moreover, under the 
Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended (the “FDI 
Act”), an insured depository institution may not pay 
any dividends if the institution is undercapitalized or 
if the payment of the dividend would cause the 
institution to become undercapitalized.  In addition, 
the federal bank regulatory agencies have issued 
policy statements which provide that FDIC-insured 
depository institutions and their holding companies 
should generally pay dividends only out of their 
current operating earnings.

In general, the amount of dividends that may be paid 
by our U.S. banking subsidiaries, including to the 
Parent, is limited to the lesser of the amounts 

 72 BNY Mellon

calculated under a “recent earnings” test and an 
“undivided profits” test.  Under the recent earnings 
test, a dividend may not be paid if the total of all 
dividends declared and paid by the entity in any 
calendar year exceeds the current year’s net income 
combined with the retained net income of the two 
preceding years, unless the entity obtains prior 
regulatory approval.  Under the undivided profits test, 
a dividend may not be paid in excess of the entity’s 
“undivided profits” (generally, accumulated net 
profits that have not been paid out as dividends or 
transferred to surplus).  The ability of our bank 
subsidiaries to pay dividends to the Parent may also 
be affected by various minimum capital requirements 
for banking organizations.

BNY Mellon’s capital distributions are subject to 
Federal Reserve oversight.  The major component of 
that oversight is the Federal Reserve’s CCAR, 
implementing its capital plan rule.  That rule requires 
BHCs having $50 billion or more in total 
consolidated assets (including BNY Mellon) to 
submit annual capital plans to their respective Federal 
Reserve Bank.  We are also required to collect and 
report certain related data on a quarterly basis to 
allow the Federal Reserve to monitor progress against 
the annual capital plans.  Generally, BNY Mellon and 
other affected BHCs may pay dividends, repurchase 
stock and make other capital distributions only in 
accordance with a capital plan that has been reviewed 
by the Federal Reserve and as to which the Federal 
Reserve has not objected.  The Federal Reserve may 
object to a capital plan, submitted by a large covered 
BHC, such as BNY Mellon, for quantitative or 
qualitative reasons, including if the plan does not 
show that the covered BHC will meet, for each 
quarter throughout the nine-quarter planning horizon 
covered by the capital plan, all minimum regulatory 
capital ratios under applicable capital rules as in 
effect for that quarter on a pro forma basis under the 
base case and stressed scenarios (including a severely 
adverse scenario provided by the Federal Reserve).  
The capital plan rule also stipulates that a covered 
BHC may not make a capital distribution unless after 
giving effect to the distribution it will meet all 
minimum regulatory capital ratios.

The purpose of CCAR is to ensure that these BHCs 
have robust, forward-looking capital planning 
processes that account for their unique risks and that 
permit continued operations during times of 
economic and financial stress.  The 2017 CCAR 
instructions, consistent with prior Federal Reserve 

Supervision and Regulation (continued)

guidance, provide that capital plans contemplating 
dividend payout ratios exceeding 30% of projected 
after-tax net income will receive particularly close 
scrutiny.  BNY Mellon’s common stock dividend 
payout ratio was 23% for 2016.  See “Capital” for 
information about our 2016 capital plan.

In December 2015, the Federal Reserve issued 
guidance that consolidates capital planning 
expectations, including expectations for CCAR.  The 
guidance makes explicit that the Federal Reserve 
maintains heightened expectations regarding capital 
planning by large BHCs such as BNY Mellon.  In 
particular, the Federal Reserve expects firms such as 
BNY Mellon to exceed the minimum expectations set 
forth in the Federal Reserve’s guidance and maintain 
highly sophisticated, comprehensive and robust 
capital planning practices.

On Jan. 30, 2017, the Federal Reserve released a rule 
that introduces several changes to the 2017 CCAR 
cycle, including: (i) reducing the de minimis 
exception for additional capital distributions from 
1.00% of a BHC’s Tier 1 capital to 0.25%; (ii) 
introducing “blackout periods” for notices regarding 
or requests for approval to make additional capital 
distributions; and (iii) extending the range of dates 
from which the Federal Reserve may select the “as 
of” date for the global market shock component of 
the supervisory stress test macroeconomic scenarios 
applicable to certain BHCs. 

Regulatory Stress-Testing Requirements

In addition to the CCAR stress testing requirements, 
Federal Reserve regulations also include 
complementary Dodd-Frank Act Stress Tests 
(“DFAST”).  The CCAR and DFAST requirements 
substantially overlap, and the Federal Reserve 
implements them at the BHC level on a coordinated 
basis.  Under these DFAST regulations, we are 
required to undergo regulatory stress tests conducted 
by the Federal Reserve annually, and to conduct our 
own internal stress tests pursuant to regulatory 
requirements twice annually.  In addition, The Bank 
of New York Mellon is required to conduct its own 
annual internal stress test (although this bank is 
permitted to combine certain reporting and disclosure 
of its stress test results with the results of BNY 
Mellon).  These requirements involve testing of 
capital under various scenarios, including baseline, 
adverse and severely adverse scenarios provided by 
the appropriate banking regulator.  Results from our 

annual company-run stress tests are reported to the 
appropriate regulators and published.  The Federal 
Reserve published the results of its most recent 
annual 2016 DFAST stress-test on June 23, 2016.  We 
published the results of our most recent company-run 
annual stress test on June 24, 2016, and the results of 
our company-run mid-year stress test on Oct. 14, 
2016.

Capital Requirements - Generally

As a BHC, we are subject to U.S. capital rules, 
administered by the Federal Reserve.  Our bank 
subsidiaries are subject to similar capital 
requirements administered by the Federal Reserve in 
the case of The Bank of New York Mellon and by the 
OCC in the case of our national bank subsidiaries, 
BNY Mellon, N.A. and The Bank of New York 
Mellon Trust Company, National Association.  These 
requirements are intended to ensure that banking 
organizations have adequate capital given the risk 
levels of their assets and off-balance sheet exposures.

The U.S. capital rules are largely based on the Basel 
Committee’s December 2010 final capital framework 
for strengthening international capital standards, now 
officially identified by the Basel Committee as “Basel 
III”, and the “Standardized Approach” to calculating 
RWAs discussed below.  Notwithstanding the detailed 
U.S. capital rules, the federal banking agencies retain 
significant discretion to set higher capital 
requirements for categories of BHCs or banks or for 
an individual BHC or bank as situations warrant.

The U.S. capital rules allow a graduated 
implementation schedule and will be substantially 
phased-in by 2019.  BNY Mellon began using the 
new Standardized Approach risk-weightings on Jan. 
1, 2015.  In addition, BNY Mellon began meeting the 
minimum ratios for the capital conservation buffer 
and countercyclical capital buffer, including the G-
SIB surcharge, during the transition period beginning 
on Jan. 1, 2016 and must begin compliance with the 
SLR on Jan. 1, 2018.

U.S. Capital Rules - Minimum Risk-Based Capital 
Ratios and Capital Buffers

Consistent with the terms of the Basel III framework 
and the Dodd-Frank Act, the U.S. capital rules  
require Advanced Approaches banking organizations, 
such as BNY Mellon, to satisfy minimum risk-based 
capital ratios using both the Standardized Approach 

BNY Mellon 73 

Supervision and Regulation (continued)

risk-weightings and the Advanced Approaches.  
These requirements are detailed above under “Results 
of Operations - Capital.”  In addition, these minimum 
ratios will be supplemented by a capital conservation 
buffer required threshold that began being phased in 
on Jan. 1, 2016, in increments of 0.625% per year 
until it reaches 2.5% on Jan. 1, 2019. The capital 
conservation buffer required threshold can only be 
satisfied with CET1 capital.

When systemic vulnerabilities are meaningfully 
above normal, the capital conservation buffer may be 
expanded up to an additional 2.5% through the 
imposition of a countercyclical capital buffer.  For 
internationally active banks such as BNY Mellon, the 
countercyclical capital buffer required threshold is a 
weighted average of the countercyclical capital 
buffers deployed in each of the jurisdictions in which 
the bank has private sector credit exposures.  The 
Federal Reserve, in consultation with the OCC and 
FDIC, has affirmed the current countercyclical capital 
buffer level for U.S. exposures of 0% and noted that 
any future modifications to the buffer would 
generally be subject to a 12-month phase-in period.  
Any countercyclical capital buffer required threshold 
arising from exposures outside the United States will 
also generally be subject to a 12-month phase-in 
period.

The U.S. capital rules’ buffers are also 
supplemented by a risk-based capital surcharge on 
G-SIB (the “Final U.S. G-SIB Rule”).  The final 
rule requires G-SIBs to calculate their surcharges 
under two methods (referred to as “method 1” and 
“method 2”) and use the higher of the two 
surcharges.  The first method is based on the Basel 
Committee’s framework and considers a G-SIB’s 
size, interconnectedness, cross-jurisdictional 
activity, substitutability and complexity.  The 
second method uses similar inputs, but is 
calibrated to result in significantly higher 
surcharges and replaces substitutability with a 
measure of reliance on short-term wholesale 
funding.  The Final U.S. G-SIB Rule does not add 
the G-SIB surcharge to post-stress minimum risk-
based capital ratios for purposes of DFAST or 
CCAR.  Consistent with the phase-in of the capital 
conservation buffer, the G-SIB capital surcharge 
began to be phased-in beginning on Jan. 1, 2016 
and will become fully effective on Jan. 1, 2019.  
For 2017, the G-SIB surcharge applicable to BNY 
Mellon will be 1.5%, subject to applicable phase-
ins.

 74 BNY Mellon

At Dec. 31, 2016, calculated on a transitionally 
phased-in basis and under the Advanced 
Approach, BNY Mellon’s CET1 ratio was 10.6%, 
the Tier 1 capital ratio was 12.6%, the Total capital 
ratio was 13.0% and its leverage ratio was 6.6%.

At Dec. 31, 2016, our estimated fully phased-in 
CET1 ratio was 9.7% under the Advanced Approach 
and 11.3% under the Standardized Approach, based 
on our current interpretations of the U.S. capital rules.  

U.S. Capital Rules - Deductions from and 
Adjustments to Capital Elements

The U.S. capital rules, like Basel III, provide for a 
number of deductions from and adjustments to CET1 
capital.  These include, for example, providing that 
unrealized gains and losses on all available-for-sale 
debt securities may not be filtered out for regulatory 
capital purposes, and the requirement that mortgage 
servicing rights, deferred tax assets dependent upon 
future taxable income and significant investments in 
non-consolidated financial entities be deducted from 
CET1 to the extent that any one such category 
exceeds 10% of CET1 or all such categories in the 
aggregate exceed 15% of CET1.

U.S. Capital Rules - Advanced Approach Risk-Based 
Capital Rules

The U.S. capital rules’ Advanced Approach asset risk-
weighting framework (the “Advanced Approach”) is 
based on Basel II’s Advanced Approach.  Under the 
U.S. capital rule’s Advanced Approaches framework, 
credit risk risk-weightings are generally based on 
risk-sensitive approaches that largely rely on the use 
of internal credit models and parameters, whereas 
under the Standardized Approach credit risk risk-
weightings are generally based on supervisory risk-
weightings which vary primarily by counterparty type 
and asset class.  BNY Mellon is required to comply 
with Advanced Approach reporting and public 
disclosures.  Under the U.S. capital rules, this means, 
among other things, for purposes of determining 
whether we meet minimum risk-based capital 
requirements, our CET1 ratio, Tier 1 capital ratio, and 
total capital ratio is the lower of that calculated under 
the generally applicable risk-based capital standard 
and under the Advanced Approach rule.

Supervision and Regulation (continued)

U.S. Capital Rules - Generally Applicable Risk-Based 
Capital Rules:  Standardized Approach

The agencies’ generally applicable risk-based capital 
rules calculate risk-weighted assets in the 
denominator of capital ratios using a broad array of 
risk weighting categories that are intended to be risk 
sensitive (the “Standardized Approach”).  The risk-
weights for the Standardized Approach generally 
range from 0% to 1,250%.  Higher risk-weights under 
the Standardized Approach apply to a variety of 
exposures, including certain securitization exposures, 
equity exposures, claims on securities firms and 
exposures to counterparties on over-the-counter 
derivatives.

Concerning securities finance transactions, including 
transactions in which we serve as agent and provide 
securities replacement indemnification to a securities 
lender, the U.S. capital rules do not permit a banking 
organization to use a simple VaR approach to 
calculate exposure amounts for repo-style 
transactions or to use internal models to calculate the 
exposure amount for the counterparty credit exposure 
for repo-style transactions under the Standardized 
Approach (although these methodologies are included 
in the Advanced Approach).  Under the Standardized 
Approach, a banking organization may use a 
collateral haircut approach to recognize the credit risk 
mitigation benefits of financial collateral that secures 
a repo-style transaction, including an agented 
securities lending transaction, among other 
transactions.  To apply the collateral haircut approach, 
a banking organization must determine the exposure 
amount and the relevant risk weight for the 
counterparty or guarantor.  Banking organizations 
may calculate market price volatility and foreign 
exchange volatility using their own internal estimates 
with prior written approval of their primary Federal 
supervisor.

In December 2015, the Basel Committee issued a 
consultative document proposing revisions to the 
Standardized Approach.  Among other things, the 
proposal maintains external credit ratings as the 
primary basis for determining risk weights for 
financial institution and corporate exposures, but 
requires additional due diligence by firms to confirm 
the credit risk exposure.  The new proposal offers 
alternative approaches for jurisdictions that do not 
allow the use of credit ratings, such as the United 
States.  The new proposal also includes a revised 
framework for credit risk mitigation, including for 

securities financing transactions and higher credit 
conversion factors for commitments.  The U.S. 
banking agencies, including the Federal Reserve, 
have issued a joint statement stating that they intend 
to consider the new Basel Committee proposal with 
the goal of developing a stronger and more 
transparent risk-based capital framework for the 
largest financial institutions.

Leverage Ratios

The U.S. capital rules require a minimum 4% 
leverage ratio for all banking organizations.  At Dec. 
31, 2016, the Tier 1 leverage ratio for the Parent was 
6.6% and the Tier 1 leverage ratio for our primary 
banking subsidiary, The Bank of New York Mellon, 
was 7.2%.

The U.S. capital rules also implement a new 3% 
Basel III-based SLR for Advanced Approach banking 
organizations, including BNY Mellon, to become 
effective Jan. 1, 2018.  Unlike the Tier 1 leverage 
ratio, the SLR includes certain off-balance sheet 
exposures in the denominator, including the potential 
future credit exposure of derivative contracts and 
10% of the notional amount of unconditionally 
cancelable commitments.

The U.S. G-SIBs (including BNY Mellon) and their 
insured depository institution subsidiaries are subject 
to an enhanced SLR, which requires BNY Mellon and 
other U.S. G-SIBs to maintain an SLR of greater than 
5% (composed of the current minimum requirement 
of 3% plus a greater than 2% buffer) and requires 
bank subsidiaries of those bank holding companies to 
maintain at least a 6% SLR in order to qualify as 
“well capitalized” under the prompt corrective action 
regulations discussed below.  The final enhanced SLR 
rule for U.S. G-SIBs, like the SLR more generally 
applicable to all Advanced Approach banking 
organizations, will become effective on Jan. 1, 2018.

Interest Rate Risk in the Banking Book

On April 1, 2016 the Basel Committee issued final 
standards for risk management and supervision of 
interest rate risk in the banking book (“IRRBB”), 
which updates its 2004 Principles for the 
management and supervision of interest rate risk. 
These standards adopt a supervisory approach that 
includes quantitative calculation and disclosure and 
not a measure that imposes minimum quantitative 

BNY Mellon 75 

Supervision and Regulation (continued)

capital requirements.  Historically, IRRBB has been 
regulated under a supervisory approach.  

Fundamental Review of the Trading Book

The Basel Committee released revised minimum 
capital requirements for market risk in January 2016.  
The purpose of the revised market risk framework is 
to ensure that the standardized and internal model 
approaches to market risk deliver credible capital 
outcomes and promote consistent implementation of 
the standards across jurisdictions.  BNY Mellon is 
assessing the final framework but does not expect 
material business issues or compliance matters should 
the framework be implemented in the U.S.

Total Loss-Absorbing Capacity

On Dec. 15, 2016, the Federal Reserve issued a final 
rule (the “TLAC Rule”) establishing external total 
loss-absorbing capacity (“TLAC”) and related 
requirements for U.S. G-SIBs, including BNY 
Mellon, at the top-tier holding company level.  The 
TLAC Rule will be effective on Jan. 1, 2019.  Under 
the TLAC Rule, U.S. G-SIBs will be required to 
maintain a minimum external TLAC of the greater of 
18% of risk-weighted assets and 7.5% of the 
denominator of the SLR.  The external TLAC 
requirement will be met using a combination of Tier 1 
capital and eligible external long-term debt securities.  
The TLAC Rule applies an additional buffer to the 
risk-weighted assets prong of the external TLAC 
requirement consisting of the sum of 2.5% of risk-
weighted assets, the G-SIB surcharge calculated 
under method 1, and any applicable countercyclical 
buffer to be met using CET1.  The TLAC Rule also 
applies a buffer equal to 2% of total leverage 
exposure to the SLR prong of the external TLAC 
requirements, consistent with the enhanced SLR, 
consisting solely of Tier 1 capital.  Separately, 
eligible external long-term debt (“LTD”) will be 
required to be maintained in an amount equal to the 
greater of 6% of risk-weighted assets plus the G-SIB 
surcharge (calculated using the greater of method 1 
and method 2), and 4.5% of the denominator of the 
SLR.  In order to be deemed eligible external long-
term debt securities and count toward the LTD and 
TLAC requirements, debt instruments must, among 
other requirements, be unsecured, not be structured 
notes, and have a maturity of more than one year 
from the date of issuance.  In addition, the TLAC 
Rule requires that LTD issued on or after Dec. 31, 
2016 (i) not have acceleration rights, other than in the 

 76 BNY Mellon

event of non-payment or the bankruptcy or 
insolvency of the issuer and (ii) be governed by U.S. 
law.  However, debt issued by a U.S. G-SIB prior to 
Dec. 31, 2016 can qualify as TLAC and LTD, even if 
the debt contains other acceleration provisions or is 
governed by U.S. law.  Amounts payable under 
eligible external long-term debt securities due to be 
paid within less than two years but within more than 
one year are subject to a 50% haircut for purposes of 
the LTD requirement but not the TLAC requirement.  
Further, the top-tier holding companies of U.S. G-
SIBs are not permitted to issue certain guarantees of 
subsidiary liabilities, incur certain liabilities 
guaranteed by subsidiaries, issue short-term debt to 
third parties, or enter into derivatives and certain 
other financial contracts with external counterparties.  
Finally, certain liabilities of the top-tier holding 
companies of U.S. G-SIBs, such as those that are 
junior to or pari passu with eligible external long-
term debt securities are capped at 5% of the value of 
the U.S. G-SIB’s eligible external TLAC instruments.

The Financial Stability Board (“FSB”) also issued a 
final TLAC standard on Nov. 9, 2015.  There are 
several important differences between the final FSB 
TLAC standard and the TLAC Rules.  Importantly, 
the final FSB standard sets an “internal” TLAC 
requirement requiring material sub-groups of G-SIBs 
that are not themselves resolution entities to maintain 
75-90% of the external TLAC minimum.  Under the 
TLAC Rules, the Federal Reserve is considering 
requiring internal TLAC at domestic subsidiaries of 
U.S. G-SIBs, but has not yet proposed rules 
implementing such internal TLAC requirements.

Prompt Corrective Action

The FDI Act, as amended by the Federal Deposit 
Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 
(“FDICIA”), requires the federal banking agencies to 
take “prompt corrective action” in respect of 
depository institutions that do not meet specified 
capital requirements.  FDICIA establishes five capital 
categories for FDIC-insured banks: “well 
capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” 
“undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized,” 
and “critically undercapitalized.”  The FDI Act 
imposes progressively more restrictive constraints on 
operations, management and capital distributions the 
less capital the institution holds.

The U.S. capital rules maintain “well capitalized” 
thresholds for insured depository institutions under 

Supervision and Regulation (continued)

the federal banking agencies’ prompt corrective 
action framework.  Under the U.S. capital rules, an 
insured depository institution is deemed to be “well 
capitalized” if it has capital ratios as detailed above 
under “Results of Operations - Capital.”

Effective Jan. 1, 2018, the U.S. capital rules also 
require an Advanced Approach banking organization 
to maintain a SLR of at least 3% to qualify for the 
“adequately capitalized” status.

In addition, as noted above, the U.S. federal banking 
agencies’ revisions to the enhanced SLR establish a 
SLR “well capitalized” threshold of 6% for covered 
insured depository institutions, including The Bank of 
New York Mellon and BNY Mellon N.A.

FDICIA’s prompt corrective action provisions only 
apply to depository institutions and not to BHCs.  The 
Federal Reserve’s regulations applicable to BHCs 
separately define “well capitalized” for BHCs to 
require maintaining a total risk-based capital ratio of 
at least 10.0% and a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 
at least 6.0% (but not a leverage measure).  A 
financial holding company (“FHC”) that is not well 
capitalized and well managed (or whose bank 
subsidiaries are not well capitalized and well 
managed under applicable prompt corrective action 
standards) may be restricted in certain of its activities 
and ultimately may lose FHC status.

As of Dec. 31, 2016, BNY Mellon and our U.S. bank 
subsidiaries were “well capitalized” based on the 
ratios and rules applicable to them noted above.  A 
bank’s capital category, however, is determined solely 
for the purpose of applying the prompt corrective 
action rules and may not be an accurate 
representation of the bank’s overall financial 
condition or prospects.

BCBS Consultative Document on Operational Risk 
and Federal Reserve Comment 

On March 4, 2016, the BCBS released a consultative 
document proposing revisions to its approach for 
calculating operational risk capital.  The document 
proposes to replace the Advanced Measurement 
Approach in its regulatory framework with the 
Standardized Measurement Approach, a single non-
model-based method.  The Federal Reserve released 
guidance relating to the above consultative document 
which states that staff will contact affected banking 

organizations to discuss individual supervisory plans 
for calculating operational risk capital. 

Liquidity Standards - Basel III and U.S. Rules and 
Proposals

BNY Mellon is subject to the Final LCR Rule which 
is designed to ensure that BNY Mellon and its 
domestic bank subsidiaries maintain an adequate 
level of unencumbered high-quality liquid assets 
equal to their expected net cash outflow for a 30-day 
time horizon under an acute liquidity stress scenario.

The required minimum LCR level has been increased 
annually by 10% increments until Jan. 1, 2017, at 
which time covered companies were required to meet 
an LCR of 100%.  As of Dec. 31, 2016, both the 
Parent and its domestic bank subsidiaries were in 
compliance with applicable LCR requirements on a 
fully phased-in basis.

The Basel III framework contemplates an additional 
liquidity measure, referred to as the net stable funding 
ratio (“NSFR”), which is designed to promote more 
medium- and long-term funding of the assets and 
activities of banking entities over a one-year time 
horizon.  The Basel Committee issued the final NSFR 
document in October 2014.

In April 2016 and May 2016, the FDIC and the 
Federal Reserve, respectively, proposed an NSFR rule 
that would implement a quantitative long-term 
liquidity requirement applicable to large and 
internationally active banking organizations, 
including BNY Mellon.  The proposed NSFR rule 
would implement the Basel III framework’s similar 
test for medium- and long-term funding of the assets 
and activities of banking entities over a one-year time 
horizon.  Under the proposed rule, BNY Mellon’s 
NSFR would be expressed as a ratio of its available 
stable funding to its required stable funding amount, 
and BNY Mellon would be required to maintain an 
NSFR of 1.0.  BNY Mellon continues to evaluate the 
potential effects of this proposal on its operations.  
The proposed NSFR rule would be effective Jan. 1, 
2018.  

Separately, as noted above, the Final SIFI Rules 
address liquidity requirements for BHCs with $50 
billion or more in total assets, including BNY Mellon.  
These enhanced liquidity requirements include an 
independent review of liquidity risk management; 
establishment of cash flow projections; a contingency 

BNY Mellon 77 

Supervision and Regulation (continued)

funding plan, and liquidity risk limits; liquidity stress 
testing under multiple stress scenarios and time 
horizons tailored to the specific products and profile 
of the company; and maintenance of a liquidity buffer 
of unencumbered highly liquid assets sufficient to 
meet projected net cash outflows over 30 days under 
a range of stress scenarios.  In the release 
accompanying those rules, the Federal Reserve states 
that these enhanced liquidity requirements are 
designed to complement the LCR.  The LCR provides 
a standardized measure to allow comparison across 
BHCs, while the Final SIFI Rules’ internal stress test 
requirements provide a view of the BHC under 
various scenarios and time horizons which is tailored 
to the profile of the company.  On Dec. 19, 2016, the 
Federal Reserve issued a final rule requiring that 
large banking organizations, including BNY Mellon, 
publicly disclose certain quantitative liquidity 
metrics, including their consolidated LCR each 
quarter and consolidated HQLA amounts, broken 
down by HQLA category.  BNY Mellon will 
commence this disclosure for the second quarter of 
2017.

Volcker Rule

The Dodd-Frank Act imposed broad prohibitions and 
restrictions on proprietary trading and investments in 
or sponsorship of hedge funds and private equity 
funds by banking organizations and their affiliates, 
commonly referred to as the “Volcker Rule.”

The Volcker Rule, subject to certain exceptions, 
prohibits “banking entities,” including BNY Mellon, 
from engaging in proprietary trading and limits our 
sponsorship of, and investments in, private equity and 
hedge funds (“covered funds”), including our ability 
to own or provide seed capital to covered funds and 
the ability for a covered fund to share the same or 
similar name with a BNY Mellon affiliate.  In 
addition, the Volcker Rule restricts us from engaging 
in certain transactions with covered funds (including, 
without limitation, certain U.S. funds for which BNY 
Mellon acts as both sponsor/manager and custodian).

The restrictions concerning proprietary trading do not 
contain a broad exemption for asset-liability 
management functions, but contain more limited 
exceptions for, among other things, bona fide 
liquidity risk management and risk-mitigating 
hedging activities, as well as certain classes of 
exempted instruments, including government 
securities.  Ownership interests in covered funds that 

 78 BNY Mellon

banking organizations organize and offer are 
generally limited to 3% of the total number or value 
of the outstanding ownership interests of any 
individual fund at any time more than one year after 
the date of its establishment, and with respect to the 
aggregate value of all such ownership interests in 
covered funds (when combined with ownership 
interests in covered funds held under the Volcker 
Rule’s ABS issuer exemption and underwriting and 
market-making exemption), 3% of the banking 
organization’s Tier 1 capital.  Moreover, a banking 
entity relying on the final Volcker Rule’s exemption 
for sponsoring covered funds must deduct from its 
Tier 1 capital, the value of related ownership 
interests, calculated in accordance with the final rule.

Banking organizations, including BNY Mellon, and 
their affiliates generally were required to conform 
their covered activities and investments with the final 
Volcker Rule regulations by July 21, 2015.  The 
Federal Reserve extended this conformance period by 
two years (until July 21, 2017) for investments in and 
relationships with covered funds and foreign funds 
that were in place prior to Dec. 31, 2013.  We are 
expected to engage in good-faith efforts that will 
result in conformance of all of our covered activities 
and investments by no later than the end of this 
conformance period.  The final Volcker Rule 
regulations also require us to develop and maintain an 
extensive compliance program, subject to CEO 
attestation, addressing proprietary trading and 
covered fund activities.

Derivatives

U.S., EU and APAC regulators are in the process of 
implementing comprehensive rules governing the 
supervision, structure, trading and regulation of 
cleared and over-the-counter derivatives markets and 
participants.  The Dodd-Frank Act, the European 
regulation on OTC derivatives (European Market 
Infrastructure Regulation, or “EMIR”), central 
counterparties and trade repositories, and APAC 
regulations each require or impose, or are in the 
process of formulating, a large number of 
requirements in this area, not all of which are final.  
However, increasingly, these regulatory regimes, 
individually and collectively, tend to affect the way 
various BNY Mellon subsidiaries operate, including 
where and with whom they transact, and therefore 
any such changes may impact business models and 
profitability of certain BNY Mellon subsidiaries.

Supervision and Regulation (continued)

The U.S. prudential regulators have adopted joint 
final rules establishing minimum margin 
requirements for the uncleared swap transactions 
engaged in by those dealers subject to their 
jurisdiction (each, a “Covered Swap Entity”) with 
compliance requirements which began to apply in 
September 2016.  From that point forward, variation 
margin requirements are being phased in over a six-
month period while initial margin requirements are 
being phased in over a four-year period.  In each 
instance, the higher a Covered Swap Entity’s 
derivatives exposure, the earlier in the phase-in 
period it will be required to comply.  In addition, the 
new rules will require the initial margin posted to or 
by a Covered Swap Entity be segregated at a third-
party custodian.  While BNY Mellon does not expect 
to be impacted by the initial margin component of 
these new rules in 2017, we do expect to become 
subject to substantial, new variation margin 
requirements (the “VM Regulations”) effective 
March 1, 2017.  Should the initial margin 
requirements be implemented as currently required, it 
is possible that a number of BNY Mellon OTC 
derivatives trading relationships may be temporarily 
interrupted.

Money Market Fund Reforms

The SEC has finalized rules (the “MMF Rules”) that 
will require institutional prime money market funds 
(including institutional municipal money market 
funds) to maintain a floating net asset value (“NAV”) 
based on the current market value of the securities in 
their portfolios rounded to the fourth decimal place.

Previously, such funds could maintain a stable NAV 
of $1.00.  Government MMFs and retail MMFs are 
exempt from these requirements and may continue to 
maintain a stable NAV, provided each type of fund 
continues to satisfy certain definitional requirements 
under the new rule.  The MMF Rules also provide 
new tools to MMFs’ boards of directors to address 
high net redemption activity during periods of 
market stress.  In particular, the MMF Rules allow a 
MMF’s board of directors to impose liquidity fees or 
temporarily suspend redemptions if a MMF’s level 
of weekly liquid assets falls below certain thresholds.  
Government MMFs are not required to adopt the 
liquidity fees and redemption gates provision, but 
they may opt to do so.

Beyond these primary reforms, the MMF Rules also 
expand disclosure requirements, tighten the 

diversification requirements and impose additional 
stress testing requirements.  The MMF Rules also 
introduce a new Form N-CR, which requires MMFs 
to disclose certain events (for example, the 
imposition or removal of fees or gates, the primary 
consideration or factors taken into account by a 
board of directors, in its decision related to fees and 
gates, and portfolio security defaults).

The compliance date for the amendments related to 
the fundamental reforms (floating NAV and liquidity 
fees and redemption sales, etc.) was Oct. 14, 2016.  
The required changes were implemented by BNY 
Mellon’s U.S. money market funds in a timely 
manner. 

The text of the European Union’s Money Market 
Funds Regulation (“MMFR”) was finalized in 
December 2016, and is expected to apply beginning 
in 2018.  MMFR is a significant change for the 
money market fund sector in the EU.  In particular, 
constant net asset value (“CNAV”) MMFs as they 
currently exist will need to convert into variable net 
asset value (“VNAV”) MMFs, low volatility net asset 
value (“LVNAV”) MMFs or public debt CNAV 
MMFs. Other significant restrictions would apply, 
such as the need for MMFs to apply liquidity fees and 
redemption gates, to diversify asset portfolios, 
extensive valuation and reporting requirements and 
prohibitions on external support.  

SEC rules on mutual funds 

On Oct. 13, 2016, the Securities and Exchange 
Commission (the “SEC”) adopted regulations that 
impose new requirements on mutual funds, exchange-
traded funds, and other registered investment 
companies.  The new rules would require mutual 
funds (other than money market funds) to provide 
portfolio-wide and position-level holdings data to the 
SEC on a monthly basis.  This data would include the 
pricing of portfolio securities, information regarding 
repurchase and securities lending activities, and the 
terms of derivatives contracts.  Information contained 
in reports for the last month of each fund’s fiscal 
quarter would be made available to the public within 
60 days of the end of the relevant quarter. 

The new rules also impose liquidity risk management 
requirements that are intended to reduce the risk that 
funds will not be able to meet shareholder 
redemptions and to minimize the impact of 
redemptions on remaining shareholders.  Each fund 

BNY Mellon 79 

Supervision and Regulation (continued)

will be required to establish a liquidity risk 
management program; classify the investments in its 
portfolio into one of four liquidity categories; 
maintain a highly liquid investment minimum; and 
limit illiquid investments to 15% of net assets.  The 
new rules also permit funds to use swing pricing in 
certain circumstances.  The compliance dates for the 
reporting requirements depend on the applicable 
reporting form.  Most funds will be required to 
comply with the liquidity risk management 
requirements by Dec. 1, 2018.  The SEC has delayed 
the effective date of the swing pricing amendments. 
BNY Mellon is evaluating the cost of compliance and 
the impact of the new regulations on its activities. 

Recovery and Resolution

As required by the Dodd-Frank Act, the Federal 
Reserve and FDIC have jointly issued a final rule 
requiring certain organizations, including each BHC 
with consolidated assets of $50 billion or more, such 
as BNY Mellon, to submit annually to the Federal 
Reserve and the FDIC a plan - referred to as the 165
(d) resolution plan - for its rapid and orderly 
resolution in the event of material financial distress or 
failure.  In addition, the FDIC has issued a final rule 
that requires insured depository institutions with $50 
billion or more in total assets, such as The Bank of 
New York Mellon, to submit annually to the FDIC a 
plan for resolution in the event of the institution’s 
failure.

In April 2016, the FDIC and the Federal Reserve 
jointly determined that BNY Mellon’s 2015 165(d) 
resolution plan was not credible or would not 
facilitate an orderly resolution under the U.S. 
Bankruptcy Code, the statutory standard established 
in the Dodd-Frank Act, and issued a joint notice of 
deficiencies and shortcomings regarding our plan and 
the actions that must be taken to address them, which 
we responded to in an Oct. 1, 2016 submission.

In December 2016, the agencies jointly determined 
that our October submission adequately remedied the 
identified deficiencies.  A public portion of our 
resolution plans and our October 2016 submission are 
available on the Federal Reserve’s and FDIC’s 
websites.

Following the receipt of the agencies’ April 2016 
feedback on our 2015 resolution plan, we have 
changed our preferred resolution strategy in the event 
of our material financial distress or failure to a single 

 80 BNY Mellon

point of entry (“SPOE”) strategy, which involves 
recapitalization of our material operating subsidiaries 
prior to the Parent’s entry into insolvency 
proceedings. 

If the Federal Reserve and FDIC jointly determine 
that our future submissions are not credible and the 
covered BHC fails to address the deficiencies in a 
timely manner, the FDIC and the Federal Reserve 
may jointly impose more stringent capital, leverage or 
liquidity requirements or restrictions on our growth, 
activities or operations.  If we continue to fail to 
adequately remedy any deficiencies, we could be 
required to divest assets or operations that the 
regulators determine necessary to facilitate our 
orderly resolution.

BNY Mellon is also subject to heightened supervisory 
expectations for recovery and resolution 
preparedness.  These expectations, issued by the 
Federal Reserve in January 2014, apply to eight 
domestic bank holding companies designated by the 
Federal Reserve, including BNY Mellon, and relate to 
capabilities critical to operational resilience and 
contingency planning, including: effective processes 
for managing, identifying, and valuing collateral; a 
comprehensive understanding of obligations and 
exposures associated with payment, clearing, and 
settlement activities; the ability to analyze liquidity 
and funding sources, uses, and risks; demonstrated 
management information systems capabilities on a 
legal entity basis; and robust arrangements for the 
continued provision of shared and outsourced 
services.  The Federal Reserve incorporates reviews 
of these key capabilities as part of its ongoing 
supervision of BNY Mellon.

The European Union Bank Recovery and Resolution 
Directive (“BRRD”) applies to various subsidiaries 
and branches of BNY Mellon.

BRRD provides for recovery and resolution planning 
and a set of harmonized powers to resolve or 
implement recovery of relevant institutions, including 
branches of non-European Economic Area (“EEA”) 
banks operating within the EEA.  The directive 
includes the preparation of recovery and resolution 
plans, giving relevant EEA regulators powers to 
impose requirements on an institution before 
resolution actions become necessary; a set of 
resolution tools and powers to facilitate the resolution 
of failing entities, such as the power to “bail-in” the 
debt of an institution (including certain deposit 

Supervision and Regulation (continued)

obligations); and the power to require a firm to 
change its structure to remove impediments to 
resolvability.

BRRD includes a minimum requirement for own 
funds, defined as regulatory capital, and eligible 
liabilities (“MREL”) to ensure that institutions 
maintain enough capital capable of being written 
down and/or bailed-in.  MREL will be set on a case-
by-case basis for each institution subject to BRRD.  
MREL is the EU equivalent of TLAC, and is 
generally aligned with the FSB’s TLAC proposals.  In 
contrast with TLAC, MREL will apply to all 
institutions subject to BRRD (not only G-SIBs).

In addition, BRRD requires EU-domiciled credit 
institutions, and certain other firms, to prepare 
recovery plans.  We submitted recovery plans in 
respect of the following EMEA entities during 2016: 
The Bank of New York Mellon SA/NV, The Bank of 
New York Mellon (Luxembourg) SA, BNY Mellon 
Holdings (UK) Limited (a UK group recovery plan 
encompassing The Bank of New York Mellon 
(International) Limited), and BNY Mellon Capital 
Markets EMEA Limited.  We will submit a group 
recovery plan for Pershing Holdings (UK) Limited 
during 2017.  We will submit updated recovery plans 
during 2017 as required under applicable timescales.

The FSB is also focused on cross-border resolution 
and measures to promote resolvability.  In November 
2015, the FSB published a consultative document on 
Arrangements to Support Operational Continuity in 
Resolution and a separate consultative document on 
Temporary Funding Needed to Support the Orderly 
Resolution of a Global Systemically Important Bank.  
The proposed guidance on operational continuity sets 
out arrangements to ensure the continuity of critical 
shared services that are necessary to maintain a firm’s 
critical functions in resolution.  The proposed 
guidance on funding addresses the risk of G-SIBs not 
having sufficient liquidity to maintain critical 
operations during resolution, and proposes principles 
to ensure that temporary funding is available to allow 
the effective resolution of G-SIBs. 

BRRD also requires each EU Member State (either 
individually, or collectively with other EU Member 
States) to establish a resolution fund, which is to be 
funded by the banking industry.  Most EU Member 
States participate in the Single Resolution Fund 
(“SRF”), under the control of the Single Resolution 
Board (“SRB”).  The SRB commenced operation on 

Jan. 1, 2015, and has broad powers in case of bank 
resolution.  Contributions to the SRF started in 2016, 
and the SRF will build up over eight years, to a target 
level of 1% of covered deposits.  Certain BNY 
Mellon entities are subject to contributions to the 
SRF, most notably The Bank of New York Mellon 
SA/NV.  The UK is not participating in the SRB nor 
SRF.  The Bank of England is the equivalent 
resolution authority in the UK, with similarly broad 
powers in case of bank resolution.

Proposed Rule on Contractual Stay of Qualified 
Financial Contracts 

On May 3, 2016, the Federal Reserve issued a 
proposed rule that would require all U.S. G-SIBs, 
including BNY Mellon, and their subsidiaries that are 
not regulated by the OCC, as well as all U.S. 
operations of all non-U.S. G-SIBs, to include an 
agreement to obey certain resolution-related stay 
requirements in all of their non-cleared qualified 
financial contracts (“QFCs”) with any counterparty. 
The FDIC and OCC have since issued equivalent 
proposals for their regulated institutions.  QFCs 
generally include derivatives, repurchase agreements, 
and securities lending arrangements, among others.  
All BNY Mellon entities that currently engage in 
QFC activities as principal have adhered to the 2015 
Resolution Stay Protocol developed by the 
International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. 
that applies contractual resolution stay language to 
QFCs among Protocol adherents, which are primarily 
G-SIBs and their subsidiaries.  If implemented as 
proposed, the Federal Reserve’s rule would require 
BNY Mellon, other U.S. G-SIBs and the U.S. 
operations of non-U.S. G-SIBs to ensure that certain 
contractual resolution stay language is included in all 
of its QFCs with any counterparty globally.  In 
addition, several other jurisdictions where BNY 
Mellon and its QFC counterparties operate are in 
various stages of considering and implementing 
similar rules. 

Cybersecurity regulatory proposals 

On Sept. 13, 2016, the New York State Department of 
Financial Services (“NYSDFS”) proposed a new 
cybersecurity regulation.  An updated version of this 
proposal was issued on Dec. 28, 2016.  The proposed 
rule, scheduled to become effective on March 1, 
2017, would require financial institutions regulated 
by NYSDFS, including BNY Mellon, to establish a 
cybersecurity program, adopt a written cybersecurity 

BNY Mellon 81 

Supervision and Regulation (continued)

policy, designate a chief information security officer, 
and have policies and procedures in place to ensure 
the security of information systems and non-public 
information accessible to, or held by, third parties. 
The proposed rule also includes a variety of other 
requirements to protect the confidentiality, integrity, 
and availability of information systems. 

Following the NYSDFS proposal, the Federal 
Reserve, FDIC, and Office of the Comptroller of the 
Currency (the “OCC”) approved a joint advance 
notice of proposed rulemaking that would impose 
enhanced cyber risk management standards on 
banking organizations with $50 billion or more in 
total consolidated assets and certain of their service 
providers.  The standards address five categories: 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

cyber risk governance; 
cyber risk management; 
internal dependency management; 
external dependency management;
incident response, cyber resilience, and 
situational awareness. 

The agencies are also considering proposing more 
stringent “Sector Critical Standards” that would apply 
to systems “deemed critical to the financial sector.”

Insolvency of an Insured Depository Institution or a 
Bank Holding Company; Orderly Liquidation 
Authority

If the FDIC is appointed as conservator or receiver 
for an insured depository institution such as The Bank 
of New York Mellon or BNY Mellon, N.A., upon its 
insolvency or in certain other circumstances, the 
FDIC has the power to:

•  Transfer any of the depository institution’s assets 
and liabilities to a new obligor, including a newly 
formed “bridge” bank without the approval of the 
depository institution’s creditors; 

•  Enforce the terms of the depository institution’s 

contracts pursuant to their terms without regard to 
any provisions triggered by the appointment of the 
FDIC in that capacity; or 

•  Repudiate or disaffirm any contract or lease to 
which the depository institution is a party, the 
performance of which is determined by the FDIC 
to be burdensome and the disaffirmance or 
repudiation of which is determined by the FDIC to 

 82 BNY Mellon

promote the orderly administration of the 
depository institution.

In addition, under federal law, the claims of holders 
of domestic deposit liabilities and certain claims for 
administrative expenses against an insured depository 
institution would be afforded a priority over other 
general unsecured claims against such an institution, 
including claims of debt holders of the institution, in 
the “liquidation or other resolution” of such an 
institution by any receiver.  As a result, whether or 
not the FDIC ever sought to repudiate any debt 
obligations of The Bank of New York Mellon or BNY 
Mellon, N.A., the debt holders would be treated 
differently from, and could receive, if anything, 
substantially less than, the depositors of the bank.

The Dodd-Frank Act created a new resolution regime 
(known as the “orderly liquidation authority”) for 
systemically important financial companies, 
including BHCs and their affiliates.  Under the 
orderly liquidation authority, the FDIC may be 
appointed as receiver for the systemically important 
institution, and its failed nonbank subsidiaries, for 
purposes of liquidating the entity if, among other 
conditions, it is determined at the time of the 
institution’s failure that it is in default or in danger of 
default and the failure poses a risk to the stability of 
the U.S. financial system.

If the FDIC is appointed as receiver under the orderly 
liquidation authority, then the powers of the receiver, 
and the rights and obligations of creditors and other 
parties who have dealt with the institution, would be 
determined under the Dodd-Frank Act’s orderly 
liquidation authority provisions, and not under the 
insolvency law that would otherwise apply.  The 
powers of the receiver under the orderly liquidation 
authority were based on the powers of the FDIC as 
receiver for depository institutions under the FDI Act.  
However, the provisions governing the rights of 
creditors under the orderly liquidation authority were 
modified in certain respects to reduce disparities with 
the treatment of creditors’ claims under the U.S. 
Bankruptcy Code as compared to the treatment of 
those claims under the new authority.  Nonetheless, 
substantial differences in the rights of creditors exist 
as between these two regimes, including the right of 
the FDIC to disregard the strict priority of creditor 
claims in some circumstances, the use of an 
administrative claims procedure to determine 
creditors’ claims (as opposed to the judicial procedure 
utilized in bankruptcy proceedings), and the right of 

Supervision and Regulation (continued)

the FDIC to transfer assets or liabilities of the 
institution to a third party or a “bridge” entity.

In December 2013, the FDIC released a notice 
outlining the SPOE strategy and soliciting comments 
on how an SPOE resolution approach would be 
implemented in the U.S.  An SPOE approach would 
replace a distressed BHC with a bridge holding 
company, which could then continue subsidiary bank 
operations.

Depositor Preference

Under U.S. federal law, certain deposits and certain 
claims for administrative expenses and employee 
compensation against an insured depository 
institution are afforded a priority over other general 
unsecured claims, including federal funds and letters 
of credit, in the “liquidation or other resolution” of 
such an institution by any receiver.

In September 2014, the UK PRA, as the successor to 
the prudential functions of the Financial Services 
Authority, published “Supervisory Statement SS10/14 
- Supervising international banks: the PRA’s approach 
to branch supervision”.  In SS10/14, the PRA 
expressed concern with non-EEA national depositor 
preference regimes, and stated that the PRA would 
consider a range of options, such as liaising with non-
EEA regulatory authorities in regard to the non-EEA 
institution’s recovery plan and the adequacy of the 
recovery plan from the perspective of the UK branch, 
or to require certain non-EEA institutions to convert 
their UK branch into a UK subsidiary.

Transactions with Affiliates

Transactions between BNY Mellon’s banking 
subsidiaries, on the one hand, and the Parent and its 
nonbank subsidiaries and affiliates, on the other, are 
subject to certain restrictions, limitations and 
requirements, which include limits on the types and 
amounts of transactions (including extensions of 
credit and asset purchases by our banking 
subsidiaries) that may take place and generally 
require those transactions to be on arm’s-length 
terms.  In general, extensions of credit by a BNY 
Mellon banking subsidiary to any nonbank affiliate, 
including the Parent, must be secured by designated 
amounts of specified collateral and are limited in the 
aggregate to 10% of the relevant bank’s capital and 
surplus for transactions with a single affiliate and to 
20% of the relevant bank’s capital and surplus for 

transactions with all affiliates.  There are also 
limitations on affiliate credit exposures arising from 
derivative transactions and securities lending and 
borrowing transactions.

Deposit Insurance

Our U.S. banking subsidiaries, including The Bank of 
New York Mellon and BNY Mellon, N.A., accept 
deposits, and those deposits have the benefit of FDIC 
insurance up to the applicable limit.  The current limit 
for FDIC insurance for deposit accounts is $250,000 
for each depositor account.  Under the FDI Act, 
insurance of deposits may be terminated by the FDIC 
upon a finding that the insured depository institution 
has engaged in unsafe and unsound practices, is in an 
unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations or 
has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, 
order or condition imposed by a bank’s federal 
regulatory agency.

The FDIC’s Deposit Insurance Fund (the “DIF”) is 
funded by assessments on insured depository 
institutions.  The FDIC assesses DIF premiums based 
on a bank’s average consolidated total assets, less the 
average tangible equity of the insured depository 
institution during the assessment period.  For larger 
institutions, such as The Bank of New York Mellon 
and BNY Mellon, N.A., assessments are determined 
based on CAMELS ratings and forward-looking 
financial measures to calculate the assessment rate, 
which is subject to adjustments by the FDIC, and the 
assessment base.

The Dodd-Frank Act also directed the FDIC to 
determine whether and to what extent adjustments to 
the assessment base are appropriate for custody 
banks.  Under the FDIC’s regulations, a custody bank 
may deduct 100% of cash and balances due from 
depository institutions, securities, federal funds sold, 
and securities purchased under agreement to resell 
with a Standardized Approach risk-weight of 0% and 
may deduct 50% of such asset types with a 
Standardized Approach risk-weight of greater than 
0% and up to and including 20%.  This assessment 
base deduction may not exceed the average value of 
deposits that are classified as transaction accounts 
and are identified by the bank as being directly linked 
to a fiduciary or custodial and safekeeping account.

On March 15, 2016, the FDIC issued a final rule that 
imposes on insured depository institutions with at 
least $10 billion in assets, which includes The Bank 

BNY Mellon 83 

Supervision and Regulation (continued)

of New York Mellon and BNY Mellon, N.A., an 
annual surcharge of 4.5 basis points until the DIF 
reaches the required ratio of 1.35, which the FDIC 
estimates would take approximately two years.  
Surcharges commenced in the second half of 2016. 

Source of Strength and Liability of Commonly 
Controlled Depository Institutions

Federal Reserve policy historically has required 
BHCs to act as a source of strength to their bank 
subsidiaries and to commit capital and financial 
resources to support those subsidiaries.  The Dodd-
Frank Act codified this policy as a statutory 
requirement.  Such support may be required by the 
Federal Reserve at times when we might otherwise 
determine not to provide it.  In addition, any loans by 
BNY Mellon to its bank subsidiaries would be 
subordinate in right of payment to depositors and to 
certain other indebtedness of its banks.  In the event 
of a BHC’s bankruptcy, any commitment by the BHC 
to a federal bank regulator to maintain the capital of a 
subsidiary bank will be assumed by the bankruptcy 
trustee and entitled to a priority of payment.  In 
addition, in certain circumstances, BNY Mellon’s 
insured depository institution subsidiaries could be 
held liable for losses incurred by another BNY 
Mellon insured depository institution subsidiary.  In 
the event of impairment of the capital stock of one of 
BNY Mellon’s national bank subsidiaries or The 
Bank of New York Mellon, BNY Mellon, as the 
banks’ stockholder, could be required to pay such 
deficiency.

Incentive Compensation Arrangements Proposal

Section 956 of the Dodd-Frank Act requires federal 
regulators to prescribe regulations or guidelines 
regarding incentive-based compensation practices at 
certain financial institutions, including BNY Mellon. 
In April 2016, a joint proposed rule was released, 
replacing a previous 2011 proposal, which each of six 
agencies must separately approve.  

The general qualitative requirements applicable to 
“covered institutions” with consolidated assets of at 
least $1 billion, including BNY Mellon, include (1) 
prohibiting incentive-based compensation 
arrangements that are determined to encourage 
inappropriate risks, (2) prohibiting incentive 
arrangements that encourage inappropriate risks that 
could lead to a material financial loss, (3) establishing 
requirements for performance measures to 

 84 BNY Mellon

appropriately balance risk and reward, (4) requiring 
board of director oversight of incentive arrangements 
and (5) mandating appropriate recordkeeping. The 
proposal contemplates additional requirements for 
covered institutions with consolidated assets of at 
least $250 billion, such as BNY Mellon, including 
that incentive arrangements will have certain deferral, 
downward adjustments and forfeiture requirements 
and clawback provisions. 

Anti-Money Laundering and the USA Patriot Act

A major focus of governmental policy on financial 
institutions has been aimed at combating money 
laundering and terrorist financing.  The USA 
PATRIOT Act of 2001 contains numerous anti-money 
laundering requirements for financial institutions that 
are applicable to BNY Mellon’s bank, broker-dealer 
and investment adviser subsidiaries and mutual funds 
and private investment companies advised or 
sponsored by our subsidiaries.  Those regulations 
impose obligations on financial institutions to 
maintain appropriate policies, procedures and 
controls to detect, prevent and report money 
laundering and terrorist financing and to verify the 
identity of their customers.  Certain of those 
regulations impose specific due diligence 
requirements on financial institutions that maintain 
correspondent or private banking relationships with 
non-U.S. financial institutions or persons.

New York State Department of Financial Services 
(“NYSDFS”) anti-money laundering and anti-
terrorism regulations 

In December 2015, the NYSDFS proposed 
regulations requiring regulated institutions, including 
The Bank of New York Mellon, to maintain a 
transaction monitoring program to monitor 
transactions for potential Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”)/
anti-money laundering (“AML”) violations and 
suspicious activity reporting, and a watch list filtering 
program to interdict transactions prohibited by 
applicable sanctions programs. 

On June 30, 2016, the NYSDFS finalized its 
regulations.  The final regulations require a regulated 
institution to maintain programs to monitor and filter 
transactions for potential BSA and AML violations 
and prevent transactions with sanctioned entities.  
The final regulation requires regulated institutions 
annually to submit a board resolution or senior officer 
compliance finding confirming steps taken to 

Supervision and Regulation (continued)

ascertain compliance with the regulation.  The final 
regulation is effective Jan. 1, 2017, and the annual 
certification requirement begins April 15, 2018. 

Privacy

The privacy provisions of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley 
Act generally prohibit financial institutions, including 
BNY Mellon, from disclosing nonpublic personal 
financial information of consumer customers to third 
parties for certain purposes (primarily marketing) 
unless customers have the opportunity to “opt out” of 
the disclosure.  The Fair Credit Reporting Act 
restricts information sharing among affiliates for 
marketing purposes.

In the EU, privacy law is currently regulated under 
the Data Protection Directive (“DPD”), implemented 
as a minimum standard into the domestic law of each 
EU member state.  The DPD will be replaced in the 
EU by the General Data Protection Regulation 
(“GDPR”), which will take effect in May 2018.  The 
GDPR contains enhanced compliance obligations and 
increased penalties for non-compliance compared to 
the DPD.

Acquisitions/Transactions

Federal and state laws impose notice and approval 
requirements for mergers and acquisitions involving 
depository institutions or BHCs.  The BHC Act 
requires the prior approval of the Federal Reserve for 
the direct or indirect acquisition by a BHC of more 
than 5% of any class of the voting shares or all or 
substantially all of the assets of a commercial bank, 
savings and loan association or BHC.  In reviewing 
bank acquisition and merger applications, the bank 
regulatory authorities will consider, among other 
things, the competitive effect of the transaction, 
financial and managerial resources including the 
capital position of the combined organization, 
convenience and needs of the community factors, 
including the applicant’s record under the Community 
Reinvestment Act of 1977 (the “CRA”), the 
effectiveness of the subject organizations in 
combating money laundering activities and the risk to 
the stability of the U.S. banking or financial system.  
In addition, prior Federal Reserve approval would be 
required for certain large nonbanking acquisitions and 
investments.

Regulated Entities of BNY Mellon and Ancillary 
Regulatory Requirements

BNY Mellon is registered as an FHC under the Bank 
Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended by the 
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and by the Dodd-Frank Act 
(the “BHC Act”).  We are subject to supervision by 
the Federal Reserve.  In general, the BHC Act limits 
an FHC’s business activities to banking, managing or 
controlling banks, performing certain servicing 
activities for subsidiaries, engaging in activities 
incidental to banking, and engaging in any activity, or 
acquiring and retaining the shares of any company 
engaged in any activity, that is either financial in 
nature or complementary to a financial activity and 
does not pose a substantial risk to the safety and 
soundness of depository institutions or the financial 
system generally.

A BHC’s ability to maintain FHC status is dependent 
on: (i) its U.S. depository institution subsidiaries 
qualifying on an ongoing basis as “well capitalized” 
and “well managed” under the prompt corrective 
regulations of the appropriate regulatory agency 
(discussed above under “Prompt Corrective Action”); 
(ii) the BHC itself, qualifying on an ongoing basis as 
“well capitalized” and “well managed” under 
applicable Federal Reserve regulations; and (iii) its 
U.S. depository institution subsidiaries continuing to 
maintain at least a “satisfactory” rating under the 
CRA.

An FHC that does not continue to meet all the 
requirements for FHC status will, depending on 
which requirements it fails to meet, lose the ability to 
undertake new activities, or make acquisitions, that 
are not generally permissible for BHCs without FHC 
status or to continue such activities.  As of Dec. 31, 
2016, BNY Mellon and our U.S. bank subsidiaries 
were “well capitalized” based on the ratios and rules 
applicable to them. 

The Bank of New York Mellon, which is BNY 
Mellon’s largest banking subsidiary, is a New York 
state-chartered bank, and a member of the Federal 
Reserve System and is subject to regulation, 
supervision and examination by the Federal Reserve, 
the FDIC and the NYSDFS.  BNY Mellon’s national 
bank subsidiaries, BNY Mellon, N.A. and The Bank 
of New York Mellon Trust Company, National 
Association, are chartered as national banking 
associations subject to primary regulation, 
supervision and examination by the OCC.

BNY Mellon 85 

Supervision and Regulation (continued)

We operate a number of broker-dealers that engage in 
securities underwriting and other broker-dealer 
activities in the United States.  These companies are 
SEC-registered broker-dealers and members of 
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. 
(“FINRA”), a securities industry self-regulatory 
organization.  BNY Mellon’s nonbank subsidiaries 
engaged in securities-related activities are regulated 
by supervisory agencies in the countries in which 
they conduct business.

Certain of BNY Mellon’s public finance and advisory 
activities are regulated by the Municipal Securities 
Rulemaking Board and are required under the SEC’s 
Municipal Advisors Rule to register with the SEC if 
they provide advice to municipal entities or certain 
other persons on the issuance of municipal securities, 
or about certain investment strategies or municipal 
derivatives.

Certain of BNY Mellon’s subsidiaries are registered 
with the CFTC as commodity pool operators and/or 
commodity trading advisors and, as such, are subject 
to CFTC regulation.  The Bank of New York Mellon 
is provisionally registered as a Swap Dealer (as 
defined in the Dodd-Frank Act) with the CFTC, and 
is a member of the National Futures Association 
(“NFA”) in that same capacity.  As a Swap Dealer, 
The Bank of New York Mellon is subject to 
regulation, supervision and examination by the CFTC 
and NFA.

Certain of our subsidiaries are registered investment 
advisors under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, 
as amended, and as such are supervised by the SEC.  
They are also subject to various U.S. federal and state 
laws and regulations and to the laws and regulations 
of any countries in which they conduct business.  Our 
subsidiaries advise both public investment companies 
which are registered with the SEC under the 
Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “‘40 Act”), 
including the Dreyfus family of mutual funds, and 
private investment companies which are not 
registered under the ‘40 Act.

Certain of our investment management, trust and 
custody operations provide services to employee 
benefit plans that are subject to the Employee 
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended 
(“ERISA”), administered by the U.S. Department of 
Labor (“DOL”).  ERISA imposes certain statutory 
duties, liabilities, disclosure obligations, and 

 86 BNY Mellon

restrictions on fiduciaries, as applicable, related to the 
services being performed and fees being paid.

Department of Labor Fiduciary Rule

The U.S. Department of Labor has issued a final rule 
that, among other things, expands the definition of 
who is designated a “fiduciary” of an employee 
benefit plan or individual retirement account (“IRA”) 
under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code, 
respectively.  The final rule was originally scheduled 
to be phased in beginning in April 2017 and fully 
phased in by Jan. 1, 2018.  However, on Feb. 3, 2017, 
President Trump issued a memorandum directing the 
acting Secretary of Labor to examine the rule.  In 
response, the Department of Labor issued a press 
statement indicating that they will consider legal 
options to delay the applicability date.  

In the event the rule becomes applicable under its 
current terms, if an entity or individual is designated 
an ERISA fiduciary, the entity or individual will be 
subject to various duties, liabilities, disclosure 
obligations, and restrictions related to the services it 
performs for ERISA plans and IRAs, as well as the 
compensation or other benefits the fiduciary receives 
in connection with those services.  Certain BNY 
Mellon businesses interface and transact with clients 
and external business partners that will need to 
modify their practices in order to comply with the 
rule, which could adversely affect the financial results 
of such BNY Mellon businesses.  BNY Mellon 
believes it will be able to conform its business 
practices to address changes required by the rule. 

Operations and Regulations Outside the United 
States

In Europe, branches of The Bank of New York 
Mellon are subject to regulation in the countries in 
which they are established, in addition to being 
subject to oversight by the U.S. regulators referred to 
above.  The Bank of New York Mellon SA/NV is a 
public limited liability company incorporated under 
the laws of Belgium.  The Bank of New York Mellon 
SA/NV, has been granted a banking license by the 
National Bank of Belgium (“NBB”) and is authorized 
to carry out all banking and savings activities as a 
credit institution.  The European Central Bank 
(“ECB”) has responsibility for the supervision of 120 
significant banks and banking groups in the euro area, 
including The Bank of New York Mellon SA/NV.  
The ECB’s supervision is carried out in conjunction 

Supervision and Regulation (continued)

with the relevant national prudential regulator (NBB 
in The Bank of New York Mellon SA/NV’s case).  
The Bank of New York Mellon SA/NV conducts its 
activities in Belgium as well as through branch 
offices in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Luxembourg, 
the Netherlands, France and Germany.

Certain of our financial services operations in the UK 
are subject to regulation and supervision by the FCA 
and PRA.  The PRA is responsible for the 
authorization and prudential regulation of firms that 
carry on PRA-regulated activities, including banks.  
PRA-authorized firms are also subject to regulation 
by the FCA for conduct purposes.  In contrast, FCA-
authorized firms (such as investment management 
firms) have the FCA as their sole regulator for both 
prudential and conduct purposes although subject to 
the residual overarching jurisdiction of the PRA, if 
matters of systemic significance are in issue.  As a 
result, FCA-authorized firms must comply with FCA 
prudential and conduct rules and the FCA’s Principles 
for Businesses, while dual-regulated firms must 
comply with the FCA conduct rules and FCA 
Principles, as well as the applicable PRA prudential 
rules and the PRA’s Principles for Businesses.

The PRA regulates The Bank of New York Mellon 
(International) Limited, our UK incorporated bank, as 
well as the UK branch of The Bank of New York 
Mellon and, to a more limited extent, The Bank of 
New York Mellon SA/NV.  Certain of BNY Mellon’s 
UK incorporated subsidiaries are authorized to 
conduct investment business in the UK.  Their 
investment management advisory activities and their 
sale and marketing of retail investment products are 
regulated by the FCA.  Certain UK investment funds, 
including BNY Mellon Investment Funds, are 
registered with the FCA and are offered for retail sale 
in the UK.

Since the financial crisis, the European Union and its 
Member States have engaged in a significant 
overhaul of bank regulation and supervision.  To 
increase the resilience of banks and to reduce the 
impact of potential bank failures, new rules on capital 
requirements for banks and bank recovery and 
resolution have been adopted.  The European Union’s 
Banking Union has been launched.  Further measures 
are under way, including providing for a structural 
separation of the risks associated with certain banks’ 
trading activities from their deposit-taking function.

Aspects of the Banking Union have entered into force 
in most EU jurisdictions.  The UK is not participating 
in the Banking Union.  The key components of the 
Banking Union include a single resolution 
mechanism (“SRM”) and a single supervisory 
mechanism (“SSM”).  The SRM approach endorses 
the bail-in rules established in the BRRD and is 
described in more detail above in the section 
addressing Recovery and Resolution.

In addition, the Capital Requirements Directive IV 
(“CRD IV”) and Capital Requirements Regulation 
(“CRR”) affect BNY Mellon’s EU subsidiaries by 
implementing Basel III and other changes, including 
the enhancement of the quality of capital, and the 
strengthening of capital requirements for counterparty 
credit risk, resulting in higher capital requirements.  
In the EU Member States, CRD IV/CRR also 
introduces substantive parts of the new European 
supervisory architecture, including the development 
of a single set of harmonized prudential rules for 
financial services.  This set of rules would replace 
existing separately implemented rules within EU 
Member States, with a harmonized approach to 
implementation across the EU.  Elements of CRD IV/
CRR apply not only to BNY Mellon banking 
branches and subsidiaries but also to investment 
management and brokerage entities.  CRD IV/CRR 
became effective on Jan. 1, 2014, with certain 
provisions to be phased in from 2014 to 2019.

Our Investment Management and Investment 
Services businesses are subject to significant 
regulation in numerous jurisdictions around the world 
relating to, among other things, the safeguarding, 
administration and management of client assets and 
client funds.

Various new, revised and/or proposed European 
Union directives and regulations have an impact on 
our provision of many of our products and services, 
including the Markets in Financial Instruments 
Directive II and Markets in Financial Instruments 
Regulations (collectively, “MiFID II”), the 
Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive 
(“AIFMD”), the Directive on Undertakings for 
Collective Investments in Transferable Securities 
(“UCITS V”), the Central Securities Depositories 
Regulation (“CSDR”), the regulation on OTC 
derivatives, central counterparties and trade 
repositories (commonly known as “EMIR”), the 
Securities Financing Transactions Regulation 
(“SFTR”) and the Payment Services Directive 

BNY Mellon 87 

Supervision and Regulation (continued)

(“PSD”).  These European Union directives and 
regulations may impact our operations and risk 
profile but may also provide new opportunities for the 
provision of BNY Mellon products and services.  
Several of these European directives and regulations 
are still subject to finalization by the legislature and/
or substantial secondary legislation.  This creates 
uncertainty as to business impact.

The types of activities in which the foreign branches 
of our banking subsidiaries and our international 
subsidiaries may engage are subject to various 
restrictions imposed by the Federal Reserve.  Those 
foreign branches and international subsidiaries are 
also subject to the laws and regulatory authorities of 
the countries in which they operate and, in the case of 
banking subsidiaries, may be subject to regulatory 
capital requirements in the jurisdictions in which they 
operate.

EU Banking Reform Package

In November 2016, the European Commission 
published the so-called EU Banking Reform Package. 
This legislative package would amend CRD IV, CRR, 
BRRD and the Single Resolution Mechanism 
Regulation (“SRMR”).

The proposed amendments to CRD IV include a 
proposal for non-EU G-SIBs (such as BNY Mellon) 
and certain other non-EU banking groups to have an 
“intermediate EU parent undertaking”.  All EU credit 
institutions and EU investment firms in such non-EU 
G-SIBs/banking groups would need to fall within a 
corporate structure headed by the “intermediate EU 
parent undertaking”.  If this proposal is implemented 
in its current form, BNY Mellon would need to 
undertake significant changes in its corporate 
structure.  Furthermore the “intermediate EU parent 
undertaking” proposal may result in conflict with 
existing U.S. banking regulations.  BNY Mellon is 
evaluating the impact of the “intermediate EU parent 
undertaking” proposal.  The proposed amendments to 
CRD IV also include provisions relating to interest 
rate risk in the banking book.

The proposed amendments to CRR include provisions 
relating to the leverage ratio, NSFR, MREL 
(including closer alignment to the final FSB TLAC 
standard), fundamental review of the trading book, 
counterparty credit risk, exposures to CCPs, 
exposures to collective investment undertakings, 

 88 BNY Mellon

large exposures, and reporting/disclosure 
requirements.

The timeframe in which the EU Banking Reform 
Package may enter into force is dependent upon the 
EU legislative process, and is therefore unclear at this 
stage.  BNY Mellon is closely monitoring 
developments.

European Central Bank SSM and Comprehensive 
Assessments

The Council of the European Union created an SSM 
to oversee banks and other credit institutions.  The 
SSM is composed of the ECB and the supervisory 
authorities of the member states.  It covers the 
prudential supervision of all major banks in the 19 
euro area countries as well as any non-euro area 
countries that choose to participate through close 
cooperation agreements.

European Resolution Legislation and Structural 
Reform Proposals

Deposit Guarantee Scheme Directive.  Under the 
recast Deposit Guarantee Scheme Directive, the 
scope of deposit protection in the EU was extended to 
cover most corporate entities.  The extension of 
deposit protection to most corporate entities will 
require certain BNY Mellon entities to contribute to 
relevant deposit protection schemes.  The 
contributions and required systems enhancements 
may constitute a meaningful cost for those BNY 
Mellon entities.

The European Commission has proposed a European 
Deposit Insurance Scheme (“EDIS”) for euro area 
member states.  Under the EDIS proposal, existing 
euro area deposit guarantee schemes would transition 
over a number of years to a mutualized deposit 
guarantee scheme applicable in the Eurozone.

Structural Reform.  In addition, European and 
Member State regulators (for example, the PRA in the 
UK) continue to develop proposals in regard to bank 
structural reform.  The details of the European Union 
Bank Structural Reform proposal continue to be 
developed, and at this stage the final outcome of such 
proposal is not certain.  Bank structural reform 
proposals, if implemented, may require BNY Mellon 
to review its existing corporate structure, and may 
impact the business activities that BNY Mellon 
subsidiaries and branches can undertake.  It is not 

Supervision and Regulation (continued)

clear whether bank structural reforms in the European 
Union will operate on the basis of changes to 
corporate structure or prohibitions on certain forms of 
trading (including proprietary trading), or a 
combination of these approaches.  The proposal on 
structural reform of European Union banks is 
intended to apply only to the largest and most 
complex European Union banks with significant 
trading activities.

Transactions with the Shadow Banking Sector

In December 2015, the EBA finalized its guidance on 
large exposure limits of credit institutions to shadow 
banking entities.  The guidelines imposed a large 
exposure limit to the shadow banking sector as a 
whole.  The EBA has used a broad definition of the 
shadow banking sector (for example, money market 
funds are in scope).  EU member states implemented 
the guidelines into their domestic rules by January 
2017.

In January 2016, the European Commission finalized 
measures, entitled Securities Financing Transactions 
Regulation, aimed at increasing the transparency of 
certain transactions in the “shadow banking” sector, 
including providing for enhanced transparency and 
reporting of SFTs.

European Financial Markets and Market 
Infrastructure

The EU continues to develop proposals and 
regulations in relation to financial markets and 
market infrastructures.  The MiFID II, Markets in 
Financial Instruments Regulation (“MiFIR”) and 
European Market Infrastructure Regulation (“EMIR”) 
are at the detailed rule-making stage, and involve a 
significant volume of change to be implemented in 

relatively short timeframes.  MiFID II/MiFIR/EMIR 
may create new business opportunities in European 
markets, but will also require existing business 
activities and processes to be reviewed.  The volume 
of change required may result in some 
implementation/execution risk.

A key policy objective of the 2014-19 European 
Commission is to develop a Capital Markets Union 
(“CMU”) in the EU.  In September 2015, the 
European Commission published its CMU Action 
Plan, which set out a range of initiatives that the 
Commission intends to undertake between 2015 and 
2019.  This plan was updated in September 2016, and 
the European Commission will conduct a mid-term 
review of CMU during 2017.  Some examples of 
CMU-related initiatives include a review of the EU 
regulatory framework for financial services, a review 
of the macroprudential framework, a new Prospectus 
Regulation, a new Securitization Regulation, and a 
project to address national barriers to free movement 
of capital and cross-border funds distribution.

Investment Services in Europe

The AIFMD has a direct effect on our alternative fund 
manager clients and our depository business and 
other products offered across Europe.  AIFMD 
imposes heightened obligations upon depositories, 
which have both operational and, potentially, capital 
effects.  The European Securities and Markets 
Authority is expected to publish guidelines on asset 
segregation under AIFMD in 2017.

Our businesses servicing regulated funds in Europe 
are also affected by the revised directive governing 
undertakings for collective investment in transferable 
securities, known as UCITS V.

BNY Mellon 89 

Risk Factors

Making or continuing an investment in securities 
issued by us involves certain risks that you should 
carefully consider.  The following discussion sets 
forth the most significant risk factors that could affect 
our business, financial condition or results of 
operations.  Some of these risks are interrelated and 
the occurrence of one may exacerbate the effect of 
others.  However, other factors, other than those 
discussed below or in other of our reports filed with 
or furnished to the SEC, also could adversely affect 
our business, financial condition or results of 
operations.  We cannot assure you that the risk factors 
described below or elsewhere in our reports address 
all potential risks that we may face.  These risk 
factors also serve to describe factors which may cause 
our results to differ materially from those described in 
forward-looking statements included herein or in 
other documents or statements that make reference to 
this Annual Report.  See “Forward-looking 
Statements.” 

Operational Risk

An information security event or technology 
disruption that results in a loss of information or 
impacts our ability to provide services to our clients 
may materially adversely affect our business and 
results of operations.

We use communications and information systems to 
conduct our business.  Our businesses rely heavily on 
technology, and are vulnerable to attacks and 
technology disruptions which are occurring globally 
with greater frequency.  Our information systems are 
subjected to cyber threats, including hacker attacks, 
computer viruses or other malicious software, denial 
of service efforts, limited unavailability of service, 
phishing attacks and unauthorized access attempts.  
While we deploy a broad range of sophisticated 
defenses, it is possible we could suffer a material 
impact or disruption.  The security of our computer 
systems, software and networks, and those functions 
that we may outsource, may continue to be subjected 
to cyber threats that could result in failures or 
disruptions in our business.  In addition, as our 
business areas evolve due to the introduction of 
technology, new service offering requirements for our 
clients and customers, or changes in regulation 
relative to these service offerings, the business 
processes that this technology supports could 
introduce unforeseen risks that could materially 
impact business operations.

 90 BNY Mellon

Despite our efforts to ensure the integrity of our 
systems and information, it is possible that we may 
not be able to anticipate or to implement effective 
preventive measures against all cyber threats, or 
detect all such threats, especially because the 
techniques used change frequently or are not 
recognized until after they are launched, and because 
attacks can originate from a wide variety of sources, 
including outside third parties such as persons who 
are involved with organized crime or who may be 
linked to terrorist organizations or hostile foreign 
governments.  Those parties may also attempt to 
place individuals within BNY Mellon or 
fraudulently induce employees, vendors, customers 
or other users of our systems to disclose sensitive 
information in order to gain access to our data or 
that of our customers or clients.

Security events may occur through intentional or 
unintentional acts by individuals or groups having 
authorized or unauthorized access to our systems or 
our clients’ or counterparties’ information, which 
may include confidential information.  These 
individuals or groups include employees, vendors and 
customers, as well as hackers.  An event that results 
in the loss of information may require us to 
reconstruct lost data, reimburse clients for data and 
credit monitoring services, result in loss of customer 
business, or damage to our computers or systems and 
those of our customers and counterparties.  These 
impacts could be costly and time-consuming and 
materially negatively impact our business operations, 
financial condition and reputation.

Additionally, security events or disruptions of our 
information systems, or those of our service providers 
or industry utilities, could impact our ability to 
provide services to our clients, which could expose us 
to liability for damages, result in the loss of business, 
damage our reputation, subject us to regulatory 
scrutiny or sanctions or expose us to litigation, any of 
which could have a material adverse effect on our 
business, financial condition and results of 
operations.  Upgrading our computer systems, 
software and networks may also subject us to 
disruptions or security events due to the complexity 
and interconnectedness of our systems, software and 
networks.  The failure to upgrade or maintain these 
computer systems, software and networks could also 
make us vulnerable to attack and unauthorized access 
and misuse.  There can be no assurance that any such 
failures, interruptions or security events will not 
occur or, if they do occur, that they will be adequately 

Risk Factors (continued)

addressed.  We may be required to expend significant 
additional resources to modify, investigate or 
remediate vulnerabilities or other exposures arising 
from information systems’ security risks.  Information 
security events related to us or other large financial 
institutions, service providers or industry utilities 
could disrupt the overall functioning of the financial 
system.

As a result of the importance of communications and 
information systems to our business, we could also be 
adversely affected if attacks affecting the third-party 
providers of our technology, communications or other 
services impair our ability to process transactions and 
communicate with customers and counterparties.  For 
a discussion of operational risk, see “Risk 
Management – Operational risk” and “Business 
Continuity.”

If our technology or that of a third party or vendor 
fails, or isn’t sufficiently updated, or if we fail to 
develop and market new technology to meet our 
clients’ needs, or protect our intellectual property, 
our business may be materially adversely affected.

Our businesses are highly dependent on our ability to 
process large volumes of data requiring global 
capabilities and scale from our technology platforms.  
If our technology, or that of a third party, fails we 
could experience, and have in the past experienced, 
production and system outages or failures.  Any such 
outage or failure could, among other things, 
adversely affect our ability to effect transactions or 
service our clients, which could expose us to liability 
for damages, result in the loss of business, damage 
our reputation, subject us to regulatory scrutiny or 
sanctions or expose us to litigation, any of which 
could have a material adverse effect on our business, 
financial condition and results of operations. 

As our businesses evolve, the technology used 
becomes increasingly complex and relies on the 
continued effectiveness of the programming code and 
integrity of the data that is inputted.  These rapid 
technological changes, together with competitive 
pressures, require us to make significant and ongoing 
investments in technology to develop competitive 
new products and services or adopt new 
technologies.  Our financial performance depends in 
part on our ability to develop and market these new 
products and services in a timely manner at a 
competitive price and adopt or develop new 
technologies that differentiate our products or 

provide cost efficiencies.  The unsuccessful 
implementation of technological upgrades and new 
products and services may adversely impact our 
ability to service and retain customers.  The costs we 
incur in enhancing our technology could be 
substantial and may not ultimately improve our 
competitiveness or profitability.  We maintain 
controls designed to reduce the risk of the 
unsuccessful implementation of our models, systems 
or processes, but such risk cannot be completely 
eliminated.  

As a result of financial entities and technology 
systems across the globe becoming more 
interdependent and complex, a technology failure that 
significantly degrades, deletes or compromises the 
systems or data of one or more financial entities or 
suppliers could have a material impact on 
counterparties or other market participants, including 
us.  Any such failure could, among other things, 
adversely affect our ability to effect transactions, 
service our clients, manage our exposure to risk or 
expand our businesses.  While we continue to 
improve and invest in the resiliency of our technology 
systems, there can be no guarantee that a technology 
outage will not occur.

Third parties with which we do business or that 
facilitate our business activities, including 
exchanges, clearing houses, financial intermediaries 
or vendors that provide services or security solutions 
for our operations, could also be sources of 
technology risk to us, including from breakdowns or 
failures of their own systems or capacity constraints.  

The failure to maintain an adequate technology 
infrastructure with effective cybersecurity controls 
relative to the type, size and complexity of 
operations, markets and products traded, access to 
trading venues and our market interconnectedness 
could impact operations and impede our productivity 
and growth, which could cause our earnings to 
decline or could impact our ability to comply with 
regulatory obligations leading to regulatory fines and 
sanctions.  In addition, the failure to ensure adequate 
review and consideration of critical business changes 
prior to and during introduction and deployment of 
key technological systems or failure to adequately 
align evolving client commitments and expectations 
with operational capabilities could have a negative 
impact on our operations.

BNY Mellon 91 

Risk Factors (continued)

We rely on a variety of measures to protect our 
intellectual property and proprietary information, 
including copyrights, trademarks, patents and 
controls on access and distribution.  These measures 
may not prevent misappropriation or infringement of 
our intellectual property or proprietary information 
and a resulting loss of competitive advantage.

Furthermore, if a third party were to assert a claim of 
infringement or misappropriation of its proprietary 
rights, obtained through patents or otherwise, against 
us, we could be required to spend significant amounts 
to defend such claims, develop alternative methods of 
operations, pay substantial money damages, obtain a 
license from the third party or possibly stop providing 
one or more products or services.

If our resolution plan is determined not to be 
credible or not to facilitate an orderly resolution 
under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, our business, 
reputation, results of operation and financial 
condition could be materially negatively impacted.  
The application of our Title I preferred resolution 
strategy or resolution under the Title II orderly 
liquidation authority could adversely affect our 
liquidity and financial condition and our security 
holders.

Large BHCs must develop and submit to the Federal 
Reserve and the FDIC for review plans for their rapid 
and orderly resolution in the event of material 
financial distress or failure.  BNY Mellon and The 
Bank of New York Mellon each file periodic 
complementary resolution plans.  In April 2016, the 
Federal Reserve and the FDIC jointly determined that 
our 2015 resolution plan was not credible or would 
not facilitate an orderly resolution under the U.S. 
Bankruptcy Code.  The agencies issued a joint notice 
of deficiencies and shortcomings and the actions that 
must be taken to address them, which we responded 
to in an Oct. 1, 2016 submission.  In December 2016, 
the agencies jointly determined that our Oct. 1, 2016 
submission adequately remedied the identified 
deficiencies. If the agencies determine that our future 
submissions are not credible or would not facilitate an 
orderly resolution under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, 
and we fail to address the deficiencies in a timely 
manner, the agencies may jointly impose more 
stringent capital, leverage or liquidity requirements or 
restrictions on our growth, activities or operations.  If 
we continue to fail to adequately remedy any 
deficiencies identified in future submissions, we 
could be required to divest assets or operations that 

 92 BNY Mellon

the agencies determine necessary to facilitate our 
orderly resolution.

Following the receipt of feedback from the Federal 
Reserve and the FDIC in April 2016 on our 2015 
resolution plan, we determined that, in the event of 
our material financial distress or failure, our preferred 
resolution strategy under Title I of the Dodd-Frank 
Act is a single point of entry strategy. 

As part of the advance planning to effectuate our 
single point of entry strategy should it ever be 
necessary, we intend to pre-position capital and 
liquidity resources currently held at the Parent with 
an intermediate holding company (an “IHC”), which 
resources could be used to recapitalize and/or provide 
liquidity support to certain bank and non-bank 
material entities in the event of our material financial 
distress or failure.  The IHC would sit at the top-tier 
subsidiary level beneath the Parent and hold the 
equity interests in various non-bank entities.  We also 
intend to execute a support agreement with the IHC 
and certain other BNY Mellon entities, which will 
provide a contractual basis for the provision of such 
resources to such bank and non-bank material entities 
to keep them solvent, liquid, and sufficiently 
capitalized, as appropriate, in connection with our 
single point of entry strategy.

If the Parent were to become subject to a bankruptcy 
proceeding and our single point of entry strategy is 
successful, creditors of some or all of our material 
entities would receive full recoveries on their claims, 
while Parent’s security holders, including unsecured 
debt holders, could face significant losses, potentially 
including the loss of their entire investment.  It is 
possible that the application of the single point of 
entry strategy – in which the Parent would be the only 
legal entity to enter resolution proceedings – could 
result in greater losses to holders of our unsecured 
debt securities than the losses that could result from 
the application of a different resolution strategy.  
Further, if the single point of entry strategy is not 
successful, our liquidity and financial condition 
would be adversely affected and our security holders 
may, as a consequence, be in a worse position than if 
the strategy had not been implemented.

In addition, Title II of the Dodd-Frank Act established 
an orderly liquidation process in the event of the 
failure of a large systemically important financial 
institution, such as BNY Mellon, in order to avoid or 
mitigate serious adverse effects on the U.S. financial 

Risk Factors (continued)

system.  Specifically, when a U.S. G-SIB, such as 
BNY Mellon is in default or danger of default, and 
certain specified conditions are met, the FDIC may be 
appointed receiver under the orderly liquidation 
authority instead of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. 

U.S. supervisors have indicated that a single point of 
entry strategy may be a desirable strategy to resolve a 
large financial institution such as BNY Mellon under 
Title II in a manner that would, similar to our 
preferred strategy under our Title I resolution plan, 
impose losses on shareholders, unsecured debt 
holders and other unsecured creditors of the top-tier 
holding company (in our case, the Parent), while 
permitting the holding company’s subsidiaries to 
continue to operate and remain solvent.  Under such a 
strategy, assuming the Parent entered resolution 
proceedings and its subsidiaries remained solvent, 
losses at the subsidiary level could be transferred to 
the Parent and ultimately borne by the Parent’s 
security holders (including holders of the Parent’s 
unsecured debt securities), while third-party creditors 
of the Parent’s subsidiaries would receive full 
recoveries on their claims.  Accordingly, the Parent’s 
security holders (including unsecured debt securities 
and other unsecured creditors) could face losses in 
excess of what otherwise would have been the case.

We are subject to extensive government 
rulemaking, regulation and supervision.  These 
rules and regulations have, and in the future may, 
compel us to change how we manage our 
businesses, which could have a material adverse 
effect on our business, financial condition and 
results of operations.  In addition, these rules and 
regulations have increased our compliance and 
operational risk and costs.

We operate in a highly regulated environment, and 
are subject to a comprehensive statutory and 
regulatory regime, including oversight by 
governmental agencies both inside and outside the 
U.S.  Since the 2008 financial crisis, domestic and 
international policy makers and regulators have 
substantially increased their focus on the financial 
services industry.  New or modified regulations and 
related regulatory guidance and supervisory 
oversight are significantly altering the regulatory 
framework in which we operate and have affected 
how we analyze certain business opportunities, 
increased our regulatory capital and liquidity 
requirements, altered the revenue profile of certain 
of our core activities and imposed additional costs 

on us.  In addition, the changes to the regulatory 
frameworks and environment in which we operate 
could otherwise materially adversely affect our 
business, financial condition and results of 
operations and have other negative consequences.  
Uncertainty about the timing and scope of current 
and future regulations, as well as the cost of 
complying with any new regulatory regimes, could 
have a negative effect on our businesses.  The 
regulatory and supervisory focus of U.S. banking 
agencies is primarily intended to protect the safety 
and soundness of the banking system and federally 
insured deposits, and not to protect investors in our 
securities.  Moreover, the regulatory and supervisory 
standards and expectations in one jurisdiction may 
not conform with standards or expectations in other 
jurisdictions.  Even within a particular jurisdiction, 
the standards and expectations of multiple 
supervisory agencies exercising authority over our 
affairs may not be fully harmonized.  Additionally, 
banking regulators have wide supervisory discretion 
in the ongoing examination and enforcement of 
applicable banking statutes, regulations, and 
guidelines, and may restrict our ability to engage in 
certain activities or acquisitions, or may require us 
to maintain more capital or highly liquid assets.

In common with their U.S. counterparts, European 
policy makers and regulators have also increased 
their focus on financial services providers, and our 
European operations are directly affected and will 
continue to be affected by changes to the regulatory 
environment.

The Dodd-Frank Act has had, and will likely 
continue to have, a significant impact on the 
regulatory structure of the global financial markets 
and has imposed, and is expected to continue to 
impose, significant additional costs on us.  While 
U.S. regulators have finalized many regulations to 
implement various provisions of the Dodd-Frank 
Act, additional regulations or modifications to 
existing regulations, may occur.  In addition, there is 
uncertainty about the timing and scope of any 
changes to the Dodd-Frank Act and the regulations 
adopted since the financial crisis, as well as the cost 
of complying with any new regulatory regimes.  In 
light of this uncertainty, as well as the discretion 
afforded to federal regulators, the full impact of this 
legislation on us, our business strategies and 
financial performance is not known at this time, may 
not be known for a number of years and could 
materially adversely impact us.  The related findings 

BNY Mellon 93 

Risk Factors (continued)

of various regulatory and commission studies, the 
interpretations issued as part of the rulemaking 
process and the final regulations that are issued with 
respect to various elements of the Dodd-Frank Act 
may cause changes that impact the profitability of 
our business activities and require that we change 
certain of our business practices and plans.  These 
changes will continue to expose us to additional 
regulatory costs and require us to invest significant 
management attention and resources to make any 
necessary changes, all of which could impact our 
profitability.

Several provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act, such as the 
Volcker Rule, resolution planning requirements, and 
enhanced prudential standards for financial 
institutions designated as SIFIs, impose or are 
expected to impose significant additional operational, 
compliance and risk management costs both in the 
near-term, as we develop and integrate appropriate 
systems and procedures, and on a recurring basis 
thereafter, as we monitor, support and refine those 
systems and procedures.

The U.S. capital rules subject us and our U.S. 
banking subsidiaries to more stringent capital 
requirements, which could restrict growth, activities 
or operations, trigger divestiture of assets or 
operations or limit our ability to return capital to 
shareholders.  We must also separately obtain final 
approval from the agencies for the use of certain 
models used to calculate risk-weighted assets under 
the Advanced Approach.  As discussed in additional 
detail in “Supervision and Regulation,” the U.S. G-
SIB capital surcharge began to be phased in on Jan. 1, 
2016 and will become fully effective on Jan. 1, 2019.  
For 2017, the G-SIB surcharge applicable to BNY 
Mellon is 1.5%, subject to applicable phase-ins.  
Failure to meet current or future capital requirements 
could materially adversely affect our financial 
condition.  Additional impacts relating to compliance 
with these rules could include, but are not limited to, 
potential dilution of existing shareholders and 
competitive disadvantage compared to financial 
institutions not under the same regulatory framework.  
In addition, the SLR subjects us to a more stringent 
leverage requirement, which could restrict growth, 
activities, operations or could result in certain 
restrictions on capital distributions and discretionary 
bonus payments.

The LCR requires us to increase our holdings of high 
quality and potentially lower-yielding liquid assets.  

 94 BNY Mellon

In calculating the LCR, we must also determine 
which deposits should be considered to be stable 
deposits for purposes of the Final LCR Rule.  Stable 
deposits must meet a series of requirements and 
typically receive favorable outflow treatment under 
the LCR.  BNY Mellon uses qualitative and 
quantitative analysis to identify core stable deposits.  
It is possible that our LCR could fall below 100% as 
a consequence of the inherent uncertainties 
associated with this analysis (including as a result of 
additional guidance from our regulators).  In addition 
to facing potential regulatory consequences (which 
could be significant), we may be required to remedy 
this shortfall by liquidating assets in our investment 
portfolio or raising additional debt, each of which 
could materially negatively impact our net interest 
revenue.

When the final rule regarding the NSFR is ultimately 
implemented in the U.S., those requirements could 
also require BNY Mellon to further increase its 
holdings of high quality, and potentially lower-
yielding, liquid assets, and to reevaluate the 
composition of its liabilities structure to include more 
longer-dated debt. 

Our businesses are also subject to significant 
regulation in numerous jurisdictions around the 
world relating to, among other things, the 
safeguarding, administration and management of 
client assets and client funds. 

Various new, revised and proposed European Union 
directives and regulations have an impact on our 
provision of many of our products and services.  
Implementation of these European Union directives 
and regulations has affected our operations and risk 
profile, including the Capital Requirements 
Directive/Regulation, the Bank Recovery and 
Resolution Directive, the Deposit Guarantee Scheme 
Directive, the Markets in Financial Instruments 
Directive II/Regulation, the Alternative Investment 
Fund Managers Directive, the Directive on 
Undertakings for Collective Investments in 
Transferable Securities and the Payment Services 
Directive. 

Changes in regulatory requirements can significantly 
affect the products and services that we provide to 
clients (including by way of client-initiated requests 
for changes to products and services, in addition to 
changes we initiate).  Accordingly, changes to 
products and services as a result of regulatory change 

Risk Factors (continued)

may impact our own costs on a one-off or ongoing 
basis.

The evolving regulatory environment, including 
changes to existing regulations and the introduction 
of new regulations, may contribute to decisions we 
may make to suspend, reduce or withdraw from 
existing businesses, activities or initiatives, which 
may result in potential lost revenue or significant 
restructuring or related costs or exposures.

Failure to comply with laws, regulations or policies 
applicable to our business could result in sanctions by 
regulatory or governmental authorities, civil money 
penalties and reputational damage, which could have 
a material adverse effect on our business, financial 
condition and results of operations.  If violations do 
occur, they could damage our reputation, increase our 
legal and compliance costs, and ultimately adversely 
impact our results of operations.  Laws, regulations 
or policies currently affecting us and our subsidiaries 
may change at any time.  Regulatory and 
governmental authorities may also change their 
interpretation of these statutes and regulations. 
Therefore, our business may also be adversely 
affected by future changes in laws, regulations, 
policies or interpretations or regulatory approaches to 
compliance and enforcement.

See “Supervision and Regulation” for additional 
information regarding the potential impact of the 
regulatory environment on our business.

Failure to satisfy regulatory standards, including 
“well capitalized” and “well managed” status or 
capital adequacy and liquidity rules more generally, 
could result in limitations on our activities and 
adversely affect our business and financial 
condition.

Under regulatory capital adequacy rules and other 
regulatory requirements, BNY Mellon and our 
subsidiary banks must meet thresholds that include 
quantitative measures of assets, liabilities and certain 
off-balance sheet items, subject to qualitative 
judgments by regulators about components, risk 
weightings and other factors.  As discussed in 
“Supervision and Regulation,” BNY Mellon is 
registered with the Federal Reserve as a BHC and an 
FHC.  An FHC’s ability to maintain its status as an 
FHC is dependent upon a number of factors, 
including its U.S. bank subsidiaries’ qualifying on an 
ongoing basis as “well capitalized” and “well 

managed” under the banking agencies’ prompt 
corrective action regulations as well as applicable 
Federal Reserve regulations.  Failure by an FHC or 
one of its U.S. bank subsidiaries to qualify as “well 
capitalized” and “well managed”, if unremedied over 
a period of time, would cause it to lose its status as an 
FHC and could affect the confidence of clients in it, 
compromising its competitive position.  Additionally, 
an FHC that does not continue to meet all the 
requirements for FHC status could lose the ability to 
undertake new activities or make acquisitions that are 
not generally permissible for BHCs without FHC 
status or to continue such activities. 

Our U.S. bank subsidiaries are also subject to 
regulatory capital requirements and the failure by one 
of our bank subsidiaries to maintain its status as “well 
capitalized” could lead to, among other things, higher 
FDIC assessments and could have reputational and 
associated business consequences.  For example, as 
of Dec. 31, 2015, one of our bank subsidiaries, BNY 
Mellon, N.A., was not “well capitalized” under U.S. 
regulatory standards, because its Total capital ratio 
was 9.89%, which was below the 10% “well 
capitalized” threshold.  Shortly after this issue was 
discovered, the Parent contributed capital that raised 
BNY Mellon, N.A.’s Total capital ratio above the well 
capitalized threshold.  While there were no material 
impacts to either BNY Mellon, N.A. or BNY Mellon 
arising out of this isolated event, we can provide no 
assurances that a similar event occurring in the future 
would not have a material impact.  Moreover, the 
occurrence of a more significant decline in regulatory 
ratios by BNY Mellon or one of our U.S. bank 
subsidiaries or failure to maintain status as 
“adequately capitalized” would lead to regulatory 
sanctions and limitations and could lead the federal 
banking agencies to take “prompt corrective action.” 

If our company or our subsidiary banks failed to meet 
the minimum capital rules and other regulatory 
requirements, we may not be able to deploy capital in 
the operation of our business or distribute capital to 
stockholders, which may adversely affect our 
business.  If we are not able to meet the additional, 
more stringent, capital adequacy standards that were 
recently promulgated, we may not remain “well 
capitalized.”  See “Supervision and Regulation,” 
“Liquidity and dividends” and “Capital – Capital 
adequacy.” 

BNY Mellon and its domestic subsidiary banks must 
maintain an LCR at least equal to 100% beginning in 

BNY Mellon 95 

Risk Factors (continued)

2017 to satisfy regulatory minimums.  Failure to 
comply with the LCR requirements may result in 
supervisory or enforcement actions.

Failure to meet current or future capital or liquidity 
requirements, including those imposed by the U.S. 
capital rules, the LCR, or by regulators in 
implementing other portions of the Basel III 
framework, could materially adversely affect our 
financial condition.  The current regulatory 
environment is fluid, with requirements frequently 
being introduced and amended.  See “Supervision and 
Regulation.”  Compliance with regulatory capital and 
liquidity requirements may impact our ability to 
return capital to shareholders and may impact our 
operations by requiring us to liquidate assets, increase 
borrowings, issue additional equity or other 
securities, or cease or alter certain operations, which 
may adversely affect our results of operations.

Although we expect to continue to satisfy our 
regulatory capital and liquidity requirements, there 
can be no assurances that we will not need to hold 
significantly more regulatory capital and liquid assets 
than we currently estimate in order to satisfy 
applicable standards.  An inability to meet regulatory 
expectations regarding these matters may also 
negatively impact the assessment of BNY Mellon and 
its U.S. banking subsidiaries by U.S. banking 
regulators and our ability to make capital 
distributions.

Finally, our estimated regulatory capital ratios, 
liquidity metrics, and related components are based 
on our current interpretation, expectations and 
understanding of the applicable rules and are subject 
to, among other things, ongoing regulatory review, 
regulatory approval of certain statistical models, 
additional refinements, modifications or 
enhancements (whether required or otherwise) to our 
models, and further implementation guidance.  Any 
modifications resulting from these ongoing reviews 
or the continued implementation of the U.S. capital 
rules, the LCR, the resolution planning process, and 
related amendments could result in changes in our 
risk-weighted assets, capital components, liquidity 
inflows and outflows, HQLA, or other elements 
involved in the calculation of these measures, which 
could negatively impact these ratios.  Further, 
because operational risk is currently measured based 
not only upon our historical operational loss 
experience but also upon ongoing events in the 
banking industry generally, our level of operational 

 96 BNY Mellon

risk-weighted assets could significantly increase or 
otherwise remain elevated for the foreseeable future 
and may potentially be subject to significant 
volatility, negatively impacting our capital and 
liquidity ratios.  The uncertainty caused by these 
factors could ultimately impact our ability to meet our 
goals, supervisory requirements, and regulatory 
standards.

Regulatory or enforcement actions or litigation 
could materially adversely affect our results of 
operations or harm our businesses or reputation.

Like many major financial institutions, we and our 
affiliates are the subject of inquiries, investigations, 
lawsuits and proceedings by counterparties, clients, 
other third parties and regulatory and other 
governmental agencies in the U.S. and abroad, as 
well as the Department of Justice and state attorneys 
general.  See “Legal proceedings” in Note 20 of the 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a 
discussion of material legal and regulatory 
proceedings in which we are involved.  The number 
of these investigations and proceedings, as well as the 
amount of penalties and fines sought, has increased 
substantially in recent years for many firms in the 
financial services industry, including us.  We may 
become subject to heightened regulatory scrutiny, 
inquiries or investigations, and potentially client-
related inquiries or claims, relating to broad, industry-
wide concerns that could lead to increased expenses 
or reputational damage.  Since the 2008 financial 
crisis, significant settlements by a number of large 
financial institutions with governmental entities have 
been publicly announced.  The trend of large 
settlements with governmental entities may adversely 
affect the outcomes for other financial institutions in 
similar actions, especially where governmental 
officials have announced that the large settlements 
will be used as the basis or a template for other 
settlements.  Separately, policy makers in the 
European Union continue to focus on conduct rules 
around the protection of client assets.

In addition, the DOJ has announced a policy of 
requiring companies to provide investigators with all 
relevant facts relating to the individuals responsible 
for the alleged misconduct in order to qualify for any 
cooperation credit in civil and criminal investigations 
of corporate wrongdoing, which may result in our 
incurring increased fines and penalties if the DOJ 
determines that we have not provided sufficient 
information about applicable individuals in 

Risk Factors (continued)

connection with an investigation, as well as increased 
costs in responding to DOJ investigations.  It is 
possible that other governmental authorities will 
adopt similar policies.

The complexity of the federal and state regulatory 
and enforcement regimes in the U.S., coupled with 
the global scope of our operations and the increased 
aggressiveness of the regulatory environment 
worldwide, also means that a single event may give 
rise to a large number of overlapping investigations 
and regulatory proceedings, either by multiple federal 
and state agencies in the U.S. or by multiple 
regulators and other governmental entities in different 
jurisdictions.  Responding to inquiries, investigations, 
lawsuits and proceedings, regardless of the ultimate 
outcome of the matter, is time-consuming and 
expensive and can divert the attention of our senior 
management from our business.  The outcome of 
such proceedings may be difficult to predict or 
estimate until late in the proceedings, which may last 
a number of years.

Certain of our subsidiaries are subject to periodic 
examination, special inquiries and potential 
proceedings by regulatory authorities.  If compliance 
failures or other violations are found during an 
examination, inquiry or proceeding, a regulatory 
agency could initiate actions and impose sanctions 
for violations, including, for example, regulatory 
agreements, cease and desist orders, civil monetary 
penalties or termination of a license and could lead to 
litigation by investors or clients, any of which could 
cause our earnings to decline.

Our businesses involve the risk that clients or others 
may sue us, claiming that we or third parties for 
whom they say we are responsible have failed to 
perform under a contract or otherwise failed to carry 
out a duty perceived to be owed to them, including 
perceived fiduciary or contractual duties.  This risk 
may be heightened during periods when credit, equity 
or other financial markets are deteriorating in value or 
are particularly volatile, or when clients or investors 
are experiencing losses.  As a publicly held company, 
we are also subject to the risk of claims under the 
federal securities laws.  Volatility in our stock price 
increases this risk.

Actions brought against us may result in lawsuits, 
enforcement actions, injunctions, settlements, 
damages, fines or penalties, which could have a 
material adverse effect on our financial condition or 

results of operations or require changes to our 
business.  Claims for significant monetary damages 
are asserted in many of these legal actions, while 
claims for disgorgement, penalties and/or other 
remedial sanctions may be sought in regulatory 
matters.  Although we establish accruals for our 
litigation and regulatory matters in accordance with 
applicable accounting guidance when those matters 
proceed to a stage where they present loss 
contingencies that are both probable and reasonably 
estimable, nonetheless there may be a possible 
material exposure to loss in excess of any amounts 
accrued, or in excess of any loss contingencies 
disclosed as reasonably possible.  Such loss 
contingencies may not be probable and reasonably 
estimable until the proceedings have progressed 
significantly, which could take several years and 
occur close to resolution of the matter.

Each of the risks outlined above could result in 
increased regulatory supervision and affect our ability 
to attract and retain customers or maintain access to 
the capital markets.

Our businesses may be negatively affected by 
adverse events, publicity, government scrutiny or 
other reputational harm.

We are subject to reputational, legal and regulatory 
risk in the ordinary course of our business.  The 2008 
financial crisis and current political and public 
sentiment have resulted in a significant amount of 
adverse media coverage of financial institutions. 
Harm to our reputation can result from numerous 
sources, including adverse publicity arising from 
events occurring at BNY Mellon or in the financial 
markets, our perceived failure to comply with legal 
and regulatory requirements, the purported actions of 
our employees, alleged financial reporting 
irregularities involving ourselves or other large and 
well-known companies and perceived conflicts of 
interest.  Our reputation could also be harmed by the 
failure of an affiliate, joint venture or a vendor or 
other third party with which we do business to 
comply with laws or regulations.  Damage to our 
reputation could affect the confidence of clients, 
rating agencies, regulators, employees, stockholders 
and other stakeholders and could in turn have an 
impact on our business and results of operations.

Additionally, governmental scrutiny from regulators, 
legislative bodies and law enforcement agencies with 
respect to financial services companies has increased 

BNY Mellon 97 

Risk Factors (continued)

dramatically.  Press coverage and other public 
statements that assert some form of wrongdoing 
(including, in some cases, press coverage and public 
statements that do not directly involve BNY Mellon) 
often result in some type of investigation or in 
lawsuits.  Certain enforcement authorities have 
recently required admissions of wrongdoing, and in 
some cases, criminal pleas, as part of the resolution of 
matters brought by them against financial institutions.  
Any such resolution of a matter involving BNY 
Mellon could lead to increased exposure to civil 
litigation, could adversely affect our reputation and 
ability to do business in certain products and in 
certain jurisdictions and could have other negative 
effects. 

A failure to deliver appropriate standards of service 
and quality by either us or our vendors, or a failure to 
appropriately describe our products and services can 
result in customer dissatisfaction, lost revenue, higher 
operating costs, heightened regulatory scrutiny and 
litigation.  Should any of these or other events or 
factors that can undermine our reputation occur, there 
is no assurance that the additional costs and expenses 
that we may need to incur to address the issues giving 
rise to the reputational harm would not adversely 
affect our earnings and results of operations.

Our business may be materially adversely affected 
by operational risk.

Given the nature of our businesses, which includes 
our critical role in the clearance of U.S. government 
securities, we are required to process large numbers 
of transactions each day on an accurate and timely 
basis.  The transactions we process or execute are 
operationally complex and can involve numerous 
parties, jurisdictions, regulations and systems, and 
as such, are subject to execution and processing 
errors and failures.  Our ability to conduct our 
business or service our clients could then be 
negatively impacted, which could adversely affect 
our results of operations due to potentially higher 
expenses and lower revenues, could lower our 
capital ratios, create liability for us or our clients or 
negatively impact our reputation.  Recurring 
operational issues may raise concerns among 
regulators regarding our culture, governance and 
control environment. 

Affiliates or third parties with which we do business 
or that facilitate our business activities, could also be 
sources of execution and processing errors and 

 98 BNY Mellon

failures.  In certain jurisdictions we may be deemed 
to be statutorily liable for operational errors, fraud or 
breakdowns by these affiliates or third parties.  
Additionally, as a result of recent regulations, 
including the Alternative Investment Fund Managers 
Directive and the Undertakings for Collective 
Investment in Transferable Securities V, where, in the 
European Economic Area we act as depositary, the 
Company could be exposed to restitution risk for, 
among other things, errors or fraud perpetrated by a 
sub-custodian resulting in a loss or delay in return of 
client’s securities.  Where we are not acting as a 
European Economic Area depositary, but where we 
provide custody services to an European Economic 
Area depositary, we may accept similar liabilities to 
that depositary as a matter of contract.

In addition, our operational loss risk projections are 
informed by certain external losses, including certain 
fines and penalties levied against other institutions in 
the financial services industry, particularly those that 
relate to businesses in which we operate, and as a 
result such external losses could impact the amount of 
capital that we are required to hold.  For a discussion 
of operational risk see “Risk Management – 
Operational risk” and “Business Continuity.”

A failure or circumvention of our controls and 
procedures could have a material adverse effect on 
our business, reputation, results of operations and 
financial condition.

Management regularly reviews and updates our 
internal controls, disclosure controls and procedures, 
and corporate governance policies and procedures.  
Any system of controls, however well designed and 
operated, is based in part on certain assumptions and 
can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances 
that the objectives of the system will be met.  Any 
failure or circumvention of our controls and 
procedures or failure to comply with regulations 
related to controls and procedures could have a 
material adverse effect on our business, reputation, 
results of operations and financial condition.  If we 
identify material weaknesses in our internal control 
over financial reporting or are otherwise required to 
restate our financial statements, we could be required 
to implement expensive and time-consuming 
remedial measures and could lose investor confidence 
in the accuracy and completeness of our financial 
reports.  In addition, there are risks that individuals, 
either employees or contractors, may circumvent 
established control mechanisms in order to, for 

Risk Factors (continued)

example, exceed exposure, liquidity, trading or 
investment management limitations, or commit fraud.

Our risk management framework may not be 
effective in mitigating risk and reducing the 
potential for losses.

Our risk management framework seeks to mitigate 
risk and loss to us.  We have established 
comprehensive policies and procedures and an 
internal control framework designed to provide a 
sound operational environment for the types of risk to 
which we are subject, including operational risk, 
credit risk, market risk, liquidity risk and strategic 
risk.  We have also established frameworks to 
mitigate risk and loss to us as a result of the actions 
of affiliates or third parties with which we do 
business or that facilitate our business activities.  
However, as with any risk management framework, 
there are inherent limitations to our current and future 
risk management strategies, including risks that we 
have not appropriately anticipated or identified.

In certain instances, we rely on models to measure, 
monitor and predict risks.  However, these models are 
inherently limited because they involve techniques, 
including the use of historical data in some 
circumstances, and judgments that cannot anticipate 
every economic and financial outcome in the markets 
in which we operate, nor can they anticipate the 
specifics and timing of such outcomes.  There is no 
assurance that these models will appropriately capture 
all relevant risks or accurately predict future events or 
exposures.  The 2008 financial crisis and resulting 
regulatory reform highlighted both the importance 
and some of the limitations of managing 
unanticipated risks, and our regulators remain 
focused on ensuring that financial institutions build 
and maintain robust risk management policies.  If our 
regulators perceive the quality of our risk models and 
framework to be insufficient, it may negatively 
impact our regulators’ evaluations of our capital plans 
and stress tests.  Accurate and timely enterprise-wide 
risk information is necessary to enhance 
management’s decision-making in times of crisis.  If 
our risk management framework proves ineffective or 
if our enterprise-wide management information is 
incomplete or inaccurate, we could suffer unexpected 
losses, which could materially adversely affect our 
results of operations or financial condition.

In addition, our businesses and the markets in which 
we operate are continuously evolving.  We may fail to 

fully understand the implications of changes in our 
businesses or the financial markets or fail to 
adequately or timely enhance our risk framework to 
address those changes.  If our risk framework is 
ineffective, either because it fails to keep pace with 
changes in the financial markets, regulatory 
requirements, our businesses, our counterparties, 
clients or service providers or for other reasons, we 
could incur losses, suffer reputational damage or find 
ourselves out of compliance with applicable 
regulatory or contractual mandates or expectations.  

An important aspect of our risk management 
framework is creating a risk culture in which all 
employees fully understand that there is risk in every 
aspect of our business and the importance of 
managing risk as it relates to their job functions.  We 
continue to enhance our risk management program to 
support our risk culture, ensuring that it is sustainable 
and appropriate to our role as a major financial 
institution.  Nonetheless, if we fail to create the 
appropriate environment that sensitizes all of our 
employees to managing risk, our business could be 
adversely impacted.  For more information on how 
we monitor and manage our risk management 
framework, see “Risk Management – Risk 
management overview.”

Change or uncertainty in monetary, tax and other 
governmental policies may impact our businesses, 
profitability and ability to compete.

The monetary, tax and other policies of various 
governments, agencies and regulatory authorities both 
in the U.S. and globally have a significant impact on 
interest rates, currencies, commodity pricing 
(including oil) and overall financial market 
performance, which can impact our business and 
results of operations.  As a result of the 2008 financial 
crisis, there have been significant changes in these 
policies, which have imposed additional compliance, 
legal, review and response costs that have impacted 
our profitability.  Changes in these policies are 
beyond our control and can be difficult to predict and 
we cannot determine the ultimate effect that any such 
changes would have upon our business, financial 
condition or results of operations.  For example, the 
Federal Reserve regulates the supply of money and 
credit in the U.S. and its policies influence our cost of 
funds for lending, investing and capital raising 
activities and the return we earn on those loans and 
investments, all of which affect our net interest 
margin.  Low interest rate policies have resulted in 

BNY Mellon 99 

Risk Factors (continued)

waivers of money market fund fees in addition to 
reductions in our spread-based income and net 
interest revenue.  While the recent rate increase in the 
Federal Funds effective rate to between 0.50% and 
0.75% has significantly reduced the amount of such 
fee waivers, they have not been eliminated.

The failure to properly mitigate such risks, or the 
failure of our operating infrastructure to support such 
international activities could result in operational 
failures and regulatory fines or sanctions, which 
could adversely affect our business and results of 
operations.

In addition, we are subject in our global operations to 
rules and regulations relating to corrupt and illegal 
payments and money laundering, economic sanctions 
and embargo programs administered by the U.S. 
Office of Foreign Assets Control and similar bodies 
and governmental agencies worldwide, and laws 
relating to doing business with certain individuals, 
groups and countries, such as the U.S. Foreign 
Corrupt Practices Act, the USA PATRIOT Act, the 
Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 
2012 and the UK Bribery Act.  While we have 
invested and continue to invest significant resources 
in training and in compliance monitoring, the 
geographical diversity of our operations, employees, 
clients and customers, as well as the vendors and 
other third parties that we deal with, presents the risk 
that we may be found in violation of such rules, 
regulations or laws and any such violation could 
subject us to significant penalties or adversely affect 
our reputation.  In addition, such rules could impact 
our ability to engage in business with certain 
individuals, entities, groups and countries, which 
could materially adversely affect certain of our 
businesses and results of operations.

Our businesses and operations from time to time 
enter into new regions.  Various emerging and 
frontier market countries have experienced severe 
economic and financial disruptions, including 
significant devaluations of their currencies, defaults 
or threatened defaults on sovereign debt, capital and 
currency exchange controls, and low or negative 
growth rates in their economies.  Crime, corruption, 
war or military actions, and a lack of an established 
legal and regulatory framework are additional 
challenges.  Revenue from international operations 
and trading in non-U.S. securities and other 
obligations may be subject to negative fluctuations 
as a result.  The possible effects of any of these 
conditions may adversely affect our business and 
results of operations.

The actions of the Federal Reserve also could 
materially affect the value of financial instruments we 
hold, activity levels, liquidity and volatility in the 
financial markets, and impact our borrowers, 
potentially increasing the risk that they may fail to 
repay their loans. 

We are subject to political, economic, legal, 
operational and other risks that are inherent in 
operating globally and which may adversely affect 
our business.

In conducting our business and maintaining and 
supporting our global operations, which includes 
vendors and other third parties, we are subject to 
risks of loss from the outbreak of hostilities and 
various unfavorable political, economic, legal or 
other developments, including social or political 
instability, changes in governmental policies or 
policies of central banks, sanctions, expropriation, 
nationalization, confiscation of assets, price, capital 
and exchange controls, unfavorable tax rates and tax 
court rulings and changes in laws and regulations.  
Our business benefits from active global trade.  If the 
recent political developments in the U.S. and Europe 
result in new barriers to global business, our global 
growth may be negatively impacted. 

Our international clients accounted for 34% of our 
revenue in 2016.  Our non-U.S. businesses are subject 
to extensive regulation by various non-U.S. 
regulators, including governments, securities 
exchanges, central banks and other regulatory bodies, 
in the jurisdictions in which those businesses operate.  
In many countries, the laws and regulations 
applicable to the financial services industry are 
uncertain and evolving, and may be applied with 
extra scrutiny to non-domestic companies, and it may 
be difficult for us to determine the exact requirements 
of local laws in every market or manage our 
relationships with multiple regulators in various 
jurisdictions.  Our inability to remain in compliance 
with local laws in a particular market and manage our 
relationships with regulators could have an adverse 
effect not only on our businesses in that market but 
also on our reputation generally.

 100 BNY Mellon

Risk Factors (continued)

Acts of terrorism, natural disasters, pandemics and 
global conflicts may have a negative impact on our 
business and operations.

Acts of terrorism, natural disasters, pandemics, global 
conflicts or other similar catastrophic events could 
have a negative impact on our business and 
operations.  While we have business continuity and 
disaster recovery plans in place, such events could 
still damage our facilities, disrupt or delay normal 
business operations (including communications and 
technology), result in harm or cause travel limitations 
on our employees, with a similar impact on our 
clients, suppliers and counterparties.  Catastrophic 
events could also negatively impact the purchase of 
our products and services if those events result in 
reduced capital markets activity, lower asset price 
levels, or disruptions in general economic activity, or 
in financial market settlement functions, which could 
negatively impact our business and results of 
operation.  In addition, war, terror attacks, political 
unrest, global conflicts, efforts to combat terrorism 
and other potential military activities and outbreaks 
of hostilities may lead to an increase in 
delinquencies, bankruptcies or defaults that could 
result in our experiencing higher levels of non-
performing assets, net charge-offs and provisions for 
credit losses, negatively impacting our business and 
operations.

Market Risk

Ongoing concerns about the financial stability of 
certain countries, the failure or instability of any of 
our significant global counterparties, new barriers 
to global trade or a breakup of the EU or Eurozone 
could have a material adverse effect on our 
business and results of operations.

There remain ongoing concerns about the financial 
stability of certain countries, including the possibility 
of sovereign debt defaults and bank failures, which 
could result in the exit of countries from the EU or 
the Eurozone.  This has led to, and could continue to 
lead to, declines in market liquidity, a contraction of 
available credit, and diminished economic growth 
and business confidence in those countries, with 
potential collateral consequences to other countries as 
well.  

Recent political developments in the U.S. and Europe 
may result in a partial or full break-up of the EU, 
Eurozone or the North American Free-Trade 

Agreement (“NAFTA”).  The exit of countries from 
the EU or Eurozone or the dissolution of those bodies 
could lead to redenomination of certain obligations of 
obligors in exiting countries.  Any such exit and 
redenomination would cause significant uncertainty 
with respect to outstanding obligations of 
counterparties and debtors in any exiting country, 
whether sovereign or otherwise, and could lead to 
complex and lengthy disputes and litigation.  The 
withdrawal of the U.S. from NAFTA or the 
imposition of import tariffs could also create market 
uncertainty and stress.  Market uncertainty and stress 
could also cause, among other things, severe 
disruption to equity markets, significant increases in 
bond yields generally, potential failure or default of 
financial institutions, including those of systemic 
importance, a significant decrease in global liquidity, 
a freeze-up of global credit markets and a potential 
worldwide recession.  

The interdependencies among world economies, 
including the EU, Eurozone and the members of 
NAFTA, as well as interdependencies of financial 
institutions, have contributed to concerns regarding 
the stability of financial markets generally and certain 
economies and institutions in particular.  Financial 
services institutions are interdependent as a result of 
trading, clearing, counterparty or other relationships.  
We routinely execute transactions with global 
counterparties, including brokers and dealers, 
commercial banks, investment banks, mutual and 
hedge funds, and other institutional clients.  As a 
result, defaults or non-performance by, or even 
rumors or questions about, one or more global 
financial institutions, or the financial markets 
generally, have in the past led to market-wide 
liquidity problems and could lead to losses by us or 
by other institutions in the future.

We are primarily exposed to disruptions in global 
markets in a number of principal areas – on our 
balance sheet, in certain interest-bearing deposits 
with banks, loans, trading assets and investment 
securities, as well as fee revenue.  Additionally, 
market disruptions could lead to, among other things, 
a negative impact on our fee revenue and a “flight to 
safety,” triggering increased client deposits and 
altering the size and composition of our balance 
sheet, which could adversely impact our leverage-
based regulatory capital measures.  For additional 
information regarding our exposure to certain 
countries, please see “International operations – 
Country risk exposure.”

BNY Mellon 101 

Risk Factors (continued)

Given the scope of our global operations, clients and 
counterparties, persistent disruptions in the global 
financial markets, the failure of a significant global 
financial institution, even if not an immediate 
counterparty to us, or the attempt of a country to 
abandon the euro or persistent weakness in a leading 
global currency could have a material adverse impact 
on our business or results of operations.

The United Kingdom’s referendum decision to leave 
the EU has had and may continue to have negative 
effects on global economic conditions, global 
financial markets, and our business and results of 
operations.

In 2016, the UK voted to leave the EU in a nation-
wide referendum.  This has created an uncertain 
political and economic environment in the UK, and 
may create such environments in other EU member 
states.  Political and economic uncertainty has in the 
past led to, and the outcome of the referendum and 
the withdrawal of the UK from the EU could lead to, 
declines in market liquidity and activity levels, 
volatile market conditions, a contraction of available 
credit, lower or negative interest rates, weaker 
economic growth and reduced business confidence. 

The referendum outcome means that the long-term 
nature of the UK’s relationship with the EU is 
unclear, and there is considerable uncertainty as to 
when the framework for any such relationship 
governing both the access of the UK to EU markets 
and vice versa will be determined and implemented.  
As a result, we, including our European affiliates, 
may face additional operational, regulatory and 
compliance costs.  In addition, the regulatory, tax and 
supervisory regimes applicable to our European 
operations are expected to change; however, the 
nature and timing of such changes are uncertain and 
cannot be predicted.  Certain of our European 
operations are conducted through subsidiaries located 
in the UK and other EU member states.  If our UK 
subsidiaries are not able to retain their EU financial 
services “passport,” or an equivalent version of 
access to enable cross-border services throughout the  
EU single market without needing to obtain local 
authorizations then we may incur costs to move 
operations and, potentially, personnel from our UK 
operations to our operations in other EU member 
states.  The outcome of the referendum has also 
created uncertainty with regard to divergent 
regulatory standards, which may affect the 

 102 BNY Mellon

operational capabilities such as the transfer of data 
between the UK and EU after the UK leaves the EU.

Following the referendum, volatility in the exchange 
rate for the British pound has increased.  The 
decrease in the British pound compared to the U.S. 
dollar since the referendum has had, and may 
continue to have, a negative effect on our Investment 
Management business, which typically has more non- 
U.S. dollar denominated revenues than expenses.  
Volatility in exchange rates may also have a negative 
effect on our Investment Services business, which 
typically has more non-U.S. dollar denominated 
expenses than revenues.

The effects of the result of the referendum, including 
those described above, could adversely affect our 
business, results of operations and financial 
condition.

Weakness and volatility in financial markets and 
the economy generally may materially adversely 
affect our business, results of operations and 
financial condition.

As a financial institution, our businesses, including 
our Investment Management, Global Markets, 
Depositary Receipts and Securities Lending 
businesses, are particularly sensitive to economic and 
market conditions, including in the capital and credit 
markets.  When these markets are volatile or 
disruptive, we could experience a decline in our 
marked-to-market assets, including in our securities 
portfolio and our equity investments, including seed 
capital.  Our results of operations may be materially 
affected by conditions in the financial markets and 
the economy generally, both in the U.S. and 
elsewhere around the world.  A variety of factors 
impact global economies and financial markets, 
including interest rates, commodity pricing, such as 
the continued weakness in oil prices, instability of 
certain markets, political instability, volatile debt and 
equity market values, the strong U.S. dollar, high 
unemployment and governmental budget deficits 
(including, in the U.S., at the federal, state and 
municipal level), contagion risk from possible default 
by other countries on sovereign debt, declining 
business and consumer confidence and the risk of 
increased inflation.  Any resulting economic pressure 
on consumers and lack of confidence in the financial 
markets may adversely affect certain portions of our 
business, financial condition and results of 
operations.  In particular, we face the following risks 

Risk Factors (continued)

in connection with these factors, some of which are 
discussed at greater length in separate risk factors:

•  A continuing low interest rate environment, 

geopolitical tension, continuing low oil prices, 
and economic instability in countries around the 
world can at times increase the demand for low-
risk investments, particularly in U.S. Treasuries 
and the dollar.  A “flight to safety” has 
historically increased BNY Mellon’s balance 
sheet, which has negatively impacted, and could 
continue to negatively impact, our leverage-based 
regulatory capital measures. A sustained “flight to 
safety” has historically triggered a decline in 
trading, capital markets and cross-border activity. 
Declining volumes in these activities would 
likely decrease our revenue, which would 
negatively impact our results of operations, 
financial condition and, if sustained in the long 
term, our business.

•  The fees earned by our Investment Management 
business are higher as assets under management 
and/or investment performance increase. Those 
fees are also impacted by the composition of the 
assets under management, with higher fees for 
some asset categories as compared to others. 
Uncertain and volatile capital markets could 
result in reductions in assets under management 
because of investors’ decisions to withdraw assets 
or from simple declines in the value of assets 
under management as markets decline.  Uncertain 
and volatile financial markets may also result in 
changes in customer allocations of funds among 
money market, equity, fixed income or other 
investment alternatives.  Those changes in 
allocation may be from higher fee investments to 
lower fee investments.  For example, at Dec. 31, 
2016, we estimate that a 5% change in global 
equity markets, spread evenly throughout the 
year, would impact fee revenue by less than 1% 
and diluted earnings per common share by $0.02 
to $0.04.

•  Market conditions resulting in lower transaction 
volumes could have an adverse effect on the 
revenues and profitability of certain of our 
businesses such as clearing, settlement, payments 
and trading.

•  Uncertain and volatile capital markets, 

particularly declines, could reduce the value of 
our investments in securities, including pension 
and other post-retirement plan assets. 

•  Derivative instruments we hold to hedge and 
manage exposure to market risks including 
interest rate risk, equity price risk, foreign 
currency risk and credit risk associated with our 
products and businesses might not perform as 
intended or expected, resulting in higher realized 
losses and unforeseen stresses on liquidity.  Our 
derivative-based hedging strategies also rely on 
the performance of counterparties to such 
derivatives.  These counterparties may fail to 
perform for various reasons resulting in losses on 
under-collateralized positions.

•  Our ability to continue to operate certain pooled 
investment funds at a net asset value of $1.00 per 
unit and to allow unrestricted cash redemptions 
by investors in those pooled funds (or by 
investors in other funds managed by us which are 
invested in those pooled investment funds) may 
be adversely affected by depressed mark-to-
market prices of the underlying portfolio 
securities held by such funds, or by material 
defaults on such securities or by the level of 
liquidity that could be achieved from the 
portfolio securities in such funds.  We may be 
faced with claims from investors and exposed to 
financial loss as a result of our operation of such 
funds.

•  Continuing weakness in oil prices may continue 
to negatively impact capital markets and may 
impact the ability of certain of our clients, 
including oil and gas exploration and production 
companies and sovereign funds in oil-exporting 
countries, to continue using our services or repay 
outstanding loans.  Increased defaults among oil 
and gas exploration and production companies 
may also negatively impact the high-yield market 
and our high-yield funds.

•  Market volatility could produce downward 
pressure on our stock price and credit 
availability without regard to our underlying 
financial strength. 

•  The process we use to estimate our projected 
credit losses and to ascertain the fair value of 
securities held by us is subject to uncertainty in 
that it requires use of statistical models and 
difficult, subjective and complex judgments, 
including forecasts of economic conditions and 
how these conditions might impair the ability of 
our borrowers and others to meet their 
obligations.  In uncertain and volatile capital 
markets, our ability to estimate our projected 

BNY Mellon 103 

Risk Factors (continued)

credit losses may be impaired, which could 
adversely affect our overall profitability and 
results of operations.

We use various models and strategies to assess and 
control our market risk exposures but those are 
subject to inherent limitations.  Our models, which 
rely on historical trends and assumptions, may not be 
sufficiently predictive of future results due to limited 
historical patterns, extreme or unanticipated market 
movements and illiquidity, especially during severe 
market downturns or stress events.  The models that 
we use to assess and control our market risk 
exposures also reflect assumptions about the degree 
of correlation among prices of various asset classes or 
other market indicators.  In addition, market 
conditions in recent years have involved 
unprecedented dislocations and highlight the 
limitations inherent in using historical data to manage 
risk.  In times of market stress or other unforeseen 
circumstances, such as the market conditions 
experienced in 2008 and 2009, previously 
uncorrelated indicators may become correlated, or 
previously correlated indicators may move in 
different directions. These types of market 
movements have at times limited the effectiveness of 
our hedging strategies and have caused us to incur 
significant losses, and they may do so in the future.  
For a discussion of our management of market risk, 
see “Risk Management – Market risk.”

Changes in interest rates could have a material 
adverse effect on our profitability.

Our net interest revenue and cash flows are sensitive 
to changes in short-term interest rates and changes in 
valuations in the debt or equity markets over which 
we have no control.  Our net interest revenue is the 
difference between the interest income earned on our 
interest-earning assets, such as the loans we make and 
the securities we hold in our investment securities 
portfolio, and the interest expense incurred on our 
interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and 
borrowed money.  Notwithstanding the recent 
increase in the Fed Funds effective rate to between 
0.50% and 0.75%, we remain in a historically low-
rate environment.

A continuing low short-term rate environment will 
likely adversely impact our revenue and results of 
operations by:

• 

continued compression of our net interest 
spreads, depending on our balance sheet position; 

 104 BNY Mellon

• 

• 

• 

constraining our ability to achieve a net interest 
margin consistent with historical averages; 

sustained weakness of our spread-based 
revenues, resulting in continued voluntary 
waiving of particular fees on certain money 
market mutual funds and related distribution fees 
by us in order to prevent the yields on such funds 
from becoming uneconomic; and

adversely impacting the value of fixed-rate 
mortgage-backed securities we hold if there are 
increases in mortgage prepayment speeds, which 
can be caused by refinancing activity.

Additionally, low short-term rates may result in 
excess deposits with high potential runoff rates, 
which in turn would increase our assets and result in 
further pressure on our LCR measure.

A rise in interest rates could trigger one or more of 
the following, which could adversely impact our 
business, results of operations and financial 
condition, including:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

less liquidity in bonds and fixed income funds in 
the case of a sharp rise in interest rates resulting 
in lower performance, yield and fees;

increased number of delinquencies, bankruptcies 
or defaults and more nonperforming assets and 
net charge-offs, as borrowers may have more 
difficulty making higher interest payments;

difficulty in modeling predicted deposit levels 
and depositor behavior, which could impact our 
ability to manage liquidity and capital;

decreases in deposit levels and higher 
redemptions from our fixed income funds or 
separate accounts, as clients move funds into 
investments with higher rates of return;

decreases in stable deposit levels, which may 
result in further pressure on our LCR measure;

a decline in our risk-based capital ratios;

reduction in accumulated other comprehensive 
income (“OCI”) in our shareholders’ equity and 
therefore our tangible common equity due to the 
impact of rising long term rates on our available 
for sale securities in our investment portfolio; 
and

• 

higher funding costs.

Risk Factors (continued)

A more detailed discussion of the interest rate and 
market risks we face is contained in “Risk 
Management.”

2011, may continue to experience stress in the future.  
U.S. state and municipal bonds have also experienced 
stress in light of fiscal concerns.  

We may experience write-downs of securities that we 
own and other losses related to volatile and illiquid 
market conditions, reducing our earnings and 
impacting our financial condition.

We maintain an investment securities portfolio of 
various holdings, types and maturities.  At Dec. 31, 
2016, these securities were primarily classified as 
available-for-sale, which are recorded on our balance 
sheet at fair value with unrealized gains or losses 
reported as a component of accumulated other 
comprehensive income, net of tax.  The securities in 
our held-to-maturity portfolio, recorded on our 
balance sheet at amortized cost, were $40.9 billion 
and comprised approximately 36% of our investment 
securities portfolio at Dec. 31, 2016.  To the extent 
unhedged, the accounting and regulatory treatment of 
our investment securities portfolio in an available-
for-sale accounting environment may have more 
volatility than a more traditional held-for-investment 
loan portfolio, or a securities portfolio comprised 
exclusively of U.S. Treasury securities.  

Our investment securities portfolio represents a 
greater proportion of our consolidated total assets 
(approximately 34% at Dec. 31, 2016), and our loans 
represent a smaller proportion of our consolidated 
total assets (approximately 19% at Dec. 31, 2016), in 
comparison to many other major U.S. financial 
institutions due to our custody and trust bank 
business model.  As such, our capital levels and 
results of operations and financial condition are 
materially exposed to the risks associated with our 
investment portfolio.  

If any of our available-for-sale securities experience 
an other-than-temporary impairment, it would 
negatively impact our earnings.  If our held-to-
maturity securities experience a loss in fair value, it 
would negatively impact the fair value of our 
securities portfolio, although it would not impact our 
earnings unless a credit event occurred.  Many of 
these securities experienced significant liquidity, 
valuation and credit quality deterioration during the 
2008 financial crisis and could experience a similar 
deterioration in another financial crisis.  Non-U.S. 
mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities with 
exposures to European countries, whose sovereign-
debt markets have experienced increased stress since 

Under the U.S. capital rules, after-tax changes in the 
fair value of available-for-sale investment securities 
are included in CET1 capital.  Since loans held for 
investment, or securities in a held-to-maturity 
accounting classification, are not subject to a fair-
value accounting framework, changes in the fair 
value of these instruments (other than incurred credit 
losses) are not similarly included in the 
determination of CET1 capital.  As a result, we may 
experience increased variability in our CET1 capital 
relative to other major financial institutions who 
maintain a lower proportion of their consolidated 
total assets in an available-for-sale accounting 
classification.

Generally, the fair value of available-for-sale 
securities in the securities portfolio is determined 
based upon market values available from third-party 
sources.  During periods of market disruption, it may 
be difficult to value certain of our investment 
securities if trading becomes less frequent and/or 
market data becomes less observable.  As a result, 
valuations may include inputs and assumptions that 
are less observable or require greater estimation and 
judgment as well as valuation methods which are 
more complex.  These values may not be ultimately 
realizable in a market transaction, and such values 
may change very rapidly as market conditions change 
and valuation assumptions are modified.  Decreases 
in value may have a material adverse effect on our 
results of operations or financial condition.  If any of 
our securities suffer credit losses, as we experienced 
with some of our investments in 2009, we may 
recognize the credit losses as an other-than-temporary 
impairment which could impact our revenue in the 
quarter in which we recognize the losses.  The 
decision on whether to record an other-than- 
temporary impairment or write-down is determined in 
part by management’s assessment of the financial 
condition and prospects of a particular issuer, 
projections of future cash flows and recoverability of 
the particular security.  Management’s conclusions on 
such assessments are highly judgmental and include 
assumptions and projections of future cash flows 
which may ultimately prove to be incorrect as 
assumptions, facts and circumstances change.  On the 
other hand, securities held in a held-to-maturity 
accounting environment are limited in the actions we 
can take absent a significant deterioration in the 

BNY Mellon 105 

Risk Factors (continued)

issuer’s creditworthiness.  Therefore we may be 
constrained in our ability to liquidate a held-to-
maturity security that is deteriorating in value, which 
would negatively impact the fair value of our 
securities portfolio.  If our determinations change 
about our intention or ability to not sell securities that 
have experienced a reduction in fair value below its 
amortized cost, we could be required to recognize an 
other-than-temporary loss in earnings for the entire 
difference between fair value and amortized cost.

For information regarding our investment securities 
portfolio, refer to “Consolidated balance sheet review 
– Investment securities” and for information 
regarding the sensitivity of and risks associated with 
the market value of portfolio investments and interest 
rates, refer to “Critical accounting estimates – Fair 
value – Securities” and “– Other-than-temporary 
impairment.” 

We are dependent on fee-based business for a 
substantial majority of our revenue and our fee-
based revenues could be adversely affected by 
slowing in market activity, weak financial markets, 
underperformance and/or negative trends in savings 
rates or in investment preferences.

Our principal operational focus is on fee-based 
business, which is distinct from commercial banking 
institutions that earn most of their revenues from 
loans and other traditional interest-generating 
products and services.  In 2016, approximately 79% 
of our total revenue was fee-based.  Our fee-based 
businesses include investment management and 
performance fees, custody, corporate trust, depositary 
receipts, clearing, collateral management and treasury 
services, which are highly competitive businesses.

Fees for many of our products and services are based 
on the volume of transactions processed, the market 
value of assets managed and administered, securities 
lending volume and spreads, and fees for other 
services rendered.  Corporate actions, cross-border 
investing, global mergers and acquisitions activity, 
new debt and equity issuances, and secondary trading 
volumes all affect the level of our revenues.  If the 
volumes of these activities decrease due to weak 
financial markets or otherwise, our revenues will also 
decrease, which would negatively impact our results 
of operations.  Declining margins and fees have 
negatively impacted certain of our fee-based revenues 
in recent years.  

 106 BNY Mellon

Poor investment returns in our investment 
management business, due to either weak market 
conditions or underperformance (relative to our 
competitors or to benchmarks) by funds or accounts 
that we manage or investment products that we 
design or sell, could result in reduced market values 
of portfolios that we manage and/or administer and 
may affect our ability to retain existing assets and to 
attract new clients or additional assets from existing 
clients.  Market and regulatory trends are driving 
investable assets toward investment in lower fee asset 
management products at reduced margins for our 
clients, which may ultimately negatively impact 
revenue.  Similarly, significant declines in the volume 
of capital markets activity would reduce the number 
of transactions we process and the amount of 
securities we lend and therefore would also have an 
adverse effect on our results of operations. 

Our business generally benefits when individuals 
invest their savings in mutual funds and other 
collective funds, unit investment trusts or exchange- 
traded funds, or contribute more to defined 
contribution plans.  A decline in the savings rates of 
individuals or a change in investment preferences 
that leads to less investment in mutual funds or other 
collective funds, or a shift to lower fee investment 
products, could adversely impact our revenues.  
Specifically, if the recent shift in investor preference 
to lower fee products continues, our investment 
management revenues could be negatively impacted.  
A decline in our investment management revenues 
could result in a decline in the fair value in our Asset 
Management reporting unit, which is one of the two 
reporting units in our Investment Management 
segment.  If the fair value of the Asset Management 
reporting unit declines below its carrying value, we 
may be required to take an impairment charge.

Our FX revenue may be adversely affected by 
decreases in market volatility and the cross-border 
investment activity of our clients.

Our foreign exchange trading generates revenues 
which are influenced by market pressures, which 
continue to be increasingly competitive, the volume 
of client transactions and the spread realized on these 
transactions.  The level of volume and spreads is 
affected by market volatility, the level of cross-border 
assets held in custody for clients, the level and nature 
of underlying cross-border investments and other 
transactions undertaken by corporate and institutional 
clients.  Our clients’ cross-border investing activity 

Risk Factors (continued)

could decrease in reaction to economic and political 
uncertainties, including changes in laws or 
regulations governing cross-border transactions, such 
as currency controls or tariffs.  Uncertainties resulting 
from terrorist attacks and/or military actions may also 
negatively affect cross-border investments activity, 
which could negatively impact revenue.

Volumes and/or spreads in some of our products tend 
to benefit from currency volatility and are likely to 
decrease during times of lower currency volatility.  
These revenues also depend on our ability to manage 
the risk associated with the currency transactions we 
execute and program pricing.

Furthermore, a shift by custody clients from the 
standing instruction programs to other trading options 
combined with competitive market pressures on the 
foreign exchange business is negatively impacting 
our FX revenue.  Continued growth of electronic FX 
trading capabilities is resulting in a shift of volume to 
lower margin channels.

Credit and Liquidity Risk

The failure or perceived weakness of any of our 
significant counterparties, many of whom are major 
financial institutions and sovereign entities, and our 
assumption of credit and counterparty risk, could 
expose us to loss and adversely affect our business.

We have exposure to many different industries and 
counterparties, particularly financial institutions as a 
result of trading, clearing, counterparty or other 
relationships.  We routinely execute transactions with 
counterparties in the financial industry as well as 
sovereigns and other governmental or quasi-
governmental entities, and other institutional clients. 
Our direct exposure consists of the extension of credit 
to clients and the extension of credit on our balance 
sheet.  In addition to traditional credit activities, we 
also extend and incur intraday credit exposure in 
order to facilitate our various processing and 
intermediation activities.  Our ability to engage in 
routine funding or other transactions could be 
adversely affected by the actions and commercial 
soundness of other financial institutions or sovereign 
entities, as defaults or non-performance by (or even 
rumors or questions about such default or non-
performance) one or more financial institutions, or 
the financial services industry generally, have in the 
past led to market-wide liquidity problems and could 
lead to losses or defaults by us or by other institutions 

(including our counterparties and/or clients) in the 
future.  The consolidation of financial institutions 
during the recent financial crisis and the failures of 
other financial institutions have increased the 
concentration of our counterparty risk.

As a result of our membership in several industry 
clearing or settlement exchanges, we may be required 
to guarantee obligations and liabilities or provide 
financial support in the event that other members do 
not honor their obligations or default.  These 
obligations may be limited to members that dealt with 
the defaulting member or to the amount (or a multiple 
of the amount) of our contribution to a member’s 
guarantee fund, or, in a few cases, the obligation may 
be unlimited. 

The degree of client demand for short-term credit 
also tends to increase during periods of market 
turbulence, exposing us to further counterparty-
related risks.  For example, investors in mutual funds 
for which we act as custodian may engage in 
significant redemption activity due to adverse market 
or economic news.  We may then extend short-term 
credit to clients as a result of our relationship with 
such clients and the nature of various cash and 
securities settlement processes.  This may negatively 
impact our leverage-based capital ratios, and in times 
of sustained market volatility, may result in 
significant leverage-based ratio declines.  

For some types of clients, we provide credit to allow 
them to leverage their portfolios, which may expose 
us to potential loss if the client experiences credit 
difficulties.  We are also generally not able to net 
exposures across counterparties that are affiliated 
entities and may not be able to net exposures to the 
same legal entity across multiple products.  In 
addition, we may incur a loss in relation to one entity 
or product even though our exposure to one of the 
entities’ affiliates is over-collateralized.  Moreover, 
not all of our counterparty exposure is secured and, 
when our exposure is secured, the realizable market 
value of the collateral may have declined by the time 
we exercise our rights against that collateral.  This 
risk may be particularly acute if we are required to 
sell the collateral into an illiquid or temporarily 
impaired market.  Disputes with counterparties as to 
the valuation of collateral significantly increase in 
times of market stress and illiquidity.

We act as lender’s agent in securities lending 
transactions between our customers, acting as lenders, 

BNY Mellon 107 

Risk Factors (continued)

and financial counterparties, including broker-dealers, 
acting as borrowers, wherein securities are lent by our 
customers and the loans are secured by a pledge of 
cash or securities posted by such financial 
counterparties.  Typically, in the case of cash 
collateral, we invest the cash collateral pursuant to 
each customer’s investment guidelines and 
instructions.  In certain cases, we agree to indemnify 
our customers against a default by the borrower under 
a securities lending transaction and, therefore, may 
have to buy-in the loaned securities with the cash 
collateral or the proceeds from the liquidation of the 
non-cash collateral.  In those instances, we, rather 
than our customers, are exposed to the risks of the 
defaulting counterparty in the securities lending 
transaction.

From time to time, we assume concentrated credit 
risk at the individual obligor, counterparty or group 
level, potentially exposing us to a single market or 
political event or a correlated set of events.  For 
example, we may be exposed to defaults by 
companies located in countries with deteriorating 
economic conditions, including Brazil and Turkey, or 
by companies in certain industries, such as utilities 
and oil and gas companies.  Such concentrations may 
be material.  Our material counterparty exposures 
change daily, and the counterparties or groups of 
related counterparties to which our risk exposure is 
material also varies during any reported period; 
however, our largest exposures tend to be to other 
financial institutions, clearing organizations, and 
governmental entities, both inside and outside of the 
U.S. Concentration of counterparty exposure presents 
significant risks to us and to our clients because the 
failure or perceived weakness of our counterparties 
(or in some cases of our clients’ counterparties) has 
the potential to expose us to risk of financial loss.  
Changes in market perception of the financial 
strength of particular financial institutions or 
sovereign issuers can occur rapidly, are often based 
on a variety of factors and are difficult to predict.

Under evolving regulatory restrictions on credit 
exposure, which include a broadening of the measure 
of credit exposure, we may be required to limit our 
exposures to specific obligors or groups, including 
financial institutions, to levels that we may currently 
exceed.  These credit exposure restrictions under 
such evolving regulations may adversely affect our 
businesses and may require that we modify our 
operating models or the policies and practices we 
use.

 108 BNY Mellon

Although our overall business is subject to these 
interdependencies, several of our businesses are 
particularly sensitive to them, including our currency 
and other trading activities, our securities lending 
and securities finance businesses and our investment 
management business.  If we experience any of the 
losses described above, it may materially and 
adversely affect our results of operations.

Any material reduction in our credit ratings or the 
credit ratings of our principal bank subsidiaries, 
The Bank of New York Mellon or BNY Mellon, 
N.A., could increase the cost of funding and 
borrowing to us and our rated subsidiaries and 
have a material adverse effect on our results of 
operations and financial condition and on the value 
of the securities we issue.

Our debt and preferred stock and the debt and 
deposits of our principal bank subsidiaries, The Bank 
of New York Mellon and BNY Mellon, N.A., are 
currently rated investment grade by the major rating 
agencies. These rating agencies regularly evaluate us 
and our rated subsidiaries and their outlook on us and 
our rated subsidiaries.  Their credit ratings are based 
on a number of factors, including our financial 
strength, performance, prospects and operations as 
well as factors not entirely within our control, 
including conditions affecting the financial services 
industry generally as well as the U.S. government.  In 
addition, rating agencies employ different models and 
formulas to assess the financial strength of a rated 
company, and from time to time rating agencies have, 
in their discretion, altered these models.  Changes to 
rating agency models, general economic conditions, 
or other circumstances outside of our control could 
impact a rating agency’s judgment of the rating or 
outlook it assigns us or our rated subsidiaries. 

In view of the difficulties experienced in recent years 
by many financial institutions, we believe that the 
rating agencies have heightened their level of 
scrutiny, increased the frequency and scope of their 
credit reviews, have requested additional information, 
and have adjusted upward the requirements employed 
in their models for maintenance of rating levels.  
There can be no assurance that we or our rated 
subsidiaries will maintain our respective credit ratings 
or outlook on our securities.  For example, in October 
2016, S&P stated that in light of the resubmissions by 
the eight U.S. G-SIBs of their resolution plans, S&P 
will include the ramifications of structural changes 
resulting from those resolution plans in its 

Risk Factors (continued)

evaluations of the U.S. G-SIBs’ credit profiles.  If 
S&P determines that such structural changes increase 
risks to our debtholders, our ratings could be 
negatively impacted. 

A material reduction in our credit ratings or the credit 
ratings of our rated subsidiaries could have a material 
adverse effect on our access to credit markets, the 
related cost of funding and borrowing, our credit 
spreads, our liquidity and on certain trading revenues, 
particularly in those businesses where counterparty 
creditworthiness is critical.  In addition, in connection 
with certain over-the-counter derivatives contracts 
and other trading agreements, counterparties may 
require us or our rated subsidiaries to provide 
additional collateral or to terminate these contracts 
and agreements and collateral financing arrangements 
in the event of a credit ratings downgrade below 
certain ratings levels.  The requirement to provide 
additional collateral or terminate these contracts and 
agreements could impair our liquidity by requiring us 
to find other sources of financing or to make 
significant cash payments or securities movements.  A 
downgrade by any one rating agency, depending on 
the agency’s relative ratings of the firm at the time of 
the downgrade, may have an impact which is 
comparable to the impact of a downgrade by all 
rating agencies.  If a rating agency downgrade were 
to occur during broader market instability, our options 
for responding to events may be more limited and 
more expensive. An increase in the costs of our 
funding and borrowing, or an impairment of our 
liquidity, could have a material adverse effect on our 
results of operations and financial condition.  A 
material reduction in our credit ratings also could 
decrease the number of investors and counterparties 
willing or permitted to do business with or lend to us 
and adversely affect the value of the securities we 
have issued or may issue in the future.

We cannot predict what actions rating agencies may 
take, or what actions we may elect or be required to 
take in response thereto, which may adversely affect 
us.  Our and our subsidiaries’ ratings could be 
downgraded at any time and without any notice by 
any of the rating agencies.  For further discussion on 
the impact of a credit rating downgrade, see 
“Disclosure of contingent features in OTC derivative 
instruments” in Note 21 of the Notes to Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

Our business, financial condition and results of 
operations could be adversely affected if we do not 
effectively manage our liquidity.

BNY Mellon’s operating model and overall strategy 
rely heavily on our access to global capital markets 
and financial market utilities.  Without such access, it 
would be difficult to process payments and settle and 
clear transactions on behalf of our clients.  
Deterioration in our liquidity position, whether actual 
or perceived, can impact our market access by 
affecting participants’ willingness to transact with us. 
Change to our liquidity can be caused by various 
factors, such as funding mismatches, market 
constraints disabling asset to cash conversion, 
inability to issue debt, run-off of core deposits, and 
contingent liquidity events such as additional 
collateral posting.  Changes in economic conditions 
or exposure to credit, market, operational, legal, and 
reputational risks can also affect our liquidity.

Our business is dependent in part on our ability to 
meet our cash and collateral obligations at a 
reasonable cost for both expected and unexpected 
cash flows.  We also must manage liquidity risks on 
an intraday basis, in a manner designed to ensure that 
we can access required funds during the business day 
to make payments or settle immediate obligations, 
often in real time.  We receive client deposits through 
a variety of investment management and investment 
servicing businesses and we rely on those deposits as 
a low-cost and stable source of funding.  Our ability 
to continue to receive those deposits, and other short- 
term funding sources, is subject to variability based 
on a number of factors, including volume and 
volatility in the global securities markets, the relative 
interest rates that we are prepared to pay for those 
deposits, and the perception of the safety of those 
deposits or other short-term obligations relative to 
alternative short-term investments available to our 
clients.  We could lose deposits if we suffer a 
significant decline in the level of our business 
activity, our credit ratings are materially downgraded, 
interest rates rise, or we are subject to significant 
negative press or significant regulatory action or 
litigation, among other reasons.  If we were to lose a 
significant amount of deposits we may need to 
replace such funding with more expensive funding 
and/or reduce assets, which would reduce our net 
interest revenue. 

In addition, the Parent’s access to the debt capital 
markets is a significant source of liquidity.  Events or 

BNY Mellon 109 

Risk Factors (continued)

circumstances often outside of our control, such as 
market disruptions, government fiscal and monetary 
policies, or loss of confidence by securities 
purchasers or counterparties in us or in the funds 
markets, could limit our access to capital markets, 
increase our cost of borrowing, adversely affect our 
liquidity, or impair our ability to execute our business 
plan.  In addition, clearing organizations, regulators, 
clients and financial institutions with which we 
interact may exercise the right to require additional 
collateral based on market perceptions or market 
conditions, which could further impair our access to 
and cost of funding.  Market perception of sovereign 
default risks can also lead to inefficient money 
markets and capital markets, which could further 
impact BNY Mellon’s funding availability and cost.  
Conversely, if we experience excess liquidity inflows, 
it could increase interest expense, limit our financial 
flexibility, and increase the size of our total assets in a 
manner that could have a negative impact on our 
capital ratios.

Recently adopted and proposed regulations have been 
designed to address certain liquidity risks of large 
banking organizations, including BNY Mellon.  The 
LCR and the Dodd-Frank Act’s enhanced prudential 
standards impose liquidity management requirements 
on us that require us to increase our holdings of 
highly liquid, but potentially lower-yielding assets.  
These regulations also impact our ability to hold 
certain deposits deemed to pose a higher risk of 
runoff in the event of financial distress.  

Under the U.S. capital rules, the size of the capital 
surcharge that applies to large U.S. banking 
organizations is based in part on a banking 
organization’s reliance on short-term wholesale 
funding, including certain types of deposit funding, 
which may increase the cost of such funding.  
Furthermore, certain non-U.S. authorities, including 
the European Commission, have proposed legislation 
or regulations requiring large banks to incorporate a 
separate subsidiary in countries in which they 
operate, and to maintain independent capital and 
liquidity at foreign subsidiaries.  If adopted, these 
requirements could hinder our ability to efficiently 
manage our funding and liquidity in a centralized 
manner.  There can be no assurances that these 
measures will be successful in limiting BNY 
Mellon’s liquidity risk.

there are various legal limitations on the extent to 
which our bank and other subsidiaries can finance or 
otherwise supply funds to us (by dividend or 
otherwise) and certain of our affiliates.  If we are not 
able to obtain funds from our subsidiaries, we could 
be required to replace such funds through more 
expensive means and/or reduce higher-yielding 
assets.  Recently, The Bank of New York Mellon, our 
primary subsidiary, has not distributed regular 
quarterly dividends to the Parent in order to increase 
its Tier 1 capital in advance of the SLR becoming 
effective, which may impact the Parent’s future 
liquidity.

If we are unable to raise funds using the methods 
described above, we would likely need to finance or 
liquidate unencumbered assets, such as our 
investment portfolio, central bank deposits and bank 
placements, to meet funding needs.  We may be 
unable to sell some of our assets, or we may have to 
sell assets at a discount from market value, either of 
which could adversely affect our financial condition 
and results of operations.  Further, our ability to sell 
assets may be impaired if other market participants 
are seeking to sell similar assets at the same time, 
which could occur in a liquidity or other market 
crisis.  Additionally, if we experience cash flow 
mismatches, deposit run-off or market constraints 
resulting from our inability to convert assets to cash 
or access capital markets, our liquidity could be 
severely impacted.  During periods of market 
uncertainty, our level of client deposits has in recent 
years tended to increase; however, because these 
deposits have high potential runoff rates, we have 
historically deposited these so-called excess deposits 
with central banks and in other highly liquid and low-
yielding instruments.

If we are unable to continue to fund our assets 
through deposits or access capital markets on 
favorable terms or if we suffer an increase in our 
borrowing costs or otherwise fail to manage our 
liquidity effectively, our liquidity, net interest margin, 
financial results and condition may be materially 
adversely affected.  In certain cases, this could 
require us to raise additional capital through the 
issuance of preferred or common stock, which could 
dilute the ownership of existing stockholders, or 
reduce our common stock dividend to preserve 
capital. 

As a holding company, we also rely on dividends and 
interest from our subsidiaries for funding.  However, 

For a further discussion of our liquidity, see 
“Liquidity and dividends.”

 110 BNY Mellon

Risk Factors (continued)

We could incur losses if our allowance for credit 
losses, including loan and lending related 
commitments reserves, is inadequate.

When we loan money, commit to loan money or 
provide credit or enter into another contract with a 
counterparty, we incur credit risk, or the risk of loss if 
our borrowers do not repay their loans or our 
counterparties fail to perform according to the terms 
of their agreements.  Our revenues and profitability 
are adversely affected when our borrowers default, in 
whole or in part, on their loan obligations to us or 
when there is a significant deterioration in the credit 
quality of our loan portfolio.  We reserve for potential 
future credit losses by recording a provision for credit 
losses through a charge to earnings.  The allowance 
for loan losses and allowance for lending-related 
commitments represents management’s estimate of 
probable losses inherent in our credit portfolio.  We 
use a quantitative methodology, and qualitative 
framework for determining the allowance for loan 
losses and the allowance for lending-related 
commitments.  Within this qualitative framework, 
management applies judgment when assessing 
internal risk factors and environmental factors to 
compute an additional allowance for each component 
of the loan portfolio.  As is the case with any such 
judgments, we could fail to identify these factors or 
accurately estimate their impact.  We cannot provide 
any assurance as to whether charge-offs related to our 
credit exposure may occur in the future.  Current and 
future market and economic developments may 
increase default and delinquency rates and negatively 
impact the quality of our credit portfolio, which may 
impact our charge-offs.  Although our current 
estimates contemplate current conditions and how we 
expect them to change in the future, it is reasonably 
possible that actual conditions could be worse than 
anticipated in those estimates, which could materially 
affect our results of operations and financial 
condition. See “Critical accounting estimates.”

Strategic Risk

New lines of business, new products and services or 
transformational or strategic project initiatives may 
subject us to additional risks, and the failure to 
implement these initiatives could affect our results 
of operations.

From time to time, we may launch new lines of 
business, offer new products and services within 
existing lines of business or undertake 

transformational or strategic projects.  There are 
substantial risks and uncertainties associated with 
these efforts. We invest significant time and 
resources in developing and marketing new lines of 
business, products and services and executing on our 
transformational and strategic initiatives.  For 
example, we have devoted considerable resources to 
developing new technology solutions for our clients, 
including the NEXEN Digital Ecosystem.  If this 
product is not successful, it could adversely impact 
our reputation, business and results of operation.

Regulatory requirements can affect whether 
initiatives are able to be brought to market in a 
manner that is timely and attractive to our customers. 
Initial timetables for the development and 
introduction of new lines of business or new products 
or services and price and profitability targets may not 
be met.  Furthermore, our revenues and costs may 
fluctuate because new businesses or products and 
services generally require startup costs while 
revenues may take time to develop, which may 
adversely impact our results of operations.  

From time to time we undertake transformational or 
strategic project initiatives. Significant effort and 
resources are necessary to manage and oversee the 
successful completion of these initiatives.  These 
initiatives often place significant demands on 
management and a limited number of employees with 
subject matter expertise and may involve significant 
costs to implement as well as increase operational 
risk as employees learn to process transactions under 
new systems.  The failure to properly execute on 
these transformational or strategic initiatives could 
adversely impact our business, reputation and results 
of operations.

Our strategic transactions present risks and 
uncertainties and could have an adverse effect on 
our business, results of operations and financial 
condition.

From time to time, to achieve our strategic objectives, 
we have acquired, disposed of, or invested in 
(including through joint venture relationships) 
companies and businesses, and may do so in the 
future.  Our ability to pursue or complete strategic 
transactions is in certain instances subject to 
regulatory approval and we cannot be certain when or 
if, or on what terms and conditions, any required 
regulatory approvals would be granted.  Moreover, to 
the extent we pursue a strategic transaction, there can 

BNY Mellon 111 

Risk Factors (continued)

be no guarantee that the transaction will close when 
anticipated, or at all. If a strategic transaction does 
not close, or if the strategic transaction fails to 
maximize shareholder value or required regulatory 
approval is not obtained, it could have an adverse 
effect on our business, results of operations and 
financial condition.

Each acquisition poses integration challenges, 
including successfully retaining and assimilating 
clients and key employees, capitalizing on certain 
revenue synergies and integrating the acquired 
company’s culture, control functions, systems and 
technology.  In some cases, acquisitions involve entry 
into new businesses or new geographic or other 
markets, and these situations also present risks and 
uncertainties in instances where we may be 
inexperienced in these new areas.  We may be 
required to spend a significant amount of time and 
resources to integrate these acquisitions.  The 
anticipated integration benefits may take longer to 
achieve than projected and the time and cost needed 
to consolidate control functions, platforms and 
systems may significantly exceed our estimates.  If 
we fail to successfully integrate strategic acquisitions, 
including doing so in a timely and cost-effective 
manner, we may not realize the expected benefits, 
which could have an adverse impact on our business, 
financial condition and results of operations.  In 
addition, we may incur expenses, costs, losses, 
penalties, taxes and other liabilities related to the 
conduct of the acquired businesses prior to the date of 
our ownership (including in connection with the 
defense and/or settlement of legal and regulatory 
claims, investigations and proceedings) which may 
not be recoverable through indemnification or 
otherwise.  If the purchase price we pay in an 
acquisition exceeds the fair value of assets acquired 
less the liabilities we assume, then we may need to 
recognize goodwill on our consolidated balance 
sheet.  Goodwill is an intangible asset that is not 
eligible for inclusion in regulatory capital under 
applicable requirements.  Further, if the value of the 
acquisition declines, we may be required to record an 
impairment charge.  

Each disposition also poses challenges, including 
separating the disposed businesses, products and 
systems in a way that is cost-effective and is not 
disruptive to us or our customers.  In addition, the 
inherent uncertainty involved in the process of 
evaluating, negotiating or executing a potential sale 
of one of our companies or businesses may cause the 

 112 BNY Mellon

loss of key clients, employees, and business partners 
which could have an adverse impact on our business, 
financial condition and results of operations.

Joint ventures and non-controlling investments 
contain potentially increased financial, legal, 
reputational, operational, regulatory and/or 
compliance risks.  Notwithstanding our controls and 
risk management framework, which are designed to 
manage these risks, we may be dependent on joint 
venture partners, controlling shareholders or 
management who may have business interests, 
strategies or goals that are inconsistent with ours.  
Business decisions or other actions or omissions of 
the joint venture partner, controlling shareholders or 
management may adversely affect the value of our 
investment, impacting our results of operations, 
result in litigation or regulatory action against us and 
otherwise damage our reputation and brand.

We are subject to competition in all aspects of our 
business, which could negatively affect our ability to 
maintain or increase our profitability.

Many businesses in which we operate are intensely 
competitive around the world. Competitors include 
other banks, trading firms, broker dealers, investment 
banks, asset managers, insurance companies, 
financial technology firms and a variety of other 
financial services and advisory companies whose 
products and services span the markets in which we 
operate.  We compete on the basis of a number of 
factors, including transaction execution, capital or 
access to capital, products and services, innovation, 
reputation, lending limits, rates and price. Larger and 
more geographically diverse companies, and financial 
technology firms that are not subject to the same level 
of regulation, may be able to offer financial products 
and services at more competitive prices than we are 
able to offer.  Pricing pressures, as a result of the 
willingness of competitors to offer comparable or 
improved products or services at a lower price, may 
result in a reduction in the price we can charge for our 
products and services, which could, and in some 
cases has, negatively affected our ability to maintain 
or increase our profitability.  Low economic growth 
may result in clients exiting markets, which could 
lead to a loss of business by us.

In addition, technological advances have made it 
possible for other types of non-depository 
institutions, such as financial technology firms, 
outsourcing companies and data processing 

Risk Factors (continued)

companies, to offer a variety of products and services 
competitive with certain areas of our business.

ability to execute on certain of our strategic 
initiatives.  

Markets, and the manner in which our clients interact 
and transact within markets, can evolve quickly, 
particularly if new or disruptive technologies are 
introduced.  Our failure to either anticipate, or 
participate in, the transformational change within a 
given market could result in potential negative 
financial impact.  Competitors may develop 
technological advances that could negatively impact 
our transaction execution or the pricing of our 
clearing, settlement, payments and trading activities.  
Increased competition in any of these areas may 
require us to make additional capital investments in 
our businesses in order to remain competitive.  For 
example, a number of financial institutions are 
researching ways to adapt robotics and distributed 
ledger technology to bank services.  If we are not 
able to adapt these technologies as successfully as 
our peers, we may become less competitive.

Furthermore, recently implemented and proposed 
regulations may impact our ability to conduct certain 
of our businesses in a cost-effective manner or at all. 
The more restrictive laws and regulations applicable 
to the largest U.S. financial services institutions, 
including the U.S. capital rules, can put us at a 
competitive disadvantage relative to both our non-
U.S. competitors and certain U.S. competitors.  See 
“Supervision and Regulation.”  A decline in our 
competitive position could adversely affect our 
ability to maintain or increase our profitability.

Our business may be adversely affected if we are 
unable to attract and retain employees.

Our success depends, in large part, on our ability to 
attract new employees, retain and motivate our 
existing employees, and continue to compensate our 
employees competitively amid heightened regulatory 
restrictions.  Competition for the most skilled 
employees in most activities in which we engage can 
be intense, and we may not be able to recruit and 
retain key personnel.  

We rely on certain employees with subject matter 
expertise to assist in the implementation of important 
initiatives.  As technology and risk management 
increase in focus in the financial industry, 
competition for technologists and risk personnel has 
intensified in recent years, which could constrain our 

Our ability to attract and retain key executives and 
other employees may be hindered as a result of final 
regulations applicable to incentive compensation and 
other aspects of our compensation programs.  These 
regulations, which are expected to include mandatory 
deferrals, clawback requirements and other limits on 
incentive compensation, may not apply to some of 
our competitors and to other institutions with which 
we compete for talent. 

The loss of employees’ skills, knowledge of the 
market, industry experience, and the cost of finding 
replacements may hurt our business.  If we are unable 
to continue to attract and retain highly qualified 
employees, our performance, including our 
competitive position, could be adversely affected.

Other Risks

Tax law changes or challenges to our tax positions 
with respect to historical transactions may adversely 
affect our net income, effective tax rate and our 
overall results of operations and financial condition.

In the course of our business, we receive inquiries 
and challenges from both U.S. and non-U.S. tax 
authorities on the amount of taxes we owe.  If we are 
not successful in defending these inquiries and 
challenges, we may be required to adjust the timing 
or amount of taxable income or deductions or the 
allocation of income among tax jurisdictions, all of 
which can require a greater provision for taxes or 
otherwise negatively affect earnings.  Probabilities 
and outcomes are reviewed as events unfold, and 
adjustments to the reserves are made when necessary, 
but the reserves may prove inadequate because we 
cannot necessarily accurately predict the outcome of 
any challenge, settlement or litigation or the extent to 
which it will negatively affect us or our business.  In 
addition, new tax laws or the expiration of or changes 
in existing tax laws, or the interpretation of those 
laws worldwide, could have a material impact on our 
business or net income.  Our actions taken in 
response to, or reliance upon, such changes in the tax 
laws may impact our tax position in a manner that 
may result in lower earnings.  See Note 10 of the 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for 
further information.

BNY Mellon 113 

Risk Factors (continued)

Changes in accounting standards governing the 
preparation of our financial statements and future 
events could have a material impact on our reported 
financial condition, results of operations, cash flows 
and other financial data.

From time to time, the FASB, the SEC and bank 
regulators change the financial accounting and 
reporting standards governing the preparation of our 
financial statements or the interpretation of those 
standards. See “Recent Accounting Developments.”  
These changes are difficult to predict and can 
materially impact how we record and report our 
financial condition, results of operations, cash flows 
and other financial data.  In some cases, we may be 
required to apply a new or revised standard 
retroactively or to apply an existing standard 
differently, also retroactively, in each case potentially 
resulting in the restatement of our prior period 
financial statements and our related disclosures.

Additionally, our accounting policies and methods are 
fundamental to how we record and report our 
financial condition and results of operations.  The 
preparation of financial statements in conformity with 
U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates 
based upon assumptions about future economic and 
market conditions which affect reported amounts and 
related disclosures in our financial statements.  
Amounts subject to estimates are items such as the 
allowance for loan losses and lending-related 
commitments, the fair value of financial instruments 
and derivatives, other-than-temporary impairment, 
goodwill and other intangibles and pension 
accounting.  Among other effects, such changes in 
estimates could result in future impairments of 
investment securities, goodwill and intangible assets 
and establishment of allowances for loan losses and 
lending-related commitments as well as changes in 
pension and post-retirement expense.  If subsequent 
events occur that are materially different than the 
assumptions and estimates we used, our reported 
financial condition, results of operation and cash 
flows may be materially negatively impacted.  See 
“Recent Accounting Developments” for a discussion 
of recent developments to our accounting standards.

The Parent is a non-operating holding company, 
and as a result, is dependent on dividends from its 
subsidiaries, including its principal subsidiary 
banks, to meet its obligations, including its 
obligations with respect to its securities, and to 

 114 BNY Mellon

provide funds for payment of dividends to its 
stockholders and stock repurchases.

The Parent is a non-operating holding company, 
whose principal assets and sources of income are its 
principal U.S. bank subsidiaries - The Bank of New 
York Mellon and BNY Mellon, N.A. - and its other 
subsidiaries.  The Parent is a legal entity separate and 
distinct from its banks and other subsidiaries and, 
therefore, it relies in part on dividends, interest, 
distributions, and other payments from these bank 
and other subsidiaries to meet its obligations, 
including its obligations with respect to its securities, 
and to provide funds for payment of common and 
preferred dividends to its stockholders, to the extent 
declared by the Board of Directors.  Recently, The 
Bank of New York Mellon, our primary subsidiary, 
has not distributed regular quarterly dividends to the 
Parent to build capital in advance of the 
implementation of the SLR as a binding measure.

There are various legal limitations on the extent to 
which our bank and other subsidiaries can finance or 
otherwise supply funds to the Parent (by dividend or 
otherwise) and certain of our affiliates.  Many of our 
subsidiaries, including our bank subsidiaries, are 
subject to laws and regulations that restrict dividend 
payments or authorize regulatory bodies to block or 
reduce the flow of funds from those subsidiaries to 
the Parent or other subsidiaries.  These restrictions 
can reduce the amount of funds available to meet the 
Parent’s obligations.  In addition, our bank 
subsidiaries would not be permitted to distribute a 
dividend if doing so would constitute an unsafe and 
unsound practice or if the payment would reduce their 
capital to an inadequate level.  Our bank subsidiaries 
are also subject to restrictions on their ability to lend 
to or transact with affiliates, minimum regulatory 
capital and liquidity requirements, and restrictions on 
their ability to use funds deposited with them in bank 
or brokerage accounts to fund their businesses.  

We evaluate and manage liquidity on a legal entity 
basis.  Legal entity liquidity is an important 
consideration as there are legal and other limitations 
on our ability to utilize liquidity from one legal entity 
to satisfy the liquidity requirements of another, 
including the Parent.

Although we maintain cash positions for liquidity at 
the holding company level, if our bank subsidiaries or 
other subsidiaries were unable to supply the Parent 
with cash over time, the Parent could become unable 

Risk Factors (continued)

to meet its obligations (including its obligations with 
respect to its securities), declare or pay dividends in 
respect of its capital stock, or perform stock 
repurchases.  See “Supervision and Regulation” and 
“Liquidity and dividends” and Note 17 of the Notes 
to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Because the Parent is a holding company, its rights 
and the rights of its creditors, including the holders of 
its securities, to a share of the assets of any 
subsidiary upon the liquidation or recapitalization of 
the subsidiary will be subject to the prior claims of 
the subsidiary’s creditors (including, in the case of 
our banking subsidiaries, their depositors) except to 
the extent that the Parent may itself be a creditor with 
recognized claims against the subsidiary.  The rights 
of holders of securities issued by the Parent to benefit 
from those distributions will also be junior to those 
prior claims.  Consequently, securities issued by the 
Parent will be effectively subordinated to all existing 
and future liabilities of our subsidiaries.

Our ability to return capital to shareholders is 
subject to the discretion of our board of directors 
and may be limited by U.S. banking laws and 
regulations, including those governing capital and 
the approval of our capital plan, applicable 
provisions of Delaware law or our failure to pay full 
and timely dividends on our preferred stock.

Holders of our common and preferred stock are only 
entitled to receive such dividends or other 
distributions of capital as our Board of Directors may 
declare out of funds legally available for such 
payments.  Although we have historically declared 
cash dividends on our common and preferred stock, 
we are not required to do so.  In addition to the Board 
of Directors’ approval, our ability to take certain 
actions, including our ability to make certain 
acquisitions, declare dividends or repurchase our 
common stock, is dependent on, among other things, 
Federal Reserve non-objection under the annual 
regulatory review of the results of the CCAR process 
and the supervisory stress tests required under the 
Dodd-Frank Act.  These evaluations, in turn, are 
dependent on, among other things, our successful 
demonstration that we can maintain capital levels 
above regulatory minimums in the event of a stressed 
market environment, as well as the Federal Reserve’s 
assessment of the robustness of our capital adequacy 
qualitative process and the assumptions and analysis 
underlying the capital plan.  There can be no 
assurance that the Federal Reserve will not object to 

our future capital plans or that we will perform 
adequately on our supervisory stress tests.  If the 
Federal Reserve objects to our proposed capital 
actions or we underperform on our stress tests, we 
may be required to revise our stress-testing or capital 
management approaches, resubmit our capital plan or 
postpone, cancel or alter our planned capital actions, 
and we would not be permitted to make any capital 
distributions other than those to which the Federal 
Reserve has indicated in writing its non-objection.  In 
addition, if there have been or will be changes in our 
risk profile (including a material change in business 
strategy or risk exposure), financial condition or 
corporate structure, we may be required to resubmit 
our capital plan to the Federal Reserve.

Our ability to accurately predict or explain the 
outcome of the CCAR process is influenced by 
evolving supervisory criteria.  The Federal Reserve’s 
annual assessment of our capital adequacy and 
planning process involves not only a quantitative 
assessment through the Federal Reserve’s proprietary 
stress test models but also a qualitative assessment.  
The qualitative assessment involves a number of 
factors and is expected to continue to evolve on an 
ongoing basis as a result of the Federal Reserve’s 
horizontal review of capital plan submissions.  
Similarly, the Federal Reserve may, as part of its 
stated goal to continually evolve its annual stress 
testing requirements, adjust several parameters of the 
annual stress testing process, including the severity of 
the stress test scenario and the addition of 
components deemed important by the Federal 
Reserve (e.g., a counterparty failure).  Further, 
because it is not clear how the Federal Reserve’s 
proprietary stress test models and qualitative 
assessment may differ from the modeling techniques 
and capital planning practices employed by us, it is 
foreseeable that our stress test results (using our own 
models, estimation methodologies and processes) 
may not be consistent with those disclosed by the 
Federal Reserve.  In addition, the Federal Reserve 
may consider, at some point in the future, that some 
or all of the G-SIB surcharge or other buffers be 
integrated into its post-stress test minimum capital 
requirements.

The Federal Reserve’s instructions for the 2017 
CCAR provided that, for large BHCs like BNY 
Mellon, common stock dividend payout ratios 
exceeding 30% of after-tax net income available to 
common shareholders under certain baseline 
scenarios will receive particularly close scrutiny.  A 

BNY Mellon 115 

Risk Factors (continued)

failure to increase dividends along with our 
competitors, or any reduction of, or elimination of, 
our common stock dividend would likely adversely 
affect the market price of our common stock, impact 
our return on equity, and market perceptions of BNY 
Mellon.

Our ability to declare or pay dividends on, or 
purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, shares of our 
common stock or any of our shares that rank junior to 
preferred stock as to the payment of dividends and/or 
the distribution of any assets on any liquidation, 
dissolution or winding-up of BNY Mellon will be 
prohibited, subject to certain exceptions, in the event 
that we do not declare and pay in full dividends for 
the then-current dividend period of our Series A 
preferred stock or the last preceding dividend period 
of our Series C, Series D, Series E or Series F 
preferred stock.

In addition, regulatory capital rules that are or will be 
applicable to us including the U.S. capital rules, the 
SLR, TLAC, or the U.S. G-SIB Rule may limit or 
otherwise restrict how we utilize our capital, 
including common stock dividends and stock 
repurchases, and may require us to increase or alter 
the mix of our outstanding regulatory capital 
instruments.  Any requirement to increase our 
regulatory capital ratios or alter the composition of 
our capital could require us to liquidate assets or 
otherwise change our business and/or investment 
plans, which may negatively affect our financial 
results.  Further, any requirement to maintain higher 
levels of capital may constrain our ability to return 
capital to shareholders either in the form of common 
stock dividends or stock repurchases.

 116 BNY Mellon

Recent Accounting Developments

Recent accounting developments

ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses 

ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill 
Impairment

In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards 
Board (“FASB”) issued an Accounting Standards 
Update (“ASU”), Simplifying the Test for Goodwill 
Impairment.  This ASU simplifies the annual 
goodwill impairment test by eliminating GAAP’s 
Step 2 procedure that would otherwise be required if 
the first step of the annual test indicates that the fair 
value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying 
value.  Under this ASU, the amount of goodwill 
impairment would be determined by the excess of the 
carrying value of a reporting unit over its fair value, 
rather than the Step 2 calculation that would estimate 
the implied goodwill using the fair values of all 
assets, including previously unrecorded intangibles, 
and liabilities at the date of the test.  To date, the 
Company has not been required to prepare a Step 2 
computation for any of its reporting units.  The 
Company will early adopt this standard in 2017.

ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows – Restricted 
Cash 

In November 2016, FASB issued an ASU, Statement 
of Cash Flows – Restricted Cash.  This ASU provides 
guidance on the presentation of restricted cash or 
restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash 
flows and is effective for the first quarter of 2018.  
Earlier application is permitted.  BNY Mellon is 
assessing the impacts of the new standard, but would 
not expect this ASU to materially affect the results of 
operations or financial condition.

ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows – 
Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash 
Payments 

In August 2016, the FASB issued an ASU, Statement 
of Cash Flows – Classification of Certain Cash 
Receipts and Cash Payments.  This ASU provides 
guidance on eight specific cash flow presentation 
issues and is effective for the first quarter of 2018.  
Earlier application is permitted, however all of the 
amendments must be adopted in the same period.  
BNY Mellon is assessing the impacts of the new 
standard, but would not expect this ASU to materially 
affect the results of operations or financial condition. 

In June 2016, the FASB issued an ASU, Financial 
Instruments – Credit Losses.  This ASU introduces a 
new current expected credit losses model, which will 
apply to financial assets subject to credit losses and 
measured at amortized cost, including held-to-
maturity securities and certain off-balance sheet 
credit exposures.  The guidance will also change 
current practice for the impairment model for 
available-for-sale debt securities.  The available-for-
sale debt securities model will require the use of an 
allowance to record estimated credit losses and 
subsequent recoveries.  This ASU is effective for the 
first quarter of 2020.  Earlier application is permitted 
beginning with the first quarter of 2019.  BNY 
Mellon has begun its implementation efforts and is 
currently identifying key interpretive issues, and will 
assess existing credit loss forecasting models and 
processes against the new guidance to determine what 
modifications may be required.  The extent of the 
impact to our financial statements upon adoption 
depends on several factors including the remaining 
expected life of financial instruments at the time of 
adoption, the establishment of an allowance for 
expected credit loss on held to maturity securities, 
and the macroeconomic conditions and forecasts that 
exist at that date.  

ASU 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation 

In March 2016, the FASB issued an ASU, 
Compensation – Stock Compensation.  This standard 
simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-
based payment transactions, including income tax 
consequences, classification of awards as either 
equity or liabilities and classification on the statement 
of cash flows.  This ASU is effective for the first 
quarter of 2017.  The adoption of the ASU will result 
in increased volatility to the Company’s income tax 
expense but is not expected to have a material impact 
on the Company’s balance sheet or equity.  The 
income tax volatility is dependent on the Company’s 
stock price at dates restricted stock units vest, which 
occur on award vesting dates primarily in the first 
quarter of each year, and when employees choose to 
exercise stock options. 

BNY Mellon 117 

Recent Accounting Developments (continued)

ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with 
Customers 

ASU 2016-07, Investments – Equity Method and Joint 
Ventures

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, 
Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which 
provides guidance on the recognition of revenue 
related to the transfer of promised goods or services 
to customers.  The ASU will replace most existing 
revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it 
becomes effective.  In March 2016, the FASB issued 
ASU 2016-08, Principal versus Agent Considerations 
(Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), which 
clarifies the guidance in determining revenue 
recognition as principal versus agent.  In April 2016, 
the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, Identifying 
Performance Obligations and Licensing, which 
provides guidance in accounting for immaterial 
performance obligations and shipping and handling.  
In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12, 
Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical 
Expedients, which provides clarification on assessing 
the collectability criterion, presentation of sales taxes, 
measurement date for non-cash consideration and 
completed contracts at transition, and provides a 
practical expedient for contract modifications.  In 
December 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-20, 
Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 
606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers which 
provides amended guidance on narrow aspects of 
ASU 2014-09.  The new standards are effective for 
the first quarter of 2018, with early adoption 
permitted no earlier than the first quarter of 2017.  
The standards permit the use of either the 
retrospective or cumulative effect transition method 
upon transition. 

The Company has substantially completed its 
evaluation of the potential impact of this guidance on 
our accounting policies, and based on that evaluation, 
we expect the timing of most of our revenue 
recognition to remain the same and the impacts to not 
be material.  To date, the impacts we have identified 
primarily relate to deferring and amortizing certain 
sales commission costs related to obtaining customer 
contracts and the timing of recognizing the contra 
revenue related to certain payments made to 
customers.  The Company is considering using the 
retrospective method of adoption, but has not yet 
finalized its decision as we are still evaluating the 
related costs and benefits, including disclosure 
requirements in the year of adoption if the 
retrospective method is not used. 

 118 BNY Mellon

In March 2016, the FASB issued an ASU, 
Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures, 
which eliminates the requirement to retrospectively 
apply the equity method when an increase in 
ownership interest in the investee prompts a change 
from the cost method to the equity method.  This 
ASU is effective for first quarter of 2017.  The 
Company will apply this ASU prospectively.

ASU 2016-02, Leases

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, 
Leases.  The primary objective of this ASU is to 
increase transparency and comparability by 
recognizing lease assets and liabilities on the balance 
sheet and expand related disclosures.  ASU 2016-02 
requires a “right-of-use” asset and a payment 
obligation liability on the balance sheet for most 
leases and subleases.  Additionally, depending on the 
lease classification under the standard, it may result 
in different expense recognition patterns and 
classification than under existing accounting 
principles.  For leases classified as finance leases, it 
will result in higher expense recognition in the earlier 
periods and lower expense in the later periods of the 
lease.

The standard is effective for the first quarter of 2019, 
with early adoption permitted.  The standard requires 
that a modified retrospective transition approach be 
used by lessees and lessors to recognize and measure 
leases at the beginning of the earliest period 
presented.  This modified retrospective approach 
includes a number of optional practical expedients 
that entities may elect to apply.  We are currently 
evaluating the potential impact of the leasing standard 
on our consolidated financial statements and 
evaluating the practical expedients that may be 
elected.  Upon adoption, the implementation of the 
leasing standard is expected to result in an immaterial 
increase in both assets and liabilities. 

ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of 
Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, 
Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets 
and Financial Liabilities.  The ASU requires 
investments in equity securities that do not result in 
consolidation and are not accounted for under the 

Recent Accounting Developments (continued)

equity method to be measured at fair value with 
changes in the fair value recognized through net 
income, unless one of two available exceptions apply.  
The first exception, a scope exception, allows Federal 
Reserve Bank Stock, Federal Home Loan Bank stock 
and other exchange memberships held by broker 
dealers to remain accounted for at cost, less 
impairment.  The second exception, a practicability 
exception, will be available for equity investments 
that do not have readily determinable fair values and 
do not qualify for the practical expedient to estimate 
fair value under ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement.  
To the extent the practicability exception applies, 
such investments will be accounted for at cost 
adjusted for impairment, if any, plus or minus 
changes from observable price changes.

The amendments also require an entity to present 
separately in other comprehensive income the portion 
of the total change in the fair value of a liability 
resulting from the entity’s “own credit risk” when the 
entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value.  
The amendments also eliminate the requirement to 
disclose the methods and significant assumptions 
used to estimate the fair values of financial 
instruments measured at amortized cost that are on 
the balance sheet.

This ASU is effective for the first quarter of 2018.  If 
certain requirements are met, early adoption of the 
“own credit risk” provision is permitted; early 
adoption of the other provisions is not permitted.  The 
FASB requires a modified retrospective method of 
adoption.  BNY Mellon does not expect the adoption 
of this ASU to have a material impact.

BNY Mellon 119 

financial services industry and other interested parties 
regarding “best practices” related to business 
continuity planning.  Under these guidelines, we are a 
key clearing and settlement organization required to 
meet a higher standard for business continuity.

We believe we meet substantially all of the 
requirements of the Sound Practices Paper.  As a core 
clearing and settlement organization, we believe that 
we are at the forefront of the industry in improving 
business continuity practices.  

We are committed to seeing that requirements for 
business continuity are met not just within our own 
facilities, but also within those of our service 
providers whose operation is critical to our safety and 
soundness.  To that end, we have a Third Party 
Governance Program in place to review new and 
existing service providers to see that they meet our 
standards for business continuity, as well as for 
information security, financial stability, personnel 
practices, etc.

We developed comprehensive plans, including 
increased remote working by staff for one or more 
periods lasting several weeks, to prepare for events 
that would cause significantly reduced staffing levels.

Although we are committed to observing best 
practices as well as meeting regulatory requirements, 
geopolitical uncertainties and other external factors 
will continue to create risk that cannot always be 
identified and anticipated.

Due to the nature of our business and our robust 
business recovery systems and processes, we are not 
materially impacted by climate change, nor do we 
expect material impacts in the near term.  We have, 
and will continue to, implement processes and capital 
projects to deal with the risks of the changing climate.  
The Company has invested in the development of 
products and services that support the markets related 
to climate change.

Business Continuity

We are prepared for events, such as information 
security incidents, technology disruptions, acts of 
terrorism, natural disasters, pandemics or global 
conflicts, that could damage our physical facilities, 
cause delay or disruptions to operational functions, 
including telecommunications networks, or impair 
our employees, clients, vendors and counterparties.  
Key elements of our business continuity strategies are 
extensive planning and testing, and diversity of 
business operations, data centers and 
telecommunications infrastructure.

We have established multiple geographically diverse 
locations for our funds transfer and broker-dealer 
services operational units, which provide redundant 
functionality to facilitate uninterrupted operations.

Our securities clearing, commercial paper, mutual 
fund accounting and custody, securities lending, 
master trust, Unit Investment Trust, corporate trust, 
item processing, wealth management and treasury 
units have common functionality in multiple sites 
designed to facilitate continuance of operations or 
rapid recovery.  In addition, we have recovery 
positions for approximately 12,900 employees on a 
global basis of which over 6,400 are proprietary.

We continue to enhance geographic diversity for 
business operations by moving additional personnel 
to growth centers outside of existing major urban 
centers.  We replicate 100% of our critical production 
computer data to multiple recovery data centers.

We have an active telecommunications diversity 
program.  All major buildings are provisioned with 
connectivity from diverse telecommunication 
carriers.  Additionally, we design our critical 
connectivity to take advantage of separate carrier 
entrances built into our facilities.  This maximizes 
resiliency by allowing for end to end separation of 
primary and alternative communications.

In 2003, the Federal Reserve, OCC and SEC jointly 
published the Interagency Paper, “Sound Practices to 
Strengthen the Resilience of the U.S. Financial 
System” (“Sound Practices Paper”).  The purpose of 
the document was to define the guidelines for the 

 120 BNY Mellon

Supplemental Information (unaudited)

Supplemental information - Explanation of 
GAAP and Non-GAAP financial measures

BNY Mellon has included in this Annual Report 
certain Non-GAAP financial measures based on fully 
phased-in CET1 and other risk-based capital ratios, 
the fully phased-in SLR and tangible common 
shareholders’ equity.  BNY Mellon believes that the 
CET1 and other risk-based capital ratios on a fully 
phased-in basis, the SLR on a fully phased-in basis 
and the ratio of tangible common shareholders’ equity 
to tangible assets of operations are measures of 
capital strength that provide additional useful 
information to investors, supplementing the capital 
ratios which are, or were, required by regulatory 
authorities.  The tangible common shareholders’ 
equity ratio, which excludes goodwill and intangible 
assets, net of deferred tax liabilities, includes changes 
in investment securities valuations which are 
reflected in total shareholders’ equity.  In addition, 
this ratio is expressed as a percentage of the actual 
book value of assets, as opposed to a percentage of a 
risk-based reduced value established in accordance 
with regulatory requirements, although BNY Mellon 
in its reconciliation has excluded certain assets which 
are given a zero percent risk-weighting for regulatory 
purposes and the assets of consolidated investment 
management funds to which BNY Mellon has limited 
economic exposure.  Further, BNY Mellon believes 
that the return on tangible common equity measure, 
which excludes goodwill and intangible assets, net of 
deferred tax liabilities, is a useful additional measure 
for investors because it presents a measure of those 
assets that can generate income.  BNY Mellon has 
provided a measure of tangible book value per 
common share, which it believes provides additional 
useful information as to the level of tangible assets in 
relation to shares of common stock outstanding.

BNY Mellon has presented revenue measures, which 
exclude the effect of noncontrolling interests related 
to consolidated investment management funds, gains 
on the sales of our equity investment in Wing Hang 
and our One Wall Street building; and expense 
measures, which exclude amortization of intangible 
assets, M&I, litigation and restructuring charges, the 

(recovery) impairment related to Sentinel and the 
charge related to investment management funds, net 
of incentives.  Earnings per share, return on equity, 
operating leverage and operating margin measures, 
which exclude some or all of these items, are also 
presented. Return on equity measures also exclude 
the tax benefit primarily related to a tax carryback 
claim and the net charge related to the disallowance 
of certain foreign tax credits. Operating margin 
measures may also exclude the provision for credit 
losses and the net negative impact of money market 
fee waivers, net of distribution and servicing expense.  
BNY Mellon believes that these measures are useful 
to investors because they permit a focus on period-to-
period comparisons, which relate to the ability of 
BNY Mellon to enhance revenues and limit expenses 
in circumstances where such matters are within BNY 
Mellon’s control.  M&I expenses primarily relate to 
acquisitions and generally continue for approximately 
three years after the transaction.  Litigation charges 
represent accruals for loss contingencies that are both 
probable and reasonably estimable, but exclude 
standard business-related legal fees.  Restructuring 
charges relate to our streamlining actions, Operational 
Excellence Initiatives and migrating positions to 
Global Delivery Centers.  Excluding these charges 
mentioned above permits investors to view expenses 
on a basis consistent with how management views the 
business. 

The presentation of income (loss) from consolidated 
investment management funds, net of net income 
(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests related 
to the consolidation of certain investment 
management funds permits investors to view revenue 
on a basis consistent with how management views the 
business.  BNY Mellon believes that these 
presentations, as a supplement to GAAP information, 
give investors a clearer picture of the results of its 
primary businesses.

Each of these measures as described above is used by 
management to monitor financial performance, both 
on a company-wide and on a business-level basis.

BNY Mellon 121 

Supplemental Information (unaudited) (continued)

The following table presents the reconciliation of net income applicable to common shareholders of The Bank of 
New York Mellon Corporation and diluted earnings per common share.

Reconciliation of net income and diluted EPS – GAAP to

Non-GAAP

2016

2015

2014

Growth in 
diluted EPS

(in millions, except per common share amounts)
Net income applicable to common shareholders of The Bank of

New York Mellon Corporation – GAAP
Add:  M&I, litigation and restructuring charges

Tax impact of M&I, litigation and restructuring charges
Impact of M&I, litigation and restructuring charges –

after-tax

Add:  (Recovery) impairment charge related to Sentinel

Tax impact of net recovery (impairment charge) related

to Sentinel
(Recovery) impairment charge related to Sentinel –

after-tax

Add:  Charge related to investment management funds, net of

incentives

Tax impact of charge related to investment management

funds, net of incentives
Charge related to investment management funds, net of

incentives – after-tax

Less:  Gain on the sale of our investment in Wing Hang

Tax impact of gain on the sale of our investment in

Wing Hang
Gain on the sale of our investment in Wing Hang –

after-tax

Less:  Gain on the sale of our One Wall Street building

Tax impact of gain on the sale of our One Wall Street

building
Gain on the sale of our One Wall Street building –

after-tax

Less:  Benefit primarily related to a tax carryback claim

Tax benefit primarily related to a tax carryback claim
Benefit primarily related to a tax carryback claim –

after-tax

Non-GAAP adjustments – after-tax
Adjusted net income applicable to common shareholders of
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation – Non-GAAP

(a)  Annualized.
(b)  Does not foot due to rounding.

Net
income

Diluted
EPS

Net
income

Diluted
EPS

Net
income

Diluted
EPS

2016 vs.
2015

2016 vs.
2014 (a)

$ 3,425 $ 3.15

$ 3,053 $ 2.71

$ 2,494 $ 2.15

16%

21%

49
(16)

85
(29)

1,130
(270)

33

0.03

56

0.05

860

0.74

(13)

5

170

(64)

(8)

(0.01)

106

0.09

—

—

—

104

(23)

—

—

81

0.07

490

(175)

—

315

0.27

346

(142)

—

204

0.18

—
150

150

272

0.13

0.23

—

0.14

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—
—

—
25

—

—

—

—
0.02

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—
—

—

162

$ 3,450 $ 3.17

$ 3,215 $ 2.85

$ 2,766 $ 2.39 (b)

11%

15%

The following table presents the reconciliation of total revenue.

Reconciliation of revenue – GAAP to Non-GAAP

(in millions, except per common share amounts)
Fee and other revenue – GAAP
Income from consolidated investment management funds – GAAP
Net interest revenue – GAAP
Total revenue – GAAP

Less:  Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of consolidated investment

management funds

  Gain on the sale of our equity investment in Wing Hang
  Gain on the sale of our One Wall Street building
Total revenue, as adjusted – Non-GAAP (a)

(a)  Annualized.

 122 BNY Mellon

2015

2016

2014
$ 12,073 $ 12,082 $ 12,649
163
2,880
15,692

86
3,026
15,194

26
3,138
15,237

10
—
—

68

84

490
346
$ 15,227 $ 15,126 $ 14,772

—
—

Growth

2016 vs.
2015

2016 vs.
2014 (a)

—%

(1)%

1%

2 %

Supplemental Information (unaudited) (continued)

The following table presents the total payout ratio.

Total payout ratio
(dollars in millions)
Capital deployed:

Common stock dividends
Common stock repurchased
Total capital deployed

Net income applicable to common shareholders of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation – GAAP
Add: M&I, Litigation and restructuring charges – after-tax

 Recovery related to Sentinel – after-tax

Adjusted net income applicable to common shareholders of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation – Non-GAAP

Payout ratio – GAAP
Adjusted payout ratio – Non-GAAP

$

$

$

$

2016

778
2,398
3,176

3,425
33
(8)
3,450

93%
92%

The following table presents the reconciliation of the pre-tax operating margin ratio.

Reconciliation of income before income taxes – pre-tax operating
margin
(dollars in millions)
Income before income taxes – GAAP
Less:  Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of
consolidated investment management funds

Gain on the sale of our equity investment in Wing Hang
Gain on the sale of our One Wall Street building

Add:  Amortization of intangible assets

M&I, litigation and restructuring charges
(Recovery) impairment charge related to Sentinel
Charge related to investment management funds, net of
incentives

Income before income taxes, as adjusted – Non-GAAP (a)

Fee and other revenue – GAAP
Income from consolidated investment management funds – GAAP
Net interest revenue – GAAP
Total revenue – GAAP

Less:  Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of
consolidated investment management funds

Gain on the sale of our equity investment in Wing Hang
Gain on the sale of our One Wall Street building

Total revenue, as adjusted – Non-GAAP (a)

2016

$ 4,725

2015
$ 4,235

2014
$ 3,563

2013

$ 3,777

2012
$ 3,357

10
—
—
237
49
(13)

—
$ 4,988

$12,073
26
3,138
15,237

10
—
—
$15,227

68
—
—
261
85
170

—
$ 4,683

$12,082
86
3,026
15,194

68
—
—
$15,126

84
490
346
298
1,130
—

104
$ 4,175

$12,649
163
2,880
15,692

84
490
346
$14,772

80
—
—
342
70
—

12
$ 4,121

$11,856
183
3,009
15,048

80
—
—
$14,968

76
—
—
384
559
—

16
$ 4,240

$11,448
189
2,973
14,610

76
—
—
$14,534

Pre-tax operating margin – GAAP (b)
Adjusted pre-tax operating margin – Non-GAAP (a)(b)
(a)  Non-GAAP information for all periods presented excludes the net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of consolidated 

28% (c)
31% (c)

31% (c)
33% (c)

25 %
28 %

23%
28%

23%
29%

investment management funds, amortization of intangible assets and M&I, litigation and restructuring charges.  Non-GAAP information 
for 2016 and 2015 also excludes the (recovery) impairment charge related to the Sentinel loan.  Non-GAAP information for 2014 also 
excludes the gains on the sales of our equity investment in Wing Hang and our One Wall Street building and the charge related to 
investment management funds, net of incentives.  Non-GAAP information for 2013 and 2012 also excludes the charge related to 
investment management funds, net of incentives.

(b)  Income before taxes divided by total revenue. 
(c)  Our GAAP earnings include tax-advantaged investments such as low income housing, renewable energy, bank-owned life insurance and 
tax-exempt securities.  The benefits of these investments are primarily reflected in tax expense.  If reported on a tax-equivalent basis, 
these investments would increase revenue and income before taxes by $317 million for 2016 and $242 million for 2015 and would 
increase our pre-tax operating margin by approximately 1.4% for 2016 and 1.1% for 2015.

BNY Mellon 123 

Supplemental Information (unaudited) (continued)

The following table presents the reconciliation of operating leverage.

Operating leverage
(dollars in millions)
Total revenue – GAAP
Less:  Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of consolidated investment management funds

Total revenue, as adjusted – Non-GAAP

2016

2015
$ 15,237 $ 15,194
68
$ 15,227 $ 15,126

10

Total noninterest expense – GAAP
Less:  Amortization of intangible assets

M&I, litigation and restructuring charges

Total noninterest expense, as adjusted – Non-GAAP

$ 10,523 $ 10,799
261
85
$ 10,237 $ 10,453

237
49

2016 vs.
2015
0.28%

0.67%

(2.56)%

(2.07)%

Operating leverage – GAAP (a)
Adjusted operating leverage – Non-GAAP (a)(b)
(a)  Operating leverage is the rate of increase (decrease) in total revenue less the rate of increase (decrease) in total noninterest expense.
(b)  Non-GAAP operating leverage for all periods presented excludes the net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of consolidated 

284 bps
274 bps

investment management funds, amortization of intangible assets and M&I, litigation and restructuring charges. 

The following table presents the reconciliation of the equity to assets ratio and book value per common share.

Equity to assets and book value per common share
(dollars in millions, unless otherwise noted)
BNY Mellon shareholders’ equity at period end – GAAP
Less:  Preferred stock

BNY Mellon common shareholders’ equity at period end – GAAP

Less:  Goodwill

Intangible assets

Add:  Deferred tax liability – tax deductible goodwill (a)
Deferred tax liability – intangible assets (a)

BNY Mellon tangible common shareholders’ equity at
period end – Non-GAAP

$

2016

38,811
3,542

35,269
17,316
3,598
1,497
1,105

Dec. 31,

$

2015
38,037
2,552

$

2014
37,441
1,562

$

2013
37,497
1,562

$

2012
36,414
1,068

35,485
17,618
3,842
1,401
1,148

35,879
17,869
4,127
1,340
1,216

35,935
18,073
4,452
1,302
1,222

35,346
18,075
4,809
1,130
1,310

$

16,957

$

16,574

$

16,439

$

15,934

$

14,902

Total assets at period end – GAAP
Less:  Assets of consolidated investment management funds

Subtotal assets of operations – Non-GAAP

Less:  Goodwill

Intangible assets
Cash on deposit with the Federal Reserve and other central 
banks (b)

Tangible total assets of operations at period end – Non-GAAP

$ 333,469
1,231
332,238
17,316
3,598

$ 393,780
1,401
392,379
17,618
3,842

$ 385,303
9,282
376,021
17,869
4,127

$ 374,516
11,272
363,244
18,073
4,452

$ 359,226
11,481
347,745
18,075
4,809

58,146
$ 253,178

116,211
$ 254,708

99,901
$ 254,124

105,384
$ 235,335

90,040
$ 234,821

BNY Mellon shareholders’ equity to total assets ratio – GAAP
BNY Mellon common shareholders’ equity to total 
assets ratio – GAAP
BNY Mellon tangible common shareholders’ equity to tangible assets
of operations ratio – Non-GAAP

11.6%

10.6%

6.7%

9.7%

9.0%

6.5%

9.7%

9.3%

6.5%

10.0%

10.1%

9.6%

6.8%

9.8%

6.3%

Year-end common shares outstanding (in thousands)

1,047,488

1,085,343

1,118,228

1,142,250

1,163,490

Book value per common share – GAAP
Tangible book value per common share – Non-GAAP
(a)  Deferred tax liabilities are based on fully phased-in Basel III rules.
(b)  Assigned a zero percentage risk-weighting by the regulators.

$
$

33.67
16.19

$
$

32.69
15.27

$
$

32.09
14.70

$
$

31.46
13.95

$
$

30.38
12.81

 124 BNY Mellon

Supplemental Information (unaudited) (continued)

The following table presents the reconciliation of the returns on common equity and tangible common equity.

Return on common equity and tangible common equity
(dollars in millions)
Net income applicable to common shareholders of The Bank of New York

Mellon Corporation – GAAP

Add:  Amortization of intangible assets
Less: Tax impact of amortization of intangible assets

Adjusted net income applicable to common shareholders of The Bank of
New York Mellon Corporation excluding amortization of intangible
assets – Non-GAAP

Add:  M&I, litigation and restructuring charges

(Recovery) impairment charge related to Sentinel
Tax impact of gain on the sale of our equity investment in Wing Hang
Tax impact of the gain on the sale of our One Wall Street building
Charge related to investment management funds, net of incentives
Net charge related to the disallowance of certain foreign tax credits

Less: Tax impact of M&I, litigation and restructuring charges

Tax impact of (recovery) impairment charge related to Sentinel
Gain on the sale of our equity investment in Wing Hang
Gain on the sale of our One Wall Street building
Tax impact of charge related to investment management funds, net of

incentives

Benefit primarily related to a tax carryback claim

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2015 -
2016 (a)

$ 3,425
237
81

3,581
49
(13)
—
—
—
—
16
(5)
—
—

—
—

$ 3,053

$ 2,494

$ 2,040

$ 2,419

261
89

3,225

85
170
—
—
—
—
29
64
—
—

—

—

298
104

2,688

1,130
—
175
142
104
—
270
—
490
346

23

150

342
122

384
137

2,260

2,666

70
—
—
—
12
593
25
—
—
—

3
—

559
—
—
—
16
—
220
—
—
—

4

—

Adjusted net income applicable to common shareholders of The Bank 
of New York Mellon Corporation, as adjusted – Non-GAAP (b)

$ 3,606

$ 3,387

$ 2,960

$ 2,907

$ 3,017

Average common shareholders’ equity
Less:  Average goodwill

Average intangible assets

Add:  Deferred tax liability – tax deductible goodwill (c)
Deferred tax liability – intangible assets (c)

Average tangible common shareholders’ equity – Non-GAAP

$ 35,504
17,497
3,737
1,497
1,105
$ 16,872

$ 35,564
17,731
3,992
1,401
1,148
$ 16,390

$ 36,618
18,063
4,305
1,340
1,216
$ 16,806

$34,832
17,988
4,619
1,302
1,222
$14,749

$ 34,333
17,967
4,982
1,130
1,310
$ 13,824

Return on common equity – GAAP 
Adjusted return on common equity – Non-GAAP (b)

9.6%
10.2%

8.6%
9.5%

6.8%
8.1%

5.9 %
8.3 %

7.0%
8.8%

9.1%
9.8%

Return on tangible common equity – Non-GAAP
Adjusted return on tangible common equity – Non-GAAP (b)
(a)  Annualized.
(b)  Non-GAAP information for all periods presented excludes the amortization of intangible assets and M&I, litigation and restructuring 
charges.  Non-GAAP information for 2016 and 2015 also excludes the (recovery) impairment charge related to the Sentinel loan.  Non-
GAAP information for 2014 also excludes the gains on the sales of our equity investment in Wing Hang and our One Wall Street 
building, the charge related to investment management funds, net of incentives, and benefit primarily related to a tax carryback claim.  
Non-GAAP information for 2013 also excludes the charge related to investment management funds, net of incentives, and the net charge 
related to the disallowance of certain foreign tax credits.  Non-GAAP information for 2012 also excludes the charge related to 
investment management funds, net of incentives.

15.3 %
19.7 %

19.3%
21.8%

19.7%
20.7%

16.0%
17.6%

21.2%
21.4%

20.4%
21.0%

(c)  Deferred tax liabilities are based on fully phased-in Basel III rules.

BNY Mellon 125 

Supplemental Information (unaudited) (continued)

The following table presents income from consolidated investment management funds, net of noncontrolling 
interests.

Income from consolidated investment management funds, net of noncontrolling interests 
2016
(in millions)
Income from consolidated investment management funds
Less:  Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of consolidated

$

26 $

investment management funds

2015

86 $

2014
163 $

2013
183 $

68

84

80

2012
189

76

10

Income from consolidated investment management funds, net of noncontrolling

interests

$

16 $

18 $

79 $

103 $

113

The following table presents the revenue line items in the Investment Management business impacted by the 
consolidated investment management funds.

Income from consolidated investment management funds, net of noncontrolling interests - Investment Management business
(in millions)
Investment management fees
Other (Investment income)

11 $
5

15 $
3

80 $
23

66 $
13

2013

2016

2014

2015

$

2012
81
32

Income from consolidated investment management funds, net of noncontrolling
interests

$

16 $

18 $

79 $

103 $

113

The following table presents the reconciliation of the pre-tax operating margin for the Investment Management 
business. 

Pre-tax operating margin - Investment Management business
(dollars in millions)
Income before income taxes – GAAP
Add:  Amortization of intangible assets
Provision for credit losses
Charge related to investment management funds, net of incentives

Adjusted income before income taxes excluding amortization of intangible assets, provision for credit
losses and the charge related to investment management funds, net of incentives – Non-GAAP

Total revenue – GAAP
Less:  Distribution and servicing expense
Adjusted total revenue net of distribution and servicing expense – Non-GAAP

$

2016
967
82
6
—

2015
$ 1,048
97
(1)
—

$

2014
892
118
—
104

$ 1,055

$ 1,144

$ 1,114

$ 3,751
404
$ 3,347

$ 3,906
378
$ 3,528

$ 3,931
423
$ 3,508

Pre-tax operating margin – GAAP (a)
Adjusted pre-tax operating margin, excluding amortization of intangible assets, provision for credit losses, 
the charge related to investment management funds, net of incentives and distribution and servicing 
expense – Non-GAAP (a)

26%

27%

23%

32%

32%

32%

(a)  Income before taxes divided by total revenue.

 126 BNY Mellon

Supplemental Information (unaudited) (continued)

Rate/volume analysis

Rate/volume analysis (a)

(dollar amounts in millions, presented on an FTE basis)

Interest revenue
Interest-earning assets:

Interest-bearing deposits with banks (primarily foreign banks)
Interest-bearing deposits with the Federal Reserve and other central banks
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements
Margin loans
Non-margin loans:

Domestic offices:
Consumer
Commercial
Foreign offices

Total non-margin loans

Securities:

U.S. government obligations
U.S. government agency obligations
State and political subdivisions - tax exempt
Other securities:

Domestic offices
Foreign offices

Total other securities

Trading securities (primarily domestic)

Total securities

Total interest revenue

Interest expense
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing deposits:

Domestic offices:

Money market rate accounts
Savings
Demand deposits
Time deposits

Total domestic offices

Foreign offices:
Banks
Other

Total foreign offices

Total interest-bearing deposits

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements
Trading liabilities
Other borrowed funds:
Domestic offices
Foreign offices

Total other borrowed funds

Commercial paper
Payables to customers and broker-dealers
Long-term debt

Total interest expense

Changes in net interest revenue

2016 over (under) 2015

2015 over (under) 2014

Due to change in
Average
balance

Average
rate

Net
change

Due to change in
Average
balance

Average
rate

Net
change

$

(34) $
(5)
16
(19)

34 $
33
70
77

— $
28
86
58

(85) $
(8)
54
25

(49) $
(29)
7
—

(134)
(37)
61
25

41
40
(10)
71

(13)
23
(28)

(44)
(18)
(62)
(12)
(92)
(63) $

— $
—
—
—
—

(2)
—
(2)
(2)
—
1

(2)
1
(1)
—
4
32
34 $
(97) $

1
31
43
75

13
(4)
10

(48)
48
—
(3)
16
305 $

(2) $
—
1
12
11

4
(34)
(30)
(19)
42
(4)

2
(2)
—
3
1
80
103 $
202 $

42
71
33
146

—
19
(18)

(92)
30
(62)
(15)
(76)
242

(2)
—
1
12
11

2
(34)
(32)
(21)
42
(3)

—
(1)
(1)
3
5
112
137
105

$

$

$
$

21
49
7
77

79
171
(36)

(3)
(31)
(13)
(47)

(11)
15
10

(7)
25
18
(55)
177
240 $

74
(132)
(58)
10
(34)
(152) $

1 $
1
—
1
3

19
(2)
17
20
2
(21)

—
(1)
(1)
—
1
3
4 $
236 $

(2) $
—
2
(2)
(2)

(40)
(24)
(64)
(66)
5
5

2
2
4
—
(3)
(3)
(58) $
(94) $

18
18
(6)
30

68
186
(26)

67
(107)
(40)
(45)
143
88

(1)
1
2
(1)
1

(21)
(26)
(47)
(46)
7
(16)

2
1
3
—
(2)
—
(54)
142

$

$

$
$

(a)  Changes which are solely due to balance changes or rate changes are allocated to such categories on the basis of the respective percentage changes in 

average balances and average rates.  Changes in interest revenue or interest expense arising from the combination of rate and volume variances are 
allocated proportionately to rate and volume based on their relative absolute magnitudes.

BNY Mellon 127 

 
 
Selected Quarterly Data (unaudited)

Selected Quarterly Data

(dollar amounts in millions,
except per share amounts)

Consolidated income statement

Total fee and other revenue

Income (loss) from consolidated investment

management funds

Net interest revenue

Total revenue

Provision for credit losses

Noninterest expense

Income before taxes

Provision for income taxes

Net income

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling

interests

Net income applicable to shareholders of The

Bank of New York Mellon Corporation

Preferred stock dividends

Net income applicable to common shareholders
of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation

Basic earnings per common share

Diluted earnings per common share
Average balances

$

$

Quarter ended

2016

2015

Dec. 31

Sept. 30

June 30 March 31

Dec. 31

Sept. 30

June 30 March 31

$

2,954

$

3,150

$

2,999

$

2,970

$

2,950

$

3,053

$

3,067

$

3,012

5

831

3,790

7

2,631

1,152

280

872

(2)

870

(48)

822

0.77

0.77

17

774

3,941

(19)

2,643

1,317

324

993

(6)

987

(13)

$

$

$

$

974

0.90

0.90

10

767

3,776

(9)

2,620

1,165

290

875

(2)

873

(48)

825

0.76

0.75

$

$

(6)

766

3,730

10

2,629

1,091

283

808

9

817

(13)

804

0.73

0.73

16

760

3,726

163

2,692

871

175

696

(3)

693

(56)

(22)

759

3,790

1

2,680

1,109

282

827

6

833

(13)

40

779

3,886

(6)

2,727

1,165

276

889

(36)

853

(23)

$

$

$

$

637

0.58

0.57

$

$

820

0.74

0.74

$

$

830

0.74

0.73

52

728

3,792

2

2,700

1,090

280

810

(31)

779

(13)

766

0.67

0.67

Interest-bearing deposits with banks

$ 77,119

$ 88,168

$ 112,182

$ 104,001

$ 104,181

$ 104,724

$ 102,081

$ 103,231

Securities

Trading assets

Loans

Total interest-earning assets

Assets of operations

Total assets

Deposits

Long-term debt

Preferred stock

Total The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation

common shareholders’ equity

Net interest margin (FTE)
Annualized return on common equity (a)
Pre-tax operating margin
Common stock data (a)

Market price per share range:

117,660

118,405

118,002

118,538

119,532

121,188

128,641

123,476

2,288

63,647

287,947

343,138

344,142

227,948

24,986

3,542

2,176

61,578

296,703

350,190

351,230

236,728

23,930

3,284

2,152

60,284

318,433

372,974

374,220

249,155

22,838

2,552

3,320

61,196

310,678

363,245

364,554

244,961

21,556

2,552

2,786

61,964

312,610

366,875

368,590

246,212

21,418

2,552

2,737

61,657

315,672

371,328

373,453

254,799

21,070

2,552

3,253

61,076

318,596

375,999

378,279

255,606

20,625

2,313

3,046

57,935

308,104

366,083

368,411

249,112

20,199

1,562

35,171

35,767

35,827

35,252

35,664

35,588

35,516

35,486

1.17%

9.3%

30%

1.06%

10.8%

33%

0.98%

1.01%

9.3%

31%

9.2%

29%

0.99%

7.1%

23%

0.98%

9.1%

29%

1.00%

9.4%

30%

0.97%

8.8%

29%

High

Low

Average

Period end close

Cash dividends per common share
Market capitalization (b)

$

49.54

38.68

45.10

47.38
0.19

$

42.02

36.50

39.94
39.88

0.19

$

42.61

35.44

39.78
38.85

0.17

$

40.29

32.20

36.26
36.83

0.17

$

$

$

44.73

37.48

42.02
41.22

0.17

$

45.45

36.46

41.56
39.15

0.17

44.10

39.87

42.61
41.97

0.17

41.44

35.63

38.95
40.24

0.17

49,630

42,167

41,479

39,669

44,738

42,789

46,441

45,130

(a)  At Dec. 31, 2016, there were 28,015 shareholders registered with our stock transfer agent, compared with 29,136 at Dec. 31, 2015 and 30,525 at Dec. 31, 
2014.  In addition, there were 44,542 of BNY Mellon’s current and former employees at Dec. 31, 2016 who participate in BNY Mellon’s 401(k) Retirement 
Savings Plan.  All shares of BNY Mellon’s common stock held by the Plan for its participants are registered in the name of The Bank of New York Mellon 
Corporation, as trustee.  

(b)  At period end.  

 128 BNY Mellon

Forward-looking Statements

Some statements in this document are forward-
looking.  These include all statements about the 
usefulness of Non-GAAP measures, the future results 
of BNY Mellon, our businesses, financial, liquidity 
and capital condition, results of operations, goals, 
strategies, outlook, objectives, expectations 
(including those regarding our performance results, 
regulatory, market, economic or accounting 
developments, legal proceedings and other 
contingencies), effective tax rate, estimates (including 
those regarding capital ratios), intentions (including 
those regarding our resolution strategy), targets, 
opportunities and initiatives. 

In this report, any other report, any press release or 
any written or oral statement that BNY Mellon or its 
executives may make, words, such as “estimate,” 
“forecast,” “project,” “anticipate,” “likely,” “target,” 
“expect,” “intend,” “continue,” “seek,” “believe,” 
“plan,” “goal,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “may,” 
“will,” “strategy,” “synergies,” “opportunities,” 
“trends” and words of similar meaning, may signify 
forward-looking statements.

Actual results may differ materially from those 
expressed or implied as a result of a number of 
factors, including those discussed in “Risk Factors,” 
such as: an information security event or technology 
disruption that results in a loss of information or 
impacts our ability to provide services to our clients 
and any material adverse effect on our business and 
results of operations; failure of our technology or that 
of a third party or vendor, or if we neglect to update 
our technology, develop and market new technology 
to meet clients’ needs or protect our intellectual 
property and any material adverse effect on our 
business; a determination that our resolution plan is 
not credible and any material negative impact on our 
business, reputation, results of operation and financial 
condition and the application of our Title I preferred 
resolution strategy or resolution under the Title II 
orderly liquidation authority and any adverse effects 
on our liquidity, financial condition and security 
holders; extensive government rulemaking regulation, 
and supervision, which have, and in the future may, 
compel us to change how we manage our businesses, 
could have a material adverse effect on our business, 
financial condition and results of operations and have 
increased our compliance and operational risks and 
costs; failure to satisfy regulatory standards, 
including “well capitalized” and “well managed” 
status or capital adequacy and liquidity rules, and any 
resulting limitations on our activities, or adverse 

effects on our business and financial condition; 
regulatory or enforcement actions or litigation and 
any material adverse effect on our results of 
operations or harm to our businesses or reputation; 
adverse events, publicity, government scrutiny or 
other reputational harm and any negative effect on 
our businesses; operational risk and any material 
adverse effect on our business; failure or 
circumvention of our controls and procedures and any 
material adverse effect on our business, reputation, 
results of operations and financial condition; failure 
of our risk management framework to be effective in 
mitigating risk and reducing the potential for losses; 
change or uncertainty in monetary, tax and other 
governmental policies and the impact on our 
businesses, profitability and ability to compete; 
political, economic, legal, operational and other risks 
inherent in operating globally and any adverse effect 
on our business; acts of terrorism, natural disasters, 
pandemics and global conflicts and any negative 
impact on our business and operations; ongoing 
concerns about the financial stability of certain 
countries, the failure or instability of any of our 
significant global counterparties, new barriers to 
global trade or a breakup of the EU or Eurozone and 
any material adverse effect on our business and 
results of operations; the United Kingdom’s 
referendum decision to leave the EU and any negative 
effects on global economic conditions, global 
financial markets, and our business and results of 
operations; weakness and volatility in financial 
markets and the economy generally and any material 
adverse effect on our business, results of operations 
and financial condition; changes in interest rates and 
any material adverse effect on our profitability; write-
downs of securities that we own and other losses 
related to volatile and illiquid market conditions and 
any reduction in our earnings or impact on our 
financial condition; our dependence on fee-based 
business for a substantial majority of our revenue and 
the adverse effects of a slowing in market activity, 
weak financial markets, underperformance and/or 
negative trends in savings rates or in investment 
preferences; any adverse effect on our foreign 
exchange revenues from decreased market volatility 
or cross-border investment activity of our clients; the 
failure or perceived weakness of any of our 
significant counterparties, and our assumption of 
credit and counterparty risk, which could expose us to 
loss and adversely affect our business; any material 
reduction in our credit ratings or the credit ratings of 
our principal bank subsidiaries, which could increase 
the cost of funding and borrowing to us and our rated 

BNY Mellon 129 

Forward-looking Statements (continued)

subsidiaries and have a material adverse effect on our 
results of operations and financial condition and on 
the value of the securities we issue; any adverse effect 
on our business, financial condition and results of 
operations of not effectively managing our liquidity; 
the potential to incur losses if our allowance for credit 
losses is inadequate; the risks relating to new lines of 
business, new products and services or 
transformational or strategic project initiatives and 
the failure to implement these initiatives, which could 
affect our results of operations; the risks and 
uncertainties relating to our strategic transactions and 
any adverse effect on our business, results of 
operations and financial condition; competition in all 
aspects of our business and any negative effect on our 
ability to maintain or increase our profitability;  
failure to attract and retain employees and any 
adverse effect on our business; tax law changes or 
challenges to our tax positions and any adverse effect 
on our net income, effective tax rate and overall 
results of operations and financial condition; changes 
in accounting standards and any material impact on 
our reported financial condition, results of operations, 
cash flows and other financial data; risks associated 

with being a non-operating holding company, 
including our dependence on dividends from our 
subsidiaries to meet obligations, to provide funds for 
payment of dividends and for stock repurchases; and 
the impact of provisions of U.S. banking laws and 
regulations, including those governing capital and the 
approval of our capital plan, applicable provisions of 
Delaware law or failure to pay full and timely 
dividends on our preferred stock, on our ability to 
return capital to shareholders.  

Investors should consider all risks in our 2016 Annual 
Report and any subsequent reports filed with the SEC 
by BNY Mellon pursuant to the Exchange Act.  All 
forward-looking statements speak only as of the date 
on which such statements are made, and BNY Mellon 
undertakes no obligation to update any statement to 
reflect events or circumstances after the date on 
which such forward-looking statement is made or to 
reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.  The 
contents of BNY Mellon’s website or any other 
websites referenced herein are not part of this report.

 130 BNY Mellon

Acronyms

ABS
Asset-backed security
APAC
Asia-Pacific region
ASC
Accounting Standards Codification
ASU
Accounting Standards Update
AUC/A Assets under custody and/or administration
AUM
BHCs
bps
CCAR
CD
CET1
CFTC
CLO
CVA
DVA
EMEA
ERISA

Assets under management
Bank holding companies
basis points
Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review
Certificates of deposit
Common Equity Tier 1 capital
Commodity Futures Trading Commission
Collateralized loan obligation
Credit valuation adjustment
Debit valuation adjustment
Europe, the Middle East and Africa
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974
Employee Stock Ownership Plan
Economic Value of Equity
Financial Accounting Standards Board
Financial Conduct Authority
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Financial holding company

ESOP
EVE
FASB
FCA
FDIC
FHC
FINRA Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.
FTE
GAAP
G-SIBs
HQLA
LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate
LCR

Fully taxable equivalent
Generally accepted accounting principles
Global systemically important banks
High-quality liquid assets

Liquidity coverage ratio

LTD
M&I
MBS
MMF
N/A
NAV
N/M
NSFR
NYSE
OCC
OCI
OTC
OTTI
PSU
REIT
RMBS
RSU
RWA
S&P
SBIC
SBLC
SEC
SIFIs
SLR
TCE
TDR
TLAC
VaR
VIE
VME

External long-term debt
Merger and integration
Mortgage-backed security
Money market funds
Not applicable or Not available
Net asset value
Not meaningful
Net stable funding ratio
New York Stock Exchange
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Other comprehensive income
Over-the-counter
Other-than-temporary impairment
Performance units
Real estate investment trust
Residential mortgage-backed security
Restricted stock units
Risk-weighted assets
Standard & Poor’s
Small Business Investment Company
Standby letters of credit
Securities and Exchange Commission
Systemically important financial institutions
Supplementary Leverage Ratio
Tangible common equity
Troubled debt restructuring
Total loss-absorbing capacity
Value-at-risk
Variable interest entity
Voting model entity

BNY Mellon 131 

Glossary

Accumulated benefit obligation - The actuarial 
present value of benefits (vested and non-vested) 
attributed to employee services rendered.

Alt-A securities - A mortgage risk categorization that 
falls between prime and subprime.  Borrowers behind 
these mortgages will typically have clean credit 
histories but the mortgage itself will generally have 
issues that increase its risk profile.

Alternative investments - Usually refers to 
investments in hedge funds, leveraged loans, 
subordinated and distressed debt, real estate and 
foreign currency overlay.  Examples of alternative 
investment strategies are: long-short equity, event-
driven, statistical arbitrage, fixed income arbitrage, 
convertible arbitrage, short bias, global macro and 
equity market neutral.

Asset-backed security (“ABS”) - A financial 
security backed by a loan, lease or receivables against 
assets other than real estate and mortgage-backed 
securities.

Assets under custody and/or administration 
(“AUC/A”) - Assets that we hold directly or 
indirectly on behalf of clients under a safekeeping or 
custody arrangement or for which we provide 
administrative services for clients.  The following 
types of assets under administration are not and 
historically have not been included in AUC/A: 
performance and risk analytics, transfer agency and 
asset aggregation services.  To the extent that we 
provide more than one AUC/A service for a client’s 
assets, the value of the asset is only counted once in 
the total amount of AUC/A.

Assets under management (“AUM”) - Includes 
assets beneficially owned by our clients or customers 
which we hold in various capacities that are either 
actively or passively managed, as well as the value of 
hedges supporting customer liabilities.  These assets 
and liabilities are not on our balance sheet.

CAMELS - An international bank-rating system 
where bank supervisory authorities rate institutions 
according to six factors.  The six factors are Capital 
adequacy, Asset quality, Management quality, 
Earnings, Liquidity and Sensitivity to Market Risk.

Collateral management - A comprehensive program 
designed to simplify collateralization and expedite 
securities transfers for buyers and sellers.  

 132 BNY Mellon

Collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”) - A debt 
security backed by a pool of commercial loans.

Collective trust fund - An investment fund formed 
from the pooling of investments by investors.

Common Equity Tier 1 capital (“CET1”) - The 
sum of surplus (net of treasury stock), retained 
earnings, accumulated other comprehensive income 
(loss), and common equity Tier 1 minority interest 
subject to certain limitations, minus certain regulatory 
adjustments and deductions.

Counterparty risk (default risk) - The risk that a 
counterparty will not pay as obligated on a contract, 
trade or transaction.

Credit derivatives - Contractual agreements that 
provide insurance against a credit event of one or 
more referenced credits.  Such events include 
bankruptcy, insolvency and failure to meet payment 
obligations when due.  

Credit risk - The risk of loss due to borrower or 
counterparty default.

Credit valuation adjustment (“CVA”) - The market 
value of counterparty credit risk on OTC derivative 
transactions.  

Currency swaps - An agreement to exchange 
stipulated amounts of one currency for another 
currency.

Debit valuation adjustment (“DVA”) - The market 
value of our credit risk on OTC derivative 
transactions.  

Depositary Receipts - A negotiable security that 
generally represents a non-U.S. company’s publicly 
traded equity.  

Derivative - A contract or agreement whose value is 
derived from changes in interest rates, foreign 
exchange rates, prices of securities or commodities, 
credit worthiness for credit default swaps or financial 
or commodity indices.

Earnings allocated to participating securities - 
Amount of undistributed earnings, after payment of 
taxes, preferred stock dividends and the required 
adjustment for common stock dividends declared, 
that is allocated to securities that are eligible to 
receive a portion of the Company’s earnings.

Glossary (continued)

Economic capital - The amount of capital required to 
absorb potential losses and reflects the probability of 
remaining solvent over a one-year time horizon. 

Economic value of equity (“EVE”) - An 
aggregation of discounted future cash flows of assets 
and liabilities over a long-term horizon.

Eurozone - Formed by European Union Member 
States whose currency is the euro (€) and in which a 
single monetary policy is conducted under the 
responsibility of the Governing Council of the 
European Central Bank.  The Eurozone currently 
includes Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, 
Luxembourg, Austria, Finland, Italy, Ireland, Spain, 
Portugal, Greece, Estonia, Cyprus, Malta, Slovenia, 
Slovakia, Latvia and Lithuania.

Fiduciary risk - The risk arising from our role as 
trustee, executor, investment agent or guardian in 
accordance with governing documents, prudent 
person principles and applicable laws, rules and 
regulations.

Foreign currency options - Similar to interest rate 
options except they are based on foreign exchange 
rates.  Also, see interest rate options in this glossary.

Foreign currency swaps - An agreement to exchange 
stipulated amounts of one currency for another 
currency at one or more future dates.

Foreign exchange contracts - Contracts that provide 
for the future receipt or delivery of foreign currency 
at previously agreed-upon terms.

Forward rate agreements - Contracts to exchange 
payments on a specified future date, based on a 
market change in interest rates from trade date to 
contract settlement date.

Fully taxable equivalent (“FTE”) - Basis for 
comparison of yields on assets having ordinary 
taxability with assets for which special tax 
exemptions apply.  The FTE adjustment reflects an 
increase in the interest yield or return on a tax-exempt 
asset to a level that would be comparable had the 
asset been fully taxable. 

Generally accepted accounting principles 
(“GAAP”) - Accounting rules and conventions 
defining acceptable practices in preparing financial 
statements in the U.S.  The FASB is the primary 
source of accounting rules.

Grantor Trust - A legal, passive entity through 
which pass-through securities are sold to investors.

Hedge fund - A fund which is allowed to use diverse 
strategies that are unavailable to mutual funds, 
including selling short, leverage, program trading, 
swaps, arbitrage and derivatives.  

High-quality liquid assets (“HQLA”) - 
Unencumbered assets of the types identified in the 
U.S. LCR rule, which the U.S. banking agencies 
describe as able to be convertible into cash with little 
or no expected loss of value during a period of 
liquidity stress.

Impairment - When an asset’s market value is less 
than its carrying value.

Interest rate options - Contracts to modify interest 
rate risk in exchange for the payment of a premium 
when the contract is initiated.  As a writer of interest 
rate options, we receive a premium in exchange for 
bearing the risk of unfavorable changes in interest 
rates.  Conversely, as a purchaser of an option, we 
pay a premium for the right, but not the obligation, to 
buy or sell a financial instrument or currency at 
predetermined terms in the future.

Interest rate sensitivity - The exposure of net 
interest income to interest rate movements.

Interest rate swaps - Contracts in which a series of 
interest rate flows in a single currency are exchanged 
over a prescribed period.  Interest rate swaps are the 
most common type of derivative contract that we use 
in our asset/liability management activities.  

Investment grade - Represents Moody’s long-term 
rating of Baa3 or better; and/or a Standard & Poor’s, 
Fitch or DBRS long-term rating of BBB- or better; or 
if unrated, an equivalent rating using our internal risk 
ratings.  Instruments that fall below these levels are 
considered to be non-investment grade.

Joint venture - A company or entity owned and 
operated by a group of companies for a specific 
business purpose, no one of which has a majority 
interest.

Leverage ratio - Tier 1 capital divided by quarterly 
average total assets, as defined by the regulators.

BNY Mellon 133 

Glossary (continued)

Liquidity coverage ratio (“LCR”) - A Basel III 
framework requirement for banks and BHCs to 
measure liquidity.  It is designed to ensure that certain 
banking organizations, including BNY Mellon, 
maintain a minimum amount of unencumbered 
HQLA sufficient to withstand the net cash outflow 
under a hypothetical standardized acute liquidity 
stress scenario for a 30-day time horizon. 

Litigation risk - Arises when in the ordinary course 
of business, we are named as defendants or made 
parties to legal actions.

Master netting agreement - An agreement between 
two counterparties that have multiple contracts with 
each other that provides for the net settlement of all 
contracts through a single payment in the event of 
default or termination of any one contract.

Mortgage-backed security (“MBS”) - An asset-
backed security whose cash flows are backed by the 
principal and interest payments of a set of mortgage 
loans.

Net interest margin - The result of dividing net 
interest revenue by average interest-earning assets.

Notice of proposed rulemaking - A public notice 
issued by law when one of the independent agencies 
of the U.S. government wishes to add, remove or 
change a rule or regulation as part of the rulemaking 
process. 

Operating leverage - The rate of increase (decrease) 
in total revenue less the rate of increase (decrease) in 
total noninterest expense.

Other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) - An 
impairment charge taken on a security whose fair 
value has fallen below the carrying value on the 
balance sheet and its value is not expected to recover 
through the holding period of the security. 

Performance fees - Fees received by an investment 
advisor based upon the fund’s performance for the 
period relative to various predetermined benchmarks.

Pre-tax operating margin - Income before taxes for 
a period divided by total revenue for that period.

Prime securities - A classification of securities 
collateralized by loans to borrowers who have a high-
value and/or a good credit history.

 134 BNY Mellon

Private equity/venture capital - Investment in start-
up companies or those in the early processes of 
developing products and services with perceived, 
long-term growth potential.

Projected benefit obligation - The actuarial present 
value of all benefits accrued on employee service 
rendered prior to the calculation date, including 
allowance for future salary increases if the pension 
benefit is based on future compensation levels.

Rating agency - An independent agency that assesses 
the credit quality and likelihood of default of an issue 
or issuer and assigns a rating to that issue or issuer. 

Real estate investment trust (“REIT”) - An 
investor-owned corporation, trust or association that 
sells shares to investors and invests in income-
producing property.

Repurchase agreement (“Repo”) - An instrument 
used to raise short term funds whereby securities are 
sold with an agreement for the seller to buy back the 
securities at a later date. 

Reputational risk - Arises when events or actions 
that negatively impact our reputation lead to a loss of 
existing clients and could make it more challenging to 
acquire new business.

Residential mortgage-backed security (“RMBS”) - 
An asset-backed security whose cash flows are 
backed by principal and interest payments of a set of 
residential mortgage loans.

Restructuring charges - Typically result from the 
consolidation and/or relocation of operations.  

Return on assets - Net income applicable to common 
shareholders divided by average assets.

Return on common equity - Net income applicable 
to common shareholders divided by average common 
shareholders’ equity.

Return on tangible common equity - Net income 
applicable to common shareholders, excluding 
amortization of intangible assets, divided by average 
tangible common shareholders’ equity.

Securities lending transaction - A fully 
collateralized transaction in which the owner of a 
security agrees to lend the security through an agent 
(such as The Bank of New York Mellon) to a 

Glossary (continued)

borrower, usually a broker/dealer or bank, on an 
open, overnight or term basis, under the terms of a 
prearranged contract, which generally matures in less 
than 90 days.

Sub-custodian - A local provider (e.g., a bank) 
contracted to provide specific custodial-related 
services in a selected country or geographic area.  

Subprime securities - A classification of securities 
collateralized by loans to borrowers who have a 
tarnished or limited credit history.  

Supplementary Leverage Ratio (“SLR”) - An 
Advanced Approach banking organization’s Basel III 
SLR is the simple arithmetic mean of the ratio of its 
Tier 1 capital to total leverage exposure (which is 
broadly defined to capture both on- and off-balance 
sheet exposures). 

Tangible common shareholders’ equity - Common 
equity less goodwill and intangible assets adjusted for 
deferred tax liabilities associated with non-tax 
deductible intangible assets and tax deductible 
goodwill.

Unfunded commitments - Legally binding 
agreements to provide a defined level of financing 
until a specified future date.

Value-at-risk (“VaR”) - A measure of the dollar 
amount of potential loss at a specified confidence 
level from adverse market movements in an ordinary 
market environment.

Variable interest entity (“VIE”) - An entity that:  
(1) lacks enough equity investment at risk to permit 
the entity to finance its activities without additional 
financial support from other parties; (2) has equity 
owners that lack the right to make significant 
decisions affecting the entity’s operations; and/or    
(3) has equity owners that do not have an obligation 
to absorb or the right to receive the entity’s losses or 
return.

BNY Mellon 135 

Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management of BNY Mellon is responsible for 
establishing and maintaining adequate internal 
control over financial reporting for BNY Mellon, as 
such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the 
Exchange Act.

BNY Mellon’s management, including its principal 
executive officer and principal financial officer, has 
assessed the effectiveness of BNY Mellon’s internal 
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 
2016.  In making this assessment, management used 
the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 
Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013).  
Based upon such assessment, management believes 
that, as of December 31, 2016, BNY Mellon’s 
internal control over financial reporting is effective 
based upon those criteria.

KPMG LLP, the independent registered public 
accounting firm that audited BNY Mellon’s 2016 
financial statements included in this Annual Report 
under “Financial Statements and Notes,” has issued a 
report with respect to the effectiveness of BNY 
Mellon’s internal control over financial reporting.  
This report appears on page 137.

 136 BNY Mellon

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation:

We have audited The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation’s (“BNY Mellon”) internal control over financial 
reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) 
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  BNY Mellon’s 
management is responsible 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 an opinion on BNY 
Mellon’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 
(United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about 
whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audit 
included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material 
weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the 
assessed risk.  Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the 
circumstances.  We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

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 (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, 
accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) 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 (3) 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.

In our opinion, BNY Mellon maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting 
as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by 
the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States), the consolidated balance sheet of BNY Mellon as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related 
consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the years 
in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016, and our report dated February 28, 2017 expressed an unqualified 
opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

/s/ KPMG LLP 

New York, New York 
February 28, 2017

BNY Mellon 137 

Item 1. Financial Statements

The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (and its subsidiaries)

Consolidated Income Statement

(in millions)
Fee and other revenue
Investment services fees:

Asset servicing
Clearing services
Issuer services
Treasury services

Total investment services fees

Investment management and performance fees
Foreign exchange and other trading revenue
Financing-related fees
Distribution and servicing
Investment and other income
Total fee revenue

Net securities gains — including other-than-temporary impairment
Noncredit-related portion of other-than-temporary impairment
(recognized in other comprehensive income)

Net securities gains
Total fee and other revenue

Operations of consolidated investment management funds
Investment income
Interest of investment management fund note holders

Income from consolidated investment management funds

Net interest revenue
Interest revenue
Interest expense

Net interest revenue
Total revenue

Provision for credit losses
Noninterest expense
Staff
Professional, legal and other purchased services
Software
Net occupancy
Distribution and servicing
Furniture and equipment
Sub-custodian
Business development
Other
Amortization of intangible assets
Merger and integration, litigation and restructuring charges

Total noninterest expense

Income
Income before income taxes
Provision for income taxes

Net income

Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests (includes $(10), $(68) and $(84) related to
consolidated investment management funds, respectively)

Net income applicable to shareholders of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation

Preferred stock dividends

Year ended Dec. 31,

2016

2015

2014

$

4,244 $
1,404
1,026
547
7,221
3,350
701
219
166
341
11,998
79

4
75
12,073

4,187 $
1,375
978
555
7,095
3,438
768
220
162
316
11,999
82

(1)
83
12,082

35
9
26

3,575
437
3,138
15,237
(11)

5,733
1,185
647
590
405
247
245
245
940
237
49
10,523

4,725
1,177
3,548

(1)
3,547
(122)

115
29
86

3,326
300
3,026
15,194
160

5,837
1,230
627
600
381
280
270
267
961
261
85
10,799

4,235
1,013
3,222

(64)
3,158
(105)

4,075
1,335
968
564
6,942
3,492
570
169
173
1,212
12,558
92

1
91
12,649

503
340
163

3,234
354
2,880
15,692
(48)

5,845
1,339
620
610
428
322
286
268
1,031
298
1,130
12,177

3,563
912
2,651

(84)
2,567
(73)

Net income applicable to common shareholders of The Bank of New York Mellon
Corporation

$

3,425 $

3,053 $

2,494

 138 BNY Mellon

The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (and its subsidiaries)

Consolidated Income Statement (continued) 

Net income applicable to common shareholders of The Bank of New York Mellon

Corporation used for the earnings per share calculation

(in millions)
Net income applicable to common shareholders of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation
Less:  Earnings allocated to participating securities

Net income applicable to the common shareholders of The Bank of New York Mellon
Corporation after required adjustment for the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per
common share

$

$

Year ended Dec. 31,

2016
3,425 $
52

2015
3,053 $
43

2014
2,494
43

3,373 $

3,010 $

2,451

Average common shares and equivalents outstanding of The Bank of New York Mellon

Corporation

(in thousands)
Basic
Common stock equivalents
Less: Participating securities
Diluted

Anti-dilutive securities (a)

Year ended Dec. 31,

2016
1,066,286
15,672
(9,945)
1,072,013

2015
1,104,719
17,290
(9,498)
1,112,511

2014
1,129,897
20,037
(12,454)
1,137,480

31,695

28,736

43,735

Earnings per share applicable to the common shareholders of The Bank of New York 

Mellon Corporation (b)

Year ended Dec. 31,

(in dollars)
Basic
Diluted
(a)   Represents stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and participating securities outstanding but not included in the 

2015
2.73 $
2.71 $

2016
3.16 $
3.15 $

$
$

2014
2.17
2.15

computation of diluted average common shares because their effect would be anti-dilutive.

(b)  Basic and diluted earnings per share under the two-class method are determined on the net income applicable to common shareholders 
of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation reported on the income statement less earnings allocated to participating securities.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

BNY Mellon 139 

The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (and its subsidiaries)

Consolidated Comprehensive Income Statement

(in millions)
Net income
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

Foreign currency translation adjustments
Unrealized (loss) gain on assets available-for-sale:
Unrealized (loss) gain arising during the period
Reclassification adjustment

Total unrealized (loss) gain on assets available-for-sale

Defined benefit plans:

Prior service cost arising during the period
Net (loss) arising during the period
Foreign exchange adjustment
Amortization of prior service credit, net loss and initial obligation included in net periodic

benefit cost
Total defined benefit plans

Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges

Total other comprehensive (loss), net of tax (a)
Total comprehensive income

Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests
Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

Year ended Dec. 31,

2016
3,548 $

2015
3,222 $

2014
2,651

$

(850)

(242)
(49)
(291)

—
(108)
—

57
(51)
(4)
(1,196)
2,352
(1)
31

(599)

(363)
(52)
(415)

—
(65)
—

69
4
8
(1,002)
2,220
(64)
36

(806)

413
(58)
355

2
(479)
(1)

77
(401)
(15)
(867)
1,784
(84)
125

Comprehensive income applicable to the shareholders of The Bank of New York Mellon

Corporation

$

2,382 $

2,192 $

1,825

(a)  Other comprehensive (loss) attributable to The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation shareholders was $(1,165) million for the year 

ended Dec. 31, 2016, $(966) million for the year ended Dec. 31, 2015 and $(742) million for the year ended Dec. 31, 2014.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 140 BNY Mellon

The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (and its subsidiaries)

Consolidated Balance Sheet

(dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
Assets
Cash and due from:

Banks
Interest-bearing deposits with the Federal Reserve and other central banks

Interest-bearing deposits with banks
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements
Securities:

Held-to-maturity (fair value of $40,669 and $43,204)
Available-for-sale
Total securities

Trading assets
Loans (includes $- and $422, at fair value)
Allowance for loan losses

Net loans

Premises and equipment
Accrued interest receivable
Goodwill
Intangible assets
Other assets (includes $1,339 and $1,087, at fair value)

Subtotal assets of operations

Assets of consolidated investment management funds, at fair value:

Trading assets
Other assets

Subtotal assets of consolidated investment management funds, at fair value

Total assets

Liabilities
Deposits:

Noninterest-bearing (principally U.S. offices)
Interest-bearing deposits in U.S. offices
Interest-bearing deposits in Non-U.S. offices

Total deposits

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements
Trading liabilities
Payables to customers and broker-dealers
Other borrowed funds
Accrued taxes and other expenses 
Other liabilities (including allowance for lending-related commitments of $112 and $118, also includes $597 and

$392, at fair value)

Long-term debt (includes $363 and $359, at fair value)

Subtotal liabilities of operations

Liabilities of consolidated investment management funds, at fair value:

Trading liabilities
Other liabilities

Subtotal liabilities of consolidated investment management funds, at fair value

Total liabilities
Temporary equity
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
Permanent equity
Preferred stock – par value $0.01 per share; authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued 35,826 and 25,826 shares
Common stock – par value $0.01 per share; authorized 3,500,000,000 shares; issued 1,333,706,427 and

1,312,941,113 shares
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
Less: Treasury stock of 286,218,126 and 227,598,128 common shares, at cost
Total The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation shareholders’ equity

Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests of consolidated investment management funds

Total permanent equity
Total liabilities, temporary equity and permanent equity

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Dec. 31,

2016

2015

$

4,822 $
58,041
15,086
25,801

40,905
73,822
114,727
5,733
64,458
(169)
64,289
1,303
568
17,316
3,598
20,954
332,238

979
252
1,231
333,469 $

78,342 $
52,049
91,099
221,490
9,989
4,389
20,987
754
5,867

5,635
24,463
293,574

282
33
315
293,889

151

3,542

13
25,962
22,621
(3,765)
(9,562)
38,811
618
39,429
333,469 $

$

$

$

6,537
113,203
15,146
24,373

43,312
75,867
119,179
7,368
63,703
(157)
63,546
1,379
562
17,618
3,842
19,626
392,379

1,228
173
1,401
393,780

96,277
51,704
131,629
279,610
15,002
4,501
21,900
523
5,986

5,490

21,547
354,559

229
17
246
354,805

200

2,552

13
25,262
19,974
(2,600)
(7,164)
38,037
738
38,775
393,780

BNY Mellon 141 

The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (and its subsidiaries)

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

(in millions)
Operating activities
Net income
Net (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net income applicable to shareholders of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Year ended Dec. 31,

2016

2015

$

3,548 $
(1)
3,547

3,222 $
(64)
3,158

Provision for credit losses
Pension plan contributions
Depreciation and amortization
Deferred tax (benefit) expense
Net securities (gains)

Change in trading assets and liabilities
Originations of loans held-for-sale
Proceeds from the sales of loans originated for sale
Change in accruals and other, net

Net cash provided by operating activities

Investing activities

Change in interest-bearing deposits with banks
Change in interest-bearing deposits with the Federal Reserve and other central banks
Purchases of securities held-to-maturity
Paydowns of securities held-to-maturity
Maturities of securities held-to-maturity
Purchases of securities available-for-sale
Sales of securities available-for-sale
Paydowns of securities available-for-sale
Maturities of securities available-for-sale
Net change in loans
Sales of loans and other real estate
Change in federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements
Net change in seed capital investments
Purchases of premises and equipment/capitalized software
Proceeds from the sale of premises and equipment
Acquisitions, net of cash
Dispositions, net of cash
Other, net

Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities

Financing activities

Change in deposits
Change in federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements
Change in payables to customers and broker-dealers
Change in other borrowed funds
Change in commercial paper
Net proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt
Repayments of long-term debt
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options
Issuance of common stock
Issuance of preferred stock
Treasury stock acquired
Common cash dividends paid
Preferred cash dividends paid
Other, net

Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
Change in cash and due from banks
Change in cash and due from banks
Cash and due from banks at beginning of period
Cash and due from banks at end of period

Supplemental disclosures

Interest paid
Income taxes paid
Income taxes refunded

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 142 BNY Mellon

(11)
(108)
1,502
(126)
(75)
1,522
(350)
831
(486)
6,246

(327)
53,347
(6,673)
4,907
3,738
(27,470)
7,580
8,826
11,347
(1,483)
173
(1,407)
(114)
(825)
65
(38)
1
(444)
51,203

(54,738)
(5,013)
(911)
225
—
6,229
(2,953)
438
27
990
(2,398)
(778)
(122)
(46)
(59,050)
(114)

160
(70)
1,457
47
(83)
(414)
(1,106)
725
253
4,127

4,225
(16,521)
(16,060)
3,698
1,222
(33,785)
19,016
8,776
14,689
(4,615)
362
(4,071)
287
(601)
—
(9)
17
3,583
(19,787)

11,890
3,533
719
(394)
—
4,986
(3,659)
326
26
990
(2,355)
(760)
(105)
(12)
15,185
42

$

$

(1,715)
6,537
4,822 $

(433)
6,970
6,537 $

406 $

295 $

1,010
307

1,015
901

2014

2,651
(84)
2,567

(48)
(72)
1,292
(853)
(91)
2,636
—
—
(947)
4,484

16,010
7,677
(3,498)
1,885
102
(69,101)
31,254
7,253
11,012
(7,904)
312
(11,141)
(253)
(791)
585
(28)
64
4,887
(11,675)

2,247
1,821
5,474
135
(96)
4,686
(4,376)
370
26
—
(1,669)
(760)
(73)
44
7,829
(128)

510
6,460
6,970

344
1,363
144

The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (and its subsidiaries)

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation shareholders

Preferred
stock

Common
stock

Additional
paid-in
capital

Retained
earnings

Accumulated
other
comprehensive 
(loss) income,
net of tax

Treasury
stock

Non-
redeemable
noncontrolling
interests of
consolidated
investment
management
funds

Total
permanent
equity

Redeemable
non-
controlling
interests/
temporary
equity

$

2,552 $

13 $

25,262 $ 19,974 $

(2,600) $ (7,164) $

738 $

38,775 (a) $

—

—

—

—
—

—

—
—

—

—

990

—

—

—

—

—
—

—

—
—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(24)

—
—

—

—
—

27

21

—

676

—

—

—

3,547
—

(778)

(122)
—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—
(1,165)

—

—

—

—

—
—

—

—
—
— (2,398)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(130)

10
—

—

—
—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(154)

3,557
(1,165)

(778)

(122)
(2,398)

27

21

990

676

200

55

(102)

38

(9)
(31)

—

—
—

—

—

—

—

(in millions, except per
share amounts)

Balance at Dec. 31, 2015
Shares issued to shareholders of

noncontrolling interests

Redemption of subsidiary shares
from noncontrolling interests

Other net changes in

noncontrolling interests

Net income (loss)
Other comprehensive (loss)
Dividends:

Common stock at $0.72 per
share
Preferred stock

Repurchase of common stock
Common stock issued under:
Employee benefit plans
Direct stock purchase and

dividend reinvestment plan

Preferred stock issued
Stock awards and options

exercised

Balance at Dec. 31, 2016

$

3,542 $

13 $

25,962 $ 22,621 $

(3,765) $ (9,562) $

618 $

39,429 (a) $

151

(a) 

Includes total The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation common shareholders’ equity of $35,485 million at Dec. 31, 2015 and $35,269 million at Dec. 
31, 2016.

BNY Mellon 143 

The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (and its subsidiaries)

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (continued)

The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation shareholders

Preferred
stock

Common
stock

Additional
paid-in
capital

Retained
earnings

Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss),
net of tax

Treasury
stock

Non-
redeemable
noncontrolling
interests of
consolidated
investment
management
funds

Total
permanent
equity

Redeemable
non-
controlling
interests/
temporary
equity

$

1,562 $

13 $

24,626 $ 17,683 $

(1,634) $ (4,809) $

1,033 $

38,474 (a) $

229

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

602

602

—

(866)

(866)

24,626

17,683

(1,634)

(4,809)

769

38,210

—

—

(26)

—
—

—

—
—

25

21

—

616

—

—

—

3,158
—

(762)

(105)
—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—
(966)

—

—

—

—

—
—

—

—
—
— (2,355)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(73)

68
(26)

—

—
—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(99)

3,226
(992)

(762)

(105)
(2,355)

25

21

990

616

—

229

48

(92)

29

(4)
(10)

—

—
—

—

—

—

—

(in millions, except per
share amounts)

Balance at Dec. 31, 2014
Adjustment for the cumulative

effect of applying ASU 2015-02
for the consolidation of a legal
entity

Adjustment for the cumulative

effect of applying ASU 2015-02
for the deconsolidation of a legal
entity

Adjusted balance at Jan. 1,

2015

Shares issued to shareholders of

noncontrolling interests

Redemption of subsidiary shares
from noncontrolling interests

Other net changes in

noncontrolling interests

Net income
Other comprehensive (loss)
Dividends:

Common stock at $0.68 per
share
Preferred stock

Repurchase of common stock
Common stock issued under:
Employee benefit plans
Direct stock purchase and

dividend reinvestment plan

Preferred stock issued
Stock awards and options

exercised

—

—

1,562

—

—

—

—
—

—

—
—

—

—

990

—

—

—

13

—

—

—

—
—

—

—
—

—

—

—

—

Balance at Dec. 31, 2015

$

2,552 $

13 $

25,262 $ 19,974 $

(2,600) $ (7,164) $

738 $

38,775 (a) $

200

(a) 

Includes total The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation common shareholders’ equity of $35,879 million at Dec. 31, 2014 and $35,485 million at Dec. 
31, 2015.

 144 BNY Mellon

The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (and its subsidiaries)

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (continued)

(in millions, except per
share amounts)

Balance at Dec. 31, 2013
Shares issued to shareholders of

noncontrolling interests

Redemption of subsidiary shares
from noncontrolling interests

Other net changes in

noncontrolling interests

Net income
Other comprehensive (loss)
Dividends:

Common stock at $0.66 per
share
Preferred stock

Repurchase of common stock
Common stock issued under:
Employee benefit plans
Direct stock purchase and

dividend reinvestment plan

Stock awards and options

exercised

The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation shareholders

Preferred
stock

Common
stock

Additional
paid-in
capital

Retained
earnings

Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss),
net of tax

Treasury
stock

Non-
redeemable
noncontrolling
interests of
consolidated
investment
management
funds

Total
permanent
equity

Redeemable
non-
controlling
interests/
temporary
equity

$

1,562 $

13 $

24,002 $ 15,952 $

(892) $ (3,140) $

783 $

38,280 (a) $

—

—

—

—
—

—

—
—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—
—

—

—
—

—

—

—

—

(31)

10

—
—

—

—
—

24

21

600

—

—

—

2,567
—

(763)

(73)
—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—
(742)

—

—

—

—

—
—

—

—
—
— (1,669)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

277

84
(111)

—

—
—

—

—

—

—   

(31)

287

2,651
(853)

(763)

(73)
(1,669)

24

21

600

230

63

(103)

53

—
(14)

—

—
—

—

—

—

229

Balance at Dec. 31, 2014

$

1,562 $

13 $

24,626 $ 17,683 $

(1,634) $ (4,809) $

1,033 $

38,474 (a) $

(a) 

Includes total The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation common shareholders’ equity of $35,935 million at Dec. 31, 2013 and $35,879 million at Dec. 
31, 2014.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

BNY Mellon 145 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 - Summary of significant accounting 
and reporting policies

Use of estimates

Nature of operations

BNY Mellon is a global leader in providing a broad 
range of financial products and services in domestic 
and international markets.  Through our two principal 
businesses, Investment Management and Investment 
Services, we serve the following major classes of 
customers - institutions, corporations and high net 
worth individuals.  For institutions and corporations, 
we provide the following services:

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

investment management;
trust and custody;
foreign exchange;
fund administration;
global collateral services;
securities lending;
depositary receipts;
corporate trust;
global payment/cash management;
banking services; and
clearing services.

For individuals, we provide mutual funds, separate 
accounts, wealth management and private banking 
services.  BNY Mellon’s investment management 
businesses provide investment products in many asset 
classes and investment styles on a global basis.

Basis of presentation

The accounting and financial reporting policies of 
BNY Mellon, a global financial services company, 
conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting 
principles (“GAAP”) and prevailing industry 
practices.  

In the opinion of management, all adjustments 
necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, 
results of operations and cash flows for the periods 
presented have been made.  These financial 
statements should be read in conjunction with BNY 
Mellon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year 
ended Dec. 31, 2016.  Certain immaterial 
reclassifications have been made to prior periods to 
place them on a basis comparable with current period 
presentation.

 146 BNY Mellon

The preparation of financial statements in conformity 
with U.S. GAAP requires management to make 
estimates based upon assumptions about future 
economic and market conditions which affect 
reported amounts and related disclosures in our 
financial statements.  Although our current estimates 
contemplate current conditions and how we expect 
them to change in the future, it is reasonably possible 
that actual conditions could be worse than anticipated 
in those estimates, which could materially affect our 
results of operations and financial condition.  
Amounts subject to estimates are items such as the 
allowance for loan losses and lending-related 
commitments, the fair value of financial instruments 
and derivatives, other-than-temporary impairment, 
goodwill and other intangibles and pension 
accounting.  Among other effects, such changes in 
estimates could result in future impairments of 
investment securities, goodwill and intangible assets 
and establishment of allowances for loan losses and 
lending-related commitments as well as changes in 
pension and post-retirement expense.

Change in accounting methodology

Effective Oct. 1, 2016, we changed the accounting 
method for the amortization of premiums and 
accretion of discounts on mortgage-backed securities 
from the prepayment method (also referred to as the 
retrospective method) to the contractual method, 
which are both acceptable methods under FASB ASC 
310, Receivables.  The calculation performed under 
the prepayment method was based on estimating 
principal prepayment assumptions, principally driven 
by interest rates, and estimating the remaining lives 
of securities.  This method resulted in retrospective 
adjustments each period to reflect changes in those 
estimates as if the updated estimated lives had been 
applied since the acquisition of the securities.  Under 
the contractual method, no assumption is made 
concerning prepayments.  As principal prepayments 
occur, a portion of the unamortized premium or 
discount is recorded in interest revenue such that the 
effective yield of a security remains constant 
throughout the life of the security.  

We have determined that the contractual method is 
the preferable method of accounting as it is more 
aligned with our approach to asset/liability 
management, it reduces reliance on complex 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

estimates and judgments, and it is consistent with the 
method predominantly used by our peers.  The impact 
of this change was not considered material to prior 
periods and, as a result, the cumulative effect of the 
change of approximately $15 million was reflected as 
a positive adjustment to net interest revenue in the 
fourth quarter of 2016.  We estimate that net interest 
revenue for 2016 would have been higher had we 
continued to use the prepayment method, but have 
not specifically quantified the impact subsequent to 
the effective date as the estimated amortization is also 
immaterial. 

Parent financial statements

The Parent financial statements in Note 17 of the 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements include 
the accounts of the Parent; those of a wholly-owned 
financing subsidiary that functions as a financing 
entity for BNY Mellon and its subsidiaries; and 
MIPA, LLC, a single-member limited liability 
company, created to hold and administer corporate-
owned life insurance.  Financial data for the Parent, 
the financing subsidiary and the single-member 
limited liability company are combined for financial 
reporting purposes because of the limited function of 
these entities and the unconditional guarantee by 
BNY Mellon of their obligations.

Acquired businesses

The income statement and balance sheet include 
results of acquired businesses accounted for under the 
acquisition method of accounting pursuant to ASC 
805, Business Combinations and equity investments 
from the dates of acquisition.  Contingent purchase 
consideration was measured at its fair value and 
recorded on the purchase date.  Any subsequent 
changes in the fair value of a contingent consideration 
liability is recorded through the income statement.

Equity method investments, including renewable 
energy investments

The consolidated financial statements include the 
accounts of BNY Mellon and its subsidiaries.  Equity 
investments of less than a majority but at least 20% 
ownership are accounted for by the equity method 
and classified as other assets.  Earnings on these 
investments are reflected in fee and other revenue as 
investment services fees, investment management and 
performance fees or investment and other income, as 
appropriate, in the period earned.  

A loss in value of an equity investment that is 
determined to be other-than-temporary, is recognized 
by reducing the carrying value of the equity 
investment down to its fair value.  

Renewable energy investment projects through 
limited liability companies are accounted for using 
the equity method of accounting.  The hypothetical 
liquidation at book value (“HLBV”) methodology is 
used to determine the loss that is recognized in each 
quarter.  HLBV estimates the liquidation value at the 
beginning and end of each quarter, with the difference 
recognized as the amount of loss under the equity 
method. 

The pre-tax losses are reported in investment and 
other income section of the income statement.  The 
corresponding tax benefits and credits are recorded as 
a reduction to provision for income taxes on the 
income statement.  The pre-tax losses, tax benefits 
and credits are included in our projected annual 
effective tax rate.

See Note 6 for the amount of our renewable energy 
investments.  Below are our most significant equity 
method investments, other than the investments in 
renewable energy.

Equity method investments at Dec. 31, 2016
Percentage
ownership Book value
509
256
76 (a)

(dollars in millions)
CIBC Mellon
Siguler Guff
ConvergEx
(a)  In addition to the common ownership interest noted, BNY 

50.0% $
20.0% $
33.9% $

Mellon also holds an interest in ConvergEx nonvoting Series 
B preferred units.  The book value at Dec. 31, 2016 is 
reflective of our combined common and preferred interests in 
ConvergEx.

Variable interest and voting model entities

We evaluate an entity for possible consolidation in 
accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation and ASU 
2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, 
which we adopted effective Jan. 1, 2015.  We first 
determine whether or not we have variable interests 
in the entity, which are investments or other interests 
that absorb portions of an entity’s expected losses or 
receive portions of the entity’s expected returns.  Our 
variable interests may include decision-maker or 
service provider fees, direct and indirect investments 
and investments made by related parties, including 

BNY Mellon 147 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

related parties under common control.  If it is 
determined that we do not have a variable interest in 
the entity, no further analysis is required and the 
entity is not consolidated. 

If we hold a variable interest in the entity, further 
analysis is performed to determine if the entity is a 
VIE or a voting model entity (“VME”). 

We consider the underlying facts and circumstances 
of individual entities when assessing whether or not 
an entity is a VIE.  An entity is determined to be a 
VIE if the equity investors:  

• 

• 

do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity 
to finance its activities without additional 
subordinated financial support; or
lack one or more of the following characteristics 
of a controlling financial interest:   
• 

the power, through voting rights or similar 
rights, to direct the activities of an entity that 
most significantly impact the entity’s 
economic performance;
the obligation to absorb the expected losses 
of the entity; and
the right to receive the expected residual 
returns of the entity.

• 

• 

We consolidate a VIE if it is determined that we have 
a controlling financial interest in the entity.  We have 
a controlling financial interest in a VIE when we have 
both 1) the power to direct the activities of the VIE 
that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic 
performance and 2) the obligation to absorb losses or 
the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could 
potentially be significant to that VIE. 

For entities that do not meet the definition of a VIE, 
the entity is considered a VME.  We consolidate these 
entities if we can exert control over the financial and 
operating policies of an investee, which can occur if 
we have a 50% or more voting interest in the entity. 

Trading securities, available-for-sale securities, and 
held-to-maturity securities

Securities are accounted for under ASC 320, 
Investments - Debt and Equity Securities.  Securities 
are classified as trading, available-for-sale or held-to-
maturity investment securities when they are 
purchased.  Securities are classified as trading 

 148 BNY Mellon

securities when our intention is to resell the 
securities.  Securities are classified as available-for-
sale securities when we intend to hold the securities 
for an indefinite period of time or when the securities 
may be used for tactical asset/liability purposes and 
may be sold from time to time to effectively manage 
interest rate exposure, prepayment risk and liquidity 
needs.  Securities are classified as held-to-maturity 
securities when we intend to hold them until maturity.  

Trading securities are measured at fair value and 
included in trading assets on the balance sheet.  
Trading revenue includes both realized and unrealized 
gains and losses.  The liability incurred on short-sale 
transactions, representing the obligation to deliver 
securities, is included in trading liabilities at fair 
value.

Available-for-sale securities are measured at fair 
value.  The difference between fair value and 
amortized cost representing unrealized gains or losses 
on assets classified as available-for-sale, are recorded 
net of tax as an addition to or deduction from OCI, 
unless a security is deemed to have OTTI.  Gains and 
losses on sales of available-for-sale securities are 
reported in the income statement.  The cost of debt 
and equity securities sold is determined on a specific 
identification and average cost method, respectively.  
Held-to-maturity securities are measured at amortized 
cost.

Income on investment securities purchased is 
adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion 
of discount on a level yield basis.  

We routinely conduct periodic reviews to identify and 
evaluate each investment security to determine 
whether OTTI has occurred.  We examine various 
factors when determining whether an impairment, 
representing the fair value of a security being below 
its amortized cost, is other than temporary.  The 
following are examples of factors that we consider:

•  The length of time and the extent to which the 
fair value has been less than the amortized cost 
basis;

•  Whether management has an intent to sell the 

security;

•  Whether the decline in fair value is attributable to 
specific adverse conditions affecting a particular 
investment;

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

•  Whether the decline in fair value is attributable to 
specific conditions, such as conditions in an 
industry or in a geographic area;

•  Whether a debt security has been downgraded by 

a rating agency; 

•  Whether a debt security exhibits cash flow 

deterioration; and

•  For each non-agency RMBS, we compare the 
remaining credit enhancement that protects the 
individual security from losses against the 
projected losses of principal and/or interest 
expected to come from the underlying mortgage 
collateral, to determine whether such credit losses 
might directly impact the relevant security.

When we do not intend to sell the security and it is 
more likely than not that we will not be required to 
sell the security prior to recovery of its cost basis, the 
credit component of an OTTI of a debt security is 
recognized in earnings and the non-credit component 
is recognized in OCI.

The determination of whether a credit loss exists is 
based on the best estimate of the present value of cash 
flows to be collected from the debt security.  
Generally, cash flows are discounted at the effective 
interest rate implicit in the debt security at the time of 
acquisition.  For debt securities that are beneficial 
interests in securitized financial assets and are not 
high credit quality, ASC 325, Investments - Other, 
provides that cash flows be discounted at the current 
yield used to accrete the beneficial interest.

If we intend to sell the security or it is more likely 
than not that we will be required to sell the security 
prior to recovery of its cost basis, the non-credit 
component of OTTI is recognized in earnings and 
subsequently accreted to interest income on an 
effective yield basis over the life of the security.

For held-to-maturity debt securities, the amount of 
OTTI recorded in OCI for the non-credit portion of a 
previous OTTI is amortized prospectively, as an 
increase to the carrying amount of the security, over 
the remaining life of the security on the basis of the 
timing of future estimated cash flows of the 
securities. 

The accounting policies for the determination of the 
fair value of financial instruments and OTTI have 
been identified as “critical accounting estimates” as 
they require us to make numerous assumptions based 

on available market data.  See Note 3 of the Notes to 
Consolidated Financial Statements for these 
disclosures.

Loans and leases

Loans are reported net of any unearned income and 
deferred fees and costs.  Certain loan origination and 
upfront commitment fees, as well as certain direct 
loan origination and commitment costs, are deferred 
and amortized as a yield adjustment over the lives of 
the related loans.  Loans held for sale are carried at 
the lower of cost or fair value.

Unearned revenue on direct financing leases is 
accreted over the lives of the leases in decreasing 
amounts to provide a constant rate of return on the net 
investment in the leases.  Revenue on leveraged 
leases is recognized on a basis to achieve a constant 
yield on the outstanding investment in the lease, net 
of the related deferred tax liability, in the years in 
which the net investment is positive.  Gains and 
losses on residual values of leased equipment sold are 
included in investment and other income.  
Considering the nature of these leases and the number 
of significant assumptions, there is risk associated 
with the income recognition on these leases should 
any of the assumptions change materially in future 
periods.

A modified loan is considered a TDR if the debtor is 
experiencing financial difficulties and the creditor 
grants a concession to the debtor that would not 
otherwise be considered.  A TDR may include a 
transfer of real estate or other assets from the debtor 
to the creditor, or a modification of the term of the 
loan.  TDRs are accounted for as impaired loans (see 
the Nonperforming assets policy).

Nonperforming assets

Commercial loans are placed on nonaccrual status 
when principal or interest is past due 90 days or 
more, or when there is reasonable doubt that interest 
or principal will be collected. 

When a first lien residential mortgage loan reaches 90 
days delinquent, it is subject to an impairment test 
and may be placed on nonaccrual status.  At 180 days 
delinquent, the loan is subject to further impairment 
testing.  The loan will remain on accrual status if the 
realizable value of the collateral exceeds the unpaid 
principal balance plus accrued interest.  If the loan is 

BNY Mellon 149 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

impaired, a charge-off is taken and the loan is placed 
on nonaccrual status.  At 270 days delinquent, all first 
lien mortgages are placed on nonaccrual status.  
Second lien mortgages are automatically placed on 
nonaccrual status when they reach 90 days 
delinquent.  

When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, 
previously accrued and uncollected interest is 
reversed against current period interest revenue.  
Interest receipts on nonaccrual and impaired loans are 
recognized as interest revenue or are applied to 
principal when we believe the ultimate collectability 
of principal is in doubt.  Nonaccrual loans generally 
are restored to an accrual basis when principal and 
interest become current and remain current for a 
specified period. 

A loan is considered to be impaired when it is 
probable that we will be unable to collect all principal 
and interest amounts due according to the contractual 
terms of the loan agreement.  An impairment 
allowance on loans $1 million or greater is required 
to be measured based upon the loan’s market price, 
the present value of expected future cash flows, 
discounted at the loan’s initial effective interest rate, 
or at fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral 
dependent.  If the loan valuation is less than the 
recorded value of the loan, an impairment allowance 
is established by a provision for credit loss.  
Impairment allowances are not needed when the 
recorded investment in an impaired loan is less than 
the loan valuation.  

Allowance for loan losses and allowance for lending-
related commitments

The allowance for loan losses, shown as a valuation 
allowance to loans, and the allowance for lending-
related commitments recorded in other liabilities are 
referred to as BNY Mellon’s allowance for credit 
losses.  The accounting policy for the determination 
of the adequacy of the allowances has been identified 
as a “critical accounting estimate” as it requires us to 
make numerous complex and subjective estimates 
and assumptions relating to amounts which are 
inherently uncertain. 

The allowance for loan losses is maintained to absorb 
losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance 
sheet date based on our judgment.  The allowance 
determination methodology is designed to provide 
procedural discipline in assessing the appropriateness 

 150 BNY Mellon

of the allowance.  Credit losses are charged against 
the allowance.  Recoveries are added to the 
allowance. 

The methodology for determining the allowance for 
lending-related commitments considers the same 
factors as the allowance for loan losses, as well as an 
estimate of the probability of drawdown.  We utilize a 
quantitative methodology and qualitative framework 
for determining the allowance for loan losses and the 
allowance for lending-related commitments.  Within 
this qualitative framework, management applies 
judgment when assessing internal risk factors and 
environmental factors to compute an additional 
allowance for each component of the loan portfolio.

The three elements of the allowance for loan losses 
and the allowance for lending-related commitments 
include the qualitative allowance framework.  The 
three elements are: 

• 

• 

• 

an allowance for impaired credits of $1 million or 
greater;
an allowance for higher risk-rated credits and 
pass-rated credits; and 
an allowance for residential mortgage loans.

Our lending is primarily to institutional customers.  
As a result, our loans are generally larger than $1 
million.  Therefore, the first element, impaired 
credits, is based on individual analysis of all impaired 
loans of $1 million and greater.  The allowance is 
measured by the difference between the recorded 
value of impaired loans and their impaired value.  
Impaired value is either the present value of the 
expected future cash flows from the borrower, the 
market value of the loan, or the fair value of the 
collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent.

The second element, higher risk-rated credits and 
pass-rated credits, is based on our incurred loss 
model.  Individual credit analyses are performed on 
such loans before being assigned a credit rating.  All 
borrowers are collectively evaluated based on their 
credit rating.  The loss inherent in each loan 
incorporates the borrower’s credit rating, facility 
rating and maturity.  The loss given default, derived 
from the facility rating, incorporates a recovery 
expectation and an estimate of the use of the facility 
at default (usage given default).  The borrower’s 
probability of default is derived from the associated 
credit rating.  Borrower ratings are reviewed at least 
annually and are periodically mapped to third-party 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

databases, including rating agency and default and 
recovery databases, to ensure ongoing consistency 
and validity.  Higher risk-rated credits are reviewed 
quarterly.

The third element, the allowance for residential 
mortgage loans, is determined by segregating six 
mortgage pools into delinquency periods ranging 
from current through foreclosure.  Each of these 
delinquency periods is assigned a probability of 
default.  A specific loss given default is assigned for 
each mortgage pool.  BNY Mellon assigns all 
residential mortgage pools, except home equity lines 
of credit, a probability of default and loss given 
default based on default and loss data derived from 
internal historical data related to our residential 
mortgage portfolio.  The resulting incurred loss factor 
(the probability of default multiplied by the loss given 
default) is applied against the loan balance to 
determine the allowance held for each pool.  For 
home equity lines of credit, probability of default and 
loss given default are based on external data from 
third-party databases due to the small size of the 
portfolio and insufficient internal data.

The qualitative framework is used to determine an 
additional allowance for each portfolio based on the 
factors below:

Internal risk factors:

•  Nonperforming loans to total non-margin loans; 
•  Criticized assets to total loans and lending-related 

commitments; 

•  Borrower concentration; and 
•  Significant concentrations in high risk industries 

and countries.

Environmental risk factors:

•  U.S. non-investment grade default rate; 
•  Unemployment rate; and 
•  Change in real gross domestic product.

The objective of the qualitative framework is to 
capture incurred losses that may not have been fully 
captured in the quantitative reserve, which is based 
primarily on historical data.  Management determines 
the qualitative allowance each period based on 
judgment informed by consideration of internal and 
external risk factors and other considerations that 
may be deemed relevant during the period.  Once 
determined in the aggregate, our qualitative 
allowance is then allocated to each of our loan classes 

based on the respective classes’ quantitative 
allowance balances with the allocations adjusted, 
when necessary, for class specific risk factors.  

For each risk factor, we calculate the minimum and 
maximum values, and percentiles in-between, to 
evaluate the distribution of our historical experience.  
The distribution of historical experience is compared 
to the risk factor’s current quarter observed 
experience to assess the current risk inherent in the 
portfolio and overall direction/trend of a risk factor 
relative to our historical experience.  

Based on this analysis, we assign a risk level - no 
impact, low, moderate, high and elevated - to each 
risk factor for the current quarter.  Management 
assesses the impact of each risk factor to determine 
an aggregate risk level.  We do not quantify the 
impact of any particular risk factor.  Management’s 
assessment of the risk factors, as well as the trend in 
the quantitative allowance, supports management’s 
judgment for the overall required qualitative 
allowance.  A smaller qualitative allowance may be 
required when our quantitative allowance has 
reflected incurred losses associated with the 
aggregate risk level.  A greater qualitative allowance 
may be required if our quantitative allowance does 
not yet reflect the incurred losses associated with the 
aggregate risk level.

The allocation of the allowance for credit losses is 
inherently judgmental, and the entire allowance for 
credit losses is available to absorb credit losses 
regardless of the nature of the loss. 

Premises and equipment

Premises and equipment are carried at cost less 
accumulated depreciation and amortization.  
Depreciation and amortization is computed using the 
straight-line method over the estimated useful life of 
the owned asset and, for leasehold improvements, 
over the lesser of the remaining term of the leased 
facility or the estimated economic life of the 
improvement.  For owned and capitalized assets, 
estimated useful lives range from 2 to 40 years.  
Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as 
incurred, while major improvements are capitalized 
and amortized to operating expense over their 
identified useful lives. 

BNY Mellon 151 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Software

Seed capital

BNY Mellon capitalizes costs relating to acquired 
software and internal-use software development 
projects that provide new or significantly improved 
functionality.  We capitalize projects that are expected 
to result in longer-term operational benefits, such as 
replacement systems or new applications that result in 
significantly increased operational efficiencies or 
functionality.  All other costs incurred in connection 
with an internal-use software project are expensed as 
incurred.  Capitalized software is recorded in other 
assets.

Identified intangible assets and goodwill

Identified intangible assets with estimable lives are 
amortized in a pattern consistent with the assets’ 
identifiable cash flows or using a straight-line method 
over their remaining estimated benefit periods if the 
pattern of cash flows is not estimable.  Intangible 
assets with estimable lives are reviewed for possible 
impairment when events or changed circumstances 
may affect the underlying basis of the asset.  
Goodwill and intangibles with indefinite lives are not 
amortized, but are assessed annually for impairment, 
or more often if events and circumstances indicate it 
is more likely than not they may be impaired.  The 
accounting policy for valuing and impairment testing 
of identified intangible assets and goodwill has been 
identified as a “critical accounting estimate” as it 
requires us to make numerous complex and 
subjective estimates.  See Note 5 of the Notes to 
Consolidated Financial Statements for additional 
disclosures related to goodwill and intangible assets.

Investments in qualified affordable housing projects

Investments in qualified affordable housing projects 
through a limited liability entity are accounted for 
utilizing the proportional amortization method.  
Under the proportional amortization method, the 
initial cost of the investment is amortized to the 
provision for income taxes in proportion to the tax 
credits and other tax benefits received.  The net 
investment performance, including tax credits and 
other benefits received, is recognized in the income 
statement as a component of income tax expense.  
Additionally, the value of the commitments to fund 
qualified affordable housing projects is included in 
other assets on the balance sheet and a liability is 
recorded for the unfunded portion.

 152 BNY Mellon

Seed capital investments are generally classified as 
other assets and carried at fair value.  Unrealized 
gains and losses on seed capital investments are 
recorded in investment and other income.  Certain 
risk retention investments in our CLOs are classified 
as available-for-sale securities.  Any unrealized gains 
and losses are recorded net of tax, as an addition to or 
deduction from, other comprehensive income, unless 
the investment is deemed to have OTTI. 

Noncontrolling interests

Noncontrolling interests included in permanent equity 
are adjusted for the income or (loss) attributable to 
the noncontrolling interest holders and any 
distributions to those shareholders.  Redeemable 
noncontrolling interests are reported as temporary 
equity.  BNY Mellon recognizes changes in the 
redemption value of the redeemable noncontrolling 
interests as they occur and adjusts the carrying value 
to be equal to the redemption value.

Fee revenue

We record investment services fees, investment 
management fees, foreign exchange and other trading 
revenue, financing-related fees, distribution and 
servicing, and other revenue when the services are 
provided and earned based on contractual terms, 
when amounts are determined and collectability is 
reasonably assured.

Additionally, we recognize revenue from non-
refundable, upfront implementation fees under 
outsourcing contracts using a straight-line method, 
commencing in the period the ongoing services are 
performed through the expected term of the 
contractual relationship.  Incremental direct set-up 
costs of implementation, up to the related 
implementation fee or minimum fee revenue amount, 
are deferred and amortized over the same period that 
the related implementation fees are recognized.  If a 
client terminates an outsourcing contract prematurely, 
the unamortized deferred incremental direct set-up 
costs and the unamortized deferred up-front 
implementation fees related to that contract are 
recognized in the period the contract is terminated.

Performance fees are recognized in the period in 
which the performance fees are earned and become 
determinable.  Performance fees are generally 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

calculated as a percentage of the applicable 
portfolio’s performance in excess of a benchmark 
index or a peer group’s performance.  When a 
portfolio underperforms its benchmark or fails to 
generate positive performance, subsequent years’ 
performance must generally exceed this shortfall 
prior to fees being earned.  Amounts billable, which 
are subject to a clawback if future performance 
thresholds in current or future years are not met, are 
not recognized since the fees are potentially 
uncollectible.  These fees are recognized when it is 
determined that they will be collected.  When a multi-
year performance contract provides that fees earned 
are billed ratably over the performance period, only 
the portion of the fees earned that are non-refundable 
are recognized.

Net interest revenue

Revenue on interest-earning assets and expense on 
interest-bearing liabilities are recognized based on the 
effective yield of the related financial instrument.  
The amortization of premiums and accretion of 
discounts are included in interest revenue and are 
adjusted for prepayments when they occur.  Negative 
interest incurred on assets or charged on liabilities is 
presented as contra interest income and contra 
expense, respectively.

Foreign currency translation

Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign 
currencies are translated to U.S. dollars at the rate of 
exchange on the balance sheet date.  Transaction 
gains and losses are included in the income statement.  
Translation gains and losses on investments in foreign 
entities with functional currencies that are not the 
U.S. dollar are recorded as foreign currency 
translation adjustments in OCI.  Revenue and expense 
transactions are translated at the applicable daily rate 
or the weighted average monthly exchange rate when 
applying the daily rate is not practical.  

Pension

The measurement date for BNY Mellon’s pension 
plans is Dec. 31.  Plan assets are determined based on 
fair value generally representing observable market 
prices.  The projected benefit obligation is determined 
based on the present value of projected benefit 
distributions at an assumed discount rate.  The 
discount rate utilized is based on the yield curves of 
high-quality corporate bonds available in the 

marketplace.  The net periodic pension expense or 
credit includes service costs (if applicable), interest 
costs based on an assumed discount rate, an expected 
return on plan assets based on an actuarially derived 
market-related value, amortization of prior service 
cost and amortization of prior years’ actuarial gains 
and losses.

Actuarial gains and losses include gains or losses 
related to changes in the amount of the projected 
benefit obligation or plan assets resulting from 
demographic or investment experience different than 
assumed, changes in the discount rate or other 
assumptions.  To the extent an actuarial gain or loss 
exceeds 10% of the greater of the projected benefit 
obligation or the market-related value of plan assets, 
the excess is generally recognized over the future 
service periods of active employees.  Effective June 
30, 2015, benefit accruals under the U.S. pension 
plans were frozen.  Future unrecognized actuarial 
gains and losses for the U.S. plans that exceed a 
threshold amount are amortized over the average 
future life expectancy of plan participants with a 
maximum of 15 years.

Our expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 
is based on anticipated returns for each applicable 
asset class.  Anticipated returns are weighted for the 
expected allocation for each asset class and are based 
on forecasts for prospective returns in the equity and 
fixed income markets, which should track the long-
term historical returns for these markets.  We also 
consider the growth outlook for U.S. and global 
economies, as well as current and prospective interest 
rates.

The market-related value utilized to determine the 
expected return on plan assets is based on the fair 
value of plan assets adjusted for the difference 
between expected returns and actual performance of 
plan assets.  The difference between actual experience 
and expected returns on plan assets is included as an 
adjustment in the market-related value over a five-
year period.

BNY Mellon’s accounting policy regarding pensions 
has been identified as a “critical accounting estimate” 
as it requires management to make numerous 
complex and subjective assumptions relating to 
amounts which are inherently uncertain.  See Note 16 
of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for 
additional disclosures related to pensions.

BNY Mellon 153 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Severance

BNY Mellon provides separation benefits for U.S.-
based employees through The Bank of New York 
Mellon Corporation Supplemental Unemployment 
Benefit Plan.  These benefits are provided to eligible 
employees separated from their jobs for business 
reasons not related to individual performance.  Basic 
separation benefits are generally based on the 
employee’s years of continuous benefited service.  
Severance for employees based outside of the U.S. is 
determined in accordance with local agreements and 
legal requirements.  Severance expense is recorded 
when management commits to an action that will 
result in separation and the amount of the liability can 
be reasonably estimated.

Income taxes

We record current tax liabilities or assets through 
charges or credits to the current tax provision for the 
estimated taxes payable or refundable for the current 
year.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded 
for future tax consequences attributable to differences 
between the financial statement carrying amounts of 
assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.  
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using 
enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income 
in the years in which those temporary differences are 
expected to be recovered or settled.  A deferred tax 
valuation allowance is established if it is more likely 
than not that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets 
will not be realized.  A tax position that fails to meet a 
more-likely-than-not recognition threshold will result 
in either reduction of current or deferred tax assets, 
and/or recording of current or deferred tax liabilities.  
Interest and penalties related to income taxes are 
recorded as income tax expense.  

Derivative financial instruments

Derivative contracts, such as futures contracts, 
forwards, interest rate swaps, foreign currency swaps 
and options and similar products used in trading 
activities are recorded at fair value.  Gains and losses 
are included in foreign exchange and other trading 
revenue.  Unrealized gains are recognized as trading 
assets and unrealized losses are recognized as trading 
liabilities, after taking into consideration master 
netting agreements.

We enter into various derivative financial instruments 
for non-trading purposes primarily as part of our 

 154 BNY Mellon

asset/liability management process.  These 
derivatives are designated as either fair value or cash 
flow hedges of certain assets and liabilities when we 
enter into the derivative contracts.  Gains and losses 
associated with fair value hedges are recorded in 
income as well as any change in the value of the 
related hedged item associated with the designated 
risks being hedged.  Gains and losses on cash flow 
hedges are recorded in OCI, until reclassified into 
earnings in the same period the hedged item impacts 
earnings.  Foreign currency transaction gains and 
losses related to a hedged net investment in a foreign 
operation, net of their tax effect, are recorded with 
cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments 
within OCI.

We formally document all relationships between 
hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as our 
risk-management objectives and strategy for 
undertaking various hedging transactions.

We formally assess, both at the hedge’s inception and 
on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are 
used in hedging transactions are highly effective and 
whether those derivatives are expected to remain 
highly effective in future periods.  At inception, the 
potential causes of ineffectiveness related to each of 
our hedges is assessed to determine if we can expect 
the hedge to be highly effective over the life of the 
transaction and to determine the method for 
evaluating effectiveness on an ongoing basis.

Recognizing that changes in the value of derivatives 
used for hedging or the value of hedged items could 
result in significant ineffectiveness, we have 
processes in place that are designed to identify and 
evaluate such changes when they occur.  Quarterly, 
we perform a quantitative effectiveness assessment 
and record any ineffectiveness in current earnings.

We discontinue hedge accounting prospectively when 
we determine that a derivative is no longer an 
effective hedge or the derivative expires, is sold, or 
management discontinues the derivative’s hedge 
designation.  Subsequent gains and losses on these 
derivatives are included in foreign exchange and 
other trading revenue.  For discontinued fair value 
hedges, the accumulated gain or loss on the hedged 
item is amortized on a yield basis over the remaining 
life of the hedged item.  Accumulated gains and 
losses, net of tax effect, from discontinued cash flow 
hedges are reclassified from OCI and recognized in 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

current earnings in foreign exchange and other 
trading revenue as the hedged item impacts earnings.
The accounting policy for the determination of the 
fair value of derivative financial instruments has been 
identified as a “critical accounting estimate” as it 
requires us to make numerous assumptions based on 
the available market data.  See Note 21 of the Notes 
to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional 
disclosures related to derivative financial instruments.

Statement of cash flows

We have defined cash as cash and due from banks.  
Cash flows from hedging activities are classified in 
the same category as the items hedged.

worth clients, for cash of $38 million, plus contingent 
payments measured at $22 million.  Goodwill related 
to this acquisition totaled $29 million and is included 
in the Investment Management business.  The 
customer relationship intangible assets related to this 
acquisition is included in the Investment Management 
business, with an estimated life of 14 years, and 
totaled $30 million at acquisition.

Acquisition in 2015

On Jan. 2, 2015, BNY Mellon acquired Cutwater 
Asset Management, a U.S.-based, fixed income and 
solutions specialist with approximately $23 billion in 
AUM.

Stock-based compensation

Disposition in 2015

Compensation expense relating to share-based 
payments is recognized in the income statement, on a 
straight-line basis, over the applicable vesting period.

Certain of our stock compensation grants vest when 
the employee retires.  New grants with this feature are 
expensed by the first date the employee is eligible to 
retire. 

On July 31, 2015, BNY Mellon sold Meriten 
Investment Management GmbH, a German-based 
investment management boutique, for $40 million.  
As a result of this sale, we recorded an after-tax loss 
of $12 million.  Goodwill of $22 million and 
customer relationship intangible assets of $9 million 
were removed from the balance sheet as a result of 
this sale.

Note 2 - Acquisitions and dispositions

Acquisitions in 2014

We sometimes structure our acquisitions with both an 
initial payment and later contingent payments tied to 
post-closing revenue or income growth.  Contingent 
payments totaled $4 million in 2016.

At Dec. 31, 2016, we are potentially obligated to pay 
additional consideration which, using reasonable 
assumptions, could range from $0 million to $18 
million over the next three years, but could be higher 
as certain of the arrangements do not contain a 
contractual maximum.  The acquisitions and 
disposition described below did not have a material 
impact on BNY Mellon’s results of operations.

Acquisition in 2016

On April 1, 2016, BNY Mellon acquired the assets of 
Atherton Lane Advisers, LLC, a U.S.-based 
investment manager with approximately $2.45 billion 
in AUM and servicer for approximately 700 high net 

On May 1, 2014, BNY Mellon acquired the 
remaining 65% interest of HedgeMark International, 
LLC for $26 million.  Since 2011, BNY Mellon held 
a 35% ownership stake in HedgeMark.  Goodwill 
related to this acquisition totaled $47 million and is 
included in the Investment Services business.  The 
customer relationship intangible asset related to this 
acquisition is included in our Investment Services 
business and totaled $1 million at acquisition.

Dispositions in 2014

On April 23, 2014, BNY Mellon sold the subsidiary 
that conducted corporate trust business in Mexico that 
was part of our Investment Services business, for $65 
million.  As a result of this sale, we recorded an after-
tax gain of $4 million.  In addition, goodwill of $8 
million and customer relationship intangible assets of 
$1 million were removed from the balance sheet as a 
result of this sale.

BNY Mellon 155 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Note 3 - Securities

Securities at Dec. 31, 2015

(in millions)
Available-for-sale:
U.S. Treasury
U.S. government

agencies

State and political

subdivisions
Agency RMBS
Non-agency RMBS
Other RMBS
Commercial MBS
Agency commercial

MBS
CLOs
Other asset-backed

securities

Foreign covered bonds
Corporate bonds
Sovereign debt/

sovereign guaranteed

Other debt securities
Equity securities
Money market funds
Non-agency RMBS (a)

Amortized
cost

Gross
unrealized

Gains Losses

Fair
value

$

12,693 $ 175 $

36 $

12,832

386

3,968

23,549
782
1,072
1,400

4,031

2,363

2,909

2,125
1,740

13,036

2,732
3
886
1,435

2

91

239
31
10
8

24

1

1

46
26

211

46
1
—
362

1

13

287
20
21
16

35

13

17

3
14

30

3
—
—
8

387

4,046

23,501
793
1,061
1,392

4,020

2,351

2,893

2,168
1,752

13,217

2,775
4
886
1,789

Total securities 
available-for-sale (b) $

75,110 $1,274 $ 517 $

75,867

Held-to-maturity:
U.S. Treasury
U.S. government

agencies

State and political

subdivisions
Agency RMBS
Non-agency RMBS
Other RMBS
Commercial MBS
Agency commercial

MBS

Foreign covered bonds
Sovereign debt/

sovereign guaranteed

Other debt securities

Total securities held-

to-maturity
Total securities

$

11,326 $

25 $

51 $

11,300

1,431

20

26,036
118
224
9

503

76

3,538

31

—

—

134
5
1
—

—

—

22

—

6

1

205
2
10
—

9

—

11

—

1,425

19

25,965
121
215
9

494

76

3,549

31

$

43,312 $ 187 $ 295 $

43,204

$ 118,422 $1,461 $ 812 $ 119,071

(a)  Previously included in the Grantor Trust.  The Grantor Trust 

(b) 

was dissolved in 2011.
Includes gross unrealized gains of $84 million and gross 
unrealized losses of $248 million recorded in accumulated other 
comprehensive income related to investment securities that were 
transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity.  The 
unrealized gains and losses are primarily related to Agency 
RMBS and will be amortized into net interest revenue over the 
contractual lives of the securities.

The following tables present the amortized cost, the 
gross unrealized gains and losses and the fair value of 
securities at Dec. 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, 
respectively.

Securities at Dec. 31, 2016

(in millions)
Available-for-sale:
U.S. Treasury
U.S. government

agencies

State and political

subdivisions
Agency RMBS
Non-agency RMBS
Other RMBS
Commercial MBS
Agency commercial

MBS
CLOs
Other asset-backed

securities

Foreign covered bonds
Corporate bonds
Sovereign debt/

sovereign guaranteed

Other debt securities
Equity securities
Money market funds
Non-agency RMBS (a)

Amortized
cost

Gross
unrealized

Gains Losses

Fair
value

$

14,373 $ 115 $ 181 $

14,307

366

3,392
22,929
620
517
931

6,505
2,593

1,729
2,126
1,391

12,248
1,952
2
842
1,080

2

38
148
31
4
8

28
6

4
24
22

261
19
1
—
286

9

52
341
13
8
11

84
1

6
9
17

20
10
—
—
9

359

3,378
22,736
638
513
928

6,449
2,598

1,727
2,141
1,396

12,489
1,961
3
842
1,357

Total securities 
available-for-sale (b) $

73,596 $ 997 $ 771 $

73,822

Held-to-maturity:
U.S. Treasury
U.S. government

agencies

State and political

subdivisions
Agency RMBS
Non-agency RMBS
Other RMBS
Commercial MBS
Agency commercial

MBS

Foreign covered bonds
Sovereign debt/

sovereign guaranteed

Other debt securities

Total securities held-

to-maturity
Total securities

$

11,117 $

22 $

41 $

11,098

1,589

19
25,221
78
142
7

721
74

1,911
26

—

—
57
4
—
—

1
1

42
—

6

1
299
2
4
—

10
—

—
—

1,583

18
24,979
80
138
7

712
75

1,953
26

40,905 $ 127 $ 363 $

40,669
$
$ 114,501 $1,124 $1,134 $ 114,491

(a)  Previously included in the Grantor Trust.  The Grantor Trust 

(b) 

was dissolved in 2011.
Includes gross unrealized gains of $62 million and gross 
unrealized losses of $190 million recorded in accumulated other 
comprehensive income related to investment securities that were 
transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity.  The 
unrealized gains and losses are primarily related to Agency 
RMBS and will be amortized into net interest revenue over the 
contractual lives of the securities.

 156 BNY Mellon

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Securities at Dec. 31, 2014

(in millions)
Available-for-sale:
U.S. Treasury
U.S. government

agencies

State and political

subdivisions
Agency RMBS
Non-agency RMBS
Other RMBS
Commercial MBS
Agency commercial

MBS
CLOs
Other asset-backed

securities

Foreign covered bonds
Corporate bonds
Sovereign debt/

sovereign guaranteed

Other debt securities

Equity securities
Money market funds
Non-agency RMBS (a)

Amortized
cost

Gross
unrealized

Gains Losses

Fair
value

$

19,592 $ 420 $

15 $

19,997

342

3

2

343

5,176

32,568
942
1,551
1,927

3,105

2,128

3,241

2,788
1,747

17,062

2,162

94
763
1,747

95

357
37
25
39

36

9

5

80
45

224

7

1
—
471

24

325
26
25
7

9

7

6

—
7

2

—

—
—
4

5,247

32,600
953
1,551
1,959

3,132

2,130

3,240

2,868
1,785

17,284

2,169

95
763
2,214

Total securities 
available-for-sale (b) $

96,935 $1,854 $ 459 $

98,330

Held-to-maturity:
U.S. Treasury
U.S. government

agencies

State and political

subdivisions
Agency RMBS
Non-agency RMBS
Other RMBS
Commercial MBS
Sovereign debt/

sovereign guaranteed
Total securities held-

to-maturity
Total securities

$

5,047 $

32 $

16 $

5,063

344

24

14,006
153
315
13

1,031

—

1

200
9
2
—

24

3

1

44
2
8
—

—

341

24

14,162
160
309
13

1,055

$

20,933 $ 268 $

74 $

21,127

$ 117,868 $2,122 $ 533 $ 119,457

(a)   Previously included in the Grantor Trust.  The Grantor Trust 

(b) 

was dissolved in 2011.
Includes gross unrealized gains of $60 million and gross 
unrealized losses of $282 million recorded in accumulated other 
comprehensive income related to investment securities that were 
transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity.  The 
unrealized gains and losses are primarily related to Agency 
RMBS and will be amortized into net interest revenue over the 
contractual lives of the securities.

The following table presents the gross securities 
gains, losses and impairments.

Net securities gains (losses)
(in millions)
Realized gross gains
Realized gross losses
Recognized gross impairments

Total net securities gains

2016

2015

$

$

86 $
(4)
(7)
75 $

90 $
(2)
(5)
83 $

2014
114
(4)
(19)
91

In 2015, Agency MBS, sovereign debt and U.S. 
Treasury securities with an aggregate amortized cost 
of $11.6 billion and fair value of $11.6 billion were 
transferred from available-for-sale securities to held-
to-maturity securities.  Additionally, in 2013, Agency 
RMBS securities with an amortized cost of $7.3 
billion and fair value of $7.0 billion were transferred 
from available-for-sale securities to held-to-maturity 
securities.  These actions, in addition to realizing 
gains on the sales of securities, are expected to mute 
the impact to our accumulated other comprehensive 
income in the event of a rise in interest rates. 

Temporarily impaired securities

At Dec. 31, 2016, the unrealized losses on the 
investment securities portfolio were primarily 
attributable to an increase in interest rates from date 
of purchase, and for certain securities that were 
transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-
maturity, an increase in interest rates through the date 
they were transferred.  Specifically, $190 million of 
the unrealized losses at Dec. 31, 2016 and $248 
million at Dec. 31, 2015 reflected in the available-for-
sale sections of the tables below relate to certain 
securities (primarily Agency RMBS) that were 
transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-
maturity.  The unrealized losses will be amortized 
into net interest revenue over the contractual lives of 
the securities.  The transfer created a new cost basis 
for the securities.  As a result, if these securities have 
experienced unrealized losses since the date of 
transfer, the corresponding fair value and unrealized 
losses would be reflected in the held-to-maturity 
sections of the following tables.  We do not intend to 
sell these securities and it is not more likely than not 
that we will have to sell these securities.

BNY Mellon 157 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

The following tables show the aggregate related fair value of investments with a continuous unrealized loss position 
for less than 12 months and those that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 months or more at 
Dec. 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2015, respectively.

Temporarily impaired securities at Dec. 31, 2016

Less than 12 months

12 months or more

Total

(in millions)
Available-for-sale:

U.S. Treasury
U.S. government agencies
State and political subdivisions
Agency RMBS
Non-agency RMBS
Other RMBS
Commercial MBS
Agency commercial MBS
CLOs
Other asset-backed securities
Corporate bonds
Sovereign debt/sovereign guaranteed
Non-agency RMBS (a)
Other debt securities
Foreign covered bonds

Total securities available-for-sale (b)

Held-to-maturity:
U.S. Treasury
U.S. government agencies
State and political subdivisions
Agency RMBS
Non-agency RMBS
Agency commercial MBS
Other RMBS

$

$

$

Fair
value

Unrealized
losses

Fair
value

Unrealized
losses

Fair
value

Unrealized
losses

$

$

$

8,489 $
257
1,058
14,766
21
26
302
3,570
443
276
594
1,521
25
742
712
32,802 $

181
9
33
141
—
—
7
78
1
1
16
20
—
10
9
506

6,112 $
1,533
—
19,498
4
621
15
27,783 $
60,585 $

41
6
—
297
—
10
—
354
860

— $
—
131
1,673
332
136
163
589
404
357
7
63
47
50
—
3,952 $

— $
—
19
200
13
8
4
6
—
5
1
—
9
—
—
265

$

8,489 $
257
1,189
16,439
353
162
465
4,159
847
633
601
1,584
72
792
712
36,754 $

181
9
52
341
13
8
11
84
1
6
17
20
9
10
9
771

— $
—
4
102
48
—
123
277 $
4,229 $

— $
—
1
2
2
—
4
9
274

$
$

6,112 $
1,533
4
19,600
52
621
138
28,060 $
64,814 $

41
6
1
299
2
10
4
363
1,134

Total securities held-to-maturity
Total temporarily impaired securities

$
$
(a)  Previously included in the Grantor Trust.  The Grantor Trust was dissolved in 2011.
(b)  Gross unrealized losses for 12 months or more of $190 million were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and related to 
investment securities that were transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity.  The unrealized losses are primarily related to 
Agency RMBS and will be amortized into net interest revenue over the contractual lives of the securities.  There were no gross unrealized 
losses for less than 12 months.

$
$

 158 BNY Mellon

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Temporarily impaired securities at Dec. 31, 2015

Less than 12 months

12 months or more

Total

(in millions)
Available-for-sale:

U.S. Treasury
U.S. government agencies
State and political subdivisions
Agency RMBS
Non-agency RMBS
Other RMBS
Commercial MBS
Agency commercial MBS
CLOs
Other asset-backed securities
Corporate bonds
Sovereign debt/sovereign guaranteed
Non-agency RMBS (a)
Other debt securities
Foreign covered bonds

Total securities available-for-sale (b)

Held-to-maturity:
U.S. Treasury
U.S. government agencies
State and political subdivisions
Agency RMBS
Non-agency RMBS
Other RMBS
Agency commercial MBS
Sovereign debt/sovereign guaranteed
Total securities held-to-maturity
Total temporarily impaired securities

Fair
value

Unrealized
losses

Fair
value

Unrealized
losses

Fair
value

Unrealized
losses

$

$

$

$

$

$

6,343 $
148
143
8,500
72
2
567
2,551
1,599
2,001
338
2,063
45
505
515
25,392 $

36
1
2
44
—
—
9
31
10
10
10
30
1
3
3
190

9,121 $
1,122
4
16,491
40
9
494
2,161
29,442 $
54,834 $

51
6
1
171
—
—
9
11
249
439

— $
10
117
1,316
417
298
224
172
455
546
128
43
52
—
—
3,778 $

— $
—
11
243
20
21
7
4
3
7
4
—
7
—
—
327

$

6,343 $
158
260
9,816
489
300
791
2,723
2,054
2,547
466
2,106
97
505
515
29,170 $

36
1
13
287
20
21
16
35
13
17
14
30
8
3
3
517

— $
—
—
1,917
29
166
—
—
2,112 $
5,890 $

— $
—
—
34
2
10
—
—
46
373

$
$

9,121 $
1,122
4
18,408
69
175
494
2,161
31,554 $
60,724 $

51
6
1
205
2
10
9
11
295
812

$
$
(a)  Previously included in the Grantor Trust.  The Grantor Trust was dissolved in 2011.
(b)  Includes gross unrealized losses for less than 12 months of $8 million and gross unrealized losses for 12 months or more of $240 million 
recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income related to investment securities that were transferred from available-for-sale to 
held-to-maturity.  The unrealized losses are primarily related to Agency RMBS and will be amortized into net interest revenue over the 
contractual lives of the securities. 

$
$

The following table shows the maturity distribution by carrying amount and yield (on a tax equivalent basis) of our 
investment securities portfolio at Dec. 31, 2016.

U.S. Treasury

U.S. government
agencies

State and political
subdivisions

Other bonds, notes
and debentures

Amount Yield (a)

Amount Yield (a)

Amount Yield (a)

Amount Yield (a)

Mortgage/
asset-backed and
equity securities
Amount Yield (a)

Total

Maturity distribution and yield
on investment securities at
Dec. 31, 2016

(dollars in millions)
Securities available-for-sale:

One year or less
Over 1 through 5 years
Over 5 through 10 years
Over 10 years
Mortgage-backed securities
Asset-backed securities
Equity securities (b)

Total

Securities held-to-maturity:

$ 2,195
5,472
3,292
3,348
—
—
—
$ 14,307

0.85% $
1.49
1.71
3.11
—
—
—

1.82% $

—
113
246
—
—
—
—
359

—% $

274
1,738
1,147
219
—
—
—
2.01% $ 3,378

1.30
2.34
—
—
—
—

2.71% $ 3,745
11,688
2.92
2,378
3.51
176
1.90
—
—
—
—
—
—
3.04% $ 17,987

One year or less
Over 1 through 5 years
Over 5 through 10 years
Over 10 years
Mortgage-backed securities

350
1,189
50
—
—
1.30% $ 1,589
(a)  Yields are based upon the amortized cost of securities.
(b)  Includes money market funds.

$ 1,327
7,890
1,900
—
—
$ 11,117

0.86% $
1.23
1.91
—
—

Total

0.83% $
1.19
2.02
—
—

1.13% $

—
1
3
15
—
19

—% $

511
847
653
—
—
5.69% $ 2,011

7.03
6.76
5.34
—

0.97% $
1.02
1.13
1.67
—
—
—

—
—
—
—
32,621
4,325
845
1.03% $ 37,791

0.57% $
0.61
0.71
—
—

—
—
—
—
26,169
0.63% $ 26,169

—% $ 6,214
19,011
—
7,063
—
3,743
—
32,621
2.59
4,325
1.95
845
—
2.46% $ 73,822

—% $ 2,188
9,927
—
2,606
—
15
—
26,169
2.73
2.73% $ 40,905

BNY Mellon 159 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Other-than-temporary impairment

We routinely conduct periodic reviews of all 
securities to determine whether OTTI has occurred.  
Such reviews may incorporate the use of economic 
models.  Various inputs to the economic models are 
used to determine if an unrealized loss on securities is 
other-than-temporary.  For example, the most 
significant inputs related to non-agency RMBS are:

•  Default rate - the number of mortgage loans 

expected to go into default over the life of the 
transaction, which is driven by the roll rate of 
loans in each performance bucket that will 
ultimately migrate to default; and

•  Severity - the loss expected to be realized when a 

loan defaults.

To determine if an unrealized loss is other-than-
temporary, we project total estimated defaults of the 
underlying assets (mortgages) and multiply that 
calculated amount by an estimate of realizable value 
upon sale of these assets in the marketplace (severity) 
in order to determine the projected collateral loss.  In 
determining estimated default rate and severity 
assumptions, we review the performance of the 
underlying securities, industry studies, market 
forecasts, as well as our view of the economic 
outlook affecting collateral.  We also evaluate the 
current credit enhancement underlying the bond to 
determine the impact on cash flows.  If we determine 
that a given security will be subject to a write-down 
or loss, we record the expected credit loss as a charge 
to earnings. 

The table below shows the projected weighted-
average default rates and loss severities for the 2007, 
2006 and late 2005 non-agency RMBS and the 
securities previously held in the Grantor Trust that we 
established in connection with the restructuring of our 
investment securities portfolio in 2009, at Dec. 31, 
2016 and Dec. 31, 2015.

Projected weighted-average default rates and loss severities

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Default rate
30%
49%
18%

Severity Default rate
33%
52%
18%

54%
70%
39%

Severity
57%
72%
40%

Alt-A
Subprime
Prime

 160 BNY Mellon

The following table presents pre-tax net securities 
gains by type.

Net securities gains
(in millions)
Agency RMBS
Foreign covered bonds
Non-agency RMBS
U.S. Treasury
Other

Total net securities gains

2016

2015

$

$

22 $
10
8
4
31
75 $

10 $
2
7
45
19
83 $

2014
13
3
17
25
33
91

The following tables reflect investment securities 
credit losses recorded in earnings.  The beginning 
balance represents the credit loss component for 
which OTTI occurred on debt securities in prior 
periods.  The additions represent the first time a debt 
security was credit impaired or when subsequent 
credit impairments have occurred.  The deductions 
represent credit losses on securities that have been 
sold, are required to be sold, or for which it is our 
intention to sell.

Debt securities credit loss roll forward
(in millions)
Beginning balance as of Jan. 1
Add: Initial OTTI credit losses

 Subsequent OTTI credit losses
Less: Realized losses for securities sold
Ending balance as of Dec. 31

2016

91 $
—
7
10
88 $

2015
93
—
5
7
91

$

$

Pledged assets

At Dec. 31, 2016, BNY Mellon had pledged assets of 
$102 billion, including $84 billion pledged as 
collateral for potential borrowings at the Federal 
Reserve Discount Window.  The components of the 
assets pledged at Dec. 31, 2016 included $87 billion 
of securities, $8 billion of loans, $4 billion of interest-
bearing deposits with banks and $3 billion of trading 
assets.

If there has been no borrowing at the Federal Reserve 
Discount Window, the Federal Reserve generally 
allows banks to freely move assets in and out of their 
pledged assets account to sell or repledge the assets 
for other purposes.  BNY Mellon regularly moves 
assets in and out of its pledged assets account at the 
Federal Reserve.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

At Dec. 31, 2015, BNY Mellon had pledged assets of 
$101 billion, including $84 billion pledged as 
collateral for potential borrowing at the Federal 
Reserve Discount Window.  The components of the 
assets pledged at Dec. 31, 2015 included $88 billion 
of securities, $8 billion of loans, $3 billion of trading 
assets and $2 billion of interest-bearing deposits with 
banks.  

At Dec. 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2015, pledged assets 
included $6 billion and $7 billion, respectively, for 
which the recipients were permitted to sell or 
repledge the assets delivered.

We also obtain securities as collateral including 
receipts under resale agreements, securities borrowed, 
derivative contracts and custody agreements on terms 
which permit us to sell or repledge the securities to 
others.  At Dec. 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2015, the 
market value of the securities received that can be 
sold or repledged was $50 billion and $52 billion, 
respectively.  We routinely sell or repledge these 
securities through delivery to third parties.  As of 
Dec. 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2015, the market value of 
securities collateral sold or repledged was $20 billion 
and $17 billion, respectively.

Restricted cash and securities

Cash and securities may also be segregated under 
federal and other regulations or requirements.  At 
Dec. 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2015, cash segregated 
under federal and other regulations or requirements 
was $3 billion and $4 billion, respectively.  Restricted 
cash is included in interest-bearing deposits with 
banks on the consolidated balance sheet.  Securities 
segregated for these purposes were $2 billion at Dec. 
31, 2016 and $1 billion at Dec. 31, 2015.  Restricted 
securities were sourced from securities purchased 
under resale agreements at Dec. 31, 2016 and are 
included in federal funds sold and securities 
purchased under resale agreements on the 
consolidated balance sheet.  Restricted securities are 
included in trading assets on the consolidated balance 
sheet at Dec. 31, 2015. 

Note 4 - Loans and asset quality

Loans

The table below provides the details of our loan 
portfolio and industry concentrations of credit risk at 
Dec. 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2015.

Loans
(in millions)
Domestic:

Financial institutions
Commercial
Wealth management loans and
mortgages
Commercial real estate
Lease financings
Other residential mortgages
Overdrafts
Other
Margin loans

Total domestic

Foreign:

Financial institutions
Commercial
Wealth management loans and
mortgages
Commercial real estate
Lease financings
Other (primarily overdrafts)
Margin loans

Total foreign
Total loans (a)

Dec. 31,

2016

2015

$

6,342 $
2,286

6,640
2,115

15,555
4,639
989
854
1,055
1,202
17,503
50,425

8,347
331

99
15
736
4,418
87
14,033
64,458 $

$

13,247
3,899
1,007
1,055
911
1,137
19,340
49,351

9,259
227

100
46
850
3,637
233
14,352
63,703

(a)  Net of unearned income of $527 million at Dec. 31, 2016 
and $674 million at Dec. 31, 2015 primarily on domestic 
and foreign lease financings.

Our loan portfolio consists of three portfolio 
segments: commercial, lease financings and 
mortgages.  We manage our portfolio at the class 
level which consists of six classes of financing 
receivables: commercial, commercial real estate, 
financial institutions, lease financings, wealth 
management loans and mortgages and other 
residential mortgages.  

The following tables are presented for each class of 
financing receivable, and provide additional 
information about our credit risks and the adequacy 
of our allowance for credit losses.

BNY Mellon 161 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Allowance for credit losses

Transactions in the allowance for credit losses are summarized as follows:

Allowance for credit losses activity for the year ended Dec. 31, 2016

(in millions)

Beginning balance

Charge-offs
Recoveries

Net recoveries

Provision
Ending balance
Allowance for:
Loan losses
Lending-related commitments

Individually evaluated for

impairment:

Loan balance
Allowance for loan losses

Collectively evaluated for

impairment:

Loan balance
Allowance for loan losses

Commercial

Commercial
real estate

Financial
institutions

Lease
financings

Wealth
management
loans and
mortgages

Other
residential
mortgages

All
Other

Foreign

Total

$

$

$

$

$

82 $
—
—
—
—
82 $

25 $
57

— $
—

59 $
—
—
—
14
73 $

52 $
21

— $
—

31 $
—
13
13
(18)
26 $

8 $
18

— $
—

15 $
—
—
—
(2)
13 $

13 $
—

4 $
2

19 $
—
—
—
4
23 $

19 $
4

5 $
3

34 $
(2)
5
3
(9)
28 $

28 $
—

— $
—

—
—
—
—
—
—

—
—

—
—

$

$

$

$

35 $
—
1
1
—
36 $

24 $
12

— $
—

275
(2)
19
17
(11)
281

169
112

9
5

2,286 $
25

4,639 $
52

6,342 $
8

985 $
11

15,550 $
16

854 $ 19,760 (a) $ 14,033 $ 64,449
164

—

24

28

(a) 

Includes $1,055 million of domestic overdrafts, $17,503 million of margin loans and $1,202 million of other loans at Dec. 31, 2016.

Allowance for credit losses activity for the year ended Dec. 31, 2015

(in millions)

Beginning balance

Charge-offs
Recoveries

Net (charge-offs) recoveries

Provision
Ending balance
Allowance for:
Loan losses
Lending-related commitments

Individually evaluated for

impairment:

Loan balance
Allowance for loan losses

Collectively evaluated for

impairment:

Loan balance
Allowance for loan losses

Commercial

Commercial
real estate

Financial
institutions

Lease
financings

Wealth
management
loans and
mortgages

Other
residential
mortgages

All
Other

Foreign

Total

$

$

$

$

$

60 $
—
—
—
22
82 $

24 $
58

— $
—

50 $
—
—
—
9
59 $

37 $
22

31 $

(170)
1
(169)
169

31 $

9 $
22

32 $
—
—
—
(17)
15 $

15 $
—

22 $
—
—
—
(3)
19 $

15 $
4

41 $
(2)
6
4
(11)
34 $

34 $
—

1 $
1

171 $
—

— $
—

8 $
1

— $
—

—
—
—
—
—
—

—
—

—
—

$

$

$

$

44 $
—
—
—
(9)
35 $

23 $
12

— $
—

280
(172)
7
(165)
160
275

157
118

180
2

2,115 $
24

3,496 $
36

6,469 $
9

1,007 $
15

13,239 $
14

1,035 $ 21,388 (a) $ 14,352 $ 63,101
155

34

—

23

(a) 

Includes $911 million of domestic overdrafts, $19,340 million of margin loans and $1,137 million of other loans at Dec. 31, 2015.

 162 BNY Mellon

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Allowance for credit losses activity for the year ended Dec. 31, 2014

(in millions)

Beginning balance

Charge-offs
Recoveries

Net (charge-offs) recoveries

Provision
Ending balance
Allowance for:
Loan losses
Lending-related commitments

Individually evaluated for

impairment:

Loan balance
Allowance for loan losses

Collectively evaluated for

impairment:

Loan balance
Allowance for loan losses

Commercial

Commercial
real estate

Financial
institutions

Lease
financings

Wealth
management
loans and
mortgages

Other
residential
mortgages

All
Other

Foreign

Total

$

$

$

$

$

83 $
(12)
1
(11)
(12)
60 $

17 $
43

— $
—

41 $
(2)
—
(2)
11
50 $

32 $
18

— $
—

49 $
—
1
1
(19)
31 $

17 $
14

— $
—

37 $
—
—
—
(5)
32 $

32 $
—

— $
—

24 $
(1)
—
(1)
(1)
22 $

17 $
5

54 $
(2)
2
—
(13)
41 $

41 $
—

8 $
1

— $
—

—
—
—
—
—
—

—
—

—
—

$

$

$

$

56 $
(3)
—
(3)
(9)
44 $

35 $
9

— $
—

344
(20)
4
(16)
(48)
280

191
89

8
1

1,390 $
17

2,503 $
32

5,603 $
17

1,282 $
32

11,087 $
16

1,222 $ 22,495 (a) $ 13,521 $ 59,103
190

—

41

35

(a) 

Includes $1,348 million of domestic overdrafts, $20,034 million of margin loans and $1,113 million of other loans at Dec. 31, 2014.

Nonperforming assets

loans decreased primarily reflecting the settlement 
agreement in the bankruptcy proceedings of Sentinel. 

The table below presents the distribution of our 
nonperforming assets. 

Lost interest

Nonperforming assets
(in millions)
Nonperforming loans:

Other residential mortgages
Wealth management loans and
mortgages
Lease financings
Commercial real estate
Financial institutions

Total nonperforming loans

Other assets owned

Total nonperforming assets

$

Dec. 31,

2016

2015

The table below presents the amount of lost interest 
income.

$

91 $

8
4
—
—
103
4
107 $

102

11
—
2
171
286
6
292

Lost interest
(in millions)
Amount by which interest income recognized
on nonperforming loans exceeded reversals

Total
Foreign

Amount by which interest income would have
increased if nonperforming loans at year-
end had been performing for the entire year

2016

2015

2014

$ — $ — $

—

—

1
—

Total
Foreign

$

6 $
—

6 $
—

7
—

At Dec. 31, 2016, undrawn commitments to 
borrowers whose loans were classified as nonaccrual 
or reduced rate were not material.  Nonperforming 

BNY Mellon 163 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Impaired loans

The tables below provide information about our impaired loans.  We use the discounted cash flow method as the 
primary method for valuing impaired loans. 

Impaired loans

2016

2015

2014

(in millions)
Impaired loans with an allowance:

Commercial
Commercial real estate
Wealth management loans and mortgages
Lease financings
Foreign

Total impaired loans with an allowance

Impaired loans without an allowance:

Commercial real estate
Financial institutions
Wealth management loans and mortgages

Total impaired loans without an allowance (a)
Total impaired loans

Average
recorded
investment

Interest
income
recognized

Average
recorded
investment

Interest
income
recognized

Average
recorded
investment

Interest
income
recognized

$

$

— $
1
5
3
—
9

1
102
2
105
114 $

— $
—
—
—
—
—

—
—
—
—
— $

— $
1
6
—
—
7

—
—
2
2
9 $

— $
—
—
—
—
—

—
—
—
—
— $

11 $
2
8
—
3
24

1
—
2
3
27 $

—
—
—
—
—
—

—
—
—
—
—

(a)  When the discounted cash flows, collateral value or market price equals or exceeds the carrying value of the loan, then the loan does not require an 

allowance under the accounting standard related to impaired loans.

Impaired loans

(in millions)
Impaired loans with an allowance:

Commercial real estate
Wealth management loans and mortgages
Lease financings

Total impaired loans with an allowance

Impaired loans without an allowance:

Financial institutions
Wealth management loans and mortgages

Total impaired loans without an allowance (b)
Total impaired loans (c)

Dec. 31, 2016
Unpaid
principal
balance

Related
allowance (a)

Dec. 31, 2015
Unpaid
principal
balance

Related
allowance (a)

Recorded
investment

Recorded
investment

$

$

— $
3
4
7

—
2
2
9 $

3 $
3
4
10

—
2
2
12 $

— $
3
2
5

N/A
N/A
N/A
5

$

1 $
6
—
7

171
2
173
180 $

3 $
7
—
10

312
2
314
324 $

1
1
—
2

N/A
N/A
N/A
2

(a)  The allowance for impaired loans is included in the allowance for loan losses.
(b)  When the discounted cash flows, collateral value or market price equals or exceeds the carrying value of the loan, then the loan does not 

require an allowance under the accounting standard related to impaired loans.

(c)  Excludes an aggregate of less than $1 million and $2 million of impaired loans in amounts individually less than $1 million at Dec. 31, 
2016 and Dec. 31, 2015, respectively.  The allowance for loan loss associated with these loans totaled less than $1 million at both Dec. 
31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2015, respectively.

Past due loans

The table below sets forth information about our past due loans. 

Past due loans and still accruing interest

(in millions)
Commercial real estate
Other residential mortgages
Financial institutions
Wealth management loans and mortgages

Total past due loans

Dec. 31, 2016

Days past due

30-59

60-89

>90

$

$

78 $
20
1
21
120 $

— $
6
27
2
35 $

— $
7
—
—
7 $

Total
past due
78
33
28
23
162

Dec. 31, 2015

Days past due

30-59

60-89

>90

$

$

57 $
22
—
69
148 $

11 $
5
—
2
18 $

— $
4
—
1
5 $

Total
past due
68
31
—
72
171  

 164 BNY Mellon

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”)

A modified loan is considered a TDR if the debtor is 
experiencing financial difficulties and the creditor 
grants a concession to the debtor that would not 
otherwise be considered.  A TDR may include a 

transfer of real estate or other assets from the debtor 
to the creditor, or a modification of the term of the 
loan.  Not all modified loans are considered TDRs.

The following table presents TDRs that occurred in 2016 and 2015.

TDRs

2016

Outstanding
recorded investment

2015

Outstanding
recorded investment

(dollars in millions)
Other residential mortgages
Wealth management loans and mortgages

Total TDRs

Number of
contracts
70
2
72

Pre-
modification
14
$
—
14

$

Post-
modification
16
$
—
16

$

Number of
contracts
68
4
72

Pre-
modification
13
$
—
13

$

Post-
modification
16
—
16

$

$

Other residential mortgages

The modifications of the other residential mortgage 
loans in 2016 and 2015 consisted of reducing the 
stated interest rates and, in certain cases, a 
forbearance of default and extending the maturity 
dates.  The modified loans are primarily collateral 
dependent for which the value is based on the fair 
value of the collateral.  

TDRs that subsequently defaulted

There were 34 residential mortgage loans and one 
wealth management loan that had been restructured in 

a TDR during the previous 12 months and have 
subsequently defaulted in 2016.  The total recorded 
investment of these loans was $8 million.

Credit quality indicators

Our credit strategy is to focus on investment grade 
clients that are active users of our non-credit services.  
Each customer is assigned an internal credit rating 
which is mapped to an external rating agency grade 
equivalent, if possible, based upon a number of 
dimensions which are continually evaluated and may 
change over time.

The following tables set forth information about credit quality indicators.

Commercial loan portfolio

Commercial loan portfolio – Credit risk profile
by creditworthiness category

(in millions)
Investment grade
Non-investment grade

Total

Commercial

Commercial real estate

Financial institutions

Dec. 31,
2016
2,397 $
220
2,617 $

Dec. 31,
2015
2,026
316
2,342

$

$

Dec. 31,
2016
3,823 $
831
4,654 $

Dec. 31,
2015
2,678
1,267
3,945

Dec. 31,
2016
11,459 $
3,230
14,689 $

Dec. 31,
2015
13,965
1,934
15,899

$

$

$

$

The commercial loan portfolio is divided into 
investment grade and non-investment grade 
categories based on rating criteria largely consistent 
with those of the public rating agencies.  Each 
customer in the portfolio is assigned an internal credit 
rating.  These internal credit ratings are generally 

consistent with the ratings categories of the public 
rating agencies.  Customers with ratings consistent 
with BBB- (S&P)/Baa3 (Moody’s) or better are 
considered to be investment grade.  Those clients 
with ratings lower than this threshold are considered 
to be non-investment grade.

BNY Mellon 165 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

million at Dec. 31, 2015.  These loans are not 
typically correlated to external ratings.  Included in 
this portfolio at Dec. 31, 2016 are $221 million of 
mortgage loans purchased in 2005, 2006 and the first 
quarter of 2007 that are predominantly prime 
mortgage loans, with a small portion of Alt-A loans.  
As of Dec. 31, 2016, the purchased loans in this 
portfolio had a weighted-average loan-to-value ratio 
of 76% at origination and 14% of the serviced loan 
balance was at least 60 days delinquent.  The 
properties securing the prime and Alt-A mortgage 
loans were located (in order of concentration) in 
California, Florida, Virginia, the tri-state area (New 
York, New Jersey and Connecticut) and Maryland.

Overdrafts

Overdrafts primarily relate to custody and securities 
clearance clients and totaled $5,461 million at Dec. 
31, 2016 and $4,483 million at Dec. 31, 2015.  
Overdrafts occur on a daily basis in the custody and 
securities clearance business and are generally repaid 
within two business days.

Other loans

Other loans primarily include loans to consumers that 
are fully collateralized with equities, mutual funds 
and fixed income securities.

Margin loans

We had $17,590 million of secured margin loans on 
our balance sheet at Dec. 31, 2016 compared with 
$19,573 million at Dec. 31, 2015.  Margin loans are 
collateralized with marketable securities and 
borrowers are required to maintain a daily collateral 
margin in excess of 100% of the value of the loan.  
We have rarely suffered a loss on these types of loans 
and do not allocate any of our allowance for credit 
losses to margin loans.

Reverse repurchase agreements

Reverse repurchase agreements are transactions fully 
collateralized with high-quality liquid securities.  
These transactions carry minimal credit risk and 
therefore are not allocated an allowance for credit 
losses.

Wealth management loans and mortgages

Wealth management loans and mortgages – Credit risk
profile by internally assigned grade

(in millions)
Wealth management loans:

Investment grade
Non-investment grade

Wealth management mortgages

Total

Dec. 31,
2016

Dec. 31,
2015

$

$

7,127 $
260
8,267
15,654 $

6,529
171
6,647
13,347

Wealth management non-mortgage loans are not 
typically rated by external rating agencies.  A 
majority of the wealth management loans are secured 
by the customers’ investment management accounts 
or custody accounts.  Eligible assets pledged for these 
loans are typically investment grade fixed-income 
securities, equities and/or mutual funds.  Internal 
ratings for this portion of the wealth management 
portfolio, therefore, would equate to investment grade 
external ratings.  Wealth management loans are 
provided to select customers based on the pledge of 
other types of assets, including business assets, fixed 
assets or a modest amount of commercial real estate.  
For the loans collateralized by other assets, the credit 
quality of the obligor is carefully analyzed, but we do 
not consider this portfolio of loans to be investment 
grade.

Credit quality indicators for wealth management 
mortgages are not correlated to external ratings.  
Wealth management mortgages are typically loans to 
high net worth individuals, which are secured 
primarily by residential property.  These loans are 
primarily interest-only, adjustable rate mortgages 
with a weighted-average loan-to-value ratio of 61% at 
origination.  In the wealth management portfolio, less 
than 1% of the mortgages were past due at Dec. 31, 
2016.

At Dec. 31, 2016, the wealth management mortgage 
portfolio consisted of the following geographic 
concentrations:  California - 24%; New York - 19%;  
Massachusetts - 12%; Florida - 7%; and other - 38%.

Other residential mortgages

The other residential mortgage portfolio primarily 
consists of 1-4 family residential mortgage loans and 
totaled $854 million at Dec. 31, 2016 and $1,055 

 166 BNY Mellon

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Note 5 - Goodwill and intangible assets

Goodwill

The tables below provide a breakdown of goodwill by business.

Goodwill by business 
(in millions)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014
Acquisition (dispositions)
Foreign currency translation
Other (c)

Balance at Dec. 31, 2015
Acquisitions (dispositions)
Foreign currency translation
Other (c)

Balance at Dec. 31, 2016

(a)(b)

(a)

Investment
Management
9,328
10
(128)
(3)
9,207
29
(238)
2
9,000

$

$

$

$

$

$

Investment

Services (b)
8,471
—
(105)
—
8,366
(2)
(91)
(4)
8,269

$

$

$

Other
70
(22)
(3)
—
45
—
—
2
47

Consolidated
17,869
(12)
(236)
(3)
17,618
27
(329)
—
17,316

$

$

$

(a)  Includes the reclassification of goodwill associated with Meriten from Investment Management to the Other segment in 2015.
(b)  Includes the reclassification of goodwill associated with credit-related activities from the Other segment to Investment Services in 2016.
(c)  Other changes in goodwill include purchase price adjustments and certain other reclassifications.

Total goodwill decreased in 2016 compared with 2015 primarily reflecting the impact of foreign exchange 
translation on non-U.S. dollar denominated goodwill.

Intangible assets

The tables below provide a breakdown of intangible assets by business. 

(a)

Intangible assets – net carrying amount by business
(in millions)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014
Acquisitions (dispositions)
Amortization
Foreign currency translation
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015
Acquisitions (dispositions)
Amortization (b)
Foreign currency translation
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016

$

$

$

Investment
Management
1,911
9
(97)
(16)
1,807
30
(82)
(38)
1,717

$

$

$

Investment
Services
1,355
—
(162)
(7)
1,186
2
(155)
(1)
1,032

(a)

Other
861
(9)
(2)
(1)
849
—
—
—
849

Consolidated
4,127
—
(261)
(24)
3,842
32
(237)
(39)
3,598

$

$

$

$

$

$

(a)  Includes the reclassification of intangible assets associated with Meriten from Investment Management to the Other segment in 2015.
(b)  Includes $6 million of impairment charges related to the write-down of intangible assets in the Investment Management business, to their 

respective fair values.

Intangible assets decreased in 2016 compared with 
2015 primarily reflecting amortization.  Amortization 
of intangible assets was $237 million in 2016, $261 
million in 2015 and $298 million in 2014.  In 2016, 

we recorded $6 million of impairment charges related 
to the write-down of intangible assets in the 
Investment Management business, to their respective 
fair values.  

BNY Mellon 167 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

The table below provides a breakdown of intangible assets by type.

Intangible assets

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

(in millions)
Subject to amortization: (a)

Gross
carrying
amount

Accumulated
amortization

Net
carrying
amount

Remaining
weighted-
average
amortization
period

Gross
carrying
amount

Accumulated
amortization

Net
carrying
amount

Customer relationships—Investment
Management

$

Customer contracts—Investment Services
Other

Total subject to amortization

Not subject to amortization: (b)

Trade name
Customer relationships

1,439 $
2,249
37
3,725

(1,136) $
(1,590)
(33)
(2,759)

1,348
1,284
2,632
6,357 $

N/A
N/A
N/A
(2,759) $

303
659
4
966

1,348
1,284
2,632
3,598

12 years
10 years
2 years
10 years

$

1,593 $
2,260
40
3,893

N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A $

1,358
1,307
2,665
6,558 $

(1,235) $
(1,450)
(31)
(2,716)

N/A
N/A
N/A
(2,716) $

358
810
9
1,177

1,358
1,307
2,665
3,842

Total not subject to amortization
Total intangible assets

$
(a)  Excludes fully amortized intangible assets.
(b)  Intangible assets not subject to amortization have an indefinite life.

Estimated annual amortization expense for current 
intangibles for the next five years is as follows:

loss would be recorded to the extent that the carrying 
amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value.

For the year ended
Dec. 31,
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021

Impairment testing

Estimated amortization expense
(in millions)
208
178
108
98
75

$

BNY Mellon’s three business segments include eight 
reporting units for which goodwill impairment testing 
is performed on an annual basis.  The Investment 
Management segment consists of two reporting units.  
The Investment Services segment consists of five 
reporting units.  One reporting unit is included in the 
Other segment.

The goodwill impairment test is performed in two 
steps.  The first step compares the estimated fair 
value of the reporting unit with the carrying amount, 
including goodwill.  If the estimated fair value of the 
reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill 
of the reporting unit is considered not impaired.  
However, if the carrying amount of the reporting unit 
were to exceed its estimated fair value, a second step 
would be performed that would compare the implied 
fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the 
carrying amount of that goodwill.  An impairment 

 168 BNY Mellon

BNY Mellon conducted an annual goodwill 
impairment test on all eight reporting units in the 
second quarter of 2016.  The estimated fair value of 
the eight reporting units exceeded the carrying value 
and no goodwill impairment was recognized.

Intangible assets not subject to amortization are tested 
for impairment annually or more often if events or 
circumstances indicate they may be impaired.

Note 6 - Other assets 

Other assets
(in millions)
Corporate/bank-owned life insurance
Accounts receivable
Fails to deliver
Software
Renewable energy investments
Income taxes receivable
Equity in a joint venture and other
investments
Tax advantaged low income housing
investments
Prepaid pension assets
Fair value of hedging derivatives
Federal Reserve Bank stock
Prepaid expenses
Seed capital
Due from customers on acceptances
Private equity
Other
Total other assets

Dec. 31,

2016
4,789 $
4,060
1,732
1,451
1,282
1,172

1,063

914
836
784
466
438
395
340
43
1,189
20,954 $

2015
4,704
3,535
1,494
1,355
640
1,554

1,039

918
727
716
453
464
245
258
34
1,490
19,626

$

$

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Certain seed capital and private equity investments 
valued using net asset value per share

In our Investment Management business, we manage 
investment assets, including equities, fixed income, 
money market and alternative investment funds for 
institutions and other investors.  As part of that 
activity, we make seed capital investments in certain 
funds.  BNY Mellon also holds private equity 
investments, specifically in SBICs, which are 

compliant with the Volcker Rule.  Seed capital and 
private equity investments are included in other 
assets. 

The fair value of certain of these investments has 
been estimated using the NAV per share of BNY 
Mellon’s ownership interest in the funds.  The table 
below presents information about BNY Mellon’s 
investments in seed capital and private equity 
investments that have been valued using NAV.

Seed capital and private equity investments valued using NAV

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

(dollar amounts in millions)

Fair
value

Unfunded 
commitments

Seed capital and other funds (a)
Private equity investments 
(SBICs) (b)
Total

$ 171

43
$ 214

$

$

1

46
47

Redemption 
frequency
Daily-
quarterly

Redemption 
notice period

Fair
value

Unfunded
commitments

1-180 days

$ 83

N/A

N/A

34
$ 117

$

$

1

58
59

Redemption 
frequency
Daily-
quarterly

Redemption 
notice period

1-180 days

N/A

N/A

(a)  Other funds include various leveraged loans, structured credit funds and hedge funds.  Redemption notice periods vary by fund.
(b)  Private equity investments primarily include Volcker Rule-compliant investments in SBICs that invest in various sectors of the economy.  
Private equity investments do not have redemption rights.  Distributions from such investments will be received as the underlying 
investments in the private equity investments are liquidated.

Qualified affordable housing project investments

We invest in affordable housing projects primarily to 
satisfy the Company’s requirements under the 
Community Reinvestment Act.  Our total investment 
in qualified affordable housing projects totaled $914 
million at Dec. 31, 2016 and $918 million at Dec. 31, 
2015.  Commitments to fund future investments in 
qualified affordable housing projects totaled $369 
million at Dec. 31, 2016 and $393 million at Dec. 31, 
2015.  A summary of the commitments to fund future 
investments is as follows: 2017—$152 million; 2018
—$119 million; 2019—$81 million; 2020—$2 
million; 2021—$1 million and 2022 and thereafter—
$14 million.

Tax credits and other tax benefits recognized were 
$155 million in 2016, $130 million in 2015 and $128 
million in 2014. 

Amortization expense included in the provision for 
income taxes was $115 million in the 2016, $99 
million in 2015 and $96 million in 2014.

Note 7 - Deposits

Total time deposits in denominations of $100,000 or 
greater was $38.9 billion at Dec. 31, 2016, and $72.2 
billion at Dec. 31, 2015.  At Dec. 31, 2016, the 
scheduled maturities of all time deposits are as 
follows: 2017 – $39.8 billion; 2018 – $3 million; 
2019 – $- million; 2020 – $- million; 2021 – $- 
million; and 2022 and thereafter – $- million.

BNY Mellon 169 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Note 8 - Net interest revenue

Note 9 - Noninterest expense

The following table provides the components of net 
interest revenue presented on the consolidated income 
statement.

The following table provides a breakdown of 
noninterest expense presented on the consolidated 
income statement.

Net interest revenue
(in millions)
Interest revenue
Non-margin loans
Margin loans
Securities:
Taxable
Exempt from federal income
taxes
Total securities
Deposits with banks
Deposits with the Federal
Reserve and other central banks
Federal funds sold and securities
purchased under resale
agreements
Trading assets

Total interest revenue

Interest expense
Deposits in domestic offices
Deposits in foreign offices
Federal funds purchased and
securities sold under repurchase
agreements
Trading liabilities
Other borrowed funds
Commercial paper
Customer payables
Long-term debt

Total interest expense
Net interest revenue
Provision for credit losses

Net interest revenue after
provision for credit losses

2016

2015

2014

$

873 $
265

727 $
207

697
182

1,772

1,813

1,603

70
1,842
104

82
1,895
104

100
1,703
238

198

170

207

233
60
3,575

41
(25)

36
6
8
5
12
354
437
3,138
(11)

147
76
3,326

30
7

(6)
9
9
2
7
242
300
3,026
160

86
121
3,234

29
54

(13)
25
6
2
9
242
354
2,880
(48)

$ 3,149 $ 2,866 $ 2,928

Noninterest expense
(in millions)
Staff
Professional, legal and other

purchased services

Software
Net occupancy
Distribution and servicing
Furniture and equipment
Sub-custodian
Business development
Bank assessment charges
Clearing
Communications
Other
Amortization of intangible

2016

2014
$ 5,733 $ 5,837 $ 5,845

2015

1,185
647
590
405
247
245
245
219
155
87
479

1,230
627
600
381
280
270
267
157
150
103
551

1,339
620
610
428
322
286
268
146
129
119
637

237
45

261
87

298
953

assets
Litigation
Merger and integration and
restructuring charges
(recoveries)
Total noninterest expense $ 10,523 $ 10,799 $ 12,177
(a)  Primarily includes restructuring charges related to the 
Streamlining actions program initiated in 2014 and 
severance.  Streamlining actions included rationalizing our 
staff and simplifying and automating global processes.

(2)

177 (a)

4

Note 10 - Income taxes

The components of the income tax provision are as 
follows:

Provision (benefit) for
income taxes
(in millions)
Current taxes:

Federal
Foreign
State and local

Total current tax expense
Deferred tax expense (benefit):

Federal
Foreign
State and local

Total deferred tax expense

(benefits)

Year ended Dec. 31,
2016

2015

2014

$

823 $
327
153
1,303

551 $ 1,273
337
306
155
109
1,765
966

(75)
(14)
(37)

(126)

114
(1)
(66)

47

(672)
(98)
(83)

(853)
912

Provision for income taxes

$ 1,177 $ 1,013 $

 170 BNY Mellon

 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

The components of income before taxes are as 
follows:

The statutory federal income tax rate is reconciled to 
our effective income tax rate below:

Income before taxes
(in millions)
Domestic
Foreign

Income before taxes

2015

Year ended Dec. 31,
2016

2014
$ 3,147 $ 2,698 $ 2,456
1,107
$ 4,725 $ 4,235 $ 3,563

1,537

1,578

The components of our net deferred tax liability are 
as follows:

Net deferred tax liability
(in millions)
Depreciation and amortization
Lease financings
Pension obligation
Renewable energy investment
Equity investments
Employee benefits
Reserves not deducted for tax
Credit losses on loans
Securities valuation
Other assets
Other liabilities

Net deferred tax liability

Dec. 31,

2016

2015
$ 2,694 $ 2,631
569
155
68
113
(470)
(274)
(102)
156
(109)
42
$ 2,851 $ 2,779

391
184
179
104
(471)
(136)
(100)
(55)
(101)
162

As of Dec. 31, 2016, we have an available German 
net operating loss carryforward of $130 million with 
an indefinite life.  Also, we have a U.S. foreign tax 
credit carryforward of approximately $37 million that 
will begin to expire in 2025.  We believe it is more 
likely than not that we will fully realize our deferred 
tax assets.

As of Dec. 31, 2016, we had approximately $6.0 
billion of earnings attributable to foreign subsidiaries 
that have been permanently reinvested abroad and for 
which no incremental U.S. income tax provision has 
been recorded.  If these earnings were to be 
repatriated, the estimated U.S. tax liability as of Dec. 
31, 2016 would be up to $1.2 billion.  Management 
has no intention of repatriating these earnings to the 
U.S. in the foreseeable future.

Effective tax rate

Federal rate
State and local income taxes, net
of federal income tax benefit
Foreign operations
Tax credits
Tax-exempt income
Leverage lease adjustment
Carryback claim
Nondeductible litigation expense
Other – net

Effective tax rate

Year ended Dec. 31,
2016
2014
2015
35.0% 35.0% 35.0%

0.6
1.6
(5.6)
(6.6)
(2.2)
(1.4)
(1.8)
(2.5)
(0.9)
(1.3)
—
—
—
—
(1.2)
0.1
24.9% 23.9% 25.6%

1.3
(3.0)
(0.8)
(3.3)
(1.1)
(4.7)
2.1
0.1

Unrecognized tax positions
(in millions)
Beginning balance at Jan. 1, –
 gross
Prior period tax positions:

Increases
Decreases

Current period tax positions
Settlements
Statute expiration

Ending balance at Dec. 31, –
 gross

2016

2015

2014

$

649 $

669 $

866

8
(40)
16
(477)
(10)

13
(21)
14
(26)
—

58
(257)
19
(17)
—

$

146 $

649 $

669

Our total tax reserves as of Dec. 31, 2016 were $146 
million compared with $649 million at Dec. 31, 2015.  
If these tax reserves were unnecessary, $146 million 
would affect the effective tax rate in future periods.  
We recognize accrued interest and penalties, if 
applicable, related to income taxes in income tax 
expense.  Included in the balance sheet at Dec. 31, 
2016 is accrued interest, where applicable, of $18 
million.  The additional tax expense related to interest 
for the year ended Dec. 31, 2016 was $2 million, 
compared with $2 million for the year ended Dec. 31, 
2015.

It is reasonably possible the total reserve for uncertain 
tax positions could decrease within the next 12 
months by approximately $13 million as a result of 
adjustments related to tax years that are still subject 
to examination.

Our federal income tax returns are closed to 
examination through 2013.  Our New York State tax 
returns are closed to examination through 2012.  Our 
New York City income tax returns are closed to 
examination through 2010.  Our UK income tax 
returns are closed to examination through 2012.  

BNY Mellon 171 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Note 11 - Long-term debt

Long-term debt
(in millions)
Senior debt:
Fixed rate
Floating rate

Subordinated debt (a)
Junior subordinated debentures (b)

Total

Dec. 31, 2016

Rate

Maturity

Amount

Dec. 31, 2015
Rate

Amount

1.30 - 5.94%
0.80 - 2.05%
3.00 - 7.50%
1.87%

2017 - 2026 $
2018 - 2038
2017 - 2028
2036

$

20,005
2,828
1,383
247
24,463

0.70 - 5.94% $
0.41 - 1.48%
5.45 - 7.50%
6.37%

$

17,724
2,378
1,150
295
21,547

(a)  Fixed rate.
(b)  Floating rate at Dec. 31, 2016 and fixed rate at Dec. 31, 2015.

Total long-term debt that matures during the next five 
years for BNY Mellon is as follows: 2017 – $750 
million, 2018 – $3.6 billion, 2019 – $4.2 billion, 2020 
– $4.0 billion and 2021 – $4.3 billion. 

Trust-preferred securities

Mellon Capital III, a Delaware statutory trust owned 
by BNY Mellon, issued trust preferred securities in 
2006.  At Dec. 31, 2016, the sole assets of Mellon 
Capital III are junior subordinated debentures of BNY 
Mellon with maturities and interest rates that match 
the trust preferred securities.  BNY Mellon's 
obligations provide a full and unconditional guarantee 
of payment of distributions and other amounts due on 
the trust preferred securities.  The guarantee does not 
guarantee payment of distributions or other amounts 
due when Mellon Capital III does not have funds 
available to make such payments. 

In January 2017, we announced that all outstanding 
trust preferred securities issued by Mellon Capital III 
will be redeemed on March 20, 2017.  The 
redemption price for the trust-preferred securities will 
be equal to the par value plus interest accrued up to 
and excluding the redemption date.

Mellon Capital IV, a Delaware statutory trust owned 
by BNY Mellon, issued trust preferred securities in 
June 2007.  The sole assets of Mellon Cap IV 
originally were junior subordinated debentures and a 
stock purchase contract for preferred stock.  Through 
a remarketing in May 2012, the junior subordinated 
debentures issued by BNY Mellon and held by 
Mellon Capital IV were sold to third party investors 
and then exchanged for BNY Mellon's senior notes, 
which were sold in a public offering.  The proceeds of 
the sale of the senior notes were used to fund the 
purchase by Mellon Capital IV of $500 million of 
BNY Mellon’s Series A preferred stock, which was 
issued on June 20, 2012.  At Dec. 31, 2016, the Series 
A preferred stock was the sole asset of Mellon Capital 
IV.  See Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated 
Financial Statements for additional disclosures 
related to preferred stock, including the Series A 
preferred stock.

The following tables set forth a summary of the trust 
preferred securities issued by the Trusts as of Dec. 31, 
2016 and Dec. 31, 2015:

Trust preferred securities at Dec. 31, 2016

(dollar amounts in millions)
MEL Capital III (b)(c)
MEL Capital IV
Total

Trust-preferred 
securities issued 
by the trust
247
$
—
247

Interest
rate
1.87% $
—%

Assets of
the trust
247
500
747

(a) Due date Call date
2016
2036
—
—

Call
price
Par
—

$
(a)  Represents junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures of BNY Mellon in the case of MEL Capital III and BNY Mellon’s Series A 

$

preferred stock in the case of MEL Capital IV.

(b)  Amount was translated from British pound sterling into U.S. dollars on a basis of U.S. $1.23 to £1, the rate of exchange on Dec. 31, 

2016.

(c)  Interest rate changed from fixed rate of 6.37% to floating rate of £ LIBOR plus 134 bps at the first call date.

 172 BNY Mellon

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Trust preferred securities at Dec. 31, 2015

(dollar amounts in millions)
MEL Capital III (b)
MEL Capital IV
Total

Trust-preferred
securities issued
by the trust
296
$
—
296

Interest
rate
6.37% $
—%

Assets of
the trust
295
500
795

(a) Due date Call date
2016
2036
—
—

Call
price
Par
—

$
(a)  Represents junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures of BNY Mellon in the case of MEL Capital III and BNY Mellon’s Series A 

$

preferred stock in the case of MEL Capital IV.

(b)  Amount was translated from British pound sterling into U.S. dollars on a basis of U.S. $1.48 to £1, the rate of exchange on Dec. 31, 

2015.

Note 12 - Securitizations and variable interest 
entities

BNY Mellon has variable interests in VIEs, which 
include investments in retail, institutional and 
alternative investment funds, including CLO 
structures in which we provide asset management 
services, some of which are consolidated.  The 
investment funds are offered to our retail and 
institutional clients to provide them with access to 
investment vehicles with specific investment 
objectives and strategies that address the client’s 
investment needs. 

BNY Mellon earns management fees from these 
funds as well as performance fees in certain funds 
and may also provide start-up capital for its new 
funds.  The funds are primarily financed by our 
customers’ investments in the funds’ equity or debt.  

Additionally, BNY Mellon invests in qualified 
affordable housing and renewable energy projects, 
which are designed to generate a return primarily 
through the realization of tax credits by the Company.  
The projects, which are structured as limited 
partnerships and LLCs, are also VIEs, but are not 
consolidated.  

The VIEs discussed above are included in the scope 
of ASU 2015-02, which was adopted effective Jan. 1, 
2015, and are reviewed for consolidation based on the 
guidance in ASC 810, Consolidation. 

We reconsider and reassess whether or not we are the 
primary beneficiary of a VIE when governing  

documents or contractual arrangements are changed 
which would reallocate the obligation to absorb 
expected losses or receive expected residual returns 
between BNY Mellon and the other investors, when 
BNY Mellon disposes of its variable interests in the 
fund or when additional variable interests are issued 
to other investors and when we acquire additional 
variable interests in the VIE. 

The following tables present the incremental assets 
and liabilities included in BNY Mellon’s consolidated 
financial statements, after applying intercompany 
eliminations, as of Dec. 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2015.  
The net assets of any consolidated VIE are solely 
available to settle the liabilities of the VIE and to 
settle any investors’ ownership liquidation requests, 
including any seed capital invested in the VIE by 
BNY Mellon.

Investments consolidated at Dec. 31, 2016

(in millions)
Available-for-sale

securities
Trading assets
Other assets

Total assets

Trading liabilities
Other liabilities

Total liabilities
Nonredeemable
noncontrolling
interests

$

$
$

$

$

Investment
Management

funds Securitizations

Total
consolidated
investments

$

—
979
252

1,231 (a) $
$

282
33
315 (a) $

400 $
—
—
400 $
— $
363
363 $

400
979
252
1,631
282
396
678

618 (a) $

— $

618  

(a) 

Includes VMEs with assets of $114 million, liabilities of $3 
million and nonredeemable noncontrolling interests of $25 
million.

BNY Mellon 173 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Investments consolidated at Dec. 31, 2015

Note 13 - Shareholders’ equity

Investment
Management

funds Securitizations

Total
consolidated
investments

Common stock

BNY Mellon has 3.5 billion authorized shares of 
common stock with a par value of $0.01 per share.  
At Dec. 31, 2016, 1,047,488,301 shares of common 
stock were outstanding.  

Common stock repurchase program

On March 11, 2015, in connection with the Federal 
Reserve’s non-objection to our 2015 capital plan, the 
board of directors authorized a stock purchase 
program providing for the repurchase of an aggregate 
of $3.1 billion of common stock beginning in the 
second quarter of 2015 and continuing through the 
second quarter of 2016.  On June 29, 2016, in 
connection with the Federal Reserve’s non-objection 
to our 2016 capital plan, BNY Mellon announced a 
new stock purchase program providing for the 
repurchase of an aggregate of $2.14 billion of 
common stock and the repurchase of up to an 
additional $560 million of common stock contingent 
upon the issuance of $750 million of noncumulative 
perpetual preferred stock.  In August 2016, BNY 
Mellon issued $1 billion of noncumulative perpetual 
preferred stock, $750 million of which satisfied the 
contingency for the repurchase of up to $560 million 
additional common stock in 2016.  This new 
repurchase plan totaling $2.7 billion replaces all 
previously authorized share repurchase plans.  The 
2016 capital plan began in the third quarter of 2016 
and continues through the second quarter of 2017.  

Share repurchases may be executed through 
repurchase plans designed to comply with Rule 
10b5-1 and through derivative, accelerated share 
repurchase and other structured transactions.  In 
2016, we repurchased 58.6 million common shares at 
an average price of $40.91 per common share for a 
total of $2.4 billion.  At Dec. 31, 2016, the maximum 
dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased 
under the June 29, 2016 program, including employee 
benefit plan repurchases, totaled $1.4 billion.

(in millions)
Available-for-sale

securities
Trading assets
Other assets

Total assets

Trading liabilities
Other liabilities

Total liabilities
Nonredeemable
noncontrolling
interests

$

$
$

$

$

$

—

1,228
173

1,401 (a) $
$

229
17
246 (a) $

400 $

—
—
400 $
— $

359
359 $

400

1,228
173
1,801
229
376
605

738 (a) $

— $

738

(a)   Includes VMEs with assets of $190 million, liabilities of $1 

million and nonredeemable noncontrolling interests of $5 
million.

BNY Mellon has not provided financial or other 
support that was not otherwise contractually required 
to be provided to our VIEs.  Additionally, creditors of 
any consolidated VIEs do not have any recourse to 
the general credit of BNY Mellon. 

Non-consolidated VIEs

As of Dec. 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2015, the following 
assets and liabilities related to the VIEs where BNY 
Mellon is not the primary beneficiary are included in 
our consolidated financial statements. 

Non-consolidated VIEs at Dec. 31, 2016

(in millions)
Other

Assets
2,442 $

$

Liabilities

Maximum
loss exposure
2,811

369 $

Non-consolidated VIEs at Dec. 31, 2015

Maximum
Assets
(in millions)
loss exposure
Other (a)
2,147
1,754 $
(a)  The presentation of non-consolidated VIEs was adjusted to 
place them on a basis comparable with the current period.

Liabilities

393 $

$

The maximum loss exposure indicated in the above 
tables relates solely to BNY Mellon’s investments in, 
and unfunded commitments to, the VIEs. 

 174 BNY Mellon

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Preferred stock

BNY Mellon has 100 million authorized shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.01.  The following table 
summarizes BNY Mellon’s preferred stock issued and outstanding at Dec. 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2015.

Preferred stock summary

(dollars in millions, unless 
otherwise noted)
Series A

Noncumulative
Perpetual Preferred
Stock
Noncumulative
Perpetual Preferred
Stock
Noncumulative
Perpetual Preferred
Stock

Noncumulative
Perpetual Preferred
Stock

Noncumulative
Perpetual Preferred
Stock

Series C

Series D

Series E

Series F

Total

Liquidation
preference
per share
(in dollars)

$

100,000

Total shares issued
and outstanding
Dec. 31,
2016
5,001

Dec. 31,
2015
5,001

Carrying value (a)
Dec. 31,
2016
500 $

Dec. 31,
2015
500

$

Per annum dividend rate

Greater of (i) three-month LIBOR
plus 0.565% for the related
distribution period; or (ii) 4.000%

5.2% $

100,000

5,825

5,825

100,000

5,000

5,000

568

494

568

494

4.50% commencing Dec. 20, 2013 to
but excluding June 20, 2023, then a
floating rate equal to the three-month
LIBOR plus 2.46%
4.95% commencing Dec. 20, 2015 to
and including June 20, 2020, then a
floating rate equal to the three-month
LIBOR plus 3.42%
4.625% commencing March 20, 2017
to and including Sept. 20, 2026, then a
floating rate equal to the three-month
LIBOR plus 3.131%

$

$

$

100,000

10,000

10,000

990

990

100,000

10,000

—

990

—

35,826

25,826

$

3,542 $

2,552

(a)  The carrying value of the Series C, Series D, Series E and Series F preferred stock is recorded net of issuance costs.

Holders of both the Series A and Series C preferred 
stock are entitled to receive dividends on each 
dividend payment date (March 20, June 20, 
September 20 and December 20 of each year), if 
declared by BNY Mellon’s Board of Directors.  
Holders of the Series D preferred stock are entitled to 
receive dividends, if declared by BNY Mellon’s 
Board of Directors, on each June 20 and December 
20, to but excluding June 20, 2023; and on each 
March 20, June 20, September 20 and December 20, 
from and including June 20, 2023.  Holders of the 
Series E preferred stock are entitled to receive 
dividends, if declared by BNY Mellon’s Board of 
Directors, on each June 20 and December 20, to and 
including June 20, 2020; and on each March 20, June 
20, September 20 and December 20, from and 
including September 20, 2020.  Holders of the Series 
F preferred stock are entitled to receive dividends, if 
declared by BNY Mellon’s Board of Directors, on 
each March 20 and September 20, commencing 
March 20, 2017, to and including Sept. 20, 2026; and 
on each March 20, June 20, September 20 and 
December 20, commencing Dec. 20, 2026.  BNY 
Mellon’s ability to declare or pay dividends on, or 
purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, shares of our 
common stock or any of our shares that rank junior to 
the preferred stock as to the payment of dividends 

and/or the distribution of any assets on any 
liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of BNY 
Mellon will be prohibited, subject to certain 
restrictions, in the event that we do not declare and 
pay in full preferred dividends for the then current 
dividend period of the Series A preferred stock or the 
last preceding dividend period of the Series C, Series 
D, Series E and Series F preferred stock.

All of the outstanding shares of the Series A preferred 
stock are owned by Mellon Capital IV, which will 
pass through any dividend on the Series A preferred 
stock to the holders of its Normal Preferred Capital 
Securities.  All of the outstanding shares of the Series 
C, Series D, Series E and Series F preferred stock are 
held by the depositary of the depositary shares, which 
will pass through the applicable portion of any 
dividend on the Series C, Series D, Series E and 
Series F preferred stock to the holders of record of 
their respective depositary shares.  

On Dec. 20, 2016, The Bank of New York Mellon 
Corporation paid the following dividends for the 
noncumulative perpetual preferred stock for the 
dividend period ending in December 2016 to holders 
of record as of the close of business on Dec. 5, 2016:

BNY Mellon 175 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

• 

• 

• 

• 

$1,011.11 per share on the Series A Preferred 
Stock (equivalent to $10.1111 per Normal 
Preferred Capital Security of Mellon Capital IV, 
each representing a 1/100th interest in a share of 
the Series A Preferred Stock);

$1,300.00 per share on the Series C Preferred 
Stock (equivalent to $0.3250 per depositary 
share, each representing a 1/4,000th interest in a 
share of the Series C Preferred Stock);

$2,250.00 per share on the Series D Preferred 
Stock (equivalent to $22.5000 per depositary 
share, each representing a 1/100th interest in a 
share of the Series D Preferred Stock); and

$2,475.00 per share on the Series E Preferred 
Stock (equivalent to $24.7500 per depositary 
share, each representing a 1/100th interest in a 
share of the Series E Preferred Stock).

The preferred stock is not subject to the operation of a 
sinking fund and is not convertible into, or 
exchangeable for, shares of our common stock or any 
other class or series of our other securities.  We may 
redeem the Series A preferred stock, in whole or in 
part, at our option.  We may also, at our option, 
redeem the shares of the Series C preferred stock, in 
whole or in part, on or after the dividend payment 
date in September 2017, the Series D preferred stock, 
in whole or in part, on or after the dividend payment 
date in June 2023, the Series E preferred stock, in 
whole or in part, on or after the dividend payment 
date in June 2020, and the Series F preferred stock, in 
whole or in part, on or after the dividend payment 
date in September 2026.  The Series C, Series D, 
Series E or Series F preferred stock can be redeemed, 
in whole but not in part, at any time within 90 days 
following a regulatory capital treatment event (as 
defined in each of the Series C, Series D, Series E 
and Series F’s Certificates of Designation).  
Redemption of the preferred stock is subject to the 
prior approval of the Federal Reserve.

Terms of the Series A, Series C, Series D, Series E 
and Series F preferred stock are more fully described 
in each of their Certificate of Designations, each of 
which is filed as an Exhibit to BNY Mellon’s Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 
2016.

Temporary equity

Temporary equity was $151 million at Dec. 31, 2016 
and $200 million at Dec. 31, 2015.  Temporary equity 
represents amounts recorded for redeemable 
noncontrolling interests resulting from equity-
classified share-based payment arrangements that are 
currently redeemable or are expected to become 
redeemable. The current redemption value of such 
awards is classified as temporary equity and is 
adjusted to its redemption value at each balance sheet 
date.

Capital adequacy

Regulators establish certain levels of capital for bank 
holding companies and banks, including BNY Mellon 
and our bank subsidiaries, in accordance with 
established quantitative measurements.  For the 
Parent to maintain its status as a financial holding 
company, our bank subsidiaries and BNY Mellon 
must, among other things, qualify as “well 
capitalized.” 

As of Dec. 31, 2016, BNY Mellon and our U.S. bank 
subsidiaries were “well capitalized.”  As of Dec. 31, 
2015, BNY Mellon and our U.S. bank subsidiaries, 
with the exception of BNY Mellon, N.A., were “well 
capitalized.”  As of Dec. 31, 2015, BNY Mellon, N.A. 
was not “well capitalized” because its Total capital 
ratio was 9.89%, which was below the 10% “well 
capitalized” threshold.  With the filing of its March 
31, 2016 Call Report, BNY Mellon, N.A.’s Total 
capital ratio was 10.94%, which is above the 10% 
“well capitalized” threshold. 

 176 BNY Mellon

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Our consolidated and largest bank subsidiary, The 
Bank of New York Mellon, regulatory capital ratios 
are shown below.

Consolidated and largest bank 
subsidiary regulatory capital ratios (a)
Consolidated regulatory capital
  ratios:
CET1
Tier 1 capital ratio
Total (Tier 1 plus Tier 2) capital ratio
Leverage capital ratio

Dec. 31,

2016

2015

10.6% 10.8%
12.6
12.3%
13.0
12.5
6.6
6.0

13.6% 11.8%
13.9
14.2
7.2

The Bank of New York Mellon
regulatory capital ratios:
CET1
Tier 1 capital ratio
Total (Tier 1 plus Tier 2) capital ratio
Leverage capital ratio

12.3
12.5
5.9
(a)  For the CET1, Tier 1 and Total capital ratios, our effective 
capital ratios under U.S. capital rules are the lower of the 
ratios as calculated under the Standardized and Advanced 
Approaches.  The leverage capital ratio is based on Tier 1 
capital, as phased-in and quarterly average total assets.  
For BNY Mellon to qualify as “well capitalized,” its Tier 1 
and Total (Tier 1 plus Tier 2) capital ratios must be at least 
6% and 10%, respectively.  For The Bank of New York 
Mellon, our largest bank subsidiary, to qualify as “well 
capitalized,” its CET1, Tier 1, Total and leverage capital 
ratios must be at least 6.5%, 8%, 10% and 5%, respectively. 

Failure to satisfy regulatory standards, including 
“well capitalized” status or capital adequacy rules 
more generally, could result in limitations on our 
activities and adversely affect our financial condition.
If a bank holding company such as BNY Mellon or 
bank such as The Bank of New York Mellon or BNY 
Mellon, N.A. fails to qualify as “adequately 
capitalized,” regulatory sanctions and limitations are 
imposed.  

The following table presents the components of our 
transitional CET1, Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital, the risk-
weighted assets determined under the Standardized 
and Advanced Approaches and the average assets 
used for leverage capital purposes.

Components of transitional capital (a)
(in millions)
CET1:

Dec. 31,

2016

2015

Common shareholders’ equity
Goodwill and intangible assets
Net pension fund assets
Equity method investments
Deferred tax assets
Other

Total CET1

Other Tier 1 capital:

Preferred stock
Trust preferred securities
Disallowed deferred tax assets
Net pension fund assets
Other

Total Tier 1 capital

Tier 2 capital:

Trust preferred securities
Subordinated debt
Allowance for credit losses
Other

Total Tier 2 capital - Standardized
Approach

Excess of expected credit losses
Less: Allowance for credit losses
Total Tier 2 capital - Advanced
Approach

Total capital:

Standardized Approach
Advanced Approach

Risk-weighted assets:

Standardized Approach
Advanced Approach:

Credit Risk
Market Risk
Operational Risk

Total Advanced Approach

$ 35,794 $ 36,067
(17,295)
(46)
(296)
(8)
(5)
18,417

(17,314)
(55)
(313)
(19)
—
18,093

3,542
—
(13)
(36)
(121)

2,552
74
(12)
(70)
(25)
$ 21,465 $ 20,936

$

148 $
550
281
(12)

967
50
281

$

736 $

222
149
275
(12)

634
37
275

396

$ 22,432 $ 21,570
$ 22,201 $ 21,332

$ 147,671 $ 159,893

$ 97,659 $ 106,974
2,148
61,262
$ 170,495 $ 170,384

2,836
70,000

Average assets for leverage capital
purposes

$ 326,809 $ 351,435

(a)  Reflects transitional adjustments to CET1, Tier 1 capital and 
Tier 2 capital required in 2016 and 2015 under the U.S. 
capital rules.

BNY Mellon 177 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

The following table presents the amount of capital by 
which BNY Mellon and our largest bank subsidiary, 
The Bank of New York Mellon, exceeded the capital 
thresholds determined under the transitional rules.

Capital above thresholds at Dec. 31, 2016 

The Bank of
New York

Mellon (b)

Consolidated
$

(in millions)
9,644
CET1
8,091
Tier 1 capital
5,747
Total capital
5,824
Leverage capital
(a)  Based on minimum required standards, with applicable 

8,716 (a) $
9,530 (a) $
5,152 (b)
8,393 (a)

buffers.

(b)  Based on well capitalized standards.

Note 14 - Other comprehensive income (loss)

Components of other comprehensive

income (loss)

Dec. 31, 2016

Year ended
Dec. 31, 2015

(in millions)

Foreign currency translation:

Foreign currency translation adjustments arising 

during the period (a)
Total foreign currency translation

Unrealized gain (loss) on assets available-for-sale:

Unrealized gain (loss) arising during period
Reclassification adjustment (b)

Net unrealized gain (loss) on assets available-

for-sale

Defined benefit plans:

Prior service cost arising during the period
Net gain (loss) arising during the period
Foreign exchange adjustment
Amortization of prior service credit, net loss and 

initial obligation included in net periodic 
benefit cost (b)
Total defined benefit plans

Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges:

Unrealized hedge gain (loss) arising during

period

Reclassification adjustment (b)

Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges
Total other comprehensive income (loss)

Pre-tax
amount

Tax
(expense)
benefit

After-
tax
amount

Pre-tax
amount

Tax
(expense)
benefit

After-tax
amount

Pre-tax
amount

Dec. 31, 2014

Tax
(expense)
benefit

After-tax
amount

$

(518) $

(332) $

(850) $

(518) $

(81) $

(599) $

(715) $

(518)

(332)

(850)

(518)

(81)

(599)

(715)

(388)
(75)

(463)

—
(151)
(1)

88

(64)

(52)

45
(7)

$ (1,052) $

146
26

172

—
43
1

(31)

13

(242)
(49)

(535)
(83)

(291)

(618)

—
(108)
—

57

(51)

—
(105)
—

104

(1)

18

(34)

—

(15)
3

30
(4)
(144) $ (1,196) $ (1,126) $

11
11

172
31

203

—
40
—

(35)

5

—

(3)
(3)

(363)
(52)

(415)

—
(65)
—

69

4

—

8
8

124 $ (1,002) $

582
(91)

491

3
(766)
(2)

127

(638)

(91) $

(91)

(806)

(806)

(169)
33

413
(58)

(136)

355

(1)
287
1

(50)

237

2
(479)
(1)

77

(401)

10

(25)
(15)
(867)

23

(41)
(18)
(880) $

(13)

16
3
13 $

Includes the impact of hedges of net investments in foreign subsidiaries.  See Note 21 for additional information.

(a) 
(b)  The reclassification adjustment related to the unrealized gain (loss) on assets available-for-sale is recorded as net securities gains on the Consolidated 

Income Statement.  The amortization of prior service credit, net loss and initial obligation included in net periodic benefit cost is recorded as staff expense 
on the Consolidated Income Statement.  See Note 21 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the location of the reclassification adjustment 
related to cash flow hedges on the Consolidated Income Statement.

 178 BNY Mellon

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation shareholders

ASC 820 Adjustments

(in millions)

2013 ending balance
Change in 2014

2014 ending balance

Change in 2015

2015 ending balance

Change in 2016

2016 ending balance

Foreign
currency
translation

$

$

$

$

(388)
(681)
(1,069)
(563)
(1,632)
(819)
(2,451)

Pensions

(840)
(396)
(1,236)
(14)
(1,250)
(56)
(1,306)

$

$

$

$

Other post-
retirement
benefits

Unrealized gain
(loss) on assets
available-for-
sale

Unrealized
gain (loss) on
cash flow
hedges

Total accumulated
other comprehensive
income (loss), 
net of tax

$

$

$

$

(60)
(5)
(65)
18
(47)
5
(42)

$

$

$

$

387
355
742
(415)
327
(291)
36

$

$

$

$

9
(15)
(6)
8
2
(4)
(2)

$

$

$

$

(892)
(742)
(1,634)
(966)
(2,600)
(1,165)
(3,765)

Note 15 - Stock-based compensation

Stock options

Our Long-Term Incentive Plans provide for the 
issuance of stock options, restricted stock, restricted 
stock units (“RSUs”) and other stock-based awards to 
employees and directors of BNY Mellon.  At Dec. 31, 
2016, under the Long-Term Incentive Plan approved 
in April 2014, we may issue 34,283,413 new stock-
based awards.  Of this amount, 19,569,848 shares 
(subject to potential increase as provided in the Long-
Term Incentive Plan) may be issued as restricted 
stock or RSUs.  Stock-based compensation expense 
related to retirement eligibility vesting totaled $106 
million in 2016, $97 million in 2015 and $88 million 
in 2014.

Our Long-Term Incentive Plans provide for the 
issuance of stock options at fair market value at the 
date of grant to officers and employees of BNY 
Mellon.  Generally, each option granted is exercisable 
between one and 10 years from the date of grant.  No 
stock options were granted in 2016, 2015 and 2014.

The compensation cost that has been charged against 
income was $2 million for 2016, $10 million for 2015 
and $28 million for 2014 (including $1 million 
recorded in restructuring expense).  The total income 
tax benefit recognized in the income statement was 
$1 million for 2016, $4 million for 2015 and $11 
million for 2014.

A summary of the status of our options as of Dec. 31, 2016, and changes during the year, is presented below:

Stock option activity

Balance at Dec. 31, 2015
Granted
Exercised
Canceled/Expired
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016
Vested and expected to vest at Dec. 31, 2016
Exercisable at Dec. 31, 2016

Stock options outstanding at Dec. 31, 2016

Shares subject
to option
35,735,264 $

—
(12,746,946)
(1,746,750)
21,241,568 $
21,241,568
21,241,568

Weighted-average
exercise price
33.57
—
34.17
41.38
32.57
32.57
32.57

Weighted-average 
remaining contractual 
term (in years)
3.4

2.8
2.8
2.8  

Options outstanding
Weighted-average 
remaining contractual 
life (in years)
3.9
0.3
1.0
2.8
(a)  At Dec. 31, 2015 and 2014, 33,703,283 and 42,137,574 options were exercisable at an average price per common share of $34.27 and 

Range of exercise prices
$ 18 to 31
$ 31 to 41
$ 41 to 51
$ 18 to 51

Weighted-average
exercise price
25.91
40.29
44.63
32.57

Weighted-average
exercise price
25.91
40.29
44.63
32.57

Outstanding
13,318,863
1,587,665
6,335,040
21,241,568

Exercisable
13,318,863
1,587,665
6,335,040
21,241,568

Options exercisable (a)

$

$

$

$

$34.38, respectively.

BNY Mellon 179 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Aggregate intrinsic value of options
(in millions)
Outstanding at Dec. 31,
Exercisable at Dec. 31,

$
$

2016
315 $
315 $

2015
306 $
267 $

2014
409
307

The total intrinsic value of options exercised was 
$122 million in 2016, $130 million in 2015 and $118 
million in 2014.

Cash received from option exercises totaled $438 
million in 2016, $326 million in 2015 and $370 
million in 2014.  The actual tax benefit realized for 
the tax deductions from options exercised totaled $3 
million in 2016, $21 million in 2015 and $17 million 
in 2014.

Restricted stock and RSUs

Restricted stock and RSUs are granted under our 
long-term incentive plans at no cost to the recipient.  
These awards are subject to forfeiture until certain 
restrictions have lapsed, including continued 
employment, for a specified period.  The recipient of 
a share of restricted stock is entitled to voting rights 
and generally is entitled to dividends on the common 
stock.  An RSU entitles the recipient to receive a 
share of common stock after the applicable 
restrictions lapse.  The recipient generally is entitled 
to receive cash payments equivalent to any dividends 
paid on the underlying common stock during the 
period the RSU is outstanding but does not receive 
voting rights.

The fair value of restricted stock and RSUs is equal to 
the fair market value of our common stock on the 
date of grant.  The expense is recognized over the 
vesting period, which is zero to four years.  The total 
compensation expense recognized for restricted stock 
and RSUs was $256 million in 2016, $235 million in 
2015 and $243 million in 2014 (including $13 million 
recorded in restructuring expense).  The total income 
tax benefit recognized in the income statement was 
$91 million for 2016, $83 million for 2015 and $94 
million for 2014.

BNY Mellon’s Executive Committee members were 
granted a target award of 548,391 performance units 
(“PSUs”) in 2016 and 630,100 in 2015 that cliff vest 
in three years based on operating earnings per share 
with the potential of a risk modifier based on 
appropriate growth in risk-weighted assets.  These 
awards are marked-to-market as the earnout 

 180 BNY Mellon

percentages are determined at the discretion of the 
Human Resources Compensation Committee based 
on a payout table.

BNY Mellon’s Executive Committee members were 
granted a target award of 719,947 PSUs in 2014 and 
942,428 in 2013 that are earned annually based on an 
earnout percentage calculated using a metric of net 
income divided by RWA.  The awards earned in each 
of the three performance periods vest at the end of the 
third performance period.  Certain of the awards are 
granted to Material Risk Takers, as defined under the 
European Banking Authority, and are required to be 
marked to market due to discretionary claw-back 
language contained in their grants.

The following table summarizes our nonvested PSU, 
restricted stock and RSU activity for 2016. 

Nonvested PSU, restricted stock
and RSU activity

Nonvested PSUs, restricted stock and
RSUs at Dec. 31, 2015
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Nonvested PSUs, restricted stock
and RSUs at Dec. 31, 2016

Number of
shares

Weighted-
average
fair value

16,983,971 $
8,331,206
(6,808,038)
(511,624)

34.07
35.10
32.10
34.63

17,995,515 $

35.98

As of Dec. 31, 2016, $194 million of total 
unrecognized compensation costs related to 
nonvested PSUs, restricted stock and RSUs is 
expected to be recognized over a weighted-average 
period of 1.6 years.

The total fair value of restricted stock and RSUs that 
vested was $236 million in 2016, $429 million in 
2015 and $229 million in 2014.

Subsidiary Long-Term Incentive Plans

BNY Mellon also has several subsidiary Long-Term 
Incentive Plans which have issued restricted 
subsidiary shares to certain employees.  These share 
awards are subject to forfeiture until certain 
restrictions have lapsed, including continued 
employment for a specified period of time.  The 
shares are non-voting and non-dividend paying.  
Once the restrictions lapse, which generally occurs in 
three to five years, the shares can only be sold, at the 
option of the employee, to BNY Mellon at a price 
based generally on the fair value of the subsidiary at 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

the time of repurchase.  In certain instances BNY 
Mellon has an election to call the shares. 

Note 16 - Employee benefit plans

BNY Mellon has defined benefit and/or defined 
contribution retirement plans covering substantially 
all full-time and eligible part-time employees and 

Pension and post-retirement healthcare plans

other post-retirement plans providing healthcare 
benefits for certain retired employees.  Effective June 
30, 2015, the benefit accruals under the U.S. qualified 
and nonqualified defined benefit plans were frozen. 
This change resulted in no additional benefits being 
earned by participants in those plans based on  
service or pay after June 30, 2015.  

The following tables report the combined data for our domestic and foreign defined benefit pension and post-
retirement healthcare plans.

(dollar amounts in millions)
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit
obligations

Discount rate
Rate of compensation increase
Change in benefit obligation (a)
Benefit obligation at beginning of period
Service cost
Interest cost
Employee contributions
Amendments
Actuarial (loss) gain
Divestitures
Curtailments
Special termination benefits
Benefits paid
Foreign exchange adjustment

Benefit obligation at end of period
Change in fair value of plan assets
Fair value at beginning of period
Actual return on plan assets
Employer contributions
Employee contributions
Acquisitions
Benefit payments
Foreign exchange adjustment
Fair value at end of period
Funded status at end of period

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive
(income) loss consist of:

Net loss (gain)
Prior service cost (credit)

Pension Benefits

Healthcare Benefits

Domestic
2016

Foreign

2015

2016

2015

Domestic
2016

Foreign

2015

2016

2015

4.35%
N/A

4.48%
N/A

2.53%
3.60

3.45%
3.51

4.35%
3.00

4.48%
3.00

2.60%
N/A

3.60%
N/A

$ (4,177)
—
(182)
—
—
(106)
—
—
—
191
N/A
(4,274)

$ (4,460)
(30)
(170)
—
—
178
—
94
—
211
N/A
(4,177)

4,689
387
21
—
—
(191)
N/A

4,942
(61)
19
—
—
(211)
N/A

4,906
632

$

4,689
512

$

$ (1,147)
(29)
(36)
(1)
—
(221)
—
—
—
23
163
(1,248)

1,014
162
87
1
—
(23)
(151)
1,090
$ (158)

$ 1,656
—
$ 1,656

$ 1,678
—
$ 1,678

$

461
—
461

$ (1,177)
(32)
(38)
(1)
—
(1)
12
—
—
17
73
(1,147)

$ (184)
(1)
(8)
—
—
9
—
—
—
15
N/A
(169)

997
40
51
1
1
(17)
(59)
1,014
(133)

368
1
369

$

$

$

$

92
5
15
—
—
(15)
N/A
97
(72)

96
(59)
37

$

$

$

(210)
(1)
(8)
—
—
17
—
—
—
18
N/A
(184)

93
(1)
18
—
—
(18)
N/A
92
(92)

111
(69)
42

$

$

$

$

$

$

(4)
—
—
—
—
1
—
—
—
—
1
(2)

—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(2)

(2)
—
(2)

(8)
—
—
—
—
1
2
—
—
—
1
(4)

—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(4)

(1)
—
(1)

Total (before tax effects)

$
(a)  The benefit obligation for pension benefits is the projected benefit obligation and for healthcare benefits, it is the accumulated benefit obligation.

$

$

$

$

$

BNY Mellon 181 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Net periodic benefit cost (credit)

Pension Benefits

Healthcare Benefits

(dollar amounts in millions)
Weighted-average assumptions as
of Jan. 1:

Market-related value of plan assets
Discount rate
Expected rate of return on plan assets
Rate of compensation increase
Components of net periodic benefit
cost (credit):

Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on assets
Amortization of:

Prior service (credit) cost
Net actuarial loss

Settlement loss
Curtailment (gain)
Special termination benefit charge
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)

$

Domestic

2016

2015 (a)

2014

2016

Foreign
2015

2014

2016

Domestic
2015

2014

2016

Foreign
2015

2014

$ 4,830

$ 4,696

4.48% 4.13%
7.00

7.25
3.00

N/A

$ 4,430

$ 994

$ 959

$ 898

N/A
4.99% 3.45% 3.33% 4.29% 4.48% 4.13% 4.99% 3.60% 3.10% 4.21%
N/A
7.25
N/A
3.00

7.25
3.00

5.35
3.51

6.26
3.71

7.25
3.00

7.00
3.00

5.25
3.29

N/A
N/A

N/A
N/A

$ 86

$ 92

N/A

$ 97

N/A

$ — $
182
(330)

30
170
(333)

$

58
180
(315)

$ 29
36
(51)

$ 32
38
(51)

$ 33
43
(58)

$

1
8
(7)

$

$

1
8
(6)

—
69
2
—
—
(77)

(1)
111
1
(30)
—
(52)

$

(15)
125
—
—
1
34

$

1
17
1
—
—
$ 33

—
23
—
—
—
$ 42

1
15
—
—
—
$ 34

(10)
8
—
—
—
$ — $

(10)
10
—
—
—
3

$

1
11
(6)

(10)
11
—
—
—
7

$ — $ — $ —
—
—

—
—

—
—

—
—
—
—
—

—
—
—
—
—
$ — $ — $ —

—
—
—
—
—

(a)  As a result of the amendment to the U.S. pension plans, liabilities were re-measured as of Jan. 29, 2015 at a discount rate of 3.73% and the market-

related value of plan assets was $4,713 million at Jan. 29, 2015.

Changes in other comprehensive (income) loss in 2016
(in millions)
Net loss (gain) arising during period
Recognition of prior years’ net (loss)
Recognition of prior years’ service (cost) credit
Foreign exchange adjustment

Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss (before tax effects)

Amounts expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit
cost (income) in 2017 (before tax effects)
(in millions)
Loss recognition
Prior service (credit) recognition

(in millions)
Pension benefits:
Prepaid benefit cost
Accrued benefit cost

Total pension benefits

Healthcare benefits:
Accrued benefit cost

Total healthcare benefits

Domestic
2016

2015

Foreign

2016

2015

$

$

$
$

836 $ 724
(204)
(212)
632 $ 512

$ — $
(158)

3
(136)
$ (158) $ (133)

(72) $ (92) $
(72) $ (92) $

(4) $
(4) $

(4)
(4)

The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined 
benefit plans was $5.4 billion at Dec. 31, 2016 and 
$5.2 billion at Dec. 31, 2015.

 182 BNY Mellon

Pension Benefits

Domestic

49 $
(71)
—
N/A
(22) $

Foreign
110
(18)
(1)
1
92

Pension Benefits

Domestic

68 $
—

Foreign
34
—

$

$

$

$

$

$

Healthcare Benefits
Domestic

(7) $
(8)
10
N/A

(5) $

Foreign
(1)
—
—
—
(1)  

Healthcare Benefits
Domestic

Foreign
—
—

6 $

(10)

Plans with obligations in
excess of plan assets
(in millions)
Projected benefit obligation
Accumulated benefit obligation
Fair value of plan assets

Domestic
2016

2015
$ 224 $ 233
233
20

224
20

Foreign

2016

2015
$ 149 $ 132
115
79

142
76

Assumed healthcare cost trend - Domestic post-
retirement healthcare benefits

The assumed healthcare cost trend rate used in 
determining benefit expense for 2017 is 6.25% 
decreasing to 4.75% in 2022.  This projection is based 
on various economic models that forecast a 
decreasing growth rate of healthcare expenses over 
time.  The underlying assumption is that healthcare 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

expense growth cannot outpace gross national 
product (“GNP”) growth indefinitely, and over time a 
lower equilibrium growth rate will be achieved.  
Further, the growth rate assumed in 2022 bears a 
reasonable relationship to the discount rate.  

An increase in the healthcare cost trend rate of one 
percentage point for each year would increase the 
accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation by 
$10 million, or 6%, and the sum of the service and 
interest costs by $1 million, or 6%.  Conversely, a 
decrease in this rate of one percentage point for each 
year would decrease the benefit obligation by $9 
million, or 5%, and the sum of the service and interest 
costs by less than $1 million, or 5%.

Assumed healthcare cost trend - Foreign post-
retirement healthcare benefits

An increase in the healthcare cost trend rate of one 
percentage point for each year would increase the 
accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation by 
less than $1 million and the sum of the service and 
interest costs by less than $1 million.  Conversely, a 
decrease in this rate of one percentage point for each 
year would decrease the benefit obligation by less 
than $1 million and the sum of the service and 
interest costs by less than $1 million.

The following benefit payments for BNY Mellon’s 
pension and healthcare plans, which reflect expected 
future service as appropriate, are expected to be paid: 

Expected benefit payments
(in millions)
Pension benefits:
2017
Year
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022-2026

Total pension benefits
Healthcare benefits:
2017
Year
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022-2026
Total healthcare benefits

Domestic

Foreign

$

$

$

$

258
268
251
253
258
1,289
2,577

13
13
13
13
13
56
121

$

$

$

$

12
15
16
15
19
110
187

—
—
—
—
—
1
1

Plan contributions

BNY Mellon expects to make cash contributions to 
fund its defined benefit pension plans in 2017 of $22 
million for the domestic plans and $64 million for the 
foreign plans.

BNY Mellon expects to make cash contributions to 
fund its post-retirement healthcare plans in 2017 of 
$13 million for the domestic plans and less than $1 
million for the foreign plans.

Investment strategy and asset allocation

BNY Mellon is responsible for the administration of 
various employee pension and healthcare post-
retirement benefits plans, both domestically and 
internationally.  The domestic plans are administered 
by BNY Mellon’s Benefits Administration 
Committee, a named fiduciary.  Subject to the 
following, at all relevant times, BNY Mellon’s 
Benefits Investment Committee, another named 
fiduciary to the domestic plans, is responsible for the 
investment of plan assets.  The Benefits Investment 
Committee’s responsibilities include the investment 
of all domestic defined benefit plan assets, as well as 
the determination of investment options offered to 
participants in all domestic defined contribution 
plans.  The Benefits Investment Committee conducts 
periodic reviews of investment performance, asset 
allocation and investment manager suitability.  In 
addition, the Benefits Investment Committee has 
oversight of the Regional Governance Committees 
for the foreign defined benefit plans.

Our investment objective for U.S. and foreign plans is 
to maximize total return while maintaining a broadly 
diversified portfolio for the primary purpose of 
satisfying obligations for future benefit payments.  

Equities are the main holding of the plans.  
Alternative investments (including private equities) 
and fixed income securities provide diversification 
and, in certain cases, lower the volatility of returns.  
In general, equity securities and alternative 
investments within any domestic plan’s portfolio can 
be maintained in the range of 30% to 70% of total 
plan assets, fixed-income securities can range from 
20% to 50% of plan assets and cash equivalents can 
be held in amounts ranging from 0% to 5% of plan 
assets.  Actual asset allocation within the approved 
ranges varies from time to time based on economic 

BNY Mellon 183 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

conditions (both current and forecast) and the advice 
of professional advisors.

value primarily based on pricing sources with 
reasonable levels of price transparency.

Our pension assets were invested as follows at Dec. 
31, 2016 and 2015:

Collective trust funds 

Asset allocations

Equities
Fixed income
Private equities
Alternative investment
Real estate
Cash

Total pension benefits

Domestic
2016
2015
58% 63%
36
1
3
—
2

31
1
3
—
2

100% 100%

Foreign

2016
2015
52% 57%
29
—
3
4
12
100% 100%

34
—
3
5
1

We held no The Bank of New York Mellon 
Corporation stock in our pension plans at Dec. 31, 
2016 and 2015.  Assets of the U.S. post-retirement 
healthcare plan are invested in an insurance contract.  

Fair value measurement of plan assets

In accordance with ASC 715, Compensation - 
Retirement Benefits, BNY Mellon has established a 
three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements of 
its pension plan assets based upon the transparency of 
inputs to the valuation of an asset as of the 
measurement date.  The valuation hierarchy is 
consistent with guidance in ASC 820, Fair Value 
Measurement, which is detailed in Note 18 of the 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The following is a description of the valuation 
methodologies used for assets measured at fair value, 
as well as the general classification of such assets 
pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.  

Cash and currency

This category consists primarily of foreign currency 
balances and is included in Level 1 of the valuation 
hierarchy.  Foreign currency is translated monthly 
based on current exchange rates.

Common and preferred stock and exchange-traded 
funds

These investments include equities and exchange-
traded funds and are valued at the closing price 
reported in the active market in which the individual 
securities are traded, if available.  Where there are no 
readily available market quotations, we determine fair 

 184 BNY Mellon

Collective trust funds include commingled and U.S. 
equity funds that have no readily available market 
quotations.  The fair value of the funds are based on 
the securities in the portfolio, which typically are the 
amount that the fund might reasonably expect to 
receive for the securities upon a sale.  These funds are 
valued using observable inputs on either a daily or 
monthly basis.  Collective trust funds are included as 
Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

Fixed income investments

Fixed income investments include U.S. Treasury 
securities, U.S. government agencies, sovereign 
government obligations, U.S. corporate bonds and 
foreign corporate debt funds.  U.S. Treasury securities 
are valued at the closing price reported in the active 
market in which the individual security is traded and 
included as Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy.  U.S. 
government agencies, sovereign government 
obligations, U.S. corporate bonds and foreign 
corporate debt funds are valued based on quoted 
prices for comparable securities with similar yields 
and credit ratings.  When quoted prices are not 
available for identical or similar bonds, the bonds are 
valued using discounted cash flows that maximize 
observable inputs, such as current yields of similar 
instruments, but includes adjustments for certain risks 
that may not be observable, such as credit and 
liquidity risks.  U.S. government agencies, sovereign 
government obligations, U.S. corporate bonds and 
foreign corporate debt funds are primarily included as 
Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

Other assets measured at NAV

Other assets measured at NAV include funds of funds 
and venture capital and partnership interests, property 
funds and other funds.  There are no readily available 
market quotations for these funds.  The fair value of 
the funds of funds is based on NAVs of the funds in 
the portfolio, which reflects the value of the 
underlying securities.  The fair value of the 
underlying securities is typically the amount that the 
fund might reasonably expect to receive upon selling 
those hard to value or illiquid securities within the 
portfolios.  These funds are either valued on a daily or 
monthly basis.  The fair value of the venture capital 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

and partnership interests is based on the pension 
plan’s ownership percentage of the fair value of the 
underlying funds as provided by the fund managers.  
These funds are typically valued on a quarterly basis.  
The pension plan’s venture capital and partnership 
interests are valued at NAV as a practical expedient 
for fair value.  

The following tables present the fair value of each 
major category of plan assets as of Dec. 31, 2016 and 
Dec. 31, 2015, by captions and by ASC 820, Fair 
Value Measurement, valuation hierarchy.  There were 
no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2.

Plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis—

domestic plans at Dec. 31, 2016

(in millions)

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Common and preferred stock:

Total fair
value

U.S. equity
Non-U.S. equity
Collective trust funds:

Commingled
U.S. equity
Fixed income:

U.S. Treasury securities
U.S. government agencies
Sovereign government

obligations

U.S. corporate bonds
Other

Mutual funds
Exchange-traded funds
Other assets measured at NAV:

Funds of funds
Venture capital and

partnership interests

Total domestic plan assets, at

fair value

$ 1,493 $ — $ — $
—

137

—

367
—
— 1,115

523
—

—

—
—
135
6

—
66

7

823
48
—
—

—
—

—
—

—

—
—
—
—

1,493
137

367
1,115

523
66

7

823
48
135
6

138

48

Plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis—

domestic plans at Dec. 31, 2015

(in millions)

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Common and preferred stock:

Total fair
value

U.S. equity
Non-U.S. equity
Collective trust funds:

Commingled
U.S. equity
Fixed income:

U.S. Treasury securities
U.S. government agencies
Sovereign government

obligations

U.S. corporate bonds
Other

Exchange-traded funds
Other assets measured at NAV:

Funds of funds
Venture capital and

partnership interests

Total domestic plan assets, at

fair value

$ 1,473 $ — $ — $
—

132

—

—
318
— 1,181

450
—

—

—
—
60

—
20

77

726
39
—

—
—

—
—

—

—
—
—

1,473
132

318
1,181

450
20

77

726
39
60

153

60

$ 2,115 $ 2,361 $ — $

4,689  

Plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis—

foreign plans at Dec. 31, 2015

(in millions)

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Equity funds
Sovereign/government

obligation funds
Corporate debt funds
Cash and currency
Other assets measured at NAV
Total foreign plan assets, at fair

value

$

375 $

163 $ — $

52

—
5

84

158
—

—

19
—

$

432 $

405 $

19 $

136

177
5
80

936  

Total fair
value
538

$ 2,294 $ 2,426 $ — $

4,906  

Changes in Level 3 fair value measurements

Plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis—

foreign plans at Dec. 31, 2016

(in millions)

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Equity funds
Sovereign/government

obligation funds
Corporate debt funds
Cash and currency
Other assets measured at NAV
Total foreign plan assets, at

fair value

$

371 $

207 $ — $

—

—
120

95

208
—

—

17
—

95

225
120
72

$

491 $

510 $

17 $

1,090  

Total fair
value
578

The tables below include rollforwards of the plan 
assets for the years ended Dec. 31, 2016 and 2015 
(including the change in fair value), for financial 
instruments classified in Level 3 of the valuation 
hierarchy.

Fair value measurements using significant unobservable
inputs—foreign plans—for the year ended Dec. 31, 2016

(in millions)
Fair value at Dec. 31, 2015
Total gains or (losses) included in earnings

Fair value at Dec. 31, 2016

Change in unrealized gains or (losses) for the
period included in earnings for assets held at the
end of the reporting period

Corporate
debt funds
19
$
(2)
17

$

$

(2)

BNY Mellon 185 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Fair value measurements using significant unobservable
inputs—foreign plans—for the year ended Dec. 31, 2015

(in millions)
Fair value at Dec. 31, 2014
Total gains or (losses) included in earnings

Fair value at Dec. 31, 2015

Change in unrealized gains or (losses) for the
period included in earnings for assets held at the
end of the reporting period

Corporate
debt funds
20
$
(1)
19

$

$

(1)

Funds of funds and venture capital and partnership 
interests valued using NAV per share

BNY Mellon had pension and post-retirement plan 
assets invested in funds of funds, venture capital and 
partnership interests, property funds and other 
contracts valued using NAV.  The fund of funds 
investments are redeemable at NAV under agreements 
with the fund of funds managers.

Assets valued using NAV at Dec. 31, 2016

(dollar amounts
in millions)

Fair
value

Unfunded
commitments

Redemption
frequency

$ 158 $

—

Monthly

Redemption
notice
period
30-45 days

Funds of funds (a)
Venture capital and 

partnership 
interests (b)

Property funds (c)

Other contracts (d)

Total

48

40

12
$ 258 $

8

N/A

N/A

Daily-
Quarterly

0-90 days

N/A

N/A

—

—
8  

Assets valued using NAV at Dec. 31, 2015

(dollar amounts
in millions)

Fair
value

Unfunded
commitments

Redemption
frequency

$ 177 $

—

Monthly

Redemption
notice
period
30-45 days

Funds of funds (a)
Venture capital and 

partnership 
interests (b)

Property funds (c)

Other contracts (d)

Total

60

49

7
$ 293 $

8

N/A

N/A

Daily-
Quarterly

0-90 days

N/A

N/A

—

—
8  

(a)  Funds of funds include multi-strategy hedge funds that utilize 

investment strategies that invest over both long-term investment and 
short-term investment horizons.

(b)  Venture capital and partnership interests do not have redemption 
rights. Distributions from such funds will be received as the 
underlying investments are liquidated.

(c)  Property funds include funds invested in regional real estate 
vehicles that hold direct interest in real estate properties.
(d)  Other contracts include assets invested in pooled accounts at 

insurance companies that are privately valued by the asset manager.

 186 BNY Mellon

Defined contribution plans

BNY Mellon sponsors defined contribution plans in 
the U.S. and in certain non-U.S. locations, all of 
which are administered in accordance with local laws.  
The most significant defined contribution plan is The 
Bank of New York Mellon Corporation 401(k) 
Savings Plan sponsored by the Company in the U.S 
and covers substantially all U.S. employees.  

Under The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation 
401(k) Savings Plan, the Company matched 100% of 
the first 4% of an employee’s eligible base pay plus 
50% of the next 2% of eligible pay contributed by the 
participant for a maximum matching contribution of 
5% for 2016, 2015 and 2014, subject to statutory 
limits. 

The U.S. qualified and nonqualified defined benefit 
plans were closed to new participants effective Dec. 
31, 2010, at which time an annual non-elective 
contribution equal to 2% of eligible base pay was 
added to The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation 
401(k) Savings Plan.  For 2014, employees who were 
hired on or after Jan. 1, 2010 and were not eligible to 
earn benefits in The Bank of New York Mellon 
Corporation Pension Plan received the annual non-
elective contribution.

Effective June 30, 2015, the benefit accruals under 
the U.S. qualified and nonqualified defined benefit 
plans were frozen.  Employees, who were hired 
before Jan. 1, 2010 and were eligible to earn benefits 
in the pension plan prior to freezing the benefit 
accrual, received the non-elective contribution 
starting July 1, 2015.  All Company contributions are 
invested according to participants’ individual 
elections.

At Dec. 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2015, The Bank of 
New York Mellon Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan 
owned 14.2 million and 15.6 million shares of our 
common stock, respectively.  The fair value of total 
assets was $5.7 billion at Dec. 31, 2016 and $5.2 
billion at Dec. 31, 2015.  We recorded expense of 
$224 million in 2016, $209 million in 2015 and $198 
million in 2014 primarily for contributions to our 
defined contribution plans. 

We also have an ESOP covering certain domestic 
full-time employees hired on or before July 1, 2008.  
The ESOP works in conjunction with the defined 
benefit pension plan.  Employees are entitled to the 

 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

higher of their benefit under the ESOP or such 
defined benefit pension plan at retirement.  Benefits 
payable under the defined benefit pension plan are 
offset by the equivalent value of benefits earned 
under the ESOP. 

At Dec. 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2015, the ESOP 
owned 5.7 million and 6.0 million shares of our 
common stock, respectively.  The fair value of total 
ESOP assets was $273 million at Dec. 31, 2016 and 
$251 million at Dec. 31, 2015.  The ESOP was 
amended effective June 30, 2015 to discontinue the 
ability of the Company to make contributions to the 
ESOP.  There were no contributions to the ESOP in 
2015, prior to amending the plan, or 2014.

The Benefits Investment Committee appointed 
Fiduciary Counselors, Inc. to serve as the 
independent fiduciary to (i) make all fiduciary 
decisions related to the continued prudence of 
offering the common stock of BNY Mellon or its 
affiliates as an investment option under the plans, 
other than plan sponsor decisions, and (ii) select and 
monitor any actively or passively managed 
investments (including mutual funds) of BNY Mellon 
or its affiliates to be offered to participants as 
investment options under the plans, excluding self-
directed accounts.

Note 17 - Company financial information 
(Parent Corporation)

Our bank subsidiaries are subject to dividend 
limitations under the Federal Reserve Act, as well as 
national and state banking laws.  Under these statutes, 
prior regulatory consent is required for dividends in 
any year that would exceed the bank’s net profits for 
such year combined with retained net profits for the 
prior two years.  Additionally, such bank subsidiaries 
may not declare dividends in excess of net profits on 
hand, as defined, after deducting the amount by 
which the principal amount of all loans, on which 
interest is past due for a period of six months or more, 
exceeds the allowance for credit losses.  

The payment of dividends also is limited by 
minimum capital requirements imposed on banks.  As 
of Dec. 31, 2016, BNY Mellon’s bank subsidiaries 
exceeded these minimum requirements.

Subsequent to Dec. 31, 2016, our U.S. bank 
subsidiaries could declare dividends to the Parent of 
approximately $5.4 billion, without the need for a 

regulatory waiver.  Currently, The Bank of New York 
Mellon, our primary subsidiary, is no longer paying 
regular dividends to the Parent in order to increase its 
Tier 1 capital in advance of the SLR becoming 
effective.  In addition, at Dec. 31, 2016, non-bank 
subsidiaries of the Parent had liquid assets of 
approximately $1.3 billion.

The bank subsidiaries declared dividends of $160 
million in 2016, $182 million in 2015 and $809 
million in 2014.  The Federal Reserve and the OCC 
have issued additional guidelines that require bank 
holding companies and national banks to continually 
evaluate the level of cash dividends in relation to 
their respective operating income, capital needs, asset 
quality and overall financial condition.

The Federal Reserve policy with respect to the 
payment of cash dividends by bank holding 
companies provides that, as a matter of prudent 
banking, a bank holding company should not 
maintain a rate of cash dividends unless its net 
income available to common shareholders has been 
sufficient to fully fund the dividends, and the 
prospective rate of earnings retention appears to be 
consistent with the holding company’s capital needs, 
asset quality and overall financial condition.  The 
Federal Reserve can also prohibit a dividend if 
payment would constitute an unsafe or unsound 
banking practice.  Any increase in BNY Mellon’s 
ongoing quarterly dividends would require approval 
from the Federal Reserve.  The Federal Reserve’s 
instructions for the 2017 CCAR provided that, for 
large bank holding companies like us, dividend 
payout ratios exceeding 30% of after-tax net income 
would receive particularly close scrutiny. 

BNY Mellon and other affected BHCs may pay 
dividends, repurchase stock, and make other capital 
distributions only in accordance with a capital plan 
that has been reviewed by the Federal Reserve and as 
to which the Federal Reserve has not objected.  The 
Federal Reserve may object to a capital plan if the 
plan does not show that the covered BHC will meet, 
for each quarter throughout the nine-quarter planning 
horizon covered by the capital plan, all minimum 
regulatory capital ratios under applicable capital rules 
as in effect for that quarter on a pro forma basis under 
the base case and stressed scenarios (including a 
severely adverse scenario provided by the Federal 
Reserve).  The capital plan rules also stipulate that a 
covered BHC may not make a capital distribution 
unless after giving effect to the distribution it will 

BNY Mellon 187 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

meet all minimum regulatory capital ratios.  As part 
of this process, BNY Mellon also provides the 
Federal Reserve with estimates of the composition 
and levels of regulatory capital, risk-weighted assets 
and other measures under Basel III under an 
identified scenario.  In June 2016, BNY Mellon 
received confirmation that the Federal Reserve did 
not object to its 2016 capital plan.  The board of 
directors subsequently approved the repurchase of up 
to $2.14 billion worth of common stock over a four-
quarter period beginning in the third quarter of 2016 
and continuing through the second quarter of 2017.  
The board of directors also approved the additional 
repurchase of up to $560 million of common stock 
contingent on a prior issuance of noncumulative 
perpetual preferred stock, which was satisfied in 
August 2016 upon BNY Mellon’s issuance of $1 
billion of noncumulative perpetual preferred stock.  
This new share repurchase plan totaling $2.7 billion 
replaces all previously authorized share repurchase 
plans.

The Federal Reserve Act limits, and requires 
collateral for, extensions of credit by our insured 
subsidiary banks to BNY Mellon and certain of its 
non-bank affiliates.  Also, there are restrictions on the 
amounts of investments by such banks in stock and 
other securities of BNY Mellon and such affiliates, 
and restrictions on the acceptance of their securities 
as collateral for loans by such banks.  Extensions of 
credit by the banks to each of our affiliates are limited 
to 10% of such bank’s regulatory capital, and in the 
aggregate for BNY Mellon and all such affiliates to 
20%, and collateral must be between 100% and 130% 
of the amount of the credit, depending on the type of 
collateral. 

Our insured subsidiary banks are required to maintain 
reserve balances with Federal Reserve Banks under 
the Federal Reserve Act and Regulation D.  Required 

balances averaged $6.0 billion and $6.5 billion for the 
years 2016 and 2015, respectively.

In the event of impairment of the capital stock of one 
of the Parent’s national banks or The Bank of New 
York Mellon, the Parent, as the banks’ stockholder, 
could be required to pay such deficiency. 

The Parent guarantees the debt issued by Mellon 
Funding Corporation, a wholly-owned financing 
subsidiary of the Company.  The Parent also 
guarantees committed and uncommitted lines of 
credit of Pershing LLC and Pershing Limited 
subsidiaries.  The Parent guarantees described above 
are full and unconditional and contain the standard 
provisions relating to parent guarantees of subsidiary 
debt.  Additionally, the Parent guarantees or 
indemnifies obligations of its consolidated 
subsidiaries as needed.  Generally, there are no stated 
notional amounts included in these indemnifications 
and the contingencies triggering the obligation for 
indemnification are not expected to occur.  As a 
result, we are unable to develop an estimate of the 
maximum payout under these indemnifications.  
However, we believe the possibility is remote that we 
will have to make any material payment under these 
guarantees and indemnifications.

The condensed financial statements of the Parent 
include the accounts of the Parent; those of a wholly-
owned financing subsidiary that functions as a 
financing entity for BNY Mellon and its subsidiaries; 
and MIPA, LLC, a single-member limited liability 
company, created to hold and administer corporate-
owned life insurance.  Financial data for the Parent, 
the financing subsidiary and the single-member 
limited liability company are combined for financial 
reporting purposes because of the limited function of 
these entities and the unconditional guarantee by 
BNY Mellon of their obligations.

 188 BNY Mellon

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

The Parent’s condensed financial statements are as 
follows:

Condensed Income Statement—The Bank of New 
York Mellon Corporation (Parent Corporation)  

(in millions)
Dividends from bank subsidiaries
Dividends from nonbank subsidiaries
Interest revenue from bank subsidiaries
Interest revenue from nonbank

subsidiaries

Gain on securities held for sale
Other revenue

Total revenue

Interest (including, $88, $69, $62, to

subsidiaries, respectively)

Other expense

Total expense

Income before income taxes and equity

in undistributed net income of
subsidiaries

(Benefit) for income taxes
Equity in undistributed net income:

Bank subsidiaries
Nonbank subsidiaries

Net income
Preferred stock dividends
Net income applicable to common

shareholders of The Bank of New York
Mellon Corporation

Year ended Dec. 31,
2016

2015

$

125 $
798
70

145 $
207
68

2014
775
44
67

121

—
39
1,153

427

262
689

464

(333)

2,474
276
3,547
(122)

91

3
25
539

288

64
352

98

1
24
1,009

257

71
328

187

(98)

681

(155)

2,004
869
3,158
(105)

910
821
2,567
(73)

$ 3,425 $ 3,053 $ 2,494

Condensed Balance Sheet—The Bank of New 
York Mellon Corporation (Parent Corporation) 

(in millions)
Assets:
Cash and due from banks
Securities
Loans, net of allowance
Investment in and advances to subsidiaries and

associated companies:

Banks
Other
Subtotal

Corporate-owned life insurance
Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities:
Deferred compensation
Affiliate borrowings
Other liabilities
Long-term debt

Total liabilities

Shareholders’ equity

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

Dec. 31,

2016

2015

$

9,117 $
1,693
7

9,383
26
20

32,771
26,630
59,401
744
885

30,156
27,405
57,561
728
1,509
$ 71,847 $ 69,227

$

464 $

473
8,243
1,623
20,851
31,190
38,037
$ 71,847 $ 69,227

7,107
1,445
24,020
33,036
38,811

Condensed Statement of Cash Flows—The Bank 
of New York Mellon Corporation (Parent 
Corporation)

(in millions)
Operating activities:
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to

net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities:
Equity in undistributed net (income) of

subsidiaries

Change in accrued interest receivable
Change in accrued interest payable
Change in taxes payable (a)
Other, net

Net cash provided by operating

activities
Investing activities:
Purchases of securities
Proceeds from sales of securities
Change in loans
Acquisitions of, investments in, and

advances to subsidiaries

Other, net

Net cash (used in) investing activities

Financing activities:
Net change in commercial paper
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
Repayments of long-term debt
Change in advances from subsidiaries
Issuance of common stock
Treasury stock acquired
Issuance of preferred stock
Cash dividends paid
Tax benefit realized on share based

payment awards

Net cash provided by financing

activities

Change in cash and due from banks
Cash and due from banks at beginning of

year

Cash and due from banks at end of year
Supplemental disclosures
Interest paid
Income taxes paid
Income taxes refunded

Year ended Dec. 31,
2016

2015

2014

$ 3,547 $ 3,158 $ 2,567

(2,750)

(2,873)

(1,731)

2
4
452
(31)

(4)
15
132
66

23
18
91
2

1,224

494

970

(1,739)
—
13

—
3
56

—
7
(57)

(317)

(358)

(1,603)

—
(2,043)

14
(285)

107
(1,546)

—
6,229
(2,700)
(1,136)
465
(2,398)
990
(900)

—
4,986
(3,650)
2,123
352
(2,355)
990
(865)

(96)
4,686
(4,071)
2,704
396
(1,669)
—
(833)

3

76

17

553

(266)

1,657

1,866

1,134

558

9,383

7,517

6,959

$ 9,117 $ 9,383 $ 7,517

$

409 $
1
12

302 $
158
103

275
946
54

(a) 

Includes payments received from subsidiaries for taxes of $189 
million in 2016, $24 million in 2015 and $452 million in 2014.

Note 18 - Fair value measurement

Fair value is defined as the price that would be 
received to sell an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, 
in an orderly transaction between market participants 
at the measurement date.  A three-level hierarchy for 
fair value measurements is utilized based upon the 
transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or 
liability as of the measurement date.  BNY Mellon’s 
own creditworthiness is considered when valuing 
liabilities. 

BNY Mellon 189 

  
  
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Fair value focuses on exit price in an orderly 
transaction (that is, not a forced liquidation or 
distressed sale) between market participants at the 
measurement date under current market conditions.  
If there has been a significant decrease in the volume 
and level of activity for the asset or liability, a change 
in valuation technique or the use of multiple valuation 
techniques may be appropriate.  In such instances, 
determining the price at which willing market 
participants would transact at the measurement date 
under current market conditions depends on the facts 
and circumstances and requires the use of significant 
judgment.  The objective is to determine from 
weighted indicators of fair value a reasonable point 
within the range that is most representative of fair 
value under current market conditions.

Determination of fair value

We have established processes for determining fair 
values.  Fair value is based upon quoted market prices 
in active markets, where available.  For financial 
instruments where quotes from recent exchange 
transactions are not available, we determine fair value 
based on discounted cash flow analysis, comparison 
to similar instruments, and the use of financial 
models.  Discounted cash flow analysis is dependent 
upon estimated future cash flows and the level of 
interest rates.  Model-based pricing uses inputs of 
observable prices, where available, for interest rates, 
foreign exchange rates, option volatilities and other 
factors.  Models are benchmarked and validated by an 
independent internal risk management function.  Our 
valuation process takes into consideration factors 
such as counterparty credit quality, liquidity, 
concentration concerns, and observability of model 
parameters.  Valuation adjustments may be made to 
ensure that financial instruments are recorded at fair 
value.

Most derivative contracts are valued using internally 
developed models which are calibrated to observable 
market data and employ standard market pricing 
theory for their valuations.  An initial “risk-neutral” 
valuation is performed on each position assuming 
time-discounting based on an AA credit curve.  Then, 
to arrive at a fair value that incorporates counter-party 
credit risk, a credit adjustment is made to these results 
by discounting each trade’s expected exposures to the 
counterparty using the counterparty’s credit spreads, 
as implied by the credit default swap market.  We also 
adjust expected liabilities to the counterparty using 
BNY Mellon’s own credit spreads, as implied by the 

 190 BNY Mellon

credit default swap market.  Accordingly, the 
valuation of our derivative position is sensitive to the 
current changes in our own credit spreads as well as 
those of our counterparties.

In certain cases, recent prices may not be observable 
for instruments that trade in inactive or less active 
markets.  Upon evaluating the uncertainty in valuing 
financial instruments subject to liquidity issues, we 
make an adjustment to their value.  The determination 
of the liquidity adjustment includes the availability of 
external quotes, the time since the latest available 
quote and the price volatility of the instrument.

Certain parameters in some financial models are not 
directly observable and, therefore, are based on 
management’s estimates and judgments.  These 
financial instruments are normally traded less 
actively.  We apply valuation adjustments to mitigate 
the possibility of error and revision in the model 
based estimate value.  Examples include products 
where parameters such as correlation and recovery 
rates are unobservable.  

The methods described above for instruments that 
trade in inactive or less active markets may produce a 
current fair value calculation that may not be 
indicative of net realizable value or reflective of 
future fair values.  We believe our methods of 
determining fair value are appropriate and consistent 
with other market participants.  However, the use of 
different methodologies or different assumptions to 
value certain financial instruments could result in a 
different estimate of fair value.

Valuation hierarchy

A three-level valuation hierarchy is used for 
disclosure of fair value measurements based upon the 
transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or 
liability as of the measurement date.  The three levels 
are described below.

Level 1: Inputs to the valuation methodology are 
quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or 
liabilities in active markets.  Level 1 assets and 
liabilities include certain debt and equity securities, 
derivative financial instruments actively traded on 
exchanges and U.S. Treasury securities that are 
actively traded in highly liquid over-the-counter 
markets.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Level 2: Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, 
for example, quoted prices for similar assets and 
liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for 
identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that 
are not active, and inputs that are observable or can 
be corroborated, either directly or indirectly, for 
substantially the full term of the financial instrument.  
Level 2 assets and liabilities include debt instruments 
that are traded less frequently than exchange-traded 
securities and derivative instruments whose model 
inputs are observable in the market or can be 
corroborated by market-observable data.  Examples 
in this category are agency and non-agency 
mortgage-backed securities, corporate debt securities 
and over-the-counter derivative contracts.

Level 3: Inputs to the valuation methodology are 
unobservable and significant to the fair value 
measurement. 

A financial instrument’s categorization within the 
valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of 
input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  

Valuation methodology

Following is a description of the valuation 
methodologies used for instruments measured at fair 
value, as well as the general classification of such 
instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.

Securities

Where quoted prices are available in an active 
market, we classify the securities within Level 1 of 
the valuation hierarchy.  Securities include both long 
and short positions.  Level 1 securities include highly 
liquid government bonds, money market funds, 
foreign covered bonds and exchange-traded equities.  

If quoted market prices are not available, we estimate 
fair values using pricing models, quoted prices of 
securities with similar characteristics or discounted 
cash flows.  Examples of such instruments, which 
would generally be classified within Level 2 of the 
valuation hierarchy, include agency and non-agency 
mortgage-backed securities, state and political 
subdivisions, commercial mortgage-backed 
securities, sovereign debt, corporate bonds and 
foreign covered bonds.

For securities where quotes from recent transactions 
are not available for identical securities, we determine 
fair value primarily based on pricing sources with 
reasonable levels of price transparency that employ 
financial models or obtain comparison to similar 
instruments to arrive at “consensus” prices.

Specifically, the pricing sources obtain recent 
transactions for similar types of securities (e.g., 
vintage, position in the securitization structure) and 
ascertain variables such as discount rate and speed of 
prepayment for the types of transaction and apply 
such variables to similar types of bonds.  We view 
these as observable transactions in the current 
marketplace and classify such securities as Level 2.  
Pricing sources discontinue pricing any specific 
security whenever they determine there is insufficient 
observable data to provide a good faith opinion on 
price.

In addition, we have significant investments in more 
actively traded agency RMBS and other types of 
securities such as sovereign debt.  The pricing sources 
derive the prices for these securities largely from 
quotes they obtain from three major inter-dealer 
brokers.

In certain cases where there is limited activity or less 
transparency around inputs to the valuation, we 
classify those securities in Level 3 of the valuation 
hierarchy.  Securities classified within Level 3 may 
include securities of state and political subdivisions 
and distressed debt securities.

At Dec. 31, 2016, more than 99% of our securities 
were valued by pricing sources with reasonable levels 
of price transparency.  We have no instruments 
included in Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.  

Derivatives

We classify exchange-traded derivatives valued using 
quoted prices in Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy.  
Examples include exchange-traded equity and foreign 
exchange options.  Since few other classes of 
derivative contracts are listed on an exchange, most 
of our derivative positions are valued using internally 
developed models that use as their basis readily 
observable market parameters, and we classify them 
in Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.  Such 
derivatives include swaps and options, foreign 
exchange spot and forward contracts and credit 
default swaps.  

BNY Mellon 191 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Derivatives valued using models with significant 
unobservable market parameters in markets that lack 
two-way flow are classified in Level 3 of the 
valuation hierarchy.  Examples may include long-
dated swaps and options, where parameters may be 
unobservable for longer maturities; and certain highly 
structured products, where correlation risk is 
unobservable.  As of Dec. 31, 2016 we have no Level 
3 derivatives.  Additional disclosures of derivative 
instruments are provided in Note 21 of the Notes to 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

Loans and unfunded lending-related commitments

Where quoted market prices are not available, we 
generally base the fair value of loans and unfunded 
lending-related commitments on observable market 
prices of similar instruments, including bonds, credit 
derivatives and loans with similar characteristics.  If 
observable market prices are not available, we base 
the fair value on estimated cash flows adjusted for 
credit risk which are discounted using an interest rate 
appropriate for the maturity of the applicable loans or 
the unfunded lending-related commitments.

Unrealized gains and losses, if any, on unfunded 
lending-related commitments carried at fair value are 
classified in other assets and other liabilities, 
respectively.  Loans and unfunded lending-related 
commitments carried at fair value are generally 
classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

Seed capital

In our Investment Management business, we manage 
investment assets, including equities, fixed income, 
money market and alternative investment funds for 
institutions and other investors.  As part of that 
activity, we make seed capital investments in certain 
funds.  Seed capital is generally included in other 
assets.  When applicable, we value seed capital based 
on the published NAV of the fund. 

For other types of investments in funds, we consider 
all of the rights and obligations inherent in our 
ownership interest, including the reported NAV as 
well as other factors that affect the fair value of our 
interest in the fund. 

Certain interests in securitizations

For certain interests in securitizations that are 
classified in securities available-for-sale, trading 
assets and long-term debt, we use discounted cash 
flow models, which generally include assumptions of 
projected finance charges related to the securitized 
assets, estimated net credit losses, prepayment 
assumptions and estimates of payments to third-party 
investors.  When available, we compare our fair value 
estimates and assumptions to market activity and to 
the actual results of the securitized portfolio.  

Other assets measured at NAV

BNY Mellon holds private equity investments, 
specifically SBICs, which are compliant with the 
Volcker Rule.  There is no readily available market 
quotations for these investment partnerships.  The fair 
value of the SBICs are based on our ownership 
percentage of the fair value of the underlying 
investments as provided by the partnership managers.  
These investments are typically valued on a quarterly 
basis.  Our SBIC private equity investments are 
valued at NAV as a practical expedient for fair value.

The following tables present the financial instruments 
carried at fair value at Dec. 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 
2015, by caption on the consolidated balance sheet 
and by the three-level valuation hierarchy.  We have 
included credit ratings information in certain of the 
tables because the information indicates the degree of 
credit risk to which we are exposed, and significant 
changes in ratings classifications could result in 
increased risk for us.  There were no material 
transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during 2016.

 192 BNY Mellon

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at Dec. 31, 2016
(dollar amounts in millions)
Available-for-sale securities:

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3 Netting (a)

Total carrying
value

U.S. Treasury
U.S. government agencies
Sovereign debt/sovereign guaranteed
State and political subdivisions
Agency RMBS
Non-agency RMBS
Other RMBS
Commercial MBS
Agency commercial MBS
CLOs
Other asset-backed securities
Equity securities
Money market funds (b)
Corporate bonds
Other debt securities
Foreign covered bonds
Non-agency RMBS (c)

Total available-for-sale securities

Trading assets:

Debt and equity instruments (b)
Derivative assets not designated as hedging:

Interest rate
Foreign exchange
Equity and other contracts

Total derivative assets not designated as hedging
Total trading assets

Other assets:
Derivative assets designated as hedging:

Interest rate
Foreign exchange

Total derivative assets designated as hedging

Other assets (d)
Other assets measured at net asset value (d)

Total other assets

Subtotal assets of operations at fair value

Percentage of assets prior to netting

Assets of consolidated investment management funds:

Trading assets
Other assets

Total assets of consolidated investment management funds
Total assets

Percentage of assets prior to netting

$ 14,307
—
66
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
3
842
—
—
1,876
—
17,094

$

— $
359
12,423
3,378
22,736
638
513
928
6,449
2,598
1,727
—
—
1,396
1,961
265
1,357
56,728

240

4
—
—
4
244

—
—
—
268

2,013

7,583
6,104
46
13,733
15,746

415
369
784
73

— $
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

—

—
—
—
—
—

—
—
—
—

— $
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

—

(6,047)
(4,172)
(38)
(10,257)
(10,257)

—
—
—
—

268
17,606

857
73,331

19%

81%

296
168
464
$ 18,070

683
84
767
$ 74,098

$

20%

80%

—
—
—%

—
—
—
— $
—%

—
(10,257)

—
—
—
(10,257) $

14,307
359
12,489
3,378
22,736
638
513
928
6,449
2,598
1,727
3
842
1,396
1,961
2,141
1,357
73,822

2,253

1,540
1,932
8
3,480
5,733

415
369
784
341
214
1,339
80,894

979
252
1,231
82,125

BNY Mellon 193 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at Dec. 31, 2016
(dollar amounts in millions)
Trading liabilities:

Debt and equity instruments
Derivative liabilities not designated as hedging:

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3 Netting (a)

Total carrying
value

$

349

$

236

$

— $

— $

585

Interest rate
Foreign exchange
Equity and other contracts

Total derivative liabilities not designated as hedging
Total trading liabilities

Long-term debt (b)
Other liabilities - derivative liabilities designated as hedging:

Interest rate
Foreign exchange

Total other liabilities - derivative liabilities designated as hedging

Subtotal liabilities of operations at fair value

Percentage of liabilities prior to netting

Liabilities of consolidated investment management funds:

Trading liabilities
Other liabilities

Total liabilities of consolidated investment management funds
Total liabilities

$

Percentage of liabilities prior to netting

4
—
—
4
353
—

—
—
—
353

7,629
6,103
115
13,847
14,083
363

545
52
597
15,043

2%

98%

—
3
3
356

282
30
312
$ 15,355

2%

98%

$

—
—
—
—
—
—

—
—
—
—
—%

(6,634)
(3,363)
(50)
(10,047)
(10,047)
—

—
—
—
(10,047)

—
—
—
— $
—%

—
—
—
(10,047) $

999
2,740
65
3,804
4,389
363

545
52
597
5,349

282
33
315
5,664

(a)  ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, permits the netting of derivative receivables and derivative payables under legally enforceable 
master netting agreements and permits the netting of cash collateral.  Netting is applicable to derivatives not designated as hedging 
instruments included in trading assets or trading liabilities, and derivatives designated as hedging instruments included in other assets 
or other liabilities.  Netting is allocated to the derivative products based on the net fair value of each product.

(b)  Includes certain interests in securitizations.
(c)  Previously included in the Grantor Trust.  The Grantor Trust was dissolved in 2011.
(d)  Includes private equity investments and seed capital. 

 194 BNY Mellon

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at Dec. 31, 2015
(dollar amounts in millions)
Available-for-sale securities:

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3 Netting (a)

Total carrying
value

U.S. Treasury
U.S. government agencies
Sovereign debt/sovereign guaranteed
State and political subdivisions
Agency RMBS
Non-agency RMBS
Other RMBS
Commercial MBS
Agency commercial MBS
CLOs
Other asset-backed securities
Equity securities
Money market funds (b)
Corporate bonds
Other debt securities
Foreign covered bonds
Non-agency RMBS (c)

Total available-for-sale securities

Trading assets:

Debt and equity instruments (b)
Derivative assets not designated as hedging:

Interest rate
Foreign exchange
Equity and other contracts

Total derivative assets not designated as hedging
Total trading assets

Loans
Other assets:

Derivative assets designated as hedging:

Interest rate
Foreign exchange

Total derivative assets designated as hedging

Other assets (d)
Other assets measured at net asset value (d)

Total other assets

Subtotal assets of operations at fair value

Percentage of assets prior to netting

Assets of consolidated investment management funds:

Trading assets
Other assets

Total assets of consolidated investment management funds
Total assets

Percentage of assets prior to netting

$ 12,832
—
35
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
4
886
—
—
1,966
—
15,723

$

— $
387
13,182
4,046
23,501
793
1,061
1,392
4,020
2,351
2,893
—
—
1,752
2,775
202
1,789
60,144

1,232

2,167

10
—
15
25
1,257
—

—
—
—
192

10,034
4,905
120
15,059
17,226
422

497
219
716
62

— $
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

—

—
—
—
—
—
—

—
—
—
—

— $
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

—

(8,071)
(2,981)
(63)
(11,115)
(11,115)
—

—
—
—
—

192
17,172

778
78,570

18%

82%

455
157
612
$ 17,784

773
16
789
$ 79,359

$

18%

82%

—
—
—%

—
—
—
— $
—%

—
(11,115)

—
—
—
(11,115) $

12,832
387
13,217
4,046
23,501
793
1,061
1,392
4,020
2,351
2,893
4
886
1,752
2,775
2,168
1,789
75,867

3,399

1,973
1,924
72
3,969
7,368
422

497
219
716
254
117
1,087
84,744

1,228
173
1,401
86,145

BNY Mellon 195 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at Dec. 31, 2015
(dollar amounts in millions)
Trading liabilities:

Debt and equity instruments
Derivative liabilities not designated as hedging:

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3 Netting (a)

Total carrying
value

$

422

$

152

$

— $

— $

574

Interest rate
Foreign exchange
Equity and other contracts

Total derivative liabilities not designated as hedging
Total trading liabilities

Long-term debt (b)
Other liabilities - derivative liabilities designated as hedging:

Interest rate
Foreign exchange

Total other liabilities - derivative liabilities designated as hedging

Subtotal liabilities of operations at fair value

Percentage of liabilities prior to netting

Liabilities of consolidated investment management funds:

Trading liabilities
Other liabilities

Total liabilities of consolidated investment management funds
Total liabilities

$

Percentage of liabilities prior to netting

5
—
5
10
432
—

—
—
—
432

9,957
4,682
147
14,786
14,938
359

372
20
392
15,689

3%

97%

—
1
1
433

229
16
245
$ 15,934

3%

97%

$

—
—
—
—
—
—

—
—
—
—
—%

(8,235)
(2,567)
(67)
(10,869)
(10,869)
—

—
—
—
(10,869)

—
—
—
— $
—%

—
—
—
(10,869) $

1,727
2,115
85
3,927
4,501
359

372
20
392
5,252

229
17
246
5,498

(a)  ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, permits the netting of derivative receivables and derivative payables under legally enforceable 
master netting agreements and permits the netting of cash collateral.  Netting is applicable to derivatives not designated as hedging 
instruments included in trading assets or trading liabilities, and derivatives designated as hedging instruments included in other assets 
or other liabilities.  Netting is allocated to the derivative products based on the net fair value of each product.

(b)  Includes certain interests in securitizations.
(c)  Previously included in the Grantor Trust.  The Grantor Trust was dissolved in 2011.
(d)  Includes private equity investments and seed capital.

 196 BNY Mellon

—% —%
—
19
4
8%

—
9
4
4%

83% 17%
100
62
76
76% 20%

—
22
24

100% —%
100
100
100
100% —%

—
—
—

85% 15%
100
—
79% 15%

—
45

100% —%
100
—
100
—
100
100
—
68
68% —%

—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

—%
—
13
26
16%

—%
—
16
—
4%

—%
—
—
—
—%

—%
—
55
6%

—%
—
100
—
100
—
—
100
32
32%

100%
100
59
66
72%

—%
—
—
—
—%

—%
—
—
—
—%

—%
—
—
—%

—%
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—%

Dec. 31, 2016

Ratings

AAA/
AA-

A+/
A-

BBB+/
BBB-

BB+ and
lower

Total
carrying
value (a)

Total
carrying 
value (a)

Dec. 31, 2015

Ratings

AAA/
AA-

A+/
A-

BBB+/
BBB-

BB+ and
lower

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Details of certain items measured at fair value

 on a recurring basis

(dollar amounts in millions)
Non-agency RMBS, originated in:

2007
2006
2005
2004 and earlier

Total non-agency RMBS

Commercial MBS - Domestic, originated in:

2009-2016
2008
2007
2006

Total commercial MBS - Domestic

Foreign covered bonds:

Canada
United Kingdom
Netherlands
Other

Total foreign covered bonds

European floating rate notes - available-for-sale:

United Kingdom
Netherlands
Ireland

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

58
98
180
302
638

674
14
190
3
881

1,320
280
160
381
2,141

379
125
58
562

—% —% —% 100% $
—
—
9
23
5
24
9% 3% 14%

100
63
68
74% $

—
5
3

84% 16% —%
100
71
7
81% 19% —%

—
29
93

—
—
—

100% —% —%
—
100
—
100
100
—
100% —% —%

—
—
—

90% 10% —%
100
—
83% 7% 10%

—
100

—
—

—% $
—
—
—
—% $

—% $
—
—
—
—% $

—% $
—
—
—% $

66
115
234
378
793

626
16
304
384
1,330

1,014
363
214
577
2,168

780
222
121
1,123

Total European floating rate notes - available-for-sale $

Sovereign debt/sovereign guaranteed:

United Kingdom
France
Spain
Germany
Italy
Netherlands
Belgium
Ireland
Other (b)

Total sovereign debt/sovereign guaranteed

Non-agency RMBS (c), originated in:

$

3,209
1,998
1,749
1,347
1,130
1,061
1,005
736
254
$ 12,489

100% —% —%
—
100
—
—
—
100
—
—
—
100
100
—
— 100
71
—
70% 6% 23%

—
100
—
100
—
—
—
—

—% $
2,941
—
2,008
—
1,955
—
1,683
—
1,398
—
1,055
—
1,108
—
772
29
297
1% $ 13,217

2007
2006
2005
2004 and earlier

100%
99
97
88
98%
(a)  At Dec. 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2015, foreign covered bonds and sovereign debt were included in Level 1 and Level 2 in the valuation hierarchy.  All other 

—% —% —% 100% $
—
—
—
1
17
2
2%
—% 1%

—% —%
—
—
—
—%

100
97
79
97% $

387
391
437
142
1,357

502
530
580
177
1,789

Total non-agency RMBS (c)

—%
—
1
9
1%

1
2
3
1%

—
2
2

$

$

(b) 

assets in the table are Level 2 assets in the valuation hierarchy.
Includes $73 million of noninvestment grade sovereign debt at Dec. 31, 2016 and $95 million of investment grade sovereign debt at Dec. 31, 2015 related 
to Brazil.

(c)  Previously included in the Grantor Trust.  The Grantor Trust was dissolved in 2011.

Changes in Level 3 fair value measurements

Our classification of a financial instrument in Level 3 
of the valuation hierarchy is based on the significance 
of the unobservable factors to the overall fair value 
measurement.  However, these instruments generally 
include other observable components that are actively 
quoted or validated to third-party sources; 
accordingly, the gains and losses in the table below 
include changes in fair value due to observable 
parameters as well as the unobservable parameters in 
our valuation methodologies.  We also frequently 

manage the risks of Level 3 financial instruments 
using securities and derivatives positions that are 
Level 1 or 2 instruments which are not included in the 
table; accordingly, the gains or losses below do not 
reflect the effect of our risk management activities 
related to the Level 3 instruments.

The Company has a Level 3 Pricing Committee 
which evaluates the valuation techniques used in 
determining the fair value of Level 3 assets and 
liabilities.

BNY Mellon 197 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

The tables below include a roll forward of the balance sheet amounts for the years ended Dec. 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 
2015 (including the change in fair value), for financial instruments classified in Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. 

Fair value measurements for assets using significant unobservable inputs for the year ended Dec. 31, 2016
(in millions)
Fair value at Dec. 31, 2015
Transfers into Level 3
Total gains or (losses) for the period included in earnings
Purchases, issuances and sales:

Purchases
Issuances
Sales

Fair value at Dec. 31, 2016
Change in unrealized gains or (losses) for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the reporting period
(a)  Reported in investment and other income.

Loans
—
19
2 (a)

113
1
(135)
—
—

$

$
$

Fair value measurements for assets using significant unobservable inputs for the year ended Dec. 31, 2015

(in millions)
Fair value at Dec. 31, 2014
Transfers out of Level 3
Total gains or (losses) for the period

Included in earnings (or changes in net assets)

Purchases, sales and settlements:

Purchases
Sales
Settlements

Available-for-
sale securities
State and
 political
subdivisions
11
—

$

Trading
assets

Derivative

assets (a)
9
(3)

$

Other
assets
35
—

(1) (c)

10 (d)

—
—
(5)
—

—

$

$

3
(48)
—
—

—

$

$

$

Total
assets 
55
(3)

9

3
(48)
(16)
—

—

$

$

$

— (b)

—
—
(11)
—

Fair value at Dec. 31, 2015
Change in unrealized gains or (losses) for the period included in
earnings for assets held at the end of the reporting period

$

(a)  Derivative assets are reported on a gross basis.
(b)  Realized gains (losses) are reported in securities gains (losses).  Unrealized gains (losses) are reported in accumulated other 
comprehensive income (loss) except for the credit portion of OTTI losses which are recorded in securities gains (losses).  

(c)  Reported in foreign exchange and other trading revenue.
(d)  Reported in investment and other income.

Fair value measurements for liabilities using significant unobservable inputs for the year ended Dec. 31, 2015

(in millions)
Fair value at Dec. 31, 2014
Transfers out of Level 3
Total (gains) or losses for the period included in earnings
Settlements
Fair value at Dec. 31, 2015
Change in unrealized (gains) or losses for the period included in earnings for liabilities held at the end of the
reporting period

(a)  Derivative liabilities are reported on a gross basis.
(b)  Reported in foreign exchange and other trading revenue.

Trading liabilities
Derivative liabilities (a)

$

$

$

9
(3)
(1) (b)
(5)
—

—

 198 BNY Mellon

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a 

nonrecurring basis

Under certain circumstances, we make adjustments to 
fair value our assets, liabilities and unfunded lending-
related commitments although they are not measured 
at fair value on an ongoing basis.  An example would 
be the recording of an impairment of an asset.

The following tables present the financial instruments 
carried on the consolidated balance sheet by caption 
and by level in the fair value hierarchy as of Dec. 31, 
2016 and Dec. 31, 2015, for which a nonrecurring 
change in fair value has been recorded during the 
years ended Dec. 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2015.

Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at Dec. 31, 2016

(in millions)
Loans (a)
Other assets (b)

Total assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

$

$

— $
—
— $

84 $
4
88 $

7 $
—
7 $

Total 
carrying
value
91
4
95  

(in millions)
Loans (a)
Other assets (b)

Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at Dec. 31, 2015

Total 
carrying
value
271
6
277
(a)  During the years ended Dec. 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2015, the fair value of these loans decreased $2 million and $2 million, respectively, 
based on the fair value of the underlying collateral based on guidance in ASC 310, Receivables, with an offset to the allowance for credit 
losses.

Total assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis

174 $
—
174 $

97 $
6
103 $

— $
—
— $

Level 2

Level 1

Level 3

$

$

(b)  Includes other assets received in satisfaction of debt.

Estimated fair value of financial instruments

The carrying amounts of our financial instruments 
(i.e., monetary assets and liabilities) are determined 
under different accounting methods - see Note 1 of 
the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  The 
following disclosure discusses these instruments on a 
uniform fair value basis.  However, active markets do 
not exist for a significant portion of these 
instruments.  For financial instruments where quoted 
prices from identical assets and liabilities in active 
markets do not exist, we determine fair value based 
on discounted cash flow analysis and comparison to 
similar instruments.  Discounted cash flow analysis is 
dependent upon estimated future cash flows and the 
level of interest rates.  Other judgments would result 
in different fair values.  The fair value information 
supplements the basic financial statements and other 
traditional financial data presented throughout this 
report.

A summary of the practices used for determining fair 
value and the respective level in the valuation 
hierarchy for financial assets and liabilities not 
recorded at fair value follows.

Interest-bearing deposits with the Federal Reserve 
and other central banks and interest-bearing deposits 
with banks

The estimated fair value of interest-bearing deposits 
with the Federal Reserve and other central banks is 
equal to the book value as these interest-bearing 
deposits are generally considered cash equivalents.  
These instruments are classified as Level 2 within the 
valuation hierarchy.  The estimated fair value of 
interest-bearing deposits with banks is generally 
determined using discounted cash flows and duration 
of the instrument to maturity.  The primary inputs 
used to value these transactions are interest rates 
based on current LIBOR market rates and time to 
maturity.  Interest-bearing deposits with banks are 
classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy.

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under 
resale agreements

The estimated fair value of federal funds sold and 
securities purchased under resale agreements is based 
on inputs such as interest rates and tenors.  Federal 
funds sold and securities purchased under resale 
agreements are classified as Level 2 within the 
valuation hierarchy.

BNY Mellon 199 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Securities held-to-maturity

Other financial assets

Where quoted prices are available in an active market 
for identical assets and liabilities, we classify the 
securities as Level 1 within the valuation hierarchy.  
Level 1 securities include U.S. Treasury securities 
and foreign covered bonds.  

If quoted market prices are not available for identical 
assets, we estimate fair value using pricing models, 
quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics 
or discounted cash flows.  Examples of such 
instruments, which would generally be classified as 
Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy, include certain 
agency and non-agency mortgage-backed securities, 
commercial mortgage-backed securities and state and 
political subdivision securities.  For securities where 
quotes from active markets are not available for 
identical securities, we determine fair value primarily 
based on pricing sources with reasonable levels of 
price transparency that employ financial models or 
obtain comparison to similar instruments to arrive at 
“consensus” prices.

Specifically, the pricing sources obtain active market 
prices for similar types of securities (e.g., vintage, 
position in the securitization structure) and ascertain 
variables such as discount rate and speed of 
prepayment for the types of transaction and apply 
such variables to similar types of bonds.  We view 
these as observable transactions in the current 
marketplace and classify such securities as Level 2 
within the valuation hierarchy.

Loans

For residential mortgage loans, fair value is estimated 
using discounted cash flow analysis, adjusting where 
appropriate for prepayment estimates, using interest 
rates currently being offered for loans with similar 
terms and maturities to borrowers.  The estimated fair 
value of margin loans and overdrafts is equal to the 
book value due to the short-term nature of these 
assets.  The estimated fair value of other types of 
loans, including our term loan program, is determined 
using discounted cash flows.  Inputs include current 
LIBOR market rates adjusted for credit spreads.  
These loans are generally classified as Level 2 within 
the valuation hierarchy.

 200 BNY Mellon

Other financial assets include cash, the Federal 
Reserve Bank stock and accrued interest receivable.  
Cash is classified as Level 1 within the valuation 
hierarchy.  The Federal Reserve Bank stock is not 
redeemable or transferable.  The estimated fair value 
of the Federal Reserve Bank stock is based on the 
issue price and is classified as Level 2 within the 
valuation hierarchy.  Accrued interest receivable is 
generally short-term.  As a result, book value is 
considered to equal fair value.  Accrued interest 
receivable is included as Level 2 within the valuation 
hierarchy.

Noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing deposits

Interest-bearing deposits consist of money market 
rate and demand deposits, savings deposits and time 
deposits.  Except for time deposits, book value is 
considered to equal fair value for these deposits due 
to their short duration to maturity or payable on 
demand feature.  The fair value of interest-bearing 
time deposits is determined using discounted cash 
flow analysis.  Inputs primarily consist of current 
LIBOR market rates and time to maturity.  For all 
noninterest-bearing deposits, book value is 
considered to equal fair value as a result of the short 
duration of the deposit.  Interest-bearing and 
noninterest-bearing deposits are classified as Level 2 
within the valuation hierarchy.

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under 
repurchase agreements

The estimated fair value of federal funds purchased 
and securities sold under repurchase agreements is 
based on inputs such as interest rates and tenors.  
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under 
repurchase agreements are classified as Level 2 
within the valuation hierarchy.

Payables to customers and broker-dealers

The estimated fair value of payables to customers and 
broker-dealers is equal to the book value, due to the 
demand feature of the payables to customers and 
broker-dealers, and are classified as Level 2 within 
the valuation hierarchy.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Borrowings 

Long-term debt

Borrowings primarily consist of overdrafts of 
subcustodian account balances in our Investment 
Services businesses and accrued interest payable.  
The estimated fair value of overdrafts of subcustodian 
account balances in our Investment Services 
businesses is considered to equal book value as a 
result of the short duration of the overdrafts and is 
included as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy.  
Overdrafts are typically repaid within two days.  
Accrued interest payable is generally short-term.  As 
a result, book value is considered to equal fair value.  
Accrued interest payable is included as Level 2 
within the valuation hierarchy.

The estimated fair value of long-term debt is based on 
current rates for instruments of the same remaining 
maturity or quoted market prices for the same or 
similar issues.  Long-term debt is classified as Level 
2 within the valuation hierarchy.

The following tables present the estimated fair value 
and the carrying amount of financial instruments not 
carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet 
at Dec. 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2015, by caption on the 
consolidated balance sheet and by the valuation 
hierarchy. 

Summary of financial instruments

Dec. 31, 2016

(in millions)
Assets:

Interest-bearing deposits with the Federal Reserve and other central
banks
Interest-bearing deposits with banks
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements
Securities held-to-maturity
Loans (a)
Other financial assets

Total

Liabilities:

Noninterest-bearing deposits
Interest-bearing deposits
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements
Payables to customers and broker-dealers
Borrowings
Long-term debt

Total

(a)  Does not include the leasing portfolio.

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total
estimated
fair value

Carrying
amount

$

$

$

$

— $
—
—
11,173
—
4,822
15,995 $ 192,370 $

58,041 $
15,091
25,801
29,496
62,829
1,112

78,342 $

— $
— 141,418
9,989
—
20,987
—
—
960
24,184
—
— $ 275,880 $

58,041 $
15,091
25,801
40,669
62,829
5,934

58,041
— $
15,086
—
25,801
—
40,905
—
62,564
—
—
5,934
— $ 208,365 $ 208,331

78,342 $

78,342
— $
143,148
— 141,418
9,989
9,989
—
20,987
20,987
—
960
960
—
24,100
24,184
—
— $ 275,880 $ 277,526

BNY Mellon 201 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Summary of financial instruments

Dec. 31, 2015

(in millions)
Assets:

Interest-bearing deposits with the Federal Reserve and other central
banks
Interest-bearing deposits with banks
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under resale agreements
Securities held-to-maturity
Loans (a)
Other financial assets

Total

Liabilities:

Noninterest-bearing deposits
Interest-bearing deposits
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements
Payables to customers and broker-dealers
Borrowings
Long-term debt

Total

(a)  Does not include the leasing portfolio.

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total
estimated
fair value

Carrying
amount

$

$

$

$

— $ 113,203 $
—
—
11,376
—
6,537
17,913 $ 247,071 $

15,150
24,373
31,828
61,421
1,096

96,277 $

— $
— 182,410
15,002
—
21,900
—
—
698
—
21,494
— $ 337,781 $

— $ 113,203 $ 113,203
15,146
—
24,373
—
43,312
—
61,267
—
—
7,633
— $ 264,984 $ 264,934

15,150
24,373
43,204
61,421
7,633

96,277 $

96,277
— $
183,333
— 182,410
15,002
15,002
—
21,900
21,900
—
698
698
—
—
21,188
21,494
— $ 337,781 $ 338,398

The table below summarizes the carrying amount of the hedged financial instruments, the notional amount of the 
hedge and the unrealized gain (loss) (estimated fair value) of the derivatives.

Hedged financial instruments

(in millions)
Dec. 31, 2016

Securities available-for-sale
Long-term debt

Dec. 31, 2015

Securities available-for-sale
Long-term debt

Note 19 - Fair value option

We elected fair value as an alternative measurement 
for selected financial assets and financial liabilities.  

The following table presents the assets and liabilities, 
by type, of consolidated investment management 
funds recorded at fair value.

 202 BNY Mellon

Carrying 
amount

Notional
amount of
hedge

$

$

9,184 $
20,511

9,233 $
20,450

7,978 $
18,231

7,918 $
17,850

Unrealized
Gain

(Loss)

83 $
330

16 $
479

(342)
(203)

(359)
(14)

Assets and liabilities of consolidated investment
management funds, at fair value

(in millions)
Assets of consolidated investment
management funds:
Trading assets
Other assets

Total assets of consolidated
investment management funds
Liabilities of consolidated investment
management funds:
Trading liabilities
Other liabilities

Total liabilities of consolidated
investment management funds

Dec. 31,
2016

Dec. 31,
2015

$

979 $ 1,228
252
173

$ 1,231 $ 1,401

$

$

282 $
33

315 $

229
17

246

BNY Mellon values the assets and liabilities of its 
consolidated asset management funds using quoted 
prices for identical assets or liabilities in active 
markets or observable inputs such as quoted prices 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

for similar assets or liabilities.  Quoted prices for 
either identical or similar assets or liabilities in 
inactive markets may also be used.  Accordingly, fair 
value best reflects the interests BNY Mellon holds in 
the economic performance of the consolidated asset 
management funds.  Changes in the value of the 
assets and liabilities are recorded in the income 
statement as investment income of consolidated 
investment management funds and in the interest of 
investment management fund note holders, 
respectively.

We elected the fair value option on $419 million of 
loans at Dec. 31, 2015 with a fair value of $422 
million.  The loans were valued using observable 
market inputs to discount expected loan cash flows 
and are included in Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.  
There were no loans for which the fair value option 
was elected at Dec. 31, 2016. 

We have elected the fair value option on $240 million 
of long-term debt.  The fair value of this long-term 
debt was $363 million at Dec. 31, 2016 and $359 
million at Dec. 31, 2015.  The long-term debt is 
valued using observable market inputs and is 
included in Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

The following table presents the changes in fair value 
of the loans and long-term debt and the location of 
the changes in the consolidated income statement.

Impact of changes in fair value in the income statement (a)
Year ended Dec. 31,

(in millions)
Loans:
Investment and other income
Long-term debt:
Foreign exchange and other trading
revenue (losses)

$

$

2016

2015

2014

12 $

3 $ —

(4) $

(12) $

(26)

(a)  The changes in fair value of the loans and long-term debt 
are approximately offset by economic hedges included in 
foreign exchange and other trading revenue.

Note 20 - Commitments and contingent 
liabilities

In the normal course of business, various 
commitments and contingent liabilities are 
outstanding that are not reflected in the 
accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Our significant trading and off-balance sheet risks are 
securities, foreign currency and interest rate risk 

management products, commercial lending 
commitments, letters of credit and securities lending 
indemnifications.  We assume these risks to reduce 
interest rate and foreign currency risks, to provide 
customers with the ability to meet credit and liquidity 
needs and to hedge foreign currency and interest rate 
risks.  These items involve, to varying degrees, credit, 
foreign currency and interest rate risk not recognized 
in the balance sheet.  Our off-balance sheet risks are 
managed and monitored in manners similar to those 
used for on-balance sheet risks.  Significant industry 
concentrations related to credit exposure at Dec. 31, 
2016 are disclosed in the financial institutions 
portfolio exposure table and the commercial portfolio 
exposure table below.  

Dec. 31, 2016
Unfunded
commitments

Loans

Financial institutions
portfolio exposure
(in billions)
Securities industry
Banks
Asset managers
Insurance
Government
Other

Total

Commercial portfolio
exposure
(in billions)
Manufacturing
Energy and utilities
Services and other
Media and telecom

Total

$

$

$

$

3.8 $
7.9
1.5
0.1
0.1
1.3
14.7 $

1.1 $
0.6
0.6
0.3
2.6 $

Total
exposure
23.0
9.9
7.7
3.9
1.0
2.9
48.4  

19.2 $
2.0
6.2
3.8
0.9
1.6
33.7 $

Total
exposure
7.8
5.3
4.9
2.1
20.1

6.7 $
4.7
4.3
1.8
17.5 $

Dec. 31, 2016
Unfunded
commitments

Loans

Major concentrations in securities lending are 
primarily to broker-dealers and are generally 
collateralized with cash.  Securities lending 
transactions are discussed below.

The following table presents a summary of our off-
balance sheet credit risks, net of participations.

Dec. 31,
2016

Off-balance sheet credit risks
Dec. 31,
2015
(in millions)
$ 51,270 $ 54,505
Lending commitments
Standby letters of credit (a)
4,915
Commercial letters of credit
303
Securities lending indemnifications (b)
294,108
(a)  Net of participations totaling $662 million at Dec. 31, 2016 

4,185
339
317,690

and $809 million at Dec. 31, 2015. 

(b)  Excludes the indemnification for securities for which BNY 
Mellon acts as an agent on behalf of CIBC Mellon clients, 
which totaled $61 billion at Dec. 31, 2016 and $54 billion at 
Dec. 31, 2015.

BNY Mellon 203 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Also included in lending commitments are facilities 
that provide liquidity for variable rate tax-exempt 
securities wrapped by monoline insurers.  The credit 
approval for these facilities is based on an assessment 
of the underlying tax-exempt issuer and considers 
factors other than the financial strength of the 
monoline insurer.

The total potential loss on undrawn lending 
commitments, standby and commercial letters of 
credit, and securities lending indemnifications is 
equal to the total notional amount if drawn upon, 
which does not consider the value of any collateral.

Since many of the commitments are expected to 
expire without being drawn upon, the total amount 
does not necessarily represent future cash 
requirements.  A summary of lending commitment 
maturities is as follows: $28.9 billion in less than one 
year, $22.1 billion in one to five years and $277 
million over five years.

Standby letters of credit (“SBLC”) principally 
support corporate obligations and were collateralized 
with cash and securities of $293 million and $299 
million at Dec. 31, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2015, 
respectively.  At Dec. 31, 2016, $2.7 billion of the 
SBLCs will expire within one year and $1.5 billion in 
one to five years.

We must recognize, at the inception of an SBLC and 
foreign and other guarantees, a liability for the fair 
value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the 
guarantee.  The fair value of the liability, which was 
recorded with a corresponding asset in other assets, 
was estimated as the present value of contractual 
customer fees.  The estimated liability for losses 
related to these commitments and SBLCs, if any, is 
included in the allowance for lending-related 
commitments.  The allowance for lending-related 
commitments was $112 million at Dec. 31, 2016 and 
$118 million at Dec. 31, 2015.

Payment/performance risk of SBLCs is monitored 
using both historical performance and internal ratings 
criteria.  BNY Mellon’s historical experience is that 
SBLCs typically expire without being funded.  
SBLCs below investment grade are monitored closely 
for payment/performance risk.  The table below 
shows SBLCs by investment grade:

 204 BNY Mellon

Standby letters of credit

Investment grade
Non-investment grade

Dec. 31,
2016
89%
11%

Dec. 31,
2015
86%
14%

A commercial letter of credit is normally a short-term 
instrument used to finance a commercial contract for 
the shipment of goods from a seller to a buyer.  
Although the commercial letter of credit is contingent 
upon the satisfaction of specified conditions, it 
represents a credit exposure if the buyer defaults on 
the underlying transaction.  As a result, the total 
contractual amounts do not necessarily represent 
future cash requirements.  Commercial letters of 
credit totaled $339 million at Dec. 31, 2016 compared 
with $303 million at Dec. 31, 2015.

A securities lending transaction is a fully 
collateralized transaction in which the owner of a 
security agrees to lend the security (typically through 
an agent, in our case, The Bank of New York 
Mellon), to a borrower, usually a broker-dealer or 
bank, on an open, overnight or term basis, under the 
terms of a prearranged contract, which normally 
matures in less than 90 days.  

We typically lend securities with indemnification 
against borrower default.  We generally require the 
borrower to provide collateral with a minimum value 
of 102% of the fair value of the securities borrowed, 
which is monitored on a daily basis, thus reducing 
credit risk.  Market risk can also arise in securities 
lending transactions.  These risks are controlled 
through policies limiting the level of risk that can be 
undertaken.  Securities lending transactions are 
generally entered into only with highly rated 
counterparties.  Securities lending indemnifications 
were secured by collateral of $331 billion at Dec. 31, 
2016 and $306 billion at Dec. 31, 2015.

CIBC Mellon, a joint venture between BNY Mellon 
and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce 
(“CIBC”), engages in securities lending activities.  
CIBC Mellon, BNY Mellon, and CIBC jointly and 
severally indemnify securities lenders against specific 
types of borrower default.  At Dec. 31, 2016 and Dec. 
31, 2015, $61 billion and $54 billion, respectively, of 
borrowings at CIBC Mellon for which BNY Mellon 
acts as agent on behalf of CIBC Mellon clients, were 
secured by collateral of $64 billion and $56 billion, 
respectively.  If, upon a default, a borrower’s 
collateral was not sufficient to cover its related 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

obligations, certain losses related to the 
indemnification could be covered by the indemnitors. 

We expect many of these guarantees to expire without 
the need to advance any cash.  The revenue 
associated with guarantees frequently depends on the 
credit rating of the obligor and the structure of the 
transaction, including collateral, if any.

Operating leases

Net rent expense for premises and equipment was 
$301 million in 2016, $329 million in 2015 and $328 
million in 2014.

At Dec. 31, 2016, we were obligated under various 
noncancelable lease agreements, some of which 
provide for additional rents based upon real estate 
taxes, insurance and maintenance and for various 
renewal options.  A summary of the future minimum 
rental commitments under noncancelable operating 
leases, net of related sublease revenue, is as follows: 
2017—$334 million; 2018—$265 million; 2019—
$241 million; 2020—$221 million; 2021—$198 
million and 2022 and thereafter—$870 million. 

Exposure for certain administrative errors

In connection with certain offshore tax-exempt funds 
that we manage, we may be liable to the funds for 
certain administrative errors.  The errors relate to the 
resident status of such funds, potentially exposing the 
Company to a tax liability related to the funds’ 
earnings.  The Company is in discussions with tax 
authorities regarding the funds.  With the charge 
recorded in 2014 for this matter, we believe we are 
appropriately accrued and the additional reasonably 
possible exposure is not significant.

Indemnification arrangements

We have provided standard representations for 
underwriting agreements, acquisition and divestiture 
agreements, sales of loans and commitments, and 
other similar types of arrangements and customary 
indemnification for claims and legal proceedings 
related to providing financial services that are not 
otherwise included above.  Insurance has been 
purchased to mitigate certain of these risks.  
Generally, there are no stated or notional amounts 
included in these indemnifications and the 
contingencies triggering the obligation for 
indemnification are not expected to occur.  

Furthermore, often counterparties to these 
transactions provide us with comparable 
indemnifications.  We are unable to develop an 
estimate of the maximum payout under these 
indemnifications for several reasons.  In addition to 
the lack of a stated or notional amount in a majority 
of such indemnifications, we are unable to predict the 
nature of events that would trigger indemnification or 
the level of indemnification for a certain event.  We 
believe, however, that the possibility that we will 
have to make any material payments for these 
indemnifications is remote.  At Dec. 31, 2016 and 
Dec. 31, 2015, we have not recorded any material 
liabilities under these arrangements.

Clearing and settlement exchanges

We are a noncontrolling equity investor in, and/or 
member of, several industry clearing or settlement 
exchanges through which foreign exchange, 
securities, derivatives or other transactions settle.  
Certain of these industry clearing and settlement 
exchanges require their members to guarantee their 
obligations and liabilities and/or to provide liquidity 
support in the event other members do not honor their 
obligations.  We believe the likelihood that a clearing 
or settlement exchange (of which we are a member) 
would become insolvent is remote.  Additionally, 
certain settlement exchanges have implemented loss 
allocation policies that enable the exchange to 
allocate settlement losses to the members of the 
exchange.  It is not possible to quantify such mark-to-
market loss until the loss occurs.  In addition, any 
ancillary costs that occur as a result of any mark-to-
market loss cannot be quantified.  At Dec. 31, 2016 
and Dec. 31, 2015, we have not recorded any material 
liabilities under these arrangements.

Legal proceedings

In the ordinary course of business, BNY Mellon and 
its subsidiaries are routinely named as defendants in 
or made parties to pending and potential legal actions.  
We also are subject to governmental and regulatory 
examinations, information-gathering requests, 
investigations and proceedings (both formal and 
informal).  Claims for significant monetary damages 
are often asserted in many of these legal actions, 
while claims for disgorgement, restitution, penalties 
and/or other remedial actions or sanctions may be 
sought in regulatory matters.  It is inherently difficult 
to predict the eventual outcomes of such matters 
given their complexity and the particular facts and 

BNY Mellon 205 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

circumstances at issue in each of these matters.  
However, on the basis of our current knowledge and 
understanding, we do not believe that judgments, 
settlements or orders, if any, arising from these 
matters (either individually or in the aggregate, after 
giving effect to applicable reserves and insurance 
coverage) will have a material adverse effect on the 
consolidated financial position or liquidity of BNY 
Mellon, although they could have a material effect on 
net income in a given period.

In view of the inherent unpredictability of outcomes 
in litigation and governmental and regulatory matters, 
particularly where (i) the damages sought are 
substantial or indeterminate, (ii) the proceedings are 
in the early stages, or (iii) the matters involve novel 
legal theories or a large number of parties, as a matter 
of course there is considerable uncertainty 
surrounding the timing or ultimate resolution of 
litigation and governmental and regulatory matters, 
including a possible eventual loss, fine, penalty or 
business impact, if any, associated with each such 
matter.  In accordance with applicable accounting 
guidance, BNY Mellon establishes accruals for 
litigation and governmental and regulatory matters 
when those matters proceed to a stage where they 
present loss contingencies that are both probable and 
reasonably estimable.  In such cases, there may be a 
possible exposure to loss in excess of any amounts 
accrued.  BNY Mellon will continue to monitor such 
matters for developments that could affect the amount 
of the accrual, and will adjust the accrual amount as 
appropriate.  If the loss contingency in question is not 
both probable and reasonably estimable, BNY Mellon 
does not establish an accrual and the matter will 
continue to be monitored for any developments that 
would make the loss contingency both probable and 
reasonably estimable.  BNY Mellon believes that its 
accruals for legal proceedings are appropriate and, in 
the aggregate, are not material to the consolidated 
financial position of BNY Mellon, although future 
accruals could have a material effect on net income in 
a given period.

For certain of those matters described here for which 
a loss contingency may, in the future, be reasonably 
possible (whether in excess of a related accrued 
liability or where there is no accrued liability), BNY 
Mellon is currently unable to estimate a range of 
reasonably possible loss.  For those matters described 
here where BNY Mellon is able to estimate a 
reasonably possible loss, the aggregate range of such 
reasonably possible loss is up to $930 million in 

 206 BNY Mellon

excess of the accrued liability (if any) related to those 
matters. 

The following describes certain judicial, regulatory 
and arbitration proceedings involving BNY Mellon:

Standing Instruction Matters
Beginning in 2009, government authorities conducted 
inquiries and BNY Mellon was named as a defendant 
in lawsuits by various government and private entities 
relating to whether BNY Mellon’s pricing of standing 
instruction foreign exchange transactions with 
custody clients was improper.  BNY Mellon 
announced various settlements in 2015, which are all 
now final, and has effectively resolved virtually all of 
the standing instruction FX-related matters.

Mortgage-Securitization Trusts Proceedings
The Bank of New York Mellon has been named as a 
defendant in a number of legal actions brought by 
MBS investors alleging that the trustee has expansive 
duties under the governing agreements, including the 
duty to investigate and pursue breach of 
representation and warranty claims against other 
parties to the MBS transactions.  These actions 
include a lawsuit brought in New York State court on 
June 18, 2014, and later re-filed in federal court, by a 
group of institutional investors who purport to sue on 
behalf of 249 MBS trusts. 

Matters Related to R. Allen Stanford
In late December 2005, Pershing LLC became a 
clearing firm for Stanford Group Co. (“SGC”), a 
registered broker-dealer that was part of a group of 
entities ultimately controlled by R. Allen Stanford.  
Stanford International Bank (“SIB”), also controlled 
by Stanford, issued certificates of deposit (“CDs”).  
Some investors allegedly wired funds from their SGC 
accounts to purchase CDs.  In 2009, the SEC charged 
Stanford with operating a Ponzi scheme in connection 
with the sale of CDs, and SGC was placed into 
receivership.  Alleged purchasers of CDs have filed 
15 lawsuits against Pershing that are pending in 
Texas, including two putative class actions.  The 
purchasers allege that Pershing, as SGC’s clearing 
firm, assisted Stanford in a fraudulent scheme and 
assert contractual, statutory and common law claims.  
In addition, one FINRA arbitration matter brought by 
alleged purchasers remains pending. 

Brazilian Postalis Litigation
BNY Mellon Servicos Financeiros DTVM S.A. 
(“DTVM”), a subsidiary that provides a number of 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

asset services in Brazil, acts as administrator for 
certain investment funds in which the exclusive 
investor is a public pension fund for postal workers 
called Postalis-Instituto de Seguridade Social dos 
Correios e Telégrafos (“Postalis”).  On Aug. 22, 2014, 
Postalis sued DTVM in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for 
losses related to a Postalis investment fund for which 
DTVM serves as fund administrator.  Postalis alleges 
that DTVM failed to properly perform alleged duties, 
including duties to conduct due diligence of and exert 
control over the fund manager, Atlântica 
Administração de Recursos (“Atlântica”), and 
Atlântica’s investments.  On March 12, 2015, Postalis 
filed a lawsuit in Rio de Janeiro against DTVM and 
BNY Mellon Administração de Ativos Ltda. 
(“Ativos”) alleging failure to properly perform 
alleged duties relating to another fund of which 
DTVM is administrator and Ativos is investment 
manager.  On Dec. 14, 2015, Associaceão Dos 
Profissionais Dos Correiros, a Brazilian postal 
workers association, filed a lawsuit in São Paulo 
against DTVM and other defendants alleging that 
DTVM improperly contributed to investment losses 
in the Postalis portfolio.  On Dec. 17, 2015, Postalis 
filed three additional lawsuits in Rio de Janeiro 
against DTVM and Ativos alleging failure to properly 
perform alleged duties and liabilities for losses with 
respect to investments in several other funds.  On 
Feb. 4, 2016, Postalis filed another lawsuit in Brasilia 
against DTVM, Ativos and BNY Mellon Alocação de 
Patrimônio Ltda., an investment management 
subsidiary, alleging failure to properly perform duties 
and liability for losses with respect to investments in 
various other funds of which the defendants were 
administrator and/or manager.  

Depositary Receipt Matters
Between late December 2015 and February 2016, 
four putative class action lawsuits were filed against 
BNY Mellon asserting claims relating to BNY 
Mellon’s foreign exchange pricing when converting 
dividends and other distributions from non-U.S. 
companies in its role as depositary bank to Depositary 
Receipt issuers.  The claims are for breach of contract 
and violations of ERISA.  The lawsuits have been 
consolidated into two suits which are pending in 
federal court in the Southern District of New York.

Brazilian Silverado Litigation
DTVM acts as administrator for the Fundo de 
Investimento em Direitos Creditórios Multisetorial 
Silverado Maximum (“Silverado Maximum Fund”), 
which invests in commercial credit receivables.  On 

June 2, 2016, the Silverado Maximum Fund sued 
DTVM in its capacity as administrator, along with 
Deutsche Bank S.A. - Banco Alemão in its capacity 
as custodian and Silverado Gestão e Investimentos 
Ltda. in its capacity as investment manager.  The 
Fund alleges that each of the defendants failed to 
fulfill its respective duty, and caused losses to the 
Fund for which the defendants are jointly and 
severally liable.

Note 21 - Derivative instruments

We use derivatives to manage exposure to market risk 
including interest rate risk, equity price risk and 
foreign currency risk, as well as credit risk.  Our 
trading activities are focused on acting as a market-
maker for our customers and facilitating customer 
trades in compliance with the Volcker Rule.

The notional amounts for derivative financial 
instruments express the dollar volume of the 
transactions; however, credit risk is much smaller.  
We perform credit reviews and enter into netting 
agreements and collateral arrangements to minimize 
the credit risk of derivative financial instruments.  We 
enter into offsetting positions to reduce exposure to 
foreign currency, interest rate and equity price risk.

Use of derivative financial instruments involves 
reliance on counterparties.  Failure of a counterparty 
to honor its obligation under a derivative contract is a 
risk we assume whenever we engage in a derivative 
contract.  There were no counterparty default losses 
recorded in 2016.  Recoveries of less than $1 million 
were recorded in 2015.

Hedging derivatives

We utilize interest rate swap agreements to manage 
our exposure to interest rate fluctuations.  For hedges 
of available-for-sale investment securities, deposits 
and long-term debt, the hedge documentation 
specifies the terms of the hedged items and the 
interest rate swaps and indicates that the derivative is 
hedging a fixed rate item and is a fair value hedge, 
that the hedge exposure is to the changes in the fair 
value of the hedged item due to changes in 
benchmark interest rates, and that the strategy is to 
eliminate fair value variability by converting fixed 
rate interest payments to LIBOR.

The available-for-sale investment securities hedged 
consist of U.S. Treasury bonds, agency commercial 

BNY Mellon 207 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

of the foreign investments due to changes in foreign 
exchange rates.  The change in fair market value of 
these forward foreign exchange contracts is deferred 
and reported within foreign currency translation 
adjustments in shareholders’ equity, net of tax.  At 
Dec. 31, 2016, forward foreign exchange contracts 
with notional amounts totaling $6.9 billion were 
designated as hedges.

We use forward foreign exchange contracts with 
remaining maturities of two months or less as hedges 
against our foreign exchange exposure with respect to 
certain short-term borrowings in currencies other than 
the functional currency of the issuing entity. These 
hedges are designated as cash flow hedges and are 
effected such that their maturities and notional values 
match those of the corresponding transactions. As of 
December 31, 2016, the hedged balance sheet items 
and designated foreign exchange contract hedges 
were $533 million (notional), with a pre-tax gain of 
$5.9 million recorded in accumulated other 
comprehensive income. This gain will be reclassified 
to net interest revenue over the next two months.

In addition to forward foreign exchange contracts, we 
also designate non-derivative financial instruments as 
hedges of our net investments in foreign subsidiaries.  
Those non-derivative financial instruments 
designated as hedges of our net investments in 
foreign subsidiaries were all long-term liabilities of 
BNY Mellon in various currencies, and, at Dec. 31, 
2016, had a combined U.S. dollar equivalent value of 
$408 million.

Ineffectiveness related to derivatives and hedging 
relationships was recorded in income as follows:

Ineffectiveness
(in millions)
Fair value hedges of securities
Fair value hedges of long-term debt
Cash flow hedges
Other (a)
Total

$

$

2015

Year ended Dec. 31,
2016
(0.5) $
(3.1)
—
—
(3.6) $

2014
4.1 $ (20.6)
(14.6)
(6.3)
0.1
—
(0.1)
—
(2.2) $ (35.2)

(a)  Includes ineffectiveness recorded on foreign exchange 

hedges.

mortgage-backed securities, sovereign debt and 
covered bonds that had original maturities of 30 years 
or less at initial purchase.  The swaps on all of these 
investment securities are not callable.  All of these 
securities are hedged with “pay fixed rate, receive 
variable rate” swaps of similar maturity, repricing and 
fixed rate coupon.  At Dec. 31, 2016, $9.3 billion face 
amount of securities were hedged with interest rate 
swaps that had notional values of $9.2 billion.

The fixed rate long-term debt instruments hedged 
generally have original maturities of five to 30 years.  
We issue both callable and non-callable debt.  The 
non-callable debt is hedged with “receive fixed rate, 
pay variable rate” swaps with similar maturity, 
repricing and fixed rate coupon.  Callable debt is 
hedged with callable swaps where the call dates of 
the swaps exactly match the call dates of the debt.  At 
Dec. 31, 2016, $20.5 billion par value of debt was 
hedged with interest rate swaps that had notional 
values of $20.5 billion.

In addition, we enter into foreign exchange hedges.  
We use forward foreign exchange contracts with 
maturities of nine months or less to hedge our Indian 
rupee, British pound, Hong Kong dollar, euro, 
Singapore dollar and Canadian dollar foreign 
exchange exposure with respect to foreign currency 
forecasted revenue and expense transactions in 
entities that have the U.S. dollar as their functional 
currency.  As of Dec. 31, 2016, the hedged forecasted 
foreign currency transactions and designated forward 
foreign exchange contract hedges were $313 million 
(notional), with a pre-tax gain of $7 million recorded 
in accumulated other comprehensive income.  This 
gain will be reclassified to income or expense over 
the next nine months.

Forward foreign exchange contracts are also used to 
hedge the value of our net investments in foreign 
subsidiaries.  These forward foreign exchange 
contracts have maturities of less than two years.  The 
derivatives employed are designated as hedges of 
changes in value of our foreign investments due to 
exchange rates.  Changes in the value of the forward 
foreign exchange contracts offset the changes in value 

 208 BNY Mellon

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

The following table summarizes the notional amount and credit exposure of our total derivative portfolio at Dec. 31, 
2016 and Dec. 31, 2015.

Impact of derivative instruments on the balance sheet

(in millions)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: (a)
Interest rate contracts
Foreign exchange contracts

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: (b)
Interest rate contracts
Foreign exchange contracts
Equity contracts
Credit contracts

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Total derivatives fair value (c)
Effect of master netting agreements (d)

Fair value after effect of master netting agreements

Notional value

Asset derivatives
fair value

Dec. 31,
2016

Dec. 31,
2015

Dec. 31,
2016

Dec. 31,
2015

Liability derivatives
fair value

Dec. 31,
2016

Dec. 31,
2015

$

29,683 $
7,796

25,768
6,839

$ 325,412 $ 519,428
576,253
1,923
319

530,729
1,167
160

$

$

$

$
$

$

415 $
369
784 $

497
219
716

7,587 $
6,104
46
—
13,737 $
14,521 $
(10,257)

4,264 $

10,044
4,905
127
8
15,084
15,800
(11,115)
4,685

$

$

$

$
$

$

545 $
52
597 $

372
20
392

7,633 $
6,103
112
3

13,851 $
14,448 $
(10,047)

4,401 $

9,962
4,682
151
1
14,796
15,188
(10,869)
4,319

(a)  The fair value of asset derivatives and liability derivatives designated as hedging instruments is recorded as other assets and other 

liabilities, respectively, on the balance sheet.

(b)  The fair value of asset derivatives and liability derivatives not designated as hedging instruments is recorded as trading assets and 

trading liabilities, respectively, on the balance sheet.

(c)  Fair values are on a gross basis, before consideration of master netting agreements, as required by ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging.
(d)  Effect of master netting agreements includes cash collateral received and paid of $1,119 million and $909 million, respectively, at Dec. 

31, 2016, and $792 million and $546 million, respectively, at Dec. 31, 2015.

Impact of derivative instruments on the income statement
(in millions)

Derivatives in fair value
hedging relationships

Location of gain or
(loss) recognized in 
income on 
derivatives

Gain or (loss) recognized in income
on derivatives
Year ended Dec. 31, 

2015

2014

Location of gain or
(loss) recognized in
income on hedged
item

Gain or (loss) recognized
in hedged item
Year ended Dec. 31, 

2016

2015

Interest rate contracts

Net interest revenue

$

(85) $

(921) Net interest revenue

$

270

$

83

$

2016
(274) $

2014

886

Gain or (loss) 
recognized
in accumulated
OCI on derivatives 
(effective portion)
Year ended Dec. 31, 

2016

2015

2014

Location of gain or
(loss) reclassified
from accumulated
OCI into income
(effective portion)

Gain or (loss) 
reclassified
from accumulated
OCI into income
(effective portion)
Year ended Dec. 31, 

2016

2015

2014

Location of gain or
(loss) recognized in
income on derivatives
(ineffective portion and
amount excluded from
effectiveness testing)

$

$

(1) $
—
9
(8)

(18) $
—
(16)
(18)
(52) $ — $

(2) Net interest revenue
(6) Other revenue
36 Trading revenue
(6) Salary expense
22

$

$

(18) $
—
(16)
(11)
(45) $

(1) $
—
9
(19)
(11) $

(2) Net interest revenue
(3) Other revenue
36 Trading revenue
10
41

Salary expense

Gain or (loss) recognized 
in income on derivatives 
(ineffectiveness portion 
and amount excluded from 
effectiveness testing)
Year ended Dec. 31,

2016

2015

$ — $ — $

—
—
—

—
—
—

$ — $ — $

2014
—
0.1
—
—
0.1

Derivatives in 
cash flow hedging
relationships

FX contracts
FX contracts
FX contracts
FX contracts

Total

Gain or (loss) 
recognized in 
accumulated OCI 
on derivatives
(effective portion)
Year ended Dec. 31, 

2016

2015

2014

Location of gain or
(loss) reclassified
from accumulated
OCI into income
(effective portion)

Derivatives in net
investment hedging
relationships

FX contracts

$ 652 $ 474 $ (367) Net interest revenue

Gain or (loss) 
reclassified
from accumulated
OCI into income
(effective portion)
Year ended Dec. 31, 

Location of gain or
(loss) recognized in
income on derivative
(ineffective portion and
amount excluded from
effectiveness testing)

2016
$ — $

2015

2014

1 $

(1) Other revenue

Gain or (loss) recognized
in income on derivatives
(ineffectiveness portion 
and amount excluded from
effectiveness testing)
Year ended Dec. 31,

2016

2015

$ — $ — $

2014
(0.1)

BNY Mellon 209 

  
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Trading activities (including trading derivatives)

We manage trading risk through a system of position 
limits, a VaR methodology based on Monte Carlo 
simulations and other market sensitivity measures.  
Risk is monitored and reported to senior management 
by a separate unit on a daily basis.  Based on certain 
assumptions, the VaR methodology is designed to 
capture the potential overnight pre-tax dollar loss 
from adverse changes in fair values of all trading 
positions.  The calculation assumes a one-day holding 
period for most instruments, utilizes a 99% 
confidence level and incorporates the non-linear 
characteristics of options.  The VaR model is one of 
several statistical models used to develop economic 
capital results, which is allocated to lines of business 
for computing risk-adjusted performance.

As the VaR methodology does not evaluate risk 
attributable to extraordinary financial, economic or 
other occurrences, the risk assessment process 
includes a number of stress scenarios based upon the 
risk factors in the portfolio and management’s 
assessment of market conditions.  Additional stress 
scenarios based upon historical market events are also 
performed.  Stress tests, by their design, incorporate 
the impact of reduced liquidity and the breakdown of 
observed correlations.  The results of these stress tests 
are reviewed weekly with senior management.

Revenue from foreign exchange and other trading 
included the following:

Foreign exchange and other
trading revenue
(in millions)
Foreign exchange
Other trading revenue (loss)
Total foreign exchange and other
trading revenue

Year ended Dec. 31,
2016
2015
687 $
743 $
14
25

2014
578
(8)

$

$

701 $

768 $

570

Foreign exchange includes income from purchasing 
and selling foreign currencies and currency forwards, 
futures and options.  Other trading revenue reflects 
results from futures and forward contracts, interest 
rate swaps, structured foreign currency swaps, 
options, equity derivatives and fixed income and 
equity securities.

Counterparty credit risk and collateral

We assess credit risk of our counterparties through 
regular examination of their financial statements, 

 210 BNY Mellon

confidential communication with the management of 
those counterparties and regular monitoring of 
publicly available credit rating information.  This and 
other information is used to develop proprietary 
credit rating metrics used to assess credit quality.

Collateral requirements are determined after a 
comprehensive review of the credit quality of each 
counterparty.  Collateral is generally held or pledged 
in the form of cash or highly liquid government 
securities.  Collateral requirements are monitored and 
adjusted daily.

Additional disclosures concerning derivative financial 
instruments are provided in Note 18 of the Notes to 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

Disclosure of contingent features in OTC derivative 
instruments

Certain OTC derivative contracts and/or collateral 
agreements of The Bank of New York Mellon, our 
largest banking subsidiary and the subsidiary through 
which BNY Mellon enters into the substantial 
majority of its OTC derivative contracts and/or 
collateral agreements, contain provisions that may 
require us to take certain actions if The Bank of New 
York Mellon’s public debt rating fell to a certain 
level.  Early termination provisions, or “close-out” 
agreements, in those contracts could trigger 
immediate payment of outstanding contracts that are 
in net liability positions.  Certain collateral 
agreements would require The Bank of New York 
Mellon to immediately post additional collateral to 
cover some or all of The Bank of New York Mellon’s 
liabilities to a counterparty.

The following table shows the fair value of contracts 
falling under early termination provisions that were in 
net liability positions as of Dec. 31, 2016 for three 
key ratings triggers:

If The Bank of New York
Potential close-out 
Mellon’s rating was changed to
exposures (fair value) (a)
(Moody’s/S&P)
121 million
A3/A-
805 million
Baa2/BBB
Ba1/BB+
2,066 million
(a)  The amounts represent potential total close-out values if The 
Bank of New York Mellon’s rating were to immediately drop 
to the indicated levels.

$
$
$

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

The aggregated fair value of contracts impacting 
potential trade close-out amounts and collateral 
obligations can fluctuate from quarter to quarter due 
to changes in market conditions, changes in the 
composition of counterparty trades, new business or 
changes to the agreement definitions establishing 
close-out or collateral obligations.

Offsetting assets and liabilities

Additionally, if The Bank of New York Mellon’s debt 
rating had fallen below investment grade on Dec. 31, 
2016, existing collateral arrangements would have 
required us to have posted an additional $209 million 
of collateral.

The following tables present derivative instruments and financial instruments that are either subject to an 
enforceable netting agreement or offset by collateral arrangements.  There were no derivative instruments or 
financial instruments subject to a legally enforceable netting agreement for which we are not currently netting.

Offsetting of derivative assets and financial assets at Dec. 31, 2016

Gross
amounts
offset in the
balance
sheet

Net assets
recognized
on the
balance sheet

(a)

Gross amounts not offset in
the balance sheet

Financial
instruments

Cash
collateral
received Net amount

Gross assets
recognized

(in millions)
Derivatives subject to netting
arrangements:
Interest rate contracts
Foreign exchange contracts
Equity and other contracts

Total derivatives subject to netting
arrangements

12,514

10,257

$

7,205 $
5,265
44

6,047
4,172
38

$

1,158 $
1,093
6

2,257

321 $
202
—

523

— $
—
—

—

837
891
6

1,734

Total derivatives not subject to netting
arrangements

2,007
3,741
3
269
4,013
(a)  Includes the effect of netting agreements and net cash collateral received.  The offset related to the OTC derivatives was allocated to the 

Total derivatives
Reverse repurchase agreements
Securities borrowing
Total

2,007
14,521
17,588
8,694
40,803 $

2,007
4,264
17,107
8,694
30,065 $

—
523
17,104
8,425
26,052 $

481 (b)
—
10,738

—
—
—
—
— $

—
10,257

$

$

various types of derivatives based on the net positions.

(b)  Offsetting of reverse repurchase agreements relates to our involvement in the Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, where we settle 

government securities transactions on a net basis for payment and delivery through the Fedwire system.

BNY Mellon 211 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Offsetting of derivative assets and financial assets at Dec. 31, 2015
Gross
amounts
offset in the
balance
sheet

Gross assets
recognized

Net assets 
recognized 
on the 
balance sheet

(a)

Gross amounts not offset in
the balance sheet

Financial
instruments

Cash
collateral
received

Net amount

(in millions)
Derivatives subject to netting
arrangements:
Interest rate contracts
Foreign exchange contracts
Equity and other contracts

Total derivatives subject to netting
arrangements

13,658

11,115

$

9,554 $
3,981
123

8,071
2,981
63

$

1,483 $
1,000
60

2,543

432 $
63
—

495

— $
—
—

—

1,051
937
60

2,048

Total derivatives not subject to netting
arrangements

2,142
4,190
5
257
4,452
(a)  Includes the effect of netting agreements and net cash collateral received.  The offset related to the OTC derivatives was allocated to the 

Total derivatives
Reverse repurchase agreements
Securities borrowing
Total

—
495
16,726
7,373
24,594 $

2,142
15,800
17,088
7,630
40,518 $

2,142
4,685
16,731
7,630
29,046 $

357 (b)
—
11,472

—
—
—
—
— $

—
11,115

$

$

various types of derivatives based on the net positions.

(b)  Offsetting of reverse repurchase agreements relates to our involvement in the Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, where we settle 

government securities transactions on a net basis for payment and delivery through the Fedwire system.

Offsetting of derivative liabilities and financial liabilities at Dec. 31, 2016

Gross
liabilities
recognized

Gross
amounts
offset in the
balance
sheet

Net liabilities
recognized
on the
balance sheet

(a)

Gross amounts not offset in
the balance sheet

Financial
instruments

Cash
collateral
pledged

Net amount

$

8,116 $
4,957
104

6,634
3,363
50

$

1,482 $
1,594
54

1,266 $
355
54

13,177

10,047

3,130

1,675

— $
—
—

—

216
1,239
—

1,455

(in millions)
Derivatives subject to netting
arrangements:
Interest rate contracts
Foreign exchange contracts
Equity and other contracts

Total derivatives subject to netting
arrangements

Total derivatives not subject to netting
arrangements

—
—
—
—
— $

1,271
2,726
—
93
2,819

—
10,047

1,271
14,448
8,703
1,615
24,766 $

1,271
4,401
8,222
1,615
14,238 $

—
1,675
8,222
1,522
11,419 $

Total derivatives
Repurchase agreements
Securities lending
Total

481 (b)
—
10,528
(a)  Includes the effect of netting agreements and net cash collateral paid.  The offset related to the OTC derivatives was allocated to the 

$

$

various types of derivatives based on the net positions.

(b)  Offsetting of repurchase agreements relates to our involvement in the Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, where we settle government 

securities transactions on a net basis for payment and delivery through the Fedwire system.

 212 BNY Mellon

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Offsetting of derivative liabilities and financial liabilities at Dec. 31, 2015

Gross
liabilities
recognized

Gross
amounts
offset in the
balance
sheet

Net liabilities 
recognized 
on the 
balance sheet

(a)

Gross amounts not offset in
the balance sheet

Financial
instruments

Cash
collateral
pledged

Net amount

$

10,188 $
3,409
145

8,235
2,567
67

$

1,953 $
842
78

1,795 $
274
71

13,742

10,869

2,873

2,140

— $
—
—

—

158
568
7

733

(in millions)
Derivatives subject to netting
arrangements:
Interest rate contracts
Foreign exchange contracts
Equity and other contracts

Total derivatives subject to netting
arrangements

Total derivatives not subject to netting
arrangements

Total derivatives
Repurchase agreements
Securities lending
Total

—
10,869

1,446
15,188
7,737
1,801
24,726 $

1,446
4,319
7,380
1,801
13,500 $

—
2,140
7,380
1,727
11,247 $

—
—
—
—
— $

1,446
2,179
—
74
2,253

357 (b)
—
11,226
(a)  Includes the effect of netting agreements and net cash collateral paid.  The offset related to the OTC derivatives was allocated to the 

$

$

various types of derivatives based on the net positions.

(b)  Offsetting of repurchase agreements relates to our involvement in the Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, where we settle government 

securities transactions on a net basis for payment and delivery through the Fedwire system.

Secured borrowings

The following tables present the contract value of repurchase agreements and securities lending transactions 
accounted for as secured borrowings by the type of collateral provided to counterparties.

Repurchase agreements and securities lending transactions accounted for as secured borrowings at Dec. 31, 2016

(in millions)
Repurchase agreements:

U.S. Treasury
U.S. government agencies
Agency RMBS
Corporate bonds
Other debt securities
Equity securities

Total

Securities lending:

U.S. government agencies
Other debt securities
Equity securities

Total

Total borrowings

Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements

Overnight and

continuous Up to 30 days

30 days or
more

$

$

$

$
$

2,488 $
396
3,294
304
146
375
7,003 $

39 $
477
1,099
1,615 $
8,618 $

4 $
10
386
—
—
—
400 $

— $
—
—
— $
400 $

— $
—
—
694
563
43
1,300 $

— $
—
—
— $
1,300 $

Total

2,492
406
3,680
998
709
418
8,703

39
477
1,099
1,615
10,318

BNY Mellon 213 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Repurchase agreements and securities lending transactions accounted for as secured borrowings at Dec. 31, 2015

(in millions)
Repurchase agreements:

U.S. Treasury
U.S. government agencies
Agency RMBS
Corporate bonds
Other debt securities
Equity securities

Total

Securities lending:

U.S. government agencies
Other debt securities
Equity securities

Total

Total borrowings

Remaining contractual maturity of the agreements

Overnight and
continuous

Up to 30 days

30 days or
more

$

$

$

$
$

2,226 $
319
3,158
372
106
664
6,845 $

35 $
254
1,512
1,801 $
8,646 $

— $
42
—
—
—
—
42 $

— $
—
—
— $
42 $

— $
5
—
665
149
31
850 $

— $
—
—
— $
850 $

Total

2,226
366
3,158
1,037
255
695
7,737

35
254
1,512
1,801
9,538

BNY Mellon’s repurchase agreements and securities 
lending transactions primarily encounter risk 
associated with liquidity.  We are required to pledge 
collateral based on predetermined terms within the 
agreements.  If we were to experience a decline in the 
fair value of the collateral pledged for these 
transactions, additional collateral could be required to 
be provided to the counterparty; therefore, decreasing 
the amount of assets available for other liquidity 
needs that may arise.  BNY Mellon also offers tri-
party collateral agency services in the tri-party repo 
market where we are exposed to credit risk.  In order 
to mitigate this risk, we require dealers to fully secure 
intraday credit.

Note 22 - Lines of business

We have an internal information system that produces 
performance data along product and service lines for 
our two principal businesses and the Other segment.  

Business accounting principles

Our business data has been determined on an internal 
management basis of accounting, rather than the 
generally accepted accounting principles used for 
consolidated financial reporting.  These measurement 
principles are designed so that reported results of the 
businesses will track their economic performance.

Business results are subject to reclassification when 
organizational changes are made or when 
improvements are made in the measurement 
principles.  In 2016, BNY Mellon reclassified the 
results of our credit-related activities to the 
Investment Services segment from the Other 
segment.  This reclassification reflects our strategy to 
provide credit services to our Investment Services 
clients and did not impact the consolidated results.  
Also, concurrent with this reclassification, the 
provision for credit losses associated with the 
respective credit portfolios is now reflected in each 
business segment.  All prior periods have been 
restated.

Beginning in 2016, we revised the net interest 
revenue for our business to reflect adjustments to our 
transfer pricing methodology to better reflect the 
value of certain deposits.  Also in 2016, we refined 
the expense allocation process for indirect expenses 
to simplify the expenses recorded in the Other 
segment to include only expenses not directly 
attributable to the Investment Management and 
Investment Services operations.  These changes did 
not impact the consolidated results.

The accounting policies of the businesses are the 
same as those described in Note 1 of the Notes to 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

 214 BNY Mellon

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

The primary types of revenue for our two principal businesses and the Other segment are presented below:

Business
Investment Management

Primary types of revenue
•   Investment management and performance fees from:

Mutual funds
Institutional clients
Private clients
High net worth individuals and families, endowments and foundations and related 

entities

•   Distribution and servicing fees
•   Other revenue from seed capital investments

Investment Services

•   Asset servicing fees, including institutional trust and custody fees, accounting, broker-dealer 

services, securities lending and collateral and liquidity services
•   Issuer services fees, including Corporate Trust and Depositary Receipts
•   Clearing services fees
•   Treasury services fees, including global payment services, trade finance and cash 

management

•   Foreign exchange revenue
•   Financing-related fees and net interest revenue from credit-related activities

•   Net interest-revenue and lease-related gains (losses) from leasing operations
•   Gain (loss) on securities and net interest revenue from corporate treasury activity
•   Other trading revenue from derivatives and other trading activity
•   Results of business exits

Other segment

The results of our businesses are presented and 
analyzed on an internal management reporting basis:

•  Revenue amounts reflect fee and other revenue 
generated by each business.  Fee and other 
revenue transferred between businesses under 
revenue transfer agreements is included within 
other revenue in each business.  

•  Revenues and expenses associated with specific 

client bases are included in those businesses.  For 
example, foreign exchange activity associated 
with clients using custody products is included in 
Investment Services.  

•  Net interest revenue is allocated to businesses 
based on the yields on the assets and liabilities 
generated by each business.  We employ a funds 
transfer pricing system that matches funds with 
the specific assets and liabilities of each business 
based on their interest sensitivity and maturity 
characteristics.  

•  The provision for credit losses associated with the 
respective credit portfolios is reflected in each 
business segment.
Incentive expense related to restricted stock is 
allocated to the businesses.  

• 

•  Support and other indirect expenses are allocated 
to businesses based on internally developed 
methodologies.

•  Recurring FDIC expense is allocated to the 

businesses based on average deposits generated 
within each business.  

•  Litigation expense is generally recorded in the 

business in which the charge occurs.  
•  Management of the investment securities 

portfolio is a shared service contained in the 
Other segment.  As a result, gains and losses 
associated with the valuation of the securities 
portfolio are included in the Other segment.  
•  Client deposits serve as the primary funding 

source for our investment securities portfolio.  
We typically allocate all interest revenue to the 
businesses generating the deposits.  Accordingly, 
accretion related to the portion of the investment 
securities portfolio restructured in 2009 has been 
included in the results of the businesses.  
•  M&I expense is a corporate level item and is 

recorded in the Other segment.

•  Restructuring charges relate to corporate-level 

initiatives and were therefore recorded in the 
Other segment. 

•  Balance sheet assets and liabilities and their 
related income or expense are specifically 
assigned to each business.  Businesses with a net 
liability position have been allocated assets.  
•  Goodwill and intangible assets are reflected 

within individual businesses.  

BNY Mellon 215 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Total revenue includes approximately $2.2 billion in 
2016, $2.3 billion in 2015 and $2.3 billion in 2014 of 
international operations domiciled in the UK which 

comprised 14%, 15% and 15% of total revenue, 
respectively.

The following consolidating schedules show the contribution of our businesses to our overall profitability.

For the year ended Dec. 31, 2016
(dollar amounts in millions)
Fee and other revenue
Net interest revenue

Total revenue

Provision for credit losses
Noninterest expense

Income before taxes

Investment
Management
$

3,424
327
3,751
6
2,778
967
26%

$

Investment
Services
8,299
2,797
11,096
8
7,342
3,746

(a)  $

(a)

(a)  $

$

$

Consolidated
$

12,089
3,138
15,227
(11)
10,514
4,724

(a) 

(a)

(b)
(a)(b)

Pre-tax operating margin (c)
Average assets
(a)  Both fee and other revenue and total revenue include the net income from consolidated investment management funds of $16 million, 

273,808

358,477

30,169

34%

31%

$

$

$

$

representing $26 million of income and noncontrolling interests of $10 million.  Income before taxes is net of noncontrolling interests of 
$10 million.

(b)  Noninterest expense includes a loss attributable to noncontrolling interest of $9 million related to other consolidated subsidiaries.
(c)  Income before taxes divided by total revenue.

For the year ended Dec. 31, 2015
(dollar amounts in millions)
Fee and other revenue
Net interest revenue

Total revenue

Provision for credit losses
Noninterest expense

$

Investment
Management
3,587
319
3,906
(1)
2,859
1,048

(a)  $

(a)

Investment
Services
8,177
2,622
10,799
28
7,502
3,269

$

Consolidated

12,100
3,026
15,126
160
10,795
4,171

(a) 

(a)

(b)
(a)(b)

Income (loss) before taxes
Pre-tax operating margin (c)
Average assets
(a)  Both fee and other revenue and total revenue include the net income from consolidated investment management funds of $18 million, 

372,187

286,617

30,928

(a)  $

27%

30%

28%

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

representing $86 million  of income and noncontrolling interests of $68 million.  Income before taxes is net of noncontrolling interests of 
$68 million.

(b)  Noninterest expense includes a loss attributable to noncontrolling interest of $4 million related to other consolidated subsidiaries.
(c)  Income before taxes divided by total revenue.

For the year ended Dec. 31, 2014
(dollar amounts in millions)
Fee and other revenue
Net interest revenue

Total revenue

Provision for credit losses
Noninterest expense

Income before taxes

$

$

Investment
Management
3,657
274
3,931
—
3,039
892
23%

Investment
Services
7,882
2,468
10,350
(21)
8,241
2,130

(a)  $

(a)

(a)  $

$

$

Consolidated

$

$

12,728
2,880
15,608
(48)
12,177
3,479

(a) 

(a)

(a)

Pre-tax operating margin (b)
37,655
Average assets
(a)  Both fee and other revenue and total revenue include net income from consolidated investment management funds of $79 million, 

372,566

271,477

21%

22%

$

$

$

$

representing $163 million of income and noncontrolling interests of $84 million.  Income before taxes is net of noncontrolling interests of 
$84 million.

(b)  Income before taxes divided by total revenue. 

 216 BNY Mellon

$

$

Other
366
14
380
(25)
394
11
N/M
54,500

Other
336
85
421
133
434
(146)
N/M
54,642

Other
1,189
138
1,327
(27)
897
457
N/M
63,434

 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

Note 23 - International operations

International activity includes Investment 
Management and Investment Services fee revenue 
generating businesses, foreign exchange trading 
activity, loans and other revenue producing assets and 
transactions in which the customer is domiciled 
outside of the United States and/or the international 
activity is resident at an international entity.  Due to 
the nature of our international and domestic activities, 
it is not possible to precisely distinguish our 
international operations between internationally and 
domestically domiciled customers.  

As a result, it is necessary to make certain subjective 
assumptions such as:

• 

Income from international operations is 
determined after internal allocations for interest 
revenue, taxes, expenses and provision for credit 
losses.

•  Expense charges to international operations 

include those directly incurred in connection with 
such activities, as well as an allocable share of 
general support and overhead charges.

Total assets, total revenue, income before income taxes and net income of our international operations are shown in 
the table below.

International operations
(in millions)
2016

2015

2014

Total assets at period end (a)
Total revenue
Income before income taxes
Net income

Total assets at period end (a)
Total revenue
Income before income taxes
Net income

Total assets at period end (a)
Total revenue
Income before income taxes
Net income

International

EMEA

APAC

Other

Total
International

Total
Domestic

$

$

$

73,303 (b) $
3,744 (b)
1,263
1,013

76,679 (b) $
3,932 (b)
1,436
1,163

86,189 (b) $
3,931 (b)

985
775

18,074 $
922
485
389

17,829 $
904
451
365

16,812 $
1,383
913
719

1,350 $
549
286
229

1,176 $
577
269
218

1,516 $
645
365
287

$

$

$

$

$

$

92,727
5,215
2,034
1,631

95,684
5,413
2,156
1,746

104,517
5,959
2,263
1,781

240,742
10,022
2,691
1,917

298,096
9,781
2,079
1,476

280,786
9,733
1,300
870

Total

333,469
15,237
4,725
3,548

393,780
15,194
4,235
3,222

385,303
15,692
3,563
2,651

(a)  Total assets include long-lived assets, which are not considered by management to be significant in relation to total assets. Long-lived 

assets are primarily located in the United States.

(b)  Includes revenue of approximately $2.2 billion, $2.3 billion and $2.3 billion and assets of approximately $29.6 billion, $33.2 billion and 
$46.2 billion in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, of international operations domiciled in the UK, which is 14%, 15% and 15% of total 
revenue and 9%, 8% and 12% of total assets, respectively.

Note 24 - Supplemental information to the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Noncash investing and financing transactions that, appropriately, are not reflected in the Consolidated Statement of 
Cash Flows are listed below.

Noncash investing and financing transactions
(in millions)
Transfers from loans to other assets for other real estate owned (“OREO”)
Change in assets of consolidated VIEs
Change in liabilities of consolidated VIEs
Change in nonredeemable noncontrolling interests of consolidated investment management funds
Securities purchased not settled
Securities sales not settled
Available-for-sale securities transferred to held-to-maturity
Held-to-maturity securities transferred to available-for-sale
Premises and equipment/capitalized software funded by capital lease obligations

Year ended Dec. 31,

2016

2015

$

4 $

7 $

170
69
120
75
—
—
10
13

7,881
7,423
295
—
11
11,602
—
49

2014
4
1,990
2,462
250
55
750
—
—
31  

BNY Mellon 217 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation and 
subsidiaries (“BNY Mellon”) as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of 
income, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period 
ended December 31, 2016.  These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of BNY Mellon’s 
management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our 
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 audit to obtain reasonable assurance about 
whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, 
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the 
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall 
financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the 
financial position of BNY Mellon as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their 
cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016, in conformity with 
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States), BNY Mellon’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria 
established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 28, 2017 expressed an 
unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of BNY Mellon’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ KPMG LLP 

New York, New York 
February 28, 2017

 218 BNY Mellon

Directors, Executive Committee and Other Executive Officers

Effective February 28, 2017

Directors

Linda Z. Cook
Managing Director and Member of the
Executive Committee of EIG Global Energy
Partners, an investment firm, and Chief
Executive Officer of Harbour Energy, Ltd.,
an energy investment vehicle

Nicholas M. Donofrio
Retired Executive Vice President,
Innovation and Technology
IBM Corporation
Developer, manufacturer and provider of
advanced information technologies and services

Edmund F. (Ted) Kelly
Retired Chairman
Liberty Mutual Group
Multi-line insurance company

John A. Luke, Jr.
Non-Executive Chairman
WestRock Company
Global paper and packaging company

Jennifer B. Morgan
President of SAP North America
Global software company

Joseph J. Echevarria
Retired Chief Executive Officer
Deloitte LLP
Global provider of audit, consulting, financial
advisory, risk management, tax and related
services

Mark A. Nordenberg
Chancellor Emeritus,
Chair of the Institute of Politics and
Distinguished Service Professor of Law
University of Pittsburgh
Major public research university

Edward P. Garden
Chief Investment Officer and a founding partner,
Trian Fund Management, L.P.
Alternative investment management firm

Jeffrey A. Goldstein
Senior Advisor, Hellman & Friedman LLC
Private equity firm

Gerald L. Hassell
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation

John M. Hinshaw
Former Executive Vice President and
Chief Customer Officer at
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company
Global provider of IT, technology and enterprise
products and solutions

* 

Designated as an Executive Officer.

Catherine A. Rein
Retired Senior Executive Vice President and
Chief Administrative Officer
MetLife, Inc.
Insurance and financial services company

Elizabeth E. Robinson
Former Global Treasurer, Partner and Managing
Director of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
Global financial services company

Samuel C. Scott III
Retired Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer
Ingredion Incorporated (formerly Corn Products
International, Inc.)
Global ingredient solutions provider

Executive Committee and Other Executive
Officers

Gerald L. Hassell *
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Michael Cole-Fontayn
Chairman,
Europe, Middle East and Africa

J. David Cruikshank
Chairman,
Asia Pacific

Thomas P. (Todd) Gibbons *
Chief Financial Officer

Mitchell E. Harris *
Chief Executive Officer,
Investment Management

Monique R. Herena *
Chief Human Resources Officer

Kurtis R. Kurimsky *
Corporate Controller

Suresh Kumar
Chief Information Officer

J. Kevin McCarthy *
General Counsel

Michelle M. Neal *
President,
BNY Mellon Markets Group

Brian T. Shea *
Chief Executive Officer,
Investment Services

Douglas H. Shulman
Head of Client Service Delivery

James S. Wiener *
Chief Risk Officer

BNY Mellon 219 

(cid:51)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:81)(cid:70)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:42)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:83)(cid:75)

Cumulative shareholder returns (a)
(in dollars)
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation
S&P 500 Financial Index
S&P 500 Index
Peer Group
(a)  Returns are weighted by market capitalization at the beginning of the measurement period.

2011
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

2012
132.1
128.8
116.0
126.5

$

$

$

2013
183.2
174.7
153.6
180.5

Dec. 31,

$

$

2014
216.7
201.3
174.6
208.3

2015
223.9
198.2
177.0
208.0

$

2016
262.0
243.4
198.2
251.4

This graph shows The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation’s cumulative total shareholder returns over the five-
year period from Dec. 31, 2011 to Dec. 31, 2016.  Our peer group is composed of financial services companies 
which provide investment management and investment servicing.  We also utilize the S&P 500 Financial Index as a 
benchmark against our performance.  The graph shows the cumulative total returns for the same five-year period of 
the S&P 500 Financial Index, the S&P 500 Index as well as our peer group listed below.  The comparison assumes a 
$100 investment on Dec. 31, 2011 in The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation common stock, in the S&P 500 
Financial Index, in the S&P 500 Index and in the peer group detailed below and assumes that all dividends were 
reinvested.

Peer Group
BlackRock, Inc.
The Charles Schwab Corporation
Franklin Resources, Inc.
JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Morgan Stanley
Northern Trust Corporation
The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.
Prudential Financial, Inc.

State Street Corporation
U.S. Bancorp
Wells Fargo & Company

 220 BNY Mellon

Corporate Information

BNY Mellon is a global investments company dedicated to helping its clients manage and service their financial assets throughout the investment 
lifecycle. Whether providing financial services for institutions, corporations or individual investors, BNY Mellon delivers informed investment 
management and investment services in 35 countries and more than 100 markets. As of December 31, 2016, BNY Mellon had $29.9 trillion in assets 
under custody and/or administration, and $1.6 trillion in assets under management. BNY Mellon can act as a single point of contact for clients looking 
to create, trade, hold, manage, service, distribute or restructure investments. BNY Mellon is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon 
Corporation (NYSE: BK). Additional information is available on www.bnymellon.com. Follow us on Twitter @BNYMellon or visit our newsroom at  
www.bnymellon.com/newsroom for the latest company news.

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
225 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10286
+ 1 212 495 1784
www.bnymellon.com

ANNUAL MEETING 
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held in New York at  
101 Barclay Street at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 11, 2017.

EXCHANGE LISTING 
BNY Mellon’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock 
Exchange under the trading symbol BK. Mellon Capital IV’s 6.244% 
Fixed-to-Floating Rate Normal Preferred Capital Securities fully 
and unconditionally guaranteed by BNY Mellon (symbol BK/P) and 
depositary shares, each representing a 1/4,000th interest in a share of 
BNY Mellon’s Series C Noncumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (symbol 
BK PrC), also are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. 

STOCK PRICES 
Prices for BNY Mellon’s common stock can be viewed at  
www.bnymellon.com/investorrelations. 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
Corporate governance information is available at  
www.bnymellon.com/governance. 

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 
Information about BNY Mellon’s commitment to corporate social 
responsibility is available at www.bnymellon.com/csr. BNY Mellon’s 
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report, which includes our  
Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action policies, can be 
viewed and printed at www.bnymellon.com/csr. 

INVESTOR RELATIONS 
Visit www.bnymellon.com/investorrelations or call +1 212 635 1855. 

COMMON STOCK DIVIDEND PAYMENTS 
Subject to approval of the board of directors, dividends are paid  
on BNY Mellon’s common stock quarterly in February, May, August  
and November. 

FORM 10-K AND SHAREHOLDER PUBLICATIONS 
For a free copy of BNY Mellon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K,  
including the financial statements and the financial statement 
schedules, or quarterly reports on Form 10-Q as filed with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission, send a request by email to 
investorrelations@bnymellon.com, or by mail to Investor Relations at 
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, 225 Liberty Street, New York, 
NY 10286. The 2016 Annual Report, as well as Forms 10-K, 10-Q and  
8-K and quarterly earnings and other news releases can be viewed  
and printed at www.bnymellon.com/investorrelations. 

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
Computershare 
P.O. Box 30170
College Station, TX  77842
www.computershare.com

SHAREHOLDER SERVICES 
Computershare maintains the records for our registered shareholders 
and can provide a variety of services such as those involving: 
• Change of name or address
• Consolidation of accounts
• Duplicate mailings
• Dividend reinvestment enrollment
• Direct deposit of dividends
• Transfer of stock to another person

For assistance from Computershare, visit 
www.computershare.com or call +1 800 205 7699.

DIRECT STOCK PURCHASE AND DIVIDEND
REINVESTMENT PLAN    
The Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan provides 
a way to purchase shares of common stock directly from BNY Mellon 
at the current market value. Nonshareholders may purchase their 
first shares of BNY Mellon’s common stock through the Plan, and 
shareholders may increase their shareholding by reinvesting cash 
dividends and through optional cash investments. Plan details are in a 
prospectus, which may be viewed online at www.computershare.com,  
or obtained in printed form by calling +1 800 205 7699. 

ELECTRONIC DEPOSIT OF DIVIDENDS 
Registered shareholders may have quarterly dividends paid on  
BNY Mellon’s common stock deposited electronically to their checking 
or savings accounts. To have dividends deposited electronically, go to 
www.computershare.com to set up your account(s) for direct deposit. 
If you prefer, you may also send a request by mail to Computershare, 
Shareholder Relations, P.O. Box 30170, College Station, TX 77842. 
For more information, call +1 800 205 7699. 

SHAREHOLDER ACCOUNT ACCESS

BY INTERNET
www.computershare.com

Shareholders can register to receive shareholder information 
electronically. To enroll, visit www.computershare.com. 

BY PHONE
Toll-free in the U.S. +1 800 205 7699
Outside the U.S. +1 201 680 6578

Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) lines:
  Toll-free in the U.S. +1 800 952 9245
  Outside the U.S. +1 201 680 6610

BY MAIL 
Computershare
P.O. Box 30170
College Station, TX 77842

The contents of the listed Internet sites are not incorporated in this Annual Report.

 
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON CORPORATION

225 LIBERT Y STREET

NEW YORK, NY 10286

UNITED STATES

+1 212 495 1784

bnymellon.com